The Economic Report, featuring the Newport News Economic Development Authority

Newport News in Review - The Making of The Economic Report (October 2009)

Inside Newport News - The Making of The Economic Report (October 2009)

WAVY-TV 6:00 p.m. Preview Broadcast

WAVY-TV 11:00 p.m. Wrap-Up Broadcast

Daily Press Hollydazzle Photo Gallery Archive

November 11, 2009 – Expansion Solutions Magazine Names Newport News Economic Development Authority Among its Top Five for High Tech - The Newport News Economic Development Authority was recognized with the Award of Excellence for High Technology. Top Five Awards are given to development organizations for a variety of industries including automotive, biotechnology and logistics. Currently in its third year of sponsoring the Awards of Excellence, Expansion Solutions selects winners based on "the incredible support system offered to businesses and the growth and the potential growth that can be created in each area."

October 1, 2009 – Southern Business & Development Magazine Recognizes Canon Virginia, the Newport News Economic Development Authority and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership with the Excellence in Business Recruitment Award - The Excellence in Manufacturing Recruitment Awards celebrated projects moving forward at a fast pace, despite economic conditions. Award recognition was based on high-profile manufacturing projects announced after December 2007.

September 23, 2009 – Forbes Magazine Ranks Virginia No. 1 Business Climate for the Third Year in a Row - Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced that Virginia would remain in first place as Forbes.com’s “Best State for Business.” It is the fourth consecutive year Virginia has been top ranked. The Commonwealth finished in the top 10 in 3 of the 6 categories examined in the review.

September 1, 2009 – Virginia Named "State of the Year" by CG/LA Infrastructure - Virginia has been named the Infrastructure State of the Year by CG/LA Infrastructure LLC, a global leader in public and private infrastructure development. States were evaluated with a model that combines quantitative information, such as infrastructure investment per capita and end user cost of electricity, and an eight criteria qualitative model including infrastructure vision, leadership, project quality, project performance and local engineering quality. Virginia ranked highly in the areas of infrastructure vision, leadership and project quality.

August 21, 2009 – Newport News Partners with Hampton Roads Cities and Virginia Black Expo to Produce and Promote Minority Business Recruitment Video - Created by Crewstone Technologies, the video features prominent local business professionals and government officials, offering their prospective on why Hampton Roads is a great place to locate or expand a business. The production, titled "Hampton Roads: A Great Business Decision," debuted at the kickoff of the 2009 Virginia Black Expo in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

"Hampton Roads: A Great Business Decision" video

August 13, 2009 – Atlantic 10 Athletic Conference Announces Headquarters Relocation from Philadelphia to Newport News - The Conference is one of 32 Division I college athletic conferences, and includes 14 institutions and 21 sports. Their newly-constructed, state-of-the-art office will be located in City Center at Oyster Point. Commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade expressed that the move provided an opportunity to grow the A-10 brand in a vibrant city.

July 23, 2009 – Virginia Reclaims CNBC'S "Top State for Business" Title - Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced for the second time during his administration, CNBC has named Virginia its "Top State for Business." The honor was based on a variety of factors, including workforce quality, business friendliness and broadband infrastructure, and reaffirms that "Virginia has what it takes to emerge from an economy turned upside down." Virginia received the top ranking in 2007 and was ranked second in 2008.

July 9, 2009 – Virginia Recognized Among "Five Best States to Start a Business" - Governor Timothy M. Kaine recognized Virginia's ranking among the "Five Best States to Start a Business," by U.S. News & World Report. "The latest accolades accorded the Commonwealth demonstrate that Virginia remains a power player among business-friendly states," said Governor Kaine. "As we work to get our economy back on track, it's great to be recognized for continuing to attract innovative businesses to Virginia."

July 1, 2009 – Area Development Magazine Recognizes Newport News in its 2009 Gold & Silver Shovel Awards - The magazine's annual Gold & Silver Shovel Awards honor states for their endeavors in attracting high-value investment projects that will create a significant number of new jobs. Newport News was recognized as a Silver winner for the Canon Virginia expansion, resulting in $623 million in investment and over 1,000 new jobs.

June 24, 2009 – Governor Kaine Announces Latest No. 1 Pro-Business Ranking for Virginia - Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced that Virginia's pro-business environment earned the Commonwealth its latest No. 1 ranking nationally. Pollina Corporate Real Estate Inc., an expert in U.S. corporate site relocation, designated its highest ranking to Virginia for the third time.

June 3, 2009 – Hornsby Tire Company Breaks Ground on New Showroom and Shop - Since 1935, Hornsby Tire Company has been a familiar, family-owned business in the Southeast Community of Newport News. The groundbreaking of their new facility at the corner of Jefferson Avenue and 33rd Street marks additional redevelopment progress along the Jefferson Avenue corridor. The new 19,000 square foot facility will include a showroom, a warehouse and a 13-bay automotive shop. A joint development agreement between the City’s Economic Development Authority, the Redevelopment and Housing Authority, and the Hornsby Tire Company made the relocation possible. The Economic Development Authority will manage the building’s design and construction in a turnkey approach, and the goal is to deliver a completed building by early 2010.

