Big accomplishments

Published September 28, 2020 by Bernie Niemeier

The motto of Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. (HII) is “Hard Stuff, Done Right.” That easily fits the work of HII, parent company of Newport News Shipbuilding, Virginia’s largest industrial employer. Its projects — including the construction of U.S. Navy submarines and aircraft carriers — are huge, require complex engineering and are vital to our national defense. Getting them right is the only option. Along with the Port of Virginia, HII’s impact on the economy of the Hampton Roads region and the commonwealth as a whole is outstanding.

Big things are happening throughout Hampton Roads. We’ve seen projects like the $700 million expansion of the Virginia International Gateway and Norfolk International Terminals come to fruition. The Norfolk Harbor is getting wider and deeper, and the Virginia Department of Transportation is moving forward on its largest-ever project, the $3.8 billion expansion of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel.

Most certainly, 2020 has been a challenging year due to COVID-19 and subsequent economic pressures. Beyond just the ports, shipbuilding and infrastructure, many other aspects of the regional economy are still moving forward. Commercial and residential real estate sectors are still strong, as is the construction industry.

Big things are getting done in a hard year — and getting done right. We hope that you find this issue of Hampton Roads Business interesting and helpful and that you will enjoy how it showcases one of Virginia’s most vibrant regional economies.

— Bernie Niemeier,

President & Publisher