MissySchmidt

great story... would like to share on the regional blog and e-News can you send some new pics and any more info, links etc to my work email? [email protected] thx

Totally agree! get involved with Innovate!HamptonRoads (website is under construction), the rebirth of the decade-old Hampton Roads Research Partnership. You can learn more here: http://bit.ly/Vision-Innovation Also, heard http://MarioArmstrong.com at MODSIM World last night and he got a room of about 500 kids, teachers and parents stoked about STEM Education and how to get involved. Plus two networking events on Oct 20 and 21: http://smartregion.org/2010/10/technology-workforce-meets-innovators-and-entrepreneurs/ Are you one of the many career technology professionals in the Hampton Roads region? Are you nervous as a result of the recent announcement by Defense Secretary Gates to “dis-establish” Joint Forces Command and drastically reduce the contractor workforce? Luckily, one of the major initiatives of Vision Hampton Roads, the first region-wide comprehensive economic development strategy, is on the innovative culture of Hampton Roads. And, Technology Hampton Roads, the member organization serving as the technology nerve center for Southeastern Virginia, offers two not-to-be-missed networking events for you. Non-members are welcomed and encouraged to attend: http://smartregion.org/2010/10/technology-workforce-meets-innovators-and-entrepreneurs/

great posts, Russell. Here's one from Joe Bouchard, too: http://smartregion.org/2010/10/regional-vision-for-technology-driven-prosperity-in-hampton-roads/

Thelma speaks the truth, I fear. There is not the money or the political will to make this happen any quicker.

did you read my previous post? visit http://bit.ly/Vision-Innovation and see where you might be able to fit in... if we're our own worst enemy, then we can become our own best friend.

The Regional Vision for Technology-Driven Prosperity in Hampton Roads By Joseph F. Bouchard, Ph.D. Dr. Jim Koch, President Emeritus of Old Dominion University, delivered a much needed, yet unpleasant, dose of hard reality in his annual State of the Region address this week. As was well reported in the newspapers [The Virginian-Pilot, October 7, “ODU economist predicts dour decade for Hampton Roads”] [Daily Press, October 6, “Hampton Roads economy: Recovery is slow, and the signs are worrisome”], his economic forecast for the region is mediocre, at best. Defense spending and employment are likely to decline – a serious blow given that defense spending makes up 45% of our regional economy. Recovery in commercial and residential real estate sales and prices are likely to be modest and painfully slow. And the port faces stiff competition from other East Coast ports and declining ability to move cargo efficiently due to the state’s inability to provide adequate funding for transportation. Does all this mean we are condemned to mediocre economic growth? Absolutely not. Do we have a way to overcome these challenges and ensure a prosperous future for our region? We do. Hampton Roads already has the blueprint for economic success published in Vision Hampton Roads, the region’s comprehensive economic development strategy. Led by the Hampton Roads Partnership and the Planning District Commission, it is the first region-wide roadmap of strategies and actions – to position the region as a leader in the global economy. The Vision experience is about engaging citizens and embracing ongoing region-wide economic development practices with a 21st century perspective, that is, to think globally, strategize regionally and act locally. While underscoring the importance of the existing three pillars of our regional economy – the military, the port and tourism – this bold strategy emphasizes the critical importance of diversifying our economy through technology-based economic development. Additionally, the strategy calls for constantly scanning the horizon for future opportunities to complement the region’s existing technology clusters of Bio-Science, Energy, Modeling & Simulation, Robotics and Sensors. The Innovation sub-committee which helped develop Vision Hampton Roads has been established by the Partnership as a permanent Innovation Task Force to implement the plan’s objective of regional economic growth through promoting technological innovation and entrepreneurship. Hampton Roads has a quarter of a million K-12 students, and Vision is an opportunity to start them on the best path for a future rife with technology and innovation. The Task Force has two immediate missions. First, to transform the decade old Hampton Roads Research Partnership into Innovate!HamptonRoads to unify the efforts of our region’s research institutions, economic and work force development agencies, technology clusters, technology incubators, and the technology council, Technology Hampton Roads (http://HRTC.org). Working together as a cohesive team, these organizations will provide the programs, expertise and resources needed to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship across our region. The Task Force’s second mission is to establish IdeaWorksHamptonRoads to strengthen and support the region’s technology incubators – vital breeding grounds for entrepreneurs. IdeaWorks will support the incubators by providing critical support for individuals trying to bring new technology to market: protecting their intellectual property, commercializing their technology, establishing an effective management team, creating a sound business plan, identifying customers, and, most difficult of all, attracting investors. As Dr. Koch pointed out, our region faces daunting challenges. And through a concerted, sustained effort with broad regional support focused on creating a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Hampton Roads, we will succeed and flourish. The future of our regional economy depends on the success of Vision Hampton Roads. Innovate!HamptonRoads and IdeaWorksHamptonRoads are the teams that will make that vision a reality. The volunteers who make up these teams believe that contributing their time, efforts and expertise will transform Hampton Roads as the go-to place for people with great ideas. Dr. Bouchard is the Chair of the Vision Hampton Roads Innovation Task Force. http://VisionHamptonRoads.com

hmm.. I would have thought "Hampton Roads" as the team name would have been more regional. If the problem truly is that people don't know where Hampton Roads is (I still want to see a statistically accurate study), then having a pro sports team would put us on the map!

I just voted for "Hampton Roads Destroyers" at http://hamptonroads.com/yourteamyourname where online voting is happening until Oct. 2, 2010, and you can vote as many times as you like. Other teams in UFL: Florida Tuskers (already a Jacksonville team in the NFL) Hartford Colonials Las Vegas Locos Omaha NightHawks Sacramento Mountain Lions Perhaps a social media campaign to help put Hampton Roads on the map? Thoughts? P.S. don't feed the negativity; that's what they want. turn it into a positive!!!! and vote!

not true on salaries; according to BEA, Hampton Roads is now at 100% of the national per capita income versus the 85-87% back in 1996 the articles will be posted on Southwest's website for a year, and I've archived them here for download as well: http://smartregion.org/2010/09/hampton-roads-featured-in-spirit-magazine/ Pam Lingle (VB) is correct; this was not a paid advertorial section. Many thanks to the local organizations providing content and to the advertisers who supported it: Norfolk International Airport, Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance (HREDA), ODU Business Gateway, Bon Secours, Tidewater Community College (TCC), City of Virginia Beach, Founders Inn, City of Norfolk and the Virginia Arts Festival.