June 1, 2009 – Newport News Economic Development Authority Given Special Recognition in Southern Business & Development Magazine's Summer Feature - "Top Deals & Hot Markets 2009" - Several Southern markets enjoy their best year yet in 2008.

Southern Business & Development June 2009 Feature "Top Deals & Hot Markets 2009"

May 1, 2009 –Newport News Economic Development Authority Secretary/Treasurer Honored in Southern Business & Development Magazine's Winter Feature - "Top 10 People Who Made a Difference" - Florence G. Kingston recognized for the investment of $1.2 million and creation of 1,900 new jobs in Newport News in 2008.

Southern Business & Development May 2009 Feature "Top 10 People Who Made a Difference"

May 1, 2009 – Canon Virginia Holds Ribbon Cutting for New Manufacturing Facility as Part of Its $600 Million Expansion - Canon Virginia has been a major manufacturer in Hampton Roads since 1985, and recently continued its growth in Newport News with a new, 700,000 square foot facility that houses Canon’s primary toner cartridge manufacturing operations. Originally announced on May 1, 2008, the new plant is highly-automated and takes advantage of the highly-skilled workforce found in Newport News. Over 1,000 new jobs will be created to support Canon's expansion by 2012.

April 27, 2009 – Virginia Business Magazine's Regional Report - "Sunny Outlook" - Newport News hopes to use benefits of economic development projects to boost citywide makeover.

Virginia Business May 2009 Feature "Sunny Outlook"

April 27, 2009 – Three Newport News Companies Named Virginia Fantastic 50 – Bay Electric Company, BOSH Global Services and International Communications Group were named to the Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s Fantastic 50 List of the fastest growing companies in Virginia. Bay Electric Company has been on the Fantastic 50 list since 2004 and this is the fourth consecutive year that International Communications Group was named to the list. Bay Electric Company is a minority-owned commercial construction contractor located in Newport News’ predominantly African-American Southeast Community. BOSH Global Services is headquartered in Newport News in Oyster Point and is a government contractor specializing in unmanned systems technology. International Communication Group (ICG) manufactures communications integration, automation and management systems in wireless or mobile communications applications. ICG is located in Oakland Industrial Park. All three companies are located in a Virginia Enterprise Zone.

March 30, 2009 – Trade & Industry Development Magazine Recognizes Newport News for Project Partnerships in Its Annual Corporate Inevstment & Community Impact (CiCi) Awards - In its March/April 2009 edition, Trade & Industry Development Magazine recognized corporate locations and investments with a focus on both the company's investment in the community and the economic developers responsible for securing the investment. Newport News received two of fifteen awards in the category, one each for project partnerships with Canon and AREVA.

March 27, 2009 – Mühlbauer Celebrates with Grand Opening Ceremony for New, State-of-the-Art Technology Center - The building, which is equipped with the latest technology, includes a sales and service department and demo rooms, and serves as a new basis for all Mühlbauer activities on the North American continent. Mühlbauer announced in March 2008 that it would expand its Newport News facilitiy; relocating from Oyster Point to a larger parcel in Oakland Industrial Park, in anticipation of future expansion. Mühlbauer, Inc, the U.S. division of the German firm, Mühlbauer, AG High Tech International, is the world's leading producer of machinery designed to make smart cards.

January 30, 2009 – Canon Virginia’s Workforce Development Program Named Best in The Americas by Canon – Mr. Takayoshi Hanagata, President and CEO of Canon Virginia, Inc. in Newport News, was pleased to announce that Canon Virginia’s Workforce Development Program was presented with the Canon Americas President’s Award for the top Learning and Growth project, as well as the Grand Prize Award for the most outstanding project in the entire Canon Americas region in 2008. The award was announced at Canon Americas’ International Management Meeting in New York earlier this year. The application highlighted Canon Virginia’s outstanding response to the need for technical skills training programs to support the expansion and growth announced on May 1, 2008 [see announcement below]. The application featured Canon’s partnerships with the City of Newport News, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Virginia Community College System and workforce development agencies. It highlighted how the company rapidly brought its new Canon Workforce Development Center to life and talked about the importance of cooperative teamwork.

December 23, 2008 – Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding Receives Contract for 8 Nuclear Submarines – The U.S. Navy announced the award of a $14 billion contract to Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat to build 8 new nuclear powered submarines between 2011 and 2019. The new contract means that the shipyards will have two nuclear submarines under construction simultaneously for the first time since the two companies began jointly constructing nuclear submarines. The new work is expected to add up to 2,200 new jobs and require an additional $200 million in capital investment for new submarine production facilities.

December 15, 2008 – Continental AG Announce $194 Million Investment and 318 New Jobs - Continental, AG, the German multi-national automotive parts manufacturer, announced a $194 million expansion of its Newport News fuel injection systems plant. The expansion will also add 318 new jobs, more than one-third of which will be salaried. The expansion is a result of a consolidation of Continentals fuel injection system operations and its development of new gas fuel injection technology. Continental will move its diesel fuel injection system engineering, R&D and manufacturing operations from Columbia and Blythewood, South Carolina to Newport News.

