March 2016
A Publication of New Castle County Chamber of Commerce
w ww.NCCCC.com
Celebrating Success at Annual Dinner Congressman Carney and Tony Allen to be Honored tail reception from 5pm to 6pm and the dinner will be start at 6pm and conclude by 8:30pm.
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n March 10th the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce will host its Annual Dinner at the Chase Center in Wilmington. The theme of this year's Annual Dinner is "Celebrating Success.” The dinner will focus on the positive aspects of our area’s business community and will honor two members who have contributed to making our region a better place to live, work and do business.
This year, the Wallace Johnson Award for Community Service Award will be presented to Tony Allen, PhD from Bank of America and the Wilmington Education Improvement Commission for their work in improving public education. The 2016 Free Enterprise Award will be presented to Congressman John Carney for his efforts to support businesses in Delaware and the JOBS Act. Congressman Carney and Dr. Allen will both give short remarks. Chamber President Mark Kleinschmidt, said, “The Annual Dinner is a great opportunity to take a moment out of our busy schedules and recognize the accomplishments of individuals who have gone the extra mile to help ensure
Community Service Award In 1972, the Chamber established the Wallace Johnson Community Service Award to recognize a Chamber member who was very active in the community and involved in making New Castle County a better place. The award is named after Dr. Johnson, a family practice physician in Newark who provided medical service to many local residents who did not have insurance or could not afford the services of a doctor. Since its inception, the Community Service Award has been presented to a very distinguished group of people. This year’s winner, Tony Allen from Bank of America, maintains that tradition. that New Castle County has a strong economic climate so that our 1,300 member businesses can achieve success.” Individual tickets for the dinner are $185 for members and $225 for nonmembers. Sponsorship opportunities are also still available. There is a cock-
Currently, Dr. Allen leads Corporate Communications for Bank of America's Consumer Banking and Business Banking divisions. He is also a key advisor to the Bank's Public Policy and Corporate Social Responsibility teams. Formerly, Dr. Allen was an executive vice president with MBNA. Continued on page 3.
This Edition 2 I Chamber Events Matter 3 I As a Matter of Fact The Value of Networking Finding Your Next Customer Celebrating Success at Annual Dinner Congressman Carney and Tony Allen to be Honored (continued) 4 I Legislative Connection “Delaware Competes Act,” A Chamber Priority is Enacted in the Early Weeks of Session Governor’s Recommended Budget Introduced One-Year Gas Tax Proposed 5 I Economic Development 9th Annual Economic Forecast Luncheon: Dr. Anirban Basu Speaks to a Sold Out Crowd Blueprint for Growth Listening Sessions 6 I Calendar of Events - March Annual Dinner, Thailand & Hong Kong Trip Info Session, W.I.N. Women Into Networking & More 7 I Calendar of Events April SpringFest, Speed Networking, Best of Italy & more 8 I Membership Matters New Member Listing 9 I Travel with the Chamber Join the Chamber for an Adventure to Two Exciting Destinations this Fall 10 I Emerging Enterprise Center New Castle County is Open for Business
co–founder of Public Allies Delaware, a leadership development organization for young people. Since 1995, more than
11 I Chamber Networking Join a Referral Group Today to Increase your Business!
CHAMBER EVENTS MATTER Midday Mixer at Four Points by Sheraton
Visit www.NCCCC.com & click Events Calendar
Chamber members enjoyed a fun and festive Valentine's Day themed mixer at Four Points by Sheraton. New business connections were made as members enjoyed complimentary culinary delights, prizes and tours of the impressive rooms and meeting spaces of the hotel.
Blueprint for Growth
Members and local business leaders engaged in conversation at our Blueprint for Growth session at the University & Whist Club. Getting our heads together about key issues in our state, and what we really want our focus to be in the coming months.
Chamber Orientation
Policy Makers, Movers & Shakers Our February Policy Makers, Movers and Shakers Breakfast at the Sheraton Wilmington South featured Congressman John Carney. Attendees listened intently as the Congressman conveyed perspectives on the future of our state and our nation.
Attendees at the Chamber Orientation receive a few minutes to present their businesses. They make new connections and learn about all the Chamber offers.
