Here in Hampton Roads, we are rightly beginning to pay more attention to our millennials. Just this year, the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce established tHRive, a chamber young professional’s organization, which has taken off and continues to gain momentum. However, we also need to focus on the specific challenges at the other end of the employment age spectrum.

This election year is of paramount importance to Hampton Roads.

Hampton Roads is home to the largest Navy base in the world and the largest concentration of military bases in Virginia. It is also home to well over 100,000 active duty military personnel and to 75 federal and defense facilities, representing every branch of the Armed Services and NATO. What they bring to this region is astounding, taking the form of over $10 billion in annual economic impact and a significant contribution to the defense of our country.

Tomorrow’s leaders have arrived!  The largest generation in American history is rising in the ranks of the workforce.  At 92 million strong, Millennials will make up 50 percent of the U.S. workforce by 2030. Their arrival represents the first time we have seen three complete generations together in our Nation’s workforce – with improved healthcare Baby Boomers are working into their 70s right alongside Generation X (1965-1979) and now Millennials, born between 1980 and 2000.  One of the challenges, however, (and our biggest opportunity) is that Millennials are joining the business world with a very different point of view and skill sets from their older colleagues.

The April showers did not rain on the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce’s parade.  Despite the weather the Chamber had a great month; a month rich in events and purposeful Chamber meetings.  Just to mention a few.

It’s great to be back in Hampton Roads!  As most of you know the Chamber recently led a successful, fact-finding mission to New Orleans.  After learning from subject matter experts from the Gulf Coast of Louisiana, we now better understand the opportunities and challenges associated with the development of offshore energy in the Commonwealth.  Members of the Chamber’s Board of Directors and Trustees, academic and workforce development experts and other regional business leaders were a part of the Chamber’s unique Inter-Regional Visit. Congressman Scott Rigell, an advocate for offshore energy, also attended as a guest.

While we have all been wrapped up in layers, trying to beat the cold, the Chamber has been hot at work, advancing on a number of initiatives.

One month into 2015 – how are those New Year’s resolutions coming?  Many of us make annual pledges to hit the gym, to eat better or to spend less time in front of the TV. Yet by the time the Super Bowl rolls around (congratulations to you New England Patriots fans), many of us have already gotten off track. Chamber membership is very similar – by being an active member, taking part in all that we have to offer, your business can thrive.  Sitting on the bench gives you far less of a return on your investment.

Jim Collins said in his book Good To Great that it is imperative to “face the brutal facts.”  During 2014, we as a region have repeatedly illuminated the economic challenges we face.  In my mind, it’s time to get to work, which is exactly what the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce is planning to do in 2015 and beyond.  This Chamber (YOUR Chamber) is the region’s premier business organization; helping our members succeed, driving economic growth and enhancing the quality of life of our community’s residents.  In short, we set the conditions which allow businesses to succeed.