Risk is everywhere. It doesn’t sleep. It often shows up uninvited and at the most inopportune time. Manufacturers most trusted resource, the NIST-Manufacturing Extension Partnership, provides a step-by-step roadmap to help manufacturers address risk, increase visibility and create supply chains that function at optimum capacity.
We’ll show you how to apply constraint theory concepts that address risk, and account for total cost of ownership, so you may make informed sourcing decisions that increase the ow of products from suppliers to customers, using a value system model.
Volume 28, Number 4 / 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.
Most Delawareans know that agriculture is our leading industry, and that corn, watermelon, and poultry are the main pieces of our very large ag puzzle. While we hail the success of our farmers, growers, processors, seed specialists, implement dealers, and more, Delaware Secretary of Agriculture
Michael Scuse recently reminded need to ramp up worldwide food production by 68% by 2050, the world also must stop wasting so much food.
Food waste is when we throw away high-quality food that goes uneaten. In the U.S., food waste occurs because consumers “shop with their eyes” and rarely purchase less than perfect produce and products (I am guilty of that). Restaurants, homes, and stores become the endpoint for too many food products that go unused. In other parts of the world, a different set of problems exists. Logistics and the lack of cold storage contribute to loss of food as it moves from farms to processors.
So, what can our business community do to address food waste? We collectively spend a lot of time on forks, knives, spoons, and containers, but more needs to be done to address consumer acceptance of “imperfect foods”. Our 2022 Superstars in Business luncheon heard from a Delaware business that takes perfectly good, bruised fruits and turns them into ice cream and other frozen treats. In addition, our labeling of “freshness” dates oftentimes works against us. That “sell by” date doesn’t mean we need to throw things away that day. Maybe we need to make greater use of a “use by” date so consumers can be confident that properly stored products are still quite good to eat! Finally, some large employers have food service options in their place of business. I, for one, would not hesitate to pay an extra dollar or two for fresh, as opposed to canned, green beans, and other fresh options too.
Our agricultural industry is the envy of the world. We feed a population that is steadily growing, and meeting that demand with fewer and fewer farmers. With food being wasted at 30% to 40%, we must collectively and creatively indentify ways to be more efficient.
EDITORIAL STAFF
Nick Lambrow Chair Michael J. Quaranta President Kelly Basile Editor Christina Jones Graphic Design
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIR
Nick Lambrow M&T Bank
VICE CHAIR
Marie Holliday, CPA
Cover & Rossiter
Catherine M. Bassett
Mountaire Farms
Steve Chambliss Brookfield Properties
Andrew Cottone, Ph.D.
ADESIS
Jason D. Gonzalez DuPont
John C. Gooden
M. Davis & Sons, Inc.
Dr. LaVerne T. Harmon Wilmington University
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Tony Allen, Ph.D.
Delaware State University
Pierre Anderson
Artesian Water Company, Inc.
Steve Baccino
Chesapeake Utilities
Chris Baker
George & Lynch, Inc,
Greg Ballance
Diamond Technologies
Mike B. Berardi
Wohlsen Construction Co.
Robert A. Book II
Delaware Electric Cooperative
Julian H. “Pete” Booker
Delaware Public Media
Jennifer Gimler Brady
Potter Anderson & Corroon LLP
Dr. Mark T. Brainard
Delaware Technical Community College
Beth G. Brand University of Delaware
Kevin C. Broadhurst Comcast
Robert L. Byrd
ByrdGomes
Patrick Callihan Tech Impact
Stuart Comstock-Gay
Delaware Community Foundation
Charlie Copeland Associates International, Inc.
Pam Cornforth
Ronald McDonald House of Delaware, Inc.
Barry Crozier
Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, ret.
Joseph Cruise
GT USA Wilmington
Jason Danner
Kelly Benefits Strategies
Rick Deadwyler
Corteva Agriscience™
Marta DeLisi
Beasley Media Group
Ernest Dianastasis The Precisionists, Inc.
Tom Horne
JPMorgan Chase
Natalie Keefer Bank of America
Rodger Levenson WSFS Bank
Barbara McCullough
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP
Michael A. Meoli
The Meoli Group
Nicholas A. Moriello, RHU
Highmark BCBS Delaware
Janice Nevin, M.D., MPH
ChristianaCare
Brian DiSabatino EDiS Company
Walter Donaldson Freeh Sporkin & Sullivan, LLP
Lisa M. Donlon, PE VanDemark & Lynch
Thère du Pont Longwood Foundation
Jerry Esposito
Espo Enterprises, LLC
G. Kevin Fasic, Esq.
Offit Kurman
Michael T. French
Belfint, Lyons & Shuman
Don Fulton
Weiner Benefits Group
Martha S. Gilman
Cornell Property Management Corp.
Joseph A. Giordano*
Whisman Giordano & Associates, LLC
A. Richard Heffron
Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, ret.
Kirsten Higgins
Tidewater Utilities, Inc.
Michael Houghton Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell, LLP
Tim Houseal
Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP
Mark Hutton M&T Bank
Mona Jantzi
Barclays US Consumer Bank
LeVar Johnson
Novo Nordisk
Christopher L. Kenny
ShopRites of Delaware
Matthew Lantagne
TD Bank
Richard H. LaPenta
CBM Insurance
Stephan Lehm
VanDemark & Lynch, ret.
Alan Levin
SoDel Concepts
Andy Lubin
Delaware Financial Group
Mac Macleod
Carvertise
Scott Malfitano
CSC
William E. Manning
Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr
Guy Marcozzi
Verdantas
Paul M. McConnell
McConnell Development, Inc.
Katie McEvoy
AT&T
Gregory Miraglia
PNC Bank
Jeff Mitchell
Siegfried Advisory
W. Douglas Mokoid
Delmarva Power
Chad Moore
Beacon Hospitality
LaKresha R. Moultrie, Esq.
Delaware State University
Mark Mumford
Nemours Children’s Health System
Terry Murphy Bayhealth Medical Center
Chris O’Neill
PSCI
Jed Patterson LabWare
Chris Perdue Perdue Farms
Robert W. Perkins
Brandywine Public Strategies
Colleen Perry Keith, Ph.D.
Goldey-Beacom College
Theodore J. Prushinski
Citizens Bank
Michael Ratchford
W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
Robert (Rob) Rider, Jr.
O.A. Newton
Bettina Tweardy Riveros
ChristianaCare
Tyler Micik
Director, Public Policy & Government Relations
Salvatore J. “Chip” Rossi Bank of America
James J. Roszkowski Discover Bank
Rhett Ruggerio
Ruggerio Willson & Watson
Dennis M. Salter
Edinburgh Capital Management LLC
Greg Sawka
Bancroft Construction Company
Chris Schell Schell Brothers
Fred C. Sears II Delaware Community Foundation, ret.
Greg Smith
The Chemours Company
Michael Smith
Navient
Robert S. Smith
Santora CPA Group
William Smith
Environmental Alliance
Mark Stellini Assurance Media
David Tam, M.D.
Beebe Healthcare
Jim Taylor
Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr
James Tevebaugh
Tevebaugh Architecture
Jana Tidwell
AAA Club Alliance
Michael S. Uffner
AutoTeam Delaware
Rebecca Veeneman, Ph.D.
Agilent Technologies
Ann B. Wayne, BSN, RN
SUN Behavioral Delaware
Robert W. Whetzel
Richards, Layton & Finger
Katie K. Wilkinson
Fulton Bank
Robert Wirth
DuPont Country Club
Kevin M. Wolfgang
Evergreen Apartment Group
*Treasurer
Amanda Schimmel Manager, Marketing & Accounting
Regina Donato Manager, Program & Communications
Ken Evans Account Executive
Fred Miller
Advertising/Retention
Helana Rodriguez Director, The Partnership
Kerri Welcher Events Manager
THE FIRST LEG of the 152nd session of the General Assembly has come to an end. The State Chamber would like to thank members of the General Assembly for working with us to find meaningful solutions that balance the interests of all Delawareans.
Topics the State Chamber weighed in on included issues such as the permitting process, data privacy, personal income taxes, child care, and environment and energy, among others. The State Chamber supported legislation like House Bills 101, 102, 103, and 104, which aimed to improve Delaware’s permitting process for economic development projects and, in turn, help create good paying jobs and opportunities for Delawareans.
We also supported House Bill 171, which extends the Clean Air Act Title V Operating Permit Program annual fees for facilities in Delaware. The fees expire every three years and must be reauthorized by the General Assembly. Members of the State Chamber’s Environmental Committee worked with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) to provide feedback which was incorporated into the legislation.
Additionally, Delaware became the 22nd state to legalize recreational marijuana through the passage of House Bills 1 and 2. HB1 legalizes the possession of one ounce or less of marijuana and HB2 establishes and regulates the recreational marijuana industry in Delaware. The State Chamber worked with the sponsor to incorporate language into the bill that gives employers the flexibility to keep and maintain their policies regarding drugs and alcohol.
Although the General Assembly has adjourned for the year, it’s important to note that any pending legislation, not defeated or enacted, will be carried over to next year. This offseason is the perfect time for business and community leaders to meet with members of the General Assembly. Invite them to your business to show them around, discuss the challenges you’re facing, and talk about policy issues that matter to you. The team at the State Chamber can help you arrange and prepare for these meetings through their Member-to-Member program.
In his State of the State address, Governor Carney said “our success as a state must start with building a strong and growing economy. We know that a good job solves a lot of problems.” The State Chamber strongly agrees with this sentiment. We all want a brighter future for Delaware with good jobs, a strong economy, and a healthy environment—in way that supports businesses while recognizing the needs of their employees, customers, and all Delawareans. To achieve this, we must harmoniously work together. The State Chamber looks forward to working with policymakers this offseason to engage on issues. We encourage our members to do so similarly by attending State Chamber events like the Government Affairs Retreat and Developing Delaware this fall or participating on a policy committee. Session may be over, but the work of the business community carries on. There are a multitude of opportunities to get involved. Contact me at tmicik@dscc.com to get started.
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››The State Chamber’s Small Business Alliance (SBA) held Small Business Day in Dover during National Small Business Week in May. The event’s purpose was two-fold: To emphasize the importance of the small business community’s participation in
to become a part of that process.
The event began with a workshop led by Verity Watson, partner at Ruggerio, Willson & Watson, and Kim Gomes, partner at ByrdGomes. They discussed key issues impacting the small business community such as economic development, child care, data privacy, and more.
The conversation also focused on the importance of building meaningful relationships with members of the General Assembly with the following key takeaways:
• It’s important for business community members to connect and build relationships with policymakers before issues arise. Your first point of contact with a legislator should not be a call on a policy issue.
• Get to know the policymakers in and outside of your district. Do not limit yourself to a relationship with one or two people, there are 62
BY TYLER MICIKAssembly who can be your advocate.
Following the workshop, attendees were joined by the House Small Business Caucus Chairs Representatives Bill Bush, Michael Ramone, and Daniel Short. The meeting covered a range of topics, including affordable housing, the worker shortage, and recreational marijuana, among others. The morning ended with scheduled meetings between attendees and their legislators and a tour of Legislative Hall.
The SBA serves Delaware’s small business community by helping them grow and thrive through collaborative networking, idea sharing, and identifying solutions to challenges they experience. Through programs like Small Business Day in Dover, the group advocates for policies that support new and existing small businesses in a dynamic economy. If you’re a small business owner or employee, the SBA is for you. To learn more or join the committee, contact me
››Nestled on 140 acres on the Delaware-Maryland border and the home of Mason Dixon crown marker 47, Harvest Ridge Winery is proudly celebrating 10 years of award-winning winemaking. With their main location in Marydel, Delaware and a second tasting room in Toughkenamon, PA, Harvest Ridge has grown from a small family farm with four different grape types to a 17,000-case winery with 25 different varietals. While the sales and crop yields have increased, one thing remains the same: this is a family-focused business through-and-through.
It all began with a trip to Charleston, South Carolina. Chuck Nunan visited a winery there during his son’s wedding and was inspired to turn his love of wine
and winemaking into something bigger. He had already purchased land, which he and his wife Chris then decided to turn into Harvest Ridge Winery. The first vines were planted in 2011 and they officially opened to the public in 2013. Three generations of the Nunan family work at the winery in some capacity.
“Our goal has always been to create a place where people can come together and enjoy great wine, good company, and the history of our property,” says Sales Director Alexis Nunan, who is also the daughter-in-law of founders Chuck and Chris. “We all love what we do, and we want to share that with the community.”
While they are most known for their wines (especially their best seller Blue Hen Blue), the Harvest Ridge experience
BY REGINA DONATOoffers much more. The winery offers a range of events throughout the year, including live music, food trucks, unique food pairings, and seasonal festivals. And for those looking to learn more about winemaking, the winery offers vineyard tours and educational classes about the history of the property. “There is something for everybody here,” remarks Nunan. “Even if you think you don’t like wine, we’ll find something for you.”
Additionally, Harvest Ridge Winery boasts the largest wine club in the area— 2,800 members strong. Members of the wine club get exclusive access and special deals on Harvest Ridge wines and
events. “We’re clearly very family oriented. When you sign up for the wine club, it’s not just a welcome, but a welcome to the family,” says Nunan. “We truly believe the people who support us year-round deserve that treatment.”
