regional vision, global impact

the Hampton roads region is a great place to live, work and play. And, it’s only going to get better. “With proper foresight, continuous planning and dynamic economic development, Hampton roads will be recognized internationally as a region fueled by innovation, intellectual and Human capital, infrastructure and a sense of Place.” a group of regional organizations and community leaders collaborated together to develop “vision Hampton roads,” a regional plan with a five year horizon. this “vision” employs strategies and actions which leverage regional strengths to diversify and grow the economy, positioning Hampton roads as a leader in the global economy of today and tomorrow. in economic development today, it’s important to address who and what is Hampton roads as a region; who lives here and why; what is the region’s business identity; and how entrepreneurs, creativity and innovation are attracted. regions that thrive in the “new economy” will be those truly educating their workforce, cultivating innovation, investing in infrastructure and creating quality places, like Hampton roads. after “vision Hampton roads” was developed, the Hampton roads Partnership created “innovate! Hampton roads” as a component of “vision” that looks to promote local business and tech-based development in the area. (http://innovatehamptonroads.com/) the Virginia Gazette reported that York county is working forward with a planned mixed-use development moved a step forward with a $6.45 million property sale near victory Boulevard at the York-newport news line. commonwealth green plans include up to 384 apartments, 96 townhomes and four commercial buildings, according to the developer. condominiums are planned above three of the commercial buildings. about 50 of the apartments would be in newport news. in addition, the Hampton roads alliance annouced that cushman & wakefield/thalhimer has sold the Palace Plaza strip shopping center just off Bypass road in upper York. Polyzos Family investments, llc purchased the approximately 22,600 square-foot retail center for $610,000. the previous owner was c-111 asset Management. according to York county’s property information website, the center is assessed at just over $1 million. it was sold to c-111 asset Management for $680,000. located in the dynamic greenbrier business community of chesapeake, va, summit Pointe is the newest large-scale, mixed-use community centrally located within coastal virginia. summit Pointe has already become a premier office location with the recent completion of the 510,000-square-foot, high-rise office tower for Dollar tree, inc (nasDaQ: Dltr) in Phase one. representing a projected investment of over $300 million in multiple phases, Phase two emphasizes a new form of urban living, workplace solutions, dining, entertainment venues and shopping options. the construction in Phase two began in June 2019, with the first living spaces delivered in august 2020 and the first retail and office spaces delivered in october 2020.

“vision” planning has placed Hampton roads on a path to regional transformation by embedding a working process as we think, live and act regionally.

STRATEGIC LOCATION, GLOBAL SIGNIfICANCE

the first rule of thumb for any economic development is location, location, location. Hampton roads, the region, is located in the southeastern coastal tidewater of virginia in the heart of the Mid atlantic. it is a region that depends on a maritime- rich geography including all the benefits that come with it, such as commerce derived at its ports, tourism and real estate drawn to its beaches, and the waters that allow it to be one of the most concentrated naval strongholds on the planet. since the english settlers arrived in the early 1600s, Hampton roads has been an enviable strategic stronghold. the region’s land area covers approximately 2,907 square miles and includes an extensive system of waterways including the intra-coastal waterway and enjoys a temperate climate guaranteeing an ice-free harbor. the central location of Hampton roads’ is within 750 miles of three-fourths of the nation’s population and six of the ten largest U.s. population centers. the virginia Beach-norfolk-newport news, va-nc Metropolitan statistical area (Hampton roads Msa) is made up of fifteen cities and counties, making it the seventh largest Msa in the southeast U.s., the second largest between washington, Dc and atlanta and the largest coastal Msa between new York and Miami in the eastern U.s.21 the virginia Beach-norfolk-newport news, va Msa ranks 37th out of the nation’s 366 Msa’s.22 the region’s safe harbors, proximity to the ocean and rich history have worked together to form today’s Hampton roads.

Hampton roads, the harbor, is formed by the confluence of the James, nansemond and elizabeth rivers and flows into the chesapeake Bay whose watershed covers 64,000 square miles and all or part of six states and washington, Dc as one of the world’s biggest and deepest natural harbors, the largest in north america, Hampton roads is home to the world’s largest naval base at norfolk and the Port of virginia, third largest behind Port of new York and the Port of savannah. it is one of the busiest and fastest growing commercial ports on the U.s east coast with products popular the world over from smithfield Hams to suffolk Peanuts to chesapeake Bay crabs.

