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02-24-2026 Meeting Minutes EDCEDC Minutes for February 24, 2026 Minutes of the PCEDC Regularly Scheduled Meeting Person County EDC Board Room 303 S. Morgan St., Roxboro, NC 27573 February 24, 2026 Voting Board Members Present: Mr. Phillip Allen- Vice-Chairman Mr. Kenneth Perry The Honorable Cynthia Petty Mr. Jody Blackwell The Honorable Sherry Wilborn Dr. Claudia Berryhill, Agricultural Representative Voting Board Members Absent: Dr. Scott McKinney- Chairman Mr. Jay Poindexter Ex Officios Present: Ms. Katherine Cathey, County Manager Dr. Rodney Peterson, PCS Superintendent Mr. Brooks Lockhart, City Manager Dr. Kevin Lee, PCC President ED Staff Present: Others Present: Ms. Briana Whitt, Specialist (Minutes) Ms. Julie Maybee Mr. George Willoughby Ms. Michie Brandon EDC Welcome and Invocation: At 4:00 p.m., Vice-Chairman Allen called the meeting to order. The Honorable Sherry Wilborn gave the invocation. Consent Agenda: Vice-Chairman Allen recognized Dr. Claudia Berryhill for the approval of the January 13, 2026, Executive Board, January 27, 2026, regular scheduled, and January 29, 2026, Housing Summit meeting minutes. A motion was unanimously approved to approve the meeting minutes for January 13, 2026, Executive Board, January 27, 2026, regular scheduled, and January 29, 2026, Housing Summit. Motion: The Honorable Sherry Wilborn Second: Mr. Kenneth Perry 1 of 10 EDC Minutes for February 24, 2026 Update from the Commissioners’ Budget Retreat: Mr. Perry provided an update from the County Commissioners’ budget retreat, noting appreciation for the opportunity to participate and the Commissioners’ willingness to listen. He observed that the Commissioners maintained neutral expressions but that the EDC’s presentation was well-delivered. Perry emphasized that economic development is inherently a team effort requiring communication among the Economic Development Director, the County Manager, the Commissioners, and the EDC Board. Vice-Chairman Allen followed with comments highlighting the essential role of “product” in economic development. He stated that companies will not consider investing in a community without available development-ready sites and buildings. He stressed the importance of strategic investments to grow the tax base, which supports the community college, public schools, and county capital needs. He acknowledged the challenges rural communities face during budget season and encouraged continued focus on long-term development strategy. Housing Summit Recap: Commissioner Wilborn presented a summary of the Housing Summit. She explained that developers emphasized that construction costs in Person County mirror costs throughout the region, meaning the county must adopt development-friendly policies if it hopes to compete successfully for new housing. She pointed out that developers from outside the county demonstrated a strong awareness of regional economic trends and competition from nearby counties such as Lee and Granville. Wilborn encouraged more routine sharing of regional and statewide announcements with the EDC, recommending that staff incorporate an information-sharing component into future agendas. She proposed that the Commission organize a field trip to observe effective housing and development strategies in comparable communities such as Johnston County. She also highlighted discussions related to public-private partnerships, especially workforce housing targeted for teachers and other essential professionals. Planning and Zoning Impact on ED: The Commission then discussed several planning and zoning proposals that may affect economic development. Commissioner Wilborn reviewed three pending text amendments, beginning with TA-17-25, which would expand certain watershed buffer requirements to the entire county. She expressed concern that this would not be development-friendly. She also discussed TA-20-25, a proposal to establish a Technical Development Review Committee that would involve additional departments in the early review of development applications. Some members questioned whether this would streamline or hinder the approval 2 of 10 EDC Minutes for February 24, 2026 process, especially for by-right uses. Staff clarified that the intent was not to require every department to attend meetings but to ensure they had the opportunity to review plans in advance. A third amendment, TA-21-25, involved lengthy proposed standards for special use permit. This amendment remained under review by the Planning Department. Discussion broadened to the frequent changes in state land-use laws that affect both the city and county, with members noting that communication between Planning and EDC staff is essential to avoid surprises or unintended impacts on development. Members agreed that EDC staff should be regularly updated on planning-related items to prevent significant changes from moving forward without economic development input. Review of Previous Action Plan: The Commission reviewed the existing EDC Action Plan alongside the County Commissioners’ Strategic Plan. Staff highlighted where economic development goals currently appear and emphasized the importance of measurable, realistic, time-bound objectives. Goals/ Action Items for 2026: Commissioner Wilborn presented a detailed set of proposed