Download the articles from the September 2010 issue of Southwest Airlines’ Spirit Magazine:

• Part 1) Meet Hampton Roads:  Virginia’s hub of convenience, commerce, and coastal charms. History, commerce, military power, and hometown hospitality intersect in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Freedom was won here, and independence was conceived here. Rob Cross, Virginia Arts Festival’s Executive and Artistic Director, is featured as Hampton Roads’ very own music man.
• Part 2) Live:  From waterside condos to downtown Victorians, lifestyle choices abound.
• Part 3) Work:  A strong military presence sets the pace. Hampton Roads is at the forefront of the art-meets-science modeling and simulation industry, initially supported by the military and now heavily used in commercial transportation, medicine, and other fields. A hub for healthcare, too.
• Part 4) Play:  From boardwalks to Broadway, there’s no shortage of entertainment in Hampton Roads. The Sporting Life: Hampton Roads takes sports seriously. Passionate fans make up for the absence of a big-league franchise with their support for a wide range of collegiate and amateur athletics as well as minor league competition.
• Part 5) Eat:  Seafood naturally, but so much more.
• Part 6) Sleep:  The past never sleeps at these historic inns, but you can.

Link to more on “Meet Hampton Roads from the air“

Save the Hampton Roads Film Office

The Cheroenhaka (pronounced CHAIR-IN-HOCK-AH), or “People at the Fork of the Stream,” will celebrate the Commonwealth of Virginia’s formal recognition as a tribe and 430 years of documented ethno-history with traditional dancing, foods, artifacts, arts and crafts and more in a family-friendly atmosphere. Master of ceremonies will be Jerome “Good Eagle” Kays.

The Fairgrounds are located 1.5 miles South on New Market Road off Highway 58 in Courtland, Virginia. For more information, contact Powwow Chairman, Vice Chief Ellis “Soaring Eagle” Wright at (434) 658-4796 or Chief Walt “Red Hawk” Brown at (757) 562-7760 or wdbrowniii@aol.com.

The Cheroenhaka Tribal Website: http://www.cheroenhaka-nottoway.org

Members of the Cheroenhaka, recognized tribe of Virginia, with Regional Crier at Vision Hampton Roads Regional Day. Photo courtesy of Bob Harper.

Hampton, Virginia Hosts Huge 400^th Anniversary Weekend Celebration July 9-11, 2010
–Highlights include the Blackbeard Pirate Festival, live music, fireworks–

Hampton, VA- This July 9-11, Hampton, Virginia will celebrate its 400^th anniversary in grandiose style, complete with a festival, fireworks, live music, cake, and more. The event, which spans the entire weekend, will take place during one of Hampton’s most popular festivals, the 11^th annual Blackbeard Pirate Festival. Unless noted, all events are free and open to the public.

The 400^th anniversary celebration festivities “unofficially” kicked off Thursday night with the 11^th annual Grand Pirates Ball (business casual, creative black tie or period attire) at the Crowne Plaza Hampton Marina Hotel, located at 700 Settlers Landing Road in downtown Hampton.  The ball, a recreation of Blackbeard’s Party at Okracoke, will feature sea chanties, food, libations, and more.

That evening, The American Theatre hosted a very special viewing of the film “Hampton:  From the Sea to the Stars”, a documentary featuring local historian John Quarstein. U.S. Senator Mark Warner was in attendance along with other local dignitaries. The premiere of the film, which provides an overview of the qualities and resources that make Hampton a special place, is sponsored by the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute. The film will air on WHRO and other PBS affiliates on Monday, July 12.

Friday, July 9, 2010
At 12:00 noon, Hampton Mayor Molly Joseph Ward will officially introduce Hampton’s 400^th Anniversary Weekend at the Hampton Maritime Center, located at 710 Settlers Landing Road on the Hampton waterfront. The introduction will include the dedication of Hampton’s historical marker series, created specifically for the 400^th anniversary, and produced in partnership with Civil War Trails. There are 65 markers total, each highlighting historical sites in Phoebus, Buckroe, Aberdeen Gardens, Fox Hill, Downtown Hampton, and other sites in the city.

