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June 25, 2026 EDC Agenda

June 25, 2026
12:00 PM-1:30 PM
Mitchell County Chamber/EDC Office
208 Oak Avenue
Spruce Pine, NC 28777

  1. CALL TO ORDER
  2. WELCOME
  3. INVOCATION
  4. ETHICS AWARENESS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST REMINDER:
    In accordance with the State Government Ethics Act, it is the duty of every board member to avoid both conflicts of interest and appearance of conflict. Does any board member have any known conflicts of interest or appearances of conflict of interest with respect to any matters coming before the Board? If so, please identify the conflict or appearance of conflict and refrain from any undue participation in the particular matter involved.
  5. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
  6. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
  7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
  8. PUBLIC COMMENTS
  9. REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS
    1. Financials – Amanda Hollifield
    2. Chamber of Commerce Update
  10. DIRECTORS REPORT – BILL SLAGLE
    1. Business Park Update
      1. Archaeological Review (Requires Vote)
    2. BOARD COMMENTS/UPDATES
    3. ADJOURNMENT
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May 28, 2026 EDC Agenda and Meeting Minutes

May 28, 2026
12:00 PM-1:30 PM
Mitchell County Chamber/EDC Office
208 Oak Avenue
Spruce Pine, NC 28777

  1. CALL TO ORDER
  2. WELCOME
  3. INVOCATION
  4. ETHICS AWARENESS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST REMINDER:
    In accordance with the State Government Ethics Act, it is the duty of every board member to avoid both conflicts of interest and appearance of conflict. Does any board member have any known conflicts of interest or appearances of conflict of interest with respect to any matters coming before the Board? If so, please identify the conflict or appearance of conflict and refrain from any undue participation in the particular matter involved.
  5. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
  6. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
  7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
  8. PUBLIC COMMENTS
  9. REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS
    1. Financials – Amanda Hollifield
    2. Chamber of Commerce – Patti Jensen
  10. DIRECTORS REPORT – BILL SLAGLE
    1. Opportunity Zone Review
    2. Business Park Update
    3. Labor Economic Analysis
    4. Marley’s Training Update & SelectUSA
    5. Recommendations for Advisory Committee
  11. BOARD COMMENTS/UPDATES
  12. ADJOURNMENT

MINUTES

May 28, 2026

The EDC board met on May 28th at 12pm. Present were: Bill Slagle, Amanda Hollifield, Cris Gardner, Lee Ellis, Chuck Vines, Allen Cook, Daniel Stines, Tonia Hale, Jon Duncan, and Marley Cloer.

  1. CALL TO ORDER: Jon Duncan welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 12:01pm.
  2. WELCOME
  3. INVOCATION: Lee Ellis
  4. ETHICS AWARENESS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST REMINDER:
    In accordance with the State Government Ethics Act, it is the duty of every board member to avoid both conflicts of interest and appearance of conflict. Does any board member have any known conflicts of interest or appearances of conflict of interest with respect to any matters coming before the Board? If so, please identify the conflict or appearance of conflict and refrain from any undue participation in the particular matter involved.
  5. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA:
  6. Change item 11C to Labor Economic Analysis
  7. Add item 11D, Marley’s Training Update & Select USA
  8. Add item 11E, Recommendations for Advisory Committee
  9. ADOPTION OF AGENDA: Tonia Hale made the motion to approve the changes and adopt the agenda, Amanda Hollifield seconded. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
  10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chuck Vines made the motion to approve the minutes from April, Lee Ellis seconded. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
  11. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
  12. REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS
  1. Financials – Amanda Hollifield
  1. For the month of April, total checking/savings is $581267.80, total assets, liability, and equity is $582,608.58. Total income is $1,142.53 and expenses are $11,121.28, so then our loss net income would be $9,978.75 for the month of April. Lee Ellis made the motion to approve the April financials, Tonia Hale seconded. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
  2. Bill mentioned that another $45,000 will be coming out of the account in either June or July for the due diligence report to Sanford Holshouser. He also shared what money will be coming in to the account from the County come July 1.
  1. Chamber of Commerce – Bill Slagle
    1. Patti Jensen has officially resigned from the Mitchell County Chamber. The golf tournament was a great success and made a good profit for the Chamber and preparation has begun for the 2026 NC Mineral & Gem Festival. He talked about the Prayer Breakfast this year in October. Bill brought to everyone’s attention the need for discussion on the EDC and Chamber’s relationship, and whether or not to continue the Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations.
  1. DIRECTORS REPORT – BILL SLAGLE
  1. Opportunity Zone Review
    1. Received a notice that Secretary of Commerce, Lee Lilley, was redoing the opportunity tracks in each county and wants Bill to submit an application. Bill met with Keegan Silvers, Property Manager for the Penland-Bailey Corporation, to go over the application and submit. If approved, this will provide great investment opportunity in the County.
  2. Business Park Update
    1. The final drone video was shown with the exceptions of a few changes.
  1. There has been a delay in the timeline for due diligence throughout the Archaeological review. Due to the site’s topography, hydrology, and history of Native Americans, they are wanting to do an additional step which would require someone to come and physically evaluate the property in a more in-depth way.
  1. Labor Economic Analysis
    1. Bill has recommended to go with Sanford Holshouser for the completion of the Labor Economic Analysis. They came in with the lowest bid of $18,500, plus traveling expenses. The grant from EDPNC would be for a total request of $20,000 to cover the costs.
    2. Chuck Vines made the motion to formally select Sanford Holshouser for the Labor Economic Analysis, Lee Ellis seconded. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
  2. Marley’s Training Update & SelectUSA
    1. Bill talks about his and Marley’s trip to the SelectUSA conference and that they came back with 11 leads of interest in foreign direct investment in Mitchell County. The Mitchell Business Park was advertised as becoming a fully-certified site this year and ready for businesses.
    2. Marley has completed two of her NCCED Courses through ECU and will register for the basic course in July.
  3. Recommendations for Advisory Committee
    1. Bill recommended to the board that Mac Robinson fills the open spot on the Advisory Committee. Daniel Stines made the motion to issue an invitation to Mac Robinson to serve on the Advisory Committee, Amanda Hollifield seconded. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
  1. BOARD COMMENTS/UPDATES
  1. Daniel Stines – Provided an update on rezoning and annexation efforts in the Town of Spruce Pine, including projects involving Ingles, the urgent care facility near Walmart, and the GEM Construction site.
  2. Allen Cook – Private property debris removal is beginning. The resiliency center at Bowman is progressing, FEMA-related work continues, and the estimated fund balance is approximately $10 million.
  3. Chuck Vines – BRCD is working to stabilize creek banks. Efforts are also underway to restore the park, with a layout plan in place. The town has received $2 million in grants for water and wastewater projects, and there have been two to three business buyouts in the Town of Bakersville.
  4. Tonia Hale – Blue Ridge Regional Hospital now has three primary care providers. Recruitment efforts are underway for a former nurse practitioner, a new pediatrician joined at the end of March, and a new general surgeon is being hired. The Emergency Department received a Unit of Distinction award, reflecting outstanding employee engagement and placing it among the top facilities in the division.
    1. Tonia requested a letter of support from the EDC to support the Certificate of Need for 92 beds for Blue Ridge Regional Hospital.
    2. Lee Ellis made the motion to support the Certificate of Need for 92 beds for BRRH, Daniel Stines seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
  5. Amanda Hollifield – Provided updates on the TRAC Studio Tour, Penland’s summer programs, and a recently received $13 million endowment gift
  6. ADJOURNMENT: Chuck Vines made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Amanda Hollifield seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
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April 23, 2026 EDC Agenda and Meeting Minutes

