HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3 - Planning for the 2018 Orange County Economic Development Summit
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: May 3, 2018
Action Agenda
Item No. 3
SUBJECT: Planning for the 2018 Orange County Economic Development Summit
DEPARTMENT: Economic Development and
Community Relations
ATTACHMENT(S):
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Todd McGee, (919) 245-2302
Steve Brantley, (919) 245-2326
PURPOSE: To finalize planning for fall 2018 Economic Development Summit, including:
1) identifying topics for discussion;
2) selecting the date and time of day for the Summit; and
3) confirming the roles of BOCC members during the Summit.
BACKGROUND: The Board of County Commissioners appropriated $30,000 in the FY 2017-
18 budget from the Article 46 sales tax to host an Economic Development Summit. At its April 3
meeting, the BOCC approved holding the Summit on a to-be-determined date after the summer
break and chose to partner with WCHL to broadcast the Summit live on the radio and Internet.
The Board chose to hold the event at the Whitted Building so it could also be broadcast on the
County access channel (channel 1301 on Spectrum). The purpose of the Summit is to provide
information to residents and existing or potential businesses about the many services and
programs provided by Orange County Economic Development.
Staff met April 19 with representatives from WCHL and developed the four proposed topics
below. These topics were taken from ideas solicited by staff from the Board of Commissioners
earlier this year. It is proposed that each topic be discussed by a panel of experts for one hour
of the four-hour program.
In addition, WCHL will create short (60-second) profiles of individuals or businesses that are
Orange County Economic Development “success stories.” These stories will highlight
businesses that received assistance from Orange County Economic Development or students
who benefitted from an Orange County Scholarship to Durham Technical Community College.
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Suggested topics:
• Creative Economy – The non-profit arts segment generates more than 5,000 jobs and
attracts significant tourist spending in the County. The LAUNCH business incubator has
helped many small start-ups grow into thriving businesses that create jobs and prosperity
for residents.
• Recreation Destination – The Orange County/Chapel Hill Visitors Bureau recently
completed an assessment of the potential for a multipurpose sports/recreation facility. In
addition, Orange County already has existing assets (examples: the Soccer.com complex
in Mebane and the Mountains to the Sea Trail) that can be tapped to create more
recreation-related tourism revenue for the County.
• The Nexus of Local Food System – Orange County is home to many small specialty
farms that can attract visitors and create more economic output in the County through
more jobs and agritourism. Helping small farms bring their products to market is critical
for this industry to grow. The Piedmont Food and Agricultural Processing Center (PFAP)
has launched several successful businesses. Economic Development’s small grants and
loan programs have also helped many new farmers in Orange County.
• Small Business/Industrial Recruitment – In recent years, Orange County Economic
Development successfully recruited Morinaga America Foods to a site in Mebane for its
first U.S. plant and a Wegman’s Supermarket to Chapel Hill. The department has many
initiatives to attract new businesses and industries to the County. Grant and loan
programs are available for small businesses looking to expand or entrepreneurs who are
looking to start a new business. Durham Technical Community College also plays a
critical part in training students for careers in healthcare or advanced manufacturing.
It should be noted that, in follow-up to Board’s retreat earlier this year, further discussion on the
County’s Economic Development Districts is planned for fall 2018.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The 2017-18 budget included an appropriation of $30,000 in Article 46
sales tax proceeds to host this event.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this item:
• GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY
The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary
for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their
dependents.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board:
1) Discuss and approve the topics to be covered on the program;
2) Discuss and approve the staff recommendation to host the summit on Wednesday,
October 10, 2018 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. with a reception immediately afterward; and
3) Discuss and approve the roles of BOCC members during the Summit.
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