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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-28-2026 Meeting Agenda EDC Packet Date: July 28, 2026 Time: 4:00 pm Location: EDC Boardroom, 303 S. Morgan St., Roxboro, NC 27573 Regularly-Scheduled Meeting Agenda 4:00 :01 -Chairman :03 June 23, :05 :45 :50 :55 y Specialist Set for August 25, 2026, 4:00 pm, EDC Boardroom The Honorable Sherry Wilborn Adjourn Action Requested EDC Minutes for June 23, 2026 Minutes of the PCEDC Regularly Scheduled Meeting Person County EDC Board Room 303 S. Morgan St., Roxboro, NC 27573 June 23, 2026 Voting Board Members Present: Dr. Claudia Berryhill- Secretary Mr. Kenneth Perry The Honorable Sherry Wilborn- Chair Ms. Allison Satterfield The Honorable Cynthia Petty Mr. Jay Poindexter Mr. Gordon Carver Voting Board Members Absent: Mr. Phillip Allen- Vice-Chairman Mr. Jody Blackwell Ex Officios Present: Ms. Katherine Cathey, County Manager Mr. Brooks Lockhart, City Manager Dr. Kevin Lee, PCC President 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. Megan Pociask Ms. Grayson Brann EDC Welcome and Invocation: At 4:00 p.m., Chair Sherry Wilborn called the meeting to order. Dr. Claudia Berryhill gave the invocation. Approval of the Minutes: Chair Wilborn asked for the approval of the May 20, 2026, regularly scheduled meeting minutes. A motion was unanimously approved to approve the meeting minutes for May 20, 2026, regularly scheduled. Motion: Dr. Claudia Berryhill Second: Mr. Kenneth Perry 1 of 12 EDC Minutes for June 23, 2026 Event Calendar: The Commission discussed the development of an annual planning calendar to guide recurring EDC responsibilities and ensure proactive coordination between staff and the Board. The purpose of the calendar is to maintain momentum throughout the year, avoid missed deadlines, and ensure adequate time for items requiring budget consideration. It was noted that certain items—such as action plan review, Manufacturing Week, Economic Development Week, Small Business Week, Farm City Week, and the RTRP annual event—should be scheduled well ahead of budget deadlines. The Commission agreed that the action plan should be reviewed in November and adopted in January to align with budget entry timelines. Members also discussed the potential inclusion of sponsorship decisions, participation in community events, and membership in relevant associations. Staff will integrate reminders into agenda planning to ensure timely discussion of these recurring responsibilities. Chair Report: The Chair reported that the Economic Development Director position was posted the previous day and will remain open for three weeks. The Chair reviewed logistics for the upcoming Johnston County field visit scheduled for the following Tuesday. A quorum is expected to attend, and a meeting notice will be issued noting that members will be participating for educational purposes only and that no EDC business will be conducted. Transportation options are being evaluated, and members will meet at 8:30 AM at the EDC office before departure. Updates were provided regarding the recent Opportunity Zone application. Staff utilized mapping resources to evaluate assets and prioritize proposed zones. The application was submitted before the initial deadline and is expected to reflect positively on the County’s planning efforts. The Chair also noted that the Board of Commissioners recently reappointed three EDC members, providing continuity. Ethics training was rescheduled to July due to presenter availability and will be conducted by an attorney with economic development expertise. The Chair expressed appreciation for community programs such as the CTE Camp Fusion initiative and acknowledged its value in engaging youth with local career pathways. The Chair also announced that volunteer appreciation tokens would be distributed. Additional updates were provided on city and county budget discussions, ongoing infrastructure matters, and water management issues. The Chair also shared that the Commission’s previous site selection discussion led to an opportunity for participation in Duke Energy’s Site Readiness Program. 