06-24-2025 Meeting Agenda Packet EDC
Date: June 24, 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 Dr. Scott McKinney, Chairman 4:01 Invocation Mr. G. Phillip Allen, Vice-Chairman 4:02 Approval of the Minutes **Request a motion to approve the February 25, 2025 Meeting Minutes Dr. Scott McKinney, Chairman 4:03 Golden Leaf-Potential Projects Ms. Katherine Cathey, County Manager 4:15 EDC Board Vacancy Ms. Katherine Cathey, County Manager 4:20 EDC Board Responsibility’s Ms. Katherine Cathey, County Manager The Honorable Sherry Wilborn, Commissioner Representative 4:30 ED Summit Update Dr. Scott McKinney, Chairman 4:40 Chairman Report Dr. Scott McKinney, Chairman 4:45 Member Comments Members and Ex Officios 4:55 Director Report Ms. Brandy Lynch, ED Director 5:00 Next Meeting
Set for July 22, 2025, 4:00 pm, EDC Boardroom,
303 S. Morgan St., Roxboro, NC 27573 Dr. Scott McKinney, Chairman 5:00 **Adjourn Dr. Scott McKinney, Chairman **Action Requested
EDC Minutes for February 25, 2025
Minutes of the PCEDC Regularly Scheduled Meeting
Person County EDC Board Room
303 S. Morgan St., Roxboro, NC 27573
February 25, 2025
Voting Board Members Present:
Dr. Scott McKinney- Chairman Mr. Donald Long
The Honorable Sherry Wilborn Mr. Phillip Allen- Vice-Chairman
Mr. Jay Poindexter Mr. Kenneth Perry
Mr. Jody Blackwell
Dr. Claudia Berryhill, Agricultural Representative
Voting Board Members Absent:
The Honorable Merilyn Newell
Ex Officios Present:
Ms. Katherine Cathey, County Manager
Mr. Brooks Lockhart, City Manager
Dr. Rodney Peterson, PCS Superintendent
Ex Officios Absent:
Dr. Pamela Senegal, PCC President
ED Staff Present: Others Present:
Ms. Brandy Lynch, Director Mr. George Willoughby
Mr. Bryan Eatmon, Existing Industry Specialist Ms. Julie Maybee
Ms. Briana Whitt, ED Specialist (Minutes) Mr. Bo Freeman
Ms. Dana Blackwell
Ms. Kim Strickland
EDC Welcome and Invocation:
At 4:00 p.m., Chairman McKinney called the meeting to order.
Mr. Phillip Allen gave the invocation.
EDC Minutes for February 25, 2025
Approval of Minutes:
Chairman McKinney recognized The Honorable Merilyn Newell for the approval of the minutes
from January 28, 2025.
A motion was made and unanimously approved to approve the January 28, 2025, meeting
minutes.
Motion: Dr. Claudia Berryhill Second: None
Land Use Plan Information:
Dr. McKinney provided a handout to the board to offer additional information on the topic. The
document includes numerous valuable examples of the various ways people support economic health
and the state, and it is written from a North Carolina perspective, reflecting our statutes, laws, and how
our cities and counties interact. Dr. McKinney reviewed the entire document, which is extensive; it has
tags for every instance where economic development is explicitly mentioned. This body is even referred
to as a great example. The Person County Economic Development Commission serves as a means for
collaboration between the city and the county on significant economic development initiatives. Being
part of this organization facilitates coordinated efforts, which is one of the four guiding principles that
enhances governmental coordination. This enables collaboration between local government as the
community pursues development targets, plans, workforce development, site readiness, and incentives
to attract new jobs. Moving forward, the city and the county should maintain their long-term
commitments to collaborate on attracting and retaining high-quality jobs while sustaining the tax base
through major development projects. However, each of the four guiding principles is centered on
assisting our community. The first one is specifically targeted for agriculture, and then the others follow.
Foreign Trade Zone Information:
Dr. McKinney provided a handout for this topic. In our area, the Central Pines Regional Council
manages the establishment of free trade zones. Companies like Spuntech have already established this.
They have gone through the process with the grantee agency and worked with the customs officials to
establish a Foreign Trade Zone, which has some benefits for them, and tries to encourage
manufacturing domestic, overseas.
EDC Minutes for February 25, 2025
Industrial Property Update:
Dr. McKinney informed this group that the staff provided a link to the EDPNC website. You can visit the
link for more details on the properties. The Economic Development Department uses this website to
promote available properties and for which they are aware. The Economic Development Department
must utilize this paid site, which is required for submitting projects through the Economic Development
Partnership website.
Action Plan Follow-up Discussion:
Director Lynch distributed copies of the action plan, along with a summary of the accomplishments and
potential ideas for the future. Additionally, the packet, at the chairman's request, included the county's
strategic plan, demonstrating how the economic development plan aligns with the county's goals and
what the plan entails within the county's strategic framework. The commissioners received the first-
quarter update at the budget retreat, and Ms. Lynch believes the county manager mentioned she would
provide them with the second-quarter update soon. Ms. Lynch opened the floor up to any questions or
suggestions the board may have.
Dr. McKinney pointed out that the shared plan was not the comprehensive strategic plan. Brandy noted
that Economic Development had created a very detailed strategic plan, and Ms. Lynch discovered that
many economic development departments had developed an action plan, which is a much shorter and
more focused version. When Economic Development received a project request, they were given a
concise one-pager outlining these projects, eliminating the need to sift through lengthy documents.
The Economic Development Commission approved the action plan last year.
The Honorable Sherry Wilborn recommended a leadership summit. Ms. Wilborn met with Dr. Peterson
to discuss the preparations of the schools and their needs, particularly in light of the county's residential
growth. Dr. Peterson delivered an excellent presentation to his board. Observing what the city had
approved, he reached out to the county planning department to inquire about their residential
approvals and the work done to present to the board regarding future forecasting is something that
needs to be completed. This will facilitate alignment among the county commissioners, the city council,
and the school board, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and shares a common vision. Ms.
Wilborn stated, “If we're going to, you know, get in front of this group, which we already probably are
too late on, I think that needs to be a priority.”
The city of Danville contacted Ms. Wilborn. Virginia has announced a mega-site. Person County also had
a mega-site announcement. They are interested in collaborating. Ms. Wilborn mentioned that it's
something we've always discussed: forming a regional partnership with Southern Virginia. She believes
we could explore this and identify potential opportunities.
Mr. Perry questioned whether Person County has any industrialized land. Ms. Lynch answered no. Mr.
Perry mentioned that one thing the board will need to understand is, as an EDC, what specific actions
are required? Do we need to send our director to other sites? Noting the need to identify which
businesses have been attracted to areas with existing data centers, and discuss with the Economic
EDC Minutes for February 25, 2025
Development Corporations (EDCs) of those locations to determine which companies were brought in.
Then we can bring that information back to Person County. Allowing Person County EDC to recognize
that these are the businesses attracted to other data center towns and cities. He believes that's
something the EDC should consider, since we don't have the land. I think that's something you all are
working on, in terms of identifying priorities to attract businesses that understand what they need
based on their experiences in other areas. This will help us gain a strategic advantage by reaching out
to those entities beforehand, allowing us to be proactive regarding potential regulations that may or
may not align with our interests.
Lynch noted the increase in calls since Microsoft's purchase of PCMP. It's not just calls from EDPNC;
they come from companies that have already identified the sites they want and have questions about
them. Regarding the companies that have turned away due to our lack of a mega park, not many have
done so, as they aren't seeking a mega park. That amount of land is no longer in demand.
Vice-Chairman Allen notes that as the community invests in schools, builds industrial parks, supports
the airport, develops neighborhoods, and establishes the necessary infrastructure, it becomes clear to
the board that this won't be accomplished with a revenue-neutral tax rate. Therefore, the tough
decisions will involve formulating the best plan; however, if we lack the means or ability to fund it and
raise the necessary taxes, it will not happen. Vice-Chairman Allen believes the discussion needs to focus
on the fact that, as much as people dislike it, if we genuinely want to grow and aim to catch up and
move in the desired direction, whether we're behind or not, he doesn’t think we need to dwell on that.
What we need to do is catch up and get ahead. Yes, we need to catch up, get ahead, and stop being so
sensitive about our revenue-neutral stance. You should be aware of it, but it's unlikely to materialize. If
you aren’t willing to take that step, then we're wasting our time because it won't be enjoyable unless
there's some sort of magic that you, as county manager and city manager, have not revealed to us yet.
EDC has held an ex officio seat on the AG advisory committee since around 2016, and Dr. Berryhill
believes they meet quarterly. To update you on that, there is an ordinance from 2011 that established
the board, along with guidelines for the voluntary agriculture district, which is indeed voluntary.
Essentially, it offers a voluntary commitment not to sell or develop your land. This provides multiple
benefits. Recently, that policy was revised, and the commissioners approved an enhanced voluntary
agriculture district for your farm, which involves a legally binding agreement concerning the debt. This
agreement lasts for 10 years and restricts development during that period. It also provides additional
benefits. The original VAD expired last year, and the process has become somewhat more complex
since then. You must reapply to be part of the voluntary agriculture district. Previously, there were 177
farms listed in the VAD, covering about 31,800 acres. After reapplication, only 34 farms are currently
enrolled, totaling 4,189 acres. Dr. Berryhill has attended the Ag advisory meetings. I have requested to
be involved in the soil and water meetings, which take place every month, and I am in the process of
coordinating with various farm leadership groups, including our extension agent here, to have a sit-
down conversation with them to see if we can engage the agricultural community.
