Did you know that Virginia’s 450+ maritime businesses employ more than 729,000 people? A majority of businesses are in Hampton Roads, which has the second largest port on the East Coast and exports more coal than anywhere else in the United States.
At the April 24 Rotary Club of Norfolk luncheon speaker David White reminded Rotarians of the big impact shipping, ship building, ship repair and the industries that support them have on the region’s economy. Maritime businesses are here because of the region’s strategic location, deep-water shipping lanes, efficient workforce, and logistical expertise.
White is executive director of the Virginia Maritime Association founded in 1920 to support the region’s maritime industry. Since then the VMA has expanded with five chapters throughout the commonwealth.
In 2025, Hampton Roads ports received 2,445 commercial ships -- 40% of them container vessels. Also calling on the port were 452 coal ships and 467 other vessels carrying grains, chemicals and other products. There also were 6,800 barge trips through the region’s waterways.
White’s organization lobbies in Virginia and nationally for the maritime industry and works to create opportunities and connections for its members. It also educates elementary through high school students about potential careers in the maritime industry.
THE MEETING
Past president Sally Hartman updated the club on plans to apply for a district grant to furnish a mental wellness room for the 125 Norfolk Public School teenagers in the Next Step to Success program. Students all come from low-income families and participate in Next Step’s free after-school and summer camp programs. Next Step focuses on helping students break the cycle of generational poverty. Sally thanked Rotarians Sigur Whitaker and Marty Raiss for their help with the grant application.
Past president Jeff Wells encouraged Rotarians to participate in the NATO parade on Saturday.
President Dave Duncan reminded Rotarians of the May 7 Suds & Buds party and encouraged them to buy tickets and invite guests. He also reminded them that the club has a new Venmo account for donations -- @Charities-RCN.
