Visitors Bureau board approves relocation and creation of welcome center

GREENVILLE, OH (March 25, 2014) – The Board of Trustees of the Darke County Visitors Bureau (DCVB) announced their decision to relocate the office from the second floor of The Palace to a store front location at 421 South Broadway, to create a Welcome Center next to KitchenAid Experience.

“The DCVB is extremely excited to have the opportunity to relocate to a ground level, store front location in historic downtown Greenville, the county seat. This move will allow the Visitors Bureau to further showcase the amenities that Darke County has to offer our tourism partners as well as visitors and local citizens,” stated Deanna York, Executive Director of the Visitors Bureau.

The location resides in The Ohio Block Building which was built in 1883. Many different shops have been housed in 421 South Broadway over the past 131 years, including hardware stores, drug stores, dress shops and appliance stores. Local businessman, Ted Abney, purchased The Ohio Block Building from Dean Bankson at the end of 2013.

“We are fortunate to have forward-thinking leaders like Ted Abney in our community. We are working closely with Mr. Abney to repurpose original items from the second and third floors of the building, including doors, lighting fixtures and other hardware,” shared York.

“Mr. Abney was kind enough to take me and Main Street Greenville Director, Amber Garrett, on a tour of the upper floors last week. During that time, we found the original sign that hung in the window of Pierson & Reid Hardware Company, which was located in the building from 1889 through 1927. We are beyond excited to share this history with visitors and locals, alike.” The staff and board of the Visitors Bureau encourage anyone with information or memorabilia from The Ohio Block Building to call the office at (937) 548-5158.

Visitors to Darke County and local citizens are invited to stop by the Welcome Center when it opens later this summer. “The space will be brimming with rich, authentic local flavor,” expressed York. The lobby will house photo exhibits and artwork from Darke County artists throughout the year and be open for major events, such as The Hometown Holiday Horse Parade, Classic Car Show and First Friday events.

With the new location on the ground level next to the number one group destination in Darke County, staff and volunteers will be able to personally step on motorcoaches to welcome visitors, and invite them to the Welcome Center to learn more about places to visit in Darke County. Special hours will be set during the travel season including Saturdays to accommodate both leisure and group travelers.

With the increase in hours, the Visitors Bureau will be looking to add volunteers to its efforts. They will be set up in front of 421 South Broadway for First Friday in April. Stop by if you are interested in welcoming visitors to town and sharing your knowledge of the community. Local folks are encouraged to stop by the Visitors Bureau any time to pick up brochures for family reunions, weddings or for visiting friends and family.

Guides are also available at local festivals and events, and by calling the Visitors Bureau at (937) 548-5158 or via email at info@visitdarkecounty.org. Watch the Darke County Visitors Bureau’s Facebook page for information and pictures on the renovation progress, as well as a date for the open house.