Hampton roads is one of america’s most popular vacation spots, and boasts something for everyone. it has an expansive 2,600 miles of shorelines, world-renowned museums and cultural opportunities such as the virginia opera, virginia international arts Festival, and virginia symphony, sports organizations and venues, shopping malls, historic cities and towns, amusement parks and state and national parks. Hampton roads’ climate is enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts; recreational activities include boating, fishing, camping, biking, and tennis throughout the hundreds of local parks and campgrounds.

INDUSTRy DIVERSITy, LEVERAGING ASSETS

the region’s largest employers represent industry sectors like shipbuilding, health care, education, tourism, banking, insurance, manufacturing, telecommunications, and transportation and include: public school systems, colleges and uni-versities, sentara Healthcare, riverside Health system, Bon secours Hampton roads Health system, colonial williams-burg, chesapeake regional Medical center, saic, Measurement specialties and geico 38

Hampton roads is an international gateway with a large presence of foreign firms dominated by germany, Japan and UK, including canon, Bae systems norfolk ship repair, stihl, HsBc-north america, Maersk line limited, cMa cgM north america, Zim-american, Ferguson enterprises/wolseley na and anheuser-Busch/inBev.38

Fortune 1000 firms with headquarters or a significant presence in the region include amerigroup, Dollar tree, smithfield Foods, and the largest private employer in virginia, Huntington ingalls industries, inc.38 amazon.com inc. will build two operations facilities in Hampton »

$6.5M Green Hydrogen Fuel Program Projected to Bring Hundreds of Jobs to Hampton Roads the Hampton roads alliance and the cities of newport news, norfolk, Portsmouth and virginia Beach, in a partnership with virginia tech corporate research center, are creating a $6.5 million green hydrogen fuel program to help kick-start a local industry. the project includes plans for three to five transition projects, a demonstration and education site and a workforce training program.

Atlantic Park Deal Closes; Construction to Begin Immediately in Virginia Beach

atlantic Park, a $335-million mixed-used development, is a done deal, and construction will begin immediately. virginia Beach and the developer, venture realty group, announced. Pharrell williams is a partner in the project, which will be built on the former dome site in the heart of the resort area.

$130M Mixed-Use Development Planned for Hampton

a proposed $130 million development will bring 118 townhomes, 284 luxury apartments, 96 senior apartments and 6,000 square feet of retail space to Hampton. the project, called the olde Hampton village, will span 16 parcels across nearly 23 acres near downtown.

Norfolk Ship Repair Contractor to Add New Jobs in $500,000 Expansion

a veteran-owned ship repair contractor is expanding its facilities and making a $500,000 investment in norfolk. advanced integrated technologies, based in norfolk industrial Park, plans to increase its capacity by adding 76 new jobs, gov. glenn Youngkin announced.

roads, creating an expected 1,500 jobs. Both facilities are anticipated to open in 2021.the first facility is a multi-story robotics fulfillment center in suffolk, which will create 1,000 jobs. the second is a 650,000-square-foot processing center in chesapeake, which will create 500 jobs.

the region’s largest financial institutions include Bank of america, wells Fargo, suntrust and BB&t several regional banks are also strong financial assets in Hampton roads, the largest of which is towneBank.38 the economic structure of the region is characterized by the strong presence of the military, followed by real estate and rental leasing, manufacturing and shipbuilding, construction, tourism and recreation, and retail. over the past decade, Hampton roads’ population has grown at an annualized rate of 0.64%, slow compared to the nation. since 2001, economic growth in the region has averaged 6.7% annually (3.3% in per capita dollars). Much of this growth is the result of increased Department of Defense (DoD) spending within the region.5

FEDERAL/MILITARY SECTOR

Hampton roads has one of the largest concentrations of military personnel, second only to washington Dc, hence the regional moniker, “Pentagon south.” additionally, thirteen Federal departments, administrations, and agencies are represented in the Hampton roads region: Departments of veterans affairs, agriculture, commerce, energy, Homeland security, interior, Justice, labor, and transportation.

