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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 02-10-2026; 5 - Economic Development Advisory Board – Appointments Discussion 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: February 10, 2026 Action Agenda Item No. 5 SUBJECT: Economic Development Advisory Board — Appointments Discussion DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Recommendations Clerk's Office, 919-245-2125 Member and Applicant Summary Sheet Applications of Persons Recommended Membership Roster Applicant Interest List No Other Eligible Applicants Annual Work Plan PURPOSE: To discuss appointments to the Economic Development Advisory Board. BACKGROUND: The Economic Development Advisory Board works cohesively with the County's Economic Development staff and other economic development partners to position Orange County as a competitive location for business opportunities. The Board of County Commissioners appoints all ten (10) members, with representatives from various fields. The following individuals are recommended for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Joy Mercer Entrepreneur Second Full Term 06/30/2029 Daniel Rawlins Agriculture Partial Term 06/30/2027 If the individuals listed above are appointed, no vacancies remain. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item. ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: • GUIDING PRINCIPLE — INCLUSIVITY AND ENGAGEMENT We foster an environment in which all are welcomed, represented, and empowered to participate in and feel connected to their community. 2 • GUIDING PRINCIPLE — DEDICATION AND RESPECT We commit to our roles in public service and organizational excellence by fostering the skills, talents, and innovation of our residents, employees, volunteers, and boards needed to carry out this work. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss appointments to the Economic Development Advisory Board. 3 ORANGE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NORTH CAROLINA January 21, 2026 To: Orange County Board of Commissioners Cc: Travis Myren, County Manager Cait Fenhagen, Deputy County Manager From: Steve Brantley Director, Orange County Economic Development Subject: Request to (1)reappoint 1 current member of the Economic Development Advisory Board to a 2nd term, and(2) appoint 1 endorsed candidate to fill an advisory board vacancy Dear Orange County Board of Commissioners, Requested Action #1: The Economic Development Advisory Board members unanimously endorse the BOCC's reappointment of current member Joy Mercer, whose 1 st term expires on 6/30/26, to a 2nd term effective 7/1/26. Joy Mercer is a tax accountant who has extensive business experience that helps support the programs led by the economic development staff and our advisory board. In 2024 and 2025 she provided special assistance to County staff regarding the creation of a new departmental strategic plan. Her continued service to the County's economic development is desired, and consideration by the Board of Commissioners for Ms. Mercer's reappointment is requested. Requested Action#2: The Economic Development Advisory Board has 1 current vacancy to fill, due to the unexpected resignation by a former member(Jane Saier, co-owner of RambleRill Farm) who had served as our advisory board's designated"Agriculture"representative. This position serves an important role to closely assist the County's Article-46 funded"Agriculture Grant Program". Economic Development's advisory board member in this role collaborates with members of DEAPR's Ag Preservation Board, local farmers, and Cooperative Extension staff,to evaluate incoming applications throughout the year to the Agriculture Grant Program. 131 W. Margaret Lane,Hillsborough,NC 27278 4 There is one current applicant to the Economic Development advisory board's vacancy, Daniel Rawlins, who is a local attorney with a law practice involving a variety of farming and agriculture activities. He has relevant legal experience with local Orange County arming families who are setting up corporations, addressing property issues, and creating contracts. The Economic Development Advisory Board Mr. Rawlins unanimously endorses Mr. Rawlins as a qualified and desirable applicant, and requests consideration by the Board of Commissioners for his appointment for a first term, ideally effective immediately, if possible. The 2 requested advisory board actions are intended to help accomplish the Board of Commissioners' economic and social justice goals, and Economic Development's specific duties outlined the County's strategic plan tied to the "Diverse and Vibrant Economy" objective. Sincerely, Steve Brantley Director, Orange County Economic Development 131 W. Margaret Lane,Hillsborough,NC 27278 5 Economic Development Advisory Board Members and Applicants Name Member or Applicant? Gender Identity Race/Ethnic Background Age Range Township Also Serves on Lisa Kaylie Member Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill Elise Tyler Member Female White 18-34 Hillsborough Dr.Ivy Taylor Member Female African American 35-59 Non-Resident Joy Mercer Member Female White 60+ Bingham Board of Equalization and Review Emilee Collins Member Female White 35-59 Cedar Grove John Kim Member Male Asian American 35-59 Chapel Hill W Estella Johnson Member Female African American 60+ Hillsborough Sharon Hill Member Female African American 60+ Chapel Hill Dave Gephart Member Male White 60+ Eno VACANT Tal Frankfurt Applicant Male Other 35-59 Chapel Hill Amanda Frisard Applicant Female Native American 35-59 Chapel Hill Camila Hargett Applicant Female Hispanic 35-59 Eno Neil Kuplic Applicant Male White 60+ Chapel Hill Catherine Montezuma Applicant Female White 18-34 Hillsborough Daniel Rawlins Applicant Male White 35-59 Hillsborough Saru Salvi Applicant I Female lAfrican American 60+ Hillsborough Board of Equalization and Review 6 Page 1 of 2 Daniel Rawlins Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Mr. Daniel Rawlins Name Called: Home Address: 200 Governor Burke Rd. Hillsborough NC 27278 Phone: 919-482-1724 Email: drawlinslaw@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2013 Township of Residence: Hillsborough Zone of Residence: Hillsborough ETJ Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: None currently Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: None Former Member of Town of Hillsborough Water and Sewer Advisory Board Boards/Commissions applied for: Economic Development Advisory Board (REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT) Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board In my legal practice, I have represented agricultural clients with business formations, contracts and land issues. Further, in my previous career as a mechanical engineer, I was involved in the design and installation of commercial food production equipment. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board Building and maintaining a strong local economy is important to the health of our community and I believe that I have skills and experience that would help implement proposed economic projects. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? My participation on the board would not only provide a legal prospective from my current dealing with local farms and businesses, but also technical experience with understanding how equipment implementation may be utilized. Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Boards/Commissions appointments: 7 Page 2 of 2 Daniel Rawlins Other Comments: This application was current on: 10/6/2025 12:24:06 AM Date Printed: 10/6/2025 8 Page 1 of 2 Joy Mercer Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Ms. Joy Mercer Name Called: Home Address: 5010 Thomas Berry Way Chapel Hill NC 27516 Phone: 201-709-9180 Email: joy@joymercer.com Year of OC Residence: 2019 Township of Residence: Bingham Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 60+ Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Orange County Economic Development Advisory Board Orange County Bar Association Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: Orange County Board of Equalization and Review and Economic Development Advisory Board Boards/Commissions applied for: Orange County Broadband Task Force Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I have been working with various providers (Spectrum, AT&T, Lumos) and the county trying to get fiber service brought to my neighborhood and my street, since 2018. 1 have explored numerous alternatives to fiber. I am a practicing attorney, have a master of law in taxation and have maintained small businesses for 20 years. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board Only residents who don t have adequate internet service can understand how essential it is that all residents of Orange County have the opportunity to have access to broadband service. On my own, I have dealt with multiple carriers trying to get fiber brought to my neighborhood. I will work ardently to get service to all Orange County residents. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? As someone who does not have fiber service and who has spent 7+ years trying to get the service brought into my neighborhood, I can bring experience and the concerns of the unserved to the discussion. Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Boards/Commissions appointments: 9 Page 2 of 2 Joy Mercer Board of Equalization and Review Application Date: 2/1/2023 Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I am a tax lawyer and have a certificate in Appraisal studies from NYU. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: I d like to give back to my community. Conflict of Interest: Economic Development Advisory Board (REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT) Application Date: 1/25/2024 Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I am a small business owner and a practicing tax lawyer. I have a law degree and a masters of law in taxation. I have been practicing law since 1980 and have had my own law firm from 2003 to 2018. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: I would like to give back to the community and help it develop policies for the benefit of all members of Orange County. Conflict of Interest: Other Comments: Applied for Economic Development Advisory Board 1/25/2024 4:42:49 PM This application was current on: 10/14/2025 1:06:18 PM Date Printed: 10/22/2025 10 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Economic Development Advisory Board (REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT) Meeting Times: 12:00 pm Second Tuesday of every other month Contact Person: Steve Brantley,Amanda Garner,&Lindsey Hir Meeting Place: Varies Contact Phone: 919-245-2325,919-245-2330 Positions: 10 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Description: <div>The charge of the Economic Development Advisory Board is to work cohesively with the County's Economic Development staff and other economic development partners to position Orange County as a competitive location for business opportunities.</div> Ms. Lisa Kaylie 1 First Appointed: 06/18/2024 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 06/18/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2027 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Non-Profit Agency Number of Terms: 1 Elise Tyler 2 First Appointed: 04/05/2022 Gender Identity: Female Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 06/18/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2027 Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: Tourism Number of Terms: 2 Dr. Ivy Taylor 3 First Appointed: 06/17/2025 Gender Identity: Female Township: Non-Resident Current Appointment: 06/17/2025 Ethnic Background: African American Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2028 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: UNC Chapel Hill Number of Terms: 1 Ms. Joy Mercer 4 First Appointed: 06/18/2024 Gender Identity: Female Township: Bingham Current Appointment: 06/18/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2026 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Entrepreneur Number of Terms: 1 VACANT 5 First Appointed: Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment: Ethnic Background: Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2027 Age Range: Special Repr: Agriculture Number of Terms: Mrs. Emilee Collins 6 First Appointed: 06/18/2024 Gender Identity: Female Township: Cedar Grove Current Appointment: 06/18/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2027 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Core Business Community Number of Terms: 1 Thursday,January 29,2026 Page 1 11 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Economic Development Advisory Board (REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT) Meeting Times: 12:00 pm Second Tuesday of every other month Contact Person: Steve Brantley,Amanda Garner,&Lindsey Hir Meeting Place: Varies Contact Phone: 919-245-2325,919-245-2330 Positions: 10 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Mr. John Kim 7 First Appointed: 06/18/2024 Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 06/18/2024 Ethnic Background: Asian American Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2027 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Core Business Community Number of Terms: 1 Ms. W Estella Johnson 8 First Appointed: 05/18/2021 Gender Identity: Female Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 06/18/2024 Ethnic Background: African American Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2027 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Core Business Community Number of Terms: 2 Sharon Hill 9 First Appointed: 06/17/2025 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 06/17/2025 Ethnic Background: African American Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2028 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Core Business Community Number of Terms: 1 David Gephart 10 First Appointed: 06/17/2025 Gender Identity: Male Township: Eno Current Appointment: 06/17/2025 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: Expiration: 06/30/2028 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Core Business Community Number of Terms: 1 Thursday,January 29,2026 Page 2 12 Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name D DpC� Contact Person: Steve Brantley,Amanda Garner, Economic Development Advisory Board (REQUIRES Contact Phone: 919-245-2325,919-245-2330 Mr. Tal Frankfurt Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 10/07/2025 Ethnic Background: Other Township: Chapel Hill Age Range 35-59 Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Mrs. Amanda Frisard Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 06/11/2025 Ethnic Background: Native American Township: Chapel Hill Age Range 35-59 Zone of Residence: C.H.City Limits Also Serves On: Camila Hargett Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 08/06/2024 Ethnic Background: Hispanic Township: Eno Age Range 35-59 Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Mr. Neil Kuplic Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 09/02/2025 Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill Age Range 60+ Zone of Residence: C.H.City Limits Also Serves On: Catherine Montezuma Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 05/05/2025 Ethnic Background: White Township: Hillsborough Age Range 18-34 Zone of Residence: Hillsborough Town Limits Also Serves On: Mr. Daniel Rawlins Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 10/06/2025 Ethnic Background: White Township: Hillsborough Age Range 35-59 Zone of Residence: Hillsborough ETJ Also Serves On: Thursday,January 29,2026 Page 1 of 2 13 Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name Contact Person: Steve Brantley,Amanda Garner, Economic Development Advisory Board (REQUIRES Contact Phone: 919-245-2325,919-245-2330 Ms. Saru Salvi Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 01/15/2025 Ethnic Background: African American Township: Hillsborough Age Range 60+ Zone of Residence: Hillsborough ETJ Also Serves On: Board of Equalization and Review Thursday,January 29,2026 Page 2 of 2 14 ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ANNUAL REPORT AND WORK PLAN Name of Board/Commission: Economic Development Advisory Board Report Period: January 2025-December 2025 The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) appreciates the dedication of all volunteers on Orange County boards and commissions and asks each body to complete an Annual Report and Work Plan. This document will inform the BOCC of the activities each board/commission has conducted over the past year and detail a plan for future activities. These activities should be consistent with the board/commission's assigned charge and the goals identified in the Orange County Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan). General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. Person to address the BOCC, title, and contact information: Emilee Collins (Chair) Realtor - Pickett Sprouse Commercial Real Estate Phone: (919) 730-7040 emilee(a-emileecollins.com Elise Tyler (Vice Chair) Part-Owner— The Colonial Inn Phone: (919) 930-5555 elise1t ler(@gmail.com Primary staff contact: Steve Brantley, Director Orange County Economic Development Work Tel # (919) 245-2326 sbrantleyCa-)-orangecountync.gov Amanda Garner, Assistant Director Orange County Economic Development Work Tel # (919) 245-2330 agarner_,orangecountync.gov 15 1. How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special meetings and subcommittee meetings? • For 2025, six (6) meeting dates took place on the following dates: January 14tH March 11th, May 13th, July 28th, September 9th and November 11th. • The Orange County Small Business Grant subcommittee, comprised of 5 members of the full 10-member advisory board, met three (3) times throughout 2025 to review and score all business grant applications that were received during the year. Those meeting dates occurred following the grant application deadlines of December 31, 2024, March 30, 2025 and October 31, 2025. The program did not have funding to hold a June 30, 2025 cycle. Five (5) members will continue to serve on the small business grant subcommittee in 2026. • One member of the advisory board also participated in 2025 to help review local farmers' and food producers' applications that were submitted to the Orange County Agriculture Grant program. One member of the advisory board will continue to serve on the agriculture grant subcommittee in 2026. 