Their loyal customers support Harvest Ridge, and in return Harvest Ridge supports the community right back. Harvest Ridge gives back extensively to nonprofit organizations like The Hero-Hunts Foundation and St. Jude’s through fundraising events. Partnerships with other small businesses are also vital to Harvest Ridge’s success, including Painted Stave Distilling and Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company. “We’re such a small state. Helping each other out and forming those partnerships is only going to benefit the entire hospitality industry in Delaware,” explains Nunan.
Harvest Ridge Winery has big plans for their 10th anniversary, including a ribbon cutting and celebratory dinner in October, as well as an exclusive anniversary release of their original five wines in a limited-edition custom pack. To purchase any of Harvest Ridge’s products or to learn more, visit their website at www.harvestridgewinery. com. It’s never too late to join the family.
››The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce is the unified voice for business. We are uniquely positioned to bring people together to solve problems, create jobs, promote business, and improve the quality of life for all Delawareans. Our two pillars are:
• Advocacy: The participation and support of our members contribute to conversations, ideas, and solutions geared toward the common goal of shaping the future of the First State. Through our affiliates and industryspecific committees, we attract, retain, connect, and leverage champions of free enterprise who are invested in securing the future of Delaware’s business community.
• Networking: In-person meetings are proven to yield a stronger return on investment. With this notion in mind, we curate events throughout the year designed to bring people together, create important conversations, and provide opportunities for business and community leaders to work together with policymakers.
The Delaware State Chamber is seeking individuals to serve in our Ambassador program. Ideal candidates are energized by the State Chamber’s mission and committed to helping improve the state of
Delaware. As a key volunteer for the State Chamber team, Ambassadors will serve as outward-facing representatives of the organization with three key goals: fostering new relationships; engaging member businesses and the community as a whole; and amplifying the voice and mission of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.
Candidates must work for a member organization to be considered for the Ambassador Committee. The group will meet bi-monthly. Contact Regina Donato at rdonato@dscc.com to learn more about the role, responsibilities, and benefits.
“We’re such a small state. Helping each other out and forming those partnerships is only going to benefit the entire hospitality industry in Delaware.”
››The YMCA of Delaware has long been a catalyst for positive change, offering a wide range of programs and services that empower individuals of all ages and strengthen communities. With a rich history spanning 130 years, the organization has never wavered in its mission of promoting health, wellness, and social responsibility within the Delaware community. And yes, it’s so much more than a gym.
The YMCA of Delaware can proudly say it’s the only state-wide YMCA in the United States. With eight main locations spanning from Brandywine to Sussex County, for Delaware in this case, being small has its advantages. Every year,
BY REGINA DONATOthe organization’s programs reach over 70,000 people statewide at every stage of life. “We have a very diversified scope of programming at the YMCA,” explains CEO Jarret Royster. “Our offering of cradle-to-career programming is something that really makes us unique.”
The YMCA of Delaware’s programming falls under three areas of focus: healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility.
At the core of the YMCA of Delaware’s mission lies a commitment to promoting health and wellness—both physical and mental. The organization provides
state-of-the-art fitness facilities, a diverse range of exercise classes, coaching and personal training, and health support, including diabetes prevention and LIVESTRONG classes. “We recognize that health comes in many layers, and our goal is to provide resources and programs that address the overall wellbeing of people depending on their personal needs,” remarks Royster.
The YMCA is renowned for its dedication to empowering youth and supporting families. Through a wide array of educational, recreational, and character-building programs, the organization provides
young people with opportunities for growth, learning, and social emotional support. “We’ve made a promise to the state of Delaware: that we will work every day to ensure that every kid we serve is on a path to success,” explains Royster.
The YMCA of Delaware also offers comprehensive support for families, including 35 before- and after-school programs, all-day childcare services, parenting resources, family strengthening activities, and economic support. By providing a safe and inclusive environment, the organization helps families thrive and fosters a sense of belonging for all within the community.
“We’re uniquely positioned here to help build bridges amongst people where it often feels like there’s so many differences,” says Royster. “We engage communities to have agency in deciding the unique aspects of their programming, depending on the needs of their area.”
Ultimately, a happy community is a healthy one. The YMCA actively works towards creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and ensures equal opportunities for all. The organization collaborates with local government, agencies, and nonprofits to address pressing community challenges such as food insecurity, educational disparities, workforce issues, and providing training opportunities to help people get from where they are to where they want to be.
“Looking forward, we really want to focus on telling our story,” says Royster. “We want everyone to know the wide scope of services we’re providing for the entire state of Delaware, and we are only growing from here.”
After all, “It’s all at the Y!”
››When I first came to Delaware, it was important to me to tell the “M&T story” to our policymakers. I wanted to share who we are, what we do, and most importantly, what we care about as a company.
This outreach, along with the Delaware Bankers Association and leaders from our local banking community, provides our decisionmakers a more dynamic understanding on how much we care about the community around us, and this serves as the base of the relationships we’ve built since then.
One of the most important pieces to our story is our commitment to small businesses in the First State. According to the Delaware Division of Small Business, Delaware is home to 27,111 small businesses, which accounts for 98% of all businesses in the state and employs 56% of our population.
BY NICK LAMBROWDay in Dover, where we bring small business owners to the state’s capital to learn about the bills before the General Assembly and meet with legislators to hold educated conversations on how those policies could impact their employees and customers.
The experience can be eye-opening if it’s your first time at Legislative Hall. One of our members described the day:
“It was great to see the Chamber members come together as a group and be able to communicate our concerns and expectations directly with our local representatives. I truly thought our voices were being heard. This event really opened the door and started to create real synergy and dialog between the business community and our local elected officials.”
I want to personally thank those entrepreneurs for their courage and ingenuity to start and run a small business. The risks they take move our economy forward. For us, providing funding to help small businesses plan, start, and grow is for the greater good.
At the Delaware State Chamber, we connect the many voices of small businesses in the state into one resounding voice for the legislative body. One such program is our Small Business
But don’t let that communication stop now that the General Assembly has adjourned until January. The “offseason” is the perfect time for members of the business community to reach out and build relationships with elected officials. Invite them to your place of business to see first-hand how you serve your community. Have an open dialogue where you listen to each other’s priorities. Allow them to meet and get to know your employees—their constituents.
This is how we effectively communicate. This is how we build a better Delaware.
The State Chamber connects the voices of small businesses into one resounding voice for the legislative body.
››The Delaware State Chamber is excited to welcome our newest team member, Amanda Schimmel. She may be a familiar face to some of our members as Amanda first interned with the State Chamber in 2022 and stayed in a part-time role until she graduated from the University of Delaware this past May.
In her role as marketing and accounting manager, Amanda’s talent and energy will provide key support in three areas: marketing for the State Chamber’s workforce development affiliate—The Partnership, Inc.; accounting and bookkeeping; and serving as the president’s assistant.
Where are you from?
I am originally from Hillsborough, New Jersey, but I made the amazing decision to attend the University of Delaware—where I was first introduced to The Delaware
What most excites you about this position and working at the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce?
As a recent graduate with both English and economics majors, I look forward to exploring how these two fields will work together in my new role. Additionally, I am very excited to join and champion the Delaware community through our events and programs and to meet many new faces. The Delaware State Chamber is a great first job because it offers me the perfect blend of my professional interests, exciting opportunities, and the ability to make long-lasting connections.
You’ve had a couple internships before joining the State Chamber, including with us! Why do you think internships are important?
Internships are a wonderful way to test out the waters in a new industry and foster the skills necessary to enter the In the summer going into my junior year of college, I interned with a law firm, and it was a truly enriching experience;
During her internship with the State Chamber, Amanda also participated in the 2022 Intern Delaware program.
however, in completing the internship I found that law school was not for me. Consequently, an internship can either guide you closer to or farther from your true passions, and both outcomes are equally beneficial. To that point, I knew within the first few weeks of my internship at the State Chamber that it was where I belonged.
You’re not originally from Delaware. What made you want to stay after graduation?
As many will agree, there is something incredibly special about the close-knit community in Delaware. It feels as though everyone knows everyone. I remember setting up an Intern Delaware event early one morning and meeting many Delaware business leaders, only to see them later that same day in Dover at our End-ofSession Legislative Conference.
Do you have a favorite Delaware spot?
Lums Pond is definitely one of my favorite Delaware spots because I am a huge nature lover and an avid people watcher. The park also holds some sentimental value because it was the location of my parents’ first official date while they were attending the University of Delaware.
Give us a fun fact about yourself!
A fun fact about me is that I have been vegetarian for over seven years, and I am always on the hunt for new recipes to test out in my kitchen. My most recent recipe success was a delicious roasted chickpea and veggie stew.
BY COLIN HEFFINGER
››“The battle for veteran homeownership—one handshake and smile at a time.” The VA loan program is designed as a benefit to help veterans purchase a new home at favorable rates. Despite this, veterans face increased challenges acquiring a home as perceptions in the real estate community blur the lines on how VA loans work. Darren Corder, president and owner of Diamond State Home Loans, has made it his mission to bridge the gap between understanding the full scope of the VA loan program and helping veterans secure the homes that they deserve.
Corder started Diamond State Home Loans in December 2022 after spending 20 years in the mortgage industry. Through his experience, Corder was able to discover challenges client groups were facing. As a veteran himself, Corder quickly sparked a passion to help other veterans navigate the sea of misinformation encompassing VA loans.
“The least we can do is help veterans access the benefits they have earned through their service,” Corder explains. “I saw an opportunity to build on this by helping veterans navigate the loan process and providing them with a five-star experience, from veteran-to-veteran. My goal is to make the process of borrowing money as stress-free as possible—allowing veterans to enjoy the American home ownership dream they’ve earned.”
To accomplish this goal, Corder likens his approach for the VA loan application process to the assembly line for building
a car. “Each step is designed to be efficient and reliable,” Corder states. “We emphasize doing quality control after all steps are completed. This helps us be more competitive and put more time into strengthening our local impact.”
Corder takes his involvement in local businesses seriously. Since starting his business, Corder has quickly joined the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce to stay on the pulse with changes impacting his industry and new opportunities to support veteran small business owners. He is a former board member of the National Guard Youth Foundation and has provided on-site “VA Loan 101” classes throughout states such as Idaho, California, and Maryland,
to name a few. Corder is also an advocate for improvements to the 100% property tax exemption bill for veterans, which was passed in 2021.
Reflecting on his business approach, Corder hints back to the importance of his handshake and smile statement.
“The loan process can be overwhelming,” Corder states. “Some brands use confrontation to get their point across to veterans. I’m more interested in simplifying the loan process and making it digestible. No two people will ever have the same lives and face the same challenges—so it’s important that we stay customizable to best understand and match the needs of each veteran. We have a long way to go, but we’re in this for the ruck march.”
What role did the arts play for you personally during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns? For entertainment and wellbeing, did you turn to the work of individual writers, or visual and performing artists across television, movies, online, and other mediums? Did you rely on programming from Delaware organizations like museums, theaters, community groups, restaurants, venues, and more for creative ways to unite us?
I did.
Witnessing this innovation and resilience of the arts and culture sector made me proud not just as a performing
NEIL KIRSCHLINGartist and patron of the arts myself, but as Delawarean. For a small state, Delaware boasts a long list of artistic and cultural assets; and yet; we have not begun to gain broader recognition of their full potential.
In this first year in my role as executive director of the Delaware Arts Alliance (DAA)—the nonprofit advocacy organization that serves as the unifying voice for the arts in our state—I have spoken to creatives from all backgrounds, including individual artists, nonprofits, for-profit creative businesses, and arts educators. They often feel underappreciated, undervalued, and
relegated to their own island. Yet, they feel hopeful that emerging from the pandemic provides an opportunity to position the creative economy as a key strategy for addressing other economic, social, and policy issues in Delaware, as well as attracting and retaining residents, workers, and visitors to the state.
In pursuit of this, and recognizing the profound connection between the arts, tourism, and economic development, the Delaware Arts Alliance has embarked on an ambitious endeavor—the creation of a comprehensive plan to grow and support the creative economy through intentional policy change and investment.
Delaware’s Creative Economy and Cultural Tourism Recovery and Growth Plan will be the first project in the nation to deliver a unified vision and actionable policy agenda that aligns not only the entire arts and culture sector, but also state, county, and local levels of government.
With funding from the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Travel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation program awarded by Governor John Carney and the Delaware
Developing Artist Collaborative founder Leah Beach (right) partnered with Brenda Milbourne, the director of West Side New Beginnings (left), to tell the stories of the West Rehoboth neighborhood through public art. Photo courtesy of Developing Artist Collaborative.
Division of Small Business, the DAA over the course of the next year will:
• Produce an interactive, publicly available GIS map of Delaware’s creative economy;
• Perform an economic impact study; and
• Create comprehensive recovery plans for Delaware statewide, all three counties, and in select opportunity zones (Wilmington, Middletown, Smyrna, Dover, Milton, and Georgetown)
A series of community focus groups, surveys, and meetings throughout the summer and fall of 2023 will inform the direction of the project to ensure we hear from Delawareans from all backgrounds. We already know that tourists and
››In April, the State Chamber won five awards in the Delaware Press Association’s 2023 Communications Contest, including a first-place award that was entered into the National Federation of Press Women’s National Communications Contest.
“We have a lot of exciting projects happening at the Delaware State Chamber, including our podcast that was launched in fall 2022,” said Kelly
Basile, vice president of strategic communications. “Receiving recognition like this is a nice reminder to our team that we are doing good work.”
