Latest news with #Perryman
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Norfolk Airport looks to revamp dining and shopping options with local businesses
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — In the the not too distant future, you might be able to grab a bite to eat or shop at a local business before you catch a flight out of Norfolk International Airport. In the coming weeks, the airport authority plans to release a request for proposals for two new concessions operators at the airport to oversee all of the terminal's food, beverage and retail options. Currently, Avolta, a Swiss-based travel retailer oversees all the airports offerings — none of which carry the name of local businesses known throughout the Hampton Roads community. Mark Perryman, the airport's executive director and CEO, said with so many people getting their first impression of the region through the walls of the terminal building, that should change. 'We have such a great local restaurants scene, local shops and artisans and all that,' Perryman said. 'We want that represented in the airport.' ORF begins $1 billion worth of redevelopment projects Norfolk International Airport, also known as ORF, has experienced three straight years of record passenger traffic, with more than 4.86 million passengers flying in and out in 2024. A study by Old Dominion University's Dragas found the airport accounted for $2.2 billion in economic impact for Hampton Roads and Northeast North Carolina in 2023. With all that in mind, the airport has embarked on a $1 billion modernization program, which by 2029 will result in a new experience for the traveler. Perryman said the timing has worked out that the longtime airport concessions contract is expiring in June 2026, aiding in that process. 'It worked out very well actually, because now that we've got the plans for the redevelopment and now we merge all that together,' Perryman said.' Wednesday, more than 50 members of both national firms, as well as local restaurants, breweries and retail stores, spent much of the day inside the main terminal building learning about airport's vision for future concessions. Currently, the airport is home to 13 dining options and nine retail shops. Four carry the name of national chains: there are three Starbucks and one Burger King. There are four sit-down restaurants whose names pay homage to the culture and natural surroundings of Hampton Roads: including 'The Local @ORF,' 'Here's To The Heroes,' 'James River Grill' and 'Back Bay Bistro.' However, Perryman said that is not what he is talking about when he means local. 'Not just called 'The Local,' but actual local restaurants and that we all know and love here in Hampton Roads,' Perryman said. Instead, Perryman wants new operators to work with local businesses like Taste Unlimited, CoVa Brewing and Town Center Cold Pressed. All three had members present at the workshop Wednesday. Aviation consultants John DeCoster and Dan Benzon explained to the prospective concessionaires that two separate operators would ultimately be selected to split the space available for shopping and dining. Giving each operator 8-10 spaces. Of their spaces, 40% of their tenants would be local business. 'It's going to be a mix so that nobody has one corner of the airport to themselves,' Perryman said. 'And it's going to be a mix of retail, food and beverage, (an airport) lounge is in this mix as well, food court is in the mix … we want those recognizable brands but we also want to offer the local flair and the local color that we get excited about.' 'We could fill two airplanes a week to a European destination': Norfolk airport to make push for international flights Scott Bateman, co-owner of CoVa Brewing Company and Coffee House in Norfolk's East Beach community, said he and his partners are definitely interested in expanding their presence to the airport. 'We're actually, just a few miles away, and we get a lot of folks waiting for flights,' Bateman said. 'Our brewery has been open for about five years, so we're known in the community for being a big part of the community and this airport is an extension of that.' Tiffany Nieves, who helped to co-found Town Center Cold Pressed, feels her company's offering of local craft coffee, cold pressed juices and smoothie bowls would excel in the travel environment. 'We're on the horizon to look for new opportunities,' Nieves said. 'And (my team) was like 'the airport. We got to do it.'' All potential vendors would have to agree to keep prices of their products no higher than 10% of the price you'd find in traditional brick-and-mortar retail shops in Hampton Roads, according to Perryman. This allows a balance to be struck between the extra overhead of operating in an airport and the consumer. 'Here, you have to get your product and employees past TSA each day,' Perryman said, adding that the new concessions will be mostly behind the TSA checkpoint. 'The the revenue per square foot for concessions post security is two to three times that of pre security,' Perryman said. 'So, with the new package and the new reconfiguration, instead of 50-50 it's going to be 90% post security and only about 10% for the meters and greeters and people who are grabbing something as they leave.' Not only might new concessions enhance the experience for the traveler, but Perryman said it could help make your next airline ticket cheaper as well. 'They love that our concession revenues are doing well because that offsets their costs to a degree,' Perryman said. 'The lower their costs are, the cheaper it is for them to operate here, the greater chance we have to get more routes, more frequency and more destinations … I'm very excited about this. I've been waiting on this.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Rural Alabamians Lived With Poop-Filled Water for Decades. Trump Just Killed Plans For Relief.
Last April, Sherry Bradley and the Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program helped rural Alabama resident Willie Perryman install a septic system in his home for the first time. Since his grandfather purchased the land and homestead more than six decades ago, none of the family's properties had a proper disposal system for their waste. Thousands of families across rural America don't have the financial means to run a proper septic system, and many homes are not connected to municipal sewage systems. Perryman used a 'straight-pipe' method to carry sewage away from his house, where it was then dumped into open ground on the property. That meant for generations, his family lived among the stench and bacteria of their own waste. 'My yard is awful,' Perryman, 70, said at the time. 'But I'm thankful for BBUWP trying to help.' Bradley's organization was able to help Perryman in part due to former President Joe Biden's emphasis on environmental justice. Under his leadership, the federal government granted her organization $14 million to help people in rural Alabama install more efficient waste systems. Her organization also collected hundreds of thousands of dollars from other state and federal agencies. The financial support came after a federal investigation found the state knowingly allowed Black residents to face the raw sewage crisis. For decades, residents complained. When it rained, raw sewage would flood their yards and bubble up their sinks, causing terrible smells and sights. The investigation marked the first time that the federal government finished an environmental justice inquiry using the Civil Rights Act of 1964. At the time, Kristen Clarke, the first Black woman to lead the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, said this was a 'new chapter for Black residents of Lowndes County, Alabama, who have endured health dangers, indignities, and racial injustice for far too long.' But two years later, this 'new chapter' for nationwide racial and environmental justice has become more of a footnote. Last week, in an unprecedented move, the Trump administration said it would reverse the civil rights settlement. The agreement had forced Alabama to stop using strict sanitation laws that punished poor residents with fines or jail time when they could not afford to fix their sewage problems. It also included plans for public health education and repairs. At the same time, the Biden administration gave millions of dollars to local organizations to speed up the process of installing new septic systems in the county. But when ending the agreement, the Trump administration called this work 'illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.' The DOJ said it was 'working quickly' to close other civil rights investigations brought by residents across the country claiming they were being disproportionately exposed to environmental issues like air and water pollution because of their race, religion, sex, or national origin. 'We have heard from people throughout rural America where their systems are failing. The soil does not discriminate there. There's no DEI in soil.' Catherine Coleman Flowers, founder, Center for Rural Enterprise and Environmental Justice The Alabama Department of Public Health, which was mandated to follow through on the improvements outlined in the agreement, said it will keep working with local partners to install septic systems as long as current funding lasts, but after that, it can only offer technical support since 'the installation of sanitation systems and related infrastructure is outside the authority or responsibilities conferred upon ADPH by state law,' according to ADPH spokesman Ryan Easterling. For residents, this means that while some help may continue in the short term, the long-term outlook for fixing sewage problems is uncertain and will depend on future funding and outside organizations stepping in to fill the gap. But under the Trump administration, federal and philanthropic support for environmental organizations has dwindled. Bradley, who created the Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program after retiring from the ADPH, told Inside Climate News that she is not sure what that means for the future of her work. Her organization has already helped more than 100 rural families install new septic tanks, which carry a price tag upward of $20,000. Still, there are hundreds of more families that have signed up for help. An estimated 80% of residents in Alabama's Black Belt are not connected to municipal sewage lines. Because of high poverty rates, many are forced to rely on private waste management systems that frequently fail due to the region's impermeable clay soil. Many households still use outdated straight-pipe systems, which discharge untreated sewage directly into yards, creating severe public health risks. The cost of installing a compliant private system ranging from $5,000 to $22,000 is out of reach for most, as nearly one-third of the region's residents live in poverty, which is why federal support was so necessary. This lack of adequate wastewater infrastructure has led to widespread exposure to raw sewage, with a 2017 study in one county finding that 73% of residents had sewage inside their homes and one-third tested positive for hookworm, a disease thought to be eradicated in the U.S. Residents told Capital B they have already felt positive impacts from the 2-year-old civil rights agreement and believe there is momentum for the work to continue without federal support, as long as there is funding from other sources. Catherine Coleman Flowers, who founded the Center for Rural Enterprise and Environmental Justice and is often credited with bringing Alabama's sewage problems to national recognition, agreed, but said she is most concerned about Alabama potentially reinstating its old policies. 