/news-publications/pages/news-releases.aspxEconomic Development News ReleasesThe Virginia Beach Economic Development Department has been recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO). Virginia Beach is one of only 29 of the 22,000 economic development organizations in North America to have earned this distinction. http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/62/20120118-CMO-MCG-026ED-NR accreditation.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/62/20120118-CMO-MCG-026ED-NR accreditation.pdfWed, 25 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMTVirginia Beach is the second-best city in America for raising a family, according to 24/7 Wall St., a financial news website. The website examined the nation's 100 largest cities and released its findings Friday. Each city was rated based on its parks, playgrounds, high schools, children’s hospitals, adult education levels, unemployment rate and crime rate. http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/61/Raising a family release 1-17-12.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/61/Raising a family release 1-17-12.pdfThu, 19 Jan 2012 10:00:00 GMTVirginia Beach was named the best-run city in America by 24/7 Wall St., a financial news website. The staff examined the 100 largest cities in the United States, reviewing the local economy, fiscal discipline and standard of living in each city. Among the criteria considered were crime, poverty, education and credit rating. “For the most part, the best-run cities manage their debt and resources well,” the website reported “The worst-run cities do not.” http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/60/Best Run City Jan. 2012.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/60/Best Run City Jan. 2012.pdfThu, 05 Jan 2012 10:00:00 GMTGovernor Bob McDonnell and Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. today announced that IMS:GEAR Virginia Inc., one of the largest manufacturers of gear assemblies for the North American automotive market, will invest $35.5 million and create up to 80 new jobs in an expansion of its Virginia Beach operations. The new jobs will pay an average annual wage of $48,000. Virginia Beach successfully competed against a location in Georgia for the project.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/59/IMS GEAR WEB.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/59/IMS GEAR WEB.pdfFri, 16 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMTVirginia Beach, Va. - STIHL Inc., manufacturer of the world’s largest selling brand of chain saws, will expand its operation by 53,256 square feet. The expansion, scheduled for completion in spring 2012, represents a total capital investment of $10.3 million and the creation of 52 new jobs in the City.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/58/STIHL Expansion APPROVED 121211.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/58/STIHL Expansion APPROVED 121211.pdfWed, 14 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMTThe City of Virginia Beach purchased the 18-acre site known as the London Bridge Commerce Center. The acquisition is part of the YesOceana.com program to protect Naval Air Station Oceana from incompatible business development. A total of 22 nonconforming businesses will be relocated to more appropriate locations within the city, and this parcel will be a strategic location for new conforming businesses looking to locate or expand in the city.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/57/London Bridge Commerce Center.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/57/London Bridge Commerce Center.pdfThu, 10 Nov 2011 14:00:00 GMTSTIHL Inc. recently welcomed the Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA) and several state and local officials to the Virginia Beach plant on Thursday, October 20, 2011 as part of Virginia’s Manufacturing Appreciation Week. The visit included a tour of the plant and facility, led by Simon Nance, training manager for STIHL Inc. The City of Virginia Beach was recognized as a leader in the Commonwealth of Virginia as a leading City for manufacturing, for our elimination of the Machinery and Tools tax, effective July 1. http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/56/Virginia Manufacturing Association Visits Stihl.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/56/Virginia Manufacturing Association Visits Stihl.pdfTue, 08 Nov 2011 17:00:00 GMTThe City of Virginia Beach received an Honorable Mention for Excellence in Economic Development for their Virginia Beach Development Authority Annual Report Fiscal Year 2010 in the category of Annual Brochure for communities with populations of 200,000 – 500,000 from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/55/IEDC Award 9-25-11.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/55/IEDC Award 9-25-11.pdfMon, 26 Sep 2011 10:00:00 GMTBryan D. Cuffee has been appointed to the Virginia Beach Development Authority as a commissioner for a four-year term. Cuffee is the director of development for Gold Key/PHR Hotels and Resorts in Virginia Beach, where he oversees the development of new construction projects. He has developed more than $200 million in real estate assets, and his major projects have included the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel, Turtle Cay Resort, Ocean Beach Club Resort and the Boardwalk Resort Hotel & Villas. He is currently managing $150 million in new development projects planned over the next five years. http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/54/Cuffe Final.