We have over the weeks discussed many topics relating to the revitalization efforts of our central business district. In the last two articles, we discussed the importance of teamwork within to help our town prosper. Let us today touch on something every town needs — visibility.

Visibility is what businesses and organizations must have to become successful. Downtown growth has been a challenge, not only here, but in many small towns nationwide. The visibility of a town’s business district is reached through its beauty, charm and the willingness of property owners to maintain their building façade. As we have mentioned earlier, a city’s downtown creates a mass of activities both business related and professional/service endeavors. Until recently, there has been a lack of good downtown information in most towns, thus making a strong case for non-investment in those cities.

Visibility for downtown Washington will only get better. The WHDA board has made every attempt to reinvest in Washington’s revitalization and will continue to do so. It is a must and something we all have to buy into. This cannot be a one-person or one-organization responsibility. Rather, we all have to accept responsibilities if this is to happen. Our visibility on TV, radio and printed media is paramount, but for our younger generation (our future leaders), social media is becoming a way for towns to become more transparent in their efforts to grow.

Visibility has been our primary goal this year at the WHDA. We want people to know what the WHDA does for our merchants. We have to be visible on the streets, at civic organizations and local social functions. We need to attend state and regional meetings to spread our word and attain ideas that will help downtown grow. The WHDA supports downtown merchants and all merchants within the city limits, and wants only the best for all entities that can spark future growth and economic sustainability.

Our downtown represents an image and character of our city to the rest of the world. It is much more than a neighborhood, or profit center, but the vision visitors carry with them as they depart. That is exactly the reason our downtown revitalization efforts are so important. Visibility through the arts, dining, shopping and our professional services — we never know who is looking!

In conclusion, please make every attempt to purchase your ticket for Pickin’ on the Pamlico. We need local support, and this money will stay in Washington for our downtown efforts.

Until next week, please shop, dine and play in beautiful Washington, N.C., and if you have time, take a walk with the H-Rob!

Harold Robinson is the executive director of the Washington Harbor District Alliance.