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April 26, 2024, EDC Agenda and Meeting Minutes

Call to Order EDC Meeting/Welcome Board & Guest                  Chris Gentry

Additions/Changes to Agenda                                                                 Chris Gentry

Public Comment                                                                                              Chris Gentry

Approval of Minutes                                                                                       Matt Ward

February 23, 2024, Open Session Meeting Minutes

Approval of Minutes

February 23, 2024, Closed Session Meeting Minutes

Approval of Minutes Open Session Meeting Minutes

March 22, 2024, Open Session Meeting Minutes

Financial Report                                                                                              Matt Ward

March 2024 Financials

March 2024 Chamber Financial Report

Proposed FY 2024-2025 Budget and EDC Structure                 Matt Ward

Member Comments                                                                                      Chris Gentry

Adjournment (Next EDC Meeting – June 28, 2024)                      Chris Gentry

NORTH CAROLINA MITCHELL COUNTY

 The Mitchell County EDC Board met in person on April 26, 2024 at 12:00p.m. Present were, Chris Gentry, Matt Ward, Darlane Butler, Mandi Polly, Van Phillips, Jeff Harding, Allen Cook, Richard Canipe, John Boyd and guest Leo Williams.

  1. CALL TO ORDER – Chris Gentry, Vice Chair, called the meeting to order at 12:01
  2. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO AGENDA- Chris Gentry asked if there were any additions or changes to the agenda. There were no changes to the April 26, 2024 agenda. John Boyd made a motion to adopt the agenda and Jeff Harding seconded the motion. The motion passed
  3. PUBLIC COMMENTS-NONE
  4. APPROVAL OF MlNUTES- Chris Gentry asked if there were any additions or changes to the minutes. There were not changes to the February 23, 2024, open session meeting minutes. Darlene Butler made a motion to adopt the meeting minutes and Van Phillips seconded the motion. The motion passed

Chris Gentry asked if there were any additions or changes to the minutes. There were not changes to the February 23, 2024, closed session meeting minutes. Jeff Harding made a motion to adopt the closed session meeting minutes and John Boyd seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Chris Gentry asked if there were any additions or changes to the minutes. There were not changes to the March 22, 2024, open session meeting minutes. Van Phillips made a motion to adopt the meeting minutes and John Boyd seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously

FINANCIALS – Matt Ward, Executive Director, presented the EDC Balance Sheet for the month of March. Total Current Assets of $537,843.67 and Total Fixed Assets of $41,340.78 leaving Total Assets of

$579,184.45 in United Community EDC accounts. This amount equals our Total Liabilities and Equity through March 31, 2024.

The March Profit & Loss Statement reflects Interest Income of $260.59. This month there are various expenses listed the Advertising total $1,100 was full page ad in the Toe River Valley Destination Guide, Director Services total $17,577.68 and $22,500 Chamber of Commerce total relating to our MOA agreement. The expense will cover Chamber related operations and activities to promote small businesses. Leaving total expenses of $41,573.38 and resulting in net income loss of $41,312.79 for March. Jobn Boyd made the motion, and Jeff Harding seconded the motion to accept the financials as read. The motion passed unanimously.

 

Matt Ward, Executive Director, presented the Chamber of Commerce Balance Sheet for the month of March.

The Chamber of Commerce Balance Sheet for the month of March shows Total Current Assets of $39.450.39. Total equity of $60,886.78 in m Bank account with $39,450.39 as total Liabilities and Equity through March 31, 2024.

The March Profit & Loss Statement reflects total Income of$27,666.70. This month expenses listed are total office supplies and miscellaneous $436.24, payroll expenses $7,509.98 with a total expense equaling

$8,404.78 promote small businesses. Resulting in $19,261.92 as net income. John Boyd made the motion, and Van Phillips seconded the motion to accept the fmancials as read. The motion passed unanimously.

 

  1. PROPOSED FY 2024-2025 BUDGET AND EDC STRUCTURE-The director presented $120,000 for FY2024-25. This is a reduction of$60,000 from the prior year. The County budget workshop is April 30, 2024. John Boyd made motion to accept the budget and Van Phillips seconded the motion. The motion passed

Tabled the decision on EDC structure as a non-profit status. Director will find out if we can pick up where we left off back in 2020 or start approval process.