'With the agreement in place, there were no arrests. People tend to forget that when I started doing this work back in 2002, they were actually arresting people who could not afford working septic systems,' she said. 'I pray that does not happen again — they don't criminalize people, as opposed to trying to help them find meaningful solutions to treat wastewater, to protect their health and the public health as well.' She emphasized that the future now depends on whether funding will continue: 'I'm concerned about that, and hopefully the funding that has come through other agencies will not be taken away to prevent people from receiving systems.' She added that without federal oversight, she is afraid that local officials or program leaders might use leftover funding for purposes other than it was intended, an issue the county faced before. Flowers also pointed out that the problem is not unique to Alabama: 'We have heard from people throughout rural America where their systems are failing. The soil does not discriminate there. There's no DEI in soil.' She called for a national commitment to finding a sustainable solution, warning that heavier rains are making individual septic systems obsolete. The move adds to Trump's sweeping attack on environmental justice initiatives since returning to office. Last month, the EPA closed its environmental justice and 'Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion' offices at the direction of Trump. Environmental justice is a term used to describe policies meant to lower the disproportionate environmental threats that lower income and minority communities face. The administration has also rolled back environmental regulations meant to protect residents from pollution-induced health issues — and the country's natural environment, like waterways and forests, from being destroyed. In addition, it has fired hundreds of scientists tasked with crafting these regulations and tracking the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events like hurricanes, heat waves, and wildfires. The post Rural Alabamians Lived With Poop-Filled Water for Decades. Trump Just Killed Plans For Relief. appeared first on Capital B News.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Area's yellow makeover dubbed 'custard corner'
A bright yellow public space has been ridiculed by social media users, who have branded it "custard corner". The section of Station Road in Kenilworth attracted the unusual name after it was painted the striking colour. It has been closed to motorists since the Covid-19 pandemic and was permanently pedestrianised in 2023. A spokesperson for Warwickshire County Council said the work was carried out to "renew and refresh" its old surface, with yellow chosen as the most cost-effective option. The BBC spoke to people after the newly-designed area became a topic of conversation on the Kenilworth Vibes Facebook page. Some local residents said the colour was "vile" while others thought it looked just right for the summer. Jim Perryman, who was enjoying some shade at the redecorated location on a sunny day, said the colour was "awful". "It makes it look like a no-waiting zone," he told the BBC. Mr Perryman, from Kenilworth, said he thought a pedestrianised area was a good idea, but the redesign looked like it had been done with leftover paint used for double yellow lines. "I would prefer a green or even artificial grass," he said. "Just something to make it look a little bit more like it was a lawn to sit by." Robert and Barbara Wright, who are also from the area, said they used the spot as a regular place to meet friends. They said the council had also reduced the number of benches from five to two but they were not too bothered about the colour. "I like it," said Ms Wright. Her husband added: "It's something for people to talk about isn't it? [Custard Corner] is a good name for it." A spokesperson for Warwickshire County Council said it had allocated £42k to "renew and refresh the old road surface". "The yellow surfacing was chosen as the most cost-effective option," a statement read. "The planned works are now complete although [the council] may look to install tree guards in the coming months." Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Warwickshire County Council
BBC News
09-04-2025
- General
- BBC News
Kenilworth's bright yellow road makeover dubbed 'custard corner'
A bright yellow public space has been ridiculed by social media users, who have branded it "custard corner". The section of Station Road in Kenilworth attracted the unusual name after it was painted the striking colour. It has been closed to motorists since the Covid-19 pandemic and was permanently pedestrianised in 2023. A spokesperson for Warwickshire County Council said the work was carried out to "renew and refresh" its old surface, with yellow chosen as the most cost-effective option. The BBC spoke to people after the newly-designed area became a topic of conversation on the Kenilworth Vibes Facebook local residents said the colour was "vile" while others thought it looked just right for the Perryman, who was enjoying some shade at the redecorated location on a sunny day, said the colour was "awful". "It makes it look like a no-waiting zone," he told the BBC. Mr Perryman, from Kenilworth, said he thought a pedestrianised area was a good idea, but the redesign looked like it had been done with