The community college will work with Independent Electrical Contractors Chesapeake to offer the state and federally approved program to electrical contractors and others looking to enter the industry, the college announced in a news release. The program, backed by Department of Labor-recognized curriculum, will lead to an accredited electrician license.

Apprentices will work full-time and attend classes two nights a week for the 8,000 hours of on-the-job and classroom training required for the license, the school said. Students will learn about residential, commercial and industrial electrical as well as electrical vehicle charging and solar.

“We have no doubt this effort will benefit our community by creating clear pathways for those seeking exciting careers and benefit local employer partners by providing the support they need to develop their future workforce,” Todd Estes, VPCC vice president for workforce development, said in the announcement.

The contractor association has offered the training in Northern Virginia for more than 15 years. It has partnerships with Germanna Community College and the Community College Workforce Alliance in Richmond and will begin working with Tidewater Community College in South Hampton Roads in 2025.

An open house is tentatively planned for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Peninsula Workforce Development Center at 600 Butler Farm Road in Hampton.

The company, which provides coverage in 23 states, plans a phased approach in Virginia during its initial rollout, granting access to additional agencies each month, according to a news release. The business sells exclusively through independent agents.

Openly, founded by insurance veterans Ty Harris and Matt Wielbut in 2017, differentiates itself with its technology, data and easy-to-use digital platform.

“We are dedicated to brewing exceptional craft beers that cater to all tastes while creating a community hub in the heart of Gloucester Main Street,” Mike Brewer, owner of Gloucester Brewing Co., said in a news release. “This support will allow us to continue making facility improvements and serving our community with high-quality, locally brewed craft beers.”

The Backing Small Businesses grant program by the National Main Street Center in partnership with American Express provides support to businesses that are integral to the economic and social fabric of their communities, particularly those in historic commercial districts. The program awarded grants to 500 recipients across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico this year. Grantees will have the opportunity to apply for an additional $30,000 enhancement grant that will be awarded to 25 small businesses.

The grant will help Gloucester Brewing, founded in 2018, expand its marketing efforts and enhance customer comfort as it commits to fostering a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere, the business announced.

Anniversary

M.D. Express Urgent Care, the Peninsula’s largest urgent care provider with five locations in Gloucester, Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg and York County, celebrates 20 years this year. The health care provider is accredited as a National Urgent Care Center. Over the years, services expanded to include illnesses such as the common cold, flu and COVID-19; injuries from fractures to sprains and burns; vaccines; physicals; on-site digital X-ray; and pediatric treatment.

Appointed/elected

Hampton Roads Sanitation District commissioner Stephen C. Rodriguez was reelected to serve a third term as chair of the eight-member, governor-appointed commission. Commissioner Willie Levenston Jr. was elected as vice chair. Rodriguez of Chesapeake is the retired owner and president of Cruco Inc., which provided construction services in Hampton Roads. He works in the construction division for the Virginia Department of Transportation. Levenston of Portsmouth retired from Norfolk Naval Shipyard there in 2008 after more than 40 years.

Awards and honors

Virginia Beach-based Chartway Credit Union was recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions by Forbes and Statista for the third year in a row. The list is based on independent surveys of current or past credit union users and publicly available member reviews. This year, 207 credit unions were recognized by Forbes. Chartway was one of three credit unions recognized from Virginia.

Hampton Roads Transit was recognized for excellence in community engagement and outreach, including a unique partnership with the Norfolk Tides baseball team and the city of Norfolk that provides fans with free rides on light rail on game days. The Virginia Transit Association presented HRT with the Outstanding Community Program Award for Multifaceted Community Engagement and Outreach. The association also recognized HRT’s Transit Equity Day and Student Freedom Pass for making riding transit easier. In honor of civil rights icon Rosa Parks, Hampton Roads Transit provided free rides on all bus, light rail, ferry and paratransit services on Transit Equity Day on Feb. 5. The Student Freedom Pass provides teens 13-17 years old with unlimited free rides on bus, light rail and ferry in HRT’s six service cities.

