About CED - Chesapeake Virginia - Department of Economic Development

Chesapeake Economic Development

The Chesapeake Economic Development department is committed to offering businesses from all industries the necessary tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the dynamic Chesapeake economy. We support local, national, and global business ventures with multiple services that incorporate the area’s vast economic opportunities. Our dedicated staff works to provide your business with resources such as site selection, marketing services, and demographic data, in addition to investment guidance and expertise. Whether you are looking to start, expand, or relocate your company in Chesapeake, the Chesapeake Economic Development department is always prepared to help you do business.

Chesapeake Economic Development Authority

Our Specialization

Attraction
Retention
Small Business

Customer Relations
Research/Marketing
International Business Attraction

Community Development
Workforce Services
Incentive Negotiation

Steven C. Wright

Director

With more than 25 years of experience in Economic & Community Development, Steven Wright currently serves as Director of Economic Development for the City of Chesapeake. Steven has a B.S. degree in Urban Studies and Planning from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA, and is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute. This is his second stint in Chesapeake, having served as a Business Development Manager from 1994 to 1999. Before returning to Chesapeake, Steven was the Economic Development Director for Isle of Wight County. Additionally, he has worked in the communities of Richmond, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Chesterfield County, VA

Ben White

Deputy Director

Ben White is the Deputy Director, for Chesapeake Economic Development and has nearly twenty years of experience in new and existing business development, as well as redevelopment, in the City. Prior to his current position with Economic Development, Ben held positions with various City Departments; including the City Treasurer’s Office, Sheriff’s Department, Public Utilities, and the Conference Center. Combined, he has nearly thirty years of public service with the City of Chesapeake.

Tim Howlett

Development Services Coordinator

Specializations: Project Management and Development Process Coordination, Community Development, Property Development, Retention and Customer Relations