During the welcome, the Colonial Seaport Foundation will introduce a recreation of an 18^th century Customs House. The interactive, traveling display will stay on exhibit at the Hampton Public Piers throughout the weekend, helping to educate visitors regarding the role of the customs officer.

Following the noon ceremony, join roughly 50,000 other seafaring attendees, as Blackbeard (personified by first person interpreter Ben Cherry) and his crew once again invade downtown Hampton during the 11^th annual Blackbeard Pirate Festival! The free festival officially opens in Mill Point Park.

The rest of the day will include activities such as extemporized street skirmishes between pirates and militia (costumed interpreters), a replica of Blackbeard’s pirate camp (complete with living history interpreters teaching the skills of the sailor circa 1700), and the trial and escape of William Howard, one of Blackbeard’s fellow pirates with ties to Hampton. Interact with Blackbeard and more than 100 other authentically costumed pirate re-enactors as they run rampant on the cobblestone streets of America’s oldest continuously English speaking settlement.

Later in the evening, Queens Way will be rocking with live music and libations. At 9:30 p.m., a ten-minute fireworks display will take place over the Hampton River. The show can be seen throughout all of downtown Hampton, including Queens Way, however the best site for viewing the fireworks is Mill Point Park (100 Eaton Street Hampton, VA 23669). Don’t forget to check out the tall ships that will be on display along the downtown Hampton waterfront the entire weekend, towering over more than 50 pirate-decorated private sail and powerboats.

Saturday, July 10, 2010
On Saturday, July 10, the Blackbeard Pirate Festival continues with an exhilarating re-enactment of the classic sea battle between Lt. Maynard and Blackbeard, featuring two full – scale replica vessels in the Hampton Harbor. At the conclusion of the sea battle a presentation ceremony will take place in which Blackbeard’s severed head will be bestowed upon Virginia Governor Alexander Spotswood (1710-1722).

Other Saturday amusements include jugglers, musicians, a pirate procession, street entertainers, and a very special pirate-themed Summer Street Fest (a free seasonal street party with live music that takes place every Saturday night on Queens Way in downtown Hampton April – September) from 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Also that evening, St. John’s Episcopal Church (the oldest continuous speaking English-speaking parish in the U.S.) will host a Celebration Dinner 6:00 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hampton Marina Hotel. Special guest is The Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church, USA, The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts- Schori. The cost to attend the dinner is $30.00 per person. For further information, contact St. John’s Church at 757/722-2567 or office@stjohnshampton.org.

Saturday’s festivities conclude, much like Friday’s, with a fireworks display over the Hampton River. It begins at 9:30 p.m. and will span about 15-minutes. Finish off the night at the Saturday Summer Street Fest on Queen Way until 11:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 11, 2010
The Blackbeard Pirate Festival continues on Sunday. If you have little ones, you will be sure to want to check out the Little Swashbuckler’s Stage, located in the children’s area. The stage will host several performances on Sunday, including a puppet show and a variety of musical acts. There will also be a number of inflatable rides, hands-on crafts, contests, and a treasure dig.

In addition, festival attendees will have the opportunity to stroll through Blackbeard’s Pirate Camp where they can learn how to use a cutlass, load a cannon, or even sing a sea chantey at Pirate’s Cove. Inside Pirate’s Cove is The Bunch of Grapes Tavern, an actual recreation of Hampton’s original Bunch of Grapes Tavern from the 1700s.

At 10:00 a.m., St. John’s Episcopal Church will host a 400^th Anniversary Service with Presiding Bishop, The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts-Schori and The Rt. Rev. Herman Hollerith, IV, Diocese of Southern Virginia. Many of Hampton’s city leaders will also be in attendance.