Continental chose the Newport News plant to consolidate its fuel injection systems operation for a variety of reasons, including greater capacity for expansion and a more efficient layout at the Newport News plant; the quality, productivity and flexibility of its workforce in Newport News; and the cooperative attitude of both state and local government. This is Newport News third major project of more than $150 million in capital investment and more than 300 new jobs this year. For more information about the project, click on links to the Governors announcement.

"Continental Automotive Systems" video

November 6, 2008 – Director of Development and NNEDA Secretary/ Treasurer Honored by Local Civic Group - The Warwick Ruritan Club named Florence G. Kingston, Director of Development of the City of Newport News and Secretary/Treasurer of the Newport News Economic Development Authority, as “Business and Professional Person of the Year 2008.” Each year, the local organization honors an individual who has made a positive impact on the quality of life in Newport News.

October 23, 2008 – Areva NP and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding Announce $363.5 Million Investment -Areva NP, the French multi-national nuclear power company, and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding announced a $363.5 million joint venture to build heavy components that will go into nuclear power plants to be built in North America. The new company, Areva Newport News, will construct a 368,000 square foot plant and office building at Northrop Grumman’s North Yard. Northrop Grumman will also create a new subsidiary, Newport News Energy, to sell engineering services to the nuclear power industry. Together, the two companies will create at least 540 new jobs by 2013.

Areva chose to partner with Northrop Grumman in Newport News in large part because of the availability of a highly skilled workforce that is experienced in manufacturing and assembling precision heavy components to the exacting standards of the nuclear industry. Northrop Grumman also brings formidable talent in managing the type of large, complex projects that Areva Newport News will undertake. The new plant, to be modeled on Areva’s existing nuclear components plant in the Burgundy region of France, will take three to four years to build and will produce components weighing up to 500 tons. For more information about the project, click on links to the Governor’s announcement and to press releases from Areva and Northrop Grumman.

"AREVA/Northrop Grumman" video

September 27, 2008 – Fort Eustis Gains $195 Million in Construction Spending - The 2009 Defense Authorization Bill to be signed by President Bush contains $195 million in military construction for Fort Eustis in Newport News. The money will fund, among other projects, a new Army Training Support Center, a new unit operations center and a new Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) headquarters. TRADOC, which is a four-star command, is scheduled to complete a move to Fort Eustis in 2011.

"Fort Eustis" video

July 31, 2008 – Forbes Magazine Ranks Virginia No. 1 Business Climate for the Third Year in a Row – Forbes Magazine ranked Virginia first among business-friendly states in its annual survey for the third year in a row. The top ranking was based on a composite of factors in which Virginia ranked among the top ten states. Virginia ranked first in Regulatory Climate, sixth in economic climate, sixth in quality of life and seventh in labor supply. In addition to being cited as a great location for new or existing businesses, the magazine also credited Virginia for its incentive programs, low energy costs and educated labor force.

May 1, 2008 – Canon Inc. to Invest More Than $600 Million at its Newport News Plant - Virginia Governor Tim Kaine and Tsuneji Uchida, President and Chief Operating Officer of Canon Inc. announced the investment by Canon of more than $600 million and the creation of more than 1,000 new jobs at a new 700,000 square foot manufacturing facility on the Newport News campus of Canon Virginia. Construction on the new facility, which will perform highly-roboticized production of toner cartridges for Canon, begins immediately. The project will also include an expansion of Canon Virginia’s aftermarket service of Canon digital consumer products, an advanced manufacturing research and development component, and the establishment of Canon’s Market Engineering Technical Center, which will provide training services for Canon’s operations in the Americas. Additional expansion will take place at Industrial Resources Technologies, Canon Virginia’s toner cartridge recycling facility in nearby Gloucester County, Virginia.

Canon’s decision represents an historic return of high-end manufacturing to the U.S. Key to Canon’s rationale for choosing the Newport News facility for this investment were the close and cooperative relations that Canon Virginia has had with local and state officials, the environmental benefits of locating the new plant near the large U.S. customer base and Canon’s North American toner cartridge recycling plant, and the resources that are available through Virginia’s Community College System that will be dedicated to training the workforce that will be required for the expansion. Press releases have been issued by both Canon Inc. and the Governor’s Office.

"Canon Virginia" video

April 27, 2008 – Two Newport News Companies Named Virginia Fantastic 50 – Bay Electric Company and International Communications Group were named to the Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s Fantastic 50 List of the fastest growing companies in Virginia. Bay Electric Company has been on the Fantastic 50 list since 2004 and this is the third straight year that International Communications Group was named to the list. Bay Electric Company is a minority-owned commercial construction contractor located in Newport News’ predominantly African-American Southeast Community. International Communication Group (ICG) manufactures communications integration, automation and management systems in wireless or mobile communications applications. ICG is located in Oakland Industrial Park. Both companies are located in a Virginia Enterprise Zone.

April 22, 2008 – Southeast Community Redevelopment Project to be Lead by Aaron Brooks- The Newport News Economic Development Authority announced the selection of a firm headed by acclaimed NFL quarterback, Aaron Brooks, to develop the Southeast Commerce Center, a 14-acre tract located in the predominantly African-American Southeast Community of Newport News. Brooks, a Newport News native, returns to his community with a dramatic vision for its revitalization that includes for-sale townhomes and new commercial development, including a grocery store. The site is located off Interstate 664 along the Southeast Community’s historic commercial downtown street, Jefferson Avenue. The NNEDA will sign a pre-development agreement with Brooks’ firm, Tidewater Partners and Property Development, to guide the project during its preliminary stage.

