ROCKVILLE, MD, January 14, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ — History Associates, the leading U.S. historical services firm, recently completed a comprehensive cultural resource planning study for the Garrett County Maryland Chamber of Commerce, which is the official management entity for the Mountain Maryland Gateway to the West Heritage Area (MMGWHA). History Associates created a Strategic Initiative and Interpretive Plan for the area, which will provide a framework for developing the region as a destination for heritage tourism.
“This Heritage Area has a fascinating and rich history to be explored by visitors,” noted Ms. Halley Fehner, lead historian on the project. She noted that the region has a historic network of trails, roads, and waterways that helped make it a primary route for America’s westward expansion during the 18th and 19th centuries. The abundance of natural resources brought coal mining, logging, and milling industries to the region. Its cultural heritage includes Amish, Mennonite, and Appalachian communities and it also has a long tradition of being a recreational destination for visitors drawn to its ski slopes and Deep Creek Lake.
History Associates conducted preliminary research into the history of the region and identified a number of compelling stories. Historians determined the current level of interpretive offerings in a detailed site survey and identified areas in which interpretation could be further developed. Next, History Associates convened a stakeholders meeting with MMGWHA and heritage area partners to discuss potential initiatives. A follow-up survey was conducted to clarify opinions as well as to collect information regarding specific heritage assets. Using the feedback from the meeting and surveys as a guide, History Associates evaluated the initiatives with particular emphasis on identifying target audiences, associated costs, and potential return on investment.
The final report provides an overall framework for developing and implementing initiatives that will help the Heritage Area become a destination for heritage tourism. It evaluates the current status of the heritage sites in Garrett County and then itemizes and assesses a range of initiatives that will bring visitors to the region. The report also includes an action plan for short-term and long-term implementation.
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Jay Ferguson
Who I Am
My name is Jay Ferguson, and I am a lifelong resident of the Deep Creek Lake area. I am also co-owner of the real estate side of Taylor Made. I have been in the real estate business for 21+ years now and I LOVE what I do! I have to say, my career really took off when I co-founded the real estate side of Taylor Made in 2014. Its been an amazing experience, building a real estate company from the ground up and achieving so much so quickly! In August 2016, we purchased Long & Foster Real Estate Deep Creek, where I had started my career in 2000. In 2018, we on-boarded virtually every agent from Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty as they closed up shop and the real estate family grew even more! We now have over 40 sales agents and have expanded to West Virginia and Pennsylvania, as well. Taylor Made is the #1 vacation rental company at Deep Creek with over 475 vacation rental homes, and over one hundred thousand yearly visitors. Its amazing what we have accomplished using the principles of honesty, teamwork and customer service!
Personally, my wife Jessica and I enjoy traveling and especially spending time in the outdoors, hiking and exploring the many diverse areas that Garrett County is naturally blessed with. We have raised two wonderful children here, Kayleah (22) and Noah (13). In the summer, we love spending time on the water with friends & family and enjoying the lake life! We are both active in our church, our community & local school activities, and we fill our schedule with plenty of volunteer efforts. I currently serve on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity. I am proud to say that I was named Deep Creek Time’s Favorite ‘Community Champion’ in 2019. I was also named Garrett County Realtor of the Year in 2018-19, as well.
I really enjoy promoting my hometown. I am very proud of the resort area that has developed over my lifetime and look forward to growing the area even more! Deep Creek Lake has been described as ‘The Lake Tahoe of the east', and I think that speaks volumes about the potential to own property here! Deep Creek Lake isn't really a town or city by itself; it's comprised of three towns: Oakland, Swanton & McHenry, Maryland. I am very passionate about my hometown and am impressed with how many people know about it as we travel around the country. Deep Creek Lake is an amazing place to visit and even better place to live! During the pandemic in 2020, our market exploded and more and more people left their primary residence in the city to live here permanently. With distance learning in schools and tele-commuting becoming the ‘norm’, many more people were drawn to the area to ‘live where they love to play’.
Why You Want Me Working for You: In addition to being an owner, I am consistently one of the top-producing agents in the entire area and the Associate Broker of record for Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales. I have 21+ years of experience and I am a problem solver. There aren’t many situations that I have not encountered and I have a strategy for almost every scenario that you may encounter. I
have extensively trained in all areas of real estate & emerging technologies, and also have trained as an appraiser, as well as served as a full-time Broker. I have a strong knowledge of the industry, as well as many trusted local contacts & affiliations that allow me to perform at a very high level and deliver results. I have a great deal of respect for my peers in this industry and have strong working relationships that I would love to put to work for you.
Call me to discuss your situation - I know I can be of great service to you & others you care about!
Honesty. Integrity. Results.
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