Delaware Business Magazine - May/June 2016

DELAWARE

BUSINESS May/June 2016 $3.00

2016 SUPERSTARS in EDUCATION

A Publication of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

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Departments President’s Message............................... 2 Legislative Priority................................... 3

In this Issue Features

2016 SUPERSTARS IN EDUCATION.......................................................................... 19

Member News and Notes....................... 5 John H. Taylor Jr. Education Leadership Award Q&A: Dr. Jack’s Secret Sauce Nonprofit Spotlight: Jobs for Delaware Graduates Business Spotlight: Ruggerio Willson & Associates

Superstars in Education, It’s Something Special

Welcome New Members....................... 12

GUIDE TO LEGAL, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, AND INCORPORATING SERVICES........ 41

Chamber Scene...................................... 14

Delaware: Open for Business by Larry Nagengast LegalShield: Offering Protection to DSCC Members To “B” or not to “B”: B-Corporations Do Well by Doing Good

Newsbites................................................ 52

GUIDE TO WELLNESS AND HEALTH......................................................................... 46 Spring into Action AAA Mid-Atlantic Motivate the First State SmartDrive Foundation

Calendar.................................................. 52 Chamber Committees........................... 57 Chamber Member Benefits.................. 58 For Assistance, Contact the Chamber........................................... 60

On The Cover

William Henry fifth grader, R. Jeezy Chandler, shows off his soda-can robot which uses the metal in the soda can to conduct electricity.

PHOTO BY THOMAS M. NUTTER

DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ma y / Ju ne 2016

Volume 21, Number 3 / Delaware Business (USPS 012098) (ISSN 153253542) is published bi-monthly by the DSCC Center for Business Management. Subscription price is $18 a year (included in membership dues). Known office of publication is 1201 N. Orange St., Suite 200, Wilmington, DE 19801.

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

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Message from the President “Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future” — President John F. Kennedy We are approaching the close of the 148th Delaware General Assembly on Rich Heffron the early morning hours of July 1st.

This is an election year where we will select a new Governor, who will face numerous significant issues including; a public school system that has seen improvement, but is not nearly as good as it needs to be, job growth without proportionate income growth, and signs that the current state revenue structure is not sustainable. Along with these issues are many more that will need to be dealt with. We know that the resolution of these difficult issues will require some tough decisions combined with a little creativity. The facts are that although some might believe there are easy solutions, that is rarely the case.

What has become disturbing is the prevalence of the overthe-top reaction and dialogue that occurs when an idea that some might not agree with is presented to address these issues.

There has been name calling, threats, self-serving statements, and even the suggestion that we shouldn’t talk about an issue, an idea, or a plan. Too frequently people will look backwards to assign blame. None of this is a strategy that will serve Delaware’s future.

I have been involved with politics, government and policy discussion and development for most of my adult life. I understand political maneuvering, campaign rhetoric, and sharp elbows have a place in a democratic society. However, in the extreme it is damaging to the due consideration of ideas, especially ideas that may not be popular with a particular group. In the end, ideas are what help to set policies that are designed to bring about a resolution to a particularly sticky issue. Not all ideas are workable, and frankly not all ideas are good, but it is important that we think about and discuss them without rancor and unproductive hyperbole. Although policy and politics are personal in that their adoption impacts people, the debate itself over ideas should not be personal.

The beauty of our system of government is that we know there will be disagreements, but through reasoned discussion and compromise (this is not a dirty word) we can reach an agreement on how best to set the course for our future. In the end we are all in this together. Mistakes will be made. Not every idea will be adopted, but working together we can resolve the issues that are facing us and move forward making Delaware a better place.

I repeat often; I’m not interested in stakes in the ground or finger pointing, I’m only interested in getting things done that will help our state. We at the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce look forward to our role in the discussion that sets the course for a better Delaware.

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DELAWARE BUSINESS EDITORIAL STAFF Salvatore J. “Chip” Rossi Chairman

A. Richard Heffron President

Christina Jones Graphic Design

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Donald T. Fulton Salvatore J. “Chip” Rossi George J. Weiner Bank of America Associates CHAIR

VICE CHAIR

Gary R. Stockbridge Delmarva Power TREASURER

Barry Crozier Belfint, Lyons & Shuman

Martha S. Gilman Gilman Development Company Michael Houghton Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell, LLP

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

Mark Stellini Assurance Media, LLC Mark Turner WSFS Bank Richelle Vible Catholic Charities of Delaware Katie Wilkinson Fulton Bank, N.A.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS William R. Alan Delaware Community Foundation

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

Roy Proujansky, MD Nemours Children’s Healthcare System

Tony Allen Bank of America

Rita P. Hollingsworth

Theodore J. Prushinski Citizens Bank, N.A.

Stephanie Andrzejewski AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP

Timothy J. Houseal Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP

Steve Baccino Delmarva Power

Christopher L. Kenny ShopRites of Delaware

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

Michael B. Berardi Wohlsen Construction Company

Richard Kenny ShopRites of Delaware, Retired

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

Murray Berstein Nixon Uniform Service, Retired

Bernhard Koch AAA Mid-Atlantic

John S. Riley Ashland, Inc.

Julian H. “Pete” Booker The SmartDrive Foundation

Nicholas P. Lambrow M&T Bank

William B. Robinson George & Lynch, Retired

Jennifer Gimler Brady Potter Anderson & Corroon LLP

Richard H. LaPenta Insurance & Financial Services, LTD

Richard D. Rowland Rowland, Johnson & Co., PA

Dr. Mark T. Brainard Delaware Technical Community College

Stephan Lehm VanDemark & Lynch, Inc.

James Randall Caldwell Staffing

Rhett Ruggerio Ruggerio Willson & Associates, LLC Greg Sawka Bancroft Construction Company

Kevin C. Broadhurst Comcast

Alan Levin SoDel Concepts

Robert L. Byrd The Byrd Group

Renee Lewandowski Agilent Technologies

Timothy J. Constantine Highmark Delaware, BCBS

Andy Lubin Delaware Financial Group

Fred C. Sears, II Delaware Community Foundation Retired William Smith Environmental Alliance

Thomas J. Cooper Cooper Realty Associates

Hinton J. Lucas, Jr. DuPont, Retired

W. Laird Stabler, III Laird Stabler & Associates, LLC

Charlie Copeland Associates International, Inc.

William E. Manning Saul Ewing, LLP

Grace Stockley FideliTrade, Incorporated

Ernest Dianastasis CAI

Guy Marcozzi Duffield Associates, Inc.

Richard K. Struthers Ashford Point

Brian DiSabatino EDiS Company

Paul M. McConnell McConnell Development, Inc.

Dian C. Taylor Artesian Water

E. Andrew Disbatino EDiS Company, Retired

Bonnie Metz Verizon, Delaware

James A. Tevebaugh Tevebaugh Associates

Denis Dunn AT&T Delaware

Calvert Morgan, Jr. WSFS Bank

William M. Topkis

G. Kevin Fasic Cooch & Taylor, P.A.

Peter Morrow The Welfare Foundation

Jeffrey M. Fried Beebe Healthcare

Terry Murphy Bayhealth Medical Center

Julie Garner AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP

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

Dave Hargadon TD Bank

Brian Nixon Invista

Pete Hayward University of Delaware Retired

John S. Owens Capital One

Michael S. Uffner AutoTeam Delaware Clinton Walker Barclaycard US William S. Wallace JPMorgan Chase Robert W. Whetzel Richards, Layton & Finger Stuart Widom Calpine Harry L. Williams Delaware State University

STAFF A. Richard Heffron President

James DeChene Director, Government Relations

Chuck James Senior Vice President, Membership

Marianne K. Antonini Sr. Vice President & CFO

Mark A. DiMaio Director, The Partnership, Inc.

Fred Miller Advertising/Retention

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

Linda D. Eriksen Accounting Associate

Bill Osborne Interim President, DPPI

Ken Evans Account Executive

Kelly Wetzel Program & Communication Specialist

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

May / Jun e 2016 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY

Spring Forecast: 148th General Assembly in Full Bloom

PHOTO BY DICK DUBROFF/FINAL FOCUS

BY JAMES DECHENE

AS SPRING ARRIVES it brings with it the usual signs— budding flowers and trees, animals waking from a long hibernation, Opening Day for the Phillies, and the General Assembly working to wrap up its legislative calendar—deadline June 30th.

This year, assuming that DEFAC numbers continue to hold, the budget process should be a relatively smooth one, as compared to recent years. You may recall that last year, there was a projected $100 million shortfall in the budget that turned out to be roughly $30 million and filled primarily with one-time money from mortgage settlement funds. There was a last minute fight on transportation infrastructure funding and the FY2016 budget wasn’t passed until late in the evening on June 30, 2015.

This year, according to the latest DEFAC projections, the projection is about $4.7 million behind expectations. Added into the mix is the unexpected rise in Medicaid costs to the tune of about $28 million. Discussions continue on how to spend this year’s one time money, and on ways to reign in the costs of state employee health care costs. Those discussions will culminate with a budget crafted by the Joint Finance Committee to be released sometime in June.

Along the way are pending pieces of legislation awaiting some measure of legislative action important to the business community. A bill raising the state’s minimum wage remains in limbo in the House. As of now the bill, increasing the minimum wage to $10.25 by 2020, was heard in committee in March and was subsequently pulled from consideration when it became clear the bill did not have the votes to be released and be sent on for a full House vote. Whether the bill comes back and sees action remains to be seen. Legislation requiring Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) on all state funded construction work also remains in limbo. After clearing the House Labor committee in March, the bill’s sponsor asked for open-shop and union representatives to work out a compromise on the bill. The main sticking point, the PLA provision, would require non-union firms to abide by the construction union’s collective bargaining agreements and would require non-union employees to contribute to union health care and pension plans, from which they would not qualify to benefit. Overhanging the entire debate is the possibility of Delaware losing its Federal Highway Funds DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ma y / Ju ne 2016

depending on how the legislation is worded.

Added to the mix is the pending (as of the date of this writing) Clean Water and Flood Abatement Taskforce report and proposed legislation. This group was tasked to find ways to fund clean water infrastructure and flood abatement projects into the future and discussions continue on from where and how much money is to be raised. Bills to provide casino funding relief and to provide clarity for operating sites like Fan Duel and Draft Kings are also expected to see action this year. In addition, legislation related to school redistricting in Wilmington will be awaiting action this spring. As part of this discussion redrawing the district lines, notably removing the Christina district from serving City of Wilmington students, will be a passionate debate, bringing in voices from all sides.

Overshadowing everything, however, are the upcoming 2016 elections. Each member of the House and half the members of the Senate will stand for election this year. Whether the tone and tenor of the presidential campaign will filter down to Delaware, and what the impact could be on local races, remains to be seen. Our hope is that for the remainder of the 148th General Assembly, members will continue to focus and work together on the important issues facing Delaware. We know that legislators can rise to the challenge of addressing the needs of Delaware’s long-term economic growth and prosperity, as evidenced by recent bipartisan legislation, such as the Delaware Competes Act and the Commitment to Innovation Act. 3

The greatest teachers are those who make students’ lives

bigger & brighter.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2016 SUPERSTARS IN EDUCATION! We are proud to support Superstars in Education as part of our mission to help Delaware build one of the finest systems of public education in the world by 2020.

www.rodelfoundationde.org

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May / Jun e 2016 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

Member

news&Notes BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Q&A with Rhett Ruggerio Ruggerio Willson & Associates, LLC

BY JAMES DECHENE

Rhett Ruggerio was born and raised on Third Street in Wilmington. He was a student at St. Ann’s Parish school and St. Elizabeth’s High School. At the age of sixteen he participated in student government and nurtured his early political passion by volunteering on Wilmington City Councilman Jim Baker’s campaign.

He attended Kutztown University and studied history and political science.

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What does Ruggerio Willson & Associates do?

We do government relations, advocacy, new media campaigns and public relations.

How did you launch your career after college?

