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.

September 22, 2023, EDC Agenda and Meeting Minutes

EDC Board Meeting Agenda

September 22, 2023, 12:00 p.m.

Mitchell County Admin Building, EDC Office

 

Call to Order EDC Meeting/Welcome Board & Guest

Additions/Changes to Agenda

Approval of Minutes

August 25, 2023, Open Session Meeting Minutes

Public Comment

Financial Report

August 2023, Financial Update

BAMA Grant Request

EDC Director Updates

Member Comments

Adjournment (Next EDC Meeting – October 27, 2023)

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

MINUTES

September 22, 2023

 NORTH CAROLINA

MITCHELL COUNTY

 The Mitchell County EDC Board met in person on September 22, 2023 at 12:00pm. Present were, Charles Vines, Matt Ward, Amanda Hollifield, John Boyd, Jeff Harding, Tonia Hale, Allen Cook, Chris Gentry, and Darlene Butler

  1. CALL TO ORDER – Charles Vines, Chair, called the meeting to order at 12:01 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, September 22, 2023 agenda.
  3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Charles Vines asked if there were any additions or changes to the minutes. Chris Gentry made a motion to approve the August 25, 2023 meeting minutes and John Boyd seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
  4. PUBLIC COMMENTS—NONE
  5. FINANCIALS – Matt Ward, Executive Director, presented financial reports to the board.
  6. The August Profit and Loss Statement:As of August 31, the profit and loss statement show all expenses to fall into the usual routine categories – Accounting, cell, director services, meals, mileage reimbursements, office supplies.

Additional expenses were AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) dues of $517. After expenses and Interest Income and reimbursement of $268.77 there is net income of negative $8,921.43. This is due to no income except the interest income earned.  As we go through the rest of this year this will continue to be true.  The year-to-date numbers show net income of $80,279.96.

August Balance Sheet:

The Balance Sheet for August 2023 shows the United Community total current assets $544,776.78 and fixed assets of $41,340.78 leaving Total Assets of $586,117.56. This amount equals the total liabilities and equity through August 31, 2023.

BAMA is requesting $7,500 which has increased from $5,000 historically. John Boyd made a motion to approve the request and Chris Gentry seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

EDC DIRECTOR UPDATES

  • MCHP is moving forward on new facility. Anticipate adding more jobs with the new location.
  • Met with PRC’s real estate agent and an investor on workforce housing. Due to investor quote of $300 per sq/ft. to build a quadplex, PRC will be looking at other options.
  • Continuing the 12-week training investment framer program offered through Mountain Bizwork.
  • A buyer will be closing on the Former Pizza Brewery property at Oak Avenue.
  • Shared hotel feasibility study with John Sandler.
  • Received 2 sheets on top 25 things from EDC members.
  • Recruiting several restaurants to look at former Burger King and Hardees.
  • Presented to the Sibelco Community Collaboration last Friday.
  • Segway into my UNC School of Government class on October 6th which will teach us the following topics: Strategic approaches to affordable housing, Affordable housing tools and financing mechanisms, How to assess local housing needs, case studies and exercises, and immediate next steps.
  • The Our State editor plans to do an article about rural mountain treasures.
  • New county map being funded by Made X Mtns. Starli McDowell presented to interested locals about creation of the new county map.
  • Attended the NC 100 Northwest Prosperity meeting in N. Wilkesboro.
  • BAMA has submitted 2023-2024 grant request.
  • Encourage Josh Newton to participate in Spruce Pine’s Main Street Downtown Entrepreneur Assistance Program (DEAP).
  • Matt Ward will get quotes for the lighting on the county signs. Chris will check into different options.

MEMBER COMMENTS—LOCAL UPDATES

Tonia Hale:

    • Blue Ridge Regional Hospital received a 5-star CMS rating.
    • Blue Ridge Regional Hospital received Pathways to Excellence re-designation.
    • The Joint Commission made an unannounced visit and we had no clinical findings.
    • Blue Ridge Regional Hospital welcomes new providers, Dr. Valentino Piacentino (General Surgeon), Dr. James Drake (General Surgeon) and Lyn Shelton, PA (Cardiology).
    • New services: MRI, General Surgery, and Cardiology procedures: TEE’s, cardioversions, and calcium scoring.
    • A new podiatrist will be onboarding in the 1st Quarter 2024.
    • Digestive Health Partners will be coming weekly which will add more days for those needing colonoscopies.
    • Gynecology surgeries will begin in October.
    • ECU Dental plans to start doing dental surgery after the first of the year.