April 23, 2026
12:00 PM-1:30 PM
Mayland Small Business Center
67 Hotel Place
Spruce Pine, NC 28777

  1. CALL TO ORDER
  2. WELCOME
  3. INVOCATION – Lee Ellis
  4. ETHICS AWARENESS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST REMINDER:
    In accordance with the State Government Ethics Act, it is the duty of every board member to avoid both conflicts of interest and appearance of conflict. Does any board member have any known conflicts of interest or appearances of conflict of interest with respect to any matters coming before the Board? If so, please identify the conflict or appearance of conflict and refrain from any undue participation in the particular matter involved.
  5. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
  6. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
  7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
  8. PUBLIC COMMENTS
  9. REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS
    1. Financials (February & March) – Amanda Hollifield
    2. Chamber of Commerce – Patti Jensen
  10. DIRECTORS REPORT – BILL SLAGLE
    1. Board Member Terms
    2. Approval & Selection of Officers
    3. Business Park Update
  11. BOARD COMMENTS/UPDATES
  12. CLOSED SESSION – G.S. 143-318.11
    1. Director’s Review
  13. ADJOURNMENT

MINUTES

April 23, 2026

The EDC board met on April 23rd at 12pm. Present were: Bill Slagle, Morgan Buchanan, Chris Gentry, John Boyd, Beth Holmes, Daniel Stines, Tonia Hale, Lee Ellis, Allen Cook, Patti Jensen, Marley Cloer, Curtis Taylor, Jon Duncan, Keegan Anderson (guest), and Morgan Bradley (guest).

  1. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Chris Gentry called the meeting to order at 12:02pm.
  2. WELCOME
  3. INVOCATION: Morgan Buchanan
  4. ETHICS AWARENESS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST REMINDER:
    In accordance with the State Government Ethics Act, it is the duty of every board member to avoid both conflicts of interest and appearance of conflict. Does any board member have any known conflicts of interest or appearances of conflict of interest with respect to any matters coming before the Board? If so, please identify the conflict or appearance of conflict and refrain from any undue participation in the particular matter involved.
  5. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
  6. Add item 10C, Presentation from Keegan Anderson (Mayland Community College)
  7. Add item 11D, Recommendations for advisory committee and board
  8. ADOPTION OF AGENDA: John Boyd made the motion to adopt the agenda and its changes, Tonia Hale seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
  9. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Lee Ellis made the motion to approve the minutes from March, John Boyd seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
  10. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
  11. REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS
  12. Financials – Amanda Hollifield
    1. For the month of February, total checking/savings is $604,893.48, total assets, liability, and equity is $606,234.26. Total income is $1,077.46 and expenses are $9,807.47, so then our loss net income would be $8,730.07 for the month of February. Lee Ellis made the motion to approve the February financials, John Boyd seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
    2. For the month of March, total checking/savings is $591,246.55, total assets, liability, and equity is $592,587.33. Total income is $1,219.86 and expenses are $14,866.79, so then our loss net income would be $13,646.93 for the month of March. John Boyd made the motion to approve the March financials, Dr. Tonia Hale seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
  13. Chamber of Commerce – Patti Jensen
    1. Patti provided an update on the Chamber golf tournament, encouraging people to sign up teams and asking for volunteers. She announced the dates for the NC Mineral & Gem Show this year (July 30 – August 2) and the finalization of using the Three Peaks Convention Center to host the show. The Chamber has had several ribbon cuttings the month of April.
  14. Keegan Anderson – Mayland Community College
    1. Keegan Anderson gave a presentation introducing Mayland’s collaboration with Good Jobs WNC. This initiative will listen to industry providers on their needs in the workforce and help to provide students with the correct skills and training to meet their specific industry needs, and therefore fill those open opportunities. Their top three educational program highlights are: Nursing, Dental Assisting, and Medical Assisting. Their areas of interest include: Registered Nurse, Radiologic Technician, and Dental Hygiene.
    2. DIRECTORS REPORT – BILL SLAGLE
  15. Board Member Terms
    1. The board discussed their terms and who is set to roll off this year. The discussion concluded that Tonia Hale and Amanda Hollifield would be good to stay for one more year and Chris Gentry will be rolling off the committee.
  16. Approval & Selection of Officers
    1. Boyd makes the motion to move Curtis Taylor up from advisory committee to the board, Jon Duncan seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
    2. Tonia Hale nominates Jon Duncan as Chairman, Lee Ellis seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
    3. Lee Ellis nominated John Boyd as Vice Chair. The board discussed the capability of Curtis Taylor serving as Vice Chair since he was just brough onto the board. Tonia Hale makes the motion to appoint Curtis Taylor as Vice Chair, Dr. Boyd seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
  17. Business Park Update
    1. Bill and Marley received the first draft of the drone video of the Mitchell Business Park and showed it to the board and advisory committee. We asked for any critiques and/or changes needed to the video and received good feedback to send to Shanta at EDPNC to adjust. Due diligence is in progress and on the right track to meet our June deadline.
  18. Recommendations for Advisory Committee and Board
    1. Chris Gentry recommends Courtney Aycock to serve on the Advisory Committee. Tonia Hale made the motion to add Courtney Aycock to the advisory committee, Dr. Boyd seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
    2. Bill Slagle recommends Cris Gardener to serve on Advisory Committee. Lee Ellis made the motion to ass Cris Gardener to the advisory committee, Tonia Hale seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
    3. BOARD COMMENTS/UPDATES
  19. Boyd – Talked more about the usage of Three Peaks Center for mineral and gem show and progress with restaurant in the hotel
  20. Beth Holmes – Fire on the Mountain Festival this Saturday
  21. Daniel Stines – Several FEMA meetings, and awarded a $5.5M grant for wastewater an water aside from FEMA; $20.5M in grant money total, new building inspector started Monday
  22. Tonia Hale – A new Pediatrician started at the end of March, as well as two new primary care and a new PA, Top 10% Award – best ED over all in performance metrics
  23. Allen Cook – County has two new ambulances, Paramedics needed, working on field restoration for recreation fields, Bowman offices being worked on to create office space, and working on County budget
  24. ADJOURNMENT: John Boyd made the motion to adjourn the meeting, Tonia Hale seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
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March 12, 2026 EDC Agenda and Meeting Minutes