Virginia Beach-based Pender & Coward announced that attorney Diamond Royster has received the Honorable R. Edwin Burnette, Jr. Young Lawyer of the Year Award. The Virginia State Bar Young Lawyers Conference board of governors selected Diamond for this award for her dedication to the YLC and commitment to the community, including her coordination of the Bench Bar Relations Program and her volunteerism with the Urban Renewal Center Project in Hampton Roads. At Pender & Coward, Diamond focuses her practice on civil litigation, local government, eminent domain/right of way and waterfront law matters.

Victoria Bartelme, a fraud analyst in the risk management department at Chesapeake-based ABNB credit union, recently received her certified fraud examiner credential. She has passed the rigorous requirements and tests related to financial transactions, fraud schemes, investigations, fraud prevention and deterrence. Bartelme has been an employee at ABNB for three years and previously worked as a member service representative at its York County location.

Four local high school students were awarded a total of $40,000 from the Coastal Virginia Building Industry Association Scholarship Foundation. Each received a $10,000 four-year scholarship: Alquinton Beamon Jr. of Lakeland High School in Suffolk plans to major in aeronautical science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Jada Brittle of Windsor High School in Isle of Wight will pursue an associate degree in engineering before transferring into construction engineering at Virginia Tech. Jasmine Bruce of Maury High School in Norfolk intends to major in environmental engineering at the University of Vermont. Lauryn Kenney of Hickory High School in Chesapeake plans to major in environmental engineering at the University of Virginia. The 2024 Young Designers’ Scholarship Competition, a program for high school students interested in drafting, architecture or homebuilding, awarded four scholarships this year: Brendan Power of Ocean Lakes High School/Advanced Technology Center in Virginia Beach received the first-place $1,500 award for his home design. Jocelyn Ricker of Kempsville High School/Advanced Technology Center received the second-place, $1,200 award. Bria Beamon of the Advanced Technology Center received the third-place, $800 award and Alannah Helm of Kempsville High School/Advanced Technology Center received the Honorable Mention, $500 award.

Grants and donations

The Peninsula SPCA received a $3,500 donation from the Enterprise Mobility Foundation to support their ongoing efforts helping animals in need in the community through adoption services, preventative veterinary care and humane education programs.

The BayPort Foundation today awarded $100,000 in 11 different scholarship types to a total of 38 member students in the surrounding local communities attending a college, university, trade or vocational school.

The Hampton Roads Community Foundation awarded $638,968 in grants at its June board of directors meeting. For cultural vitality, the grants awarded were: $45,000 over three years to KD Entertainment to expand its drum classes; $50,000 over three years to the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts Foundation for its Leveling the Performing Field ballet program; $32,000 over two years to the Hurrah Players to support its new television and film academy; $31,275 over three years to the Tidewater African Cultural Alliance to bring the Youth African Dance program to two Virginia Beach schools; $1,000 to studio 360 Performing Arts Inc. to support a new dance program at a Norfolk elementary school; and $21,000 over three years to Tidewater Winds to help children with reading comprehension through the arts. For educational success, the grants awarded were: $50,000 over two years to the Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Roads to expand the Operation Little Learner school readiness program for military children; $96,000 over three years to Community Outreach Coalition to expand the Remediation Effectively Supporting Educational Teachings program; $30,000 over two years to Joy Ministries to grow its summer reading camps; and $108,198 over three years to Life Enrichment Center of Norfolk to support its literacy program at four new elementary schools. The foundation awarded $174,495 to Tidewater Community College Educational Foundation to support the Academy for Nonprofit Excellence, which provides professional development programs focused on the latest trends and best practices for nonprofits.