Chairman McKinney volunteered Ms. Wilborn to work with him and Ms. Lynch on identifying a term for
the pillars. McKinney stated that if the board had additions or suggestions to the action plan, email Ms.
Lynch.
EDC Minutes for February 25, 2025
Director Report:
Ms. Lynch distributed a highlight sheet, and I also provided you with some upcoming events of interest,
including the Good Morning coffee hour tomorrow and some county updates. We made a significant
announcement today regarding the sale of North Park to Spuntech. Noting the considerable effort that
went into it, I look forward to continuing to work with Spuntech.
Lynch noted that many of the things Commissioner Wilborn mentioned are already taking place,
including DOT meetings, Carolina Core, and Kerr Tar meetings. Lynch echoed the city manager's
comment that “we're in the wrong division to secure a significant amount of funding.” Industry visits
have been ongoing since Bryan's arrival. They may look different, but they are functioning much better
and more efficiently. The monthly stat sheet that the previous board requested will not be distributed
on a monthly basis. Dr. McKinney requested that it be provided quarterly, which is something the board
has asked us to continue. I want to inform you that we are still working with Kerr Tar on a contract to
start identifying land, and we are collaborating with Kerr Tar on a tourism project that will last the entire
year. I attended the meeting on that two weeks ago, and it seems like a project I will work on with
agriculture and tourism, along with all the other counties in the Kerr Tar region.
Ms. Lynch attended the RTRP meeting, where one of the topics discussed was Duke Power's need to
reevaluate its approach to economic development and handle requests, given the high volume it is
receiving. Small Modular Reactors are actually on a 10-year construction timeline, and we are looking at
42 to 48 months for some substations. However, there is still a significant issue with supply and
demand. Duke is still lacking in supply. Duke is also feeling the burden of growth quite a bit.
Ms. Lynch was excited yesterday to attend the breakfast for Dr. Senegal. She had a representative from
the county school system come up and thank me for hiring Bryan and placing him in that role, where he
is doing great work with the school system. Economic development has been an excellent partner for
them, and she expressed her gratitude for all we are doing. I think we should all be proud that some of
the plans we put in place are working, and we're receiving a lot of appreciation. The county is
collaborating with NC State to recruit summer interns for the local industry.
Mr. Perry stated that he had informed everyone about Durham County's plan to extend its bike
pathway, connecting us as a county. Perry questions the plans. Mr. Lockhart responded that Mr. John
Hill, the director of Parks and Rec, has been conducting community engagements for at least the last
couple of years regarding the park and specifically this rail-to-air conversion, and it's something that
will continue to be improved. So yes, that is already part of the plan.
Ms. Cathy stated that the DOT is a partner in this project and is providing significant funding because
this is a regional initiative with the potential to expand into other counties. Consequently, the DOT is a
partner; there are also nonprofit partners involved. We’re all collaborating with Roxboro, Durham
County, and Person County to unify these areas. Mr. Allen questioned who would be in control and
which body would maintain the trail. Ms. Cathy answered that while the DOT controls the land, it
transitions to a county project for building and maintenance.
EDC Minutes for February 25, 2025
Mr. Long asked Ms. Lynch if there were any updates on Microsoft’s needs. Ms. Lynch stated that she
deals with Microsoft on a very regular basis. To answer the question, no, we don't know anything for
sure. Ms. Lynch re-emphasized what John Nelms said: they are having quite a few growing pains right
now, and she didn’t know if that could be causing an issue, but I have a feeling it is playing a part. The
conversation continues as they share their needs and answer questions about what they may or may
not do. There are ongoing conversations, but we cannot say anything publicly that's definite. Long
questions: If there is any interest in GKN, Lynch notes that she has submitted the building a couple of
times but hasn’t received a response.
Mr. Blackwell mentioned that he received an email regarding something titled "The Power of
Cooperatives Driving Social and Economic Change." It is scheduled for Tuesday, April 15, from 8:00 am
to 3:30 pm, and will be held at the NC State farm for a fee of $30.
Chairman Report:
None
Next Meeting:
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. in the Person County
EDC Board Room, located at 303 S. Morgan St., Roxboro, NC.
Adjournment:
A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously passed to adjourn the meeting at
approximately 5:51 p.m.