March 20, 2008 – Southern Business & Development Calls Newport News Region Tops in Advanced Manufacturing, Great Innovation Markets of the South- Southern Business & Development, a leading site selection magazine, has ranked Hampton Roads (the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-NEWPORT NEWS MSA) the #8 market in the South for Advanced Manufacturing and the leading Southern Market for Innovation. The twin designation recognizes the technology assets that have made Newport News America’s Hi-Tech Hometown. Newport News companies such as Canon Virginia, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding and Continental, AG have leaded the way in developing and implementing advanced manufacturing techniques. Spurred by research from Jefferson Lab, NASA's Langley Research Center and the region’s growing modeling and simulation sector, Newport News companies such as Dilon Technologies and Soluble Systems are leading examples of high-tech innovation powering successful small companies in Newport News.

March 17, 2008 – Mühlbauer Expands with New Sales/Service/Assembly Facility in Oakland Industrial Park – Mühlbauer, Inc, the U.S. division of the German firm, Mühlbauer, AG High Tech International, announced that it will build a 30,000 square foot sales/service/assembly facility in Oakland Industrial Park in Newport News, Virginia. Mühlbauer is the world’s leading producer of machinery designed to make smart cards. Smart cards have long been popular in Europe and elsewhere in the world, but are just catching on in the U.S. Mühlbauer, which currently leases space in the Oyster Point business park in Newport News, plans to invest $7.5 million in the new facility. An expanding demand for smart cards in the U.S., particularly by the government sector, will fuel future job growth at the new facility, which will feature a clean, high-tech look in keeping with the many architecturally designed buildings in Oakland Industrial Park.

February 1, 2008 – PenSoft Constructs New Facility in Oakland Industrial Park – Peninsula Software of Virginia, Inc. (PenSoft) became the second local manufacturer to break ground on a new facility in Oakland Industrial Park. PenSoft, a leading manufacturer of payroll software designed to help small and medium-sized businesses and payroll services providers, will occupy its new 12,000 square foot facility in mid-2008. Currently located in the Oyster Point business park, PenSoft has contracted with Hamner Development to build its new building, which is next door to the new facility being constructed for Coastal Forms and Data Products. Like Coastal Forms, PenSoft will be moving into a Virginia Enterprise Zone.

January 24, 2008 – Newport News Three-Time Winner of One of 100 Best Communities for Young People – America’s Promise – The Alliance for Youth named Newport News and its neighboring city, Hampton, as one of America’s top 100 communities for young people for the third consecutive year. America’s Alliance was founded in 1997 after the Presidents’ Summit for America’s Future and supports efforts by communities, individuals, corporations and organizations to improve the odds for children and youth. The “100 Best Communities” awards are given on the basis of a community’s innovative programs and efforts to address the particular challenges facing today’s youth.

January 15, 2008 – Coastal Forms and Data Products Facility Now Under Construction – Coastal Forms and Data Products, a commercial printer and full service supplier of printing services, is expanding its presence in Newport News, Virginia by building a new 21,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Oakland Industrial Park in Newport News, Virginia. The new facility, being built as a turn-key development by Hamner Development, will allow Coastal Forms and Data Products to continue to expand in Newport News, Coastal Forms is currently located in leased space in the Oyster Point business park in Newport News. Coastal Forms plans to occupy its new facility in mid-2008.

January 10, 2008 – Newport News Public Schools Earn Virginia Index of Performance (VIP) Awards – Hilton Elementary School in Newport News was one of 89 public schools earning the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence, the highest achievement award for a public school issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. “Students in these schools are soaring far beyond the minimum requirements of the Standards of Learning and No Child Left Behind,” said Governor Kaine. The schools recognized must meet the high standards of the program for consecutive two years. Nine more elementary schools earned the Virginia Board of Education’s Excellence Award, the VIP program’s next highest award level. An additional 7 elementary schools earned the VIP program’s third level award, the Virginia Board of Education’s Competence to Excellence Award. All together, 17 of Newport News’ 26 elementary schools (65%) earned Virginia Index of Performance awards. VIP awards are based on the percentage of students achieving at the advanced level on Virginia’s Standards of Learning assessments and progress made toward educational goals adopted by the Virginia Board as part of its comprehensive plan for further strengthening public education.

December 1, 2007 – Newport News Automotive Injector Plant Gains Top Quality Recognition – Siemens VDO has recognized its Newport News fuel injection projection plant with an award as the top quality mechanical plant in Siemens VDO’s worldwide system. The Newport News plant competed with approximately 50 other locations for this distinction. Defect rates at the Newport News plant averaged an amazing 1.67 parts per million over a twelve month period ending in September 2007. This award is a testimony not only to the plant’s management and continuous improvement philosophy, but also to the technologically proficient and committed Newport News workforce. Siemens recently sold its entire VDO Automotive division to Continental, the German tire and auto parts manufacturer in a deal valued at more than $15 billion.

