Architect B. Kay Van Dyke purchased the T.C. Walker mural building at 6769 Main St. to offer co-working spaces, dedicated desks and small private offices. In the 2,000-square-foot space, members can meet clients and use high-speed Wi-Fi, the printer, coffee station and conference room. The space is conducive to offering classes.

The different levels of membership are open to 40 people, she said.

A basic membership is $95 monthly and offers open work areas with desks, kitchen, meeting space and conference room. An open-area dedicated workspace, with a worktable or desk, lockable storage and access to amenities, costs $200 monthly. Studios and offices are $3.50 a square foot. Facilities, for the conference room or classroom configuration, can also be reserved a la carte.

A successful entrepreneur, Van Dyke hopes to attract startups to create a business incubator atmosphere.

“By working in a co-working space with other entrepreneurs, it makes it easier to support each other and exchange ideas,” she said.

Continuous learning is also on this 85-year-old’s agenda. She said classes set to be offered include welding, taught by a blacksmith, and art classes.

The building, constructed in the 1930s, had been empty for more than 10 years. It stands out because of the murals on each side. This is just one of several endeavors Van Dyke has undertaken for Gloucester’s Main Street since she arrived with her late husband in 1985.

“I think I am still considered new,” she laughed.

In 2010, she purchased and restored an empty building to create Arts on Main. Van Dyke sold it in 2020 and bought another abandoned building for a co-op space called Village Art Colony, where local artists sell their work and teach classes.

When asked about starting another business, Van Dyke simply said, “I get bored easy, so I thought, ‘Why not?’”

Art/Work is expected to open this month. For more information, visit awvillage.com.

Harvey Lindsay Commercial Real Estate

GRP 2103 Maxwell LLC purchased an 8,550-square-foot industrial property on 4.95 acres at 2103 Maxwell Drive in Hampton from TD Sherman II LLC for $2.025 million. Charles Dickinson represented the seller.

ECG Properties VA LLC purchased the 34,417-square-foot retail property at 3410 and 3422 High St. and Halifax Street in Portsmouth from Brad Barker for $1.6 million. Bobby Beasley III and Bobby Beasley Jr. represented the seller.

PDCREF2 Shoulders Hill LLC purchased a 35-acre property, Parcel #20*10B on Shoulders Hill Road in Suffolk, from LF One LLC for $4.3 million. Bobby Beasley III handled this transaction.

Range Commercial Partners

B&D Holdings, a privately held investment and development firm in New Jersey, bought a 142,600-square-foot industrial warehouse at 401 Woodlake Drive in Chesapeake from Drew Rosen Family II LLC for $14,485,000. The warehouse was fully leased at the time of purchase. B&D Holdings’ real estate investment portfolio consists of over 225 properties comprising 9 million square feet throughout 34 states. Hamilton Shaheen, Marc Allocca and Matt Anderson helped in the off-market transaction.

LEASES

Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer

Dollar Tree leased 10,332 square feet of retail space at New Town Shops on Main, Monticello Avenue and Ironbound Road in Williamsburg. Dollar Tree is occupying the former Victoria’s Secret space, and the adjacent vacant space. Drew Haynie represented the landlord.

Little Sunshine Academy leased 6,850 square feet of industrial space at 3545 Victory Blvd. in Portsmouth. Tom Dana represented the landlord.

Aqua-Tots Swim School leased 6,000 square feet of retail space at Red Mill Commons Shopping Center, 2133 Upton Drive, in Virginia Beach. Dean Martin represented the tenant.

Port Rover LLC leased 6,000 square feet of office/warehouse space at 3112-3114 Tyre Neck Road in Portsmouth. Taylor Anderson represented the landlord.

CSTE INC. leased 3,075 square feet of industrial space at 610 N. Armistead Ave. in Hampton. Clay Culbreth represented the landlord.

ABD Construction Inc. leased 2,405 square feet of industrial space at 2100 Aluminum Ave. in Hampton. Ellis Colthorpe represented the landlord.

Chipotle leased 2,400 square feet of retail space at 3090 Godwin Blvd. in Suffolk. David Machupa and Ed Kimple represented the tenant.

Alberts Floor Restore Company LLC leased 1,800 square feet of industrial space at 3000 Incubator Road in Hampton. Ellis Colthorpe represented the landlord.

Precious Pearls Inc. leased 1,750 square feet of industrial space at Expressway Court Commerce Centre, 215 Expressway Court in Virginia Beach. Brett Sain and Taylor Anderson represented the landlord.

Senior Helpers leased 1,300 square feet of retail space at Pinewood Shoppes, 2921-2931 Virginia Beach Blvd. in Virginia Beach. John P. Duffy Jr. represented the landlord.

Dunn Coastal Enterprises Inc. leased 7,500 square feet of industrial space from Sincere Estates LLC for a Meineke Car Care Center. The property at 5823 Jefferson Ave. in Newport News was formerly Dunkums Machine Shop for over 50 years. Kenneth D. Penrose Jr. represented the landlord.

Iron Sheepdog Inc. leased 7,400 square feet of office space at 430 McLaws Circle in Williamsburg. Andy Dallas handled the lease negotiations on behalf of the landlord and the tenant.

Hounds Town Doggie Day Care leased 7,000 square feet of retail space at Hidenwood Shopping Center, 2 Hiden Blvd. in Newport News. Clay Willis and Drew Haynie represented the landlord.

Argo Turboserve Corp. leased 1,557 square feet of office space at Reflections II, 200 Golden Oak Court in Virginia Beach. Josh Fulton represented the tenant.

Harvey Lindsay Commercial Real Estate

Building Smiles PLLC leased 2,327 square feet of office space at 700 Independence Circle in Virginia Beach. Rob Sult and Michael Allen handled this transaction.

Shibam Yemeni leased 1,300 square feet of office space at 1215 George Washington Memorial Highway in York County. Matt Leffler handled this transaction.

PBMares LLP leased 10,253 square feet of office space at 440 Monticello Ave. in Norfolk. Clark Baldwin represented the tenant.

Ivy Rehab leased 3,898 square feet of office space at 502 Bud Drive in Chesapeake. Peter Abraham handled this transaction.

Cool Flames Café leased 1,250 square feet of retail space at 415 N. Military Highway in Norfolk. Bob King handled this transaction.

New Horizon Bank leased 2,192 square feet of office space at 321 E. Main St. in Norfolk. Ryan King handled this transaction.

Marine Equipment Supply LLC leased 12,651 square feet of industrial space at 2601 Trade St. in Chesapeake. Chip Worley handled this transaction.

Bordegaray Injury Law PLLC leased 1,290 square feet of retail space at 200 N. Battlefield Blvd. in Chesapeake. Kimberly Worley handled this transaction.

Cheryl L. Scott leased 7,820 square feet of retail space at 3315 W. Mercury Blvd. in Hampton. Bob Saunders and Bob King handled this transaction.

Kinetic Life Chiropractic leased 720 square feet of retail space at 681 N. Battlefield Blvd. in Chesapeake. Kimberly Worley handled this transaction.

Nomad Brothers Inc. leased 15,000 square feet of retail/industrial space at 4205 W. Mercury Blvd. in Hampton. Bob King handled this transaction.

Pembroke Realty Group

Virginia Beach Academy Inc. leased a 5,614-square-foot building at 223 17th St. in Virginia Beach. Cole Werkheiser represented the tenant.

DCCC leased 3,000 square feet of office/flex space at Trade Center at 105 S First Colonial Road in Virginia Beach. Cole Werkheiser and Lenny Burns represented the landlord.

