Hampton Roads is one Smart Region

It's Officially SmartRegion.org

2009-06-01T15:10:00.002-04:00

This blog has moved to http://SmartRegion.org.

SmartRegion.org is the answer to the call from Hampton Roads’ citizens for one regional focus, one reliable source of information (think “Wikipedia”), a portal to connect Hampton Roads’ organizations, citizens and civic leaders.

SmartRegion.org focuses on all aspects of regional collaboration and action in pursuit of global economic competitiveness, incorporating business, education, defense, technology, government and citizens; it especially highlights the military, research and technology (including modeling and simulation, energy and the environment), infrastructure (including port and maritime logistics), tourism and educational components of Hampton Roads’ economy. And, it links to the major economy- and political-focused bloggers in Hampton Roads.

Visiting Hampton Roads: Bermuda, Jamestown, Virginia and Shakespeare

2009-05-27T15:51:00.002-04:00

by Victoria Cash, Director of Leisure at CI TRavel; Cruising Norfolk is the blog devoted entirely to Norfolk Cruises. It is published as a community service by CI Travel to connect travelers going on cruises from Norfolk to share comments, experiences, suggestions and tips for great things to do while on or off the ship.

Did you know that Bermuda was settled 400 years ago (1609) as a result of a shipwreck? Even more interesting, it was that shipwreck which inspired Shakespeare's "The Tempest"!

"Let me live here forever
So rare a wondered father and wife
Makes this place a paradise."

- William Shakespeare, "The Tempest"

In celebration of the 400th anniversary of Bermuda's founding, the Department of Community & Cultural Affairs is having a special Jamestown - Bermuda exhibition from May 13 - May 31. the exhibition "...explores governmental, religious and trade connections between England’s second permanent colony in the New World and its first – Jamestown, Virginia founded in 1607.

The exhibition illuminates Bermuda’s unique character: strategic location and historic stone forts; extraordinary importance of sports and recreation; and land and seascapes immortalized by internationally renowned artists, leading to Bermuda’s rise in the 20th century as a premier travel destination." according to the official Bermuda Tourism website.

Enquiries: Department of Community & Cultural Affairs, 81 Court Street, Hamilton HM12, tel 441 292 8990, fax 441 292 2474, email bermuda2009@gov.bm, website www.bermuda2009.bm

Just a unique cultural experience you may want to mosey on over to while in port.

Originally posted on the Cruise Norfolk Blog and reprinted here by permission of the author.

Pungo Strawberry Festival, unique community support in rural Virginia Beach (yes, rural)

2009-05-27T09:22:00.004-04:00

Hampton Roads' charities use the annual Pungo Strawberry Festival, the 26th celebrated in 2009, to raise money. The Lions Club sells strawberry shortcakes, money they raise to help kids with diabetes. Breast cancer survivors were raffling a Harley to help raise money to find a cure. Crowds in Pungo this Memorial Day weekend were looking for more they strawberries, they're eager to help their community. All proceeds from our Festival are donated to non-profit community and service organizations.

The festival is a family-oriented, wholesome, alcohol-free event. You'll find all the strawberries you can eat - and drink - offered in over 50 different ways, a pie eating contest, continuous entertainment on three stages, a parade, one of the largest carnivals on the east coast, a livestock show and sale, a multi-million dollar military display, pig races, youth art show, and arts and craft booths.

Thanks to Wayne Carter of WVEC.com for his coverage.

photos by Missy Schmidt, Communication Manager for the Hampton Roads Partnership. Being from the rural western side of Virginia and a relative newcomer to the region, finding a wonderful venue that reminds me of home was a wonderful compliment to all that Hampton Roads has to offer.

Visiting Hampton Roads: The Great American Backyard Barbeque

2009-05-26T18:20:00.000-04:00

photos and story by Kaitlyn Fohl

This past weekend (May 22-May 24), the boardwalk at the Virginia Beach oceanfront was bustling with excitement. In honor of Memorial Day and the start of summer, people crowded the area to take part in the Great American Backyard Barbeque.

The Great American Backyard Barbeque is a token to delicious food and soulful music. The event pays respect to the roots of American life – pulled pork, sweet country music, and the blues. It’s an event designed with the whole family in mind. The BBQ is brought to residents and visitors alike by Beach Street USA, the events program presented by the City of Virginia Beach, with concerts, festivals, and activities primarily held at the oceanfront resort area.

This year, local vendors lined the boardwalk near the 31st street and 21st street concert arenas. The sweet, smoky smell of roasted barbeque was impossible to resist while enjoying the musical talents of blues artists like Marcia Ball and Roomful of Blues, and country artists like Keith Anderson, Sammy Kershaw, and Jason Michael Carroll.

In addition to fantastic food and music, the boardwalk was also lined with essays written by Advanced Placement U.S. History students at Salem High School. The essays covered historical military events that our country has been a part of over the years. Each essay was printed on a large banner and the banners lined the boardwalk all the way from 17th street to 31st street. This display of patriotism was called the “Heroes Walk”.

To conclude the eventful weekend, fireworks lit up the night sky at ten o’clock on Sunday evening. This colorful demonstration was the perfect way to top off the American Backyard Barbeque. One can only hope next year’s barbeque bash will be just as successful and fun!

Kaitlyn Fohl is a rising sophomore at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech, Go Hokies!) in International Studies and Art. Kaitlyn is a resident of Virginia Beach and completed the Teen Apprenticeship Program at the Contemporary Art Center in 2008. For Summer 2009, Kaitlyn is an intern with the Hampton Roads Partnership covering Arts, Culture, History and Tourism with her own special flair.

Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement's first e-Newsletter

2009-05-26T14:10:00.001-04:00

In practical terms, the Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement’s long-term goal is to change the way that public decisions are made in Hampton Roads.

For the Center, there are multiple underlying operating assumptions:

First, that the inclusion of citizens in the public choices related to their region’s quality of life and future enhances the quality and sustainability of public decisions and supports accountability and transparency.
And second, that citizens have both rights and duties to participate in the shaping of their community and all public decision making will be improved by the informed engagement of citizens.

To read more and see HRCCE's first issue of their electronic newsletter: http://www.hrcce.org/publications/May2009Newsletter.html

Hurricane Preparedness Week

2009-05-26T09:53:00.006-04:00

Governor Tim Kaine recognized May 24-30 as National Hurricane Preparedness Week and reminds Virginians that the Commonwealth will mark its second annual Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday from Monday, May 25, through Sunday, May 31.

“Hurricane season will soon be here and now is a good time to start thinking about what you will need if one of these devastating storms affects Virginia,” Governor Kaine said. “These tax breaks should help everyone buy the items they need to see them through the difficult days that follow the storms.”

During the sales tax holiday many items that are very useful during and after a hurricane will be exempt from the 5 percent state and local sales tax. Twenty-two items will be tax exempt, including batteries, flashlights, bottled water, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and generators that cost $1,000 or less. A complete list of tax-exempt products and frequently asked questions is available on the Tax Department’s Web site at www.tax.virginia.gov. All Virginia retailers who sell the tax-exempt products are required by law to waive the sales tax on these items during the seven-day exemption period.

“This sales tax holiday is the perfect time to go shopping and buy tax-exempt items that will help you get through a hurricane or other large storm when there are usually power outages and other problems,” said Tax Commissioner Janie Bowen.

Since 2003, Virginia has had 49 fatalities and suffered over $2 billion in damage from storms including Hurricane Isabel, Hurricane Jeanne, and Tropical Depression Gaston. This year also marks the 40th anniversary of Hurricane Camille, which left more than 100 dead and damage of more than $1 billion in Virginia.

Governor Kaine also encouraged Virginians to take advantage of the resources available on Ready Virginia to ensure that they are prepared for a hurricane, other natural disaster, or any emergency. Ready Virginia provides information to help Virginians prepare emergency kits, make emergency plans, and stay informed in the event of an emergency.

During the sales tax holiday, retailers are also permitted to pay the sales tax themselves on any non-qualifying item or items they sell and pass the 5 percent savings on to customers. Virginia will have two additional sales tax holidays this year— for school supplies and clothing from Aug. 7-9, 2009, and for Energy Star and WaterSense products will from Oct. 9- 12, 2009.

Commonwealth Transportation Board Draft 2015 Six-Year Improvement Program

2009-05-26T06:40:00.003-04:00

Download the Draft 2015 Six-Year Improvement Plan HERE

Hampton Roads District Public Hearings will be held Thursday, June 4, at 6pm at the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, 723 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23320.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) presented a draft Six-Year Improvement Program for Fiscal Years (FY) 2010-2015 to the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB). The total proposed program is $7.4 billion, down from $8.9 billion in the revised FY 2009-2014 budget approved three months ago.

The FY 2010-2015 budget reflects $650 million in cuts to the highway program and $880 million in reductions to rail and transit. The highway declines are largely a result of continued state and federal revenue shortfalls, while the transit and rail declines are mainly attributed to the transition of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which reduced the program by $776 million.

“The commonwealth is continually challenged to meet federal obligations and state maintenance requirements for our highway system while dealing with drastic declines in state and federal revenues,” said Pierce R. Homer, Virginia secretary of transportation. “We have been able to maintain our rail and transit programs and services.”

Transportation revenue reductions have forced the CTB to significantly reduce the six-year program over the past several years:

Fiscal years 2008-13 program adopted June 2007: $11 billion ($8.7 billion for highways)
Fiscal years 2009-14 program adopted June 2008: $10.6 billion ($7.9 billion for highways)
Revised fiscal years 2009-14 program adopted February 2009: $8.9 billion ($6.0 billion for highways)
Proposed Fiscal years 2010-2015 program: $7.4 billion ($5.4 billion for highways)

VDOT also applied previously allocated but unused dollars from interstate projects to fund two major ready-to-go projects in order to match federal funds for FY 2009. More than $97 million from projects with phases that were not currently under way was reallocated in order to complete the I-95 bridge rehabilitation and I-64 paving projects in the Richmond District.

“After reducing the highway program by $2 billion in the revised FY 2009-2014 program, VDOT is again faced with more program funding challenges,” said VDOT Commissioner David S. Ekern, P.E. “VDOT is stretching every dollar to ensure federal and state obligations are met, and using available funds to keep projects that can move forward progressing as quickly as possible.”

Funding Reductions for Highway Program from the FY 2009-2014 Revised Program to the Proposed FY 2010-2015 Program

Interstate: $1.4 billion to $1.3 billion
Primary: $ 1.3 billion to $1.0 billion
Secondary: $0.6 billion to $0.5 billion
Urban: $0.5 billion to $0.4 billion

“While the reduction in available state rail, transit and commuter service funding in the draft FY2010-2015 program is primarily due to the reassignment of the Dulles Metrorail project, the transit and rail programs and services have been spared the drastic reductions of other areas of government,” said DRPT Director Charles M. Badger, P.E.

The Commonwealth of Virginia will host public hearings across the state in June to receive public input on the Fiscal Years 2010-2015 Six-Year Improvement Program for highway, transit, rail and commuter service improvements. CTB members will host the hearings and leaders from VDOT and DRPT will attend and provide information.

Written comments may be submitted to the following locations and must be received by June 12:

Public Information Office
Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation
600 E. Main St., Suite 2102, Richmond, VA 23219
drptpr@drpt.virginia.gov

Programming Director
Virginia Department of Transportation
1401 E. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23219
six-yearprogram@vdot.virginia.gov

For more information, visit the CTB Web site at www.CTB.Virginia.gov, the VDOT Web site, www.VirginiaDOT.org, or the DRPT Web site at www.drpt.virginia.gov.

CONTACTS:
Jeff Caldwell, Jeffrey.Caldwell@vdot.virginia.gov
Jennifer Pickett, Jennifer.Pickett@drpt.virginia.gov

Joint Warfighting Conference

2009-05-25T20:09:00.001-04:00

The United States Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) bloggers share their coverage of the Joint Warfighting Conference held May 12-14, 2009 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. They "twittered" and they "live-blogged" for a truly enhanced social media experience. Click on the blog post titles to visit their blog at USJFCOMLive:

Deputy secretary speaks at Joint Warfighting Conference
Posted by Gregg Your on May 14, 2009
Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn shared his thoughts on today’s joint force and the future of the department to close the three-day Joint Warfighting Conference organized by USJFCOM, NDIA, the U.S. Naval Institute and AFCEA.

One key quote really reflected the whole conference’s theme.

We need a truly joint force capable of confronting the full spectrum of threats. This budget has the means to back them up. We reaffirmed our commitment to joint force, not only in the way we fight, but in the way we buy. Read more.

How USJFCOM executes the mission of building the joint force
Posted by susydodson on May 14, 2009
This is the last day and my last blog at the Joint Warfighting Conference in Virginia Beach, Va. I have been listening to Craig Wilson, USJFCOM’s Strategy and Policy Directorate, chief of staff, address the Joint Operating Environment (JOE) and the Capstone Concept for Joint Operations (CCJO) and USJFCOM strategic themes. His closing remarks are focused on how USJFCOM is executing the mission of building the joint force to best meet the demands of the future security environment.

Wilson said USJFCOM’s execution to meet this mission set begins with the authoring or informing on doctrines like the JOE and CCJO that articulate both the demand signal and solutions to operate in the future.

He goes on to highlight other areas of what USJFCOM’s doing.

Rigorous experimentation to support the development of future warfighting capabilities.
Creating vision statements such as the IW and C2 vision statements that aid not only USJFCOM but all of DoD [Department of Defense].
Working rapidly to inject operational lessons learned from the battlefield back into the fights we’re in.
Conducting mission rehearsal exercises for forces moving forward and many other exercises in support of our fellow COCOMs.

According to Wilson, this is a snapshot of USJFCOM’s effort to build the joint force.

What a great conference. I enjoyed talking to you!

The CCJO tells the story of the military’s role
Posted by susydodson on May 14, 2009
In our booth at the Joint Warfighting Conference, Wilson talks to how the CCJO describes the joint operations for policy makers.

Wilson said the CCJO provides one means for the chairman to “tell the story of the military’s role as an instrument of national power.”

He went on to say that the CCJO describes the joint force as an instrument of policy, discussing what the joint force brings to national efforts, its fundamental purpose to deter and wage war.

“The joint force must provide options, competencies for political leaders,” Wilson said.

Wilson said the central tenant of the CCJO is that the joint force can generate integrated and adaptive joint operations through interrelated needs.

“Understanding each situation on its own terms, not redefining to conform to some pre-doctrinal solution,” Wilson said. “Integrating and applying some combination of combat, security, relief and reconstruction and engagement to meet the circumstances presented and assessing and modifying as needed.”

Czech Republic officers voice opinion
Posted by nikkicarter on May 14, 2009
While looking for U.S. Joint Forces Command’s business manager, I met up with two Army Czech Republic officers among the various booths. I asked them what they thought of this years Joint Warfighting Conference so far.

Army Lt. Col. Jerry Jancura replied that he found the panels very interesting and informative in topic. He said he is trying to understand the U.S. take on joint warfighting and working with interagency, non-governmental organizatons and the rest of the international community.

A blueprint of how military forces will conduct future operations
Posted by susydodson on May 14, 2009
I’m sitting here listening to Craig Wilson, chief of staff for U.S. Joint Forces Command’s (USJFCOM) Strategy and Policy Directorate, J5 at the USJFCOM booth on the last day of the 2009 Joint Warfighting Conference, discuss the Joint Operating Environment (JOE) and the Capstone Concept for Joint Operations (CCJO).

Wilson said the central mission of the USJFCOM is to develop a blueprint of how military forces will conduct future operations and to test this blueprint in the most realistic and challenging ways possible.

“The first step in developing this blueprint is to understand the terrain upon which our structure is to be built,” Wilson said. “For USJFCOM this terrain is known as the future operating environment.”

Wilson explained the JOE provides a perspective on future trends, shocks, context and implications of future joint force commanders. The Capstone Concept for Joint Operations is the overarching concept for the family of joint concepts, presenting the chairman’s vision of how the future joint force will operate.

“The intent was to create a document that would provide the intellectual foundation for the military professional and for the development of future concepts,” Wilson said. More to follow…

On the floor…
Posted by nikkicarter on May 14, 2009
With the final day of the conference well under way, small groups of people are scattered throughout the convention center exchanging business cards and conversing amongst one another.

I was stopped by a gentleman named Sam Benzacar with the Anatech Electronics, Inc. He told me that he has done multiple conference but this was the first time at the Joint Warfighting Conference, it was a last minute decision but they felt that with the way the tradeshow was going, it was a good decision.

Also I found a very helpful little tid-bit that the U.S. Navy has, a 24/7 assistance center called Global Distance Support Center and it’s available to all branches of the military for ANY problem or topic. Technical and Maintenance, logistics or manpower, training and education or just press “4″ for all others. How great would that have been while deployed?

The importance of global trade
Posted by katrinaparker on May 14, 2009
Senior Vice President for Maritime Services MaerskLine Mr. Stephen Carmel started off the third and final day of the Joint Warfighting Conference with a plenary address. He spoke to the audience about the importance and global impact of trade.

“Trade is frequently cited as a force of peace and as a source of conflict. It is constructive to remember that the cause of World War I and II are routed in the discontinuous transport of information and technology. I feel it is worth exploring where trade and instability intersect. The world is complex now and operated in networks that can be hard to understand. Cyber attacks can seriously hurt military performances, and trading services is universally dependent on the global information system.”

Carmel let the audience know that his remarks are calibrated from his belief that the worlds economy will right itself quickly, but until then, opportunity arises in times of turmoil. He also spoke of the risks associated with import.

“The action and reaction associated with the nature of trade is likely to be non-liner. The U.S. must be more self-sufficient. Keeping a stable market is essential for success.”

SOCOM commander discusses balance
Posted by Gregg Your on May 13, 2009
During a speech at the Joint Warfighting Conference, the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command discussed how balanced warfare reflects how many U.S. special operations forces operate alongside other forces.

“We need to be responsive enough to adjust rapidly to what the enemy throws at us and we need to have the agility to transcend the spectrum of conflict; the ability to do so proactively requires a holistic approach to warfare.” Read more.

Joint capability development
Posted by susydodson on May 13, 2009
It’s just after lunch and I’m sitting in the middle of a standing-room-only Joint Warfighting Conference attendees waiting to hear Maj. Gen. Kevin Kennedy, director for U.S. Joint Forces Command’s (USJFCOM) Joint Capability Development (J8) directorate.

The Joint Capability Development identifies near-and far-term joint, multinational, and interagency capability gaps and works with other combatant commands, the services, coalition partners, and agencies to fill those shortfalls with integrated capabilities.

More to come. Maj. Gen. Kennedy just arrived.

Talking about the JOE and CCJO at the Joint Warfighting Conference
Posted by susydodson on May 13, 2009
I’m listening to Joe Purser give a brief overview of the Joint Operating Environment (JOE) and the Capstone Concept for Joint Operations (CCJO). Purser said the JOE provides context for the future joint force - “the demand signals.”

Purser said the JOE is the problem statement, our understanding of the military in the future.

“It establishes this conceptual framework that we can we go forward … to that place of development and experimentation,” Purser said.

Purser said the 2009 version [JOE] will reflect the new dynamics in the world today, the economic downturn and the global economic situation. The 2009 JOE will be available for download on an open source website within the next 30 to 35 days.

As Purser turned the focus to the CCJO, he said the [CCJO] is the solution for the challenges the JOE …. for the joint force.

He said the CCJO talks in terms of 5 broad national security challenges.

win the nation’s wars
deter aggression
develop cooperative security
defend the homeland
respond to civil crisis

Gotta run. For more on the implications of the CCJO see you in the next blog!

Unsung Hero Community Impact Awards, Hampton Roads

2009-05-25T15:21:00.006-04:00

On May 20, 2009, WHRO honored the following individuals and organizations, the unsung heroes of Hampton Roads, with Community Impact Awards, thanks to the support of Dominion Virginia Power. Each has a video highlighting why they're heroes:

ENVIRONMENT
Timothy A. Reisch
Mid-Atlantic Supervisory Environmental Engineer, Naval Facilities Engineering Command
Watch Video

EDUCATION
Edward P. “Ned” McCabe
Founder and Director, Portsmouth Reads
Watch Video

PUBLIC SAFETY
Veronica McMillian
Founder and Executive Director, Let’s Talk, Inc.
Watch Video

REGIONALISM
Sydney Moroney
President, Empower Hampton Roads
Watch Video

SOCIAL JUSTICE
Mervin D. Pitchford
Vice President, Community Services Branch of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads
Watch Video

Salute to the Military on Memorial Day 2009, from The Hampton Roads Flagpole

2009-05-25T06:21:00.001-04:00

A weekly compilation of information impacting Hampton Roads military and federal capabilities, from the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance.

Mullen: Drones Future Stalwart of U.S. Force (DefenseNews.com, May 14, 2009) Unmanned aircraft likely represent the future for U.S. military aviation, with next generation bombers and fighter planes operating without pilots onboard, the top U.S. military officer said. “We’re at a real time of transition here in terms of the future of aviation, and the whole issue of what is going to be manned and what is going to be unmanned,” Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told a Senate hearing.

Defense Secy. Gates Repeats Support for Mayport Move (Virginian-Pilot, May 15, 2009) Local congressmen trying to halt the Navy’s plan to move an aircraft carrier from Norfolk, Va., to Mayport, Fla., got a reality check on Capitol Hill this week. Although the decision has been postponed, both Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations, made it clear in congressional testimony that they still think the move makes good strategic sense. The Pentagon said last month the issue would be studied as part of its upcoming Quadrennial Defense Review, delaying a final decision until 2011. Local members of Congress celebrated that announcement as a signal that Norfolk might be able to hang on to its five locally based carriers and their associated economic benefits. But this week’s testimony made it clear that top Pentagon officials have not changed their minds about the wisdom of the proposed move.

