Delaware Business November/December 2014

BUSINESS

Guide to Innovation

N IO IT 4 ED F L 1O IA R EC VE SP O C

DELAWARE

PLUS: EDiS’ Family Values

November/December 2014 $3.00

The 2014 Superstars in Business Featuring:

TEKSOLV, INC. A Publication of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESS

Guide to Innovation

N IO IT 4 ED F L 2O IA R EC VE SP O C

DELAWARE

PLUS: EDiS’ Family Values

November/December 2014 $3.00

The 2014 Superstars in Business Featuring:

BRIGHTFIELDS, INC. A Publication of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESS November/December 2014 $3.00

Guide to Innovation

N IO IT 4 ED F L 3O IA R EC VE SP O C

DELAWARE

PLUS: EDiS’ Family Values

The 2014 Superstars in Business Featuring:

MYSHERPA

A Publication of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

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BUSINESS

Guide to Innovation

N IO IT 4 ED F L 4O IA R EC VE SP O C

DELAWARE

PLUS: EDiS’ Family Values

November/December 2014 $3.00

The 2014 Superstars in Business Featuring:

ST. PATRICK’S CENTER A Publication of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

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The Diamond Technologies foursome of Dina Orpello, Peter Waterkotte, Robert Smith and Bob Sonchen have some fun on the course during the Chamber Chase Golf Tournament.

Departments President’s Message............................... 2 No silver bullet for Delaware’s economy Legislative Priority................................... 3 Big issues await the 114th Congress Member News and Notes....................... 5 Lyons Companies explores employee benefits, Emory Hill breaks down the real estate landscape, and much more.

In this Issue Features

Q&A: With Mike Uffner and Bill Topkis Nonprofit Spotlight: Del. Council on Gambling Problems Business Spotlight: Bloom Energy

2014 SUPERSTARS IN BUSINESS............................................................................. 21

Welcome New Members....................... 14

Introducing the 2014 class of Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business winners. Take a bow. Photos by Tom Nutter

Chamber Scene...................................... 16

GUIDE TO REAL ESTATE........................................................................................... 31

Newsbites................................................ 55

Andy DiSabatino retires from EDiS, and the family business rolls on.

BY EILEEN SMITH DALLABRIDA. PHOTOS BY NICK WALLACE

Calendar.................................................. 58

GUIDE TO INNOVATION............................................................................................. 38

Chamber Committees........................... 61

Delaware Business salutes innovation in all its different incarnations.

Chamber Member Benefits.................. 62

GUIDE TO BANKING.................................................................................................. 43 With the advent of online banking has come hacks and identity fraud.

What are our local banks doing to safeguard your money? BY LARRY NAGENGAST

On The Cover 2014 Superstars in Business Photos by Tom Nutter DELAWARE BUSINESS | Nove m be r/ De ce m be r 2014

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For Assistance, Contact the Chamber........................................... 64

Volume 19, Number 6 / 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 People often say the best way to increase employment in Delaware is to find the next silver bullet.

So, what exactly is the next silver bullet, and where can we find it? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple: Economic silver bullets can’t be recognized as such until Rich Heffron after the fact. For example, back in the 1970s and 80s it was generally acknowledged by many, but by no means all, that the Financial Center Development Act would create jobs in the banking and financial sector of the state economy, but very few knew that it would generate around 30,000 jobs and become a linchpin for the state’s economy.

Currently there are two areas of the economy that are coming into focus as good possibilities for job creation. One example is the Delaware Health Sciences Alliance partnership, comprised of UD, Christiana Care, Nemours, and Jefferson University, and headed by Dr. Kathy Matt Dean of the University Of Delaware School Of Health Sciences. This alliance is already educating young Delawareans to fulfill the workforce needs in this rapidly growing economic sector.

We’re also seeing a renewed focus on manufacturing, an industry that was once the backbone of Delaware’s economy. Responding to the needs of today’s manufacturers, the Delaware Manufacturing Association, DelTech, the Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership, in collaboration with state government, have developed a curriculum and launched a pilot program providing high school students with the opportunity to graduate with a high school diploma, a certificate in advance manufacturing and credits toward higher education courses.

This innovative program is not only aimed at replacing the 30 percent of the current workforce that will retire in the next ten years, it will also provide Delaware with a workforce that can serve the state as a recruiting tool.

Efforts are also underway to train much-need IT specialists for a multitude of jobs in areas including those already mentioned, along with banking and finance, education, government, insurance, the military, and public safety— just to name a few.

These are just a few recent examples of how Delaware is adapting to changes in the workplace; not just seeking opportunities, but rather creating them, and addressing workforce demands of tomorrow. But the search cannot stop here. The quest for economic opportunity for all Delawareans needs to expand and continue.

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DELAWARE

BUSINESS EDITORIAL STAFF Mark Stellini Chairman

A. Richard Heffron President

Matt Amis Managing Editor

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Sylvia Banks DuPont

William E. Manning Saul Ewing LLP

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR

Ernie Dianastasis CAI

Chad Moore The Bellmoor

Hinton Lucas DuPont

Martha S. Gilman Gilman Development Company

Dennis M. Salter Summit Realty Advisors, Inc.

VICE CHAIR

Michael Houghton Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell, LLP

Gary R. Stockbridge Delmarva Power

CHAIRMAN

Mark Stellini Assurance Media

Chip Rossi Bank of America

Alan Levin Delaware Economic Development Office

TREASURER

Barry Crozier Belfint, Lyons & Shuman

Mark Turner WSFS Bank Katie Wilkinson Fulton Bank

Scott Malfitano Richelle Vible CSC - Corporation Service Company Catholic Charities of Delaware

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Linda Ammons Widener University School of Law

Rita P. Hollingsworth Bank of America

Bonnie Metz Verizon, Delaware

Julian H. Booker Delmarva Broadcasting Company

Tyrone Jones AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP

Theodore J. Prushinski Citizens Bank

Kevin C. Broadhurst Comcast

Chris Kenny ShopRites of Delaware

David B. Brown Potter Anderson & Corroon, LLP

Bernhard Koch AAA Mid-Atlantic

Timothy J. Constantine Highmark Delaware

Nicholas P. Lambrow M&T Bank

Thomas J. Cooper Cooper Realty Associates

Richard H. LaPenta Insurance & Financial Services, Ltd.

Charlie Copeland Associates International, Inc.

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

Brian DiSabatino EDiS Company

Renee Lewandowski Agilent Technologies

Donald T. Fulton George J. Weiner Associates Orlando J. George, Jr. Delaware Technical & Community College

Andy Lubin University of Delaware Nicholas Marsini PNC Bank, Delaware

Michael Ratchford W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. Rob Rider O.A. Newton Richard D. Rowland Rowland, Johnson & Co., PA Fred C. Sears, II Delaware Community Foundation W. Laird Stabler, III Laird Stabler & Associates, LLC Michael S. Uffner AutoTeam Delaware Clinton Walker Barclaycard US William S. Wallace JPMorgan Chase Kristine M. Wellman Capital One Financial Corporation

Dave Hargadon TD Bank

John McCarthy AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, LP

Robert W. Whetzel Richards, Layton & Finger

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

Paul M. McConnell McConnell Development, Inc.

Harry L. Williams Delaware State University

Cheryl Corn Executive Assistant to the President, Senior Vice President, Communications James DeChene Director, Government Relations Linda D. Eriksen Accounting Associate Ken Evans Account Executive

Chuck James Senior Vice President, Membership Fred Miller Advertising/Retention Patrina Wallace Government Relations Assistant Kelly Wetzel Program & Communication Specialist

STAFF A. Richard Heffron President Marianne K. Antonini Senior Vice President John H. Taylor, Jr. Senior Vice President & Executive Director, DPPI Matt Amis Communications Manager

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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LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY

Crystal Ball Cloudy, But Important Issues Remain for 114th Congress

PHOTO BY DICK DUBROFF/FINAL FOCUS

BY JAMES DECHENE

WRITING FROM THE COMFORT of September, it’s easy to prognosticate on the outcome of Election Night and make bold predictions as to what the next Congress will not only look like in terms of majorities, but upon which issues it will choose to focus on. Unfortunately, no matter which party wins or loses, it is very likely that post lame-duck session, the 114th Congress is going to find its attention pulled in myriad directions, and any choice it has in focusing on issues will be limited.

It’s no surprise that Middle East tensions still lead the headlines (again, at least in September, but I’m banking on not much changing), and this has a serious impact on the business community because it fundamentally sucks all the oxygen for debate from the room. It’s hard to make time to discuss corporate tax reform or how to revamp the Federal Highway Trust Fund, or almost any domestic policy, when national security issues (rightly so) dominate the news cycle and our elected leaders’ time and energy.

When the new Congress emerges in January, its members will find a number of important issues still requiring action. The aforementioned Federal Highway Trust Fund still suffers from a broken funding mechanism requiring Congressional action each year to find a way to keep it funded, albeit temporarily. The U.S. corporate tax rate is still stuck at 35 percent, while other counties have taken measures to substantially lower theirs and thereby increase their competitiveness. Billions upon billions of corporate dollars created, and sitting, overseas waiting to be repatriated into the U.S. economy continue to languish due to our high corporate tax rate. Some have suggested creating a one-two punch way to bring that money back, and using the tax revenue to help make solvent the Highway Trust Fund. It’s an innovative approach— one that our own Congressman Carney has championed—that stalled this past year. Other items include whether the Federal Reserve will continue to keep interest rates low, what shape the immigration debate takes, and in what could be the most important topic of all, Congress may find itself dusting off an oldie but DELAWARE BUSINESS | Nove m be r/ De ce m be r 2014

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a goodie—health care and the cost of insurance. Rates have risen precipitously for many companies in Delaware and throughout the country, with some businesses seeing their rates double from last year. As the open enrollment period continues, and as more businesses find themselves having to make difficult decisions on how to, or even whether to, offer their employees insurance, Congress may find itself mired once more in the health care debate looking for fixes.

However, it’s the job of the business community, through chambers of commerce, trade associations, and individuals, to keep up the drumbeat that although it may be difficult, time consuming, and at times frustrating, Congress needs to involve itself in helping to fix the economy, and to help make the U.S. more competitive globally.

