Make valuable connections at Regional Day on Thursday, May 6 from 8:00-10:30a.m. at the Chesapeake Conference Center in Chesapeake, Virginia.
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.
Festivities will include 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. Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell will deliver the keynote address. Breakfast will be served. This event is open to the public.
To register as an individual ($25) or sponsor a table ($500), 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. Visit VisionHamptonRoads.com to see the final document and implementation plan.
Showing posts with label virginia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label virginia. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Vision Hampton Roads is ready; Governor McDonnell Speaks at Regional Day
Saturday, October 25, 2008
My High School's 30th Class Reunion
Recently attended my high school class reunion. Central High School, that is. Home of the "Fighting Falcons," although I was never sure what we were fighting about.
30 years. wow! Attendance was fairly poor. My guess is that with everyone's busy lives, taking a weekend in the fall to re-visit people you may not have seen (nor really care to see) in 5, 10, 15, even 30 years is not a high priority. My family still lives in town, so I had a dual purpose from my trip.
As you can tell from my hometown's webpage banner, Shenandoah County is fairly rural. I was born and raised in the county seat, Woodstock. Attended K-12 there, although Kindergarten at that time was called "Head Start" and not everyone was able to go.
I was so busy talking that I forgot to take pictures. Luckily, Bert accompanied me (poor guy) and took a few group shots. After a bunch of them, no one was looking in the same direction at the same time nor with their eyes open. So photography was not a strong point of the reunion. I'm hoping someone else took some decent pics.
Here's a close-up from one of the group shots. That's me and Jeff; he's making me laugh as usual. Jeff is my friend who lived in Japan for many years. I visited him, and his now wife Hee, in Japan right before he moved back to the States.
Good times. But, as the saying goes: you can't go home again. I like where we are now:
Monday, October 20, 2008
Fast Facts About Norfolk Virginia
Norfolk is one of the top 10 markets for business relocation and expansion, according to Expansion Management Magazine. USA Today called Norfolk one of the Top 10 booming downtowns, recognizing a decades-long housing, retail and financial boom in Norfolk.
Norfolk Virginia is a city of some 238,832 residents and encompasses 66 square miles. It has seven miles of Chesapeake Bay beachfront and a total of 144 miles of shoreline along our lakes, rivers and the Bay. Much of this land is located in residential neighborhoods.
Norfolk is home to the world’s largest naval base and the North American Headquarters for NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization).
By 2010, Norfolk International Terminal will complete a 300-acre expansion, making it the largest inter-model center in the U.S.
Norfolk is home of the USS Wisconsin battleship and a booming cruise port. Ocean-going cruise vessels of up to 3,000 passengers regularly stop at the pier downtown.
Norfolk is home to the Virginia Opera, the Virginia Stage Company, the Virginia Symphony. Chrysler Hall, Chrysler Museum of Art, the Douglas MacArthur Memorial, and Nauticus, the National Maritime Center.
Norfolk has been recognized as a Tree City and its neighborhoods have extensive trees and flowers. It is home to the Norfolk Botanical Garden.
Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University and a new downtown campus of Tidewater Community College are located in Norfolk and Wesleyan College is located on the border between Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
Eastern Virginia Medical School and its four internationally recognized research institutes are located in Norfolk, as is Sentara Health System, DePaul Medical Center-Bon Secours and Virginia’s only free-standing, full-service pediatric hospital, Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters.
Norfolk Virginia is a city of some 238,832 residents and encompasses 66 square miles. It has seven miles of Chesapeake Bay beachfront and a total of 144 miles of shoreline along our lakes, rivers and the Bay. Much of this land is located in residential neighborhoods.
Norfolk is home to the world’s largest naval base and the North American Headquarters for NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization).
By 2010, Norfolk International Terminal will complete a 300-acre expansion, making it the largest inter-model center in the U.S.
Norfolk is home of the USS Wisconsin battleship and a booming cruise port. Ocean-going cruise vessels of up to 3,000 passengers regularly stop at the pier downtown.
