Issuu

Aug 4, 2026 | Vol. 13 • No.15 | $4.00 | DelawareBusinessTimes.com

Chad Cathell

THE

FAST LANE Georgetown Speedway fuels business through partnerships 10-11

THE EDGE:

HEALTHCARE REFORM:

EXPANDING PORTFOLIO:

NCC developers say access is selling point

Slate of bills to invest in primary care now law

Tko Hospitality aquires two Rehoboth hotels

SMALL BIZ STORY:

VIEWPOINT: Innovation Space CEO

Married couple think

Bill Provine writes that

outside the box to get

Delaware can build a

insurance credentials

stronger economy by

focusing on key sectors

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GROUP PUBLISHER Robert F. Martinelli rmartinelli@todaymediainc.com EDITOR Katie Tabeling ktabeling@delawarebusinesstimes.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jennifer Antonik jantonik@delawarebusinesstimes.com RESEARCH, DIGITAL, AND ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR Sabrina Wade swade@delawarebusinesstimes.com DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL SALES Karen Martinelli kmartinelli@todaymediainc.com DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL STRATEGY & CLIENT SUCCESS Mike Rocheleau mrocheleau@todaymediainc.com

Delaware Healthcare Commission ...............................6

Beach Boutique Hotel ................8

Delaware Restaurant Association ................................9

Bill Hoffman ..............................7

Delmarva Motorsports Park .....10

Brent West .................................8

Dick’s Sporting Goods ................5

C.J. Bell .....................................5 Carrie Leishman ........................9 Chad Cathell ......................10, 11

Dr. Neil Hockstein ......................6 E. Thomas Harvey III ..................5 E. Thomas Harvey IV ..................5 FIFA ...........................................9

Ken Branner ..............................5 Merry Catanuto ..........................7 Mike Cromer ..............................5 Mike Wojewodka ........................5 Nylon Capital Shopping Center ......................12 Ocean Glass Inn .........................8 Rob Herrera .............................12 The Allison .................................8

Georgetown Speedway ......10, 11

The Mill ...................................12

Gov. Matt Meyer .........................6

The Waypoint .............................8

Christiana Mall ...........................5

Harvey Hanna & Associates .......5

TKo Hospitality ..........................8

ChristianaCare ...........................6

House of William & Merry ...........7

Vince DiFonzo ............................8

Delaware Healthcare

John Harvey ..............................5

William Harvey ...........................5

Association ................................6

Ken Adams ..............................10

World Cup ..................................9

Chestnut Run Innovation & Science Park .............................5

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INDEX

MARKETING MANAGER Andrea Hill

At a Glance..........................................................4

Business Leads..................................................15

SALES & MARKETING COORDINATOR Shannon Ward

Industry Updates..............................................5-9

Biz People.........................................................16

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION & CREATIVE SERVICES Eric Bolis

Special Section: Sussex County.................... 10-12

Calendar............................................................17

ART DIRECTOR Natalie Newhart

The List..............................................................13

Viewpoint...........................................................18

News Briefs.......................................................14

Small Business Solutions....................................19

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Rosalinda Rocco GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kyle Manzolillo SENIOR AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Lisa P. Bennett DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL STRATEGY Greg Mathias

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ON THE COVER Chad Cathell, the general manager of the Georgetown Speedway, has a front-row seat to one of the most unique tourist attractions in Sussex County. The speedway draws thousands per year and countless in online views. DBT PHOTO BY ERIC CROSSAN

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AUGUST 4, 2026 / DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES 3

The Chicken County Sussex County is Delaware's largest county by land area and is home to an estimated 200 million chickens—outnumbering the county’s population by roughly 700 to 1. The county traces its poultry legacy to Cecile Steele, who famously launched the Delmarva chicken industry after accidentally receiving 500 chicks. Agriculture is the backbone of Sussex County's economy and, alongside healthcare, is one of its largest employment sectors. Major poultry employers include Mountaire, Allen Harim, and Perdue Farms. Source: U.S. Census, Delaware Department of Labor

Sussex County Population, 2025:

277,140

Median Value of Owner-Occupied Housing, 2020-2024:

$382,600

$1,238 Households, 2020-2024: 106,441 Median Household Income, 2020-2024: $81,497 Median Gross Rent, 2020-2024:

Population with a bachelor’s degree or higher, 2020-2024: Unemployment, June 2026:

4.7%

33%

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COMMERCIAL REST ESTATE

NC County’s edge is access, developers say By Katie Tabeling NEWARK — Delaware sometimes falls short of multimilliondollar incentives to entice major business projects, compared with Pennsylvania, New Jersey and even North Carolina. But that did not stop the state and the Chestnut Run Innovation & Science Park (CRISP) from landing biopharmaceutical company Merck & Co. earlier this year. That project is already creating an economic boom with 1,500 contractors and consultants walking through the site, staying at the local hotels and ordering food from local restaurants. Government officials and top players in commercial development say New Castle County’s biggest advantage when it comes to economic development is its access not just to the greater Philadelphia market but to government officials, the workforce and research coming out of universities and health systems. That access within an hour drive of Philadelphia, New York City and

more makes it a well-kept secret for major corporations looking for their next site. Those are the top marketability strengths for New Castle County, according to Middletown Mayor Ken Branner, Delaware Division of Small Business Director C.J. Bell, IMC Construction Vice President Mike Cromer and MRA Group President & CEO Mike Wojewodka. The four men spoke at a panel of a project’s lifecycle at the New Castle

MRA Group President & CEO Mike Wojewodka was one of four people who spoke about the lifecycle of a project at the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce's annual State of the County. | DBT PHOTO BY KATIE TABELING

HHA elevates three sons to leadership By Katie Tabeling NEWPORT — Harvey Hanna & Associates has moved to the next step of its succession plan, welcoming the three sons of CEO E. Thomas Harvey III to managing day-to-day operations and strategy. John, Thomas, and Will Harvey have been promoted to managing director of the real estate development and investment firm as of June 19. In these roles, the three men will work to improve coordination across Harvey Hanna & Associates business lines and strengthen day-to-day leadership. All three men have been with the firm for at least a decade, with youngest son Will Harvey

County Chamber of Commerce’s State of the County on July 15. The discussion offered insights on how critical infrastructure and speed is to the lifecycle of a project, as well as how open communication and “red carpet treatment” can set New Castle County apart from regional competitors. Wojewodka said that New Castle County’s proximity to the Philadelphia market, combined with the low cost of land and other materials, makes it an ideal place to do business. He added that most of the R&D companies want to be close to the universities and healthcare systems to attract the top talent to their companies.

working there since 2002 while middle son Thomas Harvey joined in 2015. John Fannin III will transition from president to executive advisor to the Board of Directors. There he will support the company through strategic counsel and participation in key corporate initiatives.