Allen Cook:

  • Young McQueen for site development for Mitchell Recreation Center; work out rooms and walking track
  • Hickory Construction selected for the Law Enforcement Center. Mosely Architect will design and plan to start in 60 days.
  • Working on fixing Altapass Recycling Center and looking at the recycling profitability.
  • Building Inspector interviews in progress, but not Level 3.
  • Departmental training on safety, CPR, first aid, and drug awareness.

Chris Gentry:

  • Ample construction and is actively recruiting many positions

Darlene Butler:

  • Park upgrades: basketball, pickleball, tennis, dog park, and 1-mile trail
  • Main Street hired Spencer Bost as the new Director
  • In search of Public Works Director
  • Grants – RFQ for street skate plans and for stormwater assessment and grant planning coming up.
  • EDA Disaster grant—applied for a waterline grant
  • Town of Spruce Pine is considering Non-Residential Standards Ordinance
  • Police Department working on 2nd canine drug dog

Jeff Harding:

  • Bowman School Project: next 8-12 months

John Boyd:

  • The hotel is in it’s 3rd landscaping layer process; working on installing fire pit
  • Certificate of Occupancy received for the Resource Center for Entrepreneur.
  • YMCA secured the needed funds for it’s 30,000 square foot project; guaranteed maximum price received. Construction begins at the end of October
  • Animal Shelter received funds for Avery County
  • EDA grant – last round for culinary program
  • Parking lot being built behind the planetarium
  • Enrollment has increased at Mayland Community College
  • Spooktacular October 26th 5-7pm

Amanda Hollifield:

  • $500K raised from the benefit auction
  • Contracted with Stitch Design – 50 beds for instructors and students
  • Meetings with Harley for sidewalks for safety
  • TRAC – November 10-12
  • New Exhibits in Spruce Pine
  • Apple Butter Festival – October 20th -21st

Charles Vines:

  • Paved 5 most traveled streets, 6 more to go
  • DOT has agreed S. Mitchell Ave. belongs to them and will need to extend the road
  • Bowman School Project – current building needs to be repurposed
  • Housing – none for sale but will support expanding housing
  • Trick or Treat – October 31st 5-7pm

Darlene Butler:

  • Treasures in Fall – October 14th
  • Rocktober Festival – October 7th
  • Hilloween – October 26th
  • Trick or Treat – October 31st

ADJOURNMENT –The meeting was adjourned at 1:06pm by motion from Jeff Harding.

Respectfully Submitted,

 

______________________________     September 22, 2023

Charles Vines, Chairman                       Date

_______________________________    September 22, 2023

Tonia Hale, Secretary                              Date

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.

January 26, 2024, EDC Agenda and Meeting Minutes

Call to Order EDC Meeting/Welcome Board & Guest

Additions/Changes to Agenda

Chuck Vines

Chuck Vines

Approval of Minutes Chuck Vines
October 27, 2023, Open Session Meeting Minutes
Public Comment Chuck Vines
Financial Report Matt Ward
October – December 2023, Financial Update
EDC Director Updates Matt Ward
Joint (Chamber, Dev Foundation, EDC) Meeting Topic 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, vacant; 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 January 26, 2024 at 12:00pm. Present were, Charles Vines, Matt Ward, Amanda Hollifield, Van Phillips, Jeff Harding, Tonia Hale, Ashley Neisser (Guest), Mandy Polly, Allen Cook, Chris Gentry, Richard Canipe, Darlene Butler, Kelly Jones (Guest), Spencer Bost (Guest)