Growth Wheel
9th Annual Economic Forecast Luncheon On February 5, over 250 people attended the 9th Annual Economic Development Forecast Luncheon hosted by the New Castle County Economic Development Council at the Chase Center on the Riverfront. (see page 5 for the complete story). 2 I March 2016 I www.ncccc.com
In this hands on Growth Wheel workshop series, Frank DeSantis, talks about how to sell through your network and build a customer pipeline. Attendees worked in groups of 4 to enhance their networking skills.
New Castle County Chamber of Commerce
AS A M AT T E R O F FAC T By Mark A. Kleinschmidt President New Castle County Chamber of Commerce
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etworking is a term that is often misunderstood. So to help add some clarity to this often misunderstood word I checked with my friends at Wikipedia and this is what they shared with me: “It is a way of connecting with other business people in order to further each other's business interests by forming mutually beneficial business relationships.” Now that is a good definition of networking since it is so much more than “schmoozing,” rubbing elbows and handing out business cards.
The Chamber offers many opportunities for our members to build business relationships that will help expand their business. It is part of our core values of helping our members Connect, Save and Grow. We do this by offering a wide array of networking events such as mixers, table top expos, lunches, seminars, concerts, golf outings and legislative briefings. It is the Chamber’s role to bring business people together to
The Value of Networking Finding Your Next Customer give them the opportunity to build new and meaningful relationships. So what is the best way to take advantage of the networking opportunities with the Chamber? First you need to commit to attending several networking events; networking is not a one and done activity. Secondly you need to have a plan when you attend a networking event. Most folks go into networking events thinking they’re a great opportunity to sell something. But picture a room full of business people who all have that same mindset. It’s only natural that they’ll feel discouraged because no one is buying.
What you need to know is that networking is about expanding opportunities and developing relationships. You need to be thinking, “how can I become a resource for the people I meet by learning about their product or service and then educating them about what I am looking for in a client and customer.” Consider the following tips when you head out to the next Chamber networking event:
During the event: Engage in meaningful conversations and look for ways to help other people. Don’t spend too much time with any single person but be sure to ask how you can help. After the event: Follow-up. Most people forget to reach out to contacts they’ve made at the event. Making follow-up phone calls and scheduling meetings are critical components that will help open new doors.
The Chamber also offers a more formal approach to networking by hosting four networking groups which meet twice a month with the purpose of exchanging business leads and referrals with fellow members. To complement the scheduled monthly meetings, members often meet outside this circle, on their own time, and build their Before the event: Have a strategy. Business own one-to-one business relationship with owners should go into the event knowing the fellow member. Turn to page 11 for who they want to meet to expand their more information on referral groups. contacts and resources.
Celebrating Success at Annual Dinner Congressman Carney and Tony Allen to be Honored Continued from page 1. He is the founding president of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League, an affiliate of the National Urban League. In this role, Allen successfully advocated for equity in ed- Tony Allen, Ph.D. ucation, minority business procurement, policing and urban revitalization impacting 30,000 Delawareans. Allen started his career as the co–founder of Public Allies Delaware, a leadership development organization for young people. Since 1995, more than 300 young people have graduated from the program and have contributed
500,000 hours of volunteer service back to Delaware communities. He also worked for several years as a speechwriter and special assistant while Vice President Biden was a U.S. Senator. At this time, Tony is serving as the Chairman of the Wilmington Education Improvement Commission (WEIC), which had prepared a comprehensive plan to improve the quality of public education for the children of Wilmington. It is in this role that the Chamber recognizes Dr. Allen and the fellow members of WEIC. The author of over 35 published articles and papers, Allen is a 1997 National Urban Fellow and holds a Ph.D. in Urban Affairs and Public Policy from the University of Delaware,
a Master of Public Administration degree from Baruch College (CUNY), and a University of Delaware undergraduate degree in Political Science. Free Enterprise Award This award is given to a legislator or public official who has consistently and successfully advocated for Delaware businesses and has a sincere appreciation for the critical role the free enterprise system plays in the success of our community, our state and our nation. Congressman John Carney is Delaware’s lone representative in the United States House of Representatives. He was sworn in on January 6, 2015 for his third two-year term. John is a member of the Financial Services Committee, the Subcommittee on Capital Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises,
and the Subcommittee on Monetary Policy and Trade.
