DSCC - 2015 Annual Report

DELAWARE

BUSINESS January/February 2016

$3.00

2015

Annual Report A Publication of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

W E S TA N D F O R W H AT ’ S POSSIBLE.

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12/10/15 4:15 PM

From left: Mark Brainard, President, Delaware Technical Community College; Rich Heffron, President, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce; Bob Byrd, President & CEO, The Byrd Group, LLC, high roller networking at Taste of Delaware.

PHOTO BY NICK WALLACE.

In this Issue Annual Report

Departments

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT ............................................................................. 3

Member News and Notes .................... 13

STATE CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS ................................................................. 4

Q&A: Mark Stellini

2016 DELAWARE BUSINESS EDITORIAL CALENDAR ................................................ 7

Business Spotlight: Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, CPAs

THE 2016 DSCC LEGISLATIVE AGENDA .................................................................... 9 THE GROWING NEMOURS FOOTPRINT IN DELAWARE ............................................ 35

BY PAM GEORGE

Nonprofit Spotlight: Easter Seals of Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore Welcome New Members ...................... 22

DELAWARE BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE STUDY.......................................................... 38 SITE SELECTION WITH ZOOM PROSPECTOR........................................................... 44

Chamber Scene ..................................... 24

THE PARTNERSHIP, INC. EXPERIENCED A SUCCESSFUL YEAR............................... 46

Newsbites ............................................... 60

WHAT SBA ACCOMPLISHED THIS YEAR ................................................................. 48

Calendar of Events ............................... 62

STAYING THE COURSE WITH DMA .......................................................................... 52

Chamber Member Benefits ................. 68

DPPI STATUS REPORT ............................................................................................. 54 THE AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE............................................................................ .56

Chamber Committees .......................... 71 For Assistance, Contact the Chamber .......................................... 72

On The Cover

Dr. David Bailey, President & CEO of The Nemours Foundation.

PHOTO BY THOMAS M. NUTTER

DELAWARE BUSINESS

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Volume 21, Number 1 / Delaware Business (USPS 012098) (ISSN 153253542) is published bi-monthly by the DSCC Center for Business Management. Subscription price is $18 a year (included in membership dues). Known office of publication is 1201 N. Orange St., Suite 200, Wilmington, DE 19801.

Periodicals postage paid Wilmington, DE 19850. Postmaster: Send address changes to Delaware Business, c/o DSCC Center for Business Management, P.O. Box 671, Wilmington, DE 19899-0671. Telephone (302) 655-7221.

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DELAWARE BUSINESS

2016 Delaware State Chamber Staff

EDITORIAL STAFF Mark Stellini Chairman

A. Richard Heffron President

Rana Fayez Editor

Christina Jones Graphic Design

Scott Malfitano CSC – Corporation Service Company Nicholas Marsini PNC Bank, Delaware Chad Moore The Bellmoor Inn & Spa Dennis M. Salter Summit Realty Advisors, Inc.

Gary R. Stockbridge Delmarva Power Mark Turner WSFS Bank Richelle Vible Catholic Charities of Delaware Katie Wilkinson Fulton Bank, N.A.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sylvia Banks DuPont Donald T. Fulton VICE CHAIR George J. Weiner Associates Salvatore J. “Chip” Rossi Martha S. Gilman Bank of America Gilman Development TREASURER Company Barry Crozier Michael Houghton Belfint, Lyons & Shuman Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell, LLP CHAIR

Mark Stellini Assurance Media, LLC

BOARD OF GOVERNORS A. RICHARD HEFFRON PRESIDENT

MARIANNE K. ANTONINI SR. VICE PRESIDENT & CFO

CHERYL CORN EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNICATIONS

William R. Alan Delaware Community Foundation Linda Ammons Widener University School of Law

MARK A. DIMAIO DIRECTOR, THE PARTNERSHIP, INC.

LINDA D. ERIKSEN ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE

James Randall Caldwell Staffing

Mike B. Berardi Wholsen Construction Company

Christopher L. Kenny ShopRites of Delaware

Murray Berstein Nixon Uniform Service

Richard Kenny Shoprites of Delaware, Retired

Michael Ratchford W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

Julian H. “Pete” Booker The SmartDrive Foundation

Bernhard Koch AAA Mid-Atlantic

Jennifer Gimler Brady Potter Anderson & Corroon LLP

Nicholas P. Lambrow M&T Bank

Kevin C. Broadhurst Comcast Robert L. Byrd The Byrd Group Timothy J. Constantine Highmark Delaware, BCBS Thomas J. Cooper Cooper Realty Associates Charlie Copeland Associates International, Inc. Ernest Dianastasis CAI

KEN EVANS ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

RANA FAYEZ COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

CHUCK JAMES SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, MEMBERSHIP

Brian DiSabatino EDiS Company E. Andrew Disbatino EDiS Company, Retired Denis Dunn AT&T Delaware G. Kevin Fasic Cooch & Taylor, P.A. Dave Hargadon TD Bank

BILL OSBORNE INTERIM PRESIDENT, DPPI

KELLY WETZEL PROGRAM & COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST

1201 NORTH ORANGE STREET, P.O. BOX 671 • WILMINGTON, DE 19899-0671 (302) 655-7221 • (800) 292-9507 • WWW.DSCC.COM

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John S. Riley Ashland, Inc.

William B. Robinson George & Lynch, Retired Richard H. LaPenta Insurance & Financial Services, LTD Richard D. Rowland Rowland, Johnson & Co., PA Stephan Lehm Greg Sawka VanDemark & Lynch, Inc. Bancroft Construction Company Alan Levin SoDel Concepts

Renee Lewandowski Agilent Technologies Andy Lubin Delaware Financial Group Hinton J. Lucas, Jr. DuPont, Retired William E. Manning Saul Ewing, LLP John McCarthy AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, LP Paul M. McConnell McConnell Development, Inc. Bonnie Metz Verizon, Delaware Calvert Morgan, JR. WSFS Bank Peter Morrow The Welfare Foundation

Fred C. Sears, II Delaware Community Foundation W. Laird Stabler, III, Esq. Laird Stabler & Associates, LLC Richard K. Struthers Ashford Point Dian C. Taylor Artesian Water James A. Tevebaugh Tevebaugh Associates William M. Topkis Daniels +Tansey, LLP, Retired Michael S. Uffner AutoTeam Delaware Clinton Walker Barclaycard US William S. Wallace JPMorgan Chase Robert W. Whetzel Richards, Layton & Finger

Brian Nixon Invista

Stuart Widom Calpine

John Owens Capital One

Harry L. Williams Delaware State University

A. Richard Heffron President

Mark A. DiMaio Director, The Partnership, Inc.

Chuck James Senior Vice President, Membership

Marianne K. Antonini Sr. Vice President & CFO

Linda D. Eriksen Accounting Associate

Fred Miller Advertising/Retention

Cheryl Corn Executive Assistant to the President, Senior Vice President, Communications

Ken Evans Account Executive

Bill Osborne Interim President, DPPI

Rana Fayez Communications Manager

Kelly Wetzel Program & Communication Specialist

John (Jack) Healy III Healy Long & Jevin, Inc.

STAFF

James DeChene Director, Government Relations

DELAWARE STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Robert (Rob) Rider, Jr. O.A. Newton

Janice E. Nevin, M.D, MPH Christiana Care Health System

Pete Hayward University of Delaware Retired FRED MILLER ADVERTISING/RETENTION

Theodore J. Prushinski Citizens Bank

Tyrone Jones

Mark Brainard Delaware Technical Community College JAMES DECHENE DIRECTOR, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Rita P. Hollingsworth Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics

The mission of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce is to promote an economic climate that strengthens the competitiveness of Delaware businesses and benefits citizens of the state. The Chamber will provide services members want; it will serve and be recognized as the primary resource on matters affecting companies of all sizes; and it will be the leading advocate for business with government in Delaware.

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Message from the President

BY RICH HEFFRON

By the time you read this article the holidays are past, the year 2016 is a couple weeks old, the Marvel Cup has been presented at the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner, second session of the 148th General Assembly has opened, the Governor is about 10 days away from giving the annual State of the State address, and the administration is putting the finishing touches on their budget proposal. What the future holds for the remainder of 2016 is still to be determined.

What we do not know for certain is what the final state revenue picture will look like for the current fiscal year and the next one.

Although we do have projections that point toward a significant shortfall. One that needs to be addressed through a reduction in spending and/or new revenue. Easy to write, but very difficult to accomplish. At least not without some political posturing, and more important a willingness to cooperate and compromise. This needs to be part of the path to a solution, not only in the halls of Legislative Hall. As was done back in the economically difficult times of the mid-late 70s and early 80s corporate leaders and small business owners need to play an important role in guiding our state through the current economic turbulence.

We also know that the DuPont Company that we have familiarized ours with from the early in the 20th century through the early 200os has dramatically changed. This evolution culminated with the announced merger with another chemical giant Dow. This path became more evident as the global economy gained greater significance in corporate leader’s decisions. The end game of the merger is still to be determined, as will the way that it affect Delaware. As we have witnessed since the mid-1990s Delaware’s corporate structure has changed and we must adapt and look for new opportunities.

The Delaware State Chamber list of to dos for 2016 include: A start to the restructuring of Delaware’s unstainable revenue structure. This will entail difficult decisions that will inflict some pain, but must be designed to bring about long term benefits.

Balancing the FY 2017 budget through a combination of revenue enhancers and cost cutting. Decisions that will require wisdom and compromise.

The beginning of a revitalization of Wilmington, that focus on a drastic reduction in violence and a plan for the future. Not easy, but doable with the cooperation of the federal, state, county and city government combined with private sector investment. The ground work has been laid with current private sector and non-profit commitment.

Success will require leadership from all sectors of the community.

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This spring Delaware Business Roundtable will be issuing a report on a plan for growth. The State Chamber is looking forward to partnering with the Roundtable and others to implement the recommendations contained in that document.

We will become more engaged as an economic development partner with government agencies and private entities that explore and encourage existing businesses to expand and new companies to locate in our state.

Become a partner in the growth of the new entrepreneurialism that revolves around science and technology, attracting millenniums who are the future of economic success.

Build an even stronger bond with our educational community from kindergarten through higher education, a better educated and more productive work force is the greatest ingredient for economic growth.

The Delaware Public Policy Institute will focus on business related issues. Continuing its legacy as the honest broker in offering the data that allows a strategy for a better Delaware.

There are many issues and questions that are either not mentioned here or are not yet known. What we do know is that 2016 is an election year, and next January we will inaugurate a new Governor. There are many issues that need to be faced and difficult decisions that will need to be made, the path forward starts now.

As I have repeated since becoming president of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce; I’m not interested in stakes in the ground or pointing fingers, I’m only interested in getting things done that will improve the lives of all Delawareans.

PROUD TO SUPPORT DSCC

INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

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2015 Board of Directors

CHAIR MARK STELLINI ASSURANCE MEDIA

VICE CHAIR SALVATORE J. “CHIP” ROSSI BANK OF AMERICA

TREASURER BARRY CROZIER BELFINT, LYONS & SHUMAN

SYLVIA BANKS DUPONT

DONALD T. FULTON GEORGE J. WEINER ASSOCIATES

MARTHA S. GILMAN GILMAN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

MICHAEL HOUGHTON MORRIS, NICHOLS, ARSHT & TUNNELL, LLP

NICHOLAS MARSINI PNC BANK, DELAWARE

CHAD MOORE THE BELLMOOR

DENNIS M. SALTER SUMMIT REALTY ADVISORS, INC.

GARY R. STOCKBRIDGE DELMARVA POWER

MARK TURNER WSFS BANK

RICHELLE VIBLE CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF DELAWARE

KATIE WILKINSON FULTON BANK

SCOTT MALFITANO CSC – CORPORATION SERVICE COMPANY

2015 Board of Governors

WILLIAM R. ALAN DELAWARE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

LINDA AMMONS WIDENER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW

MIKE B. BERARDI WHOLSEN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

MURRAY BERSTEIN NIXON UNIFORM SERVICE

JULIAN H. “PETE” BOOKER THE SMARTDRIVE FOUNDATION

JENNIFER GIMLER BRADY POTTER ANDERSON & CORROON LLP

MARK BRAINARD DELAWARE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

KEVIN C. BROADHURST COMCAST

ROBERT L. BYRD THE BYRD GROUP

TIMOTHY J. CONSTANTINE HIGHMARK DELAWARE, BCBS

THOMAS J. COOPER COOPER REALTY ASSOCIATES

CHARLIE COPELAND ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, INC.

ERNEST DIANASTASIS CAI

BRIAN DISABATINO EDIS COMPANY

E. ANDREW DISBATINO EDIS COMPANY, RETIRED

DENIS DUNN AT&T DELAWARE

G. KEVIN FASIC COOCH & TAYLOR, P.A.

DAVE HARGADON TD BANK

PETE HAYWARD UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE RETIRED

JOHN (JACK) HEALY III HEALY LONG & JEVIN, INC.

RITA P. HOLLINGSWORTH ALFRED LERNER COLLEGE OF BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

TYRONE JONES

CHRISTOPHER L. KENNY SHOPRITES OF DELAWARE

RICHARD KENNY SHOPRITES OF DELAWARE, RETIRED

BERNHARD KOCH AAA MID-ATLANTIC

NICHOLAS P. LAMBROW M&T BANK

RICHARD H. LAPENTA INSURANCE & FINANCIAL SERVICES, LTD

STEPHAN LEHM VANDEMARK & LYNCH, INC.

ALAN LEVIN SODEL CONCEPTS

RENEE LEWANDOWSKI AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES

ANDY LUBIN DELAWARE FINANCIAL GROUP

HINTON J. LUCAS, JR. DUPONT, RETIRED

WILLIAM E. MANNING SAUL EWING, LLP

JOHN MCCARTHY ASTRAZENECA PHARMACEUTICALS, LP

PAUL M. MCCONNELL MCCONNELL DEVELOPMENT, INC.

BONNIE METZ VERIZON, DELAWARE

CALVERT MORGAN, JR. WSFS BANK

PETER MORROW THE WELFARE FOUNDATION

JANICE E. NEVIN, M.D, MPH CHRISTIANA CARE HEALTH SYSTEM

BRIAN NIXON INVISTA

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| DELAWARE BUSINESS

Board of Governors (continued)

JOHN OWENS CAPITAL ONE

THEODORE J. PRUSHINSKI CITIZENS BANK

JAMES RANDALL CALDWELL STAFFING

MICHAEL RATCHFORD W.L. GORE & ASSOCIATES, INC.

ROBERT (ROB) RIDER, JR. O.A. NEWTON

JOHN S. RILEY ASHLAND, INC.

WILLIAM B. ROBINSON GEORGE & LYNCH, RETIRED

RICHARD D. ROWLAND ROWLAND, JOHNSON & CO., PA

GREG SAWKA BANCROFT CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

FRED C. SEARS, II DELAWARE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

W. LAIRD STABLER, III, ESQ. LAIRD STABLER & ASSOCIATES, LLC

RICHARD K. STRUTHERS ASHFORD POINT

TOGETHER, WE ARE GREATER Every student who graduates from DSU is an extension of those who came before. When you support our Campaign for Students with a donation, you become part of the legacy that makes this University great. We are united in its success. And linked by the promise of its future.

DIAN C. TAYLOR ARTESIAN WATER

JAMES A. TEVEBAUGH TEVEBAUGH ASSOCIATES

WILLIAM M. TOPKIS DANIELS +TANSEY, LLP, RETIRED

Together, there is nothing we cannot achieve.

DONATE TODAY! FUNDRAISING GOAL: $20 Million MICHAEL S. UFFNER AUTOTEAM DELAWARE

CLINTON WALKER BARCLAYCARD US

WILLIAM S. WALLACE JPMORGAN CHASE

Donate online: desu.edu/greaterthanone Or contact us at 302.857.6055 or dsufoundation@desu.edu

ROBERT W. WHETZEL RICHARDS, LAYTON & FINGER

DELAWARE BUSINESS

STUART WIDOM CALPINE

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HARRY L. WILLIAMS DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY

Ja nu a r y / Fe br u a r y 2016

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Portrait by renowned illustrator Joseph Adolphe.

WILMINGTON TRUST RENOWNED INSIGHT

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what would happen to your business if you suddenly became incapacitated or worse, passed away? Who would step in to manage day-to-day operations? And even if you have a successor in mind, Bruce F. Hoffmeister

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stepping up and running the business?

Bruce has more than two decades of experience in estate and financial planning for closely held business owners and their families. He is part of a seasoned team of professionals who exemplify Wilmington Trust’s 112-year heritage of successfully advising business owners. Our goal is to help you create a plan for each stage of your business and your life, offering key insights at critical times of transition.

For access to knowledgeable professionals like Bruce and the rest of our team, contact Tony Lunger at 302-651-8800.

ONLy

30%

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Starting early. Ideally, succession planning should begin the day you

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F I D U C I A R Y S E R V I C E S | W E A LT H P L A N N I N G | I N V E S T M E N T M A N A G E M E N T | P R I VAT E B A N K I N G

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the sale of any financial product or service. This article is not designed or intended to provide financial, tax, legal, accounting, or other professional advice since such advice always requires consideration of individual circumstances. If professional advice is needed, the services of your professional advisor should be sought.