Motion: Mr. Phillip Allen Second: Mr. Jay Poindexter
_____________________________________ ______________________________________
Date Approved Secretary
Golden LEAF Community Based Initiative
Person County Application Process
Introduction
The Golden LEAF Foundation Community Based Grants Initiative (CBGI) is now underway in the North
Central Prosperity Zone. A total of $11 million is available to support projects in the region. Awards are
limited to no more than three projects in any county and may total no more than $1.5 million in any
county. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or governmental entities (county and municipal
governments, community colleges, universities, etc.). Funds do not have to be administered or
implemented by the county government.
Person County will solicit project proposals over the coming weeks for consideration by county
management, the Economic Development Commission and the Board of Commissioners before official
submittal to the Golden LEAF Board of Directors. Up to four projects that total up to $2 million may be
selected for submittal. No single project may exceed $1.5 million in Golden LEAF funds.
The CBGI is designed to identify projects with the potential to have a significant impact. It is a focused
process with grants targeted toward investments in the building blocks of economic growth. Funds are
limited to projects that address Golden LEAF priorities of job creation and economic
investment, agriculture, and workforce preparedness.
The primary point of contact for this process will be Brandy Lynch, Economic Development Director,
336-597-1752, blynch@personcountync.gov.
Visit Golden LEAF’s website for more information.
Grant Timeline
July 21: Project worksheets due to county staff for initial review and comment. It is advised to contact
staff beforehand to ensure the project meets minimum requirements for consideration. Projects will be
reviewed as soon as possible with any proposed changes provided to the organization for comment.
Aug 4: Project worksheets submitted to Golden LEAF for review and feedback. Meetings to provide
feedback to county staff will be held on Aug. 9 and Aug. 14.
Aug. 26: Economic Development Commission provides feedback on submitted projects.
Sept. 2: Board of Commissioners approves list of projects to submit to Golden LEAF.
Sept. 8: Final list of endorsed projects submitted to Golden LEAF.
Nov. 20: Applications due to Golden LEAF via online application portal.
November through January: Golden LEAF staff reviews applications and conducts due diligence. Golden
LEAF anticipates that in person site visits will be scheduled in December and early January.
Feb. 5, 2026: Golden LEAF Board reviews applications and makes decisions regarding funding.
Attachment
Project Worksheet – This form is required to be completed for all projects to be considered.
Food Distribution Assistance Program Committee
November 30, 2023
Community-Based Grants Initiative
North Central Prosperity Zone
•To increase job creation and economic investment in rural, economically
distressed, and tobacco-dependent communities
•To improve workforce preparedness in rural, economically distressed, and
tobacco-dependent communities
•To increase the value of North Carolina’s agriculture industry
•To improve the competitiveness and capacity of targeted communities
•To have, and be recognized for, excellence in organizational collaboration,
innovation, and impact
Golden LEAF Strategic Priorities FY 2022-2026
Golden LEAF Priority Funding Areas
Workforce
Preparedness Agriculture
Job Creation
and
Economic Investment
Golden LEAF Priority Area Outcomes
Workforce
Preparedness
●Courses or programs
completed
●Industry credentials earned
●Students employed in field of
study
Agriculture
●Participants at agricultural
trainings
●Publications directed towards
farmers
●Use of facilities
Job Creation and
Economic Investment
●Private capital investment
●New jobs created
●Average annual wage of new
jobs
Characteristics of Competitive Projects
Strategic.
Leverage additional funds
or investment.
For prior grantees,
performance and track record
managing
Golden LEAF projects.
Demonstrate immediate need
and the ability to put funds to
work quickly.
Moves the economic needle
in the community.
Community buy-in and strong
support from a variety of
citizens and organizations.
Focused on action,
not planning.
Builds on previous community
planning processes.
Sustainable.
Characteristics of Low Priority Projects
●Tourism, arts, or cultural resources
●Emergency services including fire departments
●General social services
●Reimbursement for prior expenditures
●Capital campaign or endowments
●General maintenance and operational support
●Infrastructure not related to economic development
●Repair or replacement of existing equipment and infrastructure
Leveraging Funds
Golden LEAF Community-Based Grants Initiative
It is a focused process targeted toward investments in the building blocks of economic
growth. It is competitive among all counties within a Prosperity Zone.
Projects are reviewed and awarded funds through a two-stage process that begins in
spring 2025 and concludes in February 2026.
Awards are limited to no more than three projects in any county and may total no more
than $1.5 million in any county. Regional projects are not included in those county limits.
The total budget for the Initiative is $11 million, including any regional projects.
Golden LEAF Community-Based Grants Initiative
The 15 counties from the North Central Prosperity Zone are invited to participate in our
Community-Based Grants Initiative (CBGI).
