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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD <br /> August 9, 2022 <br /> Orange County Economic Development Office <br /> 131 W. Margaret Lane <br /> Hillsborough, NC 27278 <br /> Minutes <br /> Members Present: Sharon Hill, Johnny Morris, Dave Gephart, Estella Johnson, Tom Proctor, Jane <br /> Saiers, Kristen Young, Hasan Abdullah, Elise Tyler <br /> Guest Speaker: Beth Payne <br /> Orange County Staff: Steve Brantley, Amanda Garner, Mike Ortosky, Cy Stober, Lindsey Hirni <br /> Call to Order <br /> The meeting was called to order by Sharon Hill at 11:45 a.m. <br /> Approval of Minutes <br /> A motion was made by Dave Gephart and seconded by Tom Proctor to approve the Minutes from the <br /> May 10, 2022 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. <br /> Open Discussion <br /> Sharon Hill, Kristen Young and Estella Johnson all attended the BOCC Retreat in late June. Sharon felt <br /> that the board listened and it doesn't appear that they are going to take more Article 46 funds away from <br /> Economic Development. Kristen brought up the inquiry they had about the costs of Economic <br /> Development. Estella mentioned the movement towards economic diversification. Steve Brantley informed <br /> the board that the BOCC is discussing a new Resolution for the County and they will vote on that at the <br /> September 6rh meeting. <br /> Old Business <br /> Amanda Garner gave a brief update on the Business Investment Grant Program and informed the board <br /> that we will were given the approval and funds to add a Start-Up Grant Program. Mike Ortosky also gave <br /> an update on the Ag Grant Program and spoke about the process of acquiring three new committee <br /> members to fill the current vacancies as well as the added funds to offer Start-Up Grants. <br /> New Business <br /> Steve gave a brief introduction of the County's new Planning Director, Cy Stober. Cy spoke about his <br /> experience with Orange County Planning and answered a few questions from members of the board. <br /> The guest speaker, Beth Payne, Dean of Corporate Services at Durham Tech presented the Durham <br /> Tech Corporate Training Program to the board. She spoke about the short-term certificates and degree <br /> programs and provided links for the board to learn more about the financial aid and back-to-work initiative <br /> that focuses on those short-term courses. <br /> Directors Report <br /> Steve provided an update on various announcements and active projects in Orange County. <br /> Adjournment <br /> Sharon Hill adjourned the meeting at 1:30 P.M. <br />