Coastal Virginia Magazine and CoVaBIZ are partners with VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads for the Civic 50 Hampton Roads business recognition program. The Civic 50 is a national initiative established by Points of Light that honors community-minded companies as determined by an annual survey administered by True Impact. This program is one of a select few regional Civic 50 initiatives in the U.S.
The Civic 50 Hampton Roads program sets the standard for civic engagement and creates a roadmap for companies committed to using their time, talent and resources to serve others and improve their communities. The program functions as a benchmarking tool and platform for sharing best practices in the corporate citizenship sector.
Companies are selected for The Civic 50 based on four dimensions of their community engagement program: Investment of Resources, Integration Across Business Functions, Institutionalization Through Policies and Systems, and Impact Measurement. In addition, the top company in each business size category (small, medium and large) receives special recognition.
In this issue, we’re proud to feature the Civic 50 Hampton Roads 2024 honorees representing 29 companies from a variety of industries, all with one thing in common—devotion to creating a culture of service and caring for their communities as they meet their business goals.
Altor Processing Systems INC
Altor Processing Systems INC | Small Sector Leader
Altor Processing is a global leader in payment processing systems offering support to businesses of all sizes with special expertise in helping government contractors meet their SWaM (Small, Women, and Minority-owned) contract goals. Committed to community engagement the Altor team is proud to regularly receive recognition for their many charitable programs and initiatives. Whether customers slide, swipe or tap, every time Altor processes a payment transaction, someone receives much needed assistance.
Through the company’s Altor/50 charitable arm which CEO Ed Hopper launched in 2018, community engagement activities span a wide range of social impact causes, but five areas of advocacy and engagement are of prime importance: animal welfare, child and youth development, civil and human rights, equity and empowerment and military and veteran support. Altor’s charities include: Mercy Medical Angels, Virginia Beach SPCA, Dogs on Deployment, Junior Achievement and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. 50% of the organization’s profits go toward helping charities.
Altor’s leadership believes that it’s important to donate time as well as money. Company team members conduct outreach seminars and educational programs about credit card processing guidelines and best practices for businesses wishing to set up credit card processing accounts. The Altor team is also excited to be a valued resource for companies seeking to become SWaM-certified.
Virginia Natural Gas. Photos Courtesy of VNG
Virginia Natural Gas – Medium Sector Leader
With roots that stretch back to 1850, Virginia Natural Gas serves more than 310,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in southeastern Virginia. The company takes great pride in their legacy as one of Virginia’s oldest corporations and they aspire to be good citizens within the communities they serve.
VNG’s charitable initiatives reflect the company’s priorities and the values of their employees who have shown their commitment to their communities not only through participation in company events, but in giving freely of their time, talent and resources to 501(c)(3) IRS tax-exempt organizations.
Virginia Natural Gas has five primary areas of charitable focus: By combining both corporate and employee resources allows the company to make an even larger impact in crucial areas, multiplying the impact of their charitable initiatives.
- Children and Education
Children’s programs that focus on those with physical, medical or educational challenges with an emphasis on supporting STEM related programs for K-12. - Environmental Stewardship
Projects that increase conservation or improve the sustainability of our region. - Community Enrichment and Social Justice
Programs that enrich communities by contributing to their overall cultural, civic and intellectual growth, including social justice and equity for all people. - Military and Veterans
Organization that provide services for transitioning military into the workforce and disabled veterans. - Energy Assistance Programs that help
low-income households and low-income senior citizens afford their natural gas energy consumption. These programs include home weatherization projects and emergency energy assistance.
TowneBank
TowneBank – Large Sector Leader
Started in 1999, TowneBank’s culture was based upon local decision-making, building strong relationships, providing excellent customer service, and engaging the most respected and experienced bankers in each market they would serve. Building upon the idea of serving others and enriching lives, TowneBank now provides a full range of banking, insurance and other financial services. Dedicated to a culture of caring, the organization values each employee and member by embracing their diverse talents, perspectives, and experiences.
As a practical expression of their founding mission, TowneBank is intentional about being a local leader and community asset—actively promoting social, cultural, and economic growth. TowneBank’s hyper-local approach to charitable involvement supports a wide variety of nonprofit organizations that “uplift” communities. TowneBank’s ongoing financial literacy courses help community members build skills in budgeting, financial management, organization, and planning for personal, nonprofit and business banking needs. Their volunteer program also provides opportunities for employees to give back through volunteering, board service, and donations.
