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 2025 honorees representing 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.
TowneBank | Large Sector Leader
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. 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 nearly $6 million in grants for community organizations.
The institution emphasizes community reinvestment and local leadership, reinvesting in the regions where it operates. Through a combination of personal service, technological savvy, and community rootedness, TowneBank has positioned itself as a trusted local financial partner.
Virginia Wesleyan University | Medium Sector Leader
Virginia Wesleyan University | Medium Sector Leader
Situated on a 300-acre campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU) is a private liberal arts institution committed to offering a broad, accessible education in the arts, sciences, business, health, public service, and more. The student-faculty ratio (15:1) and small average class size reflect the institution’s emphasis on personalized, close-knit learning.
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.
VWU is strongly committed to affordability. It has kept tuition frozen for six consecutive years, offers renewable merit scholarships, and supports extensive Work and Learn programs that allow students to learn on the job and earn money toward tuition at the same time. The university also boasts high outcomes: a large percentage of students receive financial aid, and many complete their degrees within four years and go on to employment or graduate study.
VIA design | Small Sector Leader
VIA design | Small Sector Leader
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.” Their mission is to “inspire, design, and elevate” the daily lives of their clients and the communities in which they work. Their vision is to curate positive inspirations, create a new awareness of “why” design matters, and elevate the appreciation for impactful architecture and site design. In addition, they strive to create architecture that not only shapes the built environment but also impacts the lives of those who interact with it.
These ideals are what earned them the coveted T. David Fitz-Gibbon Architecture Firm Award by the American Institute of Architects in fall 2024—the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a Virginia-Based architecture firm. The award recognizes firms that are not only known for the quality of their work, but who have consistently demonstrated outstanding contributions to the profession and community.
The 2025 Hampton Roads Civic 50 Honorees
1.oak Financial
1.oak Financial focuses on tax planning, investment management, retirement planning, long-term care planning, and legacy planning. The company believes in building personal relationships and empowering clients to live their most fulfilled financial lives and giving back to their neighbors through its core values: Leading with empathy, not ego; supporting community growth, teaching financial fluency, applying a values-driven approach to financial planning that meets people where they are so they can move forward.
Altor Processing Systems Inc.
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. Altor’s leadership believes that it’s important to donate time as well as money. 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.
Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group
Since 1996, Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group has been serving communities with great loan products, and thoughtful customer service. Atlantic Bay Cares is the community outreach arm of Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group. Via employee-run community impact committees, team members share their ideas and passions for causes meaningful to them, to their customers, and to the communities the organization serves.
Budget Blinds of Hampton Roads
Budget Blinds has been providing style and service for every budget since 1992. The national company, which has several local franchises, specializes in window treatments and other products in a variety of designs and brands. Through its Budget Blinds Cares philanthropic initiative, the company gives back to the people and causes in their communities, whether it is through supporting local charities, partnering with organizations in need, or just lending a helping hand.
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.
Chesapeake
Regional Healthcare
Chesapeake Regional Healthcare is a health system known for its innovation and personal patient care. The system has one hospital, Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, along with more than 40 practice locations and more than 600 physicians on staff. Its charitable arm, The Chesapeake Regional Health Foundation, was founded in 1993 and supports causes through events like an annual gala, golf tournament, 5K run, and the popular Bra-Ha-Ha—a unique fundraiser that honors cancer survivors.
Clark Nexsen
Founded in 1920, Clark Nexsen, a JMT Company, is an integrated architecture and engineering firm with 400 employees in nine offices, including four in Virginia. Through the company’s Network for Excellence, eXploration, Unity, and Support (NEXUS) program, Clark Nexsen gives back to its workforce, others in the industry, and the community through contributions, collaborations, and engagement. Additionally, Clark Nexsen’s Give Local Campaign has raised $36,000 for charities over the past three years.
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. The company’s strong philanthropic roots have opened up doors for them to work with over 70+ local non-profits and set a high standard for how breweries can best give back.
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. For Cox, philanthropy isn’t a buzzword—it’s an opportunity to use time, talent, and technology to strengthen communities and businesses, and help future generations live happier, more prosperous lives.
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. Areas of impact include: education, health, homelessness and hunger relief.
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 customers, “In The Arena.” 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.
