Hampton Roads News 
Dec
28
Congratulations to the following HRP Members named to Virginia Business Magazine’s 2008 list of “Legal Elite”:
Business Law:
Vincent J. Mastracco of Kaufman & Canoles
Thomas R. Frantz of Williams Mullen
Alternative Dispute Resolution:
William Franczek of Vandeventer Black, LLP
Real Estate/Land Use:
Thomas G. Johnson of Willcox & Savage
Dec
28
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by Dana Dickens, President and CEO of Hampton Roads Partnership |
Gov. Tim Kaine’s proposed state budget will require plenty of belt-tightening in Hampton Roads, but there is some good news for the region. The governor wants to maintain funding near its current level for Old Dominion University’s Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center (VMASC), and his strategy makes perfect sense.
The relatively new industry of modeling, simulation and visualization (MS&V), is the kind of economic development that can speed Virginia’s recovery during challenging economic times. Currently, more than 125 engineering graduate students at ODU are conducting research and studying at VMASC, gaining the qualifications they need to fill jobs in a variety of businesses and industries throughout Hampton Roads.
MS&V comprises numerous planning, analysis and training tools made possible by sophisticated computing. These tools can suggest and test concepts, minimizing reliance upon trial and error, and they can present information in ways that enhance comprehension. For example, the tools might teach a medical student how to perform a surgical procedure without putting an actual patient in harm’s way. Other applications are seen in simulations to test aircraft designs, in vehicular traffic models to simulate — and improve — flow along highways, in video games to teach algebra, and in models to predict the performance of a soldier or an athlete. Artificial intelligence, robotics and virtual environments also are part of MS&V.
An economic impact study released earlier this year by Angle Technology found that MS&V enterprises in the region provide more than 4,000 high- wage jobs. These workers earn an average annual salary of $83,000, up by 37 percent since 2004 and more than double the average for all Hampton Roads workers. Furthermore, the MS&V industry adds at least $365 million to the Hampton Roads economy, and MS&V employment rose 25 percent between 2004 and 2007 with forecasted growth of 14.5 percent each year through 2012.
VMASC, established by ODU in 1997, has been a catalyst for growth in the MS&V sector, not just in the region but across the commonwealth. VMASC experts also have been called upon by the General Assembly to conduct studies and make recommendations on policy matters ranging from road construction to disaster planning.
VMASC’s mission is to educate leaders in this field, to conduct cutting-edge research, to nurture start-up companies and to create jobs. Independent surveys taken since 2004 show that the center is succeeding in its mission, and the governor sees great value in this investment.
The $2.1-million budget proposal for VMASC proposed by Kaine demonstrates his faith in the economic development stimulus of the MS&V industry in Virginia, and the unique role that VMASC plays in educating leaders in this field.
MS&V growth in the region reflects the support of leaders in government, education and industry who believe Virginia, especially Hampton Roads, can become an international leader in this high-technology field.
I applaud the governor for his efforts to keep MS&V as a key component of his economic development plan for Virginia. It is this kind of strategic investment that will allow us to weather the current financial storm and emerge vibrant and prosperous.
Dec
14
The littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) arrives in Norfolk, Virginia, Dec. 15, 2008, after traveling for more than one month through the Great Lakes, Eastern Canada and the Northeast following its commissioning ceremony in Milwaukee, Wis. Freedom, the first littoral combat ship produced by Lockheed Martin, will undergo post-delivery tests and sea trials in Norfolk before transiting to its final homeport of San Diego, Calif., in early 2010.
(DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Joshua Adam Nuzzo, U.S. Navy/Released, VIRIN: 081215-N-4515N-158)
Dec
12
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The citizens of Hampton Roads are proclaiming “We Are Hampton Roads” in their own ingenious and creative ways.
Send us your 1-minute (or less) submissions via our YouTube Channel, email and/or other social media.
If you’d be willing to film yourself, your office or have a suggested vignette and are willing to lend the face(s) and the voice(s), let us know. The best will be published online and shared with the world. We hope to enlist the help of traditional television media to share “We Are Hampton Roads” in and around news breaks to spread the positive things about our region, especially to visitors!
This is the promo and the inaugural videos of “We Are Hampton Roads,” which premiered at the Hampton Roads Partnership’s December 12th Board meeting, courtesy of the Hampton Roads Film Office (HRFO).
Dec
11
Nearly 1,700 guests and crewmembers attend the commissioning ceremony of the Virginia-class attack submarine USS New Mexico (SSN 779) at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va., Dec. 13, 2008. Cindy Giambastiani, the wife of retired U.S. Navy Adm. Edmund P. Giambastiani and the vessel’s sponsor, christened the submarine during the ceremony.
(DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Todd A. Schaffer, U.S. Navy/Released, VIRIN: 081213-N-7705S-045)
Dec
11
The General Assembly’s Transportation Sub-Committee met on Wednesday 10 Dec 08 at VMASC in Suffolk. The following slide presentation is the report on alternatives and their ramifications to improving road congestion in Hampton Roads.
