Featured in Virginia Living Magazine‘s “Revival on Route 16”
Virginia Living Magazine featured Amanda Killen in the revitalization of Tazewell’s Main Street, highlighting her successes from nonprofit executive director to local business owner. Through organizing a nonprofit, launching events that defined the town as a destination, and fostering business growth, and how it helped transform the town into a thriving hub.
Links by clicking on the name above.
Credit Virginia Living Magazine
Credit Virginia Living Magazine
Feature: Grassroots efforts are reclaiming Tazewell.
Credit Amy Brecount White, Virginia Living Magazine
Featured in Emmy Award Winning “Hometowns” by PBS Appalachia
Credit PBS Appalachia, Hometowns Series
Small Town Revitalization
With firsthand experience transforming communities, Amanda provides strategic solutions to help small towns thrive, attract businesses, and foster long-term growth.
Grant Writing
With millions in secured funding, Amanda specializes in identifying opportunities, crafting compelling proposals, and turning big ideas into fully funded projects.
Business Consulting
Amanda has owned a multitude of businesses with success! Her current endeavors are a Main Street Coffee Shop, short term rentals, and sharing her knowledge with others. Knowing the firsthand struggles and successes of business owners is her biggest asset!
Rooted in Success
Historic Preservation
Historic buildings create culture and recognition among communities. The buildings in Pocahontas, VA are architecturially beautiful but needed to be stabilized in order to remain.
Our historic preservation project successfully raised the necessary funds to stabilize key buildings in our community, ensuring they are preserved for future generations. This stabilization allows for careful consideration of the best use for these structures, safeguarding our town’s rich history while preparing for future revitalization and development.
Small Business and Small Town are synonymous.
The Town of Tazewell utilized a series of downtown events designed to foster community growth, support local businesses, and aid in revitalization efforts. These events, which include festivals, concerts, and farmers markets, will not only bring the community together but also provide a boost to small businesses through increased foot traffic and sales.
In addition to stimulating local commerce, these events will generate town revenue through taxes, further contributing to the town’s revitalization initiatives. By creating a lively, vibrant downtown atmosphere, these events are helping Tazewell thrive both economically and socially.
Building through a network of community leaders
Communities are built with groups of small town champions who enact change. Amanda works to help bring together your network of community leaders to foster revitalization!
Whether it’s volunteering, supporting local businesses, or working on projects, these small acts add up to big changes. By helping each other, communities are becoming stronger and more connected, making sure the future is better for everyone.
Building Stronger Communities Through Vision and Action
Tazewell, Virginia, has been at the heart of my journey in small-town revitalization. From owning a boutique to leading a local nonprofit in securing a Main Street designation grant, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of strategic investment and community-driven change. As a grant writer, I’ve helped numerous local nonprofits secure funding to fuel their missions, and now, as the owner of a bustling Main Street coffee shop, I’m more committed than ever to fostering growth and connection. Tazewell has been the foundation of my passion for revitalization, proving that with vision and dedication, small towns can thrive.
Empowering Clients with Actionable Strategies
The small business owners of Burton, TX, rallied together to host a revitalization retreat with Amanda as their guest speaker. Through focused discussions, they explored proven small business strategies designed to increase engagement, attract customers, and drive sustainable growth. Together, they identified actionable techniques to strengthen businesses, foster community connections, and create lasting economic impact. With a hands-on approach and real-world insights, Amanda helped equip these passionate entrepreneurs with the tools needed to breathe new life into their town and build a stronger, more connected future.
Funding Secured
Sunny Side Manor – $1.4 M
This was a restoration project that oversaw the transfer of an old apartment into a much needed short term lodging facility along Tazewell’s side of the Back of the Dragon.
Richlands Library – $600 K
Funds were secured for the Richlands Library to undergo a renovation to allow better accessibility through the installation of an elevator/wheelchair ramps, and additions to their children’s program.