The Executive Committee of the Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Board of Trustees convened a meeting on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 2:17 p.m. in the Simpson Building, Second Floor Conference Room. Dr. Joe Barwick, Chair, presided.
In addition to Dr. Barwick, the following members of the Executive Committee were present: Judy Lewis, Matt Kern, and Frances Ramsey.
Others present for the meeting included: Dr. John Gossett, President; and Carolyn Rice, Secretary to the Board.
Futures Factory
Dr. Barwick shared that the terms of the Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant have changed recently. In addition to Buncombe County approving the reallocation of $5 million from the Pratt & Whitney project to the Futures Factory project, a consultant working with us on the EDA grant suggests that the College be the main applicant for the grant, with Buncombe County signing on as co-applicant. This means that the Board of Trustees would sign as the applicant on the grant.
The Executive Committee discussed the pros and cons of the Board of Trustees signing the EDA grant as the applicant. The Executive Committee agreed that the Futures Factory is an exciting opportunity for the College. The Futures Factory will benefit all of Western North Carolina, and the project already has a lot of support from various entities in the county and state.
Dr. Barwick moved to approve that the Board of Trustees sign as the sponsor of the EDA grant. Mr. Kern seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.
Adjourn
On a motion properly made, the meeting adjourned at 3:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn H. Rice
Board Secretary