Norfolk Tourism Foundation names new director
The Norfolk Tourism Foundation and VisitNorfolk announced Thursday that Kelsey Backe is the foundation’s new director. “I am thrilled to be able to join the Norfolk Tourism Foundation and to put my skills to use supporting our current hospitality workers, our future hospitality workers and tourism research initiatives that will help our community invest wisely […]
ODU and IALR to launch manufacturing engineering tech degree
Old Dominion University will launch Virginia’s first four-year degree in manufacturing engineering technology (MfgET) at its Norfolk campus and a satellite campus at The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in Danville, the university announced Thursday. “This partnership reinforces Old Dominion University‘s commitment to workforce development and leadership in the mar[...]
Norfolk distribution center to create 200 jobs
A Massachusetts-based logistics services company plans to build a distribution and fulfillment center in Norfolk expected to produce 200 jobs, RoadOne IntermodaLogistics announced Tuesday. The company did not disclose the cost of the 340,000-square-foot facility, which will be six miles from the Port of Virginia’s terminals. It’s the fourth new transload facility RoadOne has added [&he[...]
Retaining walls
With COVID-19 limiting travel and site visits for companies considering coming to Hampton Roads, economic development officials focused on shoring up existing businesses in 2021. That strategy appears to have paid off, judging by the number of companies expanding throughout the region. “2021 has been a banner year for us,” says Norfolk Economic Development Director […]
Sentara CEO Kern announces retirement plans
Howard P. Kern, Sentara Healthcare’s president and CEO, announced his planned retirement Friday. A search for his replacement is already underway, the Norfolk-based health system said in a statement, and Kern will stay on until his replacement starts later this year. Having spent 42 years with Sentara in hospital administration, finance and insurance, Kern has […]
Chrysler Hall plans $76M upgrade
The Broadway blockbuster “Hamilton” generated more than $1.2 million in admissions taxes for Norfolk during its monthlong engagement at Chrysler Hall in December 2019. However, city officials warn that similar productions could bypass Norfolk unless the theater undergoes major renovations. City Manager Chip Filer has proposed $76 million in upgrades, including adding loading docks, expanding [[...]
The Visionary
The online version of this article includes additional material from Virginia Business’ interview with Pharrell Williams. Pharrell Williams is a 13-time Grammy winner, an Oscar nominee, a fashion designer, a film producer, a music superstar and innovator. He’s also a native Virginian — a point that comes across strongly when he discusses his business ventures […]
ODU’s Strome Center to host tech entrepreneur weekend
Old Dominion University’s Strome Entrepreneurial Center will hold its 3 Day Startup weekend entrepreneurship program, where participants develop and pitch a product, from Feb. 4 to Feb. 6. ODU previously held the program in 2018, 2019 and 2021. This year’s event is focused on technology solutions. Attendees form groups on Friday afternoon and begin to […]
Elizabeth River Crossings announces CEO
Elizabeth River Crossings OpCo LLC (ERC) has promoted Anna Bonet to CEO, the company announced Wednesday. ERC finances, operates and maintains the Elizabeth River Tunnels from Portsmouth to Norfolk. Bonet joined ERC as deputy CEO in September 2021 and worked with former CEO David Sullivan, who announced his retirement last week. “I remain committed to […]
Elizabeth River Crossings CEO announces retirement
Elizabeth River Crossings OpCo LLC (ERC) CEO David Sullivan announced his retirement, effective Jan. 21. ERC finances, operates and maintains the Elizabeth River Tunnels. A new CEO will be named next week. ERC owners Abertis Infraestructuras S.A. and Manulife Investment Management named Sullivan CEO in January 2021. He had previously served as director of revenue, […]
Youngkin announces transportation secretary
Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin announced Friday W. Sheppard “Shep” Miller III, former chairman of Virginia Beach-based defense contractor KITCO Fiber Optics, as his state secretary of transportation. “Shep will be an invaluable leader as secretary of transportation as we fulfill our promises to all Virginians to invest in roads, highways and transportation infrastructure in every corner […[...]
The Maury Building in Norfolk sells for nearly $4M
Williamsburg-based Alcove Corp. has acquired The Maury Building in Norfolk’s Interstate Corporate Center office park for $3.475 million. Alcove bought the 27,250-square-foot office building at 6300 Center Drive from Miami-based investment and development firm Adler Group. The building houses the Norfolk location of Fortis College, a national, privately owned for-profit college that holds a l[...]