STATE RESULTS:
1st Place: Graphics and Design Graphics – Conversations with Kelly | Podcast Branding
3rd Place: Web and Social Media: Podcast – Conversations with Kelly |
Delawareans alike seek authentic and immersive experiences. By supporting individual artists and organizations that make up the creative economy, Delaware can tap into a powerful engine of innovation, job creation, and community development. All of which will help bolster Delaware’s tourism industry while addressing pressing issues from housing to health to education.
Inform the development of this plan by completing this survey ▶
Neil Kirschling is executive director of the Delaware Arts Alliance. Learn more at www. delawarearts alliance.org/ creativeeconomy.
Episode 1 | Culture Has to Be True
3rd Place: Digital Newsletter (nonprofit, government or educational) – The Weekly Report
Honorable Mention: Editing, Print or Online Publication: Magazine – January/ February 2022 Delaware Business Magazine
Honorable Mention: Graphics and Design Graphics – 185th Annual Dinner | Event Program
››Over the years, we have heard stories from Delaware State Chamber of Commerce members about their struggles with the ever-rising cost of healthcare and health insurance coverage for their workforce. It’s no secret that costs have been increasing at an unsustainable pace leaving healthcare unaffordable for many.
When I had the opportunity to join Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware a few years ago, it seemed the time had come to explore the possibilities for innovation at the intersection of care delivery and care financing. At Highmark, we have a strategy called “Living Health” focused on what we can do differently to create a better health experience that is simpler, easier to navigate, and results in better outcomes. If we can achieve this, we can also lower the cost of care.
While we look to the future of what could be, it’s always a good time to look at what options exist for employers today. While this list does not encompass the many nuances of business ownership, the four main categories of purchasers are:
• Individuals
• Small Employers
• Mid-Sized Employers
• Large Employers
With regards to types of insurance or financing mechanisms, there are a few main options:
• Fully insured programs: employer pays a premium in exchange for an insurance company paying medical bills, minus any deductibles or cost sharing the covered person would pay
• Self-funded programs: employer pays the medical claims and pays a third party to administer the plan
• Level-funded programs: these combine aspects of fully insured and self-funded and vary employer to employer
• Association plans: these are programs administered through an association on behalf of members and can be any one of the above three categories, with governance laws that are defined by the state in which the employer is based
• Individual Coverage Health
(IHCRAs): these are programs where an employer provides a defined contribution to workers who in turn purchase individual insurance plans While costs have been on an
unsustainable trajectory for years, there are reasons for optimism. Fully insured programs for small employers in Delaware have experienced very low, single-digit premium changes year over year 2019 through 2023. Individual insurance policies available on the healthcare.gov marketplace have experienced rate decreases in recent years, along with expansions of government subsidies, and more insurance companies participating in Delaware in 2023, which means a more competitive market for consumers.
If you haven’t shopped in a while, it may be a good time to look at the options. There might be a more affordable option or one that better fits the needs of your team. Insurance brokers and consultants, including many who are Chamber members, stand at the ready to assist. Additionally, at Highmark, we are local and we’re ready to serve.
1. We set sail in April at our Networking Breakfast with the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation.
2. The Delaware Young Professionals Network (DYPN) and The Connect DE partnered to host an informative entrepreneurship panel.
3. Governor John Carney led a panel of past superstar program participants at Superstars in Education & Training.
4. DSCC’s Tyler Micik gave opening remarks and led the conversation at Small Business Day in Dover.
5. Dr. Dennis Loftus was awarded the John H. Taylor, Jr. Education Leadership Award.
6. The DYPN hit the links at their 10th Annual Golf Tournament in May.
7. DSCC’s Ken Evans was surprised by colleagues and members with a ten-year anniversary celebration.
8. Our May networking breakfast was held at the Chancery Market.
9. Speaker of the House Pete Schwartzkkopf (left) and Senate President Pro Tempore Dave Sokola (right) addressed attendees at our End-of-Session Policy Conference.
www.a4ldelaware.com
(302) 482-3487
4229 Concord Pike, Ste. 4211
Wilmington, DE 19803
Appliances 4 Less has 140 stores throughout the country. They prioritize helping people not only find the right appliances but also save money on them.
www.citi.com
1101 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Ste. 1000
Washington, DC 20004
Citigroup Inc. or Citi is an American multinational investment bank and financial services corporation dedicated to responsibly providing financial services to enable growth and economic progress around the world.
www.celebree.com
(410) 808-9788
1 Middleton Dr.
Wilmington, DE 19808
From infant care, to beforeand after-school programs to summer camp, Celebree School is proud to play an important role in helping families raise independent, thoughtful children who are excited about learning. Their child care centers on the concept of community.
COURAGEOUS HEARTS LLC
www.courageoushearts.us
(302) 491-6946
8848 September Way
Lincoln, DE 19960
Courageous Hearts’ mission is to incorporate the healing power of horses to provide quality psychotherapy and personal development opportunities to individuals, families, groups, businesses, and corporations.
DELAWARE NATURE SOCIETY
www.delnature.org
(302) 413-5050
3511 Barley Mill Rd.
Hockessin, DE 19707
A state affiliate for the National Wildlife Federation, Delaware Nature Society’s mission is to connect people with the natural world to improve our environment through education, conservation, and advocacy.
DELAWARE SBDC
www.delawaresbdc.org
(302) 831-1555
591 Collaboration Way, 2nd Fl.
Newark, DE 19713
The Delaware SBDC delivers training programs and free professional consulting services to help innovators, startups, and qualifying existing businesses
formulate and execute strategies to grow and succeed. The SBDC is the only statewide, nationally accredited program that provides highquality one-on-one consulting, training, and information resources.
(267) 443-9523
Drizzy Motors Trash Porters provides trash valet door pick up service up to five days a week and up to twice a day. Waste bins and groundskeeping are also offered free of charge.
www.firstcommand.com
(302) 736-0472
4608 S. DuPont Hwy., Ste. 1 Dover, DE 19901
First Command is the personal financial coach of our Nation’s military families.® Since 1958, First Command’s reputation has been built on shaping positive financial behaviors through face-to-face coaching with hundreds of thousands of client families.
www.the-galerie.com
(917) 685-4168
16192 Coastal Hwy. Lewes, DE 19958
The Galerie Media Inc. is a production, design and publishing company that creates learning, development and management tools in the form of books, print materials and digital products.
www.ggabuilds.com
(302) 376-6122
1130 Industrial Dr. Middletown, DE 19709
GGA is an innovative provider of construction and development services, recognized for outstanding performance, unparalleled integrity, and a team of talented professionals who are passionate about building.
www.hologic.com
(302) 631-2722
600 Technology Dr. Newark, DE 19702
Hologic is a global medical technology company specializing in women’s health and wellbeing. They offer innovative solutions for screening, detecting, and treating conditions and diseases that affect women throughout their lives.
IMPACT LIFE, INC.
www.impactlifetoday.org
(302) 465-0019
115 Arielle Dr. Newark, DE 19702
Impact Life is an innovative behavioral health organization whose mission is to build a solid foundation of recovery through unique recovery residences, harm reduction programs, peer support, workforce development, and cultural and spiritual experiences for Delaware residents.
JACK LINGO ASSET MANAGEMENT
www.jlamre.com
(302) 226-6645
246 Rehoboth Ave. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
JLAM invests in and develops real estate with differentiated features that make it special. The company’s diverse experience in real estate includes construction, customer service, development, and property management.
MONARCH MOBILE RESTROOMS
www.monarchmobilerestrooms.com
(877) 777-8027
1461 4th St.
Bethlehem, PA 18020
Your event will soar to success with Monarch Mobile Restrooms. Luxury mobile restrooms, mobile office space, and temporary fencing are available for rent
through this family-owned and operated business.
OSPREY HEALTH LLC
www.ospreyhealth.com
(610) 727-3822
1055 Westlakes Dr., Ste. 300 Berwyn, PA 19312
Osprey Health is an employee benefits
insurance agency committed to the health and wellbeing of their clients. The Osprey Health team provides its group, individual and senior clients with white glove service, profound data analytics and personalized and creative approaches to benefits.
TRANSFORMATION SERVICES
(302) 345-7677
Transformation Services offers residential organization and cleaning of vacant and occupied living space.
UBER
www.uber.com
1515 3rd St. San Francisco, CA 94158
In addition to helping riders find a way to go from point A to point B, Uber is helping people order food quickly and affordably, remove barriers to healthcare, create new freightbooking solutions, helping companies provide a seamless employee travel experience, and helping drivers and couriers earn.
Thursday, September 21, 2023
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WHEN AN ENORMOUS CONTAINER SHIP ran aground into the banks of the Suez Canal in 2021, blocking a crucial trade artery for days, everyone was suddenly talking about transportation.
Hauling goods and passengers is one of those things that’s so much a part of life, you rarely think much about it until something goes wrong. In this case, the blockage came around the same time as excruciating supply chain issues during the COVID-19 pandemic that drove up the price of what seemed like everything.
In Delaware, we may think of transportation as mainly the traffic that clogs Route 1 and I-95 every day, but it’s far more than that. The state plugs into the national and global supply chain through its shipping and aviation channels, which supply not just goods from other countries, but a big boost to the local economy.
One of Delaware’s attractions is its logistically key location, near the financial hub of New York and the regulatory center in D.C., says Kurt Foreman, president and CEO of the Delaware Prosperity Partnership. His
organization touts those assets as it recruits businesses to come to the First State. You might not be thinking about transportation, but businesses certainly are, he says.
“We promote the idea that we are accessible and that you can get where you need to and be connected to what you need to from Delaware,” Foreman says.
At the heart of that connective system is the Delaware River and Bay Authority, a bistate organization run in cooperation with Delaware and New Jersey. Here, it oversees three Delaware airports, the heavily traveled Delaware Memorial Bridge, and two ferries, including the major Cape May-Lewes Ferry connection at the beaches.
“We are a major provider of transportation in the region,” says Stephen Williams, deputy executive director and airports director of the DRBA. It’s a self-contained agency, he adds: The DRBA handles its own maintenance and snow removal, has its own environmental team, and even runs its own police force. All this is paid for, not by taxes, but by fees like ferry tickets and bridge tolls, so the people who use the services are the ones who pay for them.
The DRBA is one of the modern examples of a reliance on transportation that has been a hallmark of the state since its very beginnings.
“The shipping industry has been a huge economic driver for the state of Delaware,” state Sen. Russ Huxtable says. Huxtable, who represents
the ferry area in District 6, is vice-chair of the Senate transportation committee. “A lot of our towns, Milton, Milford, Lewes, they were shipbuilding towns … it is definitely a part of who we are,” he says.
You won’t find crews building tall-masted ships in Milton these days, but that doesn’t mean transportation isn’t making a major economic impact. Shipping and aviation, for example, quietly inject hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy.
To measure that effect, analysts not only look at direct spending, like airports paying staff, but at ripple effects like the money employees spend on housing and food, and the taxes they pay back into the state.
The Cape May-Lewes Ferry alone brings in $152 million a year in
The state plugs into the national and global supply chain through its shipping and aviation channels, which supply not just goods from other countries, but a big boost to the local economy.
annual wages, according to a study commissioned in 2019. Including ripple effects, it adds $236 million in value to the economy, meaning every dollar spent generates 20 times as much economic activity, the report notes.
Tourists make up the vast majority of the ferry’s passengers, says Heath Gehrke, director of ferry operations for DRBA. Unlike drivers on the interstate, who are often just passing through an area, these passengers are arriving where they want to be.
The ferry regularly surveys passengers about their travel plans. Based on their responses, the DRBA estimates they spend an estimated $125 million a year just on the Delaware side of the bay.
That’s helped make the beaches what they are today. “Back when it was first created, (the ferry) was a real impetus to growth in the region, on either side of the bay,” Gehrke says. “In a lot of cases, there wasn’t a lot in either of these resort towns, particularly in the offseason.”
The ferry is still seeing plenty of demand, Gehrke says. It had its heyday of hauling passengers in the late ‘90s, then saw traffic drop after the construction of Route 1. But recent years have seen steady usage. Since 2016, traffic has generally been growing, with the exception of impacts from the pandemic.
The population has grown to the point where people are looking for an alternate route to the highway, Gehrke says, and the DRBA is looking at options for building new ferries and continuing to develop the terminals. “I think the future is bright.”
On the aviation side, the industry has an economic impact of over a billion dollars a year in Delaware, according to multiple studies commissioned by the Delaware Department of Transportation. It also has supported around 12,000 jobs.
Consider just one facility. The Wilmington Airport, located in New Castle and run by the DRBA, is Delaware’s largest airport and the only commercial one. In 2017, one of the DelDOT studies found, it had an economic impact of almost $326 million and supported more than 2,500 jobs.
Many headlines about the airport focus on its on-again, off-again commercial air service, with different airlines coming in and then leaving.
But Douglas Bañez, a consultant for DRBA, notes that even major airports frequently see airlines come and go. Wilmington, though, has only featured one commercial airline at a time, so people notice more when operators revolve.
He and Williams are excited about prospects for the long term with newly established air carrier Avelo Airlines, which started flying out of Wilmington Airport in February with nonstop service to five cities in Florida. Given that the number of passengers moving through the airport shot up dramatically in Avelo’s first three months of operation, the carrier announced a second aircraft in Delaware for expanded service to more cities. Those include destinations in Tennessee, Georgia, and the Carolinas in addition to more Florida cities. It’s the largest number of nonstop routes ever offered at Wilmington Airport.