EDC DIRECTOR UPDATES

  1. The Appalachian State University Outdoor Recreation User Survey is complete. Popular activities in Mitchell County include nature viewing, fishing, and day hiking. The average amount spent on a Mitchell County trip was $578.
  2. Latest employment numbers show Sibeleo with 488, Walmart 230, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital 300- 350 based on seasonality. Top 3 employers are Sibelco, Board of Education and
  3. MCHP will break ground by end of year. Sometime around May 10 they should have their construction firm selected.

MEMBER/GUEST COMMENTS-LOCAL UPDATES

Darlene Butler:

    • Brad Ragan Park Grand reopening Friday prior to Memorial Day wrapping up grant activity to include trail entrance, pool slide, etc
    • May 3 is streetscape kick off meeting with engineers.
    • Stormwater mapping project has started.

Leo Williams:

    • Recruiting for general surgeon and primary care
    • New contrast enhancement mammography project to be completed in 18-20 weeks
    • Continuing to focus on employee satisfaction.
    • Upcoming Mitchell High School event.

Mandi Polly:

    • Tonia Hale and EDC Director added to the Chamber of Commerce executive committee.
    • The Chamber Board members are reviewing and revising current bylaws.
    • Sent three CPA firms contract request to conduct Chamber financials. Hope to hire a firm soon
    • 4 new Chamber members, Blue Ridge Tacos, Trinity Car Sales, Hopscotch Primary Care and Jack’s Locksmith. NCOA ribbon cutting today at 4 p.m.
    • Conducted TDA, Chamber, Spruce Main Street, BAMA and EDC quarterly meeting.
    • Active Excel spreadsheet used to document and keep track of business visits. Visited well over 20 businesses last month.
    • Meeting with Morgan Wood to developing ideas on a new event with business plan.
    • Chamber membership resource guide in bulleted format posted on the website.
    • Coordinating with SP BBQ Festival and Cycle NC for the NC Mountain to Coast ride in October. BBQ Festival is also working on obtaining music. Will present to Town of Spruce Pine Board.
    • Ready to offer 2 employees visitor center position on weekends.
    • Sandi Buchanan will stay on with the Chamber.
    • Separate Mineral and Gem Festival committee as well as bank account has been established.
    • Finishing up Food Lion building contract for Gem Festival
    • One platinum member, Sibelco has provided funding. Working with Penland and The Quartz Corp to determine their sponsorship abilities.
    • Rhododendron Festival preparation for June.
    • A previous contract with Visit NC of $6,320 had to be paid out of Chamber budget. It was a valid contract that was required to be paid.
    • To date there is $15,000 worth of booth rental for Mineral Gem Festival.

Jeff Harding:

    • Both businesses are very this Spring season. Down one employee but rest of the crew has continued to complete work.

Allen Cook:

    • Attended regional County Commission meeting in Avery. Our mountain area regional challenge for each county is workforce housing and the counties are sending that message to Raleigh.
    • Busy time of year, budget workshops, end of fiscal projects and day to day operations.
    • May 1 is bid opening for Mitchell County Recreation Center. 3 bids are required. Hope to start construction work starting July 1.
    • Carbon Reduction Grant was approved for a new 5′ sidewalk connecting P&R to Mitchell High School.
    • Road widening at middle school intersection will take about 6-8 weeks.
    • Law Enforcement Center should be completed by October.
    • Mitchell County is building up recreational facilities to help retain our youth.

Richard Canipe:

    • Blacksmith Festival this Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • Largest vendor participation in
    • City Drive In and 640 on Oak will have live music and tee-shirt

Van Phillips:

    • No comments

John Boyd:

    • May 14 signing Aspire ceremony with ASU to help our students be prepared to attend ASU after Mayland. This will be a co-admission agreement between Mayland and ASU.
    • Nursing national accreditation was approved.
    • Enrollment is up especially because of the paramedic to nursing program.
    • Hotel curb and gutter completed this week.
    • Bids due today for pavement.
    • YMCA is moving fast.
    • Toe River Beekeepers area established on main campus.
    • This fall students can take Firefighter I and II in the afternoon block schedules.
    • Wit Tuttell, Visit NC executive director stayed at the Blue Ridge Boutique Hotel and attended an event at Planetarium and Observatory.
    • ARC planning grant submitted for supply chain and product development. Sibelco provided match funding, Mayland provided funding and in talks with The Quartz Corp. Around 13 entities have signed letters of support in anticipation of the planning grant award.
    • Mayland College is ranked #2 as most affordable NC community college mascot is now Highlanders representative of a Highland Cow.