March 12, 2026
11:00 PM-12:00 PM
Mayland Small Business Center
67 Hotel Place
Spruce Pine, NC 28777

  1. CALL TO ORDER
  2. WELCOME
  3. INVOCATION – LEE ELLIS
  4. ETHICS AWARENESS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST REMINDER:
    In accordance with the State Government Ethics Act, it is the duty of every board member to avoid both conflicts of interest and appearance of conflict. Does any board member have any known conflicts of interest or appearances of conflict of interest with respect to any matters coming before the Board? If so, please identify the conflict or appearance of conflict and refrain from any undue participation in the particular matter involved.
  5. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
  6. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
  7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
  8. PUBLIC COMMENTS
  9. REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS
    1. Financials (January) – Amanda Hollifield
    2. Chamber of Commerce – Patti Jensen
  10. DIRECTORS REPORT – BILL SLAGLE
    1. Board Member Terms
    2. Budget Review
  11. BOARD COMMENTS/UPDATES
  12. ADJOURNMENT

MINUTES

March 12, 2026

The Mitchell County EDC board met on March 12th at 11am. Present were Bill Slagle, Marley Cloer, Chris Gentry, Curtis Taylor, Jon Duncan, Tonia Hale, John Boyd, Allen Cook, Daniel Stines, Amanda Hollifield, Lee Ellis, Jamie McMahan, Dale Carroll (guest), Dr. Aron Gabriel (guest), William Morgan (guest), Keith Holtsclaw (guest), Tessa Taylor (guest), Wayne Peight (guest), and Garret Wyckoff (guest).

  1. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Chris Gentry called the meeting to order at 11am.
  2. WELCOME
  3. INVOCATION: Curtis Taylor
  4. ETHICS AWARENESS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST REMINDER:
    In accordance with the State Government Ethics Act, it is the duty of every board member to avoid both conflicts of interest and appearance of conflict. Does any board member have any known conflicts of interest or appearances of conflict of interest with respect to any matters coming before the Board? If so, please identify the conflict or appearance of conflict and refrain from any undue participation in the particular matter involved.
  5. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
  6. Delete item 9B, Chamber of Commerce – Patti Jensen
  7. Add item 10C, Presentation from Garrett Wyckoff (EDPNC)
  8. ADOPTION OF AGENDA: Tonia Hale made the motion to adopt the agenda and its changes, Amanda Hollifield seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
  9. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Jon Duncan made the motion to approve the minutes from February, Dr. John Boyd seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
  10. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
  11. REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS
  12. Financials (January) – Amanda Hollifield
    1. For the month of January, total checking/savings is $613,623.49, total assets, liability, and equity is $614,964.27. Total income is $1,148.59 and expenses are $30,135.93, so then our loss net income would be $28,987.34 for the month of January. Patti Jensen made the motion to approve the January financials, Dr. Tonia Hale seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
    2. DIRECTORS REPORT – BILL SLAGLE
  13. Board Member Terms
    1. In June of last year, three board members were reappointed (Dr. Boyd, Tonia, and Chris) for one year, but they should go until 2028. Those set to go off this year are Chris Gentry, Tonia Hale, and Chuck Vines. Chris has chosen not to seek an additional term; he suggests Curtis Taylor steps up from advisory role to the board and recommends Courtney Aycock (Quartz Corp) to take his position on the advisory committee. Action will take place next meeting.
  14. Budget Review
    1. Director Bill Slagle gave a proposed budget for the board to vote on for the upcoming FY2026/2027. The board discussed the budget preparation. Amanda Hollifield made the motion to approve the budget and send it to County Commissioners, Lee Ellis seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
  15. Presentation from Garrett Wyckoff (EDPNC)
    1. Garrett Wyckoff with the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina made a visit to explain the importance of the Mitchell Business Park and its development throughout the SelectSite Program. EDPNC selected only five counties impacted by Hurricane Helene to be a part of the program. Jamie McMahan shows appreciation for Garrett and asks Mr. Dale Carroll (SHEDC) for an update on the due diligence for the Business Park. Solid Ground Engineering has completed the Geotech borings based on the acreage as well as the fulfilled topographic survey. Robert Bailey has completed all required forms for disclosure of the prior use of the 90+ acres. He also completed all the forms needed for the Army Core of Engineers and NC Department of Water Quality.
    2. BOARD COMMENTS/UPDATES
  16. Daniel Stines – Town of Spruce Pine has received two more small business grants
  17. Amanda Hollifield – Penland received funding from Golden Leaf for a paid internship this Summer
  18. Tonia Hale – Hospital is doing good – They are still recruiting for primary care and general surgeons
  19. Allen Cook – Allen talks about the upcoming budget season and how things will need to be adjusted with EMS services taken on. The creek in Bakersville has been dug out. Allen had a meeting with the Blue Ridge Parkway and they are looking to be entirely open by the end of this year, hopefully by October
  20. Gabriel – Continuing to learn the organization, Mayland will be a part of an initiative called Western North Carolina Good Jobs
  21. John Boyd – Things have been worked out with the EDC and Chamber for the Mineral & Gem Festival this year for the coliseum, with construction continuing after. Mayland is now Bee Campus USA Certified
  22. Jamie McMahan – They are hiring 24 new positions at MCHP; final target date of completion is October 2026
  23. Curtis Taylor – Since November BRP has hired 40 new employees (36 FT, 4 PT) and have lots of new business at the plant
  24. ADJOURNMENT: Dr. John Boyd made the motion to adjourn the meeting, Amanda Hollifield seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
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February 26, 2026 EDC Agenda and Meeting Minutes

 

February 26, 2026
12:00 PM-1:30 PM
Mayland Small Business Center
67 Hotel Place
Spruce Pine, NC 28777

  1. CALL TO ORDER
  2. WELCOME
  3. INVOCATION – LEE ELLIS
  4. ETHICS AWARENESS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST REMINDER:
    In accordance with the State Government Ethics Act, it is the duty of every board member to avoid both conflicts of interest and appearance of conflict. Does any board member have any known conflicts of interest or appearances of conflict of interest with respect to any matters coming before the Board? If so, please identify the conflict or appearance of conflict and refrain from any undue participation in the particular matter involved.
  5. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
  6. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
  7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
  8. PUBLIC COMMENTS
  9. REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS
    1. Financials – Amanda Hollifield
    2. Chamber of Commerce – Patti Jensen
  10. DIRECTORS REPORT – BILL SLAGLE
    1. Board Member Terms
    2. Support Request – Mountain Credit Union
    3. Mitchell Business Park Update
  11. BOARD COMMENTS/UPDATES
  12. ADJOURNMENT

MINUTES

February 26, 2026

The Mitchell County EDC board met on February 26, 2026 at 12:08pm. Present were Bill Slagle, Morgan Buchanan, Allen Cook, Chuck Vines, Daniel Stines, Lee Ellis, Dr. John Boyd, Curtis Taylor, Amanda Hollifield, Tonia Hale, Jon Duncan, and Marley Cloer.

