August 15, 2011 - STEP Meeting Agenda, Minutes, Strategies Statements, Proposed Project Templates

AGENDA

RED SPRINGS NC STEP LEADERSHIP TEAM

COMMUNITY BUILDING (CROSS ST.)

MONDAY, AUG. 15, 2011

6:30 – 8:30 P.M.

I.  Welcome, Introductions and Announcements – STEP Co-Chair Willie Goodyear

Ø Coach Presentation to Town Board – Tuesday, Sept. 6^th

Ø Please attend and be recognized!

II. Final Strategy Statements for each subcommittee delivered to Coach

III. Project Development Review:  Do We Have:

Ø Updated templates  -- know exactly what it will take to carry out the project

Ø Firm dollar estimates – no guessing

Ø  Project assignments – Who’s organizing, leading and working on which projects?

Ø Prioritized Projects:  Which projects are most important to address immediately and in what order? 

 IV. Next Steps

Ø  Final determination of project importance, order, and STEP $ allocation

Ø  Draft Economic Development Strategic Plan & Implementation (coach)

Ø  STEP Team presentation to Town Board

Ø  Contract with Rural Center

V. Adjourn – Next full Leadership Team meeting date – Monday, Sept. 19^th

MINUTES

Red Springs NC STEP Meeting Minutes of MONDAY, August 15, 2011

 

Respectfully submitted by Margie Labadie

 

I.  Welcome, Introductions – STEP Co-Chair Willie Goodyear
    Announcements Chilton Rogers / Johnny Robertson
Announcement 1. The Rural Center is pleased to announce over $30 million are available in funding opportunities for rural communities over the next year. Closest meeting to us is in Raleigh at the N.C. Rural Center, Conference and Training Facility, 4021 Carya Drive. Registration is free. August 30, 9 AM prompt.
   The program will include: 

   * Overview of the funding opportunities with program guidelines and application process 

   * Grant Programs: Clean Water Planning Grants; Economic Infrastructure Program; Building Reuse and Restoration; Economic Innovation; Rural Community Mobilization Project; Rural Hope; NC STEP

   * Business Loan programs: N.C. Capital Access Program; N.C. Microenterprise Loan Program; Rural Venture Fund

   * Project GATE (Growing America Through Entrepreneurship)

Announcement 2. 2011 NC Governor's Entrepreneurship Summit:  Breaking the Mold  
            Date: September 21-22, Durham Convention Center

            Information: www.NCEntreSummit.org

     
Announcement 3. Coach Chilton Roger's  Presentation to the Red Springs Town Board of our Strategies and Project will be on Tuesday, September 6th. We would like as many people to turn out as possible to show support for our Strategies and Projects. We need our Town Board to know we care about Red Springs! Please attend and be recognized!

II. Final Strategy Statements 

  Margie read a 1 page version of Broadening Education Statement
  Janet read Aesthetics Statement
  Caroline read Leadership Statement
  Kim read Embracing Entrepreneurship Statement

   NOTE:  A three page version of the Broadening Education Strategy Statement will be incorporated by Chilton into an overall economic strategy plan because she thought it was really well written and covered everyone.Thanks John L.!

All 4 Strategy Statements are now posted. Changes/Corrections if needed are noted below each statement. All statements were adopted unanimously.

Broadening Education Strategy Statement (1 page version that was voted on)

      Red Springs, North Carolina has a rich history. The land on which the town is situated came through a grant from the Governor of North Carolina in December of 1795.  Red Springs once boasted a successful “main street” business district, a thriving tourist trade based on its mineral rich iron springs, excellent public schools funded and managed by the town, the Scottish “Highland Games”, and even a minor league baseball team. Much has changed in Red Springs since the tornadoes of 1984 wiped out the downtown business district and many homes. Economic changes to Red Springs since then have not been for the better. Yet Red Springs is ideally located near the intersections of I-95 and I-74 and sits at the confluence of Routes 211, 72, 71 and 710. Our town is an important gateway to numerous organizations and institutions in Robeson County and surrounding counties.
     
      The strategy of “Broadening Education” focuses on a carefully crafted, ongoing plan to establish and evolve wide ranging, comprehensive educational and creative cultural programs that will result in economic growth and a renewed sense of community pride for all citizens. Our committee believes that moving forward should be foremost in the thoughts of the citizens of Red Springs. In short, we should work together to enhance opportunities in Red Springs by providing creative and technology rich educational places and spaces.

 As a community we must address such issues as our young people moving away to seek employment, the rising drop out rate, and decreasing graduation rates. Our young people need opportunities to become successful as young entrepreneurs through creative programming right here in Red Springs.

Our unemployed and senior citizens need access to computers for work force development, filing unemployment and filing medicare paperwork online.
 

Red Springs needs to identify and develop locations in which to offer programs that can have positive effects on the community. Defining and enabling facilities that are designed as enhanced creative, educational spaces for the greater Red Springs community will, over time, result in a town that is more conducive to economic growth and new businesses development.

      Much of the effort to change our town must be accomplished by citizen involvement through an organized, coordinated, phased plan of activity. A town’s beauty is found in its physical appearance and its sprit.  We believe that continuous community involvement, relevant educational programs and cultural opportunities are the key. Red Springs is our town, and it is our responsibility.

Correction to first paragraph made by Mr. Alexander: 

 "The land on which the town is situated came through a grant from King George III to Salem Hector McNeill in 1775."



Broadening Education Strategy Statement (3 page - referred to in the meeting but not read.)

 The STEP strategy for “broadening education” in Red Springs proposes the establishment of an active, enhanced environment designed to offer learning opportunities that will develop creative thinking and problem solving skills. Original ideas developed by well-educated people build successful communities. By traditional hands-on learning and digital technologies, we will foster a positive community atmosphere, enhance transcultural interaction, and foster significant entrepreneurial thinking through computer education, art activities, music, lectures and various types of performances.

