Independent Economic Development Task Force

1. Independent Economic Development Task Force Meeting #20 January 22, 2014 K. Gleasman

2. Agenda • Review and approve meeting notes from Mtg #19 • Discussion with Dr. Patricia Mitchell, • Other topics from task force • Public Comment – Summarized Input • Adjourn

3. Review and approve meeting notes from Mtg #19

4. Introduction Dr. Patricia Mitchell, CEcD Assistant Secretary Rural Development Division NC Department of Commerce 301 N Wilmington Street 4301 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-4301

5. Questions to start the discussion • Tell us about which rural counties in NC have successfully turned around their economies.  What were key factors to their success? • What are key barriers to success that can be overcome with concerted effort? • What might a county like Transylvania, expect from the NC Rural Economic Development Center assistance programs? • What are the key decision criteria for receiving assistance from these programs? • In addition to what we might ask for, what is the state doing to help rural counties like ours?.... sending leads our way?  Providing incentives to businesses who are investing in rural NC? • What would it take to get Transylvania closer to the top of your list of counties to assist? • Describe the role of a successful economic development lead for a rural county. • If we determine what kinds of businesses we want, how can we work with your department to get qualified leads that meet our criteria? • Why do you believe the re-organized Department of Commerce at the state level will be better able to bolster local economic development efforts?

6. Other topics from task force members

7. Public Comment – process • Please send public comment to: • email address: TCIEDTF@gmail.com or • Or provide in writing prior to or after each meeting. • New email will be accessible to all task force members • Karen Gleasman will ensure written comments are passed on to all task force members • No input received this week

8. Adjourn

9. Questions • What process did you use to get to the recommendation? • What large businesses will be targeted? • When will we get back to Ecusta/Dupont era wages? • Besides the new organization, what else is recommended? • How much will this cost and how will it be funded? • What will this organization actually do? • If we do this, are new jobs guaranteed? • What is different between today’s and recommended organization?

10. Roadmap to complete 3 tasks • Have brainstormed list of 27 targeted industries 12/06/2013 • Reviewed and modified: • TC Assets • TC Challenges • Targeted companies profile • Approach to econ development • Branding • Marketing 9/11/2013

11. Mission statements

12. Targeted completion date – after upgrade • Oct 23, 2013: propose process to analyze agency data • Oct 30, 2013: finalize process to analyze agency data (retreats?) • October 31, 2013: most all agency input received • November (with holidays): analyze data • December: propose/evaluate organization construct alternatives • End of January: Interim report to community – Brand, mission, vision, brainstormed list of targeted businesses, and EDO construct(s) • Feb 12 – finalize org construct, brand, mission, vision • March – Select targeted businesses, develop initial marketing plan • March – Final report prepared/presented to community and commissioners

13. Definition of Economic Development “Economic development is a process by which a community creates, retains, and reinvests wealth, and improves the quality of life.” David Dodson, MDC Inc, Chapel Hill, NC

14. Targeted industry brainstormed list 10/9/2013