April 29, 2019
In 2007, the town of Shinnston, West Virginia, joined FHLBank's Blueprint Communities initiative, and that choice continues to pay dividends more than a decade later.
Town leaders received training and help to implement a comprehensive community revitalization plan. Thanks to FHLBank member WesBanco, the leaders were also connected to FHLBank funding to help put their ideas into action.
Within five years, Shinnston had attracted 12 new businesses. By year 10, the community had added apartment complexes, improved signage and landscaping, launched summer events in the park and updated a 16-mile walking trail for residents. Today, the town's growth shows no signs of slowing. "Without Blueprint, we would not have been able to accomplish this," said Kathleen Panek, City Clerk and Shinnston Blueprint Community team member.
LaReta Lowther, WesBanco’s Senior Vice President of Community Reinvestment Act Compliance – Community Development, agrees. "The town has participated in other initiatives before," she said, "but the Blueprint Communities training laid the groundwork for Shinnston's revitalization."
Town leaders received training and help to implement a comprehensive community revitalization plan. Thanks to FHLBank member WesBanco, the leaders were also connected to FHLBank funding to help put their ideas into action.
Within five years, Shinnston had attracted 12 new businesses. By year 10, the community had added apartment complexes, improved signage and landscaping, launched summer events in the park and updated a 16-mile walking trail for residents. Today, the town's growth shows no signs of slowing. "Without Blueprint, we would not have been able to accomplish this," said Kathleen Panek, City Clerk and Shinnston Blueprint Community team member.
LaReta Lowther, WesBanco’s Senior Vice President of Community Reinvestment Act Compliance – Community Development, agrees. "The town has participated in other initiatives before," she said, "but the Blueprint Communities training laid the groundwork for Shinnston's revitalization."