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Downtown PKB earns accreditation

PARKERSBURG — Downtown PKB has been designated this year as an Accredited Main Street America program along with 882 other Main Street programs across the United States. Each year, Main Street America recognizes Accredited programs in recognition of their dedication to creating positive change in their downtowns and commercial districts using the Main Street Approach, a framework for preservation-based economic development and community revitalization.

“We are thrilled to acknowledge this year’s Accredited and Affiliate programs and their dedication to advancing economic opportunity and quality of life in their downtowns,” said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of Main Street America. “During an incredibly challenging year, these programs have demonstrated the power of the Main Street movement to champion small businesses, drive recovery efforts, and lift up their communities. I am inspired by their efforts and know that these Main Street programs will continue to help their districts flourish in the next stages of recovery.

In 2020, $4.14 billion of local reinvestment was generated, 4,356 net new businesses were opened, 14,988 net new jobs were created, 8,488 historic buildings were rehabilitated, and 983,702 volunteer hours were given to Main Street America communities.

Downtown PKB’s performance is annually evaluated by the West Virginia Main Street Program, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that are committed to the comprehensive revitalization and achieving meaningful community outcomes.

“We are honored to be recognized as an Accredited Main Street America program, which validates all the hard work that our organization’s board members, committee members, and staff put into being the catalyst of change for the downtown,” says Wendy Shriver, Executive Director of Downtown PKB.

Downtown PKB, a Main Street Community, is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization created to promote downtown Parkersburg, foster economic opportunity, and create community vitality. The goal is to create a vibrant commercial district that will provide downtown businesses, workers, and nearby residents with the goods and services they need, as well as create educational, entertainment, and tourism opportunities.

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Jessica Strickler is the events and marketing manager for Downtown PKB.

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