Red Springs, North Carolina has a rich history. The land on which the town is situated came through a grant from the Governor of North Carolina in December 26, 1795.  Red Springs once boasted a successful “main street” business district, a thriving tourist trade based on its mineral rich iron springs, excellent public schools funded and managed by the town, the Scottish “Highland Games”, and even a minor league baseball team: the Red Robins. Much has changed in Red Springs since the tornadoes of 1984 and many of those changes have not been for the better.

In the second decade of the 21st century the fields of education, communication, business and entertainment are radically evolved from what previous generations knew. Personal computing and the Internet have changed us all. Education is now referred to as “life long learning” and not defined by the date one graduated from high school or college. Even so, as resources in Red Springs have diminished so have the possibilities for offering “information age” educational opportunities to the community. Today Red Springs is in dire need of facilities and programs offering connectivity to newer forms of education, communication, business and entertainment to its citizens.

The strategy of “broadening education” focuses on a carefully crafted, on going plan to establish, and evolve, a wide ranging, comprehensive series educational programs that will result in a renewed sense of community pride, camaraderie, and enhanced economic growth for all citizens. Our committee believes that, to grow and thrive, Red Springs must offer enhanced educational opportunities tailored to the needs of our community and focused on developing a thriving entrepreneurial future for our residents. Such educational possibilities will, we believe, result in a rebirth of community pride as well as a revitalization of our business environment.

1. There is a consensus that, over the years, the educational and entrepreneurial opportunities for the citizens of Red Springs have diminished for a variety of reasons

2. There appears to be a lack of community pride and involvement in defining and supporting enhanced educational opportunities in the greater Red Springs community.

3. There is a sense that economic conditions as well as community apathy either limit or diminish resource or efforts to define, support, of launch enhanced educational opportunities in the greater Red Springs community.

4. There has been a lack of leadership initiative or support for enhanced educational opportunities in the greater Red Springs community.

5. There is a clear understanding that the importance of the relationship between enhanced educational and cultural opportunities and economic growth has not been well recognized in the greater Red Springs and dealt with to date.

Our committee believes that, to stimulate economic growth as well as community pride, offering enhanced educational and cultural opportunities should be foremost in the thoughts of the citizens of Red Springs. In short, we should work together to improve the educational atmosphere and facilities for enhanced opportunities in Red Springs.

1. We need to recognize that these are difficult economic times and respond accordingly. Red Springs has been victimized by many of the ills common to small towns in North Carolina. As a community we must address such issues as: our young people moving away to seek employment; the “brain drain” of talented persons of all ages; a paucity of programmatic opportunities to help youth; the rising drop out rates and decreasing graduation rates; the increased uses of computers by senior citizens; increased uses of (or requirements for) online job searches and employment applications; required online filing for unemployment; the widespread community needs for online research tools, online communication, social networking, and online businesses activities; a lack of after school educational activities; and the general unavailability of evening and weekend programs related to art, music, lectures and other types of performances. Establishing and offering such resources will not resolve all individual or community issues but similar programs established in small towns elsewhere have wrought many positive results.

2. We need to rally our community around ideas and programs that will make positive changes for all concerned. The citizens of Red Springs need to identify and develop locations in which to offer programs that can have positive effect on the community. Defining and enabling physical facilities in which to offer programs designed as enhanced educational opportunities in the greater Red Springs community will, over time, result in a community more that is conducive to economic growth and new businesses development.

3. We need to broadcast the message that Red Springs is a great place to locate. Red Springs is ideally located near the intersection of I-95 and I-74 and sits at the confluence of Routes 211, 72, 71 and 710. As such our town is an important gateway to numerous organizations and institutions in Robeson County and surrounding counties. For example: Fort Bragg, University of North Carolina Pembroke, Campbell’s Soup Corporation, and the facilities and businesses of county seat of Lumberton.

4. We need to find ways to attract people and businesses to Red Springs. Improved enhanced educational opportunities in the town of Red Springs will make it more desirable for people looking to move to the area.

5. We need to establish a path toward enhancing a sense of community in Red Springs community based, vibrant, and diverse range of enhanced educational opportunities will lead to the reestablishment and restoration of a sense of community pride.

6. We need to make positive changes in the educational and cultural atmosphere Red Springs. We believe that carefully crafted facilities and programs for enhanced educational opportunities in the town of Red Springs will make the town more attractive to new businesses.

Summary: Much of the effort to create and maintain facilities and programs for enhanced educational opportunities in the town of Red Springs will require public funding and public support. This will be evidenced as financial commitments by business and individuals, additional grants beyond STEP funding, and increased public awareness, support and involvement. Leaving the possibilities of establishing viable 21st century educational facilities and programs in Red Springs can no longer be left to “someone else.” Much of the effort to change our town must be accomplished by citizen involvement through an organized, coordinated, phased plan of activity. A town’s beauty is found not only in its physical appearance but also in its sprit, community involvement, and relevant educational and cultural opportunities. Even so, providing a program of improved community-based educational and cultural opportunities (of any kind) is not a “one time” solution. All such projects must be developed strategically and must involve citizen participation over time and on an “on going” basis. Red Springs is our town, and it is our responsibility.

Correction / Change to above :
An historical correction regarding the charter of the town needs to be amended.

 Aesthetics Strategy Statement  

Red Springs was at one time a “magical” small town that was known as a resort and home to a respected college for young women.  These elements brought commerce and thriving business to the Red Springs community.  But this began to unravel in the early 1960s as the college closed, and the downtown commerce began to change.  As time passed many of our large textile employers downsized or closed causing a shift in employment opportunities as well as the loss of corporate leadership for the community.  Also, in the late 80’s our RS City Schools merged with the county system in effect causing a disconnect between the business community and the local schools.   The affect has been a general loss of local retail business, a sagging downtown economy, and a loss of community pride and a general sense of community malaise. 

