Economic Development Commission

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (EDC) TOWN OF MOUNT AIRY Minutes of 03/26/2014 Meeting Attendees: Andrew Williamson - Chairman Frank Dertzbaugh Michael VanSant Chrissy Jongezoon Bill McCullough Absent: Dan Curtis James Linton Scott Strong, Council Liaison Also attending were Bob King, Town Council member and Melissa Hoyle, Town Staff. 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:20 p.m. at Mount Airy Inn. 2. Minutes for the EDC meeting of 26 February 2014 were reviewed and approved with two (2) corrections. 3. Melissa Hoyle’s Economic Development Staff Report for March 2014 included a summary of upcoming events within Mount Airy that included Downtown Mount Airy (third Thursday), a March 29 Performance to benefit Brianna Benlolo Memorial Fund, Caring Kids in Our Community $5.00, sponsored by the Mt. Airy Middle School PTSO, Main Street Chili Cook-off (12 April 2014), Main Street’s Search for the Golden Egg, sponsored by the Downtown shops and the May Festival (May 17-18 2014) at the Fireman’s Activities Grounds. She also reported that the Shop Mt. Airy APP is now on the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Amazon App Store. She also provided a recap of budget line items that impact economic activities that will be helpful in discussing proposing line items for upcoming budget. Also identified were new businesses coming to Mt. Airy to include PetValu, Jersey Mikes, Cetrom, Rita’s Italian Ice, Batting Cages at Back Acre Circle, and Auntie Anne’s Soft Pretzel. 4. EDC members discussed actions that EDC could support encouraging Shop Local Shop Mt. Airy as part of activities in Mt. Airy. The EDC voted with one abstention to support the expenditure of $1,030 for Chip Clip w/magnet, Pens, and Sticky Pads encouraging the theme of Shop Mt. Airy, shop local to be available for handout during the Chili Cook-off. EDC members were also encouraged to spend some time Saturday of the Chili Cook-off representing the town. The EDC also voted (all present) to support sponsorship of a WFRE Pledge of Allegiance effort for 3 months (7 – 9:30) daily at a cost of $1050 and 50%of any additional promotional budget line item for support of WFRE live broadcast at the Chile cook-off. 5. Frank Dertzbaugh clarified that what he suggested at the last EDC meeting is that the EDC should encourage the Planning Commission to relook at their realignment Map boundary for the Downtown Zone (DTZ) in the Master Plan to encourage planning for parking off Main Street as part of maintaining the town’s emphasis on the importance of shopping downtown. Frank Dertzbaugh will canvas downtown businesses and residences to get their input on realignment of the boundary map for the DTZ. 6. Wi-Fi in Mount Airy will continue to be an item of discussion for the EDC, with the EDC looking at how other towns are handling Wi-Fi connectivity and a look at basic costs. 7. EDC members were advised the Town Council will be tabling the Sign Ordinance until review and passing of the Town Master Plan update is completed. 8. Under business ideas/incentives for downtown, EDC members at future meetings will look to how to take advantage of activities such as the Chile cook-off to focus on buying local not only downtown, but also throughout Mt. Airy. The EDC will also revisit the benefit to local businesses to have brochures or advertising during events. 9. EDC members supported including $5,000 in the 2015 budget for advertising, promotion and marketing of Mount Airy to include promoting a map for businesses of Mount Airy to be used as a handout encouraging shopping in Mount Airy. 10. Under new business Frank Dertzbaugh suggested the EDC should study parking alternatives within Mt. Airy with the idea of developing recommendations for the town. He also suggested the EDC should spearhead ideas for the development of Center Street as part of a focus on developing businesses within Mt. Airy. Both items will be items for discussion at future EDC meetings. 11. The next EDC meeting is scheduled for 23 April 2014 at 7:30 p.m. at Mount Airy Town Hall. 12. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Minutes reviewed and approved on 23 April 2014