Annual Meeting

Minutes

Date: January 25, 2005

Time: 1000

Place: Town Point Club, Norfolk, Virginia

Present: Chairman Vince Thomas, President David Clark, Jim Babcock, George Barnett, Clay Barr, Barry Bishop, Jim Bradshaw, Ed Brickell, Jim Chapman, David Clark, Art Collins, Durwood Curling, Phil Damuth, Clyde Hoey, Doyle Hull, Ted Minor, Jeanne Reporter, Ray Taylor, Jake Tobin, Harry Train, Paul Trible, Ray White

Chairman Thomas opened the meeting at 10:08 and introduced our latest Intern from Leadership Hampton Roads Mr. Phil Damuth.

The minutes of the meeting of November 23rd, 2004 were approved.

Admiral Harry Train presented the financial report for CY 2004 and the proposed budget for CY 2005. Admiral Train noted that 2004 expenses were $4789 below budget for the year. Further, he stated that we enjoyed an 86% response to the Boards request for a voluntary $200 tax-deductible contribution from each Board member. The 2004 report and the 2005 Budget were approved by affirmative vote of all present. The reports are attached for the record.

Chairman Thomas presented the slate of Directors and Officers for 2005.

Chairman Vince Thomas

Vice Chairman Brad Face

President David Clark

Vice President &

President Elect Anna McNider

Secretary Jake Tobin

Treasurer Harry Train

Executive Committee Members are:

Mr. Vincent J. Thomas

Mr. David Clark

Mr. Mr. Brad Face

Mr. James F. Babcock

Edward E. Brickell, EdD

Mr. James L. Chapman, IV, Esq.

Mr. Arthur L. Collins

Mr. Durwood Curling

Mr. Clyde Hoey

Mr. Doyle E. Hull

Mr. William W. King

Mrs. Anna McNider

Mr. John T. Stone

RADM Ray Taylor, USN, (Ret.)

RADM Byron E. Tobin, USN, (Ret.)

ADM Harry D. Train, II, USN, (Ret.)

New members of the Board of Directors are:

J. J. Keever Virginia Port Authority

Ray White City of Hampton

The slate of Directors and Officers was approved by unanimous vote. The slate is attached for the record.

Jim Babcock presented an update on the Regional Competitiveness project. We are still recruiting to the Steering Committee and achieving good response. Jim has made recent presentations to the Regional Chief Administrators, and to Delegate Fred Quayle, seeking his assistance in inviting Hampton Roads Legislators to the table. Jim will address the Mayors and Chairs prior to our next meeting. The planning process is ongoing and the committees are active. Jim expects the next meeting of the Steering Committee to be in April.

David Clark addressed the work of the Legislative Action Committee. Anna McNider, Committee Chair, is leading the team on the Peninsula and Jim Chapman on the Southside. Jim Chapman thanked those who had volunteered to serve and noted the Committee would act as issues arise in the next legislative session. Art Collins noted that transportation and BRAC appear to be receiving attention from the legislators but that he was not confident that meaningful progress on either issue would be forthcoming.

Barry Bishop spoke of a modest effort in Richmond in support of support improvements to rail infrastructure (some $28 - $33 million per year was possible). There is also a move to put about $60 million toward improvements in rail infrastructure between DC and Richmond. Barry proposed a motion that the Future of Hampton Roads, Inc. support all efforts to secure dedicated funds to improve rail infrastructure in Virginia. Admiral Train seconded the motion. After brief discussion the motion was passed by unanimous vote of all present.

In general discussion note was made of the myriad cooperative regional efforts that are occurring throughout Hampton Roads. Items discussed include:

- The Hampton Roads Partnerships focus on Regional Citizenship and the identification and support of key regional industrial clusters.

- The merger of the Economic Development efforts from the Peninsula and Southside.

- The establishment of a Center for Regional Citizenship at WHRO.

- The opening of the Arts Center on the Peninsula as a major addition to the cultural attractiveness of the region.

- Efforts to highlight budget pressures and their potential effect on the NASA Langley Research Center and military bases throughout the region.

Upon the completion of his first year at the helm of the Future of Hampton Roads, Inc. President Clark reviewed our progress during his term of office and urged us to renew our dedication to the cause of regionalism in the coming year. In his remarks David stated, “…I am convinced that we have the capability and the opportunity to make a difference. The question is, do we have the will? I believe we do, and I intend to do my best to make it happen. I know you will join me in that effort, and I thank you in advance for your service to this wonderful place in which we live and work called Hampton Roads.” A copy of President Clark's statement is attached for the record.

Paul Trible extended an invitation to the Board to hold its May meeting at Christopher Newport University.

The meeting adjourned at 11:35.