In April 2012, President Obama signed the Jumpstart our Business Start-Ups Act (JOBS Act) into Congressman law. The centerpiece John Carney of the JOBS Act is legislation introduced by Rep. Carney to make it easier for small- and medium-sized companies to undertake an initial public offering to grow and create jobs. Representative Carney was the only freshman House Democrat to pass a major piece of legislation in the 112th Congress. Continued on page 11.
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LEGISLATIVE CONNECTION “Delaware Competes Act,” A Chamber Priority is Enacted in the Early Weeks of Session
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n a refreshing reminder of Delaware’s ability to act with dispatch and flexibility to attract and retain jobs, the General Assembly passed the Delaware Competes Act, House Bill 235, at the beginning of session in early January.
Visit www.ncccc.com & click Government Affairs
The bill changes the method of calculating Corporate Income Tax apportionment. Currently, three factors are used to determine what p o r t i o n of a company’s total income is attributed to Dela-ware for the purposes of assessmenttheir The legistotal payroll in lation, a key Delaware relative to their priority for the payroll in the U.S., their total New Castle County property holdings in Delaware relative Chamber of Commerce to their property throughout the U.S., and other business organiand their total sales in Delaware relzations, changes the way in ative to their total sales throughout which corporate income tax is the country. The bill adjusts this calcalculated in Delaware. The change, culation so that by 2020, attribution which involves shifting from a threefactor calculation to a one-factor cal- is determined 100% by using the ratio culation, is important to protecting of sales in Delaware. It phases in this our state’s economic competitiveness. change over the next four years,
weighting sales at a 50% rate in 2017, a 60% rate in 2018, and a 75% rate in 2019. Companies with headquarters in Delaware would see the shift to 100% take full effect in 2017. The bill makes some other adjustments targeted to assist small businesses. Currently, businesses must make payments totaling 70% of their estimate total tax for the year by June 1st. This can be difficult for small businesses, because their revenue is frequently more volatile than larger corporations, and their cash flow is often more challenging to manage. The bill allows small companies to file 25% estimates each quarter, smoothing out the payments throughout the course of the year. The Chamber worked closely with the Markell Administration and affected members to see the bill passed. Governor Markell signed the legislation on January 27.
One-Year Gas Tax Proposed
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epresentatives Sean Matthews (D-Talleyville) and Michael Mulrooney (D-Pennwood) have proposed a one-year ten cent per gallon increase in Delaware’s gas tax. Unlike prior proposals, this increase would sunset in one year to allow legislators to assess economic conditions, fuel prices, etc. They estimate that it would generate onetime revenue of $50 million for capital transportation projects in Delaware. In 2015, a legislative package which included a proposed five cent per gallon gas tax was debated at length. The proposal aimed to provide $50 million per year in additional revenue for the State’s Transportation Trust Fund. $25 mil-
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lion of the new revenue was to come from a five cent per gallon increase in the gas tax, while the other $25 million was to be derived from increased DMV fees. Ultimately, only the DMV fee portion was enacted. Therefore, $25 million in revenue and $25 million in new borrowing are currently providing $50 million more in revenue on an annual basis than before.
3/5 vote) and another 13 votes in the Senate, where one Republican would be required, remains to be seen. Gas is averaging around $1.67 per gallon in Delaware at the moment.
As to whether there exists 26 votes in the House for passage (as it is a tax increase, it requires a
The state gas tax, currently 23 cents per gallon, has remained at that level since 1995.
Governor’s Recommended Budget Introduced
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t appeared in the fourth quarter of 2015 that the General Assembly and the Markell Administration would prepare for the FY 2017 budget with a structural budget shortfall of some $200 million or more. In the December projections of the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council (DEFAC) good
news came in the form of some $167 million in new revenue projected by the panel for the coming year. This finding, should it be borne out in coming monthly projections, would reduce any structural gap to a very manageable level of around $30 million or so. A key caveat is that the projections did not factor in the layoff of 25 percent of DuPont’s Delaware workforce as part of its merger with Dow Chemical. On January 27, Governor Markell held his annual, and final, budget address and press conference. The Governor’s Recommended (operating) Budget for FY 2017 (beginning July 1, 2016) comes in at $4.113 billion. The Recommended Bond and Capital Improvements Act calls for $486.9 million in capital spending, $236.1 million of which will be spent on state agency capital projects and $250.8 million in transportation projects. $43 million has been set aside for the Grants-in-Aid Budget, the vehicle by which the state provides financial assistance to nonprofit charitable organizations, fire companies, etc. The governor and legislators continue to grapple with health care costs for state employees and retirees, a substantial cost-driver, the cost of which has grown by 50 percent since 2010. According to Administration projections, unless cost-containment measures are undertaken, these costs will double by 2020 to about $1 billion. In order to begin addressing this challenge, Governor Markell has suggested significant changes, including a shift to HSA plans for future state employees.
