Guests celebrate the opening of the ForKids Landmark Center.
Guests celebrate the opening of the ForKids Landmark Center in the South Norfolk area of Chesapeake.

Hello SoNo! ForKids Opens New Regional Headquarters

The Landmark Center in South Norfolk Neighborhood of Chesapeake

With bands, confetti bombs, bubble wagons and hundreds of guests, ForKids celebrated the completion of The Landmark Center and their $25 million Campaign ForKids on October 17th. The afternoon's events included a ribbon cutting, building tours, food, face painting, street games, and performances by the Oscar Smith High School Strolling Strings and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra.

Kids celebrating at the opening of the ForKids Landmark Center

A nationally unprecedented project, The Landmark Center incorporates a research center, afterschool "Learning Hub," urban orchard, 24-seat call center, commercial teaching kitchen, and a family shelter. With 252 works of art by ForKids children and almost 1,000 plants, the 64,000 square foot complex is designed to reduce traumatic stress and provide a joyful, creative environment for families and staff. The project was embraced by the historic community of South Norfolk as a catalyst for redevelopment. Over 110 ForKids employees work in the new facility.

At the front door to the Center is the TowneBank Plaza. Whimsical spirals wind through the square, creating footpaths for children to follow. The plaza is flanked by a 20-foot mural entitled "Hands Gogh" created by ForKids kids with the Imani Winds in 2004. Children's handprints form the sunflowers in a reproduction of the famous Van Gogh masterpiece.

The Landmark Center is the final project in the Campaign ForKids, which also funded the Birdsong Center, a regional services center in Suffolk, dedicated in November 2018. TowneBank joined over 300 private donors as well as the cities of Chesapeake, Suffolk, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach to support the campaign. TowneBank is also a lead sponsor for the ForKids Art Auction, which raises more than $1 million each year to provide a pathway out of poverty for families and children right here in Hampton Roads.

ForKids Brock Roof Garden
The Brock Roof Garden offers a relaxing space for families while staying at The Landmark Center

"Our partnership with TowneBank has hugely impacted educational programming here at ForKids. Poverty and homelessness profoundly impact the educational advancement of children," said ForKids CEO Thaler McCormick. "In 2013, over 60% of our children were significantly behind their peers in school. We knew we needed to enhance our afterschool programming to include remedial educational services and project-based learning and TowneBank made a multi-year investment to make that possible. Almost 2500 children have advanced to the next grade because of TowneBank's vision."

ForKids was founded in 1988 with a mission to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty for families and children. Today it serves as one of the largest providers of homeless services to families in Virginia. To learn more about ForKids visit ForKids.org.

"Our partnership with TowneBank has hugely impacted educational programming here at ForKids."
Berkley Supermarket Ribbon cutting.
Members of the Palmer family, who helped make the dream of a supermarket in the Berkley neighborhood a reality, surround Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander (center) at the ribbon cutting for the opening.

Former Food Desert Now an Oasis

In September, the Berkley community in Norfolk celebrated the opening of the Berkley Supermarket. Located at 201 East Berkley Avenue, the new supermarket is in what has been called a food desert after a previous grocery store closed in 2018.

Mike Palmer along with his wife Jacqueline and their children are helping make the new store a success. "This is a dream that has been a long time in the making," says Mike, a Navy veteran from Jamaica who manages several popular Caribbean restaurants in Hampton Roads. He worked with neighborhood and city leaders to bring a grocery store to Berkley. "When this opportunity came along, we jumped at it. It's a great feeling to know that we're filling a void in this community that's been without fresh food, fresh vegetables, fresh healthy food options. We are opening a business and solving a problem at the same time."

Berkley Supermarket veggies.
The Design Works team has worked with TowneBank to renovate, remodel, and furnish branch locations in Cary, Raleigh, and Charlotte.