  1. CALL TO ORDER: Tonia Hale called the meeting to order at 12:08pm.
  2. WELCOME
  3. INVOCATION: Allen Cook
  4. ETHICS AWARENESS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST REMINDER:
    In accordance with the State Government Ethics Act, it is the duty of every board member to avoid both conflicts of interest and appearance of conflict. Does any board member have any known conflicts of interest or appearances of conflict of interest with respect to any matters coming before the Board? If so, please identify the conflict or appearance of conflict and refrain from any undue participation in the particular matter involved.
  5. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA:
  6. Add item 10D Request for Letter of Support for High Country Water Workforce Initiative
  7. Change item 9A to an Update from Justin Somers and Robin Ramsey
  8. Add item 10E Credit Card Expenditures
  9. ADOPTION OF AGENDA: Amanda Hollifield made the motion to approve the additions/changes and adopt the updated agenda, Dr. Boyd seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
  10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Chuck Vines made the motion to approve January meeting minutes, Lee Ellis seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
  11. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
  12. REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS
  13. Update from State Senator Representatives – Justin Somers & Robin Ramsey
    1. Robin Ramsey shared that they had just visited Baptist on Mission’s new headquarters out of Deyton. She announces that they are not running again next year and informed everyone of the congressionally designated spending requests opening soon with a form online for projects. They are holding another Economic Development Summit in Washington D.C. in May.
    2. Justin Somers shares his excitement for future plans of the parkway and working with them to establish signage for the surrounding areas. They have discussed some detour routes with them and they brought in federal highways on that, in which they said it would require a more efficient route. Work is continuing on the parkway and they are looking to open late Fall 2026.
  14. Chamber of Commerce – Marley Cloer
    1. Marley provided an update on the Chamber on Patti’s behalf. She gave an update on the Mineral & Gem Festival for 2026, that they will be able to have it this year. Patti and Bill met with the building inspector and the Three Peaks Convention Center would be an acceptable place to hold the festival. Bill and Dr. Boyd provided more information on the venue and what work needs to be done moving forward. Marley shared that the Candidate Forum held February 19th by the Chamber went well, with about 150 in attendance, and full attendance from local candidates. She informed everyone of the Chamber Golf Tournament on May 18th and encouraged them to join a team and/or sponsor a part of the event. The Chamber held their first Rise & Thrive Business lab this morning in collaboration with the Small Business Center and they have this month’s Coffee & Connect tomorrow morning.
    2. DIRECTORS REPORT – BILL SLAGLE
  15. Board Member Terms
    1. Bill wanted to go over Board Member Terms and make sure they are compliant and up to date. Last year, Dr. John Boyd, Chris Gentry, and Tonia Hale, extended for another year so their terms will go until 2028. This year, Lee Ellis, Jon Duncan, and Amanda Hollifield will have the opportunity to extend. Chris Gentry will not be staying on the board, so someone will need to fill the Chairman position. He asks the board to review the terms and next meeting we will confirm.
  16. Support Request – Mountain Credit Union
    1. Bill shares that he has received a request for support from the EDC for Mountain Credit Union to potentially expand to this territory. They asked for a letter of support from us to go through NC Commerce. Amanda Hollifield makes the motion to send a Letter of Support, Chuck Vines seconds. All in favor 100%, All Opposed 0%
  17. Mitchell Business Park Update
    1. Bill reminds everyone of the meeting on March 12th with Garrett Wyckoff and his team from EDPNC will be there to complete the drone video and give a presentation of the site. He talked to Sanford Holshouser and all the Phase One assessments are complete. June remains the target to be considered a fully-certified site. Bill wants to have a meeting with Buck Stove for the future of the site and their proximity.
  18. Letter of Support – High Country Water Workforce Initiative
    1. Last Summer, Mitchell, Avery, and Yancey entered into an agreement with NC State to look into the water situations. They have found that they are applicable for a $250,000 grant through one of the federal and state programs to recruit wastewater and water engineers. Bill had a conversation with our local representative, Brandon Pitman on the school board. If we happened to be recipients of this grant, they could train up to 40 people to train them to be wastewater engineers and it’ll be paid for. Our income match to this would be up to 6hr per quarter at $100/hr, equaling $2,400. Chuck Vines made the motion to send letter of support, Dr. Boyd seconds. All in favor 100%, All Opposed 0%
  19. Credit Card Expenditures
    1. Bill shares with the board a spreadsheet of the EDC’s credit card expenses showing, in detail, what each charge is since November for transparency.
    2. BOARD COMMENTS/UPDATES
  20. Allen Cook – The County has put something in the newspaper for RFQs related to doing our field design and build out from Helene impacted Bakersville. Finally got the state SMART program working in the Creek in Bakersville and getting that flood risk as Category B as protective measure that protects critical infrastructure. The County has received $11M in debris from help of our elected officials, Senator Ted Budd and Tom Tillis.
  21. Amanda Hollifield – Penland had their Community Day and with that, 475 people in 4 hours. They had $25k in repair from the ice storm
  22. Curtis Taylor – Since November, BRP has hired 37 employees and are back on 7 days a week schedule. They should have a full weekend shift by August, which will bring the plant to full capacity.
  23. Boyd – A restaurant will be opening in the hotel and he is currently working with Stuart Jensen on that process. Dr. Boyd is seeing how Mayland’s culinary program would fit/work with the restaurant.
  24. Daniel Stines – Chuck Edwards awarded $4M to town of Spruce Pine and the SRF Grant for $5M has been approved for a water tank. So far, they have received $15M total for FEMA recovery and hope to have much more coming.
  25. Chuck Vines – Town of Bakersville has been provided a $10M grant to improve water and wastewater systems, they are about halfway through cleaning the creek. Hoping to have a new visitors center in town. Main priority is the roads throughout town and dealing with the NCDOT on that.
  26. Tonia Hale – The hospital has a new pediatrician starting in March, new primary care doctor, new PA in Burnsville and Spruce Pine. They also have an offer to a general surgeon out and another meeting set up as well.
  27. ADJOURNMENT: Chuck Vines made the motion to adjourn the meeting, Daniel Stines seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
Posted on

January 23, 2026 EDC Agenda and Meeting Minutes

 

January 23, 2026
12:00 PM-1:30 PM
Mayland Small Business Center
67 Hotel Place
Spruce Pine, NC 28777