Private Banking is the marketing name for an offering of M&T Bank deposit and loan products and services.

Investments: • Are NOT FDIC-Insured • Have NO Bank Guarantee • May Lose Value Wilmington Trust is a registered service mark. Wilmington Trust Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of M&T Bank Corporation (M&T). Investment management and fiduciary services are provided by Wilmington Trust Company, operating in Delaware only, and Wilmington Trust, N.A., a national bank. Loans, retail and business deposits, and other personal and business banking services and products are offered by M&T Bank, member FDIC. ©2015 Wilmington Trust Corporation and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

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| DELAWARE BUSINESS

Delaware Business magazine covered a variety of topics—from education to fitness to restaurants—in 2015.

Above, the covers of 2015.

DELAWARE BUSINESS 2016 EDITORIAL CALENDAR* The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s Delaware Business is published six times a year, featuring a wide range of editorial content of interest to the business community. Below is the 2016 editorial calendar, including special advertising sections and advertising space reservation deadlines:

January/February State Chamber Annual Report The State Chamber’s Year in Review, and a look at Delaware’s economic development.

Space reservation: November 17, 2015 March/April Guide to Real Estate & Construction Guide to Health Care & Insurance Guide to Taxes Guide to Career Services & Internships Guide to Manufacturers that supply the medical industry Space reservation: January 19, 2016

May/June Superstars in Education Guide Guide to Education Guide to Legal Services, Government Affairs and Incorporating Services Guide to Medical Innovation in Delaware Guide to Beaches Space reservation: March 10, 2016

September/October Guide to Health + Fitness Back to School Guide Manufacturing Guide Guide to Election Issues Guide to Delaware Schools creating supply chain of workers for hospitals Space reservation: July 13, 2016

July/August Restaurant, Meeting & Banquet Guide Guide to Higher Learning Insurance & Financial Services Space reservation: May 13, 2016

November/December Superstars in Business Guide Guide to Construction & Real Estate Guide to Technology Guide to Banking Space reservation: September 14, 2016

* This calendar lists cover story topics and special advertising segments. Editorial topics are subject to change. Advertisers will be notified of any significant changes to content. All ads are due one week after space reservation deadline.

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Be Confident

The more you know, the better off you are.

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Beebe Heart Health Profiler For more information about the FREE Heart Health Profiler visit www.beebehealthcare.org/ hearthealthprofiler

Start by taking Beebe Healthcare’s online Heart Health Profiler. It’s free, fast and painless. Armed with the results, you can contact your primary care physician or make an appointment to see one of our cardiologists.

Visit beebehealthcare.org to fill out the Heart Health Profiler.

Beebe Healthcare’s cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, vascular surgeons, physician assistants and nurses provide best practice care and procedures right here in Sussex County, Delaware.

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Jan uar y / Fe b r uar y 2016

| DELAWARE BUSINESS

PHOTO BY DICK DUBROFF/FINAL FOCUS

2016 Legislative Agenda

BY JAMES DECHENE

DELAWARE’S ECONOMIC CHALLENGES remain daunting as the state economy continues a slow recovery in the midst of flat revenue projections. This economic picture is stubborn and persistent. As a result, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s 2016 Legislative Agenda for the second half of 148th General Assembly remains largely the same. It addresses issues that are still crucial to the state’s economic recovery: fiscal responsibility, education, health care, energy, infrastructure, tax reform and economic development.

State Fiscal Policy The past few years the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council (DEFAC) has been wisely conservative with revenue projections. This past year a DEFAC taskforce charged with examining Delaware’s revenue structure was convened and recommended a number of structural changes to help the state manage its long term fiscal picture. These included modifying the corporate income tax and gross receipts tax, reevaluating statewide property taxes and broadening the state income tax. In addition, the Delaware Business Roundtable released a study highlighting the DELAWARE BUSINESS

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dire straits of the state’s long term fiscal sustainability if serious and substantial changes are not made regarding how the state raises and spends revenue.

The state’s reliance on revenue generated by abandoned property, also known as escheat, remains a key concern. Generating $500 million last year, the consensus in the business community is that number is bound to shrink in coming years as companies become savvier in tracking unclaimed property, meaning less money in the state coffers. With other revenue streams remaining flat, we need to focus on new sources of income for the state. The General Assembly took steps to reform the program last year, and a pending court case to be heard in 2016 has the potential to strip the entire revenue source from the state. No matter that outcome, there exist other pending court cases that could have major impact to Delaware.

Call to Action: All areas of state and local government need to continue finding ways to cut expenses and increase efficiency while balancing their budgets. Tax and fee increases remain suspect options without commensurate reductions in state spending.

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2016 Legislative Agenda Areas to focus on spending reductions include revisiting the Governor’s proposal requiring state employees to contribute more to their health care plans, modifying overtime pay for certain state employees and finding ways to streamline programs and services offered by the state.

Public Education Delaware’s public schools are improving. However dropout rates, test scores, and student preparation for higher education and the job market are still not where they need to be. Continued reports of increases in Delaware-educated, college enrolled students forced to take remedial courses in order to catch up to where they should be is a clarion call that our school system has serious problems to address. Coupled with a bevy of at-risk schools, the business community needs to help address these problems early to help ensure a talented workforce will be available.

Call to Action: The State must address the issues surrounding standardized testing in schools, including upholding the Governor’s veto of last year’s opt-out bill. Consensus must also be reached on how best to ensure students in the City of Wilmington have access to a quality education. The State Chamber will continue to be involved in education issues as they are the foundation for a vibrant future workforce.

Health Insurance As we enter the third year of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) implementation, users in the commercial and individual markets continue to see risings costs at renewal time. While enabling those without coverage to sign on for a subsidized plan, it is important to remember those subsidies run out in two years, and what remains to be seen is how much of an impact on the cost of insurance this will have. Of particular concern is the realization that health care costs will continue to rise and may force large providers out of the marketplace creating a vacuum impeding any chance of low cost health care options.

Call to Action: The ACA needs to be reformed so that businesses and individuals can be confident that the problems and dysfunctionality have been resolved. Business leaders need a clear understanding of their obligations and options under the ACA. Energy Energy independence, coupled with a stable supply and a reasonable cost structure, is critical to the continued growth of our state’s economy. Numerous manufacturers have stated publicly that high utility costs are a deterrent to expanding or building facilities in Delaware. Construction of a statewide transmission line should provide more energy and a cut in cost, but because of federal regulation and construction time, this project is still years away from completion. This roadblock to economic expansion needs to be resolved if we are going to grow Delaware’s manufacturing base.

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The downstate energy consumer should see lower rates this year as Calpine’s new Garrison Energy Center continues production.

It is the first new energy producing plant in over 20 years. We are hopeful that other generating facilities can be constructed in the near term.

Technological advances, new sources of oil and natural gas have helped lower domestic prices allowing the country to purchase less off shore fossil fuels. This helps, but it will not guarantee large energy cost reductions. The announcement of a multibillion dollar investment at Sunoco’s Marcus Hook site is evidence that companies are willing to expand in the region, including in Delaware. PBF Energy has plans to invest as well, pending permitting approval. These expansions will be crucial for Delaware to take advantage of the growth opportunities in the energy industry by bringing much needed jobs and revenue into the state.

Call to Action: If Delaware business is going to stay competitive in the global marketplace, it is imperative that our state government and business leaders explore every available means of controlling and lowering energy costs. Delaware must take advantage of unique opportunities to become a leader in providing clean, reasonably priced energy for its citizens and businesses.

Infrastructure Successful economic development efforts can only succeed if the necessary communication, education, technology, transportation, and water/wastewater infrastructure is in place. Last session saw modifications to the Transportation Trust Fund including transferring some DelDot expenses back to the General Fund, and raising DMV fees to help expand its funding. While these State Chamber supported measures are positive, much more work remains in order to adequately fund the projects needed to make Delaware’s roads, bridges and other infrastructure endure the challenges of continued growth.

Call to Action: Appropriate investment in infrastructure will foster economic growth. Delaware needs to continue considering all practical proposals that can improve our state’s infrastructure at an affordable cost.

Workers’ Compensation This year, Delaware’s workers’ compensation rates will increase in the range of 7%. This is after two years of double digit escalation. To address rate hikes, the governor appointed a dedicated taskforce. Its first mission is to lower medical costs 20% by 2017.

This process was implemented in 2015 with the passage of legislation tying Delaware’s workers compensation medical payments to Medicare rates. In the past year, the taskforce has focused on the DCRB’s rating process and is currently looking at reasons why Delaware’s workers’ compensation cases stay open longer than those in our neighboring states. There are also questions regarding the level of insurance company reserve funds. In addition, the Workers’ Jan uar y / Fe b r uar y 2016

| DELAWARE BUSINESS

Compensation Data Committee is reviewing medical data to uncover the primary cost drivers.

Call to Action: Changes to the workers’ compensation system are a necessity. Delaware should mirror those other states with low workers’ compensation costs and solid medical treatment systems.

Tax Policy In recent years the state has adjusted taxes rates in an attempt to raise revenue while at the same time promoting economic development. But some critical revenue areas have been slower to improve than we hoped. There are obvious signs that Delaware’s tax structure needs to be revised and reformed. As an example, Delaware is one of only nine states still using a multi-factor system to calculate corporate income tax. We need to take the steps necessary to change to a single-factor system to remain not only regionally competitive, but to attract and retain companies from all over the country.

Call to Action: It is essential that the state continue to adjust tax rates in a way that will encourage economic development and partner with the State Chamber and others to scrutinize the long term sustainability of the current tax structure.

Economic Development The only way Delaware can remain competitive in the global marketplace is by expanding partnerships between our institutions of higher education, finding ways to generate greater access to venture capital, streamlining the government permitting and regulatory process, looking for global market opportunities, protecting and expanding our manufacturing base and aggressively promoting what Delaware has to offer.

To that end the State Chamber has reconstituted its Economic Development Committee to assist state and other agencies in their discussions with companies looking to relocate or expand in Delaware, and to provide policy suggestions on how to achieve those goals.

It is vital that we continue to scrutinize the state’s environmental regulatory process, land use policy, education and training programs, infrastructure needs, economic development investment, energy costs and tax structure. Conversations have begun and we believe it is time look at the Coastal Zone Act as it applies to existing industrial areas to determine if changes are appropriate in light of the environmental and technological advances made since the laws were instituted in 1971. The recent announcement that remediation of the EVRAZ Claymont Steel plant will begin this year is heartening, and there are other sites in Delaware that could see similar action. Along with creating much needed jobs, these projects will demonstrate that Delaware is invested in state-of-theart industrial facilities.

Call to Action: Delaware’s economic development success stories have been accomplished through the joint efforts of the federal, DELAWARE BUSINESS

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state and local governments partnering with our institutions of higher education and the business community. It is imperative that the manufacturing blueprint be further refined in ways that will create more manufacturing jobs. A successful economic development plan is the cornerstone of a healthy and vibrant state economy. In addition, it is imperative that the Coastal Zone Act be modernized. Numerous underutilized or abandoned sites should be re-permitted to allow for new uses as a way to help spur economic growth for the state.

The second half of the 148th General Assembly should prove to be active and exciting. Facing a $150 million projected budget shortfall, the continuation of a passionate debate on education reform, unresolved solutions surrounding infrastructure funding, not to mention all the other pop-up legislation to be introduced in the midst of an election year, the General Assembly and the Administration will have very full plates. The State Chamber and the business community at large will be called on to help solve these problems, and by working together to tackle the tough problems Delaware’s future will remain bright.

THE WEEKLY REPORT The Weekly Report is the Delaware State Chamber’s digital publication, which features important business articles, legislative updates and timely state news.

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| DELAWARE BUSINESS

Member

news&Notes Q&A with DSCC Board of Directors Chairman

BY DENEE CRUMRINE Mark Stellini should be a familiar name in the Delaware business community. If not his name, then one of his companies surely rings a bell – Info Systems, Virtual Resources or Assurance Media. Or perhaps his leadership of one of the six community boards he serves on is where you’ve heard of him.

If you haven’t met Mark, we hope this Q&A will serve as a solid introduction.

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What inspired you to start your own business?

Survival. The Stellini Family is one of entrepreneurs. I had dropped out of college and was training show horses when my father started his computer service business. Shortly after, I started attending Delaware Tech as a business major.

Utilizing lessons from DTCC in a dynamic IT business environment was great applied learning, and a life changing opportunity. We were blessed with great success, and I, a dropout and ex-horse trainer, survived!

What was the plan for Info Systems?

The saying, “Fail to plan and plan to fail,” is true. We operated the company without any plan for the first several years. After I attended a great session

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PHOTO BY NICK WALLACE

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Member

news&Notes on business planning, we developed a complete plan to become the premier supplier of IT products and services to the North East Region, focusing on customers and teammates, which laid the framework for our success. Empowering our team to deliver “extreme” customer service was our number one goal, and it led to growth, prosperity and many awards.

What were some key points during your career, and what advice can you offer?

Never give up! We almost closed Info Systems several times during those first five years in which many businesses fail. A lot can go wrong, but a lot can go right, so you can’t give up! I also learned that you must ask for help build a mentor network and use it. The Delaware State Chamber was a key resource for me. I formed great mentor relationships that I still use today!

In the late 1990s, Info Systems faced a major, and preventable, financial challenge during its largest period of growth. We failed to put proper controls and management in place to identify potential problems and their solutions.

Key lesson: learn from challenges and never repeat a mistake.

Info Systems encouraged all its teammates to think and act entrepreneurially.

After the company sold, multiple businesses were built by past employees, some even employing other Info System people. It’s a great success that we are influencing the entrepreneurial environment in Delaware.

Six board roles! What drives you to commit to these organizations?

Without our community, we would not have a business. It is our responsibility to give back, and encourage other busi-

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PHOTO BY NICK WALLACE

nesses to do the same. I was a young student with ADD before it was known as a learning disability. With no preschool or kindergarten and a first grade class with 45 students, I didn’t have a chance to be a successful student, so education improvement is a passion for me. Presently, we are making great progress in early childhood and workforce development initiatives. I want to utilize the Chamber, the New Castle County Technical School District, DTCC, Vision 2025 and whatever other means possible, to continue improving education in Delaware.

Why do you take such an active part in DSCC? The Chamber put Info Systems on the map. During its startup phase, Info Systems lost a big contract - a textbook example of, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Joining the Chamber changed that. The connections I made through DSCC gave me the resources I needed to develop Info Systems into a successful company, and led to other

beneficial business relationships.

“Morally and Ethically Sound,” is one of our corporate values at Assurance Media. It means we strive to do the right thing, all the time, even if it isn’t always easy. My hope is that the people of Delaware will view me as a leader - at the Chamber, in the community, and as a businessman - who tried to do the right thing, no matter how difficult the situation. My involvement with DSCC has lent to achieving this.

“Mark has played an integral role as a board member and as current chairman.

We’ve accomplished a lot in the last two years. I’ve enjoyed working with him, and hope to continue to do so,” says DSCC president Rich Heffron.

Entrepreneur, business man, leader, father, mentor and education advocate - all ways in which Delaware and the State Chamber know Mark Stellini. The Chamber is proud to have a person of such caliber among its membership and knows Mr. Stellini will continue to do great work for the state of Delaware.

Jan uar y / Fe b r uar y 2016

| DELAWARE BUSINESS

“We’re bringing in BDO. The partner’s already on it.”

People who know, know BDO.SM

BDO provides assurance, tax, advisory, and consulting services to a wide range of publicly traded and privately held companies. We offer a sophisticated array of services and the resources and capabilities of the BDO global network, combined with the personal attention of experienced professionals.

James Doyle, Office Managing Partner, Assurance jmdoyle@bdo.com

Cameron McDonald, Office Managing Partner, Tax cmcdonald@bdo.com

BDO, 4250 Lancaster Pike, Suite 120, Wilmington, DE 19805 / 302-656-5500 Accountants and Consultants

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© 2015 BDO USA, LLP. All rights reserved.

DELAWARE BUSINESS

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Member

news&Notes From one parking lot to a legacy

AND THE GILMAN BOWL GOES TO… RICHARD G. “DICK” HATFIELD, FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN OF COLONIAL PARKING, INC. National Leadership Advisory Council.

This year’s winner of the Marvin Relationships developed there led to the S. Gilman Bowl has never been expansion of his business bringing him one to pursue public recognition. Rather, and his family to Delaware in 1965. The Richard “Dick” Hatfield is a quiet, tireless, hardworking embodiment of the entrepre- partnership developed from that continues to this day, 50-years later. neurial spirit. Starting his first business at General characteristics: the age of 18, he has built a real legacy He is always guided by the Golden for all his endeavors both in business and Rule, the company culture he created in the community. through his example is built on that After serving his country in the US simple principal of treating others as you Army, he was right back to work develwould like to be treated. This example oping opportunities to grow his skills and his business. The business that is his life’s passion was started in 1956, Colonial Parking, Inc. From a single location, our recipient grew his company over the nearly 60-years to a regional organization recognized for integrity, professionalism and service excellence. It employs over 230 people to manage over 100 locations serving in excess of 45,000 customers every day.