Norfolk Mayor Kenny Alexander grew up in the Berkley neighborhood and said the supermarket is a great example of what can happen when the city and the community work together. "It's a testament to the commitment of the city, the persistence of the community and the goodwill of the Palmers," Mayor Alexander said.

The Norfolk City Council approved a $400,000 forgivable loan and a $500,000 grant through a cooperation agreement with the Norfolk Economic Development Authority to help facilitate the opening of the new full-service supermarket so residents can have easy access to healthy food.

Mike's son Esron serves as assistant manager. "A couple of years ago when I was in school at VCU, my father asked me about working in a supermarket. I thought about it and once I graduated, I decided it was something I really wanted to be a part of. I am so proud to see where we are today from where we started."

Jacqueline has been by Mike's side through many business ventures but knows the Berkley Supermarket is special. "I am so thankful to those who have been with us every step of the way – civic leaders, city leaders, and the community came together so we could celebrate the grand opening. It truly was a day of celebration."

Berkley Supermarket offers produce, meat, seafood, deli, and bakery departments as well as a coffee bar, ice cream corner, and a restaurant – Thee Soul Food Kitchen. Residents can also order groceries online for pickup as well as food from the restaurant. Berkley Supermarket is open twelve hours a day, seven days a week. For more information, visit BerkleySupermarket.com.

"TowneBank has the same line of thinking and personalized service that we aim to provide. The question has always been 'what can we do to help you grow?'..."
College of the Albemarle Dare campus.

College of the Albemarle

Serving the Region

Since 1961, the College of the Albemarle (COA) has proudly served the academic needs of the region. The first comprehensive community college in North Carolina, COA continues to expand its programs and services throughout the seven counties in the Albemarle area – Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Pasquotank, and Perquimans. Now COA has some exciting news to share with a brand new, state-of-the art campus in Manteo and a new EMS Training Center in Currituck.

College of the Albemarle – Dare is a centerpiece for Manteo and Dare County. The new facility will allow COA to merge two instructional sites into a 35,000 square foot campus. The building was designed to complement the look and feel of Roanoke Island with history that dates back to the 16th century. At the same time, the campus includes modern technology such as auto-adjusting blinds to control the lighting and temperature of the educational environment.

Students practice their skills at the Stanley Griggs EMS Training
                  Center.
Students practice their skills at the Stanley Griggs EMS Training Center.

Students at COA – Dare will experience both indoor and outdoor educational spaces including an outdoor amphitheater and patio spaces for instruction, studying, and catching up with friends between classes. TowneBank is honored to support COA – Dare and the TowneBank Commons and TowneBank Veranda will welcome students each day as they come to classes.

COA – Dare students can study in various career and technical education programs such as healthcare, building trades, welding, and hospitality. Students can also take college transfer programs and other continuing education courses.

TowneBank is also proud to support COA – Currituck as they have dedicated the new Stanley Griggs EMS Training Center at the Currituck Public Safety Annex. Part of the new Public Safety Center that opened in August of this year, the training center will allow EMS students to train in an authentic EMS station environment. The two-bay classroom allows a running ambulance to be driven inside the training center for live demonstrations and hands-on simulation.

Griggs to the EMS Training Center named in his honor.
Taylor Sugg, TowneBank of Currituck president, (l.) welcomes Stanley Griggs to the EMS Training Center named in his honor.

Stanley Griggs served on the Bank of Currituck Board and later served as chair of the TowneBank of Currituck Board. For many years, he was chair of the Currituck County Fire and EMS Advisory Board. He grew up in Currituck County and began volunteering with the local fire department and emergency services. He was the first emergency services director and served as fire chief. The Stanley Griggs EMS Training Center is a fitting tribute to Stanley's long years of public service.

COA – Currituck is home to many programs in addition to EMS training, including aviation systems technology, basic law enforcement training, computer integrated machining, computer-aided drafting, and college transfer and general education courses. For more information, visit Albemarle.edu.

Newport Hospitality Group hotels.

