A kickoff event celebrating Hopewell’s designation as an official Virginia Main Street (VMS) community was held Thursday, January 12 at the Beacon Theater in downtown Hopewell.

At the event, the VMS staff presented the town with road signs signifying its designation as a Main Street Community and joined with local officials in remarking on the community’s past and future revitalization efforts.  Food and beverages were sponsored by the John Randolph Medical Center and local restaurants, Lucky Start (formerly Pearl River) and Stone’s Diner.

In attendance at the event were Mayor Moore of Petersburg and Patrice Lewis, a representative for Senator Warner, who each read letters expressing support and enthusiasm for Hopewell’s designation.  Hopewell Mayor Christina Luman-Bailey recognized attending business and industry leaders and representatives from Ft. Lee, Colonial Heights, Prince George and Chester for their commitment and regional support.

“This is not only about Hopewell, but about the entire region, and we look forward to seeing the ‘Wonder City,’ Hopewell’s historic nickname, take on a rejuvenated role in the region,” stated Mayor Luman-Bailey.

Thursday’s kickoff event followed several prior trainings for volunteers and partners of the Hopewell Downtown Partnership (HDP), the organization who spearheaded the application process for designation and will lead the local Main Street program.  This training will be the first of many intensive services the organization will receive as a newly designated VMS community.

“We have come a long way,” commented HDP Board President Jim Poe, “but we still have a lot of work ahead of us to realize our vision for a fully revitalized downtown.  That said, together with the town, the state, local businesses and citizens, our volunteers and future staff will help make Hopewell an even more pleasant place to work, live and visit.”

For more information about Hopewell’s revitalization efforts, contact Jim Poe at (804) 400-3200 or etpoe@aol.com.