As Chamber members, you’ve surely noticed that we call upon our congressional delegation to address the membership at big general events, like our Annual Dinner, as well as more nuanced appearances, such as our issue-specific committee meetings (which all members are invited to attend. Contact me for more information). With the relative easy access Delawareans have to its delegation, it’s easy to shrug off attending a meeting with them in favor of getting work done, or postponing to a future event. But I can say with certainty that they want and need to hear your voice often to help inform them on the decisions they’ll be making. After all, those decisions impact not just Delaware but our global economy as well.

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Member

news&Notes GUEST COLUMN:

Are Employee Benefits Still Worth It?

BY JOE VALERIO, LYONS COMPANIES The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) legislation signed in 2010 has altered how employers view employee health benefits market. With the upheaval, employers are asking the frank question: Is it still worth it to offer health benefits to employees?

At Lyons Companies, our assessment based on our clients’ experience and feedback is: Yes, for the vast majority of employers it is still “worth it” to offer health benefits to employees. There are always exceptions of course.

The key reason is: Not all dollars spent by an employer have the same financial impact, but a dollar spent on employee health benefits is among the healthiest of dollars spent.

At the same time, it’s sobering to realize that it’s never been cheap or easy to offer employer-sponsored health benefits. And it’s getting even more difficult. Despite increasingly challenging conditions, we at Lyons Companies have seen mid-market companies in Delaware and others along the size spectrum make a firm choice to continue to offer benefits.

Here’s why, for qualitative and quantitative reasons: Employees place more value on benefits. In the past year, the nation has seen wide media coverage of HealthCare. gov’s technical problems, phone enroll-

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ment troubles, and the sticker shock of individual policies. All that has led more workers to realize just how expensive it is to buy health insurance. Employees are aware as never before of the huge advantages of buying health insurance through an employer’s plan and gaining the advantage of buying through the group.

Employer plans are almost always more attractive for lower premiums and higher actuarial value (i.e., greater coverage).

Benefits are a big factor in recruiting and retention. Despite talk of stubborn unemployment rates, the fact is that employers need and want to find and keep quality workers. Employers forecast that health benefits will be the mostimportant benefit for retaining employees (ahead of retirement plans and flexible work) in the next three to five years, reported the Society for Human Resource

Management in a 2013 benefits study.

Healthier employees are a competitive advantage. Firms that cut back on health insurance and/or wellness initiatives lose out on the positive spillover effect on absenteeism, sick leave and workers compensation costs.

Benefits are employers’ biggest tax advantage. All told, employers’ exclusions for medical insurance/care costs add up to $212 billion, according to the 2014 federal budget, making it the single-biggest tax break. A dollar provided in employee benefits is more efficient and valuable than a dollar offered in cash compensation.

An employee benefits plan boosts the overall compensation package yet allows the organization an income-tax deduction, so that the employer’s outcontinued on 7

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Member

news&Notes GUEST COLUMN:

Real Estate Market Finally on the Upswing

BY MICHELE CHYNOWETH, MARKETING DIRECTOR, EMORY HILL In viewing Delaware’s real estate market and making predictions and recommendations for the future, it helps to look at the global outlook first since local conditions are affected to a large degree by the nation’s and world’s economy. That’s why we at NAI Emory Hill are fortunate to have just heard world-renowned speaker Dr. Peter Linneman, chief economist with NAI Global, give his latest economic forecast, and would like to share with you our thoughts from a Delaware perspective.

“Everyone asks us all the time, ‘how’s the real estate business doing?’ and even more frequently, ‘where is it headed from here?” says NAI Emory Hill brokerage director Neil Kilian, CCIM and SIOR. “Dr. Linneman gave us hope that the real estate market is finally on the upswing, and if we continue to have faith in that, it will only continue to go uphill. In a nutshell, while we’re not fortune tellers by any means, we can say with some confidence, based on Dr. Linneman’s forecast and market indicators in Delaware, that the state’s commercial real estate business is steadily growing and is now starting to surpass levels reached just before the recession began.”

Dr. Linneman took a look at economic trends with a particular focus on com-

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mercial real estate over the past seven years since the recession started, and then looked at the nation’s history since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

Charts showed peaks always coming after the valleys of these depressions and recessions – and if trends continue, he said we could be headed for another boom. “I’ve seen lows before and just when you think it (the economy) won’t

turn, it turns. We could not only get normal economic growth…this could be the beginning of a golden era.” Dr. Linneman pointed to several other factors indicating a potential recovery: Housing prices on the rise “This is due to lower supply—we went from overproducing to under-producing houses—and increasing demand will continue to drive prices up.”

Consumer spending on the rise “We’ve finally gotten back to where we

were seven years ago—due in part to Internet and mail-order retail sales— and just crossed over to a new high in household net worth.”

Bank lending continuing to be strong “Banks are starting to put out money rapidly—and there is still potential for a huge increase in bank lending—banks can lend 20 trillion more than they are currently lending.”

Consumer confidence slowly coming back “People are starting to feel better being in ‘new territory’ and that psychology will feed the economy.”

Delaware is “faring well” compared to the rest of the nation, Kilian said, with its unemployment rate of 6.1 percent in line with the nation’s average. And there is an uptick in commercial real estate leases and sales across most market segments including: Office: A tightening availability due to the lack of construction, a growing demand and tenants moving from Class B to Class A office space shows signs that the commercial office market is picking up. Transactions reflecting absorption in the office market include: 1201 Market Street, the I.M. Pei building at 1105 Market Street, 500 Delaware Avenue (WSFS), the Renaissance Center downtown and the Applied Bank Center (former Rollins Building) on Concord Pike; also,

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the Nemours Foundation moving to the Applied Bank Center, Navient moving its headquarters to the Wilmington Riverfront, JP Morgan’s acquisition of AstraZeneca’s South Campus on Concord Pike, and the recent sale of 1001 Jefferson Street in downtown Wilmington.

Retail: Several new projects have been built or are in the development process: in the “Metroform” area, Kimco is developing a 400,000-square-foot Promenade at Christiana, Allied Properties is developing a 600,000-square-foot Christiana Fashion Center, Cabella’s recently opened its first Delaware location and Cinemark is under construction, both at the Christiana Mall; in Middletown, Christiana Care recently opened an Emergency Room facility near Route 1 and Route 299, and the health care organization plans to continue development of additional medical facilities in the future, HealthSouth is constructing a rehabilitation hospital at the Willow Grove Mill development, CVS is under construction for a new pharmacy, and Westtown Movies recently opened a multi-screen movie theater.

Industrial: Growth included the opening of Grayling Industries in Seaford, the expansion of GE Aviation in Newark, and several industrial sales at the Airport Business Center in New Castle and Pencader Corporate Center and Harmony Industrial Park, both in Newark.

In addition, Amazon recently opened its 1.2 million-square-foot distribution facility, reflecting Dr. Linneman’s comments on e-commerce driving consumer spending and the national trend toward new industrial ‘big box’ construction as a result. With rental rates still very low, coupled with a lack of new construction, Delaware may also see the availability of

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industrial real estate start to tighten soon, Killian said.

Medical Office: With the increase in aging population, Delaware is seeing renewed interest in medical space, as well as senior housing and businesses that provide related services including in-home health care, independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. Examples include the current construction of a 227,000-square-foot combination independent and assisted living facility in Pike Creek and a rehabilitation nursing facility in Middletown.

Sussex County in particular is seeing rapid economic and real estate growth in most segments, and no slowing is predicted because of the aging Baby Boomer generation, many of whom move to the beach areas for retirement. In the retail market, The Route 1 corridor through Lewes and Rehoboth Beach remains in strong demand from national and regional retailers like Chick-fil-A, Starbucks and Chipotle just to name a few. The east-west arterials on Route 9, Route 24 and Route 26 are also growing as the population further west continues to expand.

Kilian advises local investors that real estate is now back as a viable option based on Dr. Linneman’s recommendation: “Be careful, don’t get crazy with your debt, but still invest - in really good stuff on a diversified basis.”

NAI Emory Hill is an affiliate of NAI Global and part of the Emory Hill Companies, which provides comprehensive commercial and residential real estate services in Delaware including commercial brokerage, construction, property management, maintenance and residential sales. Complete information is available at: www.emoryhill.com.

Employee Benefits continued from 5 of-pocket cost is less than the value of the benefit to the employee.

By contrast, the new penalties imposed by PPACA for not offering insurance aren’t tax-deductible. If an employer were to substitute cash compensation for benefits, that deduction is not as advantageous (since salaries bear the added weight of workers compensation premiums and payroll taxes).

Offering benefits sidesteps new traps. PPACA and related legislation assess employers with 50-plus employees if their employees receive tax credits to buy their own insurance.

This penalty begins next year (2015) for employers with 100+ employees, while it’s been pushed back to 2016 for employers with 50-99 workers.

Yes, there are plenty of issues for employers and workers, post-health care reform: Increased compliance, regulatory and administrative burdens; new rules for COBRA (which requires firms to offer terminated workers the chance to purchase coverage) and HIPAA (privacy regulations); the individual mandate; and continued shifting of costs to workers and families. But employers who provide health benefits still will find themselves ahead.

Joe Valerio is executive vice president and chief operating officer of Lyons Companies, a firm based in Wilmington providing services in insurance brokerage, risk management, employee benefits and human capital management. For more, visit www.

LyonsInsurance.com.

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Member

news&Notes How to Stay Safe During the Holidays AMERICAN RED CROSS OFFERS SEASONAL SAFETY TIPS Millions of Americans will be preparing meals and traveling throughout the holiday season. The Red Cross has safety tips for the kitchen and for the highway.

“Numerous cooking fires occur during the holidays. We urge residents to use caution when preparing their holiday meals,” says Mark R. Hutton, board chairman of the American Red Cross Delmarva Region. “The holiday season is also a busy travel period. We want people to arrive at their destinations, enjoy time with their loved ones, and make it home safely.”

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“Practicing your family’s emergency plan and making certain every member of your household knows their role is crucial in the face of a disaster.”

kets, water, snacks, flashlight, and first aid kit.

• Fill the fuel tank, check air pressure in tires, and top-off windshield fluid.

• Buckle up and obey all traffic signs.

The impending holiday season also means chilly weather is right around the corner and with the drop in tempera-

Make a Plan

Cooking Safety Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and related injuries. Follow these safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe: • Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the cooking area.

• Clean all cooking surfaces to prevent grease buildup.

• Stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, or broiling food. Turn burners off when leaving the kitchen.