Be Our Guest!

Newport Hospitality Group is Ready to Welcome You

Last year, Newport Hospitality Group celebrated three decades of success. Based in Williamsburg, Virginia, Newport Hospitality Group (NHG) is a leading hotel management company specializing in select and full-service hotels. They operate more than 50 hotels in 18 states with a diverse portfolio that includes Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, Choice, Wyndham, and Intercontinental Hotel Group as well as independent boutique hotels.

The Newport story started in the 1850s when S.M. Swenson, a Swedish immigrant and a successful merchant, began purchasing vast tracks of land in Texas. His sons leased the land from their father and founded the Swenson Land and Cattle Company, which continued to operate for the next 140 years.

In the early 1990s, Bill Carey, a great grandson of S.M. Swenson as well as a successful entrepreneur and rancher, began searching for new business opportunities. His cousin Mike Pleninger had spent his entire career building and managing hotels and was ready to launch a new business. Starting in a small office in Newport News, Bill and Mike set out to become the preferred hotel management company in the eastern United States with a focus on hard work, individual reliance, community support, and moral integrity.

Since those early days, NHG has grown and evolved and today, Wayne West serves as president and says that the primary mission has never wavered. "We continue to provide unique work experiences, remarkable guest stays, and superior owner returns." Wayne emphasizes that NHG looks for partnerships that align with their principles. "When we find that alignment, the owner is successful, we are successful, we hire the right kind of talent to operate the hotel and attract the right kind of guests to make it profitable for the owner. When you put all those pieces together – it works for everyone – for the guests, the associates, and the owners."

The COVID pandemic hit the hotel industry especially hard. "We had to downsize every single property and it was painful, but when you go from 80 percent occupancy to 20 percent, there is no way the owner can afford that," Wayne says. "We tried to keep the management team together because we knew things would get better. We just needed a bridge to get from the crisis to survival. That bridge was being smart, taking care of the guests who did come in, and taking care of our associates."

NHG added 18 new hotels during the last 18 months, despite the pandemic. "It's a different model of business today and we are trying to be very thoughtful as to what we offer as we determine what our guests want. I have great optimism about our future that we will continue to grow with the right kind of partners," Wayne says.

Newport Hospitality Group is a longtime TowneBank member and Amanda Ulishney, senior vice president and private banking officer, comments on her relationship with NHG over the years. "I feel honored to work with NHG. This is a top-notch company managed by a great group of people who are committed to success. I am excited to work alongside them as they continue to grow and expand." For more information, visit NHGHotels.com.

NHG's philosophy is embodied in five key operating principles:
  1. Act with integrity and communicate honestly
  2. Exhibit a passion for results
  3. Extend trust, respect, and support
  4. Demonstrate 'one team' attitude
  5. Make every day enjoyable
The Up Center group shot
Jerry Kent, TowneBank senior vice president; Tina Gill, The Up Center president and CEO; Heather Wilson, outreach manager, Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at The Up Center; Dawn Glynn, TowneBank president Hampton Roads & Northeastern North Carolina; and Robin Cooke, TowneBank president, Portsmouth/Suffolk (l. – r.) celebrate TowneBank's contribution to The Up Center.

The Up Center

Helping Those Who Serve

Veterans and their families fight an ongoing battle long after they complete their military service. That is where the Steven A. Cohen Military Clinic at The Up Center comes in to help. The Virginia Beach-based clinic is designed to provide high-quality and accessible mental health care for the military-connected families that call Hampton Roads home.

The Up Center children's area
The child therapy playroom at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic in Virginia Beach.

The clinic opened in August 2019 and offers comprehensive high-quality mental health services accessible to the more than 200,000 post-9/11 veterans and military families in Hampton Roads, regardless of discharge status, length of service, or combat experience. It is part of a nationwide network of clinics first launched in 2016 by Cohen Veterans Network supporting post-9/11 veterans, military families, and active-duty service members with mental health services. The Cohen Clinic at The Up Center is the first of its kind in the Commonwealth of Virginia and offers both in-person and face-to-face video therapy.

