Item 3 - Planning for the 2018 Orange County Economic Development Summit

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Suggested topics: • Creative Economy – The non-profit arts segment generates more than 5,000 jobs and attracts significant tourist spending in the County. The LAUNCH business incubator has helped many small start-ups grow into thriving businesses that create jobs and prosperity for residents. • Recreation Destination – The Orange County/Chapel Hill Visitors Bureau recently completed an assessment of the potential for a multipurpose sports/recreation facility. In addition, Orange County already has existing assets (examples: the Soccer.com complex in Mebane and the Mountains to the Sea Trail) that can be tapped to create more recreation-related tourism revenue for the County. • The Nexus of Local Food System – Orange County is home to many small specialty farms that can attract visitors and create more economic output in the County through more jobs and agritourism. Helping small farms bring their products to market is critical for this industry to grow. The Piedmont Food and Agricultural Processing Center (PFAP) has launched several successful businesses. Economic Development’s small grants and loan programs have also helped many new farmers in Orange County. • Small Business/Industrial Recruitment – In recent years, Orange County Economic Development successfully recruited Morinaga America Foods to a site in Mebane for its first U.S. plant and a Wegman’s Supermarket to Chapel Hill. The department has many initiatives to attract new businesses and industries to the County. Grant and loan programs are available for small businesses looking to expand or entrepreneurs who are looking to start a new business. Durham Technical Community College also plays a critical part in training students for careers in healthcare or advanced manufacturing. It should be noted that, in follow-up to Board’s retreat earlier this year, further discussion on the County’s Economic Development Districts is planned for fall 2018. FINANCIAL IMPACT: The 2017-18 budget included an appropriation of $30,000 in Article 46 sales tax proceeds to host this event. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to this item: • GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their dependents. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board: 1) Discuss and approve the topics to be covered on the program; 2) Discuss and approve the staff recommendation to host the summit on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. with a reception immediately afterward; and 3) Discuss and approve the roles of BOCC members during the Summit. 2