For more information contact DHCD's Douglas Jackson
Douglas.Jackson@dhcd.virginia.gov
Training opportunities
Virginia Grown Conference
Jan. 22-24, 2009
Roanoke, VA
Featuring an agritourism track, the Virginia Grown conference will address marketing to changing demographics, providing customer service, and marketing agritourism operations. Visit http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/112007vagrownconf.shtml for more details.
Virginia Main Street Managers’ Retreat
Jan. 28-29, 2009
Mimslyn Inn, Luray, VA
The VMS network kicks off 2009 with a network-strengthening retreat for program managers of designated communities. Join fellow program managers for two days of well-deserved respite at the newly renovated Mimslyn Inn in Luray. Managers of designated Main Street communities RSVP to Kyle Meyer at kyle.meyer@dhcd.virginia.gov by January 23 and book your room at the Mimslyn Inn by calling (800) 296-5105 with the booking code “Virginia Main Street.”
Virginia Commission for the Arts: 2009 Art Works for Virginia
Jan. 27-29, 2009
Richmond, VA
VCA’s 2009 conference includes professional development sessions on the public art process, fund development in tough economic times, and managing conflict in nonprofit settings. (While Main Street managers will be at the retreat during this time, the 2009 Art Works conference may be of interest to board members.) Visit http://www.arts.virginia.gov/2009artworksforva.html.
Entrepreneur Express Workshops
Jan. 7, 2009: Mecklenburg County
Jan. 7, 2009: Page County
Jan. 27, 2009: Charlotte County
Feb. 14, 2009: Russell County
Feb. 28, 2009: Giles County
Mar. 13, 2009: Smyth County
Mar. 19, 2009: Washington County
Apr. 10, 2009: Wythe and Bland Counties
Free, half-day workshops deliver practical, hands-on training covering key elements of business practice such as starting or expanding a business, marketing strategies and financing. Business owners attending the workshop will have the opportunity to speak with many state agencies and service providers. For additional information, visit http://www.vastartup.org.
National Main Streets Conference: Becoming Main Street 2.0
Mar 1-4, 2009
Chicago, IL
This year’s conference will emphasize the opportunities that technology offers Main Street programs. In addition to sessions focused on topics from innovative technology and web-based solutions to running a revitalization organization and building a vibrant commercial district, attendees will find sessions and mobile workshops that explore successful strategies in applying the Main Street Four-Point Approach™. More information and registration is at www.mainstreet.org.
Virginia Main Street Milestones Awards
Mar. 20, 2009
Jefferson Hotel, Richmond, VA
Join leaders from throughout the commonwealth as we celebrate the best of Main Street and your 2008 accomplishments. Contact Kyle.Meyer@dhcd.virginia.gov for more information.
Announcements
VMS Designated Community DATA BONANZA: January 23, 2009 Deadline
January 23 is the deadline for the 2008 VMS Designated Community DATA BONANZA. In addition to being required for Virginia Main Street designation, the data is used to determine the communities recognized in this year’s Milestones Awards. Don’t be left out; submit no later than close of business, Friday, January 23. Questions? Contact Kyle.Meyer@dhcd.virginia.gov at (804) 371-7041.
2009 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Awards
February 2, 2009 is the last day to nominate someone for the 2009 Governor’s Volunteerism and Community Service Awards. The awards highlight the efforts of outstanding Virginians who seek to enhance the lives of others in their communities. Honors are given each year to groups, individuals and families whose volunteer and community service efforts exemplify extraordinary volunteer service. Visit http://www.vaservice.org/go/volunteer/award/ for more information.
Virginia Main Street Community Events
Bedford
Friday Evenings in Centertown
Dec. 5th, 12th & 19th, 6:00pm – 9:00pm.
Carriage rides, caroling, hot chocolate, cider, cookies, & shopping . More information: www.centertownbedford.com/page3.html.
Culpeper
3rd Annual "Get Your Holiday House Guests out of the House"
Museum of Culpeper History, 803 South Main Street
Special holiday hours: Dec, 27, 2008 to Dec, 30, 2008, 1 - 5 p.m. More information: www.culpepermuseum.com, or call (540) 829-1749.
Harrisonburg
Victorian Christmas Tea: Mrs. Hardesty’s Tea Room.
Dec. 22, 2008, 3 p.m., $12.50 per person Reservations required. More information:
http://downtownharrisonburg.org/calendarDisplay.php, or call (540) 432-8942.
Lynchburg
Holiday Traditions & Mistletoe Market.
Dec. 20th. More information: http://www.downtownlynchburg.com/pages/events_schedule.htm.
Manassas
Winter Wonderland Train Show: 9419 Battle Street: The Old Candy Factory
Dec. 15, 2008: 6 p.m. More information: Deleney Ritter (703) 257-8315, dritter@ci.manassas.va.us, http://www.manassascity.org/creation.
Waynesboro
Christmas in the River City: All around the downtown area
December 19, 2008, 5 — 9 p.m. More information: http://www.waynesborodowntown.org/Christmas_flier.php.
Winchester
Santa’s Headquarters & Workshop: Godfrey Miller Fellowship Center
Dec. 20, 2008: 11a.m. – 1p.m. More information: http://www.winchesterva.gov/otdb.