Following the service, the Virginia Air & Space Center will host a reception with a special anniversary cake prepared by Charm City Cakes, the bakery featured on Food Network’s reality television program entitled “Ace of Cakes.” Charm City Cakes has decorated and designed cakes for Superbowl XLI, Baltimore Zoo, and the premiere of “Kung-Fu Panda”, among countless others. The reception begins at 12:00 noon and is free and open to the public. The Blackbeard Pirate Festival concludes at 4:00 p.m.

For more information, contact the Hampton Visitor Center at 757-727-1102 or visit www.Hampton400.com or www.BlackBeardPirateFestival.com.

Hampton, Virginia, the oldest continuous English speaking settlement in North America, celebrates four centuries of history in 2010.  We invite you to “Explore Old Worlds, New Worlds, Our World.”  The Explore Hampton 2010 committee consists of Hampton citizens and representatives of businesses, churches, neighborhoods, Hampton University and the City of Hampton. For information on upcoming Explore Hampton initiatives, visit www. Hampton400.

The Southeast Virginia Tourism Alliance (SEVTA), Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce (HRCC), Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance (HREDA), and Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce (VPCC) have announced that Southwest Airlines will feature Hampton Roads in the September 2010 issue of its award‐winning in-flight magazine, Spirit.

Consisting of 20+ pages, “Meet Hampton Roads” – as an in-depth feature – will take a comprehensive look at the economic drivers and industry sectors that shape the lifestyles and business landscape of the region and highlight local economic development initiatives with specific focus on the tourism industry, education and healthcare resources, real estate and technology. Unique characteristics of Hampton Roads that heighten the quality of life here will also be featured, such as award-winning attractions, numerous dining and shopping options, festivals and special events.

This is an ideal opportunity to showcase the unique combination of culture, business and lifestyle that make America’s First Region, in the Heart of the Mid‐Atlantic, one of the nation’s most viable and vibrant places to visit, live, work, and prosper.

It is phenomenal editorial coverage for our area. Support for this effort may be made through the submission of story ideas or through the purchase of advertising space in the publication. By taking advantage of the promotional potential of this feature, we can differentiate the region and its unique competitive advantages and help answer the question: “Where (and What) is Hampton Roads?”

According to materials provided by Southwest Airlines, they are the number one domestic airline with over 11 million monthly passengers and the market leader in and out of Norfolk International Airport. Spirit Magazine has a measured monthly readership of 3.2 million, making this a powerful venue for promoting our area’s businesses, schools, and organizations. Southwest Airlines Spirit readers are sophisticated, upscale consumers and business leaders who fly regularly. This feature will put Hampton Roads front and center, reaching higher-tier business leaders and corporate decision-makers who are directly responsible for their companies’ purchasing, expansion and relocation to new areas. Spirit readers are nearly five times more likely to be C-Level leadership than the average U.S. consumer. Plus, airline customers are the most active leisure travelers who will bring tourism dollars to our market.

In addition to being featured in the September issue, which will be available in the seat-back pockets on all aircraft in the Southwest fleet, “Meet Hampton Roads” will also be available for one year on Spirit Magazine’s website, spiritmag.com.

This is a strong opportunity to present Hampton Roads to a broad national and international audience. Editorial questions or suggestions may be submitted to destinationpubs@paceco.com. For questions about advertising with the feature, please contact Chris Denby with Spirit Magazine and the Destination Publishing Group at chris.denby@paceco.com. Magazine staff is teaming with local writers for this effort.

The Virginia Maritime Association (VMA) recently celebrated its 90^th year as the “Voice of the Port.” VMA presented its “Distinguished Service Award” to Rick Knapp, who retired in 2009 as Chief Operating Officer of Virginia International Terminals following a 38-year career in Virginia’s maritime industry.  The VMA also presented its “Port Champion” award to the Honorable Bob Purkey, Virginia House of Delegates, 82^nd District.

