Worldwide high-tech businesses, a store owner whose family has more than 100 years of history in the city, and an Olympic gold medalist who has run all over the world. They all have one thing in common. They Choose Hampton.

"Hampton is a small town that has a certain character to it, and that makes it a really wonderful place to live."

Photographer Bob Harper finds a lot to love in Hampton. Although he focuses on family portraits in his Downtown Hampton studio, Harper also appreciates the unique historical and waterfront settings all within walking distance. Since 1995, Harper has found Hampton a welcoming home for his art. Watch the Bob Harper video here.

"We love it here in Hampton. Hampton has been a wonderful home for us, and we look forward to many more years here in Hampton."

A longtime seafood company, L.D. Amory & Co. turned 100 this year. Owner Meade Amory says his great-grandfather moved the company from Poquoson to Hampton in the 1930s and never looked back. They now have one of two working seafood docks and have developed their business to transport seafood to major cities in the Midwest and locally. Watch the L.D. Amory & Co. video here. 

 "The heritage of the city was founded on the seafood industry. ... We’re part of it. We are Hampton."

Graham & Rollins Inc. has chosen Hampton for 75 years. The fourth-generation-owned and -operated company thrives on the picturesque waterfront location and owner Johnny Graham says his family will continue to choose Hampton. Watch the Graham & Rollins Inc. video here.

Community history. A vibrant boating community. Great waterway access. These are some of the reasons the owners of Signature CanvasMakers chose Hampton. 

Community history. A vibrant boating community. Great waterway access. These are some of the reasons the Chandler and Charlene Clark, owners of Signature CanvasMakers, chose Hampton for their business. Watch the Signature CanvasMakers video here.

Crossrope chose Hampton to "create something and do something no one else had done." 

Jump rope is not just for kids anymore, and the folks at Crossrope are excited about the future of their weighted rope system. Go online to see why a local enthusiast chose Hampton to highlight jumping "without limits." Choose Hampton is a continuing campaign that highlights the city as a great place to live, work or play. Watch the Crossrope video here.

"We are proud to be a part of this community and are here to stay." 

Talk to the folks at Atlantic Railing and they’ll proudly say they happy to be in Hampton - and that they’re here to stay. Find out more about Atlantic Railing and why they choose Hampton. Watch the Atlantic Railing video here.

"I chose Hampton because it’s a family-oriented city." 

Kingsway Physical Therapy improves people’s quality of life in Hampton through their commitment to clinical excellence, customer service, physical therapy education, and clinical research. See why Shola Asenuga chose Hampton for her practice. Watch the video Kingsway Physical Therapy video here.

"Tribal Yoga Studio brings healing and health to the community" 

Aerospace Engineer Amber Favaregh enjoys the convenience of living and working in Hampton. And as the owner of Tribal Yoga she is proud of the people who make her Hampton studio a part of their life. Watch the Tribal Yoga video here.

"Hampton is the center of technical as well as cultural activities throughout Hampton Roads." 

Bruce Anker choose to move to Fort Monroe after visiting for the first time. An artist and active community member, Bruce serves on the Hampton Downtown Exchange, Mayor’s Book Club and the Hampton Roads Philharmonic. Watch the video Bruce Anker video here.

International blues camp chooses Hampton for a week of mentoring, music and community concerts. 

The American Theatre and the Blues Kids Foundation proudly present Fernando Jones’ Blues Camp this week for student musicians ages 12 to 18. Blues performer Jackie Scott talks about her involvement and why Hampton is the perfect location. Featured musicians are local camp participants Tyler Bevington (vocals) and Ricky Cordner (guitar). Watch the video International blues camp video here.

"There’s a million things to do. Hampton’s got something for us every day." 

Resident Susan Nadeau is a mom of twins who uses Bluebird Gap Farm and other Hampton venues and events to keep her active boys busy. Watch the Susan Nadeau video here.

"Hampton provided me the opportunity to find my passion for golf." 

Isaiah Belton started playing golf at nine years old and has gone on to become the number one junior player in the area. As a recent Phoebus High School graduate, Isaiah is preparing to attend Virginia State University in the fall and continue his passion for the game of golf. Watch the Isaiah Belton video here.

"Our Hampton investments are a resounding success because of the city’s connectivity and support." 