New Castle County Chamber of Commerce
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL 9th Annual Economic Forecast Luncheon Dr. Anirban Basu Speaks to a Sold Out Crowd
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n February 5, a sold-out crowd attended the 9th Annual Economic Development Forecast Luncheon hosted by the New Castle County Economic Development Council at the Chase Center on the Riverfront.
leaders he thinks the nation soon will slip into another recession, possibly as early as mid-2017.
Photo by Lindsey Studio
"I don't think it will be a very deep recession when it comes," he said. "But I think one is going to come in the Dr. Anirban Basu, CEO of Sage next two years." Policy Group, a Baltimore-area economic Basu began with a macro consultation firm, joined us as the event’s outlook, one that anticipates a slowdown Keynote Speaker for the seventh year among some of the world's largest running. Dr. Basu is one of the Mid- markets. Atlantic region’s most recognizable econBasu spoke about the housing omists, in part, because of his consulting market and noted most new housing work on behalf of numerous clients, instock is rental property, while home cluding prominent developers, bankers, ownership has fallen to its lowest brokerage houses, energy suppliers and level since the 1980s. This is the symptom law firms. of young, knowledge-based workers Basu gave an engaging presentation encumbered with record amounts of stu- boom again once the millennials are old focusing on the current status of the na- dent loan debt being unwilling to accu- enough to start families of their own. tional, regional and local economies. He mulate assets valued in the past. Basu Thank you to our sponsors: told New Castle County business predicted home ownership will eventually JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. , Delmarva
Blueprint for Growth Listening Sessions
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lueprint for Growth is a campaign to heighten the awareness of business related issues during the 2016 campaign season particularly in the election of the next Governor. The campaign will help frame the 2016 business agenda by focusing on issues and opportunities related to companies, jobs and paychecks and positioning Delaware's economy for future economic growth. Our plan is to engage our members and local leaders in a discussion of key business and economic issues confronting the State of Delaware. This will be done
with a series of listening sessions and issue forums and will culminate with a "Blueprint for Growth" Gubernatorial debate hosted and moderated by the Chamber and select media partners. Join us for the following Blueprint for Growth Sessions. These are free programs and you can register online at www.ncccc.com. Monday March 14, Noon - 2:00 PM NCC Chamber of Commerce Tuesday, March 29, 7:00 - 9:00 PM Embassy Suites Newark
Power, TD Bank , Wilmington University, M&T Bank, AT&T, Delaware City Refining Company, Whiting Turner, Institute for Supply Management.
Economic Development Council Member List AAA Mid-Atlantic • ab+c Creative Intelligence Bancroft Construction • Bernardon • Christiana Care City of Newark • City of Wilmington Commercial Industrial Realty Council • Committee of 100 Delaware BioScience Association • Delaware City Refining Company Delaware Economic Development Office Delaware Health Science Alliance • Delaware River & Bay Authority DelDot • Delle Donne & Associates • Delmarva Power DiSabatino Construction • Emory Hill Real Estate Services Facility Services Group • Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau Harvey, Hanna & Associates • Info Solutions LLC • Integrity Staffing Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay New Castle County Government • New Castle County Board of Realtor PNC Bank • Setting Properties, Inc. • Sonitrol Security Systems TD Bank • The Byrd Group • The Commonwealth Group University of Delaware • Whiting Turner WILMAPCO • World Trade Center Delaware Contact Bob Chadwick at chadwickb@ncccc.com for info on joining the Economic Development Council.
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MARCH EVENTS CALENDAR !
Noon -1:30 PM Chamber Orientation, a FREE event (registration requested)
UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED All events are held at the New Castle County Chamber, 12 Penns Way. Call (302) 737-4343 for details.
