Transcript Document
Independent Economic Development Task Force Meeting 4 September 4, 2013 K. Gleasman Agenda • Review and approve meeting notes from Mtg #3 • Status for agency discussions – All • InterBike trade show discussion – D. Bradford • Continue on with Goldsmith report – Brand/Marketing • Additions to targeted industry brainstormed list – All • Other topics from task force • Public Comment • Adjourn Review and approve meeting notes from Mtg #3 Transylvania County Independent Economic Development Task Force 8/21/2013 Mtg 3 Notes of Discussion Members Present: x Bradford x Gleasman x Harris x Higgins x Neumann x Watkins x Whitmire Members Absent: q Bradford q Gleasman q Harris q Higgins q Neumann q Watkins q Whitmire Others Present: Various members of public, Eric Crews of Transylvania Times Recording Secretary: Karen Gleasman ITEM DISCUSSION BEYOND SLIDE DECK ACTION Review and approve mtg Notes Mtg2 Approved K Gleasman to get notes and slide deck to Trisha to be posted Process Discussion - D. Bradford Setting future focused goal w/ optimistic view of achieving, this goal will be Dave's approach to task force's challenge Target Company Profile Revenue range needs to be smaller: $5M - $50M compared to J. Goldsmith Number of employees needs to go smaller: 1 - 150 Needs to include retention/expansion current businesses Quality of Place is big draw Target Industries Aerospace industry parts compared to J. Goldsmith Composites Consider methods of mfg: e.g. precision maching, web based Brevard College Bamboo Destination spa Destination health club Research lab: e.g. farm/agri Food processing, e.g. apples Artisanal agriculture, e.g. mustards, Do More bars Expansion of TVS (tour opportuntity) Parts/supplies for existing comp., e.g. cans for OSKAR BLUES More like Everett Farms, Busy Bee Assignments for Agency mtgs B. Higgins not to interview Partnership or Heart of Brevard Substituted D. Bradford in B. Higgins' place Chamber, Partnership, and Heart meetings open to public Refined questions Group liked sorted questions Process Discussed T. Times transparency opinion Public Comment Hikers, bikers, and tourists balanced by industry Disagree with agency approach but understood concerns Be sure we post good summary of learning re agency disc J. Goldsmith could have cookie cuttered her recommendation Support private conversations with agencies Target keep our own workers here, kids/grandkids Adjourn Maintaining private discussion to promote candidness Offer public task force forum for agencies wishing to do so Need to add standing other category for team members Status for agency discussions On average in less than 5 minutes per…. o Connection made? o Date of next board meeting? o Any issues? o Other progress relative to these discussions InterBike Trade Show Discussion • D. Bradford to lead Discuss J. Goldsmith Report – Marketing/Brand • Brand and Marketing – definitions David Neumann Discuss J. Goldsmith Report – Marketing/Brand Per Goldsmith: TC lacks a consistent marketing strategy and message; recommendations to rectify => 1. Build the foundation – must have a good, solid brand a. This brand must be injected into the marketplace with a significant campaign b. Requires a website with a strong search engine optimization c. Must have a good overview brochure of the county highlighting assets from an economic development perspective Discuss J. Goldsmith Report – Marketing/Brand 2. Identify Target Industries/Audiences – it is impossible to be all things to all industries a. In-depth marketing strategy for each target must be developed including identification and prioritization of appropriate trade show b. Requires development of specific marketing tools for each including: data sheets, asset maps, list of existing companies, list of potential suppliers, list of relevant media outlets, micro-web sites, and top 10 lists for why TC for this targeted industry c. Develop target industry task forces to develop workforce development strategies, find existing linkages, develop strong cluster strategies, and adjust product development activities Discuss J. Goldsmith Report – Marketing/Brand 3. Budget - $35,000 – 60,000 per year Additions to targeted industry 8-21-13 brainstormed list Goldsmith Industries Industries Target Company Profile Nutraceuticals Aerospace industry parts Outdoor Recreation Equipment Food and Beverage Composites Number of employees: 1-150 Consider methods of mfg: e.g. precision Retention/expansion of current maching, web based businesses Automotive Parts Brevard College Sports, Health, and Wellness Bamboo Solo Worker Destination spa Tourism Destination health club Research lab: e.g. farm/agri Food processing, e.g. apples Artisanal agriculture, e.g. mustards, Do More bars Expansion of TVS (tour opportuntity) Parts/supplies for existing comp., e.g. cans for OSKAR BLUES More like Everett Farms, Busy Bee Rev range: $5M - $50M Quality of place is big draw Other topics from task force members • Shall we invite other topics while we interview agencies? Public Comment Adjourn Calendaring Future Topics As we consider these; let’s keep in mind roadmap to complete assigned tasks. What role do these topics play in refining or augmenting the steps along the paths? What is appropriate timing – now, soon, later? • Mountain Bizworks - later • Lean Startups - later • Rails to Trails - later • Other