Posted on by Matthew Ward

August 25, 2023, EDC Agenda and Meeting Minutes

Call to Order EDC Meeting/Welcome Board & Guest

Additions/Changes to Agenda

Approval of Minutes

July 28, 2023, Open Session Meeting Minutes

Public Comment

Financial Report

July 2023, Financial Update

EDC Treasurer Nomination

EDC Director Updates

Treasurer Nomination

United Community Bank Signatures

Member Comments

Adjournment (Next EDC Meeting – September 22, 2023)

MINUTES

August 25, 2023

 

NORTH CAROLINA

MITCHELL COUNTY

 

The Mitchell County EDC Board met in person on August 25, 2023 at 12:00pm. Present were Jeff Harding, Richard Canipe, Van Phillips, Charles Vines, Mandi Polly, Amanda Hollifield, Chris Gentry, Matt Ward

Guests— Leo Williams

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER – Charles Vines, Chair, called the meeting to order at 12:03 pm.
  2. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO AGENDA — Charles Vines asked if there were any additions or changes to the agenda. There were no changes to the August 25, 2023 agenda.
  3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Charles Vines asked if there were any additions or changes to the minutes. Van Phillips made a motion to approve the July 28, 2023 meeting minutes and Jeff Harding seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
  4. PUBLIC COMMENTS—NONE
  5. FINANCIALS – Matt Ward, Director, presented the July 2023 financial reports to the board.

The July Profit and Loss Statement:

As of July 31, the profit and loss statement show all expenses to fall into the usual routine categories – Accounting, cell, mileage reimbursements, office supplies.

Additional expenses were Chamber of Commerce yearly dues the remaining BAMA small grant totaling all at $1,035.75 After expenses and Interest Income of $236.94 there is net income of $89,201.19.

July Balance Sheet:

The Balance Sheet for July 2023 shows the United Community assets totaled $553,698.21 with fixed assets of $41,340.78 leaving Total Assets of $595,038.99. This amount equals the total liabilities and equity through July 31, 2023.

That concludes the Treasurer’s report for July for your consideration. Mandi Polly made a motion to approve the financial report and Jeff Harding seconded the motion.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER APPOINTMENTS

Darlene Butler was nominated to the board. Van Phillips a motion to approve and Jeff Harding seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

It was unanimously agreed upon to remove Mr. Rob Heffron and Dr. Mickey Duval as authorized signatories from the EDC United Community checking account. Subsequently, it was further resolved to add Mr. Van Phillips and Mr. Richard Canipe as new signatories to the account.

 

EDC DIRECTOR UPDATES:

  • Ellis Lofts: 9 workforce apartments and retail space in Spruce Pine, developed by AMY Wellness Foundation, Dogwood Health Trust, and RYSE.
  • EDC Achievements: Presented to County Commissioners; Amanda Hollifield officially joins EDC Board.
  • MCHP Update: Positive soil reports, architectural design underway, closing in September.
  • BRP Production: Plans for increased 2024 production due to new automotive contract.
  • NC Zoning Conference: Discussions on economic disparities and generational wealth.
  • EDC Website: Received a 64-grade for online marketing; exploring SEO and training options.
  • Dogwood Health Trust Meeting: Discussing potential coverage for GREAT Grant local match.
  • Population Growth: Mitchell Co. gained 435 people in the last two years.
  • Workforce Housing: Planning meeting with real estate agent and investor.
  • CTE High School Program: Discussing computer science courses and hospitality/tourism cluster.
  • Mega Site Talks: Discussions about a 1,400-acre site along Interstate 40.
  • Investment Framer Program: 12-week training for identifying investment opportunities.
  • Historic Preservation: Course participation and property owner outreach.
  • Hotel Market Study: Shared study with hotel developer John Sandler.
  • Signage Lighting: Installed by Dallas Electrical Contractors along Highway 321.

MEMBER COMMENTS—LOCAL UPDATES

Van Phillips:

  • Commons Shopping Center – Auto Zone opening soon

Jeff Harding:

  • loss of a level 3 inspector impact current projects.
  • Worries about the cost for a level 3 inspector.

Tonia Hale:

  • CMS 5 Star Hospital Rating: Received a 5-star rating based on 46 quality measures in 5 categories, including safety, mortality, patient experience, readmission rates, and timely care.
  • New Medical Staff: Dr. Piacentino, General Surgeon, started in June. Dr. Drake, General Surgeon, and Lyn Shelton, Cardiology PA, to start on Sept. 25th.
  • MRI Chamber Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Held on August 24th with a short program, refreshments, and tours for attendees.
  • Low Turnover: Maintaining low turnover rates among all staff and nursing personnel.

Richard Canipe:

  • Main St. 2nd week of September with Spencer Bost.

Amanda Hollifield:

  • 507 tickets were sold for the auction.
  • Collaboration efforts are being made.

Mandi Polly:

  • Path and Search next summer offering free pool days for the first initiative out this group.
  • L+L Ribbon cutting ceremony September 1st at 9am.
  • Joshua Newton Ribbon cutting ceremony September 22nd at 11:30am.

All:

  • Lost of Tommy impacted everyone.

 

ADJOURNMENT –The meeting was adjourned at 12:58 pm by motion from Van Phillips.