  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 January 26, 2024 agenda. Jeff Harding made a motion to adopt the agenda and Van Phillips seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
  3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
    Charles Vines asked if there were any additions or changes to the minutes. Darlene Butler made amotion to approve the October 27, 2023 meeting minutes and Jef Harding seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
  4. PUBLIC COMMENTS
    NONE
  5. FINANCIALS
    Matt Ward, Executive Director, stated October-December financial reports will need to be reviewed with Chase Gillespie and will be presented next month.
  6. EDC DIRECTOR UPDATES
    1. Strong growth was reported in Mitchell County
    2. NC Business Magazine doing a story on Sibelco
    3. Working with Kelly Jones, the new TDA Director, on advertising
    4. Buck Stove is eligible for grant for international trade up to $16k; working with Lowes Canada E. Attended Mountain Community Health Partnership (MCHP) meeting recently.
    5. DHT Grant – $1M
      1. 3 vacant schools
      2. Money for land
      3. Housing assessment study
      4. Broadband meeting coming up on Tuesday
  7. MEMBER COMMENTS-LOCAL UPDATES
    1. Tonia Hale:
      1. Introduced Ashley Neisser, Executive Assistant with Blue Ridge Regional Hospital
      2. Reported a great year with finance, low turnover, patient experience, quality, growth, and community engagement
      3. Dr. James Drake, General Surgeon, and Lyn Shelton, PA are getting settled. Ashley Neisser and Tonia Hale are assisting with provider and community introductions
      4. New services at the hospital include gynecological care, breast and prostate MRI (with new MRI machine), new OB Ultrasound for high OB risk patients, pelvic floor therapy, and cardioversions & TEEs
      5. Made an offer to a Nurse Practitioner for Mauzy Phillips Center—Primary Care
      6. Initial interviews with General Surgeon candidates will be conducted in the next 2 weeks
      7. A donation of $25k has been made to the YMCA
      8. End of year donations include $10k distributed between Mitchell and Mountain Heritage High Schools, Neighbors Feeding Neighbors, and Mitchell County Safe Place
    2. Van Phillips
      1. Tag office going in old Sears building
      2. YMCA construction going well. Targeting a June 2025 opening with 10 employees
    3. Chris Gentry:
      1. Growth continues and recruiting for several positions
      2. Housing in Mitchell County remains an issue
    4. Darlene Butler:
      1. Brad Ragan Park
      2. Dog park open
      3. A handicap swing has been installed
      4. Community Grand Opening targeted for Memorial Day
      5. The waterline grant was unsuccessful
      6. Direct appropriation will be the next step to complete the project
      7. Street Scape Grant – will meet with WithersRavenel
      8. Storm Water Grant – will be re-advertised
    5. Mandi Polly
      1. Mountains to Coast ride (Cycle NC) is scheduled for October 5th; anticipating about 1,000 people in the area during that time
      2. WNC Chamber Executives will be here in the Spring
      3. Looking at sending contracts for the Mineral & Gem festivalSmall Business Summits “Access to Capital” will be held on February 12th from 9a-12p
      4. Outdoor Recreation–$2,500 grant was given to create a map of Toe River Valley for AMY counties. Working with Pisgah maps.
      5. Mitchell Historical Society Board is revamping their mission and vision statement
    6. Allen Cook:
      1. Law Enforcement Center underway
      2. An architect is doing design specifications for the Recreation Center
      3. Colby Silver, Emergency Management, is currently in Georgia working on a grant for a mobile command center
      4. License plate agency almost done
      5. Altapass Recycling Center has been upgraded after the fire; due to be complete by the end of February
      6. Mitchell and Avery counties looking to have a combined animal shelter
      7. Ag Extension Center – trying to get Tobacco Trust Find grant and hope to move to Bowman School once vacated
    7. Jeff Harding:
      1. Nothing to report
    8. Richard Canipe:
      1. Nothing to report
    9. Amanda Hollifield:
      1. Submitted 2023 numbers to Matt
      2. Community Day is scheduled for February 24* from 1pm-5pm. There will be studios open to the public as well and meet and greet with the directors at 4pm
    10. Kelly Jones
      1. Kelly Jones was introduced as the new TDA director and with her was Spencer Bost, Main Street Director
      2. TDA received article 44 funds for rentals
  8. ADJOURNMENT
    The meeting ws adjourned at 1:07 pm by motion from Van Phillips