2 of 12 EDC Minutes for June 23, 2026 The Chair concluded by congratulating the staff member who recently earned certification as a North Carolina Certified Economic Developer. Member Comments: Members provided updates from their respective organizations and areas of responsibility. Several educational representatives reported that they were completing end-of-year activities and preparing for upcoming program expansions. Updates were shared regarding new grant awards, including a significant award from the Golden LEAF Foundation that will support student programs and equipment. Additional progress was noted in CDL training capacity and instructional space improvements. Career and Technical Education staff reported strong engagement from middle and high school students participating in summer programming, including multi-week career exploration camps. Members expressed appreciation for the continued partnership between schools, businesses, and the EDC to support workforce development initiatives. City representatives reported that municipal operations were focused primarily on budget adoption and ordinance updates. They noted continued investment in the uptown district and ongoing planning for future development. The City also described recent increases in utility operating costs, influenced by rising material and energy expenses, and provided an update on water system conditions, including active pumping between lakes and infrastructure assessments. The County Manager provided an update regarding the recruitment process for the Economic Development Director position, explaining that interviews would be conducted in multiple rounds—beginning with virtual screenings and followed by in-person panel interviews. Members were invited to express interest in serving on an interview panel or submitting proposed interview questions. Agricultural representatives reported that ongoing drought conditions had significantly affected hay production and grain harvests, leading to concerns among local farmers. Planning for Farm City Week was underway, with a full week of activities anticipated. Members also noted the recent recognition of a local family receiving a state conservation award for their contributions to agriculture and community leadership. Members discussed community concerns related to regional water usage, including monitoring unauthorized water access and ensuring accurate public communication about system capacity. Staff confirmed that industry partners remain engaged with local officials and are communicating projected utility needs. Additional comments were shared regarding healthcare service transitions in the community, including changes in medical practice ownership and continued availability of local providers. 3 of 12 EDC Minutes for June 23, 2026 Observations were also made on the rapid growth of the housing market, the increase in residential sales activity, and the challenges associated with rising rental costs. Members concluded by highlighting upcoming departmental work, community events, and year-end planning efforts within their respective organizations. Departmental Report: Staff reported that the department recently hosted a workshop in partnership with the Small Business Technology Development Center focused on building and contracting. Although attendance was limited, the smaller group size allowed participating businesses to receive individualized guidance and in-depth support. Staff noted that follow-up communication has already taken place, and several businesses are now actively engaging with the SBTDC to pursue available resources. Staff also shared that they met with economic development professionals from neighboring counties to exchange best practices for Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) programs. This collaboration is expected to strengthen the department’s approach and enhance local outreach efforts. Several BRE visits were conducted during the month, including productive visits with major employers. Certain industries that had previously been reluctant to participate in workforce or community initiatives have now expressed increased interest in partnering with the EDC and local workforce agencies. Updates were provided on downtown initiatives, including the “Arts and Beats” First Friday series, which has received positive feedback from participating businesses. Staff anticipate increased turnout for the upcoming July event due to its alignment with local Independence Day activities. Staff also reported progress on Opportunity Zone outreach and ongoing communication with Microsoft regarding community engagement and project planning. In addition, staff attended multiple community-based events, including morning coffee gatherings, ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and business-after-hours functions, all of which supported local networking and visibility for the department. The department is working with the Kerr-Tar Council of Governments to prepare a grant application for a regional biofuel development readiness assessment. This initiative would provide an independent rating of the region’s suitability for biofuel manufacturing and could enhance long-term recruitment opportunities at no financial cost to the County. Staff attended the NCEDA annual conference, which provided valuable information regarding emerging funding sources and methods to support site development without relying on local tax dollars. The department continues to explore these opportunities as part of its long-term strategy. 