leftover paint used for double yellow lines. "I would prefer a green or even artificial grass," he said. "Just something to make it look a little bit more like it was a lawn to sit by." Robert and Barbara Wright, who are also from the area, said they used the spot as a regular place to meet friends. They said the council had also reduced the number of benches from five to two but they were not too bothered about the colour. "I like it," said Ms Wright. Her husband added: "It's something for people to talk about isn't it? [Custard Corner] is a good name for it." A spokesperson for Warwickshire County Council said it had allocated £42k to "renew and refresh the old road surface". "The yellow surfacing was chosen as the most cost-effective option," a statement read. "The planned works are now complete although [the council] may look to install tree guards in the coming months." Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What Trump's new tariffs could mean for Texas jobs, oil, and your wallet
ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Wall Street is rattled. Groceries may soon cost more. And in the heart of the Permian Basin, economists say the fallout from President Trump's sweeping new tariffs could cut deep, even for energy producers and oil-working families. The Associated Press reports that stock markets plunged after Trump announced the most severe volley of tariffs to date, sparking fears of rising inflation and economic slowdown. Nearly every sector felt the shock, from crude oil and Big Tech to U.S.-only small-cap stocks. For West Texans, the immediate concern isn't Wall Street…it's the wallet. According to economist Dr. Ray Perryman, President of the Waco-based Perryman Group and a long-trusted voice on Texas economics, the financial fallout could be massive. 'No one's going to escape this completely,' Perryman said. 'We estimate a potential loss of $46 billion in annual gross product and 370,000 jobs in Texas alone.' Calling foreign trade practices a national emergency, Trump invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), triggering a 10% 'blanket tariff' on all imports starting April 5. By April 9, countries with the largest U.S. trade deficits, like China, will face even higher, individualized rates. A White House statement framed the move as a patriotic stand for 'reciprocal trade' and economic sovereignty. 'Access to the American market is a privilege, not a right,' it read. But Perryman warns the economics don't add up. 'When a good comes into the U.S., the person or company receiving it pays the tariff,' he said. 'That cost gets passed to consumers. It's not foreign governments paying us—it's us paying more.' The Permian Basin's economic backbone, oil and gas, relies heavily on steel, equipment, and imported parts. 'Steel plays a crucial role in oil production, from drilling rigs to pipelines,' Perryman said. 'Tariffs on steel will drive up costs for energy companies across the region.' Higher production costs may temporarily boost local oil output, but Perryman said the long-term effect will be negative. 'We already have ample supply,' he explained. 'If these tariffs remain in place long-term, the strain on our supply chains and budgets will be severe.' From oil rigs to grocery aisles: What tariffs could mean for the Permian Basin And it's not just energy. 'Produce prices will go up, car prices will go up,' he said. Perryman estimates the average Texas family could end up paying $1,500 more annually if the tariffs are sustained. The cost of an average vehicle could rise by as much as $10,000 due to tariffs on imported parts. Markets reacted sharply because the tariffs were 'larger than anticipated,' Perryman explained. While short-term volatility is common, he warned that if tariffs are sustained, 'you're looking at a potential vulnerability of about over 3 million jobs in the United States.' That level of job loss, he said, 'falls in the category of a very significant recession.' When asked about the Permian Basin specifically, Perryman was clear: 'It kind of cuts across the board. The Permian has historically been counter-cyclical because we benefit when oil prices are high. But steel tariffs hit oil and gas directly. So yes, we will be impacted.' The timeline for the impact varies. Grocery prices could rise almost immediately, especially for produce imported from Mexico. Industrial effects, like those in oil and gas, could take longer to materialize but would grow over time if the tariffs are not rolled back. Despite criticism, Trump has stood firm. The White House insists that reciprocal tariffs are necessary to protect national sovereignty, bolster the defense-industrial base, and force trading partners to offer the same terms they demand from the U.S. 'This is the Golden Rule for Our Golden Age,' the administration said in a statement. 'Treat us like we treat you.' Perryman isn't convinced. 'The basic economic logic that says tariffs are a bad idea was developed in 1811, and it's never been contradicted,' he said. 'We've modeled trade deals for decades, including NAFTA and USMCA. They brought broad benefits to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. What we're seeing now… is potentially very disruptive.' The biggest unknown is duration. 'If the tariffs are sustained for several years, the damage will be significant,' Perryman said. 'But I suspect we'll start to see some walk-backs, especially as economic data rolls in and political pressure mounts.' Until then, West Texas families, workers, and energy producers are bracing for impact. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
