Submitted photos Randolph County officials recently released the first annual 2020 Vibrant Elkins-Randolph County community report. The report includes several examples of how local businesses invested in the community. Above, the Myles Center was completed at D&E College.

ELKINS — Randolph County officials recently released the first annual 2020 Vibrant Elkins–Randolph County community report.

The report — signed by Lisa Messinger Wood, executive director of the Elkins–Randolph County Chamber of Commerce; Robbie Morris, executive director of the Randolph County Development Authority; and Madalyn Humphrey, executive director of Elkins Main Street — offers an overview of the first year of the Building a Vibrant Community effort in Randolph County.

“On March 5th and 6th, 2020, Quint Studer led a discussion on making Elkins–Randolph County a vibrant, successful community,” the report states. “Studer observed that Elkins–Randolph County has many positive assets including natural resources, a local college, a local newspaper, a hospital, and, most importantly, committed citizens!

“There is an underdeveloped riverfront running though the town. There is skepticism that Elkins can be more than it is. However, with the efforts of well–respected local residents combined with newer residents and fresh eyes, this can be overcome. The population needs to grow and stop exporting young talent.

“Nearly 100 people attended Studer’s day–long workshop; over 200 people attended the Chamber banquet featuring Studer as the speaker; 15 community–minded people joined a follow–up assessment; and almost 400 copies of his book ‘Building a Vibrant Community’ have been distributed throughout Elkins,” the report reads. “Vibrant Task forces were formed around the areas of education, downtown, and promotion.

Holiday Inn in Elkins completed its expansion in 2020.

“Progress may have been slowed by COVID–19, but it did not stop. The concepts, the energy and the desire to make Elkins a vibrant community keeps moving forward.”

The report points out that local businesses invested millions of dollars within Randolph County in 2020.

“Several Elkins–Randolph County businesses started, continued, or finalized improvements,” the report states. “Combined, this impressive list represents private investment of millions dollars:

• Beander’s added exterior lighting, signage and new sidewalks.

• CJ Maggie’s freshened up the interior and exterior

Beander’s added exterior lighting, signage and new sidewalks.

• 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

Submitted photos Jimbo’s Place and Bar 1 opened in downtown Elkins in 2020.

• 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

The Grace Davis residences were completed.

• 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.”

The report also listed multiple “discussions with various groups around the future of Elkins–Randolph County. These included:

• 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.”

The report concludes, “We know too well the challenges of 2020 — the cancellations, restrictions, limitations and disappointments. However, lurking in plain view are resilient, hardworking, imaginative and talented people who stay positive, make investments and pursue a vibrant Elkins–Randolph County.

“A vibrant Elkins–Randolph County is being created! While others step back — we step forward. That is what leaders do,” the report states.

“This is the time — this is the place — Elkins–Randolph County!”

• 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.”

The report concludes, “We know too well the challenges of 2020 — the cancellations, restrictions, limitations and disappointments. However, lurking in plain view are resilient, hardworking, imaginative and talented people who stay positive, make investments and pursue a vibrant Elkins–Randolph County.

“A vibrant Elkins–Randolph County is being created! While others step back — we step forward. That is what leaders do,” the report states.

“This is the time — this is the place — Elkins–Randolph County!”