Children Event Sitters LLC leased 1,600 square feet of retail space at Woodtide Shopping Center at 4676 Princess Anne Road in Virginia Beach. Lenny Burns represented landlord.

LEASE RENEWALS

Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer

The Marksman renewed its lease of 10,000 square feet of industrial space at 520 Industrial Park Drive in Newport News. Kenneth D. Penrose Jr. represented the landlord.

Jefferson Science Associates LLC renewed its lease of 9,275 square feet of industrial space at 727 Blue Crab Road in Newport News. Robert L. Phillips Jr. represented the landlord. Dawn F. Griggs represented the tenant.

Bon Secours renewed its lease of 8,587 square feet of office space at 885 Kempsville Road in Norfolk. Rob Wright represented the tenant.

MR. FIX-IT renewed its lease of 4,466 square feet of industrial space at Norfolk Business Center, 2551 Eltham Ave. in Norfolk. Brett Sain represented the tenant.

Anna’s Italian Pizza renewed its lease of 3,600 square feet of retail space at Main Street Center, 6872-6920 Main St. in Gloucester. Dawn F. Griggs represented the landlord.

Atlas Technical Consultants LLC renewed its lease of 2,500 square feet of industrial space at Expressway Court Commerce Centre, 211 Expressway Court in Virginia Beach. Brett Sain represented the landlord.

Innovative Waste renewed its lease of 1,800 square feet of industrial space at 2608 Horse Pasture Road in Virginia Beach. Brett Sain represented the landlord.

J.S. Burton PLC renewed its lease of 1,248 square feet of office space in New Town at 5435 Discovery Park Blvd. in Williamsburg. Andy Dallas represented the landlord.

Reyna Agency Solutions Inc. renewed its lease of 1,040 square feet of retail space at Wards Corner Shoppes, 7623-7655 Granby St. in Norfolk. Ted Levin represented the landlord.

Swisslog Logistics Inc. renewed its lease of 44,066 square feet of office space at 161 Enterprise Drive in Newport News. Tom Dana represented the landlord.

Rone Hair Salon renewed its lease of 1,800 square feet of office space in Oyster Point at 740 Thimble Shoals Blvd. in Newport News. Teresa Nettles represented the landlord.

Norseman Advisory Group Inc. renewed its lease of 1,606 square feet of office space in Oyster Point at Peninsula Professional Building, 11818 Rock Landing Road in Newport News. Teresa Nettles represented the landlord.

CO Technologies renewed its lease of 1,590 square feet of office space at Strawbridge Commons, 2180 McComas Way in Virginia Beach. Josh Fulton represented the landlord.

OffBe renewed its lease of 1,448 square feet of office space at 4161 William Styron Square in Newport News. Teresa Nettles represented the landlord.

Small Cakes Williamsburg renewed its lease of 1,344 square feet of retail space at Settler’s Market at New Town, 5224 Monticello Ave. in Williamsburg. Andy Dallas represented the tenant.

Outback Construction renewed its lease of 1,205 square feet of industrial space at 2100 Aluminum Ave. in Hampton. Ellis Colthorpe represented the landlord.

Albano Cleaners renewed its lease of 1,200 square feet of retail space at Brenneman Farm, 4540 Princess Anne Road in Virginia Beach. Dean Martin represented the landlord.

Jamestowne Investments, LLC renewed its lease of 1,182 square feet of office space at The Atrium Building, 263 McLaws Circle, in Williamsburg. Andy Dallas, CCIM, SIOR handled the lease negotiations on behalf of the landlord.

Harvey Lindsay Commercial Real Estate

Ohio Valley Acquisition LLC renewed its lease of 2,500 square feet of office space at 1040 University Blvd. in Portsmouth. Kimberly Worley handled this transaction.

PPG Architectural Finishes Inc. renewed its lease of 6,700 square feet of industrial space at 1303 Ingleside Road in Norfolk. Chip Worley handled this transaction.

Kiln Creek Tailor renewed its lease of 1,000 square feet of retail space at 1213 A George Washington Memorial Highway in York County. Matt Leffler handled this transaction.

LifeStance Health renewed its lease of 3,917 square feet of office space at 580 City Center Blvd. in Newport News. Clark Baldwin and Bob Saunders handled this transaction.

BIH Electric LLC renewed its lease of 900 square feet of industrial space at 300 Commerce Circle in York County. Matt Leffler handled this transaction.

Canvas Coffee House renewed its lease of 1,200 square feet of retail space at 400G Commerce Circle in York County. Matt Leffler handled this transaction.

Honey Baked Ham renewed its lease of 3,264 square feet of retail space at 4801 Virginia Beach Blvd. in Norfolk. Bob Saunders handled this transaction.

Tidewater Physicians Multispecialty Group PC renewed its lease of 2,050 square feet of retail space at 1405 Kiln Creek Parkway in Newport News. Bob Saunders handled this transaction.

Friend Village renewed its lease of 1,000 square feet of office space at 3386 Holland Road in Virginia Beach. Ryan King handled this transaction.

Nam’s Cleaners renewed its lease of 1,600 square feet of retail space at 13002 Warwick Blvd. in Newport News. Kimberly Worley handled this transaction.

Buddy’s Home Furnishings renewed its lease of 6,000 square feet of retail space at 1782 East Little Creek Road in Norfolk. Larry Hecht and Bob King handled this transaction.

Vino Italian Bistro renewed its lease of 4,000 square feet of retail space at 5242 Fairfield Shopping Center in Virginia Beach. Kimberly Worley represented the tenant.

Pembroke Realty Group

Quality Used Furniture renewed its lease for 1,086 square feet of retail space at Gibson Plaza at 3972 Holland Road in Virginia Beach. Cole Werkheiser represented the landlord.

Sweet Kream Bakery renewed its lease for 1,100 square feet of retail space at Knells Ridge Square at 805 N. Battlefield Blvd. in Chesapeake. Lenny Burns represented the landlord.

Compassionate Companions renewed its lease for 690 square feet of office space at The Meadows at 505 S. Independence Blvd. in Virginia Beach. Lenny Burns represented the landlord.

Pembroke Chiropractic Center renewed its lease for 1,250 square feet of retail space at Pembroke Crossing Shoppes at 4668 Pembroke Blvd. in Virginia Beach. Lenny Burns represented the landlord.

Fear Not Tarantulas Inc. renewed its lease for 2,117 square feet of retail space at the Shoppes at Timberlake at 4291 Holland Road in Virginia Beach. Lenny Burns represented the landlord.

Haygood Family Hair Center renewed its lease for 1,051 square feet of office/retail space at 4609 Pembroke Lake Circle in Virginia Beach. Lenny Burns represented the landlord.

Virginia Plastic Surgery Center renewed its lease for 2,919 square feet of office space at First Colonial Medical Center at 1120 First Colonial Road in Virginia Beach. Lenny Burns represented the landlord.

C-4 Classic Columbian Coffee Cafe renewed its lease for 1,000 square feet of retail space at Woodtide Shopping Center at 4676 Princess Anne Road in Virginia Beach. Lenny Burns represented the landlord.

Riddle Associates Inc.

E-Merge Systems LLC renewed its lease at 341 Cleveland Place in Virginia Beach. Lindsey R. Elliott handled the negotiations.

CACI Inc. renewed its lease at 124 Robert Hall Court in Chesapeake. Lindsey R. Elliott and Robb Riddle handled the negotiations.

