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3 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT <br /> NORTH CAROLINA <br /> January 21, 2026 <br /> To: Orange County Board of Commissioners <br /> Cc: Travis Myren, County Manager <br /> Cait Fenhagen, Deputy County Manager <br /> From: Steve Brantley <br /> Director, Orange County Economic Development <br /> Subject: Request to (1)reappoint 1 current member of the Economic Development <br /> Advisory Board to a 2nd term, and(2) appoint 1 endorsed candidate to fill an <br /> advisory board vacancy <br /> Dear Orange County Board of Commissioners, <br /> Requested Action #1: <br /> The Economic Development Advisory Board members unanimously endorse the BOCC's <br /> reappointment of current member Joy Mercer, whose 1 st term expires on 6/30/26, to a 2nd term <br /> effective 7/1/26. Joy Mercer is a tax accountant who has extensive business experience that <br /> helps support the programs led by the economic development staff and our advisory board. In <br /> 2024 and 2025 she provided special assistance to County staff regarding the creation of a new <br /> departmental strategic plan. Her continued service to the County's economic development is <br /> desired, and consideration by the Board of Commissioners for Ms. Mercer's reappointment is <br /> requested. <br /> Requested Action#2: <br /> The Economic Development Advisory Board has 1 current vacancy to fill, due to the <br /> unexpected resignation by a former member(Jane Saier, co-owner of RambleRill Farm) who had <br /> served as our advisory board's designated"Agriculture"representative. This position serves an <br /> important role to closely assist the County's Article-46 funded"Agriculture Grant Program". <br /> Economic Development's advisory board member in this role collaborates with members of <br /> DEAPR's Ag Preservation Board, local farmers, and Cooperative Extension staff,to evaluate <br /> incoming applications throughout the year to the Agriculture Grant Program. <br /> 131 W. Margaret Lane,Hillsborough,NC 27278 <br />