  1. CALL TO ORDER
  2. WELCOME
  3. INVOCATION – LEE ELLIS
  4. ETHICS AWARENESS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST REMINDER:
    In accordance with the State Government Ethics Act, it is the duty of every board member to avoid both conflicts of interest and appearance of conflict. Does any board member have any known conflicts of interest or appearances of conflict of interest with respect to any matters coming before the Board? If so, please identify the conflict or appearance of conflict and refrain from any undue participation in the particular matter involved.
  5. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
  6. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
  7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
  8. PUBLIC COMMENTS
  9. REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS
    1. Financials – Amanda Hollifield
    2. Chamber of Commerce – Patti Jensen
  10. DIRECTORS REPORT – BILL SLAGLE
    1. Introduction of Mayland President – Dr. Aron Gabriel
    2. Discussion of Regional Partnership
    3. Sibelco Discussion
    4. Presentation of Semi-Annual Report
    5. Mitchell Business Park Update
      1. Website
    6. Marley’s Role Update
  11. BOARD COMMENTS/UPDATES
  12. ADJOURNMENT

MINUTES

January 23, 2026

The Mitchell County EDC Board met on January 23, 2026 at 12pm. Present were Bill Slagle, Marley Cloer, Dr. Tonia Hale, Amanda Hollifield, Patti Jensen, Dr. Aron Gabriel (guest), Curtis Taylor, Daniel Stines, Chuck Vines, Allen Cook, Morgan Buchanan, and Chris Gentry.

  1. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Chris Gentry called the meeting to order at 12:00pm.
  2. WELCOME
  3. INVOCATION: Allen Cook
  4. ETHICS AWARENESS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST REMINDER:
    In accordance with the State Government Ethics Act, it is the duty of every board member to avoid both conflicts of interest and appearance of conflict. Does any board member have any known conflicts of interest or appearances of conflict of interest with respect to any matters coming before the Board? If so, please identify the conflict or appearance of conflict and refrain from any undue participation in the particular matter involved.
  5. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA: None
  6. ADOPTION OF AGENDA: Chuck Vines made the motion to adopt the agenda, Curtis Taylor seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
  7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chuck Vines made the motion to approve the December minutes, Allen Cook seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
  8. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
  9. REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS
    1. Financials – Amanda Hollifield
      1. November – For the month of November, total checking/savings is $606,867, total assets, liability, and equity is $608,207.78. Total income is $1,106.19 and expenses are $9,664.55, so then our loss net income would be $8,558.36 for the month of November. Patti Jensen made the motion to approve the November financials, Dr. Tonia Hale seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
      2. December – For the month of December, total checking/savings is $642,610.83, total assets, liability, and equity is $643,951.61. Total income is $66,269.86 and expenses are $30,526.03, so then our net income would be $35,743.83 for the month of December. Dr. Tonia Hale made the motion to approve the December financials, Curtis Taylor seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
    2. Chamber of Commerce – Patti Jensen
      1. Patti reminds everyone of the new Chamber app and updated website. She informs them of the new Jobs Board on the website where members can go on and post any positions they are hiring for. She has created a storm resource list and shared it on all platforms for the upcoming winter weather Mitchell County is expecting.
      2. DIRECTORS REPORT – BILL SLAGLE
  10. Introduction of Mayland President – Dr. Aron Gabriel
  11. Discussion of Regional Partnership
    1. Nine counties have committed to the Regional EDC Coalition; Bill recommends to join for the year at $5,000 annually. Amanda Hollifield makes the motion to move forward with joining the Regional EDC Partnership, Patti Jensen seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
  12. Sibelco Discussion
    1. Patti sent out a press release about the Sibelco terminations from the EDC and Chamber. Bill discusses the information that was given to him and what he is doing moving forward. He mentions plans for a job fair in the near future as well as directing people to NCWorks for health insurance.
  13. Presentation of Semi-Annual Report
    1. Bill presented the EDC/Chamber Semi-Annual Report to the board of Commissioners on Monday, January 20th.
  14. Mitchell Business Park Update
    1. Bill reached out to David Biddix previously about a website design for the business park but has since then decided to have the website completed internally. People from EDPNC will be here March 12th to shoot a drone video of the site which will be included on the website amongst other platforms. Garrett Wyckoff with EDPNC will visit this day and Bill invited everyone for a luncheon and presentation from Garrett to explain the importance of what this project means for Mitchell County.
  15. Marley’s Role Update
    1. Bill has been accepted to attend SelectUSA Conference in May. Marley will apply next, now that his has been accepted. Bill mentions that he and Marley will begin to look at EDC certification training for Marley through ECU, UNC, or University of Oklahoma, and discuss their options.
    2. Bill proposed a pay increase for Marley’s position. NCWorks has extended her contract until October 2026. He proposed the EDC pays her $1.50/hr for her 30 hours per week. This would bring her at a total of $20/hr. Daniel Stines made the motion to approve Marley’s pay increase, Chuck Vines seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
    3. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
  16. Chairman Chris Gentry discusses a request to change meeting days. He proposes a poll made for board members to vote on preferred meeting days. He and Bill mention that they will need to check the Bylaws first before changing the days. Bill reminds the executive members that a budget for the EDC will need to be prepared by February for the upcoming year.
  17. BOARD COMMENTS/UPDATES
  18. Tonia Hale – The hospital has a lot of provider recruits and new doctors/surgeons with a pediatrician coming in March. Remains a very low turnover and great quality.
  19. Amanda Hollifield – It’s slowing down some at Penland; there are roughly 90 artists on campus right now. Summer registration opened last week and they will be hiring seasonal employees soon. Forest service is set to come help clear trees on and around campus. Community Day is at the end of the month.
  20. Curtis Taylor – In the last three months BRP has hired 27 new employees with room for 10-15 more. Been very busy and had lots of new business.
  21. Daniel Stines – There has been lots of leadership change on the FEMA side of things and more success with that, getting closer to obligational funds. Two parks were secured under A&E firms. Public service building to break ground in the Spring and hopefully bridge or park towards end of the year. The town has been very successful in receiving grants.
  22. Chuck Vines – Bakersville is in a holding stage; much more can’t be done until the creek is stretched. They were awarded a $2 million grant for water and wastewater and are in the process of looking for another water source.
  23. Allen Cook – Allen gave a weather update for the upcoming winter storm and informs everyone that this has been declared as a state of emergency. He goes over what to expect and the necessary precautions that should be taken.
  24. Chris Gentry – Chris talks about TQC’s community outreach through the website. People or businesses inquiring about sponsorships will now send in a request for donations via the website and they will be awarded quarterly.
  25. ADJOURNMENT: Chuck Vines made the motion to adjourn, Dr. Tonia Hale seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
Posted on

December 12, 2025, EDC Agenda and Meeting Minutes

December 12, 2025
12:00 PM-1:30 PM
Grassy Creek Golf Course & Country Club
2360 Swiss Pine Lake Dr
Spruce Pine, NC 28777

