economic development – Jay's Real Estate Blog

Grant goes to Garrett for culinary event, guide

Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — The Garrett County Department of Economic Development received more than $20,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, which was authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill.

The $20,120 grant will be used to increase public awareness of the culinary heritage of the area, to develop a local foods guide and to host a culinary heritage event similar to the Cast Iron Cook-Off at the Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., according to Cheryl DeBerry, natural resources business specialist.

“I’m very excited to highlight the crops that grow very well in Garrett County. We have a high quality of crops and plenty to harvest,” said DeBerry. “We have a wonderful berry produce that has been here for generations. There are a few benefits to living in the mountains.”

The grant must be used on noncommodity foods and can’t be spent on wild foods like ramps, DeBerry said during a county commission meeting on Tuesday. Specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops, according to a news release from the USDA.

Nicole Christian, president and CEO of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, indicated that there may be Heritage Area money available to help support the local foods guide.

During the commission meeting, DeBerry said that she hoped the grant would help local farmers, increase farm sales and get people interested in farming.

“There was a study out last year that said Appalachia was the most diverse foodshed in the whole U.S.,” said DeBerry during the commission meeting. “There are over 15,000 indigenous plants that include edible fruits and vegetables. I think we need to celebrate that.”

This is the first time that the Department of Economic Development has gotten this grant, said DeBerry, who noted she requested $22,500 when applying for the grant. The Maryland Department of Agriculture announced that $354,466 in grants were funded in the state.

This will likely be the last of the Specialty Crop grant program, pending the U.S. Congress passage of a new Farm Bill, according to a news release.

“The 2008 Farm Bill provided significant grant funding dedicated to specialty crops to become available,” said Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance. “These funds are a great opportunity to help farmers and value-added producers advance and promote local specialty crops in the marketplace, spark new markets, job creation and help keep Maryland smart, green and growing.”

Of the USDA’s $101 million in Specialty Crop grants, approximately $55 million will be invested in 56 specialty grants to states that fund 748 initiatives across the country to strengthen markets and expand economic opportunities for local and regional producers, according to the news release.

An additional $46 million will go to support new and continuing research and extension activities to address challenges and opportunities for growers and businesses that rely on a sustainable, profitable specialty crops industry.

Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.

More here.

—

Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!

877-563-5350 – toll free —

—

Search Homes/Lots for Sale

Think about starting school after Labor Day

Cumberland Times-News

It’s that time of year when summer is winding down and Maryland families are enjoying their last bit of time together.

This often means visiting Maryland’s picturesque Eastern Shore, heading up to Deep Creek Lake or spending time in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

I often think of these precious memories this time of year — the road trips we took when I was kid and the wonderful memories Annie and I have with our own children, who have mysteriously grown up too quickly.

For many Maryland families, unfortunately, summer has come to an abrupt end, with some school systems already back in session this week.

Summer is a time for kids to be kids and families to be families, which is why Maryland needs a statewide post-Labor Day start to the school year.

Beyond its obvious benefits to family time, starting school after Labor Day would increase critical revenues and serve as a welcome boost to Maryland’s economy.

Tourism is Maryland’s fourth largest industry, and the summer plays a critical role in the success of the family-owned businesses that depend on it.

A post-Labor Day start would also spare businesses from the stresses of losing their temporary staff — teachers and students who often depend on the supplemental income — who must report to work or team practices, sometimes as soon as early August.

Right now, Ohio is considering a post-Labor Day start to the school year, and it has already been implemented in Boston, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and San Diego, among others, as well as being the standard policy for all of Canada.

And in our neighboring Virginia, where this policy is currently in place, it’s been estimated that it would cost $369 million in lost revenue and wages and $21 million in tax revenue to revert back to a pre-Labor Day start to school.

This change wouldn’t affect the amount of instruction our kids receive or the school year’s end date. We’d still be bound to comply with the mandated 180 days of instruction per school year.

North Carolina, as an example, fits in 200 instructional days between Labor Day and the end of their school year, which is mandated by state law to be no later than June 14.

Thinking about the financial health of our state and examining how current policies affect financial matters throughout Maryland is something I do on a daily basis.

And when I see an opportunity for Maryland families and businesses to simultaneously benefit from a new way of thinking, I’m happy to promote the cause.

Let’s pass a Maryland law that sees the school year start after our kids have been able to squeeze the last bit of fun out of their summer. They grow up way too quickly to let these precious chances slip by.

Peter Franchot

Comptroller of Maryland

More here.