“Commercial air service is an enabler of economic development. It literally puts communities on the maps of airlines and, by extension, in the minds of travelers—including people traveling for both business and leisure purposes,” Bañez says.
17.9 million: Vehicles that crossed the Delaware Memorial Bridge in 2022
722,000: Cape May-Lewes Ferry passengers in 2022
4,130: Jobs supported by the Cape May-Lewes Ferry
43,827: Passengers through Wilmington Airport this year, as of May 15, 2023
8,436: Passengers through Wilmington Airport by May 15 last year
20: Dollars of economic activity per dollar spent by the DRBA on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry
$1.1 billion: Economic impact of the aviation industry in Delaware in 2017
2,619: Jobs supported by Wilmington Airport in 2017
Sources: Delaware Department of Transportation and Delaware River and Bay Authority
Regardless of commercial flights, the airport also sees steady use from other clients. Those range from planes hauling cargo to corporate jets to the National Guard, Williams notes. Even with all of this, the airport continues to regularly accommodate its most famous client, the president of the United States.
The airport is well positioned, Williams says. “The income is there, the population density is there, the drivability is there. The (Wilmington) airport sits in the middle of two major north-south routes” (Route 13 and I-95).
“I am very much bullish on Delaware, and on our region, and our region capturing its fair share of what is there in terms of passenger demand,” Williams says.
The transportation sectors in general, Foreman thinks, are headed in great directions. “It’s an exciting time in Delaware.” n
BY TINA COLEMAN
that Southern Delaware is positively steeped in the arts. For decades, our area’s scenic beauty and laid-back seaside vibe have attracted a large and talented population of artists, artisans, crafters, and performers. This ongoing attraction has ensured that visual and performing arts in Sussex County have grown, flourished, and become a vibrant and absolutely vital part of this community so much over the years that any description of Sussex County without reference to them is fundamentally incomplete.
Southern Delaware towns are brimming with large and small performance venues, from the Freeman Arts Pavilion in Selbyville—an open-air performing arts venue that offers diverse programming and national performing artists— to exceptional community theaters offering plays and performances like Clear Space Theatre in Rehoboth Beach; Possum Point Players in Georgetown; The Second Street Players at the Riverfront Theatre in Milford; Dickens Parlour Theater in Ocean View; and the beautifully renovated and always hopping Milton Theatre.
Our Culinary Coast™ restaurant and bar stages, farmers markets, wineries, town parks, and other venues present talented local and regional musicians and performers. The renowned Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival held every fall since 1990 and the fabulous True Blue Jazz Festival, now in its 11th year, share the Southern Delaware spotlight each October. Seasonal bandstand concerts in Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach captivate audiences.
Visual arts have also long been a key component of the Sussex County arts scene. In fact, the Rehoboth Art League was founded 85 years ago and is still going strong. The artists, artisans, and crafters of Southern Delaware are represented in many local art leagues, galleries and shops, and many open their studios to art-loving visitors and residents during the several studio tours taking place annually throughout the county.
In addition, the Rehoboth Beach Film Society holds multiple themed film festivals every year, culminating in The Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival each November. This year, the festival celebrates its 25th anniversary.
The Southern Delaware events calendar is full of exhibits, art festivals, and craft shows. Local art leagues and guilds and organizations like The Developing Artist Collaboration (DAC) offer visitors and residents
hands-on experiences like art classes and project nights.
Visitors can cap their Southern Delaware experiences by taking home one-of-a-kind works of art by local artists who’ve captured their imaginations, or works they’ve created themselves—or both! Either way, the works become treasured visual representations of their experiences of Southern Delaware as well as reminders to return.
Southern Delaware visitors who flock to our sand and surf find themselves, to their delight, knee deep in a multitude of incredibly rich cultural offerings and experiences that make their time here that much more memorable and worthy of repeating.
Whatever your interests may be, there is something for everyone when visiting Southern Delaware. n
THE TRULY AMAZING THING about opera is that it combines so many art forms into one spectacular night. There is the text, or libretto, that tells the story; the musical score, orchestra, lighting, and set design; and the dozens of singers, actors, and dancers working onstage to bring an opera to life. Behind the scenes are stage managers calling cues and crew members executing scene changes on dimly lit stages. Costumes, wigs, makeup, and props transport audiences through different time periods. Combine all of this with the joy of gathering for a few thrilling and precious nights of world-class storytelling, and you have something to put on your calendar months in advance.
Opera is one more reason to make Delaware a destination!
Between performances at The Grand Opera House, OperaDelaware focuses on audience and community engagement by dismantling decades-old ideas about what opera “should” be and welcoming people to experience what opera is—remarkable, unforgettable, breathtaking, and, most importantly, made for everyone.
During the pandemic, OperaDelaware launched Pop-Up Opera in Delaware and made the entire state our stage. Complete with engaging trivia, bubble machines, a prize wheel, and a t-shirt cannon, OperaDelaware brings the same top-tier talent you’d experience in the opera house to our fire-engine red Portable Opera Stage for accessible and exceptional programming.
By the end of 2023, OperaDelaware will have performed at over 175 Pop-Up Opera locations in all three counties in Delaware. From schools and libraries to social service organizations and festivals, the Pop-Up Opera Mobile Stage transports this entrancing art form into the community and serves as a beacon drawing people closer to OperaDelaware year-round.
Pop-Up Opera is an entry point for curious newcomers, students, families, and lifelong fans to engage with opera in a fun and informal setting. By offering programming that is portable, OperaDelaware can sing to the state and draw people to our mainstage offerings, where their love affair with the art form will only deepen.
In the 2023/24 season, OperaDelaware will present two of opera’s most sumptuous titles, and thrill audiences in Delaware with the grandeur and excitement of live opera and a full orchestra at The Grand Opera House.
This fall, audiences will discover the captivating world of Verdi’s masterful Rigoletto, an unmissable gem that weaves together heartwrenching drama with soaring, recognizable melodies. This timeless tale follows a tormented court jester as he navigates a treacherous world of power, love, and revenge. The riveting journey of passion and betrayal will leave you spellbound this October. Join OperaDelaware at The Grand Opera House for two decadent performances of Verdi’s Rigoletto on October 27 and 29. Don’t miss the Opening Night Microgala on October 27—a two-hour pre-performance party with poker, blackjack,
champagne, a red carpet runway photoshoot, and Italian food to get you in the mood for an unforgettable night at the opera!
On May 17 and 19, 2024, indulge in the mesmerizing world of Puccini’s Turandot, a theatrical masterpiece that transports audiences to a mystical and opulent realm. This grand opera unfolds with breathtaking intensity as life and death hangs in the balance. With unforgettable arias like “Nessun dorma”, be prepared to be immersed in a world of passion, sacrifice, and redemption as you are enraptured by the melodies that have made Turandot one of opera’s most enduring titles. Be sure to get your tickets early and join us for the Opening Night Microgala on May 17!
Whether we’re presenting accessible opera on our portable stage or full-scale productions at The Grand Opera House, OperaDelaware is a company focused on creating an unforgettable experience for everyone. With projected English translations, pre-show talks, and behind-the-scenes content, you’ll fall in love with the music and magic of OperaDelaware. n
Whether we’re presenting accessible opera on our portable stage or full-scale productions at The Grand Opera House, OperaDelaware is a company focused on creating an unforgettable experience for everyone.
BY GARY CAMP
SINCE 1969, Dover Motor Speedway’s high-banked, one-mile, concrete oval has more than earned its nickname of the “Monster Mile”. It is one of only 10 tracks in the country to have hosted 100 or more NASCAR Cup Series events, and annually draws the biggest crowds for a sporting event in Delaware.
In late April, Dover Motor Speedway (DMS) hosted its annual NASCAR Cup Series weekend, with New Jersey native Martin Truex Jr. winning his fourth Monster Trophy by capturing the checkered flag in the Würth 400 NASCAR Cup Series race. DMS also hosted NASCAR Xfinity Series and ARCA Menards Series East races as part of its weekend celebration, which also included plenty of free, fan activities outside the grandstands such as Big Bounce America, the world’s largest bounce house, certified by the Guinness Book of World Records.
Not only is DMS an icon in the racing world, but it is a centerpiece of community activities and charitable works in Kent County. Most notable is the recent formation of Speedway Children’s Charities, Dover Motor
Speedway chapter (SCC-Dover), which raises funds for Delaware and midAtlantic-based nonprofit organizations with a concentration on assisting children in need.
In the past year, DMS has also contributed to or hosted community events, some of which included:
• SCC Dover Würth 400 Online Auction: One-of-a-kind items included autographed memorabilia, VIP passes, a hauler tour, and more.
• Laps for Charity: Hundreds of Monster Mile fans signed up for the opportunity to drive their personal vehicle around the Monster Mile during the SCC Laps for Charity events at our recent NASCAR weekend.
• Monthly food drives: In partnership with the Food Bank of Delaware, the Speedway hosts monthly drive-thru food distribution events. The drives started during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, but have become a needed staple of supplies for central Delaware families. In 2022, 565,314 pounds of food for 11,554 households were distributed.
In December, DMS hosted Speedway S’mores, which featured fire pits for s’mores roasting, a petting zoo, visits from Santa, local vendors, and holiday music.
•9/11 Memorial Blood Drive: In partnership with the Blood Bank of Delmar va, Dover Motor Speedway hosted the 17th annual 9/11 Memorial Blood Drive in September inside Bally’s Dover Casino Resort.
• Gift of Lights: Every evening from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, the “Gift of Lights at Dover Motor Speedway” holiday drive-thru lights event welcomed thousands of people. The unique display featured more than 3 million lights across 60 scenes along a 1.5-mile pathway.
• Speedway S’mores: In December, DMS hosted Speedway S’mores, coinciding with the Gift of Lights drive-thru holiday light event. The family-friendly event featured fire pits for s’mores roasting, a petting zoo, visits from Santa, local vendors, and holiday music.
• USO Delaware Community Center: More than 20 full-time Speedway staff members helped to renovate the Dover Air Force Base’s USO Delaware Community Center. USO Delaware provides services to all current service members and their families throughout the state. DMS employees replaced and built new furniture, painted walls, and updated the décor of the center’s recreation area, which provides space for meals and activities. n
Gary Camp is vice president of marketing and communications at Dover Motor Speedway. To keep up with events and activities at DMS, visit DoverMotorSpeedway.com. For more information on Speedway Children’s Charities, Dover Motor Speedway chapter, https://www.speedwaycharities.org/dover/.
BY RICK DEADWYLER
HELPING FARMERS AND COMMUNITIES continue to build a sustainable agriculture industry here in Delaware is central to our mission at Corteva Agriscience.
Not only do we have over a century of legacy roots in the First State, but our mission to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come fits squarely within Delaware’s storied agricultural and innovation traditions.
Today, the state’s farming industry accounts for an aggregate economic contribution of more than $8 billion annually to Delaware, with the value of farm production exceeding $1 billion.
We’re honored to be working with thousands of farmers and agriculture workers throughout the state, including many of the 150 active family farms that have been operated by the same family for over 100 years.
That amazing tradition of family farming is also reflected in the fact that about 90% of Delaware’s 2,300 farms are either sole or family proprietorships, or family-owned corporations. These farms comprise about 40% of the state’s land mass, which makes agriculture the largest source of land-use in Delaware.
I mention this because we know just how important family farms are to the community and economic fabric of Delaware, and that our state’s farmers are among the most important and influential stewards of the land and natural resources along the Eastern Seaboard.
resources in developing gene-edited crops that can dramatically reduce that course. In fact, over the last several years we have identified a pipeline of native genes to target major disease problems and have enhanced these genes through gene-editing to improve the level of disease resistance.
Back in March we announced a game-changing gene-editing technology that will bring added protection to elite corn hybrids that are advancing through our R&D pipeline. The early-stage concept uses proprietary technology based on new plant breeding techniques to package multiple diseaseresistant native traits into a single location in the gene to better address the most devastating corn diseases facing farmers today.
In 2021, Northern leaf blight, Southern rust, gray leaf spot, and anthracnose stalk rot combined to cost North America corn growers more than 318 million bushels in production. By using gene editing to combine and reposition disease resistant traits that already exist within the corn genome, we are able to much more precisely replicate a process that is often used in nature to bolster disease tolerance and minimize production stress.
We believe it’s going to be a game-changer along with so many other sustainably advantaged crop protection and seed solutions in our pipeline.
Of course, our support of Delaware agriculture extends well beyond the farm with a number of initiatives to raise awareness of food systems and food security, especially among youth. Today, for instance, we work closely with and support community garden initiatives with the Food Bank of Delaware, Boys and Girls Clubs of Delaware, Delaware Center for Horticulture, Delaware Nature Society, The Hagley Museum and Library, and Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids.
That’s why we continue to invest in sustainable seed and crop protection solutions that enable the state’s farmers to increase productivity and farm-gate revenue while protecting the natural resources that make farming possible.
One trip south of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal is all it takes to recognize that corn and soybeans are the kings and queens of the state’s row crops. In fact, they are the number one and two crops, respectively, and combine for millions of dollars in revenue. As such we work with corn and soybean farmers up and down the state to optimize their yields and improve the environmental efficacy of their operations.
The stakes are high, both here in Delaware and across the U.S.
In fact, today, production loss in corn and soybeans due to disease costs American farmers, including those in Delaware, nearly $8 billion every year. Globally, the figure is significantly higher.
