Innovation Spotlight – VroomBrick
Vroombrick – Redefining Real Estate Technology By Bob McKenna, Virginia Peninsula Chamber VroomBrick, often called the “TurboTax of real estate,” is a Hampton-based technology company changing the way families buy and sell homes. Instead of paying the traditional 3-6 percent realtor commission, VroomBrick charges a simple 1 percent technology fee-putting more than $9,000 back into…
Economic Development – Virginia Peninsula Economic Development Update
Virginia Peninsula Economic Development Update – Fall 2025 By Bob McKenna, Virginia Peninsula Chamber The Virginia Peninsula continues to make steady progress in advancing its economic development priorities, with momentum building around site readiness, workforce development, and industry growth. Through the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program (VBRSP), Peninsula localities are positioning key properties-such as Newport…
Announcements – VPC Habitat House Update
VPC Habitat House Update By Virginia Staley, Habitat for Humanity Peninsula & Greater Williamsburg Our fundraising efforts for the VPC Habitat House have been underway since May 1. The first of our fundraising efforts was a Square Foot Challenge. Since Habitat homes are 1,200 square feet, each square foot costs $105. The business that purchased the…
Economic Development – Dominion Energy and Naval Weapons Station Yorktown Partner to Explore Small Modular Reactor
Dominion Energy and Naval Weapons Station Yorktown Partner to Explore Small Modular Reactor By Bob McKenna, Virginia Peninsula Chamber Ensuring the region’s future energy needs-and supporting national defense-is a top priority for the Virginia Peninsula. Naval Weapons Station Yorktown and Dominion Energy Virginia have taken a significant step toward this goal through a new agreement to explore the feasibility…
Innovation Ecosystem – Turning Waste into Energy: New Biogas Project at Virginia Beach Treatment Plant
Turning Waste into Energy: New Biogas Project at Virginia Beach Treatment Plant By Bob McKenna, Virginia Peninsula Chamber The Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) is partnering with Virginia Natural Gas on a $30 million project to convert biogas from its Atlantic Treatment Plant in Virginia Beach into renewable natural gas (RNG). The plant treats up to 54 million gallons of wastewater…
Business Tips – More Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Business Launch
More Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Business Launch By SCORE Williamsburg Continuing from Part 1, here are more traps that can derail your small business: Viewing marketing as an expense, not an investment – Without marketing, you’re relying on hope, and hope isn’t a strategy. Lacking a Unique Selling Position (USP) – Stand out by defining what…
Innovation Ecosystem – The Blue Economy
The Blue Economy By Bob McKenna, Virginia Peninsula Chamber As global challenges like climate change, coastal resilience, and sustainable development take center stage, regions with access to coastal and marine assets are uniquely positioned to lead. The Virginia Peninsula, with its strategic location and wealth of water-based resources, is emerging as a hub for what’s…
Economic Development – How Transportation Connectivity Fuels Growth Across the Peninsula
How Transportation Connectivity Fuels Growth Across the Peninsula By Stephanie Heinatz LEAD Peninsula Class of 2025 Virginia Peninsula Chamber Board of Directors Consociate Media If you’ve spent any time in Hampton Roads, from the Middle Peninsula through Williamsburg, the Peninsula and across to the Southside, you’ve heard the jokes about our bridges and tunnels. The…
Economic Development – Governor Youngkin and Mayor Gray tour new Hampton Logistics Center
Governor Youngkin and Mayor Gray tour new Hampton Logistics Center By Bob McKenna, Virginia Peninsula Chamber Governor Glenn Youngkin joined City of Hampton Mayor Jimmy Gray and local leaders for a tour of the future Hampton Logistics Center, a $70 million industrial development featuring over 500,000 square feet of Class A space. The center, set to open this fall,…
Business Tips – Avoid These Small Business Launch Mistakes
Avoid These Small Business Launch Mistakes By SCORE Williamsburg The biggest mistake when launching a small business? Running before walking. Too many entrepreneurs jump in without a plan or proper research to confirm demand. Consider these common launch traps: Failing to validate your business model – Use tools like the Business Model Canvas (BMC) to test…