12 The Hampton Roads Messenger


Volume 6 Number 11 Around Hampton Roads


Sumitomo Machinery Chooses Chesapeake for Manufacturing and


Rabid Raccoon Found on Meadow


Centralized Distribution Center Chesapeake, Virginia - Sumitomo Machinery Corporation of America (SMA), U.S. headquarters for Sumitomo Drive Technologies, has just purchased three Gleason gear machines to increase their bevel gear manufacturing capabilities at its Cavalier Industrial Park location in Chesapeake. This represents the first phase of a three year investment strategy that will ultimately total more than $12.5 million dollars. All equipment will be delivered and operational by 2015. Sumitomo’s 250,000 square foot Chesapeake facility will transform from an assembly/ distribution center to an assembly/manufacturing facility.


“Given the variability of the global supply chain, many U. S. manufacturers are re-shoring,” said James Travers, Vice President of Business Operations. “Sumitomo Machinery recognizes the market demands of our customers, requiring shorter lead times, high quality products and competitive costs. SMA is committed to expanding manufacturing capabilities to meet those demands and Chesapeake is the best location for our advanced manufacturing operations due to local expertise. Sumitomo’s corporate vision to advance manufacturing in Chesapeake – puts our community on the international forefront as a desirable location where manufacturers can make quality products and distribute to global markets,” says Steven Wright, Director, City of Chesapeake, Economic Development Department. “For 24 years, Sumitomo has been committed to our area and provided quality jobs for our residents. We welcome this new investment and opportunity to showcase our skilled workforce that is second to none.”


The City of Chesapeake has approved an economic development grant to assist with Sumitomo’s expansion. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the Company’s recruitment and training activities.


Sumitomo has selected Suffolk as the location for their Centralized Distribution Center. This distribution center will consolidate all purchasing and stock inventories, and streamline the North American order flow process. The total capital investment for the distribution center is just under $1million USD. “We are delighted to welcome Sumitomo, a well respected international company, to Suffolk.


Their Centralized Distribution Center will bring new job opportunities to our community and demonstrates their confidence in our workforce, infrastructure and economy,” said Suffolk Mayor Linda T. Johnson.


“This is also a great example of how economic development projects can be done collaboratively, which ultimately benefits all the parties involved.“


www.chesapeakeva.biz Hampton Celebrates Opening


of New Center The City of Hampton will celebrate the opening of the new Little England Cultural Center on Tuesday, July 10 at 10 a.m. at the center, located at 3922 Kecoughtan Road. The new center will house a variety of programs including after-school tutoring assistance and computer classes for seniors.


The project has been planned and designed in partnership with the Newtown neighborhood. Planning for the center dates back to the Newtown Neighborhood Plan, which was adopted by City Council in 1998. The neighborhood residents who participated in the planning process wanted to build off the community’s social, civic and physical assets. Some of the recommendations


in the Newtown Neighborhood Plan (specifically the Little England Cultural Center) were incorporated into the Kecoughtan Road Corridor Master Plan, which was adopted by City Council in 2006.


City staff and the architecture firm of Folck West Architects worked closely with the Newtown neighborhood residents to develop the design for the new center. The final design pays tribute to the historic Little England Chapel, which is located across the street.


The new center is also a “green” building, designed to meet LEED Silver standards.


The Little England Cultural Center replaced the Newtown Learning Center, which was demolished. The building dated back to 1939 and operated as a bar before being converted into a learning center. The larger size and up-to-date features of the new center will allow the expansion and addition of programs and events.


www.hampton.gov New Family, Youth Services


Lake Court, Norfolk NORFOLK -- On June 25, 2012, a domestic dog encountered a raccoon, in the backyard of its home on Meadow Lake Court, near Norfolk International Airport and Lake Whitehurst. When the dog’s owners responded to the barking, they found a bloody raccoon. The dog was unharmed.


On June 28, 2012, an Environmental Health Specialist Sr. collected the raccoon for testing at the Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services. Results received this afternoon confirmed that the raccoon had tested positive for rabies. There were no human exposures and the dog was current on its rabies vaccine. It was also examined by a veterinarian who administered a rabies booster shot.


It is important to note that, in the event of any exposure, all animal bites and scratches should be reported to local health departments. Incidents occurring in the City of Norfolk should be reported to the Environmental Health Division of the Norfolk Department of Public Health at 757-683-2712 or Norfolk Animal Control at 757-664-7387. The following precautions are recommended to reduce rabies exposure:


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• Be sure dogs and cats are up-to-date on vaccinations.


