September 2019


www.hamptonroadsmessenger.com


City Information Technology Department Wins 2019


The Hampton Roads Messenger 13


Government Innovation Award NORFOLK, VA – Norfolk’s Department of Information Technology has won a Public Sector Government Innovation Award.


This award recognizes the city’s efforts to modernize business practices through an enterprise content management initiative. City IT used Laserfiche, an electronic document management and workflow system, to streamline processes, automate routine tasks, go paperless, minimize data entry and human error and increase security.


“IT’s effort to help us update our work practices means residents get the best possible service,” said City Treasurer Daun Hester.


During the past year, IT coordinated with 12 departments to develop 50 new automated workflows. For example, barcoding and scanning thousands of documents helped the Commissioner of Revenue improve efficiency through quick and easy retrieval of information. The City Auditor’s office was able to eliminate an outdated case management system as well as $2,000 a year in maintenance costs while creating a secured central repository for documents. Marrying Laserfiche to Human Resources’ information system expedited new employee processes such as computer access and ID badges.


Among the benefits of this effort: process automation in the City Treasurer’s office helped it to save 51 work hours per week. Paper and storage costs have decreased citywide by approximately 13%, leading to an average annual savings of $8,300.00 (based on a reduction in the number of records sent to an offsite storage facility).


The awards “focus on transformative tech that is truly reinventing government,” as reviewed by a government tech and research group that includes GCN, FCW, and Washington Technology and Defense Systems.


“Our team works every day to drive and support a culture of agility and innovation in the city,” said Chief Information Officer Steven DeBerry. “I’m proud of this recognition for IT.”


National Preparedness Month:


Are You Prepared? As National Preparedness Month begins on Sunday, we take this opportunity to remind residents to remain vigilant and to make personal hurricane preparedness plans now.


Amid predictions of an above average hurricane season and the potential for up to four Category 3 storms --we are currently monitoring Hurricane Dorian-- the City of Portsmouth and the Hampton Roads team behind www. GetFloodFluent.org want to know: Are you and your home prepared? The emphasis is always on hurricane preparedness planning now rather than later. The same goes for purchasing flood insurance as there is a 30-day waiting period before policies go into effect.


To check your flood fluency, visit www.GetFloodFluent.org. This website serves to separate fact from fiction when it comes to flooding risks in Hampton Roads by providing: information about the dangers of flooding; an interactive challenge to test your flooding fluency; video testimonials from local residents whose homes were devastated by flooding; and facts, lots of facts. Chief among these facts: Flood damage typically isn’t covered by homeowners or renters insurance, and the damage of just one inch of water in your home can cost more than $25,000 in repairs.


According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the cost of flood insurance depends on different factors, including the amount of coverage you need, your deductible, the risk level of your flood zone, the age of your home, how your home was constructed, and more. In 2018, the average yearly premium for flood insurance in Virginia was about $737, or $61.40 a month. Flood insurance is not only recommended for homeowners; renters and business owners should be insured as well.


Important Flooding Facts –  Floods are the most common natural hazards.  Anywhere it can rain, it can flood. Localized areas of high rainfall, like those seen with Hurricane Matthew, have become more intense and frequent over the past four decades.  It doesn’t have to be raining for flooding to occur. Flooding can come from storm surge, high tides, and wind direction.  Hampton Roads is experiencing the highest rate of sea level rise on the East Coast, and the region is sinking by an inch or two every 20 years.  You don’t have to be in a high-risk zone to experience flooding.  Flood damage typically isn’t covered by homeowners or renters insurance.


Hurricane Preparedness Checklist – Please remember the three keys: Make a Kit, Make a Plan, and Stay Informed.  Inside the home: Move valuables off the ground to prevent damage should floodwaters enter your home // Install surge protectors to prevent damage to appliances and electronics caused by power surges // Check your sump pump (if you have one) to make sure drains are working properly // Know where your water, gas, electrical cut-offs are located in case you need to turn these off // If you evacuate, turn off the main breaker in your circuit box  Outside the home: In advance of a storm, check and replace any loose, missing or damaged roof tiles or shingles to avoid leaking // Cut low-hanging branches and limbs to keep them from damaging your home during high winds // Put away yard furniture, pots, and toys // Anchor articles you can’t move, such as swing sets and heavy play objects // Cover your pool, secure your boat, put your cars in the garage or move them to an approved city garage 


