More than 40 police officers, firefighters and first responders received awards from the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce and TowneBank as a part of the second annual Valor Awards at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott on Friday, April 25. The ceremony provided the business community with the opportunity to thank and recognize public safety heroes who risked their lives every day to keep our community safe.

On April 23, the Chesapeake Division of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidates forum for City Council and School Board candidates to inform voters prior to the May 6 election. Nearly 100 attended the event at the Chesapeake Conference Center from 6-8pm.

The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, NAACP, and League of Women Voters presented the Norfolk Candidates Forum at Granby High School from 7-8:30pm.

From April 9-11, a group of 25 leaders from Mississippis Gulf Coast visited Hampton Roads and met with local leaders to gain insight on the regions assets. LEAD Hampton Roads, the leadership program of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, hosted the group during the two and a half days. They toured some of the regions assets and spoke with experts regarding the regions three key economic drivers: the military, the Port of Virginia and tourism.

The Chamber held its Professional Womens Leadership Luncheon Series featuring Lisa Caputo on April 11 at the Westin Town Center in Virginia Beach. More than 200 business professionals gathered to hear a lively and insightful discussion between Ms. Caputo and WTKR NewsChannel 3 anchor Barbara Ciara. Lisa Caputo is a proven business leader and an expert in marketing, strategic communications and public affairs. She is Executive Vice President, Marketing and Communications at The Travelers Companies, Inc.

The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce paid tribute to 135 service members of the region on April 11 as a part of its biannual Military Recognition Reception. Held at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott, the event honors the military personnel from area commands for their service.

Small businesses are a vital piece of Hampton Roads economy and the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber will host its Small Business of the Year Award Luncheon on May 21 at noon at the Marriott Chesapeake. Winners of the "Top 10 to Watch," Young Entrepreneur Award and Impressions in Print Leadership Award will be honored.

The vision of the SBDC and the Academy is to strengthen the regions retail community by developing knowledgeable, innovative-thinking and dynamic entrepreneurs. The academy meets weekly and concludes on June 25.

The Chamber hosted its first annual Spring Business to Business Expo on April 8 from 4 - 7p.m. at the Chesapeake Marriott. Of the 500 people who attended, nearly 100 were exhibitors showcasing community businesses.

The Propel training/mentoring program is part of an overarching economic development program that is focused on growing a broad-based sustainable economy based on the existing business community.