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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD RETREAT <br /> March 14, 2023 <br /> Graduate Chapel Hill <br /> 311 W Franklin St <br /> Chapel Hill, NC 27216 <br /> Minutes <br /> Members Present: Sharon Hill, Tom Proctor, Jane Saiers, Dave Gephart, Estella Johnson, Kristen <br /> Young, Barbara Jessie-Black, Elise Tyler, Johnny Morris <br /> Guests: Thomas J. White, Dr. Ellen Tai, Mark Overbay, Dan Green, and Dr. Jonathan Morgan <br /> Orange County Staff: Dr. Shameka Fairbanks, 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 Sharon Hill to approve the Minutes from the <br /> January 10, 2023 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. <br /> Introduction <br /> Tom White requested that every member share what they would like the board to accomplish. The majority <br /> of the board members said they would like to focus on what they could do to be more effective and <br /> impactful as a committee by connecting with the County Manager and BOCC as well as partner <br /> organizations. They would like to develop goals and a mission to help with equity and the Economic <br /> Development department's role in the community. <br /> Orange County Equity& Inclusion Overview <br /> Dr. Shameka Fairbanks shared her role as the County's Chief Equity and Human Rights Officer and the <br /> role of her department as a whole including their Mission, Vision, Goals, Strategy Session, Committees <br /> and Members, Accomplishments from 2022 and some upcoming Collaboration opportunities that can <br /> build Economic Growth in Orange County. A couple of board members asked questions about community <br /> outreach, equity and inclusion training for the BOCC and opportunities for future events to provide support <br /> to small businesses in the county. <br /> Projects/ Services at State Level & How OC Can Participate <br /> Senior Business Recruitment Manager, Ellen Tai, introduced the board members to the EDPNC <br /> (Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina) and explained how they work as partners with the <br /> N.C. Department of Commerce to help recruit industry to the 100 counties in North Carolina. She spoke <br /> about existing industry, tourism, shared focus on Mega Site(s), Incentives, workforces issues, and barriers <br /> for projects. She spoke about how projects occur and what our best opportunities and challenges are. <br /> Board Recap <br /> The members discussed some concerns and ideas on how to move forward with reconnecting with some <br /> of the elected officials to see if we can work together for some new"Economic Development" growth <br /> within the county. <br />