4 of 12 EDC Minutes for June 23, 2026 Finally, staff announced that the EDC was selected to participate in Duke Energy’s Site Readiness Program. Work with the assigned consultant is expected to begin in July, with a quick turnaround anticipated for the initial phases of the program. Staff concluded by noting that project submissions continued throughout June and that new property owners have expressed interest in having their sites added to the EDC’s available properties inventory. Next Meeting: The next meeting is announced for Tuesday, July 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 4:55 p.m. Motion: Dr. Claudia Berryhill Second: Ms. Cynthia Petty _____________________________________ ______________________________________ Date Approved Secretary 5 of 12 Date: June 23, 2026 Time: 4:00 pm Location: EDC Boardroom, 303 S. Morgan St., Roxboro, NC 27573 Regularly-Scheduled Meeting Agenda 4:00 :01 -Chairman :03 May 20, :05 :30 :40 :50 y Specialist Set for July 28, 2026, 4:00 pm, EDC Boardroom The Honorable Sherry Wilborn Adjourn Action Requested 6 of 12 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 50 Providence Rd. Roxboro, NC 27573 Type of Space: Industrial Square Footage: 260,000 sqft Ceiling Height: 15 ft Roxboro, NC 27573 Type of Space: Commercial and Industrial Roxboro, NC 27573 Type of Space: Industrial Square Footage: 138,458 sqft Ceiling Height: 18.90-28 ft 7 of 12 June 2026 Project Request for the month of June: 4 Projects Submitted for the Year 2026: 3 • As of 2025 the region's population increased by 2.9% since 2020, growing by 1,145. Population is expected to increase by 1.8% between 2025 and 2030, adding 718. • From 2020 to 2025, jobs declined by 1.0% in Person County, NC from 10,865 to 10,761. This change fell short of the national growth rate of 10.6% by 11.6%. As the number of jobs declined, the labor force participation rate increased from 61.5% to 61.5% between 2020 and 2025. • Concerning educational attainment, 13.1% of Person County, NC residents possess a Bachelor's Degree (8.7% below the national average), and 12.1% hold an Associate's Degree (3.2% above the national average). • The top three industries in 2025 are Restaurants and Other Eating Places, Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals, and Education and Hospitals (Local Government). Building/Site Size Ceiling Height Natural Gas Electric Water Reasons 72 Existing Building 237,000- 1,000,000sqft 26 490 SCFH 20- 80MW Water: 3,800GPD Sewer: 1,850 GPD DNS: Existing Building size, ceiling height, accommodating 3- 4 overhead cranes at 4 tons each 73 Existing Building 12,000- 18,000sqft 26’ Boiler System Less than TBD DNS: Existing building size, 74 Existing Building 30,000- 50,000sqft Unknown TBD TBD TBD Submitted: 1803 N. Main St 75 Existing Building 30,000- 50,000sqft 20’-30’ Heating Only 110V / 220V Water/Sewer: Domestic DNS: Ceiling Height, 2 dock doors and lease budget of $10- 8 of 12 Departmental Report May 2026 – June 2026 • Hosted Workshop on Government Contracting for small businesses with Small Business and Technology Development Center on May 21st. • Met with neighboring economic developers to discuss Business Retention and Expansion best practices • BRE visits with North American Aerodynamics, Footwear Plus, Eaton, and Polywood o Visits were in collaboration with SBTDC, NCSU IES, and NCDAC • Working with Uptown Roxboro Group to promote Arts, Eats, and Beats o First event was a success with positive feedback from Uptown businesses • Roundtable with Kerr Tar Council of Governments and the Economic Development Administration • Submitted Opportunity Zone Nominations • Continuing to work with Microsoft • Attended Good Morning Coffee Hours: NC Community Foundation (6/3), Timberlake Community Food Bank (6/10). • Attended Ribbon Cutting and Business After Hours for Tru Soul Food Kitchen (6/11) • Working with Kerr Tar Council of Governments to submit grant for The Biofuel Development Opportunity Zone Initiative • Attended “Conservation Farm Family of the Year Celebration” for the Thomas Family Farm on 6/5 • Attended “Farmer Field Day” with Plantd on 6/12 • Attended NCEDA Annual Conference from 6/17-6/19 - Bryan received his North Carolina Certified Economic Developer certification • Duke Energy has accepted Person County for their Site Selection Program Upcoming