But first, we need to back up to recognize all the lives he’s touched along the 60-year journey.

After several years in business, Mr. Hatfield became active in the National Parking Association where he ultiMarvin S. Gilman Bowl mately served as President award winner Dick from 1975-1976 and conHatfield with his family tinues to serve on the NPA’s

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has led his team to not only deliver excellent service, but to be socially responsible as well.

A true “his word is his bond” he has structured more transactions on the back of napkins than any other way.

He approaches every business opportunity expecting to achieve a win for all involved. He wants to conclude every transaction with everyone involved feeling good about it.

It is his long-term focus and desire to

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| DELAWARE BUSINESS

develop lifelong relationships that may lead to other opportunities that has crafted this business style. The sum of his win-win and long-term philosophies has also led him to be one of the strongest advocates for the City of Wilmington. For the Dick Hatfield, it’s all about what’s good for the city, knowing that what’s good for the city will ultimately be good for everyone in the city.

He is a deeply committed not only to his families, both at home and at work, but also to the greater community. This commitment has been demonstrated by volunteering for a number of community organizations throughout his career: He is a lifelong Rotarian, living by Rotary’s philosophy of “service above self.”

He served on the board, including as chairman, of Elwyn Institute, a nonprofit organization providing employment opportunities, training and education for people with disabilities, for more than 30 years.

In 1982 our Gilman Bowl recipient, a board member of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce at the time, put the needs of a growing state chamber of commerce together with a piece of land to develop the One Commerce Center Building at 1201 N Orange Street.

He served as a board member for Artisans’ Bank and Downtown Visions.

He served as president of Committee of 100 from 2000-2002.

Dick has constantly pursued opportunities and has shared his entrepreneurial spirit with many over the course of his career. With Dick’s guidance he nurtured the start of a commercial cleaning business, a demolition contracting business and an archival/record storage business not to mention countless other young entrepreneurs that he touched in a more casual way. He was a regular guest lecturer in the University of Delaware’s Entrepreneurship Program, sharing his story and inspiring students.

Needless to say, there is no one more deserving of recognition for his hard work and dedication to the community. The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Alliance congratulate Mr. Hatfield on this prestigious honor.

The Marvin S. Gilman Bowl was established by the Small Business Alliance of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce in 2008 to honor an individual who has made outstanding contributions to small business and nonprofit organizations of Delaware. The Bowl is awarded annually in the memory of Marvin S. Gilman. This recipient is held in confidence until the Superstars in Business awards luncheon, which took place on Tuesday, November 10, 2015.

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MAKE DELMARVA’S ONLY FOUR-STAR HOSPITAL YOUR FIRST CHOICE. There are many Delmarva hospitals to choose from.

But only one that was rated highest by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for patient experience: Nanticoke Memorial Hospital.

CMS published its first-ever “Four-Star Hospital” rating based on patient surveys across 11 care criteria—asking about things like communication with physicians and nurses, patient understanding of care, pain management, and comfort of the room.

Nanticoke was rated the highest—hands down— among all local hospitals in Delaware and on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

While we’re honored to be our region’s highest-rated hospital for patient experience, we are even more proud of our doctors, nurses, care providers, staff and volunteers who make it all possible. Just one more reason you can feel good about choosing Nanticoke. Every time.

Always Caring. Always Here.

www.Nanticoke.org

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Member

news&Notes BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT:

Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, CPAs

BY HEATHER GRIES At Belfint, Lyons & Shuman (BLS), the focus is on providing excellent service and establishing relationships built to last. These certified public accountants deliver more to their community than trustworthy accounting and tax services.

Managing director of BLS Michael French stresses the accounting firm’s guiding principle, “Commitment is what we preach.” As the largest locally owned accounting firm in Delaware, BLS has been maintaining a strong commitment to the community for over 92 years, a trait that sets them apart from other like firms.

French joined BLS in 1980 as an intern, an experience he describes as “the internship that never ended”. The company’s internship program shows the firm’s commitment to the future – giving individuals the opportunity to have a true experience. The interns at BLS are given great insight and are often hired after graduation.

Training at BLS is an ongoing teaching experience thanks to their advisor program. Every employee from manager on downwards is assigned an advisor to help guide their careers in the right direction, answer questions and provide continuous staff development. “We look at all of us as mentors,” French says.

The devoted BLS team is working hard to bring more business to the state, as their headquarters have always been located in Delaware. French emphasizes “For us to do well, Delaware needs to do well”. As members of Prime Global, an association of independent accounting firms, BLS is building strong relation-

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Michael French, managing partner at Belfint, Lyons & Shuman.

ships with other Prime Global member firms in locations that span the globe, such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and Switzerland and working to help transition their international business into Delaware. French says “the focus is on Delaware always”, and genuinely believes Delaware is the best place to build an international side of business due to the close proximity of major cities like Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and New York.

French noted the firm’s efforts to bring business to Delaware with what they call the “Delaware Roadshow”. The BLS team invited and hosted contacts from Prime Global member firms in Germany and Switzerland to promote their country and firm’s services to Delaware organizations like Global Delaware and World Trade Center Delaware. Similarly, BLS representatives have travelled to Germany and the

United Kingdom to support these efforts and promote Delaware.

Awarded 2015 Top Workplace for seven consecutive years, the loyal BLS employees have proven excellence is a standard in and out of the office.

Michael French says employees are encouraged from day one to stay active in the community outside of work and to contribute to a greater cause. The employees value integrity, reliability, a good balance between work and personal life, and keeping a team mentality.

French says the company would be nowhere without their staff and clients, and is happy to call some of the clients his longtime friends. He “always wants to be at the table with a client when decisions are being made.” For all of your accounting and tax service needs, Belfint Lyons & Shuman welcomes you with an open door.

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| DELAWARE BUSINESS

Emphasis on Forensics and Fraud Detection

Master’s Degree in Accounting

It all adds up.

The Neumann University master’s degree in Accounting adds up to greater opportunity.

The emphasis on forensics and fraud detection will provide you with credentials that are in demand. Neumann’s program allows you to: • Finish in just 18-21 months • Study in class and online • Focus on forensics and fraud For more information: gradadultadmiss@neumann.edu 610-361-5208

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Aston, Pennsylvania

www.neumann.edu 19

Member

news&Notes NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

Easter Seals of Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore

BY RANA FAYEZ

Easter Seals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore has a rich history which began through the efforts of the first medical director of A.I. DuPont hospital, Dr. Alfred R. Shands, Jr. In 1948, the organization was formed with Dr. Shand’s leadership to meet the needs of children with disabilities. This local affiliate is part of a national organization that has been helping individuals with disabilities and their families live better lives for almost 100 years by providing services and sup-

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port. Ken Sklenar was appointed as CEO of the Easter Seals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore in 2013. He was previously CEO of an Easter Seals affiliate in Ohio.

Delaware Business had the chance to sit down with Sklenar and speak about his experiences with the organization.

DB: What drew you to the organization?

Having the ability to see first-hand the results of what we do as an organization and see the mission played out every

“We’re excited about new innovative ideas we expect to see from staff in the future.”

day is very powerful to me. I get to see individuals that we’re serving and see the progress that they are making and that means the world to me.

I’m here in Delaware because the CEO position became available, unfortunately, after our previous CEO passed away. In fact, our organization established a fund in his name -- The Bill Adami Fund for innovation -- and it’s a good example of the difference Easter Seals of Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern makes in the community. The fund was established to fund innovative ideas for serving people with disabilities presented by our staff. This past year’s winner is a collaboration with the University of Delaware’s “Go Baby Go” project which serves children with disabilities. The Innovation Fund provided dollars to purchase small ride-on cars you would see at toy stores and we’re retrofitting them to meet the needs of children with disabilities. The cars allow the child in therapy to gain mobility and independence, and we allow the families to take the cars home, so the child is able to utilize it there. We’re excited about new innovative ideas that we will see from ES staff in the future through the Adami Fund for Innovation.

DB: Can you tell me about more initiatives right now that your organization is undertaking in the Delaware area?

KS: Our organization has just developed a new strategic plan which is effective throughout FY 16-18. One of the key initiatives is expanding our

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| DELAWARE BUSINESS

camp – Easter Seals of Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Camp Fairlee. While our camp is located in Maryland, it serves hundreds of individuals each year from Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and surrounding states. It is the only camp in the region that provides an accessible residential camp experience for children and adults with disabilities year-round.

We’ve invested $6.5 million to upgrade our facilities. We’ve replaced old cabins, added a 12,000 sq. ft. activity center, and renovated and doubled the size of our dining hall and added a health center. We now have the ability to serve more campers and expand the number of opportunities throughout the year.

Typically, the fall and winter are offseason, however, we are able to provide

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services year-round because the cabins are now weatherized. Our campers are all ages – literally from 6 to 86 years-old!

Another initiative is expanding employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Through a partnership with Best Buddies Delaware, we created a summer intern program statewide. We team up a high school student with an intellectual disability with a mentor ‘Buddy” who shadows them on the job giving them a chance to have work experience prior to graduating high school. Now in its second year, this program has more than doubled and we would like to continue to grow it. So far, two students with disabilities have secured full time jobs after high school through the intern program!

DB: Is there a particular contribution has your organization has made to the community that you’re most proud of?

KS: I am extremely proud of the fact that ES is a leader in innovative services for people with disabilities and that we provide services not only to help individuals live independently but also to support their families with caregiver services.

While the roots of our organization are in serving children with disabilities, our services in Delaware and on the Eastern Shore of Maryland have expanded to serve all ages. Now we have a broad range of services and the expertise to serve people of all ages and with many types of disabilities whether it’s autism, MS, cerebral palsy or aging conditions.

That’s what makes us different.

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WELCOME New Members AEROTEK

members working to enhance the quality

Wilmington community. Though it is a tra-

(302) 561-6310 100 West Columns Boulevard New Castle, DE 19720 www.aerotek.com

of life for people with disabilities and those

ditional retail independent pharmacy spe-

who support them.

cializing in infectious disease and custom

ELLEDGE/VARNADO HOSPITALITY, LLC

provides a welcoming atmosphere to the

Aerotek is a leader in the recruiting and staff-

patients of Delaware.

knowledge and skills to deliver the perfect fit

(973) 647-5871 1 Holmes Court Morristown, NJ 07960 www.woodhousespas.com

between a candidate and an employer. They

Elledge / Varnado Hospitality special-

successfully bring great people and great

izes in developing luxury day spas for the

organizations together.

Woodhouse Day Spa brand for the New

(667) 228-5000 1007 Old Philadelphia Road Aberdeen, MD 21001 www.mtmventuresinc.com

ing industry. With more than three decades in the business, they have developed the

compounded medication, its eclectic feel

MTM VENTURES INC.

Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania regions.

MTM Ventures Inc. was founded to provide

COFACE

The company also provides on-going opera-

delivery services for the health-care indus-

(302) 584-6384 50 Millstone Road East Windsor, NJ 08520 www.coface-usa.com

tions and marketing support to Woodhouse

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ery services of different types of freight.

GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY

types and will accommodate to fit specific

Coface has helped companies trade safely

company needs.

management services help ensure that

(856) 238-4452 3300 W. Camelback Road Phoenix, AZ 85017 www.gcu.edu

their 40,000 clients will get paid for the

Located in Phoenix, Arizona, Grand Canyon

merchandise or services delivered to their

University is recognized as offering some of

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the best online education programs in the

(856) 278-3171 55 Chapel St., Suite 200 Newton, MA 02458 www.braintumor.org

nation by noteworthy sources in Fortune

The National Brain Tumor Society is the larg-

DELAWARE ASSOCIATION OF REHABILITATION FACILITIES (DELARF)

Small Business, Technology & Learning

est non-profit organization dedicated to the

Magazine, Fox.com, Online Education

brain tumor community in the United States.

(302) 622-9177 100 W. 10th St., Suite 103 Wilmington, DE 19801 www.delarf.org

Database (OEDb) and more. Undergraduate,

Through innovative funding models, robust

graduate, and bridge programs are offered.

research collaborations, and a focused pub-

GREENHILL PHARMACY

to improve the pace of drug discovery and

DelARF is a statewide membership asso-

development.

ing, and advocacy, and operate employ-

(302) 660-8847 2511 W. 4th St., Unit F Wilmington, DE 19805 www.wilmingtonrx.com

ment programs for Delawareans with

Greenhill Pharmacy serves as a new

disabilities. Their mission is to support

and modern drugstore in the southwest

around the world for nearly 70 years. Their credit insurance protection and credit

ciation of agencies supporting people with disabilities. They provide education, train-

22

They are open to a variety of product

NATIONAL BRAIN TUMOR SOCIETY

lic policy agenda, they are driving change

NATIONWIDE INSURANCE CO. (443) 994-4319 1401 Poplar Avenue Annapolis, MD 21401 Jan uar y / Fe b r uar y 2016

| DELAWARE BUSINESS

www.nationwide.com

small business mailers. PCCs serve as an

programs in their network are more flexible

At Nationwide Insurance Co., their work is

open channel for USPS to business com-

than standard SBA loan programs found at

to make sure your work is rewarded. As one

munication, providing information and best

most banks.

of the largest financial service companies in

practices for cost-effective and profitable

America, Nationwide Insurance Co. works

mailing, education and training, and solving

WESTERN PEST SERVICES

to protect what matters most to you and

local challenges.

(877) 957-5770 3202 Concord Pike Wilmington, DE 19803 www.westernpest.com

your family. They are able to help millions of members plan and manage their retirement

THE SMARTDRIVE FOUNDATION

investments and income.

(302) 300-6989 P.O. Box 8336 Wilmington, DE 19803 www.smartdriveusa.org

NEW YORK LIFE (302) 690-9932 1205 Westlakes Dr. Berwyn, PA 19312 www.newyorklife.com

Western Pest Services has taken pride in doing things the right way when it comes to pest control. They offer a wide range

SmartDrive offers intensive and interactive

of pest control services to protect homes,

defensive driving programs, designed to

including those geared towards the

help reduce motor vehicle crashes and fatal-

most destructive pests like termites and

New York Life provides a variety of products

ities among young teen and adult drivers.

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delivers a compelling message, flexible pro-

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New York Life has the financial strength to

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VICTORY BUSINESS CREDIT AND FUNDING SOLUTIONS

(302) 442- 3400 242 S. Rehoboth Boulevard Milford, DE 19963 www.seaclam.com

branded seafood products. As a partner,

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Personalized Service.

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nesses when banks

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establishing busi-

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credit. The private

acts as a valuable resource for large and

lenders and funding

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assist business in ness credit that is completely separate from personal

Advisory Services • Audit & Assurance • Tax Services Holding Company Services • Information Technology

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23

1 78 th ANNU AL DINNER

State Cham b er Sc en e. . . a year in r ev iew

Th e An n u a l D i n n e r f e a t u r e d TE L E D UC TI ON’ s S h a r o n B a k e r a n d k e y n o t e s p e a k e r Janice Nevin, M.D., MPH, who recently assumed leadership at Christiana Care.

rom Le Mike Reath of Delmarva Broadcasting Company, rank Montisano and Dee Cairo of Excel B u s in e s s S y s t e m s , In c .

W e m i s s o u r d e a r f r i e n d J o h n M c Ka y . He r e h e i s w i t h Christine Sauers of the Better Business Bureau of Delaware.

J o s ia h M a r v e l C u p r e c ip ie n t D r. B o b L a s k o w s k i w a s surprised and honored when he was recogni ed for th e a w a rd .

Albert R. Morris’ family surprised him with a new State C h a m b e r a w a r d i n h i s n a m e , t h e B o a r d M e m b e r o f t h e Ye a r .

Mike Houghton of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell, LLP was h o n o r e d w it h t h is a w a r d .

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| DELAWARE BUSINESS

State Cham b er Sc en e. . . a year in r ev iew

Ms. Eva oxwell received an award for Brandywine Springs Middle School for her program, th Grade Business Networking Event.

Appo uinimink High School was a Superstar for its Computer Science Career Pathway program, w h ic h d e v e lo p s n e c e s s a r y s k ills t o p r e p a r e students for careers that re uire computing skills.

Lake orest High Schools’ agricultural program received a Superstar in Education award for Lake orest Agriscience. The program allows students to achieve hands on educational and developmental goals through instruction in agricultural power and systems technology, animal science and plant and environmental technologies.

Capital and P L TECH School Districts were honored for Capital Adult ESL/ amily Literacy Program. This is a collaborative program that helps parents gain literary and parenting skills needed to become full partners in the education of their children.

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The State Chamber’s education a liate The Partnership, Inc.’s Katie Wilkinson applaudes the six winning programs for reaching Superstar status.

Principal Shirley Bounds of St. Eli abeth High School a c c e p t e d t h e S u p e r s t a r a w a r d o n b e h a lf o f t h e s c h o o l fo r its iking Initiative or Innovation I I program, which implements technology to engage students and foster deeper learning experiences.

EastSide Charter School accepted the award for Teaching Excellence ramework, a collaborative program between E a s t S i d e C h a r t e r S c h o o l , Ku u m b a Ac a d e m y , Th o m a s A. E d i s o n Charter School and Prestige Academy.

