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September 20, 2010 (Regular Meeting) Page 147 competitive advantage. In the global, knowledge- based, creative economy written about by people such as Richard Florida and Daniel Pink, place -based character is an asset, a magnet. The Institute for Emerging Issues at NC State University raises this important question: "How will North Carolina move from an economic development strategy focused on company branch recruitment to one that grows creative workers and entrepreneurs ?" Consistent with its vision and goals, the Board of Commissioners seeks to engage the community to identify and understand these issues and challenges, and develop strategies that lead to success. Council for a Sustainable Local Economy Charge The Board of Commissioners establishes the Cabarrus County Council for a Sustainable Local Economy (CSLE). The CSLE is charged with performing research and analysis, educating the community, developing strategies and making policy recommendations that encourage the development of a resilient, robust and sustainable local economy in which entrepreneurs and creativity thrive and the community prospers. The CSLE is given discretion in fulfilling its charge, however, it is specifically directed to address the following: 1. To the extent possible, identify "leakage" in the local economy. That is, determine how much money is spent by local businesses, institutions, governments and residents purchasing goods and services from outside Cabarrus County that are available from businesses within Cabarrus County. Additionally, determine the impact, in terms of the number of jobs, of diverting some or all of that spending from outside the county to businesses inside the county. Visit the website of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies ( http:/ /www.livingeconomies.org / for examples. 2. Identify barriers to success encountered by small businesses as a result of government policies and regulations. Conversely, identify government policies and regulations, existing or new, that are helpful to small businesses. For examples, review efforts of the New Rules Project ( www.newrules.org ) and the many recommendations found in The Small -Mart Revolution: How Local Businesses are Beating the Global Competition by Michael H. Shuman. The county government will provide the CSLC with staff assistance, meeting space and other resources needed to perform its charge, subject to budget appropriations made by the Board of Commissioners. Membership CSLE members are appointed by the Board of Commissioners from a pool of applicants. A committee consisting of the Board of Commissioners' chairman, vice chairman and the county manager will make recommendations to the BOC on the initial appointments. Appointments are expected to be made in 2010. The CSLE will be comprised of a minimum of 13 and maximum of 21 members. In making appointments, the Board of Commissioners will seek broad and diverse representation from the community, making a concerted effort to include a significant number of small business owners. Members shall live or work in Cabarrus County and shall serve without compensation.— Initially, CSLE members are appointed for one or two -year terms and may be reappointed for an additional term with rotations that ensure continuity with new members joining experienced members. The membership selection process shall strive to consider racial, socioeconomic, ethnic and geographic diversity. Tasks and Meetings