As Norfolk prepares for some sizable development projects, city officials don’t plan to forget the strong business base that positioned the area for such investments.

“We’re really focused on business expansion and our primary employers,” says Jared Chalk, Norfolk’s director of economic development. “That’s been our focus this year and it’s paid off really well for us.”

Chalk points to this year’s announcements of expansions and new businesses locating in Norfolk as proof that this plan is working. According to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Norfolk had eight economic development announcements representing nearly $140 million in new investments during the first half of 2021.