CovaBiz Community Impact Awards 2016 by VistaGraphics

CoVa BIZ Community Impact Awards 2016–2017

ere in Coastal Virginia, we’re lucky to have a number of businesses that serve as the backbone of our community—businesses that offer services or products we couldn’t live without (or at least wouldn’t want to). And better still, many of these local businesses recognize when there’s a need in our community and do their part to give back. Whether through monetary donations, employee volunteering, creative acts of kindness or a combination of all three, these businesses are making tangible impacts in Coastal Virginia. Read the inspiring ways in which they make a difference in the pages ahead.

By Ba rre tt

Ba ke ra nd Jam ie Mc All ist er

How were the businesses chosen? CoVa BIZ held online nominations Aug. 1–30 for businesses to share the philanthropic ways in which they give back. From there, an editorial team determined the top 10 Community Impact winners based on their philanthropic reach and their creative giving initiatives.

C O VA B I Z

december/january 2016/2017

COVABIZ 40-50 COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARDS 12_16.indd 40

11/21/16 8:34 AM

ARDX

s: 125+ ber of Employee um N • 06 20 d: folk • Founde Dr., Suite 301, Nor ht rig W ke La 00 58

RDX delivers comprehensive management and technology solutions to help government, commercial, nonprofit and academic clients grow strategically and operate efficiently. Since their founding in 2006, they have offered their associates innovative programs to promote the social health of the communities they serve, in addition to the wellbeing of their associates. Programs include continuing education, complimentary professional and developmental training, teambuilding activities and a day of volunteer paid time off so associates can volunteer at the charity of their choice. For ARDX, social responsibility is more than a strategy—it’s their way of life. They believe in the power of giving back and are dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of the area’s most vulnerable populations, concentrating on the young and the elderly. Beginning in 2008, they launched four signature community outreach programs that remain the heartbeat of their culture. Those programs include: • The Healthcare Academy (HCA®)—which is dedicated to combating obesity among young people in underserved communities. In partnership with local schools, their goal is to provide fitness and nutrition education. By providing healthy tips and tools, young people are encouraged to live healthier, happier lives to build stronger selfesteem and minimize bullying. • The Women’s Wellness Celebration (WWC®)—a notfor-profit conference aimed to

inspire and empower women within the community to make healthy life choices for themselves and their families. Through training and educational programs focused on emotional, physical and spiritual wellness, the conference helps women understand the impact healthy mindsets and health habits have on the future of our children and communities. Each year, ARDX invites local seniors to attend this inspiring conference at no cost. • Smart Teens Accepting Responsibility Today (START)—a paid internship program that helps to build tomorrow’s workforce by providing rising seniors in “at-risk” communities with an understanding of the critical elements to having a successful career. The START program is made up of four learning objectives that provide a holistic perspective of what is needed to become a valuable contributor in the workplace and our community. Those objectives include communication and presentation skills, project management abilities, community outreach initiatives and teambuilding. • Responsible Individuals Seeking Excellence (RISE)— provides graduate-level college students with the opportunity to gain practical business experience to better help them prepare for the future and build their resumes prior to graduation. In addition to their outreach programs, ARDX recently partnered with the Life Enrichment Center (LEC) to mentor students at Chesterfield Academy in Norfolk. The LEC provides literacy tutoring to elementary students from Title I schools in

Norfolk who are reading below their grade level. More than 50 ARDX associates participated in the program and committed to work with one student for one hour per week throughout the entire academic year. The goal was to help students become proficient readers by the end of the third grade. In addition to providing tutors, ARDX sponsored a computer lab for the school. ARDX also supports many community programs with time, talent and donations. Since their founding, they have

partnered with the American Lung Association, Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia, the American Cancer Society’s Walk for Life, Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, and Samaritan House. At ARDX, community impact looks like influencing change in the health and wellbeing of their associates, their clients and their community. —Barrett Baker

W ww . C o v a b i z m a g . c o m

COVABIZ 40-50 COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARDS 12_16.indd 41

11/21/16 8:34 AM

Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group 600 Lynnhaven Pk wy., Suite 203, Virg inia Beach • Foun ded: 1996 • Num ber of Employee s: 803

n addition to helping local families finance their homes, Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group is also committed to making Coastal Virginia a better