“Strong organizations plan for the future before the future arrives.” THOM HARVEY

Chairman & CEO Harvey Hanna & Associates

“Strong organizations plan for the future before the future arrives. These leadership enhancements reflect our confidence in the individuals who help lead the firm through its next chapter while preserving the values, culture, and ambitious spirit that have defined our company for generations,” Thom Harvey said in a press statement. Harvey Hanna & Associates is a Newport-based commercial redevelopment firm that owns and manages more than 4 million square feet of industrial, commercial and retail space in Delaware and Maryland. Its largest redevelopment deal in Delaware is the former General Motors site on Boxwood Road, where the firm laid the foundation for Amazon to build its largest distribution site in the state. Thom Harvey intends to stay on as chairman and CEO.

Christiana Nordstrom sells to Dick’s By Katie Tabeling CHRISTIANA — Dick’s Sporting Goods has bought the shuttered Nordstrom store at the Christiana Mall for $8.79 million three months after the retailer closed that location. Nordstrom was one of the four core anchors at the Christiana Mall and first bought the two-story, 123,000-square-foot department store building 15 years ago. Other major stores at the Christiana Mall include Macy’s, J.C. Penny and Target. Nordstrom closed on April 30, leaving the closest store more than 30 miles away at the King of Prussia Mall. The retailer’s discount clothing store Nordstrom Rack still has a store open at the Christiana Fashion Center complex in Newark. Dick’s Sporting Goods is the largest sporting goods retail company in the nation, offering sports equipment, apparel, footwear and more. The brand has 850 stores across various retail banners, including Golf Galaxy, Public Lands and Going Going Gone!. The company also owns and operates Foot Locker’s business. The retailer has a store less than a mile from the shuttered Nordstrom already in the Christiana Center, as well as two other locations in Delaware. But Dick’s Sporting Good has been expanding its House of Sports experimental concept across the country. Dick’s House of Sport launched in 2021 and offers in-store activities like golf bays, sport cages for baseball and soccer as well as a climbing wall. There are 35 locations, including one at the Brandywine Town Center along Concord Pike in 2024. Dick’s plans to open 14 more House of Sport locations this year, and has a target of hitting 75 to 100 stores open by the end of 2027.

AUGUST 4, 2026 / DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES 5

HEALTHCARE

Delaware governor signs trio of healthcare bills By Jennifer Antonik WILMINGTON — Gov. Matt Meyer signed three healthcare bills Monday aimed at expanding access to affordable care, strengthening Delaware's primary care system and adding restrictions on private equity ownership of hospitals. Senate bills 1, 13 and 313 were signed during an outdoor ceremony at Henrietta Johnson Medical Center in Wilmington. Supporters say Senate Bill 1 aims to shift Delaware's healthcare system toward greater investment in primary care and value-based care with the long-term goal of reducing healthcare costs while improving outcomes. The bill uses Medicare ReferenceBased Pricing Targets as a benchmark for reimbursement pricing rather than imposing a single reimbursement cap for every hospital. Adding to value-based care

arrangements in the First State, the bill redirects more healthcare spending toward primary care, helping physicians expand practices and improving access to routine medical care. It also encourages a shift from traditional fee-for-service

reimbursement toward value-based care, which rewards providers for keeping patients healthy rather than simply treating illness. To make it work better for each healthcare system in the state, legislators added exemptions for Delaware's two smallest hospitals, the state's freestanding children's hospital and certain rural and safety-net hospitals while allowing additional flexibility for providers

Representative Nnamdi Chukwuocha is one of several lawmakers at the helm of three new healthcare bills signed by Governor Matt Meyer. | DBT PHOTO BY JENNIFER ANTONIK

Meyer name Hockstein Del’s surgeon general By Katie Tabeling

“It’s an honor and an opportunity, and it’s the right time for me and WILMINGTON — Gov. Matt Meyer my family to step up this way. I’m signed an executive humbled by it,” Hockstein told order on July 13 that the Delaware Business Times. creates an Office of In the new office, Hockstein the Surgeon General, will also serve as Deputy appointing a doctor in Secretary of the Department a key role in shaping of Health and Social Services, Delaware’s health policy. the state’s largest agency Dr. Neil Hockstein The First State is with about 700 people. He now among seven will report directly to DHSS states that have state surgeon Secretary Christine Linke-Young. general offices, including California The surgeon general office is and Florida. The office is structured structured to oversee the state’s to serve as the state’s top public Division of Public Health, position health communicator and serve right above its director, Steven as the governor's chief physician Hockstein has practiced in advisor. Delaware for more than 20 years Meyer has appointed Dr. Neil and founded Parallel ENT & Allergy Hockstein to serve as the first which has offices across the country. surgeon general; he is an ear, nose As a head and neck surgeon, he has and throat doctor who currently been credited for pioneering the serves as the chair of the Delaware use of robotics in throat surgery Healthcare Commission. He will and has published and spoken about surgical innovation, as well. begin his duties on Aug. 3.

62 DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES / AUGUST 4, 2026

He also has ties to regional and local healthcare systems, notably as a clinical associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University’s medical college. In the past year, Hockstein has been in the spotlight as the governor’s advisor. Meyer named him the chair of the Delaware Healthcare Commission which recommends best practices and improvements to health services. He also was one of the people who sat on a committee that selected Thomas Jefferson University- his alma mater- to run the state’s first medical school.

“It’s an honor and an opportunity, and it’s the right time for me and my family to step up this way.” DR. NEIL HOCKSTEIN

Surgeon General, State of Delaware

participating in value-based payment models. Those changes helped win support from the Delaware Healthcare Association and hospital systems after months of negotiations. Senate Bill 13 establishes what state leaders called the nation's strongest statewide hospital charity care standard and one that would increase access to healthcare for Delawareans across the First State. Under the new law, Delaware residents earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level will qualify for free hospital care regardless of insurance status. The legislation builds on the state's medical debt relief initiative after officials found many residents whose debt was forgiven likely should have qualified for hospital financial assistance in the first place. The third measure, Senate Bill 313, places a two-year moratorium on the acquisition of Delaware hospital systems by for-profit entities. The bill makes Delaware the only state with an active moratorium on private equity ownership of nonprofit hospitals, according to state officials. The moratorium remains in effect through at least July 1, 2028. Hockstein said that he knew Meyer when they were both children but later reconnected during the COVID-19 pandemic when the doctor was looking to source personal protective gear for his practice from the county. Then-county executive Meyer returned his call a week later, establishing a connection that would last years later. Hockstein also helped establish the county’s COVID-19 testing program and later partnered with Dr. Joan Coker to bring the large-scale testing program to Delaware State University. In an interview with DBT, Hockstein said that he understands the challenges with health care access and cost in the state–both as a patient and a business owner. “I’ve seen the cost of healthcare for my 200 employees go up every year and it’s been brutal for the business of medicine,” Hockstein said. “We need to solve that, or the premiums will get so high that it will put more people in positions of risk and financial risk as well. It’s in the best interest of the economic and fiscal health of our state.”

