Doing Business in Nelson County: August 2005

August 2005

Nelson County Economic Development Authority
August 4, 2005

Present:
Natt Hall
Barbara Powell
Allen Hale
Montie Pritchett

Absent:
Tom Wheaton
Stu Armstrong

There was no public comment.

The meeting was called to order.

Motion: To approve the July 7, 2005 minutes as corrected. Hale-Powell (4-0)

There was no treasurer’s report.

Maureen Corum reported that she would have a telephone conference with the representatives from VA Tech this week to discuss the scope of the broadband project and the next steps to be taken.

Natt Hall presented a portfolio of work from a local stonemason to do a stacked rock wall around the north and south Route 29 gateway signs. Staff was directed to request bids from several other stonemasons and report to Authority Members so that the work can begin immediately. Allen Hale reported that the uprights for the south 29 sign are in place with the sign installation to occur soon.

Montie Pritchett reported that he and Allen Hale had met for breakfast with Connie Brennan and Gary Wood. One of the items discussed was the mechanics of evaluating new and potential businesses. He said that it was suggested that the procedures be rewritten to involve the EDA in a more active and earlier role, and keep the Supervisors in the loop. Maureen Corum said that both the Board and the Authority agreed upon the prospect handling procedure and any changes would have to be agreed upon by both bodies. She noted that there are confidentiality issues involved but it is possible to generate a confidential report on activities. Mr. Pritchett suggested that a representative from the EDA, representing the business community, and a member of the Board of Supervisors, representing the political community, could meet with a potential new business early in the process. Ms. Corum noted that she would pass the EDA's comments on to Steve Carter for the Supervisors' comments and consideration.

Natt Hall presented a list of the first 53 Nelson businesses and a draft letter to be sent to each prior to a visit by a member of the EDA. The letter includes questions about the business' present health and future plans, as well as a request for their thoughts on doing business in Nelson. The members agreed to
divide the list among themselves for visits.

Maureen Corum presented information on a matching grant program offered by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership to create a virtual building for business/industrial development in the Colleen Business Park. The maximum grant amount is $15,000. Ms. Corum said that the project could be a good next step for the county and proposed that the EDA provide $7,500 in funding with the
other $7,500 coming from the Economic Development budget. Members
directed staff to send a letter of intent to apply by the August 15th deadline and provide members with an Internet link to a virtual building site for their consideration before further discussion in September.

Allen Hale reported that he had attended the July Chamber of Commerce meeting. He told Chamber members that the EDA does want to work with the Chamber and invited a Chamber member to the EDA meetings. Mr. Hale suggested that the EDA try to send a member to each Chamber meeting. Natt Hall volunteered to attend the August meeting.

Maureen Corum reported that the Virginia Economic Development Partnership has developed a study to identify promising industry recruitment targets for the region, along with an analysis of the skills and training necessary to support those industries. She noted that the study is available for review in her
office and on the county's website.

Motion: To end regular session and move into closed session to discuss a business prospect under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act 2.2-3700. Hale-Powell (4-0)
Roll Call Vote: Powell, aye; Pritchett, aye; Hale, aye; Hall, aye.

Motion: To end closed session. Pritchett-Hale (4-0)
Roll Call Vote: Powell, aye; Pritchett, aye; Hale, aye; Hall, aye.

Motion: To return to regular session. Pritchett-Hale (4-0)
Roll Call Vote: Powell, aye; Pritchett, aye; Hale, aye; Hall, 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 a business prospect. Pritchett-Powell (4-0)
Roll Call Vote: Powell, aye; Pritchett, aye; Hale, aye; Hall, aye.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.