Dates of Interest • NCWorks Job Fair on June 25th at the NCWorks Career Center – Henderson, NC • Johnston County Airport Visit on June 30th • Arts, Eats, and Beats on July 3rd in Uptown Roxboro • America 250 Celebration on July 3rd in Uptown Roxboro • Independence Day Parade on July 4th in Uptown Roxboro • Volunteer Appreciation Week is April 18-24, 2027 • Small Business Week is May 2-8, 2027 • Economic Development Week is May 3-7, 2027 • Manufacturing Day on October 2nd • Personality Festival on October 3rd in Uptown Roxboro • Kerr-Tar Summit on October 8th 9 of 12 10 of 12 BDO Zones work. They turn biomass-rich regions into investable, low-risk destinations for private capital—over $10 billion is being raised for projects in BDO Zones today. BDO Zone projects deliver good-paying jobs. Six BDO Zone case studies (see next page) are slated to deliver over 62,000 construction jobs and 9,000 jobs annually (direct, indirect, and induced). National expansion can drive rural prosperity. Based on the current rate of plant announcements in BDO Zones, 100 BDO Zones can catalyze $42 BILLION in economic output nationwide over 10 years. BDO Zones align with federal goals. BDO Zones advance U.S. leadership in rural prosperity, innovative energy, biomanufacturing, energy independence, timber utilization, and wildfire reduction. Increase the impact of Opportunity Zone tax credits. BDO Zones in OZs will drive billions of new projects into OZs, catalyzing thousands of new manufacturing jobs in forest and farm communities in rural America. Powered by NADO. The National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) supports new project development in BDO Zones across the U.S., equipping hundreds of regional and local development organizations with the tools to support biomanufacturing investment and drive rural prosperity. Support Innovation and Deliver Opportunity to Hard-Working American Communities BDO Zones are proven to mobilize billions of dollars of private investment in rural communities and advance U.S. energy and economic goals. $42 B+ BDO Zone Ratings de-risk early investment decisions and send clear, powerful signals to developers and investors that a specific region is shovel-ready for biofuel development. $423 M annual economic activity PER BDO ZONE PROJECT* 1 in 10 BDO ZONES secure a new plant announcement within 2.5 years 100 BDO ZONES identified across America can transform forestry residues and agricultural byproducts into rural prosperity Economic output potential across the U.S. over 10 years, projections supported by independent academic study* * The Economic Impact of BDO Zones, Dr. Burton English, University of Tennessee, November 2025. EMPOWER RURAL PROSPERITY ENABLE ENERGY INDEPENDENCE UNLEASH AMERICAN MARKETS BDO Zones accelerate investment in rural America’s emerging biomanufacturing economy—a cornerstone of the nation’s goals for rural prosperity, energy security, and timber utilization. 11 of 12 BDO ZONES: Driving the Rural Economic Development Engine Project Location (BDO Zone) Technology/ Feedstock CAPEX ($B) 10-Year Economic Output ($B) Employment (construction/ operations) USA BioEnergy Bon Wier, TX FT fuels Woody biomass $2.8 $6.84 14,996 2,195 Provectus Biofuels Vegreville, AB SAF Wheat straw $0.845 $3.37 5,639 1,376 Azure Sustainable Fuels SE Kansas SAF Crop residues Ag oils $0.900 $2.03 1,861 1,054 Yosemite Clean Energy Butte Co., CA Green hydrogen Woody biomass $0.250 $1.57 1,531 681 Strategic Biofuels Richland Parish, LA FT fuels + CCS Woody biomass $2.75 $6.14 21,484 2,091 Velocys Natchez, MS SAF FT Woody biomass $2.50 $5.45 17,268 1,761 Key Impacts •Unlocks billions in private capital to drive rural job creation and manufacturing growth. •Creates lasting rural wealth by anchoring industry, skilled jobs, and tax revenue that will sustain rural communities for generations. •Builds resilience for farmers and foresters by creating new, stable revenue streams from agricultural and forestry byproducts. ecostrat.com info@bdozone.org Jordan Solomon Chairman, BDO Zone Initiative jordan.solomon@ecostrat.com Each facility below will sustain hundreds to thousands of jobs during construction and operations, benefiting not only plant employees but also suppliers, service industries, and local businesses. BDO Zone Ratings provide a market signal that reduces uncertainty for private developers and financiers—and drives outcomes like the projects profiled below. By verifying feedstock availability, infrastructure readiness, and community support, ratings shorten project timelines and attract capital to rural regions that might otherwise be overlooked. BDO Zones | Case Study Snapshots 12 of 12