If you were asked to describe an entrepreneur, what words would you use? Maybe terms like “bright, energetic, or magnetic.” This 2004 article in the aptly named magazine Entrepreneur, gives a whole host of other terms, not all of them complimentary. Two descriptions of an entrepreneur that most people would not use are “ex-felon,” and … More The unexpected entrepreneur
If your travel budget didn’t allow you to connect with peers from across the country in Oklahoma, you can still take a little time out of your day this afternoon or tomorrow to virtually attend one these upcoming presentations from the National Main Streets Conference taking place now in Oklahoma City. Just visit the Web site at the designated time … More Be a virtual attendee at the Main Streets conference
Last Thursday, at the Virginia Main Street 25th Anniversary Milestone Achievement Awards, keynote speaker Chuck D’Aprix spoke about the importance of making your downtown attractive to entrepreneurs. One way to do this is to focus on the quality of the experience rather than the quantity of products you sell. In short, it is difficult to compete … More Quality v. quantity
Want to add some color to a gray winter day at the office? Take a virtual visit to Charlottesville’s refurbished Downtown Mall with two University of Virginia planning students. Charlotteville’s Downtown Mall Rap, a musical look (Hey C’ville!) at one of the nation’s few high-performing pedestrian malls was completed for a studio course. Complete with urban-sprawl combating karate kicks … More What rhymes with streetscape?
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
Congratulations to Rocky Mount, Winchester and Harrisonburg! The 2009 Virginia Downtown Development Association (VDDA) awards were announced at the annual meeting in Fredericksburg this November. The VDDA awards recognize organizations, individuals and governments for their achievements in revitalizing downtowns across Virginia. Several Main Street communities were honored in the categories of Business Development, Promotions and Marketing category which honors excellence … More Congratulations to our 2009 VDDA Award of Excellence Winners!
A proper market study can be an expensive and complicated pursuit. It’s a major community project that requires time, commitment, and the active involvement of a group of dedicated people. And let’s be realistic too. Considering that dedicated group is volunteering their time outside of work and family responsibilities, completing and implementing a market study … More As easy as 1, 2, 3: A downtown market analysis tool at your fingertips
Economic development and arts professionals convened in South Boston last week to explore strategies for harnessing the “creative class” in their communities. The conference, “Art and the Creative Economy,” featured notable speakers presenting examples of how small towns and cities have enhanced their economies by embracing the arts. The term “creative class,” as coined by Richard … More Arts and the economy converge at South Boston conference
So blend the turrets and shadows there That all seem pendulous in air, While from a proud tower in the town Death looks gigantically down. Some words from Edgar Allan Poe (“The City in the Sea”, 1845) warm us up for the tricks, treats, and other Halloween horrors planned on Main Street this year. First, … More It’s getting scary downtown
A recent Roanoke Times article gave newly hired executive director Katie McElroy an opportunity to promote the work of the Community Partnership for Revitalization, the nonprofit organization that coordinates Rocky Mount’s uptown and downtown revitalization efforts. The article, “Future the Focus in Rocky Mount”, spotlighted McElroy, who used the media’s interest in her hiring to get word out about the organization’s strategies … More A press interview with Rocky Mount’s Katie McElroy
Virginia Main Street 