Celebration , Fall Food Fest and Christmas on Main , all bringing tens of thousands of visitors and locals together to enjoy our downtown area ,” Blair says .
MSM ’ s volunteer committees also work diligently on initiatives that may be less visible but are equally impactful . These include enhancing the downtown district ’ s appeal through projects such as filling empty tree wells and providing loans to small business owners . The organization also advocates for legislative changes at state and national levels to attract more investment into downtown areas .
Along with revitalizing its downtown , MSM has been a catalyst in improving Martinsburg ’ s economy and small business community . Over the past three years , MSM has loaned over $ 37,500 to small businesses through its Low Interest Revolving Fund .
“ Small businesses are the backbone of West Virginia ,” Blair says . “ Big businesses and high-paying employers want to move their businesses to areas that have vibrant communities .”
He also points out that MSM is the oldest main street program in the state and emphasizes its longevity in contributing to the improvement of downtown businesses and quality of life for residents .
Shane Farthing , director of economic and community development for the City of Martinsburg , states that the city collaborates often with MSM and is very pleased with its efforts to revitalize the downtown area . The focus of the City of Martinsburg currently involves transforming underused properties and brownfields into valuable community assets .
The organization is implementing infrastructure improvements like the Frog Hollow Trail , a project aimed at creating a network of recreational trails and a new lake on a former quarry site . Another notable project includes converting an old apple processing campus into a clean-tech manufacturing facility , a development that not only generates jobs and revenue but improves upon a previously abandoned spot .
“ The city does all the stuff a city does , but what I do as it relates to economic and community development , is try to generate quality-of-life or the revenue to pursue it within our city ’ s borders ,” Farthing says .
The city has also recently opened a food hall , The Garage , as well as began running a blight abatement matching grant program to assist in beautifying smaller properties while larger initiatives are underway .
The City of Martinsburg is currently collaborating with MSM and the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Convention & Visitors Bureau on Downtown Ambassadors , an initiative that will hopefully increase visitation by connecting local businesses with paid coordinators who can plan events for them when they don ’ t have the time .
Meanwhile in Huntington , Lauren Kemp serves as the executive director of RenewAll , an ON TRAC organization dedicated to neighborhood revitalization in the city .
Being part of ON TRAC means that the organization is working toward becoming an official Main Street but has
40 YEARS OF IMPACT
Building a Brighter Future for Morgantown
Main Street Morgantown is cultivating a thriving Downtown District in the heart of Morgantown . Its vision harnesses the potential for economic growth and community connectivity anchored by arts and entertainment , historical gem properties , neighborhoods and true natural beauty right next door .
For over 40 years , Main Street Morgantown has been connecting people with community as one of the oldest and most decorated Main Street programs in the state . Now , as an affiliate of the Morgantown Area Partnership , it drives impactful economic development strategies for a brighter future .
( 304 ) 292-0168 | downtownmorgantown . com
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE