Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team Minutes

September 19, 2019

• Welcome/Introductions

• Recognition of Host/Sponsor

• Kenny Graham – The Hub
• Jason Maples – Balsam West Fiber

• Rick Davis, Executive Director welcomed new attendees and Board of Directors

• Approval of minutes from July 18, 2019 meeting

• Zel Rogers made a motion to approve
• Dick Evans seconded

• Reports/Discussion Items

• GREAT Financial Report

• Pam Shaffer – GREAT Treasurer

• Committee Reports

• Sophia Paulos, Economic Development Director reported there is a plan mapping out revitalization of main street. She discussed the workforce in Graham County. The urgent care will have a 3-D mammogram machine up and running in a few weeks.
• Zel Rogers reported Fontana is doing great
• Santeetlah needs a new water system
• Mary Griffith reported that the library is doing good
• Eddie Hollifield with the Boy Scouts reported they have great support. There will be a lake clean up of Fontana Lake on November 2
• Dick Evans will be involved helping the Blind Vets Association. There will be three vets hiking this area with army ranger guides.
• Tapoco Lodge will be sponsoring an 8 year old with make a wish and the Lamborghinis visit.
• Angie Knight and the school will be hosting the fall festival trunk or treat on October 31, 2019.
• Amy Hollifield reported that the Blue Ridge Music Trail is underway
• Sarah Thompson, Southwestern Commission provided updates on the various activities
• Philip Moore reported that USDA has a hurricane program for farmers
• Peggy Jones with Manna Food Bank reported they have a mobile pantry that is almost ready to roll.
• Monica Holley reported the unemployment rate is lower than it has been, currently at 6%. Harris Casino hosted a hiring event at the library and plans to come back. There will be a hiring event at Haywood Tech in the construction business.
• Josh Carpenter, Economic Development gave an update on the NC Partnership
• Lynn Sprague reported that there will be a Farmers’ breakfast will be held at Lynn’s Place. There will also be a workshop for hemp farmers.
• Sharon Harvey, small business administration has an office in Candler and they have loans available for growing hemp.
• Sheila with Voc Rehab reported on funds for internships for students.
• Andy Gaston with the US Forest Service discussed the upcoming fire season. Students are building bridges. The Cheoah District will be hosting a Forest Leadership Team at Fontana. He also discussed the recent slide in Nantahala Gorge.
• Christa with the YMCA WNC discussed the local YMCA camp.
• Kevin Hensley with the Graham Star was introduced.
• Next GREAT meeting will be held November 14 at Fontana.
• Beverly Whitehead thanked Duke Energy for assisting with a tree that fell on their farm.
• Connie Orr announced the American Flag in honor of our vets will be in place by November 11, 2019

• Rick Davis introduced Michelle Shiplet, new GREAT Executive Director
• Meeting adjourned