07-22-2025 Meeting Minutes EDCEDC Minutes for July 22, 2025
Minutes of the PCEDC Regularly Scheduled Meeting
Person County EDC Board Room
303 S. Morgan St., Roxboro, NC 27573
July 22, 2025
Voting Board Members Present:
Dr. Scott McKinney- Chairman Mr. Jody Blackwell
Mr. Phillip Allen- Vice-Chairman Mr. Kenneth Perry
Dr. Claudia Berryhill, Agricultural Representative, Mr. Jay Poindexter
The Honorable Merilyn Newell The Honorable Sherry Wilborn
Ex Officios Present:
Ms. Katherine Cathey, County Manager
Mr. Brooks Lockhart, City Manager
Ex Officios Absent:
Dr. Rodney Peterson, PCS Superintendent
Dr. Barbara Buchanan, PCC Vice-President
ED Staff Present: Others Present:
Ms. Brandy Lynch, Director Ms. Julie Maybee
Mr. Bryan Eatmon, Existing Industry Specialist Mr. George Willoughby
Ms. Briana Whitt, Specialist (Minutes) Ms. Dana Blackwell
Ms. Kim Strickland
Mr. Bo Freeman
Ms. Grayson Brann
Ms. Garrison Bowes
Mr. Glenn Martin
Mr. Kelly Snow
EDC Welcome and Invocation:
At 4:00 p.m., Chairman McKinney called the meeting to order.
The Honorable Merilyn Newell gave the invocation.
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EDC Minutes for July 22, 2025
Consent Agenda:
Chairman McKinney recognized The Honorable Merilyn Newell for the approval of the March 25,
2025, April 22, 2025, May 27, 2025, and June 24, 2025 meeting minutes.
A motion was unanimously approved to approve the meeting minutes for March 25, 2025, April
22, 2025, May 27, 2025, and June 24, 2025, with noted additions by Dr. Berryhill.
Motion: The Honorable Sherry Wilborn Second: Mr. Jody Blackwell
Leadership Summit Planning:
Dr. McKinney reviewed the handout he provided to the board, offering more in-depth insights
on the topics that will be discussed at the Summit in October. Mr. Lockhart mentioned that we
should consider a broader conversation, possibly involving more than one session. He also
informed the board about the upcoming update to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)
that the city will be implementing, outlining its key components. Lockhart promised to provide
Dr. McKinney with the relevant contact information as soon as possible.
Member Comments:
Dr. Berryhill noted the significant damage caused by the flooding, particularly affecting our
farmers and their fields.
The Honorable Merilyn Newell inquired whether crop insurance covers flooding. Commissioner
Wilborn responded that she had spoken with Kim Woods who explained that crop insurance
differs from real estate insurance, as many people do not have flood coverage for their crops.
Mr. Freeman mentioned that some farmers are experiencing severe flooding in their fields, with
specific areas so inundated that they have lost crops due to the excessive rain. In contrast,
others are unable to access their fields at all.
Ms. Cathey mentioned that many individuals have been involved in the damage assessment
process. There is a public reporting tool available on the county website. The county is working
diligently to compile all information regarding the damages. In terms of agriculture, Bo Freeman
and Nancy McCormick have been in contact with several farmers to gather details about their
losses. This information will be entered into the reporting tool, which is also accessible to the
public for submitting their reports.
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EDC Minutes for July 22, 2025
The recovery phase and assessment process will take a significant amount of time. Our
Emergency Services Director has been coordinating efforts and communicating with state
authorities. Conversations are ongoing at both the state and federal levels to secure as much
assistance as possible. However, we need accurate data to report back to obtain that assistance.
Chairman Report:
Dr. McKinney stated that many things are changing, and some existing businesses are adapting
in ways that will help them be more successful and profitable, along with a few new initiatives
being introduced.
Duke Energy is committed to being a long-term presence in our community. They have been
here for many years and plan to continue their services for many more. The operations and
developments in their organization require substantial planning and thoughtful consideration.
Dr. McKinney was encouraged to hear emphasis placed on why Duke Energy plays such an
integral role in the long-term strategy to ensure the reliability of our energy grid. It was uplifting
to hear positive remarks about Person County, our residents, and the unwavering support from
the community. A significant part of this support comes from the Economic Development
Commission (EDC), which remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing our energy
infrastructure, including discussions around gas resources.
Dr. McKinney mentioned that there are ongoing discussions among the county commissioners
about potential changes regarding our responsibilities, specifically concerning supervising and
managing operations. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among the county
attorney, county manager, and the commissioners. Despite these discussions, Dr. McKinney
reassured us that our mission remains unchanged. We are all here for a common purpose, and
we will work together to navigate any new challenges that arise.
Director Report:
Mr. Eatmon is currently working on a link for the news section of our website that will connect to
the portal for reporting store damage. This should be available soon. Additionally, we have
updated the testimonials section on our website, which now features a rotating selection of new
testimonials.