The counties in the North Central Prosperity Zone are Chatham, Durham, Edgecombe,
Franklin, Granville, Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Nash, Orange, Person, Vance, Wake, Warren,
and Wilson.
The process is competitive, but organizations from all counties within the North Central
Prosperity Zone will have an opportunity to participate.
Role of County Manager
The County Manager plays a critical role in the process by endorsing up to four
projects to submit an application through this initiative.
The purpose of this endorsement is to reflect the county’s needs and priorities.
Each county will establish its own process for gathering projects. You are encouraged to
reach out to your county manager to understand your county’s process.
Awards are not required to be administered by the county unless the county is the
grantee.
Regional Projects
Eligible entities may submit regional projects for consideration.
Regional projects are not required to receive a county manager endorsement but must
reach out to discuss with Golden LEAF staff to ensure the project meets the eligibility
requirements for regional projects.
We would not expect regional projects to exceed awards of $2m.
Awards for regional projects come from the $11 million budget for the program.
Regional projects must meet all of the following criteria:
•Collaboration of entities in at least three counties
•Collaboration outside of entities’ traditional service area
Contact Golden LEAF
Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Golden LEAF to discuss project ideas
early in the process to ensure alignment with Golden LEAF priority areas.
Please use the form on our website --
https://goldenleaf.org/funding-opportunities/contact-programs/
Golden LEAF will review the information provided and match you with a member of our
team to follow up.
Interested applicants can request to meet to:
•Get clarification about CBGI and the application and selection process
•Discuss a project idea
•Review for designation as a regional project.
CBGI Process and Timeline
Fall 2025
Applications from projects
endorsed by the county
will be due in November
February 2026
Applications reviewed by
Golden LEAF Board and
awards made
Spring & Summer 2025
Gathering held to share
information and discuss
potential projects
County managers submit initial
project ideas, receive feedback
from Golden LEAF, and finalize
list of four projects to apply
See detailed timeline posted on the Golden LEAF website
Requirements
●Eligible Applicant
✔501(c)(3) nonprofit
✔Governmental entity
●Eligible Uses of Funds
✔Must be charitable – no impermissible private benefit
✔May not be used for purchase of land or buildings
✔May not be used for grant administration
●Projects are subject to due diligence by Golden LEAF staff, Board, and legal counsel as
necessary.
●Golden LEAF Board of Directors makes final funding decisions.
●Funded projects are subject to all reporting requirements of Golden LEAF Foundation, the State
Auditor, and Office of Budget and Management as applicable. Grantees must comply with all
conditions and requirements in the grantee agreement.
●All correspondence/communications to and from Golden LEAF are subject to the North Carolina
Public Records Law and may be disclosed to third parties.
15
Questions?
CBGI@goldenleaf.org
1
May 2025
Golden LEAF Community-Based Grants Initiative
Project Worksheet
The purpose of this worksheet is to gather a high-level overview of potential Golden LEAF projects that will
allow Golden LEAF staff to provide feedback on a project idea. It is not an application form and does not
require the detailed level of information that would be expected in an application. This worksheet includes
three parts: Project Overview, Project Budget, and Project Outcomes. Please complete all three parts or
indicate that the information is not available. If necessary, in your responses you can include links to outside
resources, or you may attach additional information.
Golden LEAF understands that potential applicants may not have answers to all of the questions at this time.
Responses to these questions should be brief and focused.
If you have any questions about this form, please contact CBGI@GoldenLEAF.org. This worksheet is due to
your county manager at their specified deadline and should not be sent directly to Golden LEAF unless your
organization has been designated as a regional project.
Organization
County
Project Contact Name
Project Contact Role
Project Contact Email
You will have the opportunity to list additional key staff later in this document.
2
May 2025
Project Overview
What is the issue that your project addresses? What is the need or demand in your community
for the services you will provide? If available, include data or documentation of demand that
helps define the issue. (limited to 1500 characters)
How does your project align with the Golden LEAF priorities of job creation and economic
investment, workforce preparedness, or agriculture? (limited to 1500 characters)
Complete the table at the end of this document with the Golden LEAF priority outcomes you
expect to achieve, if you know them. (Projects are not expected to address all priority outcomes.)
3
May 2025
Describe your project. What are the key elements and what steps will you take to implement
them? Provide an overview of the major project activities and a timeline. (limited to 1500
characters)
Who will you serve with this effort? Describe the support you have from the people or
organizations that you plan to serve with the project. For example, if you are planning a
workforce development project, do you have engagement of employers? from the potential
trainees? If you are considering an agriculture project, have farmers expressed interest in your
work? (limited to 1500 characters)
4
May 2025
Why is your organization particularly suited to implement this project? What background,
resources, connections, and experience does your organization offer? (limited to 1500
characters)
Who else is working on this issue or similar issues in your community? Who are potential
partners? List organizations that are collaborating with you.
