Economic Development Authority ofPatrick County Meeting of March 26, 2025, 6:00 PM 106 Rucker Street, Patrick County Administration Building Second Floor Conference Room Present: Ron Haley, Chairman; Debra Shelor, Vice Chair; Danny Foley, Treasurer; Rick Worley; Doss Cummings Also Present: Clayton Kendrick, Steve Marshall, Board of Supervisors; James Houchins, Director ofl Economic Development & Tourism; Noah Mabe, Small Business & Economic Development Coordinator; Dr. Greg Hodges, Patrick & Henry Community College; Dr. Stewart Roberson, Patrick County Education Foundation Absent: Rodney Boyd; Rodney Overby Introduction Ron Haley called the meeting to order. On motion by Danny Foley, seconded by Doss Cummings and carried unanimously, the. Authority approved the meeting agenda with noted amendments. Minutes On motion by Doss Cummings, seconded by Rick Worley and carried unanimously, the meeting minutes for February 26, 2025 were approved as presented. On motion by Danny Foley, seconded by Debra Shelor and carried unanimously, the meeting minutes for March 5, 2025 were approved as presented. Public Comment Dr. Greg Hodges and Dr. Stewart Roberson thanked the Authority for their donation to the Patrick Promise fund. They are cautiously optimistic about launching the initiative soon once they acquire the remaining requisite funding, with students enrolling at P&HCC in the Fall of 2026 being eligible to participate in the program. There will still be a need for ongoing giving for future classes to take advantage of the program. Finance Report Noah Mabe presented the financial report. Going forward, Noah Mabe will transfer funds to the Authority checking account to cover expenses on a quarterly basis or as needed ifirregular bills come up. On motion by Danny Foley, seconded by Doss Cummings and carried unanimously, EDA Meeting, March 26, 2025 Page 1 the financial report was approved. West Piedmont Planning District Commission Update Clayton Kendrick reported no major updates from the West Piedmont Planning District Commission from its February Board of Commissioners meeting. They will hold their next Board of Commissioners meeting tomorrow. Old Business Cockram Mill Update James Houchins reported that the property owner of Cockram Mill has the requisite permit to place a larger septic tank at the site and is working to finalize details for a pump and haul service with the County, with construction at the property hopefully beginning shortly after Building Inspection signs off on everything. Façade Grant Presentations Ron Haley asked when the façade grant check presentations would be taking place. The Authority decided on April 10 at 10:30am to present the checks to the Depot Station and Tony's Pizza to accommodate their business hours. Pipeline Study Funding Ron Haley informed the Authority that the natural gas pipeline study for Patrick County did not make it into the State budget. It was suggested that it could be included in next year's budget, but Ron does not believe enough funding will be there for the project. New Business Virginia Main Street Program Noah Mabe informed the Authority that he is looking to pursue the Virginia Main Street program, which is designed around the philosophy of preservation-based economic development. He stated that the focus oft the program in Patrick County would be the historic Uptown and Downtown districts ofthe Town of Stuart as they make up a significant portion ofthe county's Main Street corridor. Participation in the program would qualify the Town for organizational development services and grant opportunities tailored to revitalization efforts. Noah Mabe asked for the Authority's support of this endeavor as he presents this before the Board of Supervisors and the Stuart Town Council. James Houchins stated that the benefits of the program will ultimately extend to the rest of the county. The Authority expressed their support of Noah Mabe pursuing this project further and presenting before the Board and Town Council. EDA Meeting, March 26, 2025 Page 2 TRRC Survey The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is seeking input that will aid in their strategic planning process in the form of a survey, and Ron Haley encouraged those who hadn't responded yet to the survey to do SO as it is an opportunity to let the voices and concerns of Patrick County be heard by the Commission. Danny Foley brought up concerns regarding infrastructure and the possibility of a representative ofthe Commission meeting with the Authority to discuss any future developments in Patrick County. Other concerns were raised regarding being overlooked and lacking any significant representation on the Commission. Strategic Plan The Authority reviewed and discussed the content and structure of the Strategic Plan. Members of the Authority stressed the importance of collaboration with and support ofthe Board ofs Supervisors in their commitment to serving Patrick County, creating new jobs within the county and providing better paying jobs, among other things. The use of soçial media tools for enhanced communication was brought up in discussion, with Noah Mabe adding that they will utilize LinkedIn to provide County updates and showcase available properties and new. job openings. It was suggested to create a folder to hand out to business owners that would contain a brief summary of the Authority, its mission, members, accomplishments, and how they and the office of Economic Development can assist them. James Houchins stated that he would soon begin periodically writing articles in the newspaper highlighting area businesses. Other focus areas that were raised concerning goals of the Strategic Plan included infrastructure, affordable housing, and childcare. As part of the initiatives outlined in the Strategic Plan, it was suggested to conduct an open forum style meeting of community members and business owners to provide input and raise questions that the Authority or Economic Development staff could address, either on a County-wide or individual community basis. Rick Worley highlighted lodging as a major priority for future development efforts, suggesting that money is oftentimes spent in other counties when it could otherwise be invested in Patrick County. Ron Haley will revise the Strategic Plan taking into consideration the corrections that were mentioned in discussion. A new draft of the Plan will be distributed at a later date for review prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting, during which a vote will take place to decide on officially approving and adopting the Strategic Plan. Closed Meeting On motion by Danny Foley, seconded by Doss Cummings and carried unanimously, the meeting was called into Closed Meeting under the appropriate codes of Virginia to discuss Commercial Real Estate located in the Blue Ridge District and Contracts (Section 2.2-3711[AI). EDA Meeting, March 26, 2025 Page 3 Reconvene On motion by Danny Foley, seconded by Rick Worley and carried unanimously, the meeting was reconvened by the appropriate codes. A roll call vote was taken with a unanimous vote that only the items listed above were discussed during the Closed Meeting. Having no further business to discuss, Mr. Haley adjourned the meeting. NEXT MEETING: April 23, 2025 at 6:00pm = Second Floor Conference Room. 1 - A / / Ron Haley, Chairman EDA Meeting, March 26, 2025 Page 4