Month: August 2011

Tayloe Murphy Resilience Award finalists announced

August 26, 2011

The Darden School of Business and its Tayloe Murphy Center at the University of Virginia has announced 14 finalists for the 2011 Tayloe Murphy Resilience Award.  The following businesses in Virginia Main Street Communities were selected from among 88 applicants and 21 semi-finalists: A Bowl of Good Cafe, Inc., Harrisonburg Gearclean, Winchester Highground Services, Franklin … More Tayloe Murphy Resilience Award finalists announced

“If you don’t have anything else to do, dress up like a hotdog.”

August 24, 2011

Downtown districts hold events for a variety of reasons:  to raise the identity and up the energy of a district, to earn money for the  downtown organization and to boost retail sales in district stores.  All are good reasons, and the events promote the role of the district as the central convening point in a … More “If you don’t have anything else to do, dress up like a hotdog.”

Bike Virginia puts pedal power into Radford economy

August 22, 2011

For three days, 2,000 cyclists from Virginia and other eastern states encamped in Radford as part of the 2011 Bike Virginia Tour. And, to help the region make the most of the event’s economic impact – projected at more than $1.5 million over the complete five days – Main Street Radford was busy providing volunteers, information, a welcoming spirit … More Bike Virginia puts pedal power into Radford economy

Sustainable Main Street resources available

August 19, 2011

Main Street efforts are already bringing together economic, social and environmental goals in pursuit of fostering quality in their communities. To push it a step futher, 70 participants gathered in Staunton in July for two days of conversation on and the examination of sustainability models in Virginia. Speakers included Andrea Dono of the National Trust for … More Sustainable Main Street resources available

Virginia Main Street designates four new communities

August 16, 2011

Governor McDonnell announced yesterday that four new communities can now tout their distinction as Designated Virginia Main Street Communities.  The new communities are the cities of Hopewell and Bristol and the towns of Farmville and St. Paul.  They were chosen based on a combination of factors that included need, readiness, community support and appropriateness of their … More Virginia Main Street designates four new communities

Downtown Improvement Grants Awarded

August 15, 2011

Five Designated Virginia Main Street (VMS) Communities have been awarded 2011 Downtown Improvment Grants.  This year, VMS communities served by CSX Transportation rail lines were eligible for a match of up to $5,000 from the corporation, pushing the awards from $2,500 to a total of $7,500.  Waynesboro and Winchester will receive CSX Transportation VMS Downtown Improvement Grants. Communities … More Downtown Improvement Grants Awarded