Month: October 2009

Arts and the economy converge at South Boston conference

October 29, 2009

Economic development and arts professionals convened in South Boston last week to explore strategies for harnessing the “creative class” in their communities. The conference, “Art and the Creative Economy,” featured notable speakers presenting examples of how small towns and cities have enhanced their economies by embracing the arts. The term “creative class,” as coined by Richard … More Arts and the economy converge at South Boston conference

Welcome VMS intern Margaret Barre

October 23, 2009

Virginia Main Street welcomes its newest team member, 2009-10 intern Margaret Barre. Margaret will graduate in 2010 from VCU’s Masters program in Urban and Regional Planning  with a focus on urban revitalization. After growing up in New Orleans, Margaret received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Louisiana, Lafayette. She then  followed a dream of living … More Welcome VMS intern Margaret Barre

The Art of Downtown: Revitalization with an arts and culture approach

October 23, 2009

Download the Fall 2009 Main Street Monitor for a look at revitalization efforts centered on arts and cultural assets around the commonwealth.  The Art of Downtown: Revitalization with an arts and cultural approach features include 10 tips for building on your community’s cultural assets 7 best practices for implementing a mural program 3 elephants, a … More The Art of Downtown: Revitalization with an arts and culture approach

Downtown Lynchburg shines for cabinet community day

October 22, 2009

Governor Timothy M. Kaine, his cabinet and members of his senior staff conducted their sixteenth and final Cabinet Community Day on a sundrenched, autumn Tuesday, Oct. 20 in downtown Lynchburg.  The Governor holds four Cabinet Community Days every year, visiting eight regions of the state twice over the course of the administration.  Executive Director Angela … More Downtown Lynchburg shines for cabinet community day

Virginia Main Street celebrity siting

October 19, 2009

The Star Exponent says it was Culpeper’s “cool and unassuming” nature that drew a rock  icon to town last week.  And there’s probably something to that.  The town’s Main Street effort, led by Culpeper Renaissance, Inc., has done much to foster the  town as an epicurean destination. A vibrant farmer’s market, gourmet food and wine shops, and fine dining … More Virginia Main Street celebrity siting

A press interview with Rocky Mount’s Katie McElroy

October 13, 2009

A recent Roanoke Times article gave newly hired executive director Katie McElroy an opportunity to promote the  work of the Community Partnership for Revitalization, the nonprofit organization that coordinates Rocky Mount’s uptown and downtown revitalization efforts. The article, “Future the Focus in Rocky Mount”, spotlighted McElroy, who used the media’s interest in her hiring to get word out about the organization’s strategies … More A press interview with Rocky Mount’s Katie McElroy

Increasing happiness on Main Street

October 1, 2009

Even with the economic struggles of the recession, it turns out there are plenty of reasons to be happy, especially if you’re an entrepreneur, says one recent study. The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index is taking a 25-year look at our lives through an ongoing 100,000-person survey. The self-employed, citing the greater control of outcomes and the civic ties and … More Increasing happiness on Main Street