A quarterly publication of the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance

1. inroads
a quarterly publication of the hampton roads economic development alliance
2009 QTR 2

2. FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK
The Alliance is halfway through 2009 and making good on both our
short- and long-term goals.
officers The economy may not have shown the gains we’d hoped for at this
point, but there are indications that it is stabilizing – and, in some sectors,
CHAIR Mike Barrett showing the beginnings of recovery. That being said, our business recruit-
Runnymede Corp.
ment team has had no reason to slow its activities; in fact, summer is gear-
VICE CHAIR Robert Brown ing up to be our busiest and, hopefully, most productive quarter of the year.
Robert Brown and Associates
We were pleased to announce in April two companies chose Hampton
TREASURER Bob Boyd Roads for their locations. ipConfigure, a developer of video surveillance
BB&T
software, selected Innovation Research Park in Nor-
SECRETARY Rick Bagley folk for its newest location. The Art Institutes, an edu-
Wachovia Securities
cational company offering degree programs in culinary
arts and design, opted to make Virginia Beach’s Town
Center its new home. Both announcements translate
staff into a total of 57 new jobs, and a $8.65 million invest-
ment for Hampton Roads.
President & CEO Darryl Gosnell The 2nd quarter of ’09 saw our project managers
Senior Vice President Amy Parkhurst hit the road for several trade shows, seminars, confer-
Vice President Thomas Clemens ences, and various marketing missions. In April we conducted an aggres-
Vice President Steve Cook
sive mission to China that included a high profile seminar; we also attended
the CoreNet Global Annual Conference in Dallas and Hannover Messe in
Operations Debbie Ogan
& Technology Director Germany. May saw the Alliance travel to New England and Japan on mar-
Investor Sarah Cavanaugh keting missions (the latter including two state-sponsored seminars); partici-
Development Director
pate in ITEC 2009 Conference & Exhibition; and attend the IAMC Profes-
Research David Gray
sional Forum. As a result of these marketing activities, the Alliance gained
& Information Services
56 new business contacts and accomplished 117 corporate and consultant
Business Recruitment Chris Gullickson
appointments in the second quarter.
Marketing Lisa Litwiller
Communications The Alliance is working hard to ensure that despite the recession, eco-
Marketing Ashleigh Stein
nomic gains can and will be a reality for Hampton Roads. Thanks to your
& Special Events Coordinator belief in our mission, Hampton Roads is not just surviving these tough eco-
Executive Kate Rodenhouse nomic times – it’s holding its own and even making measurable progress.
Assistant
We appreciate your ongoing support and offer our best wishes to you all for
International Consultants
continued prosperity in our region.
Germany Ingo Bentz
United Kingdom Charles Macdowell
China Catherine Magill Darryl Gosnell, President & CEO
inroads is a quarterly publication of the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance.
Forward comments and suggestions to llitwiller@hreda.com.
500 Main Street | Suite 1300 11820 Fountain Way | Suite 301 4 East Bank House | Tide Mill Way World Trade Center | Birkenstrasse 15
Norfolk, VA 23510 Newport News, VA 23606 Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1BY UK 28195 Bremen, Germany
T +1 757 627 2315 T +1 757 627 2315 T +44 1394 610022 T +49 421 174660

3. road work
We’ve crossed miles, oceans and time zones, shaken countless hands, and eaten things we
can’t even pronounce - nor would eat again - yet we are more energized than ever! Interest in our
region continues to be steady and our project activity is up; some projects are new while others
have been revived from previous years.
ITEC, Belgium
(5/09)
Canada Marketing Hannover Messe Trade
Mission (4/09) Fair, Germany (4/09)
Chicago Marketing Seminars and Special
Mission (6/09) Event, Germany (6/09)
China Marketing
Mission (4/09)
VEDP New England
Marketing Mission
(5/09)
Japan Marketing
Southern California Atlanta Consultant Mission (5/09)
Marketing Mission Mission (6/09)
(6/09)
GERMANY - Hannover Messe
Hannover Messe ranks as the leading interna- ready to surmount the problems they face and seize
tional showplace for industrial technologies, materi- the opportunities available,” commented Deutsche
als and product ideas. So it is with good reason Messe Managing Board Chairman Wolfram von
that attendance at this fair has been on the Alliance Fritsch at the end-of-show press conference. “Our
calendar for over 10 years. Chesapeake, Virginia exhibitors gave proof positive that the drive to in-
Beach and Franklin Southampton joined HREDA for novate is as powerful as ever. Rather than dwelling
this year’s five day show where alternative energy on the crisis and agonizing over its causes, this
seemed to be on everyone’s mind. show was about finding the most promising ways
“Many European businesses are paying close forward.”1
attention to the Obama administration’s investment HREDA’s appointment schedule included visits
in alternative energy. Consequently many conversa- with companies who already have a location in
tions centered around that particular topic,” noted Hampton Roads and were present at the show.
HREDA VP, Thomas Clemens.
“For exhibitors and visitors alike, the five days
of the show provided ample evidence that leverag-
ing one’s strengths is the only way to move forward.
Everyone headed off with a shot of confidence,
1 Courtesy of www.hannovermesse.com

4. CHINA
road work
Firmly believing that we cannot dismiss the was the personal account from Mr. Gao, General
continued growth of outward investment in the Manager of Shangdong Zhangqiu Blower Co., Ltd. of
China market, HREDA coordinated an April semi- his company’s office/warehouse expansion to Suffolk
nar/marketing mission last December.
to Qingdao, China. “It was a quick
Seminar presenters in- trip, but with over
cluded Darryl Gosnell, 60 participants
Steve Cook, Catherine at the seminar
Magill (Senior Consul- representing more
tant China) and David than 25 compa-
Cohn, a partner at the nies, and a solid
Troutman Sanders law meeting schedule
firm currently residing with manufactur-
in Shanghai. Topics ing and govern-
covered issues from ment officials,
starting a business in Pictured above left to right: Catherine Magill, Darryl Gosnell, Rena Ren (Foreign-oriented secretary to the it was worth it,”
President), Steve Cook, Victor Qian (Key Account Manager to the U.S.), and Karen Chi (Qingdao liaison for
HREDA).
the U.S. to immigration commented Mr.
law. Annie Kang, Chief Representative, Main- Gosnell. “Of course we expect to see a few of these
land China for Virginia International Terminals, companies visit Hampton Roads in the near future.”
highlighted the strength and growth of the Port
of Virginia. Of particular interest to the attendees
BELGIUM - ITEC 2009
ITEC, the renowned European defence, train-
ing, education and simulation conference, pro-
vided this year’s 2400 attendees and 120 global
suppliers with the opportunity to learn insights
from industry experts as well as see many new
and emerging tools and technologies. The 12-14
May show highlighted a wide range of exhibits
including advanced synthetic technology, physi-
cal simulation of coping with IEDs, a variety of
Serious Games, modeling and simulation COTS
tools, simulation display systems, and virtual inte-
Scott Hall (Virginia Beach ED), Charles Macdowell and Steve Cook (HREDA) on exhibit floor
grated procedural trainers.
“This year’s ITEC was a great success with both the conference and exhibition being very well received.
Conference attendance was strong with 462 delegates - slightly higher than at ITEC 2008,” noted ITEC Show
Director, Nina Bushell of Clarion Defence & Security.
Whilst in country, HREDA’s Steve Cook (VP), Charles Macdowell (Senior Consultant UK ) and Scott Hall
(Virginia Beach) promoted the defense and technological assets of our region via appointments with 18 com-
panies representing a range of M&S technologies.

5. JAPAN - Tokyo and Osaka
road work
“Investment Opportunities for Japanese Companies in the Alternative Energy Sector”
Sharing a common
purpose in a far away land,
HREDA, the Greater Rich-
mond Partnership (GRP),
and Virginia Economic
Development Partnership
(VEDP) hosted two sold-out
business investment seminars
in Japan the third week of May.
Combined attendance totalled
120 business executives - 80
attending in Tokyo and 40 in
Osaka.
Highlighting the strength of
our region’s international profile,
research/development facili-
ties, and our logistical, production and service advantages, the delegation’s message provided resources for
attendees considering a U.S. presence in Hampton Roads. ‘Alternative Energy’ was the key component of
both seminar presentations which later segued into discussions on new U.S. federal programs as part of the
stimulus bill passed by Congress earlier in the year.
As a special honor, the HREDA team was pleased to provide their business guests with the first hand tes-
timonies of Mr. Takanobu Ihara and Mr. Ai Sawasa, two former Usui International Corporation executives. Their
messages were simple and straight forward; Hampton Roads is a great place for international business.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA and CHICAGO MARKETING MISSIONS
Marketing venues successful in all aspects but the games!
Los Angeles -While our 20 plus Dodger fan guests Chicago - Perhaps worse than losing a game is not
suffered a disappointing team loss to the Padres playing the game at all! Such was the outcome
at Dodger Stadium the evening of June 11, they of the scheduled June 16th Cubs vs. White Sox
unanimously agreed the company, conversation rivalry. Unfortunately, the much anticipated city se-
and food more than compensated for the outcome. ries game was rained out. But, thanks to a variety
The 8-11 June marketing mission hit all targets with of well appointed meetings with industry execu-
a total of nine appointments involving companies tives and consultants, including travel to locations
within the warehouse, distribution, maritime, logis- in Wisconsin and Indiana, Steve Cook, Ben White
tics, defense and modeling and simulation indus- (Chesapeake) and Scott Hall (Virginia Beach) made
tries. In contrast to current economic trends, each this mission a success!
appointment classified their company’s status as in
a ‘growth mode.’

