Elizabeth Cooper

The Port of Virginia processed a record 3.5 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) last year. December 2021 cargo volumes alone were 25% above December 2020. Photo courtesy Port of Virginia

Setting a course

Businesses, port seek paths around supply chain backlogs and logjams

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Each week, MDV SpartanNash LLC, the nation’s leading supplier for overseas U.S. military commissaries and exchanges, loads 100 to 200 containers filled with everything from peanut butter to clothing aboard steamships bound for Europe, Africa, Bahrain, Kuwait and Honduras, as well as Puerto Rico and Guantanamo Bay. “In places like Guantanamo Bay and Bahrain, there’s…

L to R: Brent Morris, South Hill economic development manager; Teri Newman Walker, South Hill Chamber of Commerce president; South Hill Mayor Dean Marion Photo by Mark Rhodes

South Hill grant aims to boost business district

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South Hill merchants figured out ways to keep business going during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, introducing Facebook Live videos from downtown stores that helped people shop from home, then pick up their treasures curbside. Sometimes featuring a rescue dog named Duncan, the videos have continued even as restrictions are rolled back. Now, the…

Dominion Energy’s $9.8 billion Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project off Virginia Beach is set to be completed in 2026. Photo courtesy Dominion Energy Inc.

Tilting toward windmills

Siemens Gamesa positions region as offshore wind hub

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Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy S.A.’s October 2021 announcement that it will build the nation’s first offshore-wind blade factory at Portsmouth Marine Terminal (PMT) has put Hampton Roads on a trajectory to become a supply chain hub for the country’s nascent offshore-wind energy industry. The Spanish wind turbine company is investing $200 million to build the…

This is a pivotal time for electric utilities such as Dominion Energy, which are upgrading power grids and systems to accommodate renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. Photo by Mark Rhodes

Power plays

Grid upgrades, renewable energy on horizon

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Virginia’s largest electric utilities are deploying an array of technologies as they decarbonize, digitalize and decentralize their power grids to meet the state’s and their own clean energy goals. Richmond-based Dominion Energy Inc. and Charleston, West Virginia-headquartered Appalachian Power are expanding their solar, wind and battery storage portfolios while advancing a massive power grid transformation.…

CMA CGM decided in 2021 to keep its North American headquarters in Norfolk and add 400 jobs, most of which will be in Hampton Roads. Photo by Mark Rhodes

Retaining walls

Focus is on keeping businesses happy, growing

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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…

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy S.A. is building the nation’s first offshore-wind blade factory in Portsmouth. Photo courtesy Siemens Gamesa

Tilting toward windmills

Siemens Gamesa positions region as offshore wind hub

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Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy S.A.’s October 2021 announcement that it will build the nation’s first offshore-wind blade factory at Portsmouth Marine Terminal has put Hampton Roads on a trajectory to become a supply chain hub for the country’s nascent offshore wind energy industry. The Spanish wind turbine company is investing $200 million to build the…

Chrysler Hall is “a financial engine” for Norfolk, says John Rhamstine, director of SevenVenues, which manages the theater. Photo by Mark Rhodes

Chrysler Hall plans $76M upgrade

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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 HRBT tunnel boring machine was assembled in Germany for a factory acceptance test before being shipped to the U.S. Photo courtesy Herrenknecht AG

HRBT expansion boring? Yes and no

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Already the largest project ever tackled by the Virginia Department of Transportation, the $3.8 billion Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel expansion will kick into gear later this year when a $70 million custom-built tunnel boring machine (TBM) begins carving out an underwater path for twin two-lane tunnels. Construction on the HRBT expansion, which will increase tunnel and…

Community response to extending The Tide light rail system “has been very positive,” says Sam Sink with Hampton Roads Transit. Photo by Mark Rhodes

Laying tracks for The Tide

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Commuters are on board with Hampton Roads Transit’s plans to extend The Tide, its 7.4-mile light rail system, according to recent public discussions about proposed new routes. This fall, HRT held one virtual discussion and three pop-up sessions at transit stations in Norfolk to gather public input about expanding the light rail to Sentara Leigh…

Breeze Airways shows potential for growth, says Norfolk International Airport’s Charles Braden. Photo by Mark Rhodes

Breeze Airways takes off in Norfolk

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Breeze Airways has been flying out of Norfolk International Airport less than six months, but the startup is steadily attracting passengers eager to satisfy their pent-up wanderlust. Founded by aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman, the Salt Lake City-based airline began offering nonstop, low-cost flights out of 16 cities last spring. Service from Norfolk started June 10,…