Organization County Contact Person Name Contact Person Email
5
May 2025
Project Budget
Complete the project budget form below by inserting a dollar amount in the appropriate cells. The budget
does not have to be final, but should give a general idea of the amount to be requested of Golden LEAF and
the amount needed from other sources. Please enter the totals at the bottom.
The form includes a few high-level budget categories for your use. More detailed information is not required.
You may add other categories in the remaining cells on the Budget Category column if needed.
Budget Category
Golden LEAF
Request
(in dollars)
Other Funding
Sources
(Committed)
(in dollars)
Other Funding
Sources
(Requested)
(in dollars)
Total
(All Sources)
(in dollars)
Equipment/Supplies $ $ $ $
Construction $ $ $ $
Design/Engineering $ $ $ $
Services $ $ $ $
Personnel $ $ $ $
$ $ $ $
$ $ $ $
$ $ $ $
TOTAL $ $ $ $
6
May 2025
Project Outcomes
What specific Golden LEAF priority area outcomes will you address? Complete the table below with the Golden
LEAF priority outcomes you expect to achieve, if you know them, and the source of data you will use to track
them. Projects are not expected to address all priority outcomes.
Information about outcomes is available here: https://www.goldenleaf.org/priority-area-outcomes/
Outcome
Choose any that your project will achieve
Goal
(Input a number) Source of Data
Job Creation and Economic Investment
New full-time jobs created
New investment in privately owned property,
plant, and equipment $
Investment in publicly owned infrastructure $
Average annual wage of new full-time jobs $
Business start-ups
New housing units
Workforce Preparedness
Increase in students earning at least one academic
credential (curriculum diploma, certificate, or associate
degree/con ed certificate) in the area funded.
Increase in students earning at least one industry/third
party certification, license, or other credential
(nonacademic) in the area funded.
Increase in high school students completing CTE
pathways in the area funded.
Increase in secondary or post-secondary students
participating in work-based learning.
Increase in secondary students receiving meaningful
exposure and opportunities to explore local career
opportunities.
Agriculture
Number of participants at agricultural trainings
New publications directed towards farmers
Monthly use of agricultural facilities that benefit
farmers
AGENDA ABSTRACT
Meeting Date:
June 16, 2025
Agenda Title:
Golden LEAF Community-Based Grants Initiative
Summary of Information:
The Golden LEAF Foundation Community Based Grants Initiative (CBGI) is now underway
in the North Central Prosperity Zone. Golden LEAF offers CBGI each year in one of the eight
prosperity zones in North Carolina. The counties in the North Central Prosperity Zone are
Chatham, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Granville, Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Nash, Orange,
Person, Vance, Wake, Warren and Wilson.
The CBGI is designed to identify projects with the potential to have a significant impact. It is a
focused process with grants targeted toward investments in the building blocks of economic
growth. Funds are limited to projects that address Golden LEAF priorities of job creation and
economic investment, agriculture, and workforce preparedness.
Each county determines how projects will be prioritized and may submit up to four projects
that total up to $2 million, though no single project may exceed $1.5 million, and Golden
LEAF will make no more than three awards totaling $1.5 million in a county. Applicants must
be 501(c)(3) organizations or governmental entities (county and municipal governments,
community colleges, universities, etc.). Funds do not have to be administered or implemented
by the county government.
County managers may designate a primary contact to facilitate this process with Golden LEAF
and serve as a liaison to potential applicants. County managers may submit project worksheets
(template attached) to Golden LEAF for review and feedback by Aug. 4. There is no cap on
the number of project worksheets managers may submit. County managers must submit the
final list of projects endorsed to apply to Golden LEAF by Sept. 8. Applications from projects
endorsed by the county will be due to Golden LEAF by Nov. 20 for consideration by the
Golden LEAF Board at their Feb. 5, 2026 meeting.
The attached Golden LEAF Foundation presentation provides more information about the
CBGI. The proposed Person County Application Process is attached for the board’s
consideration.
Financial Impact:
None
Recommended Action:
Approve Person County application process and begin soliciting project proposals.
Submitted By:
Katherine M. Cathey, County Manager
BY-LAWS
OF THE
PERSON COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
COMMISSION ARTICLE ONE
Organization
The Person County Economic Development Commission, Person County, North Carolina shall conduct
its business in a precise and uniform manner. Proceedings of meetings shall be accurately
recorded as valuable records and as a means of avoiding misunderstandings.