Landmark Hotel Group is a hospitality management company, which owns, operates and develops hotels along the East Coast. The company is founded on the knowledge and understanding that excellent service and a quality product is key to achieving the highest level of performance. Watch the Landmark Hotel Group video here.

"Hampton is a great place to do business because it offers so much to its residents - miles of waterfront, shopping, eating, and events."

For more than 75 years, the name Drucker has been an integral part of the real estate industry in Hampton Roads. Wendy Drucker, granddaughter of the company’s co-founder, says Hampton is a great gateway community with a beautiful waterfront, good shopping and good entertainment. Learn more about why Drucker & Falk chooses to do business in Hampton. Watch the video Drucker & Falk video here.

"I choose to live and work in Hampton because I’m drawn to the downtown waterfront."

Since moving to Hampton in 2003, Kate Lawrence has found a way to live, work and play downtown. Listen to Lawrence talk about her love of the waterfront, and why she chooses to make Hampton an integral part of her life. Watch the video Kate Lawrence video here.

Virginia Tech chose Hampton because it is crabtown.

The Virginia Tech Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center located in downtown Hampton provides education, scientific and technical guidance, support and leadership to the commercial seafood and aquaculture industries throughout Virginia and the United States.Watch the video Virginia Tech video here.

Join us for the 5th annual Hampton Roads Tattoo Festival on March 6-8, 2015

Logan Shermeyer started getting tattoos when he was 18, and the interest kept growing. Today he’s an artist at Folk City Tattoo in Hampton who is looking forward to the Annual Hampton Roads Tattoo Festival at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. Watch the video and find out more about Folk City and the festival. Watch the video Folk City Tattoo video here.

Choose to make a difference by being active in your neighborhood.

Hampton’s Neighborhood Commission is much more than just a bunch of people sitting around talking about where they live. Chairman Steve Edwards says the commission wants to serve as a conduit between citizens and city officials and to "get people to feel like they belong in their neighborhoods." Watch the Hampton’s Neighborhood Commission video here.

"Beauty for Ashes chose Hampton for its vibrant, young and talented arts community"

Beauty for Ashes Contemporary School of Dance is a performing arts organization that includes a repertory dance theater company. As an independent non-profit organization the mission of BFACSD is twofold: to educate and create in the realm of contemporary dance by building bridges of understanding through the presentation, instruction and celebration of choreographic works, focusing on under-served communities while also addressing the broader public. Watch the Beauty for Ashes Contemporary School of Dance video here.

Great food and great fun. "We choose to keep our downtown a little odd...we enjoy and revel in it."

From the roller derby inspired "Rolling of the Bulls" to the Hampton "Manditarod," the owners of Venture Kitchen and Bar downtown like being "a little odd." Watch the video and learn how they choose Hampton for an exciting mix of restaurant marketing and civic engagement. Watch the Venture Kitchen and Bar video here.

"We choose to enhance youth development in the City of Hampton."

Founded in 1973, Alternatives is a nationally recognized youth development nonprofit whose vision is, "Healthy, principled, and creative young people valued as members of the community."

Alternatives annually impacts approximately 4,000 children and young people on the Virginia Peninsula. Rather than a center based program, Alternatives embeds high quality programs into child care centers and after school programs and neighborhoods. Watch the Alternatives video here.

"Choose Hampton for a holiday staycation."

The Hampton Convention and Visitor’s Bureau reminds us of all the wonderful local attractions Hampton has to offer in their fun holiday video. Watch the Hampton Convention and Visitor’s Bureau video here. 

"Mooyah chooses Hampton as a strategic location to grow our brand in Virginia"

MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes, one of the hottest and fastest growing "better burger" franchises chose Hampton’s perfect location to serve up it’s burgers, fries and delicious shakes. Watch the MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes video here.

"The Center for Digital Government chose Hampton as a technology leader and we couldn’t be more honored."

Hampton has been ranked among the survey’s top 10 for 13 out of the past 14 years! This distinction allows Hampton to be known for using technology in operating efficiency, innovative and creative solutions, collaboration, and transparency among our citizens. Watch the Digital Cities Survey Award video here.

Shop Local #ChooseHampton

This holiday season, Hampton is launching a campaign to encourage citizens to shop local. You may start seeing "shop local" spray chalk stencils popping up around town. We encourage you to take a second to take a picture outside your favorite business, post to social media with #ChooseHampton and support Hampton businesses. Watch the Shop Local. Choose Hampton. video here.

