12-14-17 Joint Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Joy Thrash, SAGA CEO, provided a comprehensive report to the Boards detailing accomplishments, operational details, marketing efforts, event success, and updates regarding the chamber of commerce and economic development. Accomplishments included a 5 -year plan, aide in achievement of the occupancy tax implementation, completed audit, Prelude to Progress, and regular updates provided through the CEO Report. Marketing efforts included an enhanced website, brand consolidating of the Chamber of Commerce and SAGA, coloring book highlighting local places, record attendance at over 65 events, and the creation of visitor services and opening of the Welcome Center. The Chamber of Commerce has achieved a record membership recruitment at a present total of 589 members with a 90 plus member retention rate and can account for the creation of over 116 new jobs through ribbon cutting events. Achievements in economic development included an adoption of an incentive plan, Duke Site Ready Certification, and development of a pyramid report analyzing recruitment information through representation in leads, suspects, prospects, deal stage, and WINS. Mrs. Thrash stated that a spec building is needed due to lack of inventory to keep up the response rate on area recruitment. Representing Central Carolina Enterprise Park (CCEP), Kirk Bradley provided information on a Site Readiness Program adding that site selectors were hired by Duke Energy to perform an analysis of the area. He also displayed the newly unveiled signs at the entrances to CCEP. Donnie Oldham, Chair of the recently established Tourism Development Authority, discussed how they would be teaming with visitor services and SAGA to use tourism and visitation to enhance economic development. Bob Heuts, Airport Director of the Raleigh Executive Jetport, discussed improvements to the airport including additional parking and investment in 30 new T - hangers in addition to a sewer expansion project. Mr. Heuts along with the Airport Authority are working on a development plan for the next 20 years. He recommended using land management techniques to protect the airport from concentrated residential encroachment. Dr. Andy Bryan, Superintendent of Lee County Schools, spoke on behalf of the Board of Education, stating that it is their goal that all students are provided with an opportunity to graduate with more than a high school diploma. All schools performed well this year with performance grades of C or better and no schools within the low performing range. The Class of 2017 included awards of 2,500 credentials and certifications with at least 50% graduating with at least one college class, which is attributable to CC Works and Central Carolina Community College. The AVID Program is also provided and is a nationally recognized college completion program. Dr. Bryan also mentioned plans regarding the building of the new WB Wicker Elementary School, which will hold about 1,000 students grades PK -5. Marshall Downey, Planning and Community Development Director, along with City of Sanford Mayor Chet Mann provided a presentation on Lee County and the City of Sanford. Mr. Downey and Mayor Mann provided information on many projects that are planned and/or in progress. The purpose of these projects is to enhance quality of life features. Projects include improvements and expansions to parks and greenway, establishment of a wayfinding program, improvements to the downtown area resulting from the plans for construction of the WB Wicker School, reuse of an abandoned warehouse, and plans to focus redevelopment efforts in areas like Kendale Shopping Center and East Page 213