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State Cham b er Sc en e. . . a year in r ev iew

rom le Stu Lindner of Artesian Water Company, Representative Bill Carson, Mayor of Middletown Ken Branner and Rodney Wyatt of Artesian Water Company

Ted Prushinski of Citi ens Bank hosts a foursome at the annual Chamber Chase golf tournament.

rom le Ronnie Sanna of Tri State the Roofers, John Gooden of M. Davis & Sons, Inc., Senator Bryan Townsend and Kevin asic of Cooch & Taylor rom le Ryan Golembewski of Diamond Technologies, Inc., Dina rpello of Diamond Technologies, Inc., Richard Kralevitch of Delaware Technical Community College and Steve Shirey of Delaware Technical Community College

2 2 n d ANNU AL CHAMBER CHASE G OLF TOU RNAMENT 26

rom le Senator David McBride, Dennis Salter of New Castle Insurance, DSCC’s Rich He ron, Pat Delle Cave of Comcast Spotlight and John Casey of Delaware Contractor’s Association

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State Cham b er Sc en e. . . a year in r ev iew

DELAWARE NETWORK ING STATION

Brian Corbett and Michelle Krupka from Insperity exhibited at the 2 15 Delaware Networking Station along with 1 other exhibitors.

Je Robinson, Ema Leigh Rust and David uinn pose with the DNS selfie board as they represent Deerfield.

TELED CTI N’s Sharon Baker poses with Pope rancis next to a green iat provided courtesy of Carman Auto Group.

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S t a t e C h a m b e r f r i e n d s Ar l e n e S i m o n o f t h e D E C o u n c i l o n Gambling Problems, Inc. and Tom McCarthy of Delaware Technical Community College smile for the camera

The State Chamber partners with the Better Business Bureau to put on the Delaware Networking Station each year. Presidents Christine Sauers and Rich He ron were oined by Pope rancis for a selfie.

Attendees stop by to see Greg Munson and his furry friends at the Delaware Humane Association’s exhibit table.

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State Cham b er Sc en e. . . a year in r ev iew

N Bac k to Basic s Lear n in g Dyn am ic s, In c .

1 2 Employees Category

Ber n ar d on 25 5 Employees Category

SoDel Con c epts 15 Employees Category

G ir l Sc ou ts of the Chesapeak e Bay Nonprofit Category

Su per star s in Bu sin ess Win n er s

S

P C T G 1 2 Employees Category

Br am hal l + Hitc hen In su r an c e 25 5 Employees Category

B

L &S CPA 15 Employees Category

The Fir st Tee of Del awar e Nonprofit Category

Awar d of Ex c el l en c e Rec ipien ts

The Marvin S. Gilman Bowl is awarded to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the small businesses and nonprofit organi ations of Delaware. This year’s recipient is Richard A. Dick Ha ield of Colonial Parking, Inc. From left: Peter Gilman, Dick Ha ield, Martha Gilman and Rich Heffron

rom le Greg Star from Carvertise, Sheila Bravo from DANA, Pam Cornforth from Ronald McDonald House of Delaware, George M e l d r u m o f Ne m o u r s C h i l d r e n ’ s He a l t h S y s t e m .

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rom le Clint Robertson of Wilmington niversity, Ken Anderson of DED , Rob Rescigno of Wilmington niversity, Rich He ron of DSCC.

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State Cham b er Sc en e. . . a year in r ev iew

RU SSELL SENATE OFFICE BU ILDING

The Taste of Delaware is an annual event with a reputation as THE e v e n t o n C a p i t o l Hi l l . Th e e v e n t w o u l d n ’ t h a v e t h i s s t a t u r e w i t h o u t the help of Delcastle Technical High School’s culinary program. c u lin a r y s t u d e n t s t r a v e l d o w n t o D .C . w it h u s e a c h y e a r t o w o r k t h e e v e n t a n d le n d a h a n d t o t h e v e n d o r s .

.S. Senator Chris Coons visits with DuPont’s Barry Granger.

WASHING TON, D. C.

Ta s t e o f D e l a w a r e ’ s h o s t U. S . S e n a t o r C h r i s C o o n s p o s e s f o r t h e c a m e r a w i t h W i L D W i C H’ s Tr i n i t y S t a n l e y a n d M i k e S t a n l e y .

.S. Congressman John Carney stopped by the Delaware Technical Community College Culinary Program’s table for a q u ic k b it e t o e a t .

December t h m a r k e d t h e a n n i v e r s a r y of Delaware ratifying the .S. Constitution in 1 . Delaware is one of America’s largest producers o f c o r n , m ilk a n d s o y b e a n s .

D e la w a r e a n s h a v e t u r n e d m a n y o f t h e s e p r o d u c t s in t o w o r ld c la s s cuisine. rom favorites like Dogfish Head cra brews to the legendary pies of Grotto Pi a, Delaware p r o d u c t s a r e w e ll k n o w n fo r t h e ir fresh, natural and tasty ingredients.

Th e Ta s t e o f D e l a w a r e s h o w c a s e s t h e s t a t e ’s liv e ly c u lin a r y s c e n e a n d tourist attractions.

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State Cham b er Sc en e. . . a year in r ev iew

SPRING LEGISLATIVE BRUNCH & MANU FACTU RING CONFERENCE

Governor Jack Markell visits Tracey Bray at Croda’s exhibit table during the Spring Legislative Brunch & Manufacturing Conference at Del Tech’s Terry Campus.

The Spring Legislative Brunch & Manufacturing Conference featured a panel disucssion on opportunities in the global marketplace moderated by Rebecca aber, president & CE of World Trade Center Delaware.

rom le Louis Memmelo a n d D e b b ie S h e a r s o f W e in e r Benefits Group and Ken Ho mann of Progressive So ware Computing, Inc. PSCI

rom le Delaware Today’s Charlie Tomlinson and Continuity Dyanamic’s Ralph Pe and Dennis Williams

SMALL BU SINESS CONFERENCE & END OF SESSION LEG ISLATIVE BRU NCH 30

Chip Rankin right of MilliCare by EBC Carpet Services visits Mike anderslice le at Environmental Alliance’s exhibit table during the Small Business Conference.

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State Cham b er Sc en e. . . a year in r ev iew

STATE CHAMBER EVENTS

Ma or General rancis D. avala addressed our a u d ie n c e in J u n e a s a k e y n o t e fo r o u r C h a m b e r L e a d e r s h ip B r e a k fa s t S e r ie s .

From left: MG Vavala, John DiEleuterio of the Delaware National Guard, Ron Olivere, and Mike Uffner of AutoTeam Delaware

DSCC celebrated Excel Business Systems, Inc.’s th anniversary with a networking breakfast in July.

From left: Dee Cairo of Excel Business Systems, Inc., DSCC Chairman Mark Stellini, and Annie DiMattia of Excel Business Systems, Inc.

The Delaware oung Professionals Network partnered with Harvey, Hanna & Associates and Twin Lakes Brewing Co. to hold a happy hour and canned food drive to benefit the Sunday Breakfast mission.

Greenhill Pharmacy Ribbon Cu ng From left: NCC Register of Wills Ciro Poppiti, NCC County Executive Tom Gordon, Secretary of Health & Social Services Rita Landgraf, Jay Patel, owner of Greenhill Pharmacy, DSCC’s Chuck James, and Wilmington City Councilman Robert Williams

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AARP oundation president Lisa Ryerson was the April keynote in our C h a m b e r L e a d e r s h ip B r e a k fa s t S e r ie s .

From left: Lucretia Young, Sheila Grant, Carlos de los Ramos, Lisa Ryerson and Kim Iapalucci of AARP

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Q&A with Dr. David Bailey:

The Growing Nemours footprint in Delaware

BY PAM GEORGE

FREQUENT TRAVELERS on Powder Mill Road are so familiar with the tall stone walls that surround Nemours, the chateau-style home built by industrialist and philanthropist Alfred I. duPont, that they take the property for granted. But this isn’t just another duPont mansion turned cultural attraction. The grounds are also home to the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, a beloved landmark that’s tightly woven into the First State’s history, heritage and economy.

Since 1940, the hospital has served children from nearly every state in the U.S. and dozens of countries. In September 2014, the Wilmington hospital completed a 450,000-square-foot expansion with 144 single-patient rooms and a 44-bay emergency room. With more than 3,800 associates in the state, Nemours is a steady presence.

So when Delawareans learn that Nemours is also growing in surrounding states, as well as in Florida, they’re often surprised. Nemours Children’s Health System also includes a second freestanding hospital in Orlando, and nearly 50 primary, specialty and urgent-care clinics in six states. Some may worry that one of the largest private employers is moving its attention outside state borders.

Nothing could be further from the truth, says Dr. David J. Bailey, president and CEO of Nemours. “The fact of the matter is that Delaware continues to be by far our largest operation; it’s our most mature and most sophisticated health-delivery operation, and it will continue to be,” maintains Bailey, the keynote speaker at the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s 179th Annual Dinner. Nemours DELAWARE BUSINESS

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Nemours Across Delaware

was the dream of Alfred I. duPont, who died in 1935 at age 70. He left an estate valued at $40 million, but only a small portion went to friends and family. In his will, he left instructions for the creation of a charitable foundation primarily devoted to the care of crippled but curable children and the elderly. The Nemours Foundation was incorporated in 1936, and in 1940, the Alfred I. duPont Institute, now the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, opened near the Wilmington mansion that duPont built for his second wife, Alecia Maddox duPont. (The mansion and grounds are popular cultural attractions.)

Bailey, a pediatric gastroenterologist with a master’s degree in business administration, first became acquainted with Nemours while working at the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, where he established the division of pediatric gastroenterology. Since becoming CEO of Nemours in 2006, Bailey – named one of the 50 most influential physician executives in 2014 by Modern Healthcare Magazine – has helped transform the Nemours culture.

Nemours today is an advocate for children’s healthcare, and Bailey is also a voice for Nemours’ presence in its home state. Figuratively, he wants to tear down the stone walls to reveal a thriving healthcare organization firmly rooted in Delaware. “Mr. duPont intended for us to pay first consideration to Delaware’s children in perpetuity,” he says. “It’s my job to make sure his wishes are met.”

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What was Nemours like in 2006 when you became CEO? It was very geographically dispersed then, as it is now. We’ve grown twoand-a-half times the size that we were, both in terms of physical space and in terms of revenue. The most important part of our growth is that we’ve impacted the lives of more children.

But in 2006, we did not have listening to the families as part of our ingrained process. Patient satisfaction was in the lower quartiles. We began to put into place processes to incorporate families into the decision-making and to listen to what parents wanted for their kids. I think that has created the most remarkable turnaround in the organization. Patient satisfaction is at an all-time high. We believe we deliver a type of care to children that is unmatched. That’s due to two things. We listen carefully to our families, and we have very dedicated associates, who deliver on our promise to help kids grow up healthy. All members of the team go on rounds and meet with the family on a daily basis so that everyone is clear on what’s going to happen. The family is able to convey to the team those things that they’re concerned about. The team understands from the beginning what the child’s needs are – above and beyond the actual physical problem.

What is Nemours’ connection to Florida?

Mr. duPont [and his third wife, Jessie Ball duPont] became residents in 1923. He died in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1935. The Nemours Foundation Jan uar y / Fe b r uar y 2016

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is actually incorporated in the state of Florida. He was critical in maintaining the stability of banking in Florida during the Depression. His name, as someone said, is “enshrined in the history of Florida.” The Nemours board of directors back in the early 1980s decided that to honor that presence, they would begin to open some operations in Florida, and they started in Jacksonville. [Nemours purchased the Hope Haven Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville in 1981.] We have expanded in Florida. [Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando opened in 2012.] The funds for that hospital came from the trust of Edward Ball [duPont’s brother-in-law], who was a Floridian and ran the foundation for decades. He left the bulk of his estate to Nemours, and it was restricted to use in Florida.

sionals including social worker, nurse, and pharmacist, along with the primary care provider.] For those who need it, the A.I. duPont Hospital for Children is here for children with very complex conditions that require hospitalization.

We have affiliations with many hospitals in Delaware and beyond.

Hospitalists work to keep children in their local community. Only when their care requires expertise and procedures that are quite complex do they get transferred to the A.I. duPont Hospital for Children. We’ve created affiliations at local community hospitals so that pediatrics can be provided at a high level of care locally.

How is Nemours linked to the Delaware business community?

How large is Nemours?

We are providing care in over 50 locations in six states, but our commitment and attention to Delaware is unwavering in perpetuity.

Why has Nemours needed to expand into other states?

Delaware has a relatively small population of children...not enough to support a world-class children’s hospital. For us to offer a very high level of services – such as spine surgery, open-heart surgery, bone marrow transplantation – to the children of Delaware, we have to have a volume of patients to support it. To do that, we reach out to the broader Delaware Valley, largely New Jersey and Pennsylvania. That allows us to offer and sustain a highly complex level of services to children in Delaware.

In Delaware, we’re near several large cities. How does that affect services?

It is a very competitive market here because of other pediatric providers.

In Delaware, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, which is the pediatric arm of the University of Pennsylvania, is 25 minutes away. However, we believe care is best given locally, and given our commitment to Delaware, we’re able to do that.

Mainly we differ in approach. Back in 1940, when the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children opened...school was set up in the hospital because at the time children were here for weeks, months and up to one-to-two years.

Children had to play and go to school to maintain any semblance of normal life. From that time, our attention to the child’s many needs – mental, physical, social, as well as emotional needs – is baked into our DNA. That’s how we differentiate ourselves from most healthcare providers. You mentioned how patients once stayed in the hospital for weeks.

The recent trend in healthcare is to reduce in-patient services.

How is Nemours addressing this?

That trend in pushing care to lesser-acute settings is affecting all of healthcare. Organizations can either fight it or get on board. We’ve gotten on board in a very big way. That’s why we are acquiring primarycare practices, and they’re moving toward becoming certified patientcentered medical homes, in which care is fully managed and efforts are fully aimed at prevention, wellness and keeping kids out of the hospital.

[The model puts the patient at the center of care. He or she receives a full range of comprehensive services provided by a team of health profesDELAWARE BUSINESS

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We see ourselves as an integral part of the business community. We want to have a greater presence and be more collaborative in serving the needs of the community. I also want the community to know about the health challenges of the children in Delaware and why we need to work together. It isn’t just the healthcare system’s responsibility. It isn’t just the state’s responsibility. We all have a piece in ensuring optimal health for our children.

Nemours is committed to doing what we can to make Delaware’s children the healthiest in the nation. n

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Roundtable Sponsors State Finances Study; Plans to Drive Growth Agenda Capitol Matrix Consulting

IN 2015 the Delaware Business Roundtable sponsored a widely-

Millions of Dollars

challenge, particularly with regard to the creation of a growth agenda for Delaware.” acclaimed, independent study of state finances that showed Delaware faces Annual increases in pension contributions of less than 1 percent per spends year. This is a relative brighton state and local govern‣ a structural budget challenge with multiple dimensions – a revenue portfoDelaware 23 percent of its economy spot in Delaware’s expenditure outlook.

The slow growth rate reflects assumed amortization lio that is not responsive to the economy, unsustainable expenditure growth ment services, ranking it 7th highest in theofnation, according to the U.S. the relatively small unfunded liability in the state’s pensionBureau system over the forecast period. The and the need for more robust economic growth. of the Census. The state can make significant progress toward state’s main pension system is currently over 90 percent funded based on its most recent actuarial Long active in key policy issues promoting commerce, job creation and resolving future budget shortfalls by restraining spending growth over time analysis. (We do note, however, that if future annual investment returns fall below the fund’s select public policy issues, in recent years, the Roundtable in recent years has in key areas of the budget, according to the study. assumed 7.2-percent rate, future contributions would be higher.) been a leading supporter of public education transformation and entrepreneurs.

Because more robust economic growth is an important factor necessary Spending for by contractual services, supplies materials, to grants, service, and capital ‣ challenges Recent posed state finances, however, led the and Roundtable resolvedebt Delaware’s structural budget outlay challenge, the study recommends a projected to grow at anagenda average annual per year, primarily the will boost, rather than hinder, to focus on are the need to develop a growth for the state. rate of 3.0 percent high priority should be given reflecting to policies that impact of population growth and general price increases on service demands. economic growth and job creation. Given its relatively small size, talented “Notwithstanding the strong headwinds of the recession, Delaware workforce and solid higher education system, the state is uniquely positioned has begun to make economic progress, as a number of recent reports Results to identify and act on opportunities to build strategic alliances with the priand data suggest,” said Mark Turner, President and CEO of WSFS Figure 12 shows our year-by-year forecast of General Fund revenues and expenditures. We estimate that, vate sector and remove regulatory and workforce barriers to potential growth. and Chairman of the Delaware Business Roundtable. “However, absent corrective actions, Delaware would face annual operating deficits that could expand to As a result, in 2016 the Roundtable plans to collaborate with state, there is much more that needs to be done, and it is essential that the $610 million by 2024-25. This represents about 11 percent of projected expenditures for that year. business and community leaders statewide to assist in developing a growth business community play a significant role in helping to meet this agenda to increase capital investFigure 12 ment and job creation statewide. The Capitol Matrix Consulting Long-Term Projections For Delaware Roundtable has contracted with TIP General Fund Revenues and Expenditures Strategies, a leading strategic planning firm whose planning model combines $6,000 rigorous data analysis with the latest Revenues $5,500 thinking in economic development, Expenditures workforce training and community$5,000 based principles.

