Minutes 04-23-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Steve Brantley, Director of Orange County Economic Development, said it is a delight to do his job in Hillsborough, where there are many opportunities. He reviewed the following information from the agenda packet: Article 46's New Business & Agriculture Grant Programs Orange County has a new Agriculture Economic Development Grant program and a Business Investment Grant program which are now available to support growth by small agricultural and business firms. The two (2) new grant programs are funded by the "Article 46" one-quarter cent sales tax to support economic development, are about to "go live" in the next few weeks, and can assist Hillsborough's small farmers and businesses. More details will be released soon in an ad campaign to be placed in the local media. • Business Investment Grant (Small Grants up to $1,500, and, Large Grants from $1,501 - $10,000) • Agriculture Economic Development Grant (Small Grants up to $1,000, and Large Grants from $1,001-$10,000) Morinaga America Foods, Inc. • Construction of the company's initial 100,000 square foot candy manufacturing facility is proceeding, with completion planned for mid- 2015, and an Open House ceremony set for late October. Town of Hillsborough & County leadership and elected officials will be invited. • The company recently accepted 850 resumes from candidates during a job fair at the Waterstone campus of Durham Tech. 2015 Agriculture Summit • The annual Orange County Agriculture Summit was held on February 16th in Hillsborough at Orange County's newly renovated Whitted Building facility. Orange County Arts Commission • The Orange County Arts Commission, previously based in Chapel Hill, has relocated to Hillsborough and will be housed within the Economic Development Department. Martha Shannon is the Executive Director. Recent Staff Changes within Orange County Economic Development • Mike Ortosky is the County's new full-time "Agriculture Economic Developer" who assists County residents engaged in farming and food system initiatives. He is developing an Agriculture Economic Development Plan for the County and will also assist the formation of a proposed food council, serve as a liaison with tenants of the Piedmont Food and Agriculture Facility (PFAP), and pursue related food system goals that benefit farmers, businesses, and residents in Hillsborough and Orange County. • Yvonne Scarlett, a fifteen year staff member of the County agency and a Hillsborough resident, now fulfills the new "business retention" professional role created by the Board of Commissioners. The business retention economic developer assists existing businesses, large and small, to encourage their retention and expansion here in the County.