Virginia Main Street Downtown Improvement Grants at work

January 13, 2011

In the summer of 2010, Virginia Main Street (VMS) provided seven Downtown Improvement Grants (DIGs)  that allowed designated Main Street communities to undertake specific projects for which they did not otherwise have funding. The small grants, capped at $2,500, were awarded in a competitive process based on projected outcomes, committee and volunteeer leadership, and the capacity to successfully complete the planned project. While Virginia Main … More Virginia Main Street Downtown Improvement Grants at work

New Year’s Resolution Poll

January 11, 2011

While the typical New Year’s resolution is abandoned somewhere around the long Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend, there is a certain feeling of “anything’s possible” in the air during these first few weeks of January.  Now really can be a good time to set some goals.  Go ahead, think big.  If you don’t stretch yourself to do … More New Year’s Resolution Poll

Plan now to attend 2011 Main Street trainings

January 10, 2011

Now is the time to plan for 2011 downtown revitalization trainings.  The Virginia Main Street training calendar is available.  And on the national front, preparations are being made for the Main Streets Conference, this year to be held in Des Moines, Iowa. Don’t wait. Get these important dates inked in on your 2011 calendar today: March 31: Milestone Awards, Richmond May 22-25: … More Plan now to attend 2011 Main Street trainings

Main Street Merchant Profile: The Yellow Button

January 6, 2011

The Yellow Button, a clothing boutique for the fashionable in the heart of Harrisonburg, knows its cutomer. Students and  professionals in the Shendandoah Valley don’t want to give up access to quality clothes and accessories just because they’re not in a major urban area. In fact, this 2009 photo shoot, which uses Harrisonburg’s downtown streets as … More Main Street Merchant Profile: The Yellow Button

Newsweek profile shows benefit of comprehensive approach

December 29, 2010

Newsweek’s  recent coverage of the ongoing turnaround of Vineland, New Jersey’s historic commercial district demonstrates the value of a coordinated approach to downtown revitalization. Their strategy involves increasing access to capital and technical assistance for emerging businesses, public and private re-investment in the rehabilitation of historic buildings, and community engagement in a downtown district.  Sound familiar? Read the article, “How to Save … More Newsweek profile shows benefit of comprehensive approach

Downtown remains the holiday gathering place

December 21, 2010

Traditional holiday events continue to draw crowds downtown this year in spite of the bone-chilling weather experienced in many parts of the commonwealth. Last Friday, Rocky Mount’s “Come Home to a Franklin County Christmas,” had its largest turnout yet as guests enjoyed music, food, and shopping with vendors and merchants.  “The horse-drawn carriage rides and the miniature horse … More Downtown remains the holiday gathering place

New Google ebookstore a tool for local independents

December 13, 2010

All along Main Street, changing technology is shifting buying patterns. Some projections put online spending at half of all retail spending by 2015, and smartphone applications like ShopSavvy allow for instore price comparisons against competitors.  The challenge is to work with the technology where you can to increase sales while still maintaining the commitment to place-based strategies and … More New Google ebookstore a tool for local independents

Lynchburg spot blight program serving as model

December 10, 2010

Lynchburg’s spot blight program may be a model for Danville as that community’s city council investigates strategies to improve the appearance and quality of the community while caring for historic resources. Danville has done a lot to capitalize on its historic character, including loft conversion in the tobacco warehouse district, the interpretation of local history through a mural program, … More Lynchburg spot blight program serving as model

Danville effort first historic preservation club in commonwealth high schools

December 6, 2010

The Danville Historical Society is modeling the way for youth outreach across the state. They have a board member in charge of coordinating youth activities, and they recently led the commonwealth by establishing the state’s first high school historic preservation clubs. The effort, simultaneously establishing clubs at George Washington High School and at Galileo Magnet High School, have piqued … More Danville effort first historic preservation club in commonwealth high schools