Even with the economic struggles of the recession, it turns out there are plenty of reasons to be happy, especially if you’re an entrepreneur, says one recent study. The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index is taking a 25-year look at our lives through an ongoing 100,000-person survey. The self-employed, citing the greater control of outcomes and the civic ties and … More Increasing happiness on Main Street
It turns out you do. At least if you are trying to gain traction and trust in the online world. It may seem purely intuitive that bad press or reviews are not good for sales, but this short article from Fortune magazine says otherwise. This article is geared toward online sales, but the idea can … More Who needs all that negativity?
When a financial crisis arrives, it is too late to try to make the case for all the services your downtown organization provides to the community. You need to be spending that time engaging your support base and selling the future. To do that, there has to be a broad based system of support throughout the … More Tell us what you think.
Virginia Main Street communities incorporate historic assets as the foundation of their design, promotion and economic restructuring strategies. By fostering vibrant, economically viable downtowns, they serve as stewards of traditional commercial districts. And it can pay off. Staunton was recently listed as number 42 in the New York Posts’ “Top 100 places for New Yorkers to visit,” calling … More The resurrected and the lost
The July Virginia Main Street electronic update is now available. Stay current with upcoming trainings, events and announcements relevant to the Virginia Main Street community. Read it here, and sign up to have it delivered to your inbox by emailing Douglas.Jackson@dhcd.virginia.gov.
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will be moving its office location on July 9 – 10. Due to this move, the agency will be closed to business on these days. Computer services may not be available during this time; however the agency will resume business as usual on Monday, July 13. … More DHCD change of address effective July 13.
Those of you who made it to the “Livable Downtowns” training held in Harrisonburg a couple of weeks ago know that just building upper story housing or rehabbing an old warehouse into loft apartments is not quite enough to get people living downtown. It is important to have the amenities people need (dry cleaning, corner … More How to attract Gen “Y”
The arts are emerging as a potent force in the economic life of cities and rural areas nationwide. Would you have ever thought that the gallery walks, art and design fairs, or the downtown artist studio spaces would have a proven, significant impact on your local economy? Two recent studies have indicated that communities who … More Building downtown arts and cultural districts
Two recent regional Virginia Main Street gatherings in the Southwest Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley offered an opportunity share resources and discuss current issues in an informal setting. In Marion, Main Street Manager Ken Heath hosted a group of nine at the Marion Town Hall for an update on the stimulus package and new efforts in the … More Recap: Virginia Main Street communities host informal (and informational) sessions
It’s farmers’ market season, and judging from the reported crowds out at Virginia’s markets the first weekend in May, it’s been a long winter for many of us. We’re eager to get back out there, reusable grocery totes in hand. Thank you farmers’ market managers. Efforts to build and sustain a vibrant market can create … More What’s new at your community’s farmers’ market?
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