Newsbites

Veolia Expands Energy Footprint by Acquiring Icetec

Veolia, a leading global integrated provider of environmental services, recently announced it has completed the acquisition of Icetec, a Pennsylvaniabased digital and distributed energy management company with more than 20 years of experience in generating quantified energy savings and operational improvements for customers.

The tuck-in acquisition will complement Veolia’s existing North American energy service offerings and add functionality to the company’s Hubgrade digital platform. In the context of increased volatility in the electricity market and stress on power grids, Icetec customers will benefit from the broad range of services Veolia provides to further enhance their environmental performance. The Icetec team, based in Boothwyn, Pennsylvania, will bring both its software and expertise in site and asset optimization to Veolia’s Sustainable Industries and Buildings business.

Karin Hamel, president and chief executive officer of Veolia’s Sustainable Industries and Buildings business, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Icetec to Veolia. This valuable acquisition will be an integral part of our GreenUp strategy as we grow our energy services business by helping our customers conserve energy and reduce their environmental impact with future-forward, digital capabilities.”

Chip Rossi Appointed to Artesian Board of Directors

Artesian Resources Corporation, a leading provider of water and wastewater services in the Delmarva region — including operations in Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania — recently announced the appointment of Salvatore J. “Chip” Rossi to its board of directors. Rossi is a seasoned financial expert with extensive experience in risk management.

He recently retired from Bank of America, one of the world’s leading financial services companies, where he served as president of Bank of America Delaware, and head of the company’s Prepaid Card Unemployment Programs. Rossi joined Bank of America in 1989 and, prior to his most recent role, held the position of global compliance and operational risk operations executive.

Rossi currently serves on the boards of Delaware State University, ChristianaCare, The Grand Opera House, and REACH Riverside. He is also a member of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce Board of Governors and the Delaware Business Roundtable.

“I am so pleased to be joining the Artesian team, as for 120 years they have provided high-quality water services to Delawareans,” said Rossi. “I look forward to working with the board and the Artesian management team as they continue to grow and provide important water and wastewater services throughout our state.”

Richards, Layton & Finger Appoints New Chairs

Richards, Layton & Finger has announced that directors Michael Merchant and Chad Shandler have been appointed to leadership roles within the firm.

Merchant will serve as chair of the firm’s Bankruptcy and Corporate Restructuring Department, and Shandler will lead the Litigation Department.

“Over their decades of practice at Richards Layton, Mike and Chad have distinguished themselves as practitioners and leaders,” said Paul Heath, president of the firm. “I have the utmost confidence in their ability to lead collaboratively and position their teams to deliver outstanding results for their clients.”

Merchant has more than 25 years of experience representing a wide range of participants in bankruptcy cases and corporate restructurings. His clients span industries including biopharmaceuticals, telecommunications, bank holding companies, subprime lending, retail, and manufacturing. Merchant is a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute, the Turnaround Management Association, and the American Bar Association.

Shandler is a veteran trial attorney who has litigated cases in all of Delaware’s state and federal courts. His practice includes complex financial and commercial litigation before the Delaware Superior Court’s Complex Commercial Litigation Division, and the Court of Chancery, as well as litigation involving trusts and estates, trade secrets, and restrictive covenants. In his 26 years at the firm, Shandler has also served as trial counsel in arbitration proceedings and advised trust companies on fiduciary and regulatory matters.

Saint Mark’s Names New Athletic Director

Saint Mark’s High School recently announced the appointment of Dan Swasey as its new athletic director. A veteran educator, coach, and leader within the Spartan community, Swasey brings 23 years of experience at Saint Mark’s and a strong commitment to fostering excellence, sportsmanship, and student growth through athletics.

Swasey started his career at Saint Mark’s fresh out of college as a physical education teacher.

He was promoted to department chair in 2015. In addition to his academic role, he has been deeply involved in student life, moderating the SADD-YELL and Key Clubs, and coaching a wide range of sports, including boys’ lacrosse, girls’ basketball, and boys’ basketball. He currently serves as head coach for both the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams.

His vision for the Spartan athletic department is to make it the premier athletic program in the state. “I want our teams to play at the top levels and be in contention for state championships each and every year,” he said. “High school sports are so much more than wins and losses. My top priority is to work with our amazing coaching staff to create an environment where our athletes thrive at every level. We have student-athletes from all skill levels and backgrounds, and we need to work hard to reach each one of them and help them to succeed.”

Beebe Healthcare Launches Cardiovascular Institute

Beebe Healthcare has announced the launch of its Cardiovascular Institute, an integrated, evidence-based care model that connects patients with expert clinicians in Sussex County.

