Webinar Series – Downtown Buildings: Tools for Revitalization

Virginia Main Street (VMS) is hosting a series of three webinars throughout June covering topics related to downtown buildings and tools for revitalization.  All webinars are FREE, however, registration for each one is required. Virginia Rehabilitation Code June 6, 2018, Noon-1 p.m. Speaker: Jeff Brown, MCP, Director of State Building Codes, DHCD The Rehabilitation Code … More Webinar Series – Downtown Buildings: Tools for Revitalization

Collaborate for Impact

If you want to grow your volunteer and donor pipeline, you must reach out to your locals and create an opportunity for input.  Listen and find out what they love about where they live.  If they see their ideas implemented, they are more likely to contribute their time and money, making Main Street’s mission much … More Collaborate for Impact

Increase Your Small Business Success During National Small Business Week

Lexington is celebrating the start up of four new downtown businesses! On the evening of April 11, more than 100 fans witnessed a group of aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their best ideas for new downtown businesses in a one-night version of “Shark Tank,” with $60,000 in grants awarded.  Main Street Lexington hosted Launch Lex, which provided … More Increase Your Small Business Success During National Small Business Week

Virginia Main Street 2018 Merit Awards – Nominations are Open!

Downtown Intersections is just a few months away! Virginia Main Street staff have been working hard to craft an agenda, secure speakers, develop walking tours and create workshops that will educate, inspire and empower our communities. Now, we need your help to recognize achievement, innovation and success in our Main Street communities. Nominations are now … More Virginia Main Street 2018 Merit Awards – Nominations are Open!

Want a Stronger, Vibrant Nonprofit Board of Directors?

How does your board keep itself strong and dynamic?  How does it deal with difficult challenges?  A team is only as strong as its members, yet boards often lose sight of the needs of individual board volunteers.  Building a team is also a critical activity.  However, in a quest to plan, fund raise, organize and … More Want a Stronger, Vibrant Nonprofit Board of Directors?

Webinar – Buy Local First: Driving Customers to Main Street for a Resilient Economy

On March 8, 12 – 1 p.m., Virginia Main Street is offering a free webinar focused on how to promote buying local and practical ways to build a resilient economy in your community.   Local isn’t just a place on a map. It’s people: your neighbors and their families, their businesses, farms, nonprofits, events, and … More Webinar – Buy Local First: Driving Customers to Main Street for a Resilient Economy

New Report Shows Historic Tax Credits Boost Virginia’s Economy

During an annual legislative reception hosted last week, First Lady Pam Northam highlighted the findings of two just-completed studies showing the sustained and substantial contribution that historic preservation makes to Virginia’s economy, specifically through the state and federal historic rehabilitation tax credits (HRTCs) One study, conducted by the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and … More New Report Shows Historic Tax Credits Boost Virginia’s Economy

Vote for America’s Happiest Seaside Town

COASTAL LIVING magazine recently announced its seventh annual top 10 list of America’s Happiest Seaside Towns.  The unranked list includes top beach destinations across the United States, from Michigan to Florida and from Oregon to…Virginia’s Cape Charles! Here’s your call to action!  You have until February 6 at 5 p.m. EST to vote for your … More Vote for America’s Happiest Seaside Town

2018 VMS Training Opportunities

The people who make up the Virginia Main Street network are passionate advocates, dedicated volunteers, influential stakeholders, and community organizers who work every day to turn the tide in their communities – catalyzing reinvestment, creating jobs, and fostering pride of place.  In order to meet new Main Street challenges and foster an effective organization, Virginia … More 2018 VMS Training Opportunities