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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD <br /> July 21, 2021 <br /> Orange County Economic Development Office <br /> 131 W. Margaret Lane <br /> Hillsborough, NC 27278 <br /> Minutes <br /> Members Present: Estella Johnson, Kristen Young, Sharon Hill, Johnny Morris, Dave Gephart, Kevin <br /> Thomas, Tom Proctor, Jonna Foushee, Jane Saiers <br /> Orange County Staff: Steve Brantley, Amanda Garner, Mike Ortosky, Lindsey Hirni <br /> Call to Order <br /> The meeting was called to order by Johnny Morris at 12:03 p.m. <br /> Approval of Minutes <br /> A motion was made by Sharon Hill and seconded by Kristen Young to approve the Minutes from the May <br /> 18, 2021 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. <br /> New Business <br /> Each of the board members and staff gave a brief introduction about themselves. <br /> The group discussed the future meeting schedule and asked that a follow-up email be sent out to <br /> determine the best reoccurring day for FY21-22 meetings. The required annual disclosure statements for <br /> board members were also discussed. <br /> Steve gave the board an overview of their Goals and Objectives from the Policy& Procedure guidelines. <br /> Kristen Young encouraged the board to give their input and recommendations to the county staff and <br /> BOCC about grant programs, recruiting businesses, Article 46 programs and any projects that they feel <br /> passionate towards. Further discussion took place on the community outreach and collaborations with <br /> county partners and the towns. <br /> Steve gave an overview of the Economic Development Budget for FY21-22. The committee was given a <br /> chart with the areas of expense for the Article 46 funds and the committee discussed the different <br /> categories that are funded. The committee was informed that the ARPA(American Rescue Plan Act) <br /> funds were not recommended by the Board of County Commissioners during the FY21-22 budget <br /> approval to supplement the Economic Development programs. After the summer break, the BOCC will <br /> have another meeting to approve any remaining ARPA funds. Estella Johnson suggested that we create <br /> a new strategic plan for the next ten years. <br /> Director's Report <br /> Steve provided an update on current project activity. He mentioned that there was still a strong interest in <br /> Orange County for more distribution space however there are limited sites (which are not already under <br /> purchase contracts)for any industrial needs. The group talked about scheduling an Economic <br /> Development District Tour that would include driving through the districts and hearing about the <br /> development interest of various parcels of land. <br /> Adjournment <br /> Johnny Morris adjourned the meeting at 1:45 P.M. <br />