• Never throw water on a grease fire.

Always have a fire extinguisher on hand.

Travel Safety Vehicles should be in good working order before heading out, especially during holiday travel. Remember to: • Pack emergency supplies like blan-

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tures, the risk of home fires increases.

Did you know that if a fire starts in your home, you may have just two minutes to escape?

The most effective way to protect yourself and your home from fire is to identify and remove fire hazards. 60 percent of house fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. During a home fire, working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives.

“Having a game plan in place is essential for all households so everyone knows what they should do when an emergency like a home fire occurs,” Hutton says.

It is important that everyone in the household helps put the emergency plan together and knows what they should do if something occurs.

Household members may not be together when a disaster happens – especially during the day when many people are at work and school. The plan should include ways to contact one another and two predetermined places to meet – one near the home in case of a sudden emergency like a fire, and one outside the neighborhood in case circumstances prevent people from returning home. People should also identify an emergency contact person from outside the area in case local telephone lines are overloaded or out of service.

Any emergency plan should also include decisions about where family members will go if ordered to evacuate and what route they will take to get there. It’s a good idea to include alternate routes in case roads are closed. If pets are part of the household, make sure to include plans for them such as pet-friendly hotels and animal shelters along the evacuation route.

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Build a Kit Another step to get one’s household ready is to build an emergency kit in a container that is easy to carry so the family can use it at home or take it with them if asked to evacuate. It should contain a three-day supply of water (one gallon, per person, per day), nonperishable food, a flashlight, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, a seven-day supply of medications, a multipurpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items, and copies of important personal documents. The Red Cross also recommends having at least two weeks’ worth of emergency supplies at home.

Be Informed Everyone also needs to stay informed about what types of disasters are most likely to occur where they live or where they plan to visit. It is also important to take a First Aid and CPR/AED course—a vital component of disaster preparedness in case emergency help is delayed.

The Red Cross has free mobile apps that provide information on what to do before, during and after emergencies, including developing an emergency plan. “People can use the ‘Make a Plan’ feature in the apps to create their plan and then share it with their loved ones,” Hutton says. “The preloaded content in the apps gives people access to vital information to use during emergencies, even if they can’t connect to the internet.” The apps can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross.

For more information on how to prepare for emergencies, visit www.redcross. org/prepare

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Bloom Energy

At a time when Delaware’s unemployment rates have increased and thousands of Delawareans are still without jobs, Bloom Energy brings good news.

“It has been an exciting year of growth,” says spokesman Bryan Horsey. “Bloom Manufacturing Center of Delaware continues to ramp up, and we are actively hiring to fill many open positions.”

That’s because much of its production now occurs at its Newark factory at the University of Delaware’s Science, Technology and Advanced Research campus. The local headquarters will likely mean big, regional business, and could beef up Delaware’s job market.

The First State’s unemployment rate was 6.5 percent in August, higher than July’s 6.2 percent, according to Delaware State Labor statistics.

Bloom, a clean energy technology company headquartered in Sunnyvale,

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BY MARIA HESS

Calif., offers at its core its energy server, a solid oxide fuel cell system that converts fuel to electricity via an electrochemical reaction, rather than combustion. This reduces customers’ carbon footprint and cuts operating costs.

Bloom now claims as its customers Delmarva Power, which carries two Bloom substations, and more recently, JPMorgan Chase, which boasts a 500-kilowatt installation — or two servers that power 10 percent of its Christiana Center’s 155-acre campus.

Its national clients include Google, Apple and Coca-Cola.

The exact number of people that Bloom will hire in Delaware is unknown, since the company declined to comment. However, it has been reported that Bloom employs about 150 employees in Newark, and could hire many more, offering jobs for welders, production control technicians, and electric and electronic engineers.

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Member

news&Notes Q&A with Mike Uffner and Bill Topkis AN ORAL HISTORY OF THE SMALL BUSINESS ALLIANCE AND SUPERSTARS IN BUSINESS

BY MATT AMIS Later this month, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and its Small Business Alliance will celebrate the 16th Annual Superstars in Business Luncheon with keynote speaker Steven Strauss, proud representatives from award-winning companies, and 300 of our closest friends.

But where did it all start?

Delaware Business caught up with William Topkis and Michael Uffner, two longtime board members who, along with former DSCC president John Burris, organized the SBA and the Superstars in Business program during the mid-90s.

Uffner: At the time, we had some very aggressive, successful membership programs. If memory serves, we were one of the most successful chambers in the country in terms of membership by total population. An overwhelming number of these were small businesses, but there was not a mechanism within the chamber to represent these folks.

As a group we came up with the idea to make this a more powerful group, almost like a chamber within a chamber, since we were one of the few state chambers that had other affiliates, such as the Delaware Manufacturing Association and Delaware Public PI. So we named it the Small Business Alliance, had a launch, and thanks to the resources the DSCC had, we set out to make an

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impact on the state’s small businesses.

Bill and I led the effort. It was mostly Bill, and I came along for the ride. I think it was a brilliant idea.

Topkis: The Chamber had an existing small business committee which was really a mess—not much to it at all.

We had a computer list that had a lot of member businesses on it, and John Burris asked me and Mike Uffner if we would take the list and cull it and bring it to a point where we could find active people to form this new committee.

There was a lot of dead wood on there—it must’ve been 20 pages— people on there that were dead, or who were not members of the chamber anymore. So we whittled it down, and called a meeting and said that what we wanted to do was formalize a small business committee to bring these folks together and see if we could accomplish some-

thing meaningful. We just didn’t know what we’d do with it yet.

Uffner: I think the average small business member felt more empowered, energized, engaged, and we came up with all types of ideas. The original group of people were a spectacular group. I think it all worked really well.

As the new-look Small Business Alliance became official, its steering committee began curating lunchtime events and workshops featuring guest speakers, education and training programs, and most importantly, grouporiented benefit offerings like health insurance, utility audits and 401k plans.

But the group still wanted to create its own signature event. The well-received Superstars in Education program had been thriving for nine years, with huge participation from elected officials. In continued on 13

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Word on the Tweet

THE DSCC’S BEST FROM THE TWITTERVERSE DE State Chamber @ DEStateChamber Bancroft CFO Jack Barr assists Southern Elem Principal Glennon w/ Student of the Month certificates #PrincipalForADay

Belfint Lyons Shuman @ BelfintCPAs Our Managing Director participating in the #PrincipalForADay program through @ DEStateChamber TELEDUCTION @ TELEDUCTION Finished Superstar in Biz video on @ BrightFieldsInc. Watch 11/12 @ @ DEStateChamber Luncheon

DE State Chamber @ DEStateChamber @SenatorCarper was Principal today @ Lake Forest Central Elem. He was also put on lunch duty! #PrincipalForADay)

DE State Chamber @ DEStateChamber Congrats to our young professionals who raised $1000 this past wknd for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk #BreastCancerAwareness DE State Chamber @ DEStateChamber Thank you @DEChildrensMuse for hosting our networking breakfast this morning! #netde)

Rodel Foundation @RodelDE We’re pleased to support and participate in @DEStateChamber’s #PrincipalForADay! #NetDE #eduDE #edchat MySherpa @mysherpa @DEStateChamber @ BrightFieldsInc @TekSolv We can’t wait for the awards luncheon. Just purchased our table of 10. -Sherpa Greg

Senator Tom Carper @SenatorCarper @DEStateChamber Good thing I was just serving the food and not cooking it!

DE State Chamber @ DEStateChamber We are with @ChrisCoons and @DEDOgov’s Levin at Air Liquide in Glasgow watching their air burner in action #nationalmanufacturingday

DE State Chamber @ DEStateChamber Our 2014 Marvin S. Gilman Bowl recipient was selected this morning.. Find out who it is on November 12th! #netde

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Member

news&Notes The Delaware Council on Gambling Problems

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT:

BY MARIA HESS | PHOTO BY BRIAN MULLIGAN

According to the National Institutes of Health, two million U.S. adults are estimated to meet criteria for pathological gambling in a given year. The Delaware Council on Gambling Problems (DCGP) is committed to treating as well as preventing gambling addictions at the local level.

Since its reorganization in the mid1980s, the core mission of the DCGP has been to raise awareness, particularly of the fact that gambling is a treatable disorder. Arlene M. Simon, its executive director, says the DCGP “is gambling neutral.” The private, nonprofit health

››

agency is funded primarily through the Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, with a vision to support individuals, families, and communities by providing an effective, sustainable system of services for problem gambling prevention and treatment in Delaware.

Its toll-free help line is staffed 24/7, 365 days of the year, and all call takers are required to attend updated training sessions annually.

DCGP is the largest problem gambling advocacy organization in America, and one of the earliest affiliate members of the National Council on Problem

PHOTO BY BRIAN MULLIGAN

“…with the reality of rapidly increasing legalized gambling, it is imperative that adequate prevention programming be available to bring about greater awareness regarding the multiple dimensions of gambling addiction.”

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Gambling. Its primary purpose is advocacy, and its vehicle is public policy.

DCGP’s treatment services utilize a brief outpatient therapy model that’s based on best practices. “The most effective feature of this model is the quality assurance and improvement aspect of it,” says Simon. “To begin with, the council subcontracts with qualified treatment providers throughout the state on a fee-for-service basis, ensuring far greater client access than would otherwise be possible.”

While treatment forms the heart of the mission, prevention services are also viable, and DCGP’s outreach activities are conducted in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties. It targets outreach to minority and bi-lingual communities in city, suburban and rural areas, and also provides faith-based and civic organizations with problem gambling presentations.

The goal of prevention is to “raise awareness across multiple domains where problem gambling is an addictive disorder with potentially catastrophic consequences, but is treatable, and the consequences can be reduced or eliminated,” says Simon.

“Prevention efforts are not aimed at preventing gambling, but are aimed at preventing and reducing the development of gambling addiction among all populations.”

In Delaware, people 18 and over are legally allowed to buy lottery tickets and

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bet on horses. At 21, they can partake in all legal gambling activities. “Hence, with the reality of rapidly increasing legalized gambling,” says Simon, “it is imperative that adequate prevention programming be available to bring about greater awareness regarding the multiple dimensions of gambling addiction.”