HOSPITALITY & ENTERTAINMENT

House of William & Merry closes chapter By Katie Tabeling WILMINGTON — Renowned farmto-table restaurant House of William & Merry unexpectedly closed in late July with its owners announcing it is time for a new chapter. The famed restaurant in Hockessin announced its closure in a social media post and a long message on its website. The owners, Bill Hoffman and Merry Catanuto, said that the closure had nothing to do with lack of business, rather changing goals and priorities. “We have decided to close this chapter… It has to do with Merry and I need to find a new chapter in our lives. We do however think that chapter will be here at home, but we need time to process and plan what that might look like,” the statement reads. “We are going to take some time to figure out what The House of William

and Merry might look like in the future. This is not the end, it’s not a goodbye, it’s ‘until we see you again,’” the statement reads. A request for an interview by the Delaware Business Times was not immediately returned. A phone call to The House of William & Merry referred callers to the announcement on its website. Hoffman and Catanuto opened the restaurant in 2011 in a 19th century farmhouse with a wraparound porch. The couple and their family live in an apartment next door. Catanuto is a Newark native who was trained by the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in San Francisco. Hoffman moved to Bear as a teenager; his first job was bussing tables at McGlynns Pub and Restaurant. Hoffman was inspired by his Irish grandmother’s skill making home

After 15 years serving the community, House of William & Merry has closed, with the owners saying they're looking forward to the next chapter. | PHOTO COURTESY OF MATTHEW TABELING

cooked meals with fresh ingredients, especially for large groups as she raised 13 children. Cantanuto later encouraged Hoffman to attend a culinary arts program at the Art Institute of Philadelphia which, in turn, opened doors to work at highend Wilmington restaurants like Eclipse and the Green Room in the Hotel du Pont. When the House of William &

Merry opened, its specialty was elevated American cooking with a French flair, incorporating locally sourced ingredients from farms and adventurous and unexpected pairings. It was celebrated as a hidden gem in the Brandywine Valley by regional publications as a wellkept secret with a rotating menu and its cozy atmosphere with 60 seats and a inspired cocktail menu.

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HOSPITALITY & ENTERTAINMENT

TKo Hospitality expands coastal hotel portfolio By Jennifer Antonik REHOBOTH BEACH — TKo Hospitality is expanding its footprint across the Mid-Atlantic with three new boutique hotel properties and another branded hotel under development. The Delaware-based hospitality management company announced the addition of Ocean Glass Inn and The Waypoint in Rehoboth Beach, as well as The Allison, a 50-room luxury boutique hotel under development in Oceanport, N.J. TKo also plans to break ground on a Hyatt Studios extended-stay hotel in Bethlehem, Pa., further broadening its portfolio across boutique, luxury and branded hospitality segments. For TKo President Vince DiFonzo, the expansion reflects a deliberate approach to growth rather than an effort to simply add properties. “We've worked very hard and we're very strategic on who we manage hotels with,” DiFonzo told the Delaware Business Times. “We really do it through relationships. We take the time to work closely with them and spend a lot of time through the development phase.”

Founded in 2014, TKo is a regional hospitality management company that oversees hotels, restaurants, event venues and golf destinations throughout Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Its Delaware portfolio already includes Hyatt Place Dewey Beach,

Hyatt House Lewes/Rehoboth Beach, Coast Rehoboth Beach – Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Crosswinds Rehoboth, Surf Club Oceanfront Hotel, Lighthouse Cove Event Center and The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar. The addition of Ocean Glass Inn and The Waypoint further strengthens that presence. The Allison represents another step into the luxury boutique market. Scheduled to open in spring 2027, the hotel will anchor part of the Fort Monmouth redevelopment

The Ocean Glass Inn is now including in TKo Hospitality's portfolio. | PHOTO COURTESY OF TKO HOSPITALITY

Rehoboth boutique hotel bought for $4M By Jennifer Antonik REHOBOTH BEACH — The Beach Boutique Hotel just outside Rehoboth Beach has changed ownership in a $4 million transaction, according to Sussex County property records. The 60-room hotel at 19953 Shuttle Road sold June 16 for $4 million, with Brent West, Trustee of the R. Eugene Lankford Irrevocable Trust, identified as the buyer. The deal translates to $66,666 per room. The hotel is located along Route

82 DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES / AUGUST 4, 2026

1 north of downtown Rehoboth Beach and it features an outdoor pool and offers convenient access to the beach, shopping and other

BY THE NUMBERS

$4M

Beach Boutique Hotel purchase price

$66,666 Purchase cost per room

coastal attractions. The acquisition is tied to longtime Sussex County hotel developer Gene Lankford; he recently told the Cape Gazette that the purchase was driven by soaring construction costs that have made building a new hotel in downtown Rehoboth Beach significantly more expensive than acquiring and renovating an existing property. The decision marks a notable shift for Lankford who spent years pursuing approvals for the proposed Atlantic Crowne Hotel on Baltimore Avenue in downtown Rehoboth Beach. As previously reported by the Delaware Business Times, the boutique hotel project on Baltimore

project in Oceanport, a mixed-use district being transformed into a hub for business, entertainment and innovation. The project also repurposes an existing Fort Monmouth building, combining adaptive reuse with luxury accommodations. DiFonzo said TKo intentionally seeks owners whose philosophy matches its own. “We don't just manage any hotel for anybody,” he said. “We have to be aligned and have the same values and cultural aspirations as the owner. We have to run every hotel as if we owned it.” That philosophy, he said, has become a defining characteristic of the company's management style. “Our growth has always been intentional,” DiFonzo said in a prepared statement. “We believe success comes from building strong partnerships, remaining deeply involved in every asset we manage, and delivering tailored solutions that help each property reach its full potential.” While TKo continues to expand into neighboring states, DiFonzo said its headquarters and roots remain firmly planted in Delaware. “We're very entrenched in Delaware,” he said. “That's important to us and we give back a lot to Delaware.”

Avenue evolved over several years. Plans ultimately grew to include a four-story, 55-room hotel with a restaurant, bar, outdoor dining area and underground parking after multiple redesigns and regulatory reviews. The Rehoboth Beach Planning Commission approved the project in 2025. However, Lankford told the Cape Gazette that escalating construction costs ultimately changed the project. He estimated a new hotel in downtown Rehoboth Beach would cost roughly $400,000 per room to build, making the acquisition and renovation of an existing hotel a far more costeffective investment.