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/54/Cuffe Final.pdfThu, 08 Sep 2011 17:00:00 GMTThe city announced today the 2011 Virginia Beach African American Business of the Year, Bullock & Cooper, P.C. The award presented at the Virginia Black Expo State of the African American Business Awards Breakfast, honored companies in the region that are involved in the community and have shown civic leadership. The company, started in 2004 by twin sisters Tanya Bullock and Wanda Cooper, works mainly in the areas of criminal law, traffic matters, personal injury, creditor’s rights and corporate law. http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/53/Black Expo 11.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/53/Black Expo 11.pdfThu, 18 Aug 2011 13:00:00 GMTDorothy L. Wood has been appointed to the Virginia Beach Development Authority. She will fill the unexpired term of Prescott Sherrod, which ends Aug. 31, 2014. Sherrod recently left the authority to join the City Council. http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/52/Final Dot Wood.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/52/Final Dot Wood.pdfFri, 12 Aug 2011 15:00:00 GMTWhole Foods Market, the world’s leading natural and organic foods supermarket, is coming to Virginia Beach. The lease was announced during the third quarter earnings conference call by John Mackey and Walter Robb, co-chief executive officers yesterday. “Virginia Beach is excited to be the first in the market to announce the much anticipated plan to build a Whole Foods Market store in our city.” said Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. “Whole Foods Market is a leader in the expanding natural and organic foods business. The Whole Foods Market brand has been built on consistently selling the highest quality natural and organic food products and maintaining high standards of quality, customer service and community involvement. The fact that we have attracted one of the most coveted retailers in the country to our community validates our strategy for growth and sustainability.” http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/51/Final Whole Foods.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/51/Final Whole Foods.pdfMon, 01 Aug 2011 11:00:00 GMTSeniorcorp, a company that provides independent living services for seniors at home, will move its corporate headquarters to Virginia Beach. The company is one of the largest privately held companies in Virginia that offers in-home care and support services for seniors. It has also become one of the fastest growing in Virginia. The company will expand and move its operations from Norfolk to a 9,000-square-foot facility at 240 Clearfield Avenue. http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/50/Senior Corp.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/50/Senior Corp.pdfThu, 28 Jul 2011 11:00:00 GMTMaking good on a promise Mayor Will Sessoms made to City Council in 2010, Virginia Beach eliminated its Machinery and Tools tax for local manufacturers effective July 1, 2011. The statewide tax has been assessed against manufacturers on equipment used in the production of goods. The current rate of assessment is based on the original value of the equipment and in Virginia Beach equates to 33 percent on each $1 of value. “We looked at all possible ways our City can attract and reward manufacturers for doing business in Virginia Beach,” said Mayor Sessoms. “Our mission is to increase the number of jobs, and this tax has hindered our ability to attract high-performance manufacturers.” http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/49/Machinery and Tool tax elimination (2).pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/49/Machinery and Tool tax elimination (2).pdfWed, 06 Jul 2011 11:00:00 GMTBatterien-Montag-Zentrum GmbH (BMZ) will open its U.S. headquarters in Virginia Beach. The company, based in Karlstein, Germany, is Europe’s leading supplier for rechargeable battery packs. BMZ also has manufacturing facilities in China, Poland and Germany.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/48/BMZ.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/48/BMZ.pdfWed, 13 Apr 2011 17:00:00 GMTLifeNet Health, a regenerative medicine company and the largest organ and tissue bank in the United States, has announced plans to build a 42,000-square-foot facility adjacent to its corporate headquarters in Virginia Beach. The company was founded in Virginia Beach in 1982. The corporate headquarters at 1864 Concert Drive is part of Virginia Beach’s growing Princess Anne Commons biomedical corridor.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/47/Lifenet Final Final.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/47/Lifenet Final Final.pdfTue, 21 Dec 2010 16:00:00 GMTDAVCON, Inc. announced plans today plans to construct a 10,000-square-foot office-warehouse building with the option for future expansion of 14,000 square feet on 2.2 acres at 240 London Bridge Road. The company plans to invest approximately $1.4 million in construction of the building, and qualifies for $62,000 in Economic Development Investment Program Funds for its location into the Accident Potential Zone 1(APZ1) near NAS Oceana. The company also is eligible to receive other YesOceana.com benefits, including a 90 percent rebate of its business license tax and reimbursement of city development review and permitting fees. http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/45/Davcon Final.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/45/Davcon Final.pdfFri, 19 Nov 2010 20:05:00 GMTLinwood O. Branch III has been appointed to the Virginia Beach Development Authority as a commissioner for a four-year term. http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/44/Linwood Branch appointed to VBDA.