"Support from community partners like TowneBank allows us to expand our capacity to serve veterans and military families who are an integral part of our community," said Tina Gill, President & CEO of The Up Center. "During the COVID-19 crisis, with families balancing the challenges of remote learning and social isolation, the need for mental health care for children, couples, and families has increased and continues to evolve. We thank TowneBank for recognizing and supporting this critical need for mental health services in Hampton Roads."

To date, the clinic has provided services to more than 1,000 members of the Hampton Roads military community and demand for services continues to grow. The skilled team works with clients on a variety of issues impacting emotional wellness, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and transition issues. Additionally, case management services are available to connect clients with resources that assist with housing, legal assistance, education, and employment, to name a few.

The Up Center military homecomings poster.
Images taken by photojournalist Harry Gerwien showcase scenes of military homecomings in Hampton Roads.

Founded in 1883, the Up Center is our region's oldest and largest nonprofit family services organization. What started as Norfolk United Charities eventually morphed into a multi-faceted human services organization that has evolved to meet emerging and unmet needs.

A longtime partner of The Up Center, TowneBank is honored to support the important work of the Military Family Clinic as they address the increasing and developing mental health needs of our military community.

"Military families are a vital piece of every community, especially here in Hampton Roads," said Bob Aston, executive chairman for TowneBank. "We are proud to partner with The Up Center to bring these critical resources to our area and are encouraged by its success in delivering much needed mental health services for years to come."

You can learn more about the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at The Up Center on their website, TheUpCenter.org/CohenClinic.

Tankard Nurseries

Tankard Nurseries

Planting a Legacy of Beauty for Hampton Roads

We are all challenged in our daily lives to enjoy planting the seeds of our legacy, without the guarantee of bearing fruit. We've learned from those who came before us that if people only planted seeds when there was a guarantee of seeing fruit, a lot of things in the world today would not exist. In 1933, John Ed and Sam Tankard started their first nursery stock with hopes it would be a success for their family for years to come. Three generations later, we see the fruits of their labor; their hope was well-placed. Today, Tankard Nurseries sits on 700 cleared acres surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean, with an additional 900 acres of timber. The business remains in the family, with Ed Tankard III at the helm. Ed has been president of the company since 2001. Ed says, "We grow plants, but we're a people business." While he enjoys working with plants, he says the people make it worthwhile. He loves creating a product that people want to buy to help beautify an area.

Tankard Nursery plants.

Tankard Nurseries is part of the wholesale nursery industry. Their first goal as a supplier is to grow plants to specifications for the landscape market; their second goal is making sure their products transplant well, so that their plants are able to thrive somewhere else. Tankard Nurseries was one of the first nurseries to begin growing in the Pot in Pot system. Their location on the Eastern Shore has great drainage, so it's perfect for this system. The Pot in Pot system allows them to control how much water they want per plant and provides a geothermal way of keeping the roots warm in the winter. Tankard's location also contributes to the biggest environmental impact they see, which is their plants' ability to clean up waters. Their plants help decrease runoff into the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Ed believes his business has an obligation to not only make the world greener and clean up the air and water, but also serve as an advocate for the environment and the local community.

Ed currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees for The Horticultural Research Institute of the AmericanHort Foundation, which has provided more than $7.5 million to research projects covering a broad range of issues important to the green industry. Ed was also appointed to a fourth term on the Virginia Marine Resources Commission by Governor Ralph Northam in August 2019. As a lifelong resident of the Eastern Shore, Ed is very familiar with the shellfish, finfish, and aquaculture industries, and how these industries make up a significant portion of the Shore's economy. Ed's knowledge serves as a great resource for the regulation of crab and fish season, both recreational and commercial.