TOURISM

World Cup had some wins for Del. eateries By Jon Buzby Contributing Writer FIFA reported that over 290,000 stadium beers and 55,000 hot dogs were sold during six World Cup matches at Philadelphia Stadium. But did Delaware restaurants and bars experience the same “outpouring” of support during the 39 days of World Cup matches? It’s hard to gauge exact sales boosts across restaurants throughout the state tied to the games. But most agree it did bring customers in during nontraditional eating windows, according to Delaware Restaurant Association President and CEO Carrie Leishman. “It was additive, but not a windfall,” she told the Delaware Business Times. “Sometimes the positive impact can’t be felt in the numbers of people watching games … [but in] brought business to new locations that may not have seen it before.”

Brew Works North in Wilmington advertised that it would be open for every World Cup match and, according to Vice President of Creative and Brand Marketing John Fusco, attracted three to four times more patrons than normal during U.S. matches. “We had a full taproom for the Friday afternoon game (June 12 vs Paraguay) and the Monday night game (July 6 vs Belgium), which are normally both slower times for us,” Fusco said. Fusco stated that the boost in business continued after the United States was eliminated through the end of the tournament on July 19 with solid crowds during what is otherwise a slow week. “We wanted to get people in the door for the World Cup and show them this is a great night out,” he said. “I think everyone’s been pleasantly surprised at the support

Wilmington Brew Works, which is affiliated with the Philadelphia Union, continued to see a spike in business even after Team USA was eliminated from the World Cup. | PHOTO COURTESY OF WILMINGTON BREW WORKS

of bars and restaurants during the World Cup. I am hoping and believe we have converted some fans and that people who came out just to check the games out will come back.” Home Base Delaware, a sports bar and grill on Concord Pike in Wilmington, estimated a 70% increase in business from each U.S. game compared to the same days last year, according to owner Serge Zborovsky.

Kid Shelleen’s in Trolley Square is known for having a regular soccer crowd for Premiere League games and so it was no surprise that it was a popular spot to watch the World Cup. The restaurant started a loyalty program where guests earned $15 for every $100 spent, and chefs prepared a small bites menu at the bar during all games that highlighted regional cuisine from different nations.

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AUGUST 4, 2026 / DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES 9

XSPECIAL SECTION: SUSSEX COUNTY

BEYOND THE

Checkered Flag How Georgetown Speedway became a sports tourism engine for Sussex County

By Jennifer Antonik GEORGETOWN — While race cars drive the action on the track, Georgetown Speedway is helping steer something much bigger across Sussex County. More than 75 years after the Georgetown Speedway opened, dust and dirt is still kicked up as the roar of engines draws thousands of fans to the grandstands, leaving an impressive trail of tourism, business investment and economic activity. General Manager Chad Cathell, the company’s only full-time employee, says the business model itself has evolved with the times, now reaching up to nearly half a million views when nationally televised and attracting multi-year corporate sponsorships to support the sports tourism spot and local economic driver – all at a familyfriendly price point. “If you’re looking for some of the best family fun you can have at an affordable rate, it’s something you have to check out,” Cathell said. “We try to offer somewhere where you can come and you don’t feel like you’re spending your life savings every time.” While dirt track racing remains

the attraction, Cathell believes the business succeeds because it focuses on everything surrounding the race itself from customer experience and strategic growth.

More than a racetrack Local businessman and racing pioneer Melvin L. Joseph constructed the speedway in 1949. During its early years, the short track facility hosted NASCARsanctioned events while the track earned a reputation throughout the Mid-Atlantic as one of the area's premier dirt racing venues. Over the decades, however, the facility experienced challenges short tracks faced across the country, including changing entertainment habits, rising operating costs and periods of inactivity. The track changed hands in 2021 when Delmarva Motorsports Park LLC, led by Jim Parker and Melvin Joseph's grandson Ken Adams, acquired the property after operating it under a lease for several years. Georgetown Speedway has continued to attract people from around the area and beyond. Today,

102 DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES / AUGUST 4, 2026

Sports tourism via Georgetown Speedway has become an economic engine for Sussex County. | PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGETOWN SPEEDWAY

that tradition has become part of the state's broader sports tourism strategy. Sports tourism has since become one of Delaware’s fastest-growing economic sectors with the state investing millions of dollars to attract and expand destinations that draw visitors year-round, including recent funding for improvements at Georgetown Speedway. The business was among seven facilities selected earlier this year to receive funding through the Delaware Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund, a competitive grant program administered by the Delaware Tourism Office. The need included expanded grandstands with VIP areas, upgraded LED lighting, improved accessibility and other enhancements designed to elevate the fan experience while positioning the facility to host larger regional and national racing events. The Speedway was awarded $400,000 for the upgrades. Underground electrical services, upgraded roadways and expanded safety features were also included,

all things national touring leaders requested to help bring additional events to the business. According to Cathell, approximately 60% of the speedway’s in-person spectators are fulltime Delaware residents or local supporters, while roughly 40% are visitors, vacationers or seasonal residents to Sussex County. But racers from around the country also visit the site. Last season, approximately 71% of racers competing at Georgetown Speedway came from outside Delaware with participants traveling regularly from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland and Virginia. Race teams often also traveled with family members, mechanics and friends, creating demand for hotel rooms, restaurants, gas stations and other local businesses. Cathell estimates the facility attracts roughly 15,000 out-of-state visitors annually who spend an average of about $175 per day during their stay. Based on internal estimates

SECTION: SUSSEX COUNTY X XSPECIAL developed by the speedway, that translates into approximately $2.6 million in annual incremental tourism impact with projected economic activity reaching between $10 million and $13 million over five years. During an interview with the Delaware Business Times, Cathell noted those figures were developed using internal visitor and spending data. “I feel like Georgetown has a tremendous economic impact on our local economy,” he said. “We drive a lot of business up and down roads, a lot of tolls, a lot of gas, a lot of diesel. So, our economic impact is substantial here.”

Selling partnerships, not sponsorships For Cathell, perhaps the biggest shift in Georgetown Speedway’s business model has been changing how companies view involvement with the track. "If you’re not getting a return on your investment, then I’m not doing my job," Cathell said. "We look at it as a true partnership." That philosophy influences every conversation with prospective businesses. Rather than simply hanging a banner on a fence, Cathell works to integrate each company into the customer experience. The Restoration Group, for example, became the presenting sponsor of a racetrack “Recovery Bonus,” a direct tie to the company’s disaster restoration services. The $500 bonus is given to a driver who is seen as an overcomer by winning a race after being given the worst stating positions at the start of the race by random draw, also known as a pill draw. Royal Farms sponsors the "Restart Zone," linking the green flag restart to the convenience store’s fuel business. First State Flag sponsors the flag stand and Phil’s Electrical Service sponsors the green flag. Even the speedway’s hotel partnership becomes part of the experience. "Tru by Hilton is the official hotel partner here," Cathell explained. "It’s the Tru by Hilton checkered flag because once you take the checkered flag, you’ve got to go sleep somewhere." Those customized integrations help businesses connect their brands to memorable moments both on and off the screen, rather than traditional

advertising space. "It’s all about the ROI [return on investment]," he said. "We’re not just here with our hands out. If you give us $1,000, I’m going to hand you $10,000 back in business because I know next year you’re going to be more inclined to do more and spend more with us, which only helps the facility, which only helps the racers, which only helps us grow."