C O VA B I Z

place for their customers to live. Corporate donations and paid volunteer time are key components of Atlantic Bay’s culture, and in 2014 they formalized their

outreach initiatives by establishing AB Cares. Dedicated to serving the communities where their customers and staff live and work, AB Cares is focused on giving back. AB Cares is fueled by the passion and commitment of the company’s employees. After surveying the staff of more than 800, Atlantic Bay determined which causes employees cared about most and created five Cause Committees focusing on Adult health, animals, children’s health, veterans and youth sports. All requests for sponsorship are voted on by the relevant committee, and every committee can also fundraise and use money from their budget to match funds raised. Connecting individuals with volunteer opportunities is one of the primary missions of AB Cares, and this past August, Atlantic Bay held a volunteer fair with representatives from more than 60 nonprofits. The event was open to the public and designed to connect community members with local organizations that are making a difference each day. The event not only allowed people to discover ways to volunteer but also helped raise awareness for the many hardworking organizations right here in Coastal Virginia. In addition to donating money to local nonprofits, Atlantic Bay employees also team up to lend a hand to local organizations. Every month a group of 10 to 15 Atlantic Bay employees volunteer at different organizations throughout Coastal Virginia, including the USS Wisconsin,

Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia, Habitat for Humanity, Virginia Beach SPCA, Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, MS Society, Alzheimer’s Association, Ronald McDonald House, Keep Norfolk Beautiful and Judeo-Christian Outreach Center. The variety of opportunities offers something for everyone, from helping in a food pantry to building an eco-garden, and allows employees the chance to volunteer with a group of familiar faces for a cause that matters to them. Atlantic Bay hosts two blood drives each year at their headquarters in Virginia Beach. They have exceeded the goal for each drive, and this past August they collected 70 pints of blood, potentially saving 210 lives. The company also hosts several donation drives throughout the year, including a school supply drive, food drives and clothing drives. The donation drives are a great way for all team members to get involved and give back. At Atlantic Bay, community impact looks like many hands working together to make a difference. Without the involvement and passion of their employees, AB Cares would be a very different program. The company is proud to offer opportunities for employee participation and includes staff members in many of the decision-making processes. By mobilizing each team member in the company, they are able to make an even greater impact in the community. —Jamie McAllister

december/january 2016/2017

COVABIZ 40-50 COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARDS 12_16.indd 42

11/21/16 8:34 AM

Atlantic Shores Retirement Community

h Dr., Virginia Beac 0 es or Sh ic nt tla A 1200 oyees: 40 Number of Empl Founded: 1996 •

rom puppies and pinup boys to veterans and thespians, staff and residents at Atlantic Shores Retirement Community are always coming up with unique ways to give back. The facility’s legacy of dedication and support began more than 20 years ago and continues to make an impact on Coastal Virginia and beyond. When Atlantic Shores teamed up with Guiding Eyes for the Blind, it was puppy love at first sight. Two black labs named Joanie and Godrick were paired with resident raisers who, along with a support team made up of fellow residents and staff, provided the puppies with lots of training, guidance and hugs. The puppies took socialization field trips to local elementary schools to teach students about the invaluable work they would one day be doing and how to properly interact with guide dogs. The puppy partnership was one of the first in the nation to link the generations together, and while the companionship and service the puppies provide is invaluable, the approximate dollar value of each fully trained guide dog is $45,000, a cost entirely underwritten for each Guiding Eyes for the Blind graduate who receives a dog from the program. In 2010, a group of men from Atlantic Shores took the world by storm when they bared it all (behind strategically placed props) for a “nearly nude” calendar. The 15-month calendar spotlighted the individual careers and interests of each model, including a classical vocalist, a

