The Virginia Peninsula Chamber, in collaboration with Old Dominion University’s Strome College of Business, will hold the 2025 Economic Forecast Mid-Year Breakfast on June 6, 2025. The event is scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Newport News-Hampton.
Economists from ODU’s Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy will present their mid-year economic forecast for 2025. The annual event will focus on projections for economic growth over the coming year and examine how new government policies and regulations could affect Hampton Roads, Virginia, and the broader United States.
Attendees will hear from Dr. Vinod Agarwal, Professor of Economics and Director of the ODU Economic Forecasting Project, as well as Dr. Robert McNab, Professor of Economics and Director of the Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy at the Strome College of Business.
According to organizers: “ODU’s Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy has for nearly 25 years been an independent explainer and forecaster of economic data here, in the Commonwealth and nationally.”
Hampton has played a significant role in American history through its contributions to education, technological innovation, and its association with notable figures such as the original Mercury 7 astronauts who trained at NASA Langley Research Center. Early educational pioneers like Benjamin Syms are also linked to Hampton’s legacy (https://www.hampton.gov/91/History-of-City). The city is home to important sites including the Virginia Air and Space Center, Hampton History Museum, and Fort Monroe National Monument (https://www.hampton.gov/89/About-Us).
Recognized as one of America’s best places to live and a top location for young professionals due to its low crime rate and advancements in technology (https://www.hampton.gov/89/About-Us), Hampton continues to prioritize economic growth, community safety, education, and resilience through partnerships with citizens and organizations (https://www.hampton.gov/222/City-Council). The city operates under a council-manager form of government where policy implementation is overseen by an appointed city manager (https://www.hampton.gov/238/City-Managers-Office).
