The “Top 10 to Watch,” award is for Hampton Roads for-profitemerging businesses with fewer than 99 employees, inbusiness for five years or less as of January 1, 2013.

The Young Entrepreneur Award (YEA!), given to a standoutyoung entrepreneur in the Hampton Roads region, recognizesyoung entrepreneurs who have taken the risk of starting andrunning their own business in Hampton Roads.

In addition, the Impressions in Print Leadership Award will bepresented to an individual demonstrating leadership, impacton workplace culture, community service and involvement,professional achievement, and perseverance.

A panel of judges will select the winners. Thanks to sponsors:Southern Bank (Presenting); Inside Business (Media); andImpressions in Print (Leadership Award).

Winter 2013

Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Winter 2013

Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce • 500 East Main Street • Suite 700 • Norfolk, VA 23510

Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce CONTACT (USPS 380770) is published quarterly by the Hampton Roads Chamber ofCommerce, 500 East Main Street, Suite 700, Norfolk, VA 23510. Periodical postage paid at Norfolk, VA POSTMASTER. Postmaster sendaddress changes to Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, 500 East Main Street, Suite 700, Norfolk, VA 23510.

OFFICERS:Deborah K. Stearns, CPM, SIOR, CHAIR

Michael M. Dudley, CO-CHAIR

Susan Blackman, TREASURER

Jack Hornbeck, CCE, PRESIDENT & CEO

CONNECT WITH THE CHAMBER ON THE WEB

HOW TO CONTACT US

THE HAMPTON ROADS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT 501(C)(6) MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATION.

Visit us at: www.HamptonRoadsChamber.com

Thanks To Our

StrategicPartners

For more information about being a Strategic Partner, contact the membership department at 757-664-2504.

AnniversariesCongratulations to the following businesses that celebrated milestone membership anniversariesfrom November 2012-January 2013.

Consumers are 80% MoreLikely to Purchase fromChamber Members

As a member, increase your visibility by submitting a “Member Voices” columnfor inclusion in Chamber communications. Share your knowledge on a business-related topic, while establishing your business as an expert. View the “Member

Voices” section of the Chamber’s website at www.HamptonRoadsChamber.com. Submit “MemberVoices” columns to Communications and Marketing Director Lisa Jones at ljones@hrccva.com.

Anational survey of 2,000 adultsreveals that being active in

a local chamber of commerce isan effective business strategybecause two-thirds of consumersbelieve that such companiesuse good business practices, are

reputable, care about their customers, and are involved in thecommunity. The study, conducted by The Schapiro Group, anAtlanta-based strategic consulting firm, found consumerperceptions of chamber members to be positive in manyways. When consumers know that a small business is amember of the chamber of commerce, they are 49% morelikely to think favorably of it and 80% more likely to purchasegoods or services from the company in the future. If acompany shows that it is highly involved in its local chamber,consumers are 10% more likely to think that its products stackup better against its competition.

“Despite changes in markets and demographics, a naggingrecession and the growing influence of the internet, thechamber brand today is stronger and more dynamic thanever,” said American Chamber of Commerce ExecutivesPresident Mick Fleming. “We’re proud that the numbersprove, once again, that engagement in a chamber means apositive perception of the business in the eyes of the buyingpublic.”

Small businesses represent the largest segment of mostlocal chamber membership roles, and the study indicatesthat chamber membership has consistent and powerfulbenefits for small business members—if consumers areaware that the small business is involved with its localchamber.

DIRECTORMEMBERSHIPSandy Sekeet757-664-2530

VICE PRESIDENTDEVELOPMENTSarah M. Lampert757-664-2503

DIRECTORCOMMUNICATIONS &MARKETING Lisa Jones757-664-2531

75 YEARSHollomon-Brown Funeral HomeWillcox & Savage, PC

45 YEARSMMM Design GroupVirginia Wesleyan CollegeW. R. Hall, Inc.-Contractors

40 YEARSDamuth TraneVirginia International Terminals, Inc.Wolcott Rivers Gates

35 YEARSMcGuireWoods LLPPollard's Chicken/Catering (Virginia Beach)

30 YEARSDrs. Jett & SellersNorfolk Festevents, Ltd.Spirit of Norfolk

25 YEARSFrye Properties Inc.ITT Technical InstituteVirginia Business

20 YEARSSteelMaster Buildings, LLCSenior Services of Southeastern VirginiaWal-Mart Inc. - (North Military Hwy., Norfolk)

15 YEARSABS Technology Architects Office Depot # 428Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.-Suffolk, Store #1687

10 YEARSBrickell & Partners Public Relations

5 YEARSCHIP/Healthy Families of ChesapeakeChurch Point Manor Bed & Breakfast, Cellar’s

RestaurantEurpac Home EntertainmentHomewood Suites by Hilton Virginia BeachLangley Federal Credit Union - Business

Development CenterMoe’s Southwest Grill Hilltop LocationO’Brien Consulting LLCSandler Center for the Performing ArtsSheraton Norfolk Waterside HotelVirginia Beach Psychiatric Center

MAIN NUMBER

757-622-2312Scan this QR code with your mobile device tovisit the Chamber’s website

facebook.com/Chamber757

twitter.com/Chamber757

linkedin.comGroup-Hampton

Roads Chamber ofCommerce

youtube.com/hamptonroads

chamber

Did you

Know?