Tankard Nurseries joined TowneBank in 2018. Ed says, "Kim Shuler, our banking partner, made an effort to understand the business. The nursery carries inventory for multiple years, and while it has value, it may not sell until it reaches a certain size." Ed continues, "Towne worked with me; they understand we are a seasonal business, and Kim is there to help us with cash flow needs throughout the year." Ed says he was most impressed when Towne helped finance the acquisition of land, as well as the generational transfer of land and the business. "Because of TowneBank, the process was smooth and easy." For more information, visit TankardNurseries.com.

Total Business Solutions family portrait.
Total Business Solutions has seen many years of success thanks to the Tuttle family (l. to r.) John Jr., Cindy, John Sr., Mallory, and Matt.

Total Business Solutions – A Winner for 33 Years and Counting

And the Regional Winner is… Total Business Solutions! Congratulations to Total Business Solutions, chosen by the Hampton Roads Chamber as the 2021 Hampton Roads Regional Small Business of the Year.

Total Business Solutions, a longtime TowneBank member, is all about family. John Tuttle started the business in 1988 by selling tape, rubber bands, and other office supplies from his home. John's wife Cindy wrote invoices and helped package orders. Over the next three decades, the Tuttle children got involved, the business grew and now includes everything needed to set up and run an office – desks, chairs, reception seating, restaurant furniture and supplies, paper products, ink and toner, promotional items, embroidery, as well as custom furniture and design services.

During the pandemic, Total Business Solutions had their biggest sales year in history. "We turned a really not so fun time into a really fun time…when we started having fun, we started having success," says Total Business Solutions vice president Matt Tuttle. "We got creative!"

That creativity led to seeking out new business opportunities. "When the pandemic hit, we wondered what we were going to do," Matt explains. "Sales were kind of fading away. We scoured warehouses all over the country and found pallet after pallet of toilet paper. Within 24 hours, we set up an e-commerce store and the lines outside our business were like a Chick-fil-A drive-through!" In addition to toilet paper, Total Business Solutions offered hand sanitizer, wipes, gloves, and acrylic barriers. Everyone pitched in to help and as a result, Total Business Solutions had their best sales year yet.

They also had fun posting some funny videos on Facebook with Matt singing songs with altered lyrics. "Everybody wanted to be a part of it because it was fun at a time that was really scary," Matt says. "Our goal was to help our customers and community get through this tough time."

As more and more businesses return to full staffing, Total Business Solutions has been busy helping customers with office redesign and space planning to accommodate social distancing and other changes brought about by the pandemic.

Paul Going, TowneBank executive vice president, has been Total Business Solutions' banker for many years, and is delighted to see his longtime client receive the Hampton Roads Chamber's top honor.

"Owning a small business is unique because you can create anything that you want," Matt says. "What we've done is create a business that we love. There's not one morning where I get up and say, 'I do not want to go to work.'"

For more information, visit TotalBusinessSolutions.com.

Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Honors Small Businesses of the Year

Congratulations to the following companies who were selected by the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce as the 2021 Small Businesses of the Year.

Total BusinessSolutions was recognized with both the Regional Small Business of the Year Award as well as the Portsmouth Small Business of the Year Award.

Norfolk – TechArk Solutions – In 2012, Pratik Kothari and his wife Jinal merged his tech skills with her architecture expertise to create TechArk, a digital solutions company specializing in website development, digital marketing, and custom software and app development. Recently, Inc. magazine announced that TechArk Solutions has been included in its annual Inc. 5000 list, a prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in the country. TechArk experienced year-over-year revenue growth of 59%, an impressive feat in a year that presented businesses with so many pandemic-related challenges.

Suffolk – Korving & Company, LLC, is a family-owned investment management, financial advisor, and financial planning firm. They specialize in working with retirees and those planning for retirement.

Virginia Beach – CAVU International – CAVU stands for "Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited" which in the aviation world defines the perfect day to fly. Their focus is building winning teams in high pressure, high risk, and high reliability environments.