“It's all about the ROI. We're not just here with out hands out. If you give us $1,000, I'm going to hand you $10,000 back in business because I know next year you're going to be more inclined to do more. . .” CHAD CATHELL

General Manager, Georgetown Speedway

And in Cathell’s opinion, it’s working. He said Royal Farms, which has a new spot located about two miles from the entertainment venue, considered Georgetown Speedway one of its strongest marketing partnerships after its first season as a partner and recently expanded into a multi-year agreement. "Royal Farms said last year, hands down, out of all the partnerships that they do, this was their best investment," Cathell said. "They actually signed a multi-year deal with us because of that."

Family-owned furniture retailer Besche Furniture partnered with the speedway through the "Best Seat in the House" promotion before expanding its relationship into additional projects, including outfitting hospitality decks overlooking the track. Cathell credits much of that success to a mindset he developed while working at Dover Motor Speedway where presentation and consistency became central to his management philosophy. That uniformity extends to the Speedway’s online presence which includes locally streamed races on its own platform via subscriptions. Major events are carried on national streaming services including FloRacing and DirtVision, extending Georgetown’s reach well beyond Delaware’s borders. Livestreaming, he added, is no longer simply a convenience for fans unable to make the trip – it has become another stream of business for the speedway. “Not only are you getting eyeballs at the track and they’re hearing it through the PA, they’re also seeing it at home,” Cathell told DBT. Most weekly events generate between 100 and 150 individual livestream purchase which Cathell estimates translates into roughly 300 to 500 viewers once families and groups watching together are factored into the numbers. Viewers can purchase individual races or subscribe for the full season, creating a recurring revenue stream alongside ticket sales. National broadcasts then multiply that audience exponentially with

Crowds often fill both the stands at Georgetown Speedway and livestream views online. | PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGETOWN SPEEDWAY

marquee events regularly attracting 40,000 to 50,000 viewers and replay broadcasts pushing seasonal exposure to nearly half a million views. The speedway is now pursuing a premier 410 Sprint Car series which he believes could push viewership beyond 75,000 for a single event. The goal, according to Cathell, is to have fun and continue adding to local tourism numbers one race at a time. “We get people that come up every race and say, ‘I saw your race on FloRacing when Lucas was here and my family’s at the beach, so I rode over here to watch the races,’” Cathell said. Promotions like Royal Farms’ "Long Tow Award" have given the speedway an unusual way to track just how far spectators are traveling – a recent race showcased dual-winners with visitors from Germany and England who were in the area for the FIFA World Cup. “We’ve had Scotland this year. We’ve had Ireland this year. Louisiana. Texas. New York. It kind of gives us an eye on our demographics of where we’re bringing people from,” he said. “They might be here on vacation. They might just be snowbirds that are here during the summer.” While Georgetown Speedway hopes to continue bringing more economic value to the area, Cathell added that philanthropy also plays an important role. The speedway has hosted fundraisers benefiting the Georgetown Fire Department, Georgetown EMS, American Legion Post 8, Camp Barnes, Irreverent Warriors and numerous nonprofit organizations, including more than $100,000 for the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition. “More than our economic impact, the thing that we pride ourselves on is the philanthropic impact,” Cathell said. “If I’m not leaving a legacy or some kind of impact on our community, I don’t feel like we’ve really done what we’re supposed to here. . . We’re just a good old Sussex County family-owned business.” The impact is a lasting one for Sussex County and partners of the Speedway. “Georgetown Speedway is a valued tourism partner in Delaware and plays an important role in supporting both the state and local economy through sports tourism,” Delaware Tourism Office Director Jessica Welch told DBT in an email.

AUGUST 4, 2026 / DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES 11

XSPECIAL SECTION: SUSSEX COUNTY

Data analysis shows Sussex rentals dominate By Ken Mammarella Contributing Writer The beaches are a bustling rental market, and that market is getting more and more popular – and short term rentals are getting more bookings. Six different areas top lists compiled by hospitality data firms for the “best” Delaware markets for short-term rentals, and they’re mostly at the Delaware beaches. Major short-term rental data intelligence platform AirROI found that Rehoboth Beach area has the most active AirBnB listings at 947. The Dewey Beach area has most profitable listings, generating $4,168 per month in revenue, according to AirROI. The Fenwick Island area has the highest daily rate, at $546. AirROI is an artificial intelligence data analytics platform to offer market research to short term rental

owners and other businesses. The company claims it has 15 years of data for 20 million properties in 190 countries. In Delaware, AirROI divides Delaware into 22 markets. Coastal Sussex, with an economy famous for its summer tourism, dominates all four AirROI top areas lists. While Sussex County introduced an accommodation tax for hotels and “tourist homes” in unincorporated areas in 2019, many other towns have started to collect short-term rental taxes and fees as well. Those local taxes range from 5.5% in Lewes to 8% in Fenwick Island. All 15 of the top 15 areas listed for average monthly revenue according to AirROI data for are in Sussex, with rentals generating more than $3,000 a month in Rehoboth and Milton. All 15 of the top 15 areas for average daily rate are in Sussex. The average rate in the Dewey area, ranked No. 2, is $533. The average daily rate

tops $400 in the next communities listed: South Bethany, Bethany Beach, Bayville (roughly, the Inland Bays) and Rehoboth. Occupancy rates are charted for only 11 communities, with the lowest, Selbyville, at 30.8%. All are in coastal Sussex, except for Wilmington, Newark and Dover. The average rate in the Dewey area, ranked No. 2, is $533. The average daily rate tops $400 in the next communities listed: South Bethany, Bethany Beach, Bayville (roughly, the Inland Bays) and Rehoboth. Occupancy rates are charted for only 11 communities, with the lowest, Selbyville, at 30.8%. All are in coastal Sussex, except for Wilmington, Newark and Dover. According to short term rental data analytics platform AirDNA, the best place for generating revenue from a residence is not in southern Delaware, but in Newark. AirDNA, which was founded in 2015, tracks bookings across Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com for 12,000 markets. It also calculates a “market score” that includes investability rental

demand, revenue growth, seasonality and regulation. The higher the score, the better for investing, according to its website. As of July, Newark had the highest AirDNA market score. In a post,

BY THE NUMBERS

$4,168

Dewey Beach AirBnB monthly revenue, per AirROI

$546

Fenwick Island AirBnB daily rate the firm cited seasonality — “the percentage gap between the lowest and highest monthly average revenue over the past year” — as a strength, helped by steady demand during the University of Delaware’s academic year. Its weakest factor was investability, defined as “local home prices relative to what short-term rentals in the area earn.” That said, click on the average revenue link, and the number soars to $30,800, when expanding to greater Philadelphia.