Hampton roads hosts all five military services with both operating forces and major command headquarters. this includes the only nato command in north america, and the U.s. Joint Forces command (one of DoD’s ten combatant commands charged with transforming U.s. military capabilities). increases in military pay and federal contracts have significantly contributed to the region’s economic growth. and defense spending continues to cushion the region in times of economic downturn.22 thirty of the 100 largest defense firms in the world have a presence in Hampton roads.

Hampton roads is also the home to the world’s largest concentration of U.s. coast guard assets.

H ELP f UL wEBSITES

City of Hampton www.visitHampton.com

Fort Monroe Authority www.fmauthority.com

Franklin & Southampton County Chamber of Commerce www.Fsachamber.com

Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce www.gloucestervachamber.org

Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance www.williamsburgcc.com

Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce www.Hamptonroadschamber.com

Hampton Roads Alliance www.Hamptonroadsalliance.com

Hampton Roads Military & federal facilities Alliance www.HrMFFa.org

Hampton Roads Performs www.HamptonroadsPerforms.org

PORT/MARITIME SECTOR

in 2016, virginia ports generated 530,800 jobs, $27.4 billion in wages, $88.4 billion in spending and $2.7 billion in state and local taxes. (10.1 percent of virginia’s gross state product) (http://www. suffolknewsherald.com/2017/01/28/virginia-ports-a-driving-economic-force/) naturally safe harbors in Hampton roads have brought commerce and trade to the Hampton roads region for centuries. Deepwater access that can accommodate today’s -and tomorrow’ssupertankers, a strategic Mid-atlantic location and a streamlined infrastructure network have helped to make Hampton roads a premier international port. over 3,000 foreign and domestic vessels calling annually.

in addition to the Port of virginia, Hampton roads’ economy is built on many port-related activities including commercial, military land-based support facilities and inland transportation, ship repair, shipbuilding, cargo terminals, cargo and cruise ships, maritime insurance and legal services, shipping line offices, mega yacht repair and maritime construction.

Hampton Roads Planning District Commission www.hrpdcva.org

Hampton Roads Regional Blog smartregion.org is no longer available

Isle of Wight-SmithfieldWindsor Chamber of Commerce http://www.hrpdcva.gov/

ODU Center for Real Estate & Economic Development www.BPa oDU.edu/creed/ www.opp-inc.org

Opportunity, Inc.

Peninsula Council for Workforce Development www.PcFwD.org

Virginia Peninsula Chamber www.vapeninsulachamber.com

York County Chamber of Commerce www.Yorkcountychamberva.org

Hampton roads is well poised to be the dominant port on the east coast. the 2040 virginia Port authority Master Plan is driven by the creation of 600 acres of land and opening of craney island Marine terminal, improvements at norfolk international terminals and Portsmouth Marine terminals, development at the aPM terminal in Portsmouth and enhanced intermodal rail service.

TOURISM/ ARTS & CULTURE SECTOR

Hampton roads is a popular vacation destination for millions of visitors annually. each city has its own unique attractions, events and activities. From the surf and sand of the longest pleasure beach in the world at virginia Beach, to the Historic triangle of Jamestown, Yorktown and williamsburg, to the convention centers spread throughout the region, Hampton roads is an established multi-faceted tourist destination. the leisure and Hospitality industry employs over 80,000 people in Hampton roads. in addition to the hoteliers who depend on tourists to fill their rooms, tourism brings new money to restaurants, retail establishments and government coffers.25 tourism contributes to quality of life through the influx of tax revenue, creation of jobs and improved services and attractions that add to the vibrancy of life in Hampton roads. For businesses in Hampton roads this means improved recruiting and retention and greater quality of life for those employees.26 arts & culture in Hampton roads serve as a significant component of the tourism industry. the arts strengthen and educate communities, lift spirits and build a better quality of life for everyone. as a billion dollar industry in virginia, arts and cultural organizations create millions of dollars in revenues for area businesses, attract out-of-state tourism spending, generate millions of dollars in personal income for Hampton roads’ workforce and entrepreneurs and create thousands of jobs for residents in the region.27

