Chair Message

BY NICK LAMBROW

An important component to the overall success of the Delaware State Chamber each year is the work done by our policy committees. I think of them as spokes on a wheel—providing critical support and connection for the entire organization.

For those who aren’t familiar with our committees, the State Chamber offers its members participation on 11 different subgroups:

• Employer Advocacy Committee and its Healthcare Sub-Committee;

•  Environmental Committee;

• Tax & Finance Committee;

• Small Business Alliance;

• Infrastructure & Transportation Committee;

• Joint Military Affairs Committee;

• Technology Committee;

• Delaware Manufacturing Association;

• Delaware Retail Council; and,

• Delaware Young Professionals Network (which I wrote about in my previous Chairman’s message).

Involvement on any committee is open to any member organization, and it’s free. I see it as an invaluable member benefit and a two-way relationship between the member organization and the State Chamber. These committees serve as a vital resource to the Chamber as the organization reacts and responds to proposed legislation and policies. They also exist as a platform for the business community to stay up to date on bill introductions and amendments as they happen in real time.

You become part of the process.

In my role, I’ve seen our committees at work. They connect people, interpret proposals, offer solutions, and educate others on the impacts. Our committees help us come up with better, smart answers to many of the questions being asked of the business community today.

Recently, our committees have earned a few feathers in their caps, too. For example, the Employer Advocacy Committee has been working closely with the Delaware Department of Labor’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) implementation manager to provide feedback and suggestions on how the program could be set up in a way that will be simple and smooth for both employers and employees. Our members suggested eliminating double entry of information by creating a “one stop” system when it comes to implementing not only PFML but also Delaware EARNS—a state-run voluntary employee IRA savings program. The State is now working to build a system where information is inputted once for PFML, EARNS, unemployment insurance, and workers compensation.

On behalf of the Delaware State Chamber, I want to thank our nearly 300 committee members for their work to further impact the decisions being made by the state’s elected leaders and policymakers that affect Delaware’s business community. I look forward to continuing to work with you to come up with solutions that not only benefit more businesses in Delaware but provide a greater return on our investment in our state.

Nick Lambrow is Delaware regional president for M&T Bank.