It wasn’t easy to get a political job. I moved to New York City and worked for a regional brokerage firm. I volunteered on Democratic campaigns in NYC. The most notable was Ruth Messinger’s campaign against Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

By 1998, I decided to return to Delaware and checked in with Jim Baker. He had plans to run for Mayor and I offered to help. I convinced him to let me be his campaign manager. He won and I got hired to work in his administration lobbying on behalf of the City of Wilmington. From

DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ma y / Ju ne 2016

day one I found myself going to Dover, advocating for the city. It was exciting.

In 2005 I decided to leave. I knew there was a need for advocacy and government relations in Delaware, but I also noticed there was a big generation gap. Other states were treating it like real advocacy, they had a real industry perspective. I saw an opportunity. I picked up a second client, Lockheed Martin, and it grew from there. Kim Willson soon became part of the team.

Prior to its shutdown, she was the in house lobbyist for Valero in Delaware City. Kim knew what she was doing and hit the ground running. She understood the advocacy piece. We brought on more clients as we went. Jordan Seemans joined us three years ago. We have about 30 clients today.

Let’s talk about the impact of your work on Delaware.

Ultimately, we do this because we want to see the state succeed. We are looking for policies that push the state forward. We have turned down clients because we did not believe in the mission or it was not a good fit. For example, we represent Chemours. I believe that if Chemours did not stay in Delaware and we lost 1,200 high paying jobs…it would have been a huge blow

Rhett Ruggerio is Founder and President of Ruggerio Willson & Associates, www.ruggeriowillson.com

to the economy. There is a trickledown effect; it obviously benefits the guy who has a chemical engineering degree, all the way down to the person working at the local coffee shop. We worked on that legislation (The Delaware Competes Act) from the time of inception to when the Governor signed the bill. We try to steer the ship the right way and that includes outreach and education to legislators, stakeholders, administration folks. That is an oversimplification, but at the end of the day, that is what it is.

Do you find being from Delaware puts you in a unique position advocating for your clients, especially those from out of state?

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Member

news&Notes We try to explain how important it is to getting things done in Delaware to out-of-state people. There is a connectivity here that just doesn’t exist in other places. It goes back to how Delaware is different from Washington, D.C. where there is not a respect at the core level for differences of opinion.

Delaware, by and large, still has that.

As Governor Markell has said, you have to be more nimble. That makes Delaware different. Other states are not as easy to pick up the phone and get the Governor to return their call the same day the way Governor Markell would.

You have served as Delaware’s Democratic National Committeeman.

How did that happen?

I was active in the Democratic Party, but it was also just good timing.

When I moved back there were only a handful of us that were younger and super active in the party. I was about 29. When the former national committeeman left, I just stepped into the role. I thought it was a good opportunity.

You can’t do that in any state. How does that help you with your lobbying?

You are exactly right. It has certainly helped. Most people do not know what the role is. I have traveled and made many contacts in other states who are involved in the Democratic Party and government relations. I still get calls every now and then from people in other states that need help in Delaware on an issue. It takes a lot of dedication to stay involved in party politics. I had my first daughter in 2006 and then a second one in 2010. You just can’t do both things at once.

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2016 Spring Manufacturing Conference & Legislative Brunch The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, the Delaware Manufacturing Association and Delaware Technical Community College along with presenting sponsor, Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership (DEMEP), hosted the 2016 Spring Manufacturing Conference & Legislative Brunch on March 22nd at DelTech’s Terry Campus. The conference recognizes the important contributions that manufacturers make to Delaware’s economy and provides business leaders the chance to network with legislators and state officials.

Governor Markell was the keynote speaker at brunch, touting the recent growth of manufacturing in Delaware and the successful Pathways to Prosperity advanced manufacturing curriculum. DelTech implements the program in collaboration with high schools across the state. Local manufacturers have been key to the success of the program by hiring students to participate in craftsmanship programs after their junior year to gain real world manufacturing experience.

Longtime DMA board member Liza Bartle, Agilent Technologies, was recognized for her outstanding service to the organization and to the manufacturing industry. She retired on March 31, 2016.

The morning session hosted a panel discussion on “Rebuilding Delaware’s Manufacturing Supply Chain.”

Anthony Newberry, Mid-Atlantic Trade Adjustment Assistance Center, was the moderator. After decades of offshoring

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U.S. production resulting in the closure of manufacturing sites throughout the country, a renewed interest in rebuilding the disheveled U.S. supply chain is emerging. This rebuilding movement was initiated over the need to return good jobs to our shores and is reinforced by companies trying to optimize the total cost to produce goods overseas for U.S. markets.

Panelists included Buff Bruno, Edgewell Personal Care, LLC, Justin Cressler, Kraft Heinz Company, Dipok Mia, FMC BioPolymer and Barry Sharpe, Bloom Energy.

May / Jun e 2016 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

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Member

news&Notes NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT:

Jobs for Delaware Graduates

BY DANI ROTH

Jobs for Delaware Graduates (JDG) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the needs of at-risk students preparing to enter the workforce or postsecondary education upon high school graduation. Founded in 1978, JDG serves to empower Delaware students to achieve academic, career, personal, and social success through a diversified curriculum targeted towards promoting leadership and critical thinking skills.

Designed initially by former Governor Pete du Pont to Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant, prepare high school seniors Senator Nicole Poore and Governor Jack Markell for life beyond the classroom, the program has expanded to secondary education or the job market. include students in grades 9-12, and In conjunction with James H. Groves established a pilot program to assist High School starting in 1989 and the middle school students in the transition Delaware Department of Labor in 2005, to high school.

JDG additionally provides individualized Individual Service Strategies services to out-of-school youth in Kent are developed with each student and Sussex counties. participant to create their own goals Under the leadership of State Senator for not only the program, but their Nicole Poore, JDG has provided career futures. JDG personnel and classroom development training to more than specialists monitor students’ progress 30 Delaware middle and high schools in accomplishing those objectives. statewide. She believes the barriers these Classroom specialists are certified students face should not discourage teachers and assist in providing them from reaching their goals. classroom instruction and counseling, Sen. Poore works to continually as well as help with job placement and revitalize the program to ensure “great follow-up services with graduates of the leadership in the classrooms as well JDG program. as create a supportive atmosphere the Career placement advisors work students need and schools will value.” one-on-one with students to determine She leads under the philosophy that future plans beyond graduation and bigger is not always better in terms aid in preparing them for either post-

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of helping students. While expanding the program certainly is a long-term goal, the emphasis of the program is more focused on schools with higher populations that could benefit from JDG. Sen. Poore believes “if we can help one child, it’s worth it.”

With a 93 percent graduation rate and more than 50,000 young Delawareans having participated in JDG programs thus far, more than 250 Delaware employers are turning to JDG programs to produce young and energetic graduates ready to enter the workforce.

Fundraising initiatives will allow Sen. Poore and her team to continue strengthening the JDG curriculum and collaborate with the Delaware Department of Education to raise standards in education excellence and the way it is delivered to students.

The success of JDG has inspired several similar programs in 32 states with over 1,000 program affiliates.

Organizations like Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), a state-based national nonprofit organization, have adopted JDG’s mission to prevent dropouts of students who are most at-risk.

With graduation quickly approaching, employers will begin to seek out qualified and new talent, and can certainly look to graduates of the JDG program knowing they are prepared and eager to enter the next chapter of their lives.

May / Jun e 2016 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ma y / Ju ne 2016

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Member

news&Notes Varsalona Honored JOHN H. TAYLOR JR. EDUCATION LEADERSHIP AWARD Last spring we lost our dear friend and colleague, John Taylor.

John was an integral part of the Chamber family and his leadership as president of the Delaware Public Policy Institute moved Delaware forward on significant policy issues. Most importantly, John had a deep dedication to improving education in Delaware. Throughout his professional career, John was an educator. He began his career as a teacher, then served as the assistant to superintendent for Wilmington’s Board of Education. John’s education background and his ability to share information and make connections served him well as he rose to become the editorial page editor for The News Journal.

As founding member of the Vision Coalition, John’s leadership and directness were instrumental in building an impactful public-private partnership advocating to improve education in Delaware. His leadership style was always straightforward, clear-headed and often unwavering. At the same time, he was a humorous and truly humble man.

››

BY MARK DIMAIO

In honor of John’s leadership and commitment to education, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce has created the John H. Taylor Jr. Education Leadership Award to recognize someone in the community who has provided sustained leadership in advancing Delaware education and who, by doing so, has also made our community a better place to live and work.

This year’s Superstars in Education program is proud to present the inaugural John H. Taylor Jr. Education Leadership Award to Dr. Jack P. Varsalona, president of Wilmington University. We recognize Dr. Varsalona for his 40 years of leadership, vision and personal contributions advocating to improve Delaware education. He is one of the founders of the Delaware Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and a member of the Ursuline Academy Board of Trustees. He is also a member of the Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation Advisory Board in addition to being the 2013 recipient of the Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation’s Muriel

E. Gilman Championship Award for his outstanding contributions to the success of the Foundation. Varsalona’s passion for excellence in education is also apparent in his work as a team chair with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the accrediting body that helps other colleges and universities to maintain high scholastic and student life standards.

Varsalona is heavily involved with community organizations, including the United Way of Delaware, the Wilmington Renaissance Corporation and First State Innovation. He also sits on the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Delaware. In 2014, Varsalona was the inaugural recipient of the Father Roberto Balducelli Appreciation Award for his extensive work in the Italian-American community and support of Italian artistry. Varsalona was named Advocate of the Year by Goodwill of Delaware and Delaware County in May, 2015, for his substantial scholarship support and other contributions to Goodwill’s mission of helping individuals to overcome barriers to improving their lives.

“I’m honored to receive this award from the Delaware State Chamber for many reason, but most especially because it has John Taylor’s name attached to it. John’s integrity and his concern for students in Delaware were second to none. He was passionate about education reform and was well respected for all he wrote and did toward that end in this state.” – Dr. Jack P. Varsalona 10

May / Jun e 2016 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ma y / Ju ne 2016

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13

STATE CHAMBER SCENE #MFGbrunch @GovernorMarkell “Grateful to @DEStateChamber and demep.org for starting our Pathways to Prosperity prgm w/ manufacturing training for hs stdts” @DEChemCouncil “Did you know the chemical industry is the largest manufacturing industry in DE? #MFGbrunch #netde” @TekSolv “Thrilled to be here at the #MFGBrunch this morning on rebuilding Delaware’s Manufacturing Supply Chain! #netDE”

1. From left: Joseph Nista, Andy Dunberg and Kathleen Burke from A&M Industrial, Inc. are all smiles at their exhibit table.

2. A full house listened to panelists Buff Bruno of Edgewell Personal Care, Justin Cressler of Kraft Heinz Company, Dipok Mia of FMC BioPolymer and Barry Sharpe of Bloom Energy discuss the renewed interest in rebuilding the disheveled U.S supply chain.

3. Chemical Industry Council of Delaware’s Marcie Smith discusses legislation in the General Assembly with Representative Joseph Miro.

4. Signarama of Newark’s owner Mark Janocha displays what his company has to offer.

1

@DrMarkBrainard “Liza Bartle @Agilent honored for her role in manufacturing pathways HS dual enrollment program #mfgbrunch #netde”

Liza Bartle of Agilent Technologies was honored for her hard work and dedication as a member of Delaware Manufacturing Association’s board of managers.

Governor Jack Markell visits with more than 30 exhibitors at the Spring Legislative Brunch & Manufacturing Conference, held at Delaware Technical Community College’s Terry Campus. Here he is with Tracey Bray of Croda.

2

3

4 Spring L & Manufacegislative Brunch turing Con ference March 22 , 2016

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May / Jun e 2016 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

1

Jennifer McKenzie of Assurance Media, LLC and Chip Rankin of MilliCare by EBC enjoy a morning of networking at the Networking Breakfast at Assurance Media.

2 1. From left: Kia Anderson of University of Delaware Athletics and Kristin Lang of Lang Carpet attended the DYPN’s event featuring Bryan Shupe, small business owner and Mayor of Milford.