TCI Mechanical Inc. renewed its lease at 620 Innovation Drive in Chesapeake. Lindsey R. Elliott handled the negotiations.

Leather Luster renewed its lease at 908 Executive Court in Chesapeake. Robb Riddle handled the negotiations.

Danella Construction Inc. renewed its lease at 1508 Technology Drive in Chesapeake. Larry Rumsey handled the negotiations.

Omni Psychotherapy LLC renewed its lease at 920 Ventures Way in Chesapeake. Lindsey R. Elliott handled the negotiations.

AFMCVA Inc. renewed its lease at 1170 Lance Road in Norfolk. Bill Brackman handled the negotiations.

Glasser Customs US Inc. renewed its lease at 1170 Lance Road in Norfolk. Bill Brackman handled the negotiations.

Do It Wright LLC renewed its lease at 3901 Garwood Ave. in Portsmouth. Bill Brackman handled the negotiations.

Quantra Environmental renewed its lease at 1170 Lance Road in Norfolk. Bill Brackman handled the negotiations.

Allied Research Technology Inc. renewed its lease at 500 Freeman Ave. in Chesapeake. Larry Rumsey handled the negotiations.

The Wood Group renewed its lease at 809 Live Oak in Chesapeake. Lindsey R. Elliott handled the negotiations.

RAZ Inc. doing business as Razorback Grill renewed its lease at 3737 Holland Blvd. in Chesapeake. Lindsey R. Elliott handled the negotiations.

Home Technology by Masters Inc. renewed their lease at 622 Innovation Drive in Chesapeake. Lindsey R. Elliott handled the negotiations.

S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co.

Your Pie exercised its option on 2,100 square feet of retail space at K&K Square Shopping Center in Norfolk. Maggie Spillane represented the landlord.

Dragon Restaurant extended its lease on 1,640 square feet of retail space at Colley Village Shopping Center in Norfolk. Pierce Jacobson represented the landlord.

Muse Hair Salon extended its lease on 1,400 square feet of retail space at Glenwood Square Shopping Center in Chesapeake. Maggie Spillane represented the landlord.

Nation Nails II extended its lease on 1,200 square feet of retail space at Wythe Creek Shoppes Shopping Center in Hampton. Pierce Jacobson represented the landlord.

State Farm Insurance renewed its lease on 1,200 square feet of retail space at Quarterpath Crossing Shopping Center in Williamsburg. Tyler Jacobson represented the landlord.

Scents extended its lease on 630 square feet of retail space at Suffolk Plaza Shopping Center in Suffolk. Chris Hucke represented the landlord.

If you’re considering entering this market, you might wonder if now is the right time? In addition to exploring the current state of commercial real estate and what influences its outlook, this column offers practical insights for potential investors.

There is an overall positive outlook for commercial real estate in what is left of 2024. The multifamily sector is doing exceptionally well, as high mortgage rates have spurred demand for apartment buildings. The industrial sector continues to be strong, and is not expected to slow down, due to the long-lasting impact of e-commerce.

Although demand is not high, the retail sector is benefiting from its limited supply, which has resulted in low vacancy rates thus far in 2024. The sector most negatively impacted this year has been office space with office vacancies reaching record highs. Hotel properties, on the other hand, have been performing well with occupancy rates back to pre-pandemic rates.

Factors influencing investment

Several key factors affect whether commercial real estate is a good investment right now:

Interest rates and financing: Commercial real estate goes hand in hand with commercial lending, a very important factor for potential investors to take into consideration. Interest rates have been an especially “hot topic” for 2024. The Federal Open Market Committee has met five times so far, but has yet to make any changes. The committee’s next meeting is set for Sept. 17-18 and there is much speculation of a possible interest rate cut.

Between March 2022 and July 2023, the interest rate was increased 11 times, stabilizing at the range of 5.25% to 5.5% — where it has remained since July 2023. The main takeaway is that even with potential interest rate cuts, it will take time for notable change to occur.

Leigh Houghland, senior lending officer for Chesapeake Bank and regional executive for Chesapeake Bank’s Williamsburg Market, provided insight from a regional bank perspective. His outlook is more positive in terms of commercial lending: “Yes, we have felt and heard that some of the larger banks are just not choosing to do commercial real estate at all unless it is owner occupied. At Chesapeake Bank, we continue to lend. Our loan portfolio is up 12% year over year, while most of our peers are low single digit growth or their loan portfolios are shrinking. And we continue to do deals on owner occupied and investment properties. Higher interest rates certainly make the math on CRE purchases more difficult. In some cases, buyers have been able to get the seller to lower their price a little to make the project viable for the new owner.”

Local economic conditions: Investors need to be aware of what is happening in their local economy when choosing commercial real estate investments and the Hampton Roads Economic Monthly is an excellent resource for those in our area. It is prepared by regional economists for the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission. In the July issue, both retail sales and hotel revenue were reported to have gone up in Hampton Roads. Furthermore, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, HRPDC reported the largest civilian job growth for the Hampton Roads area occurred in health care and social assistance, construction and educational service. Lastly, what is most notable in regards to our local economy is “the unemployment rate remains below 3% and more than a percentage point below the national average.” Thus, the local economy does not always sync with the national economy and can impact how one chooses to invest.

Sector-specific opportunities: Commercial real estate is made up of many sectors. For those interested in investing, it is important to understand the type of properties available. The following sectors are options to explore: multifamily-apartment, industrial-warehouses and distribution centers, office buildings, shopping centers and malls, self-storage units, data centers, hotels, medical office buildings, student housing, senior housing, mixed-use properties and land.

Regulations and policies: Government rules, zoning laws and tax incentives affect the profitability of commercial real estate investments. Staying informed about these regulations is crucial for minimizing risks.

Tips for investors

If you’re thinking about investing in commercial real estate, here are some practical tips:

Research and due diligence: Study local market conditions, vacancy rates and rental trends. Thorough research helps in making smart investment choices.

Financial planning: Analyze potential returns and financing options carefully. Consult with experts to ensure your financial strategy is sound.

Risk management: Diversify your investments to spread risk. Consider long-term leases and stable markets to reduce volatility.

Long-term approach: Real estate investments often pay off over time. Patience and a strategic approach can lead to profitable outcomes.

Innovation and adaptability: Incorporate sustainable practices and tenant-friendly features to enhance property value.

Although post-pandemic years have proven to be challenging, there is still much opportunity ahead. With the right approach, today’s market is looking hopeful for commercial real estate investors, and now would be a great time to start investing.

Elise Campana Lahneman is an associate broker with Campana Waltz Commercial Real Estate West. Learn more at cwcrew.net.

If love alone could heal Kim Keene, she would be on her way to a cure. But that’s not to be, and as the well-known artist is in the final stages of cancer, she is thinking about helping others.

Keene, a Portsmouth native who resides on Willoughby Spit in Norfolk, started the nonprofit Paint Pink in June 2023 while undergoing breast cancer treatment. Now as the stage 4 metastatic cancer attacks her brain, liver and stomach, Keene’s dying wish is that the organization continue long after she is gone.

Nicole Carry, her partner of almost six years, and others assured her it will.

“Kim wants everyone to keep fighting breast cancer, to know how important it is in our community to help people while they’re fighting cancer and for Paint Pink to continue forever,” Carry said.

Paint Pink’s mission is to provide goods and services not covered by insurance, such as payment of bills, personal care items, estate planning, yard work, house cleaning and meal delivery, to cancer patients in Hampton Roads so they can focus on their health.