In general, over the past 30 year the appearance of the town has degraded for the following reasons:
 
-Lack of desirable downtown business and in turn failing store fronts
 
-The lack of community pride and the desire to keep Red Springs clean and inviting
 
-The lack of code enforcement and the large number of related neglected homes and businesses
 
-The inability to attract the building of new homes and residents
 
-The lack of community leadership to keep town beautification moving forward
 
-The importance of the town’s appearance relative to economic growth has not been recognized and dealt with

In order to stimulate community pride as well as economic growth, the appearance of the town should be foremost on everyone’s mind.  The residents of the town should actively support town beautification efforts both in spirit and in action.  The following are reasons we should work together to improve Red Springs’ appearance:
 
-An attractive and well maintained Red Springs will be more conducive to economic growth and new business development
 
-To develop a sense of community pride
 
-To support and encourage the efforts of code enforcement and clean up unusable or uninhabitable houses
 
-The communities improved appearance will make it more desirable for people looking to move into the area
 
-New people coming to town will add to community pride and will enhance our intrinsic community values and provide economic benefits
 
Growth in population will make Red Springs more attractive to new businesses
 
Some of the effort to create a cleaner and more attractive Red Springs will fall to the Town for seeking public funding and code enforcement.  There will also be efforts to seek matching grants to incentify business to update and maintain attractive store fronts.  Other parts of the effort must be accomplished by citizen involvement through an organized and active plan of beautification.  

The town’s physical appearance is not just in the attractiveness of the buildings but also the pride and involvement of the residents.  This is not a one-time solution.  Certain projects such as landscaping, development of community parks, and an improved downtown appearance may be viewed as one time but much of this strategy will be ongoing and must have community buy in and involvement over time to be successful.  Red Springs is our town and it is our responsibility to redevelop and maintain her beauty and community pride.  

Correction / Change : The name Aesthetics has to be changed to reflect something that fits with entrepreneurship. Willie says he has a term and will forward it to the group.

Leadership Strategy Statement

Red Springs Leadership has not been as forth right to the community and to the younger adults and has lost its direction over the past forty years; its biggest problem is that we have not passed along leadership values to our succeeding generations.  Part of this is that our youth with talent and leadership skills have moved to greener pastures because of the lack of leadership and mentorship which has driven them away from our Community.  Moreover, because of the community disconnect with the school system what leadership skills that are developed during school events rarely transfer to the community as a whole.

The overall picture is broken down in the following phases:

-Much of our young talent leaves Red Springs for higher education and never returns because of the lack of available high paying jobs.

-We have not developed any coordinated leadership skills programs in our community to help develop the talent which did not or could not leave for greener pastures.

-The general lack of community pride promotes apathy and results in those with leadership skills not wanting to step up and offer their services.

The leadership strategy will build community pride and instill the desire to see Red Springs move forward in a healthy and positive fashion by building life leadership skills, entrepreneurial skills and critical thinking skills.

-By developing leadership skills earlier in our youth we will empower them to take control of their destiny and impart a sense of hope and pride

-By developing leadership skills our community will benefit from more actively involved residents who want Red Springs to grow and thrive
By developing entrepreneurial leaders we will help create local jobs that spawn creative job development and attract other job creation opportunities

-By developing leadership skills we will bridge the racial and cultural divide that has long held our community back by forcing us to think along boundaries rather that thinking of whole of the community.

There is a debate that there are people who are born with innate qualities that help them to become good leaders, while others have to strive hard to attain their leadership skills. So in reality, you could say yes to both questions. We as leaders do need to lead our citizens by showing our leadership skills, our compassion, integrity, honesty, humility, determination, courage, passion, confidence, commitment, wisdom and expertise. Becoming a leader entails more than skills, it combines skills with those traits listed in the previous sentence. We will have to encourage existing community groups like the Chamber of Commerce to become involved as well as working to start and develop leadership programs that will reach our youth beginning in the middle school years.  This is a lifelong learning process, one that once begun will have no end, just a better foundation to build upon.


Embracing Entrepreneurship Strategy Statement

Red Springs was a thriving business community for nearly 85 years and was known as the Saratoga of the South.  Our intriguing history has already been reported by the other committee strategy statements.
The strategy of “Embracing Entrepreneurship” focuses on recreating that entrepreneurial environment in which, once again, small businesses can be inspired, fostered and grown capitalizing on our location, identity and cultural diversity. 

A comprehensive fluid and ongoing approach includes the following concepts:

*Branding Red Springs/Finding our identity and marketability (arts, tourism, convenience, charm) “Red Springs… History, Re Imagined” or” History working to reinvent itself” or “Putting Unity in Community”  as quick examples  

*Revamping the entrepreneurial culture- work to create a seamless system for entrepreneurs of all ages and all stages.  Create a path for success from small business inquiry to mentoring to partnering with town officials to engage with prospective small business owners. This committee will be proactive in finding local, county resources as well as forming and Ad hoc citizens group for Entrepreneurship who will support small business.  We will seek resources to include Youth Entrepreneurship and youth financial literacy.  Youth engagement will serve to develop a pipeline as well as stirring the spirit of potential local adults to whom we can  provide technical assistance and mentoring resources. 

*ReVisioning/Revitalizing Downtown.  With and in support of the proposed multi-use education facility that encourages the arts, education and generates tourism this committee believes that small business will once again line Main Street.  Businesses that compliment and service the needs of the clients/users will naturally spring up.  Potentially to include business incubation site(s).

This committee is aware that this process is a journey.  We did not get here overnight and we will not get out overnight.  We have to redefine/reinvent ourselves, unify around that new identity and create small business opportunities based on the experience folks will have here.

Our project will change and grow as we move beyond creating the foundation, as the pipeline of entrepreneurs builds with education and leadership, as pride is restored through aesthetics and as unity is rebuilt in our community, as the core committee grows, as success breeds success.

We can reimagine what is possible, work to make changes now and create a new future for ourselves and impact seven generations to come.







III. Project Development Reviews:
NOTE: All Projects Templates from each group will be posted in this blog as an electronic copy is received from each group. Changes/Corrections to be made are noted below each Project. All projects voted on were adopted unanimously. 


