June 6, 2025

Meadville Community Revitalization Corporation Receives Townie Award from the Pennsylvania Downtown Center

Bedford, PA – The Meadville Community Revitalization Corporation (MCRC) has been recognized with a prestigious Townie Award from the Pennsylvania Downtown Center for its creative and heartwarming holiday video, “A Meadville Mistletoe Miracle: A Holiday Shopping Love Story.” The video was honored in the category of Retail Promotions at the annual Townie Awards gala held in Bedford, PA, as part of this year’s “Gather & Grow” event.

Accepting the award on behalf of the project were MCRC Executive Director and video co-star Andy Walker, Ashley Mattocks-Rose of Gin and Sonic Productions, Renna Wrubleski, Community Development Director for the City of Meadville, and Ron Mattocks, owner of Bull Moose Marketing, which provided creative direction and digital distribution strategy.

Produced and launched in December 2024, the four-minute video is a playful homage to Hallmark-style holiday films. It follows a globe-trotting pop star who returns to Meadville and rediscovers romance and charm amid the city’s small businesses and festive storefronts. The project quickly gained traction, amassing more than 15,000 views within 24 hours of release and lighting up social media with community pride.

“This award represents more than just a creative win,” said Andy Walker. “It reflects the heart of MCRC’s mission — to foster economic development in Downtown Meadville by engaging the community, supporting local business, and showcasing everything that makes this place worth investing in.”

A Model of Collaborative Creativity

The project united a wide network of local collaborators, including MCRC, the City of Meadville, and the Meadville Independent Business Alliance (MIBA). Videographer Sophia Bakken played a key role in turning early technical challenges into a polished final product, while co-star and musical performer Ashley Mattocks-Rose added a lively soundtrack to the story. The video’s script and scenes were developed and shot within just three days — a testament to the passion and energy of Meadville’s creative community.

“This video is proof that when we come together, amazing things happen,” said Wrubleski. “It was a labor of love that promoted our downtown in a way that felt fun, fresh, and genuinely ‘us.’”

Recognition on a Statewide Stage

The Townie Awards are presented annually by the Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC), the statewide organization supporting community revitalization. PDC’s Executive Director, Julie Fitzpatrick, called the awards “an opportunity to showcase the incredible work happening in Pennsylvania’s business districts and neighborhoods.” This year’s gala honored 19 projects out of nearly 200 eligible communities, making the Townies a competitive and sought-after distinction.

“Our Main Street and Elm Street leaders work tirelessly to make Pennsylvania communities places we’re proud to call home,” said Fitzpatrick. “This year’s awardees — including Meadville — truly show why Main Street matters.”

More Than a Holiday Story

While festive in spirit, the video campaign is a strategic example of how MCRC is building a unified brand identity for downtown — a key focus of the CRC’s broader revitalization strategy. Retail promotion and storytelling are essential tools in creating vibrancy, attracting investment, and inspiring pride of place.

To watch “A Meadville Mistletoe Miracle,” visit the MCRC Facebook page at facebook.com/meadvillecrcorp or go directly to the video via bit.ly/MeadvilleHolidayVideo.

About the Pennsylvania Downtown Center

Founded in 1987, the mission of Pennsylvania Downtown Center is to advance the sense of place, quality of life and economic vitality of Pennsylvania’s downtowns, traditional neighborhood business districts and nearby residential areas.

About the Meadville Community Revitalization Corporation (MCRC)

The MCRC is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing Greater Downtown Meadville. Through strategic partnerships, innovative projects, and community engagement, the MCRC aims to enhance the economic, cultural, and social vibrancy of downtown Meadville.

Contact:

Andy Walker
Executive Director
Meadville Community Revitalization Corporation
Phone: (814) 282-5058
Email: awalker@allegheny.edu