Outlet: Inside Business

For those allergic to this protein found in wheat, rye and barley, the symptoms can be crippling, even life-threatening.

Though originally thought to be a rare childhood syndrome, celiac disease, a gluten allergy, is now known to be a common genetic disorder, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. More than 2 million people in the United States have it. And then there are another 18 million people who test negative for celiac disease, but have similar symptoms – chronic diarrhea, gas and abdominal bloating, though symptoms can go beyond an irritable bowel. (more…)

OUTLET: Inside Business

A BANK WITH HEART  TowneBank was recognized by the United Way of South Hampton Roads with the “Heart of South Hampton ROads” award at the 2013 Campaign Awards Finale Luncheon.  Criteria for this award include per capita employee contributions of at least $100, increased gifts over previous years and an employee education program to communicate the effectiveness of giving to the United Way.  Here Will Sessoms, president and CEO of Towne Financial Services Group, accepts the award for TowneBank.

Outlet: The Virginian-Pilot

IT ALL CAME DOWN to penalty kicks.

When the Woodrow Wilson girls soccer team took to the field against Nor-folk’s Maury High School during the Eastern District playoffs last month, the battle went into double overtime.

Then Kara Jones stepped up and scored the winning goal.

The win would have been a highlight for any player, especially a graduating senior and team captain. But for Jones and her family, the moment carried extra significance.   (more…)

Outlet: Inside Business

Last month TowneBank Norfolk dedicated the Peter G. Decker Jr. Boardroom in memory of a man who was an integral part of the success and growth of Norfolk.  Decker, an attorney, was one of the first TowneBank board members, and his son, Peter G. Decker III, now sits on the board.  The boardroom now features a portrait of its namesake.  Pictured at the dedication, left to right, are Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim; Phil Decker; John P. Matson, president of TowneBank Norfolk; G. Robert Aston Jr., TowneBank chairman and CEO; Peter G. Decker III; and Paul Decker.

TowneBank recently opened a branch at Westminster Canterbury retirement community in Virginia Beach.  Attending the ribbon-cutting were: from left, Lisa O’Neill, TowneBank branch manager; Joe Belvadere, CFO of Westminster-Canterbury; Bill Foster, president of TowneBank Virginia Beach; Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms, who is Towne Financial Services Group president and CEO; Bart Unkle, Westminster-Canterbury president and CEO; and Wendy Crockett, TowneBank banking officer.

Outlet: Inside Business

During Game Day, an Urban Land Institute-sponsored event held last year at Old Dominion University, more than 300 stakeholders gathered for an exercise in visioning the region’s future growth. But architect Burrell Saunders, ULI Hampton Roads District Council chair, said that exercise only started the conversation about working together.

On Thursday, the conversation with last year’s participants continued with “Reality Check: The Inception of Your Vision,” held again at Old Dominion University. But because of press time, details of the event could not be provided for this issue.

Instead, Saunders talked about the findings from the May 2012 event, released last week. At that event, 30 tables of 10 people each worked together to map where additional transportation, population, jobs and development could go using yarn and Lego pieces, and to define what areas should be protected. (more…)