THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, January 29, 1996 TAG: 9601290010
SECTION: BUSINESS WEEKLY PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Forum
SOURCE: BY JEFF SIAS, HAMPTON ROADS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
LENGTH: Short : 40 lines
It's well known that the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce has supported bringing the Canadian Football League's Pirate franchise to Hampton Roads.
The Chamber supported the venture because we believed it would enhance the quality of life in Hampton Roads and contribute to the overall economy.
Professional sports has been proven to create jobs, bring people together and would promote this region to the world. The promotion of professional sports also has been an integral part of the business plans of the Chamber and its Plan 2007.
While the Pirates now will not be joining the economic landscape of Hampton Roads, the Chamber takes great pride in the fact that this effort was instrumental in a bringing the topic of professional sports and its value to the forefront.
We believe we've again played a part in encouraging a discussion on regionalism, and that can only benefit us all.
The Chamber not only applauds Norfolk and Virginia Beach in their efforts to bring a NBA or NHL team to Hampton Roads, but we look forward to offering our support and assistance to bring a major league sports franchise to Hampton Roads.
We encourage the creation of a broad based network of support by involving all of the municipalities within the Hampton Roads region in the discussion.
The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce and its 3,000 member firms stand ready to assist in any effort to bring professional sports to Hampton Roads. MEMO: This report was prepared by the Norfolk-based Hampton Roads Chamber of
Commerce and submitted by Jeff Sias.
by CNB