Agenda - 12-11-2007-3d - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

a contract was signed. The major components of the feasibility study were 1) a survey of potential users, 2) site evaluation, and 3) governance of the center. An Advisory Group with diverse membership was formed and met twice to help guide the process. In addition, a meeting was held on November 27, 2007 for the consultant to present the report findings with commissioners representing each county, as well as one or two staff from each county. The contract was completed and a feasibility report presented to EDC staff on November 30, 2007. The feasibility study indicated a strong justification for creation of a regional value added shared use food processing center based on over 62 completed surveys as well as a strong "buy local" movement. Following an extremely thorough four-county search for a potential site, the consultant noted that the Orange County-owned, former Orange Enterprise building on Valley Forge Road in Hillsborough was the most desirable site to recommend for further consideration. At the November 27, 2007 meeting, commissioners from Alamance, Chatham, Durham, and Orange expressed their appreciation for the feasibility report and agreed to address the report at their respective commissioner meetings as well as the relevant advisory boards. It was also agreed that each respective county commissioner group would indicate their interest to proceed as part of a regional partnership to develop the center. Lastly, it was agreed that the regional partnership would consider hiring a project developer to steward the project through fundraising, facility renovation, equipment acquisition, and developing targeted programs for clients. An Executive Summary is available for review on pages 4 through 6 and includes 13 steps during the next 18 to 24 months, culminating with the hiring of an Executive Director to manage the center. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial cost incurred by accepting this report. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board accept the report, consider scheduling a work session to discuss the findings of the Feasibility Study, and provide any feedback and further guidance to staff.