Chamber of Commerce Hosts Semi Annual Eggs and Issues Breakfast

The Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce conducted its semi annual Eggs and Issues event Thursday December 4 at Off The Rails in Parksley.  The town hall style event included participants from both county Boards of Supervisors, Delegate Rob Bloxom, Representatives from the offices of Congresswoman Jen Kiggans  Senator Bill De Steph and the office of Attorney General Jason Miyares.

On of the first subjects discussed was tourism on the Shore and its effect on the community.   Accomack Board Chairman Robert Crockett extolled the benefits of the recent merger of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission and the Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Crockett stated Accomack has increased its monetary support of the Tourism Commission 62% since the merger and he called those “dollars well spent.”

The question was raised about the recent adoption of a one cent increase of the sales tax in Northampton County  as a possible way to add additional revenue resulting in some tax relief for the tax payers.

Northampton County Administrator Charlie Kowoloski said that the increase was specially authorized by the General Assembly and can only be used for capitol improvements at Northampton High School.  He said that approximately 60 per cent of the revenue generated from the tax comes largely from Tourists and visitors to Northampton. The tax will sunset as soon as the bonds used in the construction of the building are fulfilled.