03-24-2026 Meeting Minutes EDCEDC Minutes for March 24, 2026
Minutes of the PCEDC Regularly Scheduled Meeting
Person County EDC Board Room
303 S. Morgan St., Roxboro, NC 27573
March 24, 2026
Voting Board Members Present:
Dr. Claudia Berryhill- Secretary Mr. Kenneth Perry
The Honorable Sherry Wilborn Mr. Jay Poindexter
The Honorable Cynthia Petty Mr. Jody Blackwell
Voting Board Members Absent:
Mr. Phillip Allen- Vice-Chairman
Ex Officios Present:
Ms. Katherine Cathey, County Manager
Mr. Brooks Lockhart, City Manager
Dr. Kevin Lee, PCC President
Ex Officios Absent:
Dr. Rodney Peterson, PCS Superintendent
ED Staff Present: Others Present:
Mr. Bryan Eatmon, Existing Industry Specialist Mr. Bo Freeman
Ms. Briana Whitt, Specialist (Minutes) Ms. Julie Maybee
Ms. Dana Blackwell
Ms. Kim Strickland
Ms. Sonya Carver
Mr. Kelly Snow
Ms. Megan Pociask
Mr. Cornell Watson
EDC Welcome and Invocation:
At 4:00 p.m., Dr. Claudia Berryhill called the meeting to order.
The Honorable Sherry Wilborn gave the invocation.
EDC Minutes for March 24, 2026
Consent Agenda:
Dr. Claudia Berryhill asked for the approval of the February 24, 2026, regular scheduled and
March 10, 2026, Executive Board meeting minutes.
A correction was offered to the February minutes to amend the reference to “special-needs
housing” to the correct term “special use permits.”
A motion was unanimously approved to approve the meeting minutes for February 24, 2026,
regular scheduled and March 10, 2026, Executive Board.
Motion: The Honorable Sherry Wilborn Second: Mr. Jay Poindexter
Resignation of Board Member:
The Board then considered the resignation of Dr. McKinney. The County Manager clarified that
although the Board did not originally appoint this member, the Board is responsible for
accepting the resignation and thereby declaring the seat vacant for advertisement and
appointment through the proper authority.
A motion was unanimously approved to accept Dr. McKinney’s resignation with regret.
Motion: Mr. Jody Blackwell Second: Mr. Jay Poindexter
Members also noted that his resignation creates a vacancy in the Chair position, which will be
addressed at an upcoming meeting. Commissioners and staff will move forward with soliciting
qualified applicants to fill the existing Board vacancies.
Review of Previous Action Plan:
Staff provided a review of the existing Action Plan, summarizing progress made to date and
identifying areas where work remains ongoing. Mr. Eatmon noted items that have been
completed, initiatives currently in progress, and components that may require updating or
restructuring as the Commission prepares for the next planning cycle.
Goals/ Action Items for Fiscal Year 2027:
Mr. Eatmon presented proposed goals and action items for Fiscal Year 2027. He explained how
the draft items align with the County’s strategic priorities and requested feedback from the
Board regarding additional goals, needed performance measures, and implementation
EDC Minutes for March 24, 2026
expectations. The Board discussed potential additions and requested that a refined version be
returned for consideration at the April meeting.
Member Comments:
During the Member Comments period, several members and ex officio representatives shared
brief updates related to current economic development efforts. Commissioner Wilborn reported
on the NCEDA spring conference, noting discussions on data centers, rural competitiveness, and
workforce trends. She emphasized the importance of improving local messaging around Person
County’s economic development activities. She also highlighted the Spark exhibit at the Person
County Museum, provided an update on the proposed affordable housing project currently
under city review, and reminded members of upcoming Opportunity Zone application deadlines
and Economic Development Week in May. She added that community field visits—such as to
Johnston County—could help the Board learn from peer communities.
Mr. Blackwell reported that a media outlet may feature a major local employer and that the
statewide community college system may spotlight Person County industry success stories. He
also noted the upcoming manufacturing conference, where local partners may receive
recognition.
Dr. Lee provided an update on Piedmont Community College, noting continued enrollment
growth, plans for two graduation ceremonies due to increased participation, and progress on
federal funding requests to support workforce development equipment.
Mr. Lockhart provided updates from the City of Roxboro, including an upcoming March 31
special meeting to review a water and sewer rate analysis and to hear a presentation on creating
a traffic enforcement unit. He also noted that the Uptown Roxboro Director position has been
vacated and is currently being advertised under its updated title, Uptown Roxboro Executive
Director.
Ms. Cathey reported that the Economic Development Director position is now officially vacant
and noted that both the EDC Board and the Board of Commissioners will have opportunities for
input as next steps are determined. She also announced that two Strategic Project Coordinators
from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners will assist with website updates
and a cost-of-service study.
Dr. Berryhill shared insights from the recent statewide tourism conference, emphasizing
tourism’s continued importance to North Carolina’s economy and noting increasing emphasis
on sustainability and stewardship in long-term planning.
EDC Minutes for March 24, 2026
Departmental Report:
Mr. Eatmon presented the departmental report, summarizing recent activities, industry
engagement, project inquiries, and upcoming departmental responsibilities. He noted progress
in business outreach and ongoing coordination with community partners.
Next Meeting:
The next meeting is announced for Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in the Person County
EDC Boardroom, 303 S. Morgan St., Roxboro, NC 27573.
Adjournment:
A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously passed to adjourn the meeting at
approximately 5:12 p.m.
Motion: The Honorable Sherry Wilborn Second: Mr. Jay Poindexter
_____________________________________ ______________________________________
Date Approved Secretary
4/28/2026