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01-28-2025 Meeting Minutes EDCEDC Minutes for January 28, 2025 Minutes of the PCEDC Regularly Scheduled Meeting Person County EDC Board Room 303 S. Morgan St., Roxboro, NC 27573 January 28, 2025 Voting Board Members Present: Dr. Scott McKinney- Chairman Mr. Donald Long The Honorable Sherry Wilborn Mr. Phillip Allen- Vice-Chairman The Honorable Merilyn Newell Mr. Kenneth Perry Mr. Jody Blackwell Mr. Jay Poindexter Ex Officios Present: Ms. Katherine Cathey, County Manager Dr. Claudia Berryhill, Agricultural Representative Mr. Brooks Lockhart, City Manager Dr. Pamela Senegal, PCC President Ex Officios Absent: Dr. Rodney Peterson, PCS Superintendent ED Staff Present: Others Present: Ms. Brandy Lynch, Director Mr. George Willoughby Mr. Bryan Eatmon, Existing Industry Specialist Mr. Kelly Snow Ms. Briana Whitt, ED Specialist (Minutes) Mr. Bo Freeman Ms. Dana Blackwell Ms. Kim Strickland Ms. Julie Maybee EDC Welcome and Invocation: At 4:00 p.m., Chairman Allen called the meeting to order. Dr. Scott McKinney gave the invocation. 1 of 17 EDC Minutes for January 28, 2025 Resignation of Board Member: ED Director Brandy Lynch requested a motion to approve or deny the resignation of Ms. Sherry Clayton A motion was made and unanimously approved to approve the resignation of Ms. Sherry Clayton. Motion: The Honorable Sherry Wilborn Second: Mr. Jay Poindexter Officer Nomination and Vote: ED Director Brandy Lynch opened the floor for nominations for the Chairman position. Mr. Phillip Allen nominated Dr. Scott McKinney. A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously passed for Dr. Scott McKinney to be chairman. Motion: The Honorable Merilyn Newell Second: Mr. Donald Long ED Director Brandy Lynch opens the floor for nominations for the Vice Chairman position. Dr. Scott McKinney nominates Mr. Phillip Allen for the position of Vice Chairman. A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously passed for Mr. Phillip Allen to be vice chairman. Motion: The Honorable Merilyn Newell Second: Mr. Jay Poindexter ED Director Brandy Lynch opens the floor for nominations for the Secretary position. Mr. Phillip Allen nominates The Honorable Merilyn Newell for Secretary. A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously passed for The Honorable Merilyn Newell for Secretary. Motion: Mr. Phillip Allen Second: Mr. Jody Blackwell A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously passed to support the agricultural ex-officio position as a voting position. Motion: Mr. Jay Poindexter Second: Mr. Jody Blackwell 2 of 17 EDC Minutes for January 28, 2025 The Honorable Sherry Wilborn will advise the recommendation to the Person County Board of Commissioners. Approval of Minutes: Chairman McKinney recognized The Honorable Merilyn Newell for the approval of the November 19, 2024, minutes. A motion was unanimously approved to approve the November 19, 2024 meeting minutes. Motion: Mr. Donald Long Second: Mr. Jody Blackwell Action Plan Update: Ms. Lynch starts by reminding the board of the Action Plan they approved in 2024. The Economic Development staff has reviewed the plan and provided the board with an update sheet and plans to continue working on items. Lynch requests that the board review the action plan, and at the February meeting, the board can advise with any recommendations or ideas for improvement. Director Report: Ms. Lynch informed the board about the highlights section in her report, which updates everyone on events from November 2024 to January 2025. She also wanted to mention a couple of Upcoming Events of Interest and Person County Updates. As a county, a Civics Class will start in March and run through May 2025. The application process will begin next week, and there is a limit of 15 participants. Ms. Strickland, Person County Public Information Office, has taught this class in other counties. Staff will meet with the Department of Commerce and the Governor’s office in February. Additionally, the Person County Commissioners Budget Retreat is on February 18th, and they are tasked with examining the budget to reduce spending as much as possible. Dr. Berryhill asked for a pros and cons spreadsheet for the available inventory. Ms. Lynch responded by being more than happy to provide the website that the state uses, but there is one issue: a lot of buildings on the market that we are unaware of. Also, there are plans with Kerr Tar and RTRP to have a firm come in at no cost to the county to look at what we have and 3 of 