BY KAYCIE STUSHEK, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NETWORK COORDINATOR, THE HUB
We know community revitalization does not happen overnight. We know it takes a sustained effort by committed people to affect real lasting change. For Richwood, one of The Hub’s “Communities of Achievement Program” (HubCAP) communities, that effort has turned into a community-wide movement branded as #RichwoodRising!
Richwood knows the importance of engaging the community in revitalization efforts. That means working for a well-informed community, where each citizen feels welcomed to contribute to and take ownership of projects large and small. To that end, Richwood recently held a very well-designed and implemented #RichwoodRising Community Rally. Rally intentions were to have some winter fun, educate the community on current projects, and invite citizens to get involved.
It was a great event with over eighty community members in attendance along with thirty WVU students from the School of Design and Community Development, as they engaged attendees in learning their wishes for the community. The evening kicked off with a very competitive chili cook-off. This required some tough judging with over ten entries. For the rest of the evening folks heard mini-presentations from people leading community projects and business developments.
Among others, attendees heard about projects and business leaders talking about things like:
- Lisa King and her family’s plans to open an outfitter business,
- How Trout Unlimited links their trophy trout stocking plans for the Cherry River Watershed to economic development,
- The community branding initiative that is underway,
- Why Cherry River Roasting chose Richwood, and
- How Richwood businesses are promoting the community as a motorcycle riders destination.
These projects are just an example of the good news Richwood heard that evening, along with the invitation to join in and make their contribution to #RichwoodRising.
With such a successful community gathering you can count on this being an annual event. Congratulations Richwood! You’re doing great work and make some mean chili!
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