Broadening Education Project was read by Margie  with Kim, Barbara, Bob Moore all lending supporting facts.

Broadening Education Template 1 of 2

 Broadening Education Template 2 of 2

Comments: Voted "Yes" unanimously for allocation of $3500 of planning grant money to pay for structural report and plan.

To do first identify best location(s):
* Identify other possible facilities and receive other bids to quote structural report and plan.
* Assemble team -so see other properties: Willie, Johnny, Barbara, (Barbara will talk with Tony Dillinger at Lumbee guarantee, and Lumber River Electric: Fran to talk with Bodenheimer building owner.


Aesthetics Projects 

1. Appearance Study. Johnny read the first project to address the dated appearance of the business district and town entrances with the firm Coaly Design (Landscape Architecture + Land Planning of Raleigh). $ 8500 in planning money was discussed along with the hourly rate. Voted "Yes" unanimously. STEP will use this firm because it was recommend by Chilton and the N.C. Rural Center.

Appearance Study Template 1 of 2

Appearance Study Template 2 of 2

2.  Window Art. Bob Schaumleffel read the second project:  Create visual interest in business district by adding public art in unoccupied windows. $2000 in Art Supplies. This project requires further discussion.

Window Art Template 1 of 2

 Window Art Template 2 of 2

3.   Clean Teams Johnny read the third project written by Bob H. who was not present:  Clean Teams to gather trash on the roads leading into Red Springs with money allocated for lunches each clean-up weekend.

Clean Teams Template 1 of 2

Clean Teams Template 2 of 2

Leadership Project  This group met to discuss a Leadership dual track for youth and adults. The group is made up of Johnny, Kim, Caroline, Mary Francis, Fran who will complete the templates. The Leadership Team supported this project in its original stage. The final template below was presented at the September 19 meeting. It was written up by Mary Francis and introduce by Johnny.

Leadership template 1of 2.

 Leadership Template 2 of 2

Embracing Entrepreneurship Project 

Branding the Town of Red Springs was read by Kim. The group's project is to create a Service Learning project with students from UNCP to do a competition for "Branding the Town of Red Springs."  They will come up with rules and offer a prize in town. A second project will follow:  a Youth Entrepreneurship Academy/ Pipeline and financial, grants. Kim will meet with Caroline and Margie to complete these templates. The group supported this project in its current stage.

Branding the Town of Red Springs, Template 1 of 2

Branding the Town of Red Springs, Template 2 of 2

IV. Next Steps

Ø  Final determination of project importance, order, and STEP $ allocation

Ø  Draft Economic Development Strategic Plan & Implementation (coach)

Ø  STEP Team presentation to Town Board (September 6th)

Ø  Contract with Rural Center

V. Adjourn – Next full Leadership Team meeting date – Monday, Sept. 19^th

JULY 18, 2011 STEP Meeting Agenda, Minutes, Additional forms from Chilton Rogers

AGENDA
RED SPRINGS NC STEP LEADERSHIP TEAM
COMMUNITY BUILDING (CROSS ST.)
MONDAY, JULY 18, 2011
6:30 – 8:30 P.M.

I. Welcome and Announcements – STEP Co-chair Willie Goodyear

II. Strategy & Project Development Review – NC STEP Coach Chilton Rogers

A. Go over strategy “Issues for Implementation” for each subcommittee

B. Discuss rough drafts of projects

Ask: Does this project address an “issue for implementation” for your strategy?

Think about the impact of each project: Will this project really make a difference?

What additional information is needed to complete the proposed project?

V. Next Steps

Ø  Presentation to Town Board (coach) – Tuesday, Aug. 2nd ?
Ø  Finalize Projects
Ø  Prioritize Projects
Ø  Leadership Team presents STEP plan to Town Board

VI. Adjourn – Next meeting date – Monday, Aug. 15, 2011

MINUTES

Red Springs NC STEP Meeting Minutes of MONDAY, JULY 18, 2011
Respectfully submitted by Margie Labadie


I. Welcome and Announcements – STEP Co-chair Johnny Robertson (Willie Goodyear was not in attendance.)

* Introduction of new Red Springs Town Manager, Bob Schaumleffel

* Chilton welcomed everyone and reviewed the STEP Leadership work to date.

* Margie announced that a blog has been created for the STEP Project.

*Chilton discussed her upcoming presentation to the Red Springs Town Board that will prepare them for our presentation later this year. She discusssed how we proceed with our plans to present. She will help us with our presentation that will happen in August or September.

* Everyone introduced themselves.

II. Strategy & Project Development Review by NC STEP Coach Chilton Rogers

Strategy statements in their present form were read aloud to the group.

Margie read Broadening Education
Michele read Aesthetics
Caroline read Leadership
Entrepreneurship was not available

Chilton explained that we needed to revise our statements. She provided the town of  Warsaw's statement (along with others) to be used as a reference because it is an excellent strategy statement. Chilton explained how their strategy statement addresses all the issues. This is a great model!  NOTE: (This form is below in this blog.)

III. We broke into three groups: Broadening Education, Aesthetics, and Leadership with new attendees joining the group of their choice. The task was to re-write our Strategy Statements to reflect the same detail and structure as the Warsaw example.

Our task during the next month is to meet and  go over strategy “Issues for Implementation” for each subcommittee.

We are to use the provided PROJECT TEMPLATE. Johnny will email, see below in this blog. THIS FORM AND FORMAT BECOMES PART OF THE CONTRACT WITH THE RURAL CENTER so it is critical that we do it right!

Some notes to that end:

Think about the impact of each project:
Will this project really make a difference?
What additional information is needed to complete the proposed project?

IV. The meeting adjourned at 9 PM – Next meeting date – Monday, Aug. 15, 2011

Addendum to Minutes from Chilton:

At our August meeting, we will go over the strategy statements briefly (and be happy with what y’all have written) and move into discussion of the projects.  It is important to get as far along with the individual projects as possible so that our discussion at the full leadership team meeting will be richer and we can see how everything is fitting together.

Also, some people have had difficulty working with the project template, and we have reformatted it.  It is below along with the instructions.  

FORMS:

NEW PROJECT INSTRUCTIONS & TEMPLATE

INSTRUCTIONS

TEMPLATE:

  
FORMS (continued)

WARSAW Physical Revitalization document (Written by the Warsaw STEP Leadership Committee)


Warsaw was once a thriving and proud little town with a lively and successful business district. Over the years community pride has diminished and the appearance of the town has deteriorated. This deterioration has led to failed businesses and closed store fronts which have further detracted from the towns’ appearance and desirability. For what ever reason, we have blamed the problem on other people, other places and other things. In fact, if we just look at our town the way a stranger might see it, we see overgrown yards, buildings with tarps covering holes in their roofs, junk stored on porches and in front of buildings and downtown store fronts in desperate need of attention. It is believed that an attractive town will result in a rebirth of community pride as well as a revitalization of our business environment. The project outcome is to develop an “on going”, continuous plan to re-establish and maintain a beautiful Warsaw and at the same time establish a new sense of community pride, comradery and economic growth.

There is a consensus that over the years the appearance of the town has diminished for any number of reasons;
 
1. Many property owners are elderly and do not have the ability to maintain their property as they once did.
 
2. Some property owners live out of town and are either incapable or unwilling to maintain their properties.
 
3. There is a lack of community pride as well as pride in the community.
 
4. Economic conditions as well as attitude either limit or diminish resources or efforts to maintain individual properties
 
5. There has been a lack of leadership initiative for town beautification.
 
6. The importance of the towns’ appearance relative to economic growth has not been recognized and dealt with.

In order to stimulate community pride as well as economic growth, the appearance of the town should be foremost on everyone’s mind. The residents of the town should actively support a town beautification effort both in spirit and in action. There are many of reasons why we should work together to improve our towns’ appearance.
 
1. An attractive and well maintained Warsaw will be more conducive to economic growth and new business development.
 
2. Warsaw is an important gateway to Duplin County from I-40.
 
3. The towns improved appearance will make it more desirable for people looking to move to the area.
 
4. An attractive and well maintained Warsaw will re-establish and restore that sense of community pride.
 
5. New people coming to town as well as community pride will enhance our property values.
 
6. Growth in population will make the town more attractive to new businesses.

Some of the effort to create and maintain a more beautiful Warsaw will require public funding and public support. This will be in the form of financial commitments as well as enforcement policy. Other parts of the effort must be accomplished by citizen involvement through an organized and active plan of activity. A town’s beauty is found not only in its physical appearance but also in its sprit and community involvement. This is not a “one time” solution. Certain projects to be developed such as landscaping, street lights, or signage might be termed “one time”, however much of this strategy will involve citizen participation over time and on an “on going” basis. It’s our town, it’s our responsibility.


Lansing Project Template - (Example for us to use as a model. See both parts A and B)


 A.

 B.

 Valdese Economic Development Entrepreneurship Sample Project: Strategy Template (Example for us to use as a model. See both parts A and B)



A.

 B.

TABOR CITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY:  BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT  
(Example for us to use as a model. See both parts A and B)

A.

B.

JUNE 20, 2011 STEP Meeting Agenda, Minutes, Red Springs Identified Strategies and Economic Development Strategy Instructions

AGENDA
RED SPRINGS NC STEP LEADERSHIP TEAM
COMMUNITY BUILDING (CROSS ST.)
MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2011
6:30 – 8:30 P.M.

I. Welcome and Announcements – STEP Co-chair Willie Goodyear

Ø Small Towns Creating Opportunities: Investing in People Workshop Report (Johnny R., John M., Jim V., Sally C., Michelle G., Willie G., Charles C., Tommy C., Shearlie M. in Red Springs, May 23rd)

Ø Review Each Strategy Statement: Framing Your Strategy

Ø Organize subcommittees
• Identify subcommittee chairs
• Expand to include additional community members
• Share names w/leadership team to avoid duplication
• Invite to next subcommittee meeting

Ø Prioritize Projects
Ø Presentation to Town Board (coach)

VI. Adjourn – Next meeting date – Monday, July 18, 2011

Red Springs NC STEP Meeting Minutes of June 20, 2011

Respectfully submitted by Margie Labadie

Willie Goodyear welcomed the group. 

Chilton: recap (See paperwork from Chilton)

Announcements:  CAP materials passed out

NOTES / ANNOUCEMENTS / RESOURCES:

1. NC Rec & Park Assoc. w/ BC/BC.  www.ncrpa.net

Michelle Wells, MPA, CPRP

Program Director

NC Recreation & Park Association 

883 Washington St. Raleigh NC 27605

919-832-5868

Michelle@ncrpa.net

2. Changing Lives, Impacting Communities

Www.ncrpa.net

Tessa Eliza thraves 

Community-based food systems Coordinator

Center for Environmental Farming Systems 

Www.cefs.ncsu.edu

Www.NCFoodNet.org

919-619-8897

3.

Www.shapeyourworldnc.com    FED money to improve environment

4.

Http://wwwshapeyourworldnc.com/see-assess-your-world.html

5. Announcement: Town oriented: Talent Enhancement Capacity  Blding w/shop June 30th

6. IMPORTANT! READ THIS REPORT:

State of NC Workforce Report - www.nccommerce.com

read executive summary.

This study measured metropolitan areas, micropolitan areas, rural areas.  College and beyond - you need skills, be certified and credentials, credit scores, drug tests...Migration levels increased and more

Meeting continues:

First Tuesday of every month is our town council meeting. At a future town meeting, Chilton will present to them and prepare them for our economic plan. This to prevent any future bumps in the road. 

Donna Sullivan: tech assistant for Eastern North Carolina Authority  broadband. She helps develop strategies, develop literacy, centers etc. They map infrastructure across the state and supply it to the FED Gov. Their organization will sunset, but funds for technical assistance will go to Dept. Of Commerce. 