Historic district

Two more Virginia Beach sites were added to the Virginia Landmarks Register. Chesapeake Beach Historic District is associated with the growth and suburbanization of the city formerly known as Princess Anne County during the early 20th century. One of the area’s earliest bayside beachfront neighborhoods, the historic district’s development pattern was influenced by its surrounding natural environment including the Chesapeake Bay and Pleasure House Lake. Pleasant Ridge School Historic District consists of a one-room schoolhouse, a church built around 1949 and a cemetery with burials dating to approximately 1904. Pleasant Ridge School, constructed around 1886 as part of a larger school for white students, was moved to its current location around 1918 to serve Black children in first through seventh grades during the Jim Crow era in Virginia’s public education system. The school closed in 1956 as the result of the city’s efforts to consolidate and desegregate public schools.

In June, Segment 3C of the Suffolk Seaboard Coastline Trail was awarded $5.3 million from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity discretionary grant program. It will fund the engineering design, right-of-way and construction for the 2.2-mile piece of trail from the northern terminus of Segment 3B to Nansemond River High School, completing the gap between Segments 3A and 3B of the trail. The project will protect non-motorized travelers from safety risks by providing a multi-use path that is separated from vehicular traffic.

Market

The Hampton Flea Market debuted July 27 at the Power Plant of Hampton Roads shopping area in Hampton with more than 80 vendors. This market will be held every last Saturday of the month and promises to establish itself as a hub for vintage enthusiasts, crafters, artists and families. Interested in being a vendor? Apply at hamptonfleamarket.com.

Opening

Hampton-based VersAbility Resources celebrated the opening of its new Lewis B. Puller Center at 6750 Main St. in Gloucester in June. To better serve the communities of the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck, the nonprofit organization relocated its day support services to the new location. The site is only minutes away from the former Puller Center location and will provide a more welcoming atmosphere for program participants. VersAbility began operating the Puller Center in 2001 to provide long-term employment, training and day support services for adults with disabilities.

Avenues Recovery opened an addiction treatment center at 1516 Harmon St. in Norfolk and celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in June. The national drug and alcohol addiction treatment program has 14 inpatient facilities across the country.

The Picklr, a fast-growing indoor pickleball franchise headquartered in Utah, announced its Williamsburg club is scheduled to open later this summer in the former Dick’s Sporting Goods building in The Marquis at 120 Gristmill Plaza in upper York County. The 45,000-square-foot facility will offer unlimited open play, leagues and tournaments across 14 fully fenced indoor courts with outdoor-style surfacing and a fully stocked pro shop. It also has space for corporate events and parties. For more info, visit thepicklr.com/location/williamsburg/.

757 Colonics, a spa offering colon cleansing, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 500 S. Battlefield Blvd. in Chesapeake.

A Better Way Realty held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its first Chesapeake office at 701 Greenbrier Parkway.

Mathnasium opened its first franchise location in Suffolk at 5849 Harbour View Blvd., Suite 420, on July 1. The learning center provides children with a customized learning plan and personalized instruction. “Our goal is simple: to teach math in a way that makes sense to kids, accommodating different learning styles with a variety of teaching techniques, ” said Tom Seymour, owner and center director of Mathnasium of Suffolk. Learn more at mathnasium.com/suffolk or contact Seymour at 757-337-1885.

TUESDAY

Business BBQ Forum, 7:30-9:30 a.m., Chesapeake. The Van Syckle Group is hosting an outdoor forum. Limited space. Vansycklegroup.com/business-bbq-forum-7/30/2024.

Chamber Business Social, 5:30-7 p.m., Rivers Casino Portsmouth, 3630 Victory Blvd., Portsmouth. The Hampton Roads Chamber is hosting a networking event. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. Free. Register at hrchamber.com.

JULY 31

WEDNESDAY

2024 Military Recognition Reception, 3-5 p.m., Zeiders American Dream Theater, 4509 Commerce St., Virginia Beach. The Hampton Roads Chamber is celebrating the men and women of the military who have excelled in their duties and support a key aspect of our region. This reception recognizes all commands in Hampton Roads. $25-$50. Register at hrchamber.com.

