October 24th, 2014 by WCBC Radio
An economic development steering committee is expected to present recommendations to the Cumberland Mayor and City Council by the end of this month- with the goal being for the city to implement a new, long range economic development strategic plan. The document, which is expected to become a blueprint for more targeted economic development in the future, was developed by RKG Associates- an outside consulting firm retained to provide a fresh perspective on economic development and to provide a plan. Kyle Talente, vice president of RKG, presented the final draft to the city officials earlier this month. The biggest proposed change centers on establishing a single nonprofit 501(c)3 entity to marshal all of the various economic development activities in the city and county. Talente said the Cumberland Allegany County Industrial Foundation could be the central economic development entity for Cumberland, the county and Frostburg- a move that would essentially eliminate the city’s economic development department. Talente said there are never guarantees when it comes to economic development strategies- but he firmly believes the city will be better served moving in this new direction…
.jpg)
