Last year, Newport Hospitality Group celebrated three decades of success. Based in Williamsburg, Virginia, Newport Hospitality Group (NHG) is a leading hotel management company specializing in select and full-service hotels. They operate more than 50 hotels in 18 states with a diverse portfolio that includes Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, Choice, Wyndham, and Intercontinental Hotel Group as well as independent boutique hotels.

The Newport story started in the 1850s when S.M. Swenson, a Swedish immigrant and a successful merchant, began purchasing vast tracks of land in Texas. His sons leased the land from their father and founded the Swenson Land and Cattle Company, which continued to operate for the next 140 years.

In the early 1990s, Bill Carey, a great grandson of S.M. Swenson as well as a successful entrepreneur and rancher, began searching for new business opportunities. His cousin Mike Pleninger had spent his entire career building and managing hotels and was ready to launch a new business. Starting in a small office in Newport News, Bill and Mike set out to become the preferred hotel management company in the eastern United States with a focus on hard work, individual reliance, community support, and moral integrity.

Since those early days, NHG has grown and evolved and today, Wayne West serves as president and says that the primary mission has never wavered. "We continue to provide unique work experiences, remarkable guest stays, and superior owner returns." Wayne emphasizes that NHG looks for partnerships that align with their principles. "When we find that alignment, the owner is successful, we are successful, we hire the right kind of talent to operate the hotel and attract the right kind of guests to make it profitable for the owner. When you put all those pieces together – it works for everyone – for the guests, the associates, and the owners."

The COVID pandemic hit the hotel industry especially hard. "We had to downsize every single property and it was painful, but when you go from 80 percent occupancy to 20 percent, there is no way the owner can afford that," Wayne says. "We tried to keep the management team together because we knew things would get better. We just needed a bridge to get from the crisis to survival. That bridge was being smart, taking care of the guests who did come in, and taking care of our associates."

NHG added 18 new hotels during the last 18 months, despite the pandemic. "It's a different model of business today and we are trying to be very thoughtful as to what we offer as we determine what our guests want. I have great optimism about our future that we will continue to grow with the right kind of partners," Wayne says.

Newport Hospitality Group is a longtime TowneBank member and Amanda Ulishney, senior vice president and private banking officer, comments on her relationship with NHG over the years. "I feel honored to work with NHG. This is a top-notch company managed by a great group of people who are committed to success. I am excited to work alongside them as they continue to grow and expand." For more information, visit NHGHotels.com.

Veterans and their families fight an ongoing battle long after they complete their military service. That is where the Steven A. Cohen Military Clinic at The Up Center comes in to help. The Virginia Beach-based clinic is designed to provide high-quality and accessible mental health care for the military-connected families that call Hampton Roads home.

The clinic opened in August 2019 and offers comprehensive high-quality mental health services accessible to the more than 200,000 post-9/11 veterans and military families in Hampton Roads, regardless of discharge status, length of service, or combat experience. It is part of a nationwide network of clinics first launched in 2016 by Cohen Veterans Network supporting post-9/11 veterans, military families, and active-duty service members with mental health services. The Cohen Clinic at The Up Center is the first of its kind in the Commonwealth of Virginia and offers both in-person and face-to-face video therapy.

"Support from community partners like TowneBank allows us to expand our capacity to serve veterans and military families who are an integral part of our community," said Tina Gill, President & CEO of The Up Center. "During the COVID-19 crisis, with families balancing the challenges of remote learning and social isolation, the need for mental health care for children, couples, and families has increased and continues to evolve. We thank TowneBank for recognizing and supporting this critical need for mental health services in Hampton Roads."

To date, the clinic has provided services to more than 1,000 members of the Hampton Roads military community and demand for services continues to grow. The skilled team works with clients on a variety of issues impacting emotional wellness, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and transition issues. Additionally, case management services are available to connect clients with resources that assist with housing, legal assistance, education, and employment, to name a few.

Founded in 1883, the Up Center is our region's oldest and largest nonprofit family services organization. What started as Norfolk United Charities eventually morphed into a multi-faceted human services organization that has evolved to meet emerging and unmet needs.

A longtime partner of The Up Center, TowneBank is honored to support the important work of the Military Family Clinic as they address the increasing and developing mental health needs of our military community.

"Military families are a vital piece of every community, especially here in Hampton Roads," said Bob Aston, executive chairman for TowneBank. "We are proud to partner with The Up Center to bring these critical resources to our area and are encouraged by its success in delivering much needed mental health services for years to come."

You can learn more about the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at The Up Center on their website, TheUpCenter.org/CohenClinic.