—

877-563-5350 – toll free —

—

Search Homes/Lots for Sale

Garrett County graduates One Maryland program

Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News — OAKLAND — Garrett County has been advised by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development that it has graduated from the state’s One Maryland Plan, effective April 1, according to Jim Hinebaugh, county director of economic development. The county’s business growth over the past nine years led to the accomplishment. “While graduation from the One Maryland program represents progress, it also reflects hard work, financial investment and commitment to the local area by local businesses,” said county commission Chairman Jim Raley in a news release. The One Maryland program was developed and implemented during Cas Taylor’s tenure as speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, Hinebaugh said. “The intent of the program was to help the economically displaced counties develop and grow their economy,” said Hinebaugh during Tuesday’s commission meeting. Under the program, economically distressed jurisdictions are defined as having a two-year unemployment average greater than 150 percent of the statewide rate and an average per capita income of less than 66 percent of the two-year state average, according to the news release. Graduation from the program means the county’s businesses are no longer eligible for tax credits and other incentives provided by the program. “It’s one of those good news, bad news stories,” said Hinebaugh. “The good news is we graduated. The bad news is we can’t use the program anymore. We are very proud of the fact that we have come a long way.” To qualify for those incentives, eligible businesses had to create a minimum of 25 new jobs, make a capital investment of at least $500,000 and be located in a state-approved priority funding area. Several county-based businesses used the program to help facilitate business expansions over a 10-year period. The expansions resulted in the creation of more than 300 new jobs and a capital investment of more than $20 million, according to Hinebaugh. The county technically graduated April 1, 2011, but through the efforts of state Sen. George Edwards and Delegate Wendell Beitzel, last year’s legislative session grandfathered the county for another year, said Hinebaugh. In 1997, the county’s average unemployment was 13.7 percent, Hinebaugh said. “We went five straight years at 5.1 percent or less. We were always at the bottom,” said Hinebaugh, noting that in February 10 other jurisdictions had higher unemployment rates than the county did. “Graduation from this One Maryland program is an indication that we are making progress. That’s not to say that we don’t have a lot of challenges to do. There are still a lot of people that need work …” The county is experiencing growth. Jim Henry, program director in the office of finance programs for the state, will be spending the next few days with the economic development department and will meet with two businesses that are considering expansion, Hinebaugh said. “We are going to talk about a new start-up business. I think it’s good news,” said Hinebaugh. “It’s an indication that even though things are tough and kind of slow, we are still working hard. We are still prospering.” In other commission news, county officials will hear an update on broadband on May 1, Hinebaugh said. Hinebaugh stressed the importance of broadband to the county, stating, “It’s one way of leveling the playing field. I’m excited about being able to improve access. Our goal is to get where 90 percent of the residents of the county have broadband access.” The commissioners also announced that Bloomington Volunteer Fire Department was interested in the purchase of the former Bloomington Elementary School for $50,000, with the condition that the county raze the building. More here. Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!

877-563-5350 – toll free

Garrett sells building to GCC Technologies

Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News

2012 — OAKLAND — Garrett County has sold its Maryland Economic Development Corp. building, located at the Southern Garrett Business and Technology Park, to GCC Technologies LLC for $1.15 million, the county commissioners announced Tuesday.

“This is a big deal,” said Jim Hinebaugh, director of economic development, who thanked Jim Bailey, managing member and president of GCC, and Shirley Bailey, chief operating officer of GCC, for their investment. “GCC is a great model for economic development in a rural area.”

The 30,000-square foot building was sold for the same price paid by the county when it purchased the building from MEDCo in December, according to Monty Pagenhardt, county administrator.

“The proceeds from the sale to GCC Tech will be returned to the unassigned fund balance,” said Pagenhardt in an email to the Times-News. “We actually borrowed the funds to purchase the building from the unassigned fund balance (our reserves).”

GCC purchased the building with funding provided by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, according to a press release.

“The purchase of this building fits well within our business plan and it’s certainly going to help us continue the growth pattern which I think we have had over the last few years,” said Jim Bailey.

GCC Tech started in 2007 on the Garrett College campus with 17 employees and has since grown to more than 200 employees, with 100 from the county, according to Hinebaugh.

Jobs with GCC range from senior business analyst to information technology specialist, according to Jim Bailey.

“We are offering, I believe, one of the most competitive salaries that you can find in Garrett County as well as a very good benefits program,” said Jim Bailey. “This wouldn’t have been possible had it not been for the support we have received from the local government, the economic development department that Jim has headed up.”

Over the next few weeks, GCC Tech will be awarding a contract for a build-out of the MEDCo building so GCC can consolidate and move in there, said Jim Bailey.

“We anticipate that build-out will take six months and that build-out will include employment of Garrett County employees,” said Jim Bailey. “We are excited about the growth opportunity here in the county and we make a commitment that we are going to continue that growth.”

GCC provides a wide range of technical and support services, including information technology, acquisition management, contract management, program management, training, studies and analysis and administrative support, according to Hinebaugh.

The GCC building located within the county mainly serves the Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Small Business Administration, according to Bailey.

Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.

More here.

877-563-5350 – toll free

Commissioners Review Building Permitting, Assistance Prog., Economic Dev. Issues

‘Like’ on Facebook!

Support the Republican Newspaper! It’s only $9.95/year for the online edition!

Dec. 15, 2011

The Garrett County commissioners reviewed a wide variety of issues during their public session last Tuesday at the courthouse in Oakland. Topics discussed included building permits, the Energy Assistance Program, a building purchase, and a bid award for standing timber.

