Category: VMS

Harrisonburg is named 2014 Great American Main Street semifinalist

March 17, 2014

Congratulations to the city of Harrisonburg, which was recently named by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of the top 10 semifinalists for the 2014 Great American Main Street Awards (GAMSA). The semifinalists have demonstrated their ability to preserve their unique history while creating and maintaining vibrant, successful commercial districts that serve as … More Harrisonburg is named 2014 Great American Main Street semifinalist

Staunton’s West Beverly Street recognized as one of America’s Great Streets

December 18, 2013

Part of Staunton’s Main Street district was recently recognized as one of the 30 Great Places in America for 2013. The American Planning Association (APA) recognized West Beverly Street as one of America’s Great Streets. According to their website, APA celebrates places of exemplary character, quality and planning. Places are selected annually and represent the … More Staunton’s West Beverly Street recognized as one of America’s Great Streets

Mountains 2 Main Streets

December 10, 2013

** Guest blogger Katey Warren, Tourism PR specialist, Harrisonburg Tourism and Visitor Services  The tourism offices and downtown Main Street partners of Harrisonburg, Luray and Waynesboro, along with Massanutten Resort and Shenandoah National Park, have banded together to create the Mountains 2 Main Streets Passport Program, a regional initiative that engages and rewards Shenandoah Valley visitors. The … More Mountains 2 Main Streets

What is Main Street Worth?

November 19, 2013

The Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service estimates that in Virginia real property taxes make up an average 57.8 percent of local revenue for cities and 31.2 percent for large towns. How significant a contributor is your Main Street district to this revenue stream? Joseph Minicozzi, the principal of Urban3 LLC, argues in a post on … More What is Main Street Worth?

Governor McDonnell announces designation of two new Virginia Main Street communities

June 10, 2013

On June 7, Governor Bob McDonnell announced the designation of two new Virginia Main Street communities. With the addition of Ashland and Fredericksburg to the network, the total number of designated Virginia Main Street communities now stands at 26. “I am pleased to welcome these communities to the Virginia Main Street program,” said Governor McDonnell. “By supporting … More Governor McDonnell announces designation of two new Virginia Main Street communities

2013 VMS Milestone Achievement Awards

April 16, 2013

On March 22, the Virginia Main Street Program presented Milestone Achievement Awards to 15 Designated Main Street communities. The awards were presented at Richmond’s historic Hippodrome Theater. At the ceremony that focused on the results of Main Street efforts, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Jim Cheng spoke to the audience of more than 70 downtown … More 2013 VMS Milestone Achievement Awards

Getting Started with Virginia Main Street

January 8, 2013

Virginia Main Street is accepting applications from communities interested in being designated a Virginia Main Street community. However, if your community is not ready to take this step, here are steps to to help establish or reinvigorate a successful local preservation-based downtown revitalization organization.   Look at downtown as if you are a first-time visitor. What is positive? … More Getting Started with Virginia Main Street

VMS designation applications accepted through March 15, 2013

December 20, 2012

Virginia Main Street (VMS) is getting ready to add new Main Street communities to the 25 communities officially designated as Virginia Main Streets. VMS is now accepting applications, due March 15, 2013, for new Virginia Main Street communities. Why apply for designation as a Virginia Main Street community? First and foremost, designated VMS communities join … More VMS designation applications accepted through March 15, 2013