By Jean Braithwaite
tribune correspondent
KEYSER — Tourism as a part of defining opportunities and targeting businesses was part of the discussion at the Mineral County Development Authority meeting on Tuesday, prompting Rick Linthicum, president of the agency, to say, “tourism is beyond visual but involves people.”
With Linthicum‘s advice to assist those that may be visiting in the county, he
stated, “We can do more and get more by being friendly.”
Agreeing with this, Mona Ridder, executive director of the Development Authority, pointed out that as she recently visited in Atlanta on a business trip she “could feel the hospitality the moment I stepped off of the plane.”
At present, a tourism committee is being formed by the Development Authority, and Anne Palmer, director of the Mineral County Chamber of Commerce, will serve as chairperson.
This committee is scheduled to meet with Barbara Buehl, tourism director for Allegany County, in January.
During the meeting, Buehl will assist with framing together programs that will promote economic development in the county based on tourism possibilities.
Various components of the committee will focus on the arts, heritage, outdoor recreation, eco- and agri-tourism.
Also, as part of the business, a handbook of policies and procedures was approved as the basis for the operation of the Development Authority.
A sign at the entrance of the Fort Ashby Business and Technology Park has been installed and Linthicum stated that it was easily visible from Route 46.
In the near future, the sign will have illumination capabilities.
This particular project was under the direction of authority member Mark Yoder.
Mineral County Commission Wayne Spiggle, who was present at the meeting, gave an overview on the county water resource study, as Lithicum stated that the study is critical for “economic development in our county.”
Spiggle encouraged the Development Authority, as well as other agencies in the county, to “insist that the upcoming 10-year comprehensive document include water shed planning.”
Palmer gave the latest updates on Mineral County Day at the Legislature, which will be held in February.
She mentioned that the appointments with various state department heads have been scheduled, and, “we will focus on the impact our visit to Charleston has on the legislative officials.”
The next planning session for Mineral County Day at the Legislature will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at noon, at the conference room at Grand Central Business Center.
The Development Authority will not meet in December, with the next meeting to be held on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
