Independent Economic Development Task Force

1. Independent Economic Development Task Force Meeting #12 November 6, 2013 K. Gleasman

2. Agenda • Review and approve meeting notes from Mtg #11 • Status agency discussions (progress since 10/30/13) – all • Analyze data for questions 1 – 6 (section 1) - all • Other topics from task force • Public Comment –Summarized Input • Adjourn

3. Review and approve meeting notes from Mtg #11

4. Comparing business friendliness Henderson vs Transylvania Counties • Mark Peddy has a conflict with tonight’s meeting – wants to meet with us to describe his experiences

5. Status for agency discussions • On average in less than 5 minutes per; focus on progress since 10/23/13…. • Any issues? • Other progress relative to these discussions

6. Data analysis – Perceptions of Current Effort Question 1: Is there one organization which is most effective in economic development for Transylvania County? Why?

7. Data analysis – Perceptions of Current Effort • Question 2: How good has our community been at economic development, i.e. how far off the mark are we? • Using a post-it note; summarize words from the organization for which you have primary responsibility. • We will group recurring themes • Write down questions we have for “your” organization

8. Data analysis – Perceptions of Current Effort • Question 3: What is your organization best at in supporting economic development • Using a post-it note; summarize words from the organization for which you have primary responsibility. • We will group recurring themes • Write down questions we have for “your” organization

9. Data analysis – Perceptions of Current Effort • Question 4: Do you view Transylvania County as a competitive place to do business? If not why? • Using a post-it note; summarize words from the organization for which you have primary responsibility. • We will group recurring themes • Write down questions we have for “your” organization

10. Data analysis – Perceptions of Current Effort • Question 5: What messages about Transylvania County have the most appeal to the people outside the community you interact with? Are they the same for those who live here? • Using a post-it note; summarize words from the organization for which you have primary responsibility. • We will group recurring themes • Write down questions we have for “your” organization

11. Data analysis – Perceptions of Current Effort • Question 6: What are the advantages to investing in Transylvania County versus somewhere else in WNC? • Using a post-it note; summarize words from the organization for which you have primary responsibility. • We will group recurring themes • Write down questions we have for “your” organization

12. Mission statements • Come prepared next week, 11/13, with mission/vision statements for “your” organizations

13. Other topics from task force members

14. Public Comment – summarized input • Please send public comment to: • email address: TCIEDTF@gmail.com or • Or provide in writing prior to or after each meeting. • New email will be accessible to all task force members • Karen Gleasman will ensure written comments are passed on to all task force members • No input received last week

15. Adjourn

16. Targeted completion date – after upgrade • Oct 23, 2013: propose process to analyze agency data • Oct 30, 2013: finalize process to analyze agency data (retreats?) • October 31, 2013: most all agency input received • November (with holidays): analyze data • December: propose/evaluate organization construct alternatives • End of January: Interim report to community – Brand, mission, vision, brainstormed list of targeted businesses, and EDO construct • Feb 12 – finalize org construct, brand, mission, vision • March – Select targeted businesses, develop initial marketing plan • March – Final report prepared/presented to community and commissioners

17. Definition of Economic Development “Economic development is a process by which a community creates, retains, and reinvests wealth, and improves the quality of life.” David Dodson, MDC Inc, Chapel Hill, NC

18. Decision criteria for EDO decision • Economic development is a process by which a community creates, retains, and reinvests wealth, and improves the quality of life • Covers all seven elements of solid approach to economic development • Recruitment – soliciting companies to come or start here, includes marketing • Existing Industry Effort • Small Business Development • Entrepreneurial Development • Workforce Development – EDO consolidates needs and facilitates solutions • Economic Culture Creation • New business “ambassador” to smooth way with permitting, regulations • Vision/Leadership/Accountability – includes metrics related to mission and funding • Anticipated good return on financial investment • Great utilization of human capital including terrific volunteer base • User friendly – east to access, explain, and understand • Active engagement of the whole of the county • Clear communication and cooperation amongst parts

19. Targeted industry brainstormed list 10/9/2013

20. Roadmap to complete 3 tasks • Have brainstormed list of 24 targeted industries • Reviewed and modified: • TC Assets • TC Challenges • Targeted companies profile • Approach to econ development • Branding • Marketing 9/11/2013 underway