Virginia Highland District Association's 2023 Annual Meeting
Over 75 residents, visitors, and business owners attended the Virginia Highland District Annual Meeting on August 23, 2023. Guests quickly filled out their name tags as they entered, ready to grab some food, mingle, and explore the information stations throughout the YWCA room. VHD Resident Sponsors were especially excited to be gifted upon arrival a copy of the first ever VHD 2022 Archival Coffee Table Book, Alive in VaHi!
Attendees helped provide feedback on new events like a VaHi Restaurant Week, Bike Race/Criterium, Wine Walk, and resident social gatherings. The idea for a guide app was presented that would offer mid-week discounts at local VaHi businesses. Votes were tallied in favor of selling Virginia Highland District merch like mugs, hats, and shirts in local stores.
Virginia Highland District was happy to report that they have $20,000 in recurring donations from Resident Sponsors which puts them closer to their goal of raising $30,000 by the end of the year. Executive Director Katie Voelpel broke down the budget in a digital presentation that showed how these donations are crucial for their efforts to put on high-quality events, along with beautification initiatives like clean-ups and plantings.
The presentation assessed popular community events including Winterfest, Porchfest, and Food Truck Friday, and updated guests on growing events like the VaHi Farmer’s Market, Make Music Day, Barre in the Park, Candy Crawl, and Owner Happy Hours.
Attendees were introduced to the VHD Board of Directors as well as paid staff including two new members: Sarah Miller, Marketing Manager, and Tim O’Brien, Marketing Assistant.
Voelpel also presented an impressive communication report, highlighting an email newsletter open rate of over 80% and a 10k following on Instagram. She was enthusiastic to share an exclusive announcement: a brand new website design will make its debut this Fall! Attendees were encouraged to follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and sign up for the newsletter.
Being face to face with the members of the Virginia Highland community is always a pleasure. Thank you for sharing in the district’s mission to support small businesses in Virginia Highland through economic development, public realm investment, and community engagement.