Hard Hat Tour: New Research Facility at VIMS, 4-5 p.m., 1370 Greate Road, Gloucester Point. American Institute of Architects Coastal Virginia is hosting tour of the nearly complete construction of a research facility for the Virginia Institute of Marine Science expansion. $0-$10. Register at aiahr.org.

Deadline for nonprofits to apply for $500,000 Accelerating Change Together grant. Nonprofit organizations focused on education and workforce development in the region are invited to apply at actgrant.org.

AUG. 1

THURSDAY

Moving Forward with DEI: Continuing the Journey of Progress, 9-11 a.m., Virginia Wesleyan University, 5817 Wesleyan Drive, Joan Brock Room, Brock Commons, Virginia Beach. The Hampton Roads Chamber is hosting Dr. ClauDean Kizart, director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Tidewater Community College, and Dr. Ron Carlee, clinical assistant professor at Old Dominion University. The workshop is designed for professionals who work in DEI to come together to share ideas on how to achieve success in the current environment where there is often resistance to our work. $40-$80. Register at hrchamber.com.

AUG. 7

WEDNESDAY

Rising Tide, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Warwick Yacht Club, 400 Maxwell Lane, Newport News. The Peninsula Chamber is hosting a conversation on a collaborative approach to meeting our future energy needs. Speakers include Doug Smith, Hampton Roads Alliance; Brett Malone, Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center; Jason Ericson and Todd Flowers, Dominion Energy; and Brad Gilliatt, Dominion Terminal Associates. $45. Register at virginiapeninsulachamber.com.

Employment Law Basics Bootcamp: Wage & Hour, noon to 1:30 p.m., Union Mission Ministries, 5100 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk. The Hampton Roads Chamber and Hampton Roads Society for Human Resource Management is hosting the third session of a four-part series. This session discusses challenges employers face while complying with wage and hour laws at the federal and state levels. They will discuss the latest requirements as well as best practices for classification of employees, changes in salary thresholds and common overtime and failure to pay mistakes. Lunch provided. $25. Register at hrchamber.com.

AUG. 8

THURSDAY

Thriving as a Female Leader in a Male-dominated Industry & How to Carry the Torch for Future Female Leaders, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 11850 Merchants Walk, Suite 110, Newport News. The Peninsula Chamber is hosting Vicki Wishon of Liebherr. $10-$15. Register at virginiapeninsulachamber.com.

AUG. 12

MONDAY

Business After Hours, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Yorktown Freight Shed, 331 Water St., Yorktown. York County Economic Development Authority and the York County Chamber of Commerce are hosting a networking event. $0-$10. Register at yorkcountychamberva.org.

AUG. 13

TUESDAY

Coffee Connection, 8-9 a.m., 2170 William Styron Square South, Newport News. The Peninsula Chamber is hosting a networking event at Busy Nothings Coffee Co. $0-$10. Register at virginiapeninsulachamber.com.

AUG. 14

WEDNESDAY

How to Fund Your Business: Entrepreneurial and Growth Finance, 9-10:30 a.m., 11850 Merchants Walk, Suite 110, Newport News. The Peninsula Chamber is hosting professor Willy Donaldson of Christopher Newport University as part of a business series. $0-$15. Register at virginiapeninsulachamber.com.

AUG. 15

THURSDAY

Morning Member Meetup, 8-9:30 a.m., Broad Bay Country Club, 2120 Lords Landing, Virginia Beach. The Hampton Roads Chamber is hosting a networking event. Coffee and continental breakfast provided. Free. Register at hrchamber.com.