Norfolk is home to the Virginia Opera, the Virginia Stage Company, the Virginia Symphony. Chrysler Hall, Chrysler Museum of Art, the Douglas MacArthur Memorial, and Nauticus, the National Maritime Center.
Norfolk has been recognized as a Tree City and its neighborhoods have extensive trees and flowers. It is home to the Norfolk Botanical Garden.
Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University and a new downtown campus of Tidewater Community College are located in Norfolk and Wesleyan College is located on the border between Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
Eastern Virginia Medical School and its four internationally recognized research institutes are located in Norfolk, as is Sentara Health System, DePaul Medical Center-Bon Secours and Virginia’s only free-standing, full-service pediatric hospital, Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Virginia Ideas Forum, what a brilliant idea!
Pardon the pun, but truly ... what a "brilliant" idea ... for the Commonwealth of Virginia to create a simple web tool to ask citizens for their ideas. Ideas that can be discussed, expanded upon and, potentially, acted upon.
I signed up for a free account. You should, too. Just click on the icon above and get to generating that next great idea!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Virginia Association of Broadcasters Awards in Virginia Beach
Keynote speaker and recipient of the Distinguished Virginian Award, author David Baldacci.
Walking the red carpet: Bert (CEO of WHRO), Producer/Director Amy Broad, Director of WHRO's Center for Regional Citizenship Kelly Jackson and me
WHRO cast of characters: Daniel and Michelle Harrell, Heather and Matt Mazzoni (reformed WHRO staffer, now of BlackHawk!)
The WHRO table.
Missy and Amy enjoy wine.
And the winners are:
Bert, Kelly and Amy show off the Best TV Documentary award for "Fortress Monroe: Kingdom by the Sea".
Michelle wins for Best Radio Documentary: "Hampton Roads Heroes".
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Live passionately, just don't share symbolism with gangs
By MICHELLE E. SHAW, The Virginian-Pilot © August 18, 2007
The state’s new tourism slogan, “Live passionately,” almost died Friday.
The catch phrase, featured on promotional material, was accompanied by a hand gesture that has been associated with a decades-old gang that has members scattered across the United States.
Virginia Tourism Corp. officials decided to alter the images used in the ad campaign rather than scrap the idea.
The gesture, a heart made from both thumbs and index fingers, is one of many associated with the Gangster Disciples, according to several Web sites and the Virginia Gang Investigators Association.
The FBI Web site classifies the Gangster Disciples as “one of the most violent of four African-American gangs that hang out on the south side of Chicago.”
“Out of respect to those who have concerns about the use of this symbol, we will adjust the creative images in our ad campaign to eliminate any further misinterpretation of the heart/hand symbol,” said Alisa Bailey, president of the state’s tourism marketer, in an e-mail. “We regret if anyone interpreted the symbol as anything other than a symbol of love, as was intended.”
About $400,000 was spent on developing the campaign, not including ad buys, Bailey said earlier this week. By Friday afternoon, the pictures in question had been replaced with generic images or portraits of the same models – minus the hand gesture. No additional money was spent to make the change, Bailey said in a separate statement.
“We were able to use existing photography, so it was an easy change,” she said.
BCF of Virginia Beach developed the campaign. Art Webb, the company’s president, said he had “no idea things could go in this direction.”
“This is the first campaign that we’ve done that uses a hand gesture,” he said. “We ran it through a number of tourism industry leaders, and it was well received.”
Members of the Virginia Gang Investigators Association, a coalition of law enforcement officers, alerted various state officials on more than one occasion this week about the campaign, said Keith Applewhite, the association’s vice president. One of those calls was to the governor’s office, he said.
Kevin Hall, a spokesman for Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, said the governor became aware of the problem after several law enforcement groups contacted the office with concerns. Col. Steven Flaherty, superintendent of the State Police also raised the issue with staff members in Kaine’s office, the spokesman said.
“The governor is pleased the tourism agency quickly, independently and, he believes, correctly chose to revamp the campaign to remove those images,” Hall said.
Tourism officials were made aware of the possible conflict earlier this week, before the T-shirts and bumper stickers were handed out in Virginia Beach on Wednesday. At the time, officials thought the gang was “a small group confined to South Carolina” and went ahead with the promotional event, Bailey said Friday.