Chris Gentry:

    • Van Phillips and Richard Canipe announced they will be coming off the EDC
    • Provided appreciation towards Mr. Phillips and Mr. Canipe’s dedication and support to the EDC Board for helping make the county

 

 

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT-The meeting was adjourned at 1:20 p.m. by motion from Van Phillips.

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March 22, 2024, EDC Agenda and Meeting Minutes

EDC Board Meeting Agenda

March 22, 2024, 12:00 p.m.

Mitchell County Admin Building, EDC Office

 

Call to Order EDC Meeting/Welcome Board & Guest

Additions/Changes to Agenda

 12:00-12:05 p.m. Chuck Vines

Chuck Vines
Approval of Minutes 12:05-12:10 p.m. Chuck Vines
February 23, 2024, Open Session Meeting Minutes
Public Comment 12:10-12:15 p.m. Chuck Vines
Financial Report

February 2024 Financials

 12:35-12:40 p.m. Matt Ward
EDC Director Updates 12:40-12:45 p.m. Matt Ward
Chamber MOA Funding Request 12:45 p.m. Matt Ward
Member Comments Chuck Vines
Adjournment (Next EDC Meeting – February 23, 2024) Chuck Vines

 EDC Officers: Chairman, Chuck Vines; Vice-Chairman, Chris Gentry; Secretary, Tonia Hale; Treasurer, Financials, Sharon Gillespie, CPA’s (CPA Firm) Contact: Matt Ward, Executive Director: 828-385-1242 Email: EDC@mitchellcountync.gov

NORTH CAROLINA

MITCHELL COUNTY

 The Mitchell County EDC Board met in person on March 22, 2024 at 12:03 p.m. Present were, Charles Vines, Matt Ward, Amanda Hollifield, Van Phillips, Jeff Harding, Tonia Hale, Mandi Polly, Allen Cook, Chris Gentry, Richard Canipe, Darlene Butler, Gene Self (Guest-Chamber of Commerce President)

  1. CALL TO ORDER – Charles Vines, Chair, called the meeting to order at 12:05 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 March 22, 2024 agenda. Jeff Harding made a motion to adopt the agenda and Chris Gentry seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
  3. PUBLIC COMMENTS—NONE
  4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Charles Vines asked if there were any additions or changes to the minutes. Matt Ward, Director stated the February 23, 2024, open session and closed session minutes will be ready for next month to be presented and voted on. No action was taken.
  5. FINANCIALS – Matt Ward, Executive Director, presented February 2024 financial reports. The February Profit and Loss Statement shows interest of $275.69 and monthly expenses of $9,575.53 which includes regular expenses of Executive Director payroll, accounting fees, cell phone, mileage reimbursement, meeting expense, and office expense. For fiscal budget year 2023-2024 there is $65,340.56 remaining of the budgeted $180,000. The Balance Sheet for February 2024 shows the United Community Bank Assets totaled $579,156.46 with fixed assets of $41,340.78 leaving Total Assets of $620,497.24. This amount equals the total liabilities and equity through February 29, 2024. Tonia Hale made a motion to approve the financial report and Amanda Hollifield seconded that motion. The motion passed unanimously.
  6. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MOA AND FUNDING – Charles Vines presented the final MOA and funding request of $40,000. There was discussion about adding an extra $2,500 from the original $40,000 request to cover the CPA expenses. The board agreed to add $2,500 for a funding total of $42,500. There was a motion from Jeff Harding to approve the total funding of $42,500 and Darlene Butler seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The Chamber of Commerce Director recused herself from the vote.
  7. The next discussion was disbursement of funding. For immediate disbursement of $22,500 to the Chamber, $10,000 at the October 2024 meeting when Chamber reports their progress to the EDC board and the other $10,000 will be deposited once the $20,000 is gained in sponsorship.  There was a motion from Jeff Harding to approve the total funding of $42,500 and immediate disbursement of $22,500 with the other $20,000 disbursed per the MOA and Chris Gentry seconded that motion.  The motion passed unanimously. The Chamber of Commerce Director recused herself from the vote.
  8. MITCHELL COUNTY MANUFACTURER/BUSINESS GRANT– The director presented a new initiative to consider two (2) local manufacturer and business grant applications. Eligibility criteria was determined; business must be a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Director to work on revisions; item tabled for next meeting.
  9. MITCHELL COUNTY NEWS JOURNAL ADVERTISING DISCUSSION–The director presented the advertisement opportunity for one full page in the Toe River Destination Guide that will show EDC appreciation of our top twenty employers. The cost is $1,100. There was a motion from Mandi Polly to approve the full-page ad in the Toe River Destination Guide and Van Phillips seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

EDC DIRECTOR UPDATES

  • EDC was unable to apply for the full housing study grant application due to our status has either non-profit or local government; therefore, Mitchell County submitted the application.
  • Had a meeting with NCDOT and High-Country Council of Government to pitch the idea of building a Toe River Valley Visitor Center somewhere in Spruce Pine along HWY 226 or 19E.
  • Feldspar Trucking sold to Trimac Transportation. They have 60 employees and 70 trucks.
  • Roberts an engineering consultant firm rented Matt Buchanan’s building near Penland they have about 100 staff here working on Sibelco projects.