For years, Beebe has expanded its heart care offerings, incorporating the latest technologies and minimally invasive procedures to ensure high-quality care close to home. Its facilities include four cardiac catheterization labs and a hybrid operating room.

Building on those advancements, the Cardiovascular Institute will now serve as the central hub for heart, vascular, and lung care in the county. The Institute brings together top clinicians to streamline care and enhance outcomes. This destination for cardiovascular care will further benefit from the implementation of Epic and MyChart in November, enabling seamless coordination and increased patient engagement.

“The Institute is the culmination of years of work to deliver comprehensive cardiovascular care, right here in the community,” said Dr. Paul Sierzenski, senior vice president and chief physician executive. “Patients benefit from a coordinated team of cardiologists, heart, lung, and vascular surgeons, advanced practice clinicians, and external partners — delivering the most evidence-based, high-quality care.”

Poppiti Returns as Farm Bureau Executive Director

The Delaware Farm Bureau (DEFB) recently announced Joseph G. Poppiti as its new executive director. Poppiti returns to lead the organization under President William (Bill) Powers and the state board of directors. He began his Farm Bureau career at DEFB in November 2018.

During his time away from DEFB, Poppiti worked at the Delaware Center for Horticulture and served as a regional organization director for the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. In that role, he supported county Farm Bureau leaders in Berks, Bucks, Chester-Delaware, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, and Northampton-Monroe counties. He helped them develop and implement programs that enabled members to maintain a strong, effective organization that met their local needs. He also promoted the philosophy, policies, and programs of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Excited to return, Poppiti said, “I’m thrilled to be back and am looking forward to helping this strong organization continue to grow and flourish.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Joseph back to DEFB,” said President Bill Powers. “The valuable experience he’s gained at the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau will strengthen his leadership here at the Delaware Farm Bureau. We look forward to the ideas and momentum he’ll bring as he steps back into this role.”

TidalHealth Breaks Ground on Millsboro North Campus

TidalHealth broke ground in July on its highly anticipated Millsboro North Campus, a transformative 150,000-square-foot health care complex that will be the health system’s largest outpatient facility.

Located near the intersection of Routes 113 and 20 in Millsboro, Del., the new campus will expand access to high-quality care for residents of Sussex County and the surrounding region.

This milestone groundbreaking marks the start of construction on the first of three planned buildings. Once completed in 18 to 24 months, the initial structure will house a new TidalHealth Primary and Specialty Care office, diagnostic imaging, a TidalHealth HomeScripts pharmacy, a TidalHealth FamilyLab, and a range of additional outpatient services.

“The TidalHealth Millsboro North Campus is a game-changer for health care in Sussex County,” said Steve Leonard, Ph.D., MBA, FACHE, president and CEO of TidalHealth. “We’re bringing the full strength and support of our health system to this growing community, delivering the convenience of comprehensive care with the clinical excellence TidalHealth is known for.”

Strategically positioned to complement the existing TidalHealth Millsboro Delmarva Health Pavilion just south on Route 113 near the Lowe’s complex, the Millsboro North Campus is part of TidalHealth’s broader vision to bring fullspectrum outpatient medical services closer to where people live and work.

Nemours Children’s Receives 2025 ENA Lantern Award

Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, recently announced that its Emergency Department (ED) has been selected as a recipient of the 2025-2028 Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Lantern Award. This prestigious honor recognizes the department’s exceptional leadership, practice, education, and advocacy that have significantly improved patient care and staff well-being.

The ENA Lantern Award highlights the hospital’s dedication to quality, safety, and a healthy work environment, as well as its commitment to incorporating evidence-based practice and advancements into exceptional emergency care. This is the third time Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, has received the ENA Lantern Award, further solidifying its national reputation and reinforcing its commitment to clinical and academic preeminence.

“Receiving the Lantern Award for a third consecutive time is a powerful affirmation of our commitment to clinical preeminence and our unwavering focus on quality and safety,” said David Hancox, MSN, MHA, RN, NEABC, senior vice president and chief nursing and patient operations officer. “This national recognition reflects the extraordinary dedication of our emergency department team and their role in advancing Whole Child Health by supporting every child’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. It’s a proud milestone that highlights how our nurses lead with excellence and compassion every day.”

Notably, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, is one of the few pediatric hospitals in the country to hold these three distinguished recognitions: a verified Level 1 pediatric trauma center, a Level 1 pediatric ED as designated by Emergency Medical Services for Children, and a recipient of the ENA Lantern Award.

Camp Fairlee Opens Sensory-Friendly Cabin

Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore’s Camp Fairlee recently opened a newly constructed sensory-friendly cabin, marking a significant step forward in the camp’s mission to provide inclusive, life-changing experiences for children and adults with disabilities.