EmPLOymENT

the Virginian-Pilot reported that jobs continue to increase at a slow, but steady pace. Port of virginia is responsible for nearly 375,000 jobs and its economic impact is 60.3 billion a year. navy cyber command in suffolk brought 700 military, civilian and contracting jobs to the area. (http://www. dailypress.com/news/military/dp-nwsnavidfor-established-20150128-story. html) chesapeake will add new jobs with Xerox and the sumitomo Machinery corp. of america. norfolk’s waterside live, aecoM, Bauer compressors, inc., and american airlines will top the list of companies adding jobs. green Mountain did build a facility in the shirley t. Holland intermodal Park. cost Plus world Market and safeco Products are also there. (http://www.dailypress.com/ news/isle-of-wight-county/dp-nws-iwintermodal-park-contract-developer20170208-story.html). Portsmouth will make gains with Kroger and suffolk with the shenzhen superwatt Power technology co. virginia Beach rounds out the list with loancare, Medical Facilities of america, amerigroup corp. (expanding to norfolk,) iMs gear (opening a new 112,000 square foot facility from state funds and grants), labels Unlimited, and green Flash Brewing company. iMs gear opened in virginia Beach and employs 220 workers (as of

2016). (http://www.13newsnow.com/ news/local/mycity/virginia-beach/ made-in-america-and-made-in-virginiabeach-1/124824819) in Feb. 2017, sanjo corte Fino selected virginia Beach as the site of its 24,000-square-foot north american manufacturing headquarters. (http:// pilotonline.com/inside-business/news/ commercial-real-estate/the-millergroup-is-building-sanjo-corte-fino-svirginia/article_f7e3313c-e035-5993bc4b-c80584d16d49.html) newport news shipyard voted in favor of a 52-month contract through July 9, 2017, with Huntington ingalls industries inc., the parent company of newport news shipbuilding. the apprentice school,” a six-acre, $70 million venture for newport news shipbuilding was reaccredited until 2022 (http:// pilotonline.com/inside-business/ newport-news-shipbuilding-apprenticeschool-reaccredited/article_574658135037-5319-9dc2-4024b855e642.html) in addition, largest recent growth in the Hampton roads region was in the healthcare and social assistance sectors, followed by leisure and hospitality, scientific and technical sciences, retail trade, and finally federal and manufacturing, as reported by Hampton roads Planning and District commission.

mEASURING SUCCESS, fOLLOw THE NUmBERS

Business, civic and government leaders in the region use the web-based Hampton roads Performs as their resource for data that shows how the region is performing on key quality of life indicators.

open to full public access, these quality of life indicators answer the question, “How is the Hampton roads region Doing?” and the results are used to compare Hampton roads to other regions.

Workforce Quality: over 27% of residents hold at least a Bachelor’s degree and the number of community college, high school career and technical education awards is increasing.1

Business startups: the rate of startups, a measure of entrepreneurship, remains high compared to previous years.29 personal income: among peer metro areas, per capita income is growing fastest in the Hampton roads area and faster than the rate for the U.s. as a whole.30 a strong economy is characterized by prosperity reflected in improving standards of living.

Unemployment: Unemployment was 4.3% as of December 2016, but thanks to a strong military presence, still well under the national average which was 4.9% as of octorber 2016. (https:// data.virginialmi.com/vosnet/lmi/area/ areasummary.aspx?enc=sgfja5goXyjl8J 88h1rJlr2asmalquX2cZY58u9nja2srw eukomaKyimaz1Jyxna). • the military has played a pivotal role in Hampton roads since the english settlers set foot on this land in 1607. the soldiers who accompanied the first settlers are the predecessors of the thousands of men and women who have donned uniforms to protect the United states of america. the region is proud to house a number of bases associated with all branches of the U.s military. Many of the ships, planes and soldiers actively engaged in america’s war on terrorism call Hampton roads home. the military is an undeniable asset to the region’s economy. over 95,000 uniformed men and women are currently stationed in Hampton roads. of these, approximately 15,000 join the private sector each year, creating a rich pool of skilled and experienced workers. over 10,000 civilians also work at the various bases on the Peninsula. altogether, an estimated 400,000 people in Hampton roads, or 30 percent of the region’s population, have ties to military installations. in 2005, the Base realignment and closure (Brac) commission voted to close Fort Monroe and eliminate or move approximately 4,000 military-related positions from the area. in addition, certain conditions were met in 2006 for the oceana naval air station and its landing fields to stay in virginia Beach. while this may decrease the military presence to some degree, it should not significantly impact Hampton roads’ economy.