Ms. Lynch also mentioned that the Small Business Main Street Grant will remain active until July
31.
Mr. Eatmon has reached out to all of our major industries to ensure that none of them have
sustained damage, as this is crucial for securing state and county funding. Furthermore, he has
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Date: July 22, 2025
Time: 4:00 pm
Location: EDC Boardroom, 303 S. Morgan St., Roxboro, NC 27573
Regularly-Scheduled Meeting Agenda
Time Item Leader 4:00 pm Welcome Dr. Scott McKinney, Chairman 4:01 pm Invocation Mr. G. Phillip Allen, Vice-Chairman
4:03 pm
Consent Agenda -March 25, 2025 Meeting Minutes -April 22, 2025 Meeting Minutes -May 27, 2025 Meeting Minutes -June 24, 2025 Meeting Minutes **Request a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented
Dr. Scott McKinney, Chairman
4:05 pm Leadership Summit Planning Dr. Scott McKinney, Chairman 4:40 pm Chairman Report Dr. Scott McKinney, Chairman 4:45 pm Member Comments Members and Ex Officios 4:55 pm Director Report Ms. Brandy Lynch, ED Director 5:00 pm Next Meeting
Set for August 26, 2025, 4:00 pm, EDC Boardroom,
303 S. Morgan St., Roxboro, NC 27573 Dr. Scott McKinney, Chairman 5:00 pm **Adjourn Dr. Scott McKinney, Chairman **Action Requested
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Person County, NC
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Economy Overview
Takeaways
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May 2025 Labor Force Breakdown
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Educational Attainment
Concerning educational attainment,14.4% of Person County, NC residents possess a Bachelor's Degree (7.1% below the
national average), and 12.3% hold an Associate's Degree (3.5% above the national average).
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Unemployment by Demographics
Unemployment by Age
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Population Trends
As of 2024 the region's population increased by 0.7%since 2019, growing by 297. Population is expected to increase by 1.5%between 2024 and 2029, adding 606.
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Population Characteristics
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Inbound and Outbound Migration
The table below analyzes past and current residents of Person County, NC. The left column shows residents of other counties
migrating to Person County, NC. The right column shows residents migrating from Person County, NC to other counties.
As of 2022, 445 people have migrated from Durham County, NC to Person County, NC. In the same year,195 people left
Person County, NC migrating to Durham County, NC. The total Net Migration for Person County, NC in 2022 was 401.
Top Previous Counties Migrations
Durham County, NC 445
Orange County, NC 178
Wake County, NC 127
Granville County, NC 90
Alamance County, NC 71
Caswell County, NC 54
Halifax County, VA 41
Guilford County, NC 7
Mecklenburg County, NC 7
Cumberland County, NC 6
Top Following Counties Migrations
Durham County, NC 195
Orange County, NC 101
Wake County, NC 85
Granville County, NC 83
Alamance County, NC 63
Caswell County, NC 52
Halifax County, VA 42
Guilford County, NC 40
Mecklenburg County, NC 27
Cumberland County, NC 2414 of 22
Largest Industries
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Business Characteristics
3,120 Companies Employ Your Workers
Online profiles for your workers mention 3,120 companies as employers, with the top 10 appearing below. In the last 12
months, 450 companies in Person County, NC posted job postings, with the top 10 appearing below.
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Educational Pipeline
In 2023, there were 314 graduates in Person County, NC. This pipeline has grown by 2% over the last 5 years. The highest
share of these graduates come from "Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies" (Associate's), "Welding Technology/Welder"
(Certificate), and "Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse" (Associate's).
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Highlights
June 2025 - July 2025
-Brandy delivered a speech at the Kiwanis Club meeting.
-Staff participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremonies:
o Huck Sansbury Park
o Roxboro Home Decor
-Planning continues for the Kerr Tar Economic Development Summit.t
-Brandy has received more phone calls this month from various
developers either planning to or interested in coming to the area.
-Golden Leaf applications were due on Monday.
-Minutes are now current, thanks, Bri!!
-Participated in calls with Emergency Management regarding the State
of Emergency and recovery efforts.s
-Helped organize the July 4 parade.e
-Met with out-of-town companies that need workforce training offered
by PCC.
Upcoming Events of Interest
-The Kerr Tar Summit is scheduled for October 9, 2025.
-Person County Job Fair and Resource Expo on September 10, 2025.
-Ribbon Cutting at Rock Athletic Complex — Bring your bikes and take
a hike, Wednesday, July 23, 5:30 pm.
Information for the EDC Advisory Board
-Governor Stein declared a State of Emergency for Person, Caswell,
Alamance, Chatham, Davidson, Durham, Forsyth, Guilford, Lee, Moore,
Orange, Randolph, and Wake Counties.
-There is a portal on the county website for self-reporting damage from
Tropical Storm Chantel.
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