Founded in 2001, the TowneBank Foundation provides charitable grants and donations to more than 200 non-profit organizations. The TowneBank Foundation has two premier annual events - The Fall Extravaganza and the Annual Charity Golf Tournament. Since its inception in 2004, The Fall Extravaganza has raised over $5.1 million, which is donated back to the community.
The 2024 Hampton Roads Civic 50 Honorees
ADP
ADP is a comprehensive global provider of cloud-based human capital management solutions that unite HR, payroll, talent, time, tax and benefits administration. ADP is a leader in business outsourcing services, analytics and compliance expertise. ADP is committed to delivering a more human, simple and sustainable business process for those they serve. They believe that their vision for corporate social responsibility will attract, engage and retain top talent, bolster continued business performance and conserve environmental resources for the company and their clients.
AGI
Provides branding services, signage and solutions to a diverse set of clients of all sizes, across multiple industries. AGI’s passion is to transform brands into unique experiences by taking them to the next level with proven practices, innovative ideas and creative solutions. Striving for excellence at every level, the company is driven by a passion for their work, integrity and transparency in their client interactions, and compassion for their employees and for the communities they serve.
Alpha Psychiatric Services
Alpha Psychiatric Services is committed to providing evidenced-based, culturally competent, compassionate, and comprehensive care to those who suffer from mental illness while creating a safe and supportive environment for all of their patients.
Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group
Since 1996, Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group has been serving communities with great loan products, customer service, and expertise. Atlantic Bay Cares is the community outreach arm of Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group with the primary goal of changing lives in communities through doing good and giving back to causes meaningful to their employees.
Atlantic Union Bank
Atlantic Union Bank offers a wide range of financial solutions including checking accounts, savings accounts, business loans and more. The organization is committed to enhancing and improving the communities where their customers live, work and play.
Capital Group/American Funds
Capital Group, home to American Funds, is a global investment management firm that provides a range of financial products and services. Founded in 1931, it offers mutual funds, retirement plans, and other investment solutions to individual investors, financial advisors, and institutions. With a stellar history of generous corporate giving, the Capital Group Companies are proud supporters of myriad charities, including the many regional arts and cultural institutions in areas where their offices are headquartered.
Chartway Credit Union
Chartway’s mission is to unlock the potential of individuals, businesses and families so they can thrive. As Chartway’s charitable arm, the Chartway Promise Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) public charity that strengthens communities by providing the financial support needed to make wishes come to life for children facing medical challenges.
Coastal Fermentory
“Drink Beer. Do Good.” Is Coastal Fermentory’s mission statement. With a variety of delicious micro brews always on tap there’s a beverage to suit every taste, and the brewery’s many charitable initiatives build community and benefit a variety of worthy causes.
Cox Communications
Cox is the largest private broadband provider in the United States. Cox is dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities that they serve through community service, expanding digital equity and providing resources to support their customers and employees at work and at home. Cox has provided millions of dollars through cash and in-kind donations to local organizations last year alone, with a focus on those supporting youth and education, diversity, and environmental issues.
Damuth Trane
Coastal Virginia-based professional energy services company specializing in providing building solutions to clients through the sale of HVAC equipment, controls, parts, service, and energy solutions. The company positively impacts the region by connecting with, and supporting myriad local nonprofits and community organizations.
Elizabeth River Crossings OpCo, LLC
The Portsmouth-based company supports the crucial infrastructure connecting the communities in Hampton Roads. Their mission is to give back to the community while striving for the highest level of safety and customer care.
Hampton Roads Workforce Council
The Hampton Roads Workforce Council (HRWC) is a special purpose unit of local government that oversees workforce development programs and initiatives for cities and counties across Hampton Roads. The Hampton Roads Workforce Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Hampton Roads Workforce Council. The Foundation works to increase financial resources to expand and create workforce development programs and services that sustain and grow the Hampton Roads’ regional economy.
ITA International
ITA International is a global service provider leveraging subject matter expertise, data analytics and technology ensuring mission success for their customers. Headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, ITA International employees operate around the globe. As a company, they believe it’s their corporate responsibility to give back to the communities they serve. ITA proudly supports organizations dedicated to veterans, children’s concerns, and education. ITA is also a proud supporter of the Navy League of Hampton Roads and the various events that they host.
