ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Thursday, December 2, 2010

Present: Ms. Emily Pelton, Mr. Alphonso Taylor, Mr. Erwin Berry, Mr. John Bruguiere, Mr. Natt Hall, Mr. Bennett Saunders (Staff: Ms. Maureen Kelley)

Absent: Mr. Greg Kelly

OCTOBER MINUTES: Approved unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Mr. Taylor distributed information on the financial status noting that for budget planning purposes, the EDA will not be able to support all of the programs it has in the past. He reported the following as of November 30th:

– LGIP Account Balance $8,755.15

– BB&T CD Balance $58,193.57

– BB&T Checking Balance $2,412.40

Total funds on all accounts: $69,361.12

Mr. Hall noted that the only real sources of revenue remaining are revenues from issuing bonds and the sale of the EDA’s property in Callohill.

BOND ISSUE: Ms. Kelley reported that attorneys for Turman Tye River are proceeding with paperwork to go for Industrial Revenue Bonds in an amount between $750,000 and $1.3 million. Members voted unanimously to proceed with advertisement of the required public hearing on January 6, 2011.

(Note: Turman Tye River has purchased the former Taylor-Ramsey building in Arrington with plans to operate a wood processing facility and has applied for revenue bonds to allow the company to secure interest-free financing.)

BUSINESS APPRECIATION EVENT & WORKSHOPS: Ms. Kelley reported that the Event was successful and that the first two workshops following that event have been very well attended. She noted that the feedback from both has been excellent. Ms. Pelton said that she attended the Social Networking workshop and found it very informative and well received with about 40 attendees. Ms. Kelley noted that there is already interest in the agri-tourism workshop scheduled for January.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS: Members discussed items they want to send to the Planning Commission for consideration. Members agreed to include rail access and development of a comprehensive economic development strategy as well as completion of a workforce survey. Members directed Ms. Kelley to work with Mr. Kelly to finalize the list before forwarding it to the Commission.

WELCOME SIGN/LANDSCAPING: Ms. Kelley reported that members of the Master Gardeners are continuing their work on the plans for landscaping at the county welcome signs. The plans will utilize local materials and native plants.

Meeting adjourned.

Copyright 2000-2010 by Rural Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved. Reports may be reprinted or excerpted with attribution.

OF INTEREST:

– The Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission and the Library of Virginia have partnered to create a statewide online collection of Civil War manuscripts that still remain in private hands. The Civil War 150 Legacy Project (CW150) focuses on manuscript materials created during the period 1859-1867 that reflect social, political, military, business and religious life in Virginia during the period of the Civil War and the early period of Reconstruction.

Citizens are encouraged to bring original documents to be scanned. CW150 staff will be in Nelson on Wednesday, December 15th from 9:30am-4:30pm at the Visitors Center in the lower level of the library. Appointments are encouraged and a limited number of walk-ins will be accommodated as scheduling allows. Call 434.263.7015 to schedule an appointment.

This report was made possible by the generous donations of Rural Nelson members and supporters. We need your help to continue this service. Please consider donating.

Kim Taylor Cash

Field Officer

Rural Nelson, Inc.

P. O. Box 401

Lovingston, VA 22949

434.263.5000

info@ruralnelson.org

www.ruralnelson.org