HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 01-24-2012 - 8fORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: January 24, 2012
Action Agend
Item No.
SUBJECT: Update Report on Reformulated Economic Development Advisory Board
DEPARTMENT: Economic Development PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
ATTACHMENT(S):
Status report on °Proposed Purpose,
Composition and Function of Orange
County's Reformulated Economic
Development Advisory Board'
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Steve Brantley, 919-245-2326
PURPOSE: To receive the attached report on proposed actions for the creation of a new
advisory board to support Orange County's Economic Development activities, and provide
direction to staff as needed.
BACKGROUND: As the result of numerous focused discussions on Orange County's
Economic Development program over the past two years, several initiatives have been identified
to enhance and expand the County's role in Economic Development. One of these initiatives is
the creation of a reformulated advisory organization to support the activities of the County's
Economic Development program. As directed by the BOCC in its June 21, 2011 meeting, staff
of the Economic Development department has created a preliminary outline of the key elements
for this reformulated advisory organization.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There are no direct financial impacts beyond existing budgets approved
by the Board.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board:
1. Review the attached report and provide feedback on the purpose, process for creation,
composition and function of the reformulated Advisory Board provided in the attached
report;
2. Direct staff to initiate development of Advisory Board bylaws, incorporating the activities
proposed in the attached report, and;
3. Encourage staff to initiate recruitment of qualified applicants to be considered under the
BOCC's revised advisory board bylaws and guidelines.
2
Proposed Purpose, Composition and Function of Orange County's Reformulated
Economic Development Advisory Board
Prepared for January 24, 2012 BOCC Meeting
Purpose of Reformulated Economic Development Advisory Board
The purpose of the Orange County Economic Development Advisory Board (Board) will be to
work cohesively with the County's Economic Development staff and their economic
development partners to position Orange County as a competitive location for business
opportunities.
Process for Creation of New Economic Development Advisory Council
A selection process will be developed in conjunction with the new advisory board guidelines
recently discussed by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to ensure the
selection of candidates that will be actively engaged in furthering the County's economic
development program. Orange County Economic Development staff will work with their
Economic Development partners (Chambers of Commerce, other area Economic Development
practitioners, and local business leaders) to identify potential Advisory Board members.
It is anticipated that the selected members will serve no more than two 3 year terms. Specific,
time-limited task forces may be created, either from Board members or from informed County
citizens, to study specific issues. It is anticipated that the formation of the Board will coincide
with the initiation of the Quarter cent sales tax proceeds, which are expected start accruing
mid-2012. Appointments to the Board could start as early as Spring 2012, with initial
membership limited to 5 to 9 individuals. Meetings would be held at least quarterly.
Composition of New Economic Development Advisory Council
Advisory board member would ideally have a direct or indirect background in economic
development, and be actively involved in promoting business. Candidates should either live in
Orange County, have invested in Orange County, or have a direct economic development
interest in Orange County.
Representatives from the following sectors would be targeted for inclusion into the initial Board
composition:
• Members of the County's core business community, including banking, construction,
manufacturing, architecture, real estate, legal, development, utility management, etc.
• The advisory board should ideally include one person who represents aericulture;
• An individual actively involved in entrepreneur activities;
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• An individual representing the Universitv of North Carolina at Chapel Hill preferably
involved in the development activities, such as planning for Carolina North, or on the
foundation side of business development;
• The tourism sector represented by an individual involved in retail and/or hospitality,
such as a restaurant or hotel manager, or someone involved in the arts; and
• At some point in the future, someone representing Duke Universitv land assets in
Orange County could be included.
Potential Functions of the New Economic Development Advisory Council
Although the activities of the Board will be dependent on specific project and department
needs, several activities anticipated to be performed by the Board include;
• Meet with prospective clients, and be involved with select economic development
endeavors;
• Participate and advise in discussions, evaluations, and decisions on appropriate
economic development uses of the proceeds from the quarter cent sales tax;
• Craft, analyze and promote economic development initiatives;
• Identify and review potential new markets;
• Assist in planning economic development policy;
• Actively engage in stimulating community discussions on economic development issues;
• Assist with the small business loan program;
• Set priorities on the location and type of infrastructure (water, sewer, fiber) for the
County's Economic Development Districts;
• Help determine how Orange County might partner with the towns on economic
development initiatives; and
• Assist and advise on the recommended areas suitable for economic development and
commercial nodes.
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