Hampton Roads Alliance

Earlier this month, HII-Newport News Shipbuilding announced it has successfully installed a 3D-printed valve manifold assembly on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier for the first time — a groundbreaking step in shipbuilding technology. This achievement highlights the power of additive manufacturing, also known as 3D-printing, in improving efficiency, reducing costs and material waste, and enhancing the maintenance process for complex naval systems. This milestone highlights how innovation and advanced technology are transforming defense and maritime engineering, ensuring the Navy’s fleet stays mission-ready with cutting-edge solutions. ⚙️

Happy National Renewable Energy Day! The Hampton Roads Alliance and its partners are committed to ensuring to bringing new, reliable, and diverse energy sources to the region. This includes continuing the offshore wind projects already in the pipeline, increasing access to and the capacity of natural gas, and investment in and the development of small modular nuclear reactors—an area that Hampton Roads already has expertise in as a result of its long history with building nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers. All of these and more are reasons that the innovation pathway for new, emerging energy technology in Virginia runs through Hampton Roads.

Last week, at the Hampton Roads Real Estate Market Review and Forecast, industry experts shared that at the start of 2025, there were 3,946 houses for sale in Hampton Roads— the best start in five years. While much of the country is experiencing the worst residential real estate market in 30 years, the local market in Hampton Roads maintains a forward momentum thanks to federal contracts, the port, tourism, and expanding medical and health care services throughout the region. The average home resale price for 2024 was $391,477, a 6.5% increase from $367,534 in 2023.

Last week, Norfolk International Airport (ORF) launched a new marketing campaign, “Here & There For You.” The campaign aims to strengthen economic growth in Hampton Roads by promoting ORF as a key travel hub. With ads targeting diverse demographics, the campaign highlights the airport's role in boosting tourism, business travel, and community engagement. Increased passenger growth, improved connectivity, and enhanced airport infrastructure are expected to attract more visitors and investors, driving economic benefits across Hampton Roads.

Today, Senator Tim Kaine, Congressman Bobby Scott, Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander, as well as other regional business leaders had a great tour of Fairwinds Landing in Norfolk. The visit included a hard hat tour of the Dominion Energy Monitoring & Coordination Center and Newport News Shipbuilding’s new Norfolk Campus.    Hampton Roads sits at the intersection of defense and energy, serving as a critical hub where national security and energy security converge through its dual-use infrastructure supporting both military and renewable energy operations.

On March 18, 2025, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin hosted an event at the STIHL Inc. manufacturing facility in Virginia Beach to celebrate Virginia's workforce and promote the Virginia Has Jobs initiative. During his visit, the Governor highlighted Virginia’s robust labor market, noting that there are currently 250,000 ready-to-hire jobs across the state. He extended a particular invitation to federal employees facing job uncertainties, emphasizing that their skills are transferable to multiple industries throughout Virginia.   Governor Younkin was joined on stage by the Hampton Roads Workforce Council’s President and CEO - Shawn Avery, VA District 2 Congresswoman - Jen Kiggans, VA Secretary of Labor - Bryan Slater, CEO of Gold Key PHR - Bruce Thompson, President and CEO of Virginia Natural Gas - Shannon O. Pierce, and President and CEO of the VA Chamber of Commerce - Cathie (France) Vick.   Full coverage of the event from WHRO Public Media is available here: https://lnkd.in/ddwZAm9Y

ICYMI: Last month, Hampton University announced that it has obtained Research 2 status — a designation from the American Council on Education's Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, which ranks research institutions based on the volume and breadth of their research activity. 🧬 With this designation, HU joins 139 institutions nationwide that meet the requirements of spending at least $5 million in annual research and awarding 20 or more research doctorates yearly. It is one of only a handful of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to do so. While HBCUs account for only 3% of the country’s colleges and universities, they produce 25% of Black STEM graduates. Congrats to Hampton University for this incredible achievement and thank you for your — dedication to advancing research, innovation, and academic excellence for students and faculty alike!🏅👏

Happy National Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Day! Small businesses are integral to a robust local economy. Here at the Alliance, we appreciate our Small Business Development partners who work diligently to support the small businesses in Hampton Roads. Small Business Development Centers assist current and prospective small business owners by providing innovative resources and tools that contribute to the success of start-ups and small businesses. From financial and business planning to technology, security, and marketing, SBDCs contribute to the overall success of small businesses. If you are looking for resources for your small business, please contact your city or county's economic development department, or visit the U.S. Small Business Administration for a complete list at www.americassbdc.org/

Target Corporation is expanding their operations in Hampton Roads! The Fortune 500 company, and seventh largest retailer in the country, has announced plans to construct a 1.4 million square foot distribution facility in New Kent County. The facility will be at the exit 211 interchange along Interstate 64, building on the region's long history as a distribution & logistics hub for the mid-atlantic. The company plans to move forward with construction by the end of the month. Congratulations to our partners in New Kent County Economic Development and The Port of Virginia on this exciting announcement! Read more: https://ow.ly/pHhf50VkfpM

Happy #WomensHistoryMonth! Celebrate with us by reading about some influential #womeninhistory from the Commonwealth of Virginia! Read More: https://lnkd.in/exknZVj5