Governor Bob McDonnell participated in the celebration as the keynote speaker and witnessed Captain J. William Cofer, President of VMA, make the awards presentations in front of an audience of 950 at the Association’s 90^th Annual Maritime Banquet the evening of May 13 at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott.   Mr. Knapp and Delegate Purkey were presented with Resolutions of Appreciation for their respective and unique contributions promoting, protecting and encouraging the Port of Hampton Roads.

The Virginia Maritime Association (VMA) was organized in 1920 to promote, protect and encourage international and domestic commerce through the Port of Virginia.

With a membership of over 400 companies, employing over 70,000 Virginians, the VMA continues to be the “Voice of the Port” for progressive development of our waterfront and Virginia’s maritime industry. The VMA seeks and advocates the continued growth of the Port and related commercial activity and plays a significant leadership role to ensure that Virginia remains competitive as it relates to waterborne commerce.

Regional Day was a time to share information, provoke ideas and collaborate in shaping the future of Hampton Roads. The 2010 festivities included a “Regional Crier” taking a roll-call vote from each local government’s chief elected official (or their designee) to support the “Declaration of Interdependence,” a regional compact for our municipalities addressing such issues as legislative unity, education, public safety, transportation, and public communication.

Downloads available:

• Photos from the event;
• “Declaration of Interdependence”;
• What is Vision Hampton Roads? one-page flyer;
• Vision Hampton Roads Dashboard; and
• Remarks from the event organizer by Dana Dickens, President & CEO of Hampton Roads Partnership, and text from the Declaration of Interdependence signing ceremony.

Panoramic view of the crowd. Photo courtesy of Chris Bonney.

From opening remarks by Dana Dickens:

Hampton Roads is a region of interdependent communities; each benefiting from the others’ success, suffering from their losses. It is: Beaches and boats. Forts and families. Roller coasters and rivers. Planes and performers. Agriculture and arts. History and innovation. The power of interdependence with a strong sense of community and diversity, now powered by a vision. A Vision that is a clear concept, a foresight, an ideal to strive for, a common direction.

Albert Einstein said: “The significant problems we have cannot be solved at the same level of thinking with which we created them.”

What brings us here today is a new Vision for Hampton Roads, a different level of thinking ‐ and doing ‐ that will help us resolve issues and solve problems in a very different way, in a more interdependent way. A different way that we sorely need in today’s new economy, where commerce is indifferent to municipal boundaries. Read more.

Regional Crier in full regalia. Photo courtesy of Bob Harper.

From the Regional Crier:

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

As Regional Crier and an ardent patriot and citizen of the great Commonwealth of Virginia, it is a high honor indeed to be with you today for this region’s Declaration of Interdependence.

Bright minds with broad vision make this day possible as they did on July 4th 1776. What is right, what is prudent and what is just, today becomes formally enacted.

This Declaration of Interdependence officially begins an expedition for a greater good for all who reside in this region. Great men and women of vision, trust and leadership throughout all of Hampton Roads declare a simple enduring truth…Hampton Roads is all for one while being one for all!

Celebrate a new day, a new era and a renewed passion for growth and opportunity.

Signing of the Declaration of Interdependence by the 17 communities of Hampton Roads and Gov. Bob McDonnell. Click here for a Virtual Scroll. Photo courtesy of Chris Bonney.

More from the Regional Crier:

May it be recorded that on this day, May the sixth of two thousand and ten, that self interest has been replaced by the greater good. That, heretofore, competitive communities are united and committed to pursuing competitive opportunities and jobs. That safety and education are regional priorities of shared concern. And, that regional transportation solutions are at the core of these resolutions.

Henceforth we speak together as one region, and we will act together as one region. Together, we ensure a wonderful future.

Ladies and Gentlemen, How do you vote?

Franklin City – “In 39 years, from town to city, Franklin is a friendly community, a place where life is gentle, fun and prosperous.” What say you, The Honorable James P. Councill, III of Franklin? Read more.

Hon. Thelma Drake, Director of DRPT, introduces Gov. Bob McDonnell.	Gov. Bob McDonnell speaks at Vision Hampton Roads Regional Day. Both photos courtesy of Bob Harper.

