Our Mission
Building a thriving downtown Buena Vista, Virginia.
Main Street Buena Vista builds a stronger downtown by investing in the people who make it work. We support local businesses and entrepreneurs, activate public spaces, help return historic buildings to use, and create the events and connections that bring downtown Buena Vista to life.
Who we are
Main Street Buena Vista is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to build a thriving, welcoming downtown Buena Vista, Virginia. Founded in 2022, we support local businesses and entrepreneurs, bring historic buildings back into active use, improve public spaces, and create the events that make downtown a place people want to be. We are a designated Virginia Main Street community and part of the national Main Street America network. Our work is guided by a volunteer board of directors and carried out with local partners, businesses and volunteers.
Our Charming Home
Buena Vista sits in the Blue Ridge foothills at the southern end of the Shenandoah Valley, seven miles east of Lexington and just off I-81 and I-64. The Blue Ridge Parkway, the Maury River, the Appalachian Trail and Glen Maury Park are all within a few minutes of downtown.
Downtown is where you gear up before and land afterward. Locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, retailers and services line Magnolia Avenue, along with a full year of events worth planning a weekend around.
Our Roadmap to Revitalization
Main Street programs across the country organize their work around four points. Here is what each one looks like in Buena Vista.
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Economic Vitality
We help people open and grow businesses downtown, connect entrepreneurs to space and funding, and work with property owners to bring vacant buildings back into use.
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Design
We work on how downtown looks and feels: planters, public art, seating, wayfinding, storefront improvements, and support for the City on streetscape planning.
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Promotion
We bring people downtown and tell the story once they arrive, through Mountain Day, Connect BV, Spooktacular, holiday events, the business directory and our newsletters.
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Organization
We build the capacity to do all of it: grants, sponsorships, volunteers, partnerships with the City and the region, and reporting our results back to the community.
Get in Touch
Main Street Buena Vista
P.O Box 344
Buena Vista, VA 24416
contact@mainstreetbuenavista.org | 540.458.1872
Meet the Board
Jen Carpenter
Tyson Cooper
Brooke Dalton
Elizabeth Braddy
Executive Director
President
I was born and raised in Buena Vista but spent 26 years away after marrying a Navy guy. We moved back after his retirement in 2019, and I couldn’t be happier to be home. I have three children and four grandchildren and love being part of this community. I started volunteering with Main Street Buena Vista in 2022, joined the board, served as Executive Director for two years, and now I’m the President. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m proud to help revitalize our vibrant downtown!
Eric Seamon
Vice President
Julia Hetch
Secretary
Madison Authur
PlaceMaking Chair & Board Member
Madeline Mercer
Business Solutions & Board Member
Stephanie McCoy
Board Member
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Eric is an Assistant Vice President and Manager for the Buena Vista branch of CornerStone Bank. His career in banking spans over 20 years. He is a graduate of Rockbridge County High School, Class of 1997 and is native to Buena Vista. Eric is married to his wife, Christie, and they have a son, Ryan. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing/listening to music and learning more about the lifestyles of the 1940’s. He also appreciates art and good conversation.
Originally from Iowa, Julia moved to Buena Vista, Virginia, in 2022 after graduating from Brigham Young University. She teaches Spanish at Parry McCluer High School and serves as the director of the district’s theatre program. She also works with elementary students in the after-school program at Enderly Heights Elementary and plays the viola in the Rockbridge Symphony in Lexington. Passionate about education, Julia believes it lays the foundation for engaged, informed citizens. She is equally dedicated to community building and enjoys working with organizations that empower residents to invest in their town’s future. As the secretary of Main Street Buena Vista and a member of the Promotions Committee, she helps highlight the unique stories of local business owners, fostering a deeper connection between the community and its businesses.
Growing up in Martinsville, Virginia, I learned to value the wonderful qualities of a "small town." I quickly fell in love with Buena Vista upon my arrival in 2021. Oftentimes I can be found going on walks around Buena Vista with my dog Birdee and attending many local events. Along with my career as a preschool teacher at Kling Elementary School, I recently began teaching early childhood education courses for a Virginia community college. The people and the growing business district are what I love most about Buena Vista. My role within the Main Street organization is to ensure our downtown community looks pleasing and feels welcoming for community members and those who are visiting. Buena Vista truly is a beautiful place to be.
Madeleine Mercer moved to Buena Vista in 2016 to pursue her studies at Southern Virginia University, and quickly fell in love with the city’s charm and surrounding beauty. Driven by a passion for both the area and its people, Madeleine decided to make Buena Vista her home and opened a small ice cream shop, The BeeVe: Sweet Souvenirs, to bring something special to the city, while also investing in its growth and development. She remains dedicated to supporting the local community and helping Buena Vista thrive.
Stephanie McCoy has lived in Buena Vista for over 30 years now. She is married to Scott, has one daughter, one son in law, and two wonderful grandchildren. She had the opportunity to become a Main St business owner and took it. She loves her work, her business neighbors, and the citizens of this small city. Stephanie is looking forward to working with Main Street, the city employees, and other business owners to make this city hustle and bustle once again.