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?
As we wind down the last few days of April, we want to be sure to recognize that April is Financial Literacy Month. While learning about finance and how to take care of your money are important everyday, we Americans have a special relationship to our finances this time of year, since this is when … More Financial Literacy Month
All of our Virignia Main Street communities have unique histories and cultures that we like to highlight in the Virginia Main Street blog from time to time. One of the most stiking stories is that of Company A, 116th Infantry, 29th Division from Bedford, Virginia. Company A took part in the first wave of storming Nazi … More Bedford Boys
Actually, they were here, but now they are there. 10,000 brochures have been distributed to the Virginia Visitor Information Centers and to the Virginia Designated Main Street communities. The brochure is designed to highlight the histoic, cultural, recreational and gastronomic opportunities available on Main Street. You can print your own copy here.
For a little fun, check out Inc. Magazine’s online slide show on the top 30 fictional entrepreneurs from TV, film and books. I missed a few of these, but I’d argue that Willie Wonka is in the top three, rather than number six. He knew his market, had great promotions, excellent staff management skills, pursued quality control … More A little entrepreneurial fun
Workplans are hard. The good ones take time and thought. However, they are important to make sure that your downtown revitalization efforts stay on track and are a great way to tally your progress. There is usually a strong correlation between the success of any downtown’s revitalization and the community’s ability to create…and follow…a good workplan. How well … More Workplans
Carrying the gardening metaphor forward, there’s not a lot you can do to control the weather. As a whole that’s true in economic gardening as well, but how about encouraging your own microclimate in order to foster a healthy local economy in the middle of a national downturn? It turns out that’s just what many … More Create a microclimate in your economic garden
Last week we discussed the first step of “Economic Gardening,” preparing your community for entrepreneurial success. Now lets focus on the next steps: planting the seeds and nurturing the sprouts. One of the primary ways that a community can foster home-grown businesses is to offer a business incubator. Business incubators take many forms, the most … More Economic gardening: part II
Virginia Main Street 