THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, May 6, 1995 TAG: 9505050023
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 29 lines
It's about time we abandon the name Hampton Roads and do what most successful regions do: Name the metropolitan area after the dominant city.
In our case, we have two: Norfolk and Virginia Beach. The population of those two cities alone makes up half the population of the metropolitan region. And at least people 1,000 miles outside Virginia have heard of one of them. Better yet, you can find them on a map.
How can we expect businesses to set up shop in an area that lacks a ZIP code?
The Hampton Roads moniker may be the most neutral and politically palatable to local officials here, but it's not going to get us the kind of national recognition that attracts big-league sports teams.
We've got a wondrous history. But we're talking about the future.
Call it: Norfolk/Virginia Beach.
By the way, I proudly live in Chesapeake and work in Portsmouth.
DOUG ARONSON
Chesapeake, May 3, 1995 by CNB