Navy: F-35 Fighter Jets Needed By 2015 Deadline (WSJ.com, May 14, 2009) The chief of naval operations said that on-time delivery of Lockheed Martin’s next-generation Joint Strike Fighter will be critical in closing the gap of the fighter jets needed to match current and future threats. Adm. Gary Roughead told the House Armed Services Committee that the service’s current fleet of legacy F/A-18s from Boeing is rapidly aging and will need to be replaced quickly. Those jets have seen substantial action supporting forces on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan.

San Antonio To Get AF Cyber Command (San Antonio Express-News, May 15, 2009, Pg. 1) Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio has been selected as the headquarters for a new cyber command, an official close to the process said, bringing an influx of infrastructure, security and 400 staffers. The official announcement was expected today. The headquarters will include the commander’s staff and an operations center that will focus on defending Air Force computers against attack and preventing disruptions.

Marshall, Mattis To Lead QDR 'Red Team' (DefenseNews.com, May 15, 2009) U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced this week he has tapped two prominent defense thinkers to head the team that will challenge the conclusions of the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR).

Mantra at U.S. Navy Budget Hearing: Wait for QDR (DefenseNews.com, May 14, 2009) The Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) due to be sent to Congress in February will answer many of today's questions, senior U.S. Navy and Marine Corps leaders told lawmakers May 14.

Last Manned Aircraft?: (Airforce-Magazine.com, May 18, 2009) Despite eliminating the Air Force's next-generation bomber from the 2010 defense budget, Defense Secretary Robert Gates acknowledged it was his personal view that "we probably do need a follow-on bomber." But he told the Senate Armed Services Committee during May 14 testimony that much had changed since the 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review directed USAF to field the NGB by 2018. And, he now believes that the outcome of the new QDR and Nuclear Posture Review may provide different insight on that bomber and will question "whether, for example, the follow-on bomber needs to have a pilot in it." Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, agreed, declaring, "There are those that see the JSF [F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter] as the last manned fighter—or fighter bomber or—or jet, and I'm one that's inclined to believe that." (The Air Force is slated to purchase the last of its 1,763 JSFs in 2034.) Mullen said, "We're at a real time of transition here in terms of the future of aviation, and the whole issue of what's going to be manned and what's going to be unmanned, what's going to be stealthy, what isn't, how do we address these threats … it's changing, even from 2006."

Gates Demands Review of U.S. Service Chiefs’ Wish Lists (DefenseNews.com, May 18, 2009, Pg. 1) Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, who issued a gag order as the 2010 budget request was being prepared, is now inserting himself into a process designed by Congress to promote candid answers from military leaders, raising members’ fears that they are not receiving enough information on defense spending. In April, Gates ordered the service chiefs to brief him on their unfunded requirements lists before they went to Congress. That briefing was set for May 15. “I have no problem with them putting together a list of unfundeds, but the law requires them to inform me about that list before they send it up here,” Gates told the Senate Armed Services Committee on May 14. “What I have tried to do ... is to bring some discipline to a budgetary process that, shall we say, lacked a certain measure of discipline in the past.”

Cash-Strapped Navy Puts Hold on Transfers, Goodwill Visits By Ships $930 Million Funding Backlog May Affect Service’s Readiness (Honolulu Advertiser, May 17, 2009) A cash-strapped Navy has halted 14,000 duty station moves and is reducing by one-third the sailing time of non-deployed ships and cutting back on aviation flight hours and ship visits to U.S. cities to counter a $930 million ship repair and manpower budget shortfall, officials said. That funding backlog is being addressed by Congress; Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, on Thursday added $190 million to a defense supplemental bill. The mid-year funds are intended to pay for repairs to the Pearl Harbor-based cruiser Port Royal, which ran aground in February off Honolulu airport, as well as to fix the submarine Hartford and amphibious ship New Orleans following their collision in March in the Strait of Hormuz. Inouye also increased Navy personnel funding by $230 million to address a $350 million manpower-cost shortfall, officials said. The Navy expects to recoup about $89 million with the duty station freeze, the Navy Times reported.

140,000 more feds next year (FederalTimes.com, May 18, 2009) by Stephen Losey
The executive branch will grow to more than 2 million civilian employees for the first time in 15 years, under President Barack Obama’s 2010 budget plan. The growing ranks of government employees reflect the ever-growing responsibilities many agencies are taking on and the different priorities President Obama has from his predecessor: The Defense Department’s workforce will grow by about 19,000 full-time equivalent positions, most of which will come from converting — or “insourcing” — about 13,800 contractor jobs to federal employee jobs. This is the largest staffing increase proposed for next year, aside from Commerce.

No Tricare Fee Hike: (Airforce-Magazine.com, May 18, 2009) The Fiscal 2010 defense budget does not—repeat does not—contain a provision to increase the Tricare fees for retired military personnel, unlike the past three defense budgets in which the Bush Administration tried to raise fees as one means to offset higher healthcare costs.

Housing Relief: (Airforce-Magazine.com, May 18, 2009) The Defense Department has temporarily expanded the Housing Assistance Program with a $555 million boost from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help military members who have trouble selling their primary residence in the midst of the economic downturn. That means those members at bases undergoing BRAC 2005-directed drawdowns don't have to prove the BRAC action drove the local housing market down.

Congress Will Make Own Shipbuilding Plan: Lawmaker (DefenseNews.com, May 15, 2009) The U.S. Navy's new shipbuilding budget faced a focused round of congressional scrutiny May 15, absent a familiar element: the 30-year fleet plan that generates a central part of the annual debate.

Ex-Gov. Mabus Sworn in as New Navy Secretary (Jackson Clarion-Ledger, May 20, 2009) Former Mississippi Gov. Ray Mabus has been sworn in as the secretary of the Navy, putting him in a key post in the new administration. “He’s going to be a very good choice,” said Loren Thompson, a defense analyst with the Lexington Institute, because Mabus has a close relationship with President Obama and a good understanding of global diplomacy. But it is Mabus’ political skills that will be particularly useful in his new role, Thompson said.

Lawmakers Say Air Force Plane Cuts May Be Too Deep (WashingtonPost.com, May 19, 2009) House lawmakers say the Air Force could end up flat-footed if it carries out plans to end big programs like the C-17 cargo plane and retires fighter jets while waiting for new ones that are still being tested. The Air Force’s roughly $115.6 billion 2010 base budget request includes a significant shift in weapons buying, ending some politically popular but expensive programs like the C-17 and the F-22 fighter plane. It calls for retiring roughly 250 fighter jets on an accelerated schedule in anticipation of building up its fleet of F-35s from Lockheed Martin. But members of the House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday questioned whether that leaves the Air Force with enough planes to perform its mission. They cited other proposed changes, like halving the number of planned C-27 cargo jets and scrapping current plans to build a new long range bomber.

Air Force's "Underfunded" Priorities: (Airforce-Magazine.com, May 18, 2009) The Air Force's wish-list of some 20 additional items not included in its Fiscal 2010 budget request landed on Capitol Hill Monday evening. Noteworthy is the fact that the list adds up to slightly more than $1.9 billion, less than a tenth of last year's $20 billion list of unfunded priorities.

Chambliss: Hill Leaders 'Realize 187 F-22s Is Not Enough' (DefenseNews.com, May 20, 2009) Congressional proponents of more F-22 fighters will aim to put extra money for the stealthy jets in the 2010 U.S. defense appropriations bill, a key senator says.

Lest There Be Any Doubt: (InsideDefense.com, May 20, 2009) During a May 19 House Armed Services Committee budget hearing, several lawmakers questioned Gen. Norton Schwartz, Chief of Staff, about curtailment of F-22 production at only 187 aircraft and insistence by DOD officials that those 187 aircraft met military need. In one instance, Schwartz's response was short and sweet: "Two forty-three is the right number and 187 is the affordable force."

Current QDR Will Push Gates' Reshaping: (Airforce-Magazine.com, May 20, 2009) Irregular warfare and counterinsurgency capabilities not surprisingly are among key focus areas to be scrutinized in the just-commenced Quadrennial Defense Review, Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Michele Flournoy told the Defense Writers Group Wednesday morning. Flournoy acknowledged that this QDR will be a "leader driven process" that involves Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn, and other senior leadership. One thing that makes this QDR unique, said Flournoy, is that it is jumping off from an established National Defense Strategy, the one Gates released last year. In fact, she said, there is a "pretty clear consensus internally and interagency" on guidance and priorities and that this QDR will inform program and budget decisions. She added, "This is not some separate process; this is creating a strategic framework to drive that process." Flournoy also acknowledged that the rebalancing Gates started with the Fiscal 2010 budget proposal will move forward under this review. She expects various working groups to complete their work by the end of the summer, making it possible for the QDR insights to help "frame and guide decision making" for the 2011 program objective memorandum.

DoD Official: QDR Will Lead To Further ‘Rebalancing’ of Weapons in FY ‘11 (DefenseDaily.com, May 21, 2009) The Pentagon leadership is “very consciously” moving to implement further program changes in the fiscal year 2011 budget cycle using the latest round of a major weapons portfolio review conducted every four years, a top Defense Department official said. Michele Flournoy, undersecretary of defense for policy, said this year’s Quadrennial Defense Review will have more practical ramifications for the Pentagon’s budget than QDRs of years past have had. “This is not some separate process,” Flournoy told defense reporters. “This is creating the strategic framework that will drive” fiscal 2011 budget priorities.

F-22 Adequate for One, not Two, MCOs: (Airforce-Magazine.com, May 20, 2009) Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.)—the Senate's leading defender of the F-22 program and vocal critic of its cancellation—asked Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz during Thursday's Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the Air Force 2010 budget proposal to characterize the amount of risk inherent with a program-of-record for only 183 Raptors. He asked: "What is the level of risk that we are taking at 183? Is it low, is it moderate, or is it high risk?" Schwartz replied, "I would characterize it as moderate to high." However, he added that his analysis was based on a standard two Major Combat Operations scenario set forth in past Quadrennial Defense Reviews. That two-MCO construct may well get thrown out in the new QDR being orchestrated now by Defense Secretary Robert Gates. Schwartz continued, "There is no question that the program is adequate for one major combat operation."

Musical Chairs: (ShreveportTimes.com, May 22, 2009) According to a report in the Shreveport Times, Gen. William Fraser III, currently serving as the Vice Chief of Staff, is the likely successor to head Air Combat Command when Gen. John Corley retires this summer.

Washington, DC – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) delivered remarks during House debate on the conference report to S. 454, the Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009. The U.S. House of Representatives approved the conference report on a vote of 411 to 0. (House Armed Services Committee website, May 21, 2009) “In the area of policy, we require DOD to balance its desire for cutting edge capabilities with the limits of its resources in setting military requirements. We require competitive acquisition strategies. We require DOD to get programs right in the early stages, when problems can be solved at low cost. We also require DOD to put intense management focus on problem programs until they are either healed, or terminated. We strengthen the Nunn-McCurdy process. And we ask DOD to eliminate or mitigate organizational conflicts of interests among its contractors.”

National Center for Health Statistics surveyed Hampton Roads

2009-05-24T06:14:00.000-04:00

So, you’re skimming a health-related news article, and you read a sentence that goes something like these:

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 16 percent of American children are obese.”
“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, osteoporosis is on the rise among American women age 60 and over.”

Did you ever wonder where they get those statistics? Well, this year they’re getting them from Hampton Roads.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey visited Hampton Roads area this year. The area was randomly chosen as one of 15 areas in the country to participate in the survey, and the NHANES trailers were in Hampton Roads from March 16 through May 13. For more information on NHANES, visit www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes.htm.

The survey is a major program of the National Center for Health Statistics, which is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. NHANES is one of the primary sources of vital health statistics used to shape public health policy, design health programs and develop standards used by physicians worldwide.

The survey attempts to replicate the U.S. population by interviewing about 7,000 individuals.

In Hampton Roads, the study sampled 458 households. About 380 people were identified to participate, and more than 200 had already been interviewed by May 4th.

excerpts from an article by Tracy Agnew of the Suffolk News-Herald, originally published on May 4, 2009

Urban League of Hampton Roads on NBC Nightly News

2009-05-23T16:04:00.003-04:00

The Portsmouth-based Urban League of Hampton Roads was featured on NBS Nightly News with Brian Williams on Friday, May 22nd.

Ron Allen, an NBC News correspondent based in New York, interviewed Ernest Rolland, Financial Counselor for the Urban League of Hampton Roads, and others about the League's services which are offering a ray of hope for hundreds of hard-pressed families facing foreclosure in the region.

Mr. Rolland shared that approximately 600 families in Hampton Roads have been helped, doubling last year's numbers.

MSNBC Video Link, May 22, 2009

The National Urban League of which the Urban League of Hampton Roads is an affiliate, is one of the oldest community-based civil rights organizations.

January 1, 2101: A look 'back' at the 21st century

2009-05-23T10:36:00.004-04:00

by Doug Dwoyer

Hampton Roads has endured a period of rapid and challenging change over the last century. The 21st century began with great optimism in the region as the nation's and region's economies were thriving. Many trends of those times, including globalization of the world's economy, significant military activity and spending and rising coal exports, favored Hampton Roads. Our once-thriving port was rapidly expanding, fueled by globalization of trade and growing coal exports. In those heady days, the future of the region indeed looked bright.

At this time, the world began to recognize the emergence of human-induced climate change and its potential to cause major disruption during the 21st century. In 2007 a report was issued by a body called the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which was sponsored by the United Nations and the World Meteorological Organization. It projected a 5-degree to 9-degree Fahrenheit change in mean global temperature and a 1-foot to 2-foot rise in sea level by 2100. Shortly after this report was issued, scientists began to discover rapid melting and deterioration of the Greenland and West Antarctica ice sheets, leading to fears of even greater sea-level rise.

Unfortunately, people around the world, including those in Hampton Roads, did not seriously respond to these warnings and continued to operate as if climate change was something abstract and not important in their daily lives.

As we know today, the projections in the 2007 IPCC report on global temperature rise were remarkably accurate, as now in 2101 it is about 10 degrees warmer around the planet than it was in 2001.

On the other hand, we have experienced a far greater sea-level rise than predicted, with sea level about 6 feet higher today than in 2001. As Greenland and West Antarctica continue their rapid melting today, there is no end in sight to rapid sea-level rise. The impact of these global changes on our region has been nothing short of devastating.

Old-timers in Hampton Roads can recall large areas of our region east of U.S. Route 17 that were above water and populated. Large areas of Gloucester and York counties, as well as major sections of Hampton, Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, were home to thriving communities, businesses, factories and other assets. The city of Poquoson, which no longer exists, had a population of about 11,000 in 2001 and was a rapidly growing bedroom community.

Our major highway links across the harbor, the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel and the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel are frequently overwashed and require constant repair.

These old-timers can recall a vast military presence in the region. After the devastation caused by the major hurricanes of 2038 and 2042 and subsequent inundation, the Air Force was forced to abandon Langley Air Force Base, and by 2075 the Navy was also forced to abandon the Norfolk naval base and numerous other facilities due to inundation as well. With the loss of these military facilities, the region lost a major part of its employment base and population.

In the early 21st century, Hampton Roads was a thriving, waterfront-oriented region, and much of our then-acclaimed lifestyle was focused on living near and playing on the water.

Today that is hard to imagine, as our waterfront is dominated by abandoned buildings slowly being claimed by the bay or sea. Abandoned roads, sewage treatment facilities and other utilities lie just beneath the surface in the near-shore areas. The massive pollution from all of this has ruined the quality of the water itself, as well as making nearshore navigation hazardous. Indeed, the water has transformed from being a regional asset in 2001 to a hazardous, polluted eyesore that is inexorably devouring the region in 2101.

Looking back on this sad state of affairs for Hampton Roads in 2101, we can only wish that our ancestors a century or more ago had taken the ample warnings more seriously before these irreversible changes began. We could today live in a very different, more prosperous and enjoyable Hampton Roads than the sorry state our community has instead inherited.

Doug Dwoyer retired from NASA Langley Research Center as associate director for operations. He is project director for the Hampton Roads Research Partnership. This article was originally published on March 1, 2009 in the Daily Press and is reprinted here by permission of the author.

NOTE: Outside of New Orleans, Hampton Roads is the largest population area at greatest risk from sea-level rise according to the US Geological Service. (Thieler, E.R., and Hammar-Klose, E.S., 1999. National assessment of coastal vulnerability to sea-level rise: Preliminary results for the U.S. Atlantic coast. U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 99-593).

From the Virginia Dept. of Environmental Quality; Click on map above for larger view.

ISSUE PAPER Outlying Landing Field (OLF): Impacts of A Worst Case Scenario

2009-05-22T16:30:00.005-04:00

PURPOSE

To discuss the impacts of a worst case scenario in which an OLF to support Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana is not located in Virginia or North Carolina.

SUMMARY

The future of NAS Oceana – and to some extent Naval Station Norfolk - is strategically, operationally, and politically tied directly to finding an OLF that meets the Navy’s requirements. Should Navy decision makers not have the benefit of politically and operationally viable sites that meet their mission requirements, they could find themselves in a ‘checkmate’ situation, with no long range alternative other than to find a new east coast master jet base.

Once this situation develops, the ability of the Virginia congressional delegation, the Commonwealth, and the Hampton Roads region to prevent the loss of an aircraft carrier to another homeport and the loss of other capabilities will be seriously hampered – if not fatally neutralized. This IS the worst case scenario.

BACKGROUND

An OLF to augment existing carrier landing practice capabilities at NAS Oceana and Naval Auxiliary Landing Field (NALF) Fentress is required to provide the operational robustness necessary to NAS Oceana’s ability to accomplish its mission.

Strong, well-organized public opposition and the eventual political collapse of the Navy’s preferred OLF site (Site C) in Washington County, North Carolina, changed the dynamics of the OLF identification process, allowing the Commonwealth of Virginia to explore opportunities within the state. North Carolina officials began a parallel process and have offered alternative sites, but there is no indication that a solution exists in North Carolina. At least one of these sites is further south than Site C, extending the distance between the OLF and NAS Oceana which makes it less operationally suitable.

The Navy must soon make a decision regarding the OLF situation. That decision will be based on the results of the alternative site identification processes conducted by Virginia and North Carolina, and the existing environmental impact statement (EIS) that resulted in the earlier selection of Site C. There is a chance that the Navy may re-evaluate the original OLF sites in North Carolina should viable alternatives not be found in Virginia or North Carolina, however there is a low likelihood of this possibility. A Herculean effort would be required to pursue this course of action.

DISCUSSION

For the Commonwealth of Virginia the worst case scenario is a failure to identify any politically suitable, operationally viable OLF sites in Virginia or in North Carolina, thereby providing an incentive to the Navy to move aircraft to other locations. In this worst case scenario, the Navy will be driven by necessity to seriously examine the future viability of NAS Oceana as the east coast master jet base if it cannot meet mission requirements. This opens the door to political suitors to invigorate their efforts to attract the Navy away from NAS Oceana (NAS Kingsville, TX; NAS Pensacola, FL; Moody Air Force Base, Valdosta, GA; etc.) and establish a new east coast master jet base.

Further, there is an undisputed relationship between carrier aircraft basing and aircraft carrier homeporting; proximity is preferred.

The following considerations are germane:

While the cost of constructing a new master jet base from scratch with an adequate OLF nearby is on the order of $1.8 billion, the relocation to an existing base – particularly one with a welcoming political and public environment – is less expensive. State or local incentives could make such a move even more attractive to the Navy.
While Fleet Forces Command (FFC) has stated that the immediate challenge is an OLF to support NAS Oceana, it is not unreasonable to believe that a more strategic, longer-term view has long considered the idea of establishing a new master jet base to replace NAS Oceana.
The newly nominated FFC Commander, Vice Admiral Greenert – assuming he is confirmed – will be the most junior four star in the Navy. He is a submariner whose operational experience is all with the Pacific Fleet and he has no prior affiliation with Hampton Roads.
The current Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, Rear Admiral Ruehe retires in October. He is being relieved by Rear Admiral Mark S. Boensel, the current Commander Navy Region Southeast – in whose region many of the potential suitor sites for locating a master jet base exist.
The EIS for Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) is likely very problematic for NAS Oceana given current noise and other issues surrounding NAS Oceana. As the Navy integrates JSF into the force it will need to find more suitable operating bases out of necessity.
A second law suit seeking $500 million in damages has just been filed regarding the noise at NAS Oceana; earlier this year the Department of Justice settled a similar law suit for $38 million, setting a potential precedent for the success of a new suit. It is questionable whether or not the settlement of the first suit would support the later basing of JSF at Oceana by precluding a subsequent suit.
While Virginia and Hampton Roads are represented on both the Senate and House Committees on Armed Services, and they have thus far been aggressive and effective in protecting existing capabilities, potential opponents both outnumber and outrank our congressional delegation. Further, Hampton Roads is not represented on either the Senate or House Committees on Appropriations. Thus, the Virginia congressional delegation’s ability to continue to protect existing capabilities and advocate for new ones becomes more problematic.

CONCLUSION

Failure to find an operationally viable OLF site in Virginia is the seminal point in characterizing the Navy’s future footprint – and economic and cultural impact of that presence – in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Hampton Roads region. Without an OLF supporting NAS Oceana, the Navy will be pressured to put NAS Oceana on the next Defense Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) list or initiate movement of aircraft to other locations, likely to be accompanied by the relocation of an aircraft carrier. The result will be a dramatically changed military landscape in Hampton Roads in the next 5 to 10 years.

Author: Frank Roberts, Executive Director of the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance (HRMFFA) whose mission is to proactively protect, preserve and grow military and federal capabilities in Hampton Roads for the common good and welfare of the residents of the Hampton Roads. Through regional advocacy and influence the Alliance acts to retain and attract organizations, capabilities, and investments owned, operated or funded by the Federal government.

