Delaware Business May/June 2012

DELAWARE

Business

Plus: • Guide to Legal Services • A Breakthrough in Delaware Health Care

May/June 2012 $3.00

Superstars in Education

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Super School Super School Programs Take Top Honors

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A Publication of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

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Let’s celebrate By partnering for the common good we can achieve uncommon results. We proudly sponsor Superstars in Education. Congratulations to all the winners.

chase.com

Š 2012 JPMorgan Chase & Co.

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The kids of Richardson Park Learning Center in Wilmington are among the 2012 Superstars in Education. Photo by tom NuttER.

Departments President’s Message .............................. 2 Made in Delaware Legislative Priority .................................. 3 The importance of school board elections Member News and Notes ...................... 5 Young, Conaway, Stargatt & Taylor change addresses, UD Career Services helps grads land jobs, the DSCC hands out iPads, Aloysius Butler & Clark speak the language of health care, Exceptional Care expands its horizons, and Sen. Tom Carper creates jobs Q&A: Widener’s Dean Linda L. Ammons Nonprofit Spotlight: Girls Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay

In this Issue Features

SuperStarS in education 2012 ......................................................................... 24 Meet the seven educational programs that earned the right to call themselves 2012 superstars.

WellneSS and HealtH ......................................................................................... 53

Business Spotlight: Wilmington University Welcome New Members ...................... 16 Chamber Scene ..................................... 18 Newsbites ............................................... 69 Calendar ................................................. 71 Affiliates Update .................................... 72

The Delaware Health Information Network will change the way doctors deliver care. Read about the inception of this technological breakthrough.

Manufacturing........................................ 75

BY LARRY NAGENGAST (PhoTo BY FiNAL FoCuS PhoToGRAPhY,

Chamber Committees .......................... 78

iLLuSTRATioN BY CoLEEN hEAvER)

legal ServiceS ..................................................................................................... 59 The 53 attorneys you need to know.

BY KELLY WETZEL

On The Cover

Our 2012 Superstars in Education include the stars of Richardson Park Learning Center in Wilmington.

Photo by Tom Nutter. T-shirts provided by Initially Yours, Inc. Delaware Business

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Chamber Member Benefits ................. 79 For Assistance, Contact the Chamber .......................................... 80

Volume 17, 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 I couldn’t help but feel a swelling of pride when I saw the signs at our 2012 Spring Manufacturing Conference in Dover. Made in Delaware.

The signs helped decorate the more than forty tabletop displays that lined the walls of Sheraton Dover Hotel that James A. Wolfe morning, showing off great Delawaremade products as far-ranging as industrial steel and high-tech polymers to pale ale and Jell-O. This day was a true celebration of all things Delaware-made.

We were honored to have AstraZeneca’s Mike Crawford, chairman of the Delaware Manufacturing Association, greet the morning crowd. The DMA, as I hope you know, is all about enhancing the competitiveness of Delaware manufacturers through government regulation, trade and tax policy.

And in that spirit, Mike introduced our keynote speaker, Ned Monroe, the senior vice president of external relations for the National Association of Manufacturers.

Monroe provided us a glimpse into the 2012 national election picture. The race for the White House, he said, along with tight margins in the House and Senate, could have a big impact on the national manufacturing scene. He then blazed through several issues that could have major implications for manufacturers, including conflict minerals, and the Keystone Pipeline.

With politics so closely tied to manufacturing, Monroe closed his rousing talk with a plea to get involved with local government, particularly in an election year (and particularly in a state as small as Delaware), as face-to-face interactions with elected officials and candidates can spur change.

The Chamber, along with the DMA, and the Delaware Public Policy Institute have spent the last few years focusing on energy cost, taxation, environmental regulation, infrastructure and land use, and workforce development. And together, we’ve scored many successes, including the successful reduction in the public utility tax for manufacturers.

The celebration continues on page 22 with the revamped 2012 Superstars in Education. Be sure to join us on Monday, May 7 at the Chase Center on the Riverfront for the Superstars in Education Recognition Dinner.

This July will mark the 175-year anniversary of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. We were founding members of the United States Chamber (which, coincidently, celebrates its centennial this year), and we’ve been working for 175 years to better the business community right here in the First State.

Here’s to 175 more years.

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DELAWARE

Business Editorial Staff William R. Allan Chairman

James A.Wolfe President/CEO

Matt Amis Managing Editor

ExEcutivE committEE CHAIRMAN

William R. Allan William Allan & Assoc., LLC IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN

Thomas J. Cooper Cooper Realty Associates CHAIR ELECT

Hinton Lucas DuPont VICE CHAIR

Mark Stellini Virtual Resources

Sylvia Banks DuPont

Chip Rossi Bank of America

Ernie Dianastasis CAI

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

Donald T. Fulton George J. Weiner Associates

Dennis M. Salter Summit Realty Advisors, Inc.

Pierre du Pont Hayward University of Delaware

Fred C. Sears, II Delaware Community Foundation

Alan Levin Delaware Economic Development Office

Mark Turner WSFS Bank Michael S. Uffner AutoTeam Delaware

William E. Manning Saul Ewing LLP

TREASURER

Barry Crozier Belfint, Lyons & Shuman

Richelle Vible Catholic Charities of Delaware

Board of dirEctorS Linda Ammons Widener University School of Law

Tyrone Jones AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP

Chad Moore The Bellmoor

Julian H. Booker Delmarva Broadcasting Company

Chris Kenny ShopRites of Delaware

Bret Morris A.R. Morris Jewelers

David B. Brown Potter Anderson & Corroon, LLP

Bernhard Koch AAA Mid-Atlantic

Theodore J. Prushinski Citizens Bank

I.G. Burton i.g. Burton & Co., Inc.

Richard H. LaPenta Insurance & Financial Services, Ltd.

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

Timothy J. Constantine Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware

Robert J. Laskowski M.D. Christiana Care Health Systems

Charlie Copeland Associates International, Inc.

Renee Lewandowski Agilent Technologies

John S. Riley Ashland, Inc.

E. Andrew DiSabatino EDiS Company

Michael MacFarland TD Bank

Orlando J. George, Jr. Delaware Technical & Community College

Cathy MacFarlane ING DIRECT

W. Laird Stabler, III Laird Stabler & Associates, LLC Gary R. Stockbridge Delmarva Power Clinton Walker Barclaycard US

Martha S. Gilman Gilman Development Company

Scott Malfitano CSC - Corporation Service Company

Robert V.A. Harra, Jr. Wilmington Trust Company

Nicholas Marsini PNC Bank, Delaware

Robert W. Whetzel Richards, Layton & Finger

John E. Healy III Healy Long & Jevin, Inc.

John McCarthy AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP

Katie Wilkinson Fulton Bank

William S. Wallace JPMorgan Chase

Harry L. Williams Delaware State University

Michael Houghton Paul M. McConnell Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell, LLP McConnell Development, Inc.

Staff James A.Wolfe President/CEO Marianne K. Antonini Senior Vice President A. Richard Heffron Senior Vice President Janine G. Sorbello Senior Vice President & Executive Director, The Partnership John H. Taylor, Jr. Senior Vice President & Executive Director, DPPI

Matt Amis Communications Manager Cheryl Corn Executive Assistant to the President Senior Vice President Communications Denee Crumrine Program & Communications Specialist Manager, Small Business Alliance Katie Dunn Communications & Events Associate Linda D. Eriksen Accounting Associate

Greg Gross Director of Government Relations Chuck James Account Executive Lisa Prickril Events Manager Arlene Simon Account Executive Bill Stephano Director of Membership Patrina Wallace Information Administrator

advErtiSiNG SalES / miller Publishing, inc.

Fred Miller President

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

The mission of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce is to promote an economic climate that strengthens the competitiveness of Delaware businesses and benefits citizens of the state. The Chamber will provide services members want; it will serve and be recognized as the primary resource on matters affecting companies of all sizes; and it will be the leading advocate for business with government in Delaware.

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Photo by Dick Dubroff/final focus

LegisLative Priority

School board Elections: Where the action Is

By Rich heffRon

School boardS act as the board of directors for a school district. They approve budgets, address fiscal policy, establish curriculum and even hear appeals for employee and student disciplinary rulings. Despite their importance to the local community, school board elections rarely draw more than a few thousand voters, generally less than 5 percent of the eligible population.

So the question is, why do so few people vote in school board elections?

There are several answers. School board elections are usually held in the spring—far away from primaries and general elections—so the general public has limited interest. People who do not have school age children or have children in parochial or private school don’t see the need to participate. The elections are held on a weekday with limited time to vote and polling places are only located in schools, so people who already have a lot on their plates don’t have an opportunity to cast a ballot.

These are all valid excuses, but it does not negate the fact that the people who serve on these boards oversee our public educational system and carve an important pathway to a healthy and prosperous society. Most importantly, they play an important role in determining our children’s future.

School board members are volunteers; they donate their time to serve the citizens who live in the district and the children who attend the schools. In order to have the honor of serving, they need to be elected.

And these elections are becoming more costly, a trend that is becoming Delaware Business

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common for almost all elective positions. In recent years, special interest groups have recognized the opportunity to the influence the outcome of these elections through the infusion of money, manpower and media. This is why the business community must play a role in school board elections.

If Vision 2015, Race to The Top and STEM are to be successful, then it is important that dedicated citizens, ones who understand the goals of these programs and how they can be successfully implemented, run for election to their local school board.

For this to happen, the leaders of our business community need to identify good candidates, recruit them to run, and assist them with their campaigns. Furthermore, they must instill in their employees the importance of school board elections, encourage them to participate in campaigns, and vote. Once the election is decided and the board is in place, business leaders should participate by talking to their board members and attending board meeting.

The improvements we’ve already seen in our schools did not come easily. Creating a world-class public education system in Delaware will be even more onerous. The bottom line is that school boards are where the action is when setting overall school policy. People who are willing to volunteer their time for the benefit of our public education system are out there, but they must be encouraged to participate and their efforts need our support.

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Member

news&Notes Occupation Station

UD CareerS ServiCeS COnneCtS graDS tO jObS In today’s difficult job market, college graduates face unique challenges in their quest to find that first career opportunity. The University of Delaware’s Career Services strives to take some of the burden off students by helping them to navigate topics such as career choice, resume writing, social media reputation and networking. Career

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By Stephanie Fitzpatrick

counseling, a variety of workshops, and numerous job fairs throughout the year help bridge the gap.

Innovation and local partnerships help Careers Services achieve its goal of providing high quality, comprehensive career assistance. Specifically, partnerships with companies such as the Delaware BioScience Association, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, Aberdeen Proving Ground, and JP Morgan Chase have been critical in helping students land jobs, according to UD Career Services Director Matthew Brink.

“Last year’s partnership with JP Morgan Chase alone yielded over 80 internships and jobs for UD students and graduates,” he says.

Another engineering and science based job fair, planned in conjunction with the Delaware BioScience Association,

attracted over 1,110 attendees, many of whom found jobs and internships as a result.

“This is one of the reasons why we are so excited about our partnership with the Chamber,” Brink says. “We have a team whose daily focus is connecting with Delaware based employers who have openings, who will ultimately help students get that first break.”

Students can drop in from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. every weekday, or schedule an appointment to have their resume reviewed. In addition, UD Career Services recently launched a plan to encourage students to incorporate social media into their job search.

“We advise students to establish a LinkedIn profile and then use it to target places to work, or find other UD alumni working in their field,” Brink says.

“We also advise students to approach Facebook [and other social media outlets] as a place to present positive information to employers.”

To learn more about the UD Career Services Center, their services, and their upcoming events visit www.udel.edu/CSC.

Photo Coleen heaver

“We have a team whose daily focus is connecting with Delaware-based employers who have openings, who will ultimately help students get that first break.”

— Matthew Brink, UD Career Services Director

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Member

news&Notes raising the bar Young conaWaY Stargatt & taYlor move into gorgeouS neW digS BY MATT AMiS The building seemed too beautiful, too stately, to be unoccupied.

The old Wilmington Courthouse— all 233,880 square feet—visible from Rodney Square on 1000 N. King Street had sat empty for the past nine years.

But the Rodney Square fixture has a new tenant: Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP, one of Delaware’s oldest and largest law firms.

The firm’s extensive renovations, executed by Pettinaro, have revitalized this landmark into a state-of-the-art, yet historically relevant headquarters.

“There’s been quite a bit of buzz,” says Paul Webb, YCS&T’s director of marketing.

And rightfully so. The renovated space features a modern two-story conference center, a separate, private strategy suite (that comprises multiple offices, a conference room, and other amenities) just for visiting counsel, a four-story grand lobby, conference centers and a mock courtroom, an 11,360-square-foot outdoor plaza and garden with dining and reception areas, and much more.

Pettinaro Construction Co., Inc., a Delaware-based construction, development and property management company, contracted to lease the space to the firm in 2009. Francis Cauffman, a Philadelphiabased architectural and interior design firm, completed the renovations.

“We are raising the bar on client service by providing an exclusive space for our out-of-state co-counsel, who make up a significant portion of our client base,” said firm chairman James L.

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The renovated King Street courthouse now includes a two-story conference center, an 11,360-square-foot plaza, and more for Young, Conaway, Stargatt & Taylor and its visitors.

Photos by coLEEN hEAvER

Patton, Jr. in a statement. “This move, while providing a cutting-edge work environment for our personnel, also breaks new ground in how law firms provide legal services in Delaware—a legal home to more than 850,000 business entities.”

The courthouse was built in 1916 in the Beaux-Arts architectural style and boasts massive fluted columns, a granite façade and impeccably preserved grand staircases beneath two symmetrical rotundas at either end of the building. YCS&T senior partner Richard A. Levine oversaw the safeguarding of the building’s historic elements—where the old courthouse utilized traditional brass and dark mahogany, the new space is awash in nickel, glass, stainless steel and Avodire wood, a medium-toned African cedar. Several elements, including the eye-catching brass staircase railings, were kept.

Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor also has offices in Georgetown and Middletown, Delaware, and in New York City. For more, visit www.young conaway.com.

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Member

news&Notes ipad giveaway

BY KATiE DuNN

The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce now offers its members a new, competitive health care plan in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware. To kick off the new plan, Bill Stephano, DSCC’s director of membership, organized an incentive program to member insurance brokers.

The broker who obtained the most quotes for DSCC’s health plan would receive a new iPad 2. Wilmington’s KT&D was January’s winner. Stephano, along with DSCC account executives Chuck James and Arlene Simon, presented the iPad to Scott Yerkes and Kelly McGovern, partners at KT&D. Each month brings a new winner, and the giveaways end in August.

For more details about the BCBS health care plan, please contact Bill Stephano at (302) 576-6574 or bstephano@dscc.com, or visit www.dscc.com.

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KT&D were the first recipients of the DSCC iPad giveaway. Photo by kAtiE DuNN

exceptional care for More children

BY KATiE DuNN

Exceptional Care for Children unveiled its third floor in February.

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More than one hundred supporters toured a new addition of a third patient floor at Exceptional Care for Children in Newark this February. Set to open this spring, the 11-bedroom addition will allow more children in need of care to call ECC home. The facility, a home that doubles as an incomparable pediatric nursing home, is the only one of its kind in the state.

The new rooms will be filled almost immediately with kids who are on a waiting list. The walls of the third floor will be vibrant with color and create a friendly atmosphere to continue the vibes already in place. More kids coming to stay means more opportunities for people to volunteer. Volunteers and the outstanding staff are the lifeblood of Exceptional Care for Children. Find out more at www.exceptionalcare.org.

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news&Notes The Language of Health Care ALoysius BuTLer & CLArk LeAd THe wAy in HeALTH CommuniCATion You sit next to the hospital bed, finally feeling a sense of relief. Your wife is recuperating from open heart surgery. The procedure was a success; she will make a complete recovery. As you watch her sleep, you think back to the first moment in this exhausting process. The moment came long before the surgery, long before any EKG, and even before the consultation.

The first moment began on an otherwise uneventful weeknight, when your wife sat in front of her computer, taking an online heart risk assessment. And you are grateful that she did.

At Aloysius Butler & Clark, one of Delaware’s premier marketing communications agencies, the health care team

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supervisor and health care team lead, explains that a tailored health communication strategy is grounded in careful research and audience segmentation.

“Our goal is to have marketing tactics that speak to the consumer. You must understand who the audience is and where they are, so you can bring the message to them,” Stearns says. “By narrowing down the audience, messages are delivered on target, making sure the information is available where the target audience is.”

Brand awareness is not achieved overnight. A sustained, consistent marketing presence is how AB&C keeps its health care clients top of mind. “You may see information about cancer ser-

“Our goal is to have marketing tactics that speak to the consumer. You must understand who the audience is and where they are, so you can bring the message to them.”

— Maria Stearns partners with hospitals, physicians, and public health professionals to create these health assessments, and to position them in front of the right audience.

Such assessments are only a small piece of a comprehensive health communication strategy. The strategy not only targets patients, but also referring doctors, who are the link to increasing hospital business. If a hospital increases the number of referring doctors, then increased volumes will result.

