Economic Development Blog
Catch-up on the latest economic development news and events in Allegany County. Be the first to learn about local updates in housing, investment, and business oriented programs and events by signing up for our newsletter and receiving posts directly to your inbox.
- 9/23/2024Community
Innovative Experts to Gather at Tech at the Gap 2024: Breaking Barriers
Each year, the Tech at the Gap conference welcomes leading innovators to Western Maryland, stimulating the region’s growing tech landscape and adding to Allegany County’s notoriety as an evolving hub of industry expertise. Tech at the Gap 2024: Breaking Barriers will take this legacy further, exploring how advanced technology can revolutionize communities and fuel positive change. Hosted by the Western MD IT Center of Excellence at Allegany College of Maryland, this year’s conference takes place on October 16, 2024, at the Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Flintstone, Maryland. “This year’s theme, ‘Breaking Barriers,’ was chosen to highlight how technology can empower communities to use tech to overcome challenges and foster a brighter future,” said Autumn Becker, Executive Director of the Western MD IT Center of Excellence at Allegany College of Maryland. “We hope the keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and networking experiences will inspire our attendees to think broadly about how innovation can address various challenges—from reducing socioeconomic disparities and promoting inclusivity in tech to solving business problems.”Tech at the Gap 2024 brings together a diverse lineup of keynote speakers, each with firsthand experience in leveraging creative ideas and digital solutions as a powerful catalyst for breaking barriers and driving meaningful change. - 3/13/2024Community
Hooley Pub Crawl Brings Business to Downtown Cumberland
In its 25th year, the Hooley Pub Crawl draws crowds from Allegany County and beyond to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with food, drink, and entertainment. The event invites visitors to patronize 22 participating establishments in downtown, north, and south Cumberland and explore the region's attractions. The Pub Crawl begins on Saturday, March 16th, at 12:00 pm and continues through 1:00 am the next day. “This has been a long-standing tradition in Downtown Cumberland,” shares Melinda Kelleher, Executive Director of the Downtown Development Commission, which is coordinating and promoting the event. “The Hooley Pub Crawl is always well attended and important for downtown foot traffic. This year is especially important since construction has limited pedestrians to the area.” She continues, “We’re encouraging everyone to come downtown, have a great time, and support the local businesses.” - 11/21/2023Community
Shopping Small Brings Big Returns in Allegany County
Studies have shown that for every dollar spent at a small business, 67 cents goes back to the local community. With the holidays quickly approaching, it is an opportune time to show support for small businesses in your area. Small Business Saturday, held on November 25, marks the unofficial start of the shopping season for many, and it provides considerable financial impacts on independent retailers and restaurants.“This is the time of year that really sets small businesses up to get through the rest of the winter,” explains Deidre Roberts, executive director of FrostburgFirst. “January through April can be a difficult time, especially with weather challenges, so our businesses look to the holiday season and Small Business Saturday in particular. That’s the day that will help to pay to keep their lights on throughout the winter. That’s going to help pay the salaries of their staff. That’s going to help keep their business afloat during the slow times. So, it’s a really, really important day for them. It’s one of the biggest days for them for the entire year.” - 10/09/2023Economics
Leading Industry Voices to Convene for the 2023 Tech at the Gap: Decoding Intelligence
Western Maryland’s technological evolution is making waves, driven by a thriving ecosystem of innovation, education, and networking. The forthcoming 2023 Tech at the Gap: Decoding Intelligence conference not only promises to showcase the burgeoning technology sector but also aims to generate heightened interest in Allegany County and the broader Western Maryland region. This year's conference is scheduled for October 19, 2023, at the scenic Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Flintstone, MD. The conference's theme, "Decoding Intelligence," boasts an impressive roster of keynote speakers and breakout presenters from across the country. Keynote speakers include: