012022 jtMINUTES OF HARNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
JANUARY 20, 2022
JOINT MEETING OF THE HARNETT COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
(HCEDC) AND HARNETT COUNTY PROPERTY CORPORATION (HCPC)
A quorum of the Harnett County Board of Commissioners, of which two members serve on
Economic Development Council and two on the Properties Corporation were present.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Christian Lockamy, Angie Stewart, Dr. Aaron Fleming, Cathy O'Dell,
Commissioner Matthews, Chairman Weatherspoon, Chris Appel, Roger Farina, Jeff Whittington,
Walter Weeks, Brent Trout, Phyllis Godwin, Frankie Lewis, Commissioner McKoy, Dr. Lisa
Chapman, Teddy Byrd, Dan Camp and Mike Jones
MEMBERS NOT PRESENT: Tony Buzzard, Scott Nelson, Commissioner Mark Johnson and
Nathan Rice
SPEAKER: Ernie Pearson of Sanford Holshouser
Mr. Weeks called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Ernie Pearson spoke to the panel about Harnett County's growth and the need to create and
organizational structure to handle the challenges of the growth. He addressed the panel stating
Harnett County was on the verge of exploding with growth. Mr. Pearson and the panel agree
there should be a marketing strategy and the need for excitement about the growth potential both
internally and externally. He further discussed the support Sanford Holshouser would be
providing by and through focus groups and research varying aspects to include the legal
challenges. There were discussions about what Harnett County has to offer to industry and
potential growth in that area of business, which included discussions about the river. The panel
suggested ideas of varying types of business ranging from drone certification schools, food-
processing plants, and the possibilities of biomedical companies. The group also discussed the
workforce and that the majority of people living in Harnett County commute outside of the
County for work opportunities. Conversation regarding Harnett County's identity was discussed
and possible solutions to its unity rather than the geographical division that currently exists.
There was a consensus that Harnett County seemed to struggle in that area. Than panel
elaborated that depending on who you were talking with and where you were determined the line
of questioning you would receive regarding the County. The panel stated there seems to be a lack
of understanding where Harnett County is geographically as well as its relation to Fayetteville
and Raleigh. The panel also discussed looking at counties that were successful in specific areas
and duplicating those successes in Harnett County. Mr. Pearson suggested the panel look at the
Lee County Jetport and see how it has helped the growth in the community. There was additional
discussion to municipalities investing in the County growth financially. Mr. Pearson mentioned
the next step analysis was focus groups with specific recommendations to move forward.
Unification and creating a specific program to make it work.
There were no decisions that required voting during this meeting. Mr. Weeks adjourned the
meeting at 11:00 a.m.
r ^
ewis W. Weath n, Chairman ime Bell-Raig, Deputy Cler