Save the Date

CHESAPEAKEThursday, March 28 at noon

Chesapeake Conference Center

PORTSMOUTHWednesday, April 3 at noon

Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel & Waterfront Conference Center

SUFFOLKTuesday, May 7 at noon

Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront Hotel & Conference Center

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S LEADERSHIPLUNCHEON SERIES

Featuring Kate White, veteran editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine

Thursday, April 11, 12:00pm-1:15pmThe Westin Virginia Beach Town Center, Virginia Beach

VALOR AWARDS Friday, April 19, 8:00am-9:30am

Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Beach

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARDS Thursday, May 23, 12:00pm-2:00pm

Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Beach

For a listing of all Chamber events, visit Events.HamptonRoadsChamber.com

The 2013 General Assembly Session closed on February 23 witha dramatic ending. The passage of the first overhaul of the

Commonwealth of Virginia’s transportation funding program wasaccomplished with strong bi-partisan support and the leadershipof Delegate Chris Jones, Senator Frank Wagner, and Governor BobMcDonnell.

The transportation funding bill generates $880 million annually statewidein year five and $200 million annually for surface transportation in theHampton Roads region. Primary sources of revenue include a 3.5% motorfuel tax and an increase in the sales tax to 5.3%. Additional regionaltaxes in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads will be imposed for ourregion’s highways. Finding a long-term sustainable source of funding fortransportation was the Chamber’s top legislative priority.

Another issue that was not decided until the last day of the legislativesession was Medicaid expansion and reform. Specific budget languageestablishes a 10 person Medicaid Innovation and Reform Commissionand directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to developa “comprehensive, value driven, reform of Virginia Medicaid.” TheCommission will determine an approach to expand Medicaid to400,000 eligible Virginians.

There was considerable progress made in legal reform during the session.Depositions can now be used to form the basis of admissions andsummary judgment motions in certain cases, court venue selection willbecome more restrictive and there will be new restrictions on the carefor trespassers. All of these changes favor the business community andeach will lower costs associated with business legal activities. TheChamber was a member of Virginians for Tort Reform that lobbied forthe changes.

Hospitality interests were protected with the defeat of 17 bills relatedto changing the current Labor Day waiver law. With 54% of travelto our region coming from within Virginia, it is estimated that thisissue represents $360 million in potential economic losses.

The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce provided key leadership inlobbying all of these issues during the General Assembly Session. Duringthe session, the Chamber updates members weekly through “News andNotes” emails and engages the membership with “Action Alerts.”Please contact our governmental affairs team with any business issuesor concerns. Ira Agricola, iagricola@hrccva.com, 757-664-2570;Dean McClain, dmclain@hrccva.com, 757-664-2560; and CandaceReid, creid@hrccva.com, 757-664-2572.

Statistics show that 80% of businesses in our communityare small businesses. As a vital piece of Hampton

Roads’ economic foundation, these companies are mostdefinitely worth celebrating.

The Chamber will host its 29th annual Small BusinessAwards luncheon on Thursday, May 23 at noon at the VirginiaBeach Convention Center. A Small Business of the Yearwill be recognized in each Southside city (Chesapeake,Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, and Suffolk) and onefrom the Peninsula. Then an overall winner will be chosenfor the regional award. More than 35 local businesses havebeen nominated.

Honoring the Region’s Small Businesses

ADDITIONAL EVENTS

TRUSTEE PROFILE

For more than 35 years, Chesapeake Regional Medical Center has beenprivileged to care for the Hampton Roads community. As the region’sonly independent, acute-care facility, Chesapeake Regional provides advancedmedical capabilities with the personalized service only a community-basedmedical center can offer.

The cornerstone of the Chesapeake Regional family, Chesapeake GeneralHospital has 310 all-private beds arranged in special nursing units to providethe best possible care for our patients. Affiliate services include the JenningsOutpatient Center, the BirthPlace, the Lifestyle Center, two sleep centers, theSidney M. Oman Cancer Center, ComfortCare Home Health and Hospice andmore. The organization has more than 2,300 employees and nearly 600physicians on staff from every major medical discipline.

For more information, call 757-312-8121 or visit www.chesapeakeregional.com.

Robert F. Guanci Chief Operating Officer and Interim President

and Chief Executive Officer

Megan Frazier serves as Special Events Coordinator for LEAD HamptonRoads, the Chamber’s Leadership Program. She is a native of Pennsylvania.Megan graduated from Virginia Wesleyan College with a Bachelor’s inRecreation and Leisure Studies.

CHAMBER CORNER AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR

JC KREIDELManaging Director,

Business DevelopmentVox Optima, LLC

Congratulations to JC Kreidel who was named the Chamber’sAmbassador of the Year for 2012. JC began volunteering asan Ambassador in October 2011, attending networking functionsand volunteering at Chamber programs. JC, who is a veteran,also volunteers with the Chamber’s Armed Forces Committee, andspent two years as the Chair.

When asked how she felt about being named the Ambassadorof the Year, JC responded, “I was surprised. It is very nice toeven be considered for the award. There are just so many fineambassadors, we have a really strong team.” She added, “I’mprivileged to work with a small group of Ambassadors focusedon making our Chamber stronger and helping individual membersmake the most of their membership.”

JC attends ribbon cuttings, the Business Education Series andmany other Chamber events. JC says she has referred countlessmembers to join the Chamber. “Invariably any meeting I take, be itwith a prospective client or partner, I recommend membership,”she said.

The Ambassador Committee is a diverse group of 20 volunteerswho are dedicated to making a difference in the Chamber andthe community. Ambassadors are liaisons between the Chamberand new and existing members. For more information aboutthe Committee, call 757-664-2504.

