(7/20) Established in January 2022, Walkersville's Economic Development Commission (EDC) is striving to establish a strong presence within the community and local government. However, nearly two years later, some residents question the function of a commission which still appears to be struggling in establishing a permanent structure and purpose.
One of the primary challenges for the EDC is creating connections with local businesses and business owners. To address this, the commission plans to host a networking event with the Walkersville Business and Professional Association, which aims to promote and support local professionals. This event is tentatively scheduled for September 18 at 7 p.m. during the EDC’s normal monthly meeting time.
It is questionable, however, whether this event will produce the desired turnout, in part due to the lack of attendance at monthly WBPA meetings. Said WBPA member Bob Sussman, "There used to be at least 10 to 15 people at our meetings, [but] Covid really killed a lot of enthusiasm and drive. Right now only four to six people are coming, even with guest speakers invited."
In addition to low participation in the WBPA, the EDC currently seems to lack stable leadership and commitment. In June, Commission Chair Linda Morgan announced her intention to step down due to personal matters; however, upon seeking volunteers to assume her role, she received no definitive response. In July, Morgan reiterated her position, but was met only with offers of temporary assistance as other members claimed their own time constraints.
Morgan shares her dilemma with Vice Chair Bob McNally and Secretary Leanne Tennant, both of whom hope to offer their roles to someone else. Unfortunately, with no official election process, plans to reassess appointments remain at a standstill. On this note, McNally suggested that the EDC establish an annual reelection process with one-year terms for chair, vice chair, and secretary positions. Hopefully this will also encourage new EDC applicants to seriously consider the responsibilities of being part of a town commission.
In addition to leadership issues, the EDC faces the absence of a commissioner liaison since Michael Bailey stepped down from the town council in January. Burgess Chad Weddle, who has been attending EDC meetings as he is able, previously asked for volunteers to take on the liaison position. However, he received the same hesitance that was given by EDC members.
On the town website, the EDC is described as an organization which "will work to retain existing businesses, attract desirable new businesses, and improve economic activities benefiting local businesses and residences." Although the commission does not seem to have detracted from any of these goals, it is unclear whether it has effectively pursued them either. While members casually plan future leadership changes and networking events, Walkersville business owners still struggle to find concrete answers about development, pandemic recovery, and a volatile economy. If the commission hopes to solidify its place in the community, it is essential that it consistently strives to meet its goals--or at the very least, define what those goals really mean.
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