Category: Uncategorized

A Tale of Two Community Engagement Events

April 24, 2017

As an inherently grassroots movement, effective community engagement is an essential component of any successful Main Street program. Without it, organization’s cannot effectively plan their work, recruit volunteers and board members, promote the district, or communicate impact. Main Street must be community driven. This week I had the opportunity to participate in two very different community … More A Tale of Two Community Engagement Events

Rev Up Fund Development: Strategic. Sustainable. Successful.

March 6, 2017

Are your revenue strategies working for your Main Street nonprofit?  How do you enhance those strategies for a prosperous (and profitable) future? On March  20, 22, and 28 in Berryville, Danville, and Abingdon, the spring edition of the Regional Rev Up promises to load your Main Street program with the tools you need to create sustainable and successful … More Rev Up Fund Development: Strategic. Sustainable. Successful.

Can-Do Spirit Equals Success

March 1, 2017

Small rural communities often get discouraged either because they feel they are “too small” to make effectual changes in a slow economy or the revitalization needs of the community just seem too overwhelming. Not so for the inspirational town of Water Valley, Mississippi. According to this article, a couple who fell in love with the people in this … More Can-Do Spirit Equals Success

Main Street Insurance Program Announced

February 2, 2017

Recently, Main Street managers have been asking about options for the insurance required for their organizations. Although we don’t endorse any program, we wanted to make you aware that the National Main Street Center, together with National Trust Insurance Services (NTIS), has announced the Main Street Insurance Program. For every insurance package a Main Street program secures through NTIS, NTIS will … More Main Street Insurance Program Announced

Congratulations to Virginia’s 2016 National Main Street Accredited Communities

December 20, 2016

Each year, the National Main Street Center and its coordinating program partners announce the list of accredited Main Street America programs in recognition of their exemplary commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach®. This year twenty-one Virginia Main Street Communities met the rigorous performance standards set by the National Main Street … More Congratulations to Virginia’s 2016 National Main Street Accredited Communities

Building Entrepreneurial Economies (BEE) Grants Awarded

December 14, 2016

Governor McAuliffe recently announced over $200,000 in Building Entrepreneurial Economies (BEE) grant awards for eight projects in the Commonwealth. The BEE grant program provides funding to local governments and nonprofit organizations for entrepreneurship programs aligned with local and regional economic development strategies, primarily in distressed communities and populations. “Small business development is a vital component … More Building Entrepreneurial Economies (BEE) Grants Awarded

Yuletide Destinations and Activities

December 8, 2016

In December, Main Streets across Virginia become the center of holiday festivities and the nexus of community gathering for celebration and shopping.  The historic charm, decorative lights, and independent shops wistfully spark memories mixed with fresh, 21st century rejuvenation.  It’s cool to ring in the old and new. That charm is reminiscent of a scene … More Yuletide Destinations and Activities

Virginia Main Street Grants Announced

November 21, 2016

Governor McAuliffe recently announced $65,000 in Virginia Main Street program grant funding for five projects in the towns of Bedford and Blackstone, and the cities of Fredericksburg, Franklin and Winchester. The Downtown Investment Grants, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), are for design and economic vitality projects targeting areas of … More Virginia Main Street Grants Announced

The CRO Roadshow is coming to a location near you!

October 24, 2016

This fall, the DHCD Community Revitalization Office is traveling throughout the state to highlight community development and capacity building programs and grants. Whether you are looking to revitalize a derelict and blighted building in your community or are interested in using the Main Street approach to community revitalization, we will introduce you to our services and programs … More The CRO Roadshow is coming to a location near you!