Harrisonburg Unveils New Electric Vehicle Charging Station Downtown

October 14, 2011

On October 5, Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance joined community leaders and green energy advocates to unveil a new electric vehicle charging station downtown. The first of its kind in the Shenandoah Valley, and one of only 30 in the Commonwealth, this charging station allows downtown visitors to plug-in, charge-up and patronize local businesses. The level two charging station … More Harrisonburg Unveils New Electric Vehicle Charging Station Downtown

A Call to Promotion – Tourism on the Rise in VA

October 13, 2011

“Tourism is an instant revenue generator and job creator for Virginia, which is why I continue to advocate for more resources for tourism marketing.  Smart investments in tourism provide economic benefits to communities across the Commonwealth and good jobs for our citizens.” – Gov. Bob McDonnell According to a press release issued by the Governor’s … More A Call to Promotion – Tourism on the Rise in VA

Small City Placemaking Conference and Festival to happen in Roanoke

October 4, 2011

Cityworks (X)po, a conference and festival about creating energetic places in small cities, will take place in Roanoke on October 27-30. The event, spearheaded by entrepreneur and placemaker Ed Walker, will highlight best practices in creating, governing and participating in a vibrant cultural life in small cities. Some of the nationally-recognized speakers and performers include James Howard Kunstler, Kennedy … More Small City Placemaking Conference and Festival to happen in Roanoke

Harrisonburg drives downtown strategy for electric charging stations

September 30, 2011

In October, Harrisonburg will become the first city in the Shenandoah Valley, and one of only a handful of cities in the state, with a public, Level II electric car charging station. Located behind Harrisonburg Electric Commission (HEC) in downtown Harrisonburg, the charging station will provide citizens with clean energy for their electric vehicles and … More Harrisonburg drives downtown strategy for electric charging stations

Altavista On Track arts incubator effort spotlighted

September 28, 2011

Lynchburg station WSET recently featured Altavista’s efforts to build business downtown.  The community’s Main Street organization, Altavisa On Track, has helped in the coordination and implementation of a DHCD-awarded Community Development Block Grant, and recently created an arts and antique incubator to spark entrepreneurship in the historic district. The strategy was the result of a Virginia Main Street-sponsored economic-restructuring plan facilitated by … More Altavista On Track arts incubator effort spotlighted

Hip-hop highlights: Lynchburg video features merchants and real community spirit

September 26, 2011

This video, promoting Downtown Lynchburg, is terrific. It’s even better when you know that it was done through the volunteer efforts of Lynch’s Landing board member Tony Camm and a bunch of spirited merchant and community participants. Camm, manager of the Downtown Lynchburg Holiday Inn, put a musical pastime to work for the community, writing the song … More Hip-hop highlights: Lynchburg video features merchants and real community spirit

Tayloe Murphy Resilience Award finalists announced

August 26, 2011

The Darden School of Business and its Tayloe Murphy Center at the University of Virginia has announced 14 finalists for the 2011 Tayloe Murphy Resilience Award.  The following businesses in Virginia Main Street Communities were selected from among 88 applicants and 21 semi-finalists: A Bowl of Good Cafe, Inc., Harrisonburg Gearclean, Winchester Highground Services, Franklin … More Tayloe Murphy Resilience Award finalists announced

“If you don’t have anything else to do, dress up like a hotdog.”

August 24, 2011

Downtown districts hold events for a variety of reasons:  to raise the identity and up the energy of a district, to earn money for the  downtown organization and to boost retail sales in district stores.  All are good reasons, and the events promote the role of the district as the central convening point in a … More “If you don’t have anything else to do, dress up like a hotdog.”

Bike Virginia puts pedal power into Radford economy

August 22, 2011

For three days, 2,000 cyclists from Virginia and other eastern states encamped in Radford as part of the 2011 Bike Virginia Tour. And, to help the region make the most of the event’s economic impact – projected at more than $1.5 million over the complete five days – Main Street Radford was busy providing volunteers, information, a welcoming spirit … More Bike Virginia puts pedal power into Radford economy

Sustainable Main Street resources available

August 19, 2011

Main Street efforts are already bringing together economic, social and environmental goals in pursuit of fostering quality in their communities. To push it a step futher, 70 participants gathered in Staunton in July for two days of conversation on and the examination of sustainability models in Virginia. Speakers included Andrea Dono of the National Trust for … More Sustainable Main Street resources available