Maria Stearns, senior account

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vices for years, but it’s not relevant to you because you don’t have or know anyone who has cancer,” Stearns says.

“Later, if, God forbid, somebody close to you is diagnosed with cancer, then a survey or advertisement becomes relevant.”

In addition to traditional media, a key outlet for building and maintaining brand awareness is social media. “Health care is a conservative industry,” Stearns says. “Some senior decision makers are not comfortable making the social

By Dante LaPenta

media leap because the back and forth format leaves organizations more accessible to criticism.” But risks can be mitigated and competitive advantages gained with a planned, targeted social media strategy. This medium presents an opportunity for unfiltered, genuine conversations among patients, doctors, health care professionals, and opinion leaders.

“If you are trying to get people to engage with you, you can’t be the only party doing the talking,” Stearns says.

“Social media is about two-way conversation and if you fall into the trap of just pushing information, it won’t work. You need to encourage feedback and input.”

When an organization begins to build a social media presence, AB&C encourages an open, two-way dialogue. Though tempting, deleting negative and critical posts is not the solution. Instead, the agency encourages clients to look for ways to fix the issue and practice service recovery. Additionally, Stearns notices another common mistake. “Don’t post the same thing on Facebook as you do on Twitter. They are not identical. You are going to lose attention and followers,” explains Stearns. The goal is to maximize the strengths of each social media platform and distinguish the kind of information posted on one versus the other.

Health care is an industry with a unique vernacular, operating in multiple service lines. Messages require adaptation between different levels of audience expertise (e.g. patients, doctors, insurance providers) and the different

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specialties (e.g. orthopedics, bariatrics, cardiology). “For health care clients it is important to work with communicators who understand health care,” says John Hawkins, president and CEO of AB&C. “The field has its own language and audiences that present challenge, which require experience and collaboration. It is important to choose a full-service agency who can provide an integrated approach.”

AB&C’s leverages more than thirty years of health care experience to advise clients on the most effective ways to spend media dollars. The agency

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The health care team at Aloysius, Butler & Clark brainstorm for the next round of health communication. Careful market research and segmentation go into every decision. Photo by Nick Wallace

attracts health care clients in a wide geographic area from New Hampshire to Florida to Texas.

AB&C builds its relationship with clients through collaboration and partnerships. “We are true partners. We base our recommendations on research, best practices, and strategy,” explains Stearns. “Just because a client wants a brochure distributed does not mean

that’s the best method. AB&C determines whether the investment is prudent.

We are going to ask questions, in a respectful way, but challenge the client to uncover the best way to accomplish their goals.”

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news&Notes She’s got the power a Q&a WitH dean linda ammonS BY KATiE DuNN Widener Law’s Dean Linda L. Ammons was recently named to the “Power 100” list of influential African American lawyers by On Being a Black Lawyer, a news and resource center devoted to advancing diversity in the legal profession. It’s just the latest in a string of accolades for Ammons, the first African American to lead Widener and also one of only seven female African Americans in the nation serving as dean of a law school. Delaware Business caught up with Dean Ammons to talk about the honor, and more.

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What does it mean to be named to the “power 100”?

I consider it a great honor and a privilege. I am grateful to be included on this list of distinguished members of the legal profession. I look forward to going down to D.C. to say thank you for recognizing my work.

What is most rewarding about your job as dean?

There are so many things that I find rewarding. I enjoy being responsible for putting programs and policies in place.

You can see the institution as a whole grow and take its place with the prestige. Not only in the Wilmington and Pennsylvania areas, but in legal education here and around the world. What I find most rewarding is every year when I see students come in who are pursu-

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Widener Law’s Dean Linda Ammons is among the most influential African American lawyers in the country, says one publication. Photo by Nick WALLAcE ing their dream to be actively trained as lawyers to take their place as leaders in society. That is probably the most rewarding of it all.

What do you think the biggest challenge is for students graduating from law school today?

Jobs, for anyone graduating, whether it is law school, medical school, architectural school. The economy, which seems to be turning around, is something that we are all worried about though there is not a lot we can do about it because we don’t produce jobs, only job-ready people. The exciting thing is that the profession is in transition.

The complexities of what lawyers will be doing in the future and trying to gauge how future lawyers can be trained for the future because the world’s becoming an ever more flat place. So just to stay current, you’ve got to run to stay in place.

What does the future look like for Widener law?

The future is extremely promising for

Widener Law. We have not quite entered the fourth decade of the law school, but when you look at where it has come thus far compared to schools that are double or triple the age of our school, it has done quite well. In terms of the future, we’re engaged in all kinds of enterprises whether it be corporate law or health law and we’re talking to people not only in Delaware and the mid-Atlantic region, but constituencies that reach all over the world. I recently went to Taiwan and lectured about not only the law school, but Delaware and its importance in terms of corporate law and inviting people to come here.

What do you like to do for fun?

Well, I am a photographer. I have photographs in American embassies around the world. When I do get a minute, I pick up my camera and go out for a photo shoot. I also love movies, but I don’t get to see many. I travel. I do enjoy meeting people and understanding the world and how it operates. You can’t do that sitting in one place.

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girl Scouts of the chesapeake bay

nonprofit SpotligHt

BY APRiL hALL

There are signs of the approaching spring—the longer days, the return of tweeting birds, and of course, there’s the box of Thin Mints in the kitchen. Squirreling away boxes of Girl Scout Cookies is a common practice to many, whether they have a Daisy, Brownie or Cadet in their lives, or simply run into a table of budding entrepreneurs at the grocery store entrance.

Young women, however, count on the Girl Scouts of the United States of America all year-round, and have for 100 years. The organization—which counts 3.2 million girls among its national ranks—is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year. The Girl Scouts remain as relevant today as they were in 1912.

Wilmington’s first-ever Girl Scout troop came together in 1915, and the Girls Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay formed in 1962 when the chapters merged to create a centralized council. That means Delaware Girls Scouts won’t just be celebrating their national milestone this year— they’ll be celebrating close to home.

In March, the council celebrated with the Women of Distinction dinner and a 100th anniversary celebration in Ocean City, Md. May 17 is the Anniversary Gala at Wilmington’s World Café Live at the Queen, and in June Girl Scouts from all over the country will converge on The National Mall in Washington, D.C. for a sing-a-long.

From now through mid-June, the Delaware History Museum will explore the evolution of the Girl Scouts with a special exhibition featuring uniforms,

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Who you calling ‘Cookie’? The Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay (with CEO Anne Hogan, center) join their national ranks in celebrating 100 years. Photo by Nick WALLAcE

pins, badges and pictures from throughout the decades.

“There used to be a milk maid badge,” says Jennifer Acord, communications and advocacy manager for Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay. “Now our girls are studying science and technology.”

The Lynn W. Williams Science & Technology Lodge in Hockessin is a recent addition to the Girl Scouts’

properties, and provides a state-of-theart venue for the organization’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program.

“Girl Scouts is very iconic and one thing we are is consistent in offering opportunities for girls,” Acord says. “We have been consistent in helping girls to reach their potential and to have their own community.”

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Member

news&Notes buSineSS SpotligHt

Wilmington university

Wilmington University has experienced unprecedented growth in the past couple of years, and in 2012 its student body population hit 15,000. A lot of the credit goes to running the school like a business, says Christopher Pitcher, an assistant vice president at the college.

“We don’t budget at a loss,” Pitcher says. “We don’t run in debt. We don’t take federal funds.

We run on what we’ve made the year before.”

Pitcher says former university president Audrey Doberstein worked to make the school fiscally sound during her tenure, which ended in 2006.

But Wilmington University’s growth has been controlled growth, Pitcher says. While the school expands its campuses in Delaware and course offerings in subjects like internet security, plans for new distance learning programs are moving slowly and thoughtfully.

“That’s definitely the next step in my opinion, the distance learning component,” Pitcher says. “We do not want to do this in a broad stroke, what’s important to our culture here is a hands-on approach and the distance learning has to be the same way. We are very close with our students, treat them like an individual, give them what they need.

“We’re very cautious that (distance learning) students get the same personalized service as if they were on campus.”

Wilmington University staff views

BY APRiL hALL

››

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Students of Wilmington University jump for joy at the news that enrollment has surpassed 15,000.

WilmU’s expansion has been a controlled, thoughtful process. Photo by coLEEN hEAvER

The college’s mission is “to give people the opportunity to make a change in their lives.” its students as customers who are spending hard-earned money and time to take classes. Half of the student body is adults returning to school, Pitcher says. The college’s mission is “to give people the opportunity to make a change in their lives,” whether that’s through taking careers to the next level, or giving people the tools to change careers.

At the other end of the spectrum, Wilmington University is reaching out to

students still in high school. Through a partnership forged and funded by federal Race to the Top grants, the university is working with the Colonial School District in New Castle County.

That partnership includes reading clinics for grades K-12, parent training for non-English speaking parents, dual enrollment for William Penn High School students who want to earn college credits while in high school at a reduced tuition rate.

May / Jun e 2012

| Delaware Business

4/19/12 11:38 AM

The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

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Mr. William F. Keenan 800 Delaware Avenue, Suite 410 Wilmington, DE 19801 (302) 234-7401 www.denovocorp.com

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philanthropic and non-profit, procurement,

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Ms. Joelle Cordrey 36 Germay Drive Wilmington, DE 19804 (302) 658-5949 Fax: (302) 658-5983 www.SuperiorElectric.biz

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Delaware Business

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Ma y / Ju ne 2012

The New Castle County Vocational Technical School District is a public school

Sleep diSorderS management, llc Ms. Kate Lynch 1521 Concord Pike, Brandywine West, 17

4/19/12 11:38 AM

1.

1. Young Executives filled the Chamber Board Room to hear from an expert tax panel from Gunnip & Company.

2. Bill Swezey and Mike Vanderslice were among the many who had a heart and attended the networking breakfast at Delmarva Blood Bank this Valentine’s Day.

3. Judge Andrea Rocanelli from the Delaware Court of Common Pleas talks to Women in Business about her work on the frontline of the state’s criminal and civil systems.

State Chamber ScEnE 2.

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3.

May / Jun e 2012

| Delaware Business

4/19/12 11:38 AM

4.

5.

6.

4. Dr. Williams shared his seven keys to live by to the audience. Photo by Nick Wallace.

5. Tim Constantine of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware spoke to a full Health Committee meeting about changes in the system.

6. More than 60 attendees gathered to hear Dr. Harry Williams, president of Delaware State University at the Chamber Leadership Breakfast Series.

Dr. Williams. Photo by Nick Wallace.

Delaware Business

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4/19/12 11:38 AM

State Chamber Scene 7.

8.

9.

7. Rep. Dan Short and Rep. Bryon Short, leaders of the Small Business Caucus, led a roundtable discussion at the legislative forum.

Photo by Coleen Heaver

8. Robert Johnston of Dale Carnegie Training of Delaware presented a Small Business Alliance workshop about profitable networking.

Photo by Nick Wallace

9. Adam DiSabatino, DSCC President & CEO Jim Wolfe and Richard DiSabatino stopped by the networking breakfast at Delcastle Technical High School. Photo by Coleen Heaver

10. Chip Rankin and Jim O’Neill in discussion at the legislative forum focused on small business. Photo by Coleen Heaver

11. Geoff Sawyer, deputy chief of staff to Gov. Jack Markell, spoke to the Young Executives about his role in Delaware’s economic development.

20

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May / Jun e 2012

| Delaware Business

4/23/12 10:31 AM

10.

12. DSCC’s own, Chuck James, presented “Speed Networking” to University of Delaware students as part of a new partnership with UD Career Services. Photo by Nick Wallace

13. More than 35 attendees had the opportunity to tour the different departments of the largest technical school in the state offers. Photo

by Coleen Heaver

12.

11.

13.

Delaware Business

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State Chamber Scene 14.

14. Ned Monroe, senior vice president of external relations at the National

16.

Association of Manufacturers, spoke at this year’s Manufacturing Conference.

15. DEDO Secretary Alan Levin made a stop at each exhibiting manufacturer, seen here with the Blood Bank of Delmarva.

16. Legislative Brunch keynote speaker, Gov. Jack Markell, stressed the importance of the education of Delaware’s future workforce.

15.

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May / Jun e 2012

| Delaware Business

4/23/12 10:32 AM

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Delaware Business

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4/19/12 11:38 AM

The kids of Richardson Park Learning Center are 2012 Superstars in Education.

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May / Jun e 2012

| Delaware Business

4/19/12 11:38 AM

Superstars in Education Innovation, perhaps now more than ever, is a

crucial element in the fight to improve Delaware’s public schools. These seven winning programs

recognizing Excellence in Education

utilized bright ideas, tireless educators and measurable results to achieve superstardom. Congratulations to the 2012 superstars in Education winners. PhoToS BY ToM NuTTER School District Category:

Middle School Category:

Caesar Rodney School District

Central Middle School

Program: Achievement Liaison Teachers

(Capital School District)

7 Front Street, Camden-Wyoming

Program: Central Middle School Mentoring

Contact: Ms. Christine Alois

211 Delaware Avenue, Dover, DE

Phone: (302) 697-2173

Contact: Ms. Gail Garner

Email: christine.alois@cr.k12.de.us

Phone: (302) 672-1772 Email: gail.garner@capital.k12.de.us

Capital School District Program: Student-Centered Coaching

H.B. du Pont Middle School

945 Forest Street, Dover

(Red Clay Consolidated School District)

Contact: Ms. Pamela Herrera

Program: Geo-Bread Math

Phone: (302) 672-1950

735 Meeting House Road, Hockessin, DE

Email: pherrera@capital.k12.de.us

Contact: Ms. Jeannette Otley Phone: (302) 239-3420

Elementary School Category:

Email: jeannette.otley@redclay.k12.de.us

Nellie H. Stokes Elementary School

High School Category:

(Caesar Rodney School District) Program: Early Bird Program 3874 Upper King Road, Dover, DE

Thomas R. McKean High School

Phone: (302) 697-3205

(Red Clay Consolidated School District)

Email: kellie.rogers@cr.k12.de.us

Program: Absence and

Contact: Ms. Kellie Rogers

Work Recovery

Richardson Park Learning Center

301 McKennan’s Church Road,

(Red Clay Consolidated School District)

Wilmington

Program: Learning Connections at RPLC

Contact: Ms. Katie Kravitz

99 Middleboro Road, Wilmington, DE 19804

Phone: (302) 992-5520

Contact: Ms. Cynthia Pochomis

Email: kkravitz@cisdelaware.org

Phone: (302) 992-5574 Email: cynthia.pochomis@redclay.k12.de.us

Delaware Business

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4/19/12 11:38 AM

2012 Superstars in Education Sponsors Leadership

Agilent Technologies, Inc. AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP Delaware Department of Education Delmarva Power DuPont JPMorgan Chase & Co. The Rodel Charitable Foundation of Delaware

Gold

Bank of America Citizens Bank Delaware Today Discover Bank ING DIRECT M&T Bank PNC Bank Wilmington University WSFS Bank

Silver

Barclays Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware PSEG Nuclear, LLC TELEDUCTION University of Delaware

Bronze

Blood Bank of Delmarva Delaware Business Roundtable Delaware Cadillac, Saab, Subaru & Kia Delaware Economic Development Office Delmarva Broadcasting Company FastSigns Fulton Bank Glenmede Trust Company Kenny Family Foundation/ShopRites Nixon Uniform Service Riverfront Audio Visual

Friends

Artesian Water Company Associates International Back to Basics Learning Dynamics Fraunhofer USA Inc. George J. Weiner Associates W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

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May / Jun e 2012

| Delaware Business

4/23/12 10:29 AM

2012 Superstars in Education Selection Committee

RALPH A. KUEBLER CHAIRMAN

MARY LIZ BIDDLE PNC BANK

PHYLLIS S. BUCHANAN DUPONT

LINDA L. CHICK CHICK’S

HON. DORI A. CONNOR STATE SENATOR

ROB EPPES JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT

PHYLLIS HANDLER DELAWARE TEACHER CENTER

PAUL HARRELL DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

PAUL A. HERDMAN THE RODEL CHARITABLE FOUNDATION OF DELAWARE

VINCENT F. JACONO DELMARVA POWER

JANIS JULIAN WSFS BANK

CATHY MACFARLANE ING DIRECT

BILL MAJOR WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY

MICHAEL A. MARINELLI ARCHMERE ACADEMY

HON. JOSEPH E. MIRO STATE REPRESENTATIVE

LINDA F. POOLE EDUCATIONALLY SPEAKING, LLC

JOANNE REIHM DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

ROBERT W. RESCIGNO

FRED C. SEARS II DELAWARE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

LAVINA J. SMITH CHRISTINA SCHOOL DISTRICT

HON. DAVID P. SOKOLA STATE SENATOR

BEVERLY L. STEWART BACK TO BASICS LEARNING DYNAMICS, INC.