DCPG’s services for youth are formidable. It has been collaborating with administrators and teachers in the Delaware Department of Education for more than 15 years by incorporating gambling-related questions into the Delaware School Survey and Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The surveys are administered annually to elementary, middle, and high school students in all Delaware public schools. High school health teachers use the DCGP in-class presentation as a supplement to a unit on substance addictions. Each student receives a brochure on youth-related problem gambling and a DCGP promotional item. A pre-test and post-test is often administered as part of the class to assure the effectiveness of the presentation.

The DCGP boasts nine treatment providers in the state; eight of which are nationally certified in problem gambling, and one that is certified in another state.

The group is recruiting new treatment providers. DCGP initially offers 10 sessions to the client. If the client completes the 10 and is progressing in recovery, the counselor or treatment provider may request up to another 10 sessions, totaling 20 sessions overall.

Treatment is offered without charge to those who qualify. The number for DCGP’s helpline is (888) 850-8888.

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Q&A continued from 10 August of 1998, the SBA raised the curtain on the first-ever Superstars in Business awards, to be held annually in November.

Topkis: We got to a point with enough members that we thought we’d try to have a dinner. John said that small business owners would be more likely to respond to a lunch, so we did. I like to think big, so I thought we’d try to get the Gold Ballroom. We didn’t quite know what would happen—this was after three years of work on the SBA. We sold out on the first one.

Uffner: At around the same time, Marvin Gilman and Muriel Gilman, both had won the Marvel Cup [at the 1995 Annual Dinner] together. And when Marvin passed away [in April of 1998], Muriel remained very engaged in the community, as did their children, Martha and Peter.

Marvin S. Gilman, who served as head of Gilman Development Company in Wilmington, earned the reputation of a model small business owner and leader in the community for more than 33 years. He worked diligently to improve the world around him, both locally and nationally. Gilman was known for always displaying the highest ethical standards and finding innovative ways to improve his community while inspiring others to follow in his footsteps. He was known for getting things accomplished quietly, without fanfare and without thoughts of glory.

His respect for his fellow man was always an example to all. To the SBA steering committee, naming the Superstars in Business awards after him was a natural fit. In 2008, the Gilman Bowl--which awards an individual who has made outstanding contributions to small business and nonprofit organizations of Delaware-was also added to the program.

Uffner: Marvin was amazing; so was Muriel. Marvin was an affordable housing guy on a national scale. And he had visions of how affordable housing should be done. He ran organizations nationally that helped people that couldn’t afford owning their own home or rental units to get their own housing. And he did it quietly. He was not a flamboyant person. But the Gilmans engaged themselves in the community, and did it selflessly. We thought it would be appropriate to recognize their contributions.

As the awards program continued to flourish, more and more businesses applied to become Superstars, shining the spotlight on the SBA and the state’s many hidden gems of the small business world. The specially designed glass awards emblazoned with the signature star—created by A.R. Morris Jewelers— leave a lasting legacy for award winners.

Uffner: Small business activity had not received the focus over time that we thought it should’ve received. There were all kind of stuff that had to be done, sort of by scratch. How would we do this if we wanted to form this group from nothing?

Topiks: I’ve been in offices where they have the awards hanging proudly still, which gives it a lot of credibility. Big business might pay the bills, but small business is what makes the chamber go. All I tried to do was organize it. It does give me a great deal of self-satisfaction.

Today Mike Uffner is president, chairman and CEO of Delaware Cadillac, Saab, Subaru & Kia of Wilmington. Bill Topkis is a financial advisor with Daniels + Tansey, LLP in Wilmington. Uffner serves on the DSCC board of directors, and Topkis is a member of the board’s senior council.

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WELCOME New Members ALLEN INSURANCE GROUP

energy, as well as energy efficiency initiatives.

Mr. Brad Allen 410 Delaware Avenue Wilmington, DE 19801 (302) 654-8823 Fax: (302) 654-8836 www.alleninsurance.com

We operate as the premier one-stop-shop for connecting and empowering energy con-

INVESTMENT PROPERTY SERVICES

sumers with the resources to reduce cost,

Mr. Domenick A. Peronti 102 Larch Circle, Suite 101 Newport, DE 19804 (302) 994-3907 Fax: (302) 998-7398 www.ipsde.com

improve the environment, and ensure energy independence for future generations.

Allen Insurance Group is an insurance

DMB TECHNOLOGIES

agency that provides all types of insurance,

Ms. Ingrid Yerger 3521 Silverside Road, Suite 2D-3 Wilmington, DE 19810 (302) 387-0339 Fax: (302) 387-0343 www.dmbtechllc.com

including healthcare.

DANA DOBSON PUBLIC RELATIONS & COPYWRITING Ms. Dana Dobson 9 Kathlyn Court, Wilmington, DE 19808 (302) 456-1200 www.dana-dobson.com

open in fall 2015.

Investment Property Services is a commercial real estate brokerage and property management company that offers services in brokerage, investment analysis, management, and construction.

DMB Technologies is a full service IT company with a team of professionals that

JERSEY PREMIER OUTDOOR MEDIA

consists of certified engineers providing

Dana Dobson is an award-winning public

more than 30 years of enterprise busi-

relations consultant and copywriter who

ness experience from verticals such as

writes white papers, case studies, articles,

Healthcare, Finance, Legal, etc. They can

books, press kits and more for her diverse

take your technology investment from good

range of clients. She excels in garnering

to great through quality products, services,

Mr. Jesse Atkins 505 S. Lenola Road Moorestown, NJ 08057 (856) 840-0740 Fax: (302) 232-5230 www.jerseyoutdoor.com

media attention for your business or subject

and expertise in working with many different

Jersey Premier Outdoor Media is an outdoor

matter expertise. Dana speaks frequently on

vendors of software and hardware solutions.

advertising company with billboards, walls-

building market presence for executive and

capes, and Digital signs in New Jersey, New

subject matter experts, demystifying media

FREIRE CHARTER SCHOOL

York, Delaware and Florida. The company

relations and how to write effectively.

Mr. Bill Porter 227 N. Market Street Wilmington, DE 19801 (302) 521-0432 www.freirecharterschool.org

was founded by Chet Atkins in 1998 under

Freire Charter School is a public charter

throughout the country primarily focusing in

school that provides a college preparatory

the NJ, NY, DE and Maryland marketplace.

DE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY UTILITY Ms. Lisa Gardner 109 S. State Street, Dover, DE 19901 (302) 883-3048 Fax: (302) 736-9717 www.energizedelaware.org

the parent company C.A. Enterprises Inc. Since then Premier and Jersey Outdoor Media were formed and now develop new billboard, digital and wallscape assets

learning experience with a focus on individ-

The DE SEU is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organi-

ual freedom, critical thinking, and problem

KIND TO KIDS FOUNDATION

zation that serves Delawareans by promot-

solving. Building on fifteen years’ experi-

ing the use of affordable, reliable, and clean

ence in Philadelphia, Freire Wilmington will

Ms. Caroline Jones 100 West 10th Street, Suite 606

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Wilmington, DE 19801 (302) 654-5440 Fax: (302) 234-3464 www.kindtokids.org

on-one. Volunteers go to childcare centers

www.stpatrickscenter.org

each week to read.

St. Patrick’s Center is a non-profit organiza-

ROSS W. BURNAM CPA

day shelter for homeless, clothing, trans-

Kind to Kids Foundation is a nonprofit char-

portation, and senior activities for people in

care and poverty and teens in rehabilitation

Mr. Ross W Burnam, CPA 625 Barksdale Road, Suite 107 Newark, DE 19711 (302) 453-8161 Fax: (302) 453-8176 www.burnam-cpa.com

learn vital skills to prepare them for success

Ross W. Burnam CPA is an accounting firm

in the real world.

that provides services in accounting, tax,

ity organization that provides Life Skills educational programs, event opportunities, and supportive services to our community’s

tion that provides emergency food, meals,

need on Wilmington’s east side.

URBAN ENGINEERS, INC.

PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS, INC.

goal as a trusted advisor is to be available

Mr. John Pietrobono, PE 2 Penns Way, Ste. 309 New Castle, DE 19720 (302) 689-0260 Fax: (302) 689-0261 www.urbanengineers.com

Ms. Priscilla Turgon

and to provide insightful advice to enable its

Urban Engineers, Inc. is a growing organi-

3301 Green Street, Claymont, DE 19703 (302) 798-3520 Fax: (302) 798-0215 www.Pathways-2-Success.org

clients to make informed financial decisions.

zation that offers professional engineering

most vulnerable children. Children in foster

consulting, and financial planning. Its primary

Pathways to Success, Inc. is a non-profit providing mentoring, tutoring, and character education programs for at-risk youth and their families.

and planning services, and is committed to

RYERSON

being the first choice of its clients. By pro-

Mr. Tom Becka 700 Pencader Drive, Newark, DE 19702 (302) 366-5600 Fax: (302) 737-2880 www.ryerson.com

viding innovation, technical excellence, and on-time performance, we create value for a proud Urban Engineers’ family.

WHOLESALE JANITOR SUPPLY CO.

approximately 4,000 employees in more

Ms. Gwyn Bozarth 26 Germay Drive Wilmington, DE 19804 (302) 655-5722 Fax: (302) 655-7524 www.wholesalejanitor.com

than 100 locations.

For more than 35 years, the state of

Ryerson is a services company that pro-

QDMH MARKETING PARTNERS

cesses and distributes metals, with opera-

Mr. Evan C. Childs 825 Hylton Road Pennsauken, NJ 08110 (609) 784-8918 www.quadrigaart.com

tions in the United States, Mexico, Canada, China and Brazil. Founded in 1842, Ryerson is headquartered in Chicago and employs

Delaware has counted on the Wholesale

Qdmh Marketing Partners is a global leader in direct marketing and creative services.

SBSI BUSINESS CONSULTING

Janitor Supply Co. team to provide their

We offer nonprofit organizations, fundraising

Mr. Anthony Simmons 299 Heather Way, Monroe, NJ 08831 (732) 960-1730 www.simmonsservice.com

cleaning products and equipment, food ser-

agencies, and commercial brands innovative direct marketing campaign solutions that produce extraordinary results.

vice supplies, paper products, and chemicals.