17 EDC Minutes for January 28, 2025 what we are missing and make suggestions. Mr. Eatmon has contacted several agents and offered to help advertise the properties available within the county. Dr. McKinney stated that if you have Capital, Capacity, and Connections in the ecosystem, you are most likely to accomplish what you are working towards. Ms. Wilborn requested where we are now that the mega site is gone and what the plans are with the other sites. Dr. McKinney stated that there is no growth without infrastructure, and all growth is not harmful. Dr. McKinney said Commissioner Wilborn was pointing out that a lot of education still needs to take place, along with discussions for the decision-makers to make decisions. Mr. Lockhart brought up the Western Sewer and the city's 40-year capital improvement plan, which is updated every 5-10 years. One of the things that will be discussed with the council is the water and sewer rates. According to Mr. Lockhart, stormwater is actually becoming an issue. Ms. Lynch speaks on the infrastructure and how she works with LaBella on most projects and with Mr. Lockhart's staff. Ms. Lynch has received an email from Golden Leaf regarding grant funding and opportunities. The North Park Site is still under contract, and we hope to close on that property within 30 days. Regarding Microsoft, there has been a discussion on their needs, and I have relayed those to LaBella to see if they could do it along with the city. The discussion shifts to how much the Director should request for the Economic Catalyst Fund. Lynch informs the board that for several years, the commissioner on the board has proposed an amount for Economic Development. There has been ongoing dialogue with the board regarding this amount, and our budget is tight this year. While we have needs and desires, we have been advised to keep these to a minimum. This issue is usually addressed at the budget retreat and later brought back to the Economic Development Director. Board members provide updates: Mr. Lockhart informed the board that Western Sewer is actively cutting down trees on Chub Lake Road, right outside the city. For this year, new and special events have been posted on the Uptown Roxboro Group, and we hope everyone will attend . Mr. Blackwell requests that smaller spaces be placed on the site and made available in addition to all of the larger buildings and sites. Dr. Senegal announced her resignation on February 28th and is relocating to Charlotte to be closer to family. Today, enrollments are about 16% above what they were last year, and many of that group are adult learners who have returned to upgrade their skills. PCC received a 1- million-dollar gift in their 4th quarter from this community and another 100-thousand-dollar gift that will go toward the uplift of the Chat building. Person Memorial Hospital fund will be dissolving as of tomorrow. PCC is a finalist for a National Science Foundation grant that will support cybersecurity education efforts. In the fall, the first engineering program will be 4 of 17 Date: January 28, 2025 Time: 4:00 pm Location: EDC Boardroom, 303 S. Morgan St., Roxboro, NC 27573 Regularly-Scheduled Meeting Agenda Time Item Leader 4:00 Welcome Mr. G. Phillip Allen, Chairman 4:02 Invocation Mr. Scott McKinney, Vice-Chairman 4:03 Resignation of Board Member **Request a motion to approve or deny resignation Ms. Brandy Lynch, ED Director 4:04 Officer Nomination and Vote a)Chairb)Vice-Chairc)Secretary Ms. Brandy Lynch, ED Director 4:10 Approval of the Minutes **Request a motion to approve the November 19, 2024 Meeting Minutes Newly Elected Chairman 4:15 Action Plan Update Ms. Brandy Lynch, ED Director 4:25 Next Steps Ms. Brandy Lynch, ED Director 4:40 Director Report Ms. Brandy Lynch, ED Director 4:45 Chairman Report Newly Elected Chairman 4:50 Next Meeting Set for February 25, 2024, 4:00pm, EDC Boardroom, 303 S. Morgan St., Roxboro, NC 27573 Newly Elected Chairman 4:55 **Adjourn Newly Elected Chairman **Action Requested 6 of 17 $841.00 $1,857.00 $1,108.00 $1,348.00 $1,477.00 $942.00 $854.00 $1,648.00 $1,047.00 $1,198.00 $1,358.00 $901.00 $850.00 $1,741.00 $1,030.00 $1,222.00 $1,421.00 $900.00 $0.00 $1,000.00 $2,000.00 $3,000.00 $4,000.00 $5,000.00 $6,000.00 Caswell County Durham County Granville County North Carolina Orange County Person County Average Weekly Wage 2023 Q1 Q2 Q3 $0.00 $5,000,000.00 $10,000,000.00 $15,000,000.00 $20,000,000.00 $25,000,000.00 $30,000,000.00 Sep-23 Sep-24 Oct-23 Oct-24 Nov-23 Nov-24 Sales Tax Person Caswell Orange