Section 1.
Section 2.
Section 3.
Section 4.
Section5.
Section6.
The authority for creation of this organization is Article 2, "Economic Development
Commission" of Chapter 158 of the North Carolina General Statutes.
The name of the organization shall be the Person County Economic Development
Commission, hereinafter referred to as Commission.
The County of Person, North Carolina, and its trade area shall constitute the
Person County Economic Development Area.
The location of the principal office of the Commission shall be within the bounds
of the City of Roxboro, North Carolina, and such other places as the business of
the Commission may require.
The fiscal year of the Commission shall commence on the 1st day of July and end
on the 30thday of June.
The Commission shall be considered a Public Authority within the meaning of State
Law, Chapter 159, unless specified to the contrary by the creating governmental body.
ARTICLE TWO
Purposes and Objectives
The purpose of this Commission is to assist the County of Person in promoting economic
development, and to establish a framework for local, state and federal efforts toward providing
the basic facilities essential to the growth of the area. Specific objectives of the Commission are,
through coordinated and concerted efforts, to secure full potential development of Person
County's resources, including, but not limited to:
Section 1. Receive from any municipal, county, joint or regional planning board or commission with
jurisdiction within its area an economic development program for part or all of
the area.
Section 2.
Section3.
Section 4.
Section 5.
Section 6.
\
Section 7.
Section 8.
Section 1.
Section 2.
Formulate projects for carrying out such economic development program, through
attraction of new industries, encouragement of agricultural development,
encouragement of new business and industrial ventures by local as well as
foreign capital, and other activities of a similar nature.
Conduct industrial surveys as needed, advertise in periodicals or other
communications media, furnish advice and assistance to business and industrial
prospects which may locate in the area, furnish advice and assistance to existing
businesses and industries, furnish advice and assistance to persons seeking to establish new
businesses or industries, and engage in related activities.
Encourage the formation of private business development corporations or
associations which may carry out such projects as securing and preparing sites for
industrial development, constructing industrial buildings, or rendering financial or
managerial assistance to businesses and industries; furnish advice and assistance to such
corporations or associations.
Carry on such other activities as maybe necessary in the proper exercise of the
functions described herein.
Encourage the enrichment of curriculum to achieve appropriate occupational
training, including pertinent technical and vocational training within the school
systems serving the area; to assist in securing training programs for industry, business
and related entities.
Encourage development of programs designed to further health efforts, tourism,
transportation facilities, housing, recreation and related needs for the promotion of the
general economic well-being of Person County.
Recommend the employment of an Economic Development Director, who shall be
the Director of the Commission, and other staff as may be required.
ARTICLE THREE
Membership
The composition of the Commission and terms of members shall be as determined by
the Person County Board of Commissioners as the appointing authority and as
amended pursuant to law from time to time. ‘Member’ is defined to include only those
appointed as regular members and not NON-VOTING EX OFFICIO members since
the statutes provide for an absolute maximum number of members of the board of
directors of the EDC. Only members should be allowed to vote. NON-VOTING EX
OFFICIO or other appropriate PERSON may be allowed to participate, BUT NOT
vote, or to attend executive sessions (CLOSED MEETINGS) upon approval of the
members.
Both Members and Non-Voting Ex Officios will be required to participate annually in
Ethics Training within the first 90 days of appointment to the Commission, as is feasible,
and within 90 days after each annual meeting, thereafter, at which time Conflict of
Interest Policies will be reviewed and signed. The training shall be conducted by means
approved by the County Attorney.
Section 1.
Section 2.
Section 3.
ARTICLE FOUR
Authority of Commission Members
Section 4.
Section 1.
The government, business and property of the Commission shall be managed by the
Members. The Members shall only act in the name of the Commission when it shall
be regularly convened by its Chairman, or acting Chairman, after due notice to all
Members of such meeting. Each Member, as applicable, shall serve for the term
appointed, or until death, resignation, retirement, removal, replacement,
disqualification, or until a successor is appointed or qualified.
At the annual meeting held each January, after the organizational meeting of the
Person County Commissioners, the Members shall elect officers, which shall be
Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary. The officers of the Commission shall be
the Executive Board.
The term of such officer shall be for one (1) year. They shall assume office upon ,
election by a majority, as defined herein, and continue until replacement or re-
election at the next annual meeting. Officers may be elected to succeed
themselves or be elected to any other office.
Vacancies in the Executive Board arising from any cause may be filled by the
Commission for the unexpired term of the office creating the vacancy.
ARTICLE FIVE
Duties of Officers
The general duties of the Chairman of the Commission are:
A. The Chairman shall preside at all regular, special and emergency meetings
of the Commission and the Executive Board.