NOTE: The original date of this paper is Oct 2007. RADM Boensel has been Navy Mid-Atlantic Commander since Nov 2007. VADM Greenert has been Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command since Sep 2007 and is off to become the new Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO), the second highest ranking officer in the United States Navy, this summer.

VMA Service and Port of Hampton Roads Champion Awards

2009-05-22T09:11:00.003-04:00

from David White, Vice President of the Virginia Maritime Association; contact David at (757) 622-2639or at VMA@PortOfHamptonRoads.com.

The Virginia Maritime Association (VMA) has announced the presentation of the following awards:

"Distinguished Service Award" to Colonel Dionysios “Dan” Anninos, Commander of the Norfolk District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
“Port Champion” to Captain Martin J. Moynihan, Executive Director of the Port of Richmond until his retirement in 2008
"Port Champion" to Captain Patrick B. Trapp, Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads until his promotion in April, 2009

Captain J. William Cofer, President of VMA made the awards presentations in front of an audience of 900 at the Association's 89th Annual Maritime Banquet, held at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott hotel on the evening of May 14, 2009. Col. Anninos, Capt. Moynihan and Capt. Trapp were presented with Resolutions of Appreciation for their respective and unique contributions promoting, protecting and encouraging the Port of Hampton Roads.

The Maritime Industry, through the leadership of the Virginia Maritime Association (VMA), continues to be the driving force for the progressive development of the Port of Hampton Roads. VMA was founded in 1920 for the purpose of promoting, protecting and encouraging the interests of commercial shipping through the Port of Hampton Roads. VMA's goals and purpose remain true today with over 500 members and a diverse committee structure prepared to address any subject relating to the overall operations of the Port. From physical harbor improvements to working with various governmental and legislative agencies, the Association strives to improve the great Port of Hampton Roads.

Hampton Roads Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

2009-05-21T15:18:00.004-04:00

Hampton Roads Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Project Support

The Hampton Roads Partnership (HRP), a public private organization comprised of the chief elected officials of seventeen local governments, business leaders, college and university presidents, and military commands, seeks a highly qualified contractor to provide support for development of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the Hampton Roads region.

A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), as defined by the U. S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration, is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic roadmap to diversify and strengthen regional economies. The CEDS analyzes the regional economy and serves as a guide for establishing regional goals and objectives, developing and implementing a regional plan of action, and identifying investment priorities and funding sources.

A CEDS integrates a region’s human and physical capital planning in the service of economic development. Integrated economic development planning provides the flexibility to adapt to global economic conditions and fully utilize the region’s unique advantages to maximize economic opportunity for its residents by attracting the private investment that creates jobs for the region’s residents.

A CEDS is the result of a continuing economic development planning process developed with broad-based and diverse public and private sector participation and must set forth the goals and objectives necessary to solve the economic development problems of the region and clearly define the metrics of success.

Finally, a CEDS provides a useful benchmark by which a regional economy can evaluate opportunities with other regions in the national economy.

For more information on CEDS: http://www.eda.gov/PDF/CEDSFlyer081706.pdf

The CEDS Support Contractor:

Works directly for the Project Manager to oversee and facilitate the CEDS process and to integrate and prioritize Sub-Committee results.
Provides support to Strategy Committee and Sub-Committee Leaders.
Facilitates public outreach working with appropriate regional entities.
Supports the preparation of the final report.

Qualifications:

Has detailed and current knowledge of Hampton Roads including its opportunities and issues.
Has been involved with the preparation of successful CEDS planning efforts.

Proposals should include how the contractor will support the project, information on key personnel involved, relevant accomplishments, and a budget to include travel, meeting support, and personnel costs. Proposals should be limited to no more than 4 pages, including budget.

Proposals should be sent by Monday, June 7, 2009 to:
E. Dana Dickens, III
President and CEO
Hampton Roads Partnership
430 World Trade Center
Norfolk, VA 23510
ddickens@hrp.org

Hampton Roads water projects get stimulus boost

2009-05-21T06:13:00.000-04:00

More than $21 million in water-related projects — much of it river dredging and harbor upgrades — are among the improvements in greater Hampton Roads to be funded with economic stimulus money, officials announced this week.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which released a list of civil works projects, said funds should be available almost immediately.

"We intend to quickly put these dollars into action," said Maj. Gen. Merdith "Bo" Temple, deputy commanding general for Civil and Emergency Operations.

In all, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has set aside $4.6 billion to the Corps for civil works projects around the country. Roughly two-thirds of that money goes for operation/maintenance or construction.

The Obama administration says the projects will create or keep about 57,400 direct jobs in the construction industry and another 64,000 jobs from firms that support or supply the construction business.

Included in the list is $868,000 for dredging Hampton Creek, restoring a 12-foot depth for barges and large commercial fishing vessels that have had difficulty navigating the area.

Various projects connected with the Norfolk harbor are slated to receive more than $10 million, including:

$3 million for raising dikes at Craney Island as part of the dredged material management project
$2.28 million to replace a spillway at Craney Island
$2.03 million to construct breakwaters on the west shoreline of the Craney Island disposal facility to prevent continued erosion and improve water quality
$130,000 to install safety rails and repair the Fort Norfolk sea wall
$150,000 to repair storm damage to the Craney Island project office
$950,000 to accomplish an environmental compliance initiative at Craney Island

In Smithfield, the Corps will spend $900,000 to dredge the Pagan River and restore the 6-foot maintenance depth. It serves the town of Smithfield and is used as a harbor of refuge and base of operations for Smithfield search and rescue.

For the Elizabeth River, $235,000 is set aside for construction of a wetlands restoration project in the drainage canal at Old Dominion University.

by Hugh Lessig of the Daily Press, excerpts from an article originally published on May 1, 2009

Virginia Arts Festival on the move

2009-05-20T20:17:00.004-04:00

by Cinda Ayers, Annual Fund Director for the Virginia Arts Festival

Check out the sign displaying the latest rendering of the new home of the Virginia Arts Festival, the Clay and Jay Barr Education Center, located in the heart of downtown Norfolk at Charlotte and Bank Streets, adjacent to Chrysler Hall.

Named for philanthropists Clay and Jay Barr, Clay says, “My dream of a Virginia Arts Festival building and my desire to honor my late husband, a lifelong champion of our community and the arts, led me to spearhead this effort.”

The Festival’s new home will play an exceedingly critical role in the area’s cultural landscape. Specifically, the facility will serve as an education center for year-round Festival education efforts, as a rehearsal studio for both local and Festival artist-in-residence ensembles, and as a permanent office space for the Virginia Arts Festival staff.

The building plans include state of the art rehearsal space for dance, theater and music.

Naming opportunities are still available. To join the excitement, please call (757) 282-2821.

Here are two images of the sign in case you haven't yet seen it. It fronts on Charlotte Street and can be seen from that side of Chrysler Hall. When you are next at Chrysler Hall or Scope, please check it out!

Norfolk's Neighborhood Network

2009-05-19T20:05:00.000-04:00

Norfolk’s Neighborhood Network has a mission: to serve as a vital link between city government and residents by televising important, timely and useful information. NNN TV 48 airs city-produced and independently-produced programs to educate and inform Norfolk citizens about topics relevant to their lives.

To learn more about the shows produced by the city of Norfolk and to watch current and archived episodes, visit their website, http://www.norfolk.gov/tv48/, for “Norfolk Perspectives,” “HealthWatch,” “Council Update” and “Human Services Forum.”

You don't have to live in Norfolk to know what's going on there. NNN TV-48 is available on Cox Cable TV-48, streamed live at www.Norfolk.gov, and over-the-air on WHRO World Channel 15.2.

And, check out short stories from around Norfolk on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/NorfolkTV

Building "tribes" and today's leadership

2009-05-19T12:05:00.004-04:00

by Missy Schmidt, Communication Manager, Webmaster and Blogmaster for the Hampton Roads Partnership. Contact her at Missy@HRP.org.

Included in this video are good, thoughtful questions for the leaders in Hampton Roads as we often seem to ask "who speaks for Hampton Roads?"

TED conferences gather the world's leading thinkers and doers to give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). In just four days of rapid-fire stimulation, unexpected connections are made, extraordinary insights and powerful inspiration abound. TED is about riveting talks by remarkable people, free to the world, about ideas worth spreading.

Featured speakers have included Al Gore on 15 ways to avert a climate crisis, Nicholas Negroponte on his One Laptop per Child project, Jane Goodall on chimpanzees, Sir Kenneth Robinson on whether schools kill creativity, Robin Chase on the world’s biggest car-sharing business and road-pricing schemes that will shake up our driving habits, and "Lost" producer JJ Abrams on the allure of mystery.

TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design, and TEDTalks cover these topics as well as science, business, development and the arts.

Direct Video Link

This TEDTalk is by Seth Godin, a bestselling author, entrepreneur and agent of change. In it, Godin argues that the Internet has ended mass marketing and revived a human social unit from the distant (50,000 years) past: "tribes." Founded on shared ideas and values, "tribes" give ordinary people the power to lead and make big change. Change derived in the new way ideas are created and spread and implemented. He describes today's new model of leadership; power is no longer in the hands of those who buy the most ads to convince the masses of something.

Thanks to the internet, we have ever more diverse "tribes." Rather than the homogenized social strata that was thought to be the outcome of the internet, we have more and smaller niches of interest. You can find anyone for whom you're looking and connect with them, via the Web.

Godin puts forth that today's leadership is about one simple premise: finding something worth changing, challenging the status quo, and assembling "tribes" that assemble other "tribes" until the change becomes far bigger than ourselves; it becomes a movement.

You need only a few people, perhaps 1,000 true fans, true believers, true evangelists, who will build a culture and organize others around your great ideas.

Godin asks important questions and so do we: Who are we connecting with? Who are we leading?

Good, thoughtful questions for the leaders in Hampton Roads as we seem to often ask "who speaks for Hampton Roads?"

Welcome to SmartRegion.org's newest blogger links

2009-05-18T18:00:00.003-04:00

Municipal Reference Library Radar is a current awareness blog brought to the Hampton Roads region by the Virginia Beach Public Library.

Virginia Intelligent Transportation Systems is an informational resource dedicated to the advocation and promotion of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in the Commonwealth of Virginia and surrounding region.

SmartRegion.org welcomes other Hampton Roads topical bloggers to link here for the benefit of the entire Hampton Roads region! Please submit to: Contact@HRP.org

John R. Broderick selected as Old Dominion University's 8th President

2009-05-18T15:00:00.004-04:00

The Board of Visitors today in a unanimous decision appointed John R. Broderick as the eighth president of Old Dominion University. Broderick, who has served as acting president since June 2008, was given a two-year contract effective May 18.

"Over the past year, John Broderick has deftly navigated Old Dominion University through a myriad of challenges and opportunities," said Board of Visitors Rector Ross Mugler. "His leadership through significant state budget reductions positioned the university in a more stable fiscal situation, and his implementation of a comprehensive enrollment management plan brought about a more strategic approach for ODU to increase the quality and rigor of its academics in the coming years."

Mugler added, "John impressed the board with his knowledge and experience leading ODU, his positive relationships with legislators, community leaders, faculty, students, alumni and donors, and his dedication and commitment to this university."

"I am honored that the Board of Visitors would place their confidence in me at this challenging, but exciting time in Old Dominion University's history," noted Broderick. "I pledge to continue to work hard, be creative, invite collaboration, and manage the intricate details to keep this university moving forward. I am excited to lead Old Dominion University into the future." (Read Broderick's full remarks to the Board at http://www.odu.edu/ao/news/index.php?todo=details&id=15948).

As acting president, Broderick has successfully guided the university's six colleges, more than 10 economic development and research centers, and numerous partnerships with government and business organizations and agencies. He oversees an operating budget of $411.6 million and more than 2,500 faculty and staff members.

"John has been a very effective voice for Old Dominion in government relations and his service as acting president has brought continued success to the university," said Gov. Timothy Kaine. "I know that ODU is in good hands and congratulate him on his most recent appointment."

Shortly after assuming the role of acting president, Broderick commissioned a university-wide enrollment management study that will result in the integration of all of Old Dominion's programs, practices, policies and planning to achieve optimal future enrollment and growth. The plan establishes institutional priorities and provides the basis on which to make decisions for the future of the university.

"This is a very good move by the Board of Visitors," said Paul Champagne, chair of ODU's Faculty Senate. "John Broderick has tremendous support across the campus. I'm looking forward to working with him, as are the Faculty Senate and the entire faculty."

"I am ecstatic that acting President Broderick will now be President Broderick," said Michelle R. Davis, ODU's 2008-09 student body president. "A particular quote by Donald McGannon comes to mind: 'Leadership is action, not position.' President Broderick is the epitome of action. He has proven that he will do all he can to ensure a bright future and excellent educational experience for the ODU student body."

During his tenure as acting president, Old Dominion drafted its 2009-2014 Strategic Plan, which will position the university to further develop its growing research reputation, enhance its residential campus, and strengthen its partnerships and contributions to the region.

Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim said ODU's Board of Visitors made a clear and compelling commitment to the university's continuing role as a leader in the areas of economic development, research and education when it elected Broderick as the institution's new president.

"During his tenure as acting president, John clearly demonstrated that he has the skills, knowledge and ability to help the university meet the challenges of the future," Fraim said. "John's relationships with federal, state and local political, business and community leaders will be a major asset in the orderly growth of the university."

Tidewater Community College President Deborah DiCroce noted, "I am delighted with the appointment. Mr. Broderick is the right leader for the right time at Old Dominion University. I look forward to working with John on issues of mutual interest."

Prior to becoming acting president, Broderick served 12 years as vice president for institutional advancement and admissions, taking on the additional role of chief of staff to the president in 2003. His areas of responsibility included admissions, athletics, community relations, governmental relations, licensing, marketing, media relations, military affairs, photography, publications, student financial aid and university events.

In addition to his administrative duties, Broderick annually teaches graduate courses in the Darden College of Education.

He has been recognized for his contributions to higher education and the Hampton Roads community with the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities' Humanitarian Award, the Urban League of Hampton Roads' Marian Palmer Capps Award and the College Communicators Association Distinguished Service Award. He was a finalist for the national PR News' Professional of the Year Award.

Throughout his career, Broderick has been actively engaged in numerous community and professional organizations. He currently is a board member of the Hampton Roads Partnership, Urban League and Virginia Beach Vision, and has served for many years as a youth soccer league coach in Chesapeake.

Prior to joining Old Dominion University in 1993, Broderick was a faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh and an administrator at St. Bonaventure University. He received a bachelor's degree from Northeastern University and a graduate degree from St. Bonaventure.

Broderick succeeds Roseann Runte, who stepped down last year to accept the position of president at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada.

Read the ODU's blog at http://www.odu.edu/ao/president/blog/

Local economy Tech clusters will keep us prosperous

2009-05-18T13:55:00.005-04:00

by Lee Beach, Executive Director of the Hampton Roads Research Partnership and a member of the Hampton Roads Technology Council. He can be reached by e-mail at LBeach@HamptonRoadsRP.org. Originally published in Inside Business on 5/18/09 and reprinted here by permission of the author.

Some believe the national economy has entered a period of sustained decline. Others may worry that, in a severe recession, the country will lose its preeminence in matters scientific and technological as investors and investment turns elsewhere. From where I sit, neither appears to be true, particularly in the case of Hampton Roads.

Partly that has to do with the region’s considerable support from the federal government. But I believe the main reason is “homegrown.” One only has to look at the substantial progress being made locally to see that technology-based economic development is thriving and accelerating. That progress can be attributed to a growing number of partnerships that are concentrating on real products for the marketplace.

That’s where the Hampton Roads Research Partnership comes in. We’re in our ninth year and are currently a consortium of seven colleges and universities, two federal laboratories and a research institute: Christopher Newport University; College of William and Mary; Eastern Virginia Medical School; Hampton University; Norfolk State University; Old Dominion University; Virginia Wesleyan College; Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, or JLab; NASA Langley Research Center and National Institute of Aerospace.

Applied-technology-wise, these are a group of heavy-hitters. Our members receive many millions of dollars to support research and technology efforts, and for good reason. No one should think the recipients are conducting ivory-tower exercises, suitable only for the rarified air of the cloistered laboratory. Our institutions are pursuing useful projects that are having or will have substantial impact on our daily lives.

This application of laboratory know-how creates real-world jobs, bringing in much-needed revenue, giving birth to companies which, as they mature, create even more opportunities as well as their own spinoffs. That translates locally into what we are calling “technology clusters.” We at the research partnership think, and are betting on, the viability of Hampton Roads clusters to create not just a small-scale nexus of prosperity, but a model for the regional economy. Our premise in creating clusters in 2004 was to gain the power to compete on an equal footing with other areas in the country by leveraging existing strengths in judiciously selected disciplines. The three technology clusters that we chose – bioscience, modeling and simulation, and sensors – have a critical mass of expertise and proven economic viability in Hampton Roads, and so made sense from every point of view that we considered.

Here, I should mention the critical financial support we’ve received from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, under the terms of awards to Norfolk State University and the Hampton Roads Partnership. Without the EDA grants we simply couldn’t have accomplished what we have; simply put, the EDA has made HRRP clusters a reality.

The cluster model has as its fundamental premise that proactively facilitating relationships between technology generators like universities and federal labs and technology users like industry will ultimately produce prosperity for all. Traditionally in Hampton Roads, many of our companies do not have relationships with the regional universities, do not know how to partner and work closely with them, and, particularly, if intellectual property is involved, are wary of potential problems likely to arise.

A key cluster goal is to help companies in each technology area make good decisions in finding the best university/lab expertise or partners for their particular needs (and vice versa). This is a time-consuming process that often involves facilitation of initial and then subsequent contacts between interested parties, and involves multiple industry and university personnel. It’s taken a while, but we’re already starting to generate results.

In April of last year, for instance, we organized a business-academia roundtable that took place during the fifth annual research exposition at Old Dominion. Roundtable talks centered on how successful firms are bridging the gap between potentially profitable ideas and their viability as a commercial application or product.

This year, in mid-February, we co-sponsored a half-day symposium in Suffolk at the Virginia Modeling Analysis and Simulation Center that featured some of the extraordinarily advanced research in biosensors under way in Hampton Roads. Panelists reviewed biosensor projects that are in the development stage and that are creating opportunity for collaboration with locally based academia and industry, and several collaborative projects are in the works as a result of the event. A perspective on the potential for bioscience can be found at http://www.HamptonRoadsRP.org/Bioscience Survey Final Report.pdf.

The bottom line: Our clusters are thriving, gaining traction and membership. We continue to develop activities to help them mature and flourish.

But don’t take my word for it. Visit our website http://www.HamptonRoadsRP.org and see for yourself. One innovation at a time, our economic development future is indeed taking shape.

Using Hip Hop to Reach Youth in Norfolk

2009-05-17T15:34:00.000-04:00

The City of Norfolk's Public Library uses Hip Hop to engage youth and the entire community with the library. Thanks to this program, they know the library exists and it has something to offer them.

Using Hip Hop to Reach Youth in NorfolkView this presentation in a new browser window; click on "Full" to view full screen; click on "Download" to download the presentation to your own computer.

Posted and reprinted by permission of the City of Norfolk Communications Department. Originally seen by the City's residents in the print publication "Norfolk Quarterly," the Communications Department is allowing us to offer this information to the entire region.

SmartRegion.org welcomes other information about local community engagement efforts for the benefit of the entire Hampton Roads region! Please submit to: Contact@HRP.org

Community Solutions to Norfolk's Dropout Problem to be Highlighted at June 6 Conference

2009-05-17T14:43:00.007-04:00

Nationally Recognized Author-Educator will be Keynote Speaker

The quest for community solutions to Norfolk's 13% public schools dropout problem continues from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6, 2009, with a conference aimed at "Engaging the Parents and Students Beyond the School Doors" and including ideas on how parents can keep their children constructively focused -- and away from trouble -- throughout the summer.

The keynote speaker will be Salome Thomas-El, a well-known Philadelphia educator and author of the best-selling book, "I Choose to Stay: A Black Teacher Refuses to Desert the Inner City," and "The Immortality of Influence," with a forward written by actor Will Smith. The Walt Disney Co. recently purchased the movie rights to "I Choose to Stay."

Thomas-EL, currently CEO and principal of the Russell Byers Public Charter School in Philadelphia, gained national acclaim as a teacher and chess coach at Vaux Middle School where eight of his students won recognition as national chess champions. He has motivated hundreds of children in Philadelphia to attend magnet high schools, major colleges and universities and he frequently appears on C-SPAN, CNN and National Public Radio.

The June 6 conference, open to the community, will be held at Coleman Place Elementary School, 2445 Palmyra St., Norfolk and will include a free lunch for anyone who registers by June 4.

The conference is sponsored by the Norfolk-based nonprofit Hampton Roads Children of the Sun Athletic/Education Foundation in partnership with Gen. Colin Powell's America's Promise Alliance and the State Farm insurance company. The event is the first follow-up program to the April 4 Dropout Prevention Summit at Booker T. Washington High School, which also was spearheaded by Children of the Sun with help from America's Promise and State Farm and drew more than 600 people.

"Participants at the April 4 summit said they wanted more focus on ways to keep parents and students constructively engaged with each other. They believe that is one of the key action-plan items for keeping students in school, so that's why our first follow-up conference will concentrate on that theme," said A.L. Aswad, executive director of Children of the Sun and a resident of Norfolk's Ballentine Place neighborhood.

