September Highland County EDA Meeting Updates

The September 23 meeting of the Highland County EDA started with an addition to the provided agenda. The board voted to add a closed session meeting citing confidential proprietary information provided by a private business pursuant to a promise of confidentiality from the local EDA under 2.2-3705.6(3) of the code of Virginia. This was unanimously approved.

The board then voted unanimously to add new member Laura Warner as an authorized signature for the Highland EDA for banking purposes. 

A 6-month extension to the fiscal year 2024 EDA Incentive Grant was given to Blue Grass Mercantile.

Then, both the August and September treasurer’s reports were unanimously approved as submitted.

Aaron Thaler gave the tourism council report. The highlight was the new brochures that have been distributed throughout the county. 

George Hogshead did not have a report on the Bath Highland Nework Authority as their next meeting is not scheduled until October 9. 

The fiscal year 2025 EDA Incentive Grants were discussed as well as theTown of Monterey’s newly promised participation, which includes an additional $5,000 for businesses within the Monterey town limit. 

Applications for the fiscal year 2025 EDA Incentive Grants are due Nov. 15. Dail Fields, Janice Deem, and Aaron Thaler will serve on the EDA Incentive Grants subcommittee. The board then agreed to minor changes to the application, which is now available on the county website or by emailing highlandeda@htcnet.org. Hard copies are available at the Highland County Public Library. For those interested, a How to Apply workshop will be held in the Gallery Room at the Highland Center on Oct. 21st from 5:30-6:45 p.m.

Jamie Collins gave the HCDI Report, saying that she and Landdis Hollifield have been meeting with partner organizations to finalize the strategic plans, with specific milestone goals to move the effort forward. 

An update was given on the new State Park slated for Highland County, Hayfields, which recently hired Jason Rexrode from Churchville as park manager. They have funding for two more positions, and the work there is ongoing.

Betty Mitchell presented information about VA250, a statewide project to commemorate Virginia’s role in the 250th anniversary of American independence. The VA250 program aims to form a more perfect union by educating Virginians about their history and civic duty and sharing diverse narratives that capture Virginia’s complete story and role in shaping the nation. Mitchell said she is starting to do some exploration on partners in our area. 

EDO and ERC reports were handed out and approved. 

Under public comment Valentina Meehan asked about the conditions for a closed session, specifically surrounding the fact that the Highland EDA is not a private business, but a non-profit. This prompted questions on closed meetings in general and the need for a refresher course on meeting etiquette and rules of order. 

After this discussion, the closed session was tabled until more information could be gathered about the correct code. 

The September 23 meeting of the Highland County EDA was adjourned at 7:57. The next meeting will be held October 21 at 7 p.m. at the Highland Center.