• Keep pets confined to home and yard. Keep yards free of food that could attract wild animals. Do not handle, touch or take in stray or wild animals.


• Warn adults and children to report any animal bites or scratches. Report stray or unvaccinated animals to Animal Control at 757-664-7387.


Report all animal or human exposures to the Norfolk Health Department: 757-683-2712. www.norfolk.gov Portsmouth Selects TowneBank


July 2012


Winner of Community Steward Award Portsmouth, VA - The Portsmouth Department of Economic Development hosted its annual Business Appreciation Event on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The purpose of the event was simply to say “Thank You” to Portsmouth businesses for doing business in the City and for their contribution to the economic growth of the community.


This year marks the first year for the Portsmouth Best in Business Awards, and nominations were received in each category. The categories are the Community Steward Award, the Spirit of the City Award and the Environmental Award.


The 2012 Community Steward Award winner is TowneBank. The Community Steward Award celebrates a forprofit business that participates actively in the community by contributing is resources. TowneBank was nominated and selected because of the organized charity events and contributions to the City of Portsmouth.


The 2012 Spirit of the City Award winner is Integrated Management Group (operators of the NTelos Pavilion). The Spirit of the City Award celebrates a business that has fostered a positive image of the City of Portsmouth as a business location. Integrated Management Group was nominated and selected because of the positive image the organization has created and how it reflects the diversity and liveliness of the City of Portsmouth.


The 2012 Environmental Award winner was selected after reviewing several quality nominations. The selection committee was very impressed with the work of the Virginia Port Authority, Cherry Carpet and Flooring, and Sew EZ. A respectable recognition is owed to these organizations because of their commitment to environmental quality and quantifiable efforts. Ultimately, the organization selected Wheelabrator as the 2012 Environmental Award winner. The Environmental Award celebrates a business that conducts or participates in activities that benefit the environment through its business practices and policies on an ongoing basis. Wheelabrator was nominated and selected based on the sustainability of their methods, measurable results, and community involvement and education.


www.portsmouthva.gov Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)


Detected In Mosquitoes SUFFOLK, VA - City of Suffolk Mosquito Control has detected mosquitoes testing positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in the Lake Kennedy, Wonderland Forest, Dayle Acres, Bennett’s Harbor, Huntersville and the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge areas.


Coordinator Named in Newport News Library gets new Family and Youth Services coordinator


Angelique Simmons has been named Family and Youth Services coordinator for the Newport News Public Library System.


Simmons has more than eight years of experience as a librarian in North Carolina, Maryland, Washington D.C. and Germany. She has worked in both school, public and military libraries. She obtained her Master of Library Science degree from North Carolina Central University.


Angelique Simmons www.nngov.com


Citizens should be aware that there is increased EEE activity in these areas and they should take the necessary actions to protect themselves while engaging in outdoor activities. Mosquito testing determines periods of increased risk of disease transmission by mosquitoes. In Suffolk, there is an increased amount of insect activity this year, not only from mosquitoes, but from other biting insects i.e. biting gnats, biting midges or more commonly called “no-see-ums”, and biting flies.


Suffolk Mosquito Control operations are intensifying efforts in these areas as a result of these EEE positive test confirmations. Increased mosquito surveillance, treatment of standing water, and evening spray applications for adult mosquitoes are also being administered.


EEE is a very rare human disease that affects 5 to 10 humans annually in the United States. EEE infection in humans begins with mild flu-like symptoms, progresses into disorientation, seizures, coma, encephalitis (an inflammation of the brain) and, in the most severe cases, causes death. Many that survive will have “mild to severe brain damage”. No human cases of EEE have ever been reported in the City of Suffolk.


You can greatly decrease your chances of contracting West Nile Virus (WNV) and EEE by protecting yourself from excessive mosquito bites while outdoors by following these recommendations:


Send us your event photos photos@hamptonroadsmessenger.com


• Remain indoors during times of greatest mosquito activity (1 hour before dusk to 1 hour before dawn) • Wear loose, long, and light-colored clothing when outdoors Use insect repellants containing DEET according to the label instructions


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You can contribute by eliminating mosquito-breeding areas around your home and neighborhood by following these steps:


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