From Gov. Bob McDonnell’s remarks:

Many years ago regionalism meant “getting the other cities to do what you want them to do,” noting times have changed in this “extraordinary region.” The Regional Competitiveness Act (1996) was a modest effort by the Commonwealth. “I applaud you for your good work to make this day come to pass.”

The Governor quoted scripture, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18) and then suggested an addition:  “With a vision, the people flourish.”

The Governor also quoted an unknown source:  “If you want to be incrementally better: Be competitive. If you want to be exponentially better: Be cooperative.”

Adding he’d like to see Hampton Roads fully utilize the region’s assets and “there is much to be done,” McDonnell said, “It is in this Vision, this comprehensive strategy.”

When the Governor made reference to his goal of making Virginia, with the largest number of veterans per capita, the most veteran-friendly state in the union, the Regional Crier rang his bell and the crowd roared with applause.

The Governor agreed:  Hampton Roads is unique with industry sectors of energy, biotech, modeling and simulation and healthcare, and he sees great potential in the region’s “pursuit of exceptionalism.” He added that “putting people back to work is the quickest way to improve their quality of life,” citing his election mantra, “Bob’s for Jobs,” and joking that everyone is changing their name to “Bob.”

The General Assembly was asked to have vision dealing with the $4B budget shortfall. With $70M in new monies  such as the Governor’s Opportunity Fund, tax incentives and more, McDonnell stated, “I have more tools than any Governor in Virginia history to promote Virginia as the place to do business.” Some of the monies are earmarked for opening trade offices in China, India and the United Kingdom in order “to tell the Virginia story.”

“I’m tired of seeing Michigan commercials in Virginia; I want to see Virginia ads in Michigan,” McDonnell lamented.

We must incentivize small business. “71% of every new job in Virginia is a small business,” said the Governor. Noting it is “smart business” for institutions of higher education to align educational programs with the region’s economic needs, he noted the strategic plan, Vision Hampton Roads, as their resource.

Another peal of the Regional Crier’s bell came when the Governor told the crowd the Secretary of Transportation has been asked to put Route 460, critically important to the region for the military, disaster evacuation and the port, at the top of the priority list. The Governor also applauded regional cooperation on passenger rail as “a great example of the region working together.”

The Governor concluded his remarks with, “you can count on me,” adding the State will be a partner in all that Hampton Roads does with Vision. Pointing to the Vision Dashboard provided at every table, he said the region is behind Virginia in some measures, and this is the incentive to not compete inter-regionally but to cooperate as a region.

Head table (L to R): Don Seale, Norfolk Southern Corporation; Gov. McDonnell; Craig Camuso, CSX Transportation; Hon. Thelma Drake, DRPT; standing, Dana Dickens, Hampton Roads Partnership (HRP); Jack Ezzell, ZEL Technologies; Bob Gittler, U.S. Dept. of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration; and Eric Price, “Regional Crier.” Photo courtesy of Bob Harper.

Dickens concluded with:

The 70s was the first time we heard the reference “the Decade of ME” and that single‐minded focus stayed with us for decades. With the Governor’s permission, I’m declaring this as the “Decade of WE.” (Now that’s spelled W‐E, not W‐i‐i like the game.)

Collaboration is king. Collaboration is transformational. Collaboration reinforces the understanding that strong global forces affect us all, and we must build on our local assets accordingly.

If you’re interested in making a good living and living a good life in Hampton Roads, then please spread the Vision and get involved. Join a Task Force. Volunteer your time. Share the message. Let’s all continue on our path forward as we Think, Live and Act Regionally.

The Cheroenhaka, recognized tribe of Virginia, with Regional Crier. Photo courtesy of Bob Harper.

Regional organizations shared information with the public in attendance. Photo courtesy of Chris Bonney.

Download photos from the event here.