updates to the Action Plan. Her suggestions included expanding marketing and recruitment efforts, participating in at least two site-selection or trade events each year, increasing engagement through press releases and social media, improving the usability of the EDC website, and developing printable marketing materials. She also recommended refreshing the county’s utility and site mapping, hosting a developer/broker roundtable, conducting regular business retention visits, creating an annual recognition calendar, and maintaining strong collaboration with regional partners. She further suggested identifying opportunities in emerging sectors such as nuclear energy and semiconductor manufacturing, supporting small businesses with workshops on programs like Opportunity Zones and Foreign Trade Zones, and reestablishing an industry-focused forum similar to the former Industrial Relations Committee. Staff agreed to consolidate all recommendations into a revised Action Plan to be reviewed at the March meeting. Member Comments: Tourism staff reported strong attendance at the recent Tourism Summit and presented economic data confirming that tourism in Person County generated approximately $58 million 3 of 10 EDC Minutes for February 24, 2026 in 2024. The upward trend in visitation was noted, and members discussed the county’s need for additional lodging to support tourism and incoming workforce. The Commission also acknowledged the public update released by Microsoft confirming plans for data center development in Person County. Members expressed interest in arranging a confidential briefing with Microsoft, when appropriate, to ensure alignment among the EDC, the County, and the city regarding potential infrastructure and planning needs. Representatives from Piedmont Community College reported significant enrollment and FTE growth and thanked the EDC for its collaboration. The Commission was informed that PCC had received a $1 million Golden LEAF grant, which had been previously endorsed by the EDC. Staff also coordinated with PCC on a letter of support for a Duke Energy grant to establish a pipefitting program. The Vice-Chair noted the increasing volume of EDC activity and emphasized the importance of ensuring that staff workload remains manageable. Departmental Report: Economic Development Specialist Briana Whitt presented the departmental report, describing recent events attended by staff, including the Housing Summit, Tourism Summit, Marketing Summit, ribbon cuttings, and Chamber events. She reported the addition of a previously listed property back onto the EDC website following a change in ownership. She shared that the department received eleven project requests during the month and was able to submit both a site and a building for one active project. She also supplied a summary documenting why certain projects could not be submitted, noting that these insights would help guide product development strategies. Vice-Chairman Report: The Commission extended its appreciation to journalist George Willoughby, attending his final meeting before leaving Person County. Members thanked him for his thorough and fair reporting. A commemorative brick honoring former Mayor Merilyn Newell as a “Champion of Growth and Community Prosperity” was presented, with plans for the brick to be donated to the Person County Museum. Next Meeting: The next meeting is announced for Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in the Person County EDC Boardroom, 303 S. Morgan St., Roxboro, NC 27573. 4 of 10 EDC Minutes for February 24, 2026 Adjournment: A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously passed to adjourn the meeting at approximately 5:39 p.m. Motion: The Honorable Sherry Wilborn Second: Mr. Jody Blackwell _____________________________________ ______________________________________ Date Approved Secretary 5 of 10 � d. 2 Y ,; v-z i L Date: February 24, 2026 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, Vice-Chairman 4:01 Invocation The Honorable Sherry Wilborn 4:02 Consent Agenda • January 13, 2026 Meeting Minutes • January 27, 2026 Meeting Minutes • January 29, 2026 Meeting Minutes **Request a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented Mr. G. Phillip Allen, Vice-Chairman 4:05 Update from the Commissioners’ Budget Retreat Mr. Phillip Allen, Vice-Chairman Mr. Kenneth Perry 4:10 Housing Summit Recap The Honorable Sherry Wilborn 4:15 Planning and Zoning Impacts on ED The Honorable Sherry Wilborn 4:25 Review of Previous Action Plan Ms. Katherine Cathey, County Manager Ms. Briana Whitt 4:35 Goals/Action Items for 2026 Ms. Katherine Cathey, County Manager Ms. Briana Whitt 4:45 Vice-Chairman Report Mr. G. Phillip Allen, Vice-Chairman 4:50 Member Comments Members and Ex Officios 4:55 Departmental Report Ms. Katherine Cathey, County Manager Ms. Briana Whitt 5:00 Next Meeting Set for March 24, 2026, 4:00 pm, EDC Boardroom 303 S. Morgan St., Roxboro, NC 27573 Mr. G. Phillip Allen, Vice-Chairman 5:00 **Adjourn Mr. G. Phillip Allen, Vice-Chairman **Action Requested 6 of 10 To facilitate goal creation for the upcoming year, I am providing an overview of the department's primary functions along with tools used to complete these functions. Review these functions and the listed tools to assist in our discussion at the next board meeting on February 