HELEN M. STEWART JPMORGAN CHASE & CO.

PEGGY STRINE

HOWARD M. WEINBERG DELAWARE STATE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

JOSEPH L. YACYSHYN WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY

VICTORIA C. YATZUS THE INDEPENDENCE SCHOOL

Delaware Business

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May / Jun e 2012

3/19/12 12:11 PM

| Delaware Business

4/23/12 10:37 AM

Kids at Caesar Rodney School District schools receive an extra boost from Achievement Liaison Teachers.

ALT Rock

achievement Liaison Teachers help serve at-risk students

BY APRiL PRiL hALL

Alois says ALTs also help teachers and administrators stay on the same AchIEvEmEnt lIAISon tEAchErS in the Caesar Rodney page through facilitating communication that can sometimes be lost in the School District help to bridge gaps in communication, whether between normal course of a day. teachers and parents, administrators and teachers or simply facilitating col“Principals have played a very large part in this,” she says. “They’ve all laboration between the teachers themselves. done such a great job communicating and setting The three areas of focus for the ALT program goals for the liaisons.” are teacher quality, student achievement and Eleven ALT’s have the The district has seen success in the form of parental involvement. opportunity to support a “superior status” rating in all of the Title I The ALT position at each school serves as a elementary schools in the district. Nellie Hughes teacher leader, says Christine Alois, supervisor of more than 7,500 students Stokes Elementary received a National Blue instruction for Caesar Rodney School District.

Ribbon Award for the 2010-2011 school year Teacher leaders meet monthly at the district and 500 teachers and was designated a “high performing school.” level and share experiences and strategies with every day.

Stokes Elementary also received recognition as a each other to take back to their schools. Though National Title I Distinguished School and all of they are hired by Caesar Rodney schools for the the district’s elementary schools have been honored as Title I schools. district’s program, each ALT is truly a member of the community, forging Caesar Rodney schools have also been honored in the first two years relationships with teachers and students in the buildings where they work. of Excellence in Parental Involvement awards, awarded by Lt. Gov. Matt Inside the buildings, ALTs help teachers identify at-risk students and target Denn. W. Reily Brown Elementary School won the award in 2010 and them for intervention services and reach out to parents for added involvement.

Delaware Business

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4/19/12 11:38 AM

“Caesar Rodney is excited to celebrate our Achievement Liaison Teachers’ recognition as Superstars in Education. Their hard work and dedication as teacher leaders has truly made a difference for our children.”

— Christine Alois, Supervisor of Instruction, Caesar Rodney School District

Cooperation between the district, schools and parents helped make the ALT program a success.

“I think my favorite aspect is literally working with all the stakeholders in the school,” Everett says. “I get to work closely with administration to make goals, work with teachers on strategies. I get to talk with other ALTs to see what they have done. I get to work with students every day.

“Each year I’m getting better at it. I think it’s just to accommodate military transfers.

“The achievement liaison teacher helps the whole program--each year it gets better and we And although the ALT program is a districtget better.” wide initiative, each elementary school is encourto fuel those innovative ideas in teach“This was definitely a change in what they were aged to use it to suit their individual needs. As ers’ classroom which transforms how used to doing,” Alois says. She notes that most an ALT, Everett shares a common room with a grants and funding is put toward programs, while Title I reading specialist with whom she works students learn and think.” this was an investment in people in the form of the closely on student achievement, although all — Dr. Jessilene Corbett, principal, ALT position at schools. three ALT objectives are handled equally.

Fifer Middle School “It ended up being quite the evolution in the last “I do so much work with all three,” she says. couple of years. The Achievement Liaison Teachers “For student achievement, there’s a lot of work came out of the programs and took on new roles.” with testing and test-taking strategies. That definitely feeds into teacher quality.”

Caesar Rodney created the ALT program using Title I and Individuals When it comes to parent involvement, Everett says she is challenged with Disabilities Education Act funds through the American Recovery and by parents who may be deployed and single parents who are trying to do Reinvestment Grant. n everything in the home.

McIlvaine Early Childhood Center won it in 2011.

At Major George S. Welch Elementary, teacher Darisa Everett faces unique challenges. Since her school serves the Dover Air Force Base, its student population is a transient one, where students are TeACheR TeSTImonIAl: often entering and leaving the school constantly

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May / Jun e 2012

| Delaware Business

4/23/12 10:36 AM

AstraZeneca is proud to support Superstars in Education

For more information, call 1-800-AZandMe or visit astrazeneca-us.com Š2011 AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP.All rights reserved.

Delaware Business

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4/19/12 11:38 AM

DOE-SuperstarRevFlPgAd 2-25-10

2/25/10

1:40 PM

Page 1

Every Student Has “Superstar” Potential

Together we can help them reach higher.

Touching the stars is easier when you have many hands to lift you. The Delaware Department of Education congratulates this year’s Superstars in Education winners! Your innovative ideas are helping to improve and enhance educational opportunities for Delaware’s students.

Most importantly, you are helping Delaware achieve its goal of excellence in education, and giving students the power to succeed — in school, college, career and life.

Reaching higher for student success.

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May / Jun e 2012

| Delaware Business

4/19/12 11:38 AM

The student-centered coaching program at Capital School District utilizes a team approach to drive student growth.

Brain Storm

Cooperation makes it happen at Capital School District tEAchErS ArE ExpEctEd to make constant adjustments in the classroom based on a steady stream of test scores, behavior and other stimuli. Students often need individual attention, but classrooms require continuity. Sometimes, balancing the two can be overwhelming.

In the Capital School District, the elementary schools have adopted a student-centered coaching program, utilizing literacy coaches and a team approach that allows teachers to pick each other’s brains and take more time to fully analyze the scores from assessment tests.

“The coaching model allows a partnership,” says Pamela Herrera, director of elementary instruction for Capital School District. “Coaching allows teachers to build their skills, to learn how to apply things in the classroom.”

The collaboration of teachers and coaches has shown student growth across curriculum, integrating math, science and social studies with a special focus on literacy, Herrera says. In addition to some anecdotal improvements in test scores, Hartly Elementary and North Dover Elementary Delaware Business

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BY APRiL hALL

schools were named Distinguished Title I schools this year.

“Our results are across the content areas,” Herrera says. “Literacy coaches and teachers are integrating non-fiction science and social students texts into the reading blocks. And when it comes to the (Delaware Content Assessment System) math test, the reading piece is really important, too.”

Tackling literacy alone can be daunting. But working as a team with student-centered coaching has provided much-needed teacher support, says Paige Morgan. As a reading instructor in the district, she found herself overwhelmed dealing with the data from standardized tests and how to implement techniques to help her individual students. She was inspired by her literacy coach, Carissa Weekes, and became a literacy coach herself.

Now at Hartly Elementary School, Morgan works with other teachers by helping with small group work in the classroom, model lessons and Professional Learning Community meetings.

“I was fortunate as a reading teacher to have a literacy coach,” Morgan says. “It was a huge, tremendous help. When I sat down with the literacy 33

4/19/12 11:39 AM

“The entire school community rallies around the success of students. Students and staff utilize the data to develop individual and common goals to ensure growth.”

— Suzette Marine, Principal, north Dover elementary School

Literacy coaches have made a big impact across Capital School District. she again found a similarly advanced student in another class who comes coach at the time, we went through kids and needs. to her classroom to have independent reading with Collins’ advanced stu“It’s about building foundations and it’s much easier to do that in the dent. Both are now reading at a fourth grade level. very beginning than mid-through the year.”

The important thing that makes the teamwork successful in the classJacqueline Collins, a first grade teacher in an inclusion classroom at room is keeping the focus on the students, not test Hartly, says leaning on other staffers, whether scores, Morgan says. it’s Morgan or her fellow first-grade teachers, KID TeSTIMonIAl: “We are all here for the kids and we’re keeping has helped her students reach their potential “Mrs. Schreiber and my teacher have the conversation student-centered in the hopes that this year. this is not a personal thing. I’m not looking at data “I think the most beneficial part is where helped me learn that you should read as a reflection of the teacher. I look at it as a tool to there is so much testing that needs to be done, slowly and think about what is most help us move forward.” then we see scores, look at them, decide what In PLC meetings, teachers have an opportunity to do on our own. What I have found is now important. It’s made me a better reader.” to see the trees for the forest, to look at individual we have somewhere to take the data. Not — Danielle, Grade 3, growth and use each other to create plans that will only to our literacy coach, but the rest of the Booker T. Washington Elementary School work for the students. Using the literacy coach takes grade level team. Sometimes you can’t help it, off some of the pressure. you get stuck. But now all these minds work “You feel like it’s not all on your shoulders,” Collins says. “You need to together to come up with a plan.” lean on your literacy coach. If I don’t know how to implement something, The plans do not solely address the struggling reader, either. Collins says I need to be willing to ask for help from her. It works as long as you’re she was challenged this year with a student who was already reading at a willing and able to ask for the help.” n third grade level. By brainstorming with Morgan and her fellow teachers, 34

DSCC_MayJun12.indd 34

May / Jun e 2012

| Delaware Business

4/19/12 11:39 AM

We’re working hard

so she can make the grade

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Making Up for Lost Time McKean High opens its doors for students who need to play catch-up BY LEAh LAWRENCE

thE ABSEncE And Work rEcovEry progrAm at McKean High School allows its students to, quite literally, make up for lost time. The program, which began in 2007, provides a place for students to go after school to complete assignments or recover seat time that they have missed due to absence.

The program, a partnership between McKean and Communities in Schools (CIS), a non-profit organization, was started when data indicated that promotion rates, attendance rates and graduation rates were dropping dramatically. School policy says that if a certain amount of classroom time was missed, students were ineligible for promotion, even if they had a passing grade.

“We had policies in place for how we wanted to run schools, but as the schools’ demographics were changing, everything in our classrooms was staying the same,” says Katie Kravitz, Communities in Schools site Delaware Business

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director. “With the changes in demographics, we had a lot of students that were falling through the cracks, and we did not have enough programs to help them.”

To combat the problem, Dr. Sherry Gross, then-principal of McKean, teamed up with CIS to create the Absence and Work Recovery Program.

The AWR program started as a 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. after school program that students could attend to make up for absentee time. Students were responsible for obtaining their assignments from their teachers and turning them back in when they were completed. One hour of after-school time recovered one hour of missed school time.

But like many things in life, the AWR program was not a major success in its first year. Although the premise seemed simple, it required some adjusting. Now students’ absences are measured by class periods or blocks. Students who miss more than 12 blocks for one yearlong 37

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“While we can all have great programming ideas, implementing the ideas with fidelity can be a challenge. Programs are only as good as the professionals who coordinate and lead them.”

— lisa Ueltzhoffer, Principal, Thomas McKean high School dents with their homework. course cannot receive credit.

“It is really great that we were able to come together to make this proStudents who attend AWR now recover one hour of block time for gram successful,” Kravitz says. “It is a great partnership between McKean, each hour of attendance. In addition, teachers now provide the proCIS, the community, interns and volunteers.” gram coordinators with work for the students, and collect it at the end Although there are many ways to measure the of the session. success of the program, the clearest way is to look To make the program as appealing and conOn any given afternoon, at which students are taking advantage of the venient as possible, AWR has opened up satelthere are roughly 20 students program. lite locations outside of McKean High School.

During the last two years, Red Clay They found that some students hesitated to stay who stay after to make up Consolidated School District created a system to on campus until 4:30 p.m. because the bus trip rank the possible risk for dropping out of school: home from school hit traffic and they frequently work and take advantage of green is for students considered low-risk; yellow, were walking home in the dark. the tutoring services. some risk; and red, at risk.

McKean partnered first with Baltz Elementary, Although, on average, students at McKean and later Shortlidge Elementary School, schools High School attended AWR for three sessions, those students considered local to many of the students, as an additional locations for students to to be in the ‘yellow’ or ‘red’ categories attended more often, an average of attend AWR and make up for lost time. nine sessions throughout the school year.

Most recently, McKean and CIS applied for and were awarded a “The students that are really in need of this program are the ones takDelaware Mentoring Council grant that provides students with one-on-one ing advantage of it,” Kravitz says. “These are students that never had the adult mentors. In addition, adult and peer tutors are available to assist stu-

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| Delaware Business

4/19/12 11:39 AM

The Absence Recovery Program at McKean High helps kids catch up after missing school time.

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KID TeSTIMonIAl:

“AWR is a place to get back on track to lead a successful academic career.” — Thalia R., student, Thomas McKean High School

opportunity to do better. Now they have that opportunity.”

Looking to the future, Kravitz knows that the AWR program will likely adapt and change year to year in order to constantly meet the changing needs of its students.

Midway through the school year teachers noticed a lack of attendance at the Shortlidge Elementary satellite location, and asked students about the cause.

“The students said that they would rather attend McKean because there were tutors available there,” Kravitz says.

The program adapted and started offering an additional day of the AWR program at McKean instead.

“The success of this program has depended upon us listening to the students and paying attention to their needs,” Kravitz says. n Delaware Business

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| Delaware Business

4/19/12 11:39 AM

Mentors from the community have made dramatic impressions on the students of Central Middle School.

Lasting Impression Mentoring Makes a Difference at Central Middle

BY KATiE DuNN

Garner, the mentor coordinator and AmeriCorps youth ambassador at ArE you rEAdy to make a difference? Do you have 30 to 60 CMS, first arrived at the school in October 2010 with a program that only minutes a week to share with a young Delaware student? Gail Garner, the had nine mentors at the school. Only six of those mentors were actively mentor coordinator at Central Middle School located in Dover, asks these involved. As of February 29, 2012, CMS has 84 active mentoring pairs. questions to every person she meets. At Central Middle School (CMS), an That is an increase of more than 800 percent. exceptional number of adults in the community responded yes.

The arrival of a mentor coordinator also The CMS mentoring program matches brought a plan of action. The CMS mentormiddle school students with trained and Central Middle’s calendar ing program is modeled after the National screened volunteers from the community as Mentoring Partnership and the Delaware well as local colleges. Once matched, the menincludes special shout-outs Mentoring Council, under the direction of tor visits the school once a week and creates a to Sadie Hawkins Day, the Connecting Generations. Following these guidecaring and supportive relationship with their lines, the program involves three main compopaired student. These relationships help build Plimsoll Line, and National nents: recruitment, matching and support. up the child’s self-esteem, self-confidence, aspiThe mentoring program would be hard to rations, scholastic achievement and much more.

Chicken Dance Day. maintain without people from the community Mentors play a unique role in a child realizing stepping up to mentor. Some of the best places and reaching their full potential. to find mentors are at school and community events, local businesses and Though the mentoring program has been around for several years at colleges. After the mentor candidates successfully pass a background check, CMS, it truly took off with the addition of a mentor coordinator in 2010.

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“They need a good ear, a basketball partner, a fellow chess player, a good mathematician, historian, grammarian; someone to look up to, to count on, to look forward to seeing every week.”

— Gail Garner, AmeriCorps Youth Ambassador, Mentor Coordinator, Central Middle School reference and health check and complete a three-hour training session provided

by Connecting Generations, the mentor coordinator will interview each individual to determine the best match for each student. Once the match is made, the mentoring pair meets once a week with support from the mentor coordinator and the rest of the staff from CMS. The success of the program is undeniable, and the proof is in the numbers.

When mentoring pairs first begin their relationship, the mentor coordinator identifies the mentee’s academic, attendance and discipline record from the school’s database. To monitor progress, these three areas are recorded again each month. Over the course of one year, 68 percent of students in the program showed an increase in his or her Core GPA of five points or more. Another 30 percent of mentees improved their attendance by reducing the number of unexcused absences. Twenty-three percent of students mentored reduced the number of incidents. On top of these numbers, students in the program have more optimistic perceptions about his or her academic progress because of mentoring. Every student enjoys school more because of it and an overwhelming majority feels they are willing to work Mentor-mentee harder than before. relationships Students are not the only ones who have longrecognize the benefits of the CMS menlasting value. toring program. Teachers and parents have noticed positive changes in the mentees. Teachers report an improvement in maintaining better grades and recommend that students continue to be mentored in the next school year.

Both mentees and mentors are happy with what they have gained from the relationship. Teachers are happy with their students’ academic performance as a result of the mentoring program. Parents are happy that their kids are happy and flourishing. What is next for the program?

Says Garner: “The mentoring program is a valuable important support for the students at Central Middle School, and throughout the state of Delaware. Ideally, I would love to see a full time mentor coordinator in every public school building.” n 42

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KID TeSTIMonIAl:

“My mentor helped me become someone that I never thought I would become. Ever since we were matched, I have gotten stronger and stronger. Now I know I can do anything I put my mind to. She helped me be strong and stay in school. But the most important thing is I have someone to look up to. I love her for that.”

— Tamara T., 8th grade student, Central Middle School

May / Jun e 2012

| Delaware Business

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| Delaware Business

4/19/12 11:39 AM

Students at H.B. du Pont Middle School learn geometry through the creation of gingerbread structures.