“The results of this independent $4,500 review and the difficulty our elected officials faced in preparing a budget for $4,000 this fiscal year clearly indicate that the $3,500 structural budget challenge we face will require creative solutions and politi$3,000 cal courage,” said Robert W. Perkins, Roundtable Executive Director. “The $2,500 Roundtable looks forward to working $2,000 with the State Chamber of Commerce 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 and other stakeholders as we meet this Fiscal Year critical challenge.” n Taken from DBRT study

Components of the Budget Gap

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Policy makers confronted with the difficult choices needed to restore structural balance to their budgets

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EXPORT ROAD SHOW • Learn about resources available to assist your company to do business in foreign markets • Meet with exporting experts to discuss your organization’s needs and determine growth opportunities • Find the best strategies for entering or expanding into global markets Want the road show to stop at your location? Contact the Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership at 302.283.3131.

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THANK YOU TO OUR

179th ANNUAL DINNER SPONSORS

Presenting

Reception

Chairman

Leadership

*Sponsors as of 12/11/15

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THANK YOU TO OUR

179th ANNUAL DINNER SPONSORS Ambassador

Advocate

Small Business Leader Agents and Corporations, Inc. Assurance Media, LLC Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, CPAs Bernardon Bloom Energy Brown Advisory Christiana Mall Cooch & Taylor Delaware Cadillac, Saab, Subaru & Kia of Wilmington Delaware Health Information Network

Diamond Technologies, Inc. Doherty & Associates, Inc. Easter Seals of Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore Environmental Alliance, Inc. Excel Business Systems, Inc. George J. Weiner Associates Gilman Development Company Gunnip & Company, CPAs Health Insurance Associates Healy Long & Jevin, Inc. Horty & Horty, P.A.

Leadership Delaware, Inc. MilliCare by EBC MySherpa Patterson Woods & Associates Pete & Tina Hayward Ronald McDonald House of Delaware Rowland, Johnson & Company, PA Santora CPA Group Signarama of Newark Wheeler, Wolfenden & Dwares, PA

*Sponsors as of 12/11/15

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Tribute

Remembering Charlie Cawley A tribute to a life well lived…

BY RICH HEFFRON

P.O. Box 232 Wilmington, DE 19899 Phone 302.655.7718 Fax 302.655.7918 rdubroff@finalfocus.com

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see it all at www.finalfocus.com

DICKDUBROFFFINALFOCUS

IT IS HARD TO BELIEVE the day has come when our closeknit Delaware community is saying good bye to Charlie Cawley. I could talk about the great organization he built or the financial contributions MBNA made to the state, but what really stands out is the man himself.

He was a giant, a bigger than life presence in our community for over two decades. It was an era that many of us were fortunate to experience firsthand. Sure, his outreach went far beyond Delaware, but what an impact he had on Delaware!

Mr. Cawley’s leadership changed the landscape of the city of Wilmington. He boosted the nonprofit community through his personal philanthropy, but more importantly, he ingrained that spirit of giving back to the community in his employees.

And indeed, they did give back. His leadership style created goodwill in the community that ran deep and touched the lives of many in need. He did most of his work quietly and without fanfare. It goes without saying that his contributions to Delaware were immeasurable. Mr. Cawley’s hands on approach to the community, the personal touch and watchful eye, is sorely missed by our city.

In 2000 Charles M. and Julie P. Cawley were awarded the prestigious Josiah Marvel Cup by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.

This annual award honors a Delawarean who has made an outstanding contribution to the state, community or society. Mr. and Mrs. Cawley are the epitome of what this award represents. We all share in your loss Mrs. Cawley and send you our deepest condolences.

Everyone has a story of how Charlie Cawley touched their lives.

He will be remembered fondly – a mark of a life well lived. It is only appropriate that we honor him in this season of Thanksgiving. I ask you to do something selfless today. Take a moment and think about how you can give back to the community. One act of kindness….in memory of Mr. Cawley. n Jan uar y / Fe b r uar y 2016

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Zoom Prospector: A Convenient Site Selection Tool

BY BERNICE WHALEY, CABINET SECRETARY, DELAWARE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

WORKING HARD to keep Delaware‘s economy growing and moving forward is a priority for all of us. Making sure that we stay on the cutting-edge of technology to be proactive in attracting new businesses here to the First State is critical. That is why the Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO) offers a virtual welcoming mat for businesses on the move – a search tool to make it easier for site selectors to browse high-quality commercial and industrial real estate proprieties in all three Counties. ZoomProspector does just that.

In a constantly changing economy, we need to do everything we can to attract and retain jobs here in Delaware in a variety of ways.

The ZoomProspector tool on DEDO’s website (www.dedo.delaware. gov) markets our community’s assets including the quality of our labor force, infrastructure investments, business environment, and the multitude of reasons why Delaware continues to be a great location for economic growth.

The new website speeds up the delivery of information that companies and site selectors, location advisors and real estate consultants need to 44

discover that Delaware is the best place to do business. Through a partnership with GIS Planning, this initiative provides real estate, geographic, demographic and industry data to help businesses and site selection professionals select locations in Delaware. This eliminates a lot of the guess work for those hunting for new locations for companies on the move and creates outstanding opportunities for our state.

DEDO’s website is accessible via any web browser or mobile device, allowing visitors to view, create, and print maps; perform site-selection searches; develop custom demographic radius reports; and, find available properties. It gives us enormous opportunity to market ourselves to anywhere in the world.

This tool has an incredible potential to benefit Delaware’s commercial and industrial real estate industries. Those who own a property in Delaware are able to list it in ZoomProspector and take advantage of free marketing, increased traffic, and an expanded number of leads that are both direct and well-informed.

All brokers that have a commercial or industrial real estate property in Delaware can add available properties to this website. It’s a simple process. To set up a free account, brokers are invited to click on the Relocate or Expand Here image on DEDO’s website www.dedo.delaware.gov.

To complement the real estate tool, the site also offers a “Compare Communities” widget.

Website users can compare two or more communities across the U.S. on a wide array of data, enabling a whole new level of sophisticated analysis. Data on demographics, labor force and consumer spending for two or more communities is easily accessible with a few clicks of the mouse.

DEDO’s priority is to help attract and retain high-skilled, good paying jobs in Delaware. With the enhancements to our website, we are continuing to build upon our area’s business-friendly reputation by providing potential companies with the tools they need when making decisions about where to locate or expand. This service is yet another reason why Delaware is a great place to start, locate and expand a business. n Jan uar y / Fe b r uar y 2016

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McCarter & English, LLP proudly supports the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

Renaissance Centre, 405 N. King Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 T 302.984.6300 F 302.984.6399 www.mccarter.com BOSTON HARTFORD STAMFORD NEW YORK NEWARK EAST BRUNSWICK PHILADELPHIA STAMFORD WILMINGTON WASHINGTON, DC

DREAM. DESIGN. SUCCEED.

DuPont is Proud to Support The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

Kennett Square, PA Wilmington, DE www.bernardon.com

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Technology. Collaboration. Innovation.

©2015 DuPont. All rights reserved. The DuPont Oval Logo. DuPont™, are registered trademarks or trademarks of E.I. duPont deNemours and Company or its affiliates.

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The Partnership Inc. Experienced a Successful Year

BY MARK DIMAIO

THE PARTNERSHIP INC. HAS A MOTTO: “Making an investment in the future of your business”. One of the best investments a Delaware business can undertake is making a small commitment to our school kids now - or face the consequences later. The Partnership’s innovative and time-tested programs are designed to help businesses assist student’s success and develop the state’s future workforce.

The Partnership, Inc. Board of Directors and the Delaware State Chamber would like to express their sincere thanks to retiring Partnership Board Chair, Fred Sears. Fred’s leadership over the past three years has been instrumental in revitalizing the Superstars in Education Program and supporting outreach to business leaders for participation in the Delaware Principal for a Day Program.

Katie Wilkinson, Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking at Fulton Bank, was elected The Partnership’s new Board President. In addition to her Partnership Chairmanship, Katie servers on the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Dr. Robert Rescigno, Director of Wilmington University’s Doctorate of Business Administration Program and Dr. Vicki Gehrt, Superintendent of New Castle County Vocational Technical School District joined The Partnership, Inc. Board of Directors bringing a wealth of education experience to the Board.

Superstars in Education: Over 300 business leaders, administrations and educators gathered on May, 4th at the Cab Calloway School of the Arts honor the 2015 winners and watch a video showcase that presented six creative programs that raised student achievement.

Building on the successful 2014 program, The Partnership requested nominations be focused in three broad categories: excellence in science teaching, integrated classroom technology 46

practices and school-to-career partnerships. Nominations were submitted from traditional public, charters, magnets, private and parochial schools representing elementary, middle and high school programs.

The Superstars in Education Selection Committee, Chaired by Ralph Kuebler, did yeoman’s work, reviewing the nominations and choosing this year’s winners. Not an easy undertaking with 30 excellent submissions to analyze and rate. The Committee’s evaluations focused on student skill set development, data supporting the program’s achievements and the program’s potential to be shared as an educational best practice.

Our six winners excelled in each category and should be proud of their accomplishments.

Each winner receives a Superstars in Education banner and trophy. For many teachers/schools the SSE award program provides an opportunity for schools to increase the program’s awareness in the community and effectively advancing student achievement.

Superstars in Education serves as the business community’s platform to celebrate not only the winners but all programs working to challenge, support and prepare our students. As Delaware businesses continue to build educational partnerships, be confident that our schools are developing and implementing programs that prepare students to succeed and prosper in the To get involved with 21st century economy.

The Partnership, Inc. please contact Mark DiMaio, Director, The

Delaware Principal for a Day

Partnership, Inc. at

Throughout the month of October, more than 100 of Delaware’s business leaders spent time becoming “guest principals” to learn what

mdimaio@dscc.com

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happens during a typical school day. The first lesson learn is that there is no typical school day. This learning experience helped business leaders gain a deeper insight to better understand how our schools operate.

“I had a great visit today at Downie Elementary School in New Castle as ‘Principal for the Day’. The school staff is doing an incredible job incorporating technology into the learning environment under the leadership of the real Principal Doug Timm. The students are great and had me participating in their Twitter chat.” – Kevin Broadhurst, Comcast Since 1993, the Delaware Principal for a Day program has connected the business and education communities. “Through this program, we aim to connect business with education. That has been and still remains a mission for us, state-wide,” says Partnership, Inc. Chair, Katie Wilkinson. n

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2015 The Partnership, Inc. Board of Directors

FRED C. SEARS II DELAWARE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

DR. PAUL A. HERDMAN THE RODEL CHARITABLE FOUNDATION OF DELAWARE

RALPH A. KUEBLER CHAIRMAN, SUPERSTARS IN EDUCATION SELECTION COMMITTEE

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Small Business Alliance

The Small Business Alliance Experienced Many Accomplishments This Year

BY MIKE REATH

THE VAST MAJORITY of the State Chamber’s membership is made up of small businesses. These local, Delaware based companies are the backbone of our region’s economy and are tremendous job creators for the First State.

In 2015 the SBA again sought to promote small businesses, recognize the exceptional contributions they make to our state and to advocate for their issues with the legislature in Dover.

Our year began with the creation of a new program; “Small Business Saturday’s in Delaware.”

Dick Hatfield speaks after being honored

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The goal was simple. Rather than focus on just one Saturday in November to remind consumers of the value of shopping locally, the Small Business Alliance wanted to make the first Saturday of every month a “Small Business Saturday in Delaware.” Encouraging consumers to seek out Delaware owned retailers where over 62% of every dollar they spend is returned to the area supporting the communities and neighborhoods in which we all live.

Governor Jack Markell introduced the campaign on March 26th in a press conference attended by members of the SBA, DSCC, DEDO and the greater business community. The SBA partnered on the project with Delmarva Broadcasting who pledged $100,000 in radio advertising to promote Small Business Saturdays across the state in 2015. The program has been very well received.

Last year’s Small Business Conference and End of Session Legislative Brunch was held on June 3rd at Dover Downs. For the first time in several years it included a “Small Business Day” visit to Legislative Hall. There, the Chamber’s director of government relations James DeChene facilitated a meeting with Rep. Byron Short and Sen. Bryan Townsend where over 40 Chamber members were able to discuss issues important to their companies.

The 2015 Superstars in Business awards program was held on Tuesday, November 10th in the Gold Ballroom of the Hotel duPont. The event honored eight outstanding companies and featured a keynote address by World Cafe Live founder Hal Real.

This year’s Superstars in Business award winners included nonprofit honoree Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay headquartered in Newark; Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc., an education company in Wilmington (1-24 employees); Jan uar y / Fe b r uar y 2016

| DELAWARE BUSINESS

Bernardon, an architecture firm with offices in Wilmington (25-59 employees); and SoDel Concepts, a hospitality company with eight restaurants in Sussex County (60-150 employees).

The 2015 Award of Excellence winners included nonprofit The First Tee of Delaware, a youth development program based in the Fairfax area; Sussex Printing Corporation/The Guide, a weekly advertiser published in Seaford; Bramhall + Hitchen Insurance near Newark; and Belfint, Lyons & Shuman,CPAs, an accounting firm

2015 Small Business Alliance Board of Managers

near Greenville.

A highlight of the awards luncheon was the honoring of Richard G. “Dick” Hatfield with the prestigious Marvin S. Gilman Bowl. Hatfield, the founder and chairman of Colonial Parking, Inc., started his company almost sixty years ago with a single parking lot in Pennsylvania. Today, the organization employs over 230 people and serves 45,000 commuters daily. He accepted the award with his colleagues and family in attendance. n

Small Business Alliance Advisory Council

MICHAEL REATH, *CO-CHAIR, DELMARVA BROADCASTING COMPANY

GREG BALLANCE *CO-CHAIR, DIAMOND TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

TIMOTHY BOULDEN, BOULDEN BROTHERS

PAM CORNFORTH, RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF DELAWARE

KEN ANDERSON, DELAWARE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

TERRENCE BARCLIFT, BANK OF AMERICA

JOHN FLEMING SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, DE DISTRICT OFFICE

JANICE GIANNINI, PARADIGM ASSOCIATES, LLC

JOSEPH FARLEY JR. ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, INC.

G. KEVIN FASIC, ESQ., COOCH & TAYLOR P.A.

DONALD T. FULTON, GEORGE J. WEINER ASSOCIATES

CHARLES GILLEAN GLOBAL SUPPLIER DIVERSITY STRATEGIES

MARTHA GILMAN, GILMAN DEVELOPMENT CO.

JACK HEALY III, HEALY LONG & JEVIN, INC.

STEPHAN LEHM, VANDEMARK & LYNCH, INC.

JAMES B. O’NEILL, PH.D., UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE

DONNA MASLEY, MASLEY ENTERPRISES, INC.

CHAD MOORE, THE BELLMOOR INN & SPA

MARIO PATONE COLONIAL PARKING, INC.

JAMES RANDALL

DENNIS M. SALTER, NEW CASTLE INSURANCE

CHRISTOPHER SCARPITTI WSFS BANK

MICHAEL S. UFFNER DELAWARE CADILLAC, SAAB, SUBARU AND KIA OF WILMINGTON

LAWRENCE DISABATINO DISABATINO CONSTRUCTION CO.

CHIP RANKIN, EBC CARPET SERVICES CORP.

ROBERT SMITH, SANTORA CPA GROUP

PRISCILLA TURGON PROFESSIONAL STAFFING EMPLOYEE TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

MICHAEL VANDERSLICE ENVIRONMENTAL ALLIANCE, INC.

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At Citizens Commercial Banking, our industry experience and market knowledge enable us to deliver solutions to help your business succeed.

All our solutions are delivered with Citizens’ customary emphasis on understanding and addressing your unique needs to prosper in Delaware’s competitive business environment.

For more information on how Citizens Commercial Banking can help your business call Ted Prushinski, Market Executive at 302-421-2346 or theodore.j.prushinski@citizensbank.com

© 2014 Citizens Financial Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Citizens Commercial Banking is a brand name of Citizens Bank, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. Member FDIC.CS#CMAV4114M_451756

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Delaware Young Professionals Network

DE Young Professionals Network

Year in Review

BY MATTHEW GRYGIEL

WHETHER IT WAS SWINGING from the treetops of Lum’s Pond State Park to volunteering at the Delaware Humane Association to touring Delaware’s first standalone craft distillery, 2015 was a successful year for the Delaware Young Professionals Network (DYPN). Thanks to the work of the planning committee, the DYPN had another successful year promoting engagement among young professionals in the Delaware business community. Numerous companies, large and small, were represented at the various happy hour events hosted by local eateries such as Big Fish Grill, Christiana Hilton and the Stone Balloon as the DYPN encouraged the State’s next wave of business leaders to develop their networking and relationship building skills. We continue DYPN visits Legislative to communicate the importance of Hall in Dover our generation’s involvement in the business, political and social communities in which we live and work, not just showing up from 9 to 5 but constantly connecting with people and enterprises to weave ourselves into the close-knit fabric that is Delaware.