8:00 - 9:30 AM Fortune Referral Group
5:30 -7:00 PM Thailand & Hong Kong Trip Info Session a FREE event
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11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Producer’s Lunch Networking Group
To register for events, visit www.NCCCC.com and click ‘Calendar’ 8:30 - 11:30 AM Network Like a Pro: Best Practices from a panel of experts a business education program
7:30 - 9:00 AM ChamberPro Referral Group
5:00 - 8:30 PM Annual Dinner Chase Center on the Riverfront
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM LNG Lunchtime Networking Group Save the Date! Chamber Awards Luncheon: May 14th
5:30 - 8:00 PM Noon - 2:00 PM Blueprint for Growth W.I.N. Women Into 8:00 - 9:30 AM Listening Session #2 Networking Fortune Referral Group a FREE program Painting Party (registration requested) Clarion Hotel – The Belle New Castle
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM LNG Lunchtime Networking Group
7:00 - 9:00 PM Blueprint for Growth Listening Session #3 Embassy Suites, Newark A FREE program; registration requested
Thailand & Hong Kong Trip Info Session NCC Chamber of Commerce 12 Penns Way, New Castle, DE Wednesday, March 2 5:30 - 7:30 PM 6 I March 2016 I www.ncccc.com
7:30 - 9:00 AM ChamberPro Referral Group
6:00 - 7:00 PM Italy Trip Information session, a FREE program
Noon - 2:00 PM Network at Noon Mixer at Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse, Newark
Blueprint for Growth Listening Session #3 Embassy Suites Newark Tuesday, March 29 7:00 - 9:00 PM
11:30 AM -1:00 PM Producer’s Lunch Networking Group
9:00 - 11:00 AM New Castle County Open for Business Open House for small business owners: a FREE event; walk-ins welcome
CHAMBER CLOSED; Good Friday
8:30 AM -11:30 PM Non Profit Forum What’s Your Story? A business education program in partnership with DANA
W.I.N. Women Into Networking Painting Party Clarion Hotel -The Belle Wednesday, March 16 5:30 - 8:00 PM
New Castle County Chamber of Commerce
APRIL EVENTS CALENDAR !
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UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED All events are held at the New Castle County Chamber, 12 Penns Way. Call (302) 737-4343 for details.
To register for events, visit www.NCCCC.com and click ‘Calendar’
8:00 - 9:30 AM Fortune Referral Group
8:30 -10:00 AM Chamber Orientation, a FREE event (registration requested)
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Producer’s Lunch Networking Group
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM LNG Lunchtime Networking Group
7:30 - 9:00 AM ChamberPro Referral Group
5:00 -8:00 PM SpringFest tabletop & Networking Expo Cavalier Country Club FREE for members
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM Speed Networking
11:30 AM -1:00 PM Producer’s Lunch Networking Group
8:00 - 9:30 AM Fortune Referral Group
6:00 - 7:00 PM Italy Trip Information session, a FREE program
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM LNG Lunchtime Networking Group
7:30 - 9:00 AM ChamberPro Referral Group
5:30 - 7:30 PM Business Women’s Networking Hilton Wilmington/ Christiana, Newark
SpringFest Tabletop & Networking Expo Cavalier Country Club FREE for members Thursday, April 14 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Speed Networking NCC Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, April 20 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
9:00 - 11:00 AM New Castle County Open for Business Open House for small business owners: a FREE event; walk-ins welcome
Italy Trip Info Session NCC Chamber of Commerce Thursday, April 21 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Business Women’s Networking Hilton Wilmington/ Christiana Wednesday, April 27 5:30 - 7:30 PM www.ncccc.com I March 2016 I 7
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS Brandywine Exteriors Home Improvement (302) 746-7134 www.brandywineexteriors.com
DLS Discovery Printing Services (302) 442-7842 www.dlsdiscovery.net
Churchman Village Skilled Nursing & Rehab Center Health Care (302) 998-6900 www.churchmanvillage.com
Generations Home Care, Inc. Health Care (302) 276-1466 www.ghcde.org
Visit www.NCCCC.com & click ‘Directory’
Cipriani Builders Construction/Contractors (240) 463-0422 www.ciprianibuilders.com CircleBack Lending Financial Services www.circlebacklending.com
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Glenayr Wealth Advisors LLC Financial Services (302) 427-9888 www.glenayrwealth.org IF Design, Co. Media (217) 898-8592 www.cuasiantimes.com
Ingenuity Partners Consultants/Consulting Paquin Design/Build, Inc. Construction/Contractors (410) 643-7811 www.PaquinDesignBuild.com PrideStaff Employment Services (302) 476-8097 www.pridestaff.com/wilmington Specialty Finishes Construction/Contractors (302) 283-0398 www.specialtyfinishesde.com
NEW MEMBERS
Tonic Bar and Grille Restaurant (302) 777-2040 www.tonicbargrille.com Vape Saloon Newport LLC Retail/Wholesale (410) 858-3387 www.vapesalooncentral.com List complete as of Feb. 18, 2016 Join the Chamber today to have your business listed here and enjoy the many benefits of Chamber membership.