chemistry teacher, a Bonsai-tree cultivator and an active emergency medical technician. Ranging in age from 69 to 90, the fellow residents shed their inhibitions to take a stab at modeling. Net profits from the sale of the calendar totaled $21,695 and were given to the Princess Anne Courthouse Volunteer Rescue Squad to help purchase a replacement ambulance for one of their older units. The squad provides 24-hour emergency medical care at no cost to residents in the Virginia Beach area and has even saved the lives of several Atlantic Shores residents. Several veterans call Atlantic Shores home, which is why the facility teamed up with young cadets from Cox and First Colonial High Schools’ Junior Reserve Training Corps for a mentorship program called Vets and Cadets. The intergenerational program gives the next generation of military heroes the opportunity to talk with and learn from the previous generation. Veterans from Atlantic Shores shared their stories of bravery and sacrifice with the young cadets, who recorded the personal testimonies using an app called Storycorps.me. Each veteran’s story was then uploaded to the Library of Congress to preserve history for future generations. Atlantic Shores also recognizes past and present veterans through the Colonial Chapter of Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge. The group is part of the National Freedoms Foundation, a patriotic organization started after WWII to help rebuild war-

torn countries in Europe and strengthen democracy throughout Europe and the U.S. The organization honors veterans for the sacrifices they have made and educates children on the principles of citizenship and leadership, while also teaching them how to uphold the freedoms previous generations fought so hard to achieve. Atlantic Shores also has a thriving performing arts community. Each year, children at four Virginia Beach schools, along with Rainbow Station, are delighted when a troupe of senior actors takes the stage to perform Mother Goose Live. This unique production brings to life 10 nursery rhymes, accompanied by live music and emceed

by Mother Goose herself. The performances, presented as part of the facility’s intergenerational community outreach, are just as much fun for the residents as they are for the young members of the audience. At Atlantic Shores, community impact looks like the smiles on the faces of every person they’ve touched through their innovative programs, made possible by the love and generosity of residents and staff. —Jamie McAllister

W ww . C o v a b i z m a g . c o m

COVABIZ 40-50 COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARDS 12_16.indd 43

11/21/16 8:34 AM

Bon Secours Hampton Roads 150 Kingsley Lane , Norfolk • Founde d: March 4, 1945 • Number of Empl oyees: 4,800

ompassionate healthcare is at the heart of Bon Secours Hampton Roads’ healing ministry. By providing care to the region’s most vulnerable citizens, BSHR helps to alleviate suffering and bring hope to those who need it most in Coastal Virginia. In 2015 alone, BSHR provided $36,629,000 in charity care and community support, which included three of their most impactful programs: The CareA-Van, East Ocean View Healthy Community and Maryview Foundation Healthcare Center. The Care-A-Van (CAV) is a mobile health clinic started in 2009 to provide free primary medical care to indigent and uninsured adults and children. In fiscal year 2015, more than 3,800 patients were treated in Norfolk, Portsmouth, Newport News and Suffolk. In addition to providing routine care and treatment for common illnesses such as respiratory infections and rashes, the CAV also offers sports physicals, children’s health insurance enrollment and health education services. With high levels of crime and poverty and limited or no access to healthy foods and primary healthcare services, the 4,500 residents of East Ocean View are at risk for conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, obesity and diabetes. BSHR, along with The New Life Christian Center and Operation Blessing International Relief Organization, developed and support East Ocean View (EOV) Healthy Community. The initiative has grown to include partnerships with churches, commu-

C O VA B I Z

nity centers, the City of Norfolk, the EOV Civic League, restaurants, farms, housing development organizations, universities, military bases and other business and civic groups. Programs include The Storehouse, a food pantry; the EOV Community Garden; “Compassion” events that offer free groceries and hot meals; Passport to Health, a low- to no-cost, six-month, multi-component program that focuses on family eating, exercise and lifestyle; health screenings; and medical and dental care, including primary care and screenings through a mobile health unit and nurse navigators to help individuals access and coordinate needed services. Founded in 2005, the Bon Secours Maryview Foundation Healthcare Center (MFHC), a free clinic, helped divert nonemergency patients from seeking care at local emergency departments. The MFHC serves adult Portsmouth residents with incomes less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level and who lack medical insurance. Last fiscal year, the MFHC served 1,265 patients with primary care and medication assistance. Since its founding, the MFHC has expanded scope and services to include staff and volunteer physicians in specialty fields, including behavioral health, leading to hundreds of patients receiving treatment and care for mental health diagnoses. In December, the MFHC added a psychiatric nurse practitioner to prescribe medication and counsel patients in need, allowing them to live their best quality of life. MFHC also

partners with the Chesapeake Dental Clinic and Walmart to provide additional services. At Bon Secours Hampton Roads, community impact looks like systemic change by seek-

ing to build relationships within the communities they serve to foster awareness, advocacy and outreach. —Jamie McAllister

december/january 2016/2017

COVABIZ 40-50 COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARDS 12_16.indd 44

