About Downtown Wabash
Downtown Wabash is not just a destination in Indiana, it’s also a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization leading the way for economic revitalization in Downtown Wabash while respecting the rich history of the district. In 1981, the Wabash community created our nonprofit organization from the “Main Street Movement,” which was born at the national level as an economic development tool.
Vision Statement
Our vision is a downtown district that is vibrant, every day and night.
Mission Statement
To be a catalyst for community and economic revitalization, as a nonprofit organization utilizing the Main Street Approach™ in Downtown Wabash.
Main Street Four Point Approach
ECONOMIC VITALITY focuses on capital, incentives and other economic and financial tools to assist new and existing businesses, catalyze property development and create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and innovators that drive local economies.
DESIGN supports a community's transformation by enhancing the physical and visual assets that set the commercial district apart.
ORGANIZATION involves creating a strong foundation for sustainable revitalization effort, including cultivating partnerships, community involvement and resources for the district.
PROMOTION positions the downtown as the center of the community and hub of economic activity, while creating a positive image that showcases a community's unique characteristics.
The Nonprofit
Formerly known as Wabash Marketplace, Inc. and established in 1981, Downtown Wabash, Inc. operates as a Nationally Accredited Main Street Organization among 132 other Main Streets in Indiana.
The Destination
Downtown Wabash sits in hilly terrain between the Wabash River and the Hill Street railroad tracks. The rich Big Four Railway history highlights the vaudeville roots of Wabash, making Wabash an arts & culture hub in the Northeast Indiana Region.
The Offerings
Recently designated an Indiana Cultural District by the Indiana Arts Commission, Downtown Wabash features many unique offerings in boutique shopping, live entertainment & movies, dining, lodging & recreational opportunities all in the 2-mile footprint.
Downtown Wabash Resource Downloads
Curious to know more about Downtown Wabash, Inc. as the nonprofit organization? Here are some resources to check out.
Meet the Team
Together, our small but mighty team works to make the Downtown Wabash district an awesome place to be 24/7, 365 days a year.
Kristen Petruniw
Executive Director
Kristen joined the Downtown Wabash, Inc. team in February of 2024 bringing a diverse professional background and immense community involvement to the nonprofit. Kristen previously worked in the education sector as a School Counselor for Marion Community Schools and has served diligently on numerous local boards of directors. She currently serves as the program director for the Wabash County Blessings in a Backpack program, is the Vice President of the Wabash City Schools School Board and previously served for six years as board chairman of the Wabash County Museum Board. With her extensive nonprofit expertise in financial management, grant applications, fundraising initiatives, event planning and community involvement programming, Kristen upholds Downtown Wabash, Inc.'s vision of a downtown district that is vibrant every day and night.
Adrianna Town
Marketing Manager
Adrianna joined our dynamic team as Marketing Manager in September of 2023. Adrianna brings experience in higher education recruitment and communication. She graduated from Huntington University in 2019 with a degree in Marketing & Communication Studies. After graduation she worked as a Senior Admissions Counselor guiding students through the college search process, loan and scholarship applications and freshman year onboarding. Her favorite part of working at Downtown Wabash, Inc. is promoting the incredible businesses and creating content that captures the vibrancy of our downtown district.
Carly Hawkins
Downtown Coordinator
Carly is our intern-turned-employee with nearly three years of experience working for Downtown Wabash, Inc. She focuses her efforts on all things events-related for Downtown, including making our Farmers Market the freshest place to be on Saturday mornings during the Farmers Market season and ensuring Downtown is a vibrant place to be during First Fridays and holiday events. Her favorite aspect of the job is collaborating with local businesses to make experiences in downtown spectacular. Carly is also a student at Indiana University Kokomo in her third year studying Marketing & Communications.
2024 Elected Officers and Directors
president
Neil Bever
Hoosier Chiropractic
vice-president
Amanda Lopez
Transform Consulting Group
secretary
Kara Fulmer
Honeywell Arts & Entertainment
treasurer
Erika White
Crossroads Bank
member
Cathy Gatchel
Honeywell Arts & Entertainment
member
Noah Roberts
Ford Meter Box
member
Jordan Tandy
Downs, Tandy & Petruniw, P.C.
member
Shane Waters
Arc Light Media
member
Kelli Winer
Kelli Winer Design
member
Bob Lundquist
Lundquist Appraisals & Real Estate
member
Isaias Tactuk
Market Street Grill
ex-officio
Scott Long
Mayor of Wabash
ex-officio
Christine Flohr
Visit Wabash County
ex-officio
Tenille Zartman
Grow Wabash County
