Agenda - 02-12-2007-2 - Laserfiche WebLink

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El Current Year Obiectives: • Compile information on occupational projections — confirm with employers (High priority — focus of Workforce Development Work Group throughout the year) • Work with DTCC on curriculum development (High priority — information from projections will feed into curriculum development process) • Build relationships with both public school systems — explore model program with local employer(s) (Medium priority — Chambers of Commerce are taking the lead; Workforce Development Work Group will support current efforts) Quality of Place Goal: Orange County will have thriving partnerships ensuring that the county is a great place to live and work, attracting and retaining the creative community of innovators, artists and civic leaders that will drive the desired economy. Current Year Obiectives: • Reestablish committee with focus on collaborative efforts to build community, support arts and culture, and celebrate diversity (High priority — Winkie LaForce, Executive Director of Leadership Triangle and Jon Wilner, Executive Director of the ArtsCenter, have agreed to co -chair the Work Group and help refocus its efforts) • Enhance the uniqueness of area to continue attracting creative /entrepreneurial individuals while support those already here (Priority to be determined as Work Group proceeds) Research Goal: To conduct research required for innovative economic development programs. Current Year Obiectives: • Complete feasibility study for regional value -added agricultural processing facility (High priority -- $9,500 committed to date from Weaver Street, Wholefoods, and Alamance, Chatham and Durham Counties. Cost of study is $15,000. Will bring contract forward for BOCC approval on March 13) • Investigate retail development opportunities within county (High priority — Given the explosive growth just across border in Durham, Alamance and Chatham, there is significant leakage of retail dollars from Orange County — convene task force in Fall 2007) • Complete an inventory of commercial space and land in the county (High priority — work with tax office to identify all existing commercial space; may require intern to complete) • Explore development regulations requiring commercial developers to provide affordable space as part of approval process (Medium priority — internet research project to be completed by December 2007) • Explore viability of land swaps to open large underutilized property for development (Medium priority — internet and economic development list serve project to be completed by December 2007) • Create comprehensive business data base (Low priority — would require large commitment of existing staff time, probably interns as well, reexamine goal for next year) Retention and Business Development Goal: To encourage business development in Orange County through entrepreneurship, business retention, and recruitment.