HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 9, 2024 Minutes Approved ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD
January 9, 2024
NC Works @ Europa Center
100 Europa Dr Suite 101 Chapel Hill
Minutes
Members Present: Sharon Hill, Tom Proctor, Dave Gephart, Kristen Young, Jane Saiers, Johnny Morris,
Elise Tyler, Estella Johnson, Barbara Jessie-Black
Members Not Present: Hasan Abdullah
Guest Speakers: Pat Sturdivant, Barbara Brothers, Tom White, Nancy Coston, Sharron Hinton, Caraina
Edwards
Orange County Staff: Steve Brantley, Amanda Garner, Lindsey Hirni
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Kristen Young at 11:50 a.m.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Dave Gephart and seconded by Sharon Hill to approve the Minutes from the
November 14, 2023 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
Capital Area Workforce Development:
Pat Sturdivant, Executive Director of CAWD, gave a brief introduction on what Capital Area Workforce
Development's mission is and how they provide services through the NCWorks Career Centers. She
introduced Barbara Brothers, Business Engagement Director, who provided an extensive presentation on
all facets of the CAWD. Barbara gave an overview on how they help to prepare employees with skills and
on-job training as well as providing scholarships. She explained how they partner with NCWorks,
Economic Development and stakeholders to impact the workforce community. She mentioned the
collaboration work they do to help deliver account services. The CAWD will help with hiring events,
incentivize employers, wage analysis comparison, operational skills training, recruitment and offer grants
for employers as well. The CAWD also helps with labor market data, strategic planning, workforce
development which are all very important and support Economic Development.
The committee asked a few questions about how CAWD supports C level executive jobs, how would high
school students find their services, are there childcare and transportation challenges. Sharron Hinton,
Human Services Manager, provided answers to most of these questions as well as Caraina Edwards,
Youth Services Coordinator. All of these services are available through NCWorks.
Old Business
Steve reminded the board members to review the Annual Report and Work Plan and provide feedback
prior to the due date of January 191"
New Business
The board members were given the 2024 meeting schedule and a few members were reminded that their
first-year term would be expiring in June Those members all said they were interested in serving a second
term if reappointed. There will be three empty positions which will be filled with new members, so Steve
encouraged the committee to help recruit some volunteers to apply to the Board. Amanda told the
committee of the upcoming AG Summitt and County Roadshow.
Director's Report
Steve provided an update on Commercial and Industrial projects in Orange County. He also spoke about
the County's Land Use Plan Community Meetings.
Adjournment
Kristen Young adjourned the meeting at 1:10 PM