That’s one of the reasons why we are investing so much time and
Additionally, we support Delaware FFA and William Penn FFA and their work of teaching and growing the next generation of farmers and agriculture leaders. Through Hagley, Delaware Museum of Nature and Science, FAME, and Winterthur Museum and Gardens, we also fund STEM programs as technology continues to play such a massive role in the transformation of modern agriculture. We also support an annual scholarship event through Delaware State University and continue to be a major contributor to the United Way of Delaware, which I am privileged to serve as chair of the board.
As evidenced with these and so many other initiatives, we believe in the future of agriculture in Delaware and are honored to partner with communities and farmers throughout the state to keep its rich traditions alive and growing. n
BY BRIAN ANGELI
AS THE WORLD POPULATION continues to grow and the demand for food, protein, and feed rises annually, farmers face the challenge of growing more crops on less land under increasingly stressful climatic conditions. With the world population expected to reach over 9.5 billion in 2050, farmers are turning to new innovative technology and agricultural practices to help manage crops sustainably and efficiently. A new generation of farmers, equipped with smartphones, field monitoring systems and GPS-guided equipment, are leveraging the latest advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance their ability to detect, monitor, and respond to crop diseases, insects and other threats more effectively. Every harvest brings new challenges but a common goal—achieve the greatest value from the land while minimizing the resources required. Crop damage from pests can create a serious problem for farmers, leading to yield loss and decreased profitability if left unchecked. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates that pests destroy up to 40% of global crops annually. With variations in pest pressure becoming one of the most significant climate-related challenges facing growers today, early detection of an
The digital platform, Arc™ farm intelligence, is equipping growers with critical data and predictive modeling.
insect infestation is critical to addressing and even preventing yield and quality issues. Traditional pest scouting methods can be inefficient and infective as they focus on collecting and analyzing current data rather than forecasting future pest pressure. FMC Corporation is helping shape the future of agriculture by equipping growers with critical data and predictive modeling via Arc™ farm intelligence, a digital platform. Powered by historical data and leveraging pest pressure with local weather information, Arc™ farm intelligence enables better planning and more precise targeting of crop protection applications before pests damage crops and yields are impacted.
Arc™ farm intelligence is currently deployed across 20 million acres spanning over 20 countries and 20 crops. In Spain, FMC has been helping Conesa Group, the leading tomato processing company in Europe, meet its sustainability objectives while protecting crops from damaging insects like cotton bollworms and tomato leafminers. A network of smart traps deployed in the fields of Consesa Group farmers provides enhanced
field-level insights that identify emerging hotspots and recommend they apply crop protection products when and where needed. This has led to reductions in the frequency of product applications and associated benefits to cost, labor, emissions, and environmental impact.
FMC provides Conesa Group growers with training on good agricultural practices and the sustainable use of crop protection products, including application techniques and timing, proper dose rates and resistance management. FMC’s partnership with Conesa Group demonstrates how the integration of artificial intelligence in crop protection is revolutionizing the way the agricultural industry is approaching sustainable agriculture and helping to ensure global food security.
The incorporation of artificial intelligence in crop protection represents a significant advancement for sustainable agriculture. By continuing to improve artificial intelligence capabilities in pest detection, real-time monitoring, predictive modeling, and precision agriculture, farmers can enhance the health of their crops and protect yields from climate change and pest destruction. n
PRODUCTION AGRICULTURE is constantly facing new horizons of great change. Having been a farmer for over 45 years, I have witnessed dramatic changes, although not yet to the extent my father experienced. He was born in 1932 and he worked the ground with mules as a young boy. In his farming career, he owned and operated tractors with exponentially increasing capacity and sophistication. In his later years, he observed GPS guided equipment. From mules to self-steering tractors within one lifetime! That is remarkable.
The world population has doubled since 1974—when I turned sixteen and bought my first car, a maroon Chevy Malibu Classic. At least one girl was very impressed with that car. Nearly fifty years later, she and I still hang out together and we now own the farm where I grew up. Today, the farm can produce a lot more compared to 1974, and that’s important for a lot of reasons.
Adequately feeding eight billion people worldwide (likely nine billion in 15 years) will require all the imagination and intelligence we can muster—both human and artificial (A.I.). The technology employed in agriculture today has enabled U.S. farmers to increase average corn yields from about 30 bushels per acre in 1932 to about 175 bushels per acre today, an increase of nearly 600%.
Today, human innovation and A.I. work together to boost the production of all kinds of crops, those grown traditionally in our fields as well as crops produced indoors without soil. Additionally, producers are increasingly able to “read” their crops to determine the most efficient way to “feed” the plants and achieve optimum yields.
As reported recently in Forbes Magazine by Wendy Gonzalez, CEO of Sama, a provider A.I. data, “Just one plant can provide millions of data points on how light, water, weather, and environmental variations can
BY DON CLIFTONimpact production, taste, nutrition, disease, and waste. Over time, this can provide invaluable insights that can spur efficiency gains such as improving yield, cutting waste, enhancing nutritional value, and minimizing diminishing resources like water and arable land.”
Basically, this is like asking the plant what it needs and responding accordingly. Our person-to-person communications should be so good.
For Delaware Farm Bureau (DEFB), it is a constant challenge to monitor developments in emerging technologies. We work to ensure our members, and the broader community, are treated equitably with access to essential new tools. Agronomic and technological improvements will continue and probably accelerate at a pace we can’t anticipate, and agriculture needs to be vigilant.
A farmer’s practical experience, coupled with his or her willingness to adapt with new practices and technology, are a foundation that can be compared to a plant’s roots. The stronger the roots, the more likely the plant will produce an abundant crop.
Delaware farmers increasingly use sustainable practices to produce and support their families. Some practices are long standing while some are new and emerging, like A.I. The farmers who adapt will be the farmers of the future. DEFB will be here to support them and advocate for sound sensible public policies. n
HYATT PLACE WILMINGTON RIVERFRONT & Riverfront Events makes special events a cinch, with more than 6,088 square feet of event space. A stay here puts you close to must-see attractions, trendy shopping, and dining along the picturesque Christina River.
Hyatt Place offers 24/7 dining options through the Big Fish Restaurant Group, free parking, complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi, spacious guest rooms, and unparalleled service. The onsite bar and lounge are open on
weekdays and weekends, serving bar bites along with beer, wine, and liquor. Happy hour is also featured every Monday through Thursday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm with deals on food and beverages.
The Riverfront Events Ballroom can comfortably fit up to 224 guests depending on the chosen floorplan but can also be partitioned into a smaller space for guest counts under 100. All rentals include access to our beautiful pre-function space, the Riverfront Terrace along the Christina River, and front lobby. Additional amenities include two projectors, three TV screens, 25 square foot mobile dance floor, podium, two wireless microphones, Bluetooth sound system, and colored cove and dimmed lighting.
Our mission is to provide a seamless experience and to leave a lasting impression on you and your guests for years to come. Looking for convenience in a new, beautiful location with great food, professional staff, and modern design? Look no further than Riverfront
WHEN OUR WILMINGTON WEGMANS store opened on October 26, 2022, it was our 110th location overall, but our first in the state of Delaware. Founded in 1916 by brothers Walter and John, we’re still owned and operated by the Wegman family. One of the things we’re known for is our long-standing reputation as an exceptional employer; we’ve been named as one of the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ by FORTUNE magazine for 26 consecutive years. At our Wilmington store alone, we employ over 400 people, most of whom were new to the company and hired locally. Our employees attribute their reason for choosing a career at Wegmans to the extensive array of benefits we provide, the work-life balance we offer, the values we share, and the endless opportunities offered for career advancement.
BY KURT HUSEBOBeing a great employer isn’t the only thing we’re passionate about, we’re also devoted to being a good neighbor in every community we serve. In 2022, Wegmans contributed more than $79 million to our local communities through corporate gifts, weekly employee United Way donations, and our annual customer scanning campaigns.
Before even opening the doors to our new store, we committed over $25,000 to the Wilmington community through donations to organizations including the Food Bank of Delaware, the United Way of Delaware, I Am My Sister’s Keeper, West End Neighborhood House, Delaware Children’s Museum, and several local schools. While we were busy hiring and training, we were also connecting with local organizations to introduce ourselves and learn how we could make a difference
for our neighbors here. As part of this process, last September we invited 18 local nonprofit organizations and community leaders to sit down with us so we could learn more about the unique needs of this area. The meeting helped us create lasting relationships and gave us a better understanding of how we could help.
Since opening day, we’ve continued to seek out new partnerships within the Wilmington community. In late 2022, we provided donations to Sunday Breakfast Mission for their Great Thanksgiving Banquet, to the Hope Center for their second anniversary celebration, and to Elsemere Fire Company for their holiday parade. We recently gave Delaware State University $2,000 for their food pantry program, and $6,000 to the “Do More 24” campaign to support Delaware’s nonprofit organizations. In addition, our store has donated over 120,000 pounds of food to the Salvation Army, Rose Hill Church, and the Kennett Food Cupboard to help feed the hungry, while also eliminating food waste.
We’re proud to be part of the Wilmington community, and we look forward to continuing to make a difference together for years to come. n
Bing’s Bakery is Delaware’s longest continuously running bakery, proudly serving Newark and the surrounding area since 1871. Originally named Fader’s, Gotleib “Fred” Fader founded and delivered baked goods in a horse-drawn wagon and sold from their home’s storefront. Russell and Selena Bing purchased the bakery and renamed it Bing’s in 1946.
In 1996, my husband, Tom and I moved from Staten Island, NY and Tom became the head baker for Bing’s Bakery. We both subsequently purchased the bakery in 2005, proudly deeming Bing’s both a woman- and minorityowned business.
Here at Bing’s, we offer a variety of homemade baked goods, including custom cakes for all occasions, cupcakes, cookies, and pastries. We are proud to serve families, students, retail customers, and wedding and event venues in our community.
In late 2019, we decided to further expand by opening Bing’s Bake & Brew on South Main Street. The concept for the coffee shop was to include the best of both worlds: the high-quality baked goods that Bing’s is so well-known for, and hand-crafted coffee creations. We recently opened our second Bake & Brew location next to the National 5&10, just a few blocks from our original bakery location on East Main Street.
We are fortunate to be the third family in more than 150 years to continue this historic legacy. We want to extend a big thank you to our wonderful client base; we truly could not be here without you. n
Looking for custom cakes or baked goods for your next meeting or event? Visit Bing’s Bakery at 253 E Main St., Newark, DE 19711 or give us a call at (302) 737-5310.
Learn more at www.bingsbakery.com and www.bingsbakeandbrew.com.
BY JANET WURTZEL | PHOTO BY CHARLES UNIATOWSKI, COURTESY OF EDIS COMPANY
IF YOU HAVEN’T BEEN to your local library recently, we think you will be pleasantly surprised by what you find. Each library has a unique collection of valuable resources, both physical and virtual, that can support your business’s growth.
Partners provide many of the programs presented in libraries on a wide variety of topics for all ages. In addition to sophisticated meeting spaces—like our Dover Public Library—one can take advantage of technology available like projection and high-speed Wi-Fi for a small fee. We also offer computer labs where patrons can learn how to solve problems or find information. Most of our libraries have free study rooms for undisturbed time to focus on strategic planning or catching up with colleagues.
The neutral, safe spaces we provide, in addition to free parking, make libraries great locations for corporate meetings or events like a job fair or board meeting. For more information on use of the spaces we offer, visit https://guides.lib.de.us/
Check with the staff at the reference desk for assistance with gathering data or information on any topic. Free access to Data Axle Reference Solutions provides a compilation of verified data about businesses and individuals to find your competition, potential customers, or business partners at https://guides.lib.de.us/business/research.
Stop by your local library to find what’s new and circulating! n
WHEN THE ORIGINAL SURF BAGEL was opened in 2004 by brothers Dave and Tom Vitella, it quickly became a favorite spot for Southern Delaware locals and visitors. The flagship location in Lewes became known for delicious New York-style bagels, flavored cream cheeses, and wraps. Over the years, Surf Bagel has built a loyal customer base— from southern Delaware locals who stop in for their daily bagel & coffee, to vacationers who return on their annual trip down to the beaches. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat and hang out with friends and family in a laid-back environment.
Surf Bagel is also a business that serves the community outside the walls of the store. From sponsoring local little league teams, feeding high school sports teams before championship games, to donating bagels for Boardwalk Buddywalk goers, Surf Bagel has a tradition of supporting our community. It’s important to us to give back to the communities, programs, and fami lies who have supported Surf Bagel over the years. We are very fortunate
BY SCOTT KAMMERERto do business in places that have such strong community ties, and we are stoked to be a part of it.
Surf Bagel will grow alongside the Delaware community. With three stores currently open in Lewes, Midway, and Milford, and a fourth coming to Long Neck this summer, we are excited to bring the well-loved bagels and beach vibe to new places.
We will continue to look for new locations to expand the brand; we would love to join the Fenwick, Millsboro, or Bethany communities. n
PAINTED STAVE DISTILLING, founded by Ron Gomes and Mike Rasmussen, is enjoying its tenth year of operation in downtown Smyrna, Del. The distillery, housed in the Old Smyrna Theater, is celebrated as a unique and modern industrial venue for gathering with friends and family, as well as producing unique experiences and a location for private events.