  "We chose Hampton for the opportunity to grow, be closer to our customers and be closer to the water."

In business since 1977, Appomattox River Company has been a leader in paddle sports and one of the largest canoe and kayak specialty stores around. From kayak fishing, to whitewater kayaking, to canoeing, to stand-up paddle boarding, Appomattox River Company has someone who can help you find the right paddle craft for your next adventure. Watch the Appomattox River Company video here. 

"Japanese Anime enthusiasts choose Hampton for NekoCon 17."
 Costumed role-players Angel Nordike and Caitlin Taffe come dressed for the 2014 anime convention, NekoCon. Find out why this Hampton event draws 5,000 fans each year. Watch the 2014 NeKoCon video here. 

"From fresh produce to giving tours, we’ve chosen to grow our family business in Hampton for over 50 years."

Woods Orchard is part working farm, part market, part tourist attraction -- and all family, says Billy Woods. Three generations hop into action when busloads of children arrive to take a hayride through the pumpkin patch, see bee hives and learn how food is grown. Watch the Woods Orchard video here.

"We chose Hampton to open our dream restaurant and to be part of shaping the future of Phoebus."

The Point at Phoebus brings a farm to table sustainable approach to dining and agriculture. Sourcing most of their foods from local farms and producers, their menu is prepared from scratch in house to ensure the best quality, flavor and freshness. Stop by the Point to enjoy delicious food paired with a great selection of craft beers, spirits and signature cocktails. Watch the Point at Phoebus video here.

  "We’ve seen great success in Hampton because of its vibrant location and strong workforce."

Founded in the early 1960s, Chick-fil-A has steadily grown to become the largest quick-service chicken restaurant chain in the United States. Chick-fil-A has set itself apart by pioneering innovations and delicious products — including the ever-popular Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich. See how they have grown in Hampton since 2008 by leveraging an excellent location and great workforce. Watch the Chick-fil-A video here.

"Hampton is a hub for technology and it makes good business sense for us to be where the action is."

The Technology Commercialization Center (TeCC) comprises a consortium of technology and business experts who help inventors take their products from the lab to the marketplace; and helps established companies with their business needs. The commercialization of technologies results in new products and enhancement of existing products. Watch the Technology Commercialization Center video here.

"Sentara CarePlex Hospital chooses to serve Hampton with state-of-the-art healthcare and exceptional service."

Sentara CarePlex Hospital is a technologically advanced, acute care hospital, and Certified Primary Stroke Center located in Hampton, Va. The 224-bed hospital offers an eICU to monitor patients even more closely with state-of-the-art equipment and computer software. Sentara CarePlex Hospital provides care through advanced surgical programs, emergency cardiac intervention and fellowship-trained physicians. It is also home to an Orthopedic Hospital. Watch the Sentara CarePlex Hospital video here.

"We choose Hampton because it’s got that nice hometown effect."

A lighting store in the Phoebus section of Hampton, Cody’s Lighting and Repair serves all your lighting needs including parts, restoration and repairs. Their vintage lighting is professionally restored to "like-new" condition and with over 3,600 table lamps, chandeliers, floor lamps and vintage lighting on display. They are the largest and most varied source of old time lamps, lighting parts and fixtures regionally. The Phoebus area reminds Mr. Henson of growing up in Missouri and is now proud to call Hampton, VA home. Watch the Cody’s Lighting and Repair video here.

"I have performed on national stages but I choose to perform locally because of the energetic Bay Days crowds!"

17 year old Smithfield native Bria Kelly is a local and national favorite. Her talented voice and guitar playing made her a "Season 7 Semi-finalist" on "America’s Got Talent". Although she performs nationally, you can also find her at many local venues including the 2014 Bay Days Festival. Photo Credit: Lee Rosenberg, East Beach Photography. 

 "Our daughter has just blossomed into this environment. We really are grateful that we chose Hampton City Schools."

Watch as military retiree and Department of Defense employee Michael and Anna Bennett explain why they chose Phenix Pre K-8 for their daughter to attend. Watch the Michael & Anna Bennett video here.

"I was born and raised in Hampton’s Aberdeen Gardens and chose to return because there is nowhere else I’d rather be."

