Author: Douglas Charles Jackson

Roanoke VA based writer and community coach.

Main Street merchant profile: Waynesboro Florist’s Webber Payne

April 1, 2011

Waynesboro Florist has been a downtown staple for 45 years, and owner Webber Payne says he can’t imagine the store being anywhere else. “We benefit from the foot traffic downtown,” he says, “and we add to it as well.” Webber Payne grew up in the family business, which has survived economic cycles, changes in the regional industrial base, and even a 1978 … More Main Street merchant profile: Waynesboro Florist’s Webber Payne

Advance Abingdon gets up close and personal with merchants

March 7, 2011

When people proudly shop locally, they do so to support their neighbors and fellow community members–those working to earn a living, create a job or two, and invest in the district. It makes sense then that highlighting people behind the business can strengthen the the link between merchants and their customers. That is exactly the point of one of … More Advance Abingdon gets up close and personal with merchants

Staunton completes banner project

February 7, 2011

In 2010, the Staunton Downtown Development Association (SDDA)  received one of two community projects that took advantage of Virginia Main Street’s recent Downtown Improvement Grants to fund identity banners. (We took a look at the Culpeper’s banner project in the January 13 blog post.) Before the grant, Staunton had a priority-based budget and the funds to only place the banners in part of … More Staunton completes banner project

Classic settings for classic films

January 31, 2011

Community members working to revitalize their downtown often reminisce of Saturdays when residents poured into the streets. Frequently the movies are part of those recollections, and the black and white photos show it to be the case. People crowd the sidewalks, and on the marquee above them: Double Indemnity, Singing in the Rain, Some Like it Hot.  These classic … More Classic settings for classic films

Virginia Main Street Downtown Improvement Grants at work

January 13, 2011

In the summer of 2010, Virginia Main Street (VMS) provided seven Downtown Improvement Grants (DIGs)  that allowed designated Main Street communities to undertake specific projects for which they did not otherwise have funding. The small grants, capped at $2,500, were awarded in a competitive process based on projected outcomes, committee and volunteeer leadership, and the capacity to successfully complete the planned project. While Virginia Main … More Virginia Main Street Downtown Improvement Grants at work

Plan now to attend 2011 Main Street trainings

January 10, 2011

Now is the time to plan for 2011 downtown revitalization trainings.  The Virginia Main Street training calendar is available.  And on the national front, preparations are being made for the Main Streets Conference, this year to be held in Des Moines, Iowa. Don’t wait. Get these important dates inked in on your 2011 calendar today: March 31: Milestone Awards, Richmond May 22-25: … More Plan now to attend 2011 Main Street trainings

Main Street Merchant Profile: The Yellow Button

January 6, 2011

The Yellow Button, a clothing boutique for the fashionable in the heart of Harrisonburg, knows its cutomer. Students and  professionals in the Shendandoah Valley don’t want to give up access to quality clothes and accessories just because they’re not in a major urban area. In fact, this 2009 photo shoot, which uses Harrisonburg’s downtown streets as … More Main Street Merchant Profile: The Yellow Button

Newsweek profile shows benefit of comprehensive approach

December 29, 2010

Newsweek’s  recent coverage of the ongoing turnaround of Vineland, New Jersey’s historic commercial district demonstrates the value of a coordinated approach to downtown revitalization. Their strategy involves increasing access to capital and technical assistance for emerging businesses, public and private re-investment in the rehabilitation of historic buildings, and community engagement in a downtown district.  Sound familiar? Read the article, “How to Save … More Newsweek profile shows benefit of comprehensive approach

Downtown remains the holiday gathering place

December 21, 2010

Traditional holiday events continue to draw crowds downtown this year in spite of the bone-chilling weather experienced in many parts of the commonwealth. Last Friday, Rocky Mount’s “Come Home to a Franklin County Christmas,” had its largest turnout yet as guests enjoyed music, food, and shopping with vendors and merchants.  “The horse-drawn carriage rides and the miniature horse … More Downtown remains the holiday gathering place