The GO VA Region 5 Council recently announced the election of three new members: Steve Cook, Mark Perryman, and Monique Adams. These appointments, effective from July 1, 2024, signify a crucial moment in the council’s efforts to stimulate economic growth and innovation in Hampton Roads and Virginia’s Eastern Shore. The council, which spans 16 cities and counties, plays a vital role in identifying economic opportunities, addressing challenges, and prioritizing regional collaboration. With the inclusion of these new leaders, the GO VA Region 5 Council is well-positioned to advance its mission, particularly in job creation, and continue to drive the economic prosperity of the region.
New Members Elected to GO VA Region 5 Council
By Tim Ryan
In a significant stride towards fostering regional economic development, the GO VA Region 5 Council proudly announced the election of three distinguished new members: Steve Cook, Chief Innovation Officer of the Hampton Roads Workforce Council; Mark Perryman, President & CEO of the Norfolk Airport Authority; and Monique Adams, Former Executive Director of 757 Angels. Effective July 1, 2024, these appointments mark a pivotal moment in the council’s ongoing efforts to stimulate growth and innovation across Hampton Roads and Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
Chairman’s Enthusiasm for New Additions
Thomas Frantz, Chair of the GO VA Region 5 Council, expressed enthusiasm about the new additions. “We look forward to working with Mr. Cook, Mr. Perryman, and Ms. Adams. Each of these regional leaders brings energy, perspective, and advocacy for GO VA initiatives, both in Region 5 and in the Commonwealth of Virginia,” he stated.
GO Virginia Initiative and Region 5 Council
GO (Growth & Opportunity) Virginia is a regionally driven economic development initiative designed to encourage collaboration among local governments, higher education institutions, private industry, and workforce organizations. By incentivizing projects that promote the growth of traded industry clusters, GO VA aims to drive economic prosperity and job creation.
The GO VA Region 5 Council encompasses 16 cities and counties in Hampton Roads and Virginia’s Eastern Shore, plays a critical role in identifying economic opportunities, addressing challenges, and prioritizing regional collaboration. The council’s 28 diverse business and community leaders work tirelessly to outline and implement an economic growth and diversification plan. They are responsible for soliciting, reviewing, and recommending regional projects that align with these priorities for state funding.
The Roundtable: Support Organization for the Council
The Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable, established in 2023 by merging the Hampton Roads Business Roundtable and Reinvent Hampton Roads, serves as the support organization for the GO VA Region 5 Council. Known simply as “The Roundtable,” this body is dedicated to aligning and coordinating economic development strategy, advocacy, and regional initiatives. They aim to enhance the region’s economic growth trajectory, increase competitiveness, create more high-paying jobs, and integrate innovation and entrepreneurship into the economic base.
Advancing Economic Development with New Leaders
With the inclusion of Cook, Perryman, and Adams, the GO VA Region 5 Council is poised to advance its mission with renewed vigor, particularly in the area of job creation. These leaders bring a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to economic development, ensuring that the region continues to thrive and attract new opportunities, leading to more jobs and a stronger economy.
Shaping a Prosperous Future
As Hampton Roads and Virginia’s Eastern Shore look to the future, the contributions of these new council members, in collaboration with The Roundtable, will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping a prosperous and innovative economic landscape. The collaboration and strategic leadership fostered by the GO VA Region 5 Council and The Roundtable, with the active participation of the community, signal a bright and dynamic future for the region, driven by a shared vision of growth, opportunity, and success.
A copy of the official press release can be downloaded here.
Question & Answer
Who are the three new members recently elected to the GO VA Region 5 Council?
The three new members recently elected to the GO VA Region 5 Council are Steve Cook, Mark Perryman, and Monique Adams.
When did the appointments of the new members become effective?
The appointments of the new members, Steve Cook, Mark Perryman, and Monique Adams, became effective from July 1, 2024.
What is the role of the GO VA Region 5 Council in the economic development of Hampton Roads and Virginia’s Eastern Shore?
The GO VA Region 5 Council plays a vital role in identifying economic opportunities, addressing challenges, and prioritizing regional collaboration in Hampton Roads and Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
What is the purpose of the GO Virginia Initiative?
The GO Virginia Initiative is a regionally driven economic development initiative designed to encourage collaboration among local governments, higher education institutions, private industry, and workforce organizations to drive economic prosperity and job creation.
