Orange County NC Website
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD <br /> September 14, 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, Lindsey Hirni <br /> Call to Order <br /> The meeting was called to order by Johnny Morris at 4:13 p.m. <br /> Approval of Minutes <br /> A motion was made by Sharon Hill and seconded by Estella Johnson to approve the Minutes from the <br /> July 21, 2021 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. <br /> New Business <br /> The Economic Development department recently transitioned from an external website to the County's <br /> website. Amanda Garner presented the new website and highlighted some of the features, programs and <br /> information that will continue to be updated from within our department. Johnny Morris had a question <br /> about the current sites and buildings tab and offered a recommendation for a research platform that could <br /> help with more listings. <br /> Steve spoke to the board about the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the funds that our department <br /> is requesting for business retention, expansion and recruitment over the next 4 years. Some of the board <br /> members had questions related to the first round of ARPA funds and the reason why there were no funds <br /> given to the Economic Development department. <br /> A Motion was made by Kristen Young and seconded by Estella Johnson to draft a letter of support to the <br /> County Managers office from the Advisory Board for the Economic Development department ARPA <br /> funding request. The motion passed unanimously. <br /> Steve spoke about the Long-Term Recovery plan that was developed by Hagerty Consulting including the <br /> phases and goals. He mentioned the department's connection to the economic recovery support function <br /> and shared the additional community partners that have been involved throughout the planning process. <br /> Steve presented the 4 strategies that were developed, these include: 1) Support our small businesses, 2) <br /> Identify barriers, 3) Collaborative marketing for local spending, and 4)Training programs to help with <br /> employment needs. <br /> Steve spoke about a proposal to establish Advisory Board Strategic Priorities. Examples of previous <br /> priorities were shared with the committee such as Article 46 expenditures and the SWOT Analysis. <br /> Kristen Young suggested the board form a smaller group to discuss the Economic Development side of <br /> Article 46 and any report back to the full advisory board results of these conversations. <br /> Director's Report <br /> Steve presented some new maps and an update on current project activity within the county. <br /> Adjournment <br /> Johnny Morris adjourned the meeting at 5:30 P.M. <br />