Durham Granville Person County Demographic Report January 2024 – December 2024 116 Projects Were Worked Top 3 Reasons Why Projects Were Not Submitted: 1.5-10 Miles for an Interstate 2.30ft – 40ft Ceiling Height 3.Rail Access 0.00% 0.50% 1.00% 1.50% 2.00% 2.50% 3.00% 3.50% 4.00% Caswell County Durham County Granville County North Carolina Orange County Person County September 2024 Unemployment Rates 0.00% 0.50% 1.00% 1.50% 2.00% 2.50% 3.00% 3.50% 4.00% Caswell County Durham County Granville County North Carolina Orange County Person County November 2024 Unemployment Rates 9 6 6 20 16 36 0 2 2 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 OCT-24 NOV-24 DEC-24 PERMIT ACTIVITY SFD (Single Family Dwelling)Bldg (No-mods)Modular Homes 7 of 17 Highlights November 2024-January 2025 •The Economic Development Marketing Flyer was distributed to frequently visited locations in the county and visitor centers throughout the state. •The Business Resources brochure has been printed and is currently being distributed. •Economic Development staff attended and began planning the Kerr-Tar Summit in collaboration with other local organizations. •The redevelopment of the Economic Development website is progressing well. •Possible expansion plans for the Raleigh Regional Airport were presented to the Person County Board of Commissioners. •The Golden Leaf Grant for the North Park Site has been successfully closed out. •Bryan and Brandy attended the Roxboro Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet. •Bryan participated in ribbon cuttings and Good Morning Coffee Hour. •Local industry visits have continued positively, with a great response from the community. •Meetings were held with tourism representatives and members of the Kerr-Tar chambers. •Staff participated in submitting a housing grant; unfortunately, Person County was not chosen. •In October, an update on the pending development in the City of Roxboro was released, with staff estimating 1,599 new dwelling units. •The Old Durham Road apartments are nearing completion and are almost ready for occupants. •Assistance was provided to several small businesses seeking new locations to relocate or expand. 8 of 17 • Staff participated in a CTE (Career and Technical Education) call. • Collaboration with NC State is underway to establish internships for our local industries, with one internship already secured. Upcoming Events of Interest • Economic Development staff will attend the NCEDA Spring Conference, NC Main Street Conference, and NC Rural Summit • The Wall that Heals will be on display from May 1-4 at the Rock Athletic Complex • Staff will be meeting with the NC Department of Commerce and the Governor’s office in February • On February 17th, the county will be closed in the observance of Veteran’s Day Information for the EDC Advisory Board Person County Updates o Person County Planning Director interviews are scheduled o Department Heads met with the new members of the Person County Commissioners Board o The Digital Inclusion Plan final draft has been accepted o Tax Revaluations went out in the mail and are updated online o Budget season is well underway. The Person County Commissioners did not have a tax increase last year; with rising costs, there will likely be a need to cut departmental budgets for the upcoming year and make some reductions this year o Staff will be meeting with the NC Department of Commerce and the Governor’s office in February o Person County Commissioners Budget retreat is February 18 o Person County has a contract with a Grant Writer o Person County will hold a Civics Academy from March through May; the application process will start next week, and there will be a cap of 15 people 9 of 17 10 of 17 11 of 17 12 of 17 i.Retain Existing Industry Goal: Engage existing economic powerhouses to support their success and investment in the county 1.Establish and maintain database of priority partners •Roxboro Area Chamber of Commerce •Seat on the board •Supported interim director/director •Assisted with nearly all ribbon cuttings, business after hours events, Personality Festival, and other events •Promoted the Chamber to businesses in surrounding counties to encourage and support new investment in Person County •Provided chamber information to vendors that offered services that Person County did not have •Uptown Roxboro Group •Seat on the board •Assisted with Touch a Truck event, Jingle on Main •Assisted with planning events •Creating a survey for Uptown Businesses to determine interest in a Social District