THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 22, 1995 TAG: 9501200196
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close Up
LENGTH: Medium: 68 lines
A NEW COURTHOUSE complex could be the answer to Robert Chism's daily dilemma of how to get new businesses interested in downtown Suffolk.
Chism is excutive director of the Downtown Suffolk Association, and he says the proposed $12 million courthouse complex, planned for the corner of Main and Bank streets, could generate enough pedestrian traffic to keep any storekeeper happy.
``It should generate a lot of foot traffic in the downtown area,'' he says. ``We hope it will become a major focal point for that area.''
In the last two years, since Chism took the association's reins, $2 million in private investment has brought 53 new businesses and 160 new jobs downtown, he says.
``The investments have been made in the renovations of old buildings. For example, the old Leggett's store, with 380,000 square feet, was renovated, and there's only 6,000 square feet left to be leased.
``We have a nice start in stabilizing what's already there. Because of the economy, major retailers have fled to the malls. What we hope to draw are the small retailers, not the big guys.''
Name: Robert Chism
What brought you to Suffolk? My position with the Downtown Suffolk Association.
Hometown: Newport News
Birthdate: April 14, 1949
Occupation: Executive director of the Downtown Suffolk Association.
Marital status: Married to Cheryl, a school psychologist, for 22 years.
Children: Erin, 14, and Ashley, 11.
Favorite movies: ``Ordinary People,'' ``Play it Again Sam'' and movies that make me laugh.
Favorite magazine: Washingtonian
A book you wish everyone would read: ``Arrogant Capital.'' It deals with the federal government and how we can get it back under control.
Favorite night out on the town: A casual dinner with friends at the Smithfield Station, overlooking the water.
Favorite bar or restaurant: Smithfield Station.
Favorite food and drink: Deep-dish apple pie with coffee.
Few people know . . . that I play a mean game of tennis.
What's the best thing about yourself? I'm easygoing, although I like a fast-paced environment.
Worst habit: Overeating
First thing in the morning: I hit the floor running; otherwise I'm the last one in the shower.
Pets: A yellow lab
Hobbies: Sailing and tennis
Ideal vacation: Sailing in the Virgin Islands.
Pet peeve: Traffic and abusive people.
First job: I delivered eggs for a farmer when I was 8 years old.
Worst job: College summer job as a rigger in the shipyard.
Of what achievements are you most proud? My children. They have been the best experience in my life.
What would you like on your epitaph? That's a real toughie. Perhaps that's better left to someone else. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
by CNB