SBSI Business Consulting provides strate-

WILDWICH GOURMET SANDWICH TRUCK

READ ALOUD DELAWARE

gies for business growth by using tools to

Ms. Mary Hirschbiel 100 West 10th Street, Suite 309 Wilmington, DE 19801 (302) 656-5256 Fax: (302) 656-2119 www.readalouddelaware.org

increase revenue, reduce expenses, and

Mr. Michael Stanley 2000 Brett Road New Castle, DE 19720 (302) 345-8555 www.wildwich.com

Read Aloud Delaware is a statewide nonprofit working to ensure that each preschool child in Delaware is regularly read to oneDELAWARE BUSINESS | Nove m be r/ De ce m be r 2014

DSCC_NovDec14.indd 15

reduce risk.

ST. PATRICK’S CENTER Mr. Joe Hickey 107 E. 14th Street Wilmington, DE 19801 (302) 652-6219 Fax: (302) 656-3680

The Wildwich Gourmet Sandwich Truck makes fresh, healthy, and delicious sandwiches for anyone with discerning taste and limited time.

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1.

1. The 21st Annual Chamber Chase Golf Tournament kicked off on September 4 from Kings Creek Country Club in Rehoboth Beach.

State Chamber SCENE 2.

2. DSCC Chairman Mark Stellini and Dian Taylor of Artesian Water smile for the cameras during the 21st Annual Chamber Chase Golf Tournament at Kings Creek Country Club in Rehoboth Beach.

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3.

4 3. Joe Farley Jr. of Associates International, Inc. reenacts the “Jordan shrug” after winning a door prize at the 21st Annual Chamber Chase Golf Tournament.

4. David Hargadon of TD Bank and Jim Tevebaugh of Tevebaugh Associates take a timeout from networking during a Chamber Leadership Breakfast at the University & Whist Club on September 11.

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State Chamber SCENE 5.

7.

6.

5. Keynote speaker Dr. Kathy Matt addresses the audience assembled inside the University & Whist Club for a September 11 Leadership Breakfast.

6. Donna and David Swajeski introduce the Delaware Children’s Theatre to a Networking Breakfast crowd on September 18.

7. Actors perform a scene from “Oliver” at a September 18 Networking Breakfast at Delaware Children’s Theatre.

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8.

9.

8. The Richards Paving crew pose dur-

10.

ing the Delaware Networking Station at the Chase Center on September 23.

9. Much networking afoot at the 2014 Delaware Networking Station.

10. Presenting sponsors Horizon Services were front-and-center for the Delaware Networking Station at the Chase Center on September 23.

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State Chamber SCENE 11. Diane Urban of Gunnip & Company, Emma Reinemann of

11.

BrightFields, Inc., and Matt Grygiel of M&T Bank raise a toast during a DYPN Happy Hour at Kelly’s Logan House on September 25.

12. DYPN chairman Mike Vanderslice addresses the happy hour crowd inside Kelly’s Logan House in Wilmington.

12

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SUPERSTARS in Business

Making up more than eighty percent of our membership, small businesses really are the backbone of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. Each year, the Small Business Alliance honors those businesses and non-profit organizations for their exceptional accomplishments and model approaches to business and management.

The Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Award is named for one of Delaware’s finest small business leaders. The awards are presented to companies that have been in business for at least three years, are small businesses based on number of employees and are members of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. Another award recognizes non-profit organizations. Awards of Excellence are also presented to worthy companies.

The following businesses are decorated with the 2014 Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Award.

2014 SUPERSTARS IN BUSINESS AWARD WINNERS St. Patrick’s Center (Nonprofit category) Since 1971 St. Patrick’s Center has served diverse community needs and improved people’s lives immeasurably, delivering basic human needs to some of Delaware’s poorest residents, including food, clothing, shelter and transportation. St. Patrick’s typically serves emergency food to 1,500 families each month, but more importantly, the center nourishes people’s desire to be respected, no matter how dire their situation.

MySherpa (1-24 employees category) MySherpa prides itself on guiding its clients through the complex world of technology and delivering high value for their investment. Throughout the region, the company has grown while providing managed computer

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and cloud services, plus best-of-breed technologies that offer guaranteed, turnkey solutions to clients.

BrightFields, Inc. (25-59 employees category) Driven by creativity and enthusiasm, BrightFields performs environmental consulting and remediation services that run the gamut from contaminated site assessments and brownfield remediation, to asbestos, lead, mold and industrial compliance. From industrial and commercial buildings, to streams, lakes and wetlands, BrightFields acts as environmental stewards for Delaware.

TekSolv, Inc. (60-150 employees category) From humble beginnings, TekSolv has grown into award-winning providers of professional service solutions for industrial markets, focusing on safety and training services, systems integration and oilfield automation services, engineering consulting, and environmental and occupational health services. A dynamic business model, and a niche in the oil and gas, petrochemical and power industries, has led to rapid company growth.

The 2014 Awards of Excellence, presented to runners-up in each category, include exemplary businesses worthy of note. They are: Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition (nonprofit category), Griswold Home Care, Inc., (1-24 employees category), Assurance Media, LLC (25-59 employees category), and Tidewater Utilities, Inc. (60-150 employees category).

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Superstars in Business 2014 SUPERSTARS IN BUSINESS AWARD SELECTION COMMITTEE

2014 MARVIN S. GILMAN SUPERSTARS IN BUSINESS PLANNING COMMITTEE Mr. Ken Anderson

Mr. Stephan Lehm

Mr. Ken Anderson

Mr. Stephan Lehm

Delaware Economic Development

VanDemark & Lynch, Inc.

Delaware Economic Development

VanDemark & Lynch, Inc.

Office

Ms. Donna Masley

Office

Ms. Donna Masley

Mr. Terrence Barclift

Masley Enterprises, Inc.

Mr. Terrence Barclift

Masley Enterprises, Inc.

Bank of America

Mr. Chad Moore

Bank of America

Mr. Chip Rankin

Ms. Pam Cornforth

The Bellmoor Inn & Spa

Ms. Pam Cornforth

EBC Carpet Services Corp.

Ronald McDonald House

Mr. Bill Parks

Selection Committee Chair/

Mr. Christopher L. Scarpitti

of Delaware

Colonial Parking, Inc.

Ronald McDonald House of

M&T Bank

Mr. Lawrence DiSabatino

Mr. Chip Rankin

Delaware

Ms. Priscilla Turgon

DiSabatino Construction Company

Program Chair/EBC Carpet

Mr. Lawrence DiSabatino

Professional Staffing, Employee

Mr. Joseph Farley, Jr.

Services Corp.

DiSabatino Construction Company

Training & Development

Associates International, Inc.

Mr. Christopher L. Scarpitti

Mr. Joseph Farley, Jr.

Mr. Shawn Williams

Mr. Donald T. Fulton

M&T Bank

Associates International, Inc.

TD Bank

George J. Weiner Associates

Mr. Shawn Williams

Mr. Donald T. Fulton

Ms. Janice Giannini

TD Bank

George J. Weiner Associates

Paradigm Associates, LLC

Ms. Cathy Stauffer Wozniak

Ms. Martha Gilman

Ms. Martha Gilman

The TEAM Approach

Gilman Development Company

Fundraising Chair/Gilman

Ms. Priscilla Turgon

Development Company

Professional Staffing, Employee

Mr. Jack Healy, III

Training & Development

Healy Long & Jevin, Inc.

2014 MARVIN S. GILMAN SUPERSTARS IN BUSINESS SPONSORS* PLATINUM Comcast Business Services M&T Bank Saint Francis Healthcare DIAMOND Bank of America The Gilman Family GOLD Associates International, Inc. BDO USA, LLP Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, CPAs Citizens Bank Cover & Rossiter DuPont Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware Millicare by EBC PNC Bank TD Bank TekSolv, Inc. WSFS Bank

*as of 10/22/14

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SILVER Artisans’ Bank Assurance Media The Bellmoor Inn & Spa Blood Bank of Delmarva Colonial Parking, Inc. Delaware Cadillac, Saab, Subaru and Kia of Wilmington Delaware Economic Development Office Dukart Management / McDonald’s Goldey-Beacom College Horty & Horty, P.A. McConnell Johnson Real Estate Company, LLC Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children New Castle Insurance Ronald McDonald House of Delaware Rowland, Johnson & Company, P.A. VanDemark & Lynch, Inc.

Wheeler, Wolfenden and Dwares, CPAs BRONZE AAA Mid-Atlantic Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc. Delaware Community Foundation Corp.

Delaware Hospice DiSabatino Construction Company Environmental Alliance, Inc. George J. Weiner Associates FRIEND Affinity Energy Management Community Service Building Delaware State University Habitat for Humanity of NCC Professional Staffing, Employee Training and Development Unique Impressions GIFTS Bayard, P.A.

Delmarva Broadcasting Company Healy Long & Jevin, Inc. Santora CPA Group VIDEO Teleduction ADVERTISING DESIGN Mease Communications PRINT/ONLINE MEDIA Delaware Business Bulletin Delaware Business Times Delaware Today RADIO ADS, APPLICATION HOSTING Delmarva Broadcasting Company AWARDS A.R. Morris Jewelers SIGNAGE Parcels, Inc.

Novem b e r / Dec em b e r 2014 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

11/10/14 10:15 AM

Executive director Joe Hickey (left) stands among St. Patrick’s volunteers and food donations, two integral parts of the nonprofit organization.”

S u p e r s ta r s i n B u s i n e s s Wi n n e r

COMMITTED TO COMMUNITY St. Patrick’s Center offers vital resources to area homeless

BY DANTE LAPENTA | PHOTOS BY TOM NUTTER

“NO ONE IS TURNED AWAY.” It might sound like a slick motto for a car dealership or credit card commercial, but when it comes to the St. Patrick’s Center, a reprieve for Wilmington’s poor, it’s the mission. People turn to the nonprofit for basic human needs.

What does the center offer? Whatever its community needs. St. Patrick’s has evolved alongside its east Wilmington neighborhood. A parish, a school, a senior center, a food center, a clothing closet, and daytime sanctuary—the Center continues to adapt—shedding, retaining, and adding the services necessitated by the community. You can also now include social work on the list, as the staff saw a need to help those with disabilities, mental health, and addiction struggles. All services are endowed with dignity, care, and respect.

Just on an average Wednesday, St. Patrick’s served 36 in its homeless respite, 36 in its clothing closet, and 50 families who had checked in for food and other services—all before noon. Larger numbers of visitors visit on the final two days of the week, when fresh produce is in stock. In total, 123,000 unique visitors will walk through St. Patrick’s doors in the course of a year.

