Doing Business in Nelson County: September 2003

September 2003

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Thursday, September 11, 2003

Present:
Tom Wheaton
John Spencer
Montie Pritchett
Stu Armstrong
Natt Hall
Allen Hale

Absent:
Barbara Powell   Staff:
Maureen Corum
Allison McGarry   Guest:
Heather Goodwin, Chamber of Commerce

The meeting was called to order by Tom Wheaton.

Motion: To approve the August 18, 2003 minutes. Hale-Armstrong (6-0)

Treasurerâs Report
Ms. McGarry reported a checking account balance (after all financial items approved for payment) of $655.56, Public Fund CD's of $48,809.50 and $104,350.00 and LGIP funds of $61,163.42.
Motion: To move $5000 from the LGIP fund to the checking account and to authorize payment of all current obligations. Hall- Pritchett (6-0)

There was no public comment.

Nelson County Chamber of Commerce Update
One of the priorities set during the strategic planning session was to invite community organizations to update the Authority on their activities.
Heather Goodwin presented an overview of the Chamberâs current goals and objectives. She said that in the past two years, the Chamber had undertaken the analysis of the Chamber's role in the community. She noted a survey completed two years ago that was sent to current business members aimed at identifying areas where businesses could be better served. She said that more events were needed to raise awareness and said that the Chamber had been able to assist several businesses in the past year. She noted the Chamber's goal of building more member services, citing the new website
(www.nelsonchamber.org) and efforts to network with regional businesses.

Tom Wheaton said that the IDA understood that the
"Welcome to Nelson" signs are the Chamber's jurisdiction, but said that the IDA would like to consider helping to update the signs. Natt Hall noted Amherst's and Albemarle's new signs and suggested that Nelson's should be improved. Stu Armstrong said that the county should have a sign at every entry and exit with tourism being the largest industry. He said that the IDA Board wants to be respectful, but asked how the IDA could work with the Chamber to update the signs. Heather Goodwin said that she felt sure the Chamber would be enthusiastic but said that complications would need to be overcome, giving the example of determining who's property each sign is currently on. Stu Armstrong suggested working in cooperation with the county to establish a plan that would include a long-term maintenance plan.

Natt Hall asked how the Chamber is working with groups like Nellysford Area Merchants Association. Heather Goodwin said that groups like NAMA were created because the Chamber did not have the funding or facilities to promote businesses. She noted that the Chamber has approached the Board of Supervisors but that funding had not been made available for staffing.

Tom Wheaton said that the IDA is currently in the process of changing their name to the Economic Development Authority and feels that the best efforts would be to aid existing businesses, possibly with financing or other services. Heather Goodwin said that most local businesses were not aware of the services available and that any informative material would help raise awareness. She also said that the recent Chamber survey had indicated that small businesses need office services such as a copier, fax and computer. Tom Wheaton said that the IDA has discussed a business incubator concept with office services as a subset of that. Heather Goodwin also suggested a "How To Do Business in Nelson" booklet as a needed guide for both existing and new businesses. She said that businesses found it difficult to find their way through the permit process. Stu Armstrong said that the IDA concerns focused on three areas for existing and new businesses - the physical appearance (signage), the electronic appearance (website) which he noted as good at present and the contact system in the county for businesses. He noted that the IDA plans to meet with the various county groups to continue identifying areas that need attention.

Old Business
Tom Wheaton suggested tabling discussion of items identified as goals and priorities during the strategic planning pending a meeting with the Board of Supervisors. Authority members asked Maureen Corum to work with the County Administrator to determine a date for that meeting in October convenient to the Board of Supervisors' schedules.

Closed Session
Motion: To end regular session and move into closed session to discuss legal matters under Virginia Freedom of Information Act 2.2-3700-3714 . Hale-Pritchett (6-0)

Motion: To end closed session. Hale-Pritchett (6-0)

Motion: To return to regular session. Hale-Pritchett (6-0)

Motion: To adopt the following resolution: Be it hereby resolved, the Industrial Development Authority of Nelson County does hereby return to regular session having only discussed legal matters. Hale-Pritchett (6-0)

New Business
Motion: To approve the resolution re-authorizing a 30-day extension on the interim funding for the school project, with Tom Wheaton authorized to sign the paperwork. Hall-Pritchett (6-0)

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.