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/44/Linwood Branch appointed to VBDA.pdfFri, 19 Nov 2010 20:00:00 GMTGlobal Rigging & Transport (GRT) announced plans today to construct a 10,000-square-foot building on 2.4 acres on Taylor Farms Road. The company will invest $1.3 million in the construction of the building, and qualifies for $55,000 in Economic Development Investment Program Funds for its location into the Accident Potential Zone 1(APZ1). The company is also eligible to receive other YesOceana.com benefits, including a 90 percent rebate of its business license tax and reimbursement of city development review and permitting fees.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/46/Final Global Rigging.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/46/Final Global Rigging.pdfFri, 19 Nov 2010 20:00:00 GMTTowne Insurance Agency, which acquired the Taylor Johnson Group earlier this year, has announced the consolidation of its offices into 19,000 square feet of office space leased from Olympia Development in Virginia Beach. Towne Insurance will occupy the entire third floor of Olympia’s Convergence Center IV building to house up to 70 employees. The company is combining its existing offices in Chesapeake, Norfolk and Virginia Beach with those of the Taylor Johnson Group.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/43/TowneInsuranceGroup.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/43/TowneInsuranceGroup.pdfFri, 12 Nov 2010 13:00:00 GMTLoanCare Servicing has entered into a five-year lease for 51,385 square feet of office space to expand and move its regional headquarters to Rosemont Interstate Center II in Virginia Beach. The new location will provide an additional 9,590 square feet of space from its previous headquarters that opened in Virginia Beach in 2007 with 130 employees. The new facility allows for the addition of 226 full-time jobs within 30 months. As the company expects its business to expand, the new positions will enhance its customer and administrative services. The City retains 284 full-time jobs with the relocation announcement. http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/42/LoanCare.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/42/LoanCare.pdfWed, 20 Oct 2010 13:00:00 GMTBryant & Stratton College’s Virginia Beach Campus announced today that it will expand its current facility at 301 Centre Pointe Drive by 15,000 square feet. The current facility occupies 28,000 square feet and the college employs about 160 faculty and staff. http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/41/BryantStratton.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/41/BryantStratton.pdfWed, 20 Oct 2010 12:00:00 GMTInMotion Hosting, one of the country’s top-ranked web hosting firms, has announced plans to hire 275 new employees at its Virginia Beach technical support center. The company, based in Marina del Rey, Calif., will move into 18,000 square feet of space at the Rosemont Interstate Center III building as part of its expansion, and will invest $250,000 in new business property equipment.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/40/InMotion NR 9-21-10.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/40/InMotion NR 9-21-10.pdfFri, 24 Sep 2010 13:05:00 GMTLumber Liquidators, the largest hardwood flooring retailer in the United States, has entered into a lease for 6,150 square feet of industrial space in the Cataldo building at 317 Village Road, Virginia Beach. The location is the company’s third in Virginia Beach, and four full-time employees will be added with wages exceeding $44,000http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/39/Lumber Liquidators NR 9-21-10.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/39/Lumber Liquidators NR 9-21-10.pdfFri, 24 Sep 2010 13:00:00 GMTThe Virginia Beach Development Authority (VBDA) and the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development (VBDED) hosted the third annual Virginia Beach Business Appreciation Charity Golf Classic at Virginia Beach National Golf Club. The annual event coincides with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Business Appreciation Month, which recognizes the contributions Virginia Beach businesses make to support the City’s excellent economy and quality of life. http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/38/VBDED donates $15000 to area charities.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/38/VBDED donates $15000 to area charities.pdfWed, 08 Sep 2010 18:00:00 GMTSean Murphy, CPA has joined the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development as an accountant. His primary responsibilities include coordinating research, preparing financial reports and analyzing information for city, state and federal audits. http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/37/Sean Murphy joins VBDED as accountant.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/37/Sean Murphy joins VBDED as accountant.pdfWed, 08 Sep 2010 17:00:00 GMTThe city announced today that Lindsey Brothers, Inc. is its 2010 Virginia Beach business of the year at the Virginia Black Expo State of the African-American Business Awards Breakfast. The company is a family-owned business providing HVAC, plumbing and fuel oil delivery services throughout Hampton Roads. http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/36/Black Expo NR 8-19-10.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/36/Black Expo NR 8-19-10.pdfWed, 25 Aug 2010 14:00:00 GMTKlett Consulting Group, Inc., a Virginia Beach-based service-disabled veteran-owned small business, specializing in government-related technology, systems engineering and professional consulting services plans to add 20 to 30 new full-time employees at its location on North Landing Road. The company currently employs 12 individuals, and was named the 2010 Virginia Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year. http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/35/Klett Consulting.