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CHESAPEAKE APPOINTS NEW ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

CHESAPEAKE - The City of Chesapeake is announcing the hiring of its new Economic Development Director. Warren D. Harris, who currently serves as Director of Development and External Relations for the Chrysler Museum of Art, has been appointed this week as Chesapeake's new Economic Development Director by City Manager John L. Pazour. Harris will assume his new duties on Monday, October 8. He replaces Donald Goldberg, who resigned in August of 2001.

Harris will be returning to the City where he formerly held the position of Assistant Director of Economic Development from 1991 to 2001. During his tenure he was a key member of an economic development team that brought firms such as Dendrite International, DaiEi Papers, Yupo and Towers Perrin to Chesapeake. In this ten-year period 187 new firms located in Chesapeake and 427 existing firms expanded their operations. These business development efforts resulted in the creation of 24,580 new jobs, more than 1 billion in capital investment and the use of more than 10 million new and absorbed square feet.

"Warren Harris is one of the top professionals in the entire field of economic development," said Chesapeake City Manager John L. Pazour. "His return as the Department's new director keeps the City's highly successful economic development program on track and provides the groundwork for even greater achievement in the future. We are all delighted with Warren's decision."

"The City is fortunate to have Warren back in his role of leading Chesapeake's economic development efforts," said Mayor William E. Ward, "His experience with marketing Chesapeake's attributes to firms both nationally and internationally will contribute to the economic power of Chesapeake and the entire region."

As Economic Development Director for the City of Chesapeake, Harris will be responsible for developing an effective economic development plan for the city and providing leadership in attracting new businesses and in retaining and expanding existing businesses. He will advise the City Manager and City Council on key issues regarding new economic development growth strategies. In his new position with the City of Chesapeake, Harris will be paid a salary of $105,000.

Harris has a Bachelor of Arts from Hampton University and a Masters in Public Administration from Old Dominion University. Harris's professional affiliations include participation in the Virginia Economic Developers Association and other affiliated organizations.

Chesapeake residents who need more information should contact the Public Communications Department at 382-6241.