Chesapeake – Big Ugly Brewing opened in 2015 as Chesapeake's first brewery. The garage-centric theme comes from the owners Jim Lantry and Shawn Childress' collection of vintage vehicles.

Western Hampton Roads – Belmont Peanuts – started by Bob and Patsy Marks in 1993, today all three of their children work in the business located in Courtland where they recently added a deli.

nonprofit – Mercy Drops Dream Center – their philosophy is to bring hope alive by offering free resources and connecting people with a need for a community of support that addresses their immediate and long-term needs.

Leadership Award – Tim Ryan of StartWheel.org – Tim serves as a mentor for 757 Accelerate, W&M, ODU, and CNU. He has dedicated himself to helping hundreds of entrepreneurs across thousands of events to start, grow, and transition their entrepreneurial dreams into a reality.

Top to Watch – Bloom Coworking, SERVE Restaurant. Located on High Street in Portsmouth, Bloom Coworking is nonprofit coworking space where entrepreneurs, small teams, and remote workers can find an inspiring office space with all the amenities they need. SERVE Restaurant is a popular new eatery and taphouse in Franklin offering American classics and a large selection of beer.

Golf tournament check presentation.
Bob Aston, TowneBank executive chairman; John Fruit and Andy Rivenbark, Tournament co-chairs; and Morgan Davis, Towne CEO celebrate the TowneBank Foundation Golf Tournament's record-breaking success.

Celebrating the

20th TowneBank Foundation Golf Tournament

Golf Tournament Lunch.

Not even rain could dampen spirits at the 20th outing of the TowneBank Foundation Golf Tournament. Held this September, the weather was less than sunny, but our players made up for it with their enthusiasm to support a great cause.

Golfers gathered at the TowneBank headquarters in Suffolk before hitting the links at Riverfront Golf Club. Thirty-six teams participated for a total of 144 golfers. In total, $262,000 was raised in support of the TowneBank Foundation – a record-breaking amount that brings the grand fundraising total to close to $2 million since the first golf outing in 2001. These funds will be dispersed to local charities and nonprofits by the TowneBank Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides grants and donations to well over two-hundred organizations each year.

Bob and Morgan at the golf tournament.

Before hitting the course, golfers had the opportunity to have their ball engraved and enjoyed lunch outside of our Member Services Center. After pros from Riverfront Club explained the rules, Bob Aston, TowneBank executive chairman, welcomed the golfers and wished them luck.

"Thank you for being out here to support us," said Bob. "We missed this event last year, and despite the weather we hope everyone has a great time today. Thank you again – and hit 'em straight!"

Long-time co-chairs John Fruit and Andy Rivenbark coordinated the tournament, leading our volunteers and ensuring the event was once again a success. "Mother Nature threw us a curveball with the weather this year," said John. "But our sponsors, teams, and volunteers pivoted to make the most of the day. Through it all, this could go down as the most memorable tournament ever!"

Golf tournament registration volunteers.
Volunteers are ready to sign in the golfers for a day of golfing and great fellowship.

Thank you to our amazing sponsors, including our presenting sponsor Howard Hanna, for their continued support in our mission to serve others and enrich lives.

"The TowneBank Foundation is so appreciative of the excitement around the 2021 Golf Tournament," said Andy. "Our sponsors, patrons, and workers went the extra mile this year to support our community partners. The efforts of our team helped make the 2021 tournament the most successful in our history and we cannot thank them enough."

We can't wait to get back out on the course for the next TowneBank Foundation Golf Tournament in 2022!

Harbor's Edge building exterior.

Harbor's Edge Changes Norfolk Skyline with New River Tower

The downtown Norfolk waterfront skyline has a new dramatic look with the completion of the River Tower at Harbor's Edge. The 24-story tower, the tallest residential building in Norfolk, doubles the capacity of the Harbor's Edge campus. Featuring open floor plans and floor-to-ceiling windows, the River Tower adds 147 new residences, all with stunning views of the Norfolk harbor and downtown.

