The Washington County Chamber of Commerce held their Breakfast Briefing at the new ARC Human Services Building in Canonsburg. The topic of the day was the revitalization of downtown areas in Washington County. Three panelists took part in a discussion of how they have managed a rebirth of activity in their downtown areas. Shana Brown, Main Street Manager of the Washington Business District Authority stated that having “skin in the game” as a resident of her city helps her fill gaps in services and helps her bring in businesses that fill those needs. Terry Necciai, Executive Director of the Monongahela Main Street Program points to community pride and responsibility as a key driver in his community. Over the last several years Monongahela has garnered an increase of 35 new businesses in its business district. Necciai credits a minimum of absentee landlords and a wealth of local ownership of buildings that allow store owners to be confident to open their stores knowing that their needs will be met appropriately. Lisa Scarmazzi, Director of Economic Development in Canonsburg has found that not only creating an atmosphere of cooperation among business owners in her town’s revitalization breeds success, it also breeds a sense of community pride. She stated at a recent council meeting that she now is fielding calls from residents asking how they can become more involved in making Canonsburg the type of community that will thrive into the future. All three panelists credited grant programs, especially LSA grant programs for successes in their towns. Grants from the LSA board have allowed building owners to make significant upgrades to buildings through the Building Façade Improvement Program.