Sweet Symmetry

H.B. duPont Middle School turns gingerbread and frosting into geometry lessons BY DENéE CRuMRiNE cAlculAtorS, rulErS And protrActorS are all important tools in teaching geometry. But Jeannette Otley, seventh grade math teacher at H.B. du Pont Middle School, relies on something out of the ordinary to help students learn geometric principles: gingerbread.

Her Geo-Bread Math project has been a hit among her students for many years. Beginning as a fun project to complete during the holidays, it has evolved into a well-developed program with real world applications and impressive results that the Superstars in Education noticed right away.

“When I found out that the Superstars committee had identified her as a Superstar in Education, I was extremely pleased” says Chad Carmack,

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principal at H.B. du Pont. “Mrs. Otley deserves recognition. Through the Superstars program, she will now have the opportunity to provide other teachers, throughout the state, with a sample of what works with math students. She capitalizes on their strengths and personal interests.”

Otley grew the Geo-Bread Project around skills required by the Delaware Standards for Geometric Reasoning of the Delaware Comprehensive Assessment System (DCAS). The DCAS require students be able to determine relationships between sides of triangles, build threedimensional objects, calculate area and volume, and understand scaling.

The project goes further to encourage critical thinking, problem solving

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“Other teachers in the building always come together and applaud the beautiful geo-bread houses and compliment my creative and innovative approach to teaching math.”

— Jeannette Otley, math teacher, H.B. du Pont Middle School Compasses and protractors mixed with sugar and frosting during the Geo-Bread Math program.

Geometry Reasoning Score (DCAS) 2010/2011 Population

Fall

Winter

%Change

Ms. Otley’s Class

778

830

6.7

H.B. du Pont Overall

776

809

4.3

Red Clay Consolidated School District

764

778

1.8

DCAS Math Test Results for Ms. Otley’s 2010 Classes Math Class

Fall Average

Winter Average

%Change

Academic 1

747

779

4.3

Academic 2

736

771

4.8

Academic 3

735

765

4.0

Pre-Algebra

786

832

5.8

Algebra 1

847

911

7.6

This project, in particular, has brought out the best in my students every year,” Otley says.

An increase in enthusiasm among her students hasn’t been the only effect of the project. Otley’s class outperformed the Red Clay Consolidated School District as a whole between the fall and winter testing. Her class experienced a 6.7 percent score improvement on the Geometry Reasoning porKid teStiMOnial: tion of the DCAS, growing from a score of 778 to 830. See above for a comparison of scores “There were a lot of math perspectives among the H.B. du Pont Middle School and the I had to think about when doing this Red Clay Consolidated School District. and creativity, aspects of math that can easily be The project would likely offer the greatest overlooked. project. I had to use scales, perimeter, benefit to lower level math students and foreign Students work in groups to research famous volume, and so much more. But in the language students since it reinforces vocabubuildings for inspiration, draw floor plans and lary and concepts using a hands-on approach. build their projects. They must calculate scale, end, we could really build the house and However, all five of Otley’s classes experienced area, volume and perimeters to test concept bring the math to life.” an increase in test scores in 2009 and 2010. In understanding and answer several comprehension 2009, close to 60 percent of Otely’s students questions. From the White House to the Eiffel — Shireen C., student, improved their scores and in 2010, 96 percent Tower and the Coliseum to H.B. du Pont Middle H.B. du Pont Middle School showed improvements.

School, the students forge their creations with The practical approach of the Geo-Bread Math rulers in hand and candy bars close by. Once all project, coupled with its fun and creative nature, provides students with a the projects are complete, they go on display throughout the school. Other true-to-life application of geometric concepts while producing solid progstudents vote for their favorites and the three projects with the most votes ress. Students also hone social skills and learn to budget shared resources win prizes. and manage time wisely. Otley’s project plays a huge role in giving students “I have learned over the years that creative projects like this one have the understanding they need to succeed in testing and in future classes. n made teaching for me and learning for my students a lot more enjoyable.

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| Delaware Business

4/23/12 10:39 AM

Rise and Shine Early Birds at Nellie H. Stokes get a head start

BY LEAh LAWRENCE

thErE ArE no WormS to be found at Nellie H. Stokes Elementary School, but plenty of early birds. For students who struggle with language arts, the Early Bird Program takes advantage of the first 25 minutes of the school day—time usually spent unpacking or listening to morning announcements—to serve students in need of academic support.

Specifically, special education teachers, instructional professionals and reading support teachers deliver individualized instruction to small groups of children that preview information from upcoming lessons.

“Let’s say next week in the classroom the students are going to learn about camping,” says Kellie Rodgers, an achievement liaison teacher. “Then this week, in Early Bird, they are going to be preview concepts that go along with camping.”

The preview lesson includes vocabulary related to the topic, background information and learning comprehension strategies such as cause and effect, main idea or author’s purpose.

The accelerated learning and preview of lessons to come give students new confidence, Rodgers says, and provides a strong foundation and background to build further knowledge.

When the program began, teachers identi-

The Early Bird program cost nothing to implement, and resulted in more than 55 Stokes students receiving Breakfast is served at the Early Bird Program at Nellie Stokes Elementary School.

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additional reading intervention.

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“Our goal is to provide an ideal opportunity to close the gap for students who struggle to meet grade level state expectations.”

— Gail Beyard-King, 5th grade Special education Teacher, nellie h. Stokes elementary School

Kids get a head start to the day during the first 25 minutes of the school day.

KID TeSTIMonIAl:

“It’s like I get a head start. I raise my who went from 44.3 percent to 91.5 percent. fied students in need of additional academic support “Our test scores, to me, show the plain truth of based on classroom assessments and fall standardized hand to answer more questions and I am the success of our program,” Rodgers says. tests. When students lacked skills in vocabulary or making more text-to-text and text-to-self In addition, Nellie Stokes was recognized this general background knowledge it made it difficult year by the U.S. Department of Education as a for them to make connections and develop their connections.”

National Blue Ribbon School and as a National learning in their normal classroom setting.

— Ty’Kia, 5th grade student, Title I Distinguished School.

“The idea of previewing basically gave students Nellie Stokes Elementary School However, the success of the program is evia head start,” Rodgers says. dent in more than just test scores or awards. It is But how much can you really get done in 25 apparent in the intangible progress students are making. The Early Bird minutes? According to Rodgers, teachers in the Early Bird Program move at a fast pace, keeping students constantly engaged. The 25-minute sessions Program is increasing student motivation and confidence, and preparing them for challenges that lie ahead by providing a solid educational founare energetic, allowing a lot to be accomplished in a short amount of time. dation.

In addition, the teachers continually analyze classroom assessments and “These are students who didn’t know the answers before,” Rodgers says. progress monitoring data so that instruction can be tailored and adjusted “Now they are raising their hand. They are volunteering in the classroom, as needed. and giving answers and their confidence is through the roof.”

The Early Bird Program has made a tremendous impact on the The hope is that eventually, as students become more confident and Delaware Comprehensive Assessment System reading scores at Nellie engaged in learning, they will no longer need the Early Bird Program.

Stokes, a K-5 school in Dover with an enrollment of around 400. Between “The whole idea behind the program is that students are not in it forev2010 and 2011, third graders meeting the standard for reading grew from er,” Rodgers says. “We have seen great results where students can be taken 47.3 percent in the fall to 90 percent meeting or exceeding the standard by out and allowed to excel on their own. They no longer need the program the spring. This dramatic increase was also seen for fourth graders, whose and are able to maintain the progress.” n success increased from 50.9 percent to 91.9 percent, and for fifth graders 48

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| Delaware Business

4/19/12 11:39 AM

Vocabulary and reading comprehension have improved at Richardson Park Learning Center, thanks to the Word of the Week program.

Words with Friends Kids at richardson Park Learning Center enhance vocabs with Word of the Week BY KELLY WETZEL It’S mondAy mornIng and all of the children at Richardson

RPLC, who are identified as hav-ing special needs.

Park Learning Center anxiously await the morning announcement of this Part of the Red Clay School District, the school week’s Word of the Week. This week’s word is “non-fiction,” and the kids offers education and supportive services like will spend the next five days incorporating the word into their daily activispeech-language therapy, occupational therapy, ties, such as decorating classroom doors, responding to writing prompts, physical therapy, and counseling to around 190 and in-depth lessons with their teachers and peers. children in grades kindergarten through fifth grade.

Over the loudspeaker, a student reads a story about a cow with a purple Each child’s needs are catered to their Individualized Education spot—the result of eating too many blueberries—as the other students Program (IEP), which is designed to help children more easily reach excitedly decide whether this story is fiction or non-fiction. Later they’ll educational goals. When a child enters the school, they are welcomed settle down to listen to their teacher read a non-fiction book about sharks. instantly into a warm and friendly environment with teachers who truly It’s no surprise that the Word of the Week is something the children genuhave a passion for their craft. inely cherish and anticipate at RPLC. “The main goal of the program is to improve Cynthia Pochomis, who’s taught special educaDelaware Comprehensive Assessment System tion for 38 years, started the Learning Connections RPLC students wrote test scores in reading with a concentration in the Project four years ago with the simple idea of havareas of vocabulary, story elements and structures, ing a Word of the Day in her classroom. It was and recited an original and inferences about content, ideas, and author’s so successful that the idea branched to the entire choices,” Pochomis says. A secondary goal of the school as Word of the Week, complete with four song about Delaware for Learning Connection Project is to provide a cohewords per month revolving around a common Gov. Jack Markell during sive school-wide theme that bonds all of the classes theme, such as Thanksgiving or fictional characfrom kindergarten to fifth grade. The Learning ters. She wanted to help improve the vocabulary a February visit.

Connections Project does just that. and reading comprehension skills of the students of

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“At RPLC we realize that the education of our special education students goes beyond their test scores.”

— Cynthia Pochomis, teacher, Richardson Park learning Center

The wordsmiths of RPLC take a cupcake break.

The Words of the Week are chosen carefully by a committee of school professionals who first determine the month’s theme and then pick four words to encircle that theme. Other past examples include “thankful” and “rambunctious.”

“Each morning, the Word of the Week is discussed in the morning announcements by a different staff member or student,” Pochomis says.

“A poster is then displayed outside the school’s office and eventually compiled into a bound book at the end of the year, which is given to each student.”

According to a 2001 study by Louisa C. Moats, linguistically advantaged students know about 20,000 words upon entering first grade, whereas a linguistically disadvantaged student knows only about 500 words. Experts hold that a child’s first-grade vocabulary can be a predictor for their eleventh grade vocabulary. Students entering the Learning Connections project are considered to show signs of such “word poverty,” which refers to below-average vocabulary content. The project aims to decrease this gap between the linguistically advantaged and the students of RDLC. Historically, writing is the weakest area for students at RPLC, Pochomis says. To improve this area, the Learning Connections Project also includes a monthly writing prompt where students can write about what the words and themes mean to them. Teachers and stu50

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KID TeSTIMonIAl:

“’Responsible’, ‘Polite,’ ‘Listen,’ and ‘Cooperate.’ We say them every day in our school motto.”

— Darnell, 4th grade student, Richardson Park Learning Center dents bring these themes to life when they dress up as their favorite fictional character or write a play about Thanksgiving to perform on stage for family and friends at the monthly Road Runner Rally. Their work is also displayed throughout the school and read aloud in the morning announcements.

Pochomis attributes the success of the project to the RPLC faculty. “We have an incredible group of teachers who are very much behind the project,” she says. “We wouldn’t see such positive results without their support and devotion.”

After much thought, the students decide that the cow with a purple spot is a fictional story. The word has sunk in, and the project reveals more than the measurable results of improved DCAS test scores.

Says Pochomis: “You can see that they use their new words in their everyday lives and how it builds their self-esteem.” That’s a result too precious to be measured. n May / Jun e 2012

| Delaware Business

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In appreciation of effort. In awe of success.

There’s no telling where an act of kindness will lead. Like ripples in a pond, it spreads out in all directions — including the future. And has positive effects that go well beyond what anyone can imagine.

Bank of America is proud to support all those who care enough to nurture our future leaders.

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GivinG back to the community is a Gift to us all.

Citizens Bank is proud to sponsor Superstars in Education. We believe in making a difference within the communities we serve and support those who share the same spirit and dedication.

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GUIDING AMERICA TO BETTER HEALTHCARE®

H E A L T H G R A D E S® GUIDING AMERICA TO BETTER HEALTHCARE®

H E A L T H G R A D E S®

GUIDING AMERICA TO BETTER HEALTHCARE®

2012

Being a Distinguished Hospital Matters.

Our Patients Matter More.

Great care begins with caring people.

Our patients, their families and our community are more important to us than anything else. Patient safety, optimal treatment outcomes and patient comfort are paramount.

Having Beebe Medical Center selected as a Distinguished Hospital by Healthgrades for the third year in a row is quite an achievement for the Board of Directors, the medical staff and all of our team members.

It’s an achievement that wouldn’t be possible without our patients.

Beebe Medical Center, a recipient of the 2012 Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™, has been ranked in the top 5% in the nation for the third year in a row for quality care by HealthGrades.® Thank you, Sussex County! For more information, please visit www.beebemed.org.

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Lewes, Delaware www.beebemed.org

Awarded to Beebe three years in-a-row!

Excellent people.

Excellent care.

May / Jun e 2012

| Delaware Business

4/19/12 11:39 AM

Guide to Wellness & Health

Electronic Evolution The Delaware Health Information Network streamlines the way Delaware docs provide care

BY LARRY NAGENGAST

Dr. Jan Lee is the executive director of DHIN. Photo by Dick DubRoff/fiNAL focus PhotogRAPhy

In 1997, Gov. Tom Carper and the Delaware General Assembly had a dream—a computerized network that would make anyone’s key medical records available instantly to any health care provider who needed them.

Fifteen years later, the pieces of that dream—now called the Delaware Health Information Network (DHIN)—are almost entirely in place.

In February, with the addition of Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, all of the state’s acute-care hospitals are participants in the network, along with all 46 of Delaware’s skilled nursing facilities and 86 percent of all health care providers. By the end of June, DHIN expects to have participation up to 95 percent, and it hopes to eventually enroll all the practicing physicians in the state, says Dr. Jan Lee, the network’s executive director.

The network offers “the power to change what happens on the front line of clinical care,” says Randall Gaboriault, chairman of the network’s board of directors and chief information officer at Christiana Care Health System. “It’s really exciting.”

“Health information technology can be a critical component in both improving the quality of care and containing costs,” Gov. Jack Markell says.

Network and hospital officials offer a variety of examples of how DHIN will be able to improve health care delivery. For example: Delaware Business

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Let’s say you live in Hockessin and you’re fixing up your beach house in Rehoboth. You step on a nail and wind up in the emergency room at Beebe Medical Center in Lewes. You have no idea when you had your last tetanus shot. No problem. The doctor calls up your record on DHIN, determines that you don’t need a shot, treats your injury and sends you on your way— but not until he records the treatment in the computer system, so your primary-care physician will know about it the next time you come in for a visit.

An auto accident victim is rushed unconscious to an emergency room.

Using the driver’s license for identification, the ER team accesses the DHIN database and immediately secures information about medications the patient is currently taking, as well as a list of drug allergies.

An 80-year-old man with failing memory is released from the hospital after a one-week stay for treatment of a heart condition. When he returns to his primary-care physician, he can’t recall the details of his hospitalization, or the names of the new medications he was given. The doctor logs on to DHIN, and the information is at his fingertips—lab results, radiology reports, the hospital’s discharge reports—the works.

By using DHIN, Lee says, health care professionals will be able to make better decisions in less time while reducing requests for lab work, X-rays 53

4/19/12 11:39 AM

Guide to Wellness & Health and other diagnostic procedures that may have already been ordered by another provider. The result, she says, will be better care and less waste.

Although DHIN was established in 1997, it took 10 years for the system to get up and running, and five more years to get all the state’s acute-care hospitals on board. Sign-ups by primary-care physicians had lagged a bit until recently.

One reason, she says, using western Sussex County as an example, is that doctors affiliated with only one hospital (as is the case with much of Nanticoke’s medical staff ) saw little benefit in joining the statewide system if their hospital wasn’t participating.

When Nanticoke joined DHIN, Delaware became the first state in the nation to have all its hospitals enrolled in a community health record system. “This clearly is a stepping stone to a vision I believe we will get to as a nation,” says Gina Altieri, vice president for corporate services at Nemours/Alfred I. du Pont Hospital for Children, which joined the network last year.

While it will take a significant effort to establish a national system— some intrastate regional networks are in place, while some states, including Pennsylvania, haven’t gotten far at all, Lee says—Delaware still has to work on “knitting together” the various pieces of its network to make it fully operational, Gaboriault says.

The “knitting” that Gaboriault refers to is taking place in several ways.

