Parkersburg YMCA Event Boosts Local Economic Activity – Meyka

Analysis of the ‘Sweet Treats on Broad Street’ Event and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

This report examines the ‘Sweet Treats on Broad Street’ event, organized by the YMCA of Parkersburg, assessing its local economic and social impact in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative demonstrates a successful model for integrating community development with sustainable economic practices.

Economic Stimulation and Contribution to SDG 8

Promoting Decent Work and Economic Growth

The event serves as a significant catalyst for local economic activity, directly supporting SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). By fostering collaboration with local enterprises, it drives commerce and creates temporary economic opportunities, bolstering the regional economy.

• Increased foot traffic and revenue for businesses located on Broad Street.
• A reported 15% sales increase for participating vendors in the previous year, highlighting direct financial benefits.
• Reinforcement of a local economic ecosystem that supports small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Community Engagement and Contribution to SDG 11

Fostering Inclusive and Sustainable Communities

‘Sweet Treats on Broad Street’ is instrumental in strengthening the social fabric of Parkersburg, contributing to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The event creates an inclusive public space that enhances community cohesion, safety, and a sense of belonging among residents.

• Attracts a diverse audience of residents and visitors from surrounding areas.
• Offers a range of activities, including tastings and performances, that promote cultural exchange and social interaction.
• Strengthens communal ties, which is essential for building resilient and sustainable community development models.

Collaborative Framework and Contribution to SDG 17

Building Partnerships for the Goals

The operational model of the event exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). It is built on a multi-stakeholder partnership involving a non-profit organization (the YMCA), private sector businesses, and the local community, demonstrating how collaboration can achieve shared development objectives.

1. The YMCA provides the organizational framework and community-focused mission.
2. Local businesses and sponsors contribute resources and participate as vendors, gaining economic benefits while supporting a community cause.
3. The community engages as attendees, providing financial support for both the non-profit’s mission and local enterprises.

Non-Profit Funding and Contribution to SDG 3

Securing Resources for Good Health and Well-being

A primary outcome of the event is the generation of crucial funding for the YMCA, which supports its mission to enhance community welfare. This aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), as the proceeds are reinvested into programs promoting physical and mental health for all ages.

• Revenue is generated through ticket sales and vendor participation fees.
• Funds are allocated directly to sustain and expand YMCA community programs.
• This sustainable funding model ensures the continuation of services that are vital to the community’s overall health and well-being.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article highlights issues and initiatives that connect to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The primary SDGs addressed are:

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The article’s central theme is the “local economic impact” of the Sweet Treats on Broad Street event. It emphasizes how the event stimulates the local economy, boosts sales for small businesses, and supports regional growth, which are core components of SDG 8.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The event is portrayed as a community-building initiative that “fosters a sense of community and belonging” and “strengthens communal ties.” By creating a vibrant, engaging local event, it contributes to making the community more inclusive, safe, and resilient, aligning with the goals of SDG 11.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The article explicitly mentions the importance of partnerships. The success of the event is attributed to the YMCA “partnering with local businesses and sponsors.” This collaboration between a non-profit (civil society) and the private sector is a direct example of the multi-stakeholder partnerships promoted by SDG 17.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 8.3 (under SDG 8): “Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises…”
   • Explanation: The article directly supports this target by describing how the event stimulates the local economy through small businesses. It states that “Shops along Broad Street report increased foot traffic and sales” and that the event is “a key driver of local economic impact,” which directly aids the growth of small- and medium-sized enterprises in Parkersburg.
2. Target 11.a (under SDG 11): “Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning.”
   • Explanation: The event serves as a model for strengthening regional development. The article notes that the initiative can “aid regional development” and that its “dual impact ensures both immediate economic gains and long-term community growth, showcasing a sustainable model for other towns.” This demonstrates how a local event can create positive economic and social links within a region.
3. Target 17.17 (under SDG 17): “Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.”
   • Explanation: The article provides a clear example of this target in action. The event’s success relies on the YMCA of Parkersburg (a civil society organization) “collaborating with local businesses” and “partnering with local businesses and sponsors” (the private sector). This partnership is presented as “vital for sustained regional growth.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions and implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• For Target 8.3:
  • Mentioned Indicator: The article provides a specific, quantitative indicator of economic growth for small businesses: a “15% sales increase for participating vendors.” This directly measures the event’s economic impact.
  • Implied Indicator: “Increased foot traffic” is mentioned as a direct result of the event, which serves as a qualitative and potentially quantifiable indicator of increased economic activity for local shops.
• For Target 11.a:
  • Implied Indicator: The article implies progress through qualitative measures such as a strengthened “sense of community and belonging” and “communal ties.” A quantifiable indicator could be the number of attendees, including “residents and visitors from surrounding areas,” which measures the event’s reach and role in connecting the community.
• For Target 17.17:
  • Implied Indicator: The number of participating “local businesses and sponsors” serves as a direct indicator of the scale and success of the civil society-private sector partnership. The article emphasizes this collaboration as a key element of the event’s success.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: meyka.com