That’s a point that Reinhart and
Hampton Roads and state economic development officials emphasize to businesses seeking to move to or expand in Virginia. “Companies are looking at Virginia because of the reliability of this port to serve their needs,” Reinhart says.
“We’re a catalyst for economic develop- ment across the state.” The second-largest coffee port on the
East Coast, the Port of Virginia played a role in Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA’s decision earlier this year to expand in Hampton Roads and build a new distribution center in Suffolk. “Access to the port was a leading factor,” says Charlie Cortellini, Massimo Zanetti’s vice presi- dent for research and development. He adds that the port was open to working with the company and its coffee vendors.
“Their willingness and enthusiasm to form a successful, long-term strategic partnership helped drive our decision to build in Suffolk.” Amazon also will be moving more
packages through the port when it opens
a robotics fulfillment center in Suffolk and a processing center in Chesapeake next year. “We are grateful for our strong relationship with the Port of Virginia and appreciate the port’s economic develop- ment team for their support of these projects,” says Amazon spokeswoman Courtney Norman. Despite limitations imposed by the
pandemic, port officials continue to pursue economic development opportunities, touting the expanded terminals and dredging project.
“All of us have had to get really good at Zoom meetings,” says Reinhart.
“The upshot is, because we’re not traveling as much, we are able to pack more meetings into a single day.” Reinhart plans to pack more than
Reinhart
our leadership team, continue with the dredging project and grab economic development opportunities. I’m going to work right up to my last day.” A search committee comprised of
members of the VPA’s board of commis- sioners has been working with an outside consultant to identify candidates to be his successor. The field had been narrowed to fewer than 15 applicants by early August, according to John Milliken, the board’s chair. That person will have big shoes to fill,
says White with the Virginia Maritime Association: “John’s done a great job. He was the right man at the right time for the port and leaves the port in a strong position for the future.” White adds that the next CEO should
capitalize on the upgrades made during Reinhart’s tenures to attract more cargo. “We need to emphasize growing
meetings into the next six months as he prepares to retire in March 2021. “My big focus is to continue to operate safely, har- vest the investments we’ve made, anchor
Service. Integrity. Results.
Maritime and waterfront clients with local, national and global issues value our small firm feel and large firm capabilities. Our full service law firm has helped businesses and individuals thrive since 1889.
volumes and businesses involved in inter- national trade,” he says. “It’s important we remain competitive with other ports on the East Coast.”
(757) 490-3000
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