mILITARy BASES & ACTIVITy

Langley Air Force Base, nestled between Hampton and Poquoson, opened in 1916 as an experimental air station for testing airplanes and dirigibles as part of the military power. since then, langley pilots have taken part in all conflicts in which the U.s. has had a role. langley is also home to the air Force’s new air combat command, a consolidation of tac with the strategic air command, formerly headquartered in omaha, nebraska. renovations were recently completed to provide hangars for the F-22 raptors, the most stealthy and expensive jets in air Force history, which are now flying operations out of langley. its 8,800 military and 2,000 civilian personnel draw a combined annual payroll of approximately $624 million. fort Eustis, the Peninsula’s largest military installation located in northwestern newport news, opened in 1918. since 1942, its 8,228 acres have been home to the army’s transportation center, a key part of the army’s mission to ensure that troops, trucks, tanks, ships and other supplies reach combat sites in a efficient and timely manner. it has also been a key processing point for reservists going to and from iraq. the installation’s 9,516 military and 2,407 civilian personnel draw a combined annual payroll of $765.7 million. across the port of Hampton roads from the Peninsula in norfolk, is the Norfolk Naval Station, the world’s largest naval base. More than 60,000 military and 10,000 civilian personnel work on the base that is the homeport for more than 80 ships of the atlantic Fleet. the base’s 4,300 acres include chambers Field, which is home to 16 airport squadrons. the world’s largest amphibious base is also located in norfolk. the Little Creek Amphibious Base has approximately 30 amphibious ships, patrol craft and salvage ships and is home to 80 tenant commands including the naval special warfare group ii, east coast home of the seals and the armed Forces school of Music. Further south, in virginia Beach, is the Oceana Naval Air Station, one of the country’s Master Jet Bases, which houses F-14 tomcats and other planes assigned to the atlantic Fleet.

From the 1940s, it has been home to the tactical air command ( tac). the 1st tactical Fighter wing was established at langley in 1946. Pilots with this wing were the first to have a confirmed aerial kill in operation Desert storm in iraq.

Camp Peary

(York county) camp Peary in York county is operated by the U.s. army and the central intelligence agency. the cia uses this 10,000 acre camp as a training ground for its agents. For obvious reasons, little is publicly known about this facility, which is referred to as “ the Farm.”

Cheatham Annex

(York county) this base is the bulk storage facility for the Fleet and industrial supply center in norfolk. its facilities are used for storing supplies for the ships of the atlantic Fleet. in addition to providing storage, the base also houses a naval cargo Handling and Port group and a branch of the army veterinarian Food inspection office.

Coast Guard Atlantic Area (Portsmouth) this is the operations hub and headquarters for coast guard activities from the rocky Mountains to the atlantic ocean. More than 3000 coast guard and civilians work here providing support and other selected services for units throughout the country.

Fort Eustis Army Base

(newport news) Ft. eustis is home for the army transportation center, the 7th transportation group, 8th Brigade and the army transportation Museum. Fort eustis is also the home to the James river reserve Fleet, which is a “mothballed” fleet of ships under the jurisdiction of the U.s. Maritime administration. the fleet is anchored in the James river opposite the Fort. traDoc, the army’s consulting arm for developing battle plans, commands and services for the 21st century and the traDoc army band is now located at Fort eustis after the closing of Fort Monroe.

Langley Air Force Base

(Hampton) the air Force’s largest major command, the air combat command and the ninth air Force’s 1st Fighter wing, is located at this base. Fighter jets from langley fly homeland security patrols over the nation’s capital daily. in 2010, langley air Force Base and Fort eustis merged to become a joint base.

