HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93010_0647Historic Vance Hotel
226 South Center Street
Statesville, NC
6.30 P.M. Dinner MeetinzFriday January 25.2002
Mark Heath, Senior Vice President for the Charlotte Regional Partnership, was the guest
speaker for the evening. He said the partnership assisted in economic development for a 16 -
county region in North & South Carolina. Heath said the partnership was created in 1991 and
was funded through public and private funds. Mr. Heath said Iredell County, with its two
interstates, should consider "land banking." He said sites near the 1-77/1-40 connection should
be purchased and protected until development could occur. Heath said counties sometimes
worked together in multi -ventures to aid in economic development, and this practice was used
extensively in Virginia.
Melanie O'Connell Underwood, economic developer for the Mooresville -South Iredell
area, said she was seeing an increase in inquiries. She said the Mooresville -South Iredell region
continually tried to obtain diverse projects. Underwood said a large retirement center had been
announced last year along with an $80 million Lowe's project. She said the racing industry was
active in her area. Underwood said 1,500 new jobs were announced last year.
Jeff McKay, the economic developer for the Statesville area, said the county needed to be
adaptable. He said it was important to retain the industries already here. McKay was optimistic
about future development, and he said the county would remain competitive.
North Carolina 42nd House District Representative Frank Mitchell said the General
Assembly had raised the income tax levels for some people, and this might diminish the
attractiveness of the state and county for some industries.
North Carolina 43`d House District Representative Mitchell Setzer and North Carolina
39"' District Senator Jim Forrester also attended. Dr. Forrester asked what impact would occur if
the Homets Basketball team left Charlotte.
Heath said that sports teams generated many jobs. He said it would hurt the Charlotte
area's image if the basketball team left. He said the Charlotte region could never pay for the
advertising that naturally occurred by having a sports team.
North Carolina Division 12 Department of Transportation Board Member Frank Johnson
said infrastructure drew industry, and that Iredell County's sections of 1-77 and I-40 would be
resurfaced. In addition, he said a new diamond would be constructed for the Jane Sowers Road
area, and a new interchange for Exit 36 in Mooresville was scheduled.
At 8:00 p.m., Chairman Tice thanked the dinner guests for attending and recessed the
meeting until 8:00 a.m., on Saturday morning.
Continuation of the Planning Session
Saturday, January 16, 2002
Agricultural Resource Center
444 Bristol Drive
Statesville, NC
8:00 am.
Chairman Tice called the meeting to order. All commissioners were present.
PRESENTATION FROM DAVID SWANN, AREA DIRECTORICEO FOR
CROSSROADS BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE: Swann discussed North Carolina House
Bill 381 (Mental Health Reform Legislation & State Plan). He said mental health remodeling
was a national trend, but the North Carolina General Assembly passed HB 381 due to:
1. Mental health programs in the state were overburdened and under funded.
2. The state officials were tired of hearing complaints about the system. The state feels
the local jurisdictions have not done enough.