We are all challenged in our daily lives to enjoy planting the seeds of our legacy, without the guarantee of bearing fruit. We've learned from those who came before us that if people only planted seeds when there was a guarantee of seeing fruit, a lot of things in the world today would not exist. In 1933, John Ed and Sam Tankard started their first nursery stock with hopes it would be a success for their family for years to come. Three generations later, we see the fruits of their labor; their hope was well-placed. Today, Tankard Nurseries sits on 700 cleared acres surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean, with an additional 900 acres of timber. The business remains in the family, with Ed Tankard III at the helm. Ed has been president of the company since 2001. Ed says, "We grow plants, but we're a people business." While he enjoys working with plants, he says the people make it worthwhile. He loves creating a product that people want to buy to help beautify an area.

Tankard Nurseries is part of the wholesale nursery industry. Their first goal as a supplier is to grow plants to specifications for the landscape market; their second goal is making sure their products transplant well, so that their plants are able to thrive somewhere else. Tankard Nurseries was one of the first nurseries to begin growing in the Pot in Pot system. Their location on the Eastern Shore has great drainage, so it's perfect for this system. The Pot in Pot system allows them to control how much water they want per plant and provides a geothermal way of keeping the roots warm in the winter. Tankard's location also contributes to the biggest environmental impact they see, which is their plants' ability to clean up waters. Their plants help decrease runoff into the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Ed believes his business has an obligation to not only make the world greener and clean up the air and water, but also serve as an advocate for the environment and the local community.

Ed currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees for The Horticultural Research Institute of the AmericanHort Foundation, which has provided more than $7.5 million to research projects covering a broad range of issues important to the green industry. Ed was also appointed to a fourth term on the Virginia Marine Resources Commission by Governor Ralph Northam in August 2019. As a lifelong resident of the Eastern Shore, Ed is very familiar with the shellfish, finfish, and aquaculture industries, and how these industries make up a significant portion of the Shore's economy. Ed's knowledge serves as a great resource for the regulation of crab and fish season, both recreational and commercial.

Tankard Nurseries joined TowneBank in 2018. Ed says, "Kim Shuler, our banking partner, made an effort to understand the business. The nursery carries inventory for multiple years, and while it has value, it may not sell until it reaches a certain size." Ed continues, "Towne worked with me; they understand we are a seasonal business, and Kim is there to help us with cash flow needs throughout the year." Ed says he was most impressed when Towne helped finance the acquisition of land, as well as the generational transfer of land and the business. "Because of TowneBank, the process was smooth and easy." For more information, visit TankardNurseries.com.

Not even rain could dampen spirits at the 20th outing of the TowneBank Foundation Golf Tournament. Held this September, the weather was less than sunny, but our players made up for it with their enthusiasm to support a great cause.

Golfers gathered at the TowneBank headquarters in Suffolk before hitting the links at Riverfront Golf Club. Thirty-six teams participated for a total of 144 golfers. In total, $262,000 was raised in support of the TowneBank Foundation – a record-breaking amount that brings the grand fundraising total to close to $2 million since the first golf outing in 2001. These funds will be dispersed to local charities and nonprofits by the TowneBank Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides grants and donations to well over two-hundred organizations each year.

Before hitting the course, golfers had the opportunity to have their ball engraved and enjoyed lunch outside of our Member Services Center. After pros from Riverfront Club explained the rules, Bob Aston, TowneBank executive chairman, welcomed the golfers and wished them luck.

"Thank you for being out here to support us," said Bob. "We missed this event last year, and despite the weather we hope everyone has a great time today. Thank you again – and hit 'em straight!"

Long-time co-chairs John Fruit and Andy Rivenbark coordinated the tournament, leading our volunteers and ensuring the event was once again a success. "Mother Nature threw us a curveball with the weather this year," said John. "But our sponsors, teams, and volunteers pivoted to make the most of the day. Through it all, this could go down as the most memorable tournament ever!"

Thank you to our amazing sponsors, including our presenting sponsor Howard Hanna, for their continued support in our mission to serve others and enrich lives.

"The TowneBank Foundation is so appreciative of the excitement around the 2021 Golf Tournament," said Andy. "Our sponsors, patrons, and workers went the extra mile this year to support our community partners. The efforts of our team helped make the 2021 tournament the most successful in our history and we cannot thank them enough."

We can't wait to get back out on the course for the next TowneBank Foundation Golf Tournament in 2022!

The downtown Norfolk waterfront skyline has a new dramatic look with the completion of the River Tower at Harbor's Edge. The 24-story tower, the tallest residential building in Norfolk, doubles the capacity of the Harbor's Edge campus. Featuring open floor plans and floor-to-ceiling windows, the River Tower adds 147 new residences, all with stunning views of the Norfolk harbor and downtown.