2. Please briefly describe this board/commission's assigned charge and responsibilities. Board-specific Policies and Procedures documents, which detail the charge and responsibilities for each board/commission, are available here. • The Advisory Board works closely with Orange County's Economic Development staff and other economic development partners in Orange County to help market Orange County as a desirable and competitive location for the recruitment & retention of small business ventures, to include agriculture and food processer ventures, the Piedmont Food Processing Center, the Breeze Farm Incubator Program., and the promotion of new & expanding capital investment for non- residential (retail, commercial, light manufacturing and distribution/logistics) business prospects which make a meaningful impact to creating new employment opportunities, and diversify the tax base. • The Advisory Board supports the growth and recruitment of agricultural and food processing systems local businesses, the Piedmont Food & Agriculture Processing facility (PFAP) in Hillsborough, and through the expansion of new, high-technology employment opportunities. 16 3. What are your board/commission's most important accomplishments during the report period? • The Economic Development Advisory Board played a key role throughout 2025 to assist the Economic Development Department and consultant Crystal Morphis from Creative Economic Development Consulting firm to develop a new economic development strategic plan. • In 2025, the Advisory Board's subcommittee reviewed many small business grant applications that were submitted by Orange County businesses for the "Small Business Grant Program" and approved 30 small business grant awards, totaling $156,232.00 for the year. • In 2025 the Advisory Board also assisted in the "Agriculture Economic Development Grant Program" to receive and review applications, approving 13 grant awards totaling $115,639.00 in support of Orange County's small farmers and food processors for the year. 4. Please list any specific tasks, events, or functions performed or sponsored annually. • The subcommittee of the Advisory Board meets up to three times per year to review, score, and consider all applications submitted by Orange County small businesses and Agricultural ventures to the Orange County Small Business Investment Grant program, and the Orange County Agriculture Grant program. 5. Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out the goals identified in the Orange County Strategic Plan. General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. • The Orange County Economic Development Advisory Board assists the Economic Development Department to carry out many of the objectives that fall under the "Diverse and Vibrant Economy" section of the County's Strategic Plan. Specifically, the board helps to communicate and advocate for the following key objectives: #4. Provide resources to new and expanding, small, creative, and agri- businesses that add character and quality of life to our community to attract employers, employees, and visitors. #5. Increase access to and awareness of resources and assistance available to residents and businesses. #7. Expand the non-residential tax base. 17 • A subset of the advisory board is directly tied to the success of the following Performance Measures, as they serve in a review and recommendation role for grant awards in each program. o Establish baseline and increase by 1 percentage point each year the percentage of Small Business Investment Grant recipients that are still in business one year after receiving a grant. o Establish baseline and increase by 1 percentage point each year the percentage of Agricultural Economic Development Grant Program recipients' farms that are still in operation one year after receiving the grant. 6. Describe any collaboration between this board/commission and other boards and commissions. • A member of the Economic Development Advisory Board serves on the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitor's Bureau board to facilitate collaboration among the two boards. • A second member of the Economic Development Advisory Board collaborates with members of DEAPR's Agriculture Presentation Board, and Orange County Cooperative Extension staff, to help review applications to the County's Agriculture Grant program. • A third member of the Economic Development Advisory Board also sits on the Durham Technical Community College Foundation Board. 7. Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2026 that are related to the Orange County Strategic Plan. General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. If applicable, please list any fiscal impact (i.e., funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities. • The Board will assist the Economic Development department to identify priorities from the recommendations outlined in the department strategic planning process that will specifically assist with the Countywide "Diverse and Vibrant Economy" objectives: o #4. Provide resources to new and expanding, small, creative, and agri- businesses that add character and quality of life to our community to attract employers, employees, and visitors. o #7. Expand the non-residential tax base. 18 8. What concerns or emerging issues does this board/commission anticipate for the upcoming year that it plans to address or wishes to bring to the BOCC's attention? • The Economic Development Department's assigned Performance Measures relate directly to the County's strategic plan (Diverse and Vibrant Economy), with respect to success to broaden the Small Business and Agriculture Grant programs. Therefore, increased funding support to advertise and market those two financial assistance programs above current funding levels can help the County achieve that segment of the Strategic Plan.