Permits and inspections chief Jim Torrington reported that building permits were down in the county by more than 24 percent for the first 11 months of this year, compared to the same time period in 2010. Permits issued between January and the end of November 2011 were 368, compared to 486 in 2010, 459 in 2009, 513 in 2008, and 638 in 2007.

Torrington noted there were 16 modular home permits issued in the county last year, compared to only five this year. He attributed the decrease to a new code requiring that modular homes be equipped with fire suppression systems.

“It definitely has had an impact on the modular home industry in the county,” Torrington said about the regulation.

That industry, as well as the home construction one, will also be affected by new energy standards recently adopted by the Maryland Codes Administration. One specific regulation requires that new homes undergo a blower-door test. Energy auditors use the test to determine a home’s airtightness, which affects energy consumption.

The new requirement for modular homes goes into effect in the state on Jan. 1, 2012. For new home construction, counties have until July 1, 2012, to adopt the code. Torrington noted that since the requirement pertains to an energy code; it cannot be amended by the county. He indicated he wants to hold a meeting with local contractors sometime in the spring to educate them on the new energy code requirements.

Also last Tuesday, Community Action president Duane Yoder updated the commissioners on the Energy Assistance Program. He indicated that numerous local residents are in need of assistance to heat their homes this winter but because of issues at the federal level, funding has been tied up.

The program provides help with heating costs to low- and moderate-income households. It serves about 3,000 households in Garrett County each year.

“The program affects about a quarter of the households in Garrett County,” Yoder said. “And, to date, we’ve not been given permission to release any of the money.”

He explained that the federal government has not yet decided on a final budget for the program this year. As a result, Maryland does not know how much money it is going to get for the program, and, therefore, is not granting Community Action the authority to release any of the money that has already allocated to the agency.

“So, we’re sitting on money that has already been deposited in our account,” Yoder said about the $1 million that has been earmarked for energy assistance.

In the last few weeks, he noted, residents who are already certified for the program are calling his office, stating they are out of fuel. He said Community Action was working with Social Services and the faith-based community to help with the real dire emergencies.

“Is there anything we can do to help?” Commissioner Jim Raley asked.

Yoder suggested the commissioners contact the governor about the issue, which has become a life-threatening one for some households. He noted that the decision on the funding releases has been moved from Maryland Department of Human Resources to the Governor’s Office.

“A minimum benefit release would at least give us the ability to get through this until they decide what they are going to do,” Yoder said.

Further complicating the issue, he noted, is that federal officials are proposing cutting the program by 40 percent. Last year, beneficiaries received an average of $540. That could be cut to $224 this year, creating energy assistance needs again for local families in February and March.

Following the meeting, the commissioners, Yoder, and county administrator Monty Pagenhardt conducted a conference call with Governor’s Office officials about the funding issue.

More here.

877-563-5350 – toll free

Counties join forces to provide economic boost

ANN BELSER

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette The Tribune-Democrat Sat Aug 06, 2011, 10:44 PM EDT

CUMBERLAND, Md. — The screaming at the top of Wisp Mountain is the result of economic development in Garrett County, Md.

It’s coming from rafters – people who pay $50 a seat to ride 1,700 feet of rapids. They ride the rapids of a man-made river, then take a conveyor belt back to the top of the white-water course to do it again.

Garrett County is not relying on Garrett County for its economic well-being.

Instead, realizing that people ignore the artificial boundaries laid down between states and counties, five counties in three states are working together for economic development

More here.

877-563-5350 – toll free

>Ready For A Joy Ride?

‘Like’ on Facebook!

Support the Republican Newspaper! It’s only $9.95/year for the online edition!

Jun. 16, 2011

Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown visited western Maryland on Monday to meet with local leaders and highlight local efforts to create jobs and spur economic growth. In Garrett County, he toured Pillar Innovations in Grantsville. The company is a recognized leader in mine support and creator of new technologies in the industry. Brown is pictured above at the wheel of an Electric Mine Utility (EMU), a line of vehicles modified by Pillar for use in underground mines. Pictured with Brown is Merlin Beitzel, executive vice president of Beitzel Corporation, the parent company of Pillar Innovations. For more information, persons may visit www.pillarinnovations.com. Photo by Lisa Broadwater.

More here.

If you or someone you know is considering buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues! As member of the Garrett County Board of Realtors, I can assist you with ANY listed property, regardless of the listing broker.

877-563-5350 Questions about ANY listed property? I can help! Call me!

Visit the ‘I Love Deep Creek & Garrett County group’ on Facebook! News, events, photos, real estate, community, info, more! 1,750+ members & growing!

Category: economic development

Grant goes to Garrett for culinary event, guide

Think about starting school after Labor Day

Garrett County graduates One Maryland program

Garrett sells building to GCC Technologies

Commissioners Review Building Permitting, Assistance Prog., Economic Dev. Issues

Counties join forces to provide economic boost

>Ready For A Joy Ride?

My Location

Deep Creek Media

Stay Connected