Doing Business in Nelson County

Nelson County Economic Development Authority

April 1, 2010

Present:
Emily Pelton
Alphonso Taylor
Bennett Saunders
Greg Kelly

Absent:
Erwin Berry
Natt Hall
Steve Crandall

There was no public comment.

Agnes Schrider, owner of Nelson Physical Therapy, reported that volunteers are in the beginning stages of bringing a Boys and Girls Club to Nelson. She said that she hopes it will be housed at Rockfish Valley Community Center and she hopes it will be launched in 2011. Ms. Schrider said that the organization offers programs for all children, including those who cannot afford other programs. She said that as an employer, one of the biggest challenges in the county is finding good, dependable employees and she believes this is one way for employers to help develop those traits in the work force. Ms. Schrider said that annual dues would be approximately $40 per year per child but that no child would be turned away if the family could not pay. She noted that the Nelson group would be required to have $100,000 and 100 kids signed up prior to startup. The annual budget would be $100,000 to be used to pay 1 ½ employees plus expenses. She said that there are many opportunities for individuals and organizations to be involved through donations toward the annual budget and donations of supplies, mentoring, events, etc. Members agreed by consensus to direct staff to contact Ms. Schrider to ask that she submit a specific request that fits within the EDA mission.

Chairperson Pelton called the meeting to order.

Motion:  To approve the March 2010 meeting minutes. Taylor-Saunders (4-0)

Mr. George Krieger, Director of The Nelson Center, presented a review of the 2009-10 Lovingston Farm Market, noting issues with strong thunderstorms during the outdoor markets and the continued indoor markets. He said that the Nelson Center is willing to continue to provide space and support but is no longer interested in managing the market. An association of very involved vendors has been established to manage and promote the market. There will be on more indoor market on April 17th and then the outdoor markets begin May 5th from 3-6pm and will continue each Wednesday. There are four major-event markets planned for May 5th, June 23rd, August 11th and September 29th with music and beer and wine tastings. The Nelson Center has committed to purchasing two large event tents and will be responsible for putting those up and taking them down. The market will move closer to Route 29 for better visibility. In addition, the Nelson Center has committed $1,000 to support the Market. Mr. Krieger presented a business plan for the Market and asked the EDA to consider pledging $1,000 to assist the Market in startup.

Motion: To allocate $1,000 for expenditures for marketing the 2010 Lovingston Farm Market. Kelly-Pelton (4-0)

Members discussed the options for the Business Appreciation event including adding two follow up half-day programs on entrepreneur opportunities and agribusiness options. Emily Pelton agreed to continue working on a proposal for the event.

Greg Kelly announced a meeting with the regional director of Rural Development to discuss the possibility of Nelson County developing a microloan program under the Lynchburg small business development center program. Rural Development is a part of the Department of Agriculture and provides support for infrastructure and economic development projects.

There was no public comment.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.