11/21/16 8:34 AM

Old Point National Bank s: 300 ber of Employee um N • 23 19 d: de ., Hampton • Foun 101 East Queen St

hen a local doctor, seafood dealer and merchant came together to start a bank 94 years ago, they decided to name it after the Old Point Comfort Lighthouse at Fort Monroe. Just as the lighthouse continues to cast its beacon over the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, Old Point National Bank remains committed to its mission of serving Coastal Virginia’s residents, businesses and communities. A steadfast spirit of public service has led to Old Point supporting more than 300 charitable organizations in the region, with over 95 percent of the company’s workforce participating in community service projects every year, both professionally and personally. Habitat for Humanity, the United Way, the Salvation Army and the Foodbank are just a few of the local nonprofits that Old Point serves. Last year, employees donated hundreds of volunteer hours to local nonprofits, and each of the bank’s individual branches collected thousands of pounds of food for local food banks. Old Point values the contributions their employees make to the community, and they encourage staff members to give of their time and talents as often as possible. Another way Old Point employees get involved with their communities is by educating a new generation about financial responsibility. Staff members visit local schools to talk with students about how to manage money and finances, toting goodies to give away such as pens, pencils, notepads and

piggy banks. They answer students’ questions about money and savings and provide as much information and assistance as they can to help students get— and stay—on the right track financially. This past July, a group of employees volunteered with Habitat for Humanity by rolling up their sleeves to help build two new homes for local families in need. Every year Old Point takes part in the United Way Day of Caring, and they also help the Foodbank deliver food. This past fall, Old Point spruced up the Downtown Hampton Child Development Center by cleaning, painting and landscaping at the facility. Old Point’s dedication to the Coastal Virginia community began at the bank’s inception, and to show just how much the region matters to the company, they continue to donate hundreds of thousands of dollars to businesses, charitable organizations and events right here in Coastal Virginia. At Old Point, community impact looks like 100 percent participation. Because all of the bank’s employees live, shop and volunteer in Coastal Virginia, when Old Point gives, they give to the organizations that serve their neighbors. By shopping locally, Old Point and its employees contribute to the businesses that depend on local dollars for their livelihood. And when those same local businesses bank with Old Point, their dollars are reinvested into that very same community. —Jamie McAllister

W ww . C o v a b i z m a g . c o m

COVABIZ 40-50 COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARDS 12_16.indd 45

11/21/16 8:34 AM

One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning

2680 Production Rd .,

Virginia Beach • Fo unded: 1979 • Num ber of Employee s: 70+

ne Hour Heating and Air Conditioning has participated in numerous community service projects during its 38-year history, and in 2012 the company made an even bigger commitment to Coastal Virginia with the launch of a brand new philanthropic initiative called One Hour Cares. One Hour invites the community to nominate deserving nonprofits in the region, and each quarter three groups are chosen as finalists. Each finalist is featured on OneHourCares.com, as well as the company’s social media sites. People are encouraged to vote for their favorite nonprofit, and the organization that receives the most votes is awarded a check for $5,000 to support that group’s mission. One Hour is proud to shine the spotlight on smaller, grassroots nonprofits that may not have the same name recognition as larger organizations. Over the past four years, One Hour has recognized more than 100 deserving, local nonprofits as finalists and has donated more than $50,000 to local organizations working to make life better for the residents of Coastal Virginia. Past winners include Roc Solid Foundation, a group committed to making a difference in the lives of children with cancer; Beyond Boobs!, a nonprofit that supports young women diagnosed with breast cancer; Fur-Ever Home Rescue, which helps find loving homes for dogs; and Wounded Wear (now Combat Wounded Coalition), a group dedicated to serving veterans.