Coming near the conclusion of the school year, the June 6 conference will be especially helpful to parents by giving them ideas and resources for motivating their children during the summer vacation and guiding them away from trouble, Aswad said. "It's important to keep the momentum going for parents and students," he said. "This can be difficult for parents who work and cannot always keep their eyes on their children during the summer."

The conference will include a presentation on Gang Awareness by the Norfolk Sheriff's Department and workshops on "Engaging the Parents and Students Beyond the School Doors," "Healthy Start" (nutrition and health issues), "The Impact of Parental Involvement" and "The Student/Parent/Teacher Relationship." Each workshop also will have resources for summer activities.

The June 6 conference also will honor people who live or work in Norfolk, as well as Norfolk businesses and organizations, that have motivated youngsters to stay in school instead of dropping out.

Children of the Sun is planning additional follow-up events during the 2009-10 school year, according to Aswad.

The focus on dropout prevention in Norfolk connects with one of the policy themes of President Barack Obama, Aswad said. He noted that on Feb. 24, Obama told the nation and Congress that "... dropping out of high school is no longer an option. It's not just quitting on yourself, it's quitting on your country -- and this country needs and values the talent of every American."

Aswad also noted the negative impact of quitting school before graduation. Dropouts, he said, are more likely to become incarcerated, rely on public programs and social services, and go without health insurance than those who graduate high school.

To register for the June 6 conference, visit the Hampton Roads Children of the Sun website www.hrcots.org or send e-mail to hrcots@aol.com. Register by June 4 for a free lunch.

For more information, call A.L. Aswad at (757) 855-5358 or call Coleman Place Elementary School at (757) 852-4642.

For more information about Salome Thomas-El, visit Web site www.ichoosetostay.com or call (215) 972-1700.

To learn more about America's Promise Alliance, visit www.americaspromise.org.

Where in the World do Newport News Travel & Tourism dollars come from?

2009-05-16T19:45:00.003-04:00

Newport News has developed a unique Tourism Awareness Contest...

Did you know that each U.S. household would pay $995 MORE in taxes each year without the tax dollars (revenue) generated from the travel and tourism industry? That would pay for a lot of food, gasoline and entertainment for your family!

This $1.6 trillion industry creates jobs and attracts arts and entertainment to our community, which enhances the quality of life for all. To celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, Newport News Tourism announces our annual "Where in the World?" contest.

Newport News City Council and City Manager assist in the clues, appearing in the Daily Press and online here. You could be a winner, drawn from all those who correctly match the clues to where the travel and tourism dollars come from!

Contest begins on Monday May 11, and ends on Wednesday May 27 at 5:00 p.m. Open to all U.S. residents 18 and over; here's how to enter.

"Public Art Earn and Learn" program, taking it to the streets

2009-05-15T15:31:00.001-04:00

The City of Norfolk's "Summer Earn and Learn" internship program includes training in teamwork, work ethics, leadership, discipline, time management and life skills.

This article shares the City's "Public Art Earn and Learn" program, taking art to the parking garages of Norfolk.

Norfolk's Public Art Earn and Learn ProgramView this presentation in a new browser window; click on "Full" to view full screen; click on "Download" to download the presentation to your own computer.

Posted and reprinted by permission of the City of Norfolk Communications Department. Originally seen by the City's residents in the print publication "Norfolk Quarterly," the Communications Department is allowing us to offer this information to the entire region.

SmartRegion.org welcomes other information about local youth and internship programs for the benefit of the entire Hampton Roads region! Please submit to: Contact@HRP.org

Kaine to VDOT: Shut up and sail

2009-05-14T07:15:00.005-04:00

by Cortney Langley, reprinted by permission from The Virginia Gazette, originally published Wednesday, May 6, 2009.

The governor instructed VDOT to maintain 24-hour service at the ferries, and for free.
Photo by The Virginia Gazette.

RICHMOND — In a sharp slap, Gov. Tim Kaine ordered VDOT to preserve the Jamestown Ferry while demanding review of the security contract.

“First, we will continue to provide service 24 hours a day,” Kaine wrote in a letter Monday to Del. Bill Barlow (D-64th). “Second, we will not impose a toll for the provision of the service.

“Third, [VDOT] will pursue clarification of security requirements that are costly in service at the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry but have shown to be of limited merit when actually implemented.

“Fourth, [VDOT] will also aggressively pursue federal funding for new ferry equipment.”

His statement checks off nearly every item on the wish list of passengers, boat crews, activists and politicians.

VDOT’s proposal was to save $1.9 million by idling eight hours, cutting the summer fleet by one and reallocating funds for a new ferry.

Barlow wrote to Kaine last month, likening the ferry reductions to a bridge closure since the ferry links the two sides of a primary state highway, Route 31.

Critics countered that VDOT should dump the $1.6 million private security contract as overkill. Ferry security is federally mandated by the Maritime Security Transportation Act but paid for by the state.

Kaine apparently took Transportation Secretary Pierce Homer and Commonwealth Transportation commissioner David Ekern to the woodshed.

“I have made clear to them that the Commonwealth will maintain the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry service,” Kaine wrote.

“I think it’s great that the governor was so responsive to everyone,” said James City county administrator Sandy Wanner, who first floated the idea of jettisoning security to save the 24-hour service.

“A lot of people sent so much information and ideas on how critical this service was, of people going to work and people going for med services,” Wanner added. “This is a critical transportation link.”

Aside from Barlow, other politicians piled on, among them Del. Brenda Pogge (R-96th), Del. Phil Hamilton (R-93rd) and Sen. Tommy Norment (R-3rd).

The Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance also argued the cuts would hurt tourism and industry here.

“The Alliance, as the representative of local business, appreciates Governor

Kaine’s commitment to maintain the ferry’s free, 24-hour service, which thousands of people involved in our region’s hospitality, tourism and healthcare fields rely on every day,” said president Dick Schreiber. “It is also gratifying to see that collaborative efforts by private organizations and individuals working together with local officials can be effective in influencing public policy.”

The Commonwealth Transportation Board is expected to review VDOT’s plan and Kaine’s short list May 20. Since the board is appointed by Kaine, his recommendations are expected to fly.

Hampton Roads Transportation Board rep E. Dana Dickens III, who has also been an advocate, said a number of members favor maintaining the ferry schedule.

“I welcome the governor’s support,” Dickens said.

Kaine cautioned that cuts elsewhere may be imminent and put in a dig on reluctant Republicans.

“As your letter also points out, we do not sufficiently fund our transportation system,” Kaine wrote to Barlow. “Together, we have acknowledged this fact in six legislative sessions in the last three years and we have increased our annual financial commitment to rail and transit.

Chesapeake Bay Clean-up Investments in Hampton Roads

2009-05-13T18:30:00.001-04:00

Governor Tim Kaine announced recently the issuance by the Virginia Resources Authority (VRA) of Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund Bonds to finance $186 million in wastewater treatment and sewer system infrastructure and upgrades statewide. VRA's total investment in nutrient removal for the Chesapeake Bay for FY 2007-09 in all programs now exceeds $810 million.

“The Commonwealth has dedicated more than $1 billion to cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay since the start of my term,” Governor Kaine said.

The Series 2009 bonds will support improvements to 13 wastewater treatment plants and associated infrastructure including those owned and operated by the Hampton Roads Sanitation District and the City of Newport News. The majority of the projects will provide system upgrades to reduce nutrient pollution being discharged into the tributaries that feed the Chesapeake Bay. Ultimately, the upgrades will enhance marine life and the overall health of the Bay.

Virginia, along with Maryland, Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, are all signatories to the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement, which calls for each state to reduce by 40% the level of nutrients going into the Chesapeake Bay by 2010.

“A cleaner Chesapeake Bay and cleaner rivers will enhance the quality of life where Virginians live, work and play,” said Sheryl Bailey, Executive Director of the Virginia Resources Authority.

Hampton Roads Sanitation District – (three projects) --

The loan will fund upgrades at Nansemond Treatment Plant which will provide nutrient removal to meet the Commonwealth’s 2010 Chesapeake Bay regulations. This project is expected to receive funding from the Water Quality Improvement Fund and FY 2009 CWRLF funds.
The loan will also fund upgrades at James River Treatment Plant which will provide nutrient removal to meet the Commonwealth’s 2010 Chesapeake Bay regulations. This is an innovative treatment process, one of the first of its kind in the state.
And finally, the loan will provide for the design and installation of flow meters and pressure sensors at sites throughout Hampton Roads. This is part of the regional consent order to reduce sanitary sewer overflows.

Contact:
Bruce W. Husselbee, PE, Director of Engineering
757-460-7012
bhusselbee@hrsd.com

City of Newport News – The loan will provide for sanitary sewer upgrades and rehabilitation, as well as pump station renovation.

Contact:
Steve Williams, Senior Engineer
757-269-2493
swilliams@nngov.com

Living in Hampton Roads

2009-05-13T11:09:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Hampton Roads with the Darden Publishing 2009-2010 edition of Living In Hampton Roads, an annual regional resource guide for Southeastern Virginia's Hampton Roads.

Whether you come for business or pleasure, a short visit or a lifetime, Hampton Roads has something for you.

Hampton Roads is one of the best places to raise a family. It's good for business, too. If you want to learn more, click on the cover page below for a "virtual copy." Or, to order your beautiful "coffee table copy," visit http://DardenPublishing.net.

Inside the back cover (shown below), the region's "new view" website, www.HamptonRoadsPerforms.org, is featured. This website features quality of life performance measurements, tracking our region's progress and providing insight into those aspects of life that will ensure Hampton Roads' competitive position in the global economy.

Whether you live here, you're visiting or considering a move, you can see how the region is doing at www.HamptonRoadsPerforms.org.

VALET Program A Confirmed Success

2009-05-13T10:37:00.000-04:00

by Leslie Parpart, VALET Program Manager (lparpart@yesvirginia.org); if you are interested in learning more about the program, please contact Leslie. Article orginally appeared in Virginia's Spring 2009 Commerce Quarterly.

What if your company could increase its international sales by 44% during a two-year period and then grow by another 44% in the years that followed? On average, companies who graduate from the Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program experience this level of growth in their international business.

In 2001, it was just an idea. Virginia companies with firmly established domestic operations interested in accelerating their international business were recruited to join a newly designed program that was a true public-private partnership. The intended goal was to provide companies with the tools and resources to increase their international sales over the course of two years. On February 26, 2002, under the leadership of Paul Grossman and Kim Weir, the first VALET class gathered and launched the VALET Program.

The Program assists exporters who are committed to exporting as an expansion strategy. Companies interested in VALET participation are required to undergo an application process, which occurs twice each year, and must meet minimum requirements. Each company selected to participate in VALET’s two-year export acceleration program has access to the following:

Reimbursement of up to $10,000 for export-related expenses;
Pro bono professional services from VALET Program Partners, which form an extensive network of service providers who can assist with a variety of issues that exporters encounter when doing business internationally;
Networking and educational events; and
Strategic planning guidance and resource coordination.

Companies begin the program in either January or July. Since 2002, over 100 companies have been accepted into the program. In 2008, the VALET Program commissioned its first external review. Data was collected through a combination of database review, staff interviews, and a survey of the 65 program graduates. The goals of this study included quantifying post-program international sales and developing an understanding of what graduates thought were the key elements of the program as well as identifying areas for improvement. The response to the survey was an outstanding 66%.

The most critical question the survey set out to answer was whether program graduates continued growing their international business post graduation. The study found that companies increased their international sales by an additional 44% following their participation in the program. The companies also provided feedback regarding what type of impact the VALET program had on their international business in the years after their participation. The changes reported most frequently by respondents included:

Expanding into new international markets (93%);
Increasing the number of international sales annually (88%);
Implementing new international marketing strategies (84%);
Investing in new technology (74%);
Experiencing growth in the number of employees in Virginia facilities (72%); and
Establishing new partnerships with international companies (70%).

“There are tremendous benefits to selling internationally…for a company, for its employees and for Virginia,” said Paul H. Grossman, Jr., Director of International Trade and Investment. “In an era where organic business growth is part of successful economic development strategies, broadening a company’s client base by selling worldwide is totally organized and totally positive.”

The external review also identified the aspects of the program that graduates valued most. These included access to $10,000 via reimbursement to offset the costs of international marketing, research provided by VEDP staff and in-country consultants, the opportunity to network with other Virginia companies, and the support of private sector experts.

The survey asked the graduates whether or not they would consider participating in the VALET Program again and 88% of the respondents indicated that they were very likely or somewhat likely to participate again. Respondents were also asked to elaborate on the following question “If you were describing your company’s overall experience with the VALET program to a peer, how would you describe it?” The responses to this question were almost unanimously positive, with 38 of 39 companies replying noting that the program was “positive and rewarding.”

In addition, to the positive results highlighted in this report, the VALET Program, the first of its kind in the country, has also been recognized as a national model by the National Council for Public-Private Partnerships (in 2004) and as a program of excellence by NASBITE International in 2008.

The VALET Program is currently recruiting companies for its July 2009 Class. To be eligible for the program, companies in the Commonwealth of Virginia must have strong domestic operations and have the resources to commit to participation. VALET program participants are required to go through a competitive application process and must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Employ at least 20 individuals;
• Be established for 3 years;
• $2 million in annual sales;
• $20,000 commitment toward export trade;
• Commit to traveling to target market; and
• Have completed international market research.

Commerce Quarterly is a quarterly publication of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. To download archived issues and/or to subscribe, visit http://www.yesvirginia.org/About_Us/News.aspx

Virginia’s Nonprofit Sector: An Economic Force, Key Findings from VANNO

2009-05-12T14:22:00.001-04:00

from Deborah Barfield Williamson, Executive Director of Virginia Network of Nonprofit Organizations (VANNO)

Nonprofits permeate our lives:

We're born in nonprofit hospitals, attend nonprofit day care centers and pre-schools, are educated in nonprofit elementary and secondary schools, attend nonprofit universities, participate in nonprofit recreational programs.
Nonprofits respond to the citizens’ emergencies, entertain them at parks, historical sites, and theaters. Citizens find peace in nonprofit houses of worship. Virginians look to these organizations to fill basic human needs—food, shelter, clothing, and safety.
Aging citizens rely on nonprofits for medical and hospice care and home repair. For many Virginians, nonprofit hospices meet end of life needs.
And many civic organizations and fraternal organizations provide opportunities to build social binds and give back to the community.

In 2008, the Johns Hopkins Nonprofit Economic Data Project, The ConnectNetwork and The Community Foundation Serving Richmond and Central Virginia released a groundbreaking study on the economic impact of the Commonwealth’s nonprofit sector.

The study, Virginia’s Nonprofit Sector: An Economic Force, found that while the state’s nonprofit organizations are filling critical community needs with limited resources, they are one of the leading growing employment sectors and significantly contribute to the state’s overall economy.

A few of the key findings:

Nonprofits, statewide, employ 211,000 people and engage more than 139,000 as volunteers. This represents 6% of Virginia’s workforce and is second only to retail and larger than both the educational services and manufacturing workforces.
Eighty-two percent of Virginia’s nonprofit organizations operate with budgets of less than $1 million annually.
Virginia’s nonprofit sector has seen a 35% growth in employment in the last decade, compared to only 20% in the for-profit sector and 12% in the government sector.
The nonprofit community produces $8.2 billion in taxable wages and generates $461 million income, sales and use taxes.
Seventy percent of nonprofit organizations and nearly 75% of employees reside in Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads or Central Virginia. However, nonprofits account for above-average shares of employment in the Shenandoah Valley, West Central and Eastern Virginia and Hampton Roads.

Read more about Nonprofit Organizations and the full report at www.VANNO.org

2009 Virginia Screenwriting Competition

2009-05-12T06:45:00.003-04:00

by Jeff Frizzell, Commissioner of the Hampton Roads Film Office

The 2009 Virginia Screenwriting Competition presented by the Virginia Film Office is open to Virginia residents and students attending Virginia schools. There is no entry fee to submit a screenplay.

Every screenplay in the competition will receive a written critique from the first panel of judges and screenplays selected as finalists in the competition are judged by working industry professionals.

The deadline to enter is Friday, May 22, 2009. All entries must be postmarked or delivered to the Virginia Film Office on or before that date.

For a complete list of rules and the application form,
download http://www.film.virginia.org/news/2009Screenwriting.pdf
Be patient, the server could be experiencing high demand!

For more information or questions, contact the Virginia Film Office at 800.854.6233 or email kstephens@virginia.org

Living Your Dream

2009-05-11T19:00:00.003-04:00

by Jeff Frizzell, Commissioner for the Hampton Roads Film Office

Want to be "Living Your Dream"?

Go to the Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Dr., Hampton on Saturday May 16th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is an all ages, family-oriented event, free and open to the public. Pre-registration at the website is suggested, but guests will be admitted at the door.

For more info, visit www.LivingYourDreamExpo.com or call toll-free (888) 238-1968.

Speakers include Vanessa Coria from WVEC 13; Prissi Cardea, a talk show host; Daisy Jade, an actress; Quiana Grant, a model who has appeared in Sports Illustrated; and yours truly, Jeff Frizzell from the Hampton Roads Film Office, discussing getting into acting.

Bring the children; there's a free play area as well as dance performances, workshops for children, video game stations and a book mobile.

While the expo developers hope to make this an annual event to aid area community residents and business owners and to create a great place for people to come and get the help and motivation they need to take the next step in their career, they do maintain the website with new information year-round.

Clean the Bay Day

2009-05-11T18:20:00.004-04:00

by Sharon Smith, Clean the Bay Day Coordinator, Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Come join the Chesapeake Bay Foundation for three hours in June to make your local waterway cleaner and healthier.

Clean the Bay Day is Saturday, June 6, from 9 am to noon.* And we need YOU! *Details vary by location; confirm information on our website: http://www.cbf.org/clean

The Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams needs volunteers to pick up litter around shorelines and waterways. Last year, with the help of our organizing partners, 7,000 volunteers removed 120 tons of debris from 434 miles of shoreline throughout the state!

We challenge and invite you to become part of the solution, join this powerful effort, and show that an unhealthy Bay is unacceptable!

By boat or on foot, gather your family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and groups for a fun day and a worthwhile way to Save the Bay.

Dozens of sites are available. Please sign up today for Clean the Bay Day (no later than June 3) to be assigned a cleanup site near your neighborhood. There are three easy ways to register:

Visit http://www.cbf.org/clean
Call 800-SAVEBAY
Email ctbd@cbf.org

Environmental Sustainability of Our Local Ports Panel

2009-05-11T17:22:00.005-04:00

by D. K. "Seneca" Bock, President of the League of Women Voters of South Hampton Roads

The League of Women Voters of South Hampton Roads presents a panel discussion on "The Environmental Sustainability of Our Local Ports" on Thursday, May 21, 2009 at Virginia Wesleyan College's Blocker Auditorium. A Meet and Greet will be held at 6:30 pm and the Forum will start at 7:00 pm.

Panelists scheduled are:

The Honorable Joseph Bouchard, House of Delegates (VA)
Christy Everett, Hampton Roads Director for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation
RAdm Raynor A. K Taylor, USN (Ret.), President of Future of Hampton Roads
Heather L. W. Mantz, Director of Environmental Affairs for the Virginia Port Authority

Download a Virginia Wesleyan Campus Map HERE.

The TIDE, Hampton Roads Light Rail begins

2009-05-10T15:22:00.001-04:00

What is it? Where is it going? When will it be here?

The City of Norfolk's TIDE is taking the first step toward a regional light rail system envisioned to link to other rail and high speed rail along the East Coast and beyond. Norfolk is our nation's 36th city to embark on light rail development - America's smallest city to take this large step for its region.

The TIDE, Hampton Roads Light Rail beginsView this presentation in a new browser window; click on "Full" to view full screen; click on "Download" to download the presentation to your own computer.

Posted and reprinted by permission of the City of Norfolk Communications Department. Originally seen by the City's residents in the print publication "Norfolk Quarterly," the Communications Department is allowing us to offer this information to the entire region.

SmartRegion.org welcomes other information about local transportation improvement efforts for the benefit of the entire Hampton Roads region! Please submit to: Contact@HRP.org

National Transportation Week: Port, Rail Partnerships Promise a Bright Future for Hampton Roads

2009-05-10T10:33:00.001-04:00

by Quintin C. Kendall, CSX Resident Vice President for State Government Affairs

This week is National Transportation Week, which provides us an opportunity to reflect on the significant role the Hampton Roads region plays in our nation’s freight network. In 2008, the amount of freight moved through the Port of Virginia increased nearly 50% over the last decade. The port handled over two million TEUs in 2008, but the future appears even brighter-- APM Terminals can double the existing cargo capacity of the region, and Phase I of Craney Island will add an additional capacity of 1.5 million TEUs by 2020.

View this presentation in a new browser window; click on "Full" to view full screen; click on "Download" to download the presentation to your own computer.

The region’s foresight in developing and supporting these critical transportation assets is vital to Virginia economic well-being, and cements Hampton Roads position as the prime beneficiary of the Panama Canal Expansion Project. When the project is completed in 2014, the canal will accommodate significantly larger vessels (up to 12,000 TEUs), and Hampton Roads will be home to the only ports on the East Coast than can handle these size ships.

But in order to move these goods from the ports to their final destination without overloading the region’s already choked highway system, Hampton Roads requires vibrant and efficient rail connections.

To that end, CSX has proposed the National Gateway, a public-private partnership which will create a state-of-the-art rail corridor linking Virginia’s international ports and population centers with the Midwest’s manufacturing centers through use of double-stack trains.

The National Gateway utilizes unlocks a second competitive double-stack route between Virginia and the Midwest and Southeast—additional rail capacity that will be essential to handle the increased freight volumes of the future and will prove critical to the ensuring the ports’ –and the Hampton Roads region’s--long term growth.

