FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City Ambassador Program Begins Next Week

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - Beginning next Wednesday, April 27, the City of Morgantown will kick off its City Ambassador Program. The ambassadors will provide a variety of services to Morgantown residents, visitors and businesses in the downtown and riverfront areas.

“These programs are meant to help compliment city services and create a welcoming, vibrant, and healthy community for our downtown and riverfront area,” said Special Projects Coordinator, Vanessa Reaves.

The City Ambassadors will help and offer information about tourism and downtown businesses and they will provide services such as litter cleanups, beautification projects and safety escorts. Ambassadors will be out on the streets Wednesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

"It's important to note that the City Ambassadors are not first responders. They will have basic training in mental health awareness to help them identify situations where the police need to be called versus situations where social services need to be called," said Reaves.

They will wear uniforms so that they are easily identifiable. Signs will be placed around the downtown and riverfront areas with information about the program, the phone number to contact the City Ambassadors and a QR code for tourism information through Visit Mountaineer Country Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Funds have been allocated from the city’s American Rescue Plan Act for this one-year pilot program. The ambassadors first day working will be April 27.

Meet your City Ambassadors:

Kimberly Katarski, Lead City Ambassador

Kimberly believes that Morgantown’s direct accessibility to world renowned universities, research centers, industrial organizations, governmental agencies, and hospitals is what makes the city a beacon of present and future progress. Kimberly wants to help people by connecting them to needed resources, serving her community through clean-up and being a watchful eye; and directing the public to all the fun things Morgantown has to offer. She is excited to see the City Ambassador Program grow while meeting and collaborating with people who share this vision. In her free time, Kimberly likes to have bonfires with family and seeing live outdoor music at the Ruby Amphitheater.

Ed Mason, City Ambassador

Ed appreciates Morgantown for its diverse community with a small-town feel, ample cultural attractions and wilderness opportunities. Although he is not a Morgantown-native, Ed loves living in Morgantown and wants to share his passion for this area with others. He cannot wait to meet more Morgantown residents while creating a safer and more unified community. Ed is eager to communicate with residents, business owners and visitors about their needs and attractions in the downtown area. In his free time, you can find Ed biking and walking the Rail-Trails with his family and dogs and enjoying the variety of downtown restaurants.

Channing Moran, City Ambassador

Channing thinks one of the best things about being in Morgantown is witnessing the continued growth and change around the city, along with the incredibly welcoming people and way of life. He wants to give back to Morgantown for providing him with many unique opportunities professionally and deeply rewarding personal experiences and relationships. Channing already has experience engaging with some downtown organizations that focus on reinvigorating the historic districts, so he is excited to talk directly with locals, students and visitors as a City Ambassador. In his free time, you can find Channing at his favorite downtown restaurants such as Zeke’s Breakfast and Bakes, Apothecary Ale House & Cafe, Hotel Morgan’s Anvil & Ax, and Oliverio’s Ristorante.

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