A group of Hampton citizens recently embarked on an ambitious project to restore gravestones in a historic cemetery on King Street located next to the Armory building, which is home to several prominent local black leaders such as Mary Peake.  On the day before Easter, as a gift to those buried in the cemetery, Bob Martin, Tony Sykes, W.L. Patrick, and father and son team Marvin and Tyrell Gilliam cleaned away decades of grime that had accumulated on gravestones, revealing the names written underneath.

The volunteer team partnered with Hampton Parks and Recreation to accomplish the cleaning effort, with volunteers providing cleaning supplies, materials and manpower, and Parks and Recreation providing the use of a city truck with a pressure washing system, operated that day by Senior Parks Technician Donald White. The team worked for seven hours to clean the gravestones, soaking them in a mold treating solution, hand scrubbing the stones, and finally using a pressure washer to rinse them. Mary Smith Peake Photo credit: Hampton University Museum Archives

The idea for the project arose one day while Martin walked through the cemetery, noticing that it was impossible to read the names on many of the headstones.

“There’s so much history in that cemetery — Hampton history and African American history,” he said.  “We wanted people to be able to identify the names on the stones so that they could learn about these people who played such a large part in building our city.”

The King Street cemetery is a predominantly African American cemetery and is the resting place of local leaders such as Mary Peake, who founded the first school for blacks in Hampton, and John Phillips, Hampton’s first African-American City Council member and vice mayor.

“This is an amazing place,” Martin said of the cemetery.  “Many of these people here were not born free or had parents who weren’t born free.  This is a part of our history that we need to pass on to our young people.”

The team wasn’t able to clean every stone in the cemetery but have plans to do so in the future.

“This is an ongoing project,” Martin explained.  “We want to clean the rest of the gravestones and mow and weed the entire cemetery.  We also want to repair stones that have been damaged and reset stones that have fallen over.”

Martin is no stranger to cemetery maintenance work.  As a volunteer for the Association for the Restoration of Historical Cemeteries, Martin works with other local residents to maintain the historic cemeteries on King Street and behind the bus station on Pembroke Avenue.  The association, led by Dr. Mary T. Christian for the past 20 years, performs regular upkeep of the cemeteries, striving to restore dignity to those resting there.

Martin hopes that more people will become involved in preserving these historical landmarks, especially the younger generations.

“It’s important to know your own history,” Martin said.  “We travel all over the U.S. learning about the history of other places but a lot of times we don’t even know about the history in our own town.  It’s time we changed that.”

Story and cemetery photos courtesy of the City of Hampton.

Patchwork Nation is a collaborative project which classifies each of America’s 3,142 counties into 12 community types using demographic, political and socioeconomic data. The project tracks 24 representative communities to see how economic trends play out at the local level and analyzes national data by community type to give the big picture more context. Hampton Roads, as a whole, represents one of those community type:  “Military Bastion.”

The communities of Hampton, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg represent “Military Bastions” on their own.

James City County and Newport News represent fast-growing Boom Towns. The city of Chesapeake has been identified as a religious Evangelical Epicenter.

Minority Central is home to large pockets of African Americans and represented in the region by the city of Franklin and Southampton, Surry and York Counties. While wealthier Monied Burbs are found in Suffolk, Gloucester and Isle of Wight Counties.

Chinni and Shoup’s Patchwork Nation tour, facilitated by the Hampton Roads Partnership and local public broadcaster WHRO, consisted of:

• A birds’ eye view of Hampton Roads from the Norfolk International Terminals’ tower, the tallest point on the harbor. The tour of the Port of Virginia continued dockside to see the full scope of the massive Suez-class cranes. NIT is home to fourteen of these, the biggest, most efficient cranes in the world. An interview was conducted with Jeff Keever, Senior Deputy Executive Director of the Virginia Port Authority, including a discussion of the port’s Craney Island expansion.

  

• A visit to at the world’s largest naval base in Norfolk and the destroyer USS Bainbridge, most famous for its recent involvement in the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips of the commercial vessel Maersk Alabama who was kidnapped by pirates off the coast of Somalia. Interviews were conducted with the boat’s sailor of the year and several of his shipmates, highlighting the wide diversity among military personnel. Access for videotaping of the docked Nimitz-class Nuclear Aircraft Carriers (CVN) was also made available.

