$126 MILLION IN VIRGINIA BUSINESS READY SITES PROGRAM GRANTS ANNOUNCED
On August 8, 2024, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the allocation of $126 million in development grants through the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program (VBRSP) to enhance
23 industrial sites in 12 regions across the Commonwealth. Administered by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), the program aims to make these sites “project-ready” by funding infrastructure improvements and assembling necessary permits and approvals. These grants are part of Virginia’s broader effort to attract employers and manufacturers by providing them with operations-ready sites, a factor that contributed to Virginia being named America’s Top State for Business by CNBC in July.
The program’s latest round of funding highlights Virginia’s commitment to advancing its industrial infrastructure. Governor Youngkin emphasized the importance of these investments, noting that Virginia was previously lagging behind other states in site readiness.
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VIRGINIA PORT AUTHORITY COMPLETES $83 MILLION RAILYARD EXPANSION AT NIT
The future is bright in Virginia! Alongside the Port of Virginia®, the Virginia Maritime Association celebrated the completion of the $83 million expansion project at the central railyard at
Norfolk International Terminals (NIT) on August 6, 2024. This significant milestone supports the growing container volumes and strengthens Virginia’s position for future growth. The expansion at the port authority’s largest terminal enables it to process up to 2 million 20-foot containers annually by rail, marking a 31% increase in on-dock rail capacity. Rail carriers Norfolk Southern and CSX will service the enhanced railyard, which aims to extend the port’s reach to key Midwestern population and manufacturing centers.
The expansion comes as cargo volumes on the East Coast are steadily rising, according to Stephen Edwards, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. The port reported a 13% increase in rail container processing in the last fiscal year, handling 784,597 rail containers.
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Photo courtesy of City of Roanoke
Photo: VMA
“The Voice of Port Industries”
OFFICERS
Chairman of the Board
Michael Coleman
President
Judy Barrett
Vice Presidents
Lang Williams
Capt. Kenneth Flowers
Capt. Whiting Chisman
Executive Director & Secretary
David White
Treasurer
Camille Cherry
Assistant Treasurer
Tracy Gregorio
STAFF
Senior Vice President....................... Will Fediw
Vice President of Finance & Administration.............................. Sam Davis
Director of Membership Development............................ Kristen Greene
Executive Assistant.................... Shayla Prince
Event Manager & Accounting Assistant................ Jennifer Parham
Marketing Manager ................ Jennifer Deason
Membership & Publications Coordinator........................... Susan Wisniewski
jdeason@vamaritime.com -
VMA SOUTHWEST CHAPTER MEETING IN BLACKSBURG HIGHLIGHTS INDUSTRY INSIGHTS AND REGIONAL GROWTH STRATEGIES
BLACKSBURG, VA |On Thursday, August 15, 2024, the VMA Southwest Chapter met at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center in Blacksburg, VA. The event drew in over twenty-five (25) members and guests from across the industry including Alacran, Turman Group, Wetland Studies and Solutions, Wilmot Modular Structures, Inc., and more!
Chapter Chair Cameron Peel, President of Camrett Logistics, welcomed attendees and presided over introductions. Laura Townsend from the VT Corporate Research Center highlighted the Center’s offerings to businesses, including flexible-lease wet
and dry research labs, modern offices, and coworking spaces with top-tier amenities.
Samantha Livesay from Onward New River Valley discussed their five-year strategic plan, Onward 2028, which focuses on attracting and retaining talent, growing business, marketing the NRV, and fostering regional connectivity. Mike Downey from VEDP provided an import and export resources update, Greg Miller and Travis Smith from Expeditors shared an ocean freight market update, and Lauren Foley from the Port of Virginia gave a port operations update.
BUSINESS READY SITES CONT.
The Virginia Business Ready Sites Program allows localities to apply for matching grants to assess and develop industrial sites, ensuring they meet the criteria for quick development. Earlier this year, 21 projects received $90 million in grants, underscoring the state’s continued focus on economic growth through infrastructure development.
Increasing our inventory of business-ready sites helps attract more port-related businesses and cargo to Virginia, and increasing state funding for business-ready sites has been a legislative priority for VMA. Among the notable grants, the
City of Chesapeake received $35 million to advance its Coastal Virginia Megasite, a 4,000-acre property near the Virginia-North Carolina border. This funding will help elevate the site to a Tier 4 designation, bringing it closer to being fully infrastructure-ready. Similarly, Roanoke received $7.5 million to develop its ‘Tract 8’ property, which will be matched with city funds to prepare the site for manufacturing use. These developments are expected to expedite the readiness of these sites, making them attractive options for potential investors and businesses looking to expand in Virginia.
Source: Office of the Governor, Commonwealth of Virginia
Photo: VMA
Photo: VMA
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VMA INDUSTRY COMMITTEE UPDATES
WAREHOUSING & DISTRIBUTION CENTERS - 05/07/24: Standing reports were received from VPA, VEDP, and the industrial real estate sector, noting overall container volumes, vacancy rates, and rental growth from top U.S. ports. ODU’s Supply Chain Survey and industry engagement opportunities with Hampton City Schools were announced. Support was expressed for TMG’s Tidewater Logistics Center, along with discussions on pending legislative issues, including the DOL overtime ruling and OSHA’s facility inspection regulations.
TERMINAL OPERATORS - 05/14/24: LTJG Shannon Young and LTJG Jennifer Johnston, USCG, provided updates on regulatory matters, highlighting issues with TWIC escorting ratios. Will Fediw briefed the committee on the USCG Cyber NPRM, which proposes adding minimum cybersecurity requirements to maritime security regulations. Discussions also covered the FY24 Port Security Grant Program, crew transfer operations for the CVOW Offshore Wind Project, and ongoing tug availability challenges causing delays in vessel movements.
OFFSHORE WIND - 05/16/24: Vance Hull reminded the committee to register their companies with key developers and Tier 1 vendors involved in offshore wind projects, such as Dominion Energy and Ocean Winds, and to network within VMA membership. LCDR Ashley Holm provided a USCG update, announcing her transfer to USCG Headquarters, with LCDR Justin Strassfield taking her place. Tony Janeczek and Mike Lewis shared updates on the offshore substations and overall progress of the CVOW project. Discussions also included the Jones Act applicability of the DEME vessel ORION, with transition pieces to be barged to the vessel, and updates on the Bluepoint Wind and Kitty Hawk Wind projects. Will Fediw highlighted efforts to optimize subsea export cable routes and recent developments, including a tour of the ORION vessel.
COMMUNICATION & OUTREACH - 05/16/24: The state budget was approved on May 13 with no significant changes from March regarding our concerns. At the federal level, discussions covered funding for navigation projects and the USACE’s FY24 Work Plan, along with updates on North Atlantic Right Whale regulations, USACE 408 permits, and subsea cable crossings. Upcoming initiatives include a summer outreach strategy and chapter engagement with elected officials, focusing on tours and in-district visits.
CARGO
OWNERS & FREIGHT FORWARDERS & CUSTOMHOUSE BROKERS (JOINT)- 05/23/24: In a joint committee meeting, Chris Abel from Wilcox-Savage gave an overview of the Francis Scott Key Bridge incident and the DALI. Brian Sale from Customs & Border Protection discussed several administrative processes, while Beth Holleman from the Virginia Port Authority provided updates on operations and projects.
RAILYARD CONT.
This railyard upgrade is part of a larger $1.4 billion infrastructure modernization program, which also includes renovating the north berth at NIT to accommodate larger ships, developing the Portsmouth offshore wind hub, and widening and deepening the shipping channel.
SUPPLY CHAIN TECHNOLOGY - 05/30/24: At the inaugural meeting, Chair Kevin Speers outlined the committee’s intent, focusing on supporting other VMA committees, aiding in regulatory reviews, and addressing hardware and software solutions. Key discussions included the committee’s deliverables, innovation in the bulk community, and adding value to membership. The committee set 12-month goals, such as engaging with the VPA PIERS committee and redefining objectives. Members agreed on the importance of identifying technology issues affecting VMA member companies and discussed expanding membership, with a consensus to hold off on involving non-members until the committee is more established.
MEMBERSHIP - 06/05/24: In the discussion on the strategic plan for membership dues, Kristen reviewed the current structure and compared it with similar associations, prompting several key question regarding an increase in VMA membership dues. The committee also considered introducing additional membership levels.
EDUCATION & TRAINING - 06/06/24: Deborah Gholson highlighted the success of the subcommittee’s efforts with high school counselors, holding four events in April to introduce maritime careers to encourage student interest. She suggested next steps, including connecting with counselors before school starts, hosting regional career fairs, and expanding efforts statewide. Dr. Black proposed partnering with maritime businesses to create an education program offering college credit for hands-on learning, with plans for a pilot program. Additionally, Booker T. Washington High School and Hampton City Schools are exploring collaborations to enhance maritime and supply chain curricula and provide career-connected learning experiences for students.
MEMBERSHIP - 07/17/24: The committee discussed membership rates and structure for 2024-2025, exploring potential adjustments. An update on current membership trends and challenges. The Young Maritime Professionals Report highlighted recent activities and engagement efforts aimed at attracting and retaining younger members within the industry.
OFFSHORE WIND - 07/18/24: Vance Hull, Chair, reviewed key news. Dan O’Brien from Dominion Energy discussed the CHARYBDIS vessel, which is 89% complete, and its capacity to carry wind turbine assemblies, with hopes for local maintenance ports. Alberto Catalucci of Prysmian provided updates on the CVOW cable construction schedule and vendor opportunities. Mike Lewis from Dominion Energy shared that they will purchase Kitty Hawk North from Avangrid Renewables, renaming it CVOW South. Additional updates included the status of Kitty Hawk South, USCG activities, USACE 408 permit reviews, and upcoming offshore wind events like IPF25 and BOEM’s Central Atlantic lease sales on August 14.
Construction of the railyard began in 2022 and was supported by $40 million in federal and state grants. These funds were used to construct two new rail track bundles and to purchase three allelectric cantilever rail-mounted gantry cranes, further enhancing the terminal’s capacity and sustainability efforts.
Source: Virginia Business
DISTRIBUTION OF COAL DUMPINGS
PORT OF HAMPTON ROADS TEU’S
Source: Virginia Port Authority
CUSTOMS RECEIPTS
VIRGINIA CUSTOMS DISTRICT
HAVE YOU REGISTERED FOR VMA24 YET?
NORFOLK, VA| VMA24 and International Bulk Conference are just about a month away. Join us on October 8-10, 2024, in Norfolk, VA for the East Coast’s Premier Conference on Shipping, Ports, Logistics, and Trade. Shippers/BCOs can take advantage of a heavily discounted ticket of $200.
Celebrating its 21st year, the VMA’s International Trade Symposium has become well-known as a boutique, attendee-curated event tailored to connecting, discussing ideas, and benefiting from shared experiences. You’ll hear senior industry leaders discuss national-level content in an accessible, intimate location, sharing meaningful insights and engaging in authentic discussions. The inaugural International Bulk Conference will tackle both challenges and opportunities in the bulk trade.
Have a quiet conversation with a client or catch up with a colleague; make new connections during lively social events; enjoy fine dining at the 104th Annual Maritime Banquet; or simply enjoy the southern hospitality that Norfolk, Virginia, offers in the heart of the fastest growing port in the nation.
ASSOCIATION IN ACTION
Simply stated, active VMA members are Better Connected, Better Informed, and Better Represented. This segment of the Bulletin aims to provide insights into some of the ways in which the interests of VMA members were Better Represented during the previous month.
Opportunities to educate and strengthen relationships with Virginia legislators remained an emphasis for VMA throughout July. Multiple port tours, legislator events, and the meeting of the Hampton Roads legislative caucus were all part of the VMA calendar in July.
VMA often has a hand in economic development activities tied to our port and industry. We are proud of our contributions which helped LS GreenLink make the decision to build a submarine power cable manufacturing facility on the banks of the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River. At $681 million and 330 full time jobs, it is the largest project announcement in the history of the City of Chesapeake. We were also honored to help ZIM Integrated Shipping Services celebrate the grand opening of its new USA headquarters on “Zim Way” in Virginia Beach, VA.
VMA continues to play an important role in the maritime security of our port. In July, this included participating in the
review process of applications made by local businesses for funding for security improvements under the Port Security Grant Program. VMA was also part of the review of a port security risk assessment performed under the direction of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Addressing dredging and navigation issues was another predominant theme in July. This included participating in discussions held by the Elizabeth River Project about mitigation practices unique to shallow water dredging. VMA also joined with the Virginia Port Authority and the Virginia Pilot Association in submitting a joint letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers addressing permitting considerations regarding the depths of the subsea cables transmitting electrical power ashore from the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project.
Other notable events and meetings in which VMA made presentations or represented the membership included:
• Change of Command for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District
• Virginia Offshore Wind Development Authority, Chaired by VMA SVP Will Fediw
• City of Norfolk’s Hampton Boulevard Advisory Taskforce
• Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable
IS YOUR COMPANY SWaM CERTIFIED?
The Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned Business (SWaM) certification program is a state program of the Commonwealth of Virginia, whose purpose is to enhance procurement opportunities for SWaM businesses participating in state-funded projects. The benefits of certification are help and support for small, women, and minority businesses to compete for state contracts with larger and more favored businesses. Policies and procedures give certain advantages to SWaM certified vendors and even more advantages to those with the added Small Business certification.
The VMA has recently begun identifying member companies that are SWaM certified to assist businesses looking to engage with certified companies. SWaM-certified businesses will be noted on our membership roster. If you are SWaM-certified, sign-in to your account, click “My Account,” under the “About Me” tab scroll down to “Personal details,” click the little pencil, check the SWaM box, and “Save.” Questions? Email Susan at memberdesk@vamaritime.com.
Sign-in at VAmaritime.com/roster to view VMA’s printable membership roster.
VMA NEW MEMBERS
ARRAY CORP/HIREONE DC
Business Service
Employment Services
1025 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 501 Washington, DC 20036 hireonestaffing.com
Paul Kim
Strategic Workforce Solution Manager pkim@arraycorp.com (202) 975–1585
OCEANTIC NETWORK
Bronze Anchor
Non-Profit Organization 1340 Smith Avenue Baltimore, MD 20209 oceantic.com
Denielle Christensen
Senior Vice President, Business Development denielle.christensen@oceantic.org (215) 901–8195
Maryanne Jefferson
Vice President of Strategic Partnership and Business Development maryanne.jefferson@oceantic.org (617) 309-8924
FOBBS QUALITY SIGNS, LLC
Business Services
Industrial Signs 7013 Irongate Drive North Chesterfield, VA 23234 fobbsqualitysigns.com
James Fobbs Jr. Owner fobbsqualitysigns@gmail.com (804) 743–2091
OOCL LOGISTICS
Moving Cargo/Maritime Related Motor Carriers/Intermodal 306 Chalon Drive Cary, NC 27511 ooclogistics.com
Poppy Mathew Sales Director
poppy.mathew@oocllogistics.com (215) 901–8195
ADDITIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
h Dakota Anderson* Regional GIS Lead dganderson@vhb.com (757) 233–3215 VHB Virginia Beach,, VA
h Natasha Hackett Senior Manager usa.nhackett@cma-cgm.com CMA CGM (AMERICA) Norfolk, VA
h Jess Haley Director of Events jhaley@retailalliance.com (757) 466–1600
RETAIL ALLIANCE Norfolk, VA
*Young Maritime Professional
NEW ZEALAND TRADE & ENTERPRISE EMBASSY
Non-profit Organization Government Affairs
37 Observatory Circle NW Washington, DC 20008 nzte.govt.nz
Mike Fullerton
Business Growth Advisor michael.fullerton@nzte.govt.nz (202) 888–0594
SEA AIR LAND SECURITY Business Service
Marine Security Consultants 424 Fieldstone Glen Way Virginia Beach, VA 23454 sealsecserv.com
Everett Granger Owner everett.granger@gmail.com (757) 202–5459
Contact Kristen Greene, kristen@vamaritime.com
VMA 2024-2025 Dues
The VMA Executive Committee has approved dues increases effective with the October 1, 2024 billing cycle.
The new dues rates for standard membership levels will be:
• Young Maritime Professional $190 ($10 increase)
• Non-Profit Organization $370 ($20 increase)
• Business Service $450 ($25 increase)
• Moving Cargo or Offering Maritime-Related Services $875 ($50 increase)
• Vessel or Marine Terminal Operations $1,300 ($75 increase)
The increase for Anchor Members will be:
• Bronze $2,250 ($135 increase)
• Silver $3,550 ($205 increase)
• Gold $6,910 ($400 increase)
• Platinum $13,350 ($500 increase)
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P.O. Box 3487
Norfolk, Virginia 23510
PLATINUM ANCHORS
Bay Power Solutions
Cadeler AS
CIE Manufacturing Colliers
CSX Transportation
AdvanSix
Amazon
BDO USA
Capes Shipping Agencies
CMA CGM (America)
Coastal Design & Construction
ECPI University
FORVIS Mazars
PRESORTED STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
NORFOLK, VA
PERMIT NO. 1930
GOLDEN ANCHORS
CV International, Inc.
Excel Truck Group
Greater Richmond Partnership, Inc.
Kaufman & Canoles, P.C.
T. Parker Host
SILVER ANCHORS
Givens Logistics
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co.
H&E Rentals
KITCO Fiber Optics
Kokosing Industrial
Kuehne + Nagel
LS Greenlink
Pender & Coward, P.C.
VHB
Virginia Pilot Association
Wood Rogers
Perdue Agribusiness
Port City Transportation
SeaGate Terminals
Tecnico Corporation
TMEIC Corporation
Truist
Virginia Natural Gas
Virginia Tech Corporation Research Center