Notes from the presentation: with all six (6) MPO projects built, the simulations provided showed that congestion in 2030 would improve over the “no-build” scenario, especially on Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Bridge-Tunnel (MMMBT) and James River Bridge (JRB), but still exists and is significant. Roads would be free flowing with today’s population, but increased population causes ongoing congestion.
The only alternative that reduces Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) congestion to 100% capacity is the addition of 8 lanes to HRBT.
Conclusions – 1. Failure to act is not an option 2. All alternatives significantly improve local and incident-induced congestion 3. Of the 6 alternatives, only the “Third Crossing” improves conditions at HRBT (but still exceeds capacity) 4. Only HRBT expansion can relieve both local and incident induced congestion at HRBT but combining HRBT with Third Crossing greatly improves congestion.
The intent of the study was to examine projects individually for the “best bang for the buck.” Results indicate that the planners did a good job of creating the best system, and the projects can’t truly be evaluated individually. The exception is the Mid-Town Tunnel which has an immediate impact by itself and should be constructed as soon as possible.
Also noted was the possibility to include capacity management technologies (information, incentives, and rail, for example) along with construction projects in the studies and the need to be ready to claim infrastructure stimulus money from the Obama administration.
Delegate Oder made a motion, and it was passed unanimously, to introduce legislation to expand the study to include construction of a bridge-tunnel parallel to HRBT from I-564/Terminal Blvd to I-64 in Hampton as a possible alternative to expanding HRBT in its current footprint or building the Third Crossing, as proposed, and the expansion of I-64 to I-295 and create priorities for the projects.
For more information, see:
HJR 194: Transportation Network of Hampton Roads
http://dls.state.va.us/pubs/legisrec/2008/hjr194b.htm
Dec
10
AMERIGROUP Corporation, headquartered in Virginia Beach and a member of the Hampton Roads Partnership, was named the top “Good Corporate Neighbor” among large businesses (500+ employees) in Hampton Roads at the Corporate Volunteer Excellence Awards, sponsored by Virginia Business magazine and VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads, the region’s nonprofit resource center.
The award is the third such recognition for community involvement and workplace excellence bestowed on AMERIGROUP and its employees in 2008. Along with the “Good Corporate Neighbor” designation, AMERIGROUP was named a finalist in the Torchbearer Awards, which are sponsored by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and as one of “America’s Best Places to Work in Healthcare” by Modern Healthcare magazine.
“As a company whose only job is bringing healthcare to vulnerable Americans through public programs like Medicaid and Medicare, we lend a helping hand to the communities we serve every day,” said James G. Carlson, AMERIGROUP Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “But our people don’t just do their jobs and go home. When they see needs that aren’t being met, they use their energy and expertise to meet them.
“I’ve always been proud of our associates and their willingness to serve, but their accomplishments in 2008 were truly outstanding. We’re grateful that the efforts of so many of our people are being recognized. I’m honored to be part of such a committed, caring team.”
Click HERE for more details and stories on AMERIGROUP’s community service initiatives, including the Company’s current Corporate Social Responsibility report.
SOURCE: AMERIGROUP Corporation
Dec
10
The 2008 Corporate Leadership Award was presented Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at the Annual Meeting of the Hampton Roads Corporate Volunteer Council to Stephen Evans, Managing Partner of KPMG’s Norfolk Office and Board member of the Hampton Roads Partnership.
Mr. Evans’ recognition as one of the region’s outstanding leaders with a successful workplace volunteer program is admirable and such leadership is the epitome of a Partnership Board member. His acceptance speech included encouragement to all business leadership to develop and sustain relationships with the nonprofits in the Hampton Roads region. Mr. Evan’s own commitment is evidenced by his own long time community relationships, including the Hampton Roads Partnership. He noted, “Serving customers is a privilege and with privilege comes responsibility” and “what is good for the nonprofit community is also good for business,” adding “I am a believer in Hampton Roads.”
KPMG LLP was also presented with the Good Corporate Neighbor Award in the Small category (under 500 employees).
Past business or individual winners for the Corporate Volunteer Leadership Awards, who are also HRP Board members, are:
2005-Hank Lingenfelter, Virginia Natural Gas
2004-Frank Bowers, Cox Communications
2003-Lin Early, Bank of America
2002-Ron Dennis, Farm Fresh
Dec
09
Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim addresses the group.
Dennis W. Heuer (VDOT Hampton Roads District Administrator), Pierce R. Homer (Virginia Secretary of Transportation), and Randy Boice (Project Manager) addressed a group of citizens and elected officials at Granby High School in Norfolk, VA tonight. The first of two meetings was held last week at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton, VA.