We learned about the challenges and rewards of the entrepreneurial journey as Delaware’s then Director of Economic Development office Alan Levin explained his first-hand experience in growing and eventually selling the locally renowned Happy Harry’s company. Additionally, thanks to The City of Wilmington’s Jeff Flynn, as he helped us explore various ways that the millennial generation will impact the City of Wilmington, benefitting from wellpaying jobs and creating demand for a cleaner, safer downtown district with new housing, dining and entertainment options for all Delawareans to enjoy.

With events on a bi-monthly basis, the DYPN was proud to engage 300 young professionals in 2015 and with a new organizational structure we look forward to continued growth and success in the year to come. n DELAWARE BUSINESS

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DYPN Executive Planning Committee *MATTHEW GRYGIEL M&T BANK *DIANE URBAN GUNNIP & COMPANY MATT AMIS RODEL FOUNDATION OF DELAWARE KIA ANDERSON UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE ATHLETICS KEVIN DISABATINO DISABATINO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY CHRISTOPHER DUKE BECKER MORGAN GROUP, INC.

RANA FAYEZ DELAWARE STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TODD FEELEY PARCELS, INC. NICHOLAS HOESCHEL HOESCHEL FINANCIAL SERVICES MATT LAIRD ASSURANCE MEDIA, LLC JASON MELLINGER ARTISANS BANK

NICHOLAS STANEK PNC BANK GRACE STOCKLEY FIDELITRADE, INCORPORATED MICHAEL VANDERSLICE ENVIRONMENTAL ALLIANCE, INC. KELLY WETZEL DELAWARE STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE *Committee Co-Chairs

J.B. MOORE THE BELLMOOR INN & SPA

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Manufacturing

STAYING THE COURSE: Building & Preparing For The Future Of Delaware Manufacturing

BY BRIAN NIXON

THE DELAWARE MANUFACTURING ASSOCIATION (DMA) is an affiliate of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and of the National Association of Manufacturers. The DMA membership includes manufacturing plants of all sizes across the state, and shares the common goal of promoting manufacturing and creating manufacturing jobs in Delaware.

The DMA focuses on policy and legislation that seeks to help manufacturers in Delaware better compete in a global economy and reduce regulatory efforts that constrains job growth. We create awareness surrounding the value of manufacturing in our business community and schools. We promote the diversity of career paths through outreach aimed at informing the public on what today’s manufacturers do and the skills required to continue to be competitive. We are passionate about helping develop a skilled workforce prepared to enter the Brian Nixon - Invista Plant Manager, Rich Heffron modern manufacturing world.

DSCC president and Gov. Jack Markell at the annual DMA’s support of important policy initiatives Legislative Brunch and Manufacturing Conference such as infrastructure investment help make Delaware a stable home for existing manufacturers about the opportunities these programs offer and we are looking forward and an attractive place for new businesses to prosper. This ensures to watching this success grow. manufacturers operate efficiently and cost effectively when shipping With mentoring partnerships at Delaware State University and and distributing raw materials and product. The DMA supports many DelTech’s Manufacturing Career Pathways program, the DMA continues private-public workforce development initiatives through the donation to have a full plate to look forward to in 2016. We are eager to continue of our members’ time, expertise and strategic funding support. We to support the growth and promotion of our manufacturing industry collaborate with fellow Delaware manufacturers to leverage best within our great state. n industry practices and to connect and nurture potential business partnerships and relationships within the state.

We are proud of our continued partnership with Delaware Technical Community College and various school systems to develop our Brian L. Nixon is the Plant Manager of INVISTA’s Seaford, Manufacturing Career Pathways program. This vocational program is Delaware Site and serves as the Chair of the Delaware designed to provide high school students with a rigorous, technology Manufacturing Association. You can contact Brian at based education along with some practical hands-on experience in some of Brian.L.Nixon-1@invista.com. For more information or to get Delaware’s leading manufacturing facilities. Students are placed in facilities involved with any of the many DMA activities, please contact where they gain valuable experience and make a significant contribution. It Cheryl Corn at (302) 576-6572 or ccorn@dscc.com. is a good experience for both the student and the employer. We are excited 52

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2015 Delaware Manufacturing Association Board of Managers

CHAIR BRIAN NIXON INVISTA

VICE CHAIR LIZA BARTLE AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES

VICE CHAIR SCOTT WELCH MOHAWK ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS, INC.

BEDFORD “BUFF” BRUNO ENERGIZER PERSONAL CARE

JUSTIN CRESSLER KRAFT FOODS, INC.

ROBERT DOLAN* GM ASSEMBLY PLANT, RETIRED

JOSE DOMINGUEZ DELAWARE CITY REFINING COMPANY

JOSEPH P. FARLEY, JR. ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL

JASON GONZALEZ DUPONT COMPANY

ERIC GRABER BRYAN HORSEY CALPINE CORPORATION BLOOM ENERGY

LEE KIEFFER SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS

MITCH MAGEE* PPG INDUSTRIES, INC.

K. SCOTT MCNARY PROCTOR & GAMBLE, THE DOVER WIPES COMPANY

JAY MERVINE MILLER METAL FABRICATION, INC.

JANICE MILHEIM FMC BIOPOLYMER

PAUL MORAN BASF CORPORATION

PAUL MORRIS (INTERIM) DELAWARE MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP

ALAN ROGERS KUEHNE COMPANY

ROBERT STEWART CRODA

SHER VALENZUELA FIRST STATE MANUFACTURING

JAMES A. WOLFE* CHRYSLER, DSCC, RETIRED

NEAL NICASTRO PPG INDUSTRIES, INC.

ROBERT PRYBUTOK POLYMER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

NOT PICTURED: LOU GARZARELLA, ASTRAZENECA PHARMACEUTICALS

*SENIOR COUNCIL

A 10-year plan

Learn More at: www.visioncoalitionde.org.

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DPPI

Delaware Public Policy Institute STATUS REPORT

BY BILL OSBORNE, DPPI INTERIM PRESIDENT

THE DELAWARE PUBLIC POLICY INSTITUTE (DPPI) was created in 1990 as an affiliate of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce (DSCC). Since its inception 25 years ago, DPPI has been led by a handful of extremely talented and resourceful executive directors.

None have been as impactful as John H. Taylor, Jr., who skillfully guided the Institute from 2005 until 2015 when cancer commanded his full attention and energy.

Since John’s death in April 2015, the Institute paused to reassess its mission, organization and focus. This was imperative because no one can replace the truly unique experience and insight that John Taylor brought to DPPI and by extension, to the State of Delaware.

HAMBER BENEFITS Chamber members receive 1 day FREE airport parking for Colonial’s self-park or valet parking lot.

Questions? Call Sandy or Adnette at 610-521-6900 ext 102.

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DPPI is a nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) nonprofit public policy research organization. Our mission is to conduct research and encourage study and discussions of policies, programs and issues affecting the State of Delaware and its citizens. We strive to seek out emerging problems that are vital to Delaware’s future public policy agenda. The intent is to preserve options, foster sound policy and avoid a future of limited choices and unpalatable alternatives.

The permitting process was a recent, major undertaking of the Institute.

Working with a consortium of stakeholders throughout the State, obstacles were identified to a permitting process that might dissuade businesses from locating and growing in Delaware.

The project was launched in 2010 with some skepticism and it met with some anticipated resistance. Notwithstanding, the initiative was successful in identifying impediments within the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and New Castle Country. Work continued in 2015 to identify and eliminate those impediments.

In 2016, we will assess the modifications that were recommended in those earlier works focusing on DelDOT initially.

DPPI is initiating an analysis of the total compensation provided to Delaware State employees. This study builds upon an April 2014 state by state report conducted by Andrew G. Biggs and Jason Richwine for the American Enterprises Institute for Public Policy Research that indicated a premium of 10% when pay, benefits and working conditions were aligned with comparable private sector jobs. This new study will focus exclusively on the situation in Delaware. As we face a very difficult fiscal challenge within the State, the contribution of a nonpartisan, fact-based analysis should prove valuable to shaping public policy.

Concurrently, we are working with the Delaware Business Roundtable (DBRT) to evaluate the results of its recent study on financial sustainability in Delaware. That report is the precursor to their current examination of what is required to shift the focus of government to a growth oriented agenda.

Consistent with its mission and history, DPPI will evaluate the recommendations of the DBRT report and deploy our resources to supplement the factual basis needed for building a political consensus.

In 2015, the Delaware Public Policy Institute has reestablished its foundation and is again moving forward with purpose and passion. n

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Ambassador Committee

The Ambassador Committee

BY CHUCK JAMES

THE AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE is made up of seven volunteer Chamber members, coordinated by Sr. VP of Membership, Chuck James. The Ambassadors come from a variety of member categories: Big Companies, Small Business, Retail Stores, Sole proprietors, etc. The purpose of the Ambassador Committee is to increase membership and retention, and to act as a liaison between the State Chamber staff and the membership at large. The Ambassadors attend Chamber events to welcome new members to the Chamber, assist in connecting existing members with each other, and help to recruit prospective members. Ambassadors “take the temperature” of existing members with monthly member satisfaction calls and bring issues to the attention of the Chamber staff that may not come to the surface otherwise.

In 2015, the Ambassadors made nearly 1,000 phone calls to existing members, noting changes in contact information and surveying them on various topics related to their “Chamber experience”. They attended 30 events, and spoke with countless members.

The Ambassadors earn points for all these activities. The points are totaled up at the end of the year and an Ambassador of the year is named. For the second year in a row, this year’s Ambassador of the Year is Ralph Petti.

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He’s really on a roll. Please congratulate Ralph when you see him – and you will see him often at Chamber events all over. Thanks, Ralph, for your continuing support of the Chamber! Well done. n

Members of the 2015 Ambassador Committee: Eric Bentley, Microsoft Store Gary Pawliczek, Ameriprise Jack Coleman, Stouch Lighting Ralph Petti, Continuity Dynamics, Inc. Dennis E. Williams, Opera Delaware Gaylord Neal, Parmetech Mike Schwartz, Legal Shield 2015 Ambassador of the Year: Ralph Petti, Continuity Dynamics

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Bonus Business Spotlight: Continuity Dynamics, Inc./ Robbins Real Estate For the second straight year, Ralph Petti, MBCI, CBCP, GRCP, the founder and president of Continuity Dynamics, Inc., has been named as the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

clients. He has spoken at BOMA, IREM, POA, NYARM and other real estate industry events.

An award-winning company with clients globally, Ralph moved

Ambassador of the Year for 2015. In addition to risk manage-

Continuity Dynamics to Delaware several years ago. He has

ment certifications for Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery,

established a firm entrenchment in our community by hiring

Governance, Risk & Compliance, Ralph actually added another

locally and serving the needs of local businesses to help ensure

valuable credential during 2015.

that they would be prepared for disasters of any kind - including

In addition to managing a portfolio of client accounts and strategic partners at Continuity Dynamics, Ralph has now joined The Robbins Real Estate team as a Licensed Real Estate

CyberSecurity, Terror Threats and some more mundane issues such as coastal flooding, bad weather and power outages.

With Robbins Real Estate, Ralph joins a team headed by

Professional at Berkshire Hathaway Fox & Roach, Realtors.

Tucker Robbins at the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices organi-

With a focus on commercial and residential real estate, joining

zation. A leader in the field, Robbins Real Estate has a large and

Robbins Real Estate creates a natural progression for Ralph

diverse clientele and offers Ralph the opportunity to be a member

as he had been primarily serving the needs of real estate

of a team that is focused on Customer Service excellence and

managers, insurance brokers, accounting firms and the like to

helps to make the American Dream come true.

provide Business Continuity solutions to these firms and their

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Contact Ralph at 888.977.7475 to learn more about either firm.

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Chamber Committees Year in Review

BY JAMES DECHENE

THE STATE CHAMBER has a number of Committees comprised of industry professionals tackling issues important to the business community. Ranging from Tax, and Employer Advocacy (Labor Law), to Health Care, Environmental and Transportation & Infrastructure, each group was active this year helping to set proactive Chamber legislative policy, providing feedback on legislation impacting businesses and looking for ways to impact regulations as they are promulgated. Highlights this year included: Tax Committee (Chaired by Jordon Rosen)—Continued to provide feedback and specific examples of tax reform that would benefit business growth in Delaware and on the Federal level to members of the General Assembly and to our Congressional delegation. Members served on the taskforce created to modify how abandoned property is collected and provided assistance in drafting subsequent, successful legislation. Upcoming work includes work-

ing to modify how corporate income tax is calculated, and possible changes from a multifactor system, to a single factor to remain competitive.

Transportation & Infrastructure/Health Care Committee (Chaired by Roger Roy and Paula Roy)—These committees held a joint forum at UD’s STAR Campus to discuss how medical treatment is evolving, its impact on the types of buildings being built (surgery centers vs hospitals), how rehab services are changing, and the overall impact on Delaware’s infrastructure including roads and zoning laws. Representatives from Nemours, Nanticoke Health Services, Bayhealth Medical Center, and Christiana Care gave their perspective on their plans for future development and how the future of medicine will impact Delawareans.

Environmental Committee (Chaired by Bob Whetzel)—Continuing with the tradition of holding a spring meeting featuring the chairs of the House Natural Resources Committee (Rep. Deb Heffernan) and its counterpart in the Senate (Sen. David McBride), committee members learned more about pending legislation and were able to provide feedback on how current laws can be modified to better meet their goals of protecting the environment without stifling economic growth. The meeting also featured DNREC Secretary David Small who gave his perspective on the direction of DNREC, its relationship with the business community, and ways the groups can partner.

Employer Advocacy Committee (Co-Chaired by Kevin Fasic and Tim Holly)—This year was a relatively quiet year relating to labor law legislation.

Legislation relating to the destruction of employee and consumer records passed last session was amended this session to clarify the liability a business would face, guided by committee involvement. The committee also provided feedback on an employer discrimination bill, with feedback inserted into the legislation easing the burden on employers. Discussion also focused on changes to prevailing wage law and potential adoption of Right to Work laws in Delaware.

In addition to these committees, on the horizon for 2016 the Chamber will be reconstituting its Economic Development Committee. Tasked with focusing on initiatives that will spur economic growth for Delaware, the committee will be chaired by Mike Vanderslice, and will feature a cross section of industries throughout the state.

We welcome member participation on any of these committees. Contact jdechene@dscc.com for more info. n

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Newsbites President, csauers@delaware.bbb.org, the research capabilities at DSU; the Better Business Bureau (302) 221-5259 ext. 19 program includes four major research Serving Delaware Education projects on developing optics-based Foundation proudly announces Healthgrades recognizes space science technologies. its 2015-2016 Student Ethics Beebe Healthcare with the Scholarship Program Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Wohlsen Construction Receives Three DCA Awards In its 7th year, the BBB Education Award for 10 Years in a Row Foundation is looking to the graduates of Excellence (2007-2016) of the class of 2016 to apply for the Student Ethics Scholarship. BBB will award 2 $2500 scholarships to Delaware high school seniors.

Judges will select the scholarship recipients based on their overall leadership, contributions to the community and school, academic accomplishments and written essay. “We are very pleased with the growth of this scholarship program and its ability to continue to draw top students from around Delaware to apply. The BBB looks forward to adding 2 more outstanding names to the list of winners,” said Christine Sauers, BBB of Delaware President.

In keeping with the BBB Education Foundation’s goals, BBB developed this award as a way to focus on ethics with young adults who are on the cusp of their careers, planning their post-secondary education and focusing on future goals. Ethics and integrity will shape their professional and personal experiences throughout their lives, and it is BBB’s hope that this award will encourage interested students to consider and articulate their commitment to high ethical behavior.

BBB thanks the sponsors this year, Hopkins & Sons Moving and Storage and Martin Dealerships for generously making this program possible.

The Scholarship Application can be downloaded directly from our website HEREhttp://www.bbb.org/delaware/forbusinesses/2-programs-and-services/ foundation/scholarship/ Press Contact: Christine Sauers,

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For the 10th year in a row (20072016), Beebe Healthcare will be receiving Healthgrades Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Award™ and is the only Delaware recipient. Additionally, Healthgrades named Beebe Healthcare one of Healthgrades’ America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Spine Surgery™ in 2016 placing them among the Top 10 in the Nation for Overall Orthopedic Services. In the Healthgrades 2016 Report to the Nation Healthgrades compared hospitals performance nationwide with statistically better than expected performance (5-stars), as a group, to those with statistically worse than expected performance (1-star), as a group. Beebe received 5-star ratings for Total Knee Replacement for 13 Years in a Row (2004-2016) and for Spinal Fusion Surgery for 7 Years in a Row (2010-2016).

DSU Awarded New $5M NASA Research Grant Delaware State University was recently awarded a $5 million grant for a NASA research and education program, which will continue its partnership with the space agency. This new program, an extension of the success of a previously NASA-funded program at DSU, will strengthen partnerships and collaborations with the Los Alamos National Laboratory, the Goddard Space Flight Center and the University of Delaware.

