Advertising that one of its many attractions has been the recent growth in per capita income among its citizens, Town A pursued its campaign to draw new business to the area.

A. its many attractions has been the recent
B. its many attractions had been the recent
C. its many attractions was the recent
D. their many attractions has been the recent
E. their many attractions had been the recent

The OA is B.

I do not get why C is not the answer. I do not see timing issue here. Someone help, please!