She spent the better part of Friday morning “trying to decide the best course of action.”
“We are taking this seriously,” she said around 10 a.m. “But just because someone in another culture uses the symbol inappropriately or for some other reason, I find it almost offensive that we would change our campaign.”
Just before 1:30 p.m., though, a BCF spokeswoman e-mailed a statement on Bailey’s behalf, explaining the decision to revamp the campaign.
“Our intent was to show people using their hands to make a heart to signify 'Virginia is for lovers,’” the statement said. “For the majority of people, the heart sign is a symbol of love – and the campaign’s images intended to convey a love of travel and love of Virginia. A heart has been our symbol since 1969 and we were looking for new ways to express it.”
Staff writer Christina Nuckols contributed to this story.
The state’s new tourism slogan, “Live passionately,” almost died Friday.
The catch phrase, featured on promotional material, was accompanied by a hand gesture that has been associated with a decades-old gang that has members scattered across the United States.
Virginia Tourism Corp. officials decided to alter the images used in the ad campaign rather than scrap the idea.
The gesture, a heart made from both thumbs and index fingers, is one of many associated with the Gangster Disciples, according to several Web sites and the Virginia Gang Investigators Association.
The FBI Web site classifies the Gangster Disciples as “one of the most violent of four African-American gangs that hang out on the south side of Chicago.”
“Out of respect to those who have concerns about the use of this symbol, we will adjust the creative images in our ad campaign to eliminate any further misinterpretation of the heart/hand symbol,” said Alisa Bailey, president of the state’s tourism marketer, in an e-mail. “We regret if anyone interpreted the symbol as anything other than a symbol of love, as was intended.”
About $400,000 was spent on developing the campaign, not including ad buys, Bailey said earlier this week. By Friday afternoon, the pictures in question had been replaced with generic images or portraits of the same models – minus the hand gesture. No additional money was spent to make the change, Bailey said in a separate statement.
“We were able to use existing photography, so it was an easy change,” she said.
BCF of Virginia Beach developed the campaign. Art Webb, the company’s president, said he had “no idea things could go in this direction.”
“This is the first campaign that we’ve done that uses a hand gesture,” he said. “We ran it through a number of tourism industry leaders, and it was well received.”
Members of the Virginia Gang Investigators Association, a coalition of law enforcement officers, alerted various state officials on more than one occasion this week about the campaign, said Keith Applewhite, the association’s vice president. One of those calls was to the governor’s office, he said.
Kevin Hall, a spokesman for Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, said the governor became aware of the problem after several law enforcement groups contacted the office with concerns. Col. Steven Flaherty, superintendent of the State Police also raised the issue with staff members in Kaine’s office, the spokesman said.
“The governor is pleased the tourism agency quickly, independently and, he believes, correctly chose to revamp the campaign to remove those images,” Hall said.
Tourism officials were made aware of the possible conflict earlier this week, before the T-shirts and bumper stickers were handed out in Virginia Beach on Wednesday. At the time, officials thought the gang was “a small group confined to South Carolina” and went ahead with the promotional event, Bailey said Friday.
She spent the better part of Friday morning “trying to decide the best course of action.”
“We are taking this seriously,” she said around 10 a.m. “But just because someone in another culture uses the symbol inappropriately or for some other reason, I find it almost offensive that we would change our campaign.”
Just before 1:30 p.m., though, a BCF spokeswoman e-mailed a statement on Bailey’s behalf, explaining the decision to revamp the campaign.
“Our intent was to show people using their hands to make a heart to signify 'Virginia is for lovers,’” the statement said. “For the majority of people, the heart sign is a symbol of love – and the campaign’s images intended to convey a love of travel and love of Virginia. A heart has been our symbol since 1969 and we were looking for new ways to express it.”
Staff writer Christina Nuckols contributed to this story.
