• Beanders added exterior lighting, signage and new sidewalks.
• CJ Maggie’s freshened up the interior and exterior
• Citizens Bank completed a new drive-thru
• Delmonte Building completed renovation of second and third floors.
• Myles Center was completed at D&E College
• Davis Trust performed interior renovations
• Common Door continues to renovate the second floor
• Railyard completed additional assessments and is being marketed by Black Diamond
• Big Timber Brewing continues their river front expansion plans
• Allegheny building is under contract to be purchased by Woodlands
• Holiday Inn completed their expansion
• Renovations continue at the Moose building
• Old Brick expanded their educational services
• Grace Davis residences completed
• YMCA did exterior landscaping, sidewalks and furnishings.
• Seneca Mall had interior and exterior renovations
• Rail Trail completion to the Elkins Depot
• City installed a downtown sound system
• Phil Gainer Center adding air conditioning and other improvement
• AHF building expansion and dedication
• Tygart Hotel boutique hotel/restaurant planning continues to move forward
• Splash pad planned in connection with Elks Club
• JimBo’s Place and Bar 1 opened downtown
• Children’s interactive museum is being discussed
• Great Harvest Bread Company opening
• City Police Department renovated
• Several additional businesses made operational modifications and other projects which have not been listed.

• Business needs - A limited survey was conducted of the types of businesses needed in downtown Elkins. The results:  Highest priority by far was an outfitters store.  Tied in priority were Antique store, Fresh food market, Dining/Entertainment, Specialty retail, Art gallery. 
• Business Developers - Some business developers only consider communities with a population of 10,000 or more. Elkins only has 7,000.  At the same time, Elkins is a regional hub with the businesses and resources of a 35,000 population community. 
• Future Success - Key items for the future success of Elkins included:
• Population growth - Both tourism and permanent residents. Need to attract younger adults and reverse the brain drain. 
• Attitude - Community attitude needs to become more positive
• Regional Hub - Elkins has shopping, manufacturing, healthcare, college, government, entertainment and many other services. This wide diversity needs to continue.
• Proactive - Need to be more intentional in promoting the Elkins-Randolph County area. 
• Theme - Should Elkins have a “theme”?  Some communities have bears throughout downtown, others have pelicans.  Should Elkins have train icons representing a railroad town? Is there another icon more representative of Elkins?
• Farmers Market - Expanded and enhanced Farmers Market with it being open year round.
• Street Fairs on Thursday nights.
• Additional Housing needed to attract more population
• Music Scene needs to be stronger utilizing Town Square, street fairs and other venues
• Renovation of Upper Floors to accommodate downtown housing
• Drug Issue: Quint Studer was very complimentary that Elkins has more to offer than what he has seen in other communities. He also stated that if the community sees drugs as an issue – don’t make drugs the elephant in the room. Be proactive and address the drug issue.

1. Intentional Planning. Creating a vibrant a community requires intentional effort.  Vibrancy does not happen by chance.
2. Impact investing: This is a new term which often happens in smaller communities.  These are individuals and businesses willing to make a financial investment in an Elkins-Randolph County business or building.  While the local investment return may be lower than other opportunities, the community will realize a significant, positive impact.

• WV Community HUB Community Achievement Program (HubCAP). The WV Community HUB, WVU Extension, and the US Forest Service launched the HubCAP program for Elkins along with Franklin, Cowen, Marlinton, Petersburg and White Sulphur Springs.  The 18-month program will boost the local recreation economy.
• Mon Forest Gateway Communities. Mon Forest and WVU Extension initiative to promote development of the communities which surround the Mon Forest. Business coaches are available to assist new or existing businesses.
• Vibrant Community. Vibrant Community task forces have been developed around the areas of Education, Downtown and Promotion. The Chamber is coordinating the efforts.
• Collaborative Efforts.  Key organizations and governmental entities routinely discuss efforts and activities to ensure collaboration of efforts.
• WV Bike Trails Program – The state wide program now has 75-130 middle and high school riders from Randolph and Tucker Counties.  

• Streetscape Plan. In 2018 the City adopted a Streetscape Plan.  Among other activities, plans are in process to add benches, trash receptacles and bike bollards throughout downtown. In addition, the Tree Board will eventually remove all tree boxes which will be replaced with street level grates and trees. Several species of trees will be planted to avoid a blight destroying all downtown trees.
• Additional downtown Improvements. Among other items, there have been discussions among community members concerning:

1. Expansion of downtown art/murals
2. Making the downtown walkable
3. Addition of a public bathroom possibly in Town Square
4. 4-way stops rather than stop lights to slow traffic
5. Flower pots at street level

• City Charter – Several changes to the City Charter were passed by City Council. Other changes, including Manager Form of Government, will be presented to the public for vote in March 2021.  
• Zoning – Elkins is discussing a new zoning ordinance which most likely will be presented to City Council in early 2021. The City has been working with the WVU Land Use and Sustainable Development Law Clinic.
• Broadband Towers – Several broadband towers have been completed within Randolph County improving internet access.
• Water Project – City water projected completed and was under budget
• City Parking Lot – Plans moving forward to renovate the City Parking Lot. Looking to break ground in spring 2021
• Darden House – new table, chairs and trash can have been placed in the yard.
• Darden Carriage House – Critical repairs and renovations have been made.

1. We have to move forward; and we must prepare.
2. If Elkins is in a NASCAR race, and we are in the pit waiting for the green light: Get the car ready to take off!
3. Beauty brings people to the area – Hospitality brings them back
4. Attitudes are contagious – what’s yours?