(6/15) Established in January 2022, Walkersville’s Economic Development Commission (EDC) is the youngest department of the Town’s government. A year and a half later, questions still remain regarding the commission’s structure and purpose.
One of the primary challenges faced by the commission is its connection to local organizations and businesses. To address this, commission members are contemplating a more concerted effort to engage with the Walkersville Business and Professional Association (WBPA), whose mission is to promote and support local professionals. EDC Chair Linda Morgan believes that involving the WBPA will more effectively facilitate collaboration between the town and local businesses.
To foster coordination, the EDC is planning an event where local business owners will be invited to Town Hall to network not only with commission members, but also with other enterprises. Recognizing that hosting such an event during business hours may pose difficulties, the EDC intends to organize it in the evening in place of a "normal" monthly meeting.
Before proceeding with the event, however, the EDC must address changes in leadership and responsibilities. During the June 12 meeting, Linda Morgan announced her intention to step down as chair due to personal matters, acknowledging that she "can’t give the commission what it needs as chair." However, when Morgan sought volunteers to take over her position, she received no definitive responses.
In the meantime, Morgan will delegate some of her tasks to other commission members. Leanne Tennant will oversee planning with the WBPA for the future networking event, while Bob McNallywill handle communications related to upcoming officer elections. The commission aims to elect new officers in July, which will likely push a business event into August or September.
Another issue faced by the commission is the absence of a Commissioner liaison. Previously, this role was held by Michael Bailey until his resignation at the end of January. Since then, Burgess Chad Weddle has been attending EDC meetings and reporting back to the Town Council. During the June 14 town meeting, Weddle asked commissioners if anyone would be willing to assume the liaison position, but no one volunteered. As a result, Weddle will continue to "go to the meetings [he] can."
During the same Town Council meeting, Town Manager Sean Williams proposed that the EDC consider meeting quarterly. In response, Burgess Weddle stated that given the urgency of current matters, quarterly meetings may not be feasible at this time. However, he acknowledged that as the EDC becomes more established, quarterly meetings might become a possibility.
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