First, within the network itself. As doctors have begun using Electronic Health Records (EHR), multiple vendors have appeared to provide the service. In Delaware, there are 18 such vendors, and each has a different system, Lee says. For the network to function, DHIN has to get each EHR vendor to build an interface to enable the doctors they serve to share data and receive it from the network. As of mid-March, four interfaces had been certified, nine were being tested and the process had yet to begin for five vendors who had recently signed contracts, she says.

Next, the data being collected. DHIN has signed contracts with LabCorp and Quest Diagnostics, Doctors Pathology Service and is negotiating with other radiology practices, Lee says. Results of all tests and procedures provided by these services are accessible through DHIN, along with detailed information and reports on any patient treated in a Delaware hospital. Once a pending software upgrade is completed, primary-care physicians will be able to enter a “continuity of care” document for each patient into the system. This document, Lee says, would include a listing of medical problems, family history, allergies and lab reports.

One data issue still to be resolved, Gaboriault says, is medication reconciliation or “med rec,” the linking of prescription records to why the 54

DSCC_MayJun12.indd 54

The network (as illustrated above) will streamline patient care, and eliminate the need for repeat testing. IllustratIon by Coleen Heaver

patient is taking each medication. Hospital will enter prescription records into the system, and doctors will have the opportunity to do so, but no decision has been made yet on whether (or how) to enter pharmacy records into the database, he says. Having that information would be helpful, he says, because individuals often use more than one pharmacy and they don’t always fill every prescription a doctor writes.

Finally, there’s training. Lee and Gaboriault aren’t sure what form it will take but Gaboriault says it should be “like learning to use iTunes.”

At Nemours, where an internal EHR system has been in place for about 10 years, Altieri says most professionals should be able to learn to use DHIN in an hour or so. “Everybody learns differently,” she says. “Some will want to read how to do it, some will want to be told, and some will just want to try.”

Virtually all of these issues should be ironed out so providers will have full use of the system by the end of this year, Lee says. However, Gaboriault says the “med rec” system might not be ironed out until the first half of 2013.

The DHIN database is structured with multiple layers of security. To protect the integrity of each provider’s data, providers keep their patients’ records on their own system, called a “data stage,” which is then linked to DHIN. When a physician keys in a patient’s name, DHIN works “almost like a Google search,” Gabiorault says. Information about the patient stored on each of the data stages is aggregated and appears on the requesting physician’s computer. Clicking on a particular tab, “prescriptions” or May / Jun e 2012

| Delaware Business

4/23/12 10:41 AM

“lab reports,” for example, will bring up more detailed information.

The first time a physician calls up a record of someone not previously identified as his patient, he needs to follow a procedure called “breaking glass,” Lee says. The physician must specify the need to view the data — new patient, first visit, or emergency room might be examples — and a pop-up warning advises that unauthorized access is a Class D felony.

Possible unauthorized uses are audited, Lee says, but in the five years since DHIN began operating, “we’ve never encountered a situation in which data has been accessed inappropriately.”

DHIN officials believe the database network will help reduce overall medical costs although, as Lee says, ”it’s always a challenge to document savings if the costs were not incurred.”

Such savings are essential because “current increases in health care costs are not sustainable,” Markell says. Noting that Delaware will spend $1.7 billion in FY2013 on Medicaid and state employee and retiree health insurance, Markell says “we can’t just look to the federal government for answers” to soaring costs.

Altieri, at Nemours, says that instantly accessible records in an easyto-read format will save money by reducing the time a doctor needs to analyze a problem, reducing requests for redundant diagnostic tests, and eliminating the need for additional visits when essential information is not available.

An analysis of DHIN operations, funded by a grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), found that from July 2007 to July 2009, DHIN’s first two years of limited operation, the ration of high-cost laboratory tests and radiology studies per patient fell by more than 30 percent, Lee says.

Electronic patient records, added Steven A. Rose, president and CEO at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, are “a quality initiative and a safety initiative” that will lead to better care.

“Better care will lead to fewer hospitalizations,” thus saving money, he says, and “better communication [inside the hospital] gets patients discharged sooner,” another cost-saver.

With DHIN making so much new information available to doctors, “if I don’t have to order something new, I don’t have to wait for the results, and we don’t have to do stuff over and over,” Gabiorault says. “It’s really game-changing on the front end of medicine.” n

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www.potteranderson.com 58

DSCC_MayJun12.indd 58

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| Delaware Business

4/19/12 11:39 AM

2012

Guide to Legal Services The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce counts among its members some of the top attorneys and law offices in Delaware. Herein, a guide to 53 of the state’s best. BY KELLY WETZEL abbott law firm, llc

contact: emilie ninan, esq.

in litigation, business and finance,

in commercial bankruptcy and

724 Yorklyn road, Suite 240,

phone: (302) 252-4465

real estate, intellectual property,

corporate and commercial litiga-

Hockessin

fax: (302) 252-4466

and public finance.

tion, securitization and structured

contact: mr. richard abbott, esq.

email: ninane@ballardspahr.com

phone: (302) 489-2529

www.ballardspahr.com

bayard, p.a.

include counseling clients in

fax: (302) 489-2535

area: bankruptcy, litigation, financial

contact: ms. dawn reimschussel

the formation of corporations

email: rich@richabbottlawfirm.com

(general practice)

phone: (302) 655-5000

and other alternative entities,

area: general practice

A nationally recognized firm,

fax: (302) 658-6395

real estate, intellectual property,

Abbott Law is a Delaware law

Ballard Spahr LLP helps clients

email: dreimschussel@

insurance, tax, estate planning

firm who practices services in

who range from large public

bayardlaw.com

and estate administration, and

business law.

companies and privately held

222 delaware avenue,

domestic disputes.

corporations to government

Suite 900, Wilmington

ballard Spahr llp

agencies and nonprofit organi-

www.bayardlaw.com

berger Harris, llc

919 north market Street,

zations. The practice provides

area: commercial/corporate litigation

contact: benjamin berger, esq.

11th floor, Wilmington

counseling and advocacy service

A nationally recognized practice

phone: (302) 655-1140

Delaware Business

DSCC_MayJun12.indd 59

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finance, Bayard’s other practices

59

4/19/12 11:39 AM

Guide to Legal Services

405 king Street, Suite 300,

cooch & taylor p.a.

Wilmington

contact: mr. g. kevin fasic, esq.

www.casarino.com

phone: (302) 984-3800

area: litigation and creditors’ rights/

fax: (302) 984-3939

bankruptcy

email: kfasic@coochtaylor.com

fax: (302) 655-1131

and government investigations.

A Delaware law firm, Casarino,

1000 West Street, 10th floor,

email: bberger@bergerharris.com

Blank Rome also represents pro

Christman, Shalk, Ranson and

Wilmington

one commerce center, 1201 north

bono clients in a wide variety of

Doss P.A. encompasses a variety

www.coochtaylor.com

orange Street, Suite 300, Wilmington

cases and matters.

of legal matters, including general

area: general practice

civil litigation, insurance related

As one of Wilmington’s older

disputes and creditors’ rights in

law firms, Cooch & Taylor con-

corporate bankruptcy.

centrates in business and com-

www.bergerharris.com A nationally-recognized law firm

buchanan ingersoll & rooney pc

focused in litigation, transactions

contact: ms. mary caloway

and corporate/business entity

phone: (302) 552-4200

clifford b. Hearn, jr., p.a.

family law, real estate, construc-

counseling. Berger Harris han-

fax: (302) 552-4295

contact: mr. clifford Hearn, esq.

tion law, labor and employment

dles business, real estate, and

1105 north market Street,

phone: (302) 378-4827

law, and trusts, estates and tax.

employment matters in Delaware

Suite 500, Wilmington

fax: (302) 378-4946

and Pennsylvania and work with

www.bipc.com

email: cbhearnjr@cbhearnlaw.com

cozen o’connor

companies of all sizes, from local

area: general practice

326 east main Street, middletown

contact: mr. mark Selger

startups to multinational corpora-

With 14 offices throughout the

www.cbhearnlaw.com

phone: (302) 295-2000

tions.

country, Buchanan Ingersoll and

area: general practice

fax: (302) 295-2013

Rooney PC focuses on more

Clifford B. Hearn has lawyers

email: mselger@cozen.com

blank rome llp

than 65 practices areas. The

admitted to practice in both

1201 north market Street,

contact: ms. melissa morrissey

practices’ specialty areas include

Delaware and Virginia. Practice

Suite 1400, Wilmington

phone: (302) 425-6400

corporate law, energy law, finan-

areas include litigation, arbitra-

www.cozen.com

fax: (302) 425-6464

cial services, health care, intellec-

tion, personal injury, workers

area: bankruptcy

email: morrissey@blankrome.com

tual property, labor and employ-

compensation, government

Cozen O’Connor is ranked

chase manhattan center, 1201 north

ment, litigation, real estate, regu-

affairs and legislation, corporate/

among the 100 largest firms in

market Street, Suite 800, Wilmington

latory and government law, state

partnership/small business law,

the United States. As a business

www.blankrome.com

and federal government relations,

debt collection, bankruptcy, real

law and litigation firm, Cozen

area: general practice (multi-practice

and tax law.

estate, family law, wills, trusts,

O’Connor specializes in a wide

and criminal law. Mr. Hearn is

array of areas, some of which

also a contract lobbyist.

include antitrust, commercial

area: transaction and litigation

law and government affairs firm)

mercial bankruptcy, civil litigation,

As one of America’s largest law

carucci butler llc

firms, Blank Rome LLP is an

contact: ms. catherine dilorenzo

international law firm represent-

phone: (302) 654-5083

connolly, bove, lodge & Hutz

labor and employment, bank-

ing businesses and organiza-

fax: (302) 654-5084

contact: mr. glen trudel, esq.

ruptcy, consumer protection and

tions ranging from Fortune 500

email: cdilorenzo@cdilegal.com

phone: (302) 658-9141

privacy, corporate law, health law,

companies to start-up entities.

1220 north king Street, Wilmington

fax: (302) 658-5614

intellectual properties, real estate,

The firm’s practices cover areas

www.caruccilaw.com

email: gtrudel@cblh.com

and tax.

including business tax, com-

area: general practice

1007 north orange Street, Wilmington

mercial and corporate litigation,

Carucci Butler LLC works from

www.cblh.com

cross & Simon llc

employment benefits and labor,

Delaware individuals, families,

area: intellectual property and

contact: mr. richard cross, jr., esq

financial services, bankruptcy

and businesses. The practice

business law

phone: (302) 777-4200

and financial restructuring, gov-

offers service in bankruptcy, civil

Connolly, Bove, Lodge, & Hutz is

fax: (302) 777-4224

ernment relations, health law,

litigation, probate estate adminis-

a Delaware business law group,

email: rcross@crosslaw.com

intellectual property, maritime,

tration, and family law.

dealing with intellectual property

913 north market Street,

and business law. The practice

11th floor, Wilmington www.crosslaw.com

international trade and procure-

litigation, family law, immigration,

casarino, christman, Shalk, ranson & doss p.a.

is nationally recognized for its

acquisitions and private equity,

expertise patent litigation. Other

area: general practice

product liability, public compa-

contact: ms. cindy golebiewski

specialties include chancery

Cross and Simon is a Delaware

nies and capital formation, public

phone: (302) 594-4500

court, trademarks, and copy-

law firm that practices counseling

finance, real estate, trusts and

fax: (302) 594-4509

rights. A Newark office has just

in corporate and commercial liti-

estates, and white collar, internal

email: www.casarino.com

recently opened.

gation, class action and complex

ment; matrimonial, mergers,

60

DSCC_MayJun12.indd 60

May / Jun e 2012

| Delaware Business

4/19/12 11:39 AM

litigation, bankruptcy, transac-

drinker biddle & reath llp

Suite 1700, Wilmington

J. Maurer offers services to a

tional and personal services law,

contact: ms. althea corbin

www.elliottgreenleaf.com

wide array of criminal defense

personal injury, and estate and

phone: (302) 467-4200

area: employment law, commercial

cases, ranging from least serious

trust litigation.

fax: (302) 467-4201

litigation and tax matters

to most serious. Some of which

email: althea.corbin.dbr.com

The diverse practice includes

include DUI/DWI, drug crimes,

the danneman firm, llc

1100 north market Street,

federal and state court trial and

juvenile crimes, white collar

contact: mr. george danneman

Suite 1000, Wilmington

appellate litigation concerning

crimes, murder, as well as felony

phone: (302) 793-9660

www.drinkerbiddle.com

health care, constitutional issues

and misdemeanor offenses.

fax: (302) 295-0018

area: general practice

affecting business and govern-

email: george@dannemanfirm.com

A nationally recognized law

ment, contracts, environmental,

3411 Silverside road, 108 Webster

firm, Drinker Biddle and Reath

insurance, federal Civil Rights

the flowers counsel group, llc

building, Wilmington

provides services corporate

litigations, employment and

contact: ms. taryn Halverson

www.dannemanfirm.com

and securities law, complex

disability law, banking, finan-

phone: (302) 656-7370

area: government affairs and

litigation, government relations,

cial services, antitrust, class

fax: (302) 656-7464

administrative law

health care, intellectual property,

actions, mass torts, corporate

email: taryn.Halverson@

George Danneman offers ser-

insurance, investment manage-

and securities law, construction,

flowerscouncilgroup .com

vices in affordable housing, busi-

ment, private equity, bankruptcy,

regulatory and administrative

1105 north market Street,

ness formation and contracts,

energy, environmental, education,

matters (including government

Suite 800, Wilmington

commercial real estate, Delaware

and communication. The practice

contracts, health and insurance),

www.flowerscounselgroup.com

legal opinion letters, government

is also pro bono.

products liability, tax, bankruptcy,

area: procurement

franchise, trademark and trade

Serving as lead counsel in

duane morris llp

secrets, corporate control, white

complex multi-million dollar

dilworth paxson llp

contact: mr. michael lastowski, esq.

collar criminal, Qui Tam, RICO

transactions, our firm is dedi-

contact: mr. thaddeus Weaver

phone: (302) 657-4900

law and grand juries.

cated to providing our clients

phone: (302) 571-9800

fax: (302) 657-4901

fax: (302) 571-8875

email: mlastowski@duanemorris.com

email: tweaver@dilworthlaw.com

affairs, and administrative law.

with a broad range of high quality services in key niche

222 delaware avenue,

elzufon austin reardon tarlov & mondell, p.a.

one customs House,

Suite 1600, Wilmington

contact: ms. vicki Spangler

order to fulfill the needs of our

704 king Street, Suite 500,

www.duanemorris.com

phone: (302) 428-3181

clients, the firm has four core

Wilmington

area: general practice

fax: (302) 428-3180

practice areas, (i) Corporate

www.dilworthlaw.com

Duane Morris LLP is a full-service

email: vspangler@elfuzon.com

Governance and Formation,

area: bankruptcy and litigation

law firm with more than 700

300 delaware avenue,

(ii) Corporate Transactional,

Dilworth Paxson provides legal

attorneys in offices around the

Suite 1700, Wilmington

(iii) Mergers & Acquisitions

services to a broad spectrum

world. Practice areas include

www.elzufon.com

and (iv) Procurement Services.

of clients, including Fortune

business reorganization and

The firm has litigation and trans-

Recognizing the importance of

500 companies, privately held

financial restructuring, corpo-

actional divisions and serves

specialization and synergies,

businesses, government enti-

rate law, finance, private equity,

business and professional clients

our firm is committed to provid-

ties and individuals. Practice

venture capital and emerging

in matters of real estate, estate

ing you with unique, premium

areas include antitrust, banking

companies, tax, employment,

planning, corporate and tax law,

legal services in our core prac-

and financial services, bank-

labor benefits, and immigration,

commercial and corporate litiga-

tices. Our broad range of ser-

ruptcy and insolvency, busi-

energy, environment and resourc-

tion, employment and workers’

vices within our practice areas

ness, corporate investigations/

es, health law, intellectual prop-

compensation, malpractice,

ensures that our firm can lead

white collar, employee benefits,

erty, international law, real estate,

environmental and construction

and guide your organization

environmental, government

trial, insurance and reinsurance,

claims.

through your legal challenges.

affairs, health care, immigration,

product safety, compliance and

insurance, intellectual property,

recalls, and wealth planning.

eugene j. maurer, jr., p.a.

areas of the legal profession. In

contact: mr. eugene maurer, jr., esq.

friedman Schuman applebaum nemeroff & mccaffery, pc

tion, media law, mergers and

elliott greenleaf law firm

phone: (302) 652-7900

contact: mr. gary tannenbaum, esq.

acquisitions, philanthropic and

contact: mr. rafael zahralddin

fax: (302) 652-2173

phone: (215) 635-7200

non-profit, procurement, public

phone: (302) 384-9400

email: emauer1@verizon.net

fax: (215) 635-7212

finance, real estate, securities,

fax: (302) 384-9399

1201-a king Street, Wilmington

email: gtannenbaum@fsalaw.com

tax, and trusts and estates.

email: rxza@elliottgreenleaf.com

area: criminal defense and litigation

one commerce center, 1201 north

1105 north market Street,

As a Delaware law firm, Eugene

orange Street, Suite 728, Wilmington

labor and employment, litiga-

Delaware Business

DSCC_MayJun12.indd 61

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61

4/19/12 11:39 AM

Guide to Legal Services

and financial services litigation,

morris james llp

construction, corporate, securi-

contact: mr. tom Herweg

ties, and financial institutions,

phone: (302) 888-6800

crisis management, e-discovery,

fax: (302) 571-1750

environmental, executive com-

email: therweg@morrisjames.com

www.fsalaw.com

yahoo.com

pensation, franchising and

500 delaware avenue, Suite 1500,

area: purpose subsidiaries

92 reads Way, Suite 106,

distribution law, government con-

Wilmington

Friedman Schuman offers legal

new castle

tracts, government investigations

www.morrisjames.com

advice to both businesses and

area: injury cases/law

and white collar criminal defense,

area: litigation and transactions

individuals. This full-service

Mr. Paul Wernle offers counsel-

health care, immigration, insur-

Morris James LLP serves the

law firm provides guidance on

ing in injury law with issue areas

ance coverage, intellectual prop-

needs of Fortune 500 companies,

matters relating to commercial

including workers compensation,

erty/information technology, inter-

financial institutions, government

financing, real estate transac-

personal injury, and automobile

national, investment manage-

agencies, law firms, and the

tions, municipal law, corporate

accidents.

ment, labor and employment law,

community. The practice offers

private clients, product liability,

counseling in bankruptcy, busi-

and business transactions, elder law, estate administra-

law offices of gerald e. dixon

public finance, public strategy,

ness transactions, business liti-

tion, land use and zoning,

contact: mr. gerald dixon, esq.

real estate, redevelopment, and

gation, employment, governmen-

personal injury, tax planning,

phone: (302) 652-6599

tax and benefits. The practice is

tal relations, insurance coverage,

wealth management, litigation,

email: gdixon@gedixonlaw.com

also pro bono.

intellectual property, products

among others.

