Pollina Corporate Real Estate named Virginia the country’s “Top Pro-Business State” for the second year in a row. The study ranks states based on 31 factors including taxes, human resources, energy costs, infrastructure spending, economic incentive programs and state economic development efforts. And it’s not the only organization touting the Old Dominion. Forbes Magazine has named Virginia “the best … More Virginia tops business lists
As a Main Street organization, gaining the confidence and support of your local merchants isn’t easy, especially when it comes to downtown events. Closing the street can impede the access of loyal customers to their favorite shops. Hoards of event guests asking to use the shop’s bathroom can frustrate owners. It can add up to strained relations with the … More Before, during, and after-event tips for downtown merchants
With commercial real estate continuing to reel from the economic downturn, some major brands are looking at temporary leases in heavy volume areas. Empty storefronts are not good for anyone, and leases in desireable areas have become much more flexible. These “pop-up” stores are potential strategies for fledging businesses trying out a concept, artists promoting their work, … More Pop-up shops a temporary solution to the empty storefront
On September 30 and October 1, the designated Virginia Main Street community of Staunton will host the annual Virginia Microenterprise Network conference. This year’s theme is Revitalizing Neighborhoods through Entrepreneurship. The program includes a look at entrepreneurship in the Queen City; the role of craft, green building, and farm-based strategies in revitalization; identifying and supporting emerging neighborhood entrepreneurs; and … More Staunton to host Virginia Microenterprise Network conference
At the Virginia Main Street (VMS) Summer Toolkit, a team from Glave and Holmes Architecture walked participants through the creation of a quick 3-D rendering using Google SketchUp. This free, easy to-use software is being promoted by the National Trust Main Street Center as a community visioning tool, and judging by the response of participants, we … More Virginia Communities begin to explore Google SketchUp
A recent New York Times article, “With Credit Tight Microlending Blossoms,” highlights the nation’s growing micro-enterprise resources. Long popular as an anti-poverty strategy in developing countries and gaining a foothold here over the past two decades, micro-loans are providing more access to entrepreneurs now squeezed out of traditional credit markets. Kiva, an international micro-lender founded … More Micro-loans a resource for downtown entrepreneurs
The name of retail expert Paco Underhill was batted about at the recent Virginia Main Street toolkit. He’s the fellow who puts a lot of time into considering things like Why We Buy and The Call of the Mall, respectively his 2000 and 2004 treatises on The Science of Shopping and The Geography of Shopping. … More Women and the quality shopping experience
Governor Bob McDonnell has proclaimed August 1 – 7 as Virginia Farmers’ Market Week, and there are plenty of reasons to celebrate. Across the country, farmers’ markets are rising in popularity and number. Between 2008 and 2009, their number increased 13 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. And in Virginia, you expect to find them … More In season: Virginia’s farmers’ markets
The Virginia Main Street staff does a lot of travelling each year and that travel can be hard on the stomach. Luckily, we know that when we arrive, the local hospitality of our destination Main Street communities will be evident, and the top rate dining choices will be numerous. While having an office day, we … More Vote for the top 25 Virginia Main Street “Downtown Dining Destinations”
There’s still time to register for the Virginia Main Street Summer Toolkit (until Monday), and the board and staff of Downtown Franklin, Inc. are eager to welcome you to our district. We’re going to spend a day and a half (July 22 and 23) focused on “Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Downtown.” The speakers are top-notch, and this is a vital … More Guest blogger “Downtown Dan” Howe: Franklin awaits
