About - Cumberland Main Street

Mission Statement

Cumberland Main Street is dedicated to strengthening our historic downtown district by fostering a thriving small business community, facilitating sustainable revitalization, and celebrating the arts, culture, and community connection.

Vision Statement

We envision a prosperous, vibrant and evolving downtown that locals are proud of and visitors remember.

The Four Point Approach

Main Street America leads an inclusive, impact-driven movement dedicated to reengineering and strengthening older and historic downtowns and commercial districts nationwide. Cumberland Main Street is one of (44) Main Street Maryland communities in the state. It is a 2025 accredited Main Street Community, the highest designation possible. As a Main Street Maryland community, we follow the Main Street Four Point Approach for comprehensive downtown commercial district revitalization.

The four points are:

Economic Vitality – focuses on capital, incentives, and other economic and financial tools to assist new and existing businesses, catalyze property development, and create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and innovators that drive local economies.

Design – supports a community’s transformation by enhancing the physical and visual assets that set the commercial district apart.

Promotion – positions the downtown or commercial district as the center of the community and hub of economic activity, while creating a positive image that showcases a community’s unique characteristics.

Organization – involves creating a strong foundation for a sustainable revitalization effort, including cultivating partnerships, community involvement, and resources for the district.

Board and Staff

Cumberland Main Street leadership includes a Main Street Manager and an eleven-member Board of Directors. The Manager is responsible for day-to-day operations and leads the revitalization, promotion, and economic development of the Main Street district, acting as a liaison between business owners, property owners, government officials, and the community. The Board of Directors provides strategic leadership, governance, and advocacy for downtown revitalization, ensuring the organization is financially sustainable, compliant with legal requirements, and actively implementing the Main Street Approach.

Board of Directors

Miranda Barber, Member

First Peoples Community Federal Credit Union

Vicky Brenneman, Member

State Farm Insurance

Rhiannon Brown, Member

Queen City Creamery Scoop Shop

Aaron Hamilton, Member

Mad Hatter Boba Emporium

Stephanie Hutter-Thomas, Treasurer

Madhouse Studios, LLC

Abby Lindner, Chair

Madison Paige Boutique

Hayden Ort-Ulm, Vice Chair

Basecamp Coffee

Tanya Ottaviani, Member

Ristorante Ottaviani & The Tasting Room

Dave Romero, Member

Vibrant Image Productions

Bethany Thomas, Secretary

Allegany Arts Council

Kenny Weedon, Member

Cuttz of Encouragement

Staff

Melinda Kelleher, Main Street Manager

Cumberland Main Street Committees

Each point in the Main Street Approach is supported by a Main Street committee made up of Cumberland Main Street board members and community volunteers who are committed to the downtown Cumberland commercial district’s revitalization, vitality and growth. Committee membership is open to Cumberland citizens who are interested in active participation to help implement the Four Points. The committee volunteers are a vital part of our work. If you are interested in learning more about committee membership, please contact Small Business Development and Main Street Manager, Melinda Kelleher, at melinda.kelleher@cumberlandmd.gov.

DESIGN supports a community’s transformation by enhancing the physical and visual assets that set the commercial district apart. Focus on enhancing the physical appearance of the Main Street district by rehabilitating historic buildings, encouraging supportive new construction, developing sensitive design management systems, and long-term planning. The committee will also help provide guidance and expertise on public art projects in partnership with other arts organizations.

ORGANIZATION involves creating a strong foundation for a sustainable revitalization effort, including cultivating partnerships, community involvement, and resources for the district. Focus on building consensus and cooperation among the many groups and individuals who have a role in the revitalization process. Assist with securing sponsorships for Main Street special events and additional general funding.

PROMOTION positions the downtown or commercial district as the center of the community and hub of economic activity, while creating a positive image that showcases a community’s unique characteristics. Focus on marketing Cumberland Main Street’s assets to customers, potential investors, new businesses, local citizens and visitors. Volunteer at special events, assist with delivery of event marketing materials to local businesses to help with the promotion of events.

ECONOMIC VITALITY focuses on capital, incentives, and other economic and financial tools to assist new and existing businesses, catalyze property development, and create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and innovators that drive local economies. Focus on strengthening the Main Street district’s existing economic base while finding ways to expand it to meet new opportunities and challenges from outlying development.