1204 north king Street, Wilmington

liability, professional liability, real

area: general practice

michael a. poppiti, p.a.

estate, tax, estates and business

the H. d. lee company

Business Law Advice, General

contact: mr. ciro poppiti, esq.

practice.

contact: ms. Helen Winslow

Practice Lawyers, Attorney’s,

phone: (302) 995-0206

phone: (302) 477-3930

Legal Attorney and Corporate

fax: (302) 995-0209

fax: (302) 477-3932

Attorneys. Additional location at

email: poppitilaw@yahoo.com

morris, nichols, arsht & tunnell llp

email: helen_winslow@vfc.com

4 Jefferson Park Catskill, NY.

301 old dupont road, Suite c,

contact: mr. robert Watson

Wilmington

phone: (302) 658-9200

3411 Silverside road, 200 Hanby building, Wilmington

law offices of jeffrey Weiner

poppitilaw.com/Home_page.html

fax: (302) 658-3989

www.zfvc.com

contact: mr. jeffrey Weiner, esq.

area: real estate/estate planning

email: rwatson@mnat.com

area: intellectual property

phone: (302) 652-0505

Michael A. Poppiti, P.A. practices

1201 north market Street, Wilmington

The H.D. Lee Company is a

fax: (302) 652-7824

in estate planning, real estate

www.mnat.com

law firm that provides services

email: legalw@aol.com

settlements, wills, and estates.

area: corporate law

to affiliated companies in the

1332 king Street, Wilmington

apparel industry.

area: civil litigation

john james conly, attorney-at-law

Morris Nichols represents global giants from the myriad of indus-

Jeffrey Weiner practices civil liti-

monzack mersky mclaughlin and browder, p.a.

gation and focuses on commer-

contact: ms. rachel mersky

Practice areas include business

cial and construction law.

phone: (302) 656-8162

reorganization and restructuring,

fax: (302) 656-2769

commercial law, corporate and business litigation, Delaware cor-

contact: mr. john conly, esq.

tries that incorporate in Delaware.

phone: (302) 994-8037

mccarter & english, llp

email: rmersky@monlaw.com

fax: (302) 994-5471

contact: mr. michael kelly, esq.

one commerce center, 1201 north

porate law counseling, intellec-

email: conlylaw@verizon.net

phone: (302) 984-6300

orange Street, Suite 400, Wilmington

tual property litigation, and trusts,

301 old dupont road,

fax: (302) 984-6399

www.monlaw.com

estates and tax.

Suite H, Wilmington

email: jtaylor@mccarter.com

area: business and commercial law

area: estate planning

405 north king Street, 8th floor,

Monzack Mersky McLaughlin

the neuberger firm, p.a.

Mr. John Conly is a Delaware

renaissance centre, Wilmington

and Browder, P.A. is a full-service

contact: mr. thomas neuberger

lawyer, offering services in wills,

www.mccarter.com

business law firm, primarily

phone: (302) 655-0582

trusts, probate, and real estate.

McCarter and English, LLP is

focused on business transac-

fax: (302) 655-9329

among one of the oldest law

tions, bankruptcy and restructur-

email: tsn@neubergerlaw.com

law office of paul Wernle, jr.

firms in the country, representing

ing, taxation, estate planning,

2 east Seventh Street,

contact: mr. paul Wernle, jr.

clients who range from Fortune

and civil litigation. The firm also

Suite 302, Wilmington

phone: (302) 221-3340

100 companies to individuals.

represents lenders and borrow-

www.neubergerlaw.com

fax: (302) 221-3343

Practice areas include bankrupt-

ers in loan workouts and related

area:

email: lawofficeofpWernle@

cy and restructuring, business

transactions.

The firm focuses its efforts on

62

DSCC_MayJun12.indd 62

May / Jun e 2012

| Delaware Business

4/19/12 11:39 AM

protecting those whose con-

Wilmington

and employment, construction

Saints focus on various areas of

stitutional, civil and other basic

area: legal Services

and environmental issues.

law, offering services in personal injury, workers compensation,

human rights have been violated.

Representation includes child-

pepper Hamilton, llp contract: mr. andrew logan

pre-paid legal associate (independent)

criminal defense, family law,

hood sexual abuse and priestpedophile litigation, plaintiff’s

phone: (302) 777-6500

contact: mr. michael Schwartz

office in both Wilmington and

employment law, constitutional

fax: (302) 421-8390

phone: (302) 328-8768

Newark.

law under the First, Fourth, and

Hercules plaza, 1313 market Street,

fax: (302) 328-8768

Fourteenth Amendments,

Suite 5100, Wilmington

email: mikeschwartz@prepaid

ratnerprestia

and general civil litigation and

www.pepperlaw.com

legal.com

contact: mr. rex donnelly, iv, esq.

appeals.

area: legal Services

34 dryden road, new castle

phone: (302) 778-2500

and bankruptcy. The firm has an

Pepper Hamilton LLP provides

www.prepaidlegal.com/hub/

fax: (302) 778-2600

norman e. levine attorney

corporate, litigation and regula-

mikeschwartz

email: radonnelly@ratnerprestia.com

contact: mr. norman levine, esq.

tory legal services to leading

area: legal services

www.ratnerprestia.com

phone: (302) 654-0660

businesses, governmental enti-

fax: (302) 425-5044

ties, nonprofit organizations and

rahaim & Saints

building, Wilmington

email: normanlevine@myway.com

individuals throughout the nation

contact: ms. tiffany poole, esq.

area: intellectual property law

2961 centerville road, Ste 302, red

and the world. The firm’s major

phone: (302) 892-9200

RatnerPrestia exclusively works

clay ctr. at little falls Wilmington

practice areas include corporate

fax: (302) 892-9209

with intellectual property law.

Norman E. Levine offers services

and securities law, commercial

email: tpoole@rahaimsaints.com

The practice’s services include

in family law, divorce, property

litigation, pharmaceutical and

2055 limestone road,

copyright, software protection,

rights, child custody, child sup-

medical device litigation, con-

Suite 211, Wilmington

internet issue protection, artistic

port, visitation rights, alimony,

struction litigation, intellectual

www.rahaimandsaints.com

creations and design protections,

and domestic violence.

property, financial services, and

area: general practice

patent, software rights and pro-

a wide variety of other commer-

The lawyers of Rahaim and

tections including software trans-

parkowski, guerke & Swayze

cial, litigation and regulatory legal

contact: mr. f. michael parkowski, esq.

services.

phone: (302) 678-3262 fax: (302) 678-9415

potter anderson & corroon llp

email: pgs@pgslegal.com

contact: mr. donald Wolfe

116 West Water Street, dover

phone: (302) 984-6000

www.pgslegal.com

fax: (302) 658-1192

area: general practice

email: dwolfe@potteranderson

Parkowski, Guerke and Swayze

Hercules plaza, 1313 north market

is a statewide, general practice

Street, 6th floor, Wilmington

law firm with emphasis in the

www.potteranderson.com

areas of environmental, admin-

area: corporate law

istrative, insurance, government

Potter Anderson and Corroon

relations, financial services and

LLP is the oldest Delaware law

bank formation, personal injury,

firm and the eighth oldest con-

domestic relations, corporate,

tinuing law firm in the United

real estate and intellectual prop-

States. Legal practice include

erty. The practice has offices in

corporate and alternative entities

both Dover and Wilmington.

law, mergers and acquisitions, litigation, structured finance,

paul, Weiss, rifkind, Wharton & garrison llp

bankruptcy and corporate reor-

contact: ms. cathy james

and labor and employment.

phone: (302) 655-4410

Potter Anderson and Corroon

fax: (302) 655-4420

also litigate matters involving

email: cjames@paulweiss.com

bankruptcy, intellectual property,

www.paulweiss.com

insurance coverage, product

500 delaware avenue, Suite 200,

liability, contracts, antitrust, labor

Delaware Business

DSCC_MayJun12.indd 63

|

ganization, intellectual property,

Ma y / Ju ne 2012

1007 orange Street, 1100 nemours

Widener Leadership Works

Here.

Today leadership is at a premium.

It’s expected of those who lead our justice system. Leadership separates the good from the irreplaceable. Especially real-time, reallife leadership in law, business, and within our communities.

Widener University does more than talk about leadership. With over 143 judges in 18 states who graduated from Widener, it’s clear we’re successfully educating our students to be leaders.

law.widener.edu

63

4/19/12 11:39 AM

DelBusMag_040512_Layout 1 3/7/2012 3:24 PM Page 1

Guide to Legal Services

The law firm of Saul Ewing LLP

actions and licensing, software

energy, environmental, fiduciary

protection and open source,

litigation, litigation, health care,

trademark including enforcement,

insurance, intellectual property,

licensing and co-existence, trade

labor and employment, limited

secret protection, strategy and

liability company and partner-

risk management, transactions

ship advisory, media and first

and litigation.

amendment, real estate, special committees, tax, and trusts and

proudly supports the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and the Delaware business community.

raymond e. tomasetti, jr.

estates.

contact: mr. raymond e. tomasetti jr., esq.

Saul ewing llp

phone: (302) 995-2840

contact: ms. denise frawley

fax: (302) 995-9160

phone: (302) 421-6800

email: tomasetti@aol.com

fax: (302) 421-6813

14 West market Street, newport

email: dfrawley@saul.com

www.raytomasetti.com

222 delaware avenue,

area: real estate

Suite 1200, Wilmington

The Law Offices of Raymond

www.saul.com

E. Tomasetti, Jr. provide a wide

area: general practice

variety of legal services, includ-

Saul Ewing LLP offers legal advi-

ing residential real estate settle-

sory services. The firm provides

ments, commercial real estate

legal advice and assistance in

settlements, estate planning

areas that include antitrust and

services, business law, debt

trade regulation practice, bank-

collection, and landlord/tenant

ruptcy and reorganization, busi-

disputes.

ness practice, criminal defense and internal investigations,

WILLIAM E. MANNING and WENDIE C. STABLER WILMINGTON OFFICE CO-MANAGING PARTNERS

222 DELAWARE AVENUE SUITE 1200 WILMINGTON, DE 19899 302.421.6800 www.saul.com

tive compensation, estates and

phone: (302) 651-7700

trusts, government relations,

fax: (302) 651-7701

health law, insurance, intellec-

email: whetzel@rlf.com

tual property, and labor. It offers

one rodney Square, 920 north king

services to individuals, entrepre-

Street, Wilmington

neurs, non-profits organizations,

www.rlf.com

academic institutions, and gov-

area: multiple areas

ernment agencies.

Richards, Layton & Finger, a ciation, is Delaware’s largest

Schwartz & Schwartz, attorneys at law, p.a.

Delaware professional assolaw firm and one of its oldest.

contact: mr. benjamin Schwartz

Practice areas include admin-

phone: (302) 678-8700

MARYLAND

istrative law, alternative dispute

fax: (302) 678-8702

MASSACHUSETTS

resolution, banking, bankruptcy

email: mail@benschwartz.com

and corporate restructuring, busi-

1140 South State Street, dover

ness trust and agency services,

www.SchwartzandSchwartz.com

chancery/corporate litigation,

area: civil and criminal litigation

commercial transactions, corpo-

With offices in both Wilmington

rate advisory and governance,

and Dover, Schwartz and

NEW YORK PENNSYLVANIA WASHINGTON, DC

DSCC_MayJun12.indd 64

employee benefits and execu-

contact: mr. robert Whetzel, esq.

DELAWARE

NEW JERSEY

64

richards, layton & finger, p.a.

May / Jun e 2012

| Delaware Business

4/19/12 11:39 AM

Schwartz offer assistance in

areas include commercial litiga-

personal injury, automobile

tion and business representa-

accidents, wrongful death,

tion, insurance defense, defense

criminal defense, corporate/

litigation, workers’ compensa-

business/commercial litigation,

tion, employment and labor law,

real estate, health law, appellate

construction litigation, creditors’

litigation, and labor and employ-

rights, property insurance and

ment litigation.

subrogation, transportation and

Partner With Us

admiralty/maritime, surety/fidelity,

Seitz, van ogtrop & green, p.a.

large loss/CAT, and government

contact: mr. bernard van ogtrop, esq.

claims.

To Achieve Your Objectives

phone: (302) 888-0600 fax: (302) 888-0606

tighe & cottrell, p.a.

email: bvanogtrop@svglaw.com

contact: mr. paul cottrell, esq.

222 delaware avenue,

phone: (302) 658-6400

Suite 1500, Wilmington

fax: (302) 658-9836

www.svglaw.com

email: p.cottrell@tighecottrell.com

area: litigation

one customs House, 704 king Street,

Seitz, Van Ogtrop and Green,

Suite 500, Wilmington

P.A. is a boutique firm, special-

www.tighecottrell.com

izing in litigation. The firm offers

area: general practice

counseling from commercial and

Tighe and Cottrell is a Mid-

corporate disputes to personal

Atlantic regional law firm that

injury in state, federal, and appel-

focuses on all phases of litigation

late court. Other practice areas

and various business practices.

include construction law and

Tighe and Cottrell provide legal

litigation, intellectual property,

services in bankruptcy and col-

creditor bankruptcy, employment

lections, construction law, com-

law and litigation, foreign judg-

mercial transactions and litiga-

ments enforcement, and medical

tion, directors’ and officers’ liabil-

malpractice.

ity, employment and labor law, environment law, general liability

.

Bankruptcy

.

Business

.

Corporate

.

Corporations

.

Family Law / Divorce

.

Labor

.

Personal Injury Litigation

.

Professional Liability Litigation

and

and

and

Creditors’ Rights

Commercial Transactions Fiduciary Litigation

and

and

Alternative Entities

Employment Law

the chartwell law office, llp

and personal injury, insurance

contact: mr. Seth reidenberg, esq.

coverage, intellectual property,

phone: (302) 425-0100

products liability, and profes-

fax: (302) 425-0200

sional liability.

.

Real Estate

chartwelllaw.com

Wier and allen, p.a.

300 delaware avenue,

contact: ms. anne Wier

.

Tax, Estates and Business Practice

Suite 800a, Wilmington

phone: (302) 888-3222

www.chartwelllaw.com

fax: (302) 888-3225

area: legal services

email: awier@wierandallen.com

The Chartwell Law Office pro-

two mill road, Suite 200,

vides insurance companies,

Wilmington

self-insured entities, third party

www.wierlaw.com

administrators, banks, lenders,

area: general practice, business, liti-

and other business concerns

gation, employment, and health law

legal advice and representation

Wier and Allen, P.A. is a nation-

in a variety of general liability,

ally ranked law firm with

commercial and workers’ com-

Mr. Wier ranking in the Best

pensation matters throughout the

Attorneys in America from 2001-

Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern

2012. The firm offers represen-

United States. Other practices

tation in management, health

email: sreidenberg@

Delaware Business

DSCC_MayJun12.indd 65

|

Ma y / Ju ne 2012

and

Land Use

Morris James LLP 500 Delaware Avenue, Suite 1500 Wilmington, Delaware 19801 T 302.888.6800

F 302.571.1750

www.morrisjames.com

65

4/19/12 11:39 AM

Guide to Legal Services

Wilson, Halbrook & bayard, p.a.

fax: (302) 571-1253

contact: mr. eugene bayard, esq.

