DHCD’s Virginia Enterprise Zone (VEZ) program has just finished facilitating three regional how-to-apply workshops to spread the word about the upcoming designation round. On October 1, 2012, the program will begin accepting applications to fill the positions of two zones that are due to expire at the end of this year. Much like VMS, the … More Virginia Enterprise Zone 2013 Designation Round
Economic Development incentives are a component of economic development policy to encourage growth in traditionally impoverished or underdeveloped areas in the United States. Virginia offers a variety of performance-based incentives. From tax credits to tax exemptions, Virginia continues to demonstrate its willingness to invest in those who invest and reinvest in the commonwealth. While economic … More Incentives
Staunton/Augusta/Waynesboro’s economy ranked among the country’s strongest micropolitan areas, reports the March issue of Site Selection Magazine. The Staunton/Augusta/Waynesboro area is tied at #13 in the national ranking and is top-ranked for Virginia. The only other Virginia locality to make the list, Martinsville, came in at #32. The U.S. Census Bureau defines a micropolitan region as … More Staunton/Augusta/Waynesboro In Top 20 “Micropolitans” Nationwide
A kickoff event celebrating Hopewell’s designation as an official Virginia Main Street (VMS) community was held Thursday, January 12 at the Beacon Theater in downtown Hopewell. At the event, the VMS staff presented the town with road signs signifying its designation as a Main Street Community and joined with local officials in remarking on the … More Hopewell Celebrates Virginia Main Street Designation
Lynchburg station WSET recently featured Altavista’s efforts to build business downtown. The community’s Main Street organization, Altavisa On Track, has helped in the coordination and implementation of a DHCD-awarded Community Development Block Grant, and recently created an arts and antique incubator to spark entrepreneurship in the historic district. The strategy was the result of a Virginia Main Street-sponsored economic-restructuring plan facilitated by … More Altavista On Track arts incubator effort spotlighted
Main Street efforts are already bringing together economic, social and environmental goals in pursuit of fostering quality in their communities. To push it a step futher, 70 participants gathered in Staunton in July for two days of conversation on and the examination of sustainability models in Virginia. Speakers included Andrea Dono of the National Trust for … More Sustainable Main Street resources available
Lexington, Virginia has served as the home of Washington and Lee University since 1780 and Virginia Military Institute since 1839. This historic downtown is a great location to ponder the nexus between downtown revitalization, community development, and higher education. On June 7 and 8, Virginia Downtown Development Association (VDDA) will do just that at its Annual Workshop, this year titled, “Melding Town and … More Town and gown topic of VDDA Annual Workshop June 7-8
Applications are now being accepted from Designated Virginia Main Street (VMS) Communities for the 2011 Downtown Improvement Grants. Traditionally capped at $2,500 for special Main Street projects, Downtown Improvement Grants will be available in amounts up to $7,500 for the four Designated VMS Communties served by CSX Transportation lines, thanks to a generous matching grant from the corporation. CSX Transportation operates a … More 2011 Virginia Main Street Downtown Improvement Grants to include new CSX partnership
On March 31, 2011, community leaders from the 21 Designated Virginia Main Street Communities met to celebrate achievements built over the course of their efforts. The crowd of 95 gathered for the Milestone Achievement Awards luncheon and ceremony at Richmond’s historic Jefferson Hotel. At the ceremony, Mary Rae Carter, Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade for Rural Development congratulated the communities … More Congratulations Milestone Achievement Award Recipients!
The Department of Historic Resources (DHR) posted a new slide show for their web feature “Historic Virginia, Site of the Month.” This month DHR features images and highlights of the changing nature of the circa-1824 Henry County Courthouse, which found new life in 2010 thanks to grants from Save America’s Treasures and the local Harvest … More Martinsville Courthouse Historic Virginia Site of the Month
Virginia Main Street 