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.
- 3/08/2024Community
UMCES Appalachian Lab: Allegany County’s Environmental Science Epicenter
Since its establishment in 1962 in Allegany County the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) Appalachian Laboratory has played a crucial role in researching the natural resources of Appalachia. This institution contributes significantly to economic development in the region through its research activities, promotion of STEM careers, community engagement, and collaboration with local entities and businesses. UMCES, Maryland’s graduate research university for the environment, operates four laboratories across Maryland with a mission to study, manage, and disseminate knowledge on natural resources, prepare the next generation of scientists, engage with communities, and address environmental challenges. The Appalachian Lab is the only facility in its network focusing on freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. Over 50 staff members at the lab participate in numerous projects aimed at raising public awareness about environmental science, encompassing challenges, issues, and solutions. Researchers cover a broad spectrum of environmental fields, including conservation, restoration, and the study of terrestrial and aquatic species. - 2/07/2024Housing
Former Allegany High School Site On Track to Become New Housing Development
Progress continues on a new, market-rate housing development in Cumberland at the former Allegany High School site. The school, which was open from 1926 to 2018 (when the construction of the new high school on Haystack Mountain was completed), was demolished in 2022. The building was deemed to be “past its usable life” and contained hazardous building elements such as asbestos and lead that were often used in older construction. After demolition, the site (12 acres) underwent remediation to clean up any contamination so that it could be used for residential infill development. The need for new, affordable housing in Allegany County has been an issue for some time, and that urgency only heightened as the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the situation. “High costs of living is a statewide crisis, but Allegany County is especially in need of affordable housing. In 2021, the Federal Poverty Line (FPL) for a family of four in Maryland was $26,500,” says Michele Walker, Executive Director of County United Way, Inc. “The most recent ALICE Report shows that 34% of Allegany County households earned more than the FPL, but less than the basic cost of living for the county, meaning they can’t afford the essentials needed to survive. It's important we provide more affordable housing for Allegany residents.” - 1/23/2024Economics
Allegany County Economic and Community Development Ascending: A Look Ahead at 2024
Entering 2024, the Allegany County Economic and Community Development Department is set to continue its initiatives aimed at regional growth and progress. This year, residents, business owners, and partners can expect to see critical long-term investments materialize, along with the commencement of various additional projects. A major focus for Allegany County Economic and Community Development is to make the area a more livable community through accessible housing, diverse quality-of-life services, robust business attraction efforts, and ample job and career opportunities.“All parts of the economic and community ecosystem need to improve to move Allegany County forward,” impresses Jeffrey Barclay, Director of Economic and Community Development. “Businesses can thrive here if housing is available for employees. Residents can work if childcare services are accessible. Added amenities in the area make it more enjoyable to live here. We have improvements to make, and all areas of our community are strengthening in 2024.” - 1/09/2024Jobs
Growing the Nursing Industry of Allegany County
The nursing industry, a cornerstone of public health, has seen unprecedented challenges following COVID-19. Nationwide, the demand for medical professionals, particularly nurses, has surged. In Allegany County, dedicated efforts are being made to cultivate and grow the nursing workforce pipeline, ensuring an ever-ready medical workforce for the region. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Western Maryland, a prominent healthcare institution in Cumberland, hasn't remained untouched by these global concerns. "Yes, we've definitely been impacted by COVID-19 and the national nursing shortage. Nurses were hard to come by for years before that anyway, but the past couple of years have been extreme,” shares Brook Emerick, Recruitment Lead at UPMC. But there's a silver lining: “However, we are starting to trend downward with the number of nurses that we need. I think a lot of that is due to partnerships with the schools for the graduate nurses,” says Emerick. For UPMC, the local talent pool remains essential, with Emerick noting, "Most of our hires come from the Allegany County area and are from Allegany College of Maryland (ACM) or Frostburg State University (FSU)." - 9/05/2023Economics
Organic Remedies Sees Green Pastures in Allegany County
After recently receiving operations approval from the Maryland Cannabis Administration in June, staff and stakeholders with cannabis processor Organic Remedies Maryland say they are optimistic about the company’s potential in their new Cumberland location. Organic Remedies operates multiple dispensary locations throughout Pennsylvania and a well-established laboratory. However, their Allegany County processing center marks their inaugural expansion into Maryland. The Cumberland facility's Laboratory Director, Jordan Medeiros, affirms the company's commitment to offering high-quality and cost-effective cannabis products to medical and recreational consumers. - 7/13/2023Economics
Reptilian Arts Expanding With George Edwards Fund
From his 25,000-square-foot Mechanic Street storefront, Rohman Taylor is continuing his family’s legacy of service in Allegany County, albeit in a less traditional manner. Rohman owns Reptilian Arts, a pet supply store that, as the name suggests, specializes in reptiles and insects. He plans to expand further with the recent receipt of $15,000 from the state’s Senator George C. Edwards Fund. Rohman has had a passion for reptiles since childhood. He grew up with fire-belly toads, green-eyed tree frogs, and other snakes and turtles. As a teenager, he began breeding leopard geckos in the basement of his family home. - 6/28/2023Economics
