Doing Business in Nelson County: January 2005

January 2005

Nelson County Economic Development Authority
January 6, 2005

Present:
Allen Hale
Natt Hall
Tom Wheaton
Barbara Powell
Montie Pritchett

Absent:
John Spencer

Chairperson Allen Hale called the meeting to order.

There was no public comment.

Nora Gillespie, Director of the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center presented a funding request and information about the regional center that serves the Nelson County area. The purpose of the request is to provide one on one business assistance to pre-venture and existing businesses (100 or fewer employees) Counseling includes area of general management, operational, marketing and low cost training. Nora Gillespie said that, in the past, services were typically provided in areas with the greatest demand but that this year the center will be providing more on-site services to those localities that see the value and support the programs. She said that the center plans three on-site seminars and one day a month on site counseling. All services would focus on client requests and be oriented to the types of businesses in Nelson. The initial funding would be seed money with the hope that the County would fund subsequent years as an investment in economic development.
Motion: To fund the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center in the amount of $5000 for the fiscal year July 2005-June 2006. Hall- Wheaton. (6-0)

Stu Armstrong reported that the 2005 budget request has been submitted to the County Administrator's office. Natt Hall suggested that members contact individual Supervisors to explain the reasons for the requested funding, noting that the request asks the County to fund annual operating expenses to allow the EDA to fund projects to benefit economic development.

Allen Hale reported that the site chosen for the North 29 revealed solid rock under the surface. He identified three possible options: 1) continue digging to try to find a spot at the chosen site; 2) move the sign location back further into the woods to try to find a spot; or 3) work with the original sign location with placement in the right-of-way. Members agreed by consensus to have Allen Hale pursue option #3.

Maureen Corum reported that a meeting with representatives of 310 Ltd, the consulting group who did the study in 2004, has been scheduled for Thursday, February 3 at 2:00pm. She noted that the Board of Supervisors would be invited to that meeting.

A committee comprised of Natt Hall, Stu Armstrong, Barbara Powell and Montie Pritchett was established to study the purchase the remaining property in the Colleen Business Park.

Motion: To elect the following officers for the 2005 year:
Natt Hall, Chairperson
Barbara Powell, Vice-Chairperson
Stu Armstrong, Secretary/Treasurer
Pritchett/Wheaton (6-0)

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.