12 The Hampton Roads Messenger


Volume 14 Number 12


Around Hampton Roads CPSEF donates $100,000 to


provide families hot spots Four hundred Chesapeake families will now have internet connectivity for a year thanks to the generous donation made by the Chesapeake Public Schools Educational Foundation (CPSEF).


Dr. Cotton receives a $100,000 check from CPSEF in July 2020 The members recently allocated $100,000 to the division as part of the effort to provide “hot spots” for those Chesapeake Public Schools (CPS) students lacking the resources required for online learning. The coordination of the CPSEF with the CPS technology division is a perfect example of coordinating resources and knowledge to maintain the continuity of learning.


The CPSEF was organized 15 years ago and is composed of community leaders and educators who share a vision of generating resources and support that will enhance the learning environment.


$1.5 Million CARES Act grant awarded to benefit Hampton,


September 2020


Norfolk awards 93 businesses Coronavirus Relief (CORE)


Fund Grants NORFOLK, VA – The Norfolk Department of Economic Development received $2 million in CARES Act funds and created a CORE grant program for small for-profit businesses and nonprofits physically located in the City of Norfolk affected by COVID-19. Priority is given to minority and women- owned businesses. Applicants are required to demonstrate that they were operational pre-COVID-19, and that they are suffering negative impacts from COVID-19 closures. Funds are meant to reimburse businesses for the costs of business interruption caused by required closures due to COVID-19. To better assist applicants, Economic Development is offering individualized application support. Below, are the results from Round 1. Applications were accepted from August 5, 2020 - August 14, 2020. The Round 2 application period is open from September 2, 2020 - September 13, 2020. Grant rounds will continue until designated CARES Act funds are depleted. For more information, please visit our website www.norfolkdevelopment.com.


Newport News business The U.S. Department of Commerce, through its Economic Development Administration, awarded $1.5 million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant funding for the benefit of small businesses in Newport News and Hampton. The award was a portion of the $13.9 million in grants to capitalize revolving loan funds for small businesses across Virginia.


The purpose of the CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant is to alleviate sudden and severe economic dislocation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; to provide permanent resources to support economic resiliency; and to further the long-term economic adjustment objectives of the two cities. This $1.5 million award will be administered through the Peninsula Industrial Finance Corporation for a special COVID-19 relief revolving loan fund. It will be administered similar to the existing Peninsula Revolving Loan Fund, which benefits small businesses in Newport News and Hampton. The Newport News Department of Development serves as the fiscal agent for the corporation and Grantee for this award. Stay tuned for details on eligibility requirements as well as how and when businesses can apply for COVID-19 loans.


“The additional funds are another way to support our local small businesses,” said Hampton Economic Director Chuck Rigney, who cited Hampton’s early loan/grant program and more recent state program. “I’m pleased that we can work jointly with Newport News. This is a great example of regional cooperation between our two economic development departments.”


“We are pleased to receive this generous award, and look forward to partnering with our colleagues in Hampton to help Peninsula businesses in their recovery efforts,” said Florence Kingston, Director of Development for Newport News. “We’ve assisted Newport News small businesses with over $1.4 million in COVID-19 relief funds to date, and this additional CARES award will help us extend our reach and make a greater impact.”


Newport News is among 850 localities and organizations across the country that benefitted from supplemental funding under the $1.5 billion provided to the Economic Development Administration under the CARES Act. Other Virginia recipients include the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority, Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission, City of Lynchburg and City of Norfolk.


Mask Up, Newport News! We’ve been battling the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) for months and, unfortunately, our numbers continue to rise. We each play a critical role in stopping the spread to keep ourselves and our community safe. To encourage everyone to follow safety guidelines, Newport News has developed a “Mask Up, Newport News” campaign.


Similar to the Virginia Department of Health’s state-wide initiative, the city’s campaign encourages everyone to wear a mask and highlights comments Newport News residents have shared about why they “mask up.” Look for our photos and videos over the coming months and share them to encourage everyone to wear a mask. To get things started, see why Samuel and Nyah wear masks.


We want you to be part of our campaign! Send us photos of yourself or family members wearing masks and/or short videos explaining why you wear a mask. If you tape a video, be sure to use our “Mask Up, Newport News” slogan. We’ll share your videos on social media, in our newsletter, online, on TV and more! Send your photos and videos to maskupnn@nnva. gov.


Let’s “Mask Up, Newport News!” Wear a mask, wait six feet apart and wash your hands!


Rivers Casino Portsmouth will host virtual informational jobs


forum Portsmouth, VA, and Chicago, IL - Exciting jobs across all areas of a new casino resort could be on the way. Join Rivers Casino Portsmouth for a virtual “Informational Jobs Forum” on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., by visiting RiversCasinoPortsmouth.com. Available jobs will include positions in food and beverage, information technology, security and surveillance, marketing, finance, general administration, human resources, facilitates and gaming.


During the virtual forum, participants will hear from longtime Rush Street Gaming leaders about how its Portsmouth First commitment will build a diverse local workforce, open new doors and inspire the community. Prospective job candidates will learn about a wide variety of casino career opportunities for themselves, friends, and family—featuring competitive wages and great benefits.


The content will be the same for both sessions, which will each run approximately one hour. Candidates may submit any questions in advance or during the forum at ports.jobs@rushst.com. Advanced registration is not necessary. Participants must be 18 years or older.


“Without exception, Rivers Casinos in other markets have improved the quality of life for our Team Members and their families,” said Jacob Oberman, senior vice president of development for Rush Street Gaming. “All Rivers Casinos have been voted a ‘Top Workplace’ by the employees who work there. We’re very proud to bring these diverse job opportunities to Portsmouth.”


Rush Street Gaming and the Portsmouth Economic Development Authority recently unveiled renderings of the proposed $300 million gaming, conference and hotel complex planned for Victory Boulevard. Rivers Casino Portsmouth will feature a full lineup of slots, table games and poker— along with several new restaurants, a hotel and conference space. Rivers Casino’s estimated annual payroll will be $62 million with a Portsmouth First commitment to build a diverse workforce and to hire locally.


On July 15, the City of Portsmouth announced that Rush Street Gaming had been pre-certified by the Virginia Lottery Board to operate a casino in Virginia. Rush Street is asking residents of Portsmouth to vote YES on Nov. 3 to pass the casino referendum and bring these job opportunities to the area. For more information and to join the virtual Informational Jobs Forum, visit RiversCasinoPortsmouth.com. www.RiversCasinoPortsmouth. com. Public information regarding the Portsmouth Entertainment District is available at: https://www.accessportsmouthva.com/entertainment-district.


Suffolk Small Business COVID-19 Relief Fund


announces second round Beginning September 10, the second round of Suffolk COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund begins. Thanks to the generous support of the Obici Healthcare Foundation, the Suffolk Economic Development Authority (EDA) has announced that approximately $200,000 has been approved to support Suffolk's entrepreneurial community. This second round has opened up to include candidates who are home-based small businesses as well. Small businesses must meet qualifying criteria in order to submit an application. If you were awarded an EDA Grant in Round 1, you are encouraged to apply again, but priority will be given to those who did not receive relief


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