  1. CALL TO ORDER
  2. WELCOME
  3. INVOCATION – LEE ELLIS
  4. ETHICS AWARENESS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST REMINDER:
    In accordance with the State Government Ethics Act, it is the duty of every board member to avoid both conflicts of interest and appearance of conflict. Does any board member have any known conflicts of interest or appearances of conflict of interest with respect to any matters coming before the Board? If so, please identify the conflict or appearance of conflict and refrain from any undue participation in the particular matter involved.
  5. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
  6. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
  7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (September & October)
  8. PUBLIC COMMENTS
  9. REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS
    1. Financials – Amanda Hollifield
    2. Business Park Update – Jamie McMahan
      1. Drone Video
      2. EDPNC SelectSite approval
    3. Chamber of Commerce – Patti Jensen
  10. DIRECTORS REPORT – BILL SLAGLE
    1. Appointment of Patti Jensen to EDC board as Chamber representative
    2. Appointment of Morgan Buchanan as advisory member
    3. Recommendation of Sanford Holshouser as Mitchell Business Park contractor
  11. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
    1. Recognition of Dr. John Boyd
  12. BOARD COMMENTS/UPDATES
  13. ADJOURNMENT

MINUTES

December 12, 2025

The Mitchell County EDC Board met in person on December 12, 2025 at 12pm. Present were Bill Slagle, Lee Ellis, Dr. John Boyd, Jon Duncan, Chuck Vines, Allen Cook, Morgan Buchanan, Chris Gentry, Patti Jensen, Amanda Hollifield, Dr. Tonia Hale, Jamie McMahan, and Marley Cloer.

  1. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Chris Gentry called the meeting to order at 12pm.
  2. WELCOME
  3. INVOCATION: Lee Ellis
  4. ETHICS AWARENESS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST REMINDER:
    In accordance with the State Government Ethics Act, it is the duty of every board member to avoid both conflicts of interest and appearance of conflict. Does any board member have any known conflicts of interest or appearances of conflict of interest with respect to any matters coming before the Board? If so, please identify the conflict or appearance of conflict and refrain from any undue participation in the particular matter involved.
  5. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA: None
  6. ADOPTION OF AGENDA: Chuck Vines made the motion to adopt the agenda, Amanda Hollifield seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
  7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES (September & October): Did not need to approve minutes from October because the meeting did not meet quorum requirements. Lee Ellis made the motion to approve the minutes, Dr. John Boyd seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
  8. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
  9. REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS
  10. Financials – Amanda Hollifield
    1. For the month of September, total checking/savings is $623,617.12, total assets, liability, and equity is $624,957.90. Total income is $51,330.87, and expenses are $9,684.57, so then our net income would be $41,646.30 for the month of September. Dr. John Boyd made the motion to accept September financials, Chuck Vines seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%.
    2. For the month of October, total checking/savings is $615,425.36, total assets liability, and equity is $616,766.14. Total income is $1,291.57 and expenses are $9,483.33, so then our loss net income would be $8,191.76. Lee Ellis made the motion to accept October financials, Jon Duncan seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%. Bill mentions that we have sent in a request for $65,000 from the county, our second half of the budget.
  11. Business Park Update – Jamie McMahan
    1. Chairman of the Business Park committee, Jamie McMahan, shares an update on contractor selection. There were three RFP responses from Civil Design Concepts, Withers Ravenel, and Sanford Holshouser. The board voted on moving forward in the process with Sanford Holshouser. Dr. Tonia Hale made the motion to move forward with the contract, Jon Duncan seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
    2. The EDC got selected for the drone video program with EDPNC for the site. Bill makes a proposal in saying that it would be beneficial to have drone video with and without foliage. Steps will be taken to see if that’s a possibility.
  12. Chamber of Commerce – Patti Jensen
    1. Patti reviews the most recent Chamber events such as the Annual Dinner & App Launch, Spruce Pine Christmas Parade, and of course ribbon cuttings. She announced that the Chamber has a new membership structure and in the new Leadership Circle we have six new members totaling $26,000.
    2. DIRECTORS REPORT – BILL SLAGLE
  13. Appointment of Patti & Morgan
    1. Bill makes the suggestion of appointing Patti Jensen as the Chamber representative for the EDC board, and replacing her as an advisory council member with Morgan Buchanan. Chuck Vines made the motion to move forward with this notion, Dr. John Boyd seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
  14. Website for the Mitchell Business Park
    1. We are in the process of creating a website exclusively for the Mitchell Business Park. Marley has registered the domain name (mitchellbusinesspark.org) and will meet with David Biddix to discuss the design for the site.
  15. April 2nd EDC Retreat
    1. Executive Director Bill Slagle announces that the EDC board retreat will take place on April 2nd. He reminds everyone to keep their calendars clear for this date.
  16. Bill announced he and Marley are applying to go to SelectUSA in May through EDPNC in Washington DC. He will bring funding options before the board when time.
  17. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
  18. Recognition of Dr. John Boyd
    1. Chairman Chris Gentry took time to show special recognition to Dr. John Boyd before his retirement in January. He presented him with a plaque to show his efforts and appreciation within Mayland Community College and the communities surrounding.
    2. BOARD COMMENTS/UPDATES
  19. John Boyd – Had his retirement dinner December 11th and they announced to name the arena the, “Dr. John Boyd Arena” at the Three Peaks Enrichment Center.
  20. Tonia Hale – There will be a new pediatrician coming in March, they are currently at their lowest turnover, and will be working on a business plan for 2026.
  21. Allen Cook – He’s been dealing with FEMA and debris movement. EMS will run county wide.
  22. Morgan Buchanan – New small businesses, North Carolina was named #1 state to do small business in.
  23. Amanda Hollifield – Summer registration for Penland will open in January, they have been provided with $400k for scholarships.
  24. Jamie McMahan – The roof at the new MCHP site will be going on soon.
  25. ADJOURNMENT: Dr. John Boyd made the motion to adjourn, Jon Duncan seconds. All in favor 100%, All opposed 0%
Posted on

October 24, 2025, EDC Agenda and Meeting Minutes

October 24, 2025
12:00 PM-1:30 PM
Mayland Small Business Center Conference Room
67 Hotel Place
Spruce Pine, NC 28777

  1. CALL TO ORDER
  2. WELCOME
  3. INVOCATION – LEE ELLIS
  4. ETHICS AWARENESS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST REMINDER:
    In accordance with the State Government Ethics Act, it is the duty of every board member to avoid both conflicts of interest and appearance of conflict. Does any board member have any known conflicts of interest or appearances of conflict of interest with respect to any matters coming before the Board? If so, please identify the conflict or appearance of conflict and refrain from any undue participation in the particular matter involved.
  5. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
  6. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
  7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
  8. PUBLIC COMMENTS
  9. REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS
    1. Financials – Amanda Hollifield
    2. Business Park Update – Jamie McMahan
    3. Small Business Center Update – Morgan Buchanan
    4. Supply Chain Study – Dale Carroll
  10. DIRECTORS REPORT – BILL SLAGLE
    1. CTE Update with Mitchell County Schools
    2. Discussion about November/December Meetings
    3. Discuss Board Retreat
    4. EDPNC Drone Program
    5. NCEDA Fellowship Program
  11. BOARD COMMENTS/UPDATES
  12. ADJOURNMENT

MINUTES

October 24, 2025

The Mitchell County EDC Board met in person on October 24, 2025 at 12:00pm. Present were, Bill Slagle, Chris Gentry, Morgan Buchanan, Dale Carrol (Guest), John Boyd, Marley Cloer, Patti Jensen, Jon Duncan, Curtis Taylor, Beth Holmes, and Lee Ellis.

