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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 9, 2022 Approved ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD August 9, 2022 Orange County Economic Development Office 131 W. Margaret Lane Hillsborough, NC 27278 Minutes Members Present: Sharon Hill, Johnny Morris, Dave Gephart, Estella Johnson, Tom Proctor, Jane Saiers, Kristen Young, Hasan Abdullah, Elise Tyler Guest Speaker: Beth Payne Orange County Staff: Steve Brantley, Amanda Garner, Mike Ortosky, Cy Stober, Lindsey Hirni Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Sharon Hill at 11:45 a.m. Approval of Minutes A motion was made by Dave Gephart and seconded by Tom Proctor to approve the Minutes from the May 10, 2022 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. Open Discussion Sharon Hill, Kristen Young and Estella Johnson all attended the BOCC Retreat in late June. Sharon felt that the board listened and it doesn't appear that they are going to take more Article 46 funds away from Economic Development. Kristen brought up the inquiry they had about the costs of Economic Development. Estella mentioned the movement towards economic diversification. Steve Brantley informed the board that the BOCC is discussing a new Resolution for the County and they will vote on that at the September 6rh meeting. Old Business Amanda Garner gave a brief update on the Business Investment Grant Program and informed the board that we will were given the approval and funds to add a Start-Up Grant Program. Mike Ortosky also gave an update on the Ag Grant Program and spoke about the process of acquiring three new committee members to fill the current vacancies as well as the added funds to offer Start-Up Grants. New Business Steve gave a brief introduction of the County's new Planning Director, Cy Stober. Cy spoke about his experience with Orange County Planning and answered a few questions from members of the board. The guest speaker, Beth Payne, Dean of Corporate Services at Durham Tech presented the Durham Tech Corporate Training Program to the board. She spoke about the short-term certificates and degree programs and provided links for the board to learn more about the financial aid and back-to-work initiative that focuses on those short-term courses. Directors Report Steve provided an update on various announcements and active projects in Orange County. Adjournment Sharon Hill adjourned the meeting at 1:30 P.M.