Strategy Statement Review:

We need to do the NC STEP STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT:

Framing Your Strategy (form)

This information goes to the Rural Center for approval. 

** Bob H. reported on Broadening Education

** Johnny R. reported on aesthetics 

** Caroline S. reported on Leadership

** Kim P. reported on Entrepreneurship

** Last mile internet James M. reported

Guest speaker about Internet: Donna Sullivan has thumb drive of information on Broadband availability... If we wanted a wifi area the town would pay, it would be free for businesses.

** Willie reported on Philanthropy, Tim introduced study done by Center for Community Action

What followed were some discussion with Chilton on "how this process works".

Question about our upcoming process: Can the town can change our strategies?

Answer: No, not really.

Question: How will strategies be implemented?

Answer: Our strategies will be implemented consecutively with others.

BUT we need to get the strategies first...strategies help us identify issues that need to be addressed. 

Tonight:

Work in strategy subcommittees now to identify STRATEGIES

Elect co-chairs

Add'l members to invite

Schedule next meetings

Developing projects

CHILTON'S ANALOGY!

Diet: philosophy on food = Vision

Meals: simple or complex   =   Strategies

Individual dishes. =  Individual dishes (how do we make it)

Recipe & ingredients = Project template

When we meet next:

1.  Frame Our Strategies - Chilton will take these to the town so they must be complete.

2.  Brainstorm ideas for projects

3.  Start working with project templates (DO NOT COMPLETE TEMPLATES)

4.  Invite new individuals & organizations to join in

Addendum:

By the end of the evening, there were 4 Strategies identified instead of 6. 
Meeting dates were established for the following groups: 


June 29:
1. Entrepreneurial Economy
2. Broadening Educational Opportunities

June 30:
3. Leadership Pipeline
4. Aesthetics

We will meet at 6:30 each night. A light dinner will be served at 6:15. 


RED SPRINGS IDENTIFIED STRATEGIES
MAY 16, 2011

1. Broadening Educational Opportunities for traditional and nontraditional students

Jim, Callie, Anika, Margie, John L.

2. Remake Red Springs into an Entrepreneurial Economy -- Identify and partner with the community supports that help small businesses and entrepreneurs succeed (heavy reliance on SE Entrepreneurial Alliance (Kim P.), ElectriCities and chamber) – Utilize Hispanic mentors as a focus of support – and Market the Red Spring itself.

Kim P., Willie G., Eva, Brandy, Bob Mc

3. Establish a Leadership Pipeline for future community and business leaders

Kim P., Willie G., Tim H., Johnny

4. Bring the “Last Mile” of high speed, fiber optic internet service to Red Springs and make it accessible and affordable for all its citizens (e-NC assistance – Donna Sullivan)

John Mc, Chubb

5. Expand Philanthropy (NC Gives example)

Margie, Frances,Bob M., Michelle G.. John Mc,Caroline, Chub H., Neil M., Elma, Chris, Jimmy, Tim

6. Enhance the Beautification and Aesthetics of Red Springs to make it a more attractive place for people to live, work and play – and boost community pride

Dale M., Eva, Michelle, Candace, Johnny

May 23, 2011 Red Springs Hosts: Small Towns Creating Opportunities: Agenda

AGENDA
 
Small Towns Creating Opportunities: Investing in People

NC STEP TRAINING
Monday, May 23, 2011
Red Springs Community Center
122 Cross St.
Red Springs, NC
9:00 a.m.                Registration, coffee, set up

10:00 a.m.              Welcome – Mayor John McNeil
                             Overview of the Day – Art Jackson, Director, NC STEP
                             Introductions – Chilton Rogers, NC STEP Head Coach

10:20 a.m.              Moving toward Implementation of Strategies – Chilton

10:40 a.m.           Connecting People on the Economic Margins to Planned     Opportunities – Yolanda Burwell, Senior Fellow
                                    
Noon                       Lunch (working)

1:00 p.m.                         Reporting out from Towns

2:00 p.m.              Presentation by Asset Builders in the Region
                                      Katina Perry, Benefit Bank
                                      Bob McKee, GATE
                                      Kim Pevia, SE Entrepreneurship Alliance

2:45 p.m.              Wrap Up and  Evaluation  (Survey Monkey)

3:00 p.m.             Closing & Adjourn

NOTE: In attendance for Red Springs:
John McNeil, Jim Vaughn, Sally Cobb, Barbara Melvin, Michelle Gaitley, Charles Chrestman, Willie Goodyear and Johnny Robertson

May 16, 2011 - STEP Meeting - Agenda, Minutes, Framing Your Strategy Paper, Red Springs Strategy Discussion Paper

AGENDA
RED SPRINGS NC STEP LEADERSHIP TEAM
COMMUNITY BUILDING (CROSS ST.)
MONDAY, MAY 16, 2011
6:30 – 8:30 P.M.
I. Welcome and Announcements – STEP Co-chair Willie Goodyear

v REDI Report – Johnny Robertson

II. Economic Development Strategies

Ø Consensus on Strategies – Strategy Discussion Paper

III. Strategy Subcommittee Structure

Ø Establish subcommittees
• Identify subcommittee chairs
• Identify members
• Expand to include additional community members
• Invite to next meeting for orientation and to begin project
development

Ø Draft strategy implementation statement – See “Framing Your Strategy”

IV. Adjourn – Next meeting date – Thursday, June 20, 2011



Minutes of STEP Meeting May 16, 2011 with Chilton Rogers
Respectfully submitted by Margie Labadie, Secretary

1.Willie Goodyear opened and welcomed new people.