From left: Timothy Houseal of Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP, John Jenkins of Metro Merchant Services and DSCC’s Chuck James at the Networking Breakast at Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP

2. Keynote speaker Bryan Shupe explained to our young professionals how to work in a position of leadership when you might be the youngest in the room.

3. From left: Melinda McGuigan of EDiS Company poses with Caryn Rosica of PCS, the 2016 Networking Breakfast sponsor.

4. Guests smile for the camera in the Bluewinkle’s Diamond Club room at the annual Networking Breakfast with the Blue Rocks.

3 DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ma y / Ju ne 2016

4

15

Delaware’s Coastal Zone Act: If No Coastal Zone Act Modernization, What’s Next?

BY JAMES DECHENE

THE DELAWARE STATE CHAMBER of Commerce, along with others in the business community, have urged modernizing the Coastal Zone Act (CZA) in order to spur the next generation of economic growth in Delaware.

The focus of modernization has been solely on existing industrial sites sitting abandoned or underutilized where redevelopment of the property is hindered by Delaware specific restrictions created by the Coastal Zone Act. Recognizing that any effort toward modernization will involve community education, the process has begun at the State Chamber and will continue in the coming months.

It may come as a surprise that Delaware has lost over 1000 jobs from companies located in the Coastal Zone in the last few years. These were quality jobs and are proving difficult to replace. Much of that difficulty stems from CZA regulations that serve as a barrier for companies interested in purchasing and redeveloping property in this state. One has to look no further than across the state line into Marcus Hook to see how Sunoco’s $2.5 billion expansion is providing quality jobs, yet the 44 acres sited in Delaware have seen no redevelopment, in large part due to the CZA. With the focus on job growth, what sometimes gets lost in the discussion is what happens if businesses, impeded from redeveloping their former sites, ultimately fail to uphold their environment responsibilities. Who is responsible for maintaining containment of mobile contamination when a company fails to uphold their obligation? What will be the cost to DNREC, DEDO, and Delaware taxpayers for continued involvement in these properties over the long-term?

There exists a case study for these questions in the former Syntech site in Newark. Between 1981 and 1987, Helix Associates operated a specialty chemicals manufacturing and processing facility which reportedly recovered iodine from waste sulfuric acid solutions. In 1986, an explosion in a 750-gallon reactor vessel destroyed a portion of the manufacturing building and eventually led to closure of the Helix facility.

In July 1989, Synthesis Technologies, Inc. (Syntech) began operations by manufacturing specialty batch diazo compounds, including dyes for cloth, color photography, 4 and biological tis-

16

sue staining until its closing in February 1991. In 1990, a reactor leaked vapors containing heptanes and nitric acid into the outside atmosphere. As a result of releases of hazardous substances, groundwater has been contaminated. The site is awaiting redevelopment, but as of now no plans have been filed to do so.

The State of Delaware now owns that site, and others like it, in and around the Coastal Zone, forcing continued investment in environmental monitoring and potential remediation. The plan is that modernizing the CZA for redevelopment will result in jobs for Delawareans with the additional benefit of reducing the financial impact of monitoring these sites, but we aren’t there yet.

As the State Chamber has said before, we believe the role of the CZA was not to have industrial sites in the zone wither and die or to handcuff existing facilities by creating barriers that result in limiting expansion or improvement. It is only through modernizing the Coastal Zone Act in industrial areas to make Delaware more competitive and attractive for redevelopment that jobs and investment will flow. The alternative, to make no changes to the Act, will insure that there will be an increase in abandoned or underutilized sites resulting in fewer jobs for Delawareans and will cripple the state’s long-term economic growth. n

May / Jun e 2016 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

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Superstars in Education RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

Superstars in Education Recognizing Excellence in Education BRILLIANT. IN A WORD, BRILLIANT. Delaware schools are delivering programs for students that are seeking to join today’s challenging workforce or preparing for education opportunities beyond high school. As I learned last year supervising the Superstars in Education nomination and selection process, great things are happening throughout Delaware schools. This year’s fortytwo nominations demonstrated a great deal of innovation at all grade levels. We requested the 2016 nominations be focused in three broad categories: • Excellence in science teaching • Integrated classroom technology practices • School-to-career partnerships.

Submissions were received from traditional public, charters, magnets, private and parochial schools representing elementary, middle and high school programs.

Tasked with evaluating 42 outstanding submissions, the Superstars in Education Selection Committee did amazing work, reviewing the nominations and selecting this year’s six winners. The selection process is never an easy venture and this year’s applications were exceptional, not only in content, but the sheer number of excellent submissions. Since 2014, the Committee’s evaluations have focused on student skill set development, data supporting the program’s achievements and the program’s potential to be shared as an educational best practice. The 2016 winners should be especially proud of their accomplishments as the quality of nominations continue to progress every year.

Superstars in Education is the business community’s platform to celebrate not only the winners, but all programs working to challenge, support and prepare our students.

As Delaware businesses continue to build educational partnerships, be confident that our schools are developing and implementing programs that prepare students to succeed and Mark DiMaio, Director prosper in the 21st century economy.

The Partnership, Inc. DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ma y / Ju ne 2016

BY MARK DIMAIO | PHOTOS BY THOMAS M. NUTTER

“Success comes from the teacher in the classroom and the leaders in our schools.

That is to whom the Superstars in Education Award is dedicated.”

A. Richard Heffron, President, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce 19

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS:

Superstars in Education RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION Leadership:

John H. Taylor, Jr. Education Leadership Award Proudly sponsored by:

Gold:

Silver:

Reception: Bronze: Pete & Tina Hayward DELAWARE

Patron:

Friend:

*As of 4/18/16 DELAWARE STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Partnership, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) education affiliate of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce 20

May / Jun e 2016 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

Superstars in Education RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

2016 Superstars in Education winners: From 42 nominations, the following six programs were chosen as the best in Delaware.

The 2016 Superstars in Education winners are:

PROJECT SEARCH

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

Red Clay Consolidated School District

F. Niel Postlethwait Middle School

A nine-month school-to-work collaborative

Caesar Rodney School District

transition program for students 18-21 with

This program was established in 2010 as

intellectual and developmental disabilities.

a multi-purpose, cross-curricular, learn-

The program operates entirely within a host

ing space. It is a part of modern school

business. Total workplace immersion facili-

initiatives that focus on improving health,

tates a seamless combination of classroom

academic success, behavioral develop-

instruction, career exploration, and on-the-

ment, and prepare children for challenges

job training and support.

and opportunities they might face later

Kevin Handlin, a participant in the Project SEARCH employment placement program, stocks supply carts for the hospital facilities at Christiana Care Health System in Newark.

experience. The blended learning format has transformed a simple face-to-face learning environment to a more well-rounded experience.

21ST CENTURY STARS STEAM PROGRAM William Henry Middle School Capital School District An inclusive program that provides academic and social enrichment opportunities to 5th and 6th grade students in a nurturing

Students played a variety of time-sensitive competitive games to induce mild stress for their Biomedical Science class stress-monitoring experiments while using EKG equipment.

Pictured from left: Zach Umbrecht, John Holloway and Shaun Hussian.

and supportive environment. Topics covered include music, service learning, sports, entrepreneurship, art, dance, culture and STEAM technology (science, technology,

BIOMEDICAL/CHRISTIANA CARE PARTNERSHIP

on in life. The classroom also strives to

Conrad Schools Of Science

responsibility.

engineering, arts and math).

promote stewardship of nature and social

Red Clay Consolidated School District

ACCELERATING PRELITERATE ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS (APELL) PROGRAM

has already been making an educational

TEACHER PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PROGRAM

impact on Conrad Schools of Science.

Sussex Central High School

Located in the Carver Center, this program

Students can now immerse themselves in

Indian River School District

serves some of the district’s most disad-

specific careers, including, but not limited

With the integration of the digital platform

vantaged learners. It is designed for newly

to, respiratory therapy, neurology, genetic

Schoology in Delaware schools, Sussex

arrived English Language Learners who

counseling, nutrition, optometry, audiology

Central’s goals were to enhance the effec-

have had major interruptions in their school-

and oncology.

tiveness of its teacher professional learning

ing, for generally, two or more years.

This program is only four years old and

DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ma y / Ju ne 2016

Indian River School District

21

Superstars in Education

Recognizing Outstanding Educational Programs The 2016 Superstars in Education program honored six award

The Partnership, Inc., (a 501(c)(3) education affiliate of the

winning programs on May, 9, 2016 at Wilmington University’s

Delaware State Chamber of Commerce) was created to promote

Doberstein Admissions Center Auditorium. For 24 years,

charitable and educational activities by developing and fostering

Superstars in Education has recognized quality instruction and

programs that encourage private sector involvement in workforce

commitment to student achievement through teaching programs

development and education. Through programs like Superstars in

that better prepare today’s learners with skill sets and knowledge

Education and Principal for a Day, we strive to build long lasting rela-

to be valued employees, college students and citizens.

tionships between our school leaders and the business community.

2016 Superstars in Education Selection Committee: “Superstars in Education highlights the innovative and inspiring work happening across the state. We are encouraged by the partnership and collaboration that make these programs a success” – Jenna Bucsak, Program Officer, Rodel Foundation of Delaware

“Each year I am amazed at the work our schools in Delaware are doing. This year’s winners are all addressing key challenges to Delaware students. These Superstars in Education are serving as models for all of our schools in how to successfully meet the needs of our students.”

– Dr. Robert W. Rescigno, Director, Doctor of Business Administration Program, Associate Professor College of Business, Wilmington University

“Superstars in Education truly is a wonderful program that highlights the innovative and cutting edge ways teachers are instructing their students. From technology and internet based learning, to role playing, to oral presentations, the creativity of these programs and the ideas they spawned are truly inspirational.

What an impressive reminder of how hard our teachers work to motivate our future leaders!”

– Jen Boyett, Government Affairs Manager, Comcast

“It was an honor being a part of this program where those who take a chance and teach in an innovative way are celebrated. Education is important because it opens and expands our mind but we have to remember;” – Teresa Gerchman, Chief Schools Officer, Innovative Schools

“Every year I am amazed at the high quality of educational initiatives that get submitted for our review and selection. It is always very hard to pick the winners because so many of these programs are really outstanding in every respect. This year was no different. These programs are the Best of the Best. The Delaware business community can rest assured that the state’s educators are doing great things in preparing our students for the changing needs and productive roles our society demands.”

– Ralph Kuebler, MBNA America Bank, Retired

22

May / Jun e 2016 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

Meet The Partnership, Inc. Board of Directors 2016 Chair Katherine K. Wilkinson

Ralph A. Kuebler

Peggy Strine

MBNA America Bank

Community

Retired

Development Consultant

Senior Vice President Commercial Banking Fulton Bank, N.A.

President The Partnership, Inc. A. Richard Heffron

Dr. Linda F. Poole

Joseph L. Yacyshyn

Partner

Regional Manager

Educationally

Charitable and

President

Speaking, LLC

Community Affairs M&T Bank

Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

Victoria C. Gehrt, Ed.D.

Dr. Robert Rescigno

Carolyn V. Zogby

Superintendent

Director

School Principal

New Castle County

Doctor of Business

Ursuline Academy

Vocational

Administration Program

Technical School

Associate Professor

District

College of Business

Middle School/Upper

Wilmington University

Dr. Paul A. Herdman

The Partnership, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) education affiliate of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

President & CEO Rodel Foundation of Delaware

“...if we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow.”

— John Dewey Conrad Schools of Science Senior Breanne Owens, on right, checks the vital signs of Tiaja Dorsey with a LabQuest monitoring device to make sure the equipment is working before starting stress-monitoring experiments.

DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ma y / Ju ne 2016

23

We invite Parents/Guardians of Middle and High School Students to the 4th ANNUAL COLLEGE PLANNING CONFERENCE FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS

“PARENTS, STUDENTS, AND STEM (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATH) EDUCATION” Prepare your child for a STEM college major and career!