C O VA B I Z

One Hour owner Todd Kletz is passionate about giving back to the community and providing rewarding volunteer opportunities for his team. Dubbed the company’s “head cheerleader,” Kletz brings management and employees together on every single project. In addition to a variety of company-wide projects available throughout the year, such as blood drives to support the American Red Cross or helping to build a home with Habitat for Humanity, all employees are encouraged to get involved and volunteer within their local communities. Employees have been eager to pitch in, and over the years they have donated their time and talents to help raise money for local schools, serve meals in the area’s soup kitchens and participate in various community-building activities at their places of worship. At One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning, community impact doesn’t necessarily mean having a lot of people; just people with a lot of heart. The company believes that small can be mighty, and by giving back to and supporting multiple groups through donations of time and money, One Hour can have even more of an impact on the residents and communities of Coastal Virginia. —Jamie McAllister

december/january 2016/2017

COVABIZ 40-50 COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARDS 12_16.indd 46

11/21/16 8:35 AM

Smartmouth Brewing Company

., Norfolk members. 1309 Raleigh Ave 14 part-time staff d an e tim llfu 11 oyees: • Number of Empl 12 20 r be em pt Se Founded:

martmouth Brewing Company churns out approximately 250 barrels of craft beer a month, which equates to around 500 large kegs or 83,000 12-ounce cans. They have a 1,100-square-foot tasting room that is open to the public for beer purchases by the glass, keg, six-pack or growler. The tasting room is family-friendly, and the outside deck and driveway are dog-friendly. The brewery is the brainchild of a married couple, both names Chris, and another married couple, that includes President Porter Hardy IV, who left a successful business law career to bring exceptional quality beers to the local masses, along with his wife, Kim. They offer a wide variety of styles when it comes to their brews, including everything from a pale ale to a milk stout, and almost everything in between. Community support and partnerships are the backbone of Smartmouth Brewing Company. Giving back was built into the business plan from the beginning. Smartmouth impacts the community in a variety of ways including volunteering time to special causes, donating branded items, hosting fundraisers and financial contributions. They have partnered with countless events and advocacy including the Elizabeth River Project Riverfest, D’Art Center, Chelsea West Fest, the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters and more. They have hosted events at the brewery, as well as participating in festivals throughout Coastal Virginia and beyond. The branded items that they donate have been auctioned

off and/or raffled for good causes. And their team members volunteer time on many local boards, donating personally to charities and being active in the community. In addition, they share their experience and expertise with other groups so they can make change happen in their localities. According to the folks at Smartmouth, the community of craft beer drinkers tend to be active individuals, and they are no exception. They created Sporty Sundays each week to harness their energy for sports and encourage donations from participants to benefit local nonprofits. They started Peace n Pints almost three years ago, then added a running group, Brewed to Run, last year. CrossFit Training and Tour de ORF Biking were added this year. Turnout continues to grow, and participants are excited to contribute to nonprofits. While the crew at Smartmouth has supported countless organizations, they focus the bulk of their financial support to nonprofits whose missions pertain to the area’s waterways—either through restoration, education or recreation. They feel fortunate to live in a region surrounded by water and believe that protecting it and encouraging the enjoyment of it helps make the surrounding communities healthier, more beautiful and more fun. And it only makes sense—since water happens to be the number one ingredient in beer. To Smartmouth, community impact looks like positive changes that affect people’s lives. —Barrett Baker W ww . C o v a b i z m a g . c o m

COVABIZ 40-50 COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARDS 12_16.indd 47

