Month: June 2010

Virginia Main Street Downtown Improvement Grants awarded

June 29, 2010

Seven designated Virginia Main Street (VMS) communities have been awarded VMS Downtown Improvement Grants in a special initiative marking the program’s 25th anniversary. Successful proposals in the competitive process demonstrated:  Measurable impacts or deliverables; Committee or volunteer project leadership/involvement; Partnerships and resource leveraging; Local government involvement or support; Up-to-date program reporting; and The ability to complete the … More Virginia Main Street Downtown Improvement Grants awarded

I want my M(ain Street)TV

June 25, 2010

When you think about it, Main Street is an easy sell. Supporting local merchants, caring for older buildings, and maintaining community character all have a feel-good quality; instinctively they’re the right things to do. And the community of volunteers and stakeholders who make it happen  sell it the best.  With inexpensive technology and free hosting … More I want my M(ain Street)TV

Guest Blogger: Warrenton’s Charla L. Malone on Main Street’s ambush-style makeover

June 24, 2010

Today, we are obsessed with makeovers.  On television, everything is given a chance for dramatic overhaul, from houses and children’s behavior to 18-wheelers and, of course, the face. Wouldn’t it be great to harness that interest and use it to motivate more people to walk your Main Street? The Partnership for Old Town Warrenton did just that … More Guest Blogger: Warrenton’s Charla L. Malone on Main Street’s ambush-style makeover

Putting events to work for your downtown district

June 22, 2010

Why do you do it? That festival takes months of planning. The parade risks being rained out. There are suddenly four previously un-calendared community events on the same weekend as the chili cook-off; the band shows up late; and the vendors haven’t brought enough change. Events can be a real headache. But you still put … More Putting events to work for your downtown district

South Boston puts on a show

June 18, 2010

The performing arts are at home on Main Streets throughout Virginia. Commissioned works on a regional theme premiere at Abingdon’s Barter Theatre.  Shakespearean tragedies move audiences at the Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton. And audiences around the country tune in to watch bluegrass legends pick and sing on Song of the Mountains from the stage of Marion’s Lincoln Theatre.  South Boston’s Prizery has added to that list … More South Boston puts on a show

Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Downtown: Summer toolkit registration now open

June 18, 2010

Wouldn’t you like to have a downtown filled with energetic and forward thinking businesses? In today’s fast changing economy, success belongs to those nimble risk takers who understand that their job is to fill consumer demand; The Entrepreneurs.  Join the Virginia Main Street network of downtown revitalization professionals and volunteers in Franklin on July 22 and 23 … More Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Downtown: Summer toolkit registration now open

The entrepreneur as community problem solver

June 16, 2010

Give an entrepreneur a challenge and let them rise to it.  That strategy is fueling two transportation efficiency efforts, and it may provide a much needed model for community problem-solving.  In one case, Oliver Kuttner, a Lynchburg entrepreneur, is responding to the fuel efficiency challenge made by Progressive Automotive’s X-Prize: to create a practical, safe car that can travel 100 miles on … More The entrepreneur as community problem solver

National Trust names new president

June 15, 2010

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which houses the National Trust Main Street Center, has named Stephanie Meeks as the organization’s eighth president.  Meeks replaces Richard Moe, who led the organization for the past 17 years before his retirement in late 2009. Meeks has an established track record leading large nonprofit organizations.  She served as president … More National Trust names new president

Virginia Preservation Toolkit, a green guide?

June 14, 2010

Historic preservation is gaining popular recognition as a “green” practice connected to broader sustainability goals.  After all, reuse of a historic building is fundamental recycling.  From a national perspective, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has created a Sustainability and Historic Preservation Web resource for homeowners, Main Street communities and preservation planners.   Now Virginia can … More Virginia Preservation Toolkit, a green guide?