The new cabin, designed specifically to meet the needs of campers with sensory sensitivities, reflects Camp Fairlee’s commitment to ensuring that individuals, regardless of ability, can fully participate in the joys of summer camp in a supportive and accommodating environment.

The addition was made possible through the generosity of Micki and Lanny Edelsohn and their Homes for Life Foundation, who funded the project in honor and memory of Julie and Charlie Cawley. The Cawleys were longtime champions for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, known for expanding neighborhood group home models and supporting inclusive employment initiatives.

“We are deeply grateful to Micki and Lanny Edelsohn, and to the enduring legacy of Julie and Charlie Cawley,” said Ken Sklenar, president and CEO of Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore. “Their compassion ensures that Camp Fairlee remains a place of joy, growth, and lifelong memories for every camper.”

BLS Shareholder Recognized by Forbes

Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, P.A. (BLS), a Top 300 certified public accounting and consulting firm headquartered in Delaware, is celebrating Karly Laughlin, CPA, AEP®, for being named to Forbes’ inaugural list of America’s Best-In-State CPAs.

This exclusive list, curated by Forbes editorial staff, identifies top CPAs actively practicing in public accounting based on a combination of peer nominations and endorsements from professional associations. Honorees were evaluated on key criteria, including technical expertise, innovation, professional influence, community involvement, and overall impact on the field.

Laughlin has spent her entire career growing within BLS, beginning as an intern and earning her way to shareholder through dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her practice focuses on estate, trust, and gift tax planning, where she advises high-net-worth individuals and families with care and clarity during pivotal life moments.

Recognized as a national speaker and respected voice in estate planning, Laughlin also devotes her time to mentoring rising professionals within the firm and contributing to various nonprofit and civic initiatives. Her leadership style blends technical proficiency with empathy, making her both a trusted advisor and an inspiration to peers.

“I’m honored to be recognized by Forbes alongside such talented professionals,” Laughlin said. “I’ve been fortunate to build a career at BLS where I’ve had the opportunity to grow, lead, and give back — to clients, to our team, and to the community. This recognition reflects the support of those around me and the purpose I find in serving others.”

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation’s Safety Town Turns Five

In August, Chesapeake Utilities Corp. marked the five-year anniversary of its Safety Town training facility with a celebratory event that brought together employees, first responders, government officials, and community partners. The event, held at the Safety Town facility in Dover, Del., highlighted the company’s continued commitment to safety, education, and community collaboration.

Since its launch in 2020, Safety Town has served as a premier training ground for natural gas safety, offering immersive, hands-on learning environments for employees, emergency responders, utility professionals, and community stakeholders. The anniversary celebration featured guided tours of the facility, live safety demonstrations, and remarks from Chesapeake Utilities Corp.’s leadership and local dignitaries.

“Safety Town represents one important part of our dedication to protecting the communities we serve,” said Jeff Sylvester, senior vice president and chief operating officer at Chesapeake Utilities Corp. “We believe that safety is not just a priority, it’s a core value. This facility allows us to build on that value with our partners to help ensure they’re equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to respond effectively and safely.”

Since opening, Safety Town has trained more than 1,200 emergency response personnel and hosted more than 200 employee training events. The program has reached more than 50 fire departments, municipalities, and support organizations across the company’s service area in Maryland and Delaware.

With hands-on experiences like the natural gas mobile training unit, and certifications in excavation, leak investigation, SCBA, CPR/AED/first aid, confined space, and OSHA 10-hour training, Safety Town continues to reinforce Chesapeake Utilities Corp.’s dedication to safety and risk mitigation by delivering high-impact training experiences that elevate operational standards and emergency response.

“Safety Town is more than a training facility — it’s a commitment to the safety and resilience of our communities,” said Andrena Burd, assistant vice president of risk management at Chesapeake Utilities Corp. “By providing immersive, real-world training, we’re helping to equip first responders and our employees with the skills and confidence they need to act decisively in critical moments.”

Amendment to 2014 Grace Firestone Act Signed

Gov. Matt Meyer recently signed two bills into law that advance student safety in athletics and support educational opportunities at William Penn High School.

“Our students deserve to learn, play, and grow in safe and supportive environments,” Meyer said. “With these bills, we’re taking concrete steps to protect student-athletes and uplift school communities like William Penn. Investing in safety and education is how we build a stronger, more resilient Delaware.”

House Bill 71, sponsored by House Majority Leader Kerri Evelyn Harris and Sen. Nicole Poore, enhances emergency preparedness in school athletic programs by requiring all coaches to be trained in CPR, first aid, and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The bill also mandates that every school with an athletic program have a clear emergency action plan for cardiac events, ensures AEDs are easily accessible at all athletic events, and requires regular maintenance and registration of the devices with state emergency services.