November 22, 2007 – Riverside Diagnostic Center Designated Breast Imaging Center of Excellence – Riverside Health System’s Diagnostic Center at Oyster Point has been designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology, the nation’s largest and oldest medical imaging accrediting body. Riverside’s facility joins the top 2% of medical imaging facilities in the nation with this accreditation. Only 3 other facilities in Virginia have received this designation. The designation is fitting given Newport News’s leadership in the field of photonics medical imaging via research and development at Jefferson Lab. Dilon Technologies is another Newport News company receiving international recognition as a pioneer in the breast cancer imaging field.

October 1, 2007 – Jefferson Lab to Double its Power with $400 Million Project – Jefferson Lab (the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility) has received approval from the U.S. Department of Energy to double the power of its Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator to 24 gigaelectronvolts (GeV). The upgrade will allow scientists at the Lab to delve deeper into the mysteries of how quarks—subatomic nuclear particles—behave inside the atom. The $400 million project includes $310 million for the accelerator upgrade and $100 million to build a new experimental hall and refurbish an existing hall. Construction is expected to begin in 2009 and be completed by 2016. The upgrade will add 50 new permanent positions at Jefferson Lab and allow 200 to 400 more scientists to visit the Lab annually from around the world to conduct experiments in particle physics.

September 20, 2007 – Alion Science and Technology Launches Homeland Security Certification Program – Alion Science and Technology’s Newport News office has developed an on-line Homeland Security certification program in cooperation with Hampton University (which was recently ranked as the #3 HBCU (Historically Black College and University) in the nation. Alion brings its considerable expertise in Modeling and Simulation and distance learning to deliver a program that includes homeland security fundamentals, anti- and counter-terrorism strategic objectives and threat assessment/risk management studies. The program is aimed at working professionals, including first responders, security personnel, city managers, transportation officials and emergency planners. Alion’s Hampton Roads office is located in City Center at Oyster Point in Newport News.

July 13, 2007 – NBC Names Virginia as Top State for Business – Following on the heels of Forbes Magazine’s No. 1 ranking, CNBC has also designated Virginia as its “Top State for Business.” CNBC’s ranking is based on 40 different measures of competitiveness grouped into 10 categories: cost of doing business, workforce, economy, education, quality of life, technology and innovation, transportation, cost of living, business friendlieness and access to capital. Virginia ranked third under economy, fourth in business friendliness and eighth in workforce. This ranking reinforces that Virginia and Newport News are a great location for any company wishing to maximize its long-term competitive advantage.

July 11, 2007 – Forbes Magazine ranks Virginia No. 1 Business Climate for the Second Year in a Row – Forbes Magazine ranked Virginia first among business-friendly states in its annual survey for the second year in a row. The top ranking was based on a composite of factors in which Virginia ranked among the top ten states. Virginia ranked first in Regulatory Climate, fifth in quality of the workforce, sixth in quality of life, eighth in prospects for growth. This ranking affirms Virginia’s consistently business friendly environment, which makes a decision to locate in Newport News a great long-term investment for any company.

June 29, 2007 – Banana Republic Leads New Retail Coming to City Center at Oyster Point – Banana Republic announced the opening of its first Peninsula store in City Center at Oyster Point. The new store will open this fall, joining other national fashion retailers: Ann Taylor Loft, Chico’s, Coldwater Creek, J Jill, Jos. A. Bank and Talbot’s. Taste Unlimited, a Hampton Roads specialty food retailer, will be joining forces with Medik’s Market to offer a line of organic and gourmet foods to City Center shoppers and residents. The newest restaurant to open at City Center will be Salsa’s Mexican Restaurant. Salsa’s will be the flagship, upscale product of the Hampton Roads-based Plaza Azteca Restaurant chain. City Center’s developers continue to build and market retail product to enhance this highly successful, new urbanist development.

May 22, 2007 – Newsweek Names Newport News Schools Among Top in the Nation – For the third straight year, Newsweek Magazine has rated Warwick High School among the top 100 high schools in the nation. Warwick High School is home to the school system’s International Baccalaureate program—which is just one of several magnet programs operating from elementary to high school. Also, for the second straight year, Newsweek Magazine ranked Newport News’ other four high schools among the top 1,000 in the nation. Prior to that, the magazine had ranked four of the city’s high schools among the top 1,000.

May 3, 2007 – Newport News Restores Japanese Teahouse – Nearly 20 years after receiving a 16th century Japanese teahouse as a gift from Canon Virginia, the City of Newport News has restored the structure, named Swallows’ Rest, and built a Japanese-style garden surrounding the ceremonial teahouse, which is on display at the Peace Garden in Newport News Park. The teahouse, originally exhibited at the National Gallery of Art, is the only one of its kind in the United States.