As Delaware’s first stand-alone craft distillery, Painted Stave produces a broad suite of awardwinning spirits which are presently sold across 12 states. Local favorites include their Bottled in Bond Bourbon, Botanical Dry Gin, and Scrapple Flavored Vodka. Over the last decade, the distillery has grown as a popular destination to enjoy highly regarded craft cocktails—either at the bar, in their gallery that features rotating local art, or on the distillery’s Cocktail Garden patio.
To bring great food to their growing cocktail scene, Mike and Ron partnered with Charles Kelchner, Jr., a scratch cook, in 2020 to start Taco Jardin. The trio built, with their own hands, two food trucks that serve up California-style Street Tacos at the distillery and on the road around the state—with rave reviews.
Over the years, Painted Stave Distilling has hosted numerous private events, including but not limited to: weddings, receptions, anniversary celebrations, birthday parties, showers, business meetings, political events, and fundraisers. If you’re interested in hosting your next business or life event at the distillery, visit paintedstave.com to submit an inquiry form. n
CONTRIBUTED BY DELAWARE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
THANKS TO THE FEDERAL FUNDS Delaware Technical Community College received for pandemic relief efforts, they were able to turn a vision of transforming the way the College operates and delivers instruction, meetings, and events into a reality. Delaware Tech President Dr. Mark Brainard instructed his team to make strategic investments and operational improvements with an emphasis on technology so that the College could better reach people through immersive experiences and connected environments.
One such project includes the updates made to their Del-One Conference Center located on the Terry Campus in Dover. This space has long been a convenient option for meetings and events, but it is now considered a 21stcentury, multimedia experience. The College rearranged the stage to increase space and include a chair lift for accessibility; purchased a 27-foot-tall LED
video wall that can have up to five different inputs (think displaying your virtual speaker, their slides, and a live poll simultaneously!); and built out a production studio with the ability to manage high-quality audio, visuals, lighting, recordings, and more. They also offer up to four breakout rooms behind the conference center that incorporate much of the same technology.
Delaware Tech looks forward to making similar advancements to other campuses, with their Wilmington Campus currently undergoing renovations to expand their paramedic instruction program; the creation of the Allied Health Center of Excellence; and another conference center.
Holding sophisticated hybrid events is now a reality. Speakers and attendees can participate from locations around the state and globe. Now you can think bigger when it comes to planning your next meeting or event in Kent County. n
SINCE GROTTO PIZZA OPENED
commercial and residential development has crept west of Route 1; and continues to grow tremendously. The earlier phenomenal growth allowed Grotto Pizza to expand our footprint, particularly near our hometown of Rehoboth Beach. For instance, 10 of our 17 Delaware locations are in eastern Sussex County.
While customers are passionate about our pizza with the signature swirl, Grotto Pizza can’t be complacent. The competition for customers is fierce, especially at the beach. Our brand is laced with nostalgia, but we must meet the future needs of our employees and our guests.
Consequently, we’ve embarked on a proactive improvement campaign. We are renovating Grotto Pizza Grand Slam in Lewes and building a new Dewey Beach restaurant. Now we’re putting our best face forward with the redevelopment of our headquarters on southbound Route 1 between Rehoboth and Dewey.
In many respects, our new corporate building represents where we’ve been and where we’re going.
When Dominick Pulieri opened the first Grotto Pizza with his sister, Mary Jean Paglianite, and her husband, Joe, plenty of real estate was available in easily accessible areas. To say the least, things have changed.
When the time came to establish a corporate headquarters, we were fortunate to find a one-story building in an ideal location. However the concreteblock structure, covered in drab stucco, had become a dated eyesore—it did not reflect our progressive brand; which is bright, contemporary, and fun.
Initially, we intended to renovate the building in stages to avoid vacating the building during construction. However, it became clear that we needed an entirely new headquarters to accommodate a growing staff and leverage the latest technologies and building practices. So, before demolition, we moved our executive team to Nassau Commons.
With available real estate so scarce, we’ve seen the value of mixed-use buildings for multiple purposes; such as a restaurant, retail, offices, storage space, or a hotel. With that in mind, we considered the possible opportuni
ties with our new headquarters. Additionally, we are planning a mixed-use project on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk.
While planning the corporate site, we considered apartments, but concluded that it would be best to focus on businesses. Our new 15,000-squarefoot headquarters will have three stories with Grotto occupying the top floor. We will also have space for a conference and training area—a much-needed asset for a multi-location, multi-state operation.
The remaining square footage will be available to business tenants who can leverage the site on Coastal Highway for accessibility and visibility. It will be a unique opportunity for local businesses looking for a presence in eastern Sussex County.
Grotto Pizza now has 23 locations, including restaurants in Wilkes-Barre, Penn., where Pulieri grew up. (The three Pennsylvania restaurants are run separately from the Delaware and Maryland locations.) Many of our more than 1,700 employees have worked for the company for decades.
Despite our growth throughout Delaware—and outside the state— Grotto Pizza remains committed to our hometown of Rehoboth Beach, and our investment in a new corporate headquarters—with opportunities for other businesses—is proof of that.
We will continue to invest in the resort area, and with each project, we will look for ways to add value to tourism, our guests, and the resort economy. n
BEACON HOSPITALITY is excited to announce the groundbreaking of The Fassett House Inn & Spa at Bayside, a stunning new property that will offer unparalleled luxury and relaxation in the heart of Fenwick Island.
Nestled in the quiet community of Bayside, overlooking the Freeman Arts Pavilion and 18th green of the Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, this boutique inn and spa offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Guests can indulge in a variety of spa treatments, play a round of golf, relax by the pool, or read a book or meditate in our beautiful Zen garden.
The Fassett House Inn & Spa features 60 beautifully themed guest rooms, each with its one unique charm and character. Rooms vary from the spacious presidential suite for that unique over-the-top luxurious experience to double queen rooms that will leave you not wanting to leave. The hotel has also been designed for a unique golf experience, where each member of a foursome can enjoy their own individual room and have a communal gathering area where everyone can congregate and unwind together.
Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast or cappuccino from the coffee bar in the dining room or outside on the charming patio. The Fassett House also offers a variety of amenities, including a bourbon cigar lounge
BY ERNIE FELICI, JR.reminiscent of an old speakeasy, a fully stocked wine lounge, a cozy library with a fireplace, picturesque pool, complimentary Wi-Fi, and valet parking.
“Based on our background from The Bellmoor Inn & Spa in Rehoboth Beach, we will continue to offer our guests an unparalleled hospitality experience,” states Beacon founder Chad Moore.
“Beacon Hospitality is excited to begin construction on The Fassett House and to become the final piece of this nationally recognized and award-winning community,” said COO Ernie Felici, Jr. “Carl M. Freeman Companies has always been known for excellence in their communities and we look forward to elevating the Bayside experience even higher with unmatched service and hospitality.” n
THE CLASSIC GRADUATE BUSINESS EDUCATION experience used to be like a tuxedo, more formal and rigid. Now it’s becoming more like the little black dress, customizable for various needs and occasions, with opportunities to make it distinct. Like choosing whether to wear flats or heels with the little black dress, a graduate business program is about customizability, depending on one’s goals (or the occasion), now more than ever.
It is not just about choosing a graduate program or an MBA anymore, but whether to focus on one (or multiple) specializations, how long to focus (a certificate, a one-year masters, or an MBA), and how to engage with the information and the faculty teaching the course (in-person, online, or a combination).
Today, employers are not just looking for a student with a graduate business degree—they want to see concrete skills acquired in the program. Technical skills are in high demand, and individuals completing graduate business programs need to be able to not only analyze data, but communicate information to their audience, causing graduate business programs to adjust more of the focus to skills training, teaching negotiation or project management, or specific programs like SAS or Python.
Realizing this shift in student and industry demand, business schools in leading universities are changing their approach to graduate business education.
University of Delaware’s Lerner College of Business and Economics is one of the area’s highly ranked, accredited business programs that acknowledges students vary in their goals. Some want to gain core business skills, coming straight from an undergraduate program with a major such as engineering or communications.
Others might be several years out from sitting in a classroom, with some important industry knowledge. They want a career shift (such as a move from finance to consulting), to progress within their existing firm or industry, or just to gain new skill sets.
While some may be excited about a 32 to 50-credit MBA program (Lerner’s MBA program is 44 credits and can be completed part-time or fulltime), others are more focused on shorter options to fine-tune their skills.
The good news for aspiring “learners” (no pun intended), who aren’t sure what to focus on or how much time to commit, is that business schools like UD’s Lerner College are increasingly shifting to customizable options through
stackability. You start with a 12-credit certificate in an area like analytics, entrepreneurship, finance, or leadership. You can take those 12 credits and say, “I’m done,” or apply the certificate toward an MBA, a one-year master’s degree, or a joint degree. There are also possible accelerated 4+1 programs that let undergraduate students add one year of graduate study and earn a master’s.
Over the past decade, more programs have added online offerings—and frequently, opportunities to complete a program entirely online. While working professionals might prefer this, recently graduated students, international students, or those wanting the on-campus environment tend to prefer inperson or hybrid options.
Those working full-time can also take advantage of graduate business degrees, whether on their own terms, or through a customized certificate program. Lerner College has created programs for global financial institutions and large medical systems, and can tailor programs for various organizations to help them get to where they want to be.
By offering flexibility in course offerings, programs can meet students where they are and take them where they want to go, whatever their background or career goals. n
AT UNIVERSITIES in the region and across the country, the number of accounting graduates has been decreasing over the past several years. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, enrollment in undergraduate programs and graduate programs are well below pre-pandemic levels.
Undergraduate programs are down about 1.23 million students while graduate programs are down by 1.11 million students as reported by the National Student Clearinghouse1. According to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), accounting undergraduate enrollments are down 4% and graduate accounting enrollment is down by 7%2. The downward trend in undergraduate and graduate programs across the nation is presenting serious marketplace challenges for businesses that need accountants.
So, it is safe to say that accounting professionals are in short supply. The good news for accounting professionals, sited by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is that career opportunities in accounting will increase over the years 2021 to 2031 by about 136,400 job opportunities per year3
To help individuals jumpstart a career in accounting and prepare for new opportunities in the field, Neumann University has launched a certificate in accounting fraud and forensics. This 12-credit program is fully online and can be completed in one year. It is designed to teach the key principles of forensic accounting, fraud, and cybersecurity—fields that have been growing, especially since the pandemic.
The new certificate has been designed to address the short supply of professionals and satisfy the growing job opportunities in the field of accounting.
Even if an individual’s undergraduate degree is in something other than accounting, the Neumann certificate program is a way to acquire the credentials to enter the field.
Fraud accounting or preventative accounting is needed in businesses to help professionals analyze trends in various accounts that are vulnerable to fraud and help strengthen the security of those accounts. Corporate Financial Executives estimate they lose 5% of their revenue each year due to fraud.
Asset misappropriation schemes, financial statement fraud schemes, and corruption are among the most common causes of revenue loss4 Professionals who can recognize fraud schemes are in demand.
In addition to the new certificate, Neumann introduced a master’s degree in accounting with an emphasis in fraud and forensics several years ago. The program is a great way to enhance one’s knowledge in the field of forensic accounting and help to obtain the 150 credit hours needed to sit for the CPA exam. n
1. National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. February, 2023. Current Term Enrollment Estimates.
2. American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. 2021 Trends Report.
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. September 8, 2022. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Accountants and Auditors.
4. Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. 2022. Occupational Fraud 2022: A report to the Nations.
Dr. Janet Massey is the accounting program director at Neumann University. To learn more about the online certificate in accounting fraud and forensics, visit www. neumann.edu/accountingcert.
CONSUMERS ARE ACCUSTOMED to personalized experiences through tailored interactions with e-commerce platforms and streaming sources. Forward-thinking institutions of higher education are responding to the expectation of personalization by providing students with customization options for their academic pathways.
Each student enters their academic program with a specific set of goals, life circumstances, and experiences that may include prior coursework or proficiencies gained on the job. According to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce’s 2018 report, Balancing Work and Learning, close to 70% of all college students work while earning their degrees. This means they have professional obligations to fulfill while advancing their education.
Institutions can work with students to meet this challenge. Personalized academic pathways help students accomplish goals on time and within budget while balancing their personal and professional commitments. Ideally, a student’s pathway will also leverage their prior college credits and work experience to shorten the path to graduation.
When developed with skill and care, a student’s pathway can track their coursework closely to specific career interests and can incorporate multiple academic credentials to increase the student’s return on education investment.
Here is a round-up of personalization features students may consider.
Minors, Concentrations and Certificates: The foundational coursework of many degree programs sets the stage for a deeper study of selected topic areas and the development of targeted skill sets. Offering a variety of concentrations, minors or certificates allows students to align their learning with their needs and goals, or any gaps in their professional experience. As a result, their time, energy, and resources are used solely on coursework that is relevant to their journey.
Innovative Program Design: Universities are finding new ways for students to personalize their degree programs. One example is Wilmington University’s online M.S. in Professional Studies, which builds upon a 15-credit foundation of leadership and communication courses and a three-credit thesis, internship, or capstone project. The student can then
fulfill the remaining 18 credits by transferring up to 12 previously earned graduate-level credits; by completing a 15- or 18-credit graduate certificate or concentration of their choice; or by working with faculty to design a learning plan from a list of approved courses.
Stackable Credentials: Students can earn connected credentials, such as degrees, certificates, and micro-credentials that stack upon each other to create their own academic pathway. Through Wilmington University’s DualCredit ADVANTAGE™ feature, students can use elective courses in their degree programs to earn related certificates—without extra time or tuition costs—by applying course credits to more than one academic program.
