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Main Street Buena Vista was successful with its application to be accepted into the next tier of Virginia Main Street programs. Kristina Ramsey, the city’s economic development director, delivered the good news to City Council during its Jan. 5 meeting.
MSBV was one of 10 such local organizations to be accepted into the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s inaugural Mobilizing Main Street cohort-based program. This two-year program, according to a press release, “will provide the framework for targeted organizational development support to Exploring Main Street communities interested in pursuing Advancing Virginia Main Street designation and Main Street America accredited status.”
“I am thrilled that Main Street Buena Vista has been selected to join the next tier of Main Street,” said Ramsey. This past year, she noted, “MSBV put in the work to develop the board, become a 501c3 and complete many successful projects. The organization surpassed the goals of the pilot program set forth by the city this time last year.”
City Council recently appropriated $35,000 to fund MSBV for a second year. The “tier advancement,” said Ramsey, “shows that Main Street Buena Vista’s hard work is being noticed, and trust is being instilled from all levels beyond just the city. I am excited to witness how the accelerator program will allow the growing organization to dive deeper and further develop to create positive growth for our community.”
DHCD staff, stated the press release, will work with MSBV and the other selected local organizations “to bolster their community for economic opportunity.” A market analysis will be conducted and an individualized work plan will be developed. Assistance will be offered with design assessments and grant management. This accelerated program is funded by the Virginia Main Street Program.
“It’s been truly captivating to see how much MSBV accomplished in its first year – fostering an environment of positivity and collaboration, new events, art installations, downtown benches and planters, regular convening of business owners, promoting Buena Vista to the entire region like never before, and more,” remarked Jamie Goodin, who recently stepped down as executive director of MSBV.
The Virginia Main Street program, said DHCD Director Bryan Horn, “ has been transforming communities for over 35 years, and it continues to be critical to economic development, small business growth and job creation across the commonwealth. This new program will foster local and ongoing community development efforts while offering targeted support to participating organizations to ensure their future success.”
A search for Goodin’s successor to lead MSBV is underway.
