FrostburgFirst has passed an eventful year! From new hires and organizational changes to milestone events in downtown Frostburg, including the Main Street Fire, signature events like Pig Out in the Park and Arts Walk, and the Arts & Entertainment District Re-designation, we have been overwhelmed with community support and revitalized dedication to making Frostburg a thriving arts, cultural, and business community in the midst of Appalachian beauty.
FrostburgFirst’s mission is to develop and foster a prosperous, vibrant, sustainable, and resilient designated Frostburg Main Street Community. This goal is multi-faceted, and our activities reflect the many partnerships and commitments we have made to ensuring Frostburg makes its mark as a destination for new residents, development, and tourism while improving quality of life for the existing community.
As we reflect on the past fiscal year and take look at what comes next, it’s a perfect time to revisit just how FrostburgFirst impacts the community. 
FrostburgFirst is the state and nationally accredited Main Street Program, and the managing entity for the Frostburg Arts & Entertainment District. In our capacity as the Main Street Program, we focus on promoting our local small businesses and creating and implementing community events that provide entertainment to locals and draw tourism. We also work closely with the City of Frostburg and our County partners, like Allegany County Tourism, to develop programming and economic revitalization strategies. To ensure our programs and activities align with the vision, priorities, and needs of our community, we recruit members from across a diverse set of stakeholders, including individuals, corporations, organizations, and associations who have direct input and representation on issues that matter most to them.
Members of our Board of Directors and our staff serve on committees of other nonprofits and community organizations whose work supports our mission, including the City of Frostburg Green Team, Western Maryland Scenic Railroad Board, Mountain Maryland Trails Alliance, and the Arts & Entertainment District Committee. FrostburgFirst is also fortunate to regularly take on interns from the University and provide volunteer opportunities and connections with local businesses and government for students.
This year, some of FrostburgFirst’s major accomplishments include:
- Assisted in implementation of the City of Frostburg and the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Rec Trails grant to install pedestrian and bicycle wayfinding signage from the trailhead to Main Street.
- Secured a total of $35,000 in grant funding to support events, programs, and operations for the Fiscal Year 2019.
- Planned and implemented a successful fundraiser and signature event with Pig Out in the Park: Backyard BBQ Bash.
- Planned and implemented a successful Arts Walk, and Small Business Saturday & Handmade Holiday Vendor Fair.
- Assisted with and promoted business openings throughout the year.
- Mentored three student interns from Frostburg State University.
- Supported community event planning such as Pirates Ahoy, Storybook Holiday, Beautify the Burg, and more.
- Managed reporting and grant implementation for the Arts and Entertainment District and for the Maryland Main Street Program.
- Hosted quarterly Mix and Mingle events for FrostburgFirst members, community stakeholders, and local government.
- Held regular “On Main Street” gatherings in local businesses to maintain accessibility to the community.
- Led the 8-month process for Arts & Entertainment District Re-designation required by the state of Maryland to maintain tax incentives and recognition by the Maryland State Arts Council.
- Worked with a non-profit consultant to update bylaws and develop policies in accordance with Maryland Nonprofits Standards of Excellence.
- Began the application process to become a 501(c)3 in order to improve access to funding and increase engagement with the community.
- Implemented new marketing strategies utilizing social media and worked with local businesses to create organized promotional events in the downtown district.
- Provided a shuttle service from the Frostburg Depot to the business district in order to increase foot traffic from riders on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad.
- Led the process to Keep Frostburg Beautiful by becoming a Keep America Beautiful affiliate.
So, what’s next for FrostburgFirst?
We have already applied for $37,500 in grant funds to assist with Fiscal Year 2020 projects, including out of region marketing for our 2nd Annual Pig Out in the Park signature event, updating signage and map stations for downtown Frostburg, and the start of a Pop-Up Retail Shop Program that will allow us to provide local entrepreneurs with the opportunity to set up in a brick and mortar space with rent and other materials covered. We hope to become more involved in economic development projects and increase our partnerships with local organizations and community members. 
For the first time, FrostburgFirst is thrilled to welcome individual or family memberships, making it possible for community members to join committees, attend Board of Directors meetings, and attend our quarterly Mix and Mingle events, not to mention the discounted tickets to signature events!
In the next year, we hope to accomplish the following:
- Transition to a 501(c)3 tax exempt status in order to increase funding opportunities that will assist in implementing FrostburgFirst’s mission. Open membership to community members and local organizations in order to diversify membership, increase committee participation and develop stronger partnerships within the community.
- Continue collaboration with Frostburg State University partners, and work to incorporate student and faculty interests in downtown events and promotions.
- Continue collaboration with Allegany Tourism to feature Frostburg businesses and attractions in the region.
- Increase online marketing activity for downtown Frostburg outside of Allegany County.
- Continue yearly programming such as the Depot Transportation Program, Online Business Directory Program, Frostburg Brochure Program, Small Business Saturday, Arts Walk, Pig Out in the Park.
- Develop a new signature event that highlights the culture and heritage of Frostburg.
- Reinstate the Fall Arts Walk!
- Continue to work with the Frostburg State University Children’s Literature Center to sponsor and promote major events: Pirates Ahoy! and Storybook Holiday.
- With the assistance of the Arts & Entertainment District Committee, develop programming and marketing strategies to highlight the Frostburg A&E District in the state and region.
- Partner with the City of Frostburg Community Development on economic revitalization, public art, and beautification projects. Develop & implement a Pop-Up Retail Shop Program to encourage entrepreneurship. Search for other grant and funding opportunities to implement FrostburgFirst’s vision.
- Apply for funding from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority to develop interpretive projects for the historic district.
- Search for other grant and funding opportunities to implement FrostburgFirst’s vision.
- Continue to develop and nurture necessary partnerships within the community.
We are proud to serve the Frostburg community and strive to contribute to the overall quality of life for residents, to encourage tourism, and to participate in economic development that will enhance Frostburg. Thank you, Frostburg, for your support, creativity, and incredible sense of community. It really is just cooler here.
– Deirdre Robertson, Main Street Manager 
