Latest news with #MainStreetFairmont
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
DeVito takes helm at Marion County Chamber of Commerce
FAIRMONT — It's Dani DeVito's first week as Marion County Chamber of Commerce President and so far she's keeping busy. 'We've got several big things up in the air,' DeVito said. 'We've got Young Leaders, which their application process just closed. Same thing with Leadership Marion. So we'll be announcing the new classes for both of those groups here in the coming month or so. We've got the annual dinner coming up in August and golf tournament in September. We've already started on Frank-n-Stein number two.' The Marion County Chamber of Commerce announced DeVito as its new president in early May. At the time, outgoing Chamber President Pat Snively said she's been actively involved in the community for a number of years, citing her membership on a number of community boards as well as her contributions to other areas of the community. DeVito said becoming Chamber President opened up an opportunity to make Fairmont's community wellbeing her primary focus, rather than simply tending to it in her spare time. Prior to becoming Chamber President, DeVito worked for ShalePro Energy Services as director of permitting and marketing, where she handled well site permitting for one of the company's clients, but also handled the company's social media, website and marketing materials. Her background is in broadcast journalism, as she previously worked as an on-air reporter, anchor and fill-in weather person. Her background in communications informs what her approach will be in carrying out her job as chamber president. 'My biggest thing right now is focusing on two-way communication,' she said. 'Especially making sure our membership can reach out to us and feels comfortable reaching out to us anytime, as well as us reaching out to them.' DeVito said her background in communication has taught her that keeping clear and open communication is a great way to keep problems from popping up. If members and the Chamber have a good connection with each other, then the Chamber will know its members need support or when members deserve to be celebrated by the Chamber. She said communication is a huge part of success in any community. Chad Nuzum, chair of the Chamber's board of directors, said in May he was excited to bring her on board. 'From the moment Dani walked into the room, her passion for Marion County and her vision for the Chamber were evident,' he said in a press release. 'She brings the right mix of energy, experience and leadership, and we are thrilled to welcome her as our next President.' Main Street Fairmont Executive Director Alex Petry has known DeVito for a long time. He congratulated her for reaching the position, and said he was extremely excited to work alongside her. The Chamber of Commerce President holds a seat on the board of Main Street Fairmont, he said. 'She will be involved in just about everything we would do,' he said. 'Over the last year, the Chamber and Main Street's partnership became even stronger with the Frank-n-Stein craft beer and hot dog festival. I'm very excited to work together with her directly on that as we enjoy our second year of the festival.' Petry said DeVito is a good fit for the Chamber because she is both extremely personable and has high energy. As a born and raised product of Fairmont, she has a lot of passion for the city. Petry said the partnership between the Chamber and Main Street is important because all of these agencies are on the same team and working toward the same goal — making Fairmont a better place to be. 'I think one of the reasons we are seeing a lot of success in our community is because people in those positions have such a love for the community that they're working for,' Petry said. 'And I think she has that, 100%.'
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City of Fairmont moves forward with PODA ordinance
FAIRMONT, (WBOY) — During Tuesday night's Fairmont City Council meeting, a public hearing was held, followed by the second and final reading of an ordinance concerning the establishment and regulation of Private Outdoor Designated Areas (PODAs) within the city limits. Following the hearing, the council unanimously approved the ordinance, which will allow local businesses to apply for a special license from the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Commissioner. This license permits businesses to serve alcoholic beverages that may be consumed outside their premises, provided that patrons remain within the boundaries of the designated PODA district. Several business owners in attendance expressed strong support for the ordinance, highlighting the social and economic opportunities it will create for both their establishments and the community gathering in the PODA district. 'This is really exciting for us because it is going to give extra incentives for residents and also businesses to come to downtown Fairmont,' Executive Director of Main Street Fairmont Alex Petry said. 'I just want to commend the city for their work on this, and I consider them an excellent partner of Main Street Fairmont.' Fairmont City Manager Travis Blosser stated that the rollout of PODA signage and full implementation of the program will take some time. He added that an official launch date for the district will be announced in the near future. Cheeseman to return as Doddridge County Superintendent 'It's important to support the local businesses that are already here and that foot traffic for them, but those folks who may be looking to Fairmont and thinking 'wow, Fairmont is a place to do business, I really want to be there,'' Blosser said. Under the PODA regulation, the standard operating hours for PODAs will be Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Also, during the meeting, Petry stated that, 'It's about more than just permitting open container areas. It's about implementing a program, an opportunity to help our downtown progress and create a safer, more inviting and economically resilient city center.' Fairmont now joins a select group of cities in the Mountain State to adopt a PODA framework. Other municipalities that have implemented similar programs include Morgantown, Clarksburg, Wheeling, Charleston, and Huntington. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Fairmont Hometown Market series holds first event for 2025
Buckhannon's 83rd Strawberry Festival honors first responders FAIRMONT, (WBOY) — Vendors and other local merchants were battling against strong gusts during Fairmont's first Home Town Market in 2025 Saturday afternoon, but that didn't keep people away from enjoying the live music and otherwise pleasant temperatures. Organized by Main Street Fairmont, the Home Town Market series in downtown Fairmont features dozens of local vendors and food options, many of which had to resort to holding down their tents or awnings to prevent them from being blown away entirely. While the weather posed challenges to some vendors on Saturday, Executive Director of Mainstreet Fairmont, Alex Petry, said the markets are a great way to bring more attention to local and downtown businesses. 'They need supported right now, our small businesses need supported, and this is a celebration of everything that's awesome about downtown,' Petry said. Each Hometown Market this summer will have a different theme, with May 17's theme being 'Music On Monroe.' Live music was provided during the event by The Fridley Boys and Weary Space Wanderer. Alleged groundhog abuse being investigated in West Virginia Future Hometown Markets will be held on the third Saturday of every month through September: June 21 — Pride Block Party (in Partnership with Fairmont Pride) July 19 — Annual Friendly City Car Show Aug. 16 — The Annual Tomato Festival Sept. 20 — The End of SummerBash! If you'd like to sign up to be a vendor at future Hometown Markets, you can find signup details on the Main Street Fairmont website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
