Minutes 03-12-2024 - Work Session

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6 Dave Gephart from the Economic Development Advisory Board said about $500 billion has been invested over the last few years in Orange County. He said it is very impressive. He said that when they go to regional meetings, the other counties are familiar with the Economic Development Department staff due to the success. He said that he was excited about the bond 14 years ago and while the budget has been static, economic development is healthy in Orange County. He said they have a grant committee and have given out about$2 million to start ups. He said they take it very seriously and want to help these companies. He said one major focus is on minority and women-owned businesses. He said they have been the majority recipients of the grants. He said 40% of board members are BIPOC and 60% are female. He said one of the commissioners received a letter after a meeting and she was told that she felt excluded because she was in a minority. He said that she thought the requirements were too harsh for her. He said that on December 20t", staff reached out to her and provided her information on the startup fund, she submitted the application, and was able to obtain a grant. He said they have been doing a lot of advertising. He said that the Economic Development Department could use more staff to expand efforts. Commissioner Fowler asked if there are any statistics on individuals with disabilities who may have received awards or on their employment rates. Dave Gephart said that he does not think the department has tracked that information. Commissioner Fowler said that individuals with disabilities are one of the least employed groups and that would be a good thing to track. Dave Gephart said that they have increased the amount of advertising they have been doing, and they have received more applications than ever before. He said they spotlight winners, and they talk about their business and the lady that he spoke of previously will be featured soon. Commissioner Fowler said she hoped that the board would take her comment into consideration. Vice-Chair Greene asked if the success story that he mentioned was a business or agricultural grant. Dave Gephart said it was a business grant. Vice-Chair Green asked if the agricultural grants are administered through the Extension Office. Dave Gephart said one of the board members is on that committee too and she is a farmer. He said they have been working very closely with them to help them grow that program. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked who can fill out the application and if youth can apply for funding. Dave Gephart said anyone can fill out the application. He said the only requirement is that the business is in Orange County and that the application is completed. Commissioner McKee said these grants can really make a difference for a start-up. Dave Gephart said economic development grants can help businesses of all sizes and can lead to lower unemployment in the county. Karen DeHart of the Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board (CHOCVB Advisory Board) said they meet monthly, and they rotate meetings in hotels and event spaces in Orange County. She said that visitors in Orange County spent over$236 million in 2022. She said that hotel occupancy is increasing, and they are having a banner year. She reviewed the highlights of the CHOCVB Advisory Board's work plan, which was included in the agenda packet. She said they are looking at partnering with other advisory boards which affect the tourism industry. Commissioner Hamilton thanked them for including the occupancy tax data in the report and said that it was very helpful. Vice-Chair Greene said she appreciates the Orange Slices program. Chair Bedford said it was good to see the rebound of visitors in Chapel Hill after several difficult years. She thanked the board for all of their hard work.