As the holiday season approaches, Downtown Ashland Association (DAA) is celebrating a year of community impact and inviting residents and local businesses to invest in the “Center of the Universe” through tax-deductible year-end donations or sponsorships.
Center Street Pitch Competition in historic Downtown Ashland, Virginia.
This year, DAA has helped transform Ashland into a hub of energy, creativity, and opportunity. From hosting free entrepreneur bootcamps at the Ashland Branch Library to providing AI workshops at Ashland Theatre and bilingual business workshops at Around the Table, DAA has empowered local entrepreneurs to grow and thrive. Partnerships like the Center Street Pitch Competition with the Dominion Energy Innovation Center awarded $35,000 to innovative small businesses, creating opportunities that ripple throughout the community.
Events have also been a cornerstone of DAA’s work. Light Up the Tracks lit up downtown with over 10,000 sparkling lights, carolers, and festive programming, while Ashland Train Day welcomed thousands of visitors to explore local vendors and the town’s historic rail legacy. These signature events drew over 35,000 guests to downtown Ashland and attracted major sponsors, including Amtrak, CSX, and Virtual Railfan, solidifying Ashland as a vibrant destination in Virginia and beyond.
Light Up the Tracks in historic downtown Ashland, Virginia
DAA’s dedication extends to historic and cultural preservation as well. The fully funded Mid-Atlantic Railroad Park, created in partnership with the Ashland Museum and Hanover County Black Heritage Society, celebrates the town’s rail heritage through interactive exhibits, storytelling, and public engagement. At the same time, strategic initiatives and partnerships with media outlets like Neighbors of Ashland Magazine, Metro Richmond, and K101.2 POP Richmond generated 2.1 billion media impressions in 2025 alone — all without spending a dime on ad buys — putting Ashland, affectionately known as the Center of the Universe, on the map for visitors and investors alike.
“Our work isn’t just about events or numbers,” said Coach Antonio Miller, DAA Executive Director. “It’s about creating a downtown where entrepreneurs flourish, families gather, and every neighbor feels the magic of Ashland. Every donation or sponsorship multiplies that impact — it’s a chance to invest in the heart of our community and get something back that’s truly priceless.”
The completion of DAA’s five-year Strategic Plan adds another layer to this vision, outlining a roadmap for growth, inclusivity, and vibrancy through 2030. As Kathy Abbott, Chair of the Strategic Plan Committee, reminds us that investing in DAA is more than a donation — it’s an investment in Ashland’s spirit. “It’s about ensuring our downtown remains vibrant, resilient, and deeply connected to the people who live, work, and visit here.”
Neighbors can contribute through a tax-deductible donation to sustain these programs and events, while local businesses can become sponsors, showcasing their brand while supporting free educational programs, volunteer initiatives, and cultural experiences that make Ashland unique.
To give or learn more, visit www.ashlandvirginia.com/donate.