Mr. Boice gave very detailed, informative explanations of each alternative including the strengths and weaknesses of each as follows:
Alternative 1: at $2.2 Billion was the least costly, but would not meet Federal Highway requirements prohibiting two-way traffic within the same undivided tunnel.
Alternative 2: meets Federal Highway requirements for minimal extra cost (adds $100 Million) by making the middle tube reversible during rush hour, however the traffic pattern on I-64 does not allow for reversible lanes. There is equal traffic in each direction, making it difficult to reverse the lanes.
Alternatives #3 and #4 are the two most practical and the most costly at $3.3 Billion each.
Alternative 3: constructs a four-lane tunnel to accommodate all east-bound traffic and converts both existing tubes to carry only west-bound traffic.
Alternative 4: constructs a four-lane tunnel and reserve a lane in each direction to be used for a dedicated right-of-way transit service, either a bus way or, more preferably (in Secretary Homer’s opinion), an extension for the Light rail line.
Alternative 5: constructs a two-lane suspension bridge, a mile in length and high enough for cargo ships and aircraft carriers to pass underneath. It would require reversible lanes, which not only fails the Federal Highway regulations but, due to the lower speed needed for the two-lane tube, the time benefit is shown not be worth the money spent. It also has “adverse … aerodynamics,” similar to the first Tacoma Narrows Bridge, which collapsed in Washington State four months after it opened in 1940. Proper reinforcement would bring this bridge to the same cost as a four-lane bridge. (see #6)
Alternative 6: constructs a four-lane suspension bridge, which saves $100 million over the four-lane tunnel option. However, it was noted that the Navy would never approve it. Constructing a bridge over the only exit for the majority of the Atlantic Fleet would be a terrorist attack waiting to happen, also adding fuel to Florida’s case to move aircraft carriers away from Hampton Roads.
Chesapeake Mayor Alan Krasnoff and Councilman Dr. Richard W. West attended.
Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim, who objected to any and all plans to widen HRBT, stating that the region has already determined that the Third Crossing was the best option, better during an evacuation, a plus for military mobility, and it would draw traffic away from the HRBT, lessening traffic jams. Any HRBT widening project in the current footprint would disrupt the Willoughby area.
Senator John Miller and Delegate Paula Miller were present to support the project, stating that we need to plan for the future and not just alleviate current problems. Delegate Miller inquired if the HRBT project or the Third Crossing would be eligible to receive funding under the proposed stimulus programs from President-elect Barack Obama. Mr. Homer replied that neither project would be eligible as they are not ready for immediate construction.
Bobby Mathieson of Virginia Beach stressed that the community needs to continue to talk about solutions. Virginia Beach’s Vice Mayor Louis Jones stated that he did not support any project that was not previously supported by the MPO.
Norfolk councilman Randy Wright took a minute to publicly thank Mr. Homer for supporting the Norfolk Light Rail project.
Hampton councilwoman Angela Leary stressed that as a supporter of personal property rights, she would like to discuss further alternatives with Norfolk and the Peninsula.
Mr. Homer strongly supports a multi-modal tube in any expansion to make it more attractive to the Region.
Russell is a Political Science major at ODU, a Hampton Roads Magazine Top Ten Blogger at 757 Hampton Roads, and a Hampton Roads Partnership Intern.
Dec
09
The 2008 Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce (HRCC) Annual Meeting luncheon was held Tuesday, December 9th at the Chesapeake Conference Center.
Kristen Cavallo, Sr. VP of Business Development for The Martin Agency headquartered in Richmond VA served as keynote and spoke on “Marketing in Tough Times.” The S&P is down, media spending is down, and it’s difficult to prove that current advertising is even working. Cavallo encourages looking at the bad economy as an opportunity to build brand equity because competitors are shrinking their exposures. “Your share of voice increases by default,” says Cavallo.
Advertising is an investment, not an expense. Businesses stand to gain more as media is cheaper. Studies show an average of more than 250% in post-recession sales for those companies who increase their ad spending during recessions. Conversely, it will cost 4 to 5 times more in ad spending to regain that lost customer post-recession.
Cavallo offered ways to do this effectively and positively during a recession:
Maintaining SOV (Share of Value) is important and easier to do. During down economic times, you can reach more people more than ever because competitors aren’t. Cavallo suggests: take advantage of confusion, understand elasticity, protect your brand equity, shift emphasis and infiltrate conversations using “BUZZ,” i.e. getting people to talk about you in positive ways. In confusing times, people talk more to each other, hence social networking is more important than ever to businesses.
All of this is applicable to B2B (business to business) marketers as well. B2B audiences are more targeted; it is easier for marketers to know where they are and target them better, focusing in core customers.
Hampton Roads Partnership Board member and Regional President of BB&T, Robert Boyd was handed a huge gavel as 2009 Chair of HRCC, “to match his management style,” according to Grigsby Scifres, outgoing HRCC Chair, who ended with his view of the 2009 challenges facing the HRCC Board: Transportation and Sustainable Resources.