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The National Gateway will bring new construction jobs to our state and help businesses in Virginia be more competitive in the global economy. All told, Virginia will realize over $1.2 billion in public benefits from the National Gateway, including:

Highway Relief: By creating an additional freight transportation option, the National Gateway will reduce traffic congestion and lower highway maintenance costs. One train can carry the load of more than 280 trucks, clearing space for over 1,100 cars. The National Gateway will shift the freight of nearly 5 million trucks off Virginia’s highways, thereby improving road safety and saving $106 million in highway maintenance costs.
Environmental Benefits: Railroads are the most environmentally-friendly way to move goods on land. On average, railroads are three or more times more fuel efficient than alternatives. The National Gateway will use state-of-the-art green technology and improve the flow of freight by rail in Virginia, reducing fuel consumption by 58 million gallons and CO2 emissions by over 650,000 tons.
Logistics Savings: By expanding rail access and providing new shipping options, the National Gateway is expected to reduce overall freight shipping costs on goods entering and leaving Virginia by over $690 million.

Under this public-private partnership, CSX has committed to spending $387 million out of the overall $774 million dollars needed to complete the National Gateway by 2015, with the balance being sought from state and federal governments, recognizing that every $1 of public funds invested yields $16 in public benefit.

So as we reflect this week on the integral position Virginia’s ports hold in our nation’s transportation system and the role they have played in the evolution of Hampton Roads, we should also look to ensuring future public policy decisions that will promote continued progress. Taxpayers and businesses should encourage their representatives to support deserving projects such as the National Gateway that will combine state and federal funds with private investment to stimulate our economy, reduce congestion, improve the environment and move the nation forward.

For more information or to support the effort, please visit www.NationalGateway.org.

May is Military Appreciation Month

2009-05-09T10:56:00.001-04:00

Governor Tim Kaine has declared May as “Military Appreciation Month” in Virginia and is encouraging all citizens of the Commonwealth to join in recognizing the contributions and sacrifices made by Virginia-based military personnel and their families.

“We’re proud of these men and women and their dedication to the defense of our nation and the Commonwealth” said Governor Kaine. “Virginia has a long and distinguished relationship with the military, and we will continue to provide resources, support and gratitude for our service members and defense partners as they perform their missions.”

Virginia is home to more than 206,000 active military and civilian defense personnel, the most of any state, as well as more than 35,000 members of the Reserves or National Guard. In addition to the highest concentration of defense personnel, Virginia is home to dozens of prominent defense installations, including the Defense Department (DoD)’s headquarters at the Pentagon, Marine Corps Base at Quantico, Langley Air Force Base, the Army’s Fort Lee and the Naval Station in Norfolk.

The Defense Department has proven to be a resilient and steadfast part of the Virginia economy, investing more than $46 billion a year in the Commonwealth – second only to California – and employing nearly 6% of the state’s workforce.

Hampton Roads is home to 59% of Virginia's DoD employees and nearly $15 billion impact in expenditures.

In 2005 the General Assembly created the Virginia National Defense Industrial Authority to work hand-in-hand with base commanders and community leaders on behalf of the state, administer grants to communities near installations, and provide strategic counsel to the Commonwealth’s leadership in order to grow the state’s relationship with the military.

The Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance (HRMFFA) was formed in 2006. The mission of HRMFFA is to proactively protect, preserve and grow military and federal capabilities in Hampton Roads for the common good and welfare of the residents of the Hampton Roads. Through regional advocacy and influence the Alliance acts to retain and attract organizations, capabilities, and investments owned, operated or funded by the Federal government.

"May should be Military Recognition Month and every month of the entire year should address appreciation of the military," added Frank Roberts, Executive Director of HRMFFA.

Calling all Hampton Roads Bloggers!

2009-05-08T16:49:00.006-04:00

Are you a "citizen journalist"? Are you willing to link your blog with Hampton Roads SmartRegion.org and gain access to a national / global audience?

If you write at least one post per week, then send us your "blogger resume" ... which consists of a link to your blog and a 1-2 sentence byline.

Not a blogger now, but interested in sharing your local reaction to national news AND local reflections on categories of national interest? Perhaps we can help... read on:

Background: On April 4th, the first Hampton Roads Civic Engagement Summit held by the Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement (HRCCE), in cooperation with the Hampton Roads Partnership, WHRO, The Planning Council, and the Future of Hampton Roads, presented us with the beginning of a conversation about where we are, where we want to be, and what will be required to get “there” as a region.

The results of HRCCE’s Batten Survey were released at the Summit and reveal that in Hampton Roads we have:

Opportunities…civic capital in Hampton Roads is plentiful…our job is to cultivate it and capitalize on it, as a region;
Disconnectedness…citizens say they are somewhat or very interested in working with others to solve regional issues, yet they don’t feel invited; however, civic leaders say they want citizens to educate themselves, participate more in civic matters when invited, and let their views be known;
Paradoxes…we agree on major issues such as the economy and transportation and want to solve our regional problems, but as a result of this survey, citizens say we lack a mean by which to come together as a region to work on these problems, together. Furthermore, while citizens follow news about local government and public affair somewhat or very closely, a majority of respondents say there is no reliable source or don’t know if there is a reliable source of information.

Citizens in attendance working in small groups at the Summit had these solutions to recommend for better civic engagement:

Increase trust, honesty, transparency and the flow of information;
Provide more regional emphasis by governments and media;
Decide who/what organization is the regional voice;
Develop a region-wide blog involving issue experts and citizens;
Develop a regional website with links to each government agency and organization;
Use information technology to increase citizen’s access, to educate/improve conversation between citizens and elected officials to make representative democracy work better;
Provide an information portal, a common shared repository for data, information and opinion, accessible to the public in a variety of ways.

SmartRegion.org could be a means to that end, that ONE reliable source of information, a portal to connect all of Hampton Roads’ organizations, citizens and civic leaders alike, and to present Hampton Roads to a global audience as well.

Hampton Roads’ SmartRegion.org has been selected as the new “Military Bastion” for Patchwork Nation with the upcoming re-launch of the project on the PBS NewsHour’s website. The NewsHour, in partnership with WHRO, joins the Christian Science Monitor's Patchwork Nation project to provide coverage of local economic impacts as a way to build a local-national
collaboration model incorporating citizen journalists (bloggers).

With the pending re-launch as an expanded, multi-faceted, truly regionally-cooperative blog, SmartRegion.org will be the face of Hampton Roads to the nation and beyond.

Expanded Categories:

About Hampton Roads
Arts & Culture
Business Community
Economy
Education & Workforce
Government & Citizens
Hampton Roads History
Military Bastion
Research & Technology
Transportation & Planning

Organizations all over Hampton Roads are being asked to pool valuable resources and join this effort to provide blog articles (i.e. “posts”) and broad distribution of a regional electronic Newsletter, similar to (and replacing) the current HRP e-News.

The idea is NOT to create more work for each organization but to work smarter, not harder, to offer access to citizens and outlets for information like never before, to answer our citizens’ call for ONE regional focus, ONE regional resource.

Next steps? Contact HRP Communication Manager, Missy Schmidt, today at Missy@HRP.org or (757) 625-4696 for more information and/or to be a part of this unprecedented effort.

Hampton Roads Maritime & International Trade Guide

2009-05-08T12:42:00.001-04:00

To purchase copies, call 804-649-6999 or email Karen Chenault at kchenault@va-business.com

Copies sell for:
1 - 10 copies = $2.00 each
11 - 49 copies = $1.75 each
50 & over copies = $1.50 each
plus tax and shipping

The 2009 Virginia Business Magazine's annual publication highlighting maritime and international trade in Hampton Roads features:

Looking to a brighter future/Virginia ports hope economic decline has bottomed out: Interview with Joe Dorto, President and CEO of Virginia International Terminals and Hampton Roads Partnership Board member
Riding out the storm/U.S. Navy's $14 billion contract brings job security to Newport News shipyard: Extension of contract with Northrop Grumman and General Dynamics to build Virginia-class submarines, last of which is to be delivered in 2019
Colleges help match student skills with employer needs: Old Dominion University (ODU) and Tidewater Community College (TCC) offer courses, majors and clubs to help students interested in maritime and commerce professions
Testing your seaworthiness/Maritime academy simulator tests students' preparedness: A distinct level of realism allows bridge and engineering mariners to train and practice together without threatening vessels
Reports on: Imports/Protecting consumers; Transportation/New barge service expands port 100 wiles to the west, 200-mile Heartland Rail Corridor opens in 2010, Trucking; Environment/A swimmable and fishable river; Foreign Trade Zones/An Edge to U.S. manufacturers; Port of Virginia statistics and more.

National Tourism Week

2009-05-07T07:58:00.002-04:00

In celebration of National Tourism Week May 9-17, 2009, the Norfolk Convention and Visitors Bureau will be awarding the top hospitality workers at the Award Winning National Tourism Week Rally called "Champions of Hospitality" on Wednesday, May 13th from 1:30 to 3:30pm at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center. From amongst all the winners, one person will be awarded the "Hospitality Worker of the Year" award. More than 100 associates have been nominated in 21 categories. The Rally is open to the public.

SmartRegion.org welcomes other information about Tourism events! Please submit to: Contact@HRP.org

Economic Interdependence Updated

2009-05-06T09:45:00.001-04:00

Here is a 2009 update of HREDA's 2005 Economic Interpendence Report with an Executive Summary by Dr. James V. Koch, Board of Visitors Professor of Economics and President Emeritus at Old Dominion University.

Economic Assessment of Impact of Jobs in Hampton Roads (2009)

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Highlights: Dr. Koch's major conclusions of those previous studies (2002, 2005) have not changed significantly. The cities and counties of Hampton Roads continue to exhibit a very high level of economic interdependence (see Table 2). Economically, they continue to function as a single, large city in which some portions of the region predictably specialize as residential locations, while others specialize as job and work locations.

Individuals frequently reside in one city, but work in another. Williamsburg continues to be the most interdependent jurisdiction within the region, economically speaking. Only 16% of those who hold jobs in Williamsburg also reside there and 82%, of the personal income generated within the City of Williamsburg is earned by individuals who live in another city or county.

Norfolk hosts the second most jobs (143,072) of any city or county in Hampton Roads. Only 40% of those working in Norfolk also reside there.

More than 1.6 million people live in Hampton Roads, and these individuals held 728,893 jobs in October 2008.

On average, only 46% of the compensation generated by HREDA-attracted jobs is captured by the host city. The other 54% diffuses among the other cities and counties in the region plus sites outside of the region. This underlines the substantial economic interdependence that exists in Hampton Roads.

Jobs that appear in one location benefit nearly all other locations. Why? Because the region’s citizens cross city and county lines continuously in terms of where they choose to live, work, and spend their incomes. The entire region benefits, regardless of the location of a new job. What’s good for Hampton turns out to be good for Newport News, Virginia Beach and nearly every other city or county in the region. Note that the same rationale applies to capital construction expenditures.

Economic Interdependence Table (Jan09)

View more presentations from Hamptonroads Partnership.

Example Explanation for Table Two: For every $1.00 earned in Williamsburg, only $0.18 is spent in Williamsburg. The majority is spent in James City County at $0.34, Newport News at $0.16 and York County at $0.14.

EVMS cutting-edge research

2009-05-05T09:23:00.000-04:00

Hampton Roads Partnership member Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) improves people’s lives everywhere with their cutting-edge research that happens right here in Hampton Roads.

Whether it’s the development of microbicides aimed at controlling the spread of HIV in third-world countries or the successful patents and inventions that result from the hard work of local doctors and researchers, EVMS is advancing the field of medicine and making a difference.

Moving a crucial medication from the research lab to a patient’s pill bottle doesn’t happen overnight. When it comes to getting those ideas to the public in the form of new inventions, research or medication, the EVMS Office of Technology Transfer makes it happen. (Click on the Spring 2009 cover and see page 26.)

StoryCorps, national oral history project coming to Hampton Roads

2009-05-04T07:38:00.005-04:00

Since 2003, over 50,000 people have shared life stories with family and friends through StoryCorps. Each conversation is recorded on a free CD to share and is preserved at the Library of Congress. Millions listen to StoryCorps' broadcasts on public radio and the web. StoryCorps, a revolutionary initiative to record this nation’s stories, is one of the largest oral history projects of its kind.

And, StoryCorps is coming to HAMPTON ROADS, and we want you to be involved. Help us spread the word!

What is StoryCorps?
Sponsored by National Public Radio and affiliated with the Library of Congress, StoryCorps was established to create an oral history of regular citizens, allowing everyday people to preserve personal stories for their own families, and for future generations to hear.

Participants reserve an hour-long recording session at our StoryBooth to interview someone they know- loved ones, friends, or members of their community. At the end of the session, the participants receive a CD copy to take home, and, with their permission, another copy will be archived at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.

Please visit www.StoryCorps.org to learn more.

Join host WHRO at the WHRO Studios, Wednesday, May 27th at 6PM for an exciting community meeting and learn how to get involved! Please RSVP by May 20th to WHRO.

by Jan Johnson, WHRO Donor Relations Manager, (757) 889-9358, Jan.Johnson@whro.org

About WHRO…
WHRO is a vibrant public service media company that promotes education, culture and citizenship through a variety of telecommunications services. Every day, thousands of viewers and listeners tune to 89.5 WHRV FM, 90.3 WHRO FM, WHRO HD 15.1, WHRO WORLD, WHRO KIDS, WHRO CREATE, and the WHRO VOICE. Owned by 18 local school divisions, WHRO delivers educational and new media services to 286,000 students and 25,000 educators per month.

Inroads with HREDA

2009-05-03T21:15:00.002-04:00

Inroads is a a quarterly publication of the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance (HREDA) for news and events about external marketing efforts on behalf of the region. The "Road Work" section highlights the latest on where HREDA has traveled, what's been done and who they've been talking with promoting our region.

See the First Quarter of 2009 report: http://hreda.com/publicImages/downloadFiles/INROADS%20QTR%201%20FINAL.pdf

Internationally Deployable IT Consulting and Training

2009-05-02T10:36:00.005-04:00

Photo: IntellecTechs open their new offices on April 30. Officiating at the ribbon cutting ceremonies were (L-R Adults: IntelecTech’s Vice President, Pamela Edwards and IntellecTechs President, Jeri Prophet, Va. Beach Councilman Bob Dyer; Jeri Prophet’s sons were holding the banner).

by Kevin J. Gaydosh, Director of PR/Strategic Planner at O'Brien et al; contact Kevin at kevingaydosh@obrienetal.com or via his blog http://OEAPR.blogspot.com

IntellecTechs, a full service IT and training company, has opened for business in Virginia Beach’s Little Neck/Rosemont Road corridor. IntellecTechs (pronounced In-te-LEC-Teks) is a service disabled veteran-owned company devoted to helping business, military and government organizations perform computer operations in a reliable and sustainable environment.

Although based in Hampton Roads, IntellecTechs is internationally deployable with qualifications for system design and development, instructional programs, service/maintenance/end-user support. For more information, visit www.IntellecTechs.com.

“IntellecTechs was established in 2008, but our staff has more than 130 years of collective experience and leadership in business and information technology," said Jeri Prophet, president. “Our professionals come to us from the top levels of the civilian and military community, and we pride ourselves on being the answer to all our clients’ networking questions.”

The IntellecTechs management team includes Prophet, president and training manager, Pamela Edwards, vice president; and Tonya Harrell, business development.

The company offers the following services:

Training – Classroom and Distance Learning in a Military or Commercial Setting
Courseware Development
Technology Implementation with End User Instruction
Program Management – Business/Information Technology Services
IT Outsourcing for Small to Medium Size Businesses
Computer Facilities Management Services
Technicians on Call 24/7
Call Center Setup and Management
Large Corporations–Tier IV Data Center Support
Custom Application Development on Multiple Platforms
Custom Web Designs
IT Consulting, Hardware, Software and Implementation
Professional High Res Imaging, Photos and Web Graphics

International Azalea Festival, a salute to the military

2009-05-01T12:31:00.000-04:00

The International NATO/Azalea Festival began in 1953, one year after the establishment of NATO's Allied Command Atlantic in Norfolk, Virginia.

The mission of the International NATO/Azalea Festival is to recognize and celebrate the international influence of the NATO Command, which has transitioned to the Allied Command Transformation (ACT) and expands the region's international community, and what its 26 member nations brings to Hampton Roads. Every year, a different nation is honored. For 2009, it is the Czech Republic and all events staged celebrate the people, culture and industry of that nation.

The Virginia International Tattoo, the largest Tattoo in the United States, at the Norfolk Scope on Friday, May 1st. The Tattoo is presented with all the grandeur and splendor of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Over 850 performers join together with pageantry and patriotism, spirit and spectacle, talent and teamwork; it's precision personified. A slide show:

Direct Link to Azalea Festival/Tattoo Photo Album

Photos by Missy Schmidt, Hampton Roads Partnership Communication Manager

We're ticketed for a dead end in the high-speed rail sweepstakes

2009-04-30T00:00:00.006-04:00

WE DESERVE THE MAIN LINE

by Louis Guy, a retired civil engineer and President of the Norfolk Historical Society. Originally printed in The Virginian-Pilot. Contact him at LouisGuy@cox.net

High Speed Rail is the wave of the transportation future, and President Obama is pushing it forward. California is prepared to grab the opportunity with federal assistance. Where is Virginia? More important to Hampton Roads, are we once again bickering among ourselves and missing the boat?

It seems Hampton Roads is destined to be a cul-de-sac … again. That’s what happened to us with the Interstate Highway System in the 60s. Originally, Interstate 85 from Atlanta was aimed our way, but when it crossed into Virginia it was bent up to Petersburg, redirecting north-south traffic through Richmond.

Hampton Roads was left as a dead end on I-64.

Now the state has done it again, planning to run the Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor (SEHSR) from Washington through Richmond and Petersburg direct to Raleigh, leaving Hampton Roads to twist slowly at the end of one limb or another.

A much better route would be from Petersburg to Suffolk to Raleigh, along existing rail lines. This could put Hampton Roads on the main line, where it would serve Virginia’s urban centers in the same way as does the proposed SEHSR main line in North Carolina: The plan is to bend its part of the main line down to Raleigh, up to Durham, across to Greensboro, and then down to Charlotte. In the past 50 years the Charlotte region has leapfrogged us economically. The Queen City’s position on the Interstate Highway main line is one of the reasons.

Hampton Roads must not be shunted aside by Virginia again.

By accepting the SEHSR plan approved in Richmond, we have been pushed into an inter-regional fight about which spur route we prefer to the dead end. Wake up. By wasting our energies arguing over which spur -- south (Norfolk Southern) or north (CSX) of the James River -- we are missing the point: Hampton Roads will still be a dead end.

Suffolk is part of the metro area. Light Rail is coming to the southside and can be expanded easily. The next crossing of the harbor can be designed to connect light rail with the Peninsula. We could connect all of Hampton Roads with light rail to to a high speed rail station in Suffolk.

The region needs new leaders who can think outside the old box. Isn’t the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) responsible for regional transportation planning in Hampton Roads? We have a world-class port and pre-eminent military facilities. Why settle for a second-class rail spur to the main line at Richmond? Virginia’s largest metropolitan area and its economic development potential deserve better.

The state's neglect of our region is a long-standing tradition. Almost 200 years ago, when railroads began to replace canals, Richmond and Petersburg successfully stymied connections to Hampton Roads, monopolizing their control of all trade from western Virginia. The first railroad to reach Hampton Roads connected Portsmouth to Weldon, NC, expanding trade routes with piedmont North Carolina and the Roanoke River valley. The Norfolk newspaper wrote editorials proposing that the region secede from Virginia and join North Carolina.

The right-of-way through Weldon could work again. If we will only surmount our differences within this region, we can have the clout to influence the outcome.

It’s time for the MPO to change its spots and break the pattern. The first priority must be to connect Hampton Roads connected to high-speed rail. The future depends on it.

For more on High Speed Rail: http://hrpartnership.blogspot.com/2009/04/high-speed-rail-in-hampton-roads-or-are.html

Click here for the website of the Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor. Shown on the homepage is a map of the approved South East High Speed Rail corridor in VA and NC. It shows how NC is zigzagging to accommodate its metro areas, but VA has given Hampton Roads only a planned dead end spur.

HRPDC and HRMPO Spring 2009 Publications available

2009-04-29T22:33:00.003-04:00

Hampton Roads Planning District Commission's "Hampton Roads Review" Newsletter, Spring 2009

www.HRPDC.org

In this issue:

Hampton Roads H2O – Help to Others – Program
Regional Water Supply Plan
HR CLEAN Brings Regional Attention to Plastic Bag Litter
Localities Gather Data, Assess Sanitary Sewer System
Climate Change Impact Study Underway
Updating the Regional Green Infrastructure Network
Hampton Roads Watershed Roundtable Holds Green Building Meeting
Regional Pollution Prevention Training Spurs Local Actions
Bacteria TMDL Status (Total Maximum Daily Load)
Build-Out Scenarios Studied for Northwest River
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: A Hampton Roads Perspective
HRPDC Joins Regional Task Force on Ending Homelessness
Region to Host 2009 VA Association of Housing Counselors (VAHC) Conference
Update on the Hampton Roads Labor Market
Proposed State Budget Cuts Dissolve Disability Service Boards
Rural Long Range Transportation Plan (RLRP) Public Meeting Held
FEMA Region III Administrator Visits the Regional Emergency Management Technical Advisory Committee (REMTAC)
Moving Towards a Regional Capability Assessment, Evaluates Readiness Level of Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Debris Management – Filling the Gaps
Healthcare Organizations Emergency Preparedness Seminars (HOEPS): Survive and Thrive 2009!