After her initial breast cancer diagnosis in 2017, Keene realized how much support she had from friends and family during her treatment and wanted to pay it forward to help other locals living with cancer. She underwent a double mastectomy, followed by five years of clean scans before the cancer returned in 2022.

Paint Pink is a testament to Keene’s inspiring selflessness, said Stephanie Clark, board treasurer for the nonprofit. Having lost her mother to breast cancer in 2008, Clark said the organization’s mission resonated deeply with her.

“I met Kim through a mutual friend about a year ago, and she’s one of those people you instantly want to befriend,” Clark said. “She has a genuine, magnetic presence and a smile that radiates kindness.”

Jo Ann Hughes, a Norfolk police officer who serves as Paint Pink’s board vice president, said she knows the nonprofit means everything to Keene and promised her it will continue.

“Kim’s passion is painting and her heart is Paint Pink,” Hughes said.

Fellow artist and longtime friend Laura Henderson shares a space with Keene at d’Art Center. They both specialize in painting acrylic abstracts inspired by nature. Keene previously owned Starving Artist Cafe on Colley Avenue in Norfolk.

“Kim is a rare and amazing individual,” Henderson said. “She has this personality of wanting to help other people and a smile that just lights up a room.”

The two opened The Gallery at Paint Pink in Ghent in early August. They had one show together before Keene fell ill again. A portion of all art sales at the gallery benefit the nonprofit.

Paint Pink has several events planned during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October: a golf tournament on Oct. 3 at Cypress Point Country Club in Virginia Beach, Paint the Block Pink on Oct. 5 at the Starving Artist Cafe in Norfolk, Kim’s Pink Night Out on Oct. 11 at MJ’s Tavern in Norfolk and a brunch and silent auction on Oct. 27 at d’Art Center.

The organization also launched a campaign called Kim’s Krusade to help raise funding for Paint Pink.

“It’s in her name, but it’s all for other people,” Carry said. “We call it Kim’s Krusade because this is her wish — to help others.”

The goal — albeit a lofty one, Hughes said — is to raise $100,000 by the end of the year.

“I think we can reach it,” Hughes said. “She’s touched so many people in this community and is so full of sunshine and light.”

“She has got so many people who just love her,” Henderson added.

For more information about Paint Pink, visit paintpinkinc.org.

Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@pilotonline.com

In August, the business opened Baker’s Crust Bagel in Hilltop North Shopping Center in the former Your Pie space. The bagels come partially boiled from New York and are freshly baked by Baker’s Crust Bagel shop. Ess-a-Bagel has operated in Manhattan since 1976.

Baker’s Crust owner John Stein wanted to bring more authentic New York bites to his newest restaurant, so the menu also features Carnegie pastrami, black and white cookies and authentic New York-style cheesecake, a recipe developed in collaboration with Carnegie Deli. Other specialty items include lox, whitefish salad and house-baked chocolate babka.

Eric Williams, a Baker’s Crust consultant, said the menu showcases the best and most authentic versions of items that one would find in a New York City deli.

“We get Gaspe Nova cold-smoked salmon fillet and hand carve it thin to make the lox,” Williams said. “It takes over an hour, and then we use the extra in the smoked salmon cream cheese.”

Customers will find a creative selection of schmear, or cream cheese, to go with the bagels. Spreads include flavors like Oreo cookie, smoked salmon, red velvet, avocado garlic, maple bacon and seasonal varieties.

Adam Cohen, Baker’s Crust marketing director, said the most popular sandwich so far has been the Carnegie Pastrami, which features a half pound of Carnegie pastrami, Boar’s Head Swiss, sauerkraut and Gulden’s spicy mustard. Customers can also substitute coleslaw and Russian dressing.

A unique menu offering called The Wookie is an open-faced bagel dressed with peanut butter and brûléed marshmallow fluff. Breakfast sandwiches, smoothies, acai bowls, grab-and-go salads and a coffee bar featuring regional Three Ships Coffee are also available.

Cohen said Baker’s Crust Bagel is all about New York City cuisine and ambiance. He said the restaurant not only brings the “quintessential New York bagel,” but black and white New York iconography, Ess-a-Bagel artwork and reclaimed historic NYC wood that was crafted into a communal table by Benevolent Design, a Virginia Beach furniture company.

“Baker’s Crust Bagel is a passion project,” Stein said. “It’s a labor of love with the goal of bringing authentic New York excellence to Virginia.”

Rachel Davis, an employee at the bagel shop, said customers frequently ask if their bagels have New York water. The answer is yes.

“You can taste New York in the bagel,” she said.

Lee Belote, jlbelote@verizon.net

___

If you go

What: Baker’s Crust Bagel

Where: Hilltop North Shopping Center, 1624 Laskin Road, Suite 754, Virginia Beach

Info: Bakerscrustbagel.com

TUESDAY

CREW’s Groundbreaking Woman & Annual Meeting, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Westin at Town Center, 4535 Commerce St., Virginia Beach. CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) Coastal Virginia is honoring Christine Verfurth, entrepreneur and Drybar franchise owner, as its 2024 Groundbreaking Woman. $45-$60. Register at coastal-virginia.crewnetwork.org.

SEPT. 18

WEDNESDAY

Legislative Reception, 5-7 p.m., Harbor Club, Waterside District, 333 Waterside Drive, Norfolk. The Hampton Roads Chamber is hosting House of Delegates Speaker Don Scott and state Sen. Christie New Craig for a legislative reception so members can discuss challenges and opportunities facing the business community, our economic climate or our quality of life. $50. Register at hrchamber.com.

SEPT. 19

THURSDAY

Military Recognition Breakfast, 7:30-10 a.m., Holiday Inn, 980 Omni Blvd., Newport News. The Peninsula Chamber is hosting a breakfast to honor local military personnel. $40. Register at virginiapeninsulachamber.com.

Unleashing Human Potential: Going for Gold in Leadership Excellence, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Christopher Newport University, David Student Union Hall, 1 Avenue of the Arts, Newport News. The Peninsula chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management is hosting a leadership conference for human resources and leadership professionals. Network with industry leaders, engage in interactive workshops and gain insights from innovators in the field. Keynote speaker Natasha Bowman will speak to “Confessions of a Workaholic” on career success to true fulfillment and “From Stigma to Support,” a call to action for workplace mental health. Keynote speaker Harvey Johnson, CEO of PBMares, will share “Dare to Lead,” guiding your organization through times of change, uncertainty and transformation. $89-$229. Register at vapeninsulashrm.com.

Virginia Retail Matters 2024: A State of Retail Event, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Kingsmill Resort, 1010 Kingsmill Road, Williamsburg. The Retail Alliance is hosting a lunch and presentation to bring together retailers, industry experts and forward-thinking professionals to delve into the latest trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the retail sector in Virginia. Study by Main Street America will be presented on national and state findings from its Small Business Survey and analysis. $70-$85. Register at retailalliance.com.

It’s Not Too Early for Tax Preparation, noon to 1 p.m., virtual. The Peninsula Home-based Business Network is hosting Cheryl Jackson with the Internal Revenue Service. She will give invaluable insights into tax preparation tailored specifically for home-based business owners. From deductible expenses to tax credits, we’ll explore key strategies to maximize savings while staying compliant with the latest tax regulations. Join us to simplify your tax season and optimize your financial planning for greater success in your home-based business. Free. Register at peninsulahbb.com/lunch-and-learn/.

