Minutes 10-18-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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9 Commissioner Rich asked if Dan Aiken could review how the retail sales will increase over a period offive5 years; and if it is based on other Wegmans stores, or on what happens in this region. Dan Aiken said it is based on how Wegmans sees its sales continue to grow from year to year. He said the 91 Wegmans stores, which are currently operational, have been reviewed, and the income from the first five years has been totaled to prepare an estimate for the store here. Commissioner Jacobs said there are four specialty food stores in Orange County, and asked the consultant if anyone has looked at the effect of a larger store moving into an area with the smaller stores. Dwight Bassett, Economic Development Officer for the Town of Chapel Hill, said the largest impact is generally felt in the first 90-120 day after the opening of a store, and then returns to what it was before, based on buying preferences. He said the market is anticipated to grow in the long term, and this is an opportunity to grow as a foodie destination beyond restaurants. Commissioner Jacobs said the benefits, which Wegmans provides to its employees, should be commended. He said Orange County has a living wage in place, as do over 80+ businesses. He asked if Wegmans would support the living wage. Dan Aiken said Wegmans would be inclined to support this, and they have committed to benchmark against what was on the Orange County Living Wage website at the time of this current agreement. He said this will be continually reevaluated going forward. PUBLIC COMMENT: Pam Hemminger, Mayor of Chapel Hill, said the Town Council did vote unanimously last night to approve this business. She said the Town is grateful for the partnership with Orange County. She said there were a lot of questions last night about the incentive plan, but there were no questions or concerns about this particular company. She said Wegmans is greatly liked. She said this is the first time a company has been successfully lured away from a bigger county that has access to incentives. She said this is a great opportunity for Orange County, and it sends a huge signal that we are serious about business opportunities in our area. Delores Bailey, Executive Director of Empowerment, Inc., said she is present tonight as a member of the Orange County Economic Development Advisory Board, who is in full support of this project and the incentives. She praised this project and Wegmans' great support of its employees. She commended Wegmans for its philanthropic contributions in the communities where their stores are located. Kristen Smith said she is here on behalf Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce, who is in support of the Wegmans project and the interlocal agreement. Commissioner Burroughs said she is in support of this project. She said it should be reiterated that the incentives are performance based. She said Wegmans is a destination store. Commissioner Price thanked both staffs for their diligence in pursuing this project. She supports this project. Commissioner Rich said she is speaking as the liaison to the Chapel Hill Orange County Visitor's Bureau, and tourists come for many aspects of Orange County including food and hospitality. She said tourism has increased tremendously over the years, and this store will only help to increase this. Commissioner Rich said she is in the food business, and she hates the word "foodie." She would like this word to be taken out of the press releases going forward.