71 replies to this topic

[rusthebuss]

I think this is something that really could help this region! This could be a alternate site for the space shuttle one day!

[cpeakesqr]

rusthebuss, on Dec 16 2006, 09:16 AM, said:

I think this is something that really could help this region! This could be a alternate site for the space shuttle one day!

I don't think this place is made for the shuttle.  I've been there and it's not a very large , and there's no runway.   Anyways the shuttle's life is coming to an end.  This site is much better suited for the new vehicles.

[vdogg]

State pushes commericial development of Spaceport

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In the afterglow of last month's first rocket launch from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, state legislators are aiming to make the Eastern Shore facility the nation's premier commercial space hub.

Democrat and Republican lawmakers from every corner of Virginia filed legislation in the General Assembly this week pushing for studies on ways to expand the spaceport.

They want to identify ways to attract government and industry clients with space cargo to launch, and, among other things, remove barriers to human flight from the seaside spaceport.

Space tourism is an industry in its infancy but with potential revenue approaching $1 billion by 2021, according to Futron Corp., a Maryland aerospace consulting firm.

[vdogg]

Scientists want nanotechnology to go commercial in the region

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Researchers in Hampton Roads have been delving into nanotechnology for years. But so far there's been little commercial spinoff for the region.  That's something high-tech industry leaders want to change, hoping to tap into a field that last year generated about $1 billion of manufactured goods in Virginia alone.

"We've got a lot of pure science locally, but we're weak in the application of taking a sal able product to market," said Gregory Stringfield, a financial consultant with A.G. Edwards & Sons in Gloucester and an officer with the Hampton Roads Technology Council. "I'm trying to find money from investors to put into companies to get to that stage."

[rusthebuss]

vdogg, on Feb 23 2007, 07:36 AM, said:

Scientists want nanotechnology to go commercial in the region

I really hope this takes off! This would be a great add to the region for higher paying jobs.

[vdogg]

Modeling and Simulation industry wants critical status
  
  

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Industry members want Congress to declare computer modeling and simulation a national critical technology. First, however, there's something more basic at hand - explaining what it's all about.  "It has not become a household word, even though it's pervasive in society," said retired Rear Adm. Fred Lewis, president of the National Training and Simulation Association, an Arlington trade group. "It has become absolutely essential to the economic productivity of the nation." Having modeling and simulation declared vital to the country's national security and raising public awareness of its potential emerged as centerpiece issues at a gathering in Chesapeake on Monday of industry and government officials.

  
  I must admit that I have become very impressed with the tenacity with which they are pursuing turning this industry into a regional gold mine. This is exactly the type of effort we need to attract more big business and white collar jobs to this area.

[Telmnstr]

vdogg, on Feb 27 2007, 08:00 AM, said:

Modeling and Simulation industry wants critical status
  I must admit that I have become very impressed with the tenacity with which they are pursuing turning this industry into a regional gold mine. This is exactly the type of effort we need to attract more big business and white collar jobs to this area.

They just want to ensure the future profits for their companies. While I will admit the technology is neat, let's be realistic about it. I worked in the M&S industry for a bit (UNIX admin). Neat things going on, but our president is running our country into debt with the Iraq move. At some point fluffy things like M&S/JFCOM will see more cutbacks. They already had a good amount not so long ago. Joint training events may be useful, but it's this type of stuff that will prob. get cut first.

We need more private industry with good paying jobs. When the only good paying jobs are gov't paid jobs, something will have to give.

[mikeas]

Telmnstr, on Feb 27 2007, 01:37 PM, said:

They just want to ensure the future profits for their companies. While I will admit the technology is neat, let's be realistic about it. I worked in the M&S industry for a bit (UNIX admin). Neat things going on, but our president is running our country into debt with the Iraq move. At some point fluffy things like M&S/JFCOM will see more cutbacks. They already had a good amount not so long ago. Joint training events may be useful, but it's this type of stuff that will prob. get cut first.

We need more private industry with good paying jobs. When the only good paying jobs are gov't paid jobs, something will have to give.

By the way, Northern Suffolk has two new hotels almost ready to open off of College Drive near all the M&S company offices.  There are also three suburban style office buildings well underway next to 164 right off of College Drive.  Most of the M&S going on in our area is all government work but the company I'm with does claim to do about 10% commercial.

[vdogg]

Region recognized as technology hub

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At a party a couple of Christmases ago, Tom Mastaglio wandered by a table of community leaders and was amazed at the buzz. It was about computer modeling and simulation work in Hampton Roads - not transportation or the next election.

"None of these people were techies," said Mastaglio, president and chief executive of a Portsmouth high-tech firm and former executive director of Old Dominion University's 10-year-old Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center. "I said, 'Well, I guess we've arrived locally.' "

[Telmnstr]

mike_25andj, on Mar 2 2007, 01:48 PM, said:

By the way, Northern Suffolk has two new hotels almost ready to open off of College Drive near all the M&S company offices.  There are also three suburban style office buildings well underway next to 164 right off of College Drive.  Most of the M&S going on in our area is all government work but the company I'm with does claim to do about 10% commercial.

Yea the college drive exit in Suffolk is hopping. I left JFCOM a few years ago, but I go to that walmart normally (from downtown Norfolk). The Ruby Tuesdays, the WalMart, Wendys and shopping strip were there. Now there is that Applebees on the corner, the Metal Shop (LOL) I think was aquired... J-f-a-g is done from what I understand, expansion of J9 is done. The J7 building expansion was done when I worked there.... Still pretty wild.

Then there is the offices over on bridgeway, which many are just extensions of the companies already working in the main buildings.

Edited by Telmnstr, 12 May 2007 - 08:24 AM.

[vdogg]

State money to be used to develop regions high tech hopes  
          
                  

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With $75,000 from the General Assembly,  technology leaders in Hampton Roads hope to broaden interest in a  business-incubator system that they say could bolster the region's  high-tech ambitions.
  
    It's just a small fraction of the $400,000 sought by the Hampton Roads Technology Council during the winter legislative session.
  
    Even so, officials said, the support is  encouraging and will help lay groundwork to improve the nearly  10-year-old incubator system, which has helped homegrown technology  start-ups generate hundreds of jobs and millions in sales and tax  revenue.

I can't really imagine 75 grand going that far at all.

[rusthebuss]

vdogg, on May 25 2007, 12:54 PM, said:

State money to be used to develop regions high tech hopes  
          
                  
I can't really imagine 75 grand going that far at all.

I truely believe if it was Richmond asking for this money it would have gotten it!