As a military wife, Margaret Wilson traveled around the world with her husband. But when it came time to put down roots again, she chose to come back and support the neighborhood she calls home, historic Aberdeen Gardens. Wilson’s story is part of Choose Hampton, a campaign to build pride and excitement in our community, highlight the city’s successes and build our business base. Watch the Mrs. Wilson, Aberdeen Gardens video here.

"We choose Hampton’s educated, multilingual workforce to serve our clients in 162 countries" 

Registrar Corp was founded in 2003 to assist businesses with compliance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) regulations. Since opening its headquarters in Hampton, Registrar Corp has expanded to seventeen international offices and has aided more than 20,000 companies across 162 countries. Employees include former U.S. FDA officials, scientists, and industry experts. Watch the Registrar Corp video here.

"St. George Brewing Company chooses Hampton for one of its key ingredients, water." 

The folks at The St. George Brewing Company - named for England’s patron saint of chivalry - have been inspired to produce several award-winning ales and lagers. The owners chose to locate the brewery in Hampton because of our "awesome" water. Watch the St. George Brewing Company video here.

"The supportive business community and central location make downtown Hampton the perfect choice for Fulton Design" 

Fulton Design is a one-stop provider of graphic design, advertising and branding services in Hampton, Virginia. Located downtown, owner Bob McCracken has built a network with other small businesses that help each other thrive by sharing their ideas. Fulton Design is committed to the highest level of service and quality in everything he does. Watch the Fulton Design video here.

"Great shopping. Great dining. And a great experience for race fans. That’s why Langley Speedway chooses Hampton." 

From its modest opening in 1950 as a dirt track with few amenities to today’s paved showplace, Langley Speedway has consistently stayed ahead of the competitive and administrative curve. Today it holds the reputation as one of NASCAR’s best weekly tracks. Watch the Langley Speedway video here.

"People choose to live downtown for its great location."

These unique downtown Hampton apartments are bringing new life to historic Downtown Hampton. Fine dining, shopping, art galleries, festivals, museums and other attractions within steps of your doorstep are just a few reasons to Choose Hampton. Watch the Heritage at Settlers Landing video here.

"We chose Hampton because it is a rapidly changing and fun place."

The Barking Dog on Sunset Creek in Wythe is more than a hot dog and burger

Joint. With outdoor seating directly on the water it’s no wonder why people flock to this local restaurant in search of great food and good conversation. Co-owners Sean Pepe and Gary McIntyre, with the help of social media and word of mouth, have made the Barking Dog succeed in bringing an entire community together. Watch the The Barking Dog video here. 

"I chose to start ZelTech in Hampton and its been one of my better decisions. The city is a great place to conduct and grow businesses."

ZelTech is an international consulting company headquartered in downtown Hampton that offers high-tech support services, training and software to the military, homeland security and other clients. Although the company operates in more than 20 locations worldwide, ZelTech chooses to make Hampton home. Watch the ZelTech video here.

 "We choose Downtown Hampton for the central location and convenience it offers our customers"

A part of Hampton for almost 60 years, Benton Knight, Ltd. continues to provide customers with the finest in tailored men’s clothing and accessories. Benton Knight chooses to makes downtown Hampton home, and to promote other downtown businesses and attractions as well. Watch the Benton Knight, Ltd. video here.

"Crossfit Stimulus chooses Hampton for its success and growth opportunities."

Crossfit Stimulus got its start just a few years ago in a one-car garage. Today, it’s the largest Crossfit gym in Hampton Roads, in a new, 15,000 square-foot facility that welcomes men and women of all ages and walks of life. Crossfit chose to stay in Hampton because of the many opportunities in the city for success and growth. Watch the Crossfit Stimulus video here.

 "We choose to locate our corporate headquarters in downtown Hampton and couldn’t be more proud."

Old Point National Bank has been committed to Hampton since 1923, when it first opened at the corner of Mellen and Mallory streets. Today, the bank named after the Old Point Comfort Lighthouse has 18 branches across the region, but it still chooses to proudly call Hampton home. Watch the Old Point National Bank video.

 "m2 Pictures chooses Hampton for its diverse terrain, architecture and people."