1000 n. king Street,

phone: (302) 856-0015

Wilmington

fax: (302) 856-7116

area of practice: general practice

www.youngconaway.com

care professionals, education

john@trustwilliams.com

email: ehbayard@whblaw.com

Young Conaway Stargatt &

institutions, lawyers and law

one commerce center, 1201 north

107 West market Street,

Taylor, LLP, one of Delaware’s

firms, and governmental entities.

orange Street, Suite 600, Wilmington

georgetown

largest law firms, counsels and

Wier and Allen also practices in

www.trustwilliams.com

www.whblaw.com

represents national, interna-

litigation, criminal law and white

area: tax, estate planning and busi-

area: general practice

tional and local clients, han-

collar crimes, and lobbying.

ness litigation

Located in southern Delaware,

dling sophisticated advisory

With clientele extending across

Wilson, Halbrook & Bayard, P.A.,

and litigation matters involving

Whittington & aulgur

the nation, ranging from corpo-

practices numerous areas of

bankruptcy, corporate law and

contact: mr. thomas Whittington

rate businesses to individuals,

law, including administrative law,

intellectual property. Young

phone: (302) 235-5800

The Williams Law Firm, P.A.

banks and banking, civil litigation,

Conaway also guides regional

fax: (302) 235-5900

offers counseling towards trans-

commercial law, construction law,

businesses and individuals

2979 barley mill road, Yorklyn

actions and litigation. Williams

estate administration, municipal

through a myriad of employ-

Law Firm’s other practice areas

law, personal injury, real estate,

ment, real estate, tax, estate

the Williams law firm, p.a.

include corporate litigation,

and workers’ compensation.

planning, environmental, and

contact: mr. david Williams/

bankruptcy, trademarks, com-

mr. john Williams

mercial real estate, wills and

phone: (302) 575-0873

trusts, asset protection trusts,

Young conaway Stargatt & taylor, llp

fax: (302) 575-0925

and litigation.

contact: mr. paul Webb, esq.

email: dave@trustwilliams.com/

banking issues.

phone: (302) 571-6600

Richards Layton 2012 DSCC.ai 1 4/16/2012 2:38:11 PM

Are you a

small business owner?

DE L AWA R E

BU S I N E S S R E S U LTS Richards Layton has been serving our state for more than a century. From Delaware's banks and health care institutions to businesses and local industries,

We have a NEW health plan for you.

our clients count on us to deliver extraordinary service and the results they need.

Call the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce for more information at (302) 576 - 6580.

One Rodney Square

920 North King Street

Wilmington, DE 19801 www.rlf.com

66

DSCC_MayJun12.indd 66

Phone: 302 - 651-7700

Fax: 302 - 651-7701

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

May / Jun e 2012

| Delaware Business

4/19/12 11:39 AM

Experience Our New Headquarters at Rodney Square, 1000 North King Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 YoungConaway.com Delaware Business

DSCC_MayJun12.indd 67

|

Ma y / Ju ne 2012

67

4/19/12 11:39 AM

for those who make, sell, build, support, create, service, supply, repair, give, design, deliver, produce and contribute to our economy, we say thank you.

Giving small businesses the credit they deserve. Local businesses help support the vitality of our communities. That’s why we’re here for you today, tomorrow and especially during our May Small Business Month.

To learn more, stop by a branch, call 855-PNC-CFO5 or visit pnc.com/cfo

PNC Bank is a registered mark of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (“PNC”). Banking products and services offered by PNC Bank, National Association, a wholly owned subsidiary of PNC and Member FDIC. © 2012 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

68

DSCC_MayJun12.indd 68

May / Jun e 2012

| Delaware Business

4/19/12 11:39 AM

Newsbites

CoMPiLED BY KATiE DuNN

Sen. carper discusses job growth with delaware business leaders In February, Sen. Tom Carper invited two local Delaware business leaders to join a Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee Meeting in Washington, DC. Representatives of Incyte Corporation and Computer Aid Inc. (CAI). joined a handful of other small- and medium-sized company representatives from across the United States that have done well and contributed to job growth – despite a sluggish economy. At the meeting, the company representatives and Senators, including Sen. Carper and Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.), discussed how these businesses are strengthening local economies, creating jobs, and how their efforts may be replicated nationally.

The Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee facilitates an ongoing conversation between Senate Democrats and the American public. Each year, the Steering and Outreach Committee hosts several meetings with advocates, policy experts, business leaders, elected officials, and community leaders to discuss key priorities and enlist their help in the development of the Democratic agenda in the Senate. These meetings are open forums for discussion between members of communities around the country and members of the Democratic Caucus.

balascio joins tighe & cottrell team Tighe & Cottrell, P.A. is pleased to announce that Dominic J. Balascio, Esq., has joined the firm. Mr. Balascio

Delaware Business

DSCC_MayJun12.indd 69

|

Ma y / Ju ne 2012

practices in the legal fields of real estate, mortgage workouts, general business, commercial transactions, contract negotiations, construction, and labor and employment. Mr. Balascio resides in Middletown, Delaware and

is a member of the Middletown Area Chamber of Commerce and Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.

Selsor to chair Salvation army advisory board James R. Selsor, Jr. CPA, Partner of Gunnip & Company LLP has accepted the role of chair for the Salvation Army Delaware Regional Advisory Board. The board is considered the parent body, coordinating the activities of the other advisory organizations and is charged with the responsibility of advising and assisting The Salvation Army in all its activities in the state. Jim is a partner in Gunnip & Company’s Tax Department.

He supervises tax preparation, compliance and research. He also mentors tax department staff in their career development. His experience includes financial management and tax work with individuals, trusts, LLPs, partnerships, privately held companies and nonprofits.

69

4/19/12 11:39 AM

Newsbites eight attorneys recognized on ‘Who’s Who legal’ list Eight Richards, Layton & Finger attorneys, more than any other Delaware law firm, have been recognized in The International Who’s Who of Corporate Governance Lawyers 2012. R. Franklin Balotti, C. Stephen Bigler, Donald A. Bussard, Jesse A. Finkelstein, Mark J. Gentile, Samuel A. Nolen, Gregory V. Varallo and Gregory P. Williams have been named among the world’s foremost corporate governance lawyers.

Lawyers are chosen based upon comprehensive, independent research with general counsel and private practice lawyers worldwide. Only lawyers who have met independent international criteria appear on Who’s Who Legal’s definitive lists of the world’s leading business law attorneys. Richards Layton has long been recognized for its excellence in counseling clients on complex corporate matters.

matt twadell to Work with ediS team EDiS Company is pleased to announce a recent addition to the EDiS team. Matt Twadell has been hired as a Project Engineer. He is a 2011 University of Delaware Engineering Technology graduate with a concentration in Construction Management. Twadell assisted in the office with bidding, scheduling and submittals after graduation and was recently hired full time.

Honors for both kennedy and burke at cover & rossiter’s audit practice Peter S. Kennedy, CPA, director of Cover & Rossiter’s audit practice, was recently selected to sit on a national advisory committee for the Financial

70

DSCC_MayJun12.indd 70

offers online courses, behavioral assessAccounting Standards Board (FASB). ments and training resources for develKennedy was selected to be one of opment in important areas such as: 15-20 individuals nationally to serve as • Customer Service & Sales a member of the FASB’s new Not-for• Leadership & Management Profit Financial Statements • Time & Stress Management Resource Group. This group • Job-Related Skills will advise the FASB in • Professionalism and future Generally Accepted • Interpersonal Relationships Accounting Principles (GAAP) changes for nonprofits. The Resource Group will provide george & lynch, inc. the FASB’s Board and Staff awarded with an important discussion forum and advice on critical The Delaware Asphalt Peter S. Kennedy issues in the Board’s efforts Pavement Association to improve the presentation of awarded George & Lynch, information in financial stateInc. the 2011 Award for “Best ments of not-for-profit organiDelDOT Asphalt Pavement.” zations.

The project included paving Diane Burke, CPA, on Rt. 113 from Georgetown AEP, director of Cover & to Millsboro. The hot mix Rossiter’s personal tax asphalt was supplied by River practice, was honored on Asphalt. Manager of asphalt January 20, 2012 at the services Kevin Jones comDiane Burke Middletown Area Chamber of mended the G&L asphalt crew Commerce (MACC) Annual Dinner at led by Robert McNatt and the quality of the Chesapeake Inn. Burke was recogasphalt received from River Asphalt. nized for her outstanding accomplishments and dedication to the MACC. lori Hans promoted at She received the MACC Will Kirkwood Wheeler, Wolfenden & President’s Award, which is given to the dwares, p.a. chamber board member who has done the most work to benefit the chamber Wheeler, Wolfenden & Dwares, the previous year.

P.A., Certified Public Accountants, announced the promotion of Lori Hans, CPA to supervisor at the firm. corexcel’s Sue bowlby a Lori received a Master of Business diamond award Winner Administration degree from Loyola College in Baltimore Maryland and a Local business owner Sue Bowlby and Bachelor of Science degree in accountthe Corexcel team have been honored ing from Lebanon Valley College in as an Inscape Publishing Diamond Annville, Pennsylvania. She has over Award winner for the sixth consecutive eleven years of experience in accountyear. Diamond Award status is Inscape’s ing with ten of those in public accounthighest award level. In 2011, less than 1 ing. She is responsible for all aspects percent of Inscape Distributors earned of audit engagements for the firm. Lori the honor of Diamond Award. Corexcel is a member of the American Institute has been an Authorized Distributor of of CPA’s (AICPA), and the Delaware Inscape Publishing since 1998. Corexcel

May / Jun e 2012

| Delaware Business

4/19/12 11:39 AM

Society of CPA’s. Lori also serves on the board of directors of Elementary Workshop Montessori School in Wilmington, DE.

cpa group Welcomes new director

of Delaware with a Bachelor’s degree in accounting. He is a member of the American Institute and the Delaware Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Delaware Medical Group Management Association, and the Wilmington Tax Group.

Santora CPA Group, a paul j. pernice named Newark-based Certified Public vp of finance at Accounting and Consulting beebe medical center firm, announced that Robert S. Smith, CPA has joined Beebe Medical Center Robert S. Smith the firm as a director. His announced that Paul J. Pernice, prior experience includes a total of 28 CPA, has been named Vice President, years in public accounting serving his Finance/Chief Financial Officer. Pernice Delaware and Pennsylvania-based cliis taking over responsibilities from James ents. Bob is a graduate of the University W. Bartle, who has served in the same

capacity for Beebe Medical Center since October 1988. Mr. Bartle announced his plans to retire last year. To allow for a smooth transition, Mr. Bartle will officially retire this summer and is expected to stay on for a period of time as a Senior Advisor to the management team and to the Board. Mr. Pernice brings more than 25 years experience in both non-profit and for-profit healthcare organizations.

He is a certified public accountant and a Six Sigma Black Belt, which signifies his experience in leading efforts to find quality and cost-effective solutions to business issues. He joined Beebe Medical Center from the Center for Family Guidance Health Systems where he served as Chief Financial Officer.

Calendar of Events MAy 3

media with nancy Solero of engage3Sixty

Women in business legislative brunch

7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Location to TBD

JUNE 14, 2012

Location: Legislative Hall, Dover

Pre-registration required For more information, please contact

Small business conference end of Session legislative brunch

Denee Crumrine.

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

MAy 7

Superstars in education awards dinner

at (302) 576-6586 or lprickril@dscc.com

Location: Sheraton Dover Hotel

4:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

MAy 24

For more information, contact Lisa Prickril at

Location: Chase Center on the Riverfront

302-576-6586 or lprickril@dscc.com

Cost: $80 per person for corporate indi-

chamber leadership Series with carol ammon

viduals and $50 per person for educators

7:30 – 9:15 a.m.

JUNE 20

Tables of 10: $800 for corporations and

Location: Winterthur

evening mixer

$500 for educators For more information,

Pre-registration required

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

call Janine Sorbello at (302) 576-6575.

For more information, please contact

Location: Dogfish Head Brewery, Milton

Lisa Prickril at (302) 576-6586 or

Cost: $20/members, $40/non-members

lprickril@dscc.com

For more information, call Lisa Prickril at

MAy 15

benefits & Services breakfast

(302) 576-6586 or lprickril@dscc.com

7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

JUNE 5

Location: DSCC Board Room

networking breakfast at diamond technologies

JUNE 21

For more information, please contact Denee Crumrine.

7:30 – 9:00 a.m.

9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Location: Diamond Technologies

Location: DSCC Chairman’s Room

MAy 16

Pre-registration is required

For more information, contact Matt Amis

Small business alliance Workshop: Social

For more information, contact Lisa Prickril

at (302) 576-6566 or mamis@dscc.com

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Affiliates updAtE Small buSineSS alliance

BY DENéE CRuMRiNE

The Small Business Alliance has been busy hosting numerous events planned by its dedicated committees. A March legislative forum with Reps. Bryon Short and Dan Short of the Small Business Caucus brought about great discussion surrounding legislation and its affect on Delaware’s businesses. The Young Executives hosted a breakfast with Geoff Sawyer, deputy chief of staff at Gov. Markell’s office, and learned about some the initiatives that bring business to Delaware. We had a successful workshop with Dale Carnegie of Delaware on profitable networking where attendees learned helpful techniques for getting the most out of networking events.

May brings a Benefits Breakfast to educate members on all the benefits and services the Chamber offers, a social media workshop presented by Engage3sixty, a Young Execs community service day with Habitat for Humanity New Castle County and our Women in Business Legislative Brunch. Let’s not forget about one of our most popular events, our annual trip in June to Dogfish Head Brewery where founder Sam Calagione gives a brewery tour after guests have enjoyed samples of Dogfish craft beers. Be on the lookout for blog posts and pictures!

Blog: dscc.wordpress.com DSCC: www.facebook.com/destatechamber; www.twitter.com/destatechamber young Execs: www.facebook.com/deyoungexecs If you are interested in getting involved with any of the following committees, please contact us.

• Education & Development • Young Executives • Superstars in Business Denée Crumrine: dcrumrine @dscc.com; (302) 576-6564 • Benefits & Services • Women in Business Katie Dunn: kdunn@dscc.com; (302) 576-6578 • Legislative Forum Greg Gross: ggross@dscc.com; (302) 576-6568

tHe partnerSHip, inc.

BY JANiNE SoRBELLo

Having tied a bow on our 2012 Superstars in Education program (don’t forget to join us on May 7 at the Chase Center!), the Partnership Inc. is taking its act on the road. Over the next few weeks, we’ll bring the celebration into the schools and districts whose programs earned 2012 Superstars recognition, as part of our Superstars Hit the Road campaign. Want to be a part of the fun?

Contact Janine Sorbello at jsorbello@dscc.com or 302-576-6575.

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The 2012 Delaware Principal for a Day program is just around the corner.

Want to take part? Contact Janine Sorbello.

Just as one great program draws to a close, yet another begins.

Invitations will soon be arriving in the mailboxes of local school principals and members of the business community for the 2012 Delaware Principal for a Day program.

This program is a blast for everyone involved, and it only serves to strengthen the bond between Delaware’s public schools and its businesses.

As our president and CEO Jim Wolfe says: Future first class jobs will go to those with a world class education, so our commitment to education reform remains strong.”

delaWare manufacturing aSSociation The signs said it all: “Made in Delaware.”

The 2012 Spring Manufacturing Conference was a celebration of all things Delaware-made. Forty tabletop displays lined the walls of Sheraton Dover Hotel on Thursday, encompassing products as far-ranging as industrial steel and high-tech polymers to pale ale and Jell-O. AstraZeneca’s Mike Crawford, chairman of the Delaware Manufacturing Association, greeted morning session attendees with a colorful welcome.

The DMA, he said, is all about enhancing the competitiveness of Delaware manufacturers through government regulation, trade and tax policy.

Crawford then introduced Ned Monroe, the senior vice president of external relations for the National Association of Manufacturers. Monroe ran briefly through his career arc–which included stops at various political campaigns, PACs and associations–before launching into a 2012 national election picture. The race for the White House, Monroe said, along with tight margins in the House and Senate, could have a big impact on the national manufacturing scene. He then blazed through several issues that could have major implications for manufacturers, including conflict minerals, and the Keystone Pipeline.

He ended his rousing talk with a plea to get involved with local governMay / Jun e 2012

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ment, particularly in an election year (and particularly in a state as small as Delaware), as face-to-face interactions with elected officials and candidates can spur change.

After a wonderful meal from the folks at Sheraton Dover Hotel, Gov. Jack Markell took to the podium to keynote the Spring Legislative Brunch. He shared his gratefulness for the DSCC, his cabinet, and Delaware’s congressional delegation (“The best in the country,” he said. “That may sound like hyperbole, but I believe it to be true.”) before stressing the importance of education reform.

