Regional Initiatives

REGIONAL REGIONAL INITIATIVES INITIATIVES

IBM PRIORITY #1: ADVANCE COMPETITIVENESS PRIORITIES THROUGH REGIONAL COLLABORATION

An important theme throughout the IBM-PLI study was the need for more regional collaboration. At the time, the study noted that “current economic development efforts in Hampton Roads suffer from fragmentation and lack of coordination in regional efforts.” In order to combat this fragmentation, IBM-PLI recommended creating a “formalized structure” for collaboration and knowledge sharing, accompanied by more effective communication of said structure. The COVID-19 pandemic bore many challenges, but also afforded the region the opportunity to undergird their processes with IBM-PLI’s recommendations. The 757 Recovery and Resilience Action Framework is one such pillar, alongside the plans proposed as part of the Build Back Better initiative. The study also recommended maintaining strong relationships with other state and local economic development agencies in the Commonwealth, which Alliance staff accomplished through strategic partnerships with VEDP and VEDA.

757 RECOVERY & RESILIENCE ACTION FRAMEWORK

The Alliance, along with regional leaders, organizations, and citizens, continued collaborative work on regional recovery and resilience by creating the 757 Recovery & Resilience Action Framework (“the Framework”). The Framework was designed as an adaptable

blueprint, a regional playbook, to help the Hampton Roads economy recover faster from the COVID-19 pandemic and

build resiliency for future recoveries. Alliance staff performed a broad assessment of economic conditions revealing that the Hampton Roads region fared better than most metros of similar size during the height of the pandemic. However, as the nation’s economy begins to recover, the region’s recovery is slowing, which will continue without intervention. The Framework is an accumulation of many regional efforts and economic development priorities. Upgraded programs and newly created ones are interrupting the region’s current trajectory and recalibrating it for growth. The Framework seeks to advance five strategic imperatives:

1) Build Regional Unity 2) Grow New Jobs 3) Grow, Retain, & Attract Talent 4) Build Resiliency 5) Advance Regional Infrastructure

757framework.com is the digital home of the Framework. The site provides an interactive look at the facets of the framework and features a dashboard to monitor progress on regional economic indicators and key performance indicators for each of the 30 programs. Additional highlights throughout the year included: • 757+ regional leaders signed up to be “757 Champions” or advocates for the progress of the Framework and our region. • 757 Proud, a regional pride building organization, continues work on unifying next gen organizations and unveiled a “Did

You Know” game designed to educate citizens on fun facts about Hampton Roads. • Alliance CEO, Doug Smith, and other regional leaders reported progress at Old Dominion University’s State of the

Region address. • Regional leaders began to develop the Minority Supplier

Resource Center, a comprehensive Minority Supplier support ecosystem facilitated in an interactive online platform, planned for launch in 2022.

BUILD BACK BETTER COALITION

As part of the COVID-19 relief focused American Rescue Plan, the United States Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced the “Build Back Better Challenge.” The Challenge promises a transformational investment for 20-30 regions across the country that want to revitalize their economies. Eligible applicants were invited to form regional coalitions to carry out three to eight distinct but related projects in their region in coordination with industry and community partners. The projects must be aligned around a holistic vision to build and scale a strategic industry cluster. The Alliance worked with lead applicant Reinvent Hampton Roads and over 20 other regional partners, as well peer organizations representing 11 counties in North Carolina, to submit a proposal to further develop the Maritime Innovation Cluster as a catalyst for equitable economic development.

INFRASTRUCTURE COALITION

To position the region to obtain greater funding for much-needed infrastructure improvements , the Alliance participated in the Hampton Roads Infrastructure Coalition (HRIC), alongside Reinvent Hampton Roads, the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization, Hampton Roads Business Roundtable, Hampton Roads Workforce Council, the Virginia Port Authority, the Virginia Maritime Association, and RVA-757 Connects with support from eight other regional organizations. The group submitted a high priority list of regionally-based, critical infrastructure projects designed and approved by all 17 localities as part of the FY2022 appropriations process and/or the President’s American Recovery Act. The HRIC’s initiatives focus on water resources, surface transportation, renewable energy, broadband, education, and housing.

TOP: Steve Harrison, VEDA 2021 President BOTTOM: Amy Jordan, VEDA Fall Conference Chair, moderates panel on Unmanned and Autonomous Systems.

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

VIRGINIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION

The Alliance played a large role in championing economic development and collaboration with partners around the Commonwealth through its work with the Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA). Alliance Vice President of Business Intelligence & Communications, Steve Harrison, served as President of VEDA for 2021, helping to elevate the Alliance’s position within the economic development community and provide a platform to showcase Hampton Roads. The fall conference, co-chaired by Vice President of Business Development, Amy Jordan, was held in Norfolk and focused on industries vital to the Alliance’s work: offshore wind and unmanned systems. Alliance President & CEO, Doug Smith, opened the conference and introduced Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander. Next year, Harrison will continue on the VEDA Board as Immediate Past President, while Vice President of Business Retention & Expansion, Toi Hunter, has been elected to become a Board Director.

REINVENT HAMPTON ROADS

The Alliance works closely with Reinvent Hampton Roads, a 501(c) (3) community leadership initiative focused on generating highpaying, satisfying jobs to underpin a vibrant economy. Notable projects include the 757 Recovery & Resilience Action Framework and the Build Back Better regional coalition. In 2021, the Alliance and Reinvent Hampton Roads co-located, deepening the rapport between the two organizations.

VIRGINIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP

Also in alignment with the IBM recommendations, the Alliance continued to strengthen its relationship with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). Staff met with VEDP leadership quarterly to discuss key initiatives and solicit feedback on the organization’s business development and marketing efforts. VEDP also assisted the Alliance and other regional organizations around the Commonwealth with the Build Back Better challenge. Further strengthening the Alliance’s relationship with VEDP, is the appointment of Amy Parkhurst, Senior Vice President of Business Development, to the Advisory Committee on Business Development and Marketing. As a member of this committee serving a 4-year term, Amy’s role is to advise the VEDP Board on all matters relating to business development and marketing and make recommendations as requested.