Giving Thanks to Main Street Volunteers!

As we celebrate Thanksgiving and prepare to wrap up the year, we (as nonprofit organizations) often celebrate and thank donors and sponsors that financially supported our work. But, don’t overlook the many volunteers that gave their time and talents to implement the work of Main Street and further local revitalization efforts. Demonstrating gratitude is key … More Giving Thanks to Main Street Volunteers!

Firm Principles, Flexible Paths: Manage Financial Position

Through Virginia Main Street’s (VMS) Firm Principles, Flexible Paths series, the Center of Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) is diving into their 7 Actionable Principles (7APs) to strengthen nonprofits and their relationships with funders. The 7APs offer a common language around key and proven practices, infused with values of equity and growth. The second principle relates to … More Firm Principles, Flexible Paths: Manage Financial Position

Adding a Youth Seat to Your Board

Cultivating new volunteers and perspectives is an ongoing process for every local Main Street program, and this effort can even begin with high school students. Downtown Wytheville, Inc.’s (DTW) youth initiative started when Todd Wolford, Executive Director, was transitioning into the role from his previous career in recreation. Prior to joining DTW, Wolford ran a … More Adding a Youth Seat to Your Board

Main Street Lexington Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Last month, Main Street Lexington (MSL), a volunteer-based, non-profit organization established in 2013 that works to create a prosperous and welcoming downtown while preserving Lexington’s unique and historic character, celebrated its 10th anniversary with a reception at the Gin Hotel ballroom in downtown Lexington. The event honored past and present staff, board and committee members, … More Main Street Lexington Celebrates 10th Anniversary

In Case You Missed It: October 2023 Digest

During the month of October, the Virginia Main Street (VMS) team published seven blog posts, highlighting the latest community vitality-related news, events and more! Here’s a recap: Training / Education Partner Spotlight Transformation Strategies Where Utility Meets Art 7 Actionable Principles Stay tuned for lots more great content in November!

Key Takeaways from Fall Rev Up Workshops

Last month, Virginia Main Street (VMS) professionals from around the Commonwealth met in-person for an immersive half-day workshop on Main Street America‘s (MSA) fifth Accreditation Standard – Preservation-Based Economic Development. This standard highlights the importance of leveraging a community’s unique historic and cultural assets to promote economic development. Kathy Frazier, co-founder and Principal-in-Charge of Frazier … More Key Takeaways from Fall Rev Up Workshops

Reflection & Opportunity: Virginia Retail Matters

Our guest blogger is Matt Wagner, Ph.D. – Chief Program Officer for Main Street America, responsible for driving the organization’s field service initiatives. His professional background involves nearly 30 years of non-profit management and teaching experience in downtown revitalization, entrepreneurship and economic development. Brief Introduction by Jenny Crittenden, President and CEO of Retail Alliance: Wow! … More Reflection & Opportunity: Virginia Retail Matters

Partner Spotlight – Virginia Economic Developer’s Association (VEDA)

Main Street is Economic Development. Stay with me here. For most of us, the understanding of economic development involves recruiting major employers – manufacturing, tech, professional services. We think of suburban office complexes and Industrial Development Authorities and data centers. And we aren’t wrong, these are major components of economic growth and economic activity that … More Partner Spotlight – Virginia Economic Developer’s Association (VEDA)