Posts by Caroline Branch

Key Legislative Changes Impacting Virginia Employers Back to Blog July 6, 2026 By Bob McKenna Virginia Peninsula Chamber Several new Virginia employment laws are set to take effect in 2026, bringing important changes that employers should understand and prepare for. Among the most significant is a new pay transparency requirement that will require employers to…

Jefferson Lab Breaks Ground on Data Center to Power the Future of Scientific Discovery Back to Blog July 6, 2026 By Bob McKenna Virginia Peninsula Chamber Newport News continues to strengthen its position as a hub for innovation and advanced research. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility broke…

Bon Secours Breaks Ground on $200 Million Expansion at Mary Immaculate Hospital Back to Blog July 6, 2026 By Bob McKenna Virginia Peninsula Chamber Healthcare remains one of the Peninsula’s largest economic drivers, and a major investment announced this spring will strengthen both regional healthcare capacity and the local economy. Bon Secours recently broke ground…

Newport News Lands Major Maufacturing Expansion Back to Blog July 6, 2026 By Bob McKenna Virginia Peninsula Chamber Virginia’s manufacturing sector received a significant boost this year as Annandale Millwork and Allied Systems Corporation announced an $11.5 million expansion in Newport News. The family-owned company, along with Frogale Lumber Supply, expects to create 154 new…

Newport News Trades Center Strengthens Workforce Pipeline Back to Blog June 1, 2026 By Bob McKenna Virginia Peninsula Chamber As workforce shortages continue to challenge employers across the maritime, construction, and industrial sectors, the newly opened Newport News Trades Center is emerging as a major investment in the region’s talent pipeline. Developed through a partnership…

Fort Monroe Redevelopment Continues to Build Momentum Back to Blog June 1, 2026 By Bob McKenna Virginia Peninsula Chamber More than a decade after the closure of Fort Monroe as an active military installation, redevelopment efforts continue potentially transforming the historic waterfront property into one of the Peninsula’s most unique mixed-use destinations. Recent momentum has…

Innovate Hampton Roads Helping Build the Region’s Innovation Economy Back to Blog June 1, 2026 By Bob McKenna Virginia Peninsula Chamber As Hampton Roads continues working to diversify its economy beyond traditional defense and maritime industries, Innovate Hampton Roads has emerged as a key connector for the region’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. Formed through the merger…

PHF Air Commerce Park & Mobility Innovation Center Back to Blog June 1, 2026 By Bob McKenna Virginia Peninsula Chamber One of the Peninsula’s most ambitious economic development initiatives is taking shape around Newport News-Williamsburg Airport (PHF), where local and regional leaders are working to reposition the airport as a center for aerospace innovation, advanced…

Local Leadership, National Impact: HRSD’s Dr. Charles Bott Appointed Chair of EPA Science Advisory Board Back to Blog May 4, 2026 By Bob McKenna Virginia Peninsula Chamber The Virginia Peninsula continues to make its mark nationally through leaders advancing innovation and public policy. Charles B. Bott, Chief Technology Officer of HRSD, has been appointed by…

Annandale Millwork Expands to Newport News with New Frogale Lumber Supply Facility Back to Blog May 4, 2026 By Bob McKenna Virginia Peninsula Chamber Newport News continues to build momentum as a hub for advanced manufacturing and construction supply, as Annandale Millwork and Allied Systems Corporation has officially expanded into Hampton Roads with the opening…