The Board of Directors and appointed members of Downtown PKB for the 2025 year attended the organization’s annual meeting Wednesday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)
PARKERSBURG — Downtown PKB gathered for its annual meeting Wednesday afternoon to present the latest updates and news for 2025.
The meeting began with budget information and board updates from Lindsey Piersol who is president of the Board of Directors and a member of the Wood County Economic Development.
Piersol appointed current Vice President Marvin Edwards for the position as president in 2025.
“My theme is about planting seeds…you can’t do everything in a day so each day you plant seeds,” said Downtown PKB Executive Director Amanda Stevens. “Every day, everything that we do we are planting seeds, and each day we can water them and nurture them.”
The goal for the upcoming year is centered around daily progress, ideas and positive attitudes.
Attendees of the annual Downtown PKB meeting enjoyed d’oeuvres from Valley Catering. (Photo by Amber Phipps)
Stevens said that the work being done today is to make a better tomorrow. With this in mind, there were accomplishments to speak on.
There are plans to host a kickball tournament that is entirely free to the public. Stevens said the response from the community was encouraging and people were excited to participate in an event that is simply just for fun.
She said the Taste of Parkersburg food festival is currently in the running to be a winner of USA Today’s local food festival contest.
“This would be huge for us as a city so go online and vote,” said Stevens.
After much anticipation for the awards segment, Stevens announced that Bob Fehrenbacher was the winner of the Person of the Year award.
Jen and Eric Allman pose with their Downtown PKB award. (Photo by Amber Phipps)
Although he was unable to be in attendance to receive the award tonight, the board spoke on why he was chosen.
“He is currently in the Legislature and then he’s coming and sitting with us and spending quality time hearing and talking and having conversations,” said Stevens. “Then he’s going and sitting down with the people that make decisions.”
The board agreed that they were very fortunate to have his assistance.
The Business of the Year award went to SIPS Coffee Truck. Owners Jen and Eric Allman showed continual commitment and care towards their community which earned them the praise and recognition.
“We love getting to know everyone and not just be a place where you drive up and grab a cup of coffee and go about your day,” said Eric Allman. “This is a pit stop in your daily life and once we get to know everyone, we like to see how they’re doing.”
Downtown PKB Executive Director Amanda Stevens presented a speech followed up with awards. (Photo by Amber Phipps)
The Curb Appeal award was presented to Jan Dils Attorneys at Law. Eric Hillyard-Poling was in attendance to accept the award on the company’s behalf.
“It’s a core value of Jan Dils Attorneys at Law to give back to our community,” said Hillyard-Poling. “We expect nothing in return for it and we appreciate all that Downtown PKB does for us as well.”
Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com
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Upcoming Downtown PKB Events
Eric Allman, right, accepts the Business of the Year award sponsored by Bob and Annette Fehrenbacher. Downtown PKB Executive Director Amanda Stevens, left, and Lindsey Piersol, president of the Board of Directors and a member of the Wood County Economic Development, center, stand next to him. (Photo by Amber Phipps)
* Taste of Parkersburg: May 17
* Point Park concert: June 13
* Point Park concert: July 11
* Point Park concert: Aug. 8
* Downtown Throwdown: Aug. 23
* Monster Mash: Oct. 17
* Winterfest: Dec. 6