Secure 2.0 Act: Summary of Key Changes Impacting Employer Provided Retirement Plans, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library, 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach. Hampton Roads Society for Human Resource Management is hosting Justin Steil of UBS Financial Services on the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, which included a sweeping retirement reform package, Secure 2.0. The law includes over 90 provisions affecting workplace benefit plans to address the U.S. retirement savings crisis. These provisions focus on getting more participants into the retirement system, finding ways for them to accumulate more assets and helping them achieve retirement readiness. Join for a summary of key provisions including which changes are required and which are optional for companies to adopt. Several of the optional provisions have potential to strengthen a company’s retirement benefits package and become more competitive in attracting and retaining top talent. $35-$45. Register at hrshrm.org.

AUG. 16

FRIDAY

Board Leadership Academy: Deep Dive: Board Finances, 9:30-11 a.m., virtual. Volunteer Hampton Roads is hosting a webinar on understanding your nonprofit’s financial reports. We’ll cover everything from the financial statements in your board packet, to grant reports, to your 990 and annual tax documents. $60-$65. Register at hrchamber.com.

AUG. 17

SATURDAY

17th Annual Smart Smiles 5K, 7 a.m., Mariners’ Museum and Park, 100 Museum Drive, Newport News. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula is hosting a fundraiser for health and wellness initiatives, including Smart Smiles Dental Care and fitness programming, which benefits thousands of local youth and families each year. $30. Register at bagclub.com/events/healthy-lifestyles-5k/.

Williamsburg Realtors Raising The Roof 5K Run/Walk and 1-mile Fun Run, 8 a.m., JCC Marina Meadow, 2054 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg. Williamsburg Realtors is hosting a fundraiser to benefit Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg’s construction of safe and affordable houses in James City County. $25-$35. Register at runsignup.com/Race/VA/Williamsburg/WilliamsburgREALTORSRaisingTheRoof.

AUG. 21

WEDNESDAY

Power of Women: Women at the Helm, 9-11 a.m., Robin Hixon Theater, Clay and Jay Barr Education Center, 440 Bank St., Norfolk. The Hampton Roads Chamber is hosting Capt. Janet Days, commanding officer of Naval Station Norfolk, and panelists Tonya Byrd of Dominion Energy; Amanda Jarratt, Virginia Beach deputy city manager; Cheryl Spraberry of Advanced Integrated Technologies; and Delceno Miles of The Miles Agency. $45-$90. Register at hrchamber.com.

AUG. 22

THURSDAY

Chamber Business Social, 5:30-7 p.m., Bryant & Stratton College, 301 Centre Pointe Drive, Virginia Beach. The Hampton Roads Chamber is hosting a networking event. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. Register at hrchamber.com.

AUG. 23

FRIDAY

Spotlight on the Peninsula: HRSD SWIFT, 1-3 p.m. 6909 Armstead Road, Suffolk. The Peninsula Chamber is hosting an information session and networking event at Hampton Roads Sanitation District’s SWIFT (Sustainable Water Initiative for Tomorrow) research center. Free. Register at bit.ly/2024-Spotlight-HRSD.

AUG. 27

TUESDAY

Around the World in 18 Holes Golf Outing, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Bide-A-Wee Golf Course, 1 Bide-A-Wee Lane, Portsmouth. The Hampton Roads Chamber is hosting a golf outing with all levels of play invited. Food, drinks, music, games, freebies and more. Proceeds benefit Navy Safe Harbor Foundation, benefitting wounded veterans. $250-$500. Register at hrchamber.com.

AUG. 28

WEDNESDAY

Photography and Videography on a Budget, 8-9:30 a.m., Veterans Conference Room, 1 Franklin St., Hampton. The Retail Alliance is hosting expert photographer Sara Harris for a workshop on photography and videography for small business owners. Free. Register at retailalliance.com.

AUG. 29

THURSDAY

North Carolina Business Update Breakfast, 8-10 a.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 5353 N. Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce is hosting a business update event with a special presentation by Gary Salimido, president and CEO of the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce. The Outer Banks chamber will also present its 2024 Small Business of the Year awards. $35-$45. Register at outerbankschamber.com/ncupdate2024.