2. Chilton began and everyone introduced themselves.
Chilton discussed Mission statement and Vision statement were passed around the
room

Annoucements :
A. Wastewater workshop / physical infrastructure

B. STEP Spring Training workshop will be in RS from 10-2 is full. SMALL Towns
Creating Opportunities. 3 New publications.
Living on the Margins:
Rural NC in the Aftermath of the Great Recession
Asset-building Strategies for the Low-income Families
A Guidebook for Connecting Individuals to Opportunity

Johnny report on REDI

1) Strategy Discussion Paper  (SEE BELOW)
Consensus on Strategies

2) Framing Your Strategy
Strategic subcommittees

3) project development

Proposed Discussion...

1) Broadening Educational Opportunities - skill delivery in relevant & interesting ways.
Community Access. Library part of county system as of July.

2) Remake RS into an entrepreneurial economy - community supports already in place.
Use the Red Spring and market Red Springs.Hispanic mentors a focus of support. Kim,
ElectricCities and Chamber should be a part.

3) Leadership Pipeline

4) "Last Mile" broadband - Donna Sullivan e-NC

(Note: send community assessment to new people)

5) Expand philanthropy - NC Gives

6) Beautification & Aesthetics

Speakers:

Kim Pevia- Regional Coordinator, Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is about building upon lessons of the past. What do you want to do?
Vision is needed.

Jim Stella - ElectricCities, Retail Development Specialist
Share business ideas within the community. Get business plans together. Get
established businesses to support new businesses.
Mentors needed.

*Broadening Education
Jim Vaughn
MBL
Callie Smith
Frances Patterson
Anika
Kim P

*Remake Red Springs thru e-ship

Kim P
Bob M
Willie
Michelle
Eva
John mcN
Brandy
Caroline
Bob Mc

*L-ship
Kim
Margie
Willie
Chub
Tim H
Neil

Elma

*"last mile"
(e-NC)
John mcN
Chris
Chubb
Jimmy Melvin

*Aesthetics
Dale
Candace
Eva
Johnny
Michelle

* Philanthropy
Frances
Tim
Willie

Groups will meet and develop a strategy statement. To answer what this mean for RS.
Use Strategy Development - Framing your strategy. form. Final document should be
about 1/2 page long.

Group will meet June 9 & 16 @ 6 pm for dinner. Meeting starts at 6:30. We may have a
change of venue if Community room is booked.

During these meetings folks will develop strategies. Send completed strategy
documents to Margie/Johnny and we will forward to Chilton.
Chilton Will compile and bring to next monthly STEP meeting on June 20th which is a
MONDAY.

Only 3 more months until we finish!

----



 FRAMING YOUR STRATEGY: FROM CHILTON ROGERS

Red Springs Strategy Discussion Paper
NC STEP Program
May 16, 2011

At the last Red Springs STEP Leadership Team meeting held on Monday, April 18th, 2011, discussion focused on two subjects: (1) Red Springs’ Community Assessment, especially the matrix of assets and constraints to growing and sustaining a local economy, and (2) strategy development. The Community Assessment is the second deliverable required by the NC Rural Center during the planning phase of the STEP program (the first being the Community Profile).

The Matrix of Assets and Constraints in the Red Springs Community Assessment was the springboard for brainstorming potential economic development strategies for the town. The team was asked to look for broad strategies and themes that stood out to them. What patterns did they see by matching the asset or constraint about their community with one or more of the “six paths to growing an economy?”

To think about the viability of potential strategies, several questions were put to the Leadership Team to consider as they discussed possibilities:

v What’s possible and/or doable for the town and the leadership team to accomplish?

v What are the opportunities presented by the strategy (i.e., what assets support it)?

v What are the weaknesses of it (i.e., what barriers constrain it)?

v Who is the target audience? (audiences)

v What are the goals of this strategy – what is it supposed to accomplish?

v If you were to move to Red Springs, what would you look for?

v What business support strategies make the most sense?

v What community development and civic engagement initiatives need to be in place or happen to reach your target audience(s)?

The following is a summary of the strategy identification discussion:

1) Concentrate on broadening educational opportunities in Red Springs for traditional and non-traditional students. Given that the graduation rate in Red Springs sits at 69% and that 21st century jobs require more and different educational attainment (plus computer literacy skills) for the community to be economically competitive, much discussion centered on skill delivery. That is, how can the young and/or unemployed people in the Red Springs area get the training they need to get or create a good job without being “turned off?”

Questions such as:

v What can the STEP leadership team do to help keep kids in school and graduate?

v What can the STEP leadership team do to help get those out of school retrained with the skills and/or certifications necessary for them to either get better jobs or create ones for themselves?

v To what degree does the community value education? How can this be improved?

Current delivery systems are not attractive nor do they have the equipment and resources necessary -- and young people want a place to go to hang out, learn, and access state of the art equipment and high speed internet connection. Robeson Community College (RCC), UNC-P, the K-12 school system, 4-H, NC REAL (Note: Is this available in Red Springs or through RCC?), and the Boys and Girls Club offer alternative educational opportunities in the Red Springs area, however, the offerings are not coordinated nor are they delivered in a format that young people like – or that seem relevant to them.

Could there be a central location where all these modalities intersect and the content is youth driven or directed? Could the STEP team coordinate offerings and re-format them around interactive and creative activities as well as vocational training so young people would have a central place to meet and gather after school -- and those currently not in school could also participate?

2) Remake Red Springs into an entrepreneurial economy. Under present economic conditions, and even before the Great Recession hit, Red Springs lacked many good, well-paying jobs. In the 21st economy, the traditional factory job is a thing of the past – and the skills one learned to succeed then are not enough and don’t match the job requirements of today. In fact, the reality is that many people must create their own livelihoods and supporting entrepreneurship is a viable economic development strategy in today’s economic climate.

When thinking about this, what community supports need to be in place for small businesses and entrepreneurs to succeed? The Red Springs community has access to the Small Business Center and entrepreneurship classes at RCC, and a near-by SCORE chapter for one-on-one business consultations and mentoring. A chamber of commerce is also active in Red Springs. Can the STEP leadership team partner with existing business support organizations and muster additional resources to create the  conditions to support a culture of entrepreneurship in the community?