Welcome New Members

NOVEMBER A Peace of Mind, Inc.William J. Brunke, CPACarLotz, Inc.CMIT Solutions of Virginia Beach MetroHercules MovingHoughton Business Systems, Inc.The KPN GroupNational UniversityTidewater Valve & Fitting, Inc.TMG, Inc.Williamsburg Premium Outlets

DECEMBER Baby Signs With AllisonBayPort Credit UnionBizCard XpressCartwheeling into SuccessCommunities In Schools of Hampton RoadsCourtyard by Marriott- Chesapeake/GreenbrierFitzwilliams FinancialGo ToursGreen Olive Tree, Inc.Lemon Grass GrilleManning Atlantic Enterprises

DBA SIGN*A*RAMA of ChesapeakeMVOSS CreationOn Call Telecom, International

People, Technology and Processes, LLCRenova - A Center for Health and Well beingStep-by-Step PresentationsThe Westin Virginia Beach Town CenterWingate By Wyndham (Chesapeake)

JANUARY Achievable Dream AcademiesAdvanced Restoration Services, Inc.Ashley Furniture Homestore (Virginia Beach)atpb. HER Consignment ShopBeck Roofing Corp.Carlton West UpholsteryCatholic Charities of Eastern Va. Foundation, Inc.Cavalier Inc.Chesapeake RV SolutionsDirect Auto InsuranceDouble D Graphic Art and SignsEastern Data, Inc.Ennis Media Group (The Citizen of Chesapeake)Hampton Roads StallionsIdentify YourselfJackson Lewis/Melissa HowellNorfolk Federation of Teachers. Local 4261 AFL-CIONorfolk SPCAThe Shutter DoorTown Real Estate Group

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Business Issues Advanced During Historic GeneralAssembly Session

Join us in welcoming these new Chamber members. For the most current member directory, visitwww.HamptonRoadsChamber.com

3189 HRCC 3/13/13 5:02 PM Page 1

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Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Winter 2013 Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Winter 2013

On January 31, the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerceheld its Professional Women’s Leadership Luncheon at the

Holiday Inn Virginia Beach-Norfolk Hotel and Conference Center.The speaker was Courtney Lynch, Founder of Lead Starand the co-author of Leading from the Front, a best-sellingleadership book, which is based on her experiences as aMarine and as a private sector professional.

More than 300 business and community leaders were inattendance to hear Lynch speak about leadership andleveraging human contact in a distracted world. Lynch said,“There is a lot of distraction present in our everyday lives.How do we overcome this? It’s clear, it’s present and it’sthere.”

Lynch explained, “When we are distracted, we actuallysurrender our ‘executive functions,’ the majority of which makeus successful to whatever bright and shiny object happensto be front and center…the text message, email, ringing phone.”

She told the audience, “One of the most effective things tounderstanding leadership is to help people get to a pointwhere they’re not just ‘doing to do,’ they are thinking andthen doing. And that’s the key to executive function.”

Cognitive flexibility is your ability to devise lots of differentalternate paths to overcoming challenges. She explainedthat cognitive self control is to inhibit your instincts, likeanswering an email as soon as it pops up.

Lynch explained that, “You manage things and lead people.”She said, “A leader is someone who does two things extremelywell. Influencing outcomes and inspiring others are theessence of leadership.” She asked the group, “How do you dothis?” Lynch went on to speak about three practices: credibleperformance, how you react to a problem, and heart.

Lynch concluded her presentation by saying, “Human beingshave two very strong fundamental needs. We want to beliked and we want to be respected.” She went on to explainthat challenge comes when you go about having these twostrong needs met in this order. “It will be hard to influenceoutcomes and inspire others because distractions will captivateyou and take you away. She recommends to reverse the order -strive to be respected and being “liked” will fall into place.

The next luncheon in the series will be held April 11 featuringKate White, veteran editor of Cosmopolitan magazine andNew York Times best-selling author.

(from left) Karen Price-Ward of Southwest Airlines; Deborah Stearns, Chair of the Chamber; Courtney Lynch; and Jack Hornbeck, President & CEO of the Chamber

We’re stuffing our piñatas and holding on to our jumping beans in preparation for the 14th annualSustainable Resources Campaign (SRC)! Campaign Co-Chairs, Susie Archer (Old Dominion

Steel Company, Inc.) and Joe Thomas (GEICO) are excited to get this fiesta started.

This year’s goal is $850,000 and we’re getting ready for Kick Off! The annual campaign is a criticalpart of the Chamber’s ability to raise operating revenue to fund its programs and services to the busi-ness community. When the community prospers, your business prospers.

This reward driven campaign is a great way for you to meet local business leaders, work with manyof the community’s finest volunteers, earn incentives, and have fun. Campaign volunteers reach outto the community and engage local businesses in the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce byselling sponsorships, advertising and memberships.

Ready to join the Fiesta Into The Future? Volunteer training and orientation available weekly leadingup to an April 30 Campaign Kick Off. Contact Sarah Martin Lampert, Vice President of Development,at 757-664-2503 or smartin@hrccva.com.

Sustainable Resources CampaignKicks Off

Joe Witt Appointed as Chamber’sVice Chair of Investments

In December, Joe Witt,CPA, Senior Executive Vice

President, Old Point NationalBank, was appointed by theChamber’s Chair, DeborahStearns, to serve as ViceChair, Investments. Mr. Wittis serving as a member ofboth the Chamber's ExecutiveCommittee and Board ofDirectors in 2013.

Senator-Elect Tim Kaine Addresses700 at Annual Meeting Luncheon

More than 200 Student-Athletesand Parents attend REC Forum

For the first time, the Hampton Roads Sports Commission(HRSC), an affiliate of the Hampton Roads Chamber, hosted

the College Recruiting, Eligibility, and Compliance Forum (REC)for college-bound student athletes. The forum was held onFebruary 13 at The Founders Inn and Spa in Virginia Beach.

