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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEcon Dev Advisory Board minutes 073120 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD July 31, 2020 Orange County Economic Development Office 131 W. Margaret Lane Hillsborough, NC 27278 Minutes Members Present: Sharon Hill, Barbara Jessie-Black, Anthony Carey, John Morris, Kristen Young, Paige Zinn, John Anderson Orange County Staff: Steve Brantley, Amanda Garner, Mike Ortosky, Lindsey Hirni, Laurie Paolicelli Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Paige Zinn at 11:02 a.m. Approval of Minutes A motion was made by Paige Zinn and seconded by James Watts to approve the minutes from the January 15 2020 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. New Business Election of Advisory Board Officers A motion was made by Kristen Young and seconded by Barbara Jessie-Black to extend Paige Zinn's term as Chair for one year until June 1, 2021 and for Sharon Hill to do a three-year term. The motion passed unanimously. Steve reported about the remaining balance in Article 46. These funds have been used for two rounds of the Emergency Small Business Funding Program. The committee discussed suggestions for how we should spend the remaining balance. Steve provided details about the second round of Coronavirus relief from the State. The County Manager has requested recommendations from Economic Development on how these funds should be used. The committee discussed the list of projects that they would like to endorse. A motion was made by Kristen Young and seconded by Paige Zinn to recommend $100,000 in funds for a round three. Amanda reported on the Orange County Small Business Loan Program Transition. Mike Ortosky presented the COVID-Related Food Systems and Agriculture Activity as well as a summary for the Agriculture Grant Activity. Laurie Paolicelli discussed the Visitor's Bureau reopening, the tourism in the area and a new campaign they've been working on. Old Business Advisory Board Membership The board discussed applicants that are interested in joining and made a decision to allow their applications until August 14, 2020. Director's Report Steve provided a brief update on current project activity and mentioned that the advisory board might need to give some comments at the BOCC meeting this fall. Steve gave a summary of the overall business recruitment activity. Adjournment Vice Chair Johnny Morris adjourned the meeting at 12:30 P.M.