MEB
A full-service contractor providing services for Design-Build, Construction Management, Preconstruction and Planning, General Contracting, and Public-Private Partnership projects. In MEB’s Making a Difference program employee participation is key. Collectively they contribute thousands of hours to education, environmental sustainability, workforce development, and military/veteran support.
Newport News Shipbuilding - A Division of HII
Newport News Shipbuilding has for more than 135 years built ships that have served the nation in peace and war. It is the sole designer, builder, and refueler of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers and one of the two providers of U.S. Navy submarines. Newport News Shipbuilding Gives, encompasses both monetary and volunteer giving initiatives, conveys a mission of making the most effective use of resources available to educate, engage and empower their workforce, community, and nonprofit organizations.
Old Point Financial Corporation
Old Point Financial Corporation operates as the holding company for The Old Point National Bank of Phoebus that provides consumer, mortgage, and business banking products and services for individual and business customers throughout Hampton Roads. As a dedicated community partner, Old Point supports hundreds of locally-based nonprofit groups through both financial giving and volunteerism.
One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning of Hampton Roads
Since 1979, this family-owned business has proudly served customers throughout Coastal Virginia. The company’s One Hour Cares initiative is a charitable program that gives back to Hampton Road’s many unsung community champions via volunteerism, grants, and event sponsorship.
ONYX Realty Professionals
Onyx is a full-service realty brokerage founded by U.S. Navy Veterans who fell in love with Hampton Roads. Their community engagement is focused on helping children in the community who need a sense of normalcy. This includes toy drives, back to school bookbag drives, mentorship program, financial education, scholarships, trade/skill laborer education and volunteering with nonprofit organizations.
Rivers Casino Portsmouth
Rivers Casino and Rush Street Gaming have a longstanding history of supporting the communities in which they operate through volunteerism, board service and corporate giving. Across their operating markets, Rivers Casino and Rush Street Gaming annually contribute approximately $14 million to local nonprofit partners and various community groups.
S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co.
Serving the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic region for over a century, S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co. offers the full spectrum of multi-family and commercial real estate services The organization strives to make a lasting impact on their communities, focusing on engaging employees in meaningful volunteer activities that align with the company’s values and which contribute to the betterment of the regions they serve.
Sentara Health
Sentara Health is one of the largest health systems in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, and among the top 20 largest not-for-profit integrated health systems in the country. Their Corporate Social Responsibility program, Sentara Cares, continues the organization’s legacy of community work with a focus on social determinants of health that are closely aligned with Sentara’s integrated care model.
Studio Center
Founded in 1967, and headquartered in Virginia Beach, Studio Center was one of the first production studios to specialize in the production of broadcast advertising. The company now has clients in all 50 states and 23 countries around the world. Through Studio Center Gives Back, organizations like St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and Operation Smile.
United Community Solutions LLC
This Chesapeake-based provider of mental health services and therapies is focused on helping clients successfully navigate life’s stressors, and they’re committed to empowering individuals to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Among their many charitable initiatives is their partnership with Montero Medical Missions, known for its commitment to providing medical care to underserved populations around the globe.
VIA design
VIA is an award-winning, Norfolk-based multi-disciplinary architecture and design firm focused on fostering collaboration between clients and community. The firm is guided by three core principles: a future-focused outlook, client-centric design, and community-driven initiatives. VIA offers policies and programs that help them “do well by doing good.” They participate in the JUST 2.0 Program, which is a social transparency tool put together by the Living Futures Institute. The program allows them to benchmark their policies against other participating companies. The indicators in this program encourage the firm to create better policies that impact Diversity, Inclusion, Employee Engagement and Community Involvement.
Virginia Foundation Solutions
Virginia Foundation Solutions provides foundation repair, crawlspace repair, structural repair, and basement waterproofing services in Virginia and Northeast North Carolina. They have proudly collaborated with the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, and in an initiative reflecting their dedication to making a positive impact in their community they partnered with VFW Post 2894 to assist a Gold Star mother by undertaking a complete foundation repair job, ensuring her kitchen floor was safe and stable.
Virginia Wesleyan University
Virginia Wesleyan inspires students to build meaningful lives through engagement in Coastal Virginia’s dynamic metropolitan region, the nation, and the world. Reflecting their dedication to cultivating strong ties with civic organizations, their Wesleyan Engaged program collaborates with service learning partners like Norfolk Botanical Garden, Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, Special Olympics, Chesapeake Bay Foundation to foster impactful student engagement activities and support faculty-led service learning courses.
