Last month, local Main Street directors from across the state gathered in Wytheville, Virginia for the 2023 Virginia Main Street (VMS) Director’s Retreat. Hosted by Downtown Wytheville, Inc. (DWI), the event offered three days of learning, networking and energizing camaraderie!

There was a tour of the historic Millwald Theatre, which recently reopened to the public after an extensive restoration and expansion project; downtown scavenger hunts and for-impact project development sessions; and a behind-scenes-look at 7 Dogs Brewpub. The VMS team and more than two dozen Advancing Virginia Main Street (AVMS) directors had a blast exploring Downtown Wytheville and learning about what makes the community so unique. The retreat offered an opportunity for Main Street directors to connect, share best practices, learn from each other and reflect on the success of Wytheville’s dynamic downtown revitalization efforts over the past seven years.

“We were extremely excited to be chosen to host the 2023 VMS Director’s Retreat this year and welcome VMS staff and communities from across the Commonwealth to Downtown Wytheville. Things have come full circle in the last seven years for our organization and community, and we were thrilled to share and reflect on our downtown revitalization experiences in hopes that others can take home ideas and implement them in their own respective communities.”

– Todd Wolford, Executive Director, Downtown Wytheville, Inc.

After a fun-filled three days, everyone left energized, inspired and ready to help make a positive impact in their community. We can’t wait until next year to make even more great memories!