Business Connection After Hours, 5:30-7 p.m., 2300 Cunningham Drive, Hampton. The Peninsula Chamber is hosting a networking event at BayPort Credit Union. $0-$15. Register at virginiapeninsulachamber.com.

SEPT. 7

SATURDAY

History Makers Dinner: A Tribute to Nick’s Seafood Pavilion, 6-9 p.m., American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, 200 Water St. The museum is hosting a themed fundraiser dinner featuring a one-night special exhibition preview of artifacts celebrating the lives and philanthropy of the late Nick and Mary Mathews, beloved Yorktown restauranteurs and donors of the land where the American Revolution Museum now sits. Opening in 1944, Nick’s Seafood Pavilion became a Virginia hotspot. Cocktail hour and three-course seafood dinner based on Nick’s original menus. $200. Register at jyfmuseums.org/nicks-seafood.

SEPT. 10

TUESDAY

Retailpreneur Series: Mastering Your Marketing Strategy, 8:30-9:45 a.m., online. The Retail Alliance is hosting Lindsey Germono, president of Germono Advertising Co., for a three-part workshop series designed to elevate your marketing strategy. The first session is on essential tools and data gathering, including learning to collect key data, request media kits and create a draft marketing plan. Free. Register at retailalliance.com.

10th Annual Suffolk B2B, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Hub 757, 6801 Bridgeway Drive, Suffolk. The Hampton Roads Chamber is hosting an expo to promote local businesses, encourage corporate networking and to showcase new products and services. Open to the public. Free. Hrchamber.com.

SEPT. 19

THURSDAY

Virginia Retail Matters 2024: A State of Retail Event, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Kingsmill Resort, 1010 Kingsmill Road, Williamsburg. The Retail Alliance is hosting a lunch and presentation to bring together retailers, industry experts and forward-thinking professionals to delve into the latest trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the retail sector in Virginia. Study by Main Street America will be presented on national and state findings from its Small Business Survey and analysis. $70-$85. Register at retailalliance.com.

Please, send calendar items to inside.business@insidebiz.com.

Innovate Hampton Roads and the city are teaming up to bring the Startup World Cup Virginia Regional to the Zeiders American Dream Theater in Town Center on Aug. 28. This is the first time the Startup Cup, a global platform that fosters entrepreneurship around the world, has come to Virginia.

“This a competition to get in front of global investors,” said Tim Ryan, executive director of Innovate Hampton Roads. “Never before has there been an opportunity like this (in the area).”

The competition is open to Virginia startups of all types. The winner will represent Virginia in the Startup World Cup in San Francisco for the $1 million prize, Ryan said.

In addition, the event provides networking and an opportunity to get feedback from investors, he said.

Startup World Cup Chairman Anis Uzzaman is the founder and CEO of Pegasus Tech Ventures in California’s Silicon Valley. He is responsible for the firm’s overall global investments and operations with $2 billion under Pegasus Tech Ventures’ management. He has invested in over 260 startups globally such as SpaceX, Airbnb, Doordash and 23andMe, according to his website. The competition, he said, helps connect entrepreneurs of various cities and innovation ecosystems to Silicon Valley and the rest of the world.

“We are thrilled to partner with Innovate Hampton Roads for the Startup World Cup Virginia Regional,” Uzzaman said in a statement. “This is our first time bringing the event to Virginia Beach and we are delighted by the quality of enthusiasm of competing startups.”

Startup World Cup selecting Hampton Roads for the regional competition is significant and speaks to innovation happening in the area, Ryan said. It’s also a pivotal moment for the region to grow its ecosystem on a global scale.

“This is a result of what we are doing in Hampton Roads with startup successes,” he said.

Ryan pointed to accomplished companies that began and are headquartered in the area such as DroneUp in Virginia Beach and SVT Robotics in Norfolk. He said having federal facilities such as NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton and Jefferson Lab in Newport News is a plus because they encourage entrepreneurship.

