Sep. 23—CUMBERLAND — City officials have partnered to create a discount card for use at 39 downtown businesses through 2024.
The discount cards were announced Tuesday at the regular meeting of the Cumberland Economic Development Corporation.
"In conjunction with the DDC (Downtown Development Commission) we have devised the downtown discount card as an ongoing effort to support the businesses and drive traffic downtown during construction," said Matt Miller, executive director of the CEDC.
The downtown mall is in the midst of a $16 million renovation that includes replacing underground utility lines, reinstalling Baltimore Street through the mall while adding new trees, shrubs and parklets. The renovation will also include the addition of 18 parallel parking spaces along the newly installed Baltimore Street.
The card offers a variety of discounts, including buy one, get one free, 10%, 20% and 50% discounts, and other cost-saving offers.
"The card serves multiple purposes by creating an incentive for people to patronize downtown and by raising awareness for the cardholders of the businesses downtown they might not have known about," said Miller.
The cost of a discount card is $5. Miller said proceeds from sale of the cards will be reinvested.
"The cost of the cards was entirely supported through our budget and the DDC budget," he said. "We will put 100% of the proceeds back into other future events and promotions or initiatives that directly support downtown businesses."
The Queen City Creamery is offering a buy one frozen custard treat, get one 50% off special, which includes quarts, pints and cakes.
"I think it is a great idea," said Rhiannon Brown, an owner of the Queen City Creamery. "It's a great attempt to get people out to spend a little bit of money at these businesses downtown that really need their extra help right now."
The Creamery is located at 108 W. Harrison St. and is also in the mall renovation process after leasing additional space in the McMullen Building at 138 Baltimore St.
The cards can be purchased at the CEDC office, Basecamp Coffee, Azads of Cumberland, Cartridges Galore, The Book Center, Queen City Creamery, Wheelz Up and the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce.
"I think it's going to be a very successful initiative if nothing more to raise awareness to the downtown," Miller said.
The meeting was held at the CEDC's new office on the second floor of The Rosenbaum building on the downtown mall, 118 Baltimore St., Suite 202.
Greg Larry is a reporter at the Cumberland Times-News. To reach him, call 304-639-4951, email glarry@times-news.com and follow him on Twitter @GregLarryCTN.