Guest speaker Dr. Dennis Thomas, Commissioner of the Mid-EasternAthletic Conference shared details on “Finding the Right Fit,”and how self discipline can keep students grounded throughouttheir college career. Dr. Thomas informed the audience thatfinding the right fit includes many aspects, including: education,environment, team atmosphere, and athletic expectations.

Student-athletes and their parents learned the ins and outsof the recruiting process from local Division I, II & III colleges.Attendees were given important tips for higher education,emphasizing that academics are the main focus and thatwillpower is very important. Guests enjoyed a college andvendor fair allowing students and parents to talk one-on-onewith college and business representatives.

Join the Hampton Roads Sports Commission for the Celebrationof College Athletics on April 17 in Newport News. This annualevent will recognize and celebrate the Apprentice School,Christopher Newport University, Hampton University, NorfolkState University, Old Dominion University, Virginia Wesleyanand College of William & Mary athletic seasons. Top athletesin football, men’s and women’s basketball will be honored withoffensive and defensive Player of the Year awards. For moreinformation, visit www.HamptonRoadsSports.org.

On January 15, more than 50 LEAD Hampton Roads(LHR) members of the class of 2013 and LHR alumni

participated in Chamber Day at the Capitol. While inRichmond, the group joined more than 100 other Chamberexecutives and business leaders for briefings on issuesimpacting business. The group gathered at the OmniHotel and had the privilege of hearing from Governor BobMcDonnell, Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, House SpeakerWilliam Howell, Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli and

Senate Majority Leader Tommy Norment. The VirginiaChamber of Commerce, led by Barry Duval, hosted theevent.

Ira Agricola, the Hampton Roads Chamber’s Senior VicePresident of Governmental Affairs, met with the LHRclass to review the highlights of the Chamber’s legislativeagenda. The group also met with Senator Jeff McWatersand concluded the day with a tour of the Capitol.

More than 700 business professionals, community leaders and elected officials filled a ballroomat the Virginia Beach Convention Center on December 5 for the Chamber’s 28th Annual Meetingof the Membership. U.S. Senator-elect Tim Kaine (pictured above) served as keynote speaker.During the luncheon, Chamber 2012/2013 Chair Deborah Stearns (pictured below right) presentedJC Kreidel with the Chamber’s 2012 Volunteer of the Year Award. Kreidel, who serves as avolunteer on the Chamber’s Ambassador and Armed Forces Committees, was instrumental incoordinating the Chamber’s State of the Military Forum held in October, which featured U.S.Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta.

Professional Women’s Leadership Luncheon Series Offers Insight on Leadership

Chamber Day at the Capitol

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The Hampton Roads Chamber’s annual State of the City serieskicked off with the Norfolk address on February 8. A sold out

crowd of more than 1,000 heard Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim providean update on the city’s key business development initiatives,municipal progress updates and opportunities.

Fraim said the city has a balanced budget, a dropping crime rate,increased sales, a recovering real estate market and a growingpopulation. He added, “The Port of Virginia reported 2012 was thesecond best year in its history with volume up nearly 10% fromthe year before.”

Fraim said, “With over $1 billion in public and private developmentnearly completed, underway or planned in 2013, our city is growingand attracting new businesses and new residents.” Projectsmentioned were the Slover Memorial Library, MacArthurMemorial’s new Visitor Center, Virginia Maritime Association’sheadquarters, courts complex, and Urban Outfitters. He alsodiscussed the revitalization of Waterside. “The Cordish Companiesof Baltimore will invest $28 million in transforming the facility intoWaterside Live, a venue featuring restaurants, a market area andperformance space,” Fraim said. “Waterside Live is hoped to bringupwards of 1,000 new jobs and generate an estimated $93 millionin direct revenue to the City over 30 years.” The mayor also mentionedconstruction taking place at Wards Corner, Sentara Health System

is building a new Leigh Hospital, and Bon Secours will beconstructing a Medical Plaza building at DePaul Medical Center.

“The Granby Street corridor has become a magnet for technologycompanies, like xTuple,” Fraim said. “Other digital firms on GranbyStreet include Grow Interactive, Ciniva, Web Agency, ArtSmithMedia and Sway Creative Labs.”

Fraim stressed the need to diversify the city’s economy and reducedependency on defense spending, which is 46% of the region’seconomy. He said, “Congress’s failure to adopt a budget hasalready caused the Navy to order expenditure reductions. Thepotential calamity from sequestration threatens more, deeper anddamaging reductions in defense spending and national security.”

Norfolk has more jobs than adult residents and the city leads theregion in total average compensation per job. The unemploymentrate has fallen from 8.1% a year ago to 7.2%.

In August, the city’s light rail system, The Tide, celebrated its firstanniversary. Fraim said, it has “exceeded every expectation.” Hehopes the Tide’s success will help move us closer to a regionallight rail system. Fraim mentioned that on 12/12/12 intercitypassenger rail returned to Norfolk. Almost 6,500 passengers rodethe train in December – double what AMTRAK projected.

Join the Chamber for the remaining State of the City Luncheonstaking place through May.

Norfolk Mayor Highlights Accomplishments and Initiatives During Stateof the City Address

(from left) Grey Persons, the Chamber’s Norfolk Division Chair; Michael Kerner of Bon Secours Virginia Health System; John Matson of TowneBank; Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim;Deborah Stearns, the Chamber’s Chair; Jim Hixon of Norfolk Southern; CDR Glen Wood; and Jack Hornbeck, President & CEO of the Chamber

3189 HRCC 3/13/13 5:02 PM Page 2

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Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Winter 2013 Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Winter 2013

On January 31, the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerceheld its Professional Women’s Leadership Luncheon at the

Holiday Inn Virginia Beach-Norfolk Hotel and Conference Center.The speaker was Courtney Lynch, Founder of Lead Starand the co-author of Leading from the Front, a best-sellingleadership book, which is based on her experiences as aMarine and as a private sector professional.

