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X COI'VA <br /> ` uT Iw* <br /> .45 * <br /> He <br /> LEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> DENNIS WICKER CIVIC CENTER <br /> 1801 Nash Street <br /> SANFORD, NC 27330 <br /> February 24, 2022 <br /> ALL BOARDS MEETING MINUTES <br /> Roll Call <br /> Present: Arianna Lavallee, Cameron Sharpe, Kirk Smith, Bill Carver, Mark Lovick <br /> Absent: Robert Reives, Dr. Andre Knecht <br /> CALL TO ORDER <br /> The Sanford City Council, Broadway Town Commissioners and Sanford Area Growth Alliance <br /> (SAGA) Board called the meeting to order. Chairman Kirk Smith called the meeting to order <br /> on behalf of the Board of Commissioners at 6:07 p.m. <br /> April Montgomery spoke on behalf of the SAGA Board. A review of economic <br /> development project successes was provided, noting projects involving Audentes, Astelles, <br /> Abzena and Bharat Forge. Efforts in workforce development have achieved partnerships with <br /> Lee County Schools and Central Carolina Community College to assist in the preparation of <br /> skilled workers to supply the local workforce needs. SAGA Chief Executive Officer Jimmy <br /> Randolph discussed ongoing efforts in achieving SAGA's mission to expand and diversify <br /> economic development. The RISE Program has provided investment in local entrepreneurs <br /> providing training and assistance with business plans, financial advice and business viability <br /> assessment along with grant opportunities. Mr. Randolph provided a summary of statistics in <br /> new business recruitment since 2014, including 25 project wins; 1,747 new jobs; and $721.98 <br /> billion in total capital investment. The expansion of Pfizer brought 300 new jobs and a half <br /> billion in investment. The average minimum wage in Lee County has increased from $38,500 <br /> to $46,000 since 2017. The focus of the discussion centered around preparedness and what <br /> we are doing to maintain a competitive level of preparedness for the future. The main drive is <br /> for product development, workforce development and marketing. Product development <br /> includes the inventory of existing commercial buildings and industrial sites. The City of <br /> Sanford is planning to expand water treatment capacity and SAGA has been in conversation <br /> with other partners regarding electricity, natural gas and broadband expansion. Workforce <br /> development is critically important to providing opportunities for residents for upward mobility <br /> through investments in education and training infrastructure, which provides assurance to <br /> companies desiring access to a robust local talent pipeline. SAGA is in the process of <br /> 1 <br />