The Local Economy

Chesapeake offers a diverse, dynamic mix of industry, service and agriculture, including:

• Manufacturing: Home to over 180 manufacturers employing over 8,100 people; products range from industrial gears and gaskets, pumps and synthetic paper to copier components and credit cards.
• Oil and Petroleum: Home to major oil, petroleum and chemical companies clustered along Chesapeake's waterfront on the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River.
• Maritime/Military Related Industry: Our direct access to the Port of Hampton Roads and the Norfolk Naval Base provides an advantageous location for maritime, shipbuilding and military-related business.
• Service and Support Centers: A hub for back office, data processing and technical support centers; over 4,000 quality workers are currently employed by a mix of U.S. and international firms in this rapidly growing economic sector.
• Retail: Fast becoming the retail hub of Hampton Roads. In 1997, retail sales exceeded $2 billion, an increase of 500% since 1982!
• Agriculture: Nearly 300 farms occupy 1/5 of the City's 229,640 acres; over $37 million produced annually. Chesapeake is among Virginia's leaders in soybean, corn and wheat production.