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/35/Klett Consulting.pdfTue, 17 Aug 2010 10:00:00 GMTIn 2005, Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, for the first time ever, was included in the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission’s list of recommended base closures. In order to preserve the base and its enormous contributions to the community, the City of Virginia Beach developed an unprecedented plan to roll back encroachment in the area surrounding NAS Oceana, known as Accident Potential Zone 1 (APZ-1) and the Clear Zone. As a result, the Association of Defense Communities (ADC) recently named Virginia Beach as the 2010 ADC Active Base Community of the Year. This award recognizes an active defense community whose efforts in building partnerships with a military installation have enhanced military value and the overall economic development of the community.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/34/ADC Award FINAL (2).pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/34/ADC Award FINAL (2).pdfWed, 11 Aug 2010 11:00:00 GMTTurner Strategic Technologies (TST), a Virginia Beach-based small business, specializing in general contracting and engineering support services plans to add 18 new full-time employees at its location on Chandler Creek Road. The company currently employs 10 individuals. http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/33/Turner Strategic Technologies (2).pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/33/Turner Strategic Technologies (2).pdfFri, 30 Jul 2010 09:00:00 GMTLess than 10 years ago, reQuire, a title tracking company, began helping settlement agents in Virginia Beach close real estate transactions. Since then, it has helped streamline the national real estate industry by introducing Release Tracking ServiceTM, a web-based system that allows attorneys, settlement agents, title companies and mortgage brokers to track, report, and release real estate information quickly and easily. http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/32/ReQuire.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/32/ReQuire.pdfWed, 19 May 2010 11:00:00 GMTMore than 15 years ago, Amerigroup Corporation was launched in its founder’s kitchen in Virginia Beach, Va. Since then, the company has grown into a leader in the healthcare industry, offering services to individuals who are financially vulnerable, people with disabilities, seniors and children. Last week, for the first time ever, Amerigroup ranked 404 on the 2010 list of FORTUNE 500 companies. http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/31/AmerigroupFINAL.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/31/AmerigroupFINAL.pdfWed, 21 Apr 2010 15:00:00 GMTLocal unemployment rates are listed as some of the lowest in the nation. That coupled with an affordable cost of living and a diverse economy make the Virginia Beach Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) one of the fastest-recovering areas from the recession.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/30/ForbesRecovering.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/30/ForbesRecovering.pdfTue, 22 Dec 2009 16:30:00 GMTRestaurant Depot, known in the industry as the place “Where Restaurants Shop®,” has purchased the property located at 5112 Virginia Beach Blvd., which was formerly occupied by Value City Department Store.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/29/RestaurantDepotFinal.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/29/RestaurantDepotFinal.pdfFri, 18 Dec 2009 10:40:00 GMTHermes closes Hamburg production location; expands operations in Virginia Beach. Hermes Abrasives, Inc., a manufacturer of coated and bonded abrasives used in the industrial sector, will continue to call Virginia Beach its North American home.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/28/HermesFinal.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/28/HermesFinal.pdfTue, 15 Dec 2009 15:00:00 GMTTurner Construction Company, ranked as the top domestic general builder in the country in 2008 by Engineering News-Record magazine, will relocate its regional office to the Armada Hoffler building at Town Center in Virginia Beach, effective Friday, Jan. 1, 2010.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/26/TurnerConstructionFinal.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/26/TurnerConstructionFinal.pdfTue, 15 Dec 2009 12:45:00 GMTSouth University has entered into a lease agreement for 32,600 square feet of space at Olympia Development’s Convergence IV in Virginia Beach. South University was represented by Thalhimer, a member of the Cushman Wakefield Alliance, in the transaction.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/27/SouthUniversityFinal.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/27/SouthUniversityFinal.pdfTue, 08 Dec 2009 12:30:00 GMTThe City of Virginia Beach is a step closer to working with musician Pharrell Williams to create a resource center that would help the city’s youth.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/25/Pharrell-Williams.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/25/Pharrell-Williams.pdfMon, 07 Dec 2009 15:30:00 GMTTransformational Defense Industries, Inc. (TDI), part of Gamma Applied Visions Group, a Switzerland-based technology development firm, is in the process of relocating its corporate headquarters from Washington, D.C. to Virginia Beach.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/1/TDI.