MEDA Members and Young Leaders Take an Educational Day Trip on The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
By Amy Velich, Central Bank Manager, Johns Hopkins University, and MEDA Young Leader Committee Co-Chair
On October 18, a group of 18 MEDA members and MEDA Young Leaders participated in the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Event. In traveling roundtrip from Cumberland to Frostburg on the Frostburg Flyer, the group soaked in the fall foliage and beautiful views as the train worked its way through the mountainside, over streams, and through a tunnel. Attendees also enjoyed lunch and beverages provided by local businesses, The Queen City Creamery & Deli and Western Maryland Lemonade.
Upon arrival in Frostburg, Adam Strott, Economic Development Specialist, of the Allegany County Department of Economic & Community Development took the group for a tour of two businesses in Frostburg Industrial Park: Sierra Hygiene, a paper-converting manufacturer, and BSI Sentry, an expert corporation in the development of ultrasound sensors and acoustic monitoring, MEDA Award winner for Best Project – Small Community 2023!
The tours were quite informative and interactive. During the tour at Sierra Hygiene, attendees learned how to make toilet paper; it is first rolled on long rolls and then cut to the standard roll size before being directly shipped to local businesses!
On the return train ride, Strott and Matt Miller, Executive Director of the Cumberland Economic Development Corporation, discussed some of the region’s exciting projects and economic trends. Strott talked about environmental sciences, focusing on how Allegany County has supported entities involved in waste recycling and promoting a full-circle ecosystem. On the other hand, Miller provided insights into the Cumberland Economic Development Corporation’s work on the Baltimore Street Access project. This project involves updating infrastructure, reintroducing a street through the local pedestrian mall, and enhancing the area with new elements like parklets, trees, and shrubs.
To conclude the day of travel, education, and breathtaking scenery, MEDA Young Leaders were invited to participate in the Tech at the Gap reception and the conference the following day. This presented an excellent opportunity for them to network and gain insights from web developers, digital marketing experts, network and security specialists, managers, and other tech industry professionals. These subsequent events were expertly organized by fellow Young Leader Autumn Becker.
To become a part of the next generation of economic development professionals, participate in enlightening events, and learn more about MEDA’s Young Leaders program, please click here.