More than 300 business and community leaders were inattendance to hear Lynch speak about leadership andleveraging human contact in a distracted world. Lynch said,“There is a lot of distraction present in our everyday lives.How do we overcome this? It’s clear, it’s present and it’sthere.”

Lynch explained, “When we are distracted, we actuallysurrender our ‘executive functions,’ the majority of which makeus successful to whatever bright and shiny object happensto be front and center…the text message, email, ringing phone.”

She told the audience, “One of the most effective things tounderstanding leadership is to help people get to a pointwhere they’re not just ‘doing to do,’ they are thinking andthen doing. And that’s the key to executive function.”

Cognitive flexibility is your ability to devise lots of differentalternate paths to overcoming challenges. She explainedthat cognitive self control is to inhibit your instincts, likeanswering an email as soon as it pops up.

Lynch explained that, “You manage things and lead people.”She said, “A leader is someone who does two things extremelywell. Influencing outcomes and inspiring others are theessence of leadership.” She asked the group, “How do you dothis?” Lynch went on to speak about three practices: credibleperformance, how you react to a problem, and heart.

Lynch concluded her presentation by saying, “Human beingshave two very strong fundamental needs. We want to beliked and we want to be respected.” She went on to explainthat challenge comes when you go about having these twostrong needs met in this order. “It will be hard to influenceoutcomes and inspire others because distractions will captivateyou and take you away. She recommends to reverse the order -strive to be respected and being “liked” will fall into place.

The next luncheon in the series will be held April 11 featuringKate White, veteran editor of Cosmopolitan magazine andNew York Times best-selling author.

(from left) Karen Price-Ward of Southwest Airlines; Deborah Stearns, Chair of the Chamber; Courtney Lynch; and Jack Hornbeck, President & CEO of the Chamber

We’re stuffing our piñatas and holding on to our jumping beans in preparation for the 14th annualSustainable Resources Campaign (SRC)! Campaign Co-Chairs, Susie Archer (Old Dominion

Steel Company, Inc.) and Joe Thomas (GEICO) are excited to get this fiesta started.

This year’s goal is $850,000 and we’re getting ready for Kick Off! The annual campaign is a criticalpart of the Chamber’s ability to raise operating revenue to fund its programs and services to the busi-ness community. When the community prospers, your business prospers.

This reward driven campaign is a great way for you to meet local business leaders, work with manyof the community’s finest volunteers, earn incentives, and have fun. Campaign volunteers reach outto the community and engage local businesses in the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce byselling sponsorships, advertising and memberships.

Ready to join the Fiesta Into The Future? Volunteer training and orientation available weekly leadingup to an April 30 Campaign Kick Off. Contact Sarah Martin Lampert, Vice President of Development,at 757-664-2503 or smartin@hrccva.com.

Sustainable Resources CampaignKicks Off

Joe Witt Appointed as Chamber’sVice Chair of Investments

In December, Joe Witt,CPA, Senior Executive Vice

President, Old Point NationalBank, was appointed by theChamber’s Chair, DeborahStearns, to serve as ViceChair, Investments. Mr. Wittis serving as a member ofboth the Chamber's ExecutiveCommittee and Board ofDirectors in 2013.

Senator-Elect Tim Kaine Addresses700 at Annual Meeting Luncheon

More than 200 Student-Athletesand Parents attend REC Forum

For the first time, the Hampton Roads Sports Commission(HRSC), an affiliate of the Hampton Roads Chamber, hosted

the College Recruiting, Eligibility, and Compliance Forum (REC)for college-bound student athletes. The forum was held onFebruary 13 at The Founders Inn and Spa in Virginia Beach.

Guest speaker Dr. Dennis Thomas, Commissioner of the Mid-EasternAthletic Conference shared details on “Finding the Right Fit,”and how self discipline can keep students grounded throughouttheir college career. Dr. Thomas informed the audience thatfinding the right fit includes many aspects, including: education,environment, team atmosphere, and athletic expectations.

Student-athletes and their parents learned the ins and outsof the recruiting process from local Division I, II & III colleges.Attendees were given important tips for higher education,emphasizing that academics are the main focus and thatwillpower is very important. Guests enjoyed a college andvendor fair allowing students and parents to talk one-on-onewith college and business representatives.

Join the Hampton Roads Sports Commission for the Celebrationof College Athletics on April 17 in Newport News. This annualevent will recognize and celebrate the Apprentice School,Christopher Newport University, Hampton University, NorfolkState University, Old Dominion University, Virginia Wesleyanand College of William & Mary athletic seasons. Top athletesin football, men’s and women’s basketball will be honored withoffensive and defensive Player of the Year awards. For moreinformation, visit www.HamptonRoadsSports.org.

On January 15, more than 50 LEAD Hampton Roads(LHR) members of the class of 2013 and LHR alumni

participated in Chamber Day at the Capitol. While inRichmond, the group joined more than 100 other Chamberexecutives and business leaders for briefings on issuesimpacting business. The group gathered at the OmniHotel and had the privilege of hearing from Governor BobMcDonnell, Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, House SpeakerWilliam Howell, Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli and

Senate Majority Leader Tommy Norment. The VirginiaChamber of Commerce, led by Barry Duval, hosted theevent.