March 25, 2007 – Virginia Named Most Business Friendly State, Again - Virginia was named as the nation’s most business-friendly state in 2007 by Pollina Corporate Real Estate, Inc. in its Top Ten Pro-Business States: America’s Economy in the 21st Century. Pollina is a Chicago-based corporate relocation consultant. Factors evaluated by Pollina included taxes, human resources, labor climate, energy costs, infrastructure spending, workers compensation legislation and jobs lost or gained. Virginia is consistently ranked among the top business-friendly states in this survey, ranked number one in 2003 and number two in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

March 9, 2007 – USS Monitor Center Opens at Mariners' Museum – The $30 million, 65,500 square foot USS Monitor Center is now open. This interactive exhibit, located at one of the world’s best nautical museums, explores all facets of one of the first ironclad warships, including its historic battle with the CSS Virginia (aka the Merrimac).

March 3, 2007 – Newport News Schools Named Among Best for Music Education – The International Music Products Association and its American Music Conference has named the Newport News Public Schools as one of the 100 Best in the nation for music education. The school system’s commitment to school-based music programs was cited.

January 23, 2007 – Plan for Southeast Waterfront Redevelopment Unveiled– The Cambridge land planning firm of Chan Krieger Sienciewicz unveiled a plan before the Newport News City Council for the redevelopment and revitalization of the two-mile long waterfront along Hampton Roads harbor in Southeast Newport News. The plan calls for the redevelopment of those areas of the waterfront occupied by lower-income housing into housing for medium and higher-income households. The Plan also recommends a variety of amenity upgrades including walking and biking trails and better access to the waterfront and to the area’s existing parks. The City views this as a long-term redevelopment initiative that will substantially transform the character of Southeast Newport News over the next decade.

December 21, 2006 – Icelandic USA announces second expansion in 2006- Icelandic USA, the world’s largest processor of North Atlantic fisheries seafood product, announced a 182-job expansion at its U.S. plant and headquarters in Oakland Industrial Park. This expansion testifies to the efficiencies that Icelandic USA has experienced in its Newport News plant and the quality and availability of its workforce here. The new job growth will push employment at the plant past the 600 worker mark.

December 15, 2006 – Construction begins on The Point Condominiums at City Center at Oyster Point– Construction began on 54 luxury condominium units and 14,000 square feet of new retail space at The Point in City Center at Oyster Point. The Point is located on the strategic corner of Thimble Shoals Boulevard and Town Center Drive, facing the Thimble Shoals roundabout in one direction and the Mariners Row retail street in the other direction. Floor plans range from a 1,025 square foot loft to a 2,329 square foot 3-bedroom unit. Units are priced from $290,000s to $500,000.

December 13, 2006 – Liebherr Mining continues to grow in Newport News– Liebherr Mining and Liebherr-America, the U.S. divisions of Liebherr the Switzerland-based Liebherr Group, will add 30 more positions to its 400-person workforce. Liebherr continues to see strong demand for its mining trucks. Liebherr Mining is located in Copeland Industrial Park in Newport News.

September 23, 2006 – National LambdaRail, newest, fastest information superhighway, connects to Jefferson Lab– Jefferson Lab – the electron beam accelerator located in the heart of Newport News – connected to the National LambdaRail network, the ultrafast fiber-optic network that is the nation’s newest information superhighway. The National LambdaRail Internet connects Jefferson Lab to academic and government research institutes across the nation. Regionally, the network connects Jefferson Lab with NASA’s Langley Research Center, the College of William and Mary, Old Dominion University, the U.S. Joint Forces Command and the Virginia Modeling Analysis and Simulation Center.

August 24, 2006 – Two City Center Announced– Newport News Town Center, LLC, City Center at Oyster Point’s developer, announced a second office building to be built in City Center’s retail district. The five-story, 85,000 square foot office building is expected to have a restaurant on its first floor. Two City Center will be next to the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center and will face onto City Center’s retail street, Mariner’s Row. Pre-leasing is under way. Contact Alex Stern of NAI Harvey Lindsay at 757-873-2020.

August 17, 2006 – Dilon Technologies raises $7.25 million in private equity– Dilon Technologies, an entrepreneurial high-tech company marketing technology borne at Jefferson Lab, has raised $7.25 million in new capital from a private stock sale. The sale was handled by the New York-based niche investment banker, Taglich Brothers. Dilon has developed a gamma ray camera capable of detecting early breast cancers. Dilon’s cameras are being used in major research hospitals nationwide.

August 17, 2006 – Forbes Magazine ranks Virginia No. 1 Business Climate– Forbes Magazine ranked Virginia first among business-friendly states in its annual survey. The top ranking was based on a composite of factors in which Virginia ranked among the top ten states. Virginia ranked first in Regulatory Climate, fourth in Labor, fifth in Quality of Life, eighth in Economic Climate, tenth in Growth Projections and tenth in Business Costs. Hampton Roads, Newport News’ metropolitan area, was featured prominently and positively in the Forbes article.

June 15, 2006 – New Marriott Hotel and Conference Center opens at City Center – A new 256-room Marriott Hotel and Conference Center opened for business at City Center at Oyster Point, the central business district for the Virginia Peninsula region of Hampton Roads. The new Marriott overlooks City Center’s spectacular five-acre fountain plaza and contains an impressive rotunda that houses Rockefeller’s restaurant. The Conference Center can accommodate groups of 1,000 for a seated dinner and up to 1,500 for a reception. The hotel and conference center are supported by a 713-car attached parking garage. Next to the hotel, high-end retail and restaurants continue to open at City Center [see April 7, 2006 announcement].

