Wheeling Heritage is thrilled to invite the public to its upcoming “The Power of Partnerships” panel discussion, scheduled for Thursday, June 13, at noon at the Wheeling Artisan Center, 1400 Main Street. This panel will explore public-private partnerships and celebrate Wheeling Heritage’s 30th anniversary, highlighting three decades of collaborative efforts creating powerful synergies that have proven transformative in revitalizing Wheeling.
The panelists, who hold key positions in our community, include Josh Jefferson, CEO and President of the Regional Economic Development Partnership; Frank O’Brien, Executive Director of the Wheeling Convention and Visitors Bureau; Kurt Zende, President of the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce; Robert Herron, Wheeling City Manager; Zachary Abraham, Ohio County Commissioner, Natalie Hamilton, Community Development/Grants Administrator of Belomar Regional Council and Scott Schenerlein, Executive Director of Wheeling Heritage.
Hydie Friend, former executive director of Wheeling Heritage, will moderate the panel discussion. During her tenure, Friend’s extensive experience guided early planning and implemented initiatives that led to the City of Wheeling’s official designation as a National Heritage Area by the United States Congress. Friend was also instrumental in working with partners to construct Wheeling Heritage Port and save the historic Capitol Theatre.
“Fostering relationships with stakeholders is part of what Heritage Areas do. It is something that has worked well here in Wheeling for years,” states Scott Schenerlein, Executive Director of Wheeling Heritage. “I am delighted that we will have Hydie Friend here with us to reflect on how what was done in the past has created a firm foundation for what is occurring now. These esteemed panelists work hard and work well together. I hope people will come and enjoy listening to their stories and hopes for the future.”
This event is open to the public and free to attend and RSVPs are encouraged; attendees can pre-order a boxed lunch for $13 or bring their own. Boxed lunch orders can be placed online by Tuesday, June 12. For more information and to RSVP, please visit https://wheelingheritage.org/partnerships-panel/.