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/1/TDI.pdfMon, 26 Oct 2009 15:00:00 GMTImpressions in Print, a small, women-owned company, specializing in printing commercial signage and promotional products, plans to relocate to 753 Voyager Court in the Oceana West Corporate Park. The company is currently located off Cleveland Street near Town Center. Impressions in Print meets the specific criteria for a conforming business in Accident Potential Zone 1 (APZ-1). It replaces a previous nonconforming business on the same site. It has been located in Virginia Beach since 1994.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/2/Impressions.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/2/Impressions.pdfMon, 26 Oct 2009 15:00:00 GMTThe Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development has partnered with the Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise (DMBE) to offer one-on-one counseling sessions with local business owners. The sessions will take place on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon at the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development, 10th Floor of the Armada Hoffler building at Town Center, 222 Central Park Ave.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/3/SWAM.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/3/SWAM.pdfFri, 15 May 2009 10:00:00 GMTOn Monday, May 11, the City of Virginia Beach awarded the first two incentive grants to businesses under the Oceana Land Use Conformity Program.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/4/OLUC.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/4/OLUC.pdfMon, 11 May 2009 16:15:00 GMTThe Art Institutes plans to open a school in Virginia Beach in time for the 2010 spring semester. The Virginia Beach campus will occupy 35,000 square feet at Two Columbus Center, located at the corner of Main Street and Constitution Drive, at Town Center. The school will have the opportunity to expand an additional 15,000 square feet within 24 months.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/5/ArtInstitute.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/5/ArtInstitute.pdfThu, 23 Apr 2009 14:00:00 GMTCity of Virginia Beach Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. announced today during his State of the City address that three European manufacturing companies have made commitments to either expand or locate operations in Virginia Beach. Together, the companies will contribute millions of dollars of capital investment in the city, adding 85 jobs to the workforce.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/6/EuropeanCompanies.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/6/EuropeanCompanies.pdfThu, 23 Apr 2009 14:00:00 GMTFortune Small Business magazine ranked Virginia Beach as the 14th Best City to “Live and Launch a Small Business.” Virginia Beach was selected because of its low taxes, dynamic and diverse local economy, strong workforce composed of graduates from area colleges and exiting military and easy beach access.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/20/4th_Best_City.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/20/4th_Best_City.pdfWed, 01 Apr 2009 10:00:00 GMTThe Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development is pleased to unveil the DLH Sports Complex located off Baker Road in Virginia Beach near the Airport Industrial Park. The facility will primarily serve as a training ground for up-and-coming and professional athletes. DLH Sports will also offer memberships to the public and recreation league teams.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/8/DLH.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/8/DLH.pdfTue, 24 Feb 2009 14:00:00 GMTAccording to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Virginia Beach Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) was one of only seven MSAs with employment levels above 750,000 to experience job growth from December 2007 to December 2008. Job growth in the Virginia Beach MSA was one percent for this period of time.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/10/Growth.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/10/Growth.pdfMon, 16 Feb 2009 16:30:00 GMTThe City of Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development is pleased to announce that Avis Budget Group will create 70 new full-time professional level employment opportunities at its National Shared Services Center in the Centre Point Office Park. The new jobs will be responsible for accident liability functions for the car rental firm and are being relocated to Virginia Beach from Orlando, Fla. Virginia Beach competed against Parsippany, N.J. for the Avis Budget Group project.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/9/Avis.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/9/Avis.pdfMon, 16 Feb 2009 16:00:00 GMTSeven Cities Development Company, LLC is pleased to announce its plan to purchase approximately 7 acres from the City of Virginia Beach to construct a two-phase, 40,000 square-foot indoor sports performance and sports instruction facility on Landstown Road in the Princess Anne Commons area of Virginia Beach.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/24/7cities.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/24/7cities.pdfWed, 21 Jan 2009 15:00:00 GMTVirginia Beach Economic Development is pleased to announce that Planit Technology Group is relocating its corporate headquarters and operations to 100 Landmark Square, Virginia Beach.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/21/Planit.