Town of Cumberland Economic Development & Planning Department

290 Tuttle Road, Cumberland, ME 04021

Phone (207) 829.5699  Fax (207) 829.2224

cmba@cumberlandmaine.com

THE CMBA

 

The CMBA was formed in January 2010 to connect Cumberland business owners with one another and to create an extensive  network of support and resources.  The CMBA also provides  information and guidance to businesses interested in expanding or relocating in Cumberland.  This site was developed with business owners in mind and our goal is to supply all of the resources necessary for your business to succeed and grow in Cumberland. Some of the site’s highlights include: a discussion forum where Cumberland business owners can post questions and offer suggestions on a variety of issues from snow plowing to internet marketing; a comprehensive member directory including web site and email links as well as easy directions to any of our businesses; and an interactive map displaying available commercial properties with zoning and permitted use details.

 

Join the CMBA now! Contact Alyssa Daniels for more information.

 

View the results of our survey or notes from the 2nd quarter meeting

 

GOVERNMENT     

 

Cumberland is governed by a seven-member, elected Town Council who meet every other Monday to conduct town business. The Council delegates responsibility in carrying out its mission to the Town Manager and his staff. Additionally, over 20 committees comprised of volunteer residents are tasked with research and oversight of specific town resources and activities. The Town Council, in conjunction with the Planning Board and other town committees, are dedicated to developing economic opportunities in Cumberland and working with local business owners to realize the full potential of their commercial endeavors through incentives like tax increment financing, credit enhancement agreements and shovel ready sites.

 

ECONOMY

 

In the past, Cumberland’s economy has been dominated by farming and marine-related trades. Today, however,  only 1.2% of employed residents report working in agriculture. Over 61% of Cumberland’s labor force works in one of four industries: 1.) finance, insurance, real estate sales, and rental and leasing; 2.) professional, scientific, management, administrative, and waste management services; 3.) educational, health and social services; and 4.) retail trade. Of those currently employed, over 80% commute outside of town to their employer. Opportunities to work in Cumberland have increased over the last decade and the town is committed to continuing that trend by providing incentives and resources to new businesses like yours!

 

SCHOOL DISTRICT

 

In 1966, the Town of Cumberland  joined the town of North Yarmouth in forming Maine School Administrative District #51. MSAD #51 consists of five schools, housing 2,186 students enrolled in kindergarten through grade 12. In January, 2008, Greely High School was accepted as an International Baccalaureate World School offering the Diploma Programme and, this year, was recognized as a Silver Medal School by U.S. News and World Report. With one of the lowest dropout rates in the state, MSAD #51  has also been recognized by Standard and Poor’s School Matters, SchoolMatch, and the Maine State Department of Education for its high levels of performance, course offerings and student achievement.

    

RECREATION

The Town of Cumberland is home to several fantastic recreation facilities including the Val Halla Golf and Recreation Center, the Twin Brook Recreation Area and the Cumberland Fairgrounds, in addition to miles of trails maintained by  the Town for public use. Last year, Val Halla was voted “Best Municipal Course in Maine” by Golf Digest and boasts the largest junior golf program in the state. Val Halla is also home to the Maine State Golf Association, the Viking Grill and a banquet center which accommodates up to 200 people for weddings or other special events. The Twin Brook Recreation Area  on Tuttle Road is owned and maintained by the Town of Cumberland as an athletic and recreation facility for use by the public and for school-sponsored athletic events. Since 1868, the Cumberland Fairgrounds on Blanchard Road has been home to the Cumberland Fair during the last week in September each year. The fair features harness racing, livestock and agriculture competitions, an exhibition hall, museum, and food vendors.

Cumberland, Maine AT A GLANCE...

Congratulations to Sweetser’s Apple Barrel and Orchards, recipient of the

Maddy Corson Award at the 2010 Maine Family Business Awards!

 

Be sure to visit them at the Cumberland Farmer’s Market this Summer!