As they enter, residents are greeted by a two-story grand lobby with a central staircase. From there, the amenities include a theater, grand hall that seats 250, media room, club room, salon/spa, and a very popular golf simulator. There are multiple dining facilities to choose from in the Harbor's Edge complex – a lobby bar, a restaurant serving small-plate appetizers and regional cuisine entrees, and a venue with a pizza oven that also serves burgers, sandwiches, and salads. All dining sites are supported by a state-of-the-art kitchen and overseen by executive chef Beat Meier.

"It was always our intention to build a second tower," says Neil Volder, the developer and CEO of Harbor's Edge. "The first tower sold out in nine weeks and we had a waiting list so we knew there was a strong demand for superior senior living in Hampton Roads." The expansion adds more than 525,000 square feet to the Harbor's Edge complex.

Harbor's Edge lobby.

As plans were made to expand Harbor's Edge, it was essential to maintain the sense of one community. A new third-floor common area seamlessly connects the new amenities with the existing. "We are also completely renovating all the existing common areas and dining venues to match the new design and décor so that you are unaware when you move from one tower to the other. We are truly one community with two towers," says Neil. "In the end, it's all about bringing everyone together to form one brand new community."

As a continuing care retirement community, Harbor's Edge offers residents the security of a life care program that provides care through all phases of life. "Health care is an extremely important aspect of a retirement community. While you want a beautiful facility, great activities, and a good location, when you need a higher level of care of assisted living memory support or skilled nursing, it is there for you and the cost is included in our True LifeCare program," Neil says. "And should one need emergency medical care, Harbor's Edge is right across the street from Sentara Hospital and Heart Pavilion."

TowneBank has had an office in Harbor's Edge since 2007, available to residents as well as the general public. Branch manager Steven Cuddy and his staff are eager to welcome new members. For more information on Harbor's Edge, visit HarborsEdgeNorfolk.com.

Alan Witt.

Alan Witt - New Dean of CNU Luter School of Business

Congratulations to Alan Witt, founding TowneBank Peninsula board member, who has been appointed dean of the Joseph W. Luter, III School of Business at Christopher Newport University. Alan joined the Luter School as an executive-in-residence after retiring in December 2020 as CEO of PBMares. Among the top 100 accounting and business consulting firms in the nation, the firm had grown under Alan's leadership during his long tenure as CEO, beginning in 1979.

Additionally, Alan recently was elected chair for the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and is former chair of the board for Riverside Health System. He has served on a number of other boards and foundations. To honor his many decades of achievement, Virginia Business named him a Living Legend on the 2021 Virginia 500 Power List, after making the inaugural list in 2020.

An alumnus of Christopher Newport University, graduating in 1976 with a degree in business administration, Alan has a long connection to the school and served on the Board of Visitors as a member and then rector. As an executive in residence, he has been teaching an accounting class and serves as co-chair of the Master of Financial Analysis Partners Council.

"Alan has been an exceptional leader for his alma mater, our community, and the commonwealth for decades. His agreement to step into this new role at this time in his life will bring extraordinary opportunities for our students and further expand the reach, reputation and positive trajectory of our Luter School of Business," said CNU President Paul Trible.

Alan Witt Luther Hall.
The Joseph W. Luter, III School of Business at Christopher Newport University.

"I'm a proud alum, a Captain for Life and am honored to have this opportunity to serve the school and university that I love so much," Alan said. "Getting to know the students and faculty as an executive-in-residence has been inspiring. I look forward to getting more deeply involved in the daily life of the campus and in leading Luter on a path to continued success."

TowneBank is grateful to Alan for the continued expertise that he provides to the Towne family, serving on both the Peninsula and corporate boards, and as chairman of the Enterprise Risk Management Committee and on the Audit Committee.