and evaluating benchmark communities to determine positives and negatives of a Social District in Uptown Roxboro •Attending Main Street Conference in March 2025 to learn trends and techniques to improve Uptown Roxboro •Person County Tourism Development Authority •On-going collaboration to promote the County as a place to visit •Working to devise a strategy to ensure hospitality businesses have sufficient marketing materials to provide guests •Piedmont Community College and Piedmont Community College Small Business Center •Work closely with PCC to ensure Person County and regional industries have access to a well-trained, work-ready workforce •Promote and encourage small businesses to utilize the Small Business Center for assistance in developing business plans, securing financing, and receiving guidance and counseling. •Small Business and Technology Development Center •Initiated a working relationship with SBTDC in Chapel Hill and Durham to better understand resources available to Person County businesses •Collaborated to help interested businesses receive guidance and counseling to address issues hampering growth such as cash flow, debt repayment, staffing, marketing and accessing working capital. •Kerr-Tar Council of Governments •Collaborating with KTCOG as projects arise •Participating in events, trainings, and meetings to stay abreast of trends and programs in the Kerr Tar Region •Promoting business resources offered by KTCOG such as revolving loan fund and micro loan fund 13 of 17 •North Carolina Cooperative Extension •Maintain consistent contact with Person County Cooperative Extension to better understand the needs of our agricultural community •Collaborate on agribusiness projects such as Open Book Extracts expansion •Ideas for Improvement •More engagement with civic clubs and community development non-profits in Person County/region o We are already doing this, but could increase our engagement 2.Identify major issues faced by industry partners; develop resources to facilitate success •Conducting Business Retention and Expansion visits with large industries to understand challenges facing these industries •Most common issue: workforce availability and workforce retention especially in hard-to-fill roles •Supporting Piedmont Community College for workforce training •Working with N.C. State Industry Expansion to assist companies when needed; promoting and assisting companies interested in the Rural Works! Internship Program to facilitate the recruitment of professional talent to Person County industries. •Met with state and federal elected officials at Kerr-Tar Council of Governments to discuss regional infrastructure needs and ongoing issues facing economic development at the state and local level •Working with Kerr Tar Council of Governments and Research Triangle Regional Partnership regarding contracting a site selection firm to conduct an analysis and offer recommendations regarding current inventory and avenues for improvement. •Ideas for Improvement •More business visits in 2025 with a goal of 125 visits •Perform BRE visits with priority partners when feasible (e.g. team up with PCC, Chamber of Commerce, EDPNC) o We are currently doing so when applicable based on the needs of the respective company •Plan and execute an annual county job fair ii.Attract New Businesses and Engagement Goal: Demonstrate the county potential as a place to prosper, both for businesses and for working people 1.Partner with regional ED organizations to advance shared priorities and interests •North Carolina Economic Development Association 14 of 17 o Attended North Carolina Economic Development Association conferences and events to develop professional relationships with other economic development organizations in the state • Kerr Tar Council of Governments o Attended Kerr Tar Council of Government events to strengthen ties with economic development organizations in the Kerr Tar Region o Regularly engage with Kerr Tar COG to foster regional economic development o Engage with and participate in Kerr Tar programs, meetings, and events • Carolina Core o Attended Carolina Core events to strengthen ties with economic development organizations with the Carolina Core • Neighboring Counties o Organized a roundtable of Chamber of Commerce directors from neighboring counties to strengthen relationships and share knowledge and experience including collaborating on agritourism events and business promotion • Research Triangle Regional Partnership o Collaborated with the Research Triangle Regional