New Castle County Chamber of Commerce
TRAVEL
CHAMBER
Join the Chamber on an Adventure of a Lifetime to Two Exciting Destinations this Fall
Highlights • 4 Nights in Florence • 3 Nights in Rome • Florence City Tour • Academy Gallery - Statue of David • Assisi Tour • Basilica of St. Francis • Leaning Tower of Pisa • Lucca’s Old Town • Siena Tour • Rome City Tour • Treasures of the Vatican Museum • St. Peter’s Basilica • Roman Farewell Dinner • Venice Optional Inclusions • Roundtrip Airfare From Philadelphia (PHL) • Int’l Air DepartureTaxes/Fuel Surcharges • 10 Meals: 7 - Breakfasts & 3 - Dinners • Professional Tour Director • Motorcoach Transportation • Admissions per Itinerary • Comprehensive Sightseeing • Baggage Handling
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ravel with the Chamber to explore the exotic region of Thailand together with the cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong (October 30-November 7, 2016) and discover the ancient temples, spectacular palaces, exotic wildlife, beautiful natural scenery, and fabulous beaches of this mystical land. Experience the Golden Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple in Bangkok, take an elephant ride at Nong Nooch, and walk in Ayuthaya, once the capital of Siam. This tour is a great sampler of the treasure trove of delights that the Kingdom of Thailand and Hong Kong have to offer. View the itinerary on the right. For trip registration and optional tour info, visit www.ncccc.com
Enjoy the highest level of service with round trip airfare, luxury hotel accommodations, ground transfers, friendly English-speaking tour guides and sightseeing. on
Trip Price $3,049 per person based double occupancy, includes:
• Round trip international airfare JKF International Airport • All luxury hotel accommodations, 4 & 5-star • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinners per itinerary • Ground Transportation • Knowledgeable English-speaking tour guides • Fees for all attractions per itinerary • Airport taxes and air fuel surcharge To learn more about this opportunity, please attend our information session on Wednesday, March 2, at 5:30pm at the Chamber Office, 12 Penns Way, New Castle DE 19720. A representative of the tour operator, Citslinc International, will be on hand to review the itinerary and answer questions. It is free to attend, but we would appreciate your registration. This is an information session, there is absolutely no obligation. Visit www.ncccc.com to register.
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ehold Italy’s most enchanting spots – Rome, Florence and Tuscany. These iconic cities and region are at the pulse of Italy’s vibrant culture, both past and present. Join us as we visit the stunning historical ruins, view the awe-inspiring art and architecture, and enjoy some of the world’s best food and wine. Our nine-day “Best of Italy” trip departs November 1, 2016. Our travel partner, Chamber Explorations, has created an amazing itinerary that includes the best experiences in Italy. Among these are the Treasures of the Vatican Museum, the unforgettable landscapes of Tuscany, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, Assisi’s Basilica of St. Francis, a tour of the City of Rome, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, a Florence City tour and much more. Pricing is $3,495 (based on double occupancy) and includes:
• Roundtrip Airfare from Philadelphia (PHL) • 10 Meals: 7 breakfasts & 3 dinners • Professional Tour Director • Motor coach Transportation • Admissions per Itinerary • Comprehensive Sightseeing • Baggage Handling Interested? Register to attend a free information session on Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at 6:00pm at the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce. The session will be led by Chamber Explorations’ representative who will review the itinerary and answer questions. Registration deposits are due June 1, 2016. Contact Barbara Weiss at weissb@ ncccc.com or (302) 294.2068 for more information. Grazie! www.ncccc.com I March 2016I 9
EMERGING ENTERPRISE CENTER
New Castle County is Open for Business O
pen for Business saw a huge turnout this month. Check us out every Fourth Thursday of the month. Find multiple resources for your business in one place at one time in this free program to assist with start-ups or businesses looking to expand.