The Mill opens in Seaford shopping center By Jennifer Antonik SEAFORD — A shopping center once symbolic of Seaford's economic heyday and subsequent decline is beginning a new chapter as The Mill opens its third coworking space in Delaware. The Mill founder Rob Herrera officially opened the coworking and business incubator in Seaford in what once was a local supermarket. “My whole career has been about taking something kind of dilapidated, underutilized [and] reinvigorating it in an exciting way. . . it's transformative,” Hererra said during the event. The Mill is the latest milestone in the $60 million redevelopment of the former Nylon Capital Shopping Center, now named simply – Nylon Capital Center. Herrera bought the 280,000 square-foot shopping

122 DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES / AUGUST 4, 2026

center in 2022 after eyeing it for a while. At the time, the shopping center was estimated to be 15% oc-cupied. The campus will also include Delaware Technical Community College's workforce training center, Tid-alHealth, Community Bank Delaware, BrightBloom Centers and Vanderwende's Farm Creamery with ad-ditional commercial and retail tenants expected as redevelopment continues. Hererra’s coworking space is another new element taking shape in the center. The Mill traces its roots to Wilmington where it opened in 2016 after DuPont's corporate restructuring left significant office vacancies and highlighted the need for new economic drivers. It has since grown into a community of more than 400

Rob Hererra talks of bringing coworking space to Seaford and Sussex County.| DBT PHOTO BY JENNIFER ANTONIK

professionals, a model Herrera hopes to replicate in Seaford. The company also opened a second location in Concord in 2016. The Seaford location offers a mix of flexible workspaces designed for entrepreneurs, remote workers and growing businesses. The facility includes private furnished offices, dedicated desks, reservable hot desks, shared conference rooms and Zoom rooms, along with a podcasting suite equipped for content creation.

A large common area and caféstyle workspace serves as the hub for members, while an event space and pantry are designed to host networking events, chamber gatherings and other business functions. Members also have access to high-speed fiber internet, mail services, lockers, outdoor Wi-Fi-enabled courtyards and collaborative spaces intended to encourage connections among tenants and the broader business community.

THE LIST

SUSSEX COUNTY EMPLOYERS Ranked by number of Sussex County Employees RANK

COMPANY

CONTACT

# SUSSEX COUNTY EMPLOYEES

# DELAWARE EMPLOYEES

SENIOR EXECUTIVE(S)

FOUNDED

Mountaire 934-1100 29292 John J. Williams Highway (302) mountaire.com Millsboro, Del. 19966

4,691

4,702

Amanda Irwin (President & CEO)

1914

Perdue Farms 255 N. Rehoboth Blvd. Milford, Del. 19963

2,835

Kevin Adams (CEO)

1920

Beebe Healthcare 424 Savannah Road Lewes, Del. 19958

(302) 424-2600 perduefarms.com

(302) 645-3300 beebehealthcare.org

2,800

Dr. David Tam (President & CEO)

1916

AT THE TOP

AMANDA IRWIN President & CEO Mountaire Alma Mater: Wilmington University & Clemson University Since 2025

277,140 Sussex County population as

TidalHealth Nanticoke 801 Middleford Road Seaford, Del. 19973

(302) 629-6611 mytidalhealth.org

1,600

Penny Short (President)

1945

SoDel Concepts 220 Rehoboth Ave. Rehoboth Beach, Del. 19971

sodelconcepts.com

1,500

Scott Kammerer (President)

2004

of July 2025, per U.S. Census.

$81,497 Sussex County median household income from 2020-2024, per U.S. Census.

Indian River School District 31 Hosier St. Selbyville, Del. 19975

(302) 436-1000 irsd.net

1,487

Jay Owens (Superintendent)

1969

4.7% Sussex County unemployment

Cape Henlopen School District 1270 Kings Highway Lewes, Del.19958

(302) 645-6686 capehenlopenschools.com

1,308

Grotto Pizza 20376 Coastal Highway Rehoboth Beach, Del. 19971

(302) 227-3567 grottopizza.com

641

1,049

Jeffrey Gosnear (President & Owner) Adam Webster (Vice President & Owner)

Sussex County 2 The Circle Georgetown, Del. 19947

(302) 855-7700 sussexcountyde.gov

540

Todd Lawson (Administrator)

Milford School District 906 Lakeview Ave. Milford, Del.19963

(302) 422-1600 milfordschooldistrict.org

455

Travis Moorman (Superintendent)

1899

Woodbridge School District 16359 Sussex Highway Bridgeville, Del. 19933

(302) 337-7990 wsd.k12.de.us

360

Kevin Long (Superintendent)

1967

1,308

Jennifer Nauman (Superintendent)

1969

rate as of June 2026, per Delaware Department of Labor.

1960

Our upcoming lists include: Colleges and Universities (8/18)

Merck Animal Health 29160 Intervet Lane Millsboro, Del. 19966

(302) 934-8051 merck-animal-health.com

300

Richard DeLuca, Jr. (President)

1940

Wealth Managers, Financial Advisors (9/1) Professional Services (9/15)

Source: Information for Delaware Business Times' lists are either generated through public sources or supplied by individual organizations through questionnaires. We assume that informatio provided by company representatives is accurate and truthful.

TBD (10/6) If your organization should be on one or more of these lists email swade@delawarebusinesstimes.com

AUGUST 4, 2026 / DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES 13

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The Wilmington Blue Rocks have been acquired by OnDeck Partners, a minor-league baseball ownership group backed by investor Marc Lasry. The deal was announced on July 21 after OnDeck Partners CEO Mike Carney confirmed the news to the Sports Business Journal. The deal reportedly came together after months of discussions with the previous owner, Blue Rocks owner Dave Heller. OnDeck Partners is a $1 billion fund of Avenue Sports Fund which launched in 2023 to acquire and invest in established leagues, women's sports and emerging leagues. In a press release, Carney framed the deal as a commitment to one of Delaware’s top institutions. The Wilmington Blue Rocks play out of the Frawley Stadium have been one of the most consistent draws to the riverfront since they began to play there in the early 1990s.

Draper Media seeks to expand Delaware footprint with acquisition

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The Wilmington Blue Rocks have been acquired by OnDeck Partners, a minor-league baseball ownership group backed by billionaire investor Marc Lasry. | PHOTO COURTESY OF WILMINGTON BLUE ROCKS

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Draper Media is looking to grow again through a $2.5 million deal for five southern Delaware radio stations just one year after significantly expanding its broadcast footprint. The Delaware-based broadcaster has reached an agreement to acquire the additional radio stations from Forever Media. The transaction remains subject to approval by the Federal Communications Commission. The proposed acquisition includes Eagle 97.7 (WAFL), 101.3 The Chicken (WCHK-FM), Delaware 105.9 (WXDE), Cool 102.1 (WNCL/W271CX) and 97.1 The Wave (WAVD).

