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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD <br /> March 8, 2022 <br /> Orange County Economic Development Office <br /> 131 W. Margaret Lane <br /> Hillsborough, NC 27278 <br /> Minutes <br /> Members Present: Sharon Hill, Dave Gephart, Estella Johnson, Barbara Jessie-Black, Tom Proctor, <br /> Jane Saiers, Kristen Young <br /> Orange County Staff: Steve Brantley, Amanda Garner, Lindsey Hirni, Mike Ortosky <br /> Call to Order <br /> The meeting was called to order by Sharon Hill at 10:00 a.m. <br /> Approval of Minutes <br /> A motion was made by Dave Gephart and seconded by Jane Saiers to approve the Minutes from the <br /> January 11, 2022 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. <br /> Open Discussion <br /> The Board spoke about upcoming events in Orange County. Kristen asked for feedback on the upcoming <br /> inner-city visit destination and local business anniversaries. The members discussed options for where <br /> our next in-person meeting could take place. They decided to postpone the consultant-led Retreat until <br /> after the BOCC has their June retreat. The board discussed having one on one meetings with the <br /> Commissioners in the upcoming months. <br /> Old Business <br /> Steve gave an update on the top two nominees that will be recommend for the BOCC to appoint them for <br /> a full term. Kristen Young gave a recap of the Sub-Committee Meeting where a few of the board members <br /> discussed Article 46 sales tax and the categories of funding and the priorities and goals for Economic <br /> Development. Steve informed the committee that the BOCC will be discussing Article 46 during the <br /> upcoming budget so now is an appropriate time to be having these conversations with the <br /> Commissioners. <br /> New Business <br /> Laurie Paolicelli spoke about a research study they had completed and the results from that showed that <br /> there is a lack of diversity for tourists coming to our County. The Visitor's Bureau started to develop a new <br /> diversity website. Nancy Largent presented a demo of that website explored iversitync.com/. She <br /> highlighted how it would operate and mentioned the featured black &minority owned businesses, <br /> directory, events, stories, local government, etc. The board offered comments and gave feedback to help <br /> continue to develop the site. Amanda mentioned that our department and the County will be working with <br /> the towns and our partners to help create a business database that will have resources to help new <br /> businesses in the area. <br /> Directors Report <br /> Steve mentioned that our department is going to have some additional funding for start-up businesses to <br /> apply towards our grant program in FY22-23. Steve spoke about the new grant guidelines that are getting <br /> updated and should be ready before the next grant cycle ends. AG grant guidelines will also be amended <br /> and receive some additional funding for start-up farms. Steve provided an update on various <br /> announcements and current active projects in Orange County. <br /> Adjournment <br /> Sharon Hill adjourned the meeting at 11:37 A.M. <br />