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From the latest news & highlights to exciting events & specials happenings at all of your favorite places, the Downtown Suffolk Business Buzz is your go-to for all business-related information. |
Subscribe to our monthly newsletter & stay up to date on all of the latest & greatest happenings with your favorite Downtown Suffolk businesses! | |
If you are a Downtown Suffolk business and have something special happening or are offering promotional deals that you would like to share, please let us know via email at dholt@suffolkva.us so we can include it as a feature. | | |
Economic Development Welcomes New Staff Members | |
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Janet Days
Economic Development Director
Captain Janet Days, USN (Retired), was named as the new Director of Suffolk Economic Development effective February 7, 2025. Captain Days, the first African American commanding officer of Naval Station Norfolk and a former commander of the USS McFaul (DDG 74), brings a distinguished military career to her new role in Suffolk. A decorated leader with two Legion of Merit Medals, she holds degrees from Old Dominion University and the Monterey Navy Postgraduate School. Recognized for her post-service achievements, she has received numerous honors and actively mentors emerging leaders. As head of Suffolk Economic Development, Days will focus on attracting businesses, fostering growth, and expanding job opportunities, overseeing the Economic Development Authority, Tourism, and the Suffolk Executive Airport.
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Erin Dears
Business Development Manager
Erin is an Economic Development professional with the City of Suffolk, leveraging her urban planning background to support business growth and community development. She holds a B.S. in Urban and Regional Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University and previously served in AmeriCorps, gaining experience in conservation and community resilience. Passionate about fostering strong local economies, Erin is dedicated to strategic planning and sustainable growth. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her dog, Penny – though she has a soft spot for squirrels.
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Julia Hillegass
Agricultural Specialist
With experience at the Virginia Dare Soil and Water Conservation District, Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, and the City of Virginia Beach, Julia brings extensive expertise in agricultural programs. She holds a B.A. from UVA and an MPA from ODU. In her new role, she will support Suffolk’s agriculture industry, promote local products, coordinate farm-to-table programs, and lead rural preservation and marketing initiatives to strengthen the local agricultural economy.
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Flickerstix Candle Co.
This month, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to officially welcome Flickerstix Candle Co. to Downtown Suffolk. Specializing in hand-poured, eco-friendly candles, the shop offers a curated selection of unique scents, ideal for gifts or home ambiance.
Visit their new location at 129 W. Washington Street to explore their collection and discover your next favorite fragrance.
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Great Suffolk Cleanup
Calling all Downtown Businesses to Join in!
We are asking for help from Downtown businesses, citizens and volunteers to join us for this
DOWNTOWN BEAUTIFICATION DAY!!
A clean city enhances both its appearance and quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Litter, graffiti, and neglected areas can leave a negative impression, but through community efforts, we can maintain the charm of Downtown Suffolk. By volunteering, you can make a meaningful impact and help showcase our pride in our city. Together, we can keep Downtown Suffolk welcoming and vibrant!
Supplies will be provided by Keep Suffolk Beautiful
If you are able to volunteer please contact:
Julia Hillegass, Agricultural Specialist
jhillegass@suffolkva.us or 757.514.4044
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"Running with Riptide" is now "Reading Around the Bases!"
Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Join the Suffolk Public Libray for an afternoon of fun as Downtown Festival Park transforms into a family fair with games, challenges, and prizes! Play classic fair games, test your T-ball skills, and follow the “bases” of math, literacy, and more to win a prize.
No registration required, but recommended for weather updates. In case of bad weather, the event moves to Morgan Memorial Library. Follow Suffolk Public Library on Facebook for updates!.
Click here to register!
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The Future is Female
Monday, March 10, 2025, from 6:00 - 7:30 PM
What do you want to be when you grow up? Discover how women changed history so that you can have the future you want to create! Complete activities inspired by several prominent historical figures and their careers, and envision how you want to change the world! For elementary and middle school ages and their families. Drop in anytime between 6:00 - 7:30pm. No registration required.
Learn More
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BARKS Reading Program
Monday, March 24, 2025, from 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Increase your confidence and reading skills through our BARKS program. Read to a therapy dog who will listen well to your interests or follow along with the current book you are reading. Registration required. For elementary ages.
Schedule of events:
Mondays at 6:30pm at Morgan Memorial Library:
Saturdays at 2pm at North Suffolk Library:
Learn More
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Stepping to the Beat
Tuesday, March 25, 2025, from 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Take a dance class and learn about Blues as it pertains to Black history. Bring a partner or bring yourself. Light, comfortable clothes, dance shoes or sneakers and bottled water
recommended. Registration required. For middle and high school ages and adults.
Learn More
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Suffolk Earth and Arts Festival
Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10:00 – 4:00 PM
Keep Suffolk Beautiful and the Suffolk Art League again join forces to present the highly anticipated Suffolk Earth & Arts Festival, co-sponsored by Suffolk Tourism and Downtown Suffolk. The festival is a celebration of art, culture, and environmental stewardship. It will take place in historic downtown creating an immersive experience for all attendees.
For more information, visit www.suffolkvaearthandarts.com
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COMMERCIAL SPACE
201 East Washington Street
Excellent retail opportunity in Downtown Suffolk. 2,300 square feet of retail space available with an option of an additional 1,300 in the rear of the building that can be used for storage. Current rent is $2,154 ($11.23 psf), not including the available rear space. Water is sub-metered. Tenant pays electricity.
Contact:
Michael Mooring
Charthouse Properties
757.392.1906
michael.j.mooring@gmail.com
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Don't Forget to Spring Forward!
Daylight Saving Time begins March 9, 2025 at 2:00am so don't forget to "spring forward" one hour. Also, take the time to change the batteries in life saving devices like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors.
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If you are a Downtown Suffolk business and have something special happening or are offering promotional deals that you would like to share, please let us know via email at dholt@suffolkva.us so we can include it as a feature | | | | |