“If we don’t improve the schools, then nothing else matters,” he said. Exciting changes, like the DCAS assessment program, and investments in early childhood education, are already beginning the process, he said.

And, just as Monroe said, attendees at the brunch were permitted some one-on-one Q&A time with the governor, before closing out the day.

Thanks to all who made it, especially our speakers, our government representatives and our great Made in Delaware exhibitors. The Chamber would also like to give a special thanks to the sponsors of this event.

Our presenting sponsors were: Delaware Manufacturing Association, Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.

Our gold sponsors were: Bank of America, Delmarva Power.

Our silver sponsors were: Delaware City Refining Company, The Delaware Economic Development Office, Evraz Claymont Steel.

Our bronze sponsors were: Agilent Technologies, BASF Corporations, Blood Bank of Delmarva, Calpine Corporation, Chimes, Dupont, Environmental Alliance, Energizer, Kraft Foods Global, Inc., Masley Enterprises, Norfolk Southern Corporation, PPG Industries, Precision Air Convey, P&G Dover Wipes, W.L. Gore & Association.

“Made in Delaware” was the theme of the 2012 Spring Manufacturing Conference at Sheraton Dover Hotel in March.

DPPI was a sponsor of the recent 50th anniversary celebration of the University of Delaware’s School of Public Policy and Administration. The celebration included a luncheon address by Dr. Tony Allen of Bank of America, who is also a DPPI trustee. DPPI executive director John Taylor is a member of the SPPA Board of Advisors as is Allen and another DPPI trustee, Dr. Daniel Rich.

Currently, DPPI is involved in planning another Knowledge-based Partnership Conference with University of Delaware staff. The session will focus on transportation infrastructure and costs.

Certified PubliC ACCountAnts & Advisors

delaWare retail council

BY JohN TAYLoR

Two new members have been voted to the Delaware Public Policy Institute Board of Trustees. They are Carol Ammon, the founder and retired Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company with market leadership in pain management; and Rodman Ward III, president and CEO of Corporation Service Co. Delaware Business

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Ove

r 70 Yea rs

Celebr

vice S er

delaWare public policY inStitute

g

of

State Sen. Robert Marshall is back again pushing for a higher minimum wage for Delaware. Delaware, on average, pays higher than the national average. The bill passed the House and traveled over to the senate where it was amended into its current form and passed by the Senate and sent back to the House for approval.

The DRC opposes the proposed legislation to increase the minimum wage at this time. The State of New York has proposed an increase in their state’s minimum as well. New York State’s legislation is a little ‘creative’: Their bill would raise the minimum wage at a rate equal to the rate of inflation for the most recent 12-month period. The DRC hopes in earnest that the Delaware General Assembly does not take a page out of the State of New York’s book. Stay tuned.

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dEmEp Profile

Arrow Safety Device Co. was one of the largest vehicle safety manufacturers in the U.S.

Straight to the point: arrow Safety device co. learns from demep’s principles of efficiency

BY EiLEEN SMiTh DALLABRiDA

FoundEd In 1930, Arrow Safety Device Co. has a long, proud history in the transportation industry, beginning with the development of the very first practical turn signal.

“That taillight on the back of buses—that’s us,” says David Gerni, vice president of sales and operations.

Over the next two decades, Arrow expanded its product line and became one of the largest vehicle safety product manufacturers in the United States.

When the U.S. Department of Transportation was established in 1967, Arrow played a role in establishing Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) requirements that were adopted by the federal government.

By the early 1970s, Arrow had raised the bar on industry standards with such innovations as a patented all-aluminum housing snowplow light called The Sno-Laser.

New technologies in lighting propelled growth in the 1980s and 1990s. Arrow developed another snowplow light, still used by several plow manufacturers, as well as new LED lights. Arrow also launched the Delaware Business

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only manufacturer direct website capable of allowing the customer to order and purchase products online.

Arrow was sold in 2008 to a group of independent entrepreneurs.

Facilities in Mount Holly, N.J., and Georgetown were merged and relocated in a new manufacturing and sales facilities in Selbyville.

In a down economy, Arrow reduced headcount to contain costs. To resume growing, the company needed to become ISO 9001:2008 certified, as required by a number of large, important customers, including U-Haul, Komatsu, Thomas Bus, Blue Bird, Navistar and Oshkosh. ISO 9000 is a family of standards and guidelines for quality in the manufacturing and service industries from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Arrow also was looking for guidance on another major goal. The company, which had outsourced some of its production to China, wanted to bring jobs back to Delaware.

“If there is a problem with the products that are shipped over from China it can take weeks to correct it,” Gerni says. “By doing the work here, we can improve quality control.”

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dEmEp Profile To lay the groundwork for training, Arrow obtained a grant from the Delaware Economic Development Office. The company then turned to the Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership, part of a nationwide network of not-for-profit advisory centers. Accredited by the National Institute for Standards and Technology, DEMEP’s mission is to substantially improve the quality, productivity and profitability of manufacturers in the state by identifying, transferring and implementing best practices.

“At DEMEP, our entire focus is on teaching businesses to become more efficient at what they do so they can increase profits,” says Steve Quindlen, executive director.

An important part of the ISO 9001 process was a gap analysis, in which Kit Eisel, a DEMEP consultant, trained the Arrow team on the ISO 9001:2008 standard requirements. She also performed an audit of the current system and practices in place at Arrow to identify where the deficiencies were and developed a plan for closing the gaps for compliance to the standard.

“It tells you where you are now—and where you need to go to get ISO 9001 certified,” says Kim Kilby, a DEMEP field agent.

A key step was documenting procedures that would become part of the company’s Quality Management System. With a workforce in which many employees have more than 20 years of service, Arrow had relied largely on its considerable base of institutional knowledge.

“A lot of the knowledge on how to do things was in people’s heads, instead of in writing,” Kilby says.

The implementation team was able to set and meet many stretch goals for procedure writing, training, setting business objectives and then auditing their complete system, Eisel notes.

“The company did a tremendous job of changing many old, timeworn processes into new, efficient processes that meet the requirements of ISO 9001 in a remarkably short period of time,” she says.

Now, procedures are clearly stated in electronic records. There is a sign stationed at each computer, with instructions on how to look up information.

“Any time there is an update on procedures, it goes out to all the department heads, who are responsible for making sure everyone is aware and properly trained when necessary,” says Linda Fulkersin, assistant operations manager.

Arrow also cross-trained employees so that at least two people know how to perform each task, avoiding disruptions when key personnel are off. A new hire is a designated floater, trained in shipping, receiving, inventory and setting up dies.

The strategy paid almost immediate benefits when a key worker in shipping was unexpectedly absent after suffering an accident at home.

“Someone stepped in and took his place for the days he was out and we didn’t miss a beat,” Gerni says.

The entire workforce was trained in the principles of Lean Manufacturing, in which employees learn systematic approaches to eliminating waste.

“Lean opened everyone’s eyes to doing things in a new way,” Fulkersin says. “We had been doing things the same way for a long time just because that is the way they had always been done.”

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New, efficient processes replaced old, worn ones at Arrow.

After Arrow employees attended the DEMEP Principles of Lean Manufacturing workshop, the Arrow Team looked for opportunities in their processes to identify unnecessary steps and make the process faster and more efficient.

As a result, the workflow was reorganized from a large, cumbersome assembly line into smaller, more efficient cells.

“Parts are closer to the production line,” Fulkersin says. “Finished product is closer to shipping. Packing boxes are at the end of the line.”

The new configuration takes up 50 percent less floor space than the old assembly line, giving Arrow room to grow. Gerni estimates the new setup is about 25 percent more efficient.

As part of the ISO 9001 standard requirements, DEMEP also helped Arrow to establish a vendor rating system to rate its vendors. Which suppliers consistently provide the best customer service? Which vendors have issues with quality control and timely delivery?

“Vendor ratings gave us a much better idea of which vendors worked best for us,” Gerni says. “It also gave the vendors greater insight as to what we are looking for.”

After taking physical inventory and reviewing the sales history of products, Arrow decided to retire several products in incandescent lighting, which is rapidly losing market share to more efficient LED lights.

To minimize waste, lights were disassembled to salvage parts that could be re-used. Other materials were recycled.

As a result of ISO 9001 certification, Arrow has retained its business with important customers. The company has hired two new sales representatives and plans to create a marketing position.

Arrow also is going after new business, including opportunities in marine lighting and logging trucks.

“Now that we have our ISO 9001 certification, our marketplace is wide open,” Gerni says.

The company is partnering with local Delaware metal fabricator, Miller Metal Fabrication Inc., to roll out two new products, cage-like guards for clearance lights on trailers and brackets for taillights on buses.

Instead of maintaining the status quo, workers are actively engaged in volunteering ideas on how Arrow can become even more efficient.

“It isn’t unusual to walk by the production line and have somebody wave us over and say, ‘I think I see a way we can do this better,’” Gerni says.

May / Jun e 2012

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Be a

SUPERSTAR in BuSineSS

Small Business, Great Big Event

SAVE THE DATE The 2012 Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Awards Luncheon

Wednesday, November 14, 2012 Keynote Speaker: Dan Butler, Chef/Owner, Piccolina Toscana

Are you a super business? Request an application now and get started on your path to superstardom!

For more information, visit www.dscc.com/superstarsinbusiness Sponsorships and advertising opportunities are available.

Call (302) 576-6564 for details.

Delaware Business

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chAmBEr

Committees & Forums 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.

Benefits & Services Committee: This committee identifies group-oriented benefits, such as health care coverage, dental and vision care, discounted office supplies, phone service, direct mail, radio advertising and much more to help Chamber members be healthy and competitive. Contact: Denee Crumrine at (302) 576-6564 or dcrumrine@dscc.com.

Education & Development Committee: This committee provides practical, valuable and affordable education and development programs to help existing members and potential members be more successful. Contact: Denee Crumrine at (302) 576-6564 or dcrumrine@dscc.com.

The Employee Relations Committee: This committee meets each month and brings in knowledgeable experts to discuss ever-changing labor and employment laws and regulations that impact all Delaware businesses. The interaction between speakers and committee members provides a cost-effective and efficient way to obtain up-to-date information that helps employers create or modify personnel policies and procedures before legal problems arise. Contact: Greg Gross at (302) 576-6568 or ggross@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: Greg Gross at (302) 576-6568 or ggross@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: Matt Amis at (302) 576-6566 or mamis@dscc.com.

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Holding Company Committee: Provides a forum to discuss issues affecting Delaware holding companies on the state and national levels. Contact: Matt Amis at (302) 576-6566 or mamis@dscc.com.

Legislative Forum: Members, lobbyists and legislative representatives work together to address legislative issues of interest to Chamber members. Monthly lunchtime meetings feature guest speakers who cover current topics of interest to the business community. Contact: Greg Gross at (302) 576-6568 or ggross@dscc.com.

Tax Committee: This committee reviews tax legislation and lobbies for the reduction of personal and business taxes in Delaware. Contact: Greg Gross at (302) 576-6568 or ggross@ dscc.com.

Transportation Committee: The transportation committee creates a unified voice when making recommendations to the Delaware Department of Transportation. Contact: Greg Gross at (302) 576-6568 or ggross@dscc.com.

Women in Business Forum: The Women in Business Forum was formed to forge relationships, break boundaries and build a better business environment for women in our community.

Former guest speakers include First Lady Carla Markell, Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, Family Court Chief Judge Chandlee Kuhn, State Reps. and Sens., and business leaders. Contact: Katie Dunn at (302) 576-6578 or kdunn@dscc.com. young Executives Committee: The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s newest 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 Young Executives Committee, for professionals between the ages of 21 and 40, aims to develop Delaware’s young workforce through professional business networking and personal growth. Contact: Denee Crumrine at (302) 576-6564 or dcrumrine@dscc.com.

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Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

SmAll StAtE. BIg BEnEFItS. The State Chamber Health Plan The cost of employee health care is a top concern among Delaware business owners. DSCC has devised an affordable, quality health care plan for its members. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware announced new reduced rates and added an additional lower-cost plan choice. Visit www.dscc.com/healthplan. htm today or call (302) 576-6580 for more details.

bers). Call (302) 655-7221 for more information.

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. For more information, go to www.dscc.com/rxdiscount.htm.

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) 5988791 to apply, mention priority code FABLHRAQ.

Discounted Cell Phone products and Service State Chamber members can get a 10-percent discount from T-Mobile on qualifying monthly recurring charges and other special offers. Email Melissa Williams at melissa.williams2@tmobile.com to learn more about this benefit.

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.

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.

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.

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

State Chamber members offer substantial savings on products Access full details on these benefits of and services to fellow members. membership in the members-only section To see the full list of discounts of the DSCC website. For more informaonline, visit www.dscc.com tion about obtaining your company’s and click on Member2Member members-only login credentials, please Discounts. email webmaster@dscc.com.

W.B. Mason Office Supplies W.B. Mason offers Chamber members exclusive deep discounts off their most commonly used items. Discounts are up to 90 percent. Contact Doreen Miller for more information at doreen. miller@wbmason.com or (888) 926-2766, ext. 8358.

Blood Bank Membership Member companies with five employees or less are offered unlimited group coverage in the Blood Bank of Delmarva. Call (302) 655-7221 for more information.

Certificate of Origin Documents Certificate of Origin documents are $20 for Chamber members ($100 for non-mem-

Delaware Business

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For Assistance,

cAll thE chAmBEr The State Chamber of Commerce staff works for you, serving nearly 2,800 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.

James A. Wolfe President & CEO Marianne K. Antonini Sr. Vice President Finance & CFO

576-6560 jwolfe@dscc.com 576-6567 mantonini@dscc.com

A. Richard Heffron Sr. Vice President Government Affairs

576-6563 rheffron@dscc.com

Janine G. Sorbello Sr. Vice President Education & Exec. Director, The Partnership Business Mentoring Alliance Principal for a Day Superstars in Education

576-6575 jsorbello@dscc.com

John H. Taylor, Jr. 576-6590 Sr. Vice President & jtaylor@dscc.com Exec. Director, Delaware Public Policy Institute Matt Amis Communications Manager Delaware Business Production Website Health Care Committee Holding Company Committee

576-6566 mamis@dscc.com

576-6564 dcrumrine@dscc.com

Katie Dunn Communications & Events Associate Women in Business

576-6578 kdunn@dscc.com

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576-6569 leriksen@dscc.com

Gregory L. Gross Director of Government Affairs Employee Relations Committee Environmental Committee Legislative Forum Tax Committee Transportation Committee

576-6568 ggross@dscc.com

Chuck James Account Executive Ambassador Committee

576-6562 cjames@dscc.com

Lisa Prickril Events Manager Young Executives Committee

576-6586 lprickril@dscc.com

Arlene M. Simon Account Executive

576-6576 asimon@dscc.com

Bill Stephano Director of Membership

Denee Crumrine Program & Communications Specialist Young Executives Committee Manager, Small Business Alliance Benefits & Services Committee Education & Development Committee

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

Linda D. Eriksen Accounting Associate

576-6574 bstephano@dscc.com

Patrina Wallace Information Secretary

655-7221 pwallace@dscc.com

Miller Publishing, Inc. Fred Miller President, Miller Publishing, Inc. Advertising Sales

576-6579 fmiller2@dscc.com

Delaware State Chamber of CommerCe

576-6572 ccorn@dscc.com

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: dscc.wordpress.com facebook.com/delawarestatechamber flickr: flickr.com/dscc twitter: @Destatechamber

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Not many people grow up dreaming that one day, they’ll be a leader in the measurement business.

We Did.

Is this baby formula wholesome? Is this tap water pure? Did this athlete use banned substances? Will this therapy be effective against this type of tumor? These are the kinds of questions that inspire us at Agilent.

And it’s why we’ve grown into the world’s premiere measurement company.

Food, the environment, energy, forensics and scientific research profoundly affect everyone’s quality of life. This is our inspiration for developing innovative instrumentation, software and support used by scientists around the world to understand this world better. We’re steadfast believers that tools should expand the horizons of science, not restrict them. It’s why we adhere to the practice of “relentless innovation.” It’s also the motivation behind the biggest expansion in our 70-year history. At Agilent, every day we build on our history of fueling scientific discovery. It’s how we measure our success.

Learn more about Agilent Technologies at www.agilent.com

© Agilent Techonogies, Inc. 2011

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D U P O N T C E N T E R F O R C O L L A B O R AT I V E R E S E A RC H & E DU C AT I O N

THE NEXT GIANT LEAP FOR MANKIND STARTS WITH YOU, RIGHT HERE IN DELAWARE. DuPont salutes the winners of the 2012 Superstars in Education. For 209 years, DuPont has proudly promoted the value of education, supported broad access to education, and

led science education reform efforts worldwide, helping to enable innovations and a better life for people everywhere.

Visit dupont.com/collaboratory to learn more.

©2012. DuPont. All rights reserved. The DuPont Oval Logo and DuPont™ are registered trademarks or trademarks of E.I. du Pont deNemours and Company or its affiliates.

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