The interest in Virginia is a testament to the state being ranked No. 1 this year in America’s Top States for Business by CNBC. This is the sixth time the commonwealth ranked No. 1 and the third time within the past five years.

The Virginia event is limited to 100 applications. Judges throughout the state will narrow the applications down to about 10 to 12 companies, Ryan said. Startups in any stage can apply as long as they are a legal entity, not just an idea.

Interested contestants can apply online by Aug. 14 on the Innovate Hampton Roads website at innovate757.org. Ryan said the event is seeking volunteers to help. Interested volunteers should email james@innovate757.org or tim@innovate757.org.

Old Point National Bank Chairman, President and CEO Robert Shuford Jr. said in a second-quarter report the bank would close its Crown Center branch at 580 E. Main St. on Sept. 27. The bank has a branch on Granby Street in Ghent.

“This is not a decision we made lightly and we remain dedicated to serving customers in the community by providing banking services through our other nearby branches, online and mobile banking, and customer support center,” Shuford said.

Old Point started efforts to reduce expenses in late 2023 amid inflationary pressures and economic conditions increasing the cost of doing business, Shuford previously reported. The bank had reported the decision to reduce its employee headcount by about 12% in the first half of the year.

Last year, Old Point’s net income was $7.7 million, down from $9.1 million in 2022, according to its annual report.

In January, the company announced the transition of mortgage loan processing to Chesapeake-based Tidewater Home Funding as part of a strategic alliance that would continue Old Point Mortgage branding. That decision was related to both rising interest rates and expense control.

Still, Shuford reported Thursday the company’s net income was the highest it has been in five quarters at $2.5 million. While loan growth slowed as expected, he said core deposit growth was stronger than anticipated. As of June 30, Old Point reported total assets of $1.4 billion and total deposits of $1.2 billion.

“We approach the second half of 2024 with continued optimism given the strength of our company, driven by an outstanding team of employees,” Shuford said. “I remain fully confident about the ability of our team to drive value for our customers, our communities, and our shareholders.”

The home goods, appliances and consumer electronics retailer is closing 70 of its 170 stores nationwide, according to its website. The closing Hampton Roads locations are:

• 1082 W. Mercury Blvd., Hampton
• 2550 Airline Blvd., Portsmouth
• 3421 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach

The retailer is advertising a going-out-of-business sale online with 30%-50% off its e-commerce site and in-store.

Conn’s filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on July 23 after three years of declining sales, the Houston Chronicle reported. As of June, the company reported operating more than 550 stores, including 380 Badcock Home Furniture & more stores, across 15 states.

Dance moves such as the head spin, windmill, worm or the moonwalk will be on display at downtown Norfolk’s Selden Market, which is hosting a breakdancing competition on Friday during its “Summer Games” themed event.

The market wanted to mark the inauguration of breakdancing in the Olympics during an after-hours game night and vendor market, said Careyann Weinberg, director of economic vitality of Downtown Norfolk Council, which operates Selden Market.

The best breakdancer will receive a cash prize, and the winner will be chosen based on audience reaction. The dance-off starts at 7 p.m.

“The Selden Market shops have created a fun summer series around social gaming and healthy competition,” said Sarah Spence Ting, Selden Market manager. “It’s a nod to the ultimate competition — the international Olympic Games.”

Selden Market shops will host games such as ax-throwing and cornhole. Cooking with Greens, a store selling healthy spice blends and kitchen ware, plans to host an archery competition.

Derak Green, owner of Cooking with Greens, said the “Summer Games” event is all about showcasing Selden Market while giving customers something fun to do.

Many of the shops have planned creative games that won’t be found in the Olympics such as a coffee cup race by S’mores Amore, a “guess the tea” game by Potted and a “Golden Girls” trivia game hosted by Norfolk Candle.