Saturday, May 14, 2016 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Rose Hill Community Center 19 Lambsons Lane New Castle, Delaware 19720 Cost: $10.00 per person (breakfast and lunch included) 



Join Delaware State University as it gets ready to celebrate 125 years of service to the state, the nation and the world!

    

Parents/Guardians of Middle and High School Students who attend the Conference will have a chance to win over $3,000 in College Scholarships, laptop computers, and much more!

Conference Topics Preparing Your Child for a College Major and Career in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math- It’s Never too Early Paying for College (Scholarships, Financial Aid and Loans) Networking with College Representatives Helping Your Child with Learning Disabilities Prepare and Attend College Managing Your College Bound Athlete And Much, Much More!!!

Conference Registration is required To Register– visit the conference website! www.parentscollegeconference.org Questions? Call (302) 407-6691

The official start date of the anniversary year is May 15, 2016.

We’re planning a grand celebration as we reflect upon our 1891 founding as the State College for Colored Students and our evolution into today’s Delaware State University.

For more information on the events and activities, please regularly visit the 125th anniversary website: desu.edu/125.

Private. Christian. Affordable.

For more information please visit

desu.edu/125

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER TODAY! Choose from over 150 online academic programs for working professionals.

desu.edu/125

24

gcu.edu/Delaware May / Jun e 2016 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

Standing at the front of the math class, Francisca Perez Perez, Claudio Navarro Lopez and Silvio Ramirez Lopez lead the discussion to solve an algebra problem on the electronic chalk board.

Keys to Success APELL, Indian River School District BY MATT AMIS

IN JULY OF 2014, Governor Jack Markell caused waves when he announced that Delaware had accepted 117 children who illegally immigrated alone into the U.S. In a letter, he called the U.S. a “nation of immigrants,” saying “the humanitarian crisis of unaccompanied minors fleeing dangerous situations at home does not just affect our border states; it impacts all of us as Americans. Whatever one’s politics, we are a nation of immigrants.”

A large portion of those children were high school aged boys, who fled abject poverty and violent crime in the Central American nation of Guatemala. Many cited friends or relatives living in Western Sussex County—particularly places like Georgetown, where large swaths of migrant laborers work in poultry plants and on farms.

Many of the teenagers also came to Delaware to work. Only most were too young to legally find employment. Instead they were told they needed to attend school.

Enter the Indian River School District and the Accelerating Preliterate English Language Learners (APELL) program. From the Carver Center in Frankfort, Dr. LouAnn Hudson and a team of perDELAWARE BUSINESS | Ma y / Ju ne 2016

sonnel work intensely with newly arrived English Language Learner students who have had major interruptions in their schooling. The wave of Guatemalan students in 2013-14 is a perfect example of the type of students the program serves, but it’s not the only example.

Immigrant students from Mexico, Haiti, and Turkey have also been enrolled in APELL. “What makes this program truly unique is that the need is very great,” Hudson says. “Many of these kids are unaccompanied youth who have travelled thousands of miles. Many of us can’t even imagine that journey, and what they’ve been through to come to this country.”

While each APELL student is different, many come from impoverished backgrounds with very little formal education. And while Spanish is the official language of Guatemala, very few APELL students can speak or read it—having been raised on rural, regional dialects like Mam, which is rooted in Mayan tradition. Getting these students up to speed in Spanish—let alone English—is an enormous challenge. “The transition is that much harder for them,” Hudson says. “We’re not just transferring skills in one language, but trying to 25

Superstars in Education build literacy, language skills in any language.”

To get there, APELL staff spend half the day with its students at the Carver Center, where they undergo sheltered instruction in English language arts, direct English language instruction, reading intervention and mathematics. The staff also incorporates “new student orientation” facets into lessons, like American culture and general school community guidelines. The students then spend the afternoon at their regular high school, where they receive typical elective and academic ELL classes.

Congratulations to Sussex Central High School and the APELL program for being 2016 Superstars in Education winners!

Visit us on Facebook and on the web at irsd.net

Indian River School District

APELL teacher and program developer, Lori Ott helps student Pasquale Pablo Tomas Cecelio work out a reading lesson about adjectives in the English class.

APELL, along with myriad community partners and the yeoman work of Parent and Community Liaison Diaz Bonville, secure wraparound services for students, ranging from medical, dental, vision and mental health supports, as well as nutritious food, clothing, and school supplies.

“Our reality with these students is—once they are here, our community has been very generous,” Hudson says. “And we know that they can be more successful in this country with an education. So we preach to this idea of graduating from high school.”

Just two years old, the program has yet to graduate its first class. Yet it continues to flourish. Enrollment has grown from 40 students to 90, and 26 students have recently returned to full-time courses at their home high schools. Testing data on the “measure B” Visions assessment, which measures speaking and listening, has also grown exponentially among APELL students. Anecdotally, many students have expressed a desire to continue their education.

“I think they are motivated to learn,” Hudson says. “They want to speak the language. A lot of them might not have immigrated with families or with parents, but many of them have strong connections to this place and the people they’re living with.” n 26

May / Jun e 2016 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

Paraprofessional, Matt Montano, helps students in the STEAM program construct their sodacan robots during the science class. With Montano, sixth-grader, Kimon Economid and fifth-graders, Chassidy Rodriguez and Selena Wooleyhand.

Full STEAM Ahead William Henry Middle School BY LARRY NAGENGAST

NOW IN ITS THIRD YEAR, the 21st Century Stars STEAM Program at William Henry Middle School in Dover is showing how a structured after-school initiative that combines academic and enrichment activities can significantly improve the performance of at-risk children.

For the 2014-15 school year, all 168 fifth- and sixth-graders participating in the program were promoted to the next grade. These students had a higher attendance rate than their peers (95 percent vs. 92.1 percent), and the number of students earning a D or F grade in reading dropped by 27 percent from the first to the fourth quarter.

For these and other achievements, the STEAM program was named a 2016 Superstar in Education.

The program, which runs for four afternoons a week, serves children who have been identified as at risk through data sources that include performance on statewide assessments, discipline infractions and participation in the free and reduced-price lunch program.

It incorporates daily homework help, as well as reading and math instruction twice a week, to help students reach state standards in these subject areas.

What makes the initiative special, says Lurleen Bryant, William Henry’s associate principal, are its focus on activities in the STEAM fields of science, technology, engineering, arts and math, and its cross-curricular learning experiences through activities involving music, service learning, sports, DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ma y / Ju ne 2016

entrepreneurship, art, dance and culture.

These activities, Bryant says, are designed to make learning fun while reinforcing Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.

For example, students participating in a robotics activity used Lego materials to build a robot. Then, students working on computer coding, who had already built a Jeopardy game board, worked with the robotics group to program the robot to complete specific tasks.

For a photography project, students participated in an after-school scavenger hunt, finding and photographing items representing each letter of the alphabet. To complete the task, they transformed the photos into a video presentation. In the process they learned about many things they wouldn’t pick up in the classroom, including distance, angles, shadows, camera operation and sequencing.

Most of the projects, Bryant says, give the students an awareness of important scientific practices that are crucial for these experiments and those they will perform later in their educational careers, including: asking questions and defining problems; developing and using models; planning and carrying out investigations; analyzing and using data; constructing explanations and designing solutions; and obtaining, evaluating and communicating information.

Although most participants in the program have been identified as at 27

Superstars in Education risk, some of the school’s gifted and talented students have also signed up, as have students in the Kent County Community School in the Delaware Autism Program, Bryant says.

For the first two years, participation in the program was free. Due to funding reductions, there is a $20 weekly fee this year, but scholarships are available, Bryant says.

“We’re open to everyone, to anyone who wants to apply. We also take recommendations from teachers, for students who need additional support, and from parents who want their children to have a safe haven after school,” she says.

The program offers benefits that go far beyond what students would learn in a classroom. “Promoting social responsibility and learning life skills creates a wealth of self-worth,” Bryant says, and completing community projects makes students “feel better about themselves and changes attitudes they have for others.” n

Jamel Trott, a mentor and tutor in the STEAM program, helps a student reason through a math problem.

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3/25/16 1:29 PM May / Jun e 2016 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

Conrad Schools of Science seniors, Christina Johnson (left) and Emile Weatherspoon (right) help Alyssa Armstrong (center) get into the EKG monitoring equipment they are using for their class experiment.

Partnership for st the 21 Century The Conrad Schools of Science BY LARRY NAGENGAST

ROB NAYLOR IS MODEST about his accomplishment. “It is not something we initiated,” he says.

The Conrad Schools of Science teacher is happy to give all the credit to the Christiana Care Health System, especially dental surgeon John Vorassi, for developing a partnership that gives Conrad’s biomedical sciences students the opportunity to observe medical professionals on the job and to test their skills on the same simulators that Christiana Hospital’s doctors and nurses use for their own training.

The success of the collaboration, now in its second year, has earned the Conrad program recognition as a 2016 Superstar in Education.

Naylor set up Conrad’s biomedical sciences program to start in the fall of 2013, using a national curriculum called Project Lead the Way to develop an introductory course and advanced classes in human body systems DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ma y / Ju ne 2016

and medical interventions. There’s lots of lab work involved and, as the program has developed, Naylor has given his students increased responsibilities, with some of them serving as “lab assistants,” preparing the lab for work on the assignment of the day.

The program took a big step forward in early 2014, when Vorassi approached Conrad Principal Mark Pruitt to discuss a possible partnership. For the 2014-15 school year, Naylor and Vorassi developed a program that takes the Conrad students to Christiana Hospital for three trips a year – visits to the Intensive Care Unit, the Emergency Department and the Virtual Education and Simulation Training Center (V.E.S.T.).

The time spent at the VEST Center was a hit with the students, Naylor said, as they had the opportunity to perform a simulated laparoscopic surgery, inserting probes into a mannequin’s abdomen, and operating a 29

Superstars in Education DaVinci robot for another surgical simulation.

A recent visit to the Emergency Department paid off in the form of additional counseling for the students during a Q&A session, Naylor said. One of the nurses took the time to explain college loans and how employers like Christiana Care will reimburse employees for tuition costs related to their jobs. “You could see in their faces that they realized they could achieve goals they hadn’t thought were possible,” Naylor said.

One student, Roland Ribaya, said the program convinced that he should become a nurse. “Exposure to the medical environment,” he said, “has given me an advantage for the future.”

Student Anna Phillips had a similar experience, saying the hospital experience sold her on earning a nursing degree and then going on to become a nurse practitioner or a doctor.

The program hasn’t been operating long enough for Naylor to gauge its impact on his students’ college and career choices, but he knows that three of the 26 students who graduated last year are attending nursing school.

All of them don’t necessarily seek careers in health care, he said. “My top student last year got into Wharton [at the University of Pennsylvania], the most prestigious business school in the country.”

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Students affix monitoring devices to one of their classmates for their biomedical stress monitoring experiment during class at Conrad Schools of Science. From left: Anna Phillips, Zayla Rappa, David Dill, Colin Horgan, and Kari McDevitt.

The analytical work required in the biomedical sciences program has helped his students grow, Naylor said. “They’re all problem-solvers, and they all take ownership of their work.” n

May / Jun e 2016 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

Eighth-graders Morgan Stratton and Sara Zimmerman show off their dirty hands after planting herbs in the new garden plots at the Postlethwait School outdoor classroom.

Exploring Mother Nature

Outdoor Classroom, Postlethwait Middle School BY MATT AMIS WHEN TODD KLAWINSKI IMAGINES the view from his classroom window, it is filled with vibrant colors.

Klawinski, who teachers seventh and eighth grade science at Postlethwait Middle School in Camden, is the brains behind the Outdoor Classroom—a repurposed drainage pond that will soon serve the entire Caesar Rodney School District as a miniature nature preserve.

Established in 2010, the Outdoor Classroom is a multipurpose, crosscurricular learning space. While it’s still a work in progress, when complete, it will serve 850 students at Postlethwait and 75 staffers.