As they enter, residents are greeted by a two-story grand lobby with a central staircase. From there, the amenities include a theater, grand hall that seats 250, media room, club room, salon/spa, and a very popular golf simulator. There are multiple dining facilities to choose from in the Harbor's Edge complex – a lobby bar, a restaurant serving small-plate appetizers and regional cuisine entrees, and a venue with a pizza oven that also serves burgers, sandwiches, and salads. All dining sites are supported by a state-of-the-art kitchen and overseen by executive chef Beat Meier.

"It was always our intention to build a second tower," says Neil Volder, the developer and CEO of Harbor's Edge. "The first tower sold out in nine weeks and we had a waiting list so we knew there was a strong demand for superior senior living in Hampton Roads." The expansion adds more than 525,000 square feet to the Harbor's Edge complex.

As plans were made to expand Harbor's Edge, it was essential to maintain the sense of one community. A new third-floor common area seamlessly connects the new amenities with the existing. "We are also completely renovating all the existing common areas and dining venues to match the new design and décor so that you are unaware when you move from one tower to the other. We are truly one community with two towers," says Neil. "In the end, it's all about bringing everyone together to form one brand new community."

As a continuing care retirement community, Harbor's Edge offers residents the security of a life care program that provides care through all phases of life. "Health care is an extremely important aspect of a retirement community. While you want a beautiful facility, great activities, and a good location, when you need a higher level of care of assisted living memory support or skilled nursing, it is there for you and the cost is included in our True LifeCare program," Neil says. "And should one need emergency medical care, Harbor's Edge is right across the street from Sentara Hospital and Heart Pavilion."

TowneBank has had an office in Harbor's Edge since 2007, available to residents as well as the general public. Branch manager Steven Cuddy and his staff are eager to welcome new members. For more information on Harbor's Edge, visit HarborsEdgeNorfolk.com.

TowneBank volunteers came out once again in support of the United Way's annual Day of Caring. In partnership with the United Way of South Hampton Roads and the United Way of the Virginia Peninsula, Towne family members completed volunteer projects at local agencies including EQUI-Kids, Williamsburg Hospice House & Support Care, ForKids, the Boys & Girls Club of the Virginia Peninsula, H.E.R Shelter, and Children's Harbor.

In total, the United Way of South Hampton Roads reported 800 volunteers completed 35,000 hours of service at 60 agencies. The United Way of the Peninsula reported 700 volunteers at 47 different projects. A huge collective impact in just one day!

The United Way serves our community by ensuring that nonprofits can provide the critical services and resources for our neighbors in need. The collective participation of volunteers, agencies, committees, sponsors, and corporations brings our community one step closer to ensuring health, education, and financial stability are available to everyone who calls our region home.

"Poverty is an issue that touches all of us," says Tracy Snyder, Director of Volunteer Engagement and Corporate Liaison for the United Way of the Virginia Peninsula. "By giving, advocating, and volunteering, your contribution to the Day of Caring campaign improves the lives of our neighbors in need, and reminds us all that we are connected in kindness."

Coastal Virginia magazine's Giving Back Awards honor nonprofit organizations and businesses that are making a tangible and measurable impact in our community. TowneBank continually strives to serve and improve the lives of those who call Coastal Virginia home and is proud to be a 2021 Giving Back Award honoree.

The 2021 awards included two separate categories: one for nonprofit organizations and one for corporations and businesses. This year's nonprofit honorees include organizations that serve a variety of missions, including Norfolk's Hope House Foundation, that serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Virginia Beach-based Seton Youth Shelter, that provides 24-hour emergency shelter for youth ages 9-13, and Smart Beginnings of the Virginia Peninsula, an organization that prepares youth for success in kindergarten and beyond. Mutts with a Mission, a nonprofit dedicated to providing highly skilled service dogs to veterans, wounded warriors, law enforcement officers, first responders, and federal agents, was named the nonprofit of the year. Other honorees in the nonprofit category include the Living River Trust, Chesapeake Care, Inc., Wesley Community Service Center, PingPong GIVES, the Sandler Center Foundation, and the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center.

For-profit businesses were recognized for impact made through charitable programs and corporate giving, workplace development, community outreach, and more. We are proud to be recognized alongside wonderful companies including Damuth Trane, Premier Millwork and Lumber, and Armada Hoffler, to name a few.

Honorees gathered at the Giving Back Awards celebration held at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. "Giving back is key to our mission," says Dawn Glynn, president of TowneBank Hampton Roads and Northeast North Carolina. "Whether we are volunteering, raising funds, or collecting donations, our culture of caring is a huge part of our identity at TowneBank. We are proud to be a 2021 Giving Back award honoree."