Ira Agricola, the Hampton Roads Chamber’s Senior VicePresident of Governmental Affairs, met with the LHRclass to review the highlights of the Chamber’s legislativeagenda. The group also met with Senator Jeff McWatersand concluded the day with a tour of the Capitol.

More than 700 business professionals, community leaders and elected officials filled a ballroomat the Virginia Beach Convention Center on December 5 for the Chamber’s 28th Annual Meetingof the Membership. U.S. Senator-elect Tim Kaine (pictured above) served as keynote speaker.During the luncheon, Chamber 2012/2013 Chair Deborah Stearns (pictured below right) presentedJC Kreidel with the Chamber’s 2012 Volunteer of the Year Award. Kreidel, who serves as avolunteer on the Chamber’s Ambassador and Armed Forces Committees, was instrumental incoordinating the Chamber’s State of the Military Forum held in October, which featured U.S.Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta.

Professional Women’s Leadership Luncheon Series Offers Insight on Leadership

Chamber Day at the CapitolCo

urte

sy o

f Kev

in S

chin

dler

The Hampton Roads Chamber’s annual State of the City serieskicked off with the Norfolk address on February 8. A sold out

crowd of more than 1,000 heard Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim providean update on the city’s key business development initiatives,municipal progress updates and opportunities.

Fraim said the city has a balanced budget, a dropping crime rate,increased sales, a recovering real estate market and a growingpopulation. He added, “The Port of Virginia reported 2012 was thesecond best year in its history with volume up nearly 10% fromthe year before.”

Fraim said, “With over $1 billion in public and private developmentnearly completed, underway or planned in 2013, our city is growingand attracting new businesses and new residents.” Projectsmentioned were the Slover Memorial Library, MacArthurMemorial’s new Visitor Center, Virginia Maritime Association’sheadquarters, courts complex, and Urban Outfitters. He alsodiscussed the revitalization of Waterside. “The Cordish Companiesof Baltimore will invest $28 million in transforming the facility intoWaterside Live, a venue featuring restaurants, a market area andperformance space,” Fraim said. “Waterside Live is hoped to bringupwards of 1,000 new jobs and generate an estimated $93 millionin direct revenue to the City over 30 years.” The mayor also mentionedconstruction taking place at Wards Corner, Sentara Health System

is building a new Leigh Hospital, and Bon Secours will beconstructing a Medical Plaza building at DePaul Medical Center.

“The Granby Street corridor has become a magnet for technologycompanies, like xTuple,” Fraim said. “Other digital firms on GranbyStreet include Grow Interactive, Ciniva, Web Agency, ArtSmithMedia and Sway Creative Labs.”

Fraim stressed the need to diversify the city’s economy and reducedependency on defense spending, which is 46% of the region’seconomy. He said, “Congress’s failure to adopt a budget hasalready caused the Navy to order expenditure reductions. Thepotential calamity from sequestration threatens more, deeper anddamaging reductions in defense spending and national security.”

Norfolk has more jobs than adult residents and the city leads theregion in total average compensation per job. The unemploymentrate has fallen from 8.1% a year ago to 7.2%.

In August, the city’s light rail system, The Tide, celebrated its firstanniversary. Fraim said, it has “exceeded every expectation.” Hehopes the Tide’s success will help move us closer to a regionallight rail system. Fraim mentioned that on 12/12/12 intercitypassenger rail returned to Norfolk. Almost 6,500 passengers rodethe train in December – double what AMTRAK projected.

Join the Chamber for the remaining State of the City Luncheonstaking place through May.

Norfolk Mayor Highlights Accomplishments and Initiatives During Stateof the City Address

(from left) Grey Persons, the Chamber’s Norfolk Division Chair; Michael Kerner of Bon Secours Virginia Health System; John Matson of TowneBank; Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim;Deborah Stearns, the Chamber’s Chair; Jim Hixon of Norfolk Southern; CDR Glen Wood; and Jack Hornbeck, President & CEO of the Chamber

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The “Top 10 to Watch,” award is for Hampton Roads for-profitemerging businesses with fewer than 99 employees, inbusiness for five years or less as of January 1, 2013.

The Young Entrepreneur Award (YEA!), given to a standoutyoung entrepreneur in the Hampton Roads region, recognizesyoung entrepreneurs who have taken the risk of starting andrunning their own business in Hampton Roads.

In addition, the Impressions in Print Leadership Award will bepresented to an individual demonstrating leadership, impacton workplace culture, community service and involvement,professional achievement, and perseverance.

A panel of judges will select the winners. Thanks to sponsors:Southern Bank (Presenting); Inside Business (Media); andImpressions in Print (Leadership Award).

Winter 2013

Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Winter 2013

Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce • 500 East Main Street • Suite 700 • Norfolk, VA 23510

Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce CONTACT (USPS 380770) is published quarterly by the Hampton Roads Chamber ofCommerce, 500 East Main Street, Suite 700, Norfolk, VA 23510. Periodical postage paid at Norfolk, VA POSTMASTER. Postmaster sendaddress changes to Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, 500 East Main Street, Suite 700, Norfolk, VA 23510.

OFFICERS:Deborah K. Stearns, CPM, SIOR, CHAIR

Michael M. Dudley, CO-CHAIR

Susan Blackman, TREASURER

Jack Hornbeck, CCE, PRESIDENT & CEO

CONNECT WITH THE CHAMBER ON THE WEB

HOW TO CONTACT US

THE HAMPTON ROADS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT 501(C)(6) MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATION.

Visit us at: www.HamptonRoadsChamber.com

Thanks To Our

StrategicPartners

For more information about being a Strategic Partner, contact the membership department at 757-664-2504.

