Minutes of  GREAT  Meeting - March 19, 2009

The meeting was held at the Graham County Health Department, and was called to order by Rick Davis at 12:00 noon.  The minutes of the annual meeting held January 15, 2009 were presented and accepted as read, motion by Claudie Burchfield, 2^nd Lynn Shields.

The agenda was presented with the addition of Arlene Higgins added to speak, accepted. Motion by Lynn Shields, 2^nd Alicia Parham.

Economic Development, Business, and Industry, Committee Report-Claudie Burchfield

Serious concerns have been voiced about the FEMA floodplain plan in Graham County this will be followed to hear input of local citizens, and business owners, and make decisions about the county’s best interest.  Potential revitalization of downtown Robbinsville would be a wonderful senior student project and will be suggested and encouraged by the Graham County School System.  Qualla T training was hosted by Ironhorse Lodge on March 16^th, and a good learning experience for all who attended. The Graham County Business Directory is still being updated. TCCC is offering a variety of Small Business Seminars for the public.

Education and Workforce Development-Rhonda Anderson

An update on the housing construction project was given-it is waiting on finalizing permits.  A reduction of drop-outs in the school has proven that prevention programs are seeing successful statistics. 

Tourism and Mountain Culture-Lynn Shields

Birding hike is scheduled for April 18^th.  Eve Rogers with Co-operative Extension is working on a quilt trail for the area.  A preconference with Melody Adams for a $12000 grant to support a position with the museum has been scheduled.

Revitalization and Infrastructure-Rick Davis

GREAT has been working with the e-NC Authority and Verizon to enhance internet access.  An award of approximately $250,000 has been made and an official announcement for DSL service for Stecoah and Fontana areas will be forthcoming.

Recreation, Natural Resources, and Water Quality-Michael Wiggins, Jason Sawyer

A grant is being looked at to build a playground at the Graham County pool to extend the recreational facility. The pool should open this summer, a sidewalk needs to be completed. Alicia Parham reported on the Girls on the Run Project to encourage exercise for the youth in the area.

905 acres of land had been purchased by the Little Tennessee Land Trust, their hope is to tie in affordable housing and green building. Funds for the EQUIP programs are waiting to be disbursed by the state.

Leadership and Government-Karen Taylor

Board Training is being offered by NC Department of Commerce with funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission for Leadership Training 30 participants were involved on Feb. 20, 2009.  The next Leadership training is scheduled for May 1^st focus will be on fundraising and grant writing. The Knights of the Roundtable have decided to focus on health.

Lynn Shields presented the Financial Report and it was accepted as read.

Tamera Crisp, NC Dept. of Commerce reported on Governor budget cuts and the activity and expansion they will be working with in the year to come.

Paul Worley, TCCC updated on some of the things they will be offering such as small business classes and a green construction class may happen soon.

Sandy Zimmerman, Western Representative of Congressman Heath Shuler’s office reported on the hope of stimulus money to be applied for and used in Graham County, our unemployment is to 16.4%.

Dan Ostergaard, Institute for the Economy and Future/WNC Pulse presented a video of SVC and spoke about students to help export a plan for businesses in Graham County.

Rick Davis reviewed top 5 issues of Annual Meeting, thanked all the committees for the work they have done, spoke about the Urgent Care Center plans for Graham County, and reviewed the mission for GREAT.

Top 5 issues include: Recreation Complex, School Based Health Center, Broadband, High Speed Internet, Drop-Out Prevention Activities, and Youth Leadership Development.

Arlene Higgins spoke to the group about setting aside one day in the county for litter pick up, she agreed to be the contact person. It was also discussed about starting a recycling program and educational programs for the youth in this area.

The meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.