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

How green is your Main Street?

November 13, 2009

How green is your Main Street? The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC), and Virginia Hospitality & Travel Association (VHTA) have partnered for the Virginia Green program. This is the statewide campaign to promote environmentally friendly practices in Virginia’s tourism industry – and it’s one more opportunity to market your community. Certification is … More How green is your Main Street?

As easy as 1, 2, 3: A downtown market analysis tool at your fingertips

November 12, 2009

A proper market study can be an expensive and complicated pursuit.  It’s a major community project that requires time, commitment, and the active involvement of a group of dedicated people.  And let’s be realistic too. Considering that dedicated group is volunteering their time outside of work and family responsibilities, completing and implementing a market study … More As easy as 1, 2, 3: A downtown market analysis tool at your fingertips

Arts and the economy converge at South Boston conference

October 29, 2009

Economic development and arts professionals convened in South Boston last week to explore strategies for harnessing the “creative class” in their communities. The conference, “Art and the Creative Economy,” featured notable speakers presenting examples of how small towns and cities have enhanced their economies by embracing the arts. The term “creative class,” as coined by Richard … More Arts and the economy converge at South Boston conference