NORFOLK -- If you were to ask people from out of state, what is Hampton Roads, how well could they answer?
There is new effort to better define and promote this area to help make its mark on the national map.
More than 50 local businesses and organizations are coming together to push regionalism. Supporters will attend the inaugural Hampton Roads Gala on Tuesday, June 14th at Chrysler Hall.
The idea is the brainchild of Hampton Roads Live Network President Chance Wilson, who thought the region needed to better brand itself in order to attract new businesses and tourists, plus give it national recognition.
"I noticed with Hampton Roads, we have tons of great events, great festivals but we don't have that series of signature events for the purpose of celebrating the region," says Wilson.
Regent University President Dr. Carlos Campo agrees and feels no one tells the Hampton Roads story better than Hampton Roads.
"This isn't a special interest group. It isn't something where someone is trumpeting a single agenda or perspective. It's really about coming together and saying 'this is what's great about this region. Let's celebrate it together.'"
Wilson envisions Hampton Roads week as this area's version of New Orleans' Mardi Gras: an event that people all over the country put on their yearly calendars. He adds, "if you come to Hampton Roads week, you can say I have a good idea of what Hampton Roads believes in, how the people operate and we want to encourage the different cities to get involved."
Over the past several months, auditions were held at Waterside in Norfolk to identify local talent. Four finalists will perform at the gala. Awards will be given out in several areas including business, humanitarianism, and citizenship.
The gala will also feature the stories of three Hampton Roads residents who've managed to turn tragedy into triumph.
Donna Morris, the executive vice president of Hampton Roads Partnership believes the gala could be the beginning of connecting the dots between key figures in the community and how they can better pool resources to promote the region.
"To me, it was a 360 degree vision, the region at a function that featured a wide variety of businesses and organizations that collectively can work together to build an awareness of the region and to highlight what we can do in terms of growing as a region," said Morris. "It's about time we celebrated what we have here."
To learn more about the gala click here www.hamptonroadsgala.com.