24th. Attract New Business and Development • Marketing, Promotion, and Recruitment o Social media o Economic development website o Digital and print advertising o Engagement with site-selection consultants o Engagement with prospects o Engagement with local, regional, state, and national media o Participation in trade shows, conferences, and networking events o Financial incentives • Product Development o Identify existing sites and buildings o Identify potential sites for future development o Building Reuse for vacant or underutilized industrial and commercial properties o Identify strengths and gaps in infrastructure o Investment in infrastructure o Property acquisition and development o Public-private partnerships Retain Existing Industry • Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) o site visits o business surveys o networking events o workforce training assistance o financial incentives o recognition and appreciation o keeping companies informed of developments within the community that impact business Enhance the local economic development ecosystem • Collaborate with partner organizations • Capture and disseminate quality of life and economic data • Provide programs for local businesses and citizens • Support small business and entrepreneurship 7 of 10 Departmental Report January 2026 – February 2026 • EDC attended and participated in the Housing Summit on January 29th • Kerr Tar Regional Tourism Plan was completed and will be submitted to the KTCOG Board on January 29th. • Attended the 2026 Tourism Summit at Tunnel Creek Vineyards on February 19th • Attended and participated in the 2026 Marketing Summit hosted by Piedmont Community College Small Business Center on February 23rd • Ongoing collaboration with Person County Schools CTE for Job Shadow Day on February 27th • Participated in Ribbon Cuttings and Business After Hours with the Roxboro Area Chamber of Commerce, Groundbreakings, and Meet and Greets: o Voltage Meet and Greet on January 30th o Public Safety Memorial Groundbreaking on February 11th o The Carolina Estate on February 12th o Duke Energy Groundbreaking on February 13th o Busy Beaver Detailing on February 19th o Business Relations Committee Lunch at Polywood on February 24th Upcoming Events of Interest • Person County Human Services – Good Morning Coffee Hour on February 25th at Golden Corral at 8am • Carolina Across 100: Our State, Our Home Webinar - Understanding Affordable Housing Pro Formas: A Case Study from an NC Community on February 26th from 12:00 – 1:00pm • Business After Hours at Person County Museum of History on March 5th from 5:30 to 7:00pm • NCEDA 2026 Spring Conference on March 9 -10 at the Grandover Resort in Greensboro, NC • Installation Ceremony for Dr. Kevin Lee on March 20th, 2026 at 1pm • Roxboro Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament on April 24th, 2026 • Person County Spring 2026 Civics Academy registration is now open 8 of 10 Available Properties 1803 N. Main St. Roxboro, NC 27573 Type of Space: Industrial Square Footage: 45,000 sqft Ceiling Height: 10-14 ft 601 N Madison Boulevard Roxboro, NC 27573 Type of Space: Commercial Square Footage: 19,509 sqft Ceiling Height: Unknown 4080 Durham Rd. Roxboro, NC 27574 Type of Space: Commercial Size: 40.10 Acres 2473 Durham Rd. Roxboro, NC 27573 Type of Space: Industrial Square Footage: 88,000 sqft Ceiling Height: 18 ft 415 Semora Rd. Roxboro, NC 27573 Type of Space: Office Square Footage: 3,100 sqft Ceiling Height: 9-10 ft 50 Providence Rd. Roxboro, NC 27573 Type of Space: Industrial Square Footage: 260,000 sqft Ceiling Height: 15 ft 385 Memorial Dr. Roxboro, NC 27573 Type of Space: Commercial and Industrial Size: 183.90 Acres 2300 Old Durham Rd. Roxboro, NC 27573 Type of Space: Industrial Square Footage: 138,458 sqft Ceiling Height: 18.90-28 ft 9 of 10 February 2026 Project Request: 11 Projects Submitted for the Year 2026: 1 Building/site Size Ceiling Height Natural Gas Electric Water DNS Reasons Greenfield 650 acres 420 MCF/hour 50 MW 3,000,000 gallons/day Site Size Greenfield 50-130 acres 972 MCF 20-54 MW 1,118,765 gallons/day Expandable Property Existing Building 250,000- 350,000sqft 30-60 1,000 MCF 1,000 MW/hour 13,000 gallons/day Building Size and Ceiling Height Existing Building or Greenfield 100,000- 150,000sqft or 10 acres 10 10 MCF/hour 6 MW 20-25,000 gallons/day Submitted both a building and a site Existing Building 200,000- 1,000,000sqft 30 25,394 MCF/ month 15 MW 1,400,000 gallons/day Building Size, Ceiling Height, within 10 miles of Interstate/Highway Existing Building or Greenfield 200,000- 250,000sqft 32 Unknown 95 MW 180,000 gallons/month Building size, Site within 2 miles of a 4-lane highway and 5 miles of an interstate Existing Building 22,000- 37,000sqft 20 Not required 1 MW Domestic Use Only Building Size, Ceiling Height Greenfield 300-400 acres Not required 15-19 MW 130,000 gallons/day Site Size, Interstate/Highway access within 10 miles of site Greenfield 40-60 acres 3,142 MCF/ month 700 MW/hour 5,000,000 gallons/month Site Size, Interstate/Highway access within 10 miles of site, Rail Access Greenfield 40-60 acres TBD 1,242 MW/hour Domestic Use Only Site Size Existing Building 45,000- 60,000sqft 24 20-50 psi 400-600 MW/hour 50-60,000 gallons/day Building Size, Ceiling Height, Prefers building with 2 cranes 10 of 10