Evacuation plan: Have a plan and a place to go if you have to evacuate and Know Your Zone // Get cash in case ATMs lose power later // Prepare an emergency kit with food and water for your family and your pets to last for at least two weeks + medicines, first aid kit, flashlights, solar lanterns and copies of important documents, including deeds and proof of ownership of assets // Gas up your car and purchase extra fuel if you have a gas- powered generator // Let other loved ones know of your plans For more preparedness tips and links, visit www.Ready.gov


First Annual SPARC Fest


Comes to Downtown Suffolk SPARC Fest is a downtown Suffolk street festival free and open to the public, on Saturday, September 21st from 11am-4pm on South Main Street. Featured in the event is the unveiling of the South Main Street Train Station project, with original pop-up murals on the Northwestern Train Station by several area artists. Sponsors for the public art project include Cross Realty, Mike Duman Auto Sales, Freedom Street Partners, Farmers Bank, The Plaid Turnip, Councilman Don Goldberg of the Suffolk Borough, InDigiMar, Inc., and Business Consortium for the Arts Support.


Visitors to SPARC Fest will enjoy live entertainment from The Ben Phelps Project, Roebuck, and dance performances and demonstrations by Allonge Dance Academy. Food is available for purchase from Annaliza’s Tasty Fillipino Cuisine, Little Piggy’s Wurst Nightmare II, and The Plaid Turnip restaurant. Beer from Downtown Suffolk’s Nansemond Brewing Company will also be available in the beer garden.


SPARC Fest features local vendors selling handmade goods, including arts and crafts, on site, for a unique shopping experience. Visitors can purchase jewelry, quilts, painting, candles, prints, and more. Other activities include face painting for kids, interaction with the Suffolk Public Library, and live demonstrations from Alton’s Keep Wildbird Rescue and Rehabilitation Center Inc.


SPARC Fest is sponsored by the City of Suffolk’s Department of Economic Development, Suffolk Tourism, the City of Suffolk’s Parks and Recreation, the Community Action Coalition of Virginia, and SPARC Initiative.


The SPARC Initiative is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Suffolk, focused on the revitalization of downtown. For more information, please contact info@sparcva.com or Instagram.


visit www.sparcva.com, Facebook, and


Virginia Beach Entrepreneur-in- Residence (EIR) Program Taps


the Next Two Participants VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Skalsky Legal and Aizle Analytics are the latest firms selected to participate in the Virginia Beach Entrepreneur-in-Resident (EIR) program. Sponsored by Virginia Beach Economic Development in collaboration with 1701 Coworking, this free, three-month program provides opportunities for entrepreneurs to grow and flourish in Virginia Beach.


Skalsky Legal offers self-development programming for individuals who are working toward clearing their legal records, removing social and employment barriers while implementing specific positive lifestyle changes. These important services are both accessible and empowering for clients. This visionary, socially responsible approach has identified a significant unmet demand that is not replicated in the marketplace.


"The old school legal approach to expungements is outdated and inefficient. It's an analog solution that doesn't fit in today's complex marketplace," explained Wade Skalsky, founder of Skalsky Legal. "Our service helps clients turn their pasts into assets and teaches them to stack skills so they can compete."


Aizle Analytics is a small Virginia Beach business specializing in providing customized network analysis studies that empower organizations to execute faster, innovate further and leverage their internal expertise.


"I am pretty happy that I moved down here from DC, I really wanted to start my analytics company in Virginia Beach. There are just so many intersections of life, experience and diversity down here that I wanted to tap into," said owner Jessi Webb. "My company focuses on providing data- rich insights into an organization's employee base, moving beyond static climate or culture surveys. Having a diverse mindset to tap into is critical for that."


Selectees will benefit from the educational assistance and networking opportunities with a variety of key contacts who offer participants valuable perspectives on the entrepreneurial journey. "This program provides an incredible business development opportunity for local aspiring entrepreneurs to work with 1701, over a three-month period, at no cost to their business," said Mark Bright, 1701 Entrepreneurship Program manager.


The deadline to apply to be considered for the fall cohort is Sept. 6, 2019. For additional information, visit 1701VB.com/eir.


The mission of the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development is to attract and retain national and international businesses to stimulate capital investment and create jobs. The Department of Economic Development received re-accreditation through the International Economic Development Council in 2016 and is one of only 50 economic development organizations in the world to have this recognition. Virginia Beach was named America's #1 best big city to live in by wallethub.com.


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