June 9, 2006 – Asheton Rezoning Approved – The rezoning of more than 400 acres owned by the Newport News Economic Development Authority was approved by the Newport News City Council for development of Asheton, a new urbanist “legacy community.” Asheton will be built around a mixed-use village center and contain approximately 1,600 upscale housing units. It will provide another new opportunity for the City’s executives, managers, professionals and scientists to live in a high-amenity, walkable community in Newport News. Housing styles range from single-family detached in various lot sizes, to townhome, to condominiums above retail, to live-work units. Asheton is being developed by L.M. Sandler and Sons and is expected to take ten years to complete.

April 27, 2006 – Three Newport News Companies Make Virginia’s Fantastic Fifty List – The Virginia Chamber of Commerce has named three Newport News companies to its “Fantastic Fifty” list for 2006. The list honors companies that have the highest revenue growth during the past four years. To be eligible, companies must have revenues of less than $100 million in its most recent year and have had revenues of at least $200,000 four years ago. The three companies making this year’s list were: Bay Electric Company (which also made last year’s Fantastic Fifty list), Foundation Engineering Science and International Communications Group. Bay Electric is a commercial contractor with 76 employees. Foundation Engineering Science provides environmental engineering services and has 32 employees. International Communications Group designs and manufactures satellite navigation equipment for the maritime and aerospace industries and has 25 employees.

April 7, 2006 – City Center’s Mixed-Use District has Grand Opening – Shoppers thronged the new mixed-use district in City Center at Oyster Point as several national fashion retailers opened their doors. Among the retailers new to the Newport News market area are Ann Taylor Loft, Chico’s, Coldwater Creek, J Jill, Jos. A. Bank and Ten Thousand Villages. Talbot’s and Talbot’s Petites, which had already successfully established itself in this market, also has moved to City Center. Visit the City Center website for a full list of retailers and restaurants at City Center.

March 24, 2006 – Alion Science and Technology and C² Technologies Locate at City Center - Alion Science and Technology announced that it will open an office at City Center at Oyster Point where it will be a tenant at One City Center, a new office building in City Center’s mixed-use retail district. Alion is an employee-owned research and technology company with specialties in modeling and simulation, defense operations, wireless communications, information technology, naval architecture and marine engineering, industrial technology and environmental engineering. Alion will bring 50 new jobs to Newport News. Alion has been awarded a $48.5 million contract to provide modeling and simulation technologies to the US Joint Forces Command, which will be administered out of its City Center location. Alion is a Virginia company headquartered in McLean.Also locating at One City Center is C² Technologies. C² is an information technology company with specialties in distance learning, strategic human resource management and mission-critical support services. C² will occupy the entire second floor of One City Center and will bring 100 new jobs to Newport News. C² has been awarded a $346 million contract from TRADOC to supply distance learning services for the Army, including both classroom and online education. C² is also a Virginia company, with its headquarters in Vienna.

December 21, 2005 – Wolseley North America Locates its Headquarters Operations in Newport News – Wolseley North America, an affiliate of Wolseley plc—the world’s largest distributor of plumbing supplies and other building materials—has announced the location of its headquarters operations in Newport News. Wolseley North America—with $14 billion in sales—manages Ferguson Enterprises, Stock Building Supply and Wolseley Canada. Ferguson Enterprises—the hemisphere’s largest distributor of plumbing supplies and the nation’s third largest distributor of HVAC equipment—with $7 billion in sales, is already headquartered in Newport News. Wolseley will create a corporate campus around Ferguson’s two existing corporate office buildings. The first Wolseley building will be 220,000 square feet. Wolseley has pledged to create at least 420 new jobs and invest at least $30 million within the next three years in return for state and local incentives valued at more than $5 million. Wolseley’s employment and investment in Newport News is expected to grow significantly over the next ten to fifteen years. Wolseley’s new corporate campus is located in a Virginia Enterprise Zone.

November 30, 2005– Northrop Grumman Newport News Awarded $1.9 Billion Contract – The Defense Department awarded Northrop Grumman Newport News a $1.9 billion contract for the three-year refueling and overhaul of the USS Carl Vinson nuclear aircraft carrier. Up to 2,500 shipyard employees will work on the ship. Northrop Grumman Newport News is Virginia’s largest manufacturer.

November 20, 2005 – Warwick High School Graduate Wins Rhodes Scholarship – Maria Cecire, a 2001 graduate of Newport News’ International Baccalaureate program at Warwick High School, was named as a Rhodes Scholar. She was one of 32 winners of one of the world’s most prestigious academic scholarships. Ms. Cecire told reporters, “I feel like I’m lucky to have had such great preparation. At Warwick High School, I had some great teachers.” Ms. Cecire’s award is not only a testimony to her own academic talent and efforts, but also to the academic strength of the Newport News Public Schools.