Tech Center Block Party and Drillfield Debut, 5 p.m., 880 Tech Center Parkway, Newport News. Tech Center, in partnership with the city, is hosting food and beverage trucks and entertainment by Buck Shot. Lawn chairs welcome. Open to the public. Free.

Paint, Paws & Paddles, 5:30-8 p.m., d’Art Center, 740 Boush St., Norfolk. Norfolk SPCA is hosting a fundraiser party where adoptable animals will showcase their artistic talents alongside a local artist. Includes live and silent auctions, beverages and bites. $25. Buy tickets at eventbrite.com.

SEPT. 20

FRIDAY

End of Summer Bay Bash, 7-11 p.m., Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club, 1052 Cardinal Road, Virginia Beach. The Neptune Festival is hosting an evening by the water with dancing, endless food and drinks and great musical entertainment. $150. Buy tickets at neptunefestival.com.

SEPT. 22

SUNDAY

Garden Party Brunch Gala celebrating 35 years of LGBT Life Center, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Woman’s Club of Portsmouth, 304 Sycamore Road, Portsmouth. LGBT Life Center is hosting a gala to celebrate its progress and kick off the next 35 years. Learn about the center’s future plans. $99-$248. Buy tickets at lgbtlifecenter.org/garden-party-brunch-gala/.

SEPT. 23

MONDAY

International Soil and Tillage Research Organisation, dayslong Sept. 23-27, Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort, 5700 Atlantic Ave. International Soil Tillage Research Organisation and Virginia Tech are hosting a “Living Roots, Living Soil” conference to promote engagement among scientists working in the field. Various topic areas include how sustainable practices impact soils. Scientists will share their latest research with the goal of improving efficiencies for growing food in sustainable ways. Includes all breakfasts and lunches, a tour of Virginia’s agricultural highlights and dinner cruise on Spirit of Norfolk. $700-$800. Register at arec.vaes.vt.edu/arec/eastern-shore/istro-2024-22nd-conference.html.

SEPT. 24

TUESDAY

Chamber Education: The EOS Model, noon to 1:30 p.m., Centura College at Prism Plaza, 4455 South Blvd., Virginia Beach. The Hampton Roads Chamber is hosting Jason Williams, a certified entrepreneurial operating system implementer, on bringing focus, accountability and discipline to your team using timeless principles and the proven EOS model. Register at hrchamber.com.

SEPT. 25

WEDNESDAY

Nominations deadline for 29th Annual Human Rights Awards. The Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission is accepting nominations by 5 p.m. for noteworthy individuals and groups who have aided in the understanding of cultural diversity and advocated for the human rights of the city’s residents. For more information, visit virginiabeach.gov/HRCawards or contact VBHRC Liaison Dominique McKinnon at 757-385-1158.

SEPT. 26

THURSDAY

50 States Small Business Conference, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Brock Commons, Virginia Wesleyan University, 5817 Wesleyan Drive, Virginia Beach. Virginia Wesleyan, Truist and the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center are hosting an in-person conference to support existing and emerging small businesses and entrepreneurs with topics on capital access, finances, talent development and more. Free. Register at bit.ly/3ARtICz or contact Larry Belcher at 757-455-3292.

Crafting Solutions for a Healthier Tomorrow, noon to 1:30 p.m., Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel, 777 Waterside Drive, Norfolk. The Hampton Roads Chamber in partnership with Old Dominion University’s Strome College of Business is hosting Melina Davis, CEO of the Medical Society of Virginia. Learn how the Medical Society of Virginia has shifted the way it serves members and communities, from groundbreaking programs to first-of-its-kind legislation. Davis is a startup founder and helped MSV launch SafeHaven to protect health care clinicians’ well-being. Register at hrchamber.com.

Business After Hours, 4:30-6 p.m., 204 Challenger Way, Hampton. The Peninsula Chamber is hosting a networking event at St. George Brewing Co. $0-$15. Register at virginiapeninsulachamber.com.

Chamber Business Social, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Topgolf, 5444 Greenwich Road, Virginia Beach. The Hampton Roads Chamber is hosting a networking event with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar at the indoor skydiving venue. Register at hrchamber.com.

SEPT. 27

FRIDAY

Resilience in Today’s World, 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday,  The Founder’s Inn Spa & Conference Center, 5641 Indian River Road, Virginia Beach. The Christian Broadcasting Network’s Helping the Home Front military ministry is hosting its second conference in the city to help military members and their families, and the general public, build resilience in the battle against suicide. It will feature some of the nation’s most impactful speakers, mental health professors and military experts who will lead breakout sessions on critical topics, enrichment activities and workshops on healthy lifestyle, marriage, and finances. A banquet includes guest speaker Taya Kyle, bestselling author and wife of the late Navy SEAL sniper, Chris Kyle. Other speakers include Dr. Damon Friedman, a retired Air Force special operations commander and founder of SOF Missions; Evan Owens, executive director of REBOOT Recovery; retired Army Capt. John Arroyo and Ft. Hood shooting survivor; and Anna Ord, dean of College of Health and Behavioral Sciences at Regent University. Free. Register at helpingthehomefront.org/events/leadership-conference-2024-resilience-in-todays-world/.

Spotlight on the Peninsula, 1-3 p.m., Ferguson, 751 Lakefront Commons, City Center, Newport News. The Peninsula Chamber is hosting an information session and networking opportunity at Ferguson, a major Peninsula employer. Free. Register at virginiapeninsulachamber.com.

OCT. 1

TUESDAY

Child Care: Everybody’s Business, 8-9:30 a.m., Newport News Marriott at City Center, 740 Town Center Drive, Newport News. FirstSpark and United Way’s Women United are inviting area business leaders and human resources professionals to a panel discussion to explore the profound impacts that the lack of child care is having on the region’s business community. Panelists include a Christopher Newport University economist, Sentara, a child care business owner and a state delegate. Free. Register at unitedwayvirginiapeninsula.wufoo.com/forms/m1iyqs0c0djxac5/.

OCT. 4

FRIDAY

Bon Appetit: Food Business Forum & Vendor Fair, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., The Kroc Center, 1401 Ballentine Blvd., Norfolk. The city is hosting its second food business forum and vendor fair. It is a mini conference for food-based businesses to learn what is needed to start and grow a food enterprise in the city. The reverse vendor fair will connect small, minority-owned, and women-owned food-based businesses with internal city departments that do the most buying of goods and services. Free. Register on eventbrite.com.

OCT. 5

SATURDAY

Men’s Health Summit 2024, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., The Hilton Oceanfront, 3001 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach. Urology of Virginia is hosting a summit for men and women. Topics include all issues of the aging adult, including urological issues and answers, urological cancers, hormones for both men and women, mental health, sexual health and intimacy, cardiology and nutrition, physical therapy and more. WTKR anchor Kurt Williams will also share his prostate cancer journey at the summit. Free. Register at bit.ly/45pPaJl.

Barktoberfest, noon to 6 p.m., Mill Point Park, 100 Eaton St., Hampton. Peninsula SPCA is hosting its annual fall fundraiser with live music, local craft beer, food trucks, local vendors, costume contests for pets and people and dog-friendly contests and activities. $10-$45. Register at https://one.bidpal.net/bark2024/welcome.

Yorktown Wine Festival, noon to 6 p.m., Riverwalk Landing, 425 Water St., Yorktown. Village Events is hosting a wine tasting event with a craft beer garden and spirits from local distilleries. In a nod to sister cities Zweibrücken and Port-Vendres, attendees can sample Rieslings and Gewürztraminers from Germany and indulge bubbly from France. $40-$50. Buy tickets on eventbrite.com.

Light Up the Night Gala, 6-10 p.m., Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront, 4201 Atlantic Ave. Safe House Project is hosting a fundraiser gala. Every year, we gather to celebrate the progress in our fight against trafficking and honor the incredible stories of hope and resilience. $175. Buy tickets at https://e.givesmart.com/events/w7A/.

OCT. 8

TUESDAY

Coffee Connection, 8-9 a.m., The Mariners’ Museum, 100 Museum Drive, Newport News. The Peninsula Chamber is hosting a networking event. $0-$10. Register at virginiapeninsulachamber.com.

State of the Region, noon to 2 p.m., Norfolk Waterside Marriott, 235 E. Main St. The Hampton Roads Chamber is hosting speakers with Old Dominion University’s Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy for an update and forecast on the economy of Hampton Roads and its main drivers. Speakers will also talk about the supply of housing in the region, public libraries, the aging of the region and a look at if disability rates are rising locally. Register at hrchamber.com.

OCT. 9

WEDNESDAY

International Trade Symposium: Harnessing the New Normal, 11 a.m. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wednesday and 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Thursday, The Main Hilton, 100 E. Main St., Norfolk. The Virginia Maritime Association is hosting an annual conference with speakers on the new normal in global shipping, including examining resilient supply chains, uncertainty in trade lanes, environmental policies and regulations and geopolitical relationships. Gov. Glenn Youngkin will present the Shipper of the Year Award. Panels include a look at the impact of artificial intelligence and the power of rail. $200. Register at vamaritime.com/VMASymposium/.

Professionalize Your Management-Systems Thinking and Your Management System, 9-10:30 a.m., 11850 Merchants Walk, Suite 110, Newport News. The Peninsula Chamber is hosting Professor Willy Donaldson of Christopher Newport University for its Start, Grow, Thrive: Succeeding in Business Series event. $15. Register at virginiapeninsulachamber.com.

Maritime Mixer, 5-8 p.m., Waterside Marketplace, 333 Waterside Drive, Norfolk. The Virginia Maritime Association is hosting a networking event as part of its annual trade conference on Oct. 9-10. $100-$125. Register at vamaritime.com/VMASymposium/.

InnoVate Conference, 5:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Oct. 11, Hilton Garden Inn, 3315 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach. The Virginia Credit Union League is hosting its inaugural event designed to meet the evolving needs of credit union professionals. A range of sessions include the latest advancements in fintech and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence solutions. Other highlights including how credit unions can win over Gen Z and unlocking new non-interest income. $395. Register at vaculinnovate.org.

OCT. 10

THURSDAY

Magnetic Leadership: Harnessing Charisma and Executive Presence, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 11850 Merchants Walk, Suite 110, Newport News. The Peninsula Chamber is hosting Cheryl Harris Sutton, president of Harris Sutton Enterprises, for its Pink Bag Lunch. $10-$15. Register at virginiapeninsulachamber.com.

Annual Maritime Banquet, 6-9 p.m., The Main Hilton, 100 E. Main St., Norfolk. The Virginia Maritime Association is hosting its annual banquet as part of its annual trade conference. Over the years, this esteemed event has grown in popularity, now attracting over 800 industry professionals and members of the maritime community. It serves as a celebration of the accomplishments within port-related industries, offering attendees an evening of networking, fine dining, awards and exciting announcements. $230. Register at vamaritime.com/VMASymposium/.

OCT. 11

FRIDAY

State of the Region, 7:30-9:30 a.m., 980 Omni Blvd., Newport News. The Peninsula Chamber is hosting Old Dominion University economists Robert McNab and Vinod Agarwal for an economic update and forecast. $45. Register at virginiapeninsulachamber.com.

OCT. 17

THURSDAY

Young Professional Summit 2024, noon to 6 p.m., The Westin, 4535 Commerce St., Virginia Beach Town Center. tHRive, the young professionals group of the Hampton Roads Chamber, is hosting its signature event for young professionals offering professional development and networking. $50-$65. Register at ypthrive.org.

OCT. 18

FRIDAY

Boys & Girls Clubs annual dinner auction: Empower Up, 6-10 p.m., Newport News Marriott at City Center, 740 Town Center Drive. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula is hsoting its annual dinner auction with entertainment and inspiration. Guests are invited to embrace their inner heroes and come dressed as their favorite superhero. Includes red carpet entrance with 360-degree photo booth, three-course buffet, live DJ music, dancing and an open bar with specialty drinks. The live auction of exclusive items, such as luxury getaways, sports memorabilia, fine art and jewelry, will support the nonprofit’s mission of empowering the leaders of tomorrow. $100. Buy tickets at bagclub.com.

OCT. 19

SATURDAY

Fall Town Point Wine Festival, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Town Point Park, downtown Norfolk waterfront. Festevents is hosting one of the most anticipated wine festivals of the season with more than 200 fine wines to choose from. $35-$40. Register at festevents.org/events/2024/fallwinefest/.

OCT. 22

TUESDAY

Rooted in Purpose: Women Impact Virginia, 8 a.m.- 3:15 p.m., 1010 Kingsmill Road, Kingsmill Resort, Williamsburg. Virginia Tech is hosting women trailblazers, innovators and leaders in their fields to share insights, strategies and stories. They include Kim B Miller, a poet, author and speaker and Torrece “Chef T” Gregoire. $199. Register at outreach.vt.edu/engagement/women-impact-virginia/register.html.

OCT. 24

THURSDAY

40th Annual Employment Law Update, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., virtual. Kaufman & Canoles is hosting employment law experts to update attendees on new employment laws and regulations that require effective human resources help to navigate. This year’s 40th ELU is designed to update employers on developments like the new proposed Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidance on workplace harassment and new wage-hour regulations from the Department of Labor. A “Top Gun” employee lawyer will provide insights on how he decides which employers he will sue. Attendees can also earn up to six certification credit hours. $375. Register at kaufcan.com/events/webinars/40th-annual-employment-law-update-virtual/.

OCT. 27

SUNDAY

Yorktoberfest, noon to 5 p.m., Riverwalk Landing, 331 Water St., Yorktown. The York County Chamber of Commerce is hosting its signature event with beer, food and music. Unlimited tastings of 35-plus craft beers, ciders and more. $10-$40. Register at yorktoberfestva.com.

OCT. 28

MONDAY

Monster Mega Mixer Business Showcase, 4:30-7 p.m., The Westin, 4535 Commerce St., Virginia Beach Town Center. The Hampton Roads Chamber is hosting its 13th annual expo to showcase business products and services while encouraging corporate networking. Bring your painted pumpkin to registration by 5 p.m. top enter the contest. Register at hrchamber.com.

Please, send calendar items to inside.business@insidebiz.com.

Falling Prices opened in the former Burlington Coat Factory space at 14346 Warwick Blvd. in September. It’s the seventh store for the family-owned business that started in Santa Rosa, California, and it’s the first one on the East Coast.

The store’s unique concept is that prices successively get lower every day of the week. Falling Prices opens on Tuesdays, with everything costing $6. Each day, the prices fall — to $4 on Wednesdays, $2 on Thursdays, $1 on Fridays and 25 cents for what’s left on Saturdays.

The store is then restocked for the next week. Customers can come at the end of the week and find jackets, toys, electronics, home goods or boxes of chips for only 25 cents.

“You’ll get amazing deals, but you’ll have to search for them,” owner Ben Cawood said. “It’s like a scavenger hunt for the customer.”

Items are stocked on shelves and in bins, and the categories and types of merchandise are mixed throughout the store. Larger and higher value items are placed on shelves, and the smaller ones are found in bins. The treasure-hunt like experience encourages customers to explore and find the best deals, Cawood said.

The inventory comes from an assortment of retailers such as Amazon, Target, Home Depot, Walmart, Lowe’s and other large retailers. The items are a mix of overstock, box damage or returns. Four to six truck trailers arrive weekly and contain 10,000-80,000 new items. Employees must triage the items as trash or treasures to be sold in the store.

Cawood said Dollar Tree has often had to agree to let Falling Prices come into the same shopping centers as the new concept brings in foot traffic, which can also boost the dollar retailer’s sales.

“While Dollar Tree offers great prices on items you can expect to find every time you visit, our store provides a completely different experience,” he said. “Customers never know what they’ll find, making it exciting.”

Falling Prices offers optional line passes to help manage the order of entry into the store. The line pass system is accessed through the Falling Prices app, which is only used at 10 a.m. when the store opens. Customers can reserve their spot in line ahead of time to avoid standing in long lines before the store opens.

“We’ve seen how this model thrives on the West Coast, and I’m eager to bring the same great value and excitement to new communities,” Cawood said. “With inflation affecting everyone, it’s a way for people to access quality items at a fraction of their retail cost. It’s like Black Friday every day.”

Lee Belote, jlbelote@verizon.net

Under his guidance, the United Way leadership and development program has graduated more than 1,000 participants armed with the skills to be effective, energetic and knowledgeable leaders and community advocates in Hampton Roads.

“It was time to bring in new leadership and turn over the reins,” Locke said.

The program dates back to the late 1980s when a survey of more than 1,400 United Way organizations throughout the U.S. assessed the board diversity of their nonprofit agency partners.

“They found that many of those boards had mostly white men, very few women and even fewer minorities,” Locke said.

In an ever-changing world, United Way wanted to have the nonprofit organizations’ boards mirror the communities they were serving.

“Many of those beneficiaries and those agencies were serving clientele that, in many cases, were over 50% minority,” he said.

That’s when Project Inclusion — originally dubbed Project Blueprint by United Way nationally — emerged. In 1997, United Way of South Hampton Roads launched its local program, and Locke, who was also chair of the nonprofit’s Minority Advisory Council for six years, stepped up as its leader. The council was a strong proponent of community empowerment and was instrumental in bringing Project Inclusion to the forefront.

“I felt like it was just such a powerful program for us to have in our community,” Locke said.

Project Inclusion has grown from a six-week program to a 14-week program and averages 35 participants. Participants learn how to serve on a board and about fundraising, cultural sensitivity, effective communication, community mapping, conflict resolution, image building and ethical, legal and fiscal responsibilities from volunteer facilitators.

Locke proudly shared that many participants credit Project Inclusion with benefitting their professional lives while local nonprofits continue to look to the program for board candidates.

As a 2024 graduate of Project Inclusion, Dianne Creekmore said the program helped her gain a solid foundation of invaluable professional development skills and made a lasting impact on her life. She said she feels prepared to be a successful and qualified board member and now sits on the community advisory board for the Sentara-Eastern Virginia Medical School adult sickle cell program.

“I highly recommend Project Inclusion to anyone looking to have a seat at the table and be a voice for helping others in the community,” she said.

Project Inclusion helped Edmarc recognize gaps on its board, Executive Director Debbie Stitzer-Brame said, and the organization brought on a number of individuals from the program through the years.

YMCA of South Hampton Roads President and CEO Anthony Walters said their participants gained invaluable insights into community connection, empowerment and inspiration.

“These skills are essential for engaging volunteers, managing governance, and fostering successful collaborations, ultimately enabling our YMCA to better serve our communities,” Walters said.

Mark Uren, president and CEO of United Way of South Hampton Roads, said Locke built the program from the ground up and its original vision and purpose remain the same. Uren said a staff member who has learned under Locke’s tutelage will continue the program.

“We see a lot of value in this, and we see a lot of value in creating opportunities,” he said.

As for Locke, he said he plans to focus his consulting work and passion on improving nonprofit boards while working on Healthier 757. The digital gamification learning platform aims to improve health literacy to help users manage their health care with the goal of improving overall community health.

Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@pilotonline.com

The latest executive director of the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority was also drawn to the organization’s sizable portfolio that touches more than 9,000 households, the opportunities to partner with a wealth of industries and the chance to make a difference in people’s lives.

Founded in 1940, NRHA’s work focuses on providing safe and affordable housing for low-income families within the city. It manages public housing developments, plans large-scale residential redevelopment projects and offers support programs.

Modernization and upgrade efforts continue in Diggs Town, Oakleaf Forest and Young Terrace, Simms said. The final phase in the transformation in the St. Paul’s community should be completed toward the end of 2027, he said.

Simms came on board with the authority nine months ago, but his enthusiasm and commitment are already apparent. He said he started three weeks early so he could meet with and listen to various stakeholders, authority board members and team members, residents, resident leaders, City Council and Mayor Kenny Alexander.

“I wanted to see what their expectations were, what worked and what didn’t work, in their viewpoint, in terms of working with NRHA,” Simms said. “I got a lot of feedback and insight into what people wanted to see — and it aligned with what I saw as well.”

One commonality was that everyone wanted a more responsive housing authority when it came to understanding the need for expanded affordable housing opportunities in Norfolk.

Acknowledging that everyone defines affordability differently, and in traditional and non-traditional ways, Simms said his work includes addressing the city’s aging portfolio and maintaining strong relationships, mending others and forging new ones.

He said the authority wants to lay out its vision for the renovation and redevelopment of communities, strategies surrounding that vision and engaging residents.

“We want to make sure that we have the type of housing that people can grow in, but also age in as well,” he said.

Residents seek better communication, transparency, responsiveness and, ultimately, the ability to be seen and heard, Simms said. Since he has taken on his role, Simms has listened to residents voice their concerns about transportation needs, access to fresh and healthy food and recreational activities.

“They’re not necessarily housing-related, but they impact their day-to-day lives,” he said.

For example, Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority recently enlisted a shuttle service twice a week to four Norfolk communities to help residents with trips to the grocery store.

Another focus of Simms’ work is to help move residents forward in their economic mobility via the wealth of vocational and educational training and workforce opportunities in Hampton Roads.

“We serve a lot of people — from seniors to adults, young adults to children,” Simms said. “We want to make sure we are providing the services that help strengthen the household and help them move to a level of self-sufficiency.”

Ultimately, Simms said, the agency wants to help the people it serves achieve their dreams.

“I want people to have faith in the organization that deal with us every day,” Simms said. “We have a lot of work to do, but I think in a good way.”

Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@pilotonline.com

The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art announced new board members for the fiscal year beginning July 1. The new executive board includes chair, Bruce Berlin, managing partner, Venture Realty Group; vice chair, Susan Cohen, partner, Spring Oak Associates; secretary, Connie O’Brien, senior vice president, marketing and digital operations, PRA; treasurer, Nick Louridas, senior client associate, Wells Fargo Advisors; past chair, Nicole Naidyhorski, marketing director, Kaufman & Canoles; at large, Jeff Fine, vice president of production, WHRO Public Media; at large, Scott Duncan, retired senior vice president /general manager, The Capital Group Cos.; and at large, Anne Fleder, community volunteer. New board trustees include Virginia “Ginny” Fogg, retired general counsel for Norfolk Southern Corp.; Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander, endowed professor of Virginia Black history and culture, Norfolk State University; and Kim McCoy Webb, experienced professional, artist and student.

