1 week Ago
In the face of the rapidly changing economic landscape, collaboration is more important than ever. That’s why the creation of the Regional Organizations Presidents’ Council (ROPC) is a pivotal step for the Hampton Roads region. The ROPC, a coalition of regional organizations and their CEOs, is committed to driving economic growth in the region by focusing on collaboration, advocacy and strategic initiatives that move our region forward.
The ROPC is committed to creating a stronger, more competitive regional economy for all. The ROPC is not “yet another organization.” Instead, it was formed in 2024 to formally bring together our regional organizations.
The core purpose is simple: to unite regional leaders in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing Hampton Roads. By working together, the ROPC helps prioritize initiatives that bolster the region’s economic base. Through this unified front, the ROPC seeks to advocate for the region as a whole.
Whether it’s influencing legislation, championing key initiatives, or ensuring alignment among stakeholders, its influence is felt across the region. Additionally, the ROPC serves as the Megaregion Institutional Council (MIC) working with RVA757 Connects and its mission to advance economic prosperity for everyone in the Richmond and Hampton Roads regions igniting the I-64 Innovation Corridor Megaregion. The continued success of the ROPC hinges on its membership — an inclusive, regionally focused coalition of organizations.
This group is comprised of the top senior leaders from: the Hampton Roads Chamber, the Virginia Peninsula Chamber, the Hampton Roads Workforce Council, the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, the Hampton Roads Alliance, the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance, the Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable, the Hampton Roads Urban League, the CIVIC Leadership Institute, Black BRAND and 757 Collab. Membership in the ROPC requires a broad regional scope and a commitment to economic development. This structure ensures that participating organizations bring substantial expertise to the table while maintaining a shared focus on advancing the region as a whole.
What sets the ROPC apart from other organizations is its commitment to regionalism. While the group is comprised of influential entities, it operates collaboratively, ensuring that no single organization’s interests dominates the agenda. The ROPC is solely dedicated to the economic well-being of the region and each organization involved is committed to this mission.
The ROPC focuses on clear agenda items determined through collaborative input from its members. Meetings occur bimonthly, providing ample opportunity for members to address the region’s most pressing economic challenges. Through in-person discussions, the group prioritizes initiatives, ensuring they align with the broader goals of Hampton Roads’ economic advancement.
Examples of current issues being addressed by the ROPC are identifying and addressing the recent federal policies impacts on the region, countering the regional outmigration challenges with a talent retention and attraction initiative, and formulating a collaborative approach to housing affordability and availability and child care. In addition, the ROPC remains flexible in its approach, allowing for new initiatives to be proposed and prioritized as regional needs evolve. This adaptability is critical in an era of rapid change, where economic landscapes can shift unexpectedly.
Sign up for Viewpoints, an opinion newsletter The ROPC’s work is vital for creating a stronger, more resilient Hampton Roads economy. By fostering collaboration across a broad range of organizations and sectors, the group aims to break down silos and align efforts toward shared goals. As Hampton Roads continues to grow, so too will the impact of this collaboration, benefiting all who call this region home.
Ultimately, the success of the ROPC will depend on the collective commitment of its members to prioritize the region’s long-term economic health. By focusing on regional benefit and collaboration, the ROPC has the potential to usher in a new era of economic prosperity for Hampton Roads. Bryan K.
Stephens is president and CEO of the Hampton Roads Chamber. Bob McKenna is president and CEO of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. They serve as co-conveners of the Regional Organizations Presidents’ Council.
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