More than strong backs

by Robert C. Powell
for Virginia Business
September 2007

The crane operators, ship lashers and hustler drivers are the faces behind global trade at Virginia’s ports. In our cover story, Chesapeake-based writer Elizabeth Cooper looks at the longshoremen who move the cargo flowing in and out of the ports. Once, the main requirement for their jobs was a strong back. Today, many of their positions involve the operation of sophisticated equipment, such as straddle carriers and 200-foot-tall container cranes.

Our port coverage also includes a chat with Jerry Bridges, the new executive director of the Virginia Port Authority, whose goal is make Hampton Roads the biggest container port on the East Coast. Hampton Roads is currently No. 3, behind New York and Savannah, Ga. Georgia Byrd, a writer based in Savannah, explains how that port passed Hampton Roads and Charleston, S.C., in the past two years.

The growth of the Port of the Hampton Roads has made a made a big impact on Virginia’s economy as companies importing goods have built warehouses and distribution centers throughout the state. The economic effect of the state’s biotechnology industry is less evident but holds great promise. Fredericksburg writer Robert Burke looks at the growth of the Virginia’s biotech companies. Meanwhile Roanoke writer Rod Belcher examines the emergence of biotechnology law as a legal specialty.

Belcher also explores how the life sciences could have an effect on his hometown. Carilion Health System’s plans to become a multi-specialty clinic and develop a research-focused medical school with Virginia Tech could reshape the image of the Roanoke/New River Valley region.

Virginia’s commercial real estate industry also is changing its image. In our quarterly commercial real estate report, Richmond writer Rob Walker says that “go green” may soon replace “location, location, location” as the industry’s mantra. Meanwhile, Donna C. Gregory of Richmond tracks a growing trend of including condos in hotels under construction around the state.

In our story on managed care, Fredericksburg writer Marjolijn Bijlefeld examines the rising interest in dental coverage as studies link dental care to overall health. She also checks up on the slowly increasing acceptance of health savings accounts as a way to cut down on health insurance premiums.
As you can see, this issue tackles some weighty topics, but like Virginia’s longshoremen, we do the heavy lifting for you.