ELLERBE – The first meeting of the Sandhills AGInnovation Center Governing Board was held Tuesday, November 28, at the center’s location at 1298 Crawford Road.
The members of board were appointed by the Richmond County Board of County Commission to oversee the business operations of the county-owned facility. Each member was selected based on experience in business or farming, and represent primarily Richmond and Moore counties.
The SAIC Governing Board meets quarterly, hears reports from the SAIC manager Davon Goodwin and makes recommendations.
The Sandhills AGInnovation Center is a produce supply chain facilitator providing services that help farmers in the region reach new markets. Services offered include aggregation, cooler and freezer space rental, equipment rentals and fresh-cut processing.
Funding for the project has been provided by Richmond Board of County Commissioners and the Golden LEAF Foundation. Moore County Board of County Commissioners funded a 2013 Food Hub Feasibility Study for the project.
The Governing Board members include: First Bank’s Brian Baucom, Ellerbe Mayor and Berry Patch owner Lee Berry, Highlander’s Farm’s John Blue, Richmond County Commissioner Don Bryant, Richmond County Extension’s Paige Burns, Richmond County Economic Developer Martie Butler, Moore Partners in Progress’ Pat Corso, FirstHealth’s Wayne Crawford, Richmond County Extension’s Susan Kelly, Triple L Farm’s Jed Lambeth, Richmond County Manager Bryan Land, Richmond County Commissioner Herb Long, Lowes Foods’ Krista Morgan, God’s Garden United Methodist Church’s Dena White and Moore County Extension’s Taylor Williams.
For more information pertaining to the SAIC’s Governing board, contact Kelly at 910-997-8255.