Visit www.NCCCC.com & click Events Calendar
Visit the Chamber’s events calendar at www.ncccc.com to register for the next Open for Business event at the Chamber on March 24th from 9 - 11am.
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Connect Save Grow ●
www.NCCCC.com
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(302) 737-4343
New Castle County Chamber of Commerce
CHAMBER NETWORKING Join a Referral Group Today to Increase your Business!
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ou are exposed to over 3,000 marketing messages per day! Is your message lost? Word-ofmouth marketing cuts through the clutter and gets straight to business. There are all kinds of referral groups out there to help you with word-ofmouth marketing. The mission of the Chamber referral groups is to help members increase their business through a structured, positive, and professional "word-of-mouth" program that enables them to develop longterm, meaningful relationships with quality business professionals.
is “by giving business to others, you will get business in return.” Think of the Chamber referral group as if having dozens of sales people working for you. When they meet Our referral groups have an intentional someone who could use your products or agenda. The first 15 minutes is for eating services, they recommend you and you the and networking. During the meeting you same for them. It’s as simple as that. will have an opportunity to give a 30 second Why wouldn’t you want to join a group presentation about your business and two where business people know who you are of the members will deliver a 5-10 minute and what you do and actively listen to find presentation about their business. One of leads for you. Successful businesses depend the best segments of the meeting is when on word-of-mouth. Word-of-mouth advermembers actually exchange live referrals to tising is the best advertising there is. It all each other. You will find the meetings full of adds up to connecting with your next cuspositive upbeat energy. tomer by way of referrals. Join a referral Participation in the group by members is group with the Chamber today. We have a key to the success of a group. Members two breakfast referral groups: Fortune can participate by bringing referrals and/or Group meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of visitors to their group. Referral groups do the month at 8- 9:30 am. Chamberpro meets require commitment. The most successful the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month referral groups are comprised of participants at 7:15-9:00 am. who are sincerely committed to helping one We have two lunch referral groups: another through networking.As a participant, Producers meets the 1st and 3rd Thursday you are responsible for complying with the of the month at 11:30 am -1:00 pm. LNG policies and guidelines. Direct competitors meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month to the group members’ businesses are not at 11:30 am – 1:00 pm. Contact Erica Crell at permitted to participate in the same referral 302-294-2063 or crelle@ncccc.com for more group.The philosophy of the referral groups details and open professions in the groups.
Celebrating Success at Annual Dinner Congressman Carney and Tony Allen to be Honored Continued from page 3. Throughout his career, John has worked with both parties to find solutions to complicated issues. Since taking office, he has sponsored numerous bills to help create jobs, reduce the deficit and grow the economy. John is a strong proponent of the “Make It in America” agenda, a Democratic initiative that aims to rebuild the U.S. manufacturing sector and create jobs in America by supporting small businesses, investing in infrastructure, and implementing smart tax policy and regulations.
cluding serving as Secretary of Finance and Deputy Chief of Staff under thenGovernor Tom Carper. John was twice elected Lieutenant Governor of Delaware in 2000 and 2004. He is currently the Democratic candidate for Governor in the 2016 election.
The second of nine children, John was born in Wilmington and raised in Claymont by his parents Jack and Ann, who were both educators. After college at Dartmouth, John chose a career of serving his community. He returned home His public service career in Delaware to get his Master of Public Administration has spanned more than 20 years, in- at the University of Delaware.
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Thursday, March 10 Chase Center on the Riverfront 815 Justison St. Wilmington, DE 19801 Cocktail Reception: 5:00 - 6:00 pm Dinner & Presentation: 6:00 - 8:30 pm Pricing: $185 Members; $225 Non-Members • Cocktail Reception with open bar • Light hors d’ ouvres at reception • Dinner & Presentation To Register: www.NCCCC.com Questions: Contact Heather Fisher at fisherh@ncccc.com or (302) 294-2055. Sponsorship Information: Contact Pamela Mayse at maysep@ncccc.com or (302) 294-2062.
Tony Allen, Ph.D. & Wilmington Education Improvement Commission
John Carney United States Congressman