July 22nd, 2022 by WCBC Radio

While the Cumberland Economic Development strategic plan offers a big picture vision to improve the local business climate- but city officials believe it paints with a broad brush and is short on specifics. The recommendations were included in a report compiled by RKG Associates-  a Virginia-based economic development consulting firm hired to provide an update on an economic strategic plan they compiled for the city in 2014.  Chief among the proposals- a need to hire additional staff including a marketing specialist and a grant manager. The plan, which was described by one city staffer as “fluff”, lacks the detail the city is looking for when it comes to how the new staff would be utilized and how the positions would be funded. A  reassessment of the plan was on the agenda of the Mayor and City Council for discussion. Mayor Ray Morriss…