HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 9, 2023 Minutes Approved ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD
May 9, 2023
Bonnie B Davis Center
1020 US-70 West Room #104
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Minutes
Members Present: Sharon Hill, Tom Proctor, Dave Gephart, Estella Johnson, Kristen Young, Hasan
Abdullah
Guest Speakers: Jonathan Collins, Suling Walker, Delores Bailey and LaVett Saddler
Orange County Staff: Steve Brantley, Amanda Garner, Lindsey Hirni, Mike Ortosky
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Sharon Hill at 11:55 a.m.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Dave Gephart and seconded by Kristen Young to approve the Minutes from the
March 14, 2023 retreat meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
Open Discussion
The board members provided some feedback on the March Advisory Board retreat.
Guest Speakers
Jonathan Collins and Suling Walker from Durham Tech Small Business Center spoke about their focus on
Orange County's small businesses and engaging with the community by providing continued
complimentary resources to help start-up companies, ecommerce as well as established businesses.
Jonathan mentioned that their current focus has been on companies that are really involved and
dedicated to growing their business.
Dolores Baily and LaVett Saddler from EmPOWERment Inc. spoke with the committee about Bright Path
Solutions, which offers training and one-on-one support to Orange County minority business owners. The
new initiative launched in April 2022 and their goal is to continue to be able to offer the services for
minority businesses who don't have the knowledge of where to get financial support or business support
for their company. Dolores said that building their trust was one of the most important areas to focus on.
Discussion Items
A motion was made by Dave Gephart and seconded by Estella Johnson to nominate Kristen Young as
the Chair for FY23-24. A motion was by Sharon Hill and seconded by Estella Johnson to nominate Dave
Gephart as Vice Chair. Both motions passed unanimously.
Adjournment
Sharon Hill adjourned the meeting at 1:14 PM