Additionally the program will enhance

At the Delaware Contractors Association 46th Annual meeting, Wohlsen Construction Company received three Awards of Excellence.

Two of the awards were presented to Wohlsen in the General Contractor Under $5 million category for the renovations and additions conducted on Christiana Care Health System’s AM Surgical Intake Center, and for the office fit out for MetLife Inc., tenant of AIG’s Wilmington office building, Courthouse Square. The third award was presented from the General Contractor Over $5 million category for the HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Middletown.

Wohlsen Construction Company celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2015, is a Green Plus Certified company and one of the leading merit shop construction firms in the Mid-Atlantic States.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. to Add 1,800 Delaware Jobs JPMorgan Chase & Co. leaders and Governor Jack Markell have announced the firm will add 1,800 Delaware jobs by 2019, this addition will inject hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity through capital projects and support hundreds of construction jobs. Bill Wallace, the company’s Chief Administrative Officer for Delaware, stressed the strong partnership with the state in meeting the needs of financial companies, which increasingly require skilled technology workers. The new

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employees will work primarily in technology, finance, asset management, and global data operations. Upon fulfillment of the terms of the agreement, the 1,800 jobs that JPMorgan Chase plans to add will represent the largest single company job expansion in Delaware since Astra Zeneca moved its U.S. headquarters to Delaware in 1999.

Delaware Tech Names Justina M. Sapna Vice President for Academic Affairs Justina M. Sapna was named the new Vice President for Academic Affairs at Delaware Tech. Justina has been serving in a college-wide leadership role as principal investigator and project director for Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) since 2012. She began her career in 1997 at Del-Tech’s Owens Campus as a full time instructor in the Developmental Studies Department. During her leadership roles in instruction, Justina envisioned and expedited the redesign of math and English by proposing the Math Emporium and Accelerated Learning Program. Justina received Delaware Tech’s Excellence in Student Success Award in 2014 and the Excellence in Teaching Award in 2005.

Connected Series Open House The Delaware Art Museum launched its new community engagement series titled “Connected”, kicking off the series on November 11th, 2015 with an open house. This innovative programmatic series enables and actively engages local creatives to produce event driven art experiences at The Delaware Art Museum. It is The Museum’s expectation to dramatically broaden the scope of socially engaged events presented annually

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and create genuine lasting community relationships. These events will include all types of activity embedded with creativity.

guide to legal excellence in the US. Morris James has over 65 attorneys and six offices, serving clients such as Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, government agencies, law firms, and the community.

Nickle Electrical jumps 31 places on ENR Magazine’s Top Easter Seals Respite Child 600 Specialty Contractor list Care Program for Military Families a success Engineering News-Record Magazine has named Nickle Electrical Companies in its annual Top 600 Specialty Contractors list, for the second year in a row. Snagging spot #426 on the famed list, Nickle jumped 31 spots from the previous year. The ENR list ranks specialty contractors by 2014 revenue.

Other specialties include mechanical, demolition, concrete, masonry, and more. Nickle Electrical Companies was founded in 1986, the 150 employees work within an 80-mile radius of the company’s two locations, Newark and Georgetown, and perform commercial, industrial, residential, and service electrical work.

U.S. News - Best Lawyers Ranks Eighteen Morris James Practice Areas among 2016 “Best Law Firms” in Delaware Morris James Law Firm has been recognized in 18 practice areas by U.S. News – Best Lawyers® for 2016 rankings. These rankings are complementary to the twenty-one Morris James attorneys who were selected by their peers for inclusion in the “The Best Lawyers in America” 2016 edition. Practice areas recognized include Litigation, Personal Injury, Corporate Law, Labor Law and Tax Law. For over 30 years, Best Lawyers® has been regarded by both the legal profession and the public as the definitive

Most military families are faced with the difficult challenge of being stationed far away from the rest of their family, but this is especially challenging for those raising children with disabilities. Acquiring the right childcare can be overwhelming and stressful, but Easter Seals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore is stepping in to help. Easter Seals is helping eligible Air Force families serving at Dover Air Force Base caring for children with disabilities by offering a child care service that is designed just for them.

Sallie Mae Honors Veteran Service with $60,000 in Grants to Military Scholarship Funds Sallie Mae – the nation’s saving, planning, and paying for college company – observed Veterans Day throughout the week of Nov. 9 with $60,000 in grants for military scholarships and special expressions of gratitude to customers and employees for their military service. The Sallie Mae Fund, Sallie Mae’s charitable foundation, donated $50,000 to Folds of Honor, and an additional $10,000 to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. Sallie Mae offers a number of resources to help military families manage student loans before, during, and after deployment.

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Newsbites Morris Nichols Participates in Taiwan Corporate Governance Association’s In early November, the Taiwan Corporate Governance Association hosted the 11th Annual International Corporate Governance Summit, a twoday event in Taipei, focused on strengthening internal and external corporate governance mechanisms. Morris Nichols partner, John P. DiTomo, presented the keynote address, and Delaware Supreme Court Justice, Randy Holland, was invited as a guest of honor and delivered several speeches addressing emerging issues of Delaware law. In his speech, DiTomo compared those aspects of Delaware’s regulation of corporate internal affairs that might work well in a civil law country such as Taiwan. Morris Nichols is regularly involved as lead counsel or co-counsel in matters of national and international significance, as well as those affecting its immediate community.

DNREC’S Division of Parks and Recreation receives major land donation from Nemours Foundation for Alapocas Run State Park The Nemours Foundation has donated nearly 46 acres of significant forestland to the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation’s Alapocas Run State Park, located just outside Wilmington. The announcement was made on November 24th by Governor Jack Markell, DNREC Secretary David Small and Dr. Roy Proujansky, the Nemours Foundation’s chief executive of Delaware Valley Operations. In addition to the land donation, a section of the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail and a section of the Bancroft Trail have been upgraded to a paved surface.

These upgraded paths total about one mile and provide easier yearlong access to Alapocas Run State Park.

Nemours’ donation is part of a working

Calendar of Events TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016

Meet the New Members 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

DYPN Happy Hour at Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront

Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

1201 N. Orange St.,

720 Justison St.

First Floor Board Room

Wilmington, DE 19801

Wilmington, DE 19801

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 FEBRUARY 2, 2016

Chamber Leadership Breakfast with Joe Hickey

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Networking Breakfast at Young, Conaway, Stargatt & Taylor, LLP 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

7:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

Young, Conaway, Stargatt

University & Whist Club

& Taylor, LLP

805 N. Broom St.

1000 North King Street

Wilmington, DE 19801

Wilmington, DE 19801

partnership with Delaware State Parks that dates back more than 20 years.

A First for the First State - AAA Mid-Atlantic Opens On Monday November 16, 2015, the first AAA Mid-Atlantic Car Care Insurance Travel Center in Delaware opened in Dover. The new location in Dover is over 8,000 square feet and now called home by 25 AAA Mid-Atlantic associates and eight car care bays. In addition, twelve new jobs were added to the facility, meaning the site now provides all of the services AAA Members have come to expect from AAA’s retail stores, aside from the new auto repair services. A ribbon cutting ceremony is to be scheduled in the coming months. The Dover facility will be joined by another location in the Wilmington area in 2016.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. to Add 1,800 Delaware Jobs JPMorgan Chase & Co. leaders and Governor Jack Markell have announced the firm will add 1,800 Delaware jobs by 2019, this addition will inject hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity through capital projects and support hundreds of construction jobs. Bill Wallace, the company’s Chief Administrative Officer for Delaware, stressed the strong partnership with the state in meeting the needs of financial companies, which increasingly require skilled technology workers. The new employees will work primarily in technology, finance, asset management, and global data operations. Upon fulfillment of the terms of the agreement, the 1,800 jobs that JPMorgan Chase plans to add will represent the largest single company job expansion in Delaware since Astra Zeneca moved its U.S. headquarters to Delaware in 1999.

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| DELAWARE BUSINESS

Saint Francis Healthcare Earns ‘Top Performer on Key Quality Measures’ Recognition from the Joint Commission The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in the United States, recognized Saint Francis Healthcare in their 2015 annual report “America’s Hospitals: Improving Quality and Safety”, as a 2014 Top Performer on Key Quality Measures®. Saint Francis was recognized for attaining and sustaining excellence in accountability measure performance for heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, surgical care, VTE and stroke.

Saint Francis is one of only 1,043 hospitals out of more than 3,300 eligible hospitals in the U.S. to achieve the 2014 Top Performer distinction.

Delaware Libraries receive Delaware Innovation Award for Community Group of the Year The Delaware Division of Libraries (DDL) is pleased to announce that Delaware Libraries were voted Community Group of the Year in Technical.ly Delaware’s first annual Delaware Innovation Awards.

These awards celebrate the innovators that make Delaware great. Delaware Libraries were recognized for their expansion of 3D printing and STEM literacy to many libraries throughout the state. Technical.ly Delaware, a statewide online technology news network, announced the award winners at the closing reception celebrating Delaware Innovation Week (Nov. 13-21).

Carvertise Wins Delaware’s Innovation Award for 2015’s Tech Startup of The Year Carvertise has been awarded by the newly minted title of Delaware’s 2015

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Tech Startup of The Year – the Technical. ly’s Delaware Innovation Award. With over one hundred “carvertisers” on the road, 15,000 drivers now registered, and a client roster including Thomas Jefferson, Wilmington University, and ShopRite – company with a team of 11 employees have shown enough momentum to take home the award. Founded in 2012, Carvertise is a privately held out-of-home media company that specializes in car advertising. Carvertise places brand messages on privately owned vehicles of high-mileage commuters who gain exposure in areas of geographic interest.

Assurance Media Honored for Excellence in Construction and Diversity Assurance Media, a Wilmington based multimedia technology Integration Company, was honored by the Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. Delaware Chapter with top awards for Excellence in Specialty Construction and Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace. In addition to the Excellence Award, Assurance Media was also honored with an ABC Inc. Gold Level Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace Award. The ABC Inc. Excellence Award acknowledges the company’s fast paced and large scale multimedia technology integration at the new MOT Charter High School in Middletown Delaware.

CSC to Break Ground for New Global Headquarters in Wilmington The Corporation Service Company (CSC), a global provider of business, legal, and financial services, announced they will break ground on its new global headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware.

Founded in 1899, CSC has grown to 2,200 employees globally, with 948 employees located in Delaware. CSC has offices in 11 countries throughout North America, Europe, and the AsiaPacific region. Their new headquarters will provide the world-class campus needed to recruit talent and expand business in Delaware. The planned 148,000-squarefoot facility will house the majority of CSC’s Delaware employees, incorporating state-of-the art design and sustainability features, including a green roof.

WSFS Bank and Zenbanx Commercially Launch Firstof-Its-Kind Multi-Currency Account in U.S. Zenbanx to Locate Operations Center in Delaware. WSFS Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: WSFS) the parent company of WSFS Bank (WSFS) today announced the commercial launch of the Zenbanx account following 20 months of extensive research, development and thorough testing. The Zenbanx account is a mobile, multi-currency solution for people who live, work or travel across borders. I am pleased to welcome Arkadi Kuhlmann and his new globally focused company, Zenbanx, to Delaware,” said Senator Tom Carper, D-Del. “Zenbanx demonstrates that Delaware’s skilled and talented workforce make it the perfect incubator for entrepreneurship, innovation and job creation.”

Pharmacy – The Way It Was Meant To Be In early December, Secretary of Health Rita Landgraf celebrated the opening of Greenhill Pharmacy, a new, modern drug store in the southwest Wilmington community. The secretary, assisted by county executive Tom Gordon, local

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Newsbites councilman Bob Williams, Delaware Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President Chuck James, and pharmacy owner Jay Patel, celebrated the opening with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. The location at 2511 W 4th St. is the company’s first flagship store and will provide pharmacy services to everyone, but will focus on special niche services that serve young adults, senior citizens, and high-risk HIV & Hepatitis C patients in southwest Wilmington and northern Delaware.

With a sleek, modernistic design, the pharmacy is geared to provide a welcoming pharmacy experience with competitively priced products and a new age, digital interface for patients to achieve their pharmacy needs.

Delaware Tech Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Students Awarded Scholarships from Delaware Police Chiefs’ Foundation Eight Delaware Tech students enrolled in the College’s Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Option (LEO) program, were recently awarded a total of $5,000 in scholarship monies by the Delaware Police Chiefs’ Foundation to assist in completing their education at Delaware Tech.

All eight of the students expect to graduate in the spring and hope to become Delaware police officers.

Students were selected based upon research papers submitted to the foundation’s education committee.

The Law Enforcement Option Program is designed and offered in partnership with the Delaware State Police Training Academy, and provides the education and training to be a competitive applicant for the Delaware State Police or a municipal

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police agency. The Delaware Police Chiefs’ Foundation was established in 1983 and is a non-profit organization working to increase public awareness, involvement, and support for the activities of the Delaware Police Chiefs’ Council.

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation Recognized as Tourism Partner of the Year for Kent County In thankfulness for its work within the Kent County community, Chesapeake Utilities Corporation has been recognized as the “Tourism Partner of the Year”, specifically for its support of events and programs that benefit tourism in the county, including the Dover Days Festival. Chesapeake is also engaged in community support through its “Thanksgiving for All” Holiday Cares program in partnership with the Food Bank of Delaware and Chesapeake Cares Mentor Program with local students. The award was presented by the Kent County Tourism Office during the 25th annual Celebration of Tourism in Kent County on November 6th at the Duncan Center in Dover, Delaware.

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is a diversified energy company engaged in natural gas distribution, transmission, gathering and processing, and marketing; electricity distribution; propane gas distribution and wholesale marketing; and other businesses.

AARP Recognizes Family Caregivers across the United States AARP recognizes the unpaid family caregivers who help their loved ones remain in their own homes and communities. There are more than 120,000

in Delaware – who help older parents, spouses, and other loved ones live independently at home, where they want to be. The unpaid care they provide – managing medications, cooking meals, driving to appointments, performing complex medical tasks and more – is valued at about $1.58 billion in Delaware alone. AARP has named Carol Barnett from Wilmington, DE as one of these unsung heroes. AARP Delaware recognized Carol with a “Portrait of Care,” an artist’s painting of her and her brother, Steve, whom she is the caregiver of. Randomly selected through AARP’s storytelling initiative, I Heart Caregivers (aarp.org/iheartcaregivers), she is one of 53 family caregivers from every state, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands who receive a hand-painted portrait.

Thousands have shared their stories on the site.

Navient Employees Deliver the Gift of joy to Delaware Children in Need The Think of the Child First program is a partnership between Navient and the Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health with the state of Delaware. For the seventh year in a row, Navient, the nation’s leading loan management, servicing and asset recovery company, has contributed and employees contributed more than $18,000 in gifts to help provide a happy holiday for 67 area children in need. The gifts were given to the parents of children in need to fulfill their holiday wish list. The effort was funded primarily by employee contributions from Navient’s Jeans BeCause Program. The program offers participating employees a “pass” to dress casually on certain days for their volunteer donations.

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| DELAWARE BUSINESS

The

DELAWARE STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE wishes a happy

75th ANNIVERSARY to

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Newsbites The Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services provides a statewide continuum of prevention services, early intervention services, and mental health and substance abuse treatment programs for children and youth.

Final Phase of the Del. Mem. Bridge Approach Road Project: Focus on I-295 SB Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) officials announced that the fourth and final phase of the I-295 Delaware Approach Road Improvement Project to the Delaware Memorial Bridge will commence in mid-February 2016. When highway work is concluded on this final phase in November 2018, the Authority will have invested more than $90 million to improve the region’s infrastructure during the course of the I-295 Delaware Memorial Bridge Approach Road Rehabilitation program. During this phase of construction, two southbound mainline through-lanes will be maintained at all times. According to Brent VanLith, project engineer for the DRBA, the multi-year road improvement program will modernize the approach road system and enhance safety for the traveling public. While DRBA engineers have designed the project to minimize traffic delays to the extent possible, motorists should expect to experience them from time-to-time.

Artisans’ Bank Announces Strategic Partnership with DT Investment Partners, LLC Artisans’ Bank is thrilled to announce the creation of Artisans’ Financial Services (AFS), a Division of Artisans’ Bank, as a Delaware Registered Investment Advisor. The

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combined firms will offer tactical investment management solutions that can be customized to meet client’s individual growth and income needs. The partnership will provide an opportunity to bring clients a timetested investment process for a very competitive price with a local bank feel. DTIP currently manages just over $ 800 million within the financial advisor community for the retail, high net worth, small foundation and endowment marketplace across the MidAtlantic region.

Richards, Layton & Finger Lawyers Admitted to the Delaware Bar Richards, Layton & Finger is pleased to welcome 14 new lawyers to the Delaware bar. The lawyers were admitted to practice in the State of Delaware by the Delaware Supreme Court in a ceremony on December 9th in Dover, Delaware. The newly admitted Richards, Layton & Finger associates have graduated from such law schools as Harvard Law School, University of Buffalo Law School, University of Notre Dame Law School, Northwestern University School of Law, andTemple University Beasley School of Law.