6. GERMANY - Hamburg Mission and Reception
road work
“Making the Connection”
The dedicated efforts of VP Thomas Clemens and our senior consultant in Germany, Ingo Bentz, has
made connecting with prospects in Germany as seamless as a well-tailored suit. Interest in this year’s busi-
ness seminars in Halle and Rostock resulted in 47 “Making the Connection” registrants. Participants were
very engaged in the team’s presentations and open forum discussions, and keen on gaining insights into
establishing a business presence in the U.S. Alliance staff members Darryl Gosnell and Thomas Clemens
partnered with Tom Elder (Chesapeake) and Chuck Rigney (Norfolk) to bring their knowledge and experience
to panel discussions regarding the benefits of operating a business in Hampton Roads. The successful in-
ternational mission concluded with a VIP cocktail reception and dinner jointly hosted by Virginia International
Terminals and HREDA for key Hamburg steam ship line representatives and maritime prospects.
announcements
The Alliance is pleased to have participated in locating five new businesses in the region during
the first half of 2009. The business of recruitment is a team effort, regionally speaking, and one in
which we are proud to facilitate and partner. The five new companies found their ideal locations
in Chesapeake, Suffolk, Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Four of those five are highlighted here.
Who and Why – In Their Own Words
becker solutions Corp., a German based hydraulic hose assembler and hydraulic parts
manufacturer chose Chesapeake’s Riverwalk Commerce Center as the location for its first U.S.
sales and distribution office.
Why Hampton Roads? “With a growing number of U.S. clients, I needed a location that could
readily support not only our domestic distribution, but international as well. The region’s thriving inter-
national community, cost of living, infrastructure and ideal East Coast location provided the solution and
ultimately led us to Chesapeake.”
Fabian Becker, President
SPARTA Composite Products, an industry leader in high tech military and civil aerospace
composite products, chose Suffolk’s Northgate Commerce Park for its first East Coast plant.
Operations are scheduled to begin early 2010.
Why Hampton Roads? “Our reasons for selecting Hampton Roads and Suffolk over all of the
competing cities were based on the abundance of a high quality workforce, the great quality of living
as well as clearly identified statistics and details of the incentive packages from the city of Suffolk and
the commonwealth of Virginia. Since we made the decision, we continue to be pleasantly surprised by
more and more reasons why this was not only the right decision, it was the BEST decision we could
ever have made… we could not be more proud to be a member of such a high class, thriving and
friendly community.”
Paul Oppenheim, Vice President and General Manager

7. ipConfigure, a surveillance software development company, headquartered in Houston, TX,
road report
located its global sales office at Innovation Research Park (IRP) @ ODU in Norfolk earlier
this year. A self-described bootstrap company, ipConfigure is poised to become a leader in
electronic surveillance.
Why Hampton Roads? “Locating at IRP allowed us to take advantage of proximity to ODU’s
Vision Lab and a ready pool of well-trained, enthusiastic workers. We have space, expertise and it’s
near our workforce. We’d love to make Hampton Roads the center of video surveillance technology.”
Chris Uiterwyk, CEO and ODU alum
MASA Group Inc., a high technology company specializing in cognitive artificial intelligence
and optimization for logistics. Home based in Paris, France, MASA adds to the region’s growing
international profile. MASA’s office in ODU’s Innovation Research Park (IRP) employs three
software developers and modelers. With sights for the Norfolk team to become the core U.S.
technical team, MASA maintains an aggressive growth plan.
Why Hampton Roads? “We chose to operate in Norfolk due to the development of the new
technology park, the proximity to ODU and the regional commitment to modeling and simulation. We
moved to the park to benefit from the university environment and to tap into the student population as
we proceed to hire. The location is close enough to our customers and the facilities are new and well
appointed.”
Mark Phillips, Vice President for Business Development
second quarter report
1st Quarter 2nd Quarter YTD TOTAL 2008
PROJECTS Total Active 109 112 N/A 129
New 5 14 19 38
PROSPECT Total 7 12 19 39
VISITS
New 6 8 14 27
Repeat 1 4 5 12
RECRUITMENT Trips 12 14 26 48
ACTIVITIES
Appointments 40 117 157 269
Contacts 121 56 177 n/a
ANNOUNCEMENTS Total 2 3 5 4
Capital Investment $13,450,000 $9,400,000 $22,850,000 17,820,000
Jobs Created 201 85 286 63
Square Footage 70,000 39,200 109,200 326,300

8. Congratulations to Dollar Tree on being named to Fortune’s List
of Top 500 Companies for 2009. The Chesapeake-based retailer
joins regionally headquartered Norfolk Southern and Smithfield
Foods in earning the coveted Fortune 500 status.
FYI – The Commonwealth of Virginia boasts 33 Fortune 500
companies; Richmond has 5 and Hampton Roads, 3.
?
Do you know someone who could benefit Investor Calendar Notes
from being an Alliance investor? All meetings scheduled for 8:30 AM unless indicated
August 20 Executive Committee Meeting
contact
September 24 Board Meeting, TNCC Workforce Dev. Center
Sarah Cavanaugh
October 22 Executive Committee Meeting
Investor Development Director December 10 Board Meeting, VMASC
T: 757-664-2624
inroads
Norfolk, VA 23510
500 Main Street, Suite 1300