Doing Business in Nelson County

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
August 6, 2009

Present:
Steve Crandall
Emily Pelton
Erwin Berry
Alphonso Taylor,
Bennett Saunders
Greg Kelly

Absent:
Natt Hall

Teresa Turner, Director of the Virginia Employment Commission Work Force Center in Charlottesville, reported that Nelson County’s unemployment rate was 6.8% as of the end of June – lower than the country as a whole and slightly lower than the state. She noted, however, that the number of unemployed in Nelson has doubled since this time last
year and that the unemployment insurance payments going to Nelson residents was $800,000 last year and $1.2 million in the first six months of this year.  Ms. Turner said that that increase in unemployment insurance payments has a huge impact as unemployed max out their benefits and then apply for county fall-back programs.  She noted that the largest number (20%) of Nelson unemployed are in the construction industry, followed by approximately 17% in the “unknown” occupations and approximately 10% in production.

Alphonso Taylor reported that he is now employed as an outreach worker to help those unemployed, including Nelson residents, with job development, interviewing skills, and other job attainment skills during a five-week process to get back into the work force.  He said that he has not seen as many using the services as he would like to see and is hoping to increase usage.

Dottie Brown, a registered Business & Economic Development Specialist, said that her position was created through the Federal Economic Stimulus program to work with employers, new and existing, to update job orders and create the new job orders. She said that her team is partnering with VEC and re-employment specialists to bring all the components together to help employers and those looking for work. Ms. Brown said that her team is working training facilities and utilizing an interactive computer system to match employers with job seekers. Marilyn Carter, also a registered Business & Economic Development Specialist, gave a central email address for business owners to obtain information and assistance at businessresources@vec.virginia.gov and the main VEC website for employers and those seeking jobs at www.vaemploy.com.

Treasurer Alphonso Taylor reported total funds available as of June, 2009 as $121.098.16: $8,711.98 in an LGIP account; $100,000.00 in a BB&T CD; and
$12,386.18 in a BB&T Checking Account

Steve Crandall reported that the points of interest map is not quite ready for review but should be available at the next EDA meeting.

Alphonso Taylor reported that county finance staff has asked that the Authority consider receiving their EDA compensation quarterly rather than monthly. Members voted 5-0 to authorize staff to change their compensation to quarterly. Mr. Kelly asked staff to determine whether direct deposit is available for the compensation.

Bennett Saunders reported that the Lovingston Farmer’s Market is struggling, with low participation from vendors and the public. He asked whether the EDA would consider ways it might help support the market while it builds. After discussion, members voted 4-0 (Mr. Saunders abstained due to a family financial interest in the market) to fund up to $500.00 for ads and/or banners to benefit the farmer’s markets in Nelson with ads to include days, hours and locations for each and all advertising to be a part of the Due Nelson campaign.

Greg Kelly reported that the EDA has been invited to tour the Local Food Hub facility. Members agreed to do so as part of a regular monthly meeting in the future.

Meeting adjourned.

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