Damascus planned as year-round destination

September 25, 2014

Many VMS communities and other localities that DHCD partners with, like Damascus,  recognize the importance of connecting downtowns to the surrounding outdoor recreation assets.  We asked guest blogger Nick Proctor, community development and outdoor recreation specialist for the Friends of Southwest Virginia, to share how it is working in one small community in Southwest Virginia.   Muddy … More Damascus planned as year-round destination

VMS 2014 Summer Toolkit: At a glance

August 26, 2014

On July 15-16, Main Street organizations and community organizations gathered in Farmville, Virginia to learn more about how they could attract and support local entrepreneurs and small businesses. Training kicked off with a panel discussion with local business owners in Farmville: Caryn’s Bridal, Sandy River Retreat and Charley’s Waterfront Cafe. They shared valuable insight with the group … More VMS 2014 Summer Toolkit: At a glance

Virginia Main Street grants available

August 21, 2014

The Virginia Main Street program has two grant opportunities available for designated communities. These applications are due by August 29, 2014. Applications must be submitted in CAMS. Downtown Investment Grants (DIG) will help local Main Street organizations accelerate the economic revitalization of their historic commercial districts by allowing them to implement innovative strategies, plans and … More Virginia Main Street grants available

Celebrate American Craft Week in your community and promote your local economy

August 13, 2014

The Artisans Center of Virginia (ACV) and ‘Round the Mountain: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Network (RTM) are partnering with the support of the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) to celebrate American Craft Week on Oct. 3-12. During American Craft Week, arts-and-craft-related events from throughout the commonwealth will be promoted in a robust and coordinated fashion on http://www.virginia.org, www.americancraftweek.com, … More Celebrate American Craft Week in your community and promote your local economy

South Boston project wins Virginia Main Street Special Achievement Award and VDDA Award of Excellence

July 3, 2014

Rehab Development, a Winston-Salem, N.C.-based developer specializing in downtown Main Street revitalization, historic preservation and successful public/private partnership formation, in partnership with Destination Downtown South Boston, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit volunteer-based Virginia Main Street Organization dedicated to the economic and cultural revitalization of downtown South Boston, has won the 2014 Virginia Main Street Special Achievement Award … More South Boston project wins Virginia Main Street Special Achievement Award and VDDA Award of Excellence

Culpeper Renaissance Inc. hosts free seminar for historic property owners

July 1, 2014

Culpeper Renaissance Inc. (CRI) and Culpeper Architectural Review Board (ARB) hosted a free seminar entitled Tips to Maintain Your Old Building on June 25. The goal of the seminar is to provide owners of historic homes and buildings with a basic knowledge of issues related to restoring and preserving their investment.  Culpeper Renaissance Inc. maintains … More Culpeper Renaissance Inc. hosts free seminar for historic property owners

Supporting business development in Gloucester

June 27, 2014

** Guest blogger Margie Johnson, Shop Talk In recognition of Virginia’s Business Appreciation Month, I would like to share a little bit about how the Gloucester Main Street Preservation Trust, an affiliate of Virginia Main Street, supports and strengthens local Main Street businesses. Throughout the last three years, the trust, under the leadership of Executive Director Jenny … More Supporting business development in Gloucester

Virginia Main Street Summer Toolkit

June 17, 2014

July 16-17, 2014 Charley’s Waterfront Café 201 Mill Street Farmville, Virginia At the core of any downtown revitalization effort is understanding the need for unique and local shopping and dining opportunities, which are owned by local entrepreneurs. Often times, these business owners and potential business owners need encouragement, support and assistance to make their dreams … More Virginia Main Street Summer Toolkit

Local Main Street Communities coordinate for regional benefit

June 16, 2014

 ** Guest blogger Susan Howard, Executive Director, Abingdon Main Street As the director of Abingdon Main Street, I am very fortunate to have three other designated Virginia Main Street communities, Bristol, Marion and St. Paul, each less than an hour’s drive from Abingdon. The proximity of our communities and their cultural similarities have allowed us to explore … More Local Main Street Communities coordinate for regional benefit

Local Entrepreneur Selected as Executive Director for Main Street Lexington

June 12, 2014

The board of directors recently selected Stephanie Wilkinson to serve as the executive director of the Main Street Lexington. As an entrepreneur, co-owner of a downtown Lexington business and community leader who helped spearhead the creation of Main Street Lexington, Wilkinson brings a wealth of experience to this critical role. Wilkinson’s business experience, vision, strong leadership … More Local Entrepreneur Selected as Executive Director for Main Street Lexington