FROM THE OUTGOING PRESIDENT: It has been my pleasure to serve as President of the Ghent Business Association (GBA) for the past two years. After 16 years as a member, I will continue serving on the Board of Directors and as Chair of the Marketing Committee.
I look forward to continuing our partnership with the Ghent District Foundation to host events that enhance our community, support member marketing, promote Ghent, fund beautification projects, and assist local nonprofits.
In 2024, the Hope House Foundation honored GBA with its Community Award for our support of the Stockley Gardens Arts Festival and our ongoing partnership. I was proud to accept this award on behalf of our organization and am grateful for Hope House’s meaningful impact on our neighborhood.
Ghent is a vibrant, diverse community filled with unique businesses and opportunities. I encourage business owners to get involved with GBA and residents and visitors to support our local shops and restaurants—your participation keeps Ghent thriving.
Get it in Ghent!
Jennifer
About
The Ghent Business Association is a non-profit membership organization managed by a volunteer board of directors. The association has been in existence for more than 50 years and continues to serve the community as a dedicated group of local organizations.
Mission:
- To promote and strengthen relationships among all businesses in the Ghent neighborhood and build a sense of community, friendship, and cooperation among the neighborhoods they serve.
- To guide and oversee the beautification, preservation, and development of the business community.
- To provide a positive and influential liaison with the surrounding neighborhoods, other civic organizations, and elected or appointed city and state officials.
- To continually strive to increase the safety and quality of life in the neighborhood.
Board of Directors
• President / Marketing Chair - Jennifer McDonald, Veer Magazine
• Vice President - Jeff Maisey, Veer Magazine
• Treasurer - Doug Knack, Howard Hanna
• Director - Thomas Cannone, Payday Payroll
• Director - Shannon Carter, Saunders, Matthews & Pfitzner, PLLC
• Director - Ted Enright, Nusbaum Insurance
• Director - Josh Evans, Ghent Fit
• Director - Mary Goldberg, Tag-Ink
• Director - Laurie Harrison, EVMS
• Director - Shane Jamison, Pixels Pints & Bytes
• Director - Kelly Johnson, Southern Bank
• Director - Richard Levin, Levin Properties
• Director / Streetscapes Chair - Dave McDonald, Mediation Center of Hampton Roads
• Director / Development Chair - Ben Miles, Dollar Bank
• Director - Jim Owens, Harvey Lindsay Commercial Real Estate
• Director - Daniel Priest, Changes City Spa
• Director - Ashley Swindell, Berkshire Hathaway
• Director - Robyn Thomas, Robyn Thomas Architect
Ghent District Foundation
At a Board Retreat for the Ghent Business Association in 2021 the idea of forming a foundation was discussed as a way to help support The Ghent District in other ways than through the functions of the Business Association. A committee was formed to pursue the idea, and the Foundation was formally formed in 2022. The goals for the Foundation are to prevent blight in the Ghent District, support underprivileged entrepreneurs and minority businesses, support an environment of inclusion and diversity and to preserve the Ghent Historic Corridor. The Foundation operates as a Section 501(c)(3) organization per the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
Ghent Resources
The City of Norfork offers resources for business owners, home owners, and visitors. Click on the resources button for important links to launch or expand your business and get support for homeowners and developers.