The area, which contains a meadow, forest, and pond habitat—is meant to promote stewardship of nature and a sense of community responsibility, while immersing students in meaningful outdoor experiences, which studies show can improve health, academic success, and behavioral development.

DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ma y / Ju ne 2016

“The 3-D world of the outdoors cannot be repeated indoors,” says Klawinski, who has a background in botany. “Kids have got to get outside to see how the water flows between some rocks, or how the wind blows through the grass. They have to get bit by a mosquito, get dirty on the ground, climbing a tree. It’s immersion education.”

The Outdoor Classroom got its start five years ago. Klawinski was in his classroom in the midst of a conversation with his principal. The science teacher glanced out the window when inspiration struck. “I looked out the window of my school, looking at this drainage ditch. I said, ‘Can I have that?’ I can’t just look at the waste site as a waste. Let’s utilize everything at our hands as a resource.”

Where the school and its neighbors saw a storm water management pond, Klawinski saw possibilities. He began mobilizing students, 31

Superstars in Education volunteers, and community members to expand, clean up, and begin planting native plant species around the classroom. This spring he hopes to complete a 30-by-14-foot deck that will overlook the property.

Overall, the space—roughly 40 yards wide and 50 yards long will see pin oak and cedar trees grow, while chinaberry, Japanese honeysuckles, and milkweed bloom. With flora will come fauna, like bullfrogs, ducks, foxes and praying mantises. “All native to the region and some to just Delaware,” Klawinski says. A community garden is also in the works.

This past school year, students at Postlethwait utilized the Outdoor Classroom in an exploratory sense, Klawinski says. He’ll let students loose on the space to explore with butterfly nets or to flip over logs in search of bugs. “Let them restore their ability to explore and connect with nature.” But if the teacher has his way, the experience—and the concept—will continue to blossom. At Postlethwait, the Outdoor Classroom will link with Next Generation Science Standards to bolster classes like Diversity of Life, Ecosystems, and Weather. Since the Outdoor Classroom’s inception, eighth grade science scores on standardized tests have spiked from 56 percent proficient in 2010-11, to 68 percent proficient in 2014-15.

In its next phase, the Outdoor Classroom would have new partners in local agencies and partners like DNREC, and scale to the other schools in the district. While it’s rooted in science lessons, the Outdoor Classroom

Twelve-year-old Camaron Whaley discusses the virtues of a laptop and its wealth of information and useful tools that can be taken into the field while doing outdoor research, with Postlethwait Biology teacher, Todd Klawinski. could eventually make a natural setting for poetry lessons, as well as [physical education or the arts.

Much like the patch of land itself, the ideas and inspiration behind the Outdoor Classroom continue to bloom. n

Whether they’re off to college or heading directly into a trade or technical career,

Delaware students benefit from the hard work of the SUPERSTARS IN EDUCATION. The Delaware Department of Education salutes your efforts in science and classroom technology. We thank you for partnering with our schools.

www.doe.k12.de.us 32

May / Jun e 2016 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

Broadcasting and Communications teacher at Sussex Central High School, Jeff Gartman, discusses how technology has helped him and other teachers with learning outcomes and better ways to be effective teachers.

Revolutionizing the Classroom Sussex Central High School BY DENEE CRUMRINE

OF THE MANY wonderful characteristics educators possess, one often overlooked is their commitment to furthering their own education for the benefit of those they teach. Sussex Central High School (SCHS) of Indian River School District recognized the need for quality professional learning, but was looking to bring a better, more comprehensive experience to their staff. Enter Schoology, a learning management system implemented statewide in 2015, that utilizes blended learning, an approach combining personal interaction with digital media. With this new resource available, the SCHS Teacher Professional Learning Program was introduced that same year.

“The differentiated professional learning through Schoology has revolutionized our work and brought instructional best practices into routine use throughout the school,” says Principal Bradley H. Layfield, Ed.D. SCHS staff caught onto Schoology and the blended learning style quickly and with enthusiasm. In just five months, professional learning DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ma y / Ju ne 2016

participation grew from a six-year average of 77 percent to 99 percent.

Teachers were given professional learning topics in person, then utilized Schoology resources, including videos, discussion boards and collaborative activities to further explore the topics. Six of eight sessions boasted 100 percent participation. Schoology simultaneously enhanced teacher learning and enabled total engagement, a main goal of the program.

Another goal was to demonstrate how Schoology and blended learning could be translated from the professional learning experience to the classroom, ultimately integrating Schoology and blended learning strategies throughout the school completely. To gauge improvement, principal observations were completed in September. Eight staff members were rated either “Needs Improvement” or “Ineffective,” per the Delaware Performance Appraisal System Component 2 (DPAS-11) rubric. Following professional learning done that same month, these teachers were assigned personalized interventions. In only two months, 33

Superstars in Education seven of the eight teachers achieved “Effective.” In turn, teacher effectiveness correlated with student success, as district data showing notable increases among student performance across the board. From October 2015 to January 2016, during which the Program was in effect, many categories, including those related to classroom dynamics, Common Core standards, and Mathematics, saw great improvement.

“The commitment of the teachers to professional learning, delivered in this new format has been commendable… [It] has laid an important foundation for the transformation we’re hoping to achieve in our classrooms and improvements to our educators’ professional learning,” says Michael League, District Technology Specialist.

Additionally, Sussex Central wanted to offer professional learning experiences tailored to meet the varying needs of all teachers. Math teacher and leadership team member, Robin Alexander, shares her firsthand experience, “In previous years, the math department would sit through face-toface professional development that wasn’t always applicable. Utilizing the blended learning format has allowed the math department to personalize the professional development to meet our specific needs. Through integration of Schoology and the blended learning format, we have been able to increase greater collaboration and share differentiated math strategies.”

The Teacher Professional Learning Program has exemplified how blended learning can help teachers succeed, ultimately leading to greater student achievement. Schoology, being put to use by a determined

34

Instructional Coach for Reading, John D. Orlando, and Instructional Tech Specialist, Michael League, discuss the role of the online learning system Schoology in the school’s professional learning program for teachers.

administration and passionate educators, has led Sussex Central High School straight to Superstar status.

“Delivering and sustaining teacher professional learning has been a goal for over a decade. The problem was the lack of a practical vehicle to achieve this objective. The Schoology platform removed this obstacle,” says John D. Orlando, M.Ed., Instructional Coach for Reading and English Department Chairperson, “This award is a testament to how administration and teacher collaborative leadership can positively influence both quality teacher preparation and student academic performance.” n

May / Jun e 2016 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

Griffin Uhl, a participant in the Project SEARCH program, works on learning a new skill with Employment Specialist, Noel Olson in the equipment supply and repair area at Christiana Hospital in Newark.

Work Worth Doing Project SEARCH BY DENEE CRUMRINE

“THEODORE ROOSEVELT STATED, ‘Far and away the best prize that life offers is a chance to work hard at work worth doing.’ Project SEARCH enables our interns the Project SEARCH team to spend time and energy working hard at work worth doing,” was Project SEARCH program instructor for Red Clay Consolidated School District, Angela Hansen’s closing thought on their Superstars in Education application. It seemed a fitting way to open their award-winning article.

Project SEARCH aims to transition 18 to 21-year-old students with intellectual and developmental disabilities from school to work through a nine-month program. New Castle County was established in 2011 as Delaware’s first site, joining the ranks of over 230 Project SEARCH sites across the country that replicate the inaugural site at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

Red Clay Consolidated School District recruits students as interns and Christiana Care Health System (CCHS) partners with them to provide classroom space and internship rotation sites. “Christiana Care Health System’s partnership with Project SEARCH is a component of our Good Faith Effort, leveraging this program as a recruitment tool by providing us with a source of untapped talent,” says Nicole D’Ambrosio, Project DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ma y / Ju ne 2016

SEARCH Business Liaison at Christiana Care Health System. Regular evaluations by job coaches and instructors, daily feedback, family meetings and constant IEP (Individualized Education Program) reviews ensure progress is well-monitored, areas needing improvement are identified, and achievements duly celebrated.

The Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Community Integrated Services, Autism Delaware, and the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services also play integral roles in this program, working together to effectively lessen the gap between people employed with disabilities, 42.5 percent, and those who do not, 81.4 percent, according the U.S. Census Bureau.

Since its inception, employment for interns has grown every year, with New Castle earning recognition for 78 and 80 percent employment rates in 2013 and 2014, respectively. They have also been commended for collaboration with Concord High School in designing technology that assists interns in performing tasks more efficiently. CCHS received an award for their role in the program from the Council for Exceptional Children, an organization that works to advance careers for young adults with disabilities. Additionally, Kent County has since replicated their own Project 35

Superstars in Education SEARCH program. But of most importance is the success of student interns. CCHS shared that 23 of 29 interns to date have found jobs, 12 of which are CCHS hires.

“The growth that we have experienced and seen in our son has provided him with the confidence and assurance that no matter what the future holds, he will be able to achieve his goals.

In the locksmith shop Additionally, the Project Search team and the at Christiana HospiChristiana Care staff need to be commended tal, certified locksmith for all of their time, effort and support that Carlos Ortiz-Santithey provide to each student. I can only think ago watches Project that if all children had this level of support, SEARCH participant, every child would reach their potential,” says Rudel (Rudy) Serrano Yolanda and Kenneth Snell, parents of a Project as he installs pins into a lock tumbler to fit a SEARCH student.

Project SEARCH and its key participants have pre-made key. gone above and beyond to provide a well-rounded, extremely valuable and life-improving program for these students.

“We are honored to be recognized as a Superstars in Education winner.

Helping young adults with disabilities engage in meaningful vocational training and seeking competitive employment in the community is very rewarding. Recognition through this prestigious award helps others in our community learn about our amazing interns and their participation in this unique employment training program,” says Hansen. n

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May / Jun e 2016 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

DR. JACK’S SECRET SAUCE Q&A with Dr. Jack Varsalona

JACK VARSALONA graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in history and business all set to sell computers in North New Jersey. The Trenton native was lifeguarding in New Jersey when he got the phone call from the superintendent of the Appoquinimink School District who said, “We understand you can coach.” A short time later he embarked on a teaching career that has led him on his lifelong pursuit of making education better in Delaware.

Delaware Business recently sat down with Wilmington University President, Jack Varsalona, for a schooling on higher ed.

What was it like doing that level of reform? Today you are in a fish bowl, parent groups, the internet…is it harder to get things done now?

Can you give us some background on how you got your start in education?

You joined Wilmington College in April of 1987 as vice president of academic affairs, moved to provost, then became president in 2005 following Audrey Doberstein. You worked side by side with Dr. Doberstein to build Wilmington College. How was that transition following an iconic figure?

Education is always full of interest groups. No matter what we did for someone, someone was upset. You had to bring them in and have a dialogue. You are right, we did not have all the social media, but people took stands and said, “I’ll take the hit.” It is always tough, but it is the funding of education that is the secret. You can change a lot with funding. We changed the funding if we wanted to make a change.

I started in the classroom by accident. I was hired to coach. My second year I was teaching Special Ed, leading me to get my master’s degree. A few years later I was Assistant Principal of Middletown High School and then Headmaster of Ursuline Academy. I was 26 years old. I loved that job, it was the best job I ever had.

Later the University of Delaware lured me away to become Director of Development. Three years later I joined the du Pont Administration as education advisor. After that I worked for the Department of Education for a year before I came here. I have been here for 29 years.

We do educate more

Delawareans every year…by far.

And we are proud of that!

Tell me about education initiatives under the du Pont Administration.

During the du Pont administration there were massive changes in education. We lowered the classroom size, added on to the deaf school, created the autistic school, the gifted and talented units, foreign language, and launched the Governor’s School of Excellence.

A lot was accomplished because the General Assembly worked together. They reached across the aisle to get things done. It was the only way. It was an amazing experience for me. Lonnie George, Tom Sharp, Thurman Adams, Terry Spence, Bob Gilligan, Nancy Cook, and many others…we just worked together. Don’t get me wrong, they had a lot to say about the Governor’s education reforms, but they were involved in forming it. Everyone had to do a lot of give and take but we took the high ground. They would listen when we talked. It was all about doing the right thing.

DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ma y / Ju ne 2016

She is an amazing person and a leader.

She made it great. We shared the same office for 4 years and I learned from her.

Audrey saved the college.

What made you transition from a college to a university?

I have chaired many accreditation groups. I was watching these teams thinking we are as good as this. We went through a process of getting national accreditation in every program we have. The transition from Wilmington College to Wilmington University was the catalyst for our growth.

As a result, you have doubled your enrollment and expanded your campus significantly.

When I came in there were 9,000 students, now there are 21,000. The quality of what we offer improved through the process. We have not raised tuition more than 2½ percent in the last 10 years. We take no state or federal money.

Our endowment is up from about $11 million to around $77 million.

We have not let ourselves depend on unsustainable revenue sources. In 2008, revenue sources for a college were federal and state money, gifts, interest off the endowment and tuition. We never used interest off the endowment or gifts for operating, they go right to student scholarships.

We have just positioned ourselves where we have never had to raise tuition significantly. The University has no major debt, we are in a good place.

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Q&A with Dr. Jack Varsalona How are you bridging the gap between your distance learners, your traditional learners and the reliance upon online learning?

We started online learning about 8 years ago. In those days it was hard to figure out the quality of the product. We are now able to compare how the students performed online versus how they did in person based on outcome assessments. When quality is lax, we address it. We have found that in order to correct quality you need more contact with students. We have approximately 4,000 students online. Out of the rest of the students, 70 percent have taken one or more online classes. You can mix online classes – we know now the courses are of the same quality. Online is growing the fastest and we are at the leading edge of that.

What is next?

Experiential learning is on the forefront. The philosophy behind that is we do not want to teach you what you already know. In the past, you had to create a portfolio and a committee of faculty would review it to see if that was equal to the course material. Now, we can measure it. For example, if you go to the state police academy, that is worth about 24 credits. There is no question academically about the soundness of that decision.

We are in the process of breaking up courses into competencies. You can test out of classes where you meet the competencies. If you test out of the majority of the course, we are going to give you that course for free. We charge by the course, not by the semester. That is the future of education.

Don’t you lose money by doing that?

You do, but they tell their friends. We have a 75 percent adult student population here.

You are very hands on with your students…

We conduct a lot of interest groups and we poll the students. The average class size is 16. We keep it at 16 to 18 because the graduation rates stay higher.

Do you have an attendance policy?

We do. The adult population of our student body is different. They are paying for their education. They show up.

Where do you see the next hot industry coming from?

STEM and the technology degrees are the future now, but you have to teach the students critical thinking. We have a 39 credit liberal arts core that is required. That is where you learn to think. Our college of technology has about tripled in 5 years, at all levels – masters, undergraduate.

Data shows that a large percentage of high school graduates coming out of Delaware public schools and going into a Delaware university are being placed in remedial classes in order to bring their basic competency level up to the college expectation. Are you seeing this?

We have always had to tutor them, but we are open admission, not open graduation. We have a cohort of about 400 that come to us directly out of high school; 70 percent of our undergraduate students are transfers from DelTech or other community colleges. So I don’t know if I am the authority.

Our athletes average GPA is 3.02 but some students struggle. The ones that come here and get involved in things, not just athletics, tend to suc38

ceed. I don’t think I have seen a change in the level of the entering student, but we do spend a lot of money tutoring them.

K-12 often gets a bad rap. They have to educate everyone and that’s not easy to do. My philosophy has always been fill their day up. Don’t let them out of school unless they have a job. We measure many things here at Wilmington University. We trace back to see what these kids took in high school. Students that take a full load succeed. It used to be, you could get out of school early if you had a job and you would get credit for the work experience. Now, seniors leave the school at 11 a.m. and just go. That is my concern.

We have 400 high school seniors where we go into the school and teach them college English. They get to transfer that credit to us or wherever they want to go.

You have built your success on partnerships with the secondary education community in Delaware. Can you talk about what that is like when most colleges and universities tend to be insular and competitive for students?

When DelTech designs a new program, first and second year, we follow up with the third and fourth year. We just know each other. Our Deans know their Deans. We figure if the student wants to go on, they should have a place to go.

With the University of Delaware, we are going after two different markets.

We are close to UD; the provosts meet, it is the same with DSU. Their adult market is not as expansive so there is not a lot of competition there. Wesley, Goldey-Beacom and DCAD are also partners. It is The Delaware Way. We learn from each other. The market is big enough for all of us.

Superstars in Education is coming up in May and you are the recipient of the John H. Taylor, Jr. Education Leadership Award.

He was an amazing person. You did not have to be around John for very long to understand his commitment to education. He always took the high ground in his positions – whether you agreed with him or not. His caring level was second to none. John and I would talk a lot about education and where we thought it should be going. He believed in opportunity. It’s that concept of everyone should have an opportunity, that was him. Not only in education, but in everything he did. I’m just honored. John was a very special person.

John Taylor was our friend and colleague. It was important for all of us to have an award named after him, and just as important to have the right person be the first recipient. A lot of thought went into the selection. What does winning that award mean to you?

I can’t believe it. Being recognized by the business community in his name is kind of like a double plus. I am speechless, it has not sunk in that the State Chamber would honor me. n

James DeChene Director, Government Relations Delaware State Chamber of Commerce jdechene@dscc.com

May / Jun e 2016 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

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Air T Re

Delaware: Open for Business

BY LARRY NAGENGAST

Senior Strategists Doug Gramiak and Lisa Goodman with partner Tim Houseal

THERE’S LITTLE ARGUMENT that Delaware’s Court of Chancery stands tall as the nation’s premier forum for resolving corporate equity disputes, but Chancery is hardly the sole reason businesses large and small choose the First State as their legal domicile.

Delaware’s legislative and executive branches of government deserve some credit too. So does Superior Court, with its 5-year-old Complex Commercial Litigation Division. And don’t forget the federal District and Bankruptcy courts, which round out an impressive lineup of businessfriendly assets.

Delaware’s courts have characteristics that businesses appreciate.

“They’re fair, efficient and predictable,” says Tim Houseal, a partner in the DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ma y / Ju ne 2016

Wilmington law firm of Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, and that’s why the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and others that evaluate judicial systems consistently place Delaware at the top.

Commercial cases in which more than $1 million is in dispute can qualify for the complex litigation docket, which gives them a priority status on the calendar of the judge handling the case. Once the judge sets the schedule for conferences and the trial, the parties can’t request delays, so the case should be resolved more promptly than similar cases on the court’s regular docket.

Delaware’s U.S. District Court is highly regarded for its handling of intellectual property cases. “One reason technology, pharmaceutical and 41

Guide to Legal, Government Affairs, and Incorporating Services chemical companies incorporate in Delaware is because the court has a level of expertise unparalleled in the country,” Houseal says.

Senior Strategists Lisa Goodman and Doug Gramiak of Young Conaway Public Strategies, the law firm’s government and public relations subsidiary, say both the Delaware General Assembly and the executive branch are “very nimble” in reacting to changing circumstances in the business environment.

They cited the General Assembly’s overwhelming passage in January of the Delaware Competes Act, which changes the calculation of corporate income tax to ensure companies don’t pay more for decisions to hire and expand in the state. The measure brings Delaware in line with other states that have recently modified their corporate tax structures.

In March, the legislature passed the Delaware Commitment to Innovation Act, which removes a $5 million cap on the tax break companies can receive for research and development investments in Delaware. It also restores an expired tax credit for companies that locate headquarters in the state. The bill was considered instrumental in persuading the almost-merged Dow DuPont Co. to locate two of its three headquarters in Delaware.

Another good example of innovative legislation is the 2013 Delaware Public Benefit Corporation Law, which enables companies to organize themselves to make socially responsible actions a priority.

More than 500 companies have already incorporated in Delaware under the law’s provisions.

Delaware businesses, and those considering locating here, recognize the easy access to government officials as another of the state’s assets. Goodman and Gramiak pointed to the founders of Counsl, an Austin, Texas, startup that has developed a mobile app that streamlines the incorporation process, being able to meet with Governor Jack Markell, other state officials, lawmakers and members of key law firms during a short visit in late January. Before they headed home, they were making plans to move their headquarters to Wilmington.

“The willingness of the General Assembly to listen and react is not limited to large companies. They are just as responsive to startups and small businesses as they are to Fortune 200 companies,” Goodman says. n

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May / Jun e 2016 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

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Through LegalShield’s personal legal plans, employees gain access to unlimited personal legal advice from LegalShield Provider Attorneys on topics such as mortgages, wills, contracts and much more. Employees also have the option to enroll in IDShield, an identity theft program-for the added benefits of 24/7 monitoring of all your accounts, not only financial, and identity restoration by Licensed Fraud Professionals. Legal Shield’s personal legal plans also effectively reduce employee stress and absenteeism while driving increased productivity.

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Monitoring is 24/7/365. Restoration is performed by Kroll’s Licensed Fraud Investigators who bring valuable insight and experience from a range of backgrounds including, law enforcement, debt collection, banking, insurance and more. They do not stop until your identity is fully restored. There is a $5 million service guarantee to do whatever it takes for as long as it takes to restore your identity.

LegalShield plans now cover more than 1.5 million families which equates to 3.8 million lives across North America. For as low as $20 per month, LegalShield members get access to attorneys who are experienced in the areas of law that most impact families and small businesses. Unlike other legal plans or do-it-yourself websites, LegalShield has dedicated law firms in 49 states and 4 provinces in Canada that members can call for help without having to worry high hourly rates.

The attorneys at these firms have an average of 20 years of experience in such areas as family matters, estate planning, financial and business issues, consumer protection, tax, real estate, benefits dispute, auto/driving issues and more. In 2014 alone, Legal Shield received more than 2.2 million calls from members.

For free answers to basic legal questions, download and go to www. legalshield.com/info/dscc For more information, contact Independent Associate Mike Schwartz at (302) 275-8898 or visit www.legalshield.com/hub/mikeschwartz n 43

Guide to Legal, Government Affairs, and Incorporating Services

Pictured: David N. Williams, Esq. and John L. Williams, Esq.

TO “B” OR NOT TO “B” B-Corporations Do Well by Doing Good

BY JOHN LEGARÉ WILLIAMS, ESQ.

DO YOU WANT TO MAKE MONEY while promoting clean and green practices? Are you promoting employment of disadvantaged people? A Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) in Delaware, which some refer to as a B-corporation, is a new type of corporate structure that is a for-profit business with a stated “public interest” purpose set forth in its certificate of incorporation to allow for a purpose beyond maximizing profit for stockholders. A Public Benefit Corporation can be thought of as a standard corporation whose directors “must” use at least some corporate resources to promote its stated public benefit, or risk lawsuits from its own stockholders. This is to be distinguished from a non-profit corporation, which does not have stockholders and which must use all of its profits to forward a specific public purpose.

In a traditional general corporation, the duty of the directors is to maximize profits and value for the stockholders. This dates back to a case of Dodge v. Ford, when the Dodge brothers, investors in Ford Motor Company at the time, sued Henry Ford and won because the Dodge 44

brothers were stockholders and Henry Ford decided to reinvest profits and retain cash instead of giving dividends to the investors. Later, the Dodge brothers started their own car manufacturing company. Although there was reason to believe a traditional general corporation could provide a public benefit by amending its purpose in its Certificate of Incorporation, the Public Benefit Corporation is now a way to make that alternate social enterprise purpose mandatory, rather than permissive.

To incorporate a Public Benefit Corporation in Delaware, the Certificate of Incorporation must declare that it is a Public Benefit Corporation and provide a specific public benefit, which is reviewed and approved by the Delaware Secretary of State prior to accepting its Certificate of Incorporation for filing. Its directors must report to its stockholders once every two years its activities in furtherance of the stated public purpose.

No outsiders other than its stockholders may enforce this public benefit.

Additionally, there is no Delaware public reporting of this public benefit.