Partnership to promote economic development in the Research Triangle Region. o Attended RTRP roundtable to assess regional assets and the prospect of promoting agricultural technology investment in the Kerr Tar region. • Ideas for Improvement • Better engagement with Carolina Core o Better engagement with Carolina Core may not be the best investment of time given that Person County is not geographically situated within the Carolina Core. 2. Develop and advertise prime sites for new development • Ongoing outreach to site selectors, real estate firms, and individual agents to help promote inventory in Person County. • Met with RTRP site selectors to better evaluate Person County and the region pertaining to business attraction and site selection • Developed and promoted the North Park Site and Mega Park; Mega Park purchased by Microsoft and North Park Site is in negotiations • Working with EDPNC to submit projects to prospective companies • Working directly with companies interested in relocating or starting operations in Person County • Ideas for Improvement • Develop a site on the southern half of the County • Leverage Raleigh Regional Airport’s proximity to Danville, Durham, and RTP 3. Foster new amenities to attract potential residents • Support Parks and Recreation with work to create the Rotary Club of Roxboro Centennial Park and implement a multi-use path connecting City of Roxboro to the City of Durham 15 of 17 • Working with NC Welcome Centers to develop better advertising of Person County • Collaboration between Department of Commerce and community partners • Ideas for Improvement o Better and increased collaboration between Person-Caswell Lake Authority and Economic Development o Increased promotion of Recreation, Arts, and Parks projects (i.e. Rotary Club of Roxboro Centennial Park, Mayo Lake, Proposed greenway trail) as a way to highlight the high quality of life available in Person County. o Continued/increased support of hospitality and entertainment industry ventures to recruit new residents to Person County o Leverage and capitalize on growth in Durham, Granville, and Orange counties to attract new residents (i.e. showcase Person County as a great place to live while being close to population centers) o Attend Tourism Day at I-85 Welcome Center with community partners to highlight Person County iii.Enhance the Local ED Ecosystem Goal: Bolster local assets to enhance viability and visibility to future investors and business growth 1. Support funding for capital and program improvements at Piedmont Community College • Supported the purchase of the CHATT building • Toured the CHATT building to better understand the intended use and better support operations at this facility 2. Monitor growth in new housing and housing values • Ongoing review of data on building permits • Ongoing review of potential and ongoing housing development • Continue to meet with developers to facilitate residential growth 3. Provide funds to incentivize new development • Continue working with EDPNC to incentivize businesses to locate in Person County • Promoting funding opportunities through KTCOG and CDFIs to encourage small business growth 4. Launch marketing efforts with WRAL 16 of 17 • Marketing efforts completed with WRAL • Additional marketing brochure created iv.Enhance Organizational Effectiveness Goal: Foster an ED Commission and Department that can fulfill their duties to this community 1. Increase familiarity with work done in the country through site visits and assessments of completion • Maintain relationships with county and city departments to stay abreast of impending development projects • Met with Airport Board, Staff, and Airport Architecture Group • Consistent contact with Planning and Zoning, Inspections, and City of Roxboro • Maintain community relationships in order to stay up to date on working being done • Keeps Economic Development tied in with informal community networks 2. Monitor quality of life and ED metrics • Evaluating current CRM platform in order to find a more user-friendly, cost-effective solution to manage projects, BRE visits, and community contacts 3. Improve community-facing resources to share information on efforts and successes • Undertook the creation of a new Economic Development website in order to showcase resources, keep the public informed, and better market the county to potential investors/businesses. • Ideas for improvement o Incorporate a social media platform to better engage the public in collaboration with Person County PIO 17 of 17