The study will map Delaware’s existing AI training and workforce development programs, employer demand and the gaps in between. | PHOTO COURTESY OF PEXELS

Tech Council of Delaware to study artificial intelligence skill in workforce The emerging trade association for Delaware’s technology workforce is studying the state’s artificial intelligence workforce with a grant from Barclays U.S Consumer Bank to fund its work. The Tech Council of Delaware has received $100,000 from Barclays to hire a consultant to research and compile a report on Delaware’s artificial intelligence upskilling and training landscape. The study will map Delaware’s existing artificial intelligence training and workforce development programs, employer demand and the gaps in between. “Right now, Delaware is No. 2 in AI job demand in the country, and arguably Washington D.C. is No. 1. The demand is real,” Tech Council of Delaware CEO Joshua Berkow said. “We need to make sure we have the right training programs and the right workforce programs in place to actually prepare Delawareans for these roles.”

Delaware State Chamber seeks next president The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce (DSCC) is seeking its next president following President Michael J. Quaranta’s upcoming retirement at the end of the year. “Serving as President of the Delaware State Chamber since 2018 has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” Quaranta said. “I am incredibly proud of everything we’ve accomplished on behalf of Delaware’s business community.” The DSCC president leads one of the oldest continuously operating state chambers in the United States and the largest and most influential business advocacy organization in Delaware, serving as the voice of the state’s business community and helping shape the future of Delaware’s economy.

BUSINESS LEADS Source: Local Recorders of Deeds

NEW CASTLE CO.

Caleb Holdings to Schell Brothers; 20446 Honeysuckle Drive, Lincoln 19960; $3,578,577

Par 1, Inc. to NVR, Inc.; 1174 Spyglass Hill Way, Wilmington 19808; $4,180,000

William Sheleheda to Brian & Nicole Hodges; 40209 Maryland Ave., Fenwick Island 19944; $3,000,000

South Harbor Partners to FSW 801 Garasches; 801 Garasches Lane, Wilmington 19801; $3,950,000

Schell Brothers to Matthew & Deanne Yetman; 30747 Keepers Walk, Selbyville 19975; $2,758,804

AG EHC II (Len) Multi State 3 to U.S. Home; 2847 Armoury Lane, Middletown 19709; $1,548,300

Steven & Cheryl Spieker to Kristin Landis & Stephen Kaminski; 324 Sandpiper Drive, Bethany Beach 19930; $2,450,000

William & Priscilla Markwood to Julia & Jason Woertink; 202 N Spring Valley Road, Wilmington 19807; $1,160,000 Par 1, Inc. to NVR, Inc.; 1036 Shinnecock Drive, Wilmington 19808; $1,148,000 Richard & Monica Watson to Wilmington Trust Company; 502 Starboard Lane, Middletown 19709; $1,088,000 TPG AG EHC III (Len) Multi State 4 to U.S. Home; 572 Arrowgrass Lane, New Castle 19720; $1,039,750 Ricardo Chestnut to John & Laurette Abdelmalak; 1420 Olmsted Drive, Bear 19701; $925,000 Joel Bricker to Prakash & Kristin Bhavnani; 15 Ravine Road, Wilmington 19810; $875,000

NVR, Inc. to Donald Fulton & Marlene Zeleny; 828 Prairie Dunes Drive, Wilmington 19808; $788,125 KENT CO. Frank Chick, Jr. to Alleyway Assets; 238 Grey Fox Lane, Dover 19904; $1,000,000 Insight Building Co. to Colette Allen; 29 Levee Court, Frederica 19946; $702,446 Red Knot Farms to Forestar (USA) Real Estate Group; 1656 Peachtree Run, Magnolia 19962; $694,624

Patrick Jacobsen to Jeffrey Ianniello & Julie Posner; 29230 Marshy Hope Way, Ocean View 19970; $2,300,000 Stephen & Lorraine Foster to Thomas & Lisa Shelton; 32414 S Magnolia Crossing, Selbyville 19975; $1,985,000 Amy Landucci to Allimere Beach; 40107 E Oceanside Drive, Fenwick Island 19944; $1,850,000 SG Dewey to GB Jacobs Properties; 1601 Coastal Highway, Dewey Beach 19971; $1,789,000 EVG - Admiral Ventures to Boarman Property Investment; 37828 Cedar Road, Selbyville 19975; $1,699,900 Tammy Chincheck to K. Tyler O'Connell & Alyssa Schwartz; 118 Jefferson Ave., Lewes 19958; $1,600,000 William Barry to EVG - County Ventures; 322 Munson St., Rehoboth Beach 19971; $1,550,000 Schell Brothers to Peter Jr. & Beatrice Polo; 31442 Andros St., Lewes 19958; $1,537,334

Philanthropy

2026

Mary Gibson to Jacqueline D'Albora; 306 W 8th St., Bethany Beach 19930; $1,450,000

Delaware Business Times is proud to publish its annual Giving Guide, a comprehensive resource highlighting philanthropic opportunities across the region. The guide helps Delaware nonprofits raise awareness, strengthen community connections, and reach influential business leaders who are passionate about making a difference. Each profile features the organization’s mission, community impact, volunteer and giving opportunities, key statistics, and leadership team.

Mary-Anne O'Donnell to 97 Central Blvd. E BBDE; 97 Central Blvd., Bethany Beach 19930; $1,427,111

Publish date: Nov 3 Space Reservation Deadline: Sept 21 Ads due: Sept 28

Schell Brothers to Robert & Milissa Conn; 30555 Lightkeepers Way, Selbyville 19975; $1,534,438 SB Black Oak to Scott & Elizabeth Buescher; 14186 Black Oak Drive, Lewes 19958; $1,490,762

SUSSEX CO.

Marie Iannotta to GaryTraynor & Kathleen Andrus; 6 Comfort Court, Rehoboth Beach 19971; $1,425,000

Truitt Senior Living to 36233 Farm LN Propco; 36233 Farm Lane, Rehoboth Beach 19971; $30,962,000

Anthony & Pamela Pratt to Martha Good; 16939 Ketch Court, Lewes 19958; $1,400,000

Witsil Mulberry Associates & Taormina to Windcrest Ventures; 19393 John J Williams Highway, Lewes 19958; $6,800,000

SB Black Oak to John & Jeanne Orefice; 14181 Black Oak Drive, Lewes 19958; $1,353,340

19 Palmer Avenue to Palmer Sundays; 19 Palmer Ave., Rehoboth Beach 19971; $3,900,000

FACES OF

K. Hovnanian at Pleasanton to Letitia Robinson; 920 Skimmer St., Middletown 19709; $799,990

DON’T MISS OUT ON THE CHANCE TO SHARE YOUR MISSION WITH READERS IN PRINT ONLINE, AND AT EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Paul & Beth Truax to Brianna Rafetto; 104 Somerset Road, Wilmington 19803; $825,000

working together!

