CBDA NEWS

Recent Events

The Annual Board of Directors meeting was held on January 17th. The agenda for this meeting included approving the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, approving the organization's 2012 budget, and electing the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.    

On January 11th,the CBDA was pleased to host Virginia Beach City Manager, Jim Spore at a luncheon where he discussed future opportunities for the city. The City Manager's presentation was insightful and informative. We also are grateful to have his support and encouragement of our work on behalf of our CBDA members and of the CBDA's role as an advocate for the business community in the Pembroke Strategic Growth Area.

A special meeting of CBDA Members was held on Monday, December 5 to consider and vote upon a proposal to amend and restate the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation, which included but was not limited to, an amendment to change the name of the Corporation from Virginia Beach CBD Association to Central Business District Association.

Motion to approve the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation was made by Robert S. Miller casting his vote in person. A second to the motion was made by Marilyn Burstein. President Harrison called for the question. Eighteen (18) signed, witnessed and dated proxy’s FOR adoption of the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation were included in the final vote for a total of 21 voting in FAVOR of the motion for adoption. No votes were cast AGAINST adoption. Resolution passed.

The First Annual CBDA Oyster Roast was held on Saturday, November 12th. Thanks to all who attended and to all of our member volunteers and sponsors who made this event a true success! We'd like to give a round of applause to TowneBank for being our lead sponsor, as well as H&A Architects, TCC, Monarch Mortgage, MSA PC, Armada Hoffler, Amerigroup, Divaris Real Estate and Priority Auto for their generous contributions. This event was hosted in partnership with Lynnhaven River NOW, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and Green Drinks, in promotion of Awareness Day for the Thalia Creek Greenway.

On November 18th the CBDA hosted a Luncheon with Senator Mark Warner. We'd like to thank Senator Warner for being our guest and for his insightful comments. Our sponsors for this event were Great Atlantic Management, Suburban Asset Management, Troutman Sanders, The ESG Companies, and Rubin Communications Group. 

Senator Mark Warner chats with CBDA President Bill Harrison and CBDA Past President Aubrey Layne.

Senator Warner with CBDA Board Members Burrell Saunders and Mike Summers.

 "A tiny CHANGE today brings a dramatically different tomorrow." Richard Bach, Author of Jonathan Livingston Seagull …what profound words…

The CBDA took on “CHANGE”. After 25 successful years it was time to bring CBDA to the next level, to turn the corner and concentrate on our future and the future of our members. To CHANGE!

When I became Executive Director my first assignment was to implement the recently developed “strategic plan”, to listen to the members suggestions, and to identify their needs. The feedback I received was CHANGE…networking opportunities, connectivity, access to new business, market the brand was the new direction! The “NEW CBDA” heard the message. CHANGE is on its way to CBDA and it’s coming quickly.

We are implementing the “Strategic Plan”. Our members are now involved in committees. We developed a budget, and we are reaching out and forming partnerships with other community organizations that will help foster CBDA’s mission. We have formed a “special committee” to meet the needs of our retail establishments. We are reaching out to businesses outside of the CBD (Central Business District) to inform them of the professional diversity of our CBDA membership.

We CHANGEDthe scheduling of our events to become more flexible. We implemented “Third Thursdays” to allow members to network and the results are positive.   We scheduled our first Oyster Roast in November, in partnership with local environmental organizations which will feature the city’s newest environmentally sensitive “Thalia Creek Greenway” project. We have a new logo “Connect Uptown”, a new vision, and a new mission. CHANGE!

Last, but not least, our new website is member driven to provide value to our members. It’s all about our CBDA members! Allowing members to market their brand, featuring members, special events, employees and success stories are all part of the CHANGE you demanded!

The Central Business District (CBD) has grown from a dream to reality. Investors were persistent visionaries and City leaders took on the challenge. They did the right thing! They opened the door for “CHANGE” in Virginia Beach. The success of the “Pembroke Strategic Growth Area” means success for the entire City of Virginia Beach and the region. Business doing business in the CBD is good business. “Connecting Uptown” is good business.

CHANGE at CBDA is happening…new website, new staff, new logo, new vision and new mission. Hang in there with me as we CHANGE CBDA together. I promise to listen to your suggestions and your needs. It is definitely a ………“dramatically different tomorrow”.

 Jeanne Evans - CBDA Executive Director