Watkins: I loved working downtown and I loved working for Main Street

Ben Conley, The Dominion Post, Morgantown, W.Va.
·2 min read

Aug. 21—MORGANTOWN — For more than 20 years, Barbara Watkins worked in and for downtown Morgantown as an employee and, since 2018, as executive director of Main Street Morgantown.

That came to an end last month, when the organization issued a press release explaining Watkins had stepped down and the board of directors had asked the Morgantown Area Partnership to take over—for three months.

With the move, Main Street goes from what was essentially a one-woman operation to another branch of MAP, which runs the Morgantown Area Chamber of Commerce, the Monongalia County Development Authority, Sunnyside Up and the Morgantown Area Economic Partnership.

"I loved working downtown and I loved working for Main Street. Sometimes you just need a change, " Watkins said, pausing to compose herself.

"I just think it needed a new structure. We've been talking for a while now about the Morgantown Area Partnership taking over. It's been discussed by the board, but nothing was really moving forward. It's not that I think it's the best move, but they just have more resources than Main Street has ever had."

When pressed, Main Street Board President AJ Hammond said the arrangement with MAP is temporary and no decisions have been made about the nonprofit's future. He also said the organization is not currently advertising for a new director—a position that must be filled to remain an accredited Main Street organization.

"It's very much up in the air. It's a three-month partnership for right now and we will revisit that at the end of the three months, " Hammond said. "Hopefully we will be able to pull all of the key stakeholders together to really improve the downtown, the quality of life and the vibrancy that the whole community is looking for."

Amy Loomis, with MAP, is serving as the interim director. MAP President and CEO Russ Rogerson is a member of the Main Street Morgantown Board of Directors.

Watkins said she's proud of the work she's done. She points to the thousands of people coming downtown for events like Arts Walks. She also points to the 12 new businesses that opened doors in 2021.

"I have nothing but good things to say about everybody I worked with downtown and everything they've given me over the last 20 years, " Watkins said. "Some of the board members have been wonderful to me and I loved all the businesses, but I just don't feel my services were needed any longer."

Main Street Morgantown was formed in 1984. The tax-exempt not-for-profit organization is dedicated to the betterment of the Downtown and Wharf Districts. The vision is for downtown Morgantown to be the center of commerce for Monongalia County with a mix of shops, restaurants and service businesses that cater to residents, visitors and WVU students and staff.