Blog Posts

Back to Blog June 1, 2026 By Bob McKenna Virginia Peninsula Chamber As workforce shortages continue to challenge employers across the maritime, construction, and industrial sectors, the newly opened Newport News Trades Center is emerging as a major investment in the region’s talent pipeline. Developed through a partnership involving Virginia Peninsula Community College, the Newport…

Back to Blog June 1, 2026 By Bob McKenna Virginia Peninsula Chamber More than a decade after the closure of Fort Monroe as an active military installation, redevelopment efforts continue potentially transforming the historic waterfront property into one of the Peninsula’s most unique mixed-use destinations. Recent momentum has centered around a new $20 million redevelopment…

Back to Blog June 1, 2026 By Bob McKenna Virginia Peninsula Chamber As Hampton Roads continues working to diversify its economy beyond traditional defense and maritime industries, Innovate Hampton Roads has emerged as a key connector for the region’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. Formed through the merger of StartWheel Corporation and the Hampton Roads Innovation Collaborative…

Back to Blog June 1, 2026 By Bob McKenna Virginia Peninsula Chamber One of the Peninsula’s most ambitious economic development initiatives is taking shape around Newport News-Williamsburg Airport (PHF), where local and regional leaders are working to reposition the airport as a center for aerospace innovation, advanced air mobility, logistics, and autonomous systems technology. At…

Back to Blog May 4, 2026 By Bob McKenna Virginia Peninsula Chamber The Virginia Peninsula continues to make its mark nationally through leaders advancing innovation and public policy. Charles B. Bott, Chief Technology Officer of HRSD, has been appointed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to serve as Chair of its Science Advisory Board (SAB).…

Back to Blog May 4, 2026 By Bob McKenna Virginia Peninsula Chamber Newport News continues to build momentum as a hub for advanced manufacturing and construction supply, as Annandale Millwork and Allied Systems Corporation has officially expanded into Hampton Roads with the opening of Frogale Lumber Supply, a new full-service facility. The company marked the…

Back to Blog May 4, 2026 By Bob McKenna Virginia Peninsula Chamber “As this work progresses, it’s a powerful reminder that the Virginia Peninsula continues to lead at the intersection of research, innovation, and real-world impact-delivering solutions that not only strengthen our regional economy, but also save lives.” Every second matters in the life-saving world…

Back to Blog May 4, 2026 By Bob McKenna Virginia Peninsula Chamber The Virginia Peninsula took another major step forward in building its innovation ecosystem with the grand opening of the Secure Energy Future Center in Newport News. Located within the city’s growing tech and research corridor, the new center is a collaborative initiative anchored…

Back to Blog April 6, 2026 By Bob McKenna Virginia Peninsula Chamber The U.S. Department of Energy has announced that SURATech has been awarded the Management & Operations (M&O) contract for Jefferson Lab-an important development for the Virginia Peninsula and greater Hampton Roads region. This award provides critical long-term leadership stability for one of the…

Back to Blog April 6, 2026 By Bob McKenna Virginia Peninsula Chamber The Port of Virginia has reached a major milestone, completing the deepening of Norfolk Harbor to 55 feet in February 2026. This makes it the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast and the only one able to handle fully loaded ultra-large container…