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piled on top of an already high demand in a continued sluggish economy.

The number of families coming in for emergency food increased by 39 percent; the number of children skyrocketed by 68 percent. With greater strain, executive director Joe Hickey was elated to hear that St. Patrick’s was named a Superstar in Business by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.

“We run efficient programs and serve Wilmington’s poor—face-to-face,” says Hickey. “This award is an endorsement of our reputation in the community.”

Many Wilmingtonians and Delawareans have heard of the famous St. Patrick’s Day Society Communion Breakfast, held annually in March to benefit the center. While that breakfast is known for its fabulous fundraising, Irish-American camaraderie, and high-profile guests, the Center itself is still seeking to amplify its reputation.

Ultimately, donations and funding are the fuel that powers St. Patrick’s.

The Center has not let leaner times slow it down. Hickey and company are extremely active reaching out to schools, churches, and businesses. The food shelves and clothing racks simply can’t ever go barren; too many people depend on the Center. Company food and clothing drives are a fantastic help. And if a company is willing to get more hands on, St. Patrick’s loves 23

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Superstars in Business

“We all genuinely get a lot of satisfaction from helping others.” when companies host a lunch. A local branch of Long & Foster realtors took Hickey up on the challenge, and brought food to personally serve visitors.

St. Patrick’s doesn’t waste time on overhead, which is very attractive to donors trying to maximize their contributions. Donations are injected directly into its services. In fact, more than 91 percent of funding goes right into services (with the rest going towards fundraising and general management). If you aren’t sold, swing by for a visit.

“St. Patrick’s is a very visual place,” says Hickey. “Once people get down here and see the place, they see exactly where their donations are going.”

Upstairs, above a registration, breakfast, and office area, is a floor that houses the clothing closet and senior services. The third floor holds shelves and counters ready to be filled with food.

The ground floor reveals what makes St. Patrick’s so vital and irreplaceable to Wilmington. An array of mismatched chairs and couches fill the room, but not one is empty. Seated are dozens of Wilmington’s homeless. They’re here not to catch “Brewster’s Millions,” flickering on the common room television. No, this safe haven becomes a place to sleep. Spending nights on the streets does not lend itself to a deep 24

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slumber. It’s hard to sleep when you’re worrying about theft, inclement weather, and whatever else you might encounter. In this space, problems can’t follow, at least for the day.

No matter the floor, St. Patrick’s volunteers are present. If donations are the fuel, this engine is unmistakably driven by volunteers. They steer this all-encompassing community effort, St. Patrick’s embodies the ultimate, hands-on community approach. It grants people the chance to directly impact the community. Homeless Day Shelter volunteer Jack Slattery believes the opportunity is unparalleled. “We all genuinely get a lot of satisfaction from helping others,” he says.

“The common characteristic of our volunteers is a deep caring for this community,” says assistant director Penny Harbin.

Whether delivering meals to homebound seniors, racking clothes, fighting addiction or extreme poverty, or campaigning for much-needed donations, the St. Patrick’s staff is committed to its community. And if you ask any client, they know there is a difference.

Perhaps Dessie Bussey sums it up best. “I’ve been other places, but always come back. I fell in love with St. Patrick’s.” n Novem b e r / Dec em b e r 2014 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

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S u p e r s ta r s i n B u s i n e s s Wi n n e r

NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH… For the IT guides of MySherpa

BY EMILY RILEY | PHOTOS BY TOM NUTTER

NEED AN INVOICE FROM GREG GUREV? You can’t get one.

It’s not because he’s too busy, nor because he’s disorganized. It’s also not, unfortunately, because he works for free. Greg Gurev doesn’t send invoices because his company’s time, effort and dedication are yours to keep once you sign on with MySherpa, a managed IT services provider based in Wilmington. “Our operations are not a 9-to-5 kind of work,” Gurev says.

“But we don’t bill for time. Our clients can pick our brains all they want, at any time, for any reason.”

In short, MySherpa provides tech strategies for businesses in the Delaware Valley area that ensure increased productivity and cost efficiency for day-to-day operations. The standard description may sound familiar enough, but Gurev and his team are anything but the stereotypical, basement-banished “IT guy” den. In fact, the company name says it all: Like the famed Tenzing Norgay, Sir Edmund Hilary’s guide to the peak

of Mount Everest, MySherpa is a complete business technology guide that emphasizes problem ownership, strategic planning and accountability that allows its clients to compete and succeed. “What we end up doing is we redefine what “good” looks like. You know, there’s good, and then there’s good. We’ve had clients say ‘Oh, we were told we couldn’t do that.’ We hear a lot of ‘We were told, we were told, we were told, we were told,’” Gurev says. “The truth is, with technology, you can do anything you want to. Owners of businesses don’t like to be told no, so we tell them yes.”

As CEO and “head sherpa,” Gurev’s primary goal is to provide best-ofbreed IT resources for peak business performance, and his diligence has lead to commendable awards and contracts, including a 2011 partnership with Christina Care to provide the technological infrastructure for the state’s largest private employer to remain on the cutting edge of electronic medical records and patient services. Industry recognition has come in the form of

The MySherpa team, donning their trademark ‘yak hats,’ guide clients through the IT gamut.

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Superstars in Business

the 2009 Member of the Year from the Heartland Technology Group, and repeat News Journal Reader’s Choice Awards have proven what clients and sherpas already know to be true. “People tell me this is the best place they’ve ever worked, and they can’t imagine working anywhere else,” Gurev says.

Gurev founded MySherpa in 2001, following a career in management and an adolescence of self-proclaimed geekdom by which he developed his affinity for technology. While the neighborhood jocks tossed the football, Gurev plotted his paper route on his personal computer, creating a database of clients and indicating who received on certain days of the week. In high school, he and his friends programmed their devices for rudimentary text and picture messaging. Fast-forward to the beginning of the common Internet era, and the company is forged with Gurev’s long list of mistakebased credentials in tow. When his previous company switched over to the Microsoft operating system, a network meltdown ensued. When a floppy disk was taken from one computer and inserted into the next, a virus spread. Sometimes, the daily tech demands overwhelmed the limited circuit speed. Other times, things just didn’t work, and someone had to figure out why. All these lessons learned provided the inspiration for a solutions-based organization that alleviates frustration and contributes not just to the functionality of wires and circuits, but to the overall morale and well being of valued employees. “Technology has changed, but the problems haven’t,” Gurev says. “People tend to clam up when they don’t hear people having the same problems they’re having. Anyone can fix a computer, but we try to make a difference in the lives of the people we work with, and we do that by marrying technology and business operations to make an impact.”

And it’s not just clients who benefit. Since 2001, MySherpa has grown from a burgeoning enterprise with no clients to a 24/7 operation employing 16 to 20 full time employees, some of whom earn six-figure salaries—a 26

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rarity among small business. The last four quarters have produced an overall revenue of $3.1 million, an increase of 26 percent from the previous financial year, a 40 percent gross margin, an 11 percent increase over the previous year, and an overall growth of 20 percent each year for the past three years. Now, MySherpa is a $20 million company, maintaining clients that have been with the company from the beginning, due to Gurev’s early networking as homeroom dad for his daughter’s grade school classroom at Ursuline Academy.

MySherpa has done some physical growing as well. The team settled into its current headquarters on Limestone Road in 2010, and even the office environs echo the company sentiment. Upon entering “base camp,” guests are met with an image of the road up to Everest, the same road traveled

by Norgay and Hilary. Gurev is quick to note that this road was traveled seven times before the duo reached the peak, which serves as a testament to MySherpa’s dedication and creative problem-solving strategies to tackle complex operations challenges. Images of Kathmandu throughout the seasons are scattered along the walls, which are painted to complement the high efficiency lighting. A glass conference room etched with the Nepalese landscape greets an open floor plan, facilitating communication among employees who travel from Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware, making Limestone Road a convenient location. The Wawa across the street just happens to be a sweet bonus as well.

“At our core, we’re a company of people that like to help other people,” Gurev says. ‘That’s the secret to tech services, and a huge differentiator for our company: It has less to do with technology and more to do with the relationships we make. Sure, the systems have to work well, but people want an experience. People expect more of what they’ve had in the past, but that’s just not how we roll. We’re here to blow them away.” n Novem b e r / Dec em b e r 2014 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

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S u p e r s ta r s i n B u s i n e s s Wi n n e r

A BRIGHTER FUTURE

From brownfield sites to asbestos and lead cleanup, BrightFields, Inc. makes Delaware greener

BY EMILY RILEY | PHOTOS BY TOM NUTTER

IT MAY SEEM HARD TO BELIEVE that before Iron Hill Brewery, the Shipyard Shops and the sprawling Barclay campus, the Wilmington Riverfront was less a sight and more of an odor to behold.

Even harder to believe might be one woman’s enthusiasm to set up shop on a half-century-old landfill, armed with the intention of cleaning it all up.

Then again, Marian Young, president of BrightFields Inc., can’t believe it either.

BrightFields Inc. is an 11-year-old environmental consulting and remediation service company that focuses on environmental cleanup. For Young and her husband and co-founder Mark Lannan, it’s also the manifestation of two careers deeply invested in the environmental health and functioning of the city of Wilmington and its surrounding areas, primarily the now-booming Riverfront—a long-term development project the duo have witnessed from the beginning as employees of WIK Associates, an environ-

mental services firm. In 2003, Young and Lannan purchased WIK’s assets and founded BrightFields Inc., moving the company in 2005 to its current location on Wilmington’s Seventh Street Peninsula, the site of a former city landfill. “This is a 50-year-old landfill, a piece of land that’s able to be reused, and we finally decided to put our money where our mouth is,” Young says. “We’re always encouraging our clients to do it, so why don’t we do it ourselves?”

Recently, the narrowed focus on “going green” and buzzwords like “carbon footprint” have certainly helped BrightFields’ cause, but Young is quick to point out that it wasn’t until the 1950s that an awareness was even fully generated among government leaders, and that the Environmental Protection Agency is only 44 years young. While Young and her colleagues can’t fix every spill, leak or toxicity that seeps its way into the cracks, what BrightFields can do is provide businesses and individual consumers with

The area near the Christina Riverfront is prime territory for the environmental experts at BrightFields.