  1. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Chris Gentry called the meeting to order at 12:04pm.
  2. WELCOME
  3. INVOCATION: Curtis Taylor
  4. ETHICS AWARENESS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST REMINDER:
    In accordance with the State Government Ethics Act, it is the duty of every board member to avoid both conflicts of interest and appearance of conflict. Does any board member have any known conflicts of interest or appearances of conflict of interest with respect to any matters coming before the Board? If so, please identify the conflict or appearance of conflict and refrain from any undue participation in the particular matter involved.
  5. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
  6. ADOPTION OF AGENDA: No quorum – will need to adopt agenda next meeting. (12/12)
  7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: No quorum – will need to approve minutes next meeting. (12/12)
  8. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
  9. REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS
  10. Financials – Bill Slagle
    1. The Money Market account set up 3.2% drawing, $122,000 in check book now, all bills paid will get $65K from county in January, $623,000 total assets, should receive credit card within the next week.
  11. Business Park Update – Bill Slagle
    1. We have everything submitted for the EDPNC Site Selection that was due October 10th. We put out the RFP and will evaluate November 3rd. For funding, we have received the $50k from NCRR, and plan to receive another $25K from NC Co-op/French Broad soon. We met with the Sibelco foundation leaders and they have slowed down their grant process until the beginning of the new year, but have considered giving us $75K in January instead of the original $150K. They plan to discuss this request more at their upcoming board meeting. We will find out in late December or early January if we have been selected through EDPNC, but we are feeling confident.
  12. Small Business Center Update – Morgan Buchanan
    1. The NC Growth seminar has been canceled due to lack of participation and enrollment. She talks about upcoming events such as the Agricultural Summit and the Food truck boot camp in Cherokee (November 17-20). Morgan informs everyone of a new ICAP grant for $5,100 for small businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. Duke Energy also has up to $500K in grants, but a non-profit has to apply and forward the funds back out. The Small Business Center, EDC, and Chamber will be working with Mitchell High School to create “CTE Student of the Month”.
  13. Supply Chain Study – Dale Carroll
    1. Guest Dale Carroll gave a presentation on Project Supply Chain. He acknowledged all the regional and local partners that were involved with the study. SHEDC conducted a comprehensive study for Mayland Community College to support an ARC initiative project focused on attracting advanced manufacturing to Western NC. The study confirms that the region’s high-purity quartz deposits are globally exceptional and central to supply chains for a variety of things. The plan recommends targeting companies that use high-purity quartz, marketing the region’s strategic advantages, developing new industrial sites, collaborating with NC State University and regional partners, and international outreach to encourage foreign direct investment.
  14. Chamber of Commerce Update – Patti Jensen
    1. Patti informed everyone of upcoming events and happenings: Annual Chamber dinner, app launch and new website, approved new dues structure, waiting on $50K from NCRR, ribbon cuttings, new members and renewals, coffee & connect October 31st, ECU Dental School celebration November 13, new chamber bylaws, sending in documents to be a 501(c)(3), Christmas parade and Small Business Saturday November 29th.
    2. DIRECTORS REPORT – BILL SLAGLE
  15. CTE Update with Mitchell County Schools
    1. Bill and several others took a tour of all the schools and the CTE program at Mitchell High School. They are going to create a promo video for the CTE programs that we can share and add to our website. They talked about planning an Industry Day and inviting multiple industry and business leaders in the County. They also mentioned sponsorships through these industry leaders.
  16. Discussion about November/December Meetings
    1. The board discussed meeting dates for November and December and that discussion resulted in one meeting for the two months that will be on December 12th at the Chamber Office.
  17. Discuss Board Retreat
    1. Bill proposed the idea of an EDC Board Retreat for this upcoming year in Q1. He shared that a poll will be created to determine the best possible date for everyone.
  18. EDPNC Drone Program
    1. An application was submitted to be apart of NC Co-op’s drone video program for the Mitchell Business Park. Update to come.
  19. NCEDA Fellowship Program
    1. The EDC has applied to be a site for the NCEDA Fellowship program for Summer of 2026. We have been recommended to apply to be a site, but only two get chosen.
    2. BOARD COMMENTS/UPDATES
  20. Boyd – He shared that Mayland had their Spooktacular event and it went well. The Governor’s Task Force WNC is coming to Mayland next month.
  21. ADJOURNMENT
Posted on

September 26, 2025, EDC Agenda and Meeting Minutes

September 26, 2025
12:00 PM-1:30 PM
The Quartz Corp Office
138 Highland Avenue
Spruce Pine, NC 28777

  1. CALL TO ORDER
  2. WELCOME
  3. INVOCATION – LEE ELLIS
  4. ETHICS AWARENESS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST REMINDER:
    In accordance with the State Government Ethics Act, it is the duty of every board member to avoid both conflicts of interest and appearance of conflict. Does any board member have any known conflicts of interest or appearances of conflict of interest with respect to any matters coming before the Board? If so, please identify the conflict or appearance of conflict and refrain from any undue participation in the particular matter involved.
  5. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
  6. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
  7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
  8. PUBLIC COMMENTS
  9. REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS
    1. Courtney Aycock – Sustainability Manager (The Quartz Corp)
    2. Finance Report – Amanda Hollifield
    3. Chamber of Commerce – Patti Jensen
    4. Credit Card Discussion – Jon Duncan
    5. Blue Ridge Parkway Update Zoom Call – 12:30PM
    6. NC Department of Transportation – Tim Anderson & Chad Young
    7. Business Park Update – Jamie McMahan
  10. DIRECTORS REPORT – BILL SLAGLE
  11. BOARD COMMENTS/UPDATES
  12. ADJOURNMENT

MINUTES

September 26, 2025

The Mitchell County EDC Board met in person on September 26, 2025 at 12:00pm. Present were, Jon Duncan, Lee Ellis, Chris Gentry, Dr. Tonia Hale, Patti Jensen, Jamie McMahan, Bill Slagle, Curtis Taylor, Amanda Hollifield, Daniel Stines, Keith Holtsclaw (guest), Marley Cloer (guest), Morgan Buchanan (guest), Courtney Aycock (guest), Van Phillips (guest), Scott Elliot (guest), Tim Anderson (guest), Jason Butler (guest), and Chad Young (guest).