11/21/16 8:35 AM

Suffolk Eye Physicians & Surgeons

1807 South Church St 418 North Main St ., Smithfield • 2016 Meade Pkwy., Su ffo ., Suffolk • Founde d: 1978 • Numbe lk r of Employees: N early

uffolk Eye Physicians & Surgeons offers many services to help the whole family, including eye exams, lenses and frames, cataract and Lasik surgery, diabetic eye care, macular degeneration support, as well as pediatric eye care. The practice was founded in 1978 by Dr. Andrew O’Dwyer. Their spirit of giving increased tremendously in 2013 after Dr. Jennifer Schneider, who was an intern for Dr. O’Dwyer while she was in high school, purchased the practice and set high standards for community giving and volunteerism. The hands-on involvement of each doctor is what sets this practice apart when it comes to impacting the communities they serve. Schneider leads by example, using her medical degree to serve those in need in public and private locations. It’s probably one of the many reasons why Suffolk Eye Physicians was named Suffolk Small Business of the Year in 2016. Their history of giving includes active involvement with the Sentara Obici Ambulatory Surgery Center, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Virginia Society of Eye Physicians & Surgeons, Christian Medical/Dental, the Lions Club, Rotary Club of Suffolk, Salvation Amy, Riddicks Folly Museum, Sight Savers (Eastern Virginia Medical School), Western Tidewater Free Clinic, TRLee Center for Ocular Pharmacology, and Shop with a Cop. Specifically, they provide free eye screening and free eye exams monthly for the Lions

C O VA B I Z

that seems to be increasing in our communities, the least we can do as gifted professionals is give the gift of sight to someone who needs it.” And Schneider backs up her words with action. Not long ago, a gentleman visited her office and asked for help. He had severe cataracts and could no longer perform his job, so he was fired. And because of his poor sight, he could not get hired anywhere else. He refused to go on disability; he just wanted to work. Schneider agreed to perform surgery on one eye so he could see clearly enough to work. He got his old job back with benefits that allowed him to get the other cataract removed. To Suffolk Eye Physicians & Surgeons, community impact looks like a normal part of their work culture. The big question, led by Schneider’s example is, “How can what we are doing right now benefit someone who really needs it?” —Barrett Baker

Club and contribute free eyeglasses on an ongoing basis. They provide free eye exams and perform diabetic and glaucoma treatments and cataract surgery for indigent patients at Western Tidewater Free Clinic. They actively work with local Farm Fresh stores to promote vision and eye health by offering free eye screening on a regular basis. They provide free cataract surgeries to patients at Sentara Obici Ambulatory Surgery Center. And they work with the Isle of Wight Chamber

of Commerce to provide free eye screening for residents and senior adults. Schneider believes it’s important to give back because each person is given a gift. That gift becomes their responsibility in regard to helping the community, which is why she and her team continuously seek out ways to get involved instead of sitting back and waiting for someone to ask for help. “Love God. Love others,” Schneider says. “In light of all the healthcare issues and poverty

december/january 2016/2017

COVABIZ 40-50 COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARDS 12_16.indd 48

11/21/16 8:35 AM

TowneBank s: 866 ber of Employee um N • 99 19 d: de un Blvd., Suffolk • Fo 6001 Harbour View

owneBank was founded in 1999 in Coastal Virginia to provide a full-service menu of financial benefits to its members, designed to meet their personal and professional goals. From humble beginnings, TowneBank has grown to over $7.9 billion in assets, giving it a reputation as being one of Virginia’s largest and top performing community banks. They have enjoyed great success thanks to a talented group of employees and directors, dedicated shareholders, a focus on friendships and relationships and a commitment to delivering exquisite personal service. The TowneBank Foundation was formed in 2001, driving fundraising efforts through two major annual events: a golf tournament and their Fall Extravaganza. In the last 12 years, the Fall Extravaganza has raised more than $2 million. In the last 16 years, the golf tournament has raised $1.6 million. Since 1999, TowneBank and the TownBanke Foundation have provided more than $36 million dollars in donations, sponsorships and grants to local organizations throughout Coastal Virginia, Richmond and northeastern North Carolina, making TowneBank the fourth highest contributor to nonprofits in the commonwealth, according to the Generous Virginians Project surveys. In 2015 alone, TowneBank gave $5.2 million in community support, and more than 500 TowneBank team members donated 6,131 hours of service to the following organizations: • More than 30 TowneBank

family members donated 210 hours as they worked on a new Habitat for Humanity build in Suffolk last November. • During the holidays, TowneBank employees fill hundreds of stocking for The Salvation Army, provide gifts