All the storefronts will participate in a market-wide scavenger hunt, and pop-up vendors will join in on the games and offer themed products and crafts. A Summer Games photo booth, music by DJs and themed food and beverages will be available at the free event from 6-9 p.m. Friday.

In Town Center of Virginia Beach, Keagan’s Irish Pub and Three Notch’d Brewery & Craft Kitchen will co-host a “Summer Bar Olympics” at noon Sunday. The free event invites teams to compete in bar-themed games such as a tic-tac-toe flip cup game, oversized Jenga, yard pong, hopscotch and relay races. Customers can enjoy free beer tastings and swag, too.

Smartmouth Brewing is getting in the Olympic spirit by releasing a special beer named Screaming Eagle Pale Ale that features an Olympic-themed label designed by local artist Dwight Easter. The release party is 7 p.m. Friday at Smartmouth’s Norfolk location. Easter will sign copies of the label and sell art that reflects Olympic athletes.

Also, Smartmouth will be hosting an Olympics-themed competition Tuesdays through Aug. 6 that includes games such as beer pong, cornhole and Kan Jam. A $10 entry fee per team goes toward a donation to the Elizabeth River Trail.

The Old Beach Farmers Market in the ViBe Creative District is celebrating the Summer Games with a French-American market day. Bakers and vendors have created Olympic-themed items such as tartes aux abricots (glazed French apricot tarts) by Lexi Berlin, French-inspired sourdough baguettes and brioche breads by Krid’s Crumbs and gougères (cheese puffs) by the Virginia Pie Shop. Shop the market 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at 620 19th St.

“Dogtopia Games,” hosted by doggy daycare Dogtopia in Town Center, featured four-legged athletes for its Olympic-style activities this week. The week started with opening ceremonies featuring bubble torches and activities including agility exercises and water sports in a kiddie pool. The weeklong event for clients wraps up Friday with a closing ceremony for the pups. Just like the real Olympics, dogs will pose with medals and trophies that will be captured during a photo shoot.

Lee Belote, jlbelote@verizon.net

Entrepreneurs will work on validating and growing their business concepts as they access free space in the Assembly campus along with customized programming and mentors. Since its launch in 2021, Startup Studios, part of nonprofit 757 Collab, has helped more than 150 startups, helping them secure over $20 million in capital, the entrepreneurship hub reported.

The program doesn’t take any equity in the early-stage businesses nor asks them to pay anything, said Hunter Walsh, director of 757 Startup Studios.

The joining startups, the program reported, are:

• ALN Technology: Artificial intelligence software company focused on solving business communication challenges.
• ArchAngel Hotcar: The app alerts distracted parents to a child left in a car.
• Ambientmuse Studios: “Because life is played in co-op mode.”
• Approach Optix LLC: Visualization of the space domain to include warfare.
• Davidson Technology Solutions: Technology and digital media professional services.
• Ephe Collective: E-commerce shopping and apparel styling services.
• Eplantmatch.com: An e-commerce, drop shipping company that sells plants.
• Employee Launch: A web-based application to drive skill-based training to promote job growth.
• FlowSper: Automated customer acquisition system that helps entrepreneurs sell more.
• HealthMetrics-AI: An advanced AI platform for health metrics.
• Hempy Hens: Hemp seed-based chicken treats that help to boost flock immunity.
• Hemp Stalk Solutions: Enables manufacturers to provide sustainable products made from hemp.
• Host. App: “Let us take the stress out of event planning with our party in a box.”
• Moments By: “The official apparel for your favorite moments.”
• Wellness Wayfinder: Booking agency that connects holistic wellness professionals with clients.
• Wigwagapp Inc.: AI-powered mobile application optimizing nutrition at the molecular level.
• The Sub Station: A communication platform for substitute teachers.
• PQ Solutions: Offers knowledge and software to nonprofits.
• Stemlighten: Science, technology, engineering and math education for kids 5-12.
• Style Magnet: Personalized shopping that matches online clothing based on best fit.