Joint Expeditionary Base

Little Creek-Fort Story on october 1, 2009, the Joint expeditionary Base little creek - Fort story was established, the first Joint Base in Hampton roads. Joint expeditionary Base little creek

- Fort story is the country’s premier installation for housing and training the nation’s expeditionary Forces. it is one command with two properties: Joint expeditionary Base east (Fort story) and west (little creek). the Joint expeditionary Base is comprised of the former naval amphibious Base little creek and the army Post, Fort story. Fort story witnessed the humble beginnings of our country at the 1607 first landing site. little creek began as a dynamic training ground for world war ii amphibious forces. together they comprise the crown jewel of american’s military bases

Naval Weapons Station

(Yorktown) this is the navy’s premiere weapons facility. over 3,000 military and civilian personnel work on the 11,500 acres of this base, maintaining missiles and other ordinances for the atlantic Fleet.

Navy Supervisor of Shipbuilding (newport news) the navy supervisor of shipbuilding command at northrop grumman newport news is where navy personnel work with shipyard personnel in building and refurbishing ships and submarines. northrop grumman has a backlog of carriers and submarines that will ensure work for the navy for several years.

Naval Station Norfolk (norfolk) Home to Headquarters atlantic Fleet, coMnavBase norfolk is the world’s largest U.s. naval base. components of the base are scattered throughout Hampton roads. approximately 80 naval ships are homeported in the norfolk area.

Oceana Naval Air Station/ Dam Neck Annex

( virginia Beach) this base is the most sophisticated and critically important air station in the U.s. navy. it is home to 19 squadrons of F-14 tomcat fighters and F/a-18 Hornets—collectively about 290 aircraft. the base employs about 10,000 military and 5,300 civilian personnel. the Dam neck annex, also part of the oceana facility, is home to the Fleet combat training center, which trains over 1000 students each month. Dam neck employs another 3,700 military and 1,100 civilian personnel. the combined annual payroll is $1 billion.

US Coast Guard Training Center

(Yorktown) this is the coast guard’s key training facility. More than 7,000 coast guard and foreign troops are trained here each year. its 626 military and 227 civilian personnel draw a combined annual payroll of $40 million. • senior services of southeastern virginia is one such group that provides pre-scheduled rides as well as emergency transportation for seniors in need. its nutrition Program distributes meals to seniors at day care centers as well as to individual homes. the center for aging disseminates information about adult services and benefits while its ombudsman office is a resource for individuals that have facility care concerns. senior services also coordinates volunteer and employment programs for seniors. For more information, call 461-9481 or visit www.ssseva.org other resources include the Peninsula agency on aging, and the Peninsula aging network that meet monthly

As the number of seniors within the Hampton Roads community grows, there are an abundance of organizations and agencies that can provide information and other forms of assistance.

HELPfUL ORGANIZATIONS fOR SENIORS

Alzheimer’s Association Southeastern Virginia Chapter www.alz.org/seva

American Association of Retired Persons www.aarp.com

Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia

Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office Elderly and Indigent Victim’s Assistance Program

Christopher Center at Our Lady of Perpetual Help medicare general information

1-800-633-4227 eligibility

Riverside Lifelong Health & Rehabilitation Saluda (804) 758-2363

1-800-772-1213

Mobile Meals of Norfolk 892-5210

Mobile Meals of Portsmouth 687-6325

Patriot’s Colony at Williamsburg independent living / assisted living / Memory care / rehabilitation / long-term care 220-9000 www.patriotscolony.com

Peninsula Agency on Aging www.paainc.org 873-0541

Peninsula Aging and Disability Resource Network 873-0541 www.padrn.org

Peninsula Aging Network 345-6277

Riverside Adult Day Services newport news 875-2033

Riverside Center for Excellence in Aging and Lifelong Health (CEALH) 220-4751 www.riversideonline.com/cealH

Riverside Healthy Living Community

Smithfield assisted living / Memory care / rehabilitation / long-term care 357-3282 www.riversideonline.com/smithfield

Riverside Lifelong Health & Rehabilitation Mathews (804) 725-9443 www.riversideonline.com/mathews www.riversideonline.com/saluda

Retired Senior Volunteer Programs of the Peninsula suffolk

Sanders Gloucester independent living / assisted living / rehabilitation / long-term care (804)