Virginia Main Street

Getting Main Street communities in the news

June 4, 2009

As champions of Virginia’s traditional commercial districts, Main Street leaders can be effective marketers for their communities. Working to earn coverage in local, regional, and national media outlets can help drive visitors and residents downtown. You might have a weekend travel package that a newspaper from a more urban area would be interested in covering. For instance, The Washington … More Getting Main Street communities in the news

Tell us about your Farmers Market

June 3, 2009

Bright ideas for business

June 3, 2009

What is a good business proposition? That is a tough question to answer. I am sure that many people thought that two old hippies were crazy when they started an ice cream company in Vermont, where summers last only a few months and the temperature can drop to near freezing in August. But those that saw promise … More Bright ideas for business

New approaches to business incubation

June 1, 2009

Business incubators can provide start-up enterprises with professional space for reasonable rents – but they can play a much larger role as well. They can connect new entrepreneurs to the technical assistance and training that will provide them with a running start. In addition, business incubators can provide a network of entrepreneurially minded cohorts in close proximity to foster the type … More New approaches to business incubation

Building downtown arts and cultural districts

May 7, 2009

The arts are emerging as a potent force in the economic life of cities and rural areas nationwide. Would you have ever thought that the gallery walks, art and design fairs, or the downtown artist studio spaces would have a proven, significant impact on your local economy? Two recent studies have indicated that communities who … More Building downtown arts and cultural districts

Recap: Virginia Main Street communities host informal (and informational) sessions

May 6, 2009

Two recent regional Virginia Main Street gatherings in the Southwest Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley offered an opportunity share resources and discuss current issues in an informal setting. In Marion, Main Street Manager Ken Heath hosted a group of nine at the Marion Town Hall for an update on the stimulus package and new efforts in the … More Recap: Virginia Main Street communities host informal (and informational) sessions

What you can (and should) do now

May 5, 2009

There is a lot of new information that indicates that the economy may be nearing recovery. Although layoffs continue, home sales are increasing, construction is up ever so slightly and energy prices are rising, too. All three are indications that people have adjusted to the recent changes and there is some pent up demand. Add to … More What you can (and should) do now

What’s new at your community’s farmers’ market?

May 5, 2009

It’s farmers’ market season, and judging from the reported crowds out at Virginia’s markets the first weekend in May, it’s been a long winter for many of us. We’re eager to get back out there, reusable grocery totes in hand. Thank you farmers’ market managers. Efforts to build and sustain a vibrant market can create … More What’s new at your community’s farmers’ market?

Financial Literacy Month

April 29, 2009

As we wind down the last few days of April, we want to be sure to recognize that April is Financial Literacy Month. While learning about finance and how to take care of your money are important everyday, we Americans have a special relationship to our finances this time of year, since this is when … More Financial Literacy Month

Bedford Boys

April 24, 2009

All of our Virignia Main Street communities have unique histories and cultures that we like to highlight in the Virginia Main Street blog from time to time. One of the most stiking stories is that of Company A, 116th Infantry, 29th Division from Bedford, Virginia. Company A took part in the first wave of storming Nazi … More Bedford Boys