GREATER NORFOLK CORPORATION Information

This year marks the 31st anniversary of the Greater Norfolk Corporation. In 1977, a visionary group of Norfolk business and political leaders founded the Greater Norfolk Corporation. They recognized the value and importance of a strong public/private partnership and sought to enhance that partnership here in Norfolk. Over the past 31 years, GNC has been a partner in Norfolk's ongoing renaissance. Working together, we have made remarkable progress toward achieving our mutual goal of making Norfolk a truly world-class city. Sometimes that progress, like the funding this year of the Greenbrier Grade interchange, a transportation infrastructure improvement vital to the continued growth and development of The Port of Virginia, as well as the General Assembly's inclusion of a new $59 million dollar building for EVMS in the Higher Education Bond Package and continued funding for ODU's Modeling & Simulation efforts, is more obvious. Other times, that progress is less obvious, as it involves planting the seeds for future progress. Such is the case with our initiative to identify and enhance Norfolk's and the region's ability to attract and retain college educated 25-34 year olds. The key to growing those seeds for future progress is ongoing, focused private sector involvement and advocacy. Enhancing Norfolk's and the region's competitiveness and quality of life is both our mission and our passion. There continues to be a wealth of problem solving talent within the private sector in our city. Our challenge and opportunity going forward is to continue to seek ways to harness and leverage that expertise in support of efforts to further enhance our competitiveness and quality of life.