MEMBER/GUEST COMMENTS—LOCAL UPDATES

1. Tonia Hale:

    • Recruiting for general surgeon and primary care doctor.
    • New contrast enhancement mammography projected to be completed in 18-20 weeks
    • The hospital is focusing heavily on employee engagement and retention; recruiting highly qualified individuals
    • Recent Donations:
    • Local High School scholarship donations (Mitchell, Mountain Heritage, and Avery High Schools)
    • SafePlace of Mitchell County
    • Neighbors Feeding Neighbors
    • Local High Schools

2. Gene Self:

    • Appreciates EDC support and looks forward to Chamber working with the community and helping push visitors into the county and to businesses from the visitor center.
    • Four students at ECU Dental School will be entering the dental profession.

3. Van Phillips:

    • Appraisal of the former Market of Oak building will be done soon for future sale.

4. Chris Gentry:

    • Growth continues to be strong.
    • Active local contractors in tech and labor positions.
    • Recruitment of new employees.

5. Jeff Harding:

    • Per the MOA a member of the EDC will be appointed to the Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee. Tonia Hale volunteered to be the EDC representative. Chris Gentry made the motion, and Van Phillips seconded that motion. The motion passed unanimously.

6. Darlene Butler:

    • Brad Ragan Park wrapping up grant activity to include trail entrance, pool slide, etc.
    • Successful for H2o and sewer on inventory assessment grant
    • Engineers selected for H2o grant and street scape grant
    • Stroup Rd Park has began landscaping
    • Seating and landscaping will be installed and additional funds for that property will come in form of grants.
    • Grant awarded for a water and sewer assessment and inventory study.
    • Stormwater grant awarded; engineers are selected now will negotiate a contract.
    • Streetscape grant engineer selected and draft contract submitted.
    • Council will be starting budget workshop.

7. Richard Canipe:

    • Blacksmith Festival coming up last Saturday in April.
    • Spencer Bost is attending NC Tourism conference.

Allen Cook:

    • County is in middle of budget season. Budget workshop towards end of April.
    • The Dogwood Health Trust grant of $375,000 to support housing and infrastructure assessment study has been submitted and has implications for everyone in the county.
    • Bids go out for Mitchell County Recreation Center April 3, 2024.
    • The County will obtain Bowman Middle School and will be up for bid. Brainstorming many ideas for future use, including a recreational center.

Mandi Polly:

    • It has been a good month for the Market on Oak.
    • The Market on Oak will close March 30, 2024.
    • There are 5 applicants for the visitor center position.
    • Working on getting reliable internet access at Visitor Center by May 1.
    • Walmart re-grand opening ribbon cutting April 19 at 9 a.m.
    • Jack’s Lock Smith, Trinity Car Brokers would like ribbon cuttings when the weather warms up.
    • Animal rescue dinner fundraiser at First Baptist Church on March 23 5-7 p.m.
    • 670 on Oak will have RAMP fest on April 27, 2024.
    • April 2 Mitchell County Historical Society will present Tocane in its former glory hosted at Mitchell County Senior Center.
    • Coordinating with SP BBQ Festival and NC Mountain to Coast ride. BBQ Festival is also working on obtaining music.
    • Sandi Buchanan has resigned; will be looking for replacement.

Amanda Hollifield:

    • Penland’s 2025 fiscal budget nearing completion.
    • Actively accepting donations. Hit 400 donors now seeking 500.
    • Chief Advancement Officer, General Kitchen Manager, and Facilities Manager positions open

Chuck Vines:

    • Bakersville approved for $2.5 million to replace 95’ of major sewer line.
    • $300,000k for streambank restoration.
    • Waiting to hear back on Carbon Reduction grant fund.
    • Easter Egg Hunt planning for end of the month.
    • Rhododendron Festival preparation for June.

 

ADJOURNMENT –The meeting was adjourned at 1:11 pm by motion from Tonia Hale.