B. The Chairman may appoint such committees as the work of the
Commission may require, subject to the approval of the Commission, and shall
guide and direct the efforts of said committees.
C. Disbursement of funds shall at all times conform with the policies as
promulgated by the County and with general and special terms and conditions of
appropriated funds in compliance with any local, state, or federal grants.
Section 2.
Section 3.
Section 4.
Section 5.
Section 1.
Section 1.
The Vice-Chairman of the Commission shall perform the duties of the Chairman in
his/her absence,
The general duties of the Secretary are:
A. The Secretary shall verify and authenticate all the records
of the Commission and the Executive Board.
B. The Secretary shall perform such other duties as shall be assigned
by the Commission.
The Director shall be the chief staff officer of the Commission. The Director shall
be an ex-officio member of all functional and standing committees. The Director's
scope of work shall be as established by the County.
The Executive Board shall carry out such functions as the Members may authorize
or direct.
ARTICLE SIX
Compensation
Compensation for Commission travel expenses and allowances applicable to the
Commission staff, officers, and Members shall be in accordance with the policies adopted
by the County.
ARTICLE SEVEN
Commission Panels and Task Forces
The Chairman may from time to time appoint qualified individuals to serve on
bodies created to achieve specific objectives and purposes of the Commission,
subject to the approval of the Commission. The creation of appropriate panels and
taskforces as operating entities is hereby authorized.
ARTICLE EIGHT
Meetings
The Commission shall meet regularly, at least every three (3) months.
Section 1.
Section 2.
Section 3.
Section 4.
Section 5.
Section 6.
Section 7.
Section 8.
Section 9.
Section 10.
The annual meeting of the Commission shall be held in Person County, North
Carolina at a location approved by the Chairman or Director.
Regular meetings of the Commission shall be held as announced in accordance
with NC Open Meetings Law per NCGS 143-318.12. The regular meetings shall
be held in Person County, North Carolina at a location approved by the Chairman or
Director.
Special meetings may be called by the Chairman or the Director, or by any three
(3) Members, at any time or place by giving forty-eight (48) hours written
notice, providing such notice states purpose for which the special meeting is
called.
Emergency meetings may be called by the Chairman or the Director, or by any
three (3) Members, at any time or place by giving as much notice as is reasonably
possible, providing such notice states the purpose for which the emergency meeting is
called.
Notification of emergency meetings may be by telephone or electronic mail.
Whenever there is no business for the Commission, the Chairman may dispense
with a regular meeting in accordance with Open Meetings Law, provided the
Commission must meet every three (3) months.
A majority of the board membership shall constitute a quorum. The number required
for a quorum is not affected by vacancies. If a member has withdrawn from a
meeting without being excused by majority vote of the remaining members present,
he or she shall be counted as present for the purposes of determining whether a
quorum is present. If no quorum is present at the annual meeting, a regular, special,
or emergency meeting, there shall be no official meeting.
At Commission meetings, each of the Members present shall have one vote.
All Commission actions shall require a majority vote, except as otherwise required
by applicable law.
The Commission may authorize in extraordinary circumstances for action to be taken
by a committee of no less than three (3), only for the task appointed.
All Commission meetings shall be open to the public and shall conform with the
Open Meeting Law.
The question of parliamentary procedure shall be decided according to Roberts
Rules of Order.
' '
ARTICLE NINE
Budget
Section l.
Section 1.
Section 2.
The budget for the Commission shall be as authorized by the Person County Board
of Commissioners and shall be executed pursuant to County and State rules.
ARTICLE TEN
Records
The Commission staff shall maintain a file of all studies, plans, reports,
and recommendations made by the Commission in the discharge of its
duties and responsibilities.
An annual report shall be given to the governing body of Person County.
ARTICLE ELEVEN
Amendments
The Members, by the affirmative vote of a majority thereof, provided a quorum is present, may
make, alter, amend, add to or repeal, or otherwise modify these by-laws at any regular or special
meeting. Prior written notification of a minimum of seven (7) days shall be accorded Members
relative to amendments or changes. The notice shall list the proposed change(s).
ARTICLE TWELVE
Dissolution and Liquidation
In the event of dissolution and liquidation of the Commission, the Members shall, after paying or
making provisions for the payment of all the liabilities, debts and obligations of the Commission,
dispose and distribute all assets of the Commission exclusively for the purposes of the Commission,
subject to the approval of the County. Said actions may be subject to Section 50l(c) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1954 as amended from time to time.
Revised May, 2011; September 20, 2012; May 2013; August 30, 2017; October 22, 2019, May 28,
2020