Landmark Hotel Group
Landmark Hotel Group has been a leading hospitality company specializing in the management, ownership, and development of fine hotels since 1983. With a current portfolio of a dozen hotels, Landmark has built strong ties with many popular hotel franchisors including Marriott Worldwide, Hilton Hotels, Hyatt Hotels, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Radisson, and Choice Hotels. Additionally, Landmark’s many community partnerships include Operation Smile and Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters.
Langley Federal Credit Union
Langley Federal Credit Union has a long history of community involvement and charitable giving dating back to the founding of the credit union in the 1930’s. With a commitment to making a difference in the communities they serve, Langley for Families Foundation was launched in December, 2014 to support causes and charities benefiting children and families. Recent events include Zoopalooza, and the annual charity Golf Classic. In 2024, Langley for Families Foundation donations exceeded $1.7 million.
Life’s Journey LLC
Life’s Journey LLC offers holistic counseling services for individuals and families, as well as group counseling and treatment for mental health, wellness, and substance abuse issues throughout Hampton Roads. Its mission is to empower clients as they travel on their personal journey and help them achieve their most fulfilled life. Founder Benicia Hernandez is also a life journey coach, blogger, speaker, and advocate for women looking to transform their lives.
MEB
A full-service contractor providing services for Design-Build, Construction Management, Preconstruction and Planning, General Contracting, and Public-Private Partnership projects. The company is committed to building resilient environments that improve communities. 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.
Morring Law PLLC
Morring Law PLLC is a law firm that represents Virginia and North Carolina residents in workers’ compensation cases, including longshore workers’ compensation claims, Social Security Disability cases, and Defense Base Act claims. Founder Charlene Morring received the Kaufman Scholar Award for her academics, leadership, and community work while attending ODU. She has been involved with organizations like ForKids, which helps homeless families, and the organization Young Life. The firm consistently partners with local businesses to combat food insecurity.
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, with a mission of making the most effective use of resources available to educate, engage and empower their workforce, enhance their community, and support nonprofit organizations.
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. Whether it’s participating in local clean-up efforts, supporting youth sports leagues, or providing assistance to families in need, One Hour is committed to making a difference in the lives of others.
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. Through Rivers Gives, each Rivers Casino annually contributes approximately 2,000 volunteer hours per property to local nonprofit partners.
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.
Starr Motors Inc
Starr Motors Inc in Suffolk has been providing patrons with new and used vehicles and car maintenance services since 1962. The family-owned dealership has more than 85 team members and carries brands like Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram. Starr Motors is actively engaged in the community, supporting organizations like For Kids Inc. and the Suffolk Humane Society, and by participating in local festivals, parades and annual trunk or treat events.
Top Guard Security
Top Guard Security has provided clients throughout Virginia with professional security services management for nearly three decades. The award-winning SWaM business has more than 1,000 expert employees who offer short-term and long-term security needs for various industries, locations, and functions including commercial office buildings, corporate headquarters, maritime properties, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, residential towers, colleges and universities, government agencies, and special events.
Trane U.S. Inc.
Trane U.S. Inc. (a subsidiary of Trane Technologies) is an energy services company and provider of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems and services. During the company’s time as Damuth Trane, they invested in the local community through charitable giving, volunteerism, and partnerships. As the company moves into the next chapter as part of Trane U.S. Inc., they’ve remained committed to uplifting their community through volunteering and working with organizations such as the United Way of South Hampton Roads. Their teams are guided by leadership principles that include working today for a sustainable tomorrow, and making better happen, are all part of a strategy to “uplift our people, culture, and communities.”
Virginia Asset Group
Virginia Asset Group provides financial solutions to individuals, families, business owners, and non-profits organizations. The company is committed to working with clients in an ever-changing economy, ensuring those they serve are up-to-date on the global and national picture and how it impacts them. Employees give back to the community through contributions to organizations like Safe House Project, which works to prevent human trafficking, and Girls on the Run Hampton Roads.
WSKY TV - SKY 4 TV
SKY4 TV, as it’s locally known, is an independent television station that serves southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina, and is owned by Lockwood Broadcast Group. SKY4 TV’s community engagement program, SKY4 the Community, works with community and business organizations that are making a difference across Hampton Roads. SKY4 TV staff write, film and edit public service announcements and promotional spots to drive awareness and engagement with these organizations throughout the year. WSKY also conducts multiple PSA campaigns and in-kind community service/education campaigns throughout the year for organizations like YWCA-SHR, Foodbank, Habitat for Humanity, and the SPCA.