Hampton Roads Metropolitan Planning Organization's "Crossings" Newsletter, Spring 2009

www.HRMPO.org

In this issue:

Letter from the Hampton Roads Transportation Technical Committee Chair Jeffrey K. Raliski, AICP
Navigating the Future of the Region's Transportation System
Chesapeake Regional Airport Terminal Opens Expansion
VTrans2035-Continuing the Journey (Commonwealth’s statewide transportation plan)
HRMPO Holds Annual Retreat: A Successful Step toward Regional Cooperation
Transportation Funding for Hampton Roads in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
HRMPO Selects Local Projects to Receive $41 Million in ARRA Funds
Draft Transit Vision Plan for the Region Released
The State of Transportation in Hampton Roads UPDATE
Roadway Travel in Hampton Roads Decreased in 2008

Creating Green Jobs: Algae-to-Biodiesel Research at ODU

2009-04-29T21:43:00.002-04:00

In conjunction with the Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium, Old Dominion University researchers have developed an algae-growing farm and biodiesel production facility. They are trying to determine the most effective means to grow and harvest algae and the most efficient way to convert it to biodiesel.

From Virginia Business Magazine, April 2009

More on ODU's efforts: www.ODU.edu

LEAD Hampton Roads awarding regional cooperation and progress

2009-04-28T13:03:00.004-04:00

The LEAD Hampton Roads Class of 2009 is awarding a "First Citizen" and an "Outstanding Organization" for their contributions to regional cooperation and progress.
Nomination Deadline: May 7, 2009

Click on links below to make your nomination online:
First Citizen Nomination
Outstanding Organization Nomination

From the LEAD Hampton Roads Class of 2009:
How can Hampton Roads function as a commercial, educational and cultural region that thrives as a single entity? Can we maximize the use of our facilities and infrastructure to function in concert? Are we able to overcome our differences and commit to a common destiny, or will we merely identify problems and fail to effect change? Will we end up as a disparate collection of communities competing with each other rather than working together to achieve common goals?

Our objective is to salute civic and business leaders who promote progress toward regional growth; to foster effective regional leadership and initiate discussions on the most effective means of achieving cooperation between government and business; and to enhance the inter-regional cooperation of Hampton Roads.

Our hope is that this will result in a better place to live, work, and play.

Legislators reflect on 2009 General Assembly Session

2009-04-28T10:12:00.001-04:00

by Andrew Sinclair, Hampton Roads Partnership Program Manager

The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce hosted a legislative breakfast on April 28 at the Omni Newport News. Senators John Miller and Tommy Norment and Delegates Phil Hamilton, Glenn Oder, and Brenda Pogge were in attendance to reflect on the 2009 General Assembly Session.

Each legislator was given an opportunity to highlight their successes and accomplishments from the previous. Key comments included references to the money used to attract Continental AG and Canon expansions by Senator Miller, efforts to stimulate the state economy (without federal aid) by Delegate Hamilton, and continued frustration with transportation (and a noted lack of trust between the public and elected officials) by Delegate Oder.

Bill Bell from Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding acted as moderator and asked the panel questions regarding unemployment benefits, economic recovery programs, transportation and its effect on the BRAC process, and workforce initiatives. Senator Norment in response to the transportation question reminded everyone to hold their elected officials accountable and to make their views known during the elections.

For more events, visit the VPCC calendar web page.

Suffolk's State of the City highlights M&S successes

2009-04-27T11:48:00.004-04:00

On April 23 at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, Suffolk Mayor Linda Johnson held her 2009 State of the City address, the final in the 2009 series for the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce. This was Mayor Johnson’s third State of the City address and her first as Suffolk’s directly elected mayor since Suffolk went to direct mayoral election last year.

Mayor Johnson’s address opened with video after which her remarks highlighted the city’s accomplishments over the last year and praised city staff and citizens with a theme of togetherness. Despite the current economic challenges, Suffolk has seen $164 million in capital investment and 756,000 square feet of new commercial and industrial space just over the last year.

Mayor Johnson highlighted the togetherness theme throughout her remarks under categories of Working Together, Playing Together, Learning Together, Celebrating Together, Growing Together, and Healing Together.

Some special highlights of her remarks included the M&S courses in their second year at Suffolk’s high schools and the M&S support specialist program in its first year as part of the Pruden Center’s FIRST academy. M&S companies Northrop Grumman, CAE USA, and Boeing all received special recognition as did VMASC for their investments in Suffolk. Port and logistics companies ProLogis and CenterPoint also received praise.

In closing, Mayor Johnson declared the state of the city to be strong. Read her full remarks here: http://www.suffolk.va.us/news/09StateoftheCity.pdf.pdf

JLab ground-breaking, a unique asset

2009-04-27T11:47:00.003-04:00

(l-r) Delegate Glen Oder of the 94th District; DOE Jefferson Site Office Manager Jim Turi; Hampton University President William Harvey; former Jefferson Lab Director Christoph Leemann; U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman of Virginia’s 1st District; Jefferson Lab Director Hugh Montgomery; U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia’s 3rd District; former Jefferson Lab Director Hermann Grunder; Gene Henry, Associate Director of the DOE's Office of Science for Nuclear Physics; Newport News Mayor Joe Frank; Delegate Phil Hamilton of the 93rd District; and Virginia State Senator John Miller of the 1st District. (JLab photos)

On April 14, the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (also known as Jefferson Lab or JLab) celebrated a groundbreaking for its 12 GeV upgrade. Elected officials from all levels of government in addition to U.S. Department of Energy officials (including all previous Jeff Lab directors) were in attendance to participate in this grand event. The 12 GeV upgrade is a $310 million project was given an early start thanks to a recent infusion of $65 million in stimulus funds.

When completed in 2015, the 12 GeV upgrade will double the power of the power of the lab’s electron beam accelerator and allow for construction of a fourth experimental hall. The increased power and capacity will allow for more in-depth study of the subatomic particles quarks and gluons. Considered the building blocks of matter, such particles are the focus of work at Jeff Lab, and the additional power will make Jeff Lab a unique asset in the world.

Hampton Roads Partnership Board members Newport News Mayor Joe Frank, Hampton University President William Harvey, and Jeff Lab Director Hugh Montgomery all spoke at the event.

For the complete story: http://www.jlab.org/news/releases/2009/groundbreaking.html

Serving the public for 144 Years, the Pilot is here to stay and continuing to grow

2009-04-27T11:42:00.005-04:00

from Maurice Jones, President and Publisher of The Virginian-Pilot, maurice.jones@pilotonline.com

Almost everywhere I go these days, somebody greets me with the words, “I am praying for you.” Usually, I thank them and hesitatingly ask what they see in me that is in need of divine intervention.

The most common answer? They’re praying for me to succeed at “keeping The Pilot from going out of business.” With humility and confidence, I want to inform you that we are not about to go out of business. We have been striving to contribute to the welfare and prosperity of this region for 144 years. There is still work to be done, and today we are as committed to this mission, and as capable of achieving it, as we were in 1865.

Let me share a few reasons for my confidence. For the rest of the story: http://hamptonroads.com/2009/04/publisher-serving-public-144-years

And from Denis Finley, Editor of the Pilot:

If you have been reading the paper this past year, you know that it has been a brutal time for us and for the industry. Layoffs, eliminating sections, price hikes, expense cutting, whole newspapers shutting down.. Some readers I’ve talked to have even used the “C” word, as in, “Will The Pilot just close up shop?”The answer is an emphatic no. And more... http://hamptonroads.com/2009/04/editor-pilot-here-stay

Hampton Roads included in testimony before the House Energy & Commerce Committee

2009-04-27T10:37:00.004-04:00

On April 24th, during testimony about the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 before the House Energy & Commerce Committee, the following remarks were made by Newt Gingrich. Mr. Gingrich spoke to these ideas as well during his September 2008 engagement with The Norfolk Forum:

A ROADMAP FOR MORE AMERICAN ENERGY NOW

The best way for us to get started on solving our energy needs is with the same Manhattan Project like urgency that we displayed during World War II....

We can do it all. We can do it now. We can do it for America. This is the American way. We have stuck to this belief for 400 years, and it has made us the most prosperous and freest country in the world.

Let's apply American ingenuity to solving an American problem by developing more American energy now.

Solutions for more oil and natural gas development... (link to items 1-5 at the end of this post)

6. Create public/private partnerships in coastal states to fast track the ability of oil and natural gas companies to develop offshore oil and gas resources. If Congress were to lift the ban on offshore oil and gas development (or at least grant coastal states the right to develop the resources with a plan to share revenue with them), states would move swiftly to set up partnerships that will maximize the best use of oil and gas revenues.

Efforts in Virginia provide a good example. In 2004, two Virginia legislators, Delegate Chris Saxman and Senator Frank Wagner, learned that Virginia manufacturers were warning of the rising costs of energy because of tightening energy supplies. Once they discovered that oil and gas resources exist off Virginia's shores, and that the state could experience rapid economic development from the actual business of energy exploration and development, Saxman and Wagner immediately designed legislation that would have Virginia petition the federal government for permits to drill offshore. In addition, the legislation specified that a significant portion of oil and gas royalties, state fees, and licenses collected by the state would go to improve Virginia's transportation infrastructure, clean up the Chesapeake Bay, and invest in technologies related to new energy production.

The economic potential for Virginia is significant. The oil and natural gas revenue estimated to accrue to Virginia is $13.53 billion dollars over thirty years, or $451 million annually. This is a conservative estimate that could increase with technological advances.

But these are not all the economic benefits that Virginia would reap. In just the Hampton Roads area near Norfolk, it is estimated -- based on experience with the oil and gas industry in Nova Scotia and Louisiana -- that oil and natural gas development would result in around $8 billion in capital investment and 2,600 new, high paying jobs. These new jobs would have an estimated payroll close to $650 million annually. Virginia would thus see $271 million more flow into the state treasury in the form of state and local taxes as a result of this increased economic activity.

This new tax revenue could then be used to fund transportation projects in the Hampton Roads area and throughout the state.

Imagine funding new roads, cleaning up the environment, and making investments in basic research and development science to promote new energy sources - all without raising taxes. How many coastal states besides Virginia would like to achieve that combination of benefits? Coastal states could lower energy costs for their residents as well as the energy costs of fellow citizens across the country, while relieving congestion and cleaning up the environment.

For the full text of comments: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2009/04/24/gingrich_house_energy_commerce_transcript_96182.html

About Real Clear Politics: one of America’s premier independent political web sites. Updated every morning and throughout the day, it culls and publishes the best commentary, news, polling data, and links to important resources from all points of the political compass and covering all the important issues of the day. RealClearPolitics has become a trusted filter for anyone interested in politics.

A Citizen's Hampton Roads Vision Statement

2009-04-24T13:45:00.002-04:00

by Grayson Savage, active Hampton Roads forum participant on UrbanPlanet.org

The Hampton Roads Metro currently has a population of around 1.7 million and is maturing right in front of our eyes. Downtown Norfolk has emerged as the business, transportation, and cultural hub of the region.

At the same time, Virginia Beach Town Center is becoming a great place to live, work, dine, and conduct business.

The City of Norfolk has composed a “Downtown 2020 Plan” in which they address connectivity of the urban street grid, the continuation of urban infill projects, and the importance of transportation to the region.

The City of Virginia Beach is creating the “Pembroke Implementation Plan” focusing on the development of Town Center and surrounding areas. Two of Virginia’s largest and most economically important cities are doing great things these days and I think they have many great years ahead of them.

By the next decade I really see Hampton Roads as one of the strongest metros in the South. Here is my vision for the region:

Hampton Roads is an economically strong, transit- oriented, developer friendly metro with a population of approximately 2.1 million. Hampton Roads Transit has light rail moving citizens through the urban areas in the regions, commuter rail moving people from suburban neighborhoods to the business hubs, express buses adding to the connectivity of the transit system, bus rapid transit traveling on dedicated lanes running frequently and on time, and ferries moving people along our waterways.

Downtown Norfolk has continued infill projects resulting in the dramatic rise in population, national businesses have opened, and a “grand central station” is located at Harbor Park connecting higher speed rail to our regional transportation. The city has a nationally recognizable skyline that we can take pride in.

Virginia Beach Town Center has become more of a downtown. Transit Oriented Developments have popped up all around Town Center and the growth has sparked a professional sports team to relocate to the largest area without one. The Oceanfront is a beautiful resort area after many infill projects have been completed and the benefit of light rail and bus rapid transit.

Another Point for Light Rail in Hampton Roads, from a citizen's perspective

2009-04-21T14:14:00.002-04:00

by Russell Manning

I once read a comment on an article about our new light rail that said something to the effect that we shouldn’t compare ourselves to Charlotte, NC because it is not the same situation. I finally found the right statistic to refute that and to show why Hampton Roads is already doing better than Charlotte.

photo of Charlotte's Light Rail

Population:

Hampton Roads = 1.65 (million)
Charlotte MSA = 1.70 (million)

Population Density:

Hampton Roads = 425 persons/sq. mile
Charlotte MSA = 500 person/sq. mile

Now, you might be tempted to think that their higher population and density contributed to their having 181% of their first year projected ridership. I’m sure that has contributed to the large ridership, but consider this:

Total Commuters:

Hampton Roads = 795,343
Charlotte MSA = 801,778

Percent of Commuters using Public Transportation excluding Taxis:

Hampton Roads = 1.86 (million)
Charlotte MSA = 1.75 (million)

In other words, despite their larger population and larger number of commuters, Hampton Roads has a larger percentage of commuters using public transit. Charlotte also faced a large number of cost-overruns and delays and even a referendum to reject the half-cent transportation sales tax (tax funds mass transit in the region). The referendum would have essentially killed all future Charlotte Light Rail. Fortunately, despite a large amount of public outcry against the project, the referendum failed by 70%.

Hampton Roads can do this. Even more-so if the Beach gets on board. I do think that Norfolk needs to look at a larger parking deck for the Newtown Road Station. Charlotte’s end-of-the-line 1,120 space deck fills up by 8:15 AM.

Russell is a Political Science major at ODU, a Hampton Roads Magazine Top Ten Blogger at 757 Hampton Roads, and a Hampton Roads Partnership Intern.

TCC's Regional Automotive Center

2009-04-20T20:35:00.001-04:00

On April 20, Tidewater Community College dedicated its new high-tech, 30,600- square-foot Regional Automotive Center (RAC) with a gathering of officials, guests and impressive vehicles, including a sampling of its 50-plus fleet – all under three years old – contributed by automotive manufacturers.

In partnership with the City of Chesapeake, TCC located the facility, complete with an automotive “showroom” area, at 600 Innovation Drive in the city’s Oakbrooke Business & Technology Center, one of the city’s newest business developments.

“The new TCC Regional Automotive Center embodies the college’s commitment to developing smart partnerships and strategic alliances that help our region’s economy grow and prosper,” says Hampton Roads Partnership member and TCC President Deborah M. DiCroce.

TCC’s cutting-edge center – one of few such high-tech educational facilities for today’s automotive industry – cost $10.1 million. The project was included in the state of Virginia’s 2002 bond referendum for higher education.

It offers students and employers affordable and convenient training at the forefront of industry trends and standards, while providing automotive businesses across Hampton Roads with a stream of well-trained, technology-savvy employees.

For more information about TCC’s Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology programs, call the Information Center at 757-822-1122 or visit TCC’s web site, www.tcc.edu.

Excerpts from Tomorrow’s Technician

HRP Member To Receive Lifetime Achievement Award

2009-04-19T13:19:00.004-04:00

Hampton Roads Volunteer Achievement Awards presented on April 29, 2009 at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott.

Deborah K. Stearns, CPM, SIOR, Managing Director of GVA Advantis of Norfolk will be presented with the Lenora Mathews Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her dedication to serving Hampton Roads. The award is presented each year by VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads to recognize leaders whose actions continue to influence the quality of life we all enjoy in Hampton Roads. For decades, VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads has been recognizing our community's outstanding volunteers who inspire all citizens to action.

To attend, RSVP by April 22, 2009 to (757) 624-2400 or claws@VolunteerHR.org.

High Speed Rail in Hampton Roads, or are we a cul-de-sac?

2009-04-18T18:30:00.005-04:00

With the availability of more than $9.3 billion in federal stimulus money set aside for faster trains, the state is evaluating its rail options. Hampton Roads regional officials are pushing for high-speed passenger train service to Hampton Roads.

Mayor Paul Fraim has argued that the southern route makes better sense because the Southside has nearly 70% of the region’s population and a higher concentration of employment centers and military and port operations. The train could connect with Norfolk’s light rail line – now under construction – at a multi-modal center at Harbor Park. "It is the single most important transportation issue for the region's future," Fraim said.

Newport News Mayor Joe Frank has said, "I'd like to see if we can get high-speed rail to both the Peninsula and Southside," Frank said. "We need to do that cooperatively, so it's not an either-or kind of approach."

Leaving Hampton Roads out of a high-speed rail network, officials say, would further isolate Hampton Roads, possibly dealing a serious blow to the region's economy. The region was bypassed by the interstate highway system when the Virginia sections of Interstates 95 and 85 were built. But because the region is divided by water, serving both the Peninsula and South Hampton Roads may be prohibitively expensive.

"That's going to be a tough vote for the region," said Dana Dickens, President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Partnership. "And it very likely could generate some difficult positions for people."

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT ) is working on a study of the alternatives for connecting Hampton Roads to Richmond and the rest of the nation via higher-speed rail (maximum speeds of 90 mph). A draft should be available by summer, after which public hearings would be scheduled.

State officials have said that before high-speed rail comes to Hampton Roads, the Washington, D.C.-to-Richmond segment must be completed. From Richmond, the rail could go south to North Carolina or east to Hampton Roads, or both.

"If it goes to North Carolina without coming to Hampton Roads, that would be a real blow to us," the Partnership's Dickens said. "It's going to be incumbent on all the 1.6 million people of Hampton Roads and the elected officials to get behind whatever the decision is on a preferred route so we do get service."

Excerpts from The Virginian-Pilot, Debbie Messina, reporter.
Graphics from DRPT.

Hampton Roads Legislative Forum at the Sorensen Institute

2009-04-17T15:05:00.003-04:00

On Monday, April 13th, the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at The University of Virginia and Christopher Newport University's Center for Public Policy (CNU) co-hosted a town-hall format Legislative Review with seven of Hampton Roads' legislators. The event was held at the Ferguson Center at CNU. State Farm sponsored the event.

The members of the panel discussed a variety of public policy issues including transportation, schools, gun control, the budget, and much more in their 2009 General Assembly Session - A Legislative Review.

Legislators taking part in the dialogue include :

Delegate John Cosgrove
Delegate Phil Hamilton
Delegate Lynwood Lewis
Senator Ralph Northam
Delegate Glenn Oder
Senator John Miller
Delegate Paula Miller

Here is the link to the MP3 audio file: http://www.sorenseninstitute.org/files/uploads/audio/HR_recap_4.13_0.mp3 (77.4MB, 84 minutes)

Cox and Inside Business Executive Discussion: Housing and the Economy

2009-04-16T09:56:00.001-04:00

Photo by David Brandt, Rubin Communications

Comment from Wade Powell, President of Dale Carnegie Training of Eastern Virginia: "I thought the Cox/Inside Business Breakfast and Panel on the economy, held recently, was very worthwhile and beneficial to the business community. The business people who attended provided a great networking opportunity, and the information was very vital in helping with our economic situation right now. I hope that these organizations will follow through on their plan to have more of these type meetings."

~ ~ ~

On March 17th at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside, Cox and Inside Business assembled heavy hitters in Hampton Roads to discuss: "The Real Stimulus: What Will it Take to Stabilize the Housing Market?" Moderated by Joel Rubin of Rubin Communications.

The panelists were:

G. Robert Aston Jr., Chairman and CEO of TowneBank, co-founded TowneBank in 1998 and is a member of the Hampton Roads Partnership Board of Directors.
Steve Rockefeller, Vice President of SunTrust Mortgage Inc. (and member of the Virginia Mortgage Lenders Association, Tidewater Builders Association and the Hampton Roads Realtors Association) also writes a column, "Mortgage Matters," which appears regularly in the real estate section of The Virginian-Pilot.
Dr. James Koch, Board of Visitors Professor of Economics and President Emeritus of Old Dominion University writes the well-known and well-respected Hampton Roads Annual "State of the Region Report."
Pete Alex Kotarides, President of Tidewater Builders Association and a partner in Kotarides Builders.
Van Rose, President of Rose & Womble Realty is a member of the National Association of Home Builders and the Institute of Residential Marketing.

America is in a recession of historic proportions. Consumers are tightening their belts and not spending. Investors have seen their portfolios cut in half because of plummeting stock markets. Foreclosures haven't been higher since the 1930s. Home values are dropping, leaving some homeowners owing more on their house than they can sell it for. Unemployment is predicted to hit 10 percent in another year.