AnniversariesCongratulations to the following businesses that celebrated milestone membership anniversariesfrom November 2012-January 2013.

Consumers are 80% MoreLikely to Purchase fromChamber Members

As a member, increase your visibility by submitting a “Member Voices” columnfor inclusion in Chamber communications. Share your knowledge on a business-related topic, while establishing your business as an expert. View the “Member

Voices” section of the Chamber’s website at www.HamptonRoadsChamber.com. Submit “MemberVoices” columns to Communications and Marketing Director Lisa Jones at ljones@hrccva.com.

Anational survey of 2,000 adultsreveals that being active in

a local chamber of commerce isan effective business strategybecause two-thirds of consumersbelieve that such companiesuse good business practices, are

reputable, care about their customers, and are involved in thecommunity. The study, conducted by The Schapiro Group, anAtlanta-based strategic consulting firm, found consumerperceptions of chamber members to be positive in manyways. When consumers know that a small business is amember of the chamber of commerce, they are 49% morelikely to think favorably of it and 80% more likely to purchasegoods or services from the company in the future. If acompany shows that it is highly involved in its local chamber,consumers are 10% more likely to think that its products stackup better against its competition.

“Despite changes in markets and demographics, a naggingrecession and the growing influence of the internet, thechamber brand today is stronger and more dynamic thanever,” said American Chamber of Commerce ExecutivesPresident Mick Fleming. “We’re proud that the numbersprove, once again, that engagement in a chamber means apositive perception of the business in the eyes of the buyingpublic.”

Small businesses represent the largest segment of mostlocal chamber membership roles, and the study indicatesthat chamber membership has consistent and powerfulbenefits for small business members—if consumers areaware that the small business is involved with its localchamber.

DIRECTORMEMBERSHIPSandy Sekeet757-664-2530

VICE PRESIDENTDEVELOPMENTSarah M. Lampert757-664-2503

DIRECTORCOMMUNICATIONS &MARKETING Lisa Jones757-664-2531

75 YEARSHollomon-Brown Funeral HomeWillcox & Savage, PC

45 YEARSMMM Design GroupVirginia Wesleyan CollegeW. R. Hall, Inc.-Contractors

40 YEARSDamuth TraneVirginia International Terminals, Inc.Wolcott Rivers Gates

35 YEARSMcGuireWoods LLPPollard's Chicken/Catering (Virginia Beach)

30 YEARSDrs. Jett & SellersNorfolk Festevents, Ltd.Spirit of Norfolk

25 YEARSFrye Properties Inc.ITT Technical InstituteVirginia Business

20 YEARSSteelMaster Buildings, LLCSenior Services of Southeastern VirginiaWal-Mart Inc. - (North Military Hwy., Norfolk)

15 YEARSABS Technology Architects Office Depot # 428Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.-Suffolk, Store #1687

10 YEARSBrickell & Partners Public Relations

5 YEARSCHIP/Healthy Families of ChesapeakeChurch Point Manor Bed & Breakfast, Cellar’s

RestaurantEurpac Home EntertainmentHomewood Suites by Hilton Virginia BeachLangley Federal Credit Union - Business

Development CenterMoe’s Southwest Grill Hilltop LocationO’Brien Consulting LLCSandler Center for the Performing ArtsSheraton Norfolk Waterside HotelVirginia Beach Psychiatric Center

MAIN NUMBER

757-622-2312Scan this QR code with your mobile device tovisit the Chamber’s website

facebook.com/Chamber757

twitter.com/Chamber757

linkedin.comGroup-Hampton

Roads Chamber ofCommerce

youtube.com/hamptonroads

chamber

Did you

Know?

Save the Date

CHESAPEAKEThursday, March 28 at noon

Chesapeake Conference Center

PORTSMOUTHWednesday, April 3 at noon

Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel & Waterfront Conference Center

SUFFOLKTuesday, May 7 at noon

Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront Hotel & Conference Center

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S LEADERSHIPLUNCHEON SERIES

Featuring Kate White, veteran editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine

Thursday, April 11, 12:00pm-1:15pmThe Westin Virginia Beach Town Center, Virginia Beach

VALOR AWARDS Friday, April 19, 8:00am-9:30am

Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Beach

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARDS Thursday, May 23, 12:00pm-2:00pm

Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Beach

For a listing of all Chamber events, visit Events.HamptonRoadsChamber.com

The 2013 General Assembly Session closed on February 23 witha dramatic ending. The passage of the first overhaul of the

Commonwealth of Virginia’s transportation funding program wasaccomplished with strong bi-partisan support and the leadershipof Delegate Chris Jones, Senator Frank Wagner, and Governor BobMcDonnell.

The transportation funding bill generates $880 million annually statewidein year five and $200 million annually for surface transportation in theHampton Roads region. Primary sources of revenue include a 3.5% motorfuel tax and an increase in the sales tax to 5.3%. Additional regionaltaxes in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads will be imposed for ourregion’s highways. Finding a long-term sustainable source of funding fortransportation was the Chamber’s top legislative priority.

Another issue that was not decided until the last day of the legislativesession was Medicaid expansion and reform. Specific budget languageestablishes a 10 person Medicaid Innovation and Reform Commissionand directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to developa “comprehensive, value driven, reform of Virginia Medicaid.” TheCommission will determine an approach to expand Medicaid to400,000 eligible Virginians.

There was considerable progress made in legal reform during the session.Depositions can now be used to form the basis of admissions andsummary judgment motions in certain cases, court venue selection willbecome more restrictive and there will be new restrictions on the carefor trespassers. All of these changes favor the business community andeach will lower costs associated with business legal activities. TheChamber was a member of Virginians for Tort Reform that lobbied forthe changes.

