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.