December 15th, 2021 by WCBC Radio

An economic development consultant on Tuesday outlined a wide range of recommendations designed to create business opportunities in Cumberland. Kyle Talente, vice president of RKG Associates based in Alexandria, Virginia, presented the final findings of his firm’s economic strategic plan currently being developed for Cumberland. The strategic plan was ordered in the spring by the Cumberland Economic Development Corp. as an update to a comprehensive economic plan that was compiled by the firm in 2014. Talente made separate presentations to the CEDC board and to the Cumberland City Council. He said one of the primary goals in working toward any potential project is building community support- but he acknowledged that that can be a challenge…

Given the population trends in the area, Telente says the recommendation at this time is to focus on attracting small businesses…