Doing Business in Nelson County: March 6, 2008

March 6, 2008

Nelson County Economic Development Authority
March 6, 2008

Present: Greg Kelly, Steve Crandall, Natt Hall, Erwin Berry, Stu Armstrong, Barbara Powell, Alphonso Taylor

There was no public comment.

Chairperson Greg Kelly called the meeting to order.

Motion: To approve the February 7, 2008 meeting minutes. Hall-Taylor (7-0)

Natt Hall reported that Phase II work continues on the broadband planning grant and the project would be completed by the end of May, with the final report to the board of supervisors June 10, 2008

Steve Crandall reported that he and Stu Armstrong continue to work on developing options for a transportation system, coordinated with Wintergreen, to accommodate tourists and employees. Mr. Armstrong said that he and/or Mr. Crandall would be meeting with WPI and with JAUNT in the coming weeks.

Greg Kelly presented the Central Virginia Electric Cooperativeâ€檚 alternate proposal to the EDA's proposed purchase of the remainder of the land available in the Colleen Business Park. (Note: The EDA had proposed purchase of the land to facilitate and speed the sale of the property to any future buyer.) Mr. Kelly's proposal would involve the CVEC Board retaining the land while negotiating a marketing agreement with the EDA under which the EDA would have the ability to sell the land at market value, providing CVEC with a share of the proceeds equal to the current rate of $3,000/acre. The EDA would retain any sale proceeds over $3,000 less any costs. In addition, the EDA could have the property surveyed to configure lots to allow prospective businesses to easily assess each lot. The alternate proposal would also have CVEC work to transfer the land to its subsidiary in order to remove some of the approval requirements in order to increase flexibility and speed any future transactions with potential buyers. After discussion, Members agreed to work with CVEC on a marketing agreement and a revised Memorandum of Understanding. In addition, Members directed staff to develop a foldout brochure and county website page on the property for marketing purposes.

Natt Hall reported that the Business Appreciation Event is set for May 12 at Wintergreen Resort. Members agreed by consensus to invite Piedmont Virginia Community College representatives to the event.

Stu Armstrong and Maureen Corum attended the Piedmont Virginia Community College Board meeting, held in Nelson County this month. Stu Armstrong reported that PVCC is looking for ways to improve their service in adult education and job training. Members felt it would be helpful to county businesses to understand the services presently offered at PVCC and to provide feedback and ideas for what services would fill the needs of their companies and employees.

Members directed staff to collect the ranking sheets for the 2008 EDA Goals and report at the April meeting.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.