Roadmap to 2023

TGCC’s Signature Project - The North/South Appalachian Highway (US 219 N & US 220 S)

Secure MDOT SHA’s commitment to fund preliminary planning and engineering studies for the remaining 1.5 miles of US 219 N located in Maryland
Advance programing funding for right-of-way, final engineering and construction to relieve congestion along existing US 220, MD 53, and MD 636 (Warrior Drive) in Cresaptown, Maryland
Develop and pursue strategic funding strategies in conjunction with key partnerships to restore dedicated ADHS funding for the completion of the ADHS, and in particular, Corridor N (US 219 N)
Grow the North/South Appalachian Highway Coalition – business, government and civic leaders
Continue engagement with WVDOH and ensure Tier II studies for US 220 S continue with the support and cooperation of MDOT SHA
Foster relationships with other transportation organizations in the Appalachian Region, including SAP&DC, the Alabama Coalition for Regional Transportation and Applied Research Center of Alabama, the Corridor H Authority and ARC
Increase budget via new and innovative funding strategies

Adopt a more formal and structured governance scheme, including a detailed budget and funding plan
Develop industry sector specific action and implementation plans to support and enhance businesses in each of the three target industry sectors within the region - Aerospace/ Defense; Information Technology/Cyber Security; and Lifestyle Manufacturing (initially focused on outdoor recreation)
Seek to create, expand or attract business activity in the three sectors identified as priorities
Compile a regional asset map of existing businesses that provide or produce goods and services in the aerospace/defense sector and determine next steps
Ignite entrepreneurship and small business development in at least one of the three target industry sectors
Host follow-up economic development roundtable with federal elected officials representing tri-state region

Convene regional college presidents, county school officials, workforce development specialists and local
business representatives from across the region to discuss best practices, share programs of work, and provide updates on grant opportunities,successes and achievements and opportunities for collaboration between the participants, their organizations and their students
Develop a strong public-private partnership between educational institutions and private industry leaders to focus on strategies to develop a competitive, skilled workforce for jobs in demand in the tri-state region

Develop specific action and implementation plan to support the Economic Adjustment Strategy, focused on identifying forest product enterprises that could be developed or attracted to the region
Support entrepreneurship and small business development related to the transitioning power sector in our region away from fossil fuels and to renewable energy
Support the development of agricultural and ag tourism markets in our region

Grow member participation and engagement in committee work, member meetings, business roundtables and other important events
Host monthly member meetings, quarterly business roundtables and other visioning sessions, to include briefings
from economic development experts and discussions on leadership skill development
Newsletter highlighting regional successes and opportunities
Annual Greater Good Award
Grow organizational capacity, focusing on board development and diversifying funding strategies that leverage existing investment
Increase awareness of TGCC as the only economic development organization focused on the tri-state region