Doing Business in Nelson County: August 2, 2007

August 2, 2007

Economic Development Authority
August 2, 2007

Present:
Erwin Berry
Natt Hall
Greg Kelly
Barbara Powell
Alphonso Taylor

Absent:
Stu Armstrong
Steve Crandall

There was no public comment.

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Taylor.

Motion: To approve the May 2007 meeting minutes. Hall-Kelly. (4-0)

The treasurer’s report was reviewed.

The June 2007 EDA-IDA training with Sands-Anderson and Davenport was discussed. Greg Kelly mentioned that the co-op has the equipment to videotape such a training.

The board of supervisors approved paying $6250 to the Thomas Jefferson Partnership for Economic Development; the EDA will pay $6250 as well.

The broadband planning grant process is underway. The demand survey has been mailed on is available online at www.vabroadbandstudy.com The education and public awareness campaign is occurring concurrently as is the information gathering from internet service providers.

2,850 vehicles and 12,570 people registered for Camp Jeep 2007. 1,000 suppliers and vendors were also registered and approximately 700 staff and crew; population associated with the event totaled 14,270. Those 14,270 people required approximately 7,000 rooms. The formula for lodging revenue: 7,000 rooms x 4 nights x $90 per night = $2,520,000

Additional retail sales (based on Virginia Tourism’s figure of $50 per person per day for the Outdoor traveler) is $2,854,000. These visitors enjoy our restaurants, shops, recreational amenities and entertainment outlets. The combined expenditures total $5,374,000, an increase of 16% over the last time the event was held in 2004. DaimlerChrysler also spends approximately $450,000 in marketing to attract attendance at the event. This marketing exposure benefits Nelson County and the region as well.

The October meeting will be dedicated to discussing the Colleen Business Park. Mike Harvey, Director of the Thomas Jefferson Partnership for Economic Development will be invited.

Erwin Berry is working on a carpenter’s apprentice program.

Motion: To end regular session and move into closed session to discuss real matters under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act 2.2-3700,
Roll Call Vote: Erwin Berry, aye; Natt Hall, aye; Greg Kelly, aye; Barbara Powell, aye; Alphonso Taylor, aye

Motion: To end closed session.
Roll Call Vote: Erwin Berry, aye; Natt Hall, aye; Greg Kelly, aye; Barbara Powell, aye; Alphonso Taylor, aye

Motion: To return to regular session.
Roll Call Vote: Erwin Berry, aye; Natt Hall, aye; Greg Kelly, aye; Barbara Powell, aye; Alphonso Taylor, aye

Motion: To adopt the following resolution: Be it hereby resolved, the Economic Development Authority of Nelson County does hereby return to regular session having only discussed real estate matters.
Roll Call Vote: Erwin Berry, aye; Natt Hall, aye; Greg Kelly, aye; Barbara Powell, aye; Alphonso Taylor, aye

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.