Over 1,700 Units of Blood Collected in 14TH-Annual CAA Blood Challenge The 14th-annual Colonial Athletic Association Blood Challenge resulted in 1,776 productive units of blood that were collected from 1,735 donors on CAA campuses. Over the 14-year history of the event, the CAA Blood Challenge has resulted in 43,607 productive units of blood.

The University of Delaware captured

the CAA Blood Challenge for the fifth year in a row and the ninth time overall with 573 donors. The event has annually been one of the largest blood drives in the Delmarva region.

CAA Commissioner Tom Yeager will present the University of Delaware with an award in recognition of its outstanding achievement during a basketball game this winter.

Integrity Staffing Solutions Deborah Pierce Named as The Winner of The Philadelphia Business Journal’s 2015 Top Corporate Counsel - Ogletree Deakins Labor & Employment Counsel Award Integrity Staffing Solutions, one of the leading staffing and recruitment firms in the United States, is pleased to announce today that Deborah Pierce, Vice President of Employee Relations & Corporate Counsel, has been named as one of the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Top Corporate Counsel for 2015. Pierce is being honored because of her accomplishments that have advanced labor relations, employment law and employee relations within the legal profession, and has been selected as the winner of the Ogletree-Deakins Labor and Employment Counsel award. Over the course of her career, Pierce’s labor and employment law experience has included positions at DuPont, the Campbell Soup Company and Sears. In addition, she was appointed and served as the Regional Solicitor for the U.S. Department of Labor for Region III in Philadelphia.

She earned her undergraduate and law degrees at the University of Pennsylvania.

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| DELAWARE BUSINESS

Local Expertise, Local Decision Making.

Put Chase to work for you.

Just as you guide your business toward success, we guide our clients toward success. Chase is committed to helping mid-sized businesses across Delaware achieve their goals. Our Commercial Banking team offers global capabilities and specialized industry expertise, all delivered and serviced locally by a trusted banking team.

We’ve expanded into Delaware and look forward to helping you deliver results wherever you operate. For insights that will help take your business to the next level, visit chase.com/executiveconnect.

To learn more, contact: Mark Schrieber

Keith Kepplinger

Executive Director

Vice President

Greater Philadelphia, Delaware and Southern New Jersey

Delaware Middle Market Banking

(215) 640-3470

(302) 282-1204

mark.j.schrieber@chase.com

keith.kepplinger@chase.com

COM M E RCIAL BAN KI NG © 2015 JPMorgan Chase & Co. All rights reserved. Chase is a marketing name for certain businesses of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its subsidiaries worldwide (collectively, “JPMC”). Products and services may be provided by commercial bank affiliates, securities affiliates or other JPMC affiliates or entities.

Not all products and services are available in all geographic areas. Eligibility for particular products and services is subject to final determination by JPMC and or its affiliates/subsidiaries. 170735

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Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

SMALL STATE. BIG BENEFITS. UPS Shipping Discounts Save up to 34% on a broad portfolio of shipping services including: • Up to 34% on UPS Air letters including UPS Next Day Air®* • Up to 30% on UPS Air packages (1 lb.+) • Up to 32% on UPS International imports and exports • Up to 16% on UPS Ground shipments • Savings begin at 70% on UPS Freight® shipments over 150 lbs.

DSCC members can receive these discounts even if you already have a UPS account. Whether you need your documents or packages to arrive the next day or are looking for the most affordable shipping option, UPS understands the importance of reliability, speed, and cost. Plus, the more you ship, the more you can save with UPS. To enroll and start saving today, visit www.savewithups.com/dscc.

For more information, call 1-800-MEMBERS (1-800-636-2377).

UD Online MBA Scholarship Through an Affiliate Partnership with the Lerner College of Business & Economics, Chamber member will receive an affiliate program scholarship for $5,000 off of their tuition for the University of Delaware Online MBA Degree Program.

The Lerner College Online MBA is an AACSB-accredited program that can be completed in as little as sixteen months.

This powerful new education option offers the quality, flexibility, and convenience to earn an MBA degree from a highly regarded, nationally ranked, public university.

In addition to the $5,000 affiliate scholarship, Chamber member employees will also be eligible to apply for the Dean’s Merit Scholarship, which awards the most highly qualified candidates up to an additional $5,000 in scholarship funding.

Visit www.apdegree.com/DSCC to get started.

Prescription Drug Discount Card The Delaware Drug Card will provide savings of up to 75-percent on prescription drugs at more than 50,000 pharmacy locations across the country. The Delaware Drug Card has no restrictions to membership, income or age, and you are not required to fill out an application. This program helps all residents of Delaware afford their prescription medications. For more information, go to www. dscc.com/rxdiscount.htm.

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Member-to-Member Discount Directory State Chamber members offer substantial savings on products and services to fellow members. To see the full list of discounts online, visit www.dscc.com and click on Member2Member Discounts.

Discounted Cell Phone products and Service State Chamber members can get a 10-percent discount from T-Mobile on qualifying monthly recurring charges and other special offers. Email Melissa Williams at melissa.williams2@tmobile.com to learn more about this benefit.

Notary Service Did you know that Notary Public services are free for Chamber members? Call (302) 655-7221 to make an appointment to stop in for a notary seal on your documents.

Certificate of Origin Documents Certificate of Origin documents are $20 for Chamber members ($100 for non-members). Call (302) 655-7221 for more information.

Delmarva Broadcasting Company Fifteen-percent in bonus airtime on commercial orders placed by new advertisers on any Delmarva Broadcasting radio station.

Contact Mike Reath at mreath@dbcmedia.com or call (302) 4782700 for more information.

DSCC Affinity Credit Card with WorldPoints Rewards The DSCC affinity card by Bank of America is a business credit card offered exclusively to State Chamber members that also offers a rewards program for discounted airline tickets, free hotel nights and car rentals and more. The Chamber affinity card with WorldPoints® lets members combine points from personal and business cards to get rewards even faster. Call (800) 598-8791 to apply, mention priority code FABLHRAQ. Dental and Vision Plan Dominion Dental Services provides dental and vision benefits on a group and individual basis with competitive, member-exclusive rates. Dental care coverage for most diagnostic and preventive services is 100 percent with up to 80 percent coverage for restorative care including fillings, root canals, crown and bridge work, periodontal treatment, oral surgery and more. Go to www. dscc.com/chamber/dental_plan.aspx or call (888) 518-5338 for more information. No application fee for DSCC members.

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| DELAWARE BUSINESS

Constant Contact Email Marketing Service State Chamber members are eligible to receive discounts on their Constant Contact account subscriptions. Members can save 20-percent if they prepay for 6 months and 25-percent if they prepay for 12 months. That is a 10-percent deeper discount than what is available to other customers. To sign up, visit the Constant Contact link on the State Chamber’s members-only page or call (866) 876-8464 to activate your member discount.

Continuing Education Certificate Discounts The University of Delaware offers a 10% discount to State Chamber members when they choose to sign up for continuing education certificate programs. Contact Kelly Wetzel for more information.

LegalShield All Delaware State Chamber members and member companies now have the opportunity to access affordable legal services. LegalShield is one of the nation’s leading providers of legal safeguards for individuals, families, small businesses and employee groups.

Member companies can join the more than 34,000 companies currently offering LegalShield’s personal legal plans as a voluntary benefit to their employees. Through LegalShield’s personal legal plans, employees gain access to unlimited personal legal advice from LegalShield provider attorneys on topics such as mortgages, wills, contracts, and more. Employees also have the option to enroll in LegalShield’s identity theft plans for the added benefits of identity monitoring and identity restoration services. LegalShield’s personal legal plans also effectively reduce employee stress and absenteeism while driving increased productivity.

The Small Business Plan provides member companies with legal advice and counsel on any business legal issue, contract and document review, debt collection, trial defense and more. In eliminating cost barriers associated with obtaining legal counsel, LegalShield’s Small Business Plan ensures members have access to the legal support they need to grow and protect their businesses.

To get started with LegalShield, visit www.legalshield.com/ info/dscc. For more information, contact Independent Associate Mike Schwartz at (302) 275-8898 or visit mikeschwartz. legalshieldassociate.com

in payment processing solutions. Whether your customers do business on the phone, online, or in person, Worldpay has the products to fit your payment needs, from mobile card readers to virtual terminals, to integrated cash register systems.

You’ll gain faster access to cash and flexible pricing, including an option to guarantee pricing for three years—all backed by live 24/7 US-based customer care.

Visit www.worldpay.us/Partner/delaware-statechamber-140486 to enroll or contact Leah Gray, (302) 463-8989, leah.gray@worldpay.us, for more.

Access full details on these benefits of membership in the members-only section of the DSCC website. For more information about obtaining your company’s members-only login credentials, please email webmaster@dscc.com.

Robert L. Byrd, President (302) 530-4531 • Robert.Byrd@byrdgroupllc.com Rebecca Byrd, Esq., Vice President (302) 690-4992 • Rebecca.Byrd@byrdgroupllc.com Kimberly Gomes, Vice President (302) 530-9093 • Kim.Gomes@byrdgroupllc.com Carrie Archangelo, Social Media/Operations (302) 757-8300 • Carrie.Archangelo@byrdgroupllc.com

(302) 757-8300 phone (302) 322-6000 fax www.byrdgroupllc.com

2 Penns Way Suite 305 New Castle, DE 19720

WorldPay Worldpay offere Chamber members a variety of services designed to increase your profits, maximize your productivity, and help you get every penny you’ve earned. Worldpay is the global leader DELAWARE BUSINESS

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BEFORE HIS GAMBLING PROBLEM COSTS YOU MONEY. If one of your employees has a gambling problem, you have a gambling problem.

Schedule a free presentation with our expert staff. We’ll educate your employees about the risks and offer free and confidential solutions. So you’ll both feel better.

Please call 302-655-3261 to schedule a presentation for your organization.

DELAWARE COUNCIL ON GAMBLING PROBLEMS, INC.

FULTON BANK DOES SO MUCH

MORE THAN YOU THINK AGRICULTURAL BANKING BUSINESS CHECKING BUSINESS CREDIT CARDS* CASH MANAGEMENT BUSINESS LENDING CASH RESERVE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT** MERCHANT CARD SERVICES COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE FINANCING INTERNATIONAL BANKING LEASING RETIREMENT PLANS** WHOLESALE FLOOR PLAN FINANCING

For Your Commercial Business

You can count on your local relationship manager to be your advocate.

Sophisticated solutions. Community bank service. That’s what you can expect from your commercial banking specialist at Fulton Bank - providing local support with local decisions to help you do more to make your business goals happen.

Come in to meet your local Relationship Manager today.

Katie Wilkinson, Senior Vice President Delaware Commercial Banking

302.633.7843

Fulton Bank, N.A is Member FDIC. Member of Fulton Financial Family. Loans and credit cards are subject to credit approval. Deposit and credit products are offered by Fulton Bank. *The creditor and issuer of these cards is Elan Financial Services, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Fulton Bank is not affiliated with Visa. **Cash Reserve Investment Management and Retirement Plans offered through Fulton Financial Advisors which operates through Fulton Bank, N.A. and other subsidiaries of Fulton Financial Corporation. **Securities and Insurance Products: Not FDIC-Insured • Not Insured by any Federal Government Agency No Financial Institution Guarantee • May lose value • Not a deposit • Subject to risk

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EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

| DELAWARE BUSINESS

CHAMBER Committees

State Chamber members play a visible, active role in the business community by serving on committees. If you would like to get involved, contact the committee’s Chamber representative or register online at www.dscc.com.

Ambassador Committee: The Ambassador Committee is a specially chosen group of volunteers that assists in increasing membership and retention, and acts as a liaison between the State Chamber staff and the membership at large. Contact: Chuck James at (302) 576-6562 or cjames@dscc.com.

Committee monitors issues, policies, and trends affecting Delaware’s infrastructure and transportation systems, as well as advises the Chamber’s Board of Directors on related policy issues.

For more information, contact James DeChene at (302) 576-6560 or jdchene@dscc.com.

Employer Advocacy & Education Committee: The Employee Advocacy and Education Committee promotes and assists the employments interests of Chamber members. It is a forum for members of the Chamber to discuss and evaluate human resource and personnel issues facing Delaware employers; to actively engage in the legislative process to develop and implement legislative solutions; to advise the Chamber leadership on the impact of proposed legislative and regulatory measures; and to educate the membership about regulatory requirements affecting their bottom line. The committee meets at least quarterly to identify and develop strategies for current and future issues, and holds special events open to Chamber members to focus on timely topics in the field of human resources and personnel management. For more information, contact James DeChene at (302) 576-6560 or jdchene@dscc.com.

Military Affairs Committee: The Military Affairs Committee aims to build efforts to support the hiring of military veterans, and to support the local branches of the military on other relevant issues. Its goals include building business relationships to support the military community, and to create jobs for reserve components and veterans. The committee meets quarterly, and is chaired by Gary Stockbridge of Delmarva Power. Contact: James DeChene at (302) 576-6560 or jdechene@dscc.com.

Environmental Committee: Working closely with the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), members are involved in the review and shaping of environmental legislation and regulation. Contact: James DeChene at (302) 576-6560 or jdchene@dscc.com.

Health Care Committee: Members discuss key health care issues facing Delaware businesses and provide feedback to the Chamber legislative team to assist in formulating policy. Contact: James DeChene at (302) 576-6560 or jdechene@dscc.com.

Tax Committee: This committee reviews tax legislation and lobbies for the reduction of personal and business taxes in Delaware. Contact: James DeChene at (302) 576-6560 or jdchene@dscc.com.

Infrastructure and Transportation Committee: The Infrastructure and Transportation Committee recognizes the critical role that the condition and functionality of Delaware’s infrastructure and transportation systems play in creating a strong economy and quality of life. The Infrastructure and Transportation DELAWARE BUSINESS

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Delaware Young Professionals Network: This committee was formed to encourage young executives in Delaware to be involved in the Chamber, network with other young professionals and further their business growth. The DYPN, for professionals between the ages of 21 and 40, aims to develop Delaware’s young workforce through professional business networking and personal growth.

Contact: Kelly Wetzel at (302) 576-6564 or kwetzel@dscc.com.

Economic Development Committee: The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s newest committee will see its inaugural meeting early 2016. Contact Mark DiMao at (302) 576-6575 or mdimao@dscc.com

got news?

Submit a press release to the Delaware State Chamber and it will be posted on our website, on social media and considered for publication in our monthly member e-news email and in Delaware Business magazine.

Maximize your membership

and submit your organization’s news to Rana Fayez at rfayez@dscc.com

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CALL THE CHAMBER The State Chamber of Commerce staff works for you, serving our member companies and organizations statewide. This State Chamber staff directory lists phone numbers and email addresses, as well as individual areas of responsibility.

If you need business assistance or information, please don’t hesitate to call.

A. Richard Heffron President

576-6563 rheffron@dscc.com

Marianne K. Antonini Sr. Vice President Finance & CFO

576-6567 mantonini@dscc.com

Cheryl Corn Executive Assistant to the President Sr. Vice President Communications

576-6572 ccorn@dscc.com

James DeChene Director, Government Relations

576-6560 jdechene@dscc.com

Mark A. DiMaio Acting Sr. Director, DPPI

576-6575 mdimaio@dscc.com

Linda D. Eriksen Accounting Associate Ken Evans Account Executive

576-6569 leriksen@dscc.com

Rana Fayez Communications Manager Delaware Business Production Website

576-6566 rfayez@dscc.com

Chuck James Sr. Vice President, Membership Ambassador Committee

576-6562 cjames@dscc.com

Fred Miller Advertising Sales Member Retention

576-6579 fmiller2@dscc.com

Bill Osborne Interim President, DPPI

576-6590 bosborne@dscc.com

Kelly Wetzel Program & Communication Specialist Small Business Alliance Delaware Young Professionals Network

576-6564 kwetzel@dscc.com

576-6576 kevans@dscc.com

DELAWARE STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 1201 N. Orange Street, P.O. Box 671 Wilmington, DE 19899-0671 (302) 655-7221 / Fax (302) 654-0691 (800) 292-9507 Kent & Sussex counties www.dscc.com Blog: delawarebusinessmagazine.com facebook.com/delawarestatechamber twitter: @Destatechamber

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Jan uar y / Fe b r uar y 2016

| DELAWARE BUSINESS

Proud Member... ...since 2004.

Because good business builds strong communities.

Š2014 AAA Mid-Atlantic Mktg.# 14_889

14_889_PG_AD DE Business Magazine Ad_v3.indd 1

12/8/14 7:58 AM

CHRISTIANA CARE NAMED A 2015 EVEREST AWARD WINNER. In a study of 3,000 hospitals nationwide, Christiana Care is one of only 17 Everest Award winners and the only hospital selected in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware.

Everest Award winners are among the best of the best of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals, as chosen by Truven Health Analytics, a national leader in health care research. With the Everest Award, Truven recognizes that Christiana Care has set national benchmarks for the fastest long-term improvement among health systems.

This award is a very special recognition of Christiana Care physicians, nurses, staff, board, trustees, patient advisors, community physicians and our partners who are committed to providing exceptional care to those we are privileged to serve.

christianacare.org

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