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Superstars in Business tools like site and building inspections; asbestos, lead paint and mold services; waste reduction services and more to ensure that every small action or improvement benefits the surrounding environment. It can provide home and business energy audits to evaluate the best use and delivery of energy for its clients. And it has turned significant, recession-induced losses into remarkable profit with a three-fold revenue growth and an improved focus on environmental remediation from 2010 to 2013.

Outside of the office, BrightFields maintains a presence in the Energy & Sustainability Leaders Roundtable, which recently kicked off its third year in operation with the installation of a 176-panel solar energy system at the BrightFields office. The Energy & Sustainability Leaders Roundtable is a forum created in June of 2012 as part of former Mayor James Baker’s sustainability initiative. The Roundtable pledges to engage the business and development community in reducing members’ energy use and minimizing their environmental and carbon footprints. Members from local corporations like AstraZeneca, Christiana Care, Bank of America and others share their sustainability initiatives to help other members follow in their footsteps. “It’s really inspired other companies to ask ‘What can we do?

How can we do it?’ People are making progress, little by little,” Young says.

Since June 2003, BrightFields has grown from 14 employees to more than 30, and has been recognized by numerous outlets for site investigations, remediation services, brownfield redevelopment, asbestos and lead surveys and abatement project management and underground tank removals. Recently, Young and Lannan were awarded the 2014 Delaware Small Business Persons of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration, as well as the News Journal’s 2014 Top Workplaces for a second time. Internally, BrightFields’ best asset is its dedicated staff of engineers, scientists and leaders. Though the company did take a hit during the recession, Young says that keeping the core staff employed, busy and valued was key to the company’s success in trying times. “Our goal is for each employee to be the best, most confident and accomplished person they can be, and that involves a lot of teaching and mentoring,” she says. “We hear some people say ‘I can’t do that,’ and I just laugh. If you can’t do it perfectly, we have a team here who will help you accomplish whatever task you’re up against.” Each employee at BrightFields

receives five free sessions per year with a licensed counselor to help tackle stress, anxiety, motivation and other issues that may arise in or out of the office. Gym membership reimbursement is another perk, as is tuition reimbursement for technical and leadership education.

As BrightFields looks to the future, Young hopes to see an increased focus on energy services, especially in the field of renewable energy sources, much like the office’s solar panel installation. Part of the chal-

We hear some people say ‘I can’t do that,’ and I just laugh. If you can’t do it perfectly, we have a team here who will help you accomplish whatever task you’re up against.

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lenge BrightFields is up against is getting the public awareness of energy conservation and sustainability to extend beyond buzzwords and into the realm of understanding and investment in a more sustainable future.

“People understand it to a certain level now, like they know not to leave the water running or the lights on. We want them to understand the coal that’s being burned and the waste that’s being produced,” Young says.

“It’s sad that this much cleanup work has to be done, and even worse is the mentality of ‘My little part won’t make a difference.’ If everybody could just do a little, it would all get done, and I think our job is to help businesses think that way.” n Novem b e r / Dec em b e r 2014 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

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Flame-retardant gear is just one facet of TekSolv’s multifarious menu of services.

S u p e r s ta r s i n B u s i n e s s Wi n n e r

THE PROBLEM SOLV-ERS Versatility, know-how, and a little elbow grease spurn rapid growth at TekSolv

BY MATT AMIS | PHOTOS BY TOM NUTTER

EVEN AFTER 10 YEARS, Bryan Jones has a bit of trouble providing a succinct answer to a question he hears often: “What does TekSolv do?”

“Where do I start?” he says. “It’s not like we build phones in here. It takes me a minute to pull my thoughts together.”

It’s hard to blame him. The Newark-based company—which began life in 1997 as an emergency response, program development and safety auditing firm—has evolved and mutated into an all-encompassing, one-stopshop service center for heavy industry. For the oil and gas, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, power generation, manufacturing and construction industries, TekSolv supplies safety and training services, systems integration and oilfield automation services, engineering, consulting, and environmental and occupational health services. And that’s only the beginning.

Founders John Mouser and Kevin Hurd put their Safety Certified Professionals status to good use when they formed the company out of their respective homes. “We just started with two guys, basically under the safety business,” Mouser says. “Once we grew the business, clients would ask, ‘Can you do environmental? Can you do this or that?’ Our answer was always yes. Then we’d figure out a way to do it.”

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And so the business grew, thanks in part to TekSolv’s small but burgeoning team’s inability to say no. With the addition of Jones, an engineering consultant, the company expanded its breadth of services even more.

Most crucially, TekSolv carved out a niche in the oil and gas, petrochemical and power generation industries—especially as the U.S. continues to ramp up its homegrown shale gas exploration. Safety is still a large focus for the company; and today it designs, manufacturers, and supports gas detection safety systems. TekSolv has improved oilfield automation and life-safety systems for: drilling, completions, flowback, production and midstream operations for shale gas exploration companies throughout the United States, including Calpine, Chesapeake Energy, Delaware City Refinery, Honeywell, Exxon Mobile, and more.

“We are flexible in our ability and desire to work with each customer independently,” Jones says. “We don’t have one product or one price, but all these different variables that come into servicing multiple customers.

We were willing to put up with the headache to make all our customers happy. We still do that today.

“We cross so many lines of disciplines of what we offer out there, and 29

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within each discipline, we do business underneath that discipline eight different ways. So we don’t have a standard platform that we just say, you have to do it this way. We say “what do you want?” We listen, we come back, pull our hair out, and figure out a way to do it.”

After the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, TekSolv was contacted by the Belfor property restoration company, which needed 30 safety professionals to monitor site repairs on public housing units, “Like, tomorrow,” says controller Ken Godwin. “Everybody gathered around and figured out how to get them up there. For me, it was just impressive to see how out of the blue, a large company calls and says we need this deliverable tomorrow, and we circle the wagons and get it done.”

It’s all part of the culture at TekSolv, whose employee base has swelled to 150. Company leaders say they hire based on merit, and not necessarily to fill a specific mold. Employees are encouraged to continue their education and training to increase opportunities for advancement. Employee morale is uplifted thanks to community involvement, staff retreats—not to mention the on-site taproom and billiards table.

Such practices have helped TekSolv acquire expertise and resources in fields that may not have been presented otherwise, and helped sharpen the company’s versatility and malleability.

“We get calls at midnight, at two in the morning. If an oil rig goes down, and they need service, if you’re not answering their call, they’re going to move onto the next place. Once you provide a good service, it just 30

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We listen, we come back, pull our hair out, and figure out a way to do it. expands,” Mouser says. “Everyone always says they provide good customer service. But we do, and that’s what we’ve done since the beginning.”

That M.O., met with opportunistic acquisitions and innovations has allowed TekSolv to double in size since 2013, and experience 80-percent growth in 2014. In 2013, the company purchased Crawford Technical Services to bolster its systems integrations capabilities. While development of the software platform TekNet, which monitors fugitive gas emissions from worksites and delivers results and alarms straight to the user’s cellphone.

“There’s always something going on,” Mouser says. “And that’s what I like about this job. You don’t know what you’re going to get into when you walk in here.

“When you grow a business there are so many challenges. When I was down in my basement, down there working with a big project for a customer, my wife would come down at 6 o’clock in the morning and think I’d gotten up early. I just hadn’t gone to bed yet. If that’s what you have to do, that’s what you do. That’s our company.” n Novem b e r / Dec em b e r 2014 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

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DELAWARE BUSINESS窶ポ窶クove m be r/ De ce m be r 2014

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After more than a century, the venerable DiSabatino family has reshaped the First State, including the Wilmington Riverfront.

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Novem b e r / Dec em b e r 2014 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

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Guide to Real Estate

FAMILY VALUES On the eve of Andy DiSabatino’s retirement, EDiS Company looks ahead and into its past, on an impressive family legacy in Delaware.

BY EILEEN SMITH DALLABRIDA PHOTOS BY NICK WALLACE

OVER 106 YEARS and five generations, EDiS has evolved from a small masonry to a regional professional services company that plans, builds and manages properties on multiple fronts.

Brian DiSabatino, 49, who became CEO on February 1, 2014, is the great grandson of Ernesto DiSabatino, who honed his skills constructing tunnels in the Italian Alps before coming to America and founding the company in 1908. He succeeded his cousin Andy DiSabatino, 64, who will officially retire in February 2015 but will continue to be a partner in the company.

Today, EDiS has 80 employees and $125 million in annual sales. That’s due, in large part, to clients who stick with EDiS. The company has an enviable repeat business ratio of 93 percent. The geographic footprint is expanding, as well, not only in Delaware but in southeastern Pennsylvania, Maryland and southern New Jersey.

Over the years, EDiS landmarks have included such noteworthy projects as Hercules International Headquarters, the PNC Bank Center, and the New Castle County Courthouse.

Part of Brian DiSabatino’s vision for the future is Whitehall, a 1,000-acre pedestrian-friendly DELAWARE BUSINESS | Nove m be r/ De ce m be r 2014

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development that would include seven, mixedused villages on the C&D Canal. “It will be the first truly walkable development in Delaware in more than 100 years,” he says.

In the development business, change is the new normal.

“The landscape of our customers is changing,” he says. “There was a time when they just wanted us to come in and build their buildings. Now they are looking to us as an expert partner.”

DiSabatino’s step up to CEO is part of a thoughtful, long-range succession strategy. That includes his cousin, Richard P. “Rick” DiSabatino, Jr., who will continue to serve as executive vice president. Having served as president of EDiS’ carpentry company, Ernest DiSabatino & Sons, his focus is on quality control and quality assurance.

“We have learned from previous generations that you can’t start to plan soon enough,” Rick DiSabatino says.

In the early days, Ernesto DiSabatino relied on skilled artisans and lots of muscle.

In the 21st century, technology is a vital part of the mix. That includes investments in software that “builds” projects on the computer in order to pinpoint problems before ground is broken. That has reduced change orders from the industry standard of 5 percent to 1 percent.

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Building quality and trust with every landmark... it’s how Wohlsen works!

Delaware City DMV Facility

Community Education Building

Guide to Real Estate “That, essentially, pays for our services,” Brian DiSabatino says.

Ernesto DiSabatino assembled hundreds of volunteers to assemble St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington. As a company, EDiS has left its mark on some of Delaware’s most iconic buildings, including the international headquarters for Hercules, the PNC Bank Center, and the New Castle County Courthouse.