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/21/Planit.pdfTue, 02 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMTADS, Inc. has invested in an additional 81,000 square feet of warehouse space in Virginia Beach, Va. to meet its current and future customers’ logistical requirements and growth. Located on Aviator Drive, this new facility will serve as ADS’ primary kitting, assembly and storage operations center and will allow the company to better facilitate current government customer requirements. In addition, ADS has invested in adjacent property for a future facility, acquiring more than 13 acres of land with access to 160,000 square feet for future expansion.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/7/ADS.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/7/ADS.pdfThu, 30 Oct 2008 11:00:00 GMTGovernor Kaine recognized Coastal Training Technologies Corp. with the annual Commonwealth of Virginia Compass Award for Excellence in International Trade. The award was presented during the World Trade Conference held in Norfolk, Va. Coastal Training Technologies is the first Virginia Beach-based company to receive the award, which was established to acknowledge Virginia businesses that have excelled in global trade.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/11/Coastal.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/11/Coastal.pdfFri, 24 Oct 2008 10:45:00 GMTThe City of Virginia Beach Economic Development Department announced today the hiring of Scott Hall to fill their newly created position of Business Development Coordinator. He will be responsible for managing the department’s business attraction and retention activities.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/12/ScottHallPressRelease.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/12/ScottHallPressRelease.pdfFri, 17 Oct 2008 15:45:00 GMTVIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – (September 2008) – How does a company go from being merely an idea to Hampton Roads Small Business of the year? Just ask Hank Luhring, founder and CEO of IssueTrak, Inc., the winner of the 2008 Hampton Roads Small Business of the Year presented by the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce and Small Business Development Center of Hampton Roads.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/13/SmallBusinessoftheYear.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/13/SmallBusinessoftheYear.pdfThu, 25 Sep 2008 11:50:00 GMTConvergence Center, an Olympia Development Corporation owned and operated, master planned business park is expanding once again in the City of Virginia Beach. Olympia Development has announced construction of Convergence Center IV, a new 89,000 square-foot Class “A” office building. Capital Investment for this new 5 story office is estimated at $22.3 million which includes the building along with an accompanying 3-story structured parking facility.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/14/Convergence.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/14/Convergence.pdfTue, 19 Aug 2008 09:00:00 GMTVirginia Beach Economic Development is pleased to announce that Liberty Tax Service will double the size of its international headquarters in Virginia Beach due to the company’s continuing expansion.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/15/LibertyRelease.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/15/LibertyRelease.pdfTue, 19 Aug 2008 09:00:00 GMTVIRGINIA BEACH, VA – (July 2008) – The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) announced the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development has been recertified as an Accredited Economic Development Organization. Virginia Beach is one of only 23 economic development organizations accredited by the IEDC.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/16/AEDOReaccreditation.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/16/AEDOReaccreditation.pdfWed, 30 Jul 2008 11:00:00 GMTMichelle Chapleau has joined the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development as a business relocation specialist. She is responsible for commercial business relocation and expansion projects surrounding Naval Air Station Oceana.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/17/MichelleChapleau.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/17/MichelleChapleau.pdfWed, 09 Jul 2008 16:30:00 GMTVirginia Beach Economic Development is pleased to announce that Mid-Eastern Builders has broken ground and initiated work on Metroplex One in Virginia Beach, a new office complex owned by Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN).http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/18/Metroplex.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/18/Metroplex.pdfThu, 26 Jun 2008 14:00:00 GMTMayor Meyera E. Oberndorf and members of City Council will proclaim Saturday, April 12, 2008 as Plaxico Burress Day in Virginia Beach.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/19/Plaxico.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/19/Plaxico.pdfFri, 11 Apr 2008 08:00:00 GMTVirginia Beach earned its place as the least stressful metropolitan area by having great air quality, low crime rates, stable employment, and strong income growth.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/22/Least_Stressful.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/22/Least_Stressful.pdfFri, 11 Apr 2008 08:00:00 GMTSteve Herbert, chief development officer, and Warren Harris, director of Economic Development, unveiled an aggressive strategy today that targets desirable industries and outlines a series of economic development initiatives.http://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/23/MarketingTargets.pdfhttp://www.yesvirginiabeach.com/Lists/News Releases/Attachments/23/MarketingTargets.pdfTue, 05 Feb 2008 17:00:00 GMT