HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 10-13-2011 - 2ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
CARRBORO BOARD OF ALDERMEN
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 13, 2011
Action Agenda
Item No. ~_
SUBJECT: Economic Development Overview -Orange County and Carrboro, and Update
on Quarter Cent Sales Tax Referendum
DEPARTMENT: Economic Development PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S):
Memo Summarizing Collaborative
Activities
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Steve Brantley, Economic Development,
919-245-2326
PURPOSE: To receive a brief summary of recent economic development activities and
opportunities for collaborative efforts between the Orange County Economic Development and
Carrboro Economic Development departments; and to receive an update on the quarter cent
sales tax referendum.
BACKGROUND: The Economic Development professionals from Orange County and the
Town of Carrboro have worked together on a variety of projects in the past. With the arrival of
new directors for both organizations, there is a renewed sense of collaboration on a variety of
projects. A selection of these opportunities is provided in the attached summary memo. While
each organization has its unique plan of work, collaborating where appropriate can result in a
more efficient use of resources, as well as potentially broadening the impact of specific projects.
The Boards will also receive an update on the quarter cent sales tax referendum and can
discuss as necessary.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Managers recommend that the Boards receive the information
on collaboration opportunities between economic development entities and the quarter cent
sales tax referendum, discuss as necessary, and provide feedback to staff as needed.
2
Memorandum
To: Orange County Board of Commissioners
Carrboro Board of Alderman
From: Orange County Economic Development
Date: October 13, 2011
Subject: Economic Development Overview
Orange County recognizes the necessity as well as the benefit of working closely with its
municipal partners in furthering our collective economic development goals. Recent
activities with our partners include drafting an Interlocal Agreement with the County of
Durham to extend-water and sewer into the Eno Economic Development District,
development of a proposed master plan in the Buckhorn Economic Development area,
and coordination with the City of Mebane in support of the recent expansion of AKG
North America.
Economic Development professionals from Carrboro and Orange County are working
together on several current projects, and have discussed several additional opportunities
for collaboration in the next year. Several of these opportunities include:
Combined small business support through each entity's loan programs
Matching farmers' market vendors with Piedmont Food & Agricultural
Processing Center services
Identifying opportunities to provide joint seminars for area businesses
• Sharing of services for available buildings and sites
• Identifying collaborative opportunities for partnering with the University
Collaborating on updated marketing materials
Continuing the regular partners' meetings to identify additional opportunities to
work together
In recognizing the greater strength of -our combined resources, the Economic
Development professionals from Carrboro and Orange County, look forward to
collaborating in the coming year on these and other joint efforts.