Comprehensive Advising: Academic plans involve many factors including schedules, formats, and proper course sequencing. Expert advisement from the institution is critical to the plan’s—and the student’s—success. Features such as guided pathway programs that incorporate academic milestones and progress checks can help students stay on track for graduation. n
CONTRIBUTED BY DELAWARE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
DELAWAREANS OF ALL AGES are taking advantage of free workforce training at Delaware Technical Community College, thanks to the expanded Student Excellence Equals Degree (SEED) Scholarship program. Originally, the scholarship applied only to academic degree programs, but since the expansion, it now includes free tuition for most of the College’s Workforce Development and Community Education course offerings.
“The expanded SEED legislation, sponsored by Senator Nicole Poore and signed into law by Governor John Carney, is helping us connect even more Delawareans with jobs through tuition-free training programs,” said Dr. Mark T. Brainard, president of Delaware Tech. “The expanded SEED Scholarship program is not only good for our students—it’s good for Delaware.”
The First State led the nation in 2005 when Governor Ruth Ann Minner signed the original SEED Scholarship legislation that provided two years of free college tuition for qualified Delaware high school graduates. But not all jobs in the state’s workforce require a college degree. Delaware Tech offers many short-term training programs through its Workforce Development and Community Education division that help students develop the skills needed to fill jobs in healthcare, business, construction, information technology, and more. Those programs are now included in the expanded SEED Scholarship legislation, which was signed into law in 2021.
The expanded SEED program also:
• Expands eligibility to 10 semesters
•Includes students who have a GED or “Delaware State Board of Education Endorsement Secondary Credentials”
• Is available to individuals with non-violent felonies (previously, individuals with felony convictions were not eligible for the scholarship)
Most workforce training programs at Delaware Tech take between six weeks and six months to complete. They include training for dental assistants, phlebotomists, welders, HVAC technicians, information technology (IT) professionals, early childhood educators, k-12 paraprofessionals, and
more. Students are also able to stack credentials, making them highly employable in their chosen field.
“Delaware Tech is a great option for those who want to gain a skill who may not be interested in a two-year academic degree program,” Paul Morris, the College’s associate vice president for Workforce Development and Community Education. “The expanded SEED Scholarship program offers qualified Delawareans of all ages the opportuto obtain job-ready skills, tuition- free.”
Delaware Tech focuses on work-based learning, which means students experience hands-on training in real-world settings thanks to the College’s partnership with local employers. This type of experience ensures that stuwho complete Delaware Tech programs enter the workforce with all skills they need to be successful and meet the needs of the employers hire them.
“Delaware Tech has been training students for the workforce for more than 50 years, but we can now serve even more Delawareans thanks to our ability to offer free training for our certificate programs,” Brainard said.
“This is an incredible opportunity, not only for recent high school graduates, but for any Delawarean looking to make a career change or add new skills to their resume.”
For more information on the SEED scholarship, go to www.dtcc.edu/ seed. n
BY DR. JOEL WORDEN AND RYAN QUANN
GOLDEY-BEACOM COLLEGE (GBC) has always focused on providing students with an education that translates into post-graduation employment. The magic in GBC’s curriculum development occurs when the College’s administration, faculty, and staff partner with industry leaders to maintain a vibrant curriculum. The results are a practical education, delivered to lifelong learners who prove competitive in today’s job market.
This year has been no different. After researching market trends, listening to our Employer Advisory Board, and collaborating internally, the College is proud to announce two distinct initiatives underway at the graduate level during the 2023 calendar year.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the last three decades have seen a 79% jump in STEM occupations, and it is anticipated that this decade will see another 11% increase. In three years, it is expected that the country will need to fill 3.5 million jobs in this field – with an insufficient supply of STEM workers.
With that in mind, during the 2023 spring semester, the College created a new track within our existing Master of Business Administration Program: A STEM-designated MBA – Analytical Track. With the continued acceleration of data analytics, forecasting, and AI, the Analytical Track of the MBA program at Goldey-Beacom is designed to address 21st century business problems through a quantitative
approach. By the time a student graduates, they will differentiate themselves in the job market by possessing knowledge typically found in an MBA program, in addition to high-demand skills in analytics, forecasting, data visualization, operations and project management, and database design.
The addition of a STEM-designated program compliments the College’s existing traditional MBA, two Master of Science degrees (in finance and taxation), and the Master of Management program, which is designed to equip managers with the high-demand soft skills they need to succeed in managing teams.
The College has always prioritized flexibility, as evidenced by our fiveyear BS/MBA program and the more recent launch into online learning. As we head into summer, GBC is in the final stages of leveraging its existing course offerings to create a stackable ecosystem of 17 certificates in various disciplines of business. In an “earn-as-you-go” model, students can strategically stack certificates into full master’s degrees as shown in the examples in the chart on the next page.
The value of this concept was affirmed by the Employer Advisory Board, who sees it as an opportunity to progressively accumulate professional development and continuing education opportunities while simultaneously moving toward a full master’s degree. According to a recent article in University Business, “Students are beginning to
Analytical Business Skills Certificate
Business Processes
Certificate
Financial & Economic Analysis Certificate
Management Certificate
Financial & Economic Analysis Certificate Leadership Certificate
Information Technology Certificate
Human Resource Management Certificate
realize that stacking credentials is a more economical way of getting an education. It’s also a more effective way to see a return on their educational investment.”
Return on investment and practicality have always been hallmarks of a Goldey-Beacom education, since our inception in 1886. We continue that tradition as we add innovative, high-quality, and flexible programs, ensuring that our students are prepared for tomorrow’s job market at an affordable price. n
Management Certificate
Leadership Certificate
Entrepreneurship Certificate
Marketing Certificate
BY ANAS BEN ADDI
WHILE AMERICAN HIGHER EDUCATION FACES challenges over free speech, academic offerings, and the role of government in managing public universities, the real crisis is financial.
College enrollment dropped 10% nationwide between 2009 and 2020, and during the pandemic universities took another 8% hit as 1.2 million students left college.
Most American universities rely on tuition for significant parts of their operational budgets, and this decline left hundreds of institutions in trouble. That 37 public or private institutions have failed since the pandemic began is often cited as one of COVID’s major impacts, but the problem runs much deeper. Since 2004, 869 institutions have closed, and those failures reached a staggering singleyear total of 120 in 2016.
Ironically, COVID probably kept a large number of institutions afloat. Billions in federal relief funding helped beleaguered colleges temporarily balance their budgets, and draconian economy measures like program reductions, hiring freezes, shuttered dorms, and lay-offs lost their stigma, being seen as prudent responses to emergency conditions.
Yet S&P Global Ratings credit analyst Jessica Wood recently noted that “student enrollment has not rebounded to pre-pandemic levels,” while “inflation will continue to be an economic challenge for most higher education providers while revenue recovery, even with tuition increases, is likely not enough to fully offset expense growth.”
Consulting group EY-Parthenon estimates that 10% of the nation’s colleges and universities—over 600 institutions—now face existential financial challenges.
Neither Delaware State University (DSU) nor other institutions in our region have been spared these pressures. At DSU we faced a potential $20 million shortfall upon making the necessary decision to send our students
home in March 2020, followed by a fall semester operating at only 85% of residence hall capacity even with expensive COVID protocols in place. Ironically, we were better positioned than many institutions to weather the storm. Since 2009 our enrollment bucked all national trends, growing from 3,800 to 6,200, We experienced record-breaking private fundraising success in 2020, and acquired Wesley College in the midst of the pandemic. Even so, “business as usual” is not an option. This year we raised tuition for the first time since 2017, and our Reach 2026 Strategic Plan focuses on the awareness that we must diversify our student body. Excessive reliance on traditional, residential students left too many institutions financially vulnerable during COVID; we are now recruiting a broader mix of residential, online, international, dual enrollment high school students, graduate students, and non-residential adult learners because this is what it takes to remain financially viable.
We are also evaluating every aspect of our operations to become more efficient and resilient in a changing market and an uncertain economy. The “new normal” after COVID is almost completely different from everything that came before. This is not the first time in 132-years that Delaware State University has faced such a challenge. Since we intend to remain a leader in higher education for at least the next 132 years, we will master it. n
Consulting group EY-Parthenon estimates that 10% of the nation’s colleges and universities—over 600 institutions—now face existential financial challenges.
IN A TIME of constant economic uncertainty, it’s more critical than ever that business leaders have access to accurate cash flow projections.
However, many Delaware companies are still experiencing major weaknesses in the way they predict their cash positions. According to Bank of America research, most companies currently perform their cash forecasting on a spreadsheet, an enormous manual task that often produces forecasts that are outdated by the time the report is finished.
To combat these challenges, many finance teams are embracing new solutions that use machine learning to harness data and improve confidence. Empowered by treasury digitization, companies can better predict future cash needs without significant manual efforts or costly technology investments.
Here are three ways companies can immediately improve cash flow processes and help grow their business:
Use incoming and outgoing payments with vendors to create efficiencies. By applying a strategic approach to payments, companies can unlock hidden cash flow from day-to-day operations. The process involves segmenting suppliers based on transaction value and the strategic value of the supplier. Suppliers who rank low in both categories are good candidates for payments through card-based products. This can improve processing efficiency, extend payment terms through a regular billing cycle, and potentially lead to a rebate based on spend volume.
On the other end of the spectrum, where transaction volumes are high, companies could seek to negotiate liquidity and financing options. For example, extending payment terms from 30 to 60 days will allow buyers to generate substantial cash flow from the extensions, while discounting invoices for quicker payment can help suppliers improve their cash/flow/ liquidity position.
Improve the overall accounts receivable approach. According to data from PYMNTS’ B2B Payments Innovation Readiness Report, the average days sales outstanding—meaning the average number of days it takes to collect payment after a sale has closed—increased from 39.7 to 42.6 days within the first year of the pandemic. Many companies are reviewing and fine-tuning their accounts receivable processes to protect cash flow.
Invest in digital tools to forecast cash flow. Digital solutions can significantly improve cash flow projections, and the investments don’t have to be expensive. Companies should focus on “needed” versus “nice to have” capabilities when looking for a forecasting solution. The needs should include built-in analytics tools capable of scenario analysis with various growth rates, trailing averages, and other assumptions.
Additionally, an effective digital tool should be simple to use without requiring extensive training to operate or implement. Your banking partner may be able to help with some of the heavy lifting by providing options for machine learning solutions to free up treasury staff for other activities.
Adopting digital tools can help accelerate the process of cash flow projections while increasing the accuracy of future predictions. As the economy enters an environment of rising interest rates, the ability to manage working capital will become even more critical, making the investment in cash flow projection tools all the more essential. n
BY TOM HORNE
INVESTMENT, INNOVATION, AND IMPACT.
These are the words Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester used at our groundbreaking ceremony in Wilmington to describe what our multimillion-dollar real estate investment in our Wilmington and Newark Corporate Centers means to Delaware. I couldn’t agree more.
In fact, our investment in Delaware is the largest active renovation project JPMorgan Chase is undertaking in the United States outside our 270 Park headquarters in Manhattan.
Our investment is not just about infrastructure, it’s also about providing opportunities for our people and our community, including hiring for more than 700 open roles across the Delaware market.
We are creating a positive and exciting new workplace environment that encourages collaboration and innovation— that’s because we understand the critical role workplace environment plays in our effort to make the return to the office experience a positive one for our employees.
JPMorgan Chase continues to grow and is hiring across all lines of business and at all levels in Delaware.
In 2018 we opened our first Chase branch in the state of Delaware, today we have nine and one more opening this year in Rehoboth Beach. This is part of our greater expansion efforts to be the bank for all and serve communities in all 48 lower states.
JPMorgan Chase has had roots in a century—going back to 1915 when Company in the financing of munitions that the company sold to France and Britain during World War I.
Today, we are doubling down on our commitment to the State of Delaware and the City of Wilmington 2024 in Dover and the Wilmington
We are 11,000 strong and getting stronger every day.
IMAGINE LOGGING IN to your company computer system on a Monday morning to blank computer screens and a demand for $300,000 ransomware to regain access to your lost business records. What would you do? Who would you call—your IT vendor, the police, the FBI?
The widespread use of email and its inherent vulnerability to breaches has led to increased hacking, manipulations, and the tricking of many businesses into wiring funds into hackers’ bank accounts—known in the insurance industry as social engineering.
According to Chubb Insurance’s Cyber Center, “Hackers attack every 39 seconds, on average 2,244 times per day. In this environment, being prepared is critical to protecting business data, systems, and applications.”
One of the primary benefits of cyber insurance policies is the ability to call an incident response hotline for immediate access to a comprehensive list of cybersecurity experts, including data recovery specialists, ransomware experts, attorneys specializing in notification requirements, law
enforcement, public relations firms, and other incident response resources.
Cyber insurance is now an established product in the insurance industry and should be considered by all companies, regardless of size, to cover costs for data recovery and legal, notification, and business interruption expenses following a breach.
In these uncertain times, all small business owners should include cyber insurance in their insurance program. Depending on the industry, cyber insurance can be affordable and easy to purchase.
These policies typically cover “First Party” costs such as network extortion, cyber incident response, notification costs, forensics, and digital data recovery. “Third Party” coverage includes privacy network and security liability, including legal costs related to suits by third parties alleging negligence in a business’ network security. An example would be an allegation of damage to your client’s network based on your lack of network security.
