Recognizing the Hard Work on Main Street: CenterFuse Co-working

At the recent 2018 Downtown Intersections in Harrisonburg, we continued our tradition of acknowledging outstanding achievements in comprehensive downtown revitalization efforts through Merit Awards. They recognize the hard work, dedication and success of Virginia’s Main Street communities and their achievements across the four points of the Main Street Approach®.  This is the first of a … More Recognizing the Hard Work on Main Street: CenterFuse Co-working

Local Incentives Drive Community Development

One of the most important ways that a municipality can support it’s small business community is through targeted financial incentives. A recent Potomac Local article touted the expansion of the city of Manassas’ business incentive programs, including Façade Improvement Grants and Landscape Improvement Grants. These incentives will assist with the exterior renovations and landscaping of existing … More Local Incentives Drive Community Development

Abingdon, Ashland and Manassas Main Street programs receive matching tourism grants

Governor Bob McDonnell recently announced that three Main Street organizations would receive matching tourism grants as part of Virginia Tourism Corporation’s (VTC) Marketing Leverage Grant program. Abingdon Main Street will receive $5,000 for its “Shop, Dine, Play and Stay in Downtown” campaign; Historic Manassas, Inc. will receive $4,250 for a website makeover; and the Ashland … More Abingdon, Ashland and Manassas Main Street programs receive matching tourism grants

Culpeper – 2012 Great American Main Street Award Winner

Congratulations to Culpeper Renaissance, Inc., a 2012 Great American Main Street Awards® (GAMSA) winner.  Recognized as a leader in implementing the Main Street Four-Point Approach®, embracing sound historic preservation practices and building strategic partnerships, Culpeper Renaissance, Inc. (CRI) was honored at the Main Street Awards Ceremony at the 2012 National Main Streets Conference in Baltimore, Md. The National Trust … More Culpeper – 2012 Great American Main Street Award Winner

Virginia Main Street foodies pick their favorites

Virginia Main Street blog readers logged on in record number to select their favorite Main Street eateries. In just over a month nearly 59,000 votes were cast for one of 25 restaurants. Nearly half of the votes were for South Boston’s BISTRO 1888. And it’s a worthy top choice. The Bistro demonstrates what first-class food and downtown … More Virginia Main Street foodies pick their favorites

Putting events to work for your downtown district

Why do you do it? That festival takes months of planning. The parade risks being rained out. There are suddenly four previously un-calendared community events on the same weekend as the chili cook-off; the band shows up late; and the vendors haven’t brought enough change. Events can be a real headache. But you still put … More Putting events to work for your downtown district

Intensive two-day training attracts 60

Virginia Main Street’s annual essentials training provided a two-day session focused on economic restructuring and design challenges facing communities today.  A group of more than 60 participants gathered in the heart of Old Town Manassas at the renovated Candy Factory, now home to the Center for the Arts of Greater Manassas and Prince William County. Hilary … More Intensive two-day training attracts 60

Virginia’s Main Street in the news

The Sunday, April 5 edition of the Richmond Times-Dispatch had several articles of note about Virginia Main Street communities.  First was an article about Abingdon’s latest downtown promotion, then an article about Page County’s (including Luray) attempt to be designated as the “Cabin Capital of Virginia.” Then yet another article, this one talking about the … More Virginia’s Main Street in the news