MissySchmidt

I've traveled all over the U.S. I'm a Virginian, born and bred, growing up in the western side of the state, and I also lived in the DC-NoVA area. Hampton Roads is a MUCH more inviting, inspired and enlightened area in many arenas, but especially the arts. We have more venues, more genres and more events that anyone can attend than anywhere else. And, the best part? They are all so accessible, in location, in cost and in intimacy. As Rokk stated, sometimes you have to move away to appreciate what you have in your own backyard. I, for one, don't plan to move away unless pulled kicking and screaming. Hampton Roads rocks!

So what qualifies one as part of the "Urban Possie"? I'm working on a civic engagement proposal and would love to meet fellow HR-UPers! If I "qualify", count me in for a meal or just an adult beverage!

Has anyone seen this PR? SBA Study Identifies Hampton Roads as #1 in U.S. for High-Impact Firms That's a pretty impressive stat for HR, but I've seen little coverage in the press. I googled the report and there are big news stories and conversations all over the U.S. based on a particular city or region's good points brought out in the study. I wonder if anyone's looked into who these "high-impact" companies are in HR? And what can the cities' Economic Development Departments do to leverage this "impact" for the region?

I totally agree! Gas prices are higher all over the world vice the U.S. (ok, except maybe Dubai, UAE and Saudi Arabia). I don't like paying higher prices at the pump, but applaud it finally happening here. I knew it would force the issue of improved transportation infrastructure with the American people. It has changed my outlook: staying closer to home, walking whenever possible (we live in downtown Norfolk), buying more local products, recycling more and realizing that more oil is only a placebo-we need concerted efforts at energy-alternatives. More urban centers in Hampton Roads (vice suburbs) could finally bring us together. We have more in common than differences. And lead us to a truly regional agenda to get things done. We're stronger together than divided. I wrote about this on my blog recently.

Yes, just FIX it. That's why I helped with the www.BeatTheGridlock.com campaign. As for Del. Joannou, I did check the GA website and every where I look, it states "No Email". Check this out: http://dela.state.va.us/dela/MemBios.nsf/MWebsiteEL?OpenView

Since Del. Joannou does not have email, how did you send the message? via USPS mail? Thanks.

vdogg-please accept my apologies for any misunderstanding. this is a state-wide issue, and I wasn't sure where to post it for a state-wide viewing. thanks for any guidance you can give.

If you live or work in Virginia and whether you've been stuck in highway gridlock or not, your future is at stake! If we don't fix transportation now, we may never be able to fix it. Statewide, delay is costing millions of dollars per day, more than it would cost to build the roads we need. Help us beat the drum for new transportation funding

If you live or work in Virginia and whether you've been stuck in highway gridlock or not, your future is at stake! If we don't fix transportation now, we may never be able to fix it. Statewide, delay is costing millions of dollars per day, more than it would cost to build the roads we need. Help us beat the drum for new transportation funding

If you live or work in Virginia and whether you've been stuck in highway gridlock or not, your future is at stake! If we don't fix transportation now, we may never be able to fix it. Statewide, delay is costing millions of dollars per day, more than it would cost to build the roads we need. Help us beat the drum for new transportation funding

Espeto na Brasa Brazilian Steak Restaurant 233 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 313-4361 http://espetonabrasa.com/ an experience not to be missed!

Try the Vintage Tavern http://vintagetavernvirginia.com/ in north Suffolk. We enjoyed the drive into a more rural area of HR and were delighted to find this gem. We met the owners in the bar, enjoying their own Happy Hour. Every part of our meal was exquisite... from the wine in the bar (1/2 price during Happy Hour) to the Country Ham and Vidalia Onion soup appetizer to the succulent chicken (and more wine) to the homemade chocolate-cherry ice cream that would have put Ben & Jerry's to shame (and I LOVE Cherry Garcia). The place is gorgeous, too. Homey without being dull and high-end without being ostentatious. Be sure to check out the bathrooms (they used wood from the original building on the property) and the patio. A wonderful guitarist and singer entertained by the roaring fire on the stone patio (it was chilly this night). Everyone seemed to know one another or was busy introducing new friends. There was no pretentiousness here! And, the service was to die for! Our waiter knew intimate details about each and every dish from preparation to presentation and could recommend the perfect accompanying wine for each meal. If I worked for Zagat or any other so-called survey group, it would be tops on my list. Can't wait to go back.