Business notes: Crowne Plaza in Town Center completes renovations, Cold Pressed and Tarnished Truth collab on coffee

Key Takeaways:

• HII’s acquisition sparks job growth at Charleston facility.
• Nearly $2.5 million in grants awarded by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation.
• Chesapeake Bank donates over $515,000 to support community well-being.
• Griffey Eye Care introduces adjustable lens technology for cataract patients.
• Crowne Plaza Virginia Beach Town Center completes extensive renovations.

Corporate Expansions Fuel Economic Growth

HII, the parent company of Newport News Shipbuilding, announced on January 27 that it has closed on its acquisition of an advanced manufacturing facility and assets of W International north of Charleston, South Carolina. The move has already seen more than 99% of the legacy workforce accept offers to continue working on-site, supporting the construction of nuclear-powered submarine modules and aircraft carrier units for Navy programs. HII plans to add hundreds of jobs at the Charleston facility to meet increased demand.

“HII is committed to going where the labor is to increase shipbuilding capacity and increase throughput for our national security customers,” said HII President and CEO Chris Kastner.

Community Leadership and Recognition

Newport News Vice Mayor Curtis D. Bethany III has been appointed to serve a one-year term on the National League of Cities’ finance administration, intergovernmental relations, and large cities council committees. Representing the city’s North District, Bethany is in his third year of his first term on the City Council and is the youngest vice mayor in Newport News history.

In the legal sector, three shareholders from Pender & Coward have been elected to serve on the firm’s executive committee. Dave Arnold was reelected as CEO, Mark Baumgartner as chief financial officer, and Kevin Hubbard as chief operating officer. Additionally, Ross Greene, a shareholder at the firm, has been certified as a counselor of real estate by The Counselors of Real Estate, recognizing his expertise and influence in the field.

Investing in Community and Philanthropy

The Hampton Roads Community Foundation awarded nearly $2.5 million in grants to 65 organizations in December. The funding included support for programs and services to veterans, arts programming, critical home repairs, free transportation to medical treatments, and wellness retreats for veterans with disabilities. Grants were also provided to support animal welfare organizations and to help Old Dominion University expand its free clinic services.

Chesapeake Bank reported over $515,000 in corporate donations in 2024, supporting initiatives aimed at fostering financial literacy, education, and community well-being across various regions. Staff members volunteered over 4,600 hours for 174 organizations. In addition, Rosie’s Hampton contributed a total of $20,000 through its Rosie’s Gives Back program to support community partners serving young women, youth in under-resourced communities, and initiatives empowering women.

The Hampton Roads Workforce Council received a $500,000 grant from the Kenan Charitable Trust to expand the Emerging Workforce Internship Program. The funding will enhance career awareness, improve access to paid internships, and offer professional development opportunities for underserved youth in Hampton Roads.

Innovations in Healthcare

Griffey Eye Care, a cataract surgery center with locations in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, will begin offering the RxSight Light Adjustable Lens to cataract patients. Griffey Eye Care is the first practice in Chesapeake to provide this technology, which allows ophthalmologists to adjust a patient’s vision after cataract surgery for precise vision correction.

New Ventures and Collaborations

A new Dunkin’ store opened on February 1 in Gloucester Point at 1620 Greate Road. The 2,000-square-foot restaurant features a drive-thru, seating for 20 guests, and employs 30 crew members.

Flickerstix, a candle boutique specializing in hand-poured, 100% soy wax candles, opened on February 8 at 129 W. Washington St. in downtown Suffolk. The shop offers a variety of scents and customizable candles for special occasions.

Town Center Cold Pressed and Tarnished Truth Distilling Co. in Virginia Beach released “Cold Truth,” a limited-edition whiskey barrel-aged coffee. Peruvian coffee beans were aged in an oak whiskey barrel for two months to infuse the smooth flavor profile of Tarnished Truth High Rye Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

GSB Media LLC, the new owner of WCCZ 96.9 FM, launched new programming on February 1. The station, known as 96.9 The Cape, features upbeat pop and rock hits from the late ’60s through the early ’90s, serving the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

Hospitality Sector Enhancements

The Crowne Plaza Virginia Beach Town Center, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, completed extensive renovations, including a full refresh of every guest room, the lobby, and lounge. New amenities include a sundry market, revamped pool area, reimagined on-site restaurant featuring coastal-inspired American cuisine, and versatile meeting and event spaces equipped with the latest technology.