Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team Minutes

March 21, 2019

Welcome/Introductions

Recognition of Host and Sponsor

Bear Chekelelee welcomed the group to Snowbird Youth Center and provided information on the history. Tribal Council Chair Adam Wachacha and Councilman Bucky Brown expressed greetings from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and provided information on present and future activities of EBCI.

General Items

Approval of minutes – November 15, 2018

The minutes from the November 15, 2018 GREAT meeting were approved by the Board of Directors.

The agenda as presented was approved by consensus of the group.

GREAT Financial Report

Pam Shaffer, GREAT Treasurer, presented the financial report to the group.

Guest Speaker

Guest speaker, Patricia Reid Thompson, Community-Based Health System Specialist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, provided information on the work being done by the CDC in the Appalachian region to combat diabetes. She praised the GREAT organization for the work being done to promote exercise with the walking trails at RHS and Stecoah Valley Center.

Reports/Discussion Items

Committee Reports

Director Rick Davis reviewed the committee report attachment. He highlighted a couple of items including the Buy Local Campaign and RHS Sweetwater Creek Restoration Project. Report is attached. Director Davis recognized Jim Kriner, Dick Evans and District Ranger Andy Gaston to unveil the new Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest sign to be installed at the loop trail.

County/Town Updates

Updates were provided by Becky Garland – Graham County Manager; Zelerie Rogers, Town Administrator – Town of Fontana Dam; and Jim Hager, Mayor – Town of Santeetlah

Regional/Legislative Delegation Updates

Representatives of regional partners providing updates included Andy Gaston – US Forest Service – Cheoah District; Shaina Clark – MountainWise; Jennifer Trippe – Manna FoodBank; Becca Scott – Region A Commission; Matt Saenger – Balsamwest; Monica Holley - Career Advisor, NCWorks Career Center – Tri-County; Gabriell Pringle – Appalachian Counseling; Jordan Smith – Mainspring Conservation; Michelle Shiplet – Church Mouse Ministries; Eddie Hollifield – Boy Scouts of America and Mary Griffin – Graham County Library.

Director’s Report

Director Rick Davis announced the next GREAT Meeting to be held on May 16, 2019 at Stecoah Valley Center.

Adjourn