With sub-freezing temperatures and snow covered lawns, it’s kind of hard right now to imagine the vine ripened, farm fresh tomatoes that will be sold at Virginia’s farmers’ markets this summer. But for those in charge of the community market, the dark days of winter are a good time to to prepare for your best season ever. For inspiration: check out … More Farmers’ markets around the world and close to home
Downtown Blackstone, Inc. (DBI) has been full of activity this holiday season, successfully coordinating retail promotions and image building events. The Second Annual Downtown Holiday Open House kicked off the season November 27. Following the Grand Illumination in the town park, DBi drew crowds into downtown by coordinating activities with the local merchants, such as carriage rides, choral … More Blackstone holiday events keep local elves busy
Before you get too excited about the coming recovery, have you heard about the “new normal?” The “new normal” is the term that many have been using for economic growth that is slower than what we became accustomed to over the past decade or so. Doug Dachille, of First Principles Capital Management, says in this clip … More The new normal
Hiring will rebound sooner rather than later and now is a great time to start your own business. At least that is what Daniel Gross of Slate and Newsweek says in his Moneybox column, “Coming Soon: Jobs!” According to Gross, we should be seeing the end of the “Great Recession” in the near future. “Before … More The end is near!!
The Town of Rocky Mount is working with its Main Street program to invest in an innovative strategy to boost retail spending. The project, coordinated by the Community Partnership for Revitalization (CPR), was branded “5 on us’ by the economic restructuring committee. “5 On Us” will incorporate $5 vouchers redeemable at participating local merchants in the uptown and downtown areas. The cash vouchers are as good as cash toward … More Local investment may boost local retail spending
Did you know that Virginia.org receives six million visitors a year? The goal of Virginia Tourism Corporation is “more people, staying longer, spending more money,” and your community can be a part of this. Check out the city, town and county link to see if yours is listed. No? Reach out to your local tourism center, chamber of commerce … More Virginia Tourism site can send visitors to your Main Street
How green is your Main Street? The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC), and Virginia Hospitality & Travel Association (VHTA) have partnered for the Virginia Green program. This is the statewide campaign to promote environmentally friendly practices in Virginia’s tourism industry – and it’s one more opportunity to market your community. Certification is … More How green is your Main Street?
A proper market study can be an expensive and complicated pursuit. It’s a major community project that requires time, commitment, and the active involvement of a group of dedicated people. And let’s be realistic too. Considering that dedicated group is volunteering their time outside of work and family responsibilities, completing and implementing a market study … More As easy as 1, 2, 3: A downtown market analysis tool at your fingertips
Economic development and arts professionals convened in South Boston last week to explore strategies for harnessing the “creative class” in their communities. The conference, “Art and the Creative Economy,” featured notable speakers presenting examples of how small towns and cities have enhanced their economies by embracing the arts. The term “creative class,” as coined by Richard … More Arts and the economy converge at South Boston conference
Virginia Main Street welcomes its newest team member, 2009-10 intern Margaret Barre. Margaret will graduate in 2010 from VCU’s Masters program in Urban and Regional Planning with a focus on urban revitalization. After growing up in New Orleans, Margaret received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Louisiana, Lafayette. She then followed a dream of living … More Welcome VMS intern Margaret Barre
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