Category: Economic Restructuring

Marion’s revitalization path highlighted by municipal league

February 18, 2010

This month, the Virginia Municipal Leagues’ magazine, Virginia Town and City, features a cover story on the revitalization of Downtown Marion. The subhead reads: “Downtown success story wasn’t written overnight,” and the article, by Marion Downtown Revitalization Association Executive Director Ken Heath, stresses the deliberate, step-by-step approach the community has taken to bring visitors downtown to … More Marion’s revitalization path highlighted by municipal league

The Crooked Road on Dozen Distinctive Destinations List

February 8, 2010

Southwest Virginia’s “Crooked Road” region has been named one of the 2010 America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The 253-mile route through Virginia’s Appalachian region winds through 10 counties, three cities, and 19 towns. Originally conceived and incubated through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), the project was designed … More The Crooked Road on Dozen Distinctive Destinations List

Tourism magnets on Virginia’s Main Streets

January 25, 2010

It’s no newsflash for Main Street communities that cultural heritage and history-based tourism can bring meaningful revenue downtown. Here are a few examples of strategic investments and attractions affecting Main Street communities. They’re gathered by our friends at the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR). To sign up for DHR’s news clips, contact: Randy Jones. Tourism and Rail in Lynchburg: When city and state officials worked … More Tourism magnets on Virginia’s Main Streets

Staunton’s strategic arts investment and the power of community

December 28, 2009

Just as the Oregon Shakespeare Festival anchors a comprehensive and lively arts scene in the City of Ashland, Oregon, the American Shakespeare Center has sparked greater investment in the performing arts as an economic tool in the Shenandoah Valley community of Staunton. Soon, in addition to menu of Shakespeare at the Blackfriar’s Playhouse, community leaders hope to offer visitors contemporary … More Staunton’s strategic arts investment and the power of community

Video: Culpeper’s thriving foodshed

December 21, 2009

Downtown Culpeper’s focus on farm fresh food through the farmer’s market, destination restaurants, and special food themed events has contributed to the revitalization of the historic community.  Watch “Meet the Farmer” host Michael Clark talk with community leaders involved in the new vitality of Culpeper.  The segment features Culpeper Renaissance, Inc. in a success story that builds on the … More Video: Culpeper’s thriving foodshed

Video: VMS Intern Margaret Barre’s downtown revitalization effort featured in news

December 14, 2009

As part of a downtown commercial revitalization course at Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Main Street intern Margaret Barre and her colleagues have developed a revitalization strategy for the community of Ashland.  The real-world case study ended in a presentation to the Town Council.  Watch the NBC-12 news video to learn more about the student’s strategic … More Video: VMS Intern Margaret Barre’s downtown revitalization effort featured in news

The new normal

December 7, 2009

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

The end is near!!

December 4, 2009

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!!

Community-building “Stars” named by Virginians for the Arts

November 24, 2009

Two Main Street communities pulled top honors in the Virginians for the Arts’ Arts Build Communities Awards. The awards recognize arts organizations that best demonstrate the ability to enhance the community, lift spirits, and build a better quality of life.  The Barter Theatre in Abingdon was named Shining Star:  With 150,000 annual patrons, The Barter Theatre … More Community-building “Stars” named by Virginians for the Arts