Day of Caring volunteers.
Going to Towne at EQUI-Kids in Virginia Beach.

Caring Across Hampton Roads

TowneBank volunteers came out once again in support of the United Way's annual Day of Caring. In partnership with the United Way of South Hampton Roads and the United Way of the Virginia Peninsula, Towne family members completed volunteer projects at local agencies including EQUI-Kids, Williamsburg Hospice House & Support Care, ForKids, the Boys & Girls Club of the Virginia Peninsula, H.E.R Shelter, and Children's Harbor.

In total, the United Way of South Hampton Roads reported 800 volunteers completed 35,000 hours of service at 60 agencies. The United Way of the Peninsula reported 700 volunteers at 47 different projects. A huge collective impact in just one day!

The United Way serves our community by ensuring that nonprofits can provide the critical services and resources for our neighbors in need. The collective participation of volunteers, agencies, committees, sponsors, and corporations brings our community one step closer to ensuring health, education, and financial stability are available to everyone who calls our region home.

"Poverty is an issue that touches all of us," says Tracy Snyder, Director of Volunteer Engagement and Corporate Liaison for the United Way of the Virginia Peninsula. "By giving, advocating, and volunteering, your contribution to the Day of Caring campaign improves the lives of our neighbors in need, and reminds us all that we are connected in kindness."

Day of Caring volunteers working on playground.
Children's Harbor
Day of Caring volunteers potting plants.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula
Day of Caring volunteers.
H.E.R. Shelter
Day of Caring volunteer with animal.
Cards of encouragement
Day of Caring volunteers at hospice house.
Williamsburg Hospice House
Day of Caring volunteers planting.
ForKids
"By giving, advocating, and volunteering, your contribution to the Day of Caring campaign improves the lives of our neighbors in need, and reminds us all that we are connected in kindness."
TowneBank employees at the Giving Back Awards ceremony.
TowneBank's Meagan Parker, Allie Wittkamp, Dawn Glynn and Buffy Barefoot were at the Giving Back Awards where TowneBank was honored.

Giving Back Awards

Honor Organizations Making a Difference

Coastal Virginia magazine's Giving Back Awards honor nonprofit organizations and businesses that are making a tangible and measurable impact in our community. TowneBank continually strives to serve and improve the lives of those who call Coastal Virginia home and is proud to be a 2021 Giving Back Award honoree.

The 2021 awards included two separate categories: one for nonprofit organizations and one for corporations and businesses. This year's nonprofit honorees include organizations that serve a variety of missions, including Norfolk's Hope House Foundation, that serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Virginia Beach-based Seton Youth Shelter, that provides 24-hour emergency shelter for youth ages 9-13, and Smart Beginnings of the Virginia Peninsula, an organization that prepares youth for success in kindergarten and beyond. Mutts with a Mission, a nonprofit dedicated to providing highly skilled service dogs to veterans, wounded warriors, law enforcement officers, first responders, and federal agents, was named the nonprofit of the year. Other honorees in the nonprofit category include the Living River Trust, Chesapeake Care, Inc., Wesley Community Service Center, PingPong GIVES, the Sandler Center Foundation, and the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center.

Giving Back Awards logo

For-profit businesses were recognized for impact made through charitable programs and corporate giving, workplace development, community outreach, and more. We are proud to be recognized alongside wonderful companies including Damuth Trane, Premier Millwork and Lumber, and Armada Hoffler, to name a few.

Honorees gathered at the Giving Back Awards celebration held at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. "Giving back is key to our mission," says Dawn Glynn, president of TowneBank Hampton Roads and Northeast North Carolina. "Whether we are volunteering, raising funds, or collecting donations, our culture of caring is a huge part of our identity at TowneBank. We are proud to be a 2021 Giving Back award honoree."

"Whether we are volunteering, raising funds, or collecting donations, our culture of caring is a huge part of our identity at TowneBank."

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