Downtown PKB 2026 Board of Directors pose for a photo together during the Downtown PKB Annual Meeting Wednesday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

PARKERSBURG – Downtown PKB held its annual meeting Wednesday at the Parkersburg Art Center to present awards, recognize individual efforts and share business updates.

Guests enjoyed food from Jimmy Avocado’s and desserts from Sycamore Sweets.

Downtown PKB Board President Marvin Edwards introduced two new board members, Erica Jackson and Tyler Koreski.

Jackson has served 19 years at Highmark Inc. as a senior client manager and is a member of the Wood County Rotary Club.

A Parkersburg native, Koreski graduated with his law degree from Liberty University School of Law and is the wrestling coach at Edison Middle School.

Left, Downtown PKB Executive Director Amanda Stevens awards The Market at Parkersburg Art Center Managing Director Jessie Siefert, right, for the Business of the Year award during the Downtown PKB Annual Meeting Wednesday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

“They were nominated by other board members to join our board,” said Downtown PKB Executive Director Amanda Stevens.

Board Treasurer John Nicholson was recognized for his retirement from the board.

“A truly great board member is hard to find, difficult to part with and impossible to forget,” said Edwards.

The Person of the Year award was sponsored by West Virginia University at Parkersburg Foundation and given to Downtown PKB Board Secretary Wendy Shriver.

Shriver was recognized for her performance and attendance at events and meetings.

Downtown PKB Executive Director Amanda Stevens hugs Downtown PKB Events and Marketing Manager Jessica Strickler during the Downtown PKB Annual Meeting Wednesday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

The Business of the Year award was sponsored by Bob and Annette Fehrenbacher and awarded to The Market at Parkersburg Art Center.

The Curb Appeals award was sponsored by Blennerhassett Hotel and Spa was given to Sycamore Sweets.

The Director’s Award, presented by Stevens, was presented to First Chapter Bookstore owner Janie Fox.

“They recently celebrated their first year of business,” said Stevens. “I want to take a moment to recognize Janie and thank her for taking a leap of faith and betting on downtown Parkersburg.”

Volunteers who had taken the time to assist at events throughout the year were recognized for their dedication.

Downtown PKB Board Secretary Wendy Shriver accepts Person of the Year award from members of West Virginia University at Parkersburg Foundation during the Downtown PKB Annual Meeting Wednesday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

Stevens recognized Downtown PKB Events and Marketing Manager Jessica Strickler for her attention to detail and organizational skills. She said PKB was lucky to have her marketing expertise and meticulousness.

“Thank you for putting up with me and all of my crazy ideas,” Stevens said to Strickler. She said Strickler was the “engine” for their marketing and why the Taste of Parkersburg ranked #2 in Best Local Food Festivals by USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards.

Stevens said she wished she could recognize each and every person for their efforts.

“When we give out the annual awards, it is dang near impossible to pick winners because I look around this room and … everyone sitting here is a champion for Downtown Parkersburg,” she said. “I don’t want anyone here to think that your time, talent or treasure goes unnoticed or unappreciated because every single one of you has value.”

After the awards and recognitions were presented, Stevens provided an overview of the annual business updates.

She said the launch of Downtown Restaurant Week was a huge success with 13 participating restaurants in 2025 and 16 in 2026.

Some businesses that opened in 2025 included: The Pizza Station, Huffman’s Prime Steakhouse, Sycamore Sweets and Marchell’s Barber Shop. Soon to be opened in Downtown are Rubin’s Deli and Martin Family Candies.

The Downtown PKB offices are planning a move from 610 Market St. to 402 Avery St.

Stevens said they raised $22,750 for the Partner Program and about $61,000 in sponsorships. Downtown PKB has nearly 16,000 followers on Facebook and 2,500 followers on Instagram.

Stevens said they are always looking for volunteers and extra hands and encouraged the community to reach out if interested in helping with events.

“I think giving your time is something special,” she said. “It’s the one currency that you can’t make more of.”

For more information about Downtown PKB visit https://www.downtownpkb.com/

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com