Some other states have more strict rules on Public Benefit Corporations.

May / Jun e 2016 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

“Doing good is its own reward and can help you align with your customers and promote your brand.”

Additionally, should you want your Public Benefit Corporation to carry a “B-Corp” seal, a private non-profit called B Lab can be paid $500 to $50,000 per year (depending on annual revenues) provided its multi-part test and application are approved. It should come as no surprise that one of the biggest advocates promoting Public Benefit Corporation statutes nationwide is B Lab. The B Lab seal is not a legal requirement any more than BBB Membership is. It is, however, a third party that can give the public confidence that you are in fact doing good deeds.

The question is “How is a B-Corp taxed?” A common misconception is that a Public Benefit Corporation is afforded certain tax benefits, much like a nonprofit (non-stock) corporation with 501(c)(3) status.

However, a Public Benefit Corporation does not have a separate federal tax designation, and like a general Delaware corporation, a Public Benefit Corporation is taxed as a C-Corp by default. Incorporating as a Public Benefit Corporation only affects corporate duties and corporate purpose, not federal or state tax status. Public Benefit Corporations may also make the S-corporation tax election.

Incorporating as a Public Benefit Corporation can benefit a business in other ways. Amending your Certificate of Incorporation to designate

DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ma y / Ju ne 2016

it as a Public Benefit Corporation may attract customers who wish to support businesses with a shared public interest of theirs. A Public Benefit Corporation may also be more attractive to investors who wish to invest in businesses for that same reason. However, money is not free—investors will surely expect a solid proven business model and revenues before investing.

Do not expect to find tax benefits to being a Public Benefit Corporation, even if you are B Lab Certified. There is no such thing as an IRS classification for a B-Corp or a special tax return. “B” does not refer to a subchapter of the Internal Revenue Code, in the way “S” or “C” do.

Doing good is its own reward and can help you align with your customers and promote your brand. Companies like Kickstarter and Patagonia are B Lab Certified and they and their customers enjoy supporting the greater good as they define it.

Of the more than 200 Public Benefit Corporations incorporated in Delaware since the law was enacted a few years ago, Agents and Corporations, Inc. (IncNow) has formed a dozen or so.

This trend may be off to a slow start, but it should be considered for your existing corporation or any corporation you are thinking of starting. n

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Guide to Wellness and Health Dragon boat racing has become a popular annual event in Lewes with teams competing from around the area each fall. While each heat is only about two minutes long, paddling these boats requires a training program of strengthening and stretching to avoid injuries. The Beebe Healthcare team is in boat #2.

SPRING INTO ACTION

Enjoying an active, injury-free summer season takes preparation • Regular walking is an excellent exercise.

• Develop a regular exercise program and grab a friend to join you.

• Don’t forget to stretch, though don’t overdo it.

If possible, it can be helpful to have a few sessions with a trainer so that you have an exercise program that will benefit your particular needs.

179thor sprain (pain) 179th If you do end up with a strain ANNUAL ANNUAL remember R.I.C.E. -- Rest, Ice, Compression, and DINNER DINNER Elevation. Stop the activity. Put a cold pack on the area for 20 minutes with a thin towel layer (not directly on your skin). If you can, get the body part above your heart. This helps reduce swelling.

Seek medical attention if: • You have extreme pain or swelling.

• If you felt a “pop.”

• Have bruising or symptoms that do not improve.

You know your own body, if things just don’t feel right, get it checked.

“So instead of going straight to something like Dragon boat racing, start AMBASSADOR with a walk with your friends or family. Your body will thank you,” LEVEL Graham says. n

RECEPTION LEVEL SPONSOR

CHAIRMAN LEVEL SPONSOR

SPONSOR

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May / Jun e 2016 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

CONTENT CONTRIBUTED BY BEEBE HEALTHCARE

HAPPY SPRING to all you weekend warriors! You know who you are.

You may have been in a slight hibernation mode through the winter months, sustained by hearty stews, pizza delivery, and more couch time than a 10-yearold on a video game binge. And now you think you are ready to take on your favorite strenuous activity.

“Ok, so that’s my story,” admits Graham Robbins, PT, Director of Physical Rehabilitation at Beebe Healthcare. “I expect that many people are in a similar situation - months of inactivity or under-activity and now that the weather is warmer, they are ready to run, bike, garden, paddle board, or take part in a week-long pickle ball event.”

Graham has years of experience helping patients recuperate from injuries due to overtaxing bodies that have not been stretched and strengthened due to a period of inactivity.

“Your mind is ready, but your body might not be,” he says. Graham advises people to follow some simple steps so they can enjoy an active, injury free summer. And, he advises people take pain and discomfort seriously.

• Start with walking or jogging and then work up to running faster, biking longer and lifting more.

DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ma y / Ju ne 2016

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Guide to Wellness and

RECEPTION LEVEL HealthSPONSOR 179th ANNUAL DINNER

CHAIRMAN LEVEL SPONSOR

LEADERSHIP LEVEL SPONSOR

179th ANNUAL DINNER

179th ANNUAL DINNER

AAA MID-ATLANTIC

ALMOST IMMEDIATELY after the first horseless carriages appeared on America’s roads, motorists began organizing automobile clubs. The Delaware Motor Club, now known as AAA Mid-Atlantic, began with a handful of members wanting to make the novel activity of automobile driving safe by improving roads and laws designed for travel by horse and buggy.

AMBASSADOR “For more than 110 years, AAA has been the advocate for LEVEL motorists and travelers in the legislature and at the forefront SPONSOR of the movement for adequately funded transportation infrastructure and the safety of all those using it,” says Jim Lardear, Director of Public and Government Affairs at AAA 179th Mid-Atlantic. “Our advocacy concerning transportation and safety ANNUAL typically enjoys broad, bipartisan support.”

Ten years ago, AAA Mid-Atlantic moved its headquarters from DINNER Philadelphia to the new Riverfront area of Wilmington to provide Last year we supported successful efforts to close Delaware’s $780 a centrally-located base from which to serve its nearly 4 million million, six-year transportation funding gap, while adding critical members in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, protections to restore motorists’ “trust” in the Transportation Trust Virginia and the District of Columbia. fund. “Better, safer roads save lives,” says Lardear. n

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

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

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

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DELAWARE COUNCIL ON GAMBLING PROBLEMS, INC.

May / Jun e 2016 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

CONTENT PROVIDED BY AAA MID-ATLANTIC

A Driving Force for Advocacy

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

DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ma y / Ju ne 2016

see it all at www.finalfocus.com

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Guide to Wellness and Health

Motivate the First State

A successful 2015 leads to big plans for future

BY MARTHA BOGATY

MOST PEOPLE BRUSH THEIR TEETH every day. Many people drink five glasses of water a day. Some people run five miles a day.

Regardless of the level of activity, what if people could convert these healthy actions into money for charity? Motivate The First State is a Delaware campaign that has done just that, giving people a way to track their activities on an online social community powered by Plus3 and in return, raise money for local nonprofits.

Motivate The First State allows participants to create a profile, log their activities and earn points, called kudos. Each point earned moves money to three Delaware-based nonprofits: Boys & Girls Club of Delaware, YMCA of Delaware, and Special Olympics Delaware. Activities range from simple tasks such as applying sunscreen to more intense exercise like cycling or running. Members can easily track their activities on a number of devices including Fitbit or Garmin wearables, a desktop computer or via a free mobile app on their phones.

The pilot of Motivate The First State was launched on June 1, 2015. The campaign has vastly expanded since its inception, reaching over 2,600 people and achieving a number of milestones through grassroots marketing. From June through December of 2015, participants logged nearly 100,000 different activities, over 200,000 miles in distance-based activities and have collectively moved over $39,000 to the aforementioned Delaware nonprofits. These impressive numbers validate the power of the campaign, but representatives from Motivate The First State have even greater aspirations for the future.

“In 2016 we’re looking to double enrollment to 5,000 participants,” says Jason Danner, Director of Motivate The First State. “We are adding new partners to activate different populations across our state, as well as recruit corporate sponsors eager to support a healthy community throughout Delaware. We are also bringing on employers who will offer Motivate The First State as part of their worksite wellness and community development strategies.”

Motivate The First State differs from other fitness trackers in that it leverages friendly competition and social connectivity to engage people 50

in being more active and healthy. Moreover, it taps into a greater sense of purpose by enabling participants to help others with each logged activity.

“Together we can log one million miles and make each step, each pedal stroke, count for Delaware charities that help our kids, our families and our

citizens with special needs,” says Governor Jack Markell, an avid supporter of the campaign.

Motivate The First State is a unique public-private partnership that has the support of many respected organizations throughout the state. Partners of the campaign include (but are not limited to) YMCA of Delaware, KELLY Benefit Strategies, Welfare Foundation, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, Microsoft, Store of Christiana Mall, Sussex County Government, Healthier Sussex County, Sussex County Health Promotion Coalition, Bike Delaware, Delaware Division of Public Health and University of Delaware’s College of Health Sciences and Get Up and Do Something!.

For more information, visit their website at www.MotivateTheFirstState. com and follow them on Facebook, Instagram (@motivatethefirststate) and Twitter (@MotivateDE). n May / Jun e 2016 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

Guide to Wellness and Health

SmartDrive Foundation Helping you drive smarter and safer

BY MARTHA BOGATY

IMAGINE YOU ARE DRIVING on the highway and you receive a text on your phone. You notice the notification but ignore it. But then you receive another one, and then you get a phone call and so on. Many drivers experience these distractions every day. Distracted driving is common and has led to about 5,000 deaths each year, according to federal estimates. The SmartDrive Foundation was created to help stop distracted driving and promote safe driving in a fun and educational way.

“In 2004, when my son was in high school, there was a horrific car crash,” Executive Director Pete Booker said. “It rocked the high school community. Kids don’t understand these circumstances. We saw this situation and were determined to not have them go through that again.”

Created in 2005 by Booker and other concerned individuals, SmartDrive offers defensive driving programs that educate young people about safe driving. It offers five onsite and online courses in over 100 schools throughout Delaware and other states on the East Coast. The program is an effort to reduce fatal car crashes, which are the number one killer of young people according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

SmartDrive combines interactive, fun activities with educational information so students understand how distracted driving can affect them. For the Driving with Intelligence program, SmartDrive creates an assembly to discuss the effects of the “3 Ds: drunk, drugged, and drowsy,” as Booker explained. In another program, “Distraction and Reaction,” students use specially modified golf carts to drive through a coned course while SmartDrive instructors are distracting them. These courses effectively integrate education and entertainment so that students can understand the imminent dangers of distracted driving.

SmartDrive encourages students to participate in is the SmartDrive PROMise. Prom and graduation are important events for high school students. During these times many students celebrate their success; but pressure to drink can lead to unsafe driving and can cloud happy memories. SmartDrive challenges students to sign the PROMise, a contract that encourages them to remain “safe, sober and alert,” Booker described. This program helps raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, which is commonplace during special events like prom and graduation.

DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ma y / Ju ne 2016

On March 11, cadets at Delaware Military Academy proudly show their signatures for the SmartDrive PROMise.

Students can participate in online programs about defensive driving where they complete modules that include multiple choice questions and essays. SmartDrive offers monetary incentives to students who accumulate the most points in this program. First place winners receive a $2,000 college scholarship.

Many people, especially teenagers, feel the distractions of life while driving. Especially with an ever-changing technological society, it is easier than ever before to feel distracted. SmartDrive’s innovative approach to educating students makes it easy for them to learn about safe driving. With a number of unique programs that motivate and stimulate students, SmartDrive has effectively created a series that can help reduce and hopefully one day vanquish the distractions our youth experience while driving. n 51

Newsbites

AT&T Employees Mentor Students from Christiana, Newark and Glasgow High Schools AT&T Aspire Mentoring Academy Aims to Raise Graduation Rates and Help Students Explore Careers Students from Christiana, Newark and Glasgow High Schools visited the AT&T office in Dover where they received a first-hand look at career opportunities beyond high school, thanks to Jobs for Delaware Graduates (JDG) and AT&T’s Aspire Mentoring Academy.

