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Tag: Hampton Roads Chamber

Economic Development 2023: BRYAN K. STEPHENS

Stephens has headed the Hampton Roads Chamber for the past 10 years, promoting business concerns in the region, home to Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval complex, as well as significant manufacturing and hospitality sectors. 

The chamber maintained its U.S. Chamber of Commerce five-star accreditation in 2022, placing it in the top 1% of all U.S. chambers. Over the past year, the organization revamped its civic leadership development program, Lead757, and refocused its diversity, equity and inclusion program to be more actionable for businesses.  

A retired Army colonel, Stephens has won numerous military awards and decorations and is a graduate of West Virginia University, Golden Gate University and the U.S. Army War College. He is a gubernatorial appointee to the Virginia Offshore Wind Development Authority and serves on boards for the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership and Lead Virginia.

TRAIT(S) I ADMIRE: Quiet confidence and fierce determination; humbleness

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: Significance in life comes from giving.

SOMETHING I’D NEVER DO AGAIN: Run a marathon

Hampton Roads Chamber exec retires

In her 33 years with the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center, Debra Hamilton Farley helped launch 252 businesses that created more than 9,000 jobs. Now, she’s taking a break — Farley retired on April 28.

“Debra’s contributions to the small businesses community she has served over her sterling career is invaluable,” said Bryan Stephens, president and CEO of the Hampton Roads Chamber, in a statement. “Her expertise and servant leadership has resulted in incalculable economic development but most importantly, it has resulted in enhanced quality of life for countless individuals in the small business community. She leaves a tremendous legacy!”

When she began her career with HRSDC, Farley was a client services administrator and rose to the role of assistant executive director. The HRSDC is a program of the Hampton Roads Chamber and part of the Virginia SBDC network.

“Debra’s commitment to her clients was unparalleled,” Jolie Spiers, executive director of the Hampton Roads SBDC and vice president of small business with the chamber, said in a statement. “She gave each of the businesses she worked with her full attention and every available resource to help them launch, grow and thrive. Her mission was to help people’s dreams come true; her experience and leadership will be missed.”

 

Hampton Roads Chamber’s 2022 Congressional Forum

The Hampton Roads Chamber’s annual congressional forum is scheduled for Nov. 21 and offers the chance to learn first-hand what is happening in Washington and how it affects the region.

Confirmed congressional representatives include:

U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, a Democrat representing Virginia’s 3rd District, and U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, a Republican representing Virginia’s 1st District.

Preregistration is required; costs are$50 for chamber members and $65 for prospective members. Table Sponsorship is $700. Register online here. The event is open to the public.