12 The Hampton Roads Messenger


Volume 6 Number 10 Around Hampton Roads


Chesapeake Social Services Tops State List of Excellent Agencies


CHESAPEAKE - The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) recently released its “Sweet 15” list to recognize local agencies for their consistent demonstration of excellence. For the second year in a row, the City of Chesapeake’s Social Services Division was in the top 5 performing agencies. This year Chesapeake placed first as the Top Performing Agency in Financial Benefit Programs and the Virginia Initiative for Employment not Welfare (VIEW) Program. Chesapeake was also in the top five for Child Welfare Services.


“All of the praise for this honor goes to the staff at Chesapeake Social Services. I am so very proud of them and it hasn’t been easy given this economic climate,” said Doris “Cookie” Palacios, Director of Human Services. “We have seen a 36% increase in applications for Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), the new Food Stamp program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Medicaid cases are skyrocketing. But at the end of the day, Chesapeake Social Services’ staff made it happen. Number 1 in the state for the largest agency category is fabulous!”


There are 120 local agencies across the state competing for the top 5 spots by category. The local agencies are placed in categories according to their size and their number of full-time employees. Chesapeake is in Level III, which is the category for the largest agencies.


The top five performers for each of the 3 categories were recognized based on the VDSS calculations from Performance Indicators in each Monthly Report. Indicators included the timeliness of processing applications for SNAP and TANF, participation rates for those programs, timeliness of Medicaid reviews, quality assurance, as well as the percent of VIEW clients employed, their average hourly wage and their retention rate.


Martin Brown, Commissioner of the VDSS states:


“Last year our own version of bracketology was established with the VDSS Sweet 15. The VDSS Sweet 15 are the cream of the crop. They are the best at what they do and we recognize them for their consistent demonstration of excellence. Like the fine university basketball teams, these local agencies have proven that they are the best at what they do. They drive performance outcomes through hard work and perseverance, overcoming obstacles and taking advantage of change, rather than feeling victimized by it. These teams are led by excellent leaders. The managers, supervisors and local directors of these localities were able to assemble excellent team members and coach great team work, inspiring dedication and sacrifice for the success of the team vs. the success of the individual. They are the best because of their daily commitment to excellence, and most importantly their commitment to the first winner in this effort - our client.”


Help for Small Businesses


Comes to Hampton The Hampton Roads Messenger is presenting the Funding Options for Small Businesses workshop at the Hilton Garden Inn in Hampton, VA on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. The Hilton Garden Inn is located at 1999 Power Plant Parkway, 23666. The Small Business Administration will give a presentation on SBA loan products. SBA lenders will be on hand to offer information to small businesses about the products and services they have to offer. The Department of Minority Business Enterprise will give small business owners information needed to certify their business to receive government contracts. Representatives from the City of Hampton will be in attendance to speak about opportunities for doing business in and with the City of Hampton. The free event is sponsored by SunTrust Bank and is part of the Hampton Roads Messenger’s annual 7 Cities in 7 Months: Business Development Series. Small business owners and those contemplating starting a business can register by emailing 7in7hr@gmail.com. For more information visit www.hamptonroadsmessenger.com.


Real Estate Tax Deferral for the Elderly


and Disabled in Newport News An application may be obtained via download or by contacting the Commissioner of the Revenue at (757) 926-3535 or email to commish@nngov.com. You may apply for this program beginning January 1 until August 31 each calendar year. If you were granted approval last year, you will receive an application for this program in the mail in January of each calendar year. You may also pick up an application at two locations. At the main office of the Commissioner of the Revenue at 2400 Washington Ave and at the satellite office at 12912 Jefferson Ave in Newport News. A notarized, completed and signed application for real estate tax deferral should be delivered to the following office location starting January 1 but no later than August 31 of each calendar year: City of Newport News Commissioner of the Revenue, 2400 Washington Avenue Newport News, Virginia 23607.


Newport News residents may also drop off their notarized, completed and signed application at our Commissioner of the Revenue’s satellite office at 12912 Jefferson Avenue in Newport News. A representative from the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue will determine if you are eligible for this program. We can also help you if you need assistance completing your annual application and will notarize your application free of charge. If you have any questions regarding this information, call (757) 926-3535 or email commish@nngov.com.


