Agenda - 09-27-2004-2 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• A manufacturer of camping equipment; • An on-line training provider; • A cheese making venture; • A home repair service; • An agri-tourism operation featuring a corn maze; • A company providing in-home health services.. Other Efforts: In addition to these business-focused strategies, the EDC is involved in increasing opportunities for future commercial growth and in helping all local businesses prosper. Infrastructure Development Approximately ten years ago, the county designated three Economic Development Districts (EDDs) along the Interstate corridors that run through the center of the County. One, the Buckhorn EDD, is in Efland in the western part of Orange County. A second, the Hillsborough EDD, is between the two interstates south of Hillsborough. A third (the Eno EDD) is at the Durham/Orange County border, near the intersection of Interstate 85 and Highway 70. The zoning designation as EDDs was intended to preserve the three areas, totaling well over 2,500 acres, for future commercial development. Recent efforts have centered on extending water and sewer infrastructure to these areas so that development can commence, and the county has encouraged public projects to jump-start the development. Through the efforts of Congressman David Price, the county secured a grant for developing a sewer system in the Buckhorn EDD, The county has reached an agreement with the Town of Mebane to provide water and sewer to the district and construction of the system has begun. The new Orange County School District middle school is under development in this EDD, The Town of Hillsborough recently approved a mixed-use project for 330 acres in the Hillsborough EDD., The developers will extend sewer infrastructure to the 1-40 boundary, opening up two quadrants of the district. The new Orange County campus of Durham Technical Community College will be located in this EDD.. Finally, the county continues working with the City of Durham on a plan to provide sewer service to the Eno EDD, Property owners in this area are also actively involved in pushing for services.. Promotion of Local Businesses Throughout its existence, the EDC has worked in concert with other organizations to promote county businesses and encourage consumers and other businesses to purchase locally. Examples of these efforts include: • The Orange County Business Expo, sponsored by the EDC in partnership with the Chapel Hill/Carrboro and Hillsborough/Orange County Chambers of Commerce, Earlier this week, the third annual Expo was held at the Sheraton Chapel Hill. All sixty exhibitor spaces were filled, and over 700 people attended during the afternoon and evening; • www.orangecountyfarms.orq was developed by the EDC's Agricultural Economic Development Coordinator to promote local farms and farm products; • A Buy Local campaign will be revived next spring, in partnership with the two chambers and local media, featuring a published version and searchable on-line guide to products and services available from county enterprises. Planning for the Future: Over the past year, the EDC has engaged in a strategic visioning process to guide the organization for the next five years. An Economic Development Summit for Orange County was held on January 7, 2004, attended by 120 community leaders.. Based on small-group work at the Summit, four key areas emerged: