On the eve of the year in which America will celebrate the 400th anniversary of the landing and settlement at Jamestown, the organization representing all of Hampton Roads’ local governments, colleges, military commands and leading businesses will announce a major effort to promote regional citizenship.

On Wednesday December 13, during the annual meeting of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, a lunchtime event expected to draw more than 800 people to the Chesapeake Conference Center, the Hampton Roads Partnership will unveil the community’s first ever branding initiative: Hampton Roads, America’s First Region.

“The need for this designation has never been greater, nor has the timing of its commencement,” says Dana Dickens, President of the Hampton Roads Partnership. “With great challenges like transportation, public safety, economic and tourism development, job creation and quality of life enhancement so important to all of our 17 localities, we need to come together by first acknowledging and rallying around something we all share, which is our shared history.”

Hampton Roads, America’s First Region has its genesis in a pivotal period in American history. “When three English ships arrived at Virginia Beach on April 26, 1607, they did not stay put,” says Deborah Stearns, co-chair of the Partnership and President of Advantis Real Estate. “They sailed up our rivers and bays, stopping at what is today Norfolk and Hampton, eventually settling for good on May 14 at Jamestown. In those 18 days and the many that followed, Hampton Roads became America’s First Region.”

“In fact,” says Bruce Goodson, Chairman of the James City County Board of Supervisors, “Virginia Beach and James City County remain the boundaries of the Hampton Roads region, and our interdependence is greater than ever.” Goodson is one of a number of local elected leaders who have pledged their city, county or town’s support for the campaign and intend to display the blue and green HR-AFR logo on literature, websites and other public places.

Building regional identity and cooperation, which can lead to economic growth and improved quality of life, begins with recognition of this common heritage. That’s why the Hampton Roads Partnership, which represents 17 cities, counties and the town of Smithfield, is encouraging all public and private sector organizations to embrace the HR-AFR branding statement and display it in as many ways and places as possible. (Map courtesy of Living in Hampton Roads)

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
There are many ways to be part of the Hampton Roads Partnership’s new regional citizenship campaign. Here are some options:

GET THE LOGO. When you receive the logo from the AFR TOOLKIT, display it on your organization’s website, brochures, newsletters, letterhead, business cards or other materials.

USE THE WORDS. Mention “America’s First Region” when describing where your firm or agency is located, such as, “We have five offices throughout Hampton Roads, America’s First Region”, or “Our company is headquartered in Chesapeake, Virginia - Part of Hampton Roads, America’s First Region.” Also, put the words "Hampton Roads, America's First Region" in your e-mail signature, after the address of your office or home.

ORDER THE STICKER. CLICK HERE to order "Hampton Roads, America's First Region" static stickers, perfect for your office glass doors or to display on a car window.

GET CREATIVE. Think of your own ways to identify yourself or your organization as part of "Hampton Roads, America’s First Region", such as:

• Proud to Do Business in HR-AFR
• Isle of Wight County, A Great Community in HR-AFR
• American Theater, Another Great Attraction in HR-AFR

LINK: Hampton Roads - America's First Region

Regional Spotlight Archive: Read More About What's Working in Hampton Roads