Some responses from the panelists:

What role, if any, did super regional banks play in the events that led to the problems in the housing market? Regional banks did not dictate what products are available to the market. They are simply a facilitator of credit. Lenders are charged with making loans. Under the product guidelines, if the borrower qualified for the loan, the loan was made. The issues with today’s housing market reach far deeper then any loan product. Fuel prices, the lack of available credit, loss of employment, the normalizing of housing prices, the diminishing stock market and finally an abundance of housing inventory are all contributing factors to today’s housing crisis. Today’s homeowner has very little, if any, discretionary cash available.
What role do they play in its recovery? Today’s financial institutions are going over and above the call of duty to facilitate credit within the credit guidelines. Banks simply do not want non-performing assets (foreclosed homes) on their books. Today’s banks have specialized departments designed to work through their consumer’s temporary financial difficulty.
How important is it to the overall economic system to stabilize the housing market? Was the housing market the clear cause of the crisis and is stabilizing it the foundation on which recovery must be built? The housing market was the place where the current crisis was manifested, but it was a highly visible effect, not the cause. The cause of the current crisis is decades of overspending by U.S. citizens and the U.S. government (low savings rates, budget deficits, current account trade deficits), along with a variety of unwise financial practices by banks, regulators and individuals. Improving the housing market certainly will benefit many individuals, but does not directly address $1 trillion budget deficits and huge trade deficits.
What role did community banks play in the events that led to the problems in the housing market and what role do community banks play in solving the crisis? Simplistically, the mortgage market can be viewed as two distinct segments defined as manufacturing and distribution. The major mortgage players, government agencies and the secondary market create, design, and manufacture the mortgage products with the guidance of Wall Street who packages and sells the underlying investment products into the world capital markets. The role of community banks is generally limited to the retail distribution of these "approved" products in their local communities. Accordingly, community banks have played only a minor role in the current mortgage crisis. Due to the size and scope of the overall mortgage market, the role of community banks is likely to be limited to providing assistance to their individual clients who may be experiencing difficulties while continuing the flow of credit to credit worthy borrowers.
Where does a recovery of the housing market begin from the perspective of home builders – is it in the hands of the government, lenders, consumers, etc.? Our economy, including housing, depends on consumer confidence. With interest rates at historic lows, relatively stable local employment, a great selection of homes available at all price ranges, a federal housing tax credit for new home buyers and home buyer traffic increasing throughout Hampton Roads, consumer confidence is the only missing ingredient. When people feel better about the direction of the economy, we expect the pent-up demand to materialize and we’re hopeful for a strong turnaround in 2009.
From the perspective of a realtor, how did we get to where we are today in terms of the housing crisis? Greed and lack of accountability.

Governor Kaine's 2009 Volunteerism and Community Service Awards

2009-04-15T15:51:00.003-04:00

Governor Tim Kaine with Outstanding Business award recipient John Littel, Executive Vice President of AMERIGROUP Corporation. Photo by www.VaService.org.

Governor Tim Kaine today announced recipients of the 2009 Governor's Volunteerism and Community Service Awards. These awards highlight the efforts of outstanding citizens of the Commonwealth who seek to enhance the lives of others in their communities. The awards are presented to groups, individuals and families whose efforts exemplify extraordinary volunteer service.

"When we serve our community as volunteers, our unique skills, perspectives and experience make us a stronger Commonwealth," said Governor Kaine.

HRP member AMERIGROUP Corporation, headquartered in Virginia Beach, won in the Business Award category for their company-wide volunteerism program called "RealCaring," comprised of three components: Volunteer Circle, Disaster Response Team and Capacity Building.

At least 1.7 million Virginians volunteer their time and talents annually. Virginians average nearly 243 million volunteer hours, equaling more than $4 billion dollars worth of service to the state. For more information about the awards and Volunteer Week in Virginia, visit www.VaService.org.

ODU’s Maritime Institute, comparing American and European ports

2009-04-14T18:19:00.008-04:00

by Andrew Sinclair, Hampton Roads Partnership Program Manager

On Monday morning, March 30 Thanos Pallis, a professor in the Department of Shipping, Trade & Transport at the University of the Aegean in Greece (and visiting Fulbright Scholar at the Center for Energy, Marine Transportation & Public Policy at Columbia University), gave a presentation at Nauticus as part of ODU’s Maritime Institute Speaker Series. Dr. Pallis’ remarks focused on the current trends in European port operations and the efforts to create a consistent European Port Policy.

Overall, it seems that European and US ports face the same issues: infrastructure upgrades, traffic congestion, needed warehouse space, consolidation and location of distribution centers/logistics parks, expedited connections inland, etc. The perceived primary user of transportation infrastructure is a notable difference, as Dr. Pallis’ ninth slide indicates: rather than noting the number of trucks on the road, it indicates the number of passenger cars slowing down port truck traffic! The environment and the impact on it by port operations seems also to be of a greater concern in Europe, perhaps because there are not clear and consistent procedures on how to evaluate and mitigate environmental impacts as there is in the US. Finally, Europe is seeing a trend of port alliances and mergers unlike in the US, including mergers across national borders: specifically, all the Scandinavia ports recently consolidated under one authority.

Comparing European and American Ports

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Navigating The Future: Hampton Roads 2034 Long-Range Transportation Plan

2009-04-14T13:31:00.001-04:00

http://www.HRMPO.org/KeepHamptonRoadsMoving/index.asp

GET INVOLVED-Take a survey! The Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (formerly known as the Metropolitan Planning Organization) is looking for your vision of the region’s transportation system. Click the banner or link above to take the survey.

In accordance with federal regulations, the HRTPO produces a financially constrained Regional Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRP) every four years that addresses a planning horizon of 20 years. The purpose of these plans is to guide transportation investments to projects designed to meet the transportation goals of the HRTPO--economic vitality, safety, mobility, and environmental protection.

Be part of the plan!

Remember Virginia Tech: April 16

2009-04-13T10:34:00.000-04:00

by Alice Mountjoy

Over the last two years, I have worked with Virginia Tech families and students whose lives were forever altered on April 16, 2007. The tragic shooting rampage at Blacksburg ended with the loss of 32 lives plus the gunman in the worst mass shooting in the history of our country. Survivors and their families are trying to move beyond the nightmare of those events, but they are also trying to ensure that we remember VT and that we attempt to make something positive of those events.

April 16, 2009, marks the second anniversary of the Virginia Tech Tragedy. The families, faculty, and students are still attempting to regain some sense of equilibrium and peace in their lives. The Virginia Center for Public Safety encourages all Virginians to be a part of the Hokie family by remembering these families and continuing to support them.

The following events are planned in Blacksburg on April 16. For more information, go to http://weremember.vt.edu/2009-events/2009-april16-events.html.

Flowers by Memorial Stone: Flowers will be placed by each memorial stone honoring each victim.
Candlelight Vigil: A candlelight vigil will be held on the drill field at sundown at the Memorial (rain or shine). The event will be coordinated by Virginia Tech students representing a variety of student organizations.
Biography for University Remembrance: During the University Remembrance at 12:00 noon, a biography of each victim will be read.

Local events to remember the victims and their families could also be planned in all faith communities in VA. Each community is encouraged to support the VT family in its own way.

Some ideas for local events on April 16:

Wear VT ribbons in maroon and orange.
Offer memorial flowers at services around that date.
Host a silent vigil with luminaries on the evening of April 16.
Ring bells for the 32 victims during the day at places of worship.
Invite a local college to participate in an event such as a "Lie-In" to memorialize students and protest easy availability of firearms. For more information visit www.ProtestEasyGuns.com
Write a letter to local news outlets to remind them of this tragedy.
Host an educational forum on suicide prevention.

For more information on gun violence prevention, visit www.vacps.org.

Alice Mountjoy is a consultant and former teacher in Hampton Roads. She is a founding member of the Virginia Center for Public Safety and a board member of The Planning Council and the Peacemaking Committee of the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia.

Civic Engagement, the results are in

2009-04-12T16:58:00.004-04:00

The Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement's Batten Surveys: A Regional Civic Capital Assessment 2008 - 2009

"Civic engagement is more than just attending a meeting or a public hearing. It's not a passive concept; it's an active concept. It's when people actively engage in their neighborhood or community either by doing something or really engaging in the thinking around doing something that allows them to create some positive change."

-Chris Gates, Executive Director,
Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement

Complete Survey Results (56 pages)
Survey Summary (12 pages)
Slideshow showing the results of the Batten Surveys (21 pages)
Slideshow showing the opinions of Summit participants (26 pages)

Note: Figures in red are actual demographic statistics for Hampton Roads
Click on links above to view presentations in a new browser window; click on "Full" to view full screen; click on "Download" to download the presentation to your own computer.

The Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement (HRCCE) structures and facilitates civic engagement processes that provide for the productive collaboration between the citizens and their governments.

By encouraging the inclusion of more citizens in the public choices related to their region’s quality of life and future, the Center’s work enhances the accountability and transparency of public agencies.

The Center is a neutral source of information to support fact-based dialogue on the thorniest of regional issues. Our work helps boost regional understanding and brings into the public dialogue voices that have long been overlooked.

Lights! Camera! Action! - Hollywood In Hampton Roads

2009-04-10T21:59:00.003-04:00

Jeff Frizzell, Commissioner of the Hampton Roads Film Office (HRFO), and others were recent guests on WHRO's public affairs show "What Matters." Discussion included: How viable is this industry in today's economy? What opportunities are there for our region? What projects can we expect to see? How does the area attract filmmakers?

Download and see the show: http://www.whro.org/home/html/podcasts/whatmatters/206.mp4

DoD postpones action on carrier homeport from Hampton Roads

2009-04-09T09:20:00.004-04:00

Governor Timothy M. Kaine released the following statement on April 9th regarding the Department of Defense’s (DoD) decision to postpone action on the Navy's Record of Decision regarding moving a nuclear aircraft carrier from Hampton Roads and homeporting it in Mayport, FL:

“Today’s decision by the Department of Defense to postpone acting on the Navy's Record of Decision to homeport a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in Mayport, Florida -- pending a review -- offers some room for optimism among Virginians. Along with other elected and community leaders across the Commonwealth, I remain committed to maintaining Hampton Roads as the East Coast home base for nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.”

DoD decided to delay the decision until it comprehensively reviews the issue during the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review.

U.S. Representatives Rob Wittman and Glenn Nye, along with lawmakers from other states are intensifying their efforts to block moving an aircraft carrier to Mayport FL. Wittman and Nye wrote a letter to the acting Secretary of the Navy B.J. Penn saying they'll oppose any requests for money to move the carrier to Mayport. The letter is signed by 18 representatives including 13 Democrats and five Republicans from Washington, Maryland, Ohio, New York and New Mexico.

Nye and Wittman are working to make this a financial issue rather than a Virginia v. Florida issue. It's a smart strategic move considering the current state of the economy.

Congressman Glenn Nye (VA, 2n District) said: “This is not a Virginia versus Florida issue; this is a question of spending our military dollars wisely at a time when budgets are already stretched thin. Members of Congress from both parties, all across the country, have recognized that it makes no sense to spend a billion dollars to outfit a redundant port facility on the East Coast.

Congressman Rob Wittman (VA, 1st District) said: “I am deeply concerned by the Navy’s decision to shift the homeporting of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier from Norfolk, VA to Mayport, FL. In fiscal year 2009 the Navy reported unfunded requirements in excess of $4.5B. Building duplicative infrastructure in the current fiscal environment does not make budgetary or strategic sense, especially given the Secretary of Defense’s budget cuts for fiscal year 2010.

Sen. Jim Webb, D-Virginia, said in a statement, "I am gratified that the Department of Defense has formally decided to postpone the major elements of the Navy's proposal until after a proper strategic review has been conducted, as I have consistently urged." "I look forward to reviewing the rest of the proposal - which includes a request for funds to conduct minimal dredging and pier work at Mayport - on its merits, as part of the Fiscal Year 2010 budget process."

Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., struck a similar tone, "This is a promising development for the taxpayers and for the Navy, and I am pleased the Pentagon has agreed with our request to focus on the fiscal and strategic realities of building an extra nuclear carrier facility at Mayport."

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine was more cautious, saying the decision "offers some room for optimism."

Frank Roberts, director of the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance, said the Navy had more pressing needs than spending $600 million to prepare Mayport Naval Station for a nuclear carrier. "It's definitely the right and appropriate decision," he said. However, Roberts said, "I don't think we're ever safe. We have to be constantly vigilant."

Considering the move as part of next year's quadrennial defense review will delay a decision until at least 2011, he said. This means the Navy will keep its fleet of five operational carriers at Norfolk Naval Station.

The Navy is proceeding with dredging work at Mayport Naval Station, so it can serve as a future homeport or as an emergency location for a carrier. In January, after a 2-1/2-year environmental study, the Navy said that dispersing the East Coast fleet would reduce the risks of a catastrophic attack or natural disaster.

Robotics and unmanned systems, technologies of today and tomorrow

2009-04-08T16:26:00.006-04:00

Photo: Governor Kaine signs HB 2415 in to law. Delegate Joe Bouchard championed HB 2415 that adds robotics/unmanned systems to the technology areas for which the Commonwealth Technology Research Fund (CTRF) can support.

The vision behind this bill is in realizing the growing importance of robotics/unmanned systems technology and the important - and direct - role Hampton Roads could play in advancing these technologies and applications.

Observers include (l to r) Bob McKisson, President of the Hampton Roads Chapter of the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), Bill Piersol, Robot Venture Program Manager, Dr. Mark Patterson, Director, Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) Autonomous Systems Laboratory, and Frank Roberts, Executive Director, Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance (HRMFFA).

Also check out Robot Venture's Google Group.

Photo courtesy of Frank Roberts, HRMFFA.

Regional Cooperation to End Homelessness

2009-04-07T14:35:00.005-04:00

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The regional cooperation between the cities of Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk and Portsmouth to reduce homelessness in South Hampton Roads was featured as the cover article in the Mar09 issue of Research Works, HUD's Office of Policy, Development and Research newsletter.

The article highlighted the cities' partnership with Virginia Supportive Housing to develop Gosnold Apartments in Norfolk and Cloverleaf Apartments in Virginia Beach, the nation's first two regional housing facilities for homeless single adults.

Gosnold and Cloverleaf each houses 60 formerly homeless single adults and provides residents with supportive services -- health, education, job training and placement.

Research Works is a national publication that links housing research and practice. The complete Mar09 issue of the newsletter may be viewed online at http://www.huduser.org/periodicals/Researchworks.html

HRP President drinks award-winning milk

2009-04-06T18:31:00.001-04:00

Photo by David Brandt, Rubin Communications

Home milk delivery is returning to Hampton Roads. Oberweis Dairy has purchased part of the recently closed Yoder Dairy and will begin delivering its products on April 6th.

Dana Dickens, HRP President and CEO (pictured, far left), joined owner Jim Oberweis on Tuesday, March 31st for a launch event and product sampling at the former Yoder distribution center at 5102 Princess Anne Road in Virginia Beach.

Headquartered in North Aurora, Illinois, Oberweis Dairy has provided families “Simply the Best” milk products since 1927. The home delivery business, which started in 1927, currently serves more than 25,000 homes in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and eastern Missouri. Additionally, Oberweis Dairy’s products are available in over 750 grocery stores in the Midwest as well in our own 48 Oberweis Dairy stores. For more than 50 years, Oberweis has made the best tasting ice cream in the world using only the finest ingredients and time-honored quality processing.

Commonwealth Caucus puts Virginia above political parties

2009-04-05T16:11:00.005-04:00

by Hampton Roads Senator John Miller, http://SenatorJohnMiller.com; an op-ed originally published in the Daily Press on January 25, 2009, reprinted here by permission of the author.

Senator Miller, of Newport News, is a Democrat who represents Virginia's 1st District in the General Assembly. It includes Poquoson and parts of Hampton, Newport News and York County. He can be reached at (757) 595-1100 or district01@senate.virginia.gov.

As the General Assembly begins its 2009 session, we all hope that members of the Senate and House of Delegates focus on what is best for the people of Virginia and not what is best for their respective political party.

I have joined with three other freshmen senators, Ralph Northam (D- Norfolk ), Richard Stuart (R-Westmoreland) and Jill Vogel (R-Winchester), to form the Commonwealth Coalition. This coalition is a bipartisan effort to put Virginia above party affiliation on important issues facing the commonwealth.

Photo by SenatorJillVogel.com

The people of Virginia are interested in performance, not partisanship. As I said throughout my campaign for the Senate, there are good ideas on both sides of the aisle. To be successful, we must take the best from both parties. If we expect to govern effectively, we must reach across the aisle. That's why we formed the Commonwealth Caucus.

Initially, our caucus will focus on three issues — redistricting, electing judges and protecting the Chesapeake Bay. Of utmost importance is passing legislation that removes partisanship from the redistricting process. Virginia is the third least competitive state in the nation when it comes to elections. Because we have so artfully drawn the lines, we not only discourage a challenge, but we also ensure that nearly all incumbents will be returned to office. If officeholders are assured of being re-elected, there is very little incentive for them to compromise or reach across the aisle. It is imperative that we take the redistricting pen out of the hands of politicians and give it to a bipartisan group who can draw lines that make sense. I have offered legislation to do just that, and the Commonwealth Caucus will work hard to ensure its passage.

One of the most important roles we have as legislators is to elect judges. Our caucus will focus on ensuring the General Assembly elects the best qualified judges for Virginia and not let political considerations dictate those decisions.

Finally, the caucus will work to protect the Chesapeake Bay and our natural resources, regardless of the political consequences. Progress on the cleanup of the bay has been too slow. We must restore this natural treasure so future generations can enjoy its beauty and bounty.

Although I have only served for a year, I have seen that both sides are sometimes more focused on scoring points than making good policy. There is a time for partisanship, and that's during elections. But when the General Assembly convenes, especially during difficult times like these, we must govern and focus on what's best for Virginia and not what's best for a particular political party.

This year, I will continue with legislators from across the aisle year, joined by a nucleus of senators who believe it's the policy and not the party that is of utmost importance. Our caucus is open to any legislator who is willing to put the people above party, and we hope others will join our effort and help ensure its success.

Former state Sen. John Chichester recently wrote, in an op-ed in the Daily Press, about the need for something like the Commonwealth Caucus. He wrote, "I don't see an exit from the morass we are in until we elect a sufficient complement of reasonable, independent thinkers to each chamber of the General Assembly, so alliances crucial to good government can be formed. Only then will we move away from governing by political party caucus. There is only one litmus test that a candidate for the General Assembly should pass — the test of loyalty and dedication to Virginia and her future."

I believe Chichester is on target and the Commonwealth Caucus is a good step in the right direction. I am under no illusions that it will change the political world in Richmond, but it will start the change. It is a forum for members of both parties to exchange ideas and work in a bipartisan way to solve the problems we are facing without allowing party affiliation to get in the way.

This will be a very challenging year in the General Assembly. We have many difficult decisions ahead of us. It is my hope, and that of the other members of the Commonwealth Caucus, that we do what is best not for the political parties, but for the people of Virginia.

Virginia's Leadership Deficit

2009-04-05T09:43:00.001-04:00

by John H. Chichester, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee until 2007. John Chichester was a budget hawk who took a long-range view of Virginia’s economy. He sounded an alarm about the decline in political leadership in this speech on December 8, 2008 to Virginia FREE, a statewide organization of business leaders.

Excerpts were originally printed in the December 14, 2008 issue of The Virginian-Pilot; the full text is reprinted here by permission of the author.

I’m honored to be with you today and view this as an opportunity to have an open and frank discussion about the need for change in Virginia and how we can support that change.

Virginia’s business leaders have always played a role in Virginia politics, albeit a role that has evolved over time. Back when I first ran for public office, it was local business leaders who took the initiative to identify promising candidates and convince them to put their hat in the ring.

Candidates who emerged through this process were seasoned and tested. They were problem solvers who had demonstrated their worth through community service or business acumen – they were people whose lives did not center on politics but rather people who were willing to enter the political arena and share the lessons of their lives for the good of the people.

As you might imagine, the maturity embedded in this process brought a large block of common-sense Republicans and common-sense Democrats together in Richmond. In those days, I often said it was hard to tell the difference between a Virginia Democrat and a Virginia Republican because both valued open, reasoned discourse and civility to resolve differences and find solutions.

There was willingness by the old guard to teach newcomers the intricacies of state government and to promote open dialogue, with an eye toward continuity. The goal was good public policy, without regard to which political party was in power.

I was a beneficiary of that mindset as Democratic leaders like Ed Willey and Hunter Andrews provided me with the opportunity to learn and to have a real voice in the workings of the Senate Finance Committee.

Those leaders understood that the pendulum always swings and the best legacy they could leave was an informed Senate that could work together to solve problems for the people.

Unfortunately, the mindset began to change in the late 80’s and into the 90’s as political parties became more inward focused and installed “professional” political staff whose primary goal was to accentuate differences rather than bring people together.

Words like control and discipline replaced reason and compromise.

No longer were business leaders asked to help find the best candidates – they were only asked to help pay for the political apparatus.

We saw fewer and fewer grass roots candidates whose motivation was public service and loyalty to Virginia’s citizens; rather we saw a wave of candidates who were hand-picked by the political apparatus based on loyalty to the party rather than to the people.

This shift has made all the difference in terms of where we find ourselves today and our inability to put Virginia’s future first.

We no longer have camaraderie across party lines where members leave their differences at the door and sit down to share dinner and dialogue. We are left with a General Assembly that is unduly influenced by those who take extreme positions, do not tolerate different points of view, and place little value on facts. It is a situation that leads to gridlock as we have seen time and again in recent years.

It also is a situation that is not representative of Virginians’ views because most Virginia voters lean toward the middle. Virginia is a fiscally conservative state, socially moderate and fiercely independent.

Voters desire and expect legislators in both parties to work together for the common good and to avoid politicizing every issue. They expect to be told the truth and when that happens, they will help solve our problems. The Party that listens to the voters rather than to extremists within its ranks ultimately will achieve the leadership position.

The political pendulum seeks out that balance. We are in the midst of such a swing.

In my view, Virginia is a microcosm of what we saw on November 4th (2008). Our citizens have been patient and tolerant, but they are tired of inaction. They want elected leaders who will make decisions that are relevant to their daily lives and which protect the future for their children.

As this pendulum swings in Virginia, we have a real opportunity – the opportunity to bring back the deliberative body that I once knew – a General Assembly that places Virginia’s future ahead of partisan politics. But the opportunity rests on our ability to elect candidates who reflect Virginians’ balanced, common-sense leaning.