Other benefits of these policies include “non-insurance” features such as software vulnerability alerts; virus and malware monitoring and scans; endpoint security solutions; and education on security solutions. Your insurer’s tech expertise behind the scenes is critical—similar to an outsourced cyber security vendor.
Due to increased losses paid under cyber policies, the past two years have seen a retrenching of cyber insurers and a market in flux. In some cases, premiums increased dramatically, and available policy limits reduced as the insurance industry deals with the potential aggregation of risk arising out of widespread events to multiple clients. But for most business classes, cyber is available and affordable.
Insurers have recognized that cyber insurance should not be viewed as a replacement for strong security, and most have introduced minimum security requirements such as Multi-factor authentication (MFA); without this basic security measure, most companies will not offer a policy.
As part of the application process, some insurers use sophisticated technology to detect potential vulnerabilities so businesses can remediate the vulnerabilities even before they purchase the coverage. These proactive risk management tools and services can reduce the likelihood of loss.
Cyber claims adjusters have developed close contacts within the law enforcement community, including the FBI. There are many stories of successful recovery of ransomware funds that were paid to cyber criminals to recover business data.
The financial impact of a breach can be severe, and many small businesses do not recover from a hacking incident. Cyber insurance should not be overlooked. n
“Hackers attack every 39 seconds, on average 2,244 times per day. In this environment, being prepared is critical to protecting business data, systems, and applications.” Chubb Insurance’s Cyber Center
Held in Rehoboth Beach, Chamber Chase supports our Political Action Committee (PAC), which gives our members an opportunity to contribute to candidates who understand the importance of a strong business community and a healthy economic climate.
$250 per golfer $1000 per foursome
Join us on September 5, the evening prior to the tournament, for networking at The Bellmoor Inn & Spa in Rehoboth Beach.
Each
FREE to attend Exhibit tables are available - early bird rates expire on 8/18
Michael started at Belfint, Lyons & Shuman (BLS) on January 1, 1980, as the firm’s first ever co-op. He has the distinguished achievement of working his entire public accounting career at BLS and working his way from an entrylevel position to director to managing director.
Michael’s passion and desire to uphold BLS’s legacy has been instrumental in preserving a culture of quality and integrity both for clients and within the firm. As he began to contemplate retirement, he passed the baton to the firm’s new executive directors on January 1, 2022.
The recent ribbon-cutting for the new Easterseals Caregiver Resource Center at the Milford Wellness Village brought together families and local and state officials in support of the services being offered there for caregivers and their families.
“We are proud to offer support and valuable resources for caregivers and their families through this program and new location,” Easterseals President and CEO Kenan Sklenar says. “At Easterseals, we are constantly growing and evolving to meet the needs of our community. We have been doing so for 75 years as a local Easterseals affiliate and we are just getting started!”
Michael states, “The firm, staff, clients, and community have always been my priority. I am hopeful that I’ve laid the groundwork for those that remain to continue to build on the great legacy that has been left for BLS. However, I’m most hopeful to be known as a good friend, a good father, and especially a good husband, who just happened to be a good CPA.”
Perdue Farms, the 103-year-old, family-owned company and fourth-largest producer of chicken products in the United States, announced the intention of Randy Day, CEO, to retire this summer.
Day, who has worked at Perdue for more than 40 years, has served as CEO since 2017. He will remain in his current role to assist Kevin McAdams, COO and president, in the succession transition.
“Randy has been instrumental to some of our company’s biggest initiatives in both agribusiness and food production and will be instrumental in the CEO succession plan as well. I am incredibly grateful to Randy for his years of service at Perdue,” said Jim Perdue, chairman of Perdue Farms.
The YMCA of Delaware welcomed a new team member—Peter DeGregorio as the organization’s chief financial officer. Peter brings 14 years of experience in financial management and business administration.
“We are committed to attracting top-tier talent to Delaware,” said Jarrett Royster, YMCA of Delaware CEO. “Peter
DeGregorio has a track record of making impactful change with the YMCA. We’re excited to tap into his wealth of knowledge, utilizing his experience to further our mission and increase our reach across the state in all the communities we serve.”
Most recently, Peter served as director of financial planning and analysis and risk management at the Boston YMCA.
The Tech Council of Delaware, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the local tech ecosystem and improving workforce diversity, received a $25,000 grant from Bank of America to launch the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream (MCAAD) Academy in Delaware.
The grant will allow the Tech Council of Delaware to enroll 100 residents from New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties in the American Dream Academy. The Academy is a tuition-free, six-month online learning program designed to give young Americans the skills and training they need to pursue a great job or continue their education. By earning an American Dream Academy credential, learners improve their chances of qualifying for entry-level tech positions, thereby increasing their economic mobility.
According to the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, “The American Dream Academy scholarship program is one of the most ambitious efforts to date using online learning to further employment opportunities for young Americans from disadvantaged communities.”
As a workforce intermediary, the Tech Council of Delaware, its members and strategic partners work collaboratively to create innovative workforce solutions
Ørsted, a leading clean energy company, and the Delaware Center for Horticulture (DCH), a nonprofit dedicated to improving the community through the power of plants, partnered to honor Earth Day on Friday, April 21 by planting 20 trees at Collins Park in New Castle, Delaware. Ørsted also announced $10,000 in philanthropic support for DCH’s efforts to improve the environment through horticulture, education, and conservation programs.
“The Delaware Center for Horticulture’s work is vital to keeping communities like New Castle environmentally resilient for decades to come,” said Chris Bason, Ørsted’s Delaware Stakeholder Lead. “As a leader in the responsible development of clean energy, Ørsted values partnerships with organizations like DCH that share our belief that sustainability benefits both people and nature. That’s why we’ve committed to delivering a net-positive biodiversity impact from all new renewable energy projects we commission from 2030 at the latest.”
Situated in the Route 9 Corridor, Collins Park is adjacent to major roadways, making the neighborhood susceptible to higher occurrences of littering, flooding, and air pollution. Urban tree canopies yield many benefits for people and nature, including reduced air pollution, cooler air temperatures, improved water filtration, and neighborhood beautification.
The tree planting will add critical tree canopy cover around the parks’ recreational areas and improve the species and age diversity of the park’s trees, creating a more environmentally resilient landscape for years to come.
and training programs to close skill gaps, build diverse talent pipelines, and eliminate structural barriers that prevent underrepresented Delawareans from connecting with, and thriving in, highquality tech careers.
Outreach and information sessions take place in June, and the application period opens in July. Learners will be onboarded in August, and training is set to begin in mid-September. Learn more at techcouncilofdelaware.org.
AAA Club Alliance announced Krista Conte has joined the organization as executive vice-president, insurance. She will lead the growth and continued transformation of AAA’s insurance business.
“Krista brings extensive industry experience in advancing long-term, strategic and transformative growth while also delivering on near-term results,” President David McMullen said. “We know her leadership will greatly enhance our insurance operations and ultimately our service to AAA members and customers.”
The Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation (PDFF) appointed founding partner at Grey Fox Wealth Advisors, Kevin Dombrowski, to the board of directors.
“We are excited to welcome Mr. Dombrowski to the board. His experience and knowledge in the entrepreneurial world is an exceptional fit for the foundation, especially as we strive to expand the legacy of our namesake,” said Stephanie Johnnie, PDFF’s executive director.
“Governor du Pont consistently
Fisher’s Popcorn, which has produced hand-crafted gourmet popcorn in Delaware for 40 years, has chosen Frankford, Delaware, as the location for a new $4.85 million facility that will more than quadruple the space for its manufacturing and wholesale operations.
Fisher’s Popcorn of Delaware currently has 22 full-time employees staffing its manufacturing, retail, wholesale, and e-commerce operations, all of which are in Sussex County. The company plans to create 20 additional wholesale jobs at the new site over the next three years.
“Fisher’s Popcorn has been a part of the Delaware beach experience and the Sussex County business community for 40 years, and we’re glad the company has chosen to expand here for its next phase of growth,” said Governor John Carney. “Delaware is a great place for manufacturing. This new facility will enable Fisher’s Popcorn to better serve its existing customers and grow its production and wholesale operations.”
Fisher’s Popcorn officials presented an application to the state for funding to support the company’s investment in construction, fit-out costs, and new equipment, which was approved. “We’re very grateful for the opportunity to expand our operations while still being part of our local community here in Delaware,” said Vice President Russell Hall, who runs the company’s wholesale and e-commerce divisions. “This expansion will enable us to bring the classic flavors of the Delaware beach resorts to more people around the country while adding quality jobs in Sussex County. The grant assistance from the state is a key component to making this happen.”
demonstrated that Delaware prospers when we focus on a willingness to act, a belief in free enterprise, and a commitment to entrepreneurship.” Dombrowski said. “As a board member for the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation, I am honored and excited to work toward his vision, further the organization’s mission, and support the next great innovators of the First State.”
Wilmington-based developer The Buccini/Pollin Group, Inc. (BPG) announced Market West, a thriving mixed-use campus across five city blocks in downtown Wilmington comprised of the Nemours, Brandywine, and Dupont buildings and CityCenter and ParkBPG parking garages. As the geographical center located at 1007 N. Orange St, the Nemours building will be the flagship of the campus and rebranded as the Market West building. The Brandywine building will also be renamed 1000 N. West. The $230 million redevelopment signifies the reunification of these five buildings that were all purchased from the Dupont Company over the course of 19 years, and the repositioning of the former 3 million square foot Dupont worldwide headquarters campus into Delaware’s premiere mixed-use neighborhood and the lifestyle epicenter of the City of Wilmington.
“Market West is the culmination of 25 years of acquiring and repurposing the former Dupont worldwide headquarters complex,” said Chris Buccini, co-president of the Buccini/Pollin Group. “While we continue to honor and respect the century-old history of these buildings, we are ecstatic to introduce Delaware’s premiere live-work-play neighborhood. At Market West, a new history will be created in the century to come.”
Did you miss the Chamber Chatter online? Here are our most popular posts on social media...
@Delaware State Chamber of Commerce
@DelawareStateChamber @DEStateChamber
Blue Blaze Associates: Ah, to sail the ocean blue! Blue Blaze enjoyed learning about Delaware's maritime heritage at the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce event hosted with the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation.
Blue Blaze team member Colin Heffinger caught up with Nick Bradley, CHMM of BrightFields, Inc., one of our clients. BrightFields was a key partner in transforming an old industrial shipyard into what is now Kalmar Nyckel's beautiful 6.8-acre campus on Wilmington’s Riverfront. Congratulations to the Foundation on their 25th anniversary!
Preston’s March for Energy: Today we want to thank the Delaware State Chamber for awarding Preston’s March For Energy as the winner of the 2020 Superstars in Business - nonprofit category!
We are honored and grateful for all of your support over the years. There has been many networking events, friendships, and great times that we appreciate. #grateful #nonprofitshelpingnonprofits #smiles
Sen. Sarah McBride: I recently joined the Delaware State Chamber podcast for a discussion alongside Verna Hensley from Easterseals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore about effective change-making strategies, the importance of personal stories, and the power of listening.
Dr. Bethany Hall-Long: Had a wonderful time at tonight’s Superstars in Education award ceremony with the @DEStateChamber.
Congratulations to Jobs for Delaware Graduates, @delawaretech, Odyssey Charter School and all of tonight’s awardees. Education & training programs are key to a thriving workforce.
Hunter McHugh: Prior to becoming a business owner, I was never really exposed to how much of an impact legislation can have on current & future business decisions & success.
Thanks to the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce for today’s Small Business Day in Dover & for the chance to learn about the current bills being proposed that have serious implications for small businesses.
I was excited to make it to this event not just for my own knowledge, but to become a better resource for the businesses I serve on a day to day basis. #smbizdayindover #delaware #business
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.
Michael J. Quaranta President (302) 576-6585
mquaranta@dscc.com
Kelly Basile Vice President, Strategic Communications (302) 576-6564 kbasile@dscc.com
Regina Donato Manager, Program & Communications (302) 576-6567
rdonato@dscc.com
Fred Miller Advertising/Retention (302) 576-6579
fmiller2@dscc.com
Ken Evans Account Executive (302) 576-6576 kevans@dscc.com
Melissa Brayman Office Administrator (302) 576-6572
mbrayman@dscc.com
Tyler Micik Director, Public Policy & Government Relations (302) 576-6590 tmicik@dscc.com
Helana Rodriguez Director, The Partnership, Inc. (302) 576-6575 hrodriguez@dscc.com
Amanda Schimmel Manager, Marketing & Accounting aschimmel@dscc.com
Matt Volk Digital Advertising Sales (302) 576-6571
mvolk@dscc.com
Kerri Welcher Events Manager (302) 576-6566 kwelcher@dscc.com
1201 N. Orange Street, P.O. Box 671
Wilmington, DE 19899-0671
(302) 655-7221
www.dscc.com
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The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting an economic climate that strengthens the competitiveness of Delaware businesses and benefits citizens of the state. Founded in 1837 as the Wilmington Board of Trade, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce has a long history as the largest, most influential business organization in the state. The State Chamber is uniquely positioned to bring parties together to solve problems, create jobs, promote business, and improve the quality of life for all Delawareans.
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The vision of DRBA is to be an innovative leader in transportation and a catalyst for partnered growth and prosperity in Delaware and New Jersey.
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