  

• Travel to Virginia Beach, the most populated city in Virginia boasting the longest pleasure beach in the world. The Hilton at 31st and Ocean was gracious enough to provide access to the upper club room floor to get a view from the tallest hotel at the oceanfront, thwarted only by one of the beach’s famous fast-moving fog banks.
• Greg Grootendorst, Chief Economist for the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, provided an interview on economic data points about the region from the balcony of the World Trade Center overlooking a cruise ship in dry dock for ship repair, Town Point Park, the Half Moone Cruise Terminal and the Nauticus in downtown Norfolk.

  

• Frank Roberts, Executive Director of the Hampton Roads Military & Federal Facilities Alliance, provided an interview on the positive effects of the military presence in the region and the possible outcomes of any loss of significant assets, such as the move of an aircraft carrier to another homeport.

  

• Betty Grey Waring, Chief of Operations of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Norfolk District, shared information on the Corps’ work maintaining the natural harbor as one of the world’s deepest.

Chinni and Shoup were also honored guests at WHRO’s Hunter B. Andrews Dinner with featured Guest Susan Stamberg of National Public Radio (NPR) who was in Norfolk for an event at the Chrysler Museum.

On the last stop of their trip, Sue Wyatt, Director of Military Affairs for the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, talked about veteran’s employment, the tight-knit connection between community and military and the impact the bases have on the local economy and supports afforded service members who transition out of the military.

When asked why many exiting military members, who have traveled the world, remain in Hampton Roads after their service, Wyatt said she is told:  weather and family connections but, more importantly, the quality of life or “feel” of the region as family-oriented and knowing one’s neighbor. Chinni also noted that as the Department of Defense subcontracts out more work, the civilian sector grows with more job opportunities for the transitioning service member.

During the trip, Chinni appeared on the April 27th Hearsay with Cathy Lewis public affairs radio show and was joined by Dana Dickens, President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Partnership, and former Virginian-Pilot reporter Alex Marshall, now with the Regional Plan Association , an independent organization established in 1922 to improve the quality of life in the 31-county New York-New Jersey-Connecticut metropolitan area.

The show’s discussion centered around Hampton Roads’ dominant designation of “Military Bastion” and consideration of the question of Hampton Roads’ regional identity.

Chinni pointed to military spending in the region, direct and indirect, which provides a very important buffer in economic downturns that other regions do not have.

Hopkinsville, KY, home to the Army’s Fort Campbell, is the other “Military Bastion” specifically tracked by Patchwork Nation. In comparison to Hopkinsville, Chinni said Hampton Roads has a much different feel with more military brass, and the military is not the sole focus of the regional economy. Hampton Roads has diverse community types within the greater region and such diversity makes a single regional identity difficult. For regionalism to work, a region’s differences must be acknowledged, and, according to Chinni, Hampton Roads is a “perfect region” due to its wealth of diversity.

Marshall, a Hampton Roads native, said, that although the region may not be as hip as New York City, “I appreciate it [Hampton Roads] more, as often happens when you leave somewhere…it’s a great area. People should take pride and happiness in it.” Regional planning requires a holistic approach when appropriate, for instance, planning airports and highways, said Marshall. The key to U.S. innovation is true regional strategies, even mega regions; however, the nation isn’t oriented politically to do this. Perhaps the region could connect itself as a super region with the Raleigh-Durham area, although transportation is a barrier, added Marshall.

Callers’ comments offered their definitions of the region’s identity and included: “conglomerated separateness,” “blend of north and south,” “crossroads of sweet and unsweetened tea drinkers.”

Dickens, responding to a caller comment about the perception of the region as a lot of different places vying for control, never getting anything done and the need for regional governance, explained there were many opportunities for efficiencies within the region, such as for transportation solutions. Officials are elected for a specific jurisdiction and citizens want to keep their government close to home. The region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, Vision Hampton Roads, is all about economic vitality and interdependence of our many communities, said Dickens.

