HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 10, 2023 Minutes ApprovedECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD
January 10, 2023
RambleRill Farm
913 Arthur Minnis Road
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Minutes
Members Present: Sharon Hill, Tom Proctor, Jane Saiers, Dave Gephart, Estella Johnson, Kristen
Young, Barbara Jessie-Black, Elise Tyler
Guest Speakers: Jane Saiers & Kelly Crane
Orange County Staff: Amanda Garner, Lindsey Hirni, Mike Ortosky
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Sharon Hill at 11:40 a.m.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Dave Gephart and seconded by Tom Proctor to approve the Minutes from the
November 8, 2022 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
Open Discussion
The board members discussed their holidays and personal updates.
Old Business
Amanda Garner shared details from the WCHL radio Advertising Sponsorship event that was held in early
December. Sharon Hill spoke on the For’ Em on the Hill panel and provided information about Economic
Development and our grant programs.
Amanda reminded the board that the Advisory Board Annual Report & Work Plan is due January 27th.
She requested that the members try to offer activities and projects they would like to accomplish in 2023.
Dave Gephart asked about our total operating budget and Barbara Jesse-Black wanted to know if the
Advisory Board is allowed to lobby for Economic Development to get additional funding. Additional
funding would help with travel, recruiting businesses and possibly more grant funds.
New Business
Jane Saiers introduced RambleRill Farm and spoke about the categories they focus on (food, educational
programs, community events and nature-based experiences. She spoke about the upcoming workshops
for winter and spring and shared her passion for the Horticultural Therapy and Wellness Programs th at
will be expanding in 2023.
Kelly Crane introduced Farmer FoodShare to the board and spoke with us about what they do and how
they accomplish everything. Farmer FoodShare provides food from local farmers to businesses such as
Weaver Street Market and provides access to fresh foods for individuals with low incomes and food
insecurities. She spoke about farmers and how they need to make a living but without their volunte ers and
grant programs this non-profit would not be able to provide the food and help as many individuals as they
do.
Adjournment
Sharon Hill adjourned the meeting at 1:04 P.M.