Annual Report
Small Business, United Voice BY GRACE STOCKLEY
AS THE SAYING GOES: If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. The Small Business Alliance (SBA), brings small businesses together to network, share ideas, and help solve problems with the goal of supporting new and existing small businesses in a dynamic economy, safeguarding their long-term competitiveness. 2021 may have begun with a slow start and with a lot of uncertainty for small business, but if the way in which the SBA finished 2021 is any
Dave Heller at the Superstars in Business Awards Luncheon
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indication of what’s in store for 2022, we’re in for another exciting year. The SBA held its 6th Annual Small Business Day in Dover virtually on May 12 and 13. The first day, a policy education day, featured discussions about key policy issues like recreational marijuana legalization, paid family and medical leave, and site readiness and permitting. The second day—lobby day—attendees participated in oneto-one meetings with their company’s respective legislator to discuss these issues and their potential impact. The SBA’s marquee event, the 23rd Annual Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Awards Luncheon was held on November 3rd. We were glad to bring the celebration back to an in-person format at the historic Hotel du Pont with added measures in place to ensure the safety of attendees. The keynote speaker was Dave Heller, president and CEO of Main Street Baseball, LLC, and the majority owner and managing partner of three minor league baseball teams: the Quad Cities River Bandits, the Billings Mustangs, and our own Wilmington Blue Rocks. Dave explained how close the Blue Rocks came to being one of the 43 teams cut by Major League Baseball. But thanks to his investment in the team and the support of state and local officials, the Blue Rocks secured a ten-year agreement with the Washington Nationals. With this “new lease on life” he shared his vision for the Blue Rocks and his plans to make the Riverfront even more attractive by implementing upgrades to Frawley Stadium. As Heller said from the podium, he and his partners are in the business of making memories. The 2021 Superstars in Business winners included: Weiner Benefits Group, LLC (1-20 employees); Harvey, Hanna & Associates (21-60 employees); Adesis, Inc. (61-150 employees); and Faithful Friends Animal Society (Nonprofit). The Award of Excellence Recipients included: First State Elevator (1-20 employees); Delmarva Central Railroad (21-60 employees); Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, Jan uar y / Fe b r uar y 2022 | DELAWARE BUSINESS
