VSRA News

Virginia Offshore Wind Development, by Ronald K. Ritter

Four years ago, when the Governor asked me to be a member of the newly created Virginia Offshore Wind Development Authority (VOWDA), I was highly skeptical. After all, I thought, who is going to agree to put hundreds of huge windmills off the coast of Virginia Beach?  But, as I became more aware of the maturity and viability of this technology, I realized that this development was not only possible but, perhaps, integral to the Hampton Roads’ economy.

On Wednesday, February 12, 2014, President Obama signed an Executive Order that increases the minimum wage for employees of federal contractors from $7.25 to $10.10. The Executive Order goes into effect on January 1, 2015 and only applies to government contracts awarded after January 1, 2015.

VSRA members are working on a series of articles and information on best practices, challenges and resources for hiring exiting military members. Read the latest article here.

The Virginia Ship Repair Association has grown significantly in the past two years as it expands the awareness of our industry and importance of the work our memebrs accomplish for national defense and commercial growth. Please read and share the impactful story run in the Daily Press on MArch 28, 2014, which demonstrates where Virginia fits in the US maritime industry. The second link is from a follow-on piece done on WVEC TV with Mike Gooding.

 "When it comes to shipyard jobs, Virginia is king." - Hugh Lessig, Daily Press Read the Daily Press story.

 http://www.dailypress.com/business/ports/dp-nws-shipbuilding-jobs-20140327,0,5917927.story

 WVEC News Piece:

Article http://www.wvec.com/home/Area-shipyard-business-looking-up-252975381.html

 Video http://www.wvec.com/video/featured-videos/Virginia-named-top-state-in-US-for-shipyard-jobs-252966681.html

The 3rd Annual FM99 "The Yard" bragging rights competition was twice as big as the previous year and the location could not have been better! Scott's Creek MArina was a beautiful venue surrounded by the very industry this event celebrates!

One of the most difficult decisions an owner of a business can make is when to sell that business.  Stephen W. Burke and Rajan Singh share their expertise on this issue since many of our smaller company owners are looking ahead to secure the operations of the companies they built long into the future. The reasons to sell may include the desire or need to retire, unexpected changes in personal circumstances, competitive pressures or an interest in pursuing other opportunities. Every business owner would benefit from preparing in advance for a change in the structure of their business. Read this article to learn more.

Marcus Boggs, of the VSRA Communications Committee, provides an insightful article on his interview with John Andrews, special assistant to the City Manager of Norfolk Marcus Jones.  The first in a  VSRA series on Veteran's Employment, Boggs asks tough questions about how well Hampton Roads is fulfilling the mission of getting Veterans into employment and how the Ship Repair industry can better position itself to be a conduit to increasing the employability and retention of former service members.

Officials enthusiastic about wind power possibilities

Bill Crow, president of the Virginia Ship Repair Association, said the 253 companies he represents are positioned to support a wind power industry in Hampton Roads, especially if there is a significant decline in military spending.

"This is a hand-in-glove perfect fit," he said.

2014 will be another challenge for the maintenance community. Watch coverage.

Sen. Warner visited with Board members of the Virginia Ship Repair Association and Ship Repair workers on Sept. 6, 2013. The day of meetings and visits to shipyards highlighted the need for the industry to stay engaged with elected officials on budgetary issues as the new fiscal year approaches.