AT&T volunteers led the program that offered students the opportunity to learn about various careers within the company and in the telecommunications industry and practice workplace-readiness skills.

Aspire Mentoring Academy is part of AT&T Aspire, the company’s signature philanthropic initiative to promote student success in school and beyond, according to Joseph Divis, executive director for AT&T External Affairs in the Mid Atlantic.

“The Aspire Mentoring Academy initiative gives AT&T employees a chance to connect with students and help them discover their career passions and potential,” Divis said. “Our volunteers offer their time and talent to help Delaware’s students chart a course for their future. JDG is doing great things for

52

Delaware students, and our collaboration with them will benefit the students – and the state – for years to come.”

“The JDG students had the opportunity to interact with AT&T professionals, and this experience supports and reinforces our job skills related curriculum,” said Nicole Poore, president, JDG. This event was the latest in a series of AT&T mentoring and job-shadowing events in Dover.

Last year, also in collaboration with JDG, students from William Penn and Middletown High Schools visited the AT&T office in Dover. In addition, students from William Penn High School, AI DuPont High School, Dickinson High School, and McKean High School participated in a mentoring event, in collaboration with Communities in Schools of Delaware (CISDE). Other events are planned this spring.

Calendar of Events THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2016

Small Business Day in Dover 11:30 AM - 4:00 PM Legislative Hall House Majority Hearing Room 411 Legislative Ave. Dover, DE 19901

TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2016

Chamber Leadership Breakfast with Dr. Jack P. Varsalona 7:30 AM - 9:15 AM University & Whist Club 805 North Broom Street Wilmington, DE 19806

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016

4th Annual DYPN Golf Outing 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM

DPPI Welcomes Nancy Targett to Board of Trustees The Delaware Public Policy Institute (DPPI) elected Nancy Targett to its Board of Trustees. A member of the UD faculty since 1984, Dr. Targett has served as Dean of the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment (CEOE) and director of the Delaware Sea Grant College Program since 2005. A nationally recognized expert on ocean issues, Dr. Targett is immediate past chair of the Board of Trustees of the Consortium for Ocean Leadership and immediate past treasurer of the Sea Grant Association, a national network of 32 Sea Grant College Programs. She has served on the Ocean Studies Board at the National Academy of Sciences and the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council. She was selected as an Aldo Leopold Leadership Fellow.

Deerfield 507 Thompson Station Road Newark, DE 19711

TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2016

Small Business Conference & End-of-Session Legislative Brunch 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM Dover Downs Hotel & Conference Center 1131 North DuPont Highway Ballrooms A & B Dover, DE 19903

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

Evening Mixer at Dogfish Head Craft Brewery 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Dogfish Head Craft Brewery 6 Cannery Village Center Milton, DE 19968

May / Jun e 2016 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ma y / Ju ne 2016

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Newsbites ESCOAtlantic Participates in Symposiums Focused on “Banking Ethics and Sustainable Investment” Paul Hughes, MPA University of Delaware and CEO of ESCOAtlantic, LLC, was asked to present and participate in a series of symposiums at the University of Amsterdam Law School and the Free College of The Netherlands in November 2015. The focus of the presentations was primarily about the topic of “Banking Ethics and Sustainable Investment”.

The debate focused on Governor of the Bank of England›s recent speech «The Tragedy of the Horizon,” in which Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, contended that climate change is a major, unpriced risk on the balance sheet of banks, pension funds, other investors and insurance companies, and that it could cause another financial system disruption when and as investors seek to sell the «stranded assets» of oil, gas and coal.

DSCC Members Mac Nagaswami and Greg Star awarded the SBA’s 2016 Young Entrepreneurs of the Year Mac Nagaswami and Greg Star, Principals and owners of the locally headquartered company, Carvertise, were recently announced by the SBA as 2016’s Young Entrepreneurs of the Year. Chosen by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s district office, the award winners were announced in March and were formally recognized during a May 5th gala dinner at the DuPont Country club in Rockland. The dinner is held in conjunction with National Small Business Week that is took place from May 1st to May 7th. Founded in 2012,

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Carvertise is a privately held marketing company that specializes in car advertising. Recently named Delaware Innovation Week’s 2015 Tech-Startup of the Year, Carvertise has served as a strategic marketing partner to nationally acclaimed brands such as ShopRite, Discover Bank, and Buffalo Wild Wings.

Cover & Rossiter Selects Successor For only the fifth time in the 76-year history of one of Delaware’s first and most respected certified public accounting and advisory firms, the role of Managing Director is changing hands.

The Directors of Cover & Rossiter are pleased to announce Marie Holliday as the new Managing Director. Holliday joined Cover & Rossiter in 1997 and was named a Director in 2005. As a graduate of both St. Mark’s High School and the University of Delaware, Holliday is deeply rooted in the community.

Delaware Tech Receives $125,000 Grant from JPMorgan Chase Foundation to Expand Pathways for Careers in Technology Delaware Technical Community College is the recipient of a $125,000 grant from the JPMorgan Chase Foundation to expand pathways for careers in technology through a CISCO Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Routing and Switching certificate program. The grant covers the program costs for instructors, student recruitment and equipment, as well as textbook and certification exam fees for students.

To support students in completing

the program, the College is providing scholarships for eligible applicants to cover the cost of tuition and fees. The grant is funded as part of JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s New Skills at Work Initiative, which is built on the premise that helping people gain the skills they need to compete for jobs, can transform lives and strengthen economies.

Dogfish’s Sam Calagione with New Book: Off-Centered Leadership Wiley has announced its new release with founder & president of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery , Sam Calagione.

The eight-chapter book titled OffCentered Leadership: The Dogfish Head Guide to Motivation, Collaboration and Smart Growth explores the power of collaboration in the business world and what happens when companies stop competing and start collaborating. OffCentered Leadership includes practical information and tips for entrepreneurs and leaders in all industries to apply to their own professional journeys, giving insight into the methods and approaches Dogfish has used to develop a rich and diverse brand and leadership team.

Throughout the book Calagione candidly reveals the rewards and challenges of growing Dogfish in the last two decades as it evolved from being the smallest craft brewery in America to becoming one of the most recognizable names in the beer industry.

May / Jun e 2016 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

Portrait by renowned illustrator Joseph Adolphe.

WilmingTon TrusT renoWned insighT

“The biggest challenge for your business today? Tomorrow.”

donald P. dicarlo Jr. M.A., J.D., LL.M. (Tax) national director of Business advisory services, senior Wealth strategist Don helps business owners develop and implement customized business succession strategies.

He is part of a seasoned team of professionals who exemplify Wilmington Trust’s 113-year heritage of successfully advising business owners. Our goal is to help you create a plan for each stage of your business and your life, offering key insights at critical times of transition.

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

Transitioning ownership of your business will undoubtedly be one of the most significant events of your life.

And one you may not be prepared to even think about right now. However, with careful planning at each stage, you’ll be ready for what’s ahead – and confident that you’ll preserve everything you’ve worked so hard to build.

Growing your business.

Your banker and insurance specialist will help determine which deposit, lending, cash management, and insurance solutions will best fuel the growth of your business. You’ll also want to ensure your will and other estate planning documents are in order, and that you’re taking advantage of tax-minimization strategies.

Transitioning business capital to personal capital. As your business evolves, you may consider selling or transitioning to your son or daughter, or someone outside the family. We can help you explore exit strategies, secure the right buyer, and value your business. We’ll also help you determine how and where to invest your wealth, and how to manage your liquidity and cash flow needs.

Managing and transferring personal wealth. This is when all your hard work pays off. You’ll begin to implement trust and planning strategies to transfer wealth to the next generation. You may also have the freedom to donate resources to those organizations you find meaningful.

only

30%

oF Family Businesses survive inTo The second generaTion Source: familybusinessinstitute.com

Founded by successful family business leader T. Coleman duPont more than a century ago, Wilmington Trust has the heritage and experience to help guide you through times of growth and succession.

Our approach focuses on both your business and personal financial needs, allowing us to make each transition in your journey a seamless one.

For more insight on how we’ve successfully advised clients for more than 100 years, view our video series at wilmingtontrust.com/capitaltransitions.

Fiduciary services | WealTh Planning | invesTmenT managemenT | PrivaTe Banking

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

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

Investments: • Are NOT FDIC-Insured • Have NO Bank Guarantee • May Lose Value Wilmington Trust is a registered service mark. Wilmington Trust Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of M&T Bank Corporation (M&T). Investment management and fiduciary services are provided by Wilmington Trust Company, operating in Delaware only, and Wilmington Trust, N.A., a national bank. Loans, retail and business deposits, and other personal and business banking services and products are offered by M&T Bank, member FDIC. ©2016 Wilmington Trust Corporation and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

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DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ma y / Ju ne 2016

4/18/16 1:08 55PM

delmarva.com

WE SALUTE YOUR ENERGY. We’re proud to support Superstars in Education and our shared commitment to the communities we serve.

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May / Jun e 2016 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

CHAMBER Committees

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SAVE THE DATE

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

Infrastructure and Transportation Committee: The Infrastructure and Transportation Committee recognizes the critical role that the condition and functionality of Delaware’s infrastructure and transportation systems play in creating a strong economy and quality of life. The Infrastructure and Transportation DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ma y / Ju ne 2016

Wednesday, November 9, 2016 Hotel du Pont 11:15 AM - 1:45 PM

For more information or to apply to be a Superstar in Business, contact Kelly Wetzel at (302) 576-6564 or kwetzel@dscc.com.

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Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Constant Contact Email Marketing Service State Chamber members are eligible to receive discounts on their Constant Contact account subscriptions. Members can save 20-percent if they prepay for 6 months and 25-percent if they prepay for 12 months. That is a 10-percent deeper discount

May / Jun e 2016 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

THE WEEKLY REPORT than what is available to other customers. To sign up, visit the Constant Contact link on the State Chamber’s members-only page or call (866) 876-8464 to activate your member discount.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PURCHASE A BANNER AD TODAY! Price effective rates: $150 per ad / Additional $50 click-through ad-on

Contact Kelly Wetzel kwetzel@dscc.com for more information.

You May Call Your Best Witness

William A. Santora, CPA Lori L. Stoughton, CPA

Stacey A. Powell, CPA, CFE, CICA Robert S. Smith, CPA

Delaware’s Premier Litigation Support Team Call 302-737-6200 or toll free 800-347-0116

DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ma y / Ju ne 2016

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

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

A. Richard Heffron 576-6563 President rheffron@dscc.com

Ken Evans 576-6576 Account Executive kevans@dscc.com

Marianne K. Antonini 576-6567 Sr. Vice President Finance & CFO mantonini@dscc.com

Chuck James 576-6562 Sr. Vice President, Membership cjames@dscc.com Ambassador Committee

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

576-6572 ccorn@dscc.com

James DeChene Director, Government Relations

576-6560 jdechene@dscc.com

Mark A. DiMaio Director, The Partnership, Inc.

576-6575 mdimaio@dscc.com

Linda D. Eriksen Accounting Associate

576-6569 leriksen@dscc.com

save the date 23rd Annual

Fred Miller 576-6579 Advertising Sales fmiller2@dscc.com Member Retention Bill Osborne 576-6590 Interim President, DPPI bosborne@dscc.com Kelly Wetzel 576-6564 Program & Communication Specialist kwetzel@dscc.com Small Business Alliance Delaware Young Professionals Network

The mission of the DSCC is to promote a statewide economic climate that enables businesses of all sizes and types to become more competitive in a constantly changing, increasingly global, and unpredictable environment.

The Chamber will provide valued services to members; it will serve to be recognized as the primary advocate in the state for business interests.

Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Chase Golf Tournament thursday, september 8, 2016 Kings Creek Country Club, Rehoboth

For more information, please contact: Cheryl Corn at (302) 576-6572 or ccorn@dscc.com 60

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

May / Jun e 2016 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

Emphasis on Forensics and Fraud Detection

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

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

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