Town and Gown Committee

TOWN AND GOWN COMMITTEE MEETING 12:00pm TUESDAY – DECEMBER 13, 2022 HAMPTON COUNCIL CHAMBERS MINUTES I. Call to Order Chairman McKenna welcomed everyone and called the meeting to order at 12:15 p.m. II. Roll Call Chairman McKenna asked the Clerk to call the roll: Members Present: Ann Bane, Tracy Ashley, Shay Claxton, Mark Crump, Novelle Dickenson, Mary Fugere, Andrew Green, Steven Lynch, Robin McCormick, Bob McKenna, Carolene Goodwyn-Harris Guests: Angela Haywood (Bryant & Stratton), Joseph Walters (Hampton University) Staff Present: Anne Ligon, Annette Oakley, Rebecca Spurrier III. Approve November 8, 2022 Meeting Minutes Chairman McKenna stated the draft minutes from the November 8, 2022 meeting were distributed for review, and if there were no changes, called for a motion to approve. ACTION: Ann Bane made the motion to accept the minutes as written. Novelle Dickenson seconded the motion. All in favor, minutes were approved. IV. Future Meeting Discussion: Chairman McKenna asked if anyone had ideas for speakers please let him know. He talked with Steve Lynch about someone from VTAREC possibly presenting in February. V. Key Updates Since the November Meeting: Committee Members gave the following key updates:  Robin McCormick (Marketing, Inc.):  Marketing is running a little late in getting the City calendars out, but they will be out before the end of the year.  The City has released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for people who want to have public events in Hampton; the City will match up to 50%. There are some requirements online and she will send out the link.  Mary Fugere (Convention & Visitor Bureau):  Aquaplex - There are Swim Meets coming up and there were some this past weekend. Vast improvements have been made to their system and event management. She encouraged all to come for a tour of the facility and suggested possibly having a committee meeting at the Aquaplex.  Hampton Coliseum - Virginia Duals is coming up soon, as well as various concerts.  She enjoyed the football game at Hampton University last month and is interested in joining other schools for future games. She mentioned possibly having a Town & Gown night or outing. 1   Hospitality Huddle will be held the third Tuesday in January in the morning, which will be breakfast and a tour of AREC.  Steven Lynch (Economic Development):  Constellation on King – the new apartment building in Downtown, took in its first five tenants this week; they are open and operating. Economic Development continues to fill commercial space, which is on the first floor.  NorthPoint Development – former site of the Virginia School for the Deaf, Blind and Disabled, was approved. It will be light industrial space, to include a workforce center for the community to utilize.  Manekin – 410,000 square feet light industrial and commercial warehouse space, which is a $42 million project.  VT AREC – A grand opening was held on November 30, 2022. The President of VA Tech, VA Tech Foundation, board members, congressional, state and federal representatives were present. The project is very important and was funded by four different entities.  E.D. hopes to make another announcement next year regarding development of the former Quality Inn site, as well as several other projects E.D. is working on.  Mark Crump (State Farm):  The agency has adopted the Boys and Girls Club on Shell Road and they will be hosting 89 children for an Angel Tree event, to include food, gifts and fun. This is the agency’s 6th year for doing this event and they are very excited!  Carolene Goodwyn-Harris/Angela Haywood (Bryant & Stratton):  January semester is coming up and they currently have Rapid Registration.  They are partnering with Hampton PAL (Police Athletics League) to do E-Sports; 2023 will be a big youth year!  Joseph Walters (Hampton University Sports):  HU playing Norfolk State this weekend, the game is in Las Vegas, so they are having a ‘watch party’ at 1865 Brewery from 3:30pm-6:30pm.  In January, HU will be honoring Rick Mahorn with a rededication of his jersey.  Ann Bane (Hampton City Schools):  The School Administration Center (SAC) holiday party is taking place today and prior to coming to this meeting students from Cooper Elementary School serenaded them and did a great job.  The school concerts are occurring and will continue. As always, the community is invited and welcome to attend.  HCS begins their holiday break this Friday for two weeks and they are looking forward to it.  Asked all to join HCS in celebrating the Phoebus High School football championship!  Tracy Ashley (Virginia Peninsula Community College):  The college is wrapping up for the year; Thursday is their last day until January 3, 2023.  VPCC started a new women’s volleyball team this past fall and they did very well. They are very excited and all are invited to attend some of their games.  Save the Date – On March 24, there will be a formal installation of the new President, Dr. Brannon. On March 25, there will be a black-tie celebration.  Shay Claxton (Workforce Council):  They have started limited enrollment.  On Thursday, they will be closing for the holiday until January 3, 2023. 2   Novelle Dickenson (Hampton University):  HU is closing next week for the holiday break.  On December 2, 2022, the new President hosted a gala at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. The intent was to bring the HU community and the City together. They had over 600 attendees and it was a grand occasion.  The Theatre Department had a Christmas play last weekend and hundreds of high school students attended and really enjoyed it.  The new President has dedicated full tuition scholarships. Local students are encouraged to apply. If committee members know of anyone who wants to live and work in Hampton after college, please let them know. He will check on the application deadline.  Bob McKenna (Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce):  VPCC will close this Friday for two weeks and he will be heading out of town to welcome a new grandchild!  Evelyn Graham is now on the VPCC Board of Directors, replacing Bill Thomas who is finishing up his term. Their first board meeting is in January.  Spotlight on the Peninsula will focus on Hampton over the next four months. It is a network event and he welcomed all to attend. The series will include:  Hampton University Proton Therapy – January  VTAREC – February  Huntington Ingalls Unmanned Systems – March  Chief Scientist for the US Air Force – April VI. Next Meeting: January 10, 2023 VII. Adjourn: Chairman McKenna thanked everyone for coming and wished all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. There being no further business, the Chair adjourned the meeting. 3