Blackstone holiday events keep local elves busy

December 21, 2009

Downtown Blackstone, Inc. (DBI) has been full of activity this holiday season, successfully coordinating retail promotions and image building events. The Second Annual Downtown Holiday Open House kicked off the season November 27. Following the Grand Illumination in the town park, DBi drew crowds into downtown by coordinating activities with the local merchants, such as carriage rides, choral … More Blackstone holiday events keep local elves busy

Video: Culpeper’s thriving foodshed

December 21, 2009

Downtown Culpeper’s focus on farm fresh food through the farmer’s market, destination restaurants, and special food themed events has contributed to the revitalization of the historic community.  Watch “Meet the Farmer” host Michael Clark talk with community leaders involved in the new vitality of Culpeper.  The segment features Culpeper Renaissance, Inc. in a success story that builds on the … More Video: Culpeper’s thriving foodshed

Guest Blogger: Orange’s Jeff Curtis on rallying Main Street around customer service training

December 17, 2009

We’re turning over the space today to Jeff Curtis, director of the Orange Downtown Alliance for some tips on rallying downtown merchants for an effective training.  One of the recurring issues addressed in our Business Development Committee meetings has been customer service, or more specifically, the lack of it.  It’s an important issue for any community, and especially … More Guest Blogger: Orange’s Jeff Curtis on rallying Main Street around customer service training

Video: VMS Intern Margaret Barre’s downtown revitalization effort featured in news

December 14, 2009

As part of a downtown commercial revitalization course at Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Main Street intern Margaret Barre and her colleagues have developed a revitalization strategy for the community of Ashland.  The real-world case study ended in a presentation to the Town Council.  Watch the NBC-12 news video to learn more about the student’s strategic … More Video: VMS Intern Margaret Barre’s downtown revitalization effort featured in news

The new normal

December 7, 2009

Before you get too excited about the coming recovery, have you heard about the “new normal?”  The “new normal” is the term that many have been using for economic growth that is slower than what we became accustomed to over the past decade or so.  Doug Dachille, of First Principles Capital Management, says in this clip … More The new normal

The end is near!!

December 4, 2009

Hiring will rebound sooner rather than later and now is a great time to start your own business. At least that is what Daniel Gross of Slate and Newsweek says in his Moneybox column, “Coming Soon: Jobs!” According to Gross, we should be seeing the end of the “Great Recession” in the near future.  “Before … More The end is near!!

Congratulations to our 2009 VDDA Award of Excellence Winners!

November 24, 2009

Congratulations to Rocky Mount, Winchester and Harrisonburg!  The 2009 Virginia Downtown Development Association (VDDA) awards were announced at the annual meeting in Fredericksburg this November. The VDDA awards recognize organizations, individuals and governments for their achievements in revitalizing downtowns across Virginia. Several Main Street communities were honored in the categories of  Business Development, Promotions and Marketing category which honors excellence … More Congratulations to our 2009 VDDA Award of Excellence Winners!

Community-building “Stars” named by Virginians for the Arts

November 24, 2009

Two Main Street communities pulled top honors in the Virginians for the Arts’ Arts Build Communities Awards. The awards recognize arts organizations that best demonstrate the ability to enhance the community, lift spirits, and build a better quality of life.  The Barter Theatre in Abingdon was named Shining Star:  With 150,000 annual patrons, The Barter Theatre … More Community-building “Stars” named by Virginians for the Arts

Local investment may boost local retail spending

November 24, 2009

The Town of Rocky Mount is working with its Main Street program to invest in an innovative strategy to boost retail spending. The project, coordinated by the Community Partnership for Revitalization (CPR), was branded “5 on us’ by the economic restructuring committee. “5 On Us” will incorporate $5 vouchers redeemable at participating local merchants in the uptown and downtown areas. The cash vouchers are as good as cash toward … More Local investment may boost local retail spending

Virginia Tourism site can send visitors to your Main Street

November 15, 2009

Did you know that Virginia.org receives six million visitors a year?  The goal of Virginia Tourism Corporation is “more people, staying longer, spending more money,” and your community can be a part of this. Check out the city, town and county link to see if yours is listed. No? Reach out to your local tourism center, chamber of commerce … More Virginia Tourism site can send visitors to your Main Street