Identify/acquire industrial/business sites.

Renovate/expand incubator building. The commission objective is to bring the business incubator up to date and market it more aggressively. The building (located off Highway 64 in the Industrial Park) could headquarter the EDC director and could be used in the entrepreneurial program and to support existing businesses with growth potential.

Infrastructure development. (i.e. water, sewer, fiber, natural gas and surface and air transportation).

Entrepreneurial development. Would involve a mission to help small businesses start, grow and compete in local and global markets by providing access to quality training, counseling and resources.

Existing business development. The EDC director and appointed members of the EDC will develop a comprehensive retention, growth and support plan in conjunction with their economic development allies and partners.

Workforce development. Will involve conducting an assessment of workforce requirements and needs of existing employers. After the assessments are completed, the EDC will work with their economic partners and allies to implement the required training programs.

Housing. The EDC will work with other county and state agencies to encourage second-home construction investment in Macon. Additionally, the EDC will work with other agencies to improve affordable housing for employees of existing and future employers.

Health resources. EDC will work with both Franklin and Highlands hospitals to assist in recruiting physicians and other health-related workers to the area.

Shatley told commissioners that the plan is a living document that will change as time goes on.

"What we really have to strive for is a balanced economy," Shatley said.

He recognized the efforts of the North Carolina Department of Commerce and Advantage West (an economic arm serving the 23 westernmost counties) in helping develop the plan.

Commissioner and EDC liaison Jim Davis commended the board on the document. "I applaud the efforts of what you've done so far," Davis said.

Commissioner chairman and EDC liaison Charlie Leatherman emphasized the need to bring an economic development director on staff.

"We need to move forward as a board and hire an economic development coordinator to try and draw jobs to Macon County," Leatherman said.

He added of the plan, "I commend your group for what you've done. I want to make this a reality."

Commissioner Ronnie Beale said, "The bottom line is we've got to be competitive. And I believe this will make us competitive."

The board of commissioners will take the strategic plan under consideration and will meet with the EDC in two weeks to address specific questions concerning the document.

County commissioners recessed their meeting until 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19 for a joint meeting with the EDC at the Macon Bank Corporate Center.