for the Angel Tree program, volunteer for bell ringing duty and assist with the Holiday Store where food, clothing and stockings are distributed. In 2015, 175 employees donated more than 700 hours to these projects. • The TowneBank family

works with Union Mission in their efforts to help the homeless, including feeding events and distributing 600 pairs of gloves in cold weather. In 2015, 106 employees donated more than 300 hours to various projects through Union Mission. • The TowneBank family enthusiastically supports the United Way Pacesetter campaign and annually volunteers for the Day of Caring. In 2015, 125 employees gave more than 700 hours to Day of Caring projects, and TowneBank raised more than $325,000 for the United Way campaign. TowneBank’s executive management team leads by example and has created a “Culture of Caring” among TowneBank employees. While some companies see charitable giving as a never-ending expense, TowneBank sees it as a neverending investment in the communities they serve. To TowneBank, community impact looks like something they do every day. When TowneBank opened, the vision was to build not only a great hometown bank but a community asset that would enhance the quality of life in the cities TowneBank serves. Chairman and CEO Bob Aston explains, “To us, it’s about building relationships and supporting our community. Every loan we make benefits the community. Every dollar we contribute serves the families and children in our hometown. It’s a terrific feeling to be a part of a team that is so giving, in both volunteer time and dollars.” —Barrett Baker W ww . C o v a b i z m a g . c o m

COVABIZ 40-50 COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARDS 12_16.indd 49

11/21/16 8:36 AM

VSA Resorts

2696 Reliance Dr., Suite 300, Virginia Beach • Founded: 1990

SA Resorts is a group of three family vacation ownership resorts that span across the heart of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. From their southernmost beach property, Ocean Key Resort, with access to fishing, surfing and quality family time— to the centrally located The Atrium Resort in the middle of all the action—to their “gateway

C O VA B I Z

to the beach” property, Ocean Sands Resort, with the most convenient access and largest suites for any size group, VSA provides the perfect destination for every traveler. But they aren’t just about luxury vacation destinations. While their goal is to provide a beautiful and family-friendly place for people to enjoy their time off, they look beyond the

• Number of Empl oyees: 97

beach to partner with clients to make a difference in the lives of children and families in the local community. Each quarter, various departments brainstorm ways to impact the community. This past summer, for example, they held a back-to-school drive where locals, guests and anyone who wanted to donate school supplies could drop them off at any of the three resorts. The VSA staff then worked with Virginia Beach schools to distribute the items to the schools most in need. Other previous efforts have included Spring Clean 2016 benefiting the Samaritan House, where items could again be donated at any resort location. By the end of the drive, they had collected nearly 100 bags filled with clothes for men, women and children, along with shoes, toys, books and household items. Samaritan House, which opened in Virginia Beach in 1984, provides emergency housing, transitional housing and community outreach to victims of domestic abuse and homelessness. The nonprofit relies heavily on donations from the public. “Domestic violence affects so many people of all races and demographics,” says Nadine Paniccia, vice president of sales and marketing for VSA Resorts. “Our goal is to support Samaritan House and those in need of a safe harbor from abuse.” VSA has also been a partner with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia for nearly a decade. Each year, the goal for food collection poundage is

increased because they always reach or exceed their goals. One unique thing about their Foodbank collection is they not only get involvement from their employees; they actively recruit food contributions from resort guests. Every fall, VSA can be found participating in the JT Walk, the Alzheimer’s Walk, and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. In the spring, team members can often be found playing in charitable golf tournaments, bowling for Junior Achievement and/or reading to students through the R.E.A.C.H. program (Reading Enriches All Children). Not only does VSA give back to the community; the leadership team has created a culture of giving back to the employees as well. There is an employee development program to enhance career growth, and the company offers each employee timeshare accommodations for one week each, once a year. To VSA Resorts, community impact looks like employees, leadership and guests coming together to make Virginia Beach and our area a stronger region where guests want to vacation and in which residents are proud to reside. It looks like helping hands—many of us working together to impact an entire community. One small gesture can change someone’s life. —Barrett Baker

december/january 2016/2017

COVABIZ 40-50 COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARDS 12_16.indd 50

11/21/16 8:36 AM