It isn’t enough to have a Governor who reaches across the aisle and seeks consensus. It isn’t enough to have a reasonable and balanced contingent in one chamber of the General Assembly. The only way to move Virginia forward is to have a reasonable and balanced contingent in both chambers of the General Assembly.

Only then can we avoid the gridlock of recent years and return to dialogue rather than demagoguery.

You as business leaders have a central role to play in this movement!

If you will permit me to digress for a moment, I’ve thought back to the last two times we chatted – in the fall of 2001 and the fall of 2003. Both times, our discussion centered on the need for legislators to look beyond their individual terms of office and make longer-range investment decisions that would secure Virginia’s future.

Finding a sustainable transportation “fix” was a key part of both discussions. And yet, I stand here seven years later in one instance and five years later in the other with no transportation “fix” in sight.

The only measure advanced was the ill-fated 2007 transportation plan with its abusive driver fees that were abhorred by the public and since repealed, a regional taxing structure ruled unconstitutional, and the diversion of millions of general fund dollars to support debt on $3.0 billion in transportation bonds. As the severity of the current economic downturn sinks in, the sting of that decision will be evident. More than ever, I know my vote against that flawed transportation plan was the right thing to do.

But, the painful reality is that we are left with vital unfinished business in transportation and the legitimate question of how it can be resolved after seven years of churning.

This is where you as business leaders can reclaim the position of influence that is rightfully yours.

Next year will bring statewide elections and elections for the House of Delegates. Now I know that some of you will say – “John, you’re meddling.” But, I must respectfully suggest that as we approach these elections, you should not allow yourselves to be used as a blank check with no assurance of a return on your investment.

You are taking that risk when you make donations to a PAC that is established for general “Party building” as opposed to a PAC that is established for a specific purpose that you support. Let’s face it, a lot of that general PAC money goes wayward. After the political consultants are paid, PAC dollars can flow down to the most inept candidates, just to increase the Party numbers. These could be people who you would never choose to support.

As successful business leaders, you are an integral part of the process and don’t have to accept this empty role. Instead of writing a $5,000 check to a general-purpose PAC, why not write $500 checks to candidates of your choice. And before you write that check, make the candidate sit down with you and explain what he is all about.

This path would serve a twofold benefit. It would help to reduce the outlandish cost of political campaigns -- what better time to do that than these lean economic times.

But, more importantly, it would ensure that your dollars are supporting an individual who will focus on the priorities that you think are important for Virginia.

Quite frankly, I don’t see an exit from the morass we are in until we elect a sufficient compliment of reasonable, independent thinkers to each chamber of the General Assembly so alliances crucial to good governance can be formed. Only then will we move away from governing by caucus and explaining away our failures through perfumed press releases.

You are in a unique position to find these candidates who can make the difference – be they Democratic, Republican or Independent. Your reach of power and influence extends to every corner of this Commonwealth, and you witness what is happening “on the ground” in your communities. Our citizens need for you to become proactive in the recruitment process.

There is only one litmus test that a candidate for the General Assembly should pass – the test of loyalty and dedication to Virginia and her future.

That test can be met only by leaders who:
(1) listen and seek input from all quarters;
(2) share knowledge with one another;
(3) base decisions on facts and careful analysis;
(4) think independently and tell the truth;
(5) act with civility; and
(6) embrace reasonable thinking and bipartisan action in the interest of all Virginians.

The “D”, “R”, or “I” behind the candidate’s name is not important – it is the essence of the man or woman and his promise to serve for the right reasons that makes all the difference.

I implore you to help find such people. There is no greater contribution that you can make to our great Commonwealth.

Thank you for letting me share my thoughts.

Civic Engagement - An Executive Summary

2009-04-04T16:32:00.007-04:00

The first Hampton Roads Civic Engagement Summit was held at the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center (VMASC) in Suffolk, Virginia on Saturday April 4th, 2009. Hosted by Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement (HRCCE) in association with the Future of Hampton Roads, Hampton Roads Partnership, The Planning Council, and WHRO Public Television.

During breakfast, “Be There, Be Counted” video vignettes were provided by WHRO’s Center for Regional Citizenship (CRC). A live internet connection was also provided to those who wished to view HamptonRoadsPerforms.org, the recently launched website that supplements current strategic planning and civic engagement efforts by focusing on regional performance. Designed to inform and engage citizens and community leaders in discussions about the future of Hampton Roads, information on the website answers the question, “How is Hampton Roads Doing?” on a broad array of indicators, ranging from personal income to educational attainment and traffic congestion.

Jim Oliver, Chairman, and Betsy McBride, President, of HRCCE welcomed the approximately two hundred in attendance.

An Audio Address was shared from Bob O’Neill, Executive Director of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), the membership organization dedicated to creating excellence in local government through professional management. (Bob is a former City Manager of Hampton.)

Bob said: We find ourselves in “a time of turbulent change,” a time where we need to address how democracy works. Many issues matter, yet none can be addressed without proper public engagement. The need is great to reach across our political, municipal and geographical boundaries to make the most impact. The work we do now matters to the entire region’s future. It’s all about the possibilities.

The rest of the event was moderated by Suzette Denslow: Chief of Staff for Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones and formerly with the Virginia Municipal League.

Suzette shared: Civic engagement is the first step up from volunteerism. When we work together with respect, we move forward on our commonalities.

Keynote by Chris Gates: Executive Director of PACE, Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement, a new organization founded to bring more attention and focus to the issues of civic engagement and to encourage more members of the philanthropic community to make civic engagement a part of their funding priorities. Previously served for 11 years as President of the National Civic League. A synopsis of Chris' remarks follow:

Why civic engagement? Hampton Roads as a region is an interdependence of communities. People know the moniker “Hampton Roads” around the country and are less apt to be able to name the individual cities and counties that make up the region.

To solve a problem, you must first recognize the problem, which leads us to list the greatest challenges for successful civic engagement:

The Information and Technology Revolution: While we have more in-formation at our fingertips, that information is problematic. “More people are in possession of partial truths.” People are more self-empowered than ever before. “Deference to data and experts” is the old model of engagement and does not play in today’s world. Today’s model is citizens questioning everything.
The Media: The practice of journalism today does not match the way com-munities live their lives. Media today is conflict based. And that conflict is en-grained in us personally by media hence our deep-seated disbelief of anything publicly stated.
Diversity: No community in America is NOT struggling with diversity on some level. We exhibit nostalgia for the “way things used to be.” Why? It was “easy,” because there was only one group sitting at the table with a shared history, perspective and outlook. Today our communities are more diverse than ever, in geography, perspective, issue, culture, etc. It’s hard work to work together.
Apathy: When asking why there is a lack of authentic civic engagement, we blame it on apathy, which is blaming citizens. It is nearly impossible to find truly apathetic citizens that don’t care at all about anything. Citizens are dis-engaged not because they don’t care, but because they feel their opinion doesn’t matter, their voice isn’t heard and their vote doesn’t count.

The New Reality - The New Model of Civic Engagement:

The public agenda is jointly held. We have a big debate going on regarding the role of government. We don’t want a government that is big enough, powerful enough and wealthy enough to unilaterally solve all of society’s problems. And, it’s unfair to say elected officials should fix everything. The best example of civic success is government working together with nonprofits, churches and civic groups.
Traditional civic engagement models make things worse. Public comment periods, public hearings, advisory boards and commissions don’t work. “Professional citizens” will usually be the only citizens that speak, and the “authentic voice” of citizens is missed. Holding public events such as these during times of day when most citizens cannot attend creates contention and anger.
Collaboration is a necessity, not a nicety. On every issue, all voices must be heard, even the short-term contentious issues. Without collaboration, it’s impossible to move forward.

We must reinvent the practice of democracy. We as Americans shouldn’t break our arm to pat ourselves on the back. We shouldn’t deify the founding fathers who were white male landowners. Democracy at the beginning of America wasn’t inclusive, hence the reason for the women's suffrage and civil rights movements.

The U.S. is remarkable because we are periodically willing to say that the old rules no longer make sense, and we need to make a change. We are at one of those moments again.

The old model of democracy: people seeking power to impose their will on others.

The new model of democracy: convene and empower others with facilitation, mediation and negotiation.

The new model requires listening to everyone equally, deeply and with authentic respect. The old model is that of government as “father figure,” making things better and doing things for you.

Our “civic muscles” have atrophied in America from misuse or lack of use. Some-where along the way, we’ve forgotten that to live a complete life, we must be engaged as citizens. We ARE the government; we have a role to play; we are responsible for our own outcomes.

Q & A from attendees (in bold) with responses from Chris Gates (in italics):

Will there be a time when we need to rewrite the Constitution due to globalization and our evolving as a society?
Many states have “mucked up” their constitutions by rewriting them. They’re overloaded with specifics, and some states are debating now as to cleaning them up. Rewriting the Constitution would open a “Pandora’s Box.”

What about the respect issue? What’s the solution?
Societal norms almost don’t exist anymore. We can blame much of this on TV, with the cursing, violence and contentiousness. Society has become “coarse.” We no longer respond with politeness. The “Golden Rule” has been lost. We need civility back in civic life. We live in an era where elected officials fear for their safety.

How does civic engagement fit with regionalism?
Regionalism is of great importance. But, we have issues where we don’t have structures and vice versa. There’s a mismatch. In economic development terms, regions compete internationally.

Some regions have consolidated local governments, such as Indianapolis and Charlotte. Regionalism is based on functionality and relationship. We want to keep our own individual identities in a region, but successes can be found in shared services, shared purchasing and joint planning. Regional structures that work don’t take away local autonomy; they’re structures for listening and posi-tive conservations. They’re formed for people to WANT to work together around shared values and solutions, not forced.

What can young people do to get involved?
The single greatest predictor of whether someone will vote is age, not income or any other demographic. Youth consider politics to be inauthentic. They don’t believe they’re hearing the truth; they’re suspicious of “spin.” For youth to be involved, community service engagement is the answer. Giving something back is living a complete life. Service is the key.

What about using referendums to give citizens a direct voice in governmental decision-making?
Referendums were never intended to be used to make decisions on a daily basis, only for last minute “pressure cooker,” controversial kinds of issues. Many municipalities use them because it’s easier to just put things on ballots. However, small “d” democracy includes conversation. Most issues aren’t simply a “thumbs up” or a “thumbs down” as they were in the gladiator days of the Roman Coliseum.

Batten Survey Results by Dr. Quentin Kidd, PhD: Associate Professor of Political Science in the Government Department at Christopher Newport University and Director of CNU’s Center for Public Policy.

Dr. Kidd introduced a video survey created by Virginian Wesleyan College senior and CRC Intern Rebecca Miller’s to gauge the youth perspective of civic engagement. One poignant segment of the video gave us a youth saying, “Right now, I am the future. And at some point in time, I will become the present. And then to the generations that are to come after me, I will be their past. And it’s how I pave the road now that determines what their future is going to be.”

Dr. Kidd reminded us that “democracy matters,” and, collectively, citizens and public officials have responsibilities in a democracy. We must work together to define our future, our quality of life as an indicator of healthy “civic capital.” Regions with healthy civic capital are also regions that are economically healthy. HRCCE’s Batten Survey establishes a baseline of the Civic Health of Hampton Roads, our values, our skills and our civic infrastructure.

The survey, made possible by a grant from citizen Jane Batten, was conducted via:

Telephoning 1997 residents of the 16 cities and counties that make up Hampton Roads; these residents were a proportionally representative sample;
Conducting focused interviews of approximately four dozen regional civic leaders and elected officials; and
Conducting focused interviews of approximately one dozen engaged youth.

The big questions to answer with regard to civic engagement were:

Are you interested, willing and ready to engage?
Is information accessible, communicated and sought out?
Do all parties know what to do and when?

HRCCE’s Batten Survey results reveal that in Hampton Roads we have:

Disconnectedness…citizens say they are somewhat or very interested in working with others to solve regional issues, yet they don’t feel invited; however, civic leaders say they want citizens to educate themselves, participate more in civic matters when invited and let their views be known;
Paradoxes…we seem to agree on the major issues of the economy and transportation and want to solve our regional problems, but as a result of this study, we lack a means by which to come together as a region to work on these problems, together. Furthermore, while citizens follow news about local government and public affairs somewhat or very closely, a majority of respondents say there is no reliable source or don’t know if there is reliable source of information;
Opportunities…the civic capital of Hampton Roads is plentiful…our job is cultivate it and capitalize on it as a region.

This is the beginning of a regional conversation about where we are, where we want to be, and what will be required to get there.

One youth interviewed did not see civic engagement as a “daunting task,” but stated that transportation was the problem that could “unify” Hampton Roads as an opportunity to come together on a common problem that bedevils the entire region.

Q & A from attendees (in bold) with responses from Dr. Quentin Kidd (in italics):

How does Hampton Roads compare to other regions?
While some information may be available, we don’t want to compare ourselves to other regions of Virginia just yet. The Batten Survey questionnaire was tailored to the Hampton Roads region, and, to our knowledge, no other region in Virginia has done this evaluation of their civic capital.

What percentage of people who have tried to become engaged just gave up?
That specific question was not asked on the survey.

Statement from audience member: We had an opportunity to come together as a region with the one-cent sales tax and we couldn’t agree; I hope we have another opportunity in the future to come together on this issue.

Why is the corporate role not included in the survey? Organizations like Future of Hampton Roads and Hampton Roads Partnership have an agenda. The citizen’s and business’ agenda are different.
In the end, corporations are all individuals. If there is a disagreement between citizens and corporation’s representatives, and we don’t work together, we’ll never come up with any solutions. Solutions will be found at the individual level.

Break-out Sessions were used to facilitate small group discussions.
Printed copies of the Batten Survey were provided to participants in Breakout Sessions.

Reconvening after Breakout Sessions: small group recommendations and demographics review, by David Campt of Dialogue With Communities:

In comparison to the Hampton Roads population, the following demographic groups were under-represented: Females, African-Americans, Hispanics, under $75,000 Household Income and Residents of less than 15 years.

Small Group Question #1:
What actions are needed to improve communication?

The results are below with the (overwhelmingly) top four vote-getters in BOLD:

Centralized source/organization for regional information
Smart use of new media: on-line forums, cell phone alerts
Make meetings more accessible –take them into neighborhoods, televise
Better civic education
Enhance traditional media for regional news/announcements –WHRO, TV news
More & better meetings
Make data more accessible
Surveys for citizen input
Improve values
Adoption of a formalized decision-making process
Change in regional structure

Small Group Question #2:
What is the most important thing we need to work on to improve our system of public decision-making?

The one consensus result from each of the small groups is listed below with the majority vote from the reconvened group in BOLD:

Invest regionally –new regional funding mechanisms, new structures. Needs further discussion (49%)
Emphasize values when creating the vision. Spend more time reflecting on values. Strongly Endorse/Agree (75%)
Emphasize more and better civic education. Strongly Endorse (74%)
Proactive outreach by elected officials. Strongly Endorse/Agree (88%)
Better recognition of pros and cons. Make sure information is fair and balanced. Strongly Endorse (64%)
Create a new separate entity (non-governmental) for civic discourse. Needs further discussion (36%)
Have a better informed and educated population. Strongly Endorse (76%)
Need fact based decisions instead of emotional ones. Strongly Endorse (53%)

Small Group Wrap-Up:

Of these improvements, choose the 3 most important ones that will make the public process better: (top three vote-getters in BOLD)

Emphasize more and better civic education. (23%)
Have a better informed and educated population. (17%)
Better recognition of pros and cons. Make sure information is fair and balanced. (16%)

Which is the easiest to accomplish? (top three vote-getters in BOLD)

Better recognition of pros and cons. Make sure information is fair and balanced. (26%)
Proactive outreach by elected officials. (24%)
Emphasize more and better civic education. (17%)

Which are you willing to spend time on to help accomplish? (top four vote-getters in BOLD)

Emphasize more and better civic education. (26%)
Better recognition of pros and cons. Make sure information is fair and balanced. (19%)
Create a new separate entity (non-governmental) for civic discourse. (16%)
Have a better informed and educated population. (15%)

All Batten Survey results, Summit Breakout Sessions and Final Group demographics, feedback and video may be viewed and downloaded at: http://HRCCE.org/publications/BattenSurveys/index.html.

Photo credits: Clyde R. Hoey, II, President of The Resource Group and member of the HRCCE Board of Directors.

HamptonRoadsPerforms.org launchs SEARCH feature

2009-04-04T11:59:00.000-04:00

Take this opportunity to visit HamptonRoadsPerforms.org and use the newly added "Search" feature.

Your input and feedback is important. Do you know of a program or initiative which should be highlighted on any of the Quality of Life Indicator pages under "At A Glance"?

Tell us what you like, what is missing and what you'd like to know.

If you have feedback, please contact us today.

Governor Kaine speaks at Blue Planet Forum

2009-04-03T11:47:00.007-04:00

Governor Tim Kaine will be guest speaker at the next Blue Planet Forum lecture, sponsored by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), Nauticus, NOAA, and Old Dominion University, on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. For more information or to RSVP to attend, click here or call the CBF office at 622-1964.

Gov. Kaine is a fervent supporter of the Chesapeake Bay on a national level, calling for more federal attention, money and regulatory clout for the Bay. He has encouraged President Obama to press Congress to take actions in support of the Bay, including the creation of a "Clean Water Trust Fund."

Gov. Kaine has also urged President Obama to declare the Bay "a national treasure," a status that would elevate the cleanup's importance in Congress and in public debate.

Also, on Friday, April 10th at noon, tune in to hear CBF's own Christy Everett and others on WHRV's 89.5 HearSay with Cathy Lewis for a discussion about the ecological and economic health of the Chesapeake Bay and other major Hampton Roads waterways. Or click here to stream it.

Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities honors HRP Members

2009-04-03T09:48:00.000-04:00

Hampton Roads Partnership Board Members News:

John Broderick, Acting President of Old Dominion University, and Charles Henderson, Hampton Roads President of Bank of America, were among the honorees on April 2nd to receive the 2009 Humanitarian Award, an accolade for individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to the promotion of respect and understanding among people of diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.

The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities is a human relations organization that promotes inclusion, challenges assumptions, and advances understanding through dialogue, experiential learning, and education.

Each year, the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities conducts educational programs, conferences, retreats, and workshops for thousands of youth, educators, community members, non-profit organizations, and corporate and business leaders. These events and experiences teach participants not simply to notice differences, but also to respect variety in race, religion, and culture. We deliver our message in schools, houses of worship, the community, and in the workplace.

Witt Mares Honored with Community Impact Award

2009-04-02T20:47:00.001-04:00

Witt Mares, PLC, a regional accounting and consulting firm serving clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic, was one of 26 organizations that received a Community Impact Award from the United Way of South Hampton Roads (UWSHR).

Witt Mares was honored by the UWSHR for its exceptional employee giving campaign. Their efforts helped contribute to the $17 Million raised for vital regional health and human service programs.

The Community Impact Award is presented to organizations that have demonstrated active involvement in their community through giving in employee campaigns, advocating community involvement, and volunteering in their community. “Witt Mares has been an active member of the corporate community for 30 years and we recognize how important it is to give back and support our community and neighbors, particularly in this difficult economy,” said Mary Aldrich, Chief Administrative Operating Officer, at Witt Mares, PLC.

About Witt Mares
With a long history dating back to 1979, Witt Mares, PLC is a regional public accounting and business consulting firm headquartered in Newport News, VA. The firm also has offices in Fairfax, Richmond, Norfolk, and Williamsburg. Witt Mares provides its clients a broad range of business services in the areas of audit and accounting, tax planning and preparation, staffing recruitment, pension plan design/administration, merger and acquisition consulting and investment management.

Portsmouth’s State of the City Address

2009-04-02T17:35:00.002-04:00

by Donna Morris, Executive Vice President, Hampton Roads Partnership

The Honorable James W. Holley, III, Mayor of the City of Portsmouth, has a way of making you feel a part of the Portsmouth family when you attend his annual State of the City addresses. He knows that if you are a citizen of Hampton Roads, you are also part of the Portsmouth’s extended family.

Mayor Holley recognized area businesses and citizens for their support during a very difficult financial time. He applauded the Portsmouth City staff for collectively working with limited resources to maintain the level of service citizens expect.

Mayor Holley, famous for his bromides*, shared one that made everyone smile. To introduce the video capturing the city’s economic developments and news over the past year, the mayor shared his own version of the well known quote – "the road to success is always under construction" – adding that the road is not always straight, but has bends and an occasional speed bump.

The State of the City presentation can be found at: mms://www.portsmouthva.gov/video/04_02_09_SOTC.wmv (Clicking on this link will open Microsoft's Media Player and it will begin to play the video OR copy this link www.portsmouthva.gov/video/04_02_09_SOTC.wmv and paste it into your web browser to open with your preferred video playing software.)

* "Bromide" is a phrase that has been used and repeated so many times that it seems like an attempt at explaining the obvious.

Hampton Roads Chamber is on the move

2009-04-02T07:09:00.003-04:00

The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 25th anniversary as a regional organization this year. Its roots go back as far as 1801 when the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce was founded.

The Chamber is moving this fall into one centralized location at 500 East Main Street in downtown Norfolk.

“We were overwhelmed with the positive response we received to our request for proposals,” said Chamber Chair and Hampton Roads Partnership Board member Bob Boyd (BB&T). “The Chamber leadership had many options to look at, and we are confident that the selected location will be a great fit for the Chamber and our membership.”

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About the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce
The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce is a vigorous advocate for the economic success of its more than 2,400 member businesses, which employ more than a quarter million men and women in southeastern Virginia. The Chamber promotes Hampton Roads’ healthy business climate through economic development, public policy initiatives, services and benefits to members. The Chamber is dedicated to creating economic opportunity and enhancing the quality of life in Hampton Roads.