By Felicia Blow

The goal of the Suffolk Division of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce is to enhance economic growth, job creation and the entrepreneurial spirit of the region, to help our members excel in business and to improve quality of life in the city of Suffolk.

To help fulfill our mission this year, the Suffolk Division of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce has worked to better engage, educate and support the business needs of the city through a multitude of activities. These have included the following:

• The Suffolk Chamber Business Expo at the Hilton Garden Inn, with more than 50 participants;
• A member survey seeking insights and guidance on our 2016 programming;
• A post-General Assembly round-up at VMASC in May with Sen. John Cosgrove and Delegate Chris Jones;
• A golf tournament at the beautiful Cedar Point Country Club in June (always an effective means to connect businesses in Suffolk with their customers and to provide regional networking opportunities).

We also have worked to expand and build the board of directors to be more representative of the key industries in the city and to create greater awareness of the benefits of chamber membership.

With the fall upon us, the Chamber has planned another series of important programs which we fully believe will interest the community and business leaders.

Jim Spore, president and CEO of Re-Invent Hampton Roads, presented to the Suffolk Division and the Portsmouth Division of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday at 8 a.m. at Sentara’s Belle Harbor facility, 3920 Bridge Road, Suffolk.

As a former Virginia Beach City Manager, Spore has a keen understanding of the issues that drive the regional economy. Suffolk and Portsmouth are key parts of the regional movement.

Spore provided key data to help in expanding the workforce, seeking industry most critical to long-term economic success, and in providing critical historical data that will help frame strategies.

The 2016 Suffolk City Council Election Candidate Forum will be held at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 11, at 6:30 p.m., at the Suffolk Cultural Arts Center, 110 Finney Ave. All 13 candidates running for office will describe their platforms for how they will move Suffolk forward.

The Suffolk Division is also planning its annual Christmas holiday reception. We are looking for businesses that wish to host this event. If you’re interested in hosting or sponsoring this important function, please contact me at fblow@vccs.edu.

Finally, it is my distinct pleasure to serve as your 2016 Suffolk Division Chair. Should you have questions about any of the endeavors identified, or if you have suggestions for the Suffolk Division of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, please email Dean McClain at dmmclain@hrccva.com or me. Thank you for your support.

Felicia Blow is chair of the Suffolk Division for the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce. Email her at fblow@vccs.edu.