More is needed than individual technical support. Entrepreneurs must be nurtured and grown. Will the established business community welcome and nurture new businesses and help them succeed? Will young people be encouraged to start businesses and be given the advice, mentorship and resources for them to try out new ideas and grow their ventures? Are there business opportunities with nearby military installations that local businesses can capitalize on? The Rural Center’s Institute for Rural Entrepreneurship has a wealth of resources and experience to help communities develop a support system for entrepreneurs and is available for assistance if this is a strategy the Red Springs STEP leadership team wishes to pursue.

3) Establish a leadership pipeline for future community and business leaders. The group referenced the need to cultivate new leaders but it wasn’t fleshed out in detail.

4) Bring the “last mile” of high speed, fiber optic internet service to Red Springs.

Is downtown wireless? Can people and businesses access high speed internet connections affordably? Do students have access to high speed internet and state of the art computers, web tools and applications? The e-NC Authority is working on protocols to help communities bring broadband infrastructure to their citizens and businesses and has assigned a technical specialist to the Red Springs area. Like the Institute for Rural Entrepreneurship, this organization is ready and willing to lend assistance. Adequate broadband infrastructure is not a luxury; it is a requirement for success and competitiveness in the 21st economy.

Regardless of what potential strategies are finally decided upon, several questions to always keep in mind are:

•What are the types of jobs that will be created with this strategy?

•Are the people in the community equipped with the necessary skills?

•Will the STEP leadership team and community see the strategy through to fruition?

The discussion also touched upon amenities and quality of life attributes that make a community an attractive location and a desirable place to live. Thus, cultural, educational and community development are also important for the town’s success. For example, improving recreational facilities and programs can be a key component to making the community more family-friendly and a more desirable location for people to live.

Red Springs’ vision statement and the several possible strategies touched upon above suggest a number of possible strategies for its economic development efforts. The town is poised to capitalize on its assets, overcome barriers and to reinvigorate itself, if it adopts appropriate strategies, develops relevant projects and pursues them with sufficient vigor and intensity.

WHAT’S TO FOLLOW:

Whatever specific projects the Leadership Team develops under each strategy, its first priority is to its current local citizens to better their circumstances for the long term, specifically improving the level of income and job capacity of the community. Local citizens, as members of the NC STEP Leadership Team, will be the ones to support and implement the economic development plan using the assets and resources the community currently possesses and muster others. Especially at the early stages of strategy implementation, most of the work will be done by the Leadership Team and members of the strategy subcommittees. As capacity builds and additional investments are made, more resources will be leveraged from inside and outside the community, but it must always be remembered that the community itself is ultimately responsible for the success of its efforts.

Once a consensus of the selected strategies among the STEP Leadership Team has been reached (scheduled for our May meeting), subcommittees will be formed under each strategic area. Co-chairs and subcommittee members will be identified and recruited, and a schedule established for the subcommittees to meet for the purpose of identifying and developing projects. Each subcommittee will meet on its own to complete its task. Project templates have been developed to help in this process and will be introduced once the leadership team has chosen its economic development strategies.

April 19, 2011 STEP Minutes

STEP Meeting April 19, 2011

Mayor McNeill welcomed everyone

1) May 23 STEP workshops 10AM - 3:00pm
What will we need to do? Chilton will send info.

2) Sustainability article - turn into PDF to email
Take time to browse through the NC Rural center, RC Resource Guide,

3)See small Towns/ Big Ideas & Rural Reserve guide.

4) Collect visioning exercise

Johnny reports on REDI:
Rural Economic Development Institute - Leadership is key. Leaders are made, not born.
Civic infrastructure
Physical infrastructure
Work force development
Business development

5) Community Assessment program - see handout "A"

"Projects come and go, strategies remain."

For each strategy:

1) what's possible / doable
2) what are opportunities presented by and in place for this strategy
3) what are weaknesses
4) who is the target audience? Think about economic development? What do people want and need?

5) what are the strategy's goals? What is it supposed to accomplish?

If you were to move to Red Springs what would you look for?

What kind of business strategies make the most sense?

Chilton will type up notes and give to Johnny.

May meeting we will decide on strategies.
There will be a public meeting to discuss what is going to happen.
We will develop projects based on this.

March 21 Step Meeting Agenda, Minutes + blank Visioning Statement

AGENDA

RED SPRINGS NC STEP LEADERSHIP TEAM

COMMUNITY BUILDING (CROSS ST.)

MONDAY, MARCH 21, 2011

6:30 – 8:30 P.M.

I. Welcome and Introductions – STEP Co-chair Willie Goodyear

II. Review of Community Assessment Worksheets & Thought Sheet (Exercises 2, 3 & 4)

     

III. Vision Review and Visioning Exercise (Work in Sub-groups)

Red Springs is a thriving, energetic, warm, robust, family-oriented town; one that cares for the needs of all its citizens; a place everyone can call home.  Ours is a progressive community committed to excellence in education and continuously working to improve our quality of life through beautification, environmental amenities and exceptional delivery of public services.  Culturally diverse, we embrace our rich heritage as we work in unity and with respect seeking economic opportunities for continued progress and prosperity. 

IV. Next Steps:

            Presentation of Community Assessment

            Begin Strategy Identification

 V. Adjourn – Next meeting date – Monday, April 18, 2011

Minutes of the STEP Meeting for
March 21 Step Meeting Chilton Rogers


Willie Goodyear - welcome

Community Announcements - Margie: DCC at UNCP on April 2 and Street Fest April 16

Chilton:

2 Books going into Town Hall (Online if needed too)

1. References & Strategies for towns:
Small Towns BIG IDEAS, Case Studies in Small Town Development

2. North Carolina Rural Resource Guide from The Rural Center

Article from Reynolds Price.

STEP subcommittee meeting reports: Chilton will summarize.

Beginning Strategy Identification

STEP VISION

1.Visioning Statement. Use visioning worksheet. Johnny has electronically and anyone can get it from him.

2. Reference Burnesville/Yancey 2011/2021