Virginia Main Street

Celebrating 2024 VMS Merit Award Winners!

June 24, 2024

Virginia Main Street (VMS) recently had the honor of joining the Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA) at their summer membership meeting centered on exploring the intersection of community and economic development. VMS presented the annual Merit Awards highlighting the outstanding achievements of Main Street communities and their impactful projects, partners, and initiatives. Six communities received … More Celebrating 2024 VMS Merit Award Winners!

Improving Accessibility in Harrisonburg

June 20, 2024

Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance (HDR) recently completed several improvements to their website to make it more ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) compliant. Supported by a Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), HDR worked with their webmaster to conduct an audit of their … More Improving Accessibility in Harrisonburg

Enterprise Development Group: Helping Refugees Forge Their American Dreams

June 17, 2024

Founded in 1983, the Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC) was developed as a non-profit, community-based organization to address the gaps in resources to refugees and asylum-seekers from Ethiopia. By 1991, ECDC became the first ethnic community-based organization authorized by the U.S. Department of State to resettle refugees through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Over the … More Enterprise Development Group: Helping Refugees Forge Their American Dreams

Build a Better Building Inventory

June 13, 2024

How many vacant spaces are in your Main Street district? Where is there room to add more housing, businesses, and gathering spaces? Answering these questions is key to unlocking the potential of your built environment. A building inventory is essential for a thorough understanding of the physical and economic makeup of your commercial district. Creating … More Build a Better Building Inventory

Virginia Rural Leadership Institute Kicks Off Session One in Danville, Virginia

June 10, 2024

As a participant in the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute’s (VRLI) 2024 Cohort, Zachary Whitlow, Community Vitality Program Administrator for the Department of Housing and Community Development, provides an overview of the first VRLI session of the year, which was held in Danville on May 22-24, 2024. The Virginia Rural Leadership Institute (VRLI) kicked off its … More Virginia Rural Leadership Institute Kicks Off Session One in Danville, Virginia

South Boston Takes Farmers Market to the Next Level

June 6, 2024

In early 2023, Destination Downtown South Boston (DDSB) adopted a new Transformation Strategy, centering on South Boston’s agricultural economy, to help guide the local Main Street organization’s work. A primary objective is to elevate the Downtown South Boston Farmers Market to new heights, and substantial efforts were dedicated to enhancing engagement, expanding activities, and bolstering … More South Boston Takes Farmers Market to the Next Level

Mural Mania in Mecklenburg County

June 3, 2024

Last year, Mecklenburg County received American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding – distributed by the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) – with the aim of revitalizing tourism in the region following the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of this initiative, Mecklenburg Tourism embarked on a project to enhance the county’s appeal by … More Mural Mania in Mecklenburg County

In Case You Missed It: May 2024 Digest

May 30, 2024

During the month of May, the Virginia Main Street (VMS) team published eight blog posts, highlighting the latest community-vitality news, events and more! Here’s a recap: Preservation Month Business Appreciation Month Entrepreneur Support / Recruitment Main Street America Designation VMS Community News Training / Education Stay tuned for lots more great content in June!

Sweet Home, Main Street Now!

May 28, 2024

Earlier this month, Main Streeters from across the country came together for the 2024 Main Street Now Conference in Birmingham, Alabama! This yearly opportunity allows Main Streeters to do what Main Streeters do best; gather, learn, talk about big ideas, and make our communities stronger. The Virginia Main Street (VMS) network had over 40 attendees … More Sweet Home, Main Street Now!

Businesses That Inspire: Celebrating Business Appreciation Month in May!

May 23, 2024

In celebration of Business Appreciation Month, the Community Vitality Office (CVO) is highlighting small businesses throughout the Commonwealth that make each of their respective localities unique and provide quality of life to residents that doesn’t go unnoticed. Like most transformative projects, these businesses have been creative in bringing their dream to life, and many have … More Businesses That Inspire: Celebrating Business Appreciation Month in May!