Priceless Vol 7 Number 2


Personal and Professional Empowerment www.hamptonroadsmessenger.com


Serving Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach since 2006


Eddie’s Crabhouse 6th Annual 5K Run/Walk for Excellence


Page 8


Sunny Days Ahead: Local Exec Forecasts Bright Future for Company and Community


BY A. R. WILLIS Leroy Abrahams,


who was recently promoted to Regional President and Chief Executive Officer for SunTrust Bank in Hampton Roads, knows the importance of a strong relationship between fortune 500 companies and the communities they serve. Though he has been in his position for less than six months, taking over operations from retired former CEO Tommy Rueger, Abrahams has a keen sense of the area and the factors of its distinctive economy. “We have got such a diverse geography here, that is really a blessing, and is really interesting, but it also creates a lot of challenges,” Abrahams admits. “If you think about the needs of the community, they are similar needs, whether you are in Williamsburg or you’re in Hampton or you’re in Suffolk or Chesapeake; but they are not identical. We have rural areas where we may be helping small farmers and the agricultural business and then we’ve got manufacturing. You want to be able to deliver consistent quality and be


Langley FCU Sponsors Small Business Workshop in Newport News


Page 9


Remembering Portsmouth Mayor James W. Holley III


Page 2


Michelle Obama, Chris Tucker, Robert Townsend, Angela Jones, Among Attendees at CBCF Dinner


Free October 2012


Photo by LA Randall Hampton Roads Messenger publisher,


Leroy Abrahams, Regional President and Chief Executive Officer for SunTrust Bank in Hampton Roads Photo by HRM staff


relevant to all of those different needs and it’s exciting.”


Abrahams grew up in New


York City before moving to Houston, Texas when he was in seventh grade. “There was a brief stint when I wanted to be a doctor,” Abrahams shares, when asked about his childhood career aspirations. “I think everybody goes through that phase, some people never leave it, which is good, that is why we still have doctors” he remarks. While attending college at Texas Christian University as a


SUNNY DAYS PAGE 11


Your Opinion Editorial Career Opportunities Hampton Roads Upcoming Events Scholarships Watch


THIS EDITION’S HIGHLIGHTS Remembering Mayor James W. Holley III


Columbus Should Be Vetted Cox is Hiring! Small Business Conference in Chesapeake 45th Annual Phoebus Days Edward S. Roth Scholarship


Angela Jones, talks with Chris Tucker and Robert Townsend after the Phoenix Awards Dinner in Washington, DC, where First Lady Michelle Obama gave the keynote address. The awards dinner, which honored Corrine Brown, Hon. Harvey B. Gantt, George Lucas and Eric H. Holder, Jr., was held during the


Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 42nd Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) and hosted thousands of participants from across the country and around the world. The conference included 80 issue forums, sessions and brain trusts on subjects impacting African American communities. The event marked the first time a first lady has ever addressed the ALC.


Your Mortgage: Tips for Finding and Managing a Home Loan


Buying a home


is one of the most significant decisions a consumer will ever make. Given what has occurred in the housing market during the past few years, consumers need to be well-informed when considering and managing a mortgage. “It’s important to thoroughly


think


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through all the aspects of a mortgage, even if you have not yet applied for one,” said Jonathan Miller, Deputy Director in the FDIC’s Division


of Depositor and Consumer Protection. These tips may help you navigate the


process, from preparing to be a homeowner to making your final payment.


Considering a Home Purchase Think about what you can afford to spend


on a mortgage and other living expenses. Based on your savings and your budget, ask yourself how much you can devote to monthly loan


payments as well as related costs such as real estate taxes, condo or homeowners association fees, insurance (which may include mortgage insurance if you make a down payment of less than 20 percent) and home maintenance. The answers will help you determine whether to buy a home, how much to pay, and what type of mortgage will meet your needs.


Also make sure that after you make your home payments you will have a cushion of


YOUR MORTGAGE PAGE 6


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