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Nonprofits and For Profits

David Schnepp & David Rudy to Woodrow II & Kelly Birckhead; 109 Read Ave., Dewey Beach 19971; $1,350,000

Amplify a Giving Guide ad with Faces of Philanthropy Ask your Account Executive for more information. Corporate sponsorship opportunities also available.

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AUGUST 4, 2026 / DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES 15

REACH THE COMPANIES BUILDING DELAWARE

Whether you provide equipment, materials, professional services, technology, insurance, banking, or workforce solutions, the Delaware Contractors Association publication connects your business with the construction professionals who keep Delaware growing. DCA will recognize the 2026 winners of the Construction Excellence Awards, in a full-color glossy publication created by Delaware Business Times in partnership with DCA.

PLACE AN AD TO

• Keep your brand top-of-mind with industry professionals • Congratulate this year’s winners • Reach the businesses building Delaware • Reach attendees at DCA’s 56th Annual Meeting in October • Reach more than 90,000 readers in the Delaware Business Times November 17 edition, and online at DelawareBusinessTimes.com Don’t miss the opportunity to strengthen your brand with one of Delaware’s most influential industry audiences.

BIZPEOPLE BizPeople highlights Delaware’s business movers and influencers. Showcase your people, build employee morale, and show the Delaware business community why they should do business with you.

Brown Advisory Welcomes Joyce Li as Partner and Portfolio Manager in Delaware Office Brown Advisory announced that Joyce Li, CFA, has joined the firm Joyce Li, as a partner and Partner portfolio manager & Portfolio Manager, in its Delaware Brown Advisory office. Joyce brings more than 20 years of investment management experience serving institutions, wealth advisors and private clients. Before joining Brown Advisory, she was CEO of Averanda Partners, advising finance leaders and boards on artificial intelligence adoption and governance. She previously served as lead portfolio manager at Matthews International Capital Management, where she coled multi-billion-dollar international equity strategies. “Joyce’s combination of investment expertise, client focus and forwardlooking perspective makes her an outstanding addition to Brown Advisory,” said Lizzie Vannote, strategic advisor and head of the Delaware office.

Joyce has held leadership roles with CFA Society San Francisco and CFA Society Philadelphia and currently serves on nonprofit and advisory boards and investment committees. She earned an M.B.A. from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Virginia. “I am excited to join Brown Advisory’s Delaware office and become part of a firm with such a strong culture and commitment to clients,” said Joyce. “I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to help clients achieve their investment objectives while continuing to innovate thoughtfully in an evolving industry.”

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✓ Published on our website ✓ Featured on our website home page ✓ Featured in the DBT email newsletter ✓ Include a photo with your submission ✓ Clickable link to your website ✓ 1500 characters for the description ✓ Company logo on your listing ✓ Company email on your listing ✓ Company phone on your listing ✓ Included in the next print edition

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162 DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES / AUGUST 4, 2026

SUBMIT A

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A cost-effective way to promote your people to DBT readers online only. 10-pack available for $1,755. (please call: 302.656.1837) ✓ Published on our website ✓ Featured on our website home page ✓ Featured in the DBT email newsletter ✓ Include a photo with your submission ✓ Clickable link to your website ✓ 500 characters for the description

BUSINESS CALENDAR Unless otherwise noted, webinar access details (including dial-in information) will be e-mailed to registrants. Dates and times subject to change.

AUGUST 5 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Shining Light Awards The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition will host the 2026 Shining Light Awards to celebrate the exceptional individuals and organizations whose innovation, advocacy, and generosity advance the fight against breast cancer across the Greater Delaware region. For more information, visit web.dscc.com/atlas/events.

AUGUST 6 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Best of Delaware The Best of Delaware Party is a lively event that celebrates excellence and supports worthy local causes. This highly anticipated party of the summer features winners from our annual readers’ poll, who use the night to showcase why they earned their Best of Delaware titles. For more information, visit delawaretoday.com/events/best.

SEPTEMBER 12 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Fest The Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Fest is hosted annually the Saturday after Labor Day where more than 100 juried artists – both local and from around the country – display their works of are in downtown Bethany Beach, where the beach is the backdrop. For more information, visit bethanybeachartsfestival.com.

SEPTEMBER 17 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM DBT 40 Under 40 DBT40 Awards —a celebration of the region’s most dynamic young professionals under 40 who are driving impact through intelligence, initiative, and innovation. The special celebratory event honors the DBT40 Class, composed of rising stars making their mark in business and the community. For more information, visit delawarebusinesstimes.com/ events/dbt40.

OCTOBER 8 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM Developing Delaware: Conversation, Collaboration, Innovation Join business leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders for a data-driven discussion on Delaware's competitive position. Explore key issues impacting the future—including energy reliability, availability, and affordability; housing; and fiscal stability—while examining opportunities to strengthen our state's economic outlook. For more information, visit web.dscc.com/atlas/events.

NOVEMBER 12 Partners in Philanthropy Delaware Business Times will spotlight up to 10 standout philanthropic champions—often partnerships between for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations—that are making a meaningful difference in our Data Quality Lead Analyst for Citibank, N.A. in Wilmington, DE, to support activities to drive Data Quality measurement, produce Data Quality dashboards & reports, & implement Data Quality strategies to effectively govern data & improve Data Quality. Telecommuting/hybrid work schedule permitted w/i commutable distance from worksite in accordance w/ Citi policies & protocols. REQ’MTS: Bachelor’s or foreign equiv in Banking, Fin’c, CS, Info Sys’s or rel field, & 6 yrs’ exp in job offered or rel IT occupation using dbase mgmt & data quality sys’s 6 yrs’ exp must incl: Identifying & documenting current-state sys lineage & metadata by leveraging data mgmt tools; Conveying complex data concepts, policies, & findings to both technl & non-technl stakeholders across all organizational levels In alternative, Emp will accept Master’s, or foreign equiv & 4 yrs’ exp. Emp will accept pre or post Master’s exp. Sal Range: $140,150-$145,800/yr. Citi offerings may incl discretionary incentive & retention awards for elig employees. Citi also offers competitive bnfts. See citibenefits.com. Applicants submit resumes at https://jobs.citi.com/. Ref Job ID #26978048. EOE.

community. Partners in Philanthropy honors these collaborations: the businesses that choose to invest – the nonprofits delivering meaningful change on the ground, and the shared commitment that turns generosity into measurable results. The application deadline is August 14. For more information, visit delawarebusinesstimes.com/partnersphilanthropy.

DECEMBER 3 & 9 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Women of Influence

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