Organic Remedies is Operational in Cumberland
Cumberland, Maryland (June 27, 2023)- The Allegany County Department of Economic & Community Development and Organic Remedies Maryland are proud to announce that Organic Remedies has been approved to be operational by the Maryland Cannabis Administration and will commence operations immediately at their location in Cumberland. Organic Remedies is excited to offer cannabis organizations premium processed products manufactured from locally grown cannabis procured from Maryland cultivators. The Organic Remedies Maryland team is led by Jordan Medeiros. A graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Materials Science and Engineering program, Medeiros has spent the last five years working in the extraction and manufacturing sector of the cannabis industry. He brings a wealth of knowledge in processing cannabis and creating cannabis products with hydrocarbon and CO2 technologies. He has significant industry expertise in the creation of concentrates, topicals, edibles, and beverages. “We know Maryland patients will rave about the quality of our processed products. We are excited to bring unique products to the Maryland market and look forward to working with cannabis organizations across the state, whether under a “white label” agreement or as a distributor of our own branded products,” said Medeiros, Laboratory Director.In Phase 1, the lab’s hydrocarbon extraction will be fully operational and will produce a number of products, including liquid live resin vape cartridges, and live resin concentrates. In Phase 2, supercritical CO2 extraction technology will be added to our manufacturing scheme, giving us the capability to produce other forms of cannabis products, including RSO oil, capsules/pills, topicals, and cured concentrates. Based in Allegany County, Maryland, the facility will provide a boost to the local economy with the addition of new jobs in the area. Medeiros said the company is looking forward to becoming a strong community leader. “We have built a solid relationship with the county leaders and are appreciative of the support we have received throughout to become operational,” said Medeiros. “It’s been a pleasure to work with the Organic Remedies team, and we’re thrilled to see them get up and running. They have been forward thinking and diligent business leaders, and we’re glad they chose Allegany County to call home,” said Jeff Barclay, director of the Allegany County Department of Economic and Community Development. “In addition to the job component, this location is expected to generate a substantial annual tax base for Allegany County.”In the coming months, Organic Remedies Maryland is anticipating state-approval to add additional products to its offering, such as the company’s unique “nano gummies,” a water-based product produced using Organic Remedies’ proprietary nano emulsion technology. Nano gummies are especially good for individuals who have trouble digesting oil-based products. Nano emulsion technology increases bioavailability and absorption with a shorter onset than typical oil-based products. For future news and employment opportunities, please visit www.organicremediesMD.com. - 6/16/2023Economics
National Jet Company Shoots for the Stars
Right now, satellite parts made in Allegany County are orbiting the moon. They were designed locally at LaVale-based National Jet Company, an 86-year-old business that has also become a family legacy.National Jet is a company that specializes in precision micro-hole drilling and also provides other machining services. In addition to its core expertise, the company engages in the manufacturing of various parts and is renowned as one of the three global manufacturers of dye used in the production of medical masks. The Griffith family has owned National Jet since 1992, when Sam and Pam Griffith purchased the company following the previous owner's death. Sam served as President of the company until 2020, when his son Sam Griffith Jr. succeeded him. - 5/26/2023Economics
Rocky Gap Fund Empowers Local Businesses to Elevate Offerings
Photos courtesy of Allegany County TourismWith assistance from Allegany County, three local businesses will soon enhance their offerings as recipients of the Rocky Gap Fund. The selected businesses will receive funding for projects that will benefit their operations and enrich the experience for patrons at the Rocky Gap Casino Resort.Each year, the county’s 15-member Local Development Council deliberates on how to award funds generated from Rocky Gap’s slot machines, of which the county receives 5.5% of the revenue. Per state law, 20% of this revenue must be awarded for capital requests. Basecamp Coffee Company, Locust Post Brewery, and Wheelzup Adventures were selected as the recipients of this year’s funding.County Administrator Jason Bennett, who also serves as the Council Chair, says that the selected projects present immediate benefits to both the county and Rocky Gap Casino Resort.“All three projects will allow locally grown businesses to expand their offerings to the community and directly employ more people,” says Bennett. “We get the added benefit of additional amenities that both local residents and tourists will enjoy. The Rocky Gap Casino Resort will benefit from new and expanded boat rentals onsite from Wheelzup Adventures, a delicious locally brewed coffee to offer their guests from Basecamp Coffee Company and a nearby craft brewer in Locust Post Brewery with a new disc golf course and expanded outdoor seating.” - 5/12/2023Economics
1812 Brewery is a Thriving Family Affair
Owning and operating a brewery was not something initially in the plans for her family, says Terri McCagh. However, since the family opened 1812 Brewery less than a decade ago, they’ve experienced a lot of success and enjoyed the process, she says. Soon, they’ll expand with help from a $750,000 state grant.Located outside of Cumberland’s city limits, 1812 Brewery sits off the beaten path on a historic farm owned by the McCagh family. Visitors can sample beer brewed in the converted barn — which was first built in 1812 and is the brewery’s namesake — while enjoying the farm’s views of the county’s sprawling green mountains.