It’s 17 municipalities connecting under one regional brand.  It’s 1.7 million residents creating regional pride and a sense of place to compete with markets across the nation.  It’s inclusive and rooted in what is undeniable about us, our tremendous assets, our diversity, our history, our military, our Port, our culture.

I am proud and humbled to serve as both the president and CEO of the Hampton Roads Chamber and as a board member for the United Way of South Hampton Roads. These two roles give me a front row seat to the intersection of business and community.

For 72 years, Virginia has remained a right-to-work state, guaranteeing that no person can be required to, as a condition of employment, join or pay dues to a labor union. Virginia is one of 27 states that have passed right-to-work laws. In anticipation of the 2020 General Assembly session, it’s important to remember that keeping Virginia a right-to-work state will support the business community.

The observance began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. It was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting Sept. 15. The monthlong observance was enacted into law Aug. 17, 1988.

WHEN THE Virginia health commissioner declared the opioid addiction crisis a public health emergency in 2016, the epidemic was wreaking havoc on families and communities across Virginia. Though many communities in the commonwealth responded with exemplary efforts by law enforcement, innovative medical practices and public education, the dimensions of the crisis were still unfolding and the economic impact was growing.

Kaufman & Canoles has supported the Chamber’s mission, vision and values since 1922.  For the past 100 years, this local business law firm has not only been serving the Hampton Roads community, they have worked to improve the lives of their clients throughout the region.  In 1919, Charles L. Kaufman opened a new law firm in Norfolk.  That firm would eventually partner with another well-respected Norfolk firm founded by Leroy T. Canoles.  Both founders placed a premium on establishing a set of core values that centered on constantly earning the respect of the clients they served.  “When our clients succeed, we succeed.” explains William Van Buren, Chairman of Kaufman & Canoles and a 38 year-member of the firm.

WHEN WORD bubbled up late last year that area corporate and business leaders planned to give regional branding another go, it brought forth a response that is as close to unanimous as they are likely to receive in this grand undertaking.

As a nation that has been at war for nearly 18 years, one of the most important concerns for military leaders is sustained training and readiness.  Therefore, it is no surprise that the preponderance of Department of Defense funding goes to combat readiness.   An unintended result of these budget priorities has been the shortfall of available funding for maintenance of real property at bases at home and overseas.  This reality has sparked military installation leaders to question the necessity of running such facilities as golf courses, horse stables, storage facilities, and lodging properties.  Perhaps now is the ideal time to let private companies run these operations, allowing military funding to go to improving combat readiness.

Hampton Roads is truly blessed be built on such a large foundation of military members and first responders throughout the region who each display a profound professional readiness to help the community every day. These are the local heroes who make it possible for the business community to function and thrive properly by knowing that our region is safe and protected. Through their grueling careers, they practice values that coincide with those of the Hampton Roads Chamber including excellence, selfless service, leadership, diversity, and integrity.

Vandeventer Black LLP has supported the Chamber’s mission, vision, and values since 1921.  The firm has leveraged every opportunity to utilize the networking, business and community involvement provided by the Chamber and other local organizations. As a testament,  the firm is currently involved with over twenty of our community’s business associations.