The Virginia Association of Planning District Commissions elected members to its board of directors for another one-year term, including Robert Crum of Hampton Roads Planning District Commission.

Tyler Johnson of Gloucester has been named president of the Virginia Ready Mixed Concrete Association’s board of directors.

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Awards and honors

Amazon selected Cindy Degnan, a computer science teacher at Deep Creek Elementary and Indian River Middle School in Chesapeake, among hundreds of eligible teachers for the Amazon Future Engineer Teacher Ambassador Program. As one of only 50 educators nationwide chosen for this two-year paid fellowship, Degnan of Portsmouth will play a vital role in helping scale computer science equity in her local community and serve as a model for what can be done across the country. One of her first major projects will be to conduct a local listening tour, engaging with students, parents, educators, and community leaders to understand the barriers and challenges they face in STEM and computer science education. This understanding will help shape the future of computer science curricula. She will also pilot innovative instructional strategies for teaching computer science in the classroom and receive professional development training opportunities. Additionally, she will connect with a nationwide network of like-minded science, technology, engineering and math educators to share best practices. “I am completing my 24th year in public education, and I would say that my father is responsible for my love of computer science and technology,” Degnan said. “I hope to instill in my students the same love for technology that my father instilled in me. I want them to see how technology will be an important part of any job they hold in the future.”

The Virginia Health Care Association-Virginia Center for Assisted Living announced that Virginia Health Services President and CEO Mark Klyczek was selected by the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living as a future leader in long-term and post-acute care. Klyczek will participate in AHCA/NCAL’s Future Leaders program, which provides year-long training and mentorship for professionals in long-term and post-acute care. He is one of 39 participants selected nationwide. Klyczek has more than 25 years of health care experience. He started with VHS in January 2020. Under his leadership, VHS established a registered apprenticeship program, opened a Dialysis Den in partnership with DaVita at Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Hampton and improved quality care scores.

Williamsburg Landing announced the renewal of its five-year CARF Accreditation. It is among only 12-15% of Life Plan Communities to achieve this certification, and the first accredited Life Plan Community in the region. CARF, founded in 1966 as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities, is an independent, nonprofit accrediting body that establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services. Williamsburg Landing provides independent living, assisted living, memory support, Namaste, short- and long-term nursing and adult day services.

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Grants and donations

In August, U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott delivered $1 million in community project funding from federal appropriations to the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank. The funding will be used to expand cold storage capacity by building a second, smaller warehouse location to store produce and lean meats. These are among the most nutritious foods and are often least affordable for food insecure families. This funding will enable the Foodbank and its partner agencies to continue providing nutritious fruits, vegetables and lean proteins to the more than 61,000 individuals across the greater Virginia Peninsula that are chronically food insecure. The expanded storage will also save the Foodbank significant expenses in private external storage costs and will allow the organization to receive more donated produce items that currently may be declined due to space constraints.

Last year, Williamsburg Multiple Listing Service contributed $7,000 to the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank in support of its Backpack Program. More than 50,000 Food for Kids Backpack program bags were delivered to 35 schools across our community, including five in Williamsburg/James City County. This summer, the program has been providing up to 900 breakfast and lunch meals during the weekday for kids who attended summer camps, church programs and YMCAs.

Columbia Gas of Virginia distributed grants of about $1,500 to nearly 30 volunteer fire departments across the commonwealth, including Carrollton and Smithfield volunteer fire departments.

The Virginia Aviation Board, at its quarterly meeting on Aug. 9, awarded about $9.6 million for 28 projects at 19 airports across the commonwealth. The funding includes more than $1.2 million to Chesapeake Regional Airport for south apron rehabilitation construction, $2,900 to Hampton Roads Executive Airport for a spill prevention control plan update and $62,000 to Suffolk Executive Airport for three-phase power.

The ViBe Creative District was awarded a general operating grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts for this fiscal year. The ViBe nonprofit is the private operational partner to the city of Virginia Beach’s arts district that fundraises to meet and exceed city investment in the district. Commission funding supports ViBe’s year-round programming and events, all offered free and open to the public.

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Opening

Cava opened on Aug. 16 at 2808 Sabre St. in Virginia Beach’s Lynnhaven neighborhood. The fast-casual restaurant chain serves Mediterranean-inspired bowls, pitas, dips, and dressings. The restaurant employs 30-35 workers.

Darla’s Downtown Boutique opened on Aug. 10 at 126 N. Main St. in downtown Suffolk. The shop sells women’s clothing, jewelry, home and gift items. Its inventory includes a wide variety of items, ranging from clothes for women, teens and tweens to candles and teacher gifts. Learn more at darlasdowntown.com.

Blessed Hands Florist, a floral and retail merchandise shop that expanded from a home-based operation, opened at 150 W. Washington St., Suite E, in downtown Suffolk on Aug. 10. The shop, owned by Shameka Council, offers a unique and affordable selection of customized floral arrangements and retail merchandise, including shirts and cups. The inspiration for this business came from a deeply personal experience when Council’s cousin, Antonio Gates, died in 2013 and motivated her to create meaningful floral arrangements for funerals. Council plans to offer tutorial lessons for arts and crafts during holidays. For more information, contact 757-742-3797.

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Partnership

Chesapeake-based INIT entered a five-year partnership with Seattle-based King County Metro to enhance the efficiency and reliability of its electric fleet operations. INIT will provide provide an advanced vehicle health monitoring system and smart charge management system from CarMedialab, a member of the INIT Group. The cloud-based technologies will be conveyed across an initial 45 battery-powered electric buses and trolleybuses, eventually extending to a total of 500 battery electric coaches and 174 trolleys over the contract term.

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Remodel

The Walmart Neighborhood Market at 11214 Jefferson Ave. in Newport News celebrated a remodel, designed to improve and modernize the customer shopping experience. Aisle locations changed for a simpler experience and signage throughout the store was updated to increase visibility and access. The remodel included an expanded online grocery department, relocation of the bakery department to the front of the store and an expanded pharmacy department with a new two-lane drive-thru for pharmacy customers. The store presented grants to local nonprofit organizations, including Peninsula Rescue Mission, Habitat for Humanity, Thrive Peninsula, Bridging Gaps for Heroes and Enduring Keys.

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Workforce development

The Regional Maritime Training System, led by the Hampton Roads Workforce Council, participated in the NASCAR race weekend at Richmond Raceway on Aug. 10-11 to spotlight career opportunities available in the maritime industry. It also recognized Eamon Kane, a recent graduate of a 90-day welding internship at Q.E.D. Systems Inc., a partner of the training system. Tidewater Community College also partnered with the system to host a booth with a welding simulator for attendees to test out in the FanZone. In 2023, race sponsor RFK Racing entered a partnership with BlueForge Alliance, the nonprofit integrator for the U.S. Navy’s Submarine Industrial Base Program, and its BuildSubmarines.com initiative to reinvigorate America’s manufacturing workforce and promote the wide array of career opportunities across the nation to NASCAR’s fan base. Through the multiyear agreement, BuildSubmarines.com was featured as a primary partner for 10 races across RFK’s two NASCAR Cup Series teams in 2023 and in 18 races per season beginning this year.