Future of Hampton Roads, Inc.

Board of Directors Meeting

March 23, 2004

Town Point Club, Norfolk, Virginia

Minutes

Members present: Chairman Vince Thomas, President David Clark, Jim Babcock, George Barnett, Clay Barr, Barry Bishop, Ed Brickell, Jim Bradshaw, David Clark, Minette Cooper, Craig Cope, Durwood Curling, Midge Eason, Bill Hearring, Jack Hornbeck, Doyle Hull, Will King, Jim Koch, John Lawson, Mary Lewis LeHew, Harry Lester, Anna McNider, Ted Minor, Jon Nystrom, Jim Pendergast, Bill Putnam, Jeanne Reporter, Roseann Runte, John Stone, Dan Sykes, Ray Taylor, Jake Tobin, Harry Train, Bill Van Buren, Rich Werber, Ray White, Joe Widoff.

Chairman Thomas opened the meeting at 10:07. He was encouraged by the progress that the Planning Committee had made to date and noted that FHR efforts were not competitive with those of the Hampton Roads Partnership but instead were complimentary to their efforts.

The minutes of the HRNHF Annual Meeting of January 27, 2004 were approved as amended.

In his remarks President Clark thanked the Planning Committee for their hard work to date and noted that the proposal about to be presented, Improving the Competitiveness of Hampton Roads - A Proposal to Explore Alternatives for Stronger Mechanisms of Regional Cooperation - is being submitted for Board consideration and direction.

He further stated, "Our Planning Group has met often since the Forums, considering the ideas and opinions expressed by the wise and experienced leaders who spoke at the Forums, and the citizens at the Roundtable discussions. Jim Babcock has worked hard to assemble and arrange these materials into this proposal."

David said that he consider the proposal a “work in process,” to be presented to key stakeholders in the Region, for their input, so that the outcome will reflect their ideas and opinions. "We want them to feel they are a part of this, not just observers."

"Additional study may be needed on the problems facing the region. Responding to our request, Jim Koch outlined a study: “Approximating some of the costs of the absence of a Regional approach to problems in Hampton Roads.” A study by an organization such as Old Dominion University could be well worth the cost, for which funds would be raised."

"There are many needs in this Region, and we will work with other organizations active in the Region, as we go forward. We will need assistance from many community leaders, including our own Board Members. As we listen to Jim Babcock’s presentation, please think about ways that each of us may be able to help with this effort. Hopefully, this will be an important part of the Future of Hampton Roads."

Jim Babcock then presented a Power Point presentation titled, A Proposal for Improving the Competitiveness of Hampton Roads.

A spirited discussion followed. In general the members were pleased with the approach. Several improvements were suggested. At its conclusion Admiral Train moved that the Future of Hampton Roads endorse the presentation. Durwood Curling seconded. The motion was approved by unanimous vote of the members present.

Jim Babcock then briefly discussed the implementation plan and invited Board members to participate in the Planning Group and Steering Committee.

The meeting adjourned at 11:30