The Proper Barber Shop
Barber Shop Voted “Best Hair Care for Men” Three Times
December 3, 2024
All-America All Together
All-America All Together
February 3, 2025
The Proper Barber Shop
Barber Shop Voted “Best Hair Care for Men” Three Times
December 3, 2024
All-America All Together
All-America All Together
February 3, 2025

Message from the Chair – Meet the Moment

Message From the Chair - Howard Hoege III

Newport News has long been a City of visionary foresight, bold decisions and catalytic partnerships. Our EDA has consistently defined, implemented and adapted strategies to shape the future of our community, while navigating challenges with purpose and resilience. Today, we rise to meet the moment – where sustained effort takes shape and comes together in a way that is clear, powering possibility in our City.

This past year, legacy businesses like Liebherr and Canon have made new key strategic investments in Newport News, expanding operations and business lines in ways that adapt for the future. These investments reinforce Newport News as a hub for advanced manufacturing operations, and the EDA is continuing to reinvest in this strength, with ready-site activities underway at the Carleton Advanced Manufacturing Site and AirCommerce Park.

The grand opening of Tech Center Research Park’s Building Two was amplified by the Starfinder sculpture unveiling and opening of the Drillfield – underpinning support for technology transfer and commercialization, complementing the major investments underway at Jefferson Lab in connection with the High Performance Data Facility.

In the Southeast Community, the EDA has been a leading partner in the Choice Neighborhood Initiative, the results of which are truly visible, and illustrated most recently by the completion of
2510 Jefferson Avenue. Coming next, the
much-anticipated seafood market, and the
ribbon-cutting on Peake Childhood Center’s Newport News location, which will galvanize our key investments in this historic neighborhood.

The Navy announced plans for the construction of a new parking garage at Newport News Shipbuilding, with a capacity of over 3,100 spaces. This investment, valued at more than $120 million, will address the need for more quality of life services and an improved work environment for Sailors and Shipbuilders. The Shipyard will also benefit from the AUKUS partnership, with continued exploration and development of nuclear submarine technology.  These collaborative partnerships will create opportunities and transform the overall downtown area and The Yard District.

Not far away, Hilton Village is bustling more than ever, with over 25,000 people attending events designed to support small business and vendors this year. EDA support for Hilton Village Main Street, Riverside’s recently-announced Medical Residency Building and the EDA’s strategic acquisition of the Warwick Village Shopping Center, all set the stage for continued growth and success in another
of the City’s historic neighborhoods.

These efforts have not gone unnoticed. Honoring the ability to equitably engage community members in activities that strengthen excellence in local innovation, civic engagement and cross-sector collaboration, the National Civic League designated Newport News an All-America City in 2024.

Many of us hear stories of transformative change
in communities, but we rarely have the opportunity to participate firsthand. It is a privilege to be part
of the community during this generational moment of growth in Newport News’ history. Thank you
to City Council and the many partners, board members and staff who are moving our beloved City forward – opening doors to economic opportunity and powering possibility.

 

Howard H. Hoege III
2024 Chair | EDA/IDA