“Aligning the region under common goals and objectives to move the economic ‘needle’ – better than disjointed activities – is something everyone can agree on,” added Dickens.

Dickens also shared that regional cooperation is happening, and we don’t take enough credit for it as a region. He reinforced the idea that Hampton Roads is a “Military Bastion” as well as a significant harbor community – why the Port of Virginia is located here and tourists are drawn to the area. These three sectors make up the region’s economy, and Vision Hampton Roads is focused on building on these great assets and diversifying in areas such as energy and innovation (technology, bioscience, modeling and simulation, sensors and healthcare), said Dickens.

Dickens invited listeners to Vision Hampton Roads Regional Day on May 6th for the official roll-out of the plan. The event includes a keynote by Gov. McDonnell and the signing of a regional Declaration of Interdependence, reinforcing the axiom that what happens in one community ripples across the entire region and the many opportunities there are for working together.

When asked who speaks (or should speak) for Hampton Roads, Chinni pointed out that in most regions, including those that cross state borders, are usually led by a non-political economic development person who focuses on maximizing the economy and marketing the region.

The final interview of the trip took place on a dock in Hampton’s downtown marina in the shadow of the Virginia Air and Space Museum. Shoup served as interviewer, and Chinni, the interviewee, assessed his impression of Hampton Roads. These video interviews will be made available at a later date and may appear on the nightly PBS NewsHour.

Missy Schmidt, Communication Manager for the Hampton Roads Partnership and Patchwork Nation blogger with SmartRegion.org, acted as guide for the Patchwork Nation project for three days at the end of April 2010. For more photos of the tour, visit Flickr.

Place:  Chesapeake Conference Center, 900 Greenbrier Circle, Chesapeake, Virginia

RSVP by:  Friday, April 30, 2010 at  VisionHamptonRoads.com

Make valuable connections at Regional Day. This inaugural event brings business and civic leaders, government and citizens together to learn more about the region, build relationships, share ideas and celebrate “living regionally” and the comprehensive “Vision” for our region’s economic future.

Regional Day is a time to share information, provoke ideas and collaborate among the region’s citizens, elected officials, municipal and public agency representatives and anyone else who has an interest in the future of Hampton Roads and wants to be involved in shaping that future.

During the event, mayors and other elected officials will sign an official “Declaration of Interdependence,” a regional compact for our municipalities addressing such issues as legislative unity, education, transportation, public safety and public communication. Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell will deliver the keynote address. Breakfast will be served.

This event is open to the public. To register, visit: VisionHamptonRoads.com and click on “Register for Regional Day” or call the Hampton Roads Chamber’s Reservation Hotline at (757) 664-2558, dial extension 5.

This event is brought to you by the Hampton Roads Partnership in collaboration with:

• Franklin/Southampton Area County Chamber of Commerce
• Future of Hampton Roads
• Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance
• Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement
• Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce
• Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance
• Hampton Roads Planning District Commission/ Transportation Planning Organization
• Isle of Wight/Smithfield/Windsor Chamber of Commerce
• Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
• WHRO’s Center for Regional Citizenship

Thank you to our Regional Champions:  CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Corporation.

What is Vision Hampton Roads? Against a backdrop of challenging economic conditions, community leaders and organizations throughout the Hampton Roads region collaborated to create Vision Hampton Roads, a five-year plan, developed with input from the public, for expanding and diversifying the local economy and positioning Hampton Roads as a strong, competitive and internationally recognized presence and global thought leader. It is the goal of Vision Hampton Roads that Hampton Roads will be recognized as a region fueled by innovation, intellectual and human capital, viable infrastructure and a strong sense of place. Achieving this vision will call for careful and continuous planning, diligent governance, dynamic regional cooperation and engaged citizens. To learn more and download a one-page flyer, visit VisionHamptonRoads.com.