Unlike a hurricane or flood which primarily causes physical damage to a relatively limited geographic area and time, this pandemic has wreaked incredible damage to the region’s entire population and as of now, has no real end in sight.  Many people’s lives, habits and outlook have been forever changed by this singular event.

As the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for the Hampton Roads Chamber, it is my responsibility to view everything we do through an equitable and inclusive lens for the business community. The recent passing of the Honorable Congressman John Lewis left our nation with an essay that asked for togetherness and hope. John Lewis shared the concept of getting into “good trouble” and standing up for what is right.  As leaders in the business community we should be asking ourselves, how we can take Congressman Lewis’s message and change the current narrative?  How do we examine our personal values and the values we have instilled in our organizations?  In these current times of our Nation, it is imperative for us to look at methods for getting into good trouble and how it relates to inclusivity and success.

Agricola grew in his position throughout his many years with the Chamber.  He retires this month as the Executive Vice President for Governmental Affairs. In this position he covered the General Assembly every year, living in Richmond for the Sessions.

The Supreme Court found that the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, like more than 50 other pipelines already do, can run more than 600 feet below a one-tenth of a mile section of the Appalachian Trail with Forest Service approval.  The pipeline will be installed a half-mile away from the trail on each side. No one walking on that path will even know that one of the most important economic development projects in the history of Commonwealth runs beneath the trail.  Just like they don’t realize they walk or drive over dozens of pipelines every day.

It is clear we are facing not only a health crisis but also an economic crisis.

While we are resilient and determined to overcome, we must have the courage of our elected leaders to make decisions that support and encourage the economic freedom that will enable recovery. Hampton Roads' 400-year history is a story of recovery and resilience. Together, we have successfully responded to major shocks — wars, epidemics, fires, floods, economic downturns, unemployment, and more. Our long experience in effectively dealing with adverse situations has wired us not only to survive challenging times but to come through them stronger than before.  We will triumph once again but must set the conditions for success.  It begins by smartly, but also expeditiously, re-opening businesses.  

Pivot to the Positive

The COVID pandemic has wreaked havoc on our region’s economy and, especially, our small businesses. 

While we had serious concerns about several pieces of legislation during the 2020 General Assembly Session, the negative impact these bills will have on our business community is even more serious considering the economic devastation many businesses are facing.

We have all had to transition to virtual meetings. Whether it's on Zoom, GoToMeeting, or group chats, you want to look your best.

The Hampton Roads Chamber asked Wayne Pellenberg of Neptune Video Creations for his professional advice.

Wayne's Video Tips on Virtual Meetings

Executive Summary:

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an incredible impact on the worldwide, national, state and local economy.  The effects of which will reverberate for years to come.  While the immediate recovery of as many of the region’s small businesses as possible, regional leaders have to realize that we will not, and should not, desire to return to status quo ante.

This paper outlines the goals, steps and tools needed to help take the region’s economy from Disaster to Growth.

The Small Business Development Center of Hampton Roads (SBDC) has received a $40,000 grant from Truist Financial Corporation. These funds will support the Center's activities in helping small business owners gain access to capital during the coronavirus pandemic. The grant is part of the financial services company's Truist Cares initiative, a $25 million philanthropic pledge announced in March to support basic needs, medical supplies and financial hardship relief due to COVID-19.