While earthquakes and tornadoes are rare in most of the commonwealth, hurricane season is a regular fixture on our calendars in Virginia. The season typically runs from June to November with heightened activity August to October. In October 2018, Hurricane Michael raised to the Dan River to flood stage, causing damaged roads and buildings, and even … More Be Prepared: Dealing with Disaster Part 1 of 2
Learn how to get started with Community Heart & Soul, a powerful way to strengthen community. Created by the Orton Family Foundation, Community Heart & Soul is a unique community development model that brings people together to build stronger, healthier, and more economically vibrant small cities and towns based on what matters most to everyone. … More Workshop Series: Getting Started with Community Heart and Soul
During the month of July, the Rebuild! VA grant program was created to assist small businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout the state who have faced unprecedented economic distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Excitingly, the program has expanded its eligibility criteria to allow more small businesses to apply and receive needed assistance! “Small businesses and … More Rebuild! VA Grant: Eligibility Criteria Expanded
Based in Harrisonburg, Lineage is an inspiring store focused on the beauty of handmade craft. Lineage was recognized this year as one of Virginia’s outstanding businesses during Virginia Main Street’s Downtown Intersection conference. Head there for owner Paul Hansbarger’s signature leather and waxed cotton canvas designs and marvel in the details of the totes, weekenders, … More 2020 Merit Awards: Outstanding Business – Lineage
September 30th marks the deadline for people to respond to the 2020 Census! Every 10 years, the federal government strives to count the entire population of the United States, and an accurate census count matters greatly to Main Street communities. By providing a snapshot of our nation – who we are, where we live and … More The 2020 Census Matters to Main Street!
In Downtown Lynchburg, there are dozens of nonprofit organizations that require support to successfully complete their mission-driven work. Although conventional fundraising efforts have been hampered by the novel coronavirus pandemic, the public’s generosity remains vital, and that is why a new program seeks to encourage people to spare some change for change! Lynchburg residents, Peggy … More Change for Change: Caring Meters in Lynchburg, VA
During the 2020 Downtown Intersections Virtual Conference, Holly Redding (pictured left) received a Virginia Main Street (VMS) Merit Award, earning the meaningful “Volunteer of the Year” recognition. Redding was nominated by The Old Town Advancement Commission (OTAC) in Winchester, where she serves as chairperson of OTAC’s board of directors. Redding’s nomination was based on her … More 2020 Volunteer of the Year: Holly Redding
Excitingly, the towns of Cape Charles, Onancock, Tappahannock and Tazewell will be joining the Virginia Main Street (VMS) program / family! On September 16th, Governor Northam announced that these localities will become designated VMS communities, eager to revitalize their commercial districts and spur new growth! Since 1985, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development … More Four New Virginia Main Street Communities Announced!
Building a small manufacturing movement in your community? Empowering your local makers and producers? Join us for the fall Rev Up virtual workshop! Small-scale producers, or maker businesses, are defined as all types of small businesses producing tangible goods. This includes businesses producing goods in textile, hardware, wood, metal, 3D printing, and food, not to … More Register Now! Rev Up Downtown Business Resiliency
The National Trust for Historic Preservation’s (NTHP) annual preservation conference will be held virtually on Oct. 27-30, and registration has opened to the public. The virtual PastForward conference will showcase the vital preservation work taking place across the nation and feature more than 32 sessions on topics such as racial justice and equity, dealing with … More PastForward: National Preservation Conference
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