November 9, 2005 – Fort Eustis to be Home to U.S. Army’s Training and Doctrine Command – With the results of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process finalized, Fort Eustis in Newport News is slated to be the new home for the U.S. Army’s Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), raising the status of the base from a two-star to a four-star command. Also relocated to Fort Eustis will be the Army Contracting Agency (ACA) and the Eastern division of the Army Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM). With other changes being made at the base (a partial relocation of its Transportation School to Fort Lee in Petersburg and the relocation of a Surface Deployment and Distribution Command unit to Illinois), Fort Eustis will have a net gain of at least 1300 military and civilian positions. The BRAC recommendations will be implemented at Fort Eustis by 2011.

November 1, 2005 – Iceland Seafood Merges with Icelandic USA; Company to Expand in Newport News – Iceland Seafood (Samband of Iceland) and Icelandic USA have merged to form the nation’s largest seafood processing company. With its corporate headquarters in Oakland Industrial Park in Newport News, Icelandic USA continues to expand. The company anticipates hiring more than 165 new workers and adding a second shift at its Newport News plant. From its Newport News headquarters, Icelandic USA also manages facilities in Norfolk, Virginia; Cambridge, Maryland; and Boston, Massachusetts. The company is located in a Virginia Enterprise Zone.

October 20, 2005 – Bocelli Plays Newport News – Andrea Bocelli is just one of the world-class performers in the Ferguson Center for the Arts inaugural season. Bocelli enraptured a sell-out audience with a night of arias and popular Italian songs. Other performers appearing on the Ferguson schedule this season include Michael Crawford, Bruce Hornsby, The Parsons Dance Company, B.B. King, Judy Collins, David Copperfield, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the Temptations, the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, The Chieftains, the Miami City Ballet and Bill Cosby. Performances of Miss Saigon, Madame Butterfly, The Barber of Seville, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Mikado, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake are also among the more than three dozen events scheduled for this season.

September 30, 2005 – Marva Maid Dairy to Expand in Newport News – Marva Maid Dairy will expand its presence in Newport News by investing $7 million in the Newport News plant by the end of 2007 to modernize and add to its equipment. It will also add several new positions at the plant. Marva Maid is a regional supplier of milk and other dairy products and is a division of the Maryland and Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association. Marva Maid Dairy is located in Copeland Industrial Park and is in a Virginia Enterprise Zone. Marva Maid also has distribution centers in Richmond, Virginia and in Northeastern North Carolina.

September 7, 2005 – Children’s Hospital of the Kings Daughters Opens New Surgery Center – Children’s Hospital of the Kings Daughters (CHKD), one of the nation’s most renowned pediatric hospitals, opened its $4 million same-day surgery center at its Oyster Point campus in Newport News. The surgery center will treat as many as 2.500 children annually. The center contains two operating suites and an aquatic therapy pool. This is a 14,000 square foot expansion of CHKD’s medical complex in Oyster Point. Specialties include general pediatrics, orthopedics, urology, gastroenterology, plastic surgery, and ear/nose and throat.

September 6, 2005 – Kitchen Design Purchases Oakland Industrial Park Building– Kitchen Design has exercised its option to purchase the 64,000 square foot building it has been occupying through a capital lease in Oakland Industrial Park. The building was purchased from the Newport News Industrial Development Authority. Kitchen Design’s purchase reflects its continuing growth and financial strength. Kitchen Design manufactures kitchen cabinets and counter tops.

August 17, 2005 – Printpack, Inc. Acquires PBM Plastics in Oakland Industrial Park– Printpack, Inc., which leases a 108,000 square foot manufacturing plant from the Newport News Industrial Development Authority in Oakland Industrial Park, has purchased the business assets and equipment of PBM Plastics, another Oakland manufacturer. Printpack is a manufacturer of specialty rigid containers in Oakland and PBM Plastics is a technology leader in the manufacturing of thin-wall, deep draw, thermoformed plastics and a leading supplier of baby bottle liners. Dennis M. Love, President of Printpack, stated, “PBM Plastics is an ideal addition to Printpack because it adds important customer relationships and melt-phase forming technology to our RampartTM division.” RampartTM is the world’s leading manufacturer of high barrier, co-extruded, and thermoformed containers. Its acquisition of PBM Plastics will strengthen both operations. Printpack will continue to operate both plants in Oakland Industrial Park.

July 14, 2005 – Alpha Terminal Company Announces New Coal Terminal – Alpha Terminal Company, LLC, a subsidiary of Alpha Natural Resources, Inc. and a co-owner of Dominion Terminal Associates (DTA), announced a planned $20-25 million investment at the DTA facilities in Newport News. Alpha would build a new coal import facility. Final engineering is underway and all permits have been acquired. The new pier will allow DTA, which now can handle up to 22 million tons of coal exports, to take advantage of new sources of inexpensive, low-sulfur coal being mined internationally.

May 9, 2005 – Warwick High School Named One of Nation's Best– Newsweek magazine announced its rankings of America’s best high schools and Warwick High School in Newport News was ranked number 62. Warwick High School joined the ranks of the nation’s 100 best high schools due to the number of students successfully taking Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes. Newsweek’s ranking is based on the number of AP and IB tests administered compared to the overall student body size. According to Newsweek, AP and IB participation rates are indicators of a school’s efforts to get students to excel and prepare for college. Warwick High School is Newport News’ magnet school for its IB program—the first offered in Hampton Roads, Virginia.