Beach's economy is a diverse mix of industries

Virginia Beach is divided into seven economic sectors -- agribusiness, business and industry, construction and real estate, conventions and trade shows, military, retail and wholesale trade, and tourism.

Major employers in the area include Stihl Inc., Amerigroup Corp, GEICO, the Navy Exchange Service Command, the Lillian Vernon Corp. and Time-Life Fulfillment Center.

"In our office, we focus on business and industry," explained Cynthia Whitbred-Spanoulis, strategy and performance coordinator for the city's Department of Economic Development.

"We had direction from City Council to diversify our economy so that we don't rely on any one industry too heavily, so if that industry left, we would not be greatly impacted."

The Base Realignment and Closure Commission's recommendation to move the Atlantic Fleet's East Coast Master Jet Base in 2005 to Jacksonville, Fla., served as a wake-up call for the city -- BRAC later decided to keep the base at Virginia Beach.

As part of its economic development plan, Virginia Beach is targeting specific industries such as research engineering firms, business-service firms, marine services and water transportation, training providers, special communication services, and defense and security firms to diversify its business base.

"We need the right healthy mix," Whitbred-Spanoulis said. "We need to have a good diverse mix of housing for all income levels and a healthy, sustainable commercial base." -- Joan Tupponce