LEAD Hampton Roads, a leadership training program of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, which has more than 1,000 alumni, is helping HRP convince the General Assembly to permit authorization of a new regional license plate. The campaign kicked off October 16 at the annual State of Region breakfast in Norfolk. More than 150 persons signed a list, indicating interest in the plate if it becomes available. There is a section on both the Partnership's website (www.hrp.org) and the campaign's (www.americasfirstregion.com) to add names to the list.

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. EMAIL 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