Hospitality interests were protected with the defeat of 17 bills relatedto changing the current Labor Day waiver law. With 54% of travelto our region coming from within Virginia, it is estimated that thisissue represents $360 million in potential economic losses.

The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce provided key leadership inlobbying all of these issues during the General Assembly Session. Duringthe session, the Chamber updates members weekly through “News andNotes” emails and engages the membership with “Action Alerts.”Please contact our governmental affairs team with any business issuesor concerns. Ira Agricola, iagricola@hrccva.com, 757-664-2570;Dean McClain, dmclain@hrccva.com, 757-664-2560; and CandaceReid, creid@hrccva.com, 757-664-2572.

Statistics show that 80% of businesses in our communityare small businesses. As a vital piece of Hampton

Roads’ economic foundation, these companies are mostdefinitely worth celebrating.

The Chamber will host its 29th annual Small BusinessAwards luncheon on Thursday, May 23 at noon at the VirginiaBeach Convention Center. A Small Business of the Yearwill be recognized in each Southside city (Chesapeake,Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, and Suffolk) and onefrom the Peninsula. Then an overall winner will be chosenfor the regional award. More than 35 local businesses havebeen nominated.

Honoring the Region’s Small Businesses

ADDITIONAL EVENTS

TRUSTEE PROFILE

For more than 35 years, Chesapeake Regional Medical Center has beenprivileged to care for the Hampton Roads community. As the region’sonly independent, acute-care facility, Chesapeake Regional provides advancedmedical capabilities with the personalized service only a community-basedmedical center can offer.

The cornerstone of the Chesapeake Regional family, Chesapeake GeneralHospital has 310 all-private beds arranged in special nursing units to providethe best possible care for our patients. Affiliate services include the JenningsOutpatient Center, the BirthPlace, the Lifestyle Center, two sleep centers, theSidney M. Oman Cancer Center, ComfortCare Home Health and Hospice andmore. The organization has more than 2,300 employees and nearly 600physicians on staff from every major medical discipline.

For more information, call 757-312-8121 or visit www.chesapeakeregional.com.

Robert F. Guanci Chief Operating Officer and Interim President

and Chief Executive Officer

Megan Frazier serves as Special Events Coordinator for LEAD HamptonRoads, the Chamber’s Leadership Program. She is a native of Pennsylvania.Megan graduated from Virginia Wesleyan College with a Bachelor’s inRecreation and Leisure Studies.

CHAMBER CORNER AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR

JC KREIDELManaging Director,

Business DevelopmentVox Optima, LLC

Congratulations to JC Kreidel who was named the Chamber’sAmbassador of the Year for 2012. JC began volunteering asan Ambassador in October 2011, attending networking functionsand volunteering at Chamber programs. JC, who is a veteran,also volunteers with the Chamber’s Armed Forces Committee, andspent two years as the Chair.

When asked how she felt about being named the Ambassadorof the Year, JC responded, “I was surprised. It is very nice toeven be considered for the award. There are just so many fineambassadors, we have a really strong team.” She added, “I’mprivileged to work with a small group of Ambassadors focusedon making our Chamber stronger and helping individual membersmake the most of their membership.”

JC attends ribbon cuttings, the Business Education Series andmany other Chamber events. JC says she has referred countlessmembers to join the Chamber. “Invariably any meeting I take, be itwith a prospective client or partner, I recommend membership,”she said.

The Ambassador Committee is a diverse group of 20 volunteerswho are dedicated to making a difference in the Chamber andthe community. Ambassadors are liaisons between the Chamberand new and existing members. For more information aboutthe Committee, call 757-664-2504.

Welcome New Members

NOVEMBER A Peace of Mind, Inc.William J. Brunke, CPACarLotz, Inc.CMIT Solutions of Virginia Beach MetroHercules MovingHoughton Business Systems, Inc.The KPN GroupNational UniversityTidewater Valve & Fitting, Inc.TMG, Inc.Williamsburg Premium Outlets

DECEMBER Baby Signs With AllisonBayPort Credit UnionBizCard XpressCartwheeling into SuccessCommunities In Schools of Hampton RoadsCourtyard by Marriott- Chesapeake/GreenbrierFitzwilliams FinancialGo ToursGreen Olive Tree, Inc.Lemon Grass GrilleManning Atlantic Enterprises

DBA SIGN*A*RAMA of ChesapeakeMVOSS CreationOn Call Telecom, International

People, Technology and Processes, LLCRenova - A Center for Health and Well beingStep-by-Step PresentationsThe Westin Virginia Beach Town CenterWingate By Wyndham (Chesapeake)

JANUARY Achievable Dream AcademiesAdvanced Restoration Services, Inc.Ashley Furniture Homestore (Virginia Beach)atpb. HER Consignment ShopBeck Roofing Corp.Carlton West UpholsteryCatholic Charities of Eastern Va. Foundation, Inc.Cavalier Inc.Chesapeake RV SolutionsDirect Auto InsuranceDouble D Graphic Art and SignsEastern Data, Inc.Ennis Media Group (The Citizen of Chesapeake)Hampton Roads StallionsIdentify YourselfJackson Lewis/Melissa HowellNorfolk Federation of Teachers. Local 4261 AFL-CIONorfolk SPCAThe Shutter DoorTown Real Estate Group

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Business Issues Advanced During Historic GeneralAssembly Session

Join us in welcoming these new Chamber members. For the most current member directory, visitwww.HamptonRoadsChamber.com

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