Founded in 2006, M2 Pictures has quickly become an award-winning producer of ratings-grabbing television and unscripted programming. The company has produced hundreds of hours of programming for Animal Planet, National Geographic and many others. M2 chooses to make downtown Hampton home for its headquarters, production support and studios. Watch the M2 Pictures video.

"We choose Hampton because of our longstanding relationship with the City"

Founded in the 1920s by a "butcher who became an auto magnate," the Tysinger auto dealership was a fixture in downtown Hampton until 1988, when it was moved to Magruder Boulevard in Hampton. The company remains a city booster and chooses to stay in Hampton because of it’s long-standing relationship with the city. Watch the Tysinger auto dealership video.

"We choose to celebrate diversity with International Children’s Festival, join us!"

A vibrant, downtown party held on the third Saturday of April, the International  Children’s Festival is an opportunity for children and those young at heart to experience the sights, sounds and cuisine of distant places. For 14 years, festival organizers have chosen Hampton to be home for this international celebration. Watch the International Children’s Festival video.

 "The dedicated and highly skilled workforce make Hampton the perfect choice for Alcoa Howmet."

Headquartered in Cleveland, Alcoa Howmet is a world leader in the casting of superalloys for jet engines and airframes as well as industrial gas turbine engine components. With 27 manufacturing facilities worldwide, the company chooses to stay in Hampton because of the dedicated and skilled workforce, access to secondary education for employees, and convenient location. Watch the Alcoa Howmet video.

"We are a major service provider but also a major business and employer . . . and we choose Hampton as our headquarters."  The staff at Versability Resources - formerly known as the ARC of the Virginia Peninsula – is committed to creating new opportunities that highlight the abilities of people with disabilities. A major business and employer in Hampton Roads, Versability was started in Hampton 60 years ago. Today, it continues to "Choose Hampton" as home while also serving individuals in Newport News, Poquoson, York and 10 other counties on the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck. Watch the video.

"Our customers come from all over the state and beyond, but we choose to locate our business in downtown Hampton."  Controlled sales, negotiated sales, auctions, appraisals and evaluations are just some of the services offered by Hampton House Auctions and owner G. Amory LeCuyer. There is detailed explanation of the company’s philosophy on the Hampton House home page, Hampton House Auctions website. It ends by saying: "Even if we are not the solution we probably know who is." Hampton House Auctions chooses downtown Hampton as its home. Watch the Hampton House Auctions video.

"We choose Hampton because it is the cradle of aerospace history and remains at the forefront of aerospace technology."

A non-profit research and education facility located in Hampton Roads Center, the National Institute of Aerospace conducts leading edge aerospace and atmospheric research. Formed by a consortium of leading research universities, including Hampton University, the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech, the Institute is thriving here in what Institute President Douglas Stanley calls the "cradle of the aerospace industry." Watch the National Institute of Aerospace video.

"We spread it, mix it, shake it, stir it everywhere, but we call Hampton our home."

After stepping into the national spotlight with a September appearance on ABCs "Shark Tank," the three Hampton women behind ’Mango Mango’ Mango Preserves – an offshoot of the catering business they started in 2007 - saw orders skyrocket. Today, their preserves can be found in local stores, online and in Whole Foods groceries. Lakesha Brown-Renfro, Nzinga Teule-Hekima and Tanecia Willis opened a new office and packaging space in January of 2014, with plans to roll out several new products in coming months. And they choose to do business in downtown Hampton. Watch the ’Mango Mango’ Mango Preserves video.

"We’ve chosen Hampton for over 100 Years."

Patrick’s Hardware first opened its doors as a general store on Queen Street in 1895. Today, at that same location, it’s a third-generation hardware, glass and paint store serving customers from Richmond to Norfolk. Watch the Patrick’s Hardware video.

"I run all over the world, but I choose Hampton as my home."

Olympic Gold Medalist Francena McCorory is a track and field star, who travels around the world to race in places like London, Monaco, Stockholm and Zurich. But she always comes home to Hampton. Watch the Francena McCorory video.

"We are one of the top 100 fastest growing companies in the U.S. with a global impact and we choose Hampton as home."

Measurement Specialties, a global designer and manufacturer of sensors and sensor-based systems, has over 3,300 employees operating in 20 sites throughout Europe, Asia and North America, and they chose Hampton, Virginia for their corporate headquarters.