  1. CALL TO ORDER: Called to order by Chris Gentry, Chairman, at 12:00pm.
  2. WELCOME: Chris Gentry welcomed everyone and special guests to the meeting.
  3. INVOCATION: Lee Ellis
  4. ETHICS AWARENESS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST REMINDER:
    In accordance with the State Government Ethics Act, it is the duty of every board member to avoid both conflicts of interest and appearance of conflict. Does any board member have any known conflicts of interest or appearances of conflict of interest with respect to any matters coming before the Board? If so, please identify the conflict or appearance of conflict and refrain from any undue participation in the particular matter involved.
  5. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA:
  6. Added item 9H to review core values and mission statement.
  7. ADOPTION OF AGENDA: Amanda Hollifield made the motion to adopt the agenda, Jon Duncan seconds. All in favor: 100%, All opposed: 0%
  8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Lee Ellis made the motion to approve the minutes, Jon Duncan seconds. All in favor: 100%, All opposed: 0%
  9. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
  10. REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS
  11. Courtney Aycock – Sustainability Manager (The Quartz Corp)
    1. Courtney goes over how sustainability and economic development align. She presents a slide presentation and talks about the Quartz Corp community involvement during recovery efforts in 2024. She asks the board for the percentage of flood risk reduction project planning and implementation capacity in our area. They respond that it may be 20-25% and recommend she talk to Allen Cook for more information. Scott Elliot and Tim Anderson chip in to give information on planning and modeling tools to reduce flood risk.
  12. Blue Ridge Parkway Update – Scott Elliot
    1. Van Phillips introduced Scott Elliot from the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western NC to provide an update on the Blue Ridge Parkway. He briefed what GrowNC does and talked about the pillars of recovery efforts. Most of the federal money is going to the most impacted and distressed parts of the Parkway. He wishes the State would do more, and requests are continuing to be put in. He mentioned applications people can fill out for reimbursements and infrastructure recovery.
  13. NC Department of Transportation – Tim Anderson & Chad Young
    1. Tim Anderson joined the meeting to give an update on Coxes Creek. He explains the way they program project is split up into MPOs (metropolitan planning organizations) and RPOs (rural planning organizations). These get to put the project forward and it’s community-based that way it’s the things that are needed based on forecast. There is less emphasis on Mitchell County, more McDowell for Coxes Creek. The NCDOT is allowed to submit points for a project and they submitted this project on Mitchell County’s behalf. Everyone is aware of the safety risks associated with heavy trucks coming down and there are not enough runaway truck ramps. The goal would be to build a project that didn’t require truck ramps. It’s a very expensive project in the realm of realignment. First step would be to do some sort of express design to get a high-level estimate of cost.
  14. Business Park Update – Jamie McMahan
    1. We have received 50k from NCRR, expecting 25k more from the NC Co-op and have requested 150k from Sibelco. Jamie mentioned we are working on putting in an application for the EDPNC Select Site program for due diligence funding. Bill shares that we may not get the tax-exempt status form from Sharon in time for application, and asks about using the foundation as a pass through. Lee Ellis makes a motion to authorize and issue an RFP for Mitchell Business Park, Jon Duncan seconds. All in favor: 100%, All opposed: 0%
  15. Finance Report – Amanda Hollifield
    1. Asset Balance for August is $581,970.82. Total liabilities are $583,311.60 and Profit & Loss is $736.44. Total Expenses come out to $24,329.23 which includes the 11k to Halltown. Net Income is -$23,592.79 but that does not report the 50k from NCRR that was deposited on September 12th. That also doesn’t reflect the amount of interest accrued. Jon Duncan makes a motion to approve the financials, Lee Ellis seconds. All in favor: 100%, All opposed: 0%
  16. Chamber of Commerce – Patti Jensen
    1. Patti introduces the new community app that will be launching at the Annual Chamber Dinner in November. The chamber will be getting a new website, redoing the membership structures, and have sent a request to be a 501(c)(3). Patti reminded everyone of the prayer breakfast and annual dinner coming up. They are applying for a grant through AMY Wellness foundation and are asking to use the EDC’s name on the application since they are in collaboration and it is needing a 501(c)(3). Tonia Hale makes the motion to move forward, Lee Ellis seconds. All in favor: 100%, All opposed: 0%
  17. Credit Card Discussion – Jon Duncan
    1. Jon talks about issuing a credit card for the EDC with zero interest, for nonprofit, and no personal guarantor. It is recognized that there will need to be an approval of expenses each month and there will be a recommended credit limit based off the financials. Amanda Hollifield makes the motion to move forward, Lee Ellis seconds. All in favor: 100%, All opposed: 0%
  18. Mission Statement & Core Values
    1. Jon Duncan makes the motion to approve mission statement and core values, Tonia Hale seconds. All in favor: 100%, All opposed: 0%
    2. DIRECTORS REPORT – BILL SLAGLE
  19. Bill mentions that the EDC is working on a new Facebook account and updates everyone on the visit from NC Secretary of Commerce – Lee Lilley. He informs everyone that the British embassy is awarding monies to any British businesses in Mitchell County. Bill had a meeting with Kerry Construction and they are very interested in development in Mitchell County. They are coming back in October and going to meet with Dr. Boyd, Daniel, and Chad. Bill shares he will be speaking on Monday at Sierra Nevada as part of the economic development professionals panel.
  20. BOARD COMMENTS/UPDATES:
  21. Patti Jensen – She announces the ribbon cutting ceremony for Spruce Pint happening on Friday, October 3rd.
  22. Amanda Hollifield – Penland had their Annual Benefit Auction last month, raised almost 750k in two days in art sales. Almost 400 people were in attendance and they raised roughly 240k for recovery from Hurricane Helene for their water system.
  23. Jamie McMahan – Highest number of patient visits in August and September. Updates that they are continuing to move dirt out on Grassy Creek for MCHP.
  24. Daniel Stines – He announces they sent out tax bills, hired a new finance director, they had a special call meeting on Monday, and had a recognition dinner at First Baptist Church for first responders.
  25. Tonia Hale – She updates everyone on the Hurricane Helene Remembrance Event and remind them of the 70th Year Celebration happening November 6th, the hospital has a pediatrician coming in March.
  26. Curtis Taylor – BRP is hiring, going up by about 15-20 people.
  27. ADJOURNMENT: Lee Ellis made the motion to adjourn, Jon Duncan seconds. All in favor: 100%, All opposed: 0%