This month, our Partner Spotlight highlights the Golden Mile Alliance (GMA) — a local non-profit serving the community on the west-side of Frederick.
The corridor of Route 40, known regionally as the Golden Mile, is a vital gateway into the City. With an average daily traffic volume of nearly 50,000 vehicles and approximately 30% of Frederick’s commercially zoned land, the two-mile long corridor is bustling with activity. The Golden Mile Alliance promotes investment and revitalization in the area — to the benefit of both local businesses and residents.
We recently spoke with current GMA President, David Newman, to learn more about the organization and the resources available to area businesses.
What is the mission of the Golden Mile Alliance?
Our mission is to promote and maintain a dynamic, active, and safe Golden Mile community for Frederick residents and visitors. This mission happens through our economic development activities to support our businesses and residential communities so they can continue to thrive.
From top-notch businesses and offices to family-friendly neighborhoods and parks, our vision is to highlight and support the great purpose the Golden Mile holds for our city. We are inspired by our area’s history and learning from our past to revitalize the area with long-term solutions for our future.
2. What are services or resources does the Alliance provide to local businesses?
Companies interested in opening or growing their business on the Golden Mile can look to the Golden Mile Alliance to help in a number of ways. Participation in the Golden Mile Alliance can provide networking opportunities, marketing assistance, as well as grants and tax credits.
The Façade Improvement Project offers matching funds for façade improvement. The grant request is equal to or less than the maximum grant contribution of $10,000. Building and/or business owners can apply for up to 50 percent of the cost of their improvement project. However, the GMA may consider approval of a higher amount for large catalytic projects, projects that would contribute significant improvement to the physical appearance of the Golden Mile and would be expected to significantly increase business traffic to all businesses on the Golden Mile.
The Enterprise Zone Real Property Tax Credit is a 10-year County and City tax-credit based on the increase in real property tax assessments resulting from commercial capital investment. The Enterprise Zone also offers a two state income tax credits. One is a one-time state income tax credit of $1000.00 for each qualified employee filling a newly created position. The second is a three year state income tax credit for each qualified new economically disadvantaged employee, earned at $3000 in Year One, $2000 in Year Two and $1000 in Year Three.
3. The Golden Mile Alliance successfully proposed a concept to this year’s Leadership Frederick ‘Leaders On Loan’ program
– Can you tell us a little about that project and what the team is working on now?
The GMA has a goal of creating a signature event that will serve to galvanize and unite our diverse community creating a sense of place on Golden Mile. The Leaders on Loan team is working to create a unique and special experience that will highlight the many opportunities of in the Golden Mile. The team is considering a variety of options and will be presenting those options to in the near future.
4. What other upcoming projects or initiatives is the organization focused on that would be of interest to local businesses?
Since the 1970’s, the Golden Mile has continued to grow despite the ebb and flow of the economy and remains a busy commercial area. The Golden Mile makes up over 50% of the commercial land within The City of Frederick. Therefore, it is important to the City and Golden Mile residents & businesses to ensure that this area is an active business hub and successful shopping destination. Commerce on the Golden Mile is varied, its opportunities are endless, and should reflect the international flavor of the current residents and business.
Our community depends on each of us to thrive. We must continue to positively promote and improve ourselves. To that end, we have just kicked off a new sponsorship program that will help to make businesses aware of the GMA and the benefits and opportunities we can provide to businesses on the Golden Mile.
In addition, GMA will continue to support our annual events such as National Night Out at Hillcrest, Mixers on the Mile, and other events for the community.
5. The Golden Mile Alliance is currently looking to hire a staff member.
Can you talk about what that role means to the organization and the type of candidate you are seeking?
We hired our first staff member this year in 2019, an administrative assistant who recently retired. As we look to the future, we have expanded the position to that of an Operations Coordinator who will support to our growing non-profit. This new role will focus on fundraising, marketing, communications, social media, promotions, and other support of the GMA Board. GMA is actively seeking applicants and the selection and hiring of this new role is in process. Having a paid staff member helps immensely with the day-to-day operations including keeping up with social media which has become a critical focus for communications with the community.
6. What is the best way for a local business (or resident) to connect and become involved with the Golden Mile Alliance?
Local businesses and residents can check out our website at www.goldenmileallinace.org for information about the Golden Mile. Follow and Like us on Facebook or write directly to info@goldenmilealliance.org
The best way for a Golden Mile community to thrive is for its businesses and residents to get involved. We depend on our amazing volunteers who are passionate about the Golden Mile. GMA volunteers have fond family memories of activities associated with the Mile, like Sunday family dinners, school shopping, or Saturday movies and we want to continue this into the future for our community members.
The Golden Mile Alliance has several ways you can volunteer, so let’s get started!
Your time and talents are valuable to us, and more importantly, valuable to your neighborhood and the City of Frederick.
Volunteer As A Board Member -The GMA Board is composed on residents, owners of commercial business or their representative, owners of commercial properties or their representative, and at-large members all from within the Golden Mile Small Area Plan.
Volunteer As A Committee Member -The GMA currently has three committees that would benefit from your participation:
Business Development – Encourages commercial revitalization and job creation through business recruitment, retention and business advocacy. Supports the mission of the Golden Mile Alliance through effective fundraising, donor cultivation, and volunteer recruitment and support.
Design Committee – Encourages revitalization of the Golden Mile through projects, programs and policies that enhance the physical and built environment, both in appearance and functionality.
Promotions Committee – Encourages revitalization through marketing and branding, as well as promotional events to generate a positive image for The Golden Mile as a vibrant and exciting place to live, visit, work, shop and invest. The Promotions Committee meets as required based on upcoming events.
Volunteer at a GMA Events -GMA sponsors several community events during the year, such as National Night Out. Volunteers are always appreciated for any of these events in the community. Please monitor our Event page for upcoming opportunities.
Cover photo from Video by Frederick County