July 28, 2025 Minutes Approved - Laserfiche WebLink

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD July 28, 2025 Orange County Solid Waste Admin Office 1207 Eubanks Rd, Multi-Purpose Room Chapel Hill, NC 27516 Minutes Members Present: Joy Mercer, Lisa Kaylie, Emilee Collins, John Kim, Dave Gephart, Sharon Hill, Ivy Taylor Past Members Present: Tom Proctor, Kristen Young Members Not Present: Elise Tyler, Estella Johnson Orange County Staff: Travis Myren, Kelly Guadalupe, Steve Brantley, Amanda Garner, Lindsey Hirni Guest Speaker: Crystal Morphis Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Emilee Collins at 10:34 a.m. Old Business Emilee Collins welcomed everyone and started with brief introductions since we have 3 new board members. Crystal Morphis with Creative Economic Development Consulting gave an update on the current progress and work that her team has completed for the Economic Development Strategic Plan. She began the workshop with highlights from the SWOT analysis that was completed in March by the advisory board members. She reviewed details on the cluster and workforce analysis. Crystal provided results and feedback from the business survey that was conducted earlier this spring that had about 80 participants. The members discussed some topics and questions around the County's Strategic Plan specially focusing on the "Vibrant and Diverse Economy" section. Crystal asked the board members to think about how they would define the role of the Economic Development department by revamping the Vision and Mission Statements. She encouraged folks to provide words, ideas and strategies around achieving those goals. Crystal mentioned how unique Article 46 funds are to Orange County and explained how the Strategic Plan would recommend using the property sales tax revenue in the general fund to pay incentives to industries rather than taking those funds from the Article 46 Fund. One of the main goals that was discussed during the meeting was bringing together a coordinated effort to collaborate with the Towns, Chambers, Cooperative Extension and other county departments to talk about Economic Development and bridge together more ideas and productive ways to continue to grow businesses and industries in Orange County. Some other goals were preserving land for new businesses to locate and existing businesses to expand. Providing technical assistance to new and existing companies. Support up-skilling talent development strategies by working with the schools (K-12) and Durham Tech. Communicate Orange County's competitive position to the external market and our strategy for economic development to businesses, stakeholders and the community. Approval of Minutes