Supporting Local Businesses
Our Mission
At Main Street Buena Vista, our mission is to encourage people to support local businesses and actively engage with the community. We strive to create a strong sense of unity and pride within the town by fostering connections between residents and local establishments, ultimately enhancing the town's economic vitality and community spirit.
Who we are
Established in 2022, Main Street Buena Vista is a volunteer based, nonprofit organization that works to create a prosperous and welcoming downtown while preserving BV's unique charm. ​
MSBV is a part of Mobilizing Main Street, a two-year program through Virginia Main Street, that provides targeted organizational development support to build a community’s revitalization program using the Main Street Approach.
Our Charming little Town
Nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains, Buena Vista, Virginia has one of the most beautiful downtown experiences in the Shenandoah Valley. Located at the intersection of I-81 and I-64, be sure to add Buena Vista as one of your holiday experience destinations!
​
In addition to visiting one of BV's locally-owned restaurants, retailers & service providers, join us for our many annual events!
Our Roadmap to Revitalization
The Main Street Approach offers and adaptable framework tailored to our mission. The Main Street Approach is centered around transformation strategies that utilize four points: Economic Vitality Promotions, Organization, and Design
​
As a Main Street America Affiliate™, Main Street Buena Vista is part of a national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.
Meet the Board
Jen Carpenter
Editor in Chief
Aly Dransfield
Editor in Chief
Brooke Dalton
Assistant Manager
.jpg)
Deidra Dryden
Programming Editor
Elizabeth Brady
Art Director
I’m a passionate community builder and have been with MSBV since it began in 2022. I find purpose in creating connections that strengthen communities. My greatest joy comes from my family, whom I constantly encourage to be the change they wish to see in the world. You'll find me immersed in books at Leaf & Lore, the bookstore and plant studio I co-own with an awesome team in BV. My love for storytelling extends beyond reading—I'm also the author of a romance comedy inspired by Buena Vista and my community work. I aspire to be a runner and feel like there's no place I'd rather hit the trails than in beautiful BV.
Aly Dransfield is the proud owner of Vista Beauty, LLC, a nail and esthetic studio in Buena Vista, where she has lived for nearly 10 years. Outside of her business, Aly enjoys assisting with and planning events and weddings in her spare time. You’ll often find her in town with her husband Nate and their Yorkie, Izzie, either taking a stroll or performing music!
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!
Deidra moved to Buena Vista in 1997 when her husband took a job with Buena Vista Family Dentistry. She quickly fell in love with the River, state parks, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and a pedestrian lifestyle! She got involved in the community through coaching youth sports, teaching garden lessons at Kling Elementary, and helping build Penny Park. Deidra also loves being a part of Southern Virginia University and has worked there for many years. Deidra loves our little mountain town and wants to see it be a happy place for all.
Elizabeth Braddy moved to Buena Vista, Virginia, from Wake Forest, North Carolina, in 2011 when her husband accepted a position at Southern Virginia University. With them came their two youngest children—Macon, who started as a freshman at Parry McCluer High School, and Cooper, who entered fourth grade. Their oldest daughter, Libby, was beginning her freshman year at SVU, while their son, Will, deferred playing football at SVU to serve a mission in Santiago, Chile, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Eager to connect with her new community, Elizabeth made a habit of walking her dog through town, meeting neighbors, and observing the potential within Buena Vista. Excited by conversations about new businesses and opportunities, she embraced the town’s possibilities. In 2013, she joined the Chamber of Commerce, serving Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County, where she met and built relationships with many incredible people who deepened her love for the area. Today, Elizabeth works in the Office of the President at Southern Virginia University and serves on the Main Street Buena Vista board. She has a deep passion for her town, believing in its potential and bright future. She feels that Buena Vista is on the cusp of great things and is committed to seeing it thrive.
Eric Sea
Editor in Chief
Julia Hetch
Editor in Chief
Madison Authur
Assistant Manager
Madeline Mercer
Programming Editor
%20(2).jpg)
Stephanie McCoy
Art Director
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.
Get in Touch
Reach out to us for any inquiries, feedback, or collaboration opportunities. We value your input and look forward to connecting with you
(435) 760 - 0491