White House Recognizes Norfolk’s


Military Initiatives NORFOLK – The White House gave the City of Norfolk special recognition for its efforts to support military services and veterans in its blog this week titled, Communities in Action: A Trip to Norfolk.


“The goal is for Norfolk to be the best city in the country for the military to do business and for veterans to live and work. I believe the efforts we already have underway will help us achieve that goal and I am honored to receive recognition for our hard work from President Obama’s administration,” says Mayor Paul D. Fraim.


The author, Rosye Cloud is the Director of Veterans, Wounded Warriors and Military Families Policy. During a recent visit, Ms. Cloud met with City Manager Marcus Jones and his staff to discuss the city’s strategy to support returning service members.


The blog highlights the Council’s recent efforts to designate a leader for the effort and to appoint a Military Economic Development Advisory Committee to provide guidance to grow the military’s presence in the city. Council also established a Commission on Veterans Affairs to advise the city on issues and concerns affecting veterans and their families. To assist service members in their transition to civilian life, the city established a workforce development and veteran’s services initiative.


Representatives from the City of Norfolk have been invited to attend a conference in July at the White House to further discuss our efforts to support military services and veterans with other city leaders from around the country.


To read Communities in Action: A trip to Norfolk visit www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/05/29/ communities-action-trip-norfolk


Permits Required for Above Ground


Swimming Pools in Portsmouth Portsmouth residents who own or purchase any type of above ground swimming pools that are capable of holding more than 24 inches of water must obtain the required permits from the Portsmouth Department of Permits and Inspections. These above ground pools range from the inflatable types that are sold at local retail stores to custom built. This permit requirement, which is mandated by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, is enforced on the local level.


Pools create an attractive nuisance for small children which can lead to water-related injuries and fatalities. Safety features are required for pools that include fencing, specific gate requirements, and alarms on household doors.


Citizens are advised to obtain the required permits, install the safety features, as well as read the warning labels on the product carton of the pool that they purchase. For more information or to receive a free information booklet regarding pool safety requirements, call the Portsmouth Department of Permits and Inspections at 393-8531.


Suffolk Business Education Series - Insurance Seminar


June 2012


Is your business covered? Join us: June 27, 2012 8:30-10 a.m. at the Suffolk Workforce Center, 157 North Main Street, 2nd floor.


You will learn a basic overview of the definitions of insurance coverages and terms, a review of standard and extra coverages offered by insurance companies and definitions of different policy types. They will also provide a brief description of coverages all businesses should carry – from liability to mechanical and electrical breakdown, and how these coverages protect you and your business in the event of a loss. There will also be a discussion focusing on developing an Emergency Ready Profile for your business. Preparation is the key component for making it through any size disaster! Hosted by Turntine Insurance Agency. For more information contact Deanna Holt, Suffolk Economic Development, at 757.514.4049 or dholt@suffolkva.us.


SBA HUBZone Bootcamp Event


in Virginia Beach A free seminar is being offered to explain the advantages of the Federal HUBZone program and how to take advantage of federal contracting opportunities.


The seminars focus on HUBZone Eligibility, Certification and Registration as well as opportunities currently available for qualifying businesses located in HUBZone designated areas.


June 12, 2012 1:00PM – 4:00PM Tidewater Community College Advanced Technology Center 1800 College Crescent Virginia Beach, VA 23453


Keep your money where it really counts... in your community.


The Best Bankers. Hometown Banking. 757-543-2400 townebank.com


Neighborhood ▪ Capital ▪ Power 530 South Main St. ● Norfolk, Va 23523


TowneBank is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


A panel of experts will be on hand including: John Shoraka, SBA Associate Administrator Office of the Government Contracting; Mariane A. Pardo, SBA Deputy Director HUBZone Certification; Hero Barker, SBA Veterans Business Outreach Center; Charlene J. Reynolds, SBA Surety Bond Agent and Devon Henry, Team Henry Enterprises, LLC.


To attend, you need to register at hubzoneinitiativeworkshop.eventbrite.com. For more information, please contact james.williams@sba.gov or call 804-771-2400 x 123. Informationis always available at www.sba.gov/va.


Send us your event photos photos@hamptonroadsmessenger.com


Local bankers, working with local


members, lending to local businesses.


That’s the hometown way.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16