Tag: Main Street

Before, during, and after-event tips for downtown merchants

August 16, 2010

As a Main Street organization,  gaining the confidence and support of your local merchants isn’t easy, especially when it comes to downtown events.  Closing the street can impede the access of loyal customers  to their favorite shops. Hoards of event guests asking to use the shop’s bathroom can frustrate owners.  It can add up to strained relations with the … More Before, during, and after-event tips for downtown merchants

Vote for the top 25 Virginia Main Street “Downtown Dining Destinations”

July 20, 2010

The Virginia Main Street staff does a lot of travelling each year and that travel can be hard on the stomach.  Luckily, we know that when we arrive, the local hospitality of our destination Main Street communities will be evident, and the top rate dining choices will be numerous. While having an office day, we … More Vote for the top 25 Virginia Main Street “Downtown Dining Destinations”

New Virginia Main Street Commercial District Affiliates named

June 10, 2010

With the addition of two new  Commercial District Affiliates, the list of communities recognized as pursuing or exploring the Main Street Four Point Approach has grown to 98.  There are currently 21 designated Virginia Main Street (VMS) Communities across the commonwealth. These communities have all been nationally accredited by the National Trust Main Street Center for their work in … More New Virginia Main Street Commercial District Affiliates named

Quality v. quantity

March 30, 2010

Last Thursday, at the Virginia Main Street 25th Anniversary Milestone Achievement Awards, keynote speaker Chuck D’Aprix spoke about the importance of making your downtown attractive to entrepreneurs.  One way to do this is to focus on the quality of the experience rather than the quantity of products you sell. In short, it is difficult to compete … More Quality v. quantity

Blackstone holiday events keep local elves busy

December 21, 2009

Downtown Blackstone, Inc. (DBI) has been full of activity this holiday season, successfully coordinating retail promotions and image building events. The Second Annual Downtown Holiday Open House kicked off the season November 27. Following the Grand Illumination in the town park, DBi drew crowds into downtown by coordinating activities with the local merchants, such as carriage rides, choral … More Blackstone holiday events keep local elves busy

Guest Blogger: Orange’s Jeff Curtis on rallying Main Street around customer service training

December 17, 2009

We’re turning over the space today to Jeff Curtis, director of the Orange Downtown Alliance for some tips on rallying downtown merchants for an effective training.  One of the recurring issues addressed in our Business Development Committee meetings has been customer service, or more specifically, the lack of it.  It’s an important issue for any community, and especially … More Guest Blogger: Orange’s Jeff Curtis on rallying Main Street around customer service training

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!!

Virginia Main Street celebrity siting

October 19, 2009

The Star Exponent says it was Culpeper’s “cool and unassuming” nature that drew a rock  icon to town last week.  And there’s probably something to that.  The town’s Main Street effort, led by Culpeper Renaissance, Inc., has done much to foster the  town as an epicurean destination. A vibrant farmer’s market, gourmet food and wine shops, and fine dining … More Virginia Main Street celebrity siting