Virginia Tourism Site http://www.virginia.org/
Gang Hand Signs http://www.knowgangs.com/gang_resources/handsigns/menu_007.htmVirginia Gang Investigators Association http://vgia.org/
The Virginian-Pilot © August 17, 2007
Updated full statement from Alisa Bailey, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corp., on the "Live passionately" campaign. (A heart-shaped hand gesture used in promotional images is associated with a notorious gang.)
"We have decided to adjust the new Virginia is for Lovers Live Passionately campaign due to concerns that the heart/hand symbol has a meaning other than what our agency intended.
"For the majority of people, the heart sign is a symbol of love – and the campaign’s images intended to convey a love of travel and love of Virginia. A heart has been our symbol since 1969 and we were looking for new ways to express it.
"Attached (see below) is an example of the slight adjustment we were able to make in less than 24 hours at no cost that continues to promote Virginia is for Lovers but eliminates the hand symbol. We were able to use existing photography so it was an easy change. This ad example ties into one of the largest national travel trends involving groups of female friends traveling together.
"We will make the necessary adjustments to the new Virginia is for Lovers campaign to gear up for the full campaign rollout in spring of 2008. Virginia’s investment in tourism advertising is proven to generate a 5 to 1 return on investment."
NOTE: My take on this? We're giving way too much credence, weight, credit to thugs. This was the original article. What a difference a day makes:
By MICHELLE E. SHAW, The Virginian-Pilot © August 16, 2007
Since 1969, the Virginia Tourism Corp. has touted "Virginia is for lovers."
Wednesday, the state tourism arm introduced its latest love child, "Live passionately."
Neptune Park was abuzz with the slogan as hawkers passed out free T-shirts and bumper stickers.
"I'm not sure what it means, but I like the way it sounds," said Lore Baker, visiting from Illinois. "I'm kind of a hopeless romantic."
TV spots are airing in Richmond, and print and online ads are running on a limited basis.
The new catchphrase isn't meant to replace the old one, said Tamra Talmadge-Anderson, spokeswoman for the tourism unit.
" 'Virginia is for lovers' is our brand, and 'live passionately' is our call to action," she said. "They go hand in hand."
The new motto has been in the works since earlier this year and will debut nationally next spring, Talmadge-Anderson said. TV spots are airing in Richmond, and print and online ads are running on a limited basis.
About $400,000 has been spent on developing the campaign, not including ad buys, said Alisa Bailey, tourism corporation president. BCF of Virginia Beach developed the campaign.
"I like it, especially the passion part," Bill Price of Roanoke said. "I never liked the 'Virginia is for lovers' slogan, but I really like this passion thing."
Among state slogans, Brent Reed of College Station, Texas, said he remains partial to "Don't mess with Texas."
"I think it will just stick in my head like the old one did," he said of the Virginia slogan. "I mean, look at this beach. I can see how you could be passionate here."
Since 1969, the Virginia Tourism Corp. has touted "Virginia is for lovers."
Wednesday, the state tourism arm introduced its latest love child, "Live passionately."
Neptune Park was abuzz with the slogan as hawkers passed out free T-shirts and bumper stickers.
"I'm not sure what it means, but I like the way it sounds," said Lore Baker, visiting from Illinois. "I'm kind of a hopeless romantic."
TV spots are airing in Richmond, and print and online ads are running on a limited basis.
The new catchphrase isn't meant to replace the old one, said Tamra Talmadge-Anderson, spokeswoman for the tourism unit.
" 'Virginia is for lovers' is our brand, and 'live passionately' is our call to action," she said. "They go hand in hand."
The new motto has been in the works since earlier this year and will debut nationally next spring, Talmadge-Anderson said. TV spots are airing in Richmond, and print and online ads are running on a limited basis.
About $400,000 has been spent on developing the campaign, not including ad buys, said Alisa Bailey, tourism corporation president. BCF of Virginia Beach developed the campaign.
"I like it, especially the passion part," Bill Price of Roanoke said. "I never liked the 'Virginia is for lovers' slogan, but I really like this passion thing."
Among state slogans, Brent Reed of College Station, Texas, said he remains partial to "Don't mess with Texas."
"I think it will just stick in my head like the old one did," he said of the Virginia slogan. "I mean, look at this beach. I can see how you could be passionate here."
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