EDiS moved into headquarters on the Christina River in 1993, a pioneer in what would eventually evolve into a vibrant riverfront. The company has been busy building there, too, starting in 1997 with the conversion of a plumbing supply warehouse into the Northeast Regional Operations Center for Amtrak. Other projects include Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, the Riverwalk, Riverfront Market, Harry’s Seafood Grill, ING Direct, Riverfront Parking Garage, Russell Peterson Wildlife Refuge and DuPont Environmental Education Center.

At the helm, Andy DiSabatino led the company through the Great Recession and engineered the transformation of EDiS from a general contractor to a service-based construction management company. He also chaired the Delaware Business Roundtable and Delaware Housing Partnership. (The fifth generation is represented by E. Andrew DiSabatino III, son of Andy DiSabatino, and Adam DiSabatino, son of Rick DiSabatino.)

His first project in 1978 was the conversion of A.I. du Pont Middle School on Route 52, where he worked as a construction manager. EDiS has been brought in to complete the school’s most recent renovation.

“Even though I will be retired, I will be poking my head in every once in a while,” he says. “It’s something I can’t resist.”

Andy DiSabatino says his greatest challenge as a leader was in the years following 9/11, when the pipeline of projects began to run dry in a shaky economy.

“We gathered the troops and said everybody is a salesman now. We have got to go out, promote this company and get some work,” he recalls.

“Today, things are much better and the pipeline is starting to fill. We are feeling very bullish about 2016.”

EDiS has been honored as one of the state’s best employers by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, and developing the staff is a priority for the new CEO. “In the tradition of masons we know that the setting of your stone is only as good as the hundreds of stones set down the line,” Brian

DCA is a trade association consisting of both union and open shop construction companies, as well as firms who provide goods and services to the construction industry. Our mission is to continuously enhance and support the construction industry throughout the state of Delaware by providing the necessary services, opportunities and governmental relations that are in the best interest of our membership.

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Guide to Real Estate DiSabatino says. “We each are completely dependent on the person next to us. As stewards of Ernesto’s company, we take the long view.”

One of his first projects was building the Latin American Community Center in Wilmington. He served on LACC’s board and remains a volunteer, recently emceeing the group’s annual dinner. He also has served as chair the St. Francis Hospital Foundation, vice chair at the Grand Opera House and was principal for a day at Sussex Technical High School.

After 42 years at EDiS, Andy DiSabatino is looking forward to checking a few more items off his bucket list. He will travel to Minnesota, the only one of the 50 states he has not yet visited. He will study European history.

“I’ve taken the pyramids off my bucket list for a while because of the unrest in the Middle East but I hope to put it back on,” he says.

He notes that EDiS has been in business for so long that two of its major projects have been demolished, Riverside Hospital on Lea Boulevard in Wilmington and the Wanamaker department store anchor at Christiana Mall.

“I was so excited about Wanamaker’s that I sent my son out to take pictures,” he recalls. “There’s a Target there now.”

Looking forward, Brian DiSabatino already is thinking about the next generation. One of his first duties as CEO was to fine-tune the company succession plan.

“We’re using the recipe Ernesto gave us back in 1908,” he says. “You don’t show up for Sunday dinner and throw the sauce on the stove and expect it to be done instantly. It takes time.” n

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For over 100 years, the EDiS family has been adjusting its business for the benefit of its customers. Today, our clients and partners are reaping the rewards of our innovations in the areas of sustainability, cost reduction and workplace collaboration. With our founders as our guide, we suppose the apple didn’t fall far from the tree!

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Guide to Innovation

Driven to

Innovate

Six Small Businesses Thinking Ahead of the Curve

BY AMANDA HURD AND NATALIE PESETSKY

INNOVATION CAN MEAN MANY THINGS. In Delaware we often think of The Big Guys: DuPont, Gore, and AstraZeneca—billiondollar corporations who have pioneered their industry through various innovations and breakthroughs. But small businesses often need to rely on innovation to survive, and remain ahead of the competition. Below, just a small sample of big ideas we love.

1313 INNOVATION With a name like “1313 Innovation,” how could this digital technology center be anything but innovative? A joint venture between 38

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the commercial real estate firm The McConnell Companies and the mobile app design studio Digital-Vikings, 1313 Innovation is transforming the Hercules building in Wilmington into the office building of the future. By providing a dynamic, collaborative environment, 1313 Innovation connects the local entrepreneurial community and universities with business leaders to “educate, collaborate, and innovate.” The center also boasts some of the newest technology, including a digital interactive projector, 3D printers, and other robotics tools that are available for members and the public to try. All these tools facilitate rapid prototyping, human centric design, ideation, and hackNovem b e r / Dec em b e r 2014 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

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Guide to Innovation

Modern tech courtesy of 1313 Innovation is transforming the Hercules Building into a hub for entrepreneurs.

athon or brainstorming sessions as part of the company’s larger focus on mobile and digital business.

“Our goal is to help startups and entrepreneurs grow in Wilmington by offering them access to the technology and networking they need as well as the office needs as their businesses grow. The trend seems to be that people are less and less likely to want to be tied down to a contract. This membership will give them access to networking, consultants, investors, and educational events to help their business,” said Megan Anthony of 1313 Innovation’s goals for the future.

1313 Innovation hopes to advance the revitalization of Wilmington by attracting tech-savvy individuals and bringing them to Delaware, but also by directly giving back to the Delaware community. Through events like Wilmington Tech2gether, held on the 4th and 5th of November, 1313 Innovation is working to bring together different career groups from Wilmington and across the state and showcase local presenters and performers, as well as successful leaders in the tech industry from other cities that have experienced a tech boom, like San Francisco, Austin, and Pittsburgh. The event organizers want the big names and the smaller companies to be elevated. 1313 Innovation also hosts 3D printing activities with the local community and children. The company plans to print and build the Iron Man suit with kids as they achieve goals that the event coordinators set, such as reading three books and doing their rehabilitation exercises at the local hospitals correctly. By making the best use of modern technology and promoting progress, 1313 Innovation can serve as the catalyst that will make you, your company, and your community the best that they can be.

much like physical therapists. Creating individual programs for unique client needs, an on-site gym, passive therapy room, 2 treatment rooms, exam room, and a massage therapy room are bolstering the success of both the clinic as well as its approximated 200 clients.

“We provide the one-on-one care that you don’t get at most other facilities,” says Dr. Matthew Weik.

He explains the needs, with a broad range of injuries. “Patients come in from car accidents with neck and low back pain, or herniated discs,” he explains. Or something as casual as headaches, neck stiffness, and back pain from sitting behind a desk all day. These, just as well, can call for treatment.

But on its website’s dropdown list of services are two contemporary techniques, unique to local chiropractic care: (ART) active release technique and cox flexion-distraction.

ART is a soft tissue system/management-based massage technique that’s allowing practitioners to diagnose and treat problems with muscle, tendon, ligaments, fascia and nerves. It breaks up scar tissue adhesions, restores normal translation and movement and restores more strength than a sailor’s spinach. Injuries like runner’s knee, sprains, strains, tissue hypoxia, or different types of joint dysfunction, are virtually resolved in as few as five treatments.

Cox flexion-distraction sounds complicated, but it’s really quite comfortable, and simple. It’s a fairly new and specialized, research-proven treatment technique, that’s combatting back and neck pain associated with joint, nerve, and intervertebral disc problems. By using a modern miracle table, smoothly swiveling in unison with fine-trained hands, doctors gently stretch the spine, opening up compressed spaces to relieve a variety of pesky pressures.

Today, the 1300 square-foot office has been booming since June of 2013. But Diamond Sport and Spine has plans to expand. “Within the next five years, we hope to own our own building, office and clinic, or multiple offices and clinics,” says Weik.

ECONNECTCARD Boasting 378 clients worldwide, eConnectCard is revamping the business card of today. It’s introducing digital business cards to a market

DIAMOND SPORT AND SPINE CLINIC Diamond Sport and Spine is a chiropractic clinic located in Wilmington, Delaware that caters to 50 different kinds of pain with drugfree, hands-on patient care.

Spinal manipulation aside, it also offers exercise and massage therapy, DELAWARE BUSINESS | Nove m be r/ De ce m be r 2014

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Paperless solutions await at eConnectCard.

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Guide to Innovation hungry for a lightning-fast, innovative first impression.

Most importantly, the new standard of business card means a more impressive you. And carrying all essential details about experience, occupation, position, and expertise, it’s equipped with the network-bulking power to get it all out there, too. From pinning cards to emails, sleek with every signature, to impressing prospects with quick response codes on company smart signs, merchandise, and in magazines, eConnectCard is reinventing the wheel from rolodex to the “DigaDex.” “We’re helping the business card of yesterday move digital today,” says CEO and founder Jamie Cubeta.

Mobile versions, customer kiosks, scheduling tools, digital directories, company teams, email signatures, QR codes, and profile tutorials have generated 12,447 shared profiles and counting.

“Having a digital platform to add websites, even videos and testimonials, lets your customers at ease because they’re able to have all of the information there in front of them,” says Cubeta.

It’s not slashing the practice of a paper exchange, but rather redefining the idea of readily available. It’s adding depth to the fancy logo, sustaining the common business practice through professional design, positive customer experience, and outstanding support.

Cubeta adds, “Business cards are the last to move into the paperless solution, and it’s about time.”

Frank Montisano and Dee Cairo of Excel Business Systems are helping to change the way we think of printers.

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EXCEL BUSINESS SYSTEMS From creation to destruction, Excel Business Systems has some of the most innovative methods to care for all of Delaware’s document needs.

In addition to providing managed print services to clients, which reduce printing costs 15 to 30 percent by eliminating the need to purchase equipment and toners, Excel is pioneering the effort to make 3Dprinting available for the community at large.

3D printers employ a method known as additive manufacturing, the “printing” of physical 3D objects from digital data. The graphic design program uses nozzles filled with materials such as plastic, glass, metal, human tissue, wax, edible food, and sand and glue mixes to build layer upon layer of the object. 3D printing offers virtually endless opportunities to businesses, and Frank Montisano, president/CEO of Excel Business Systems, noted a few of the many different ways clients are taking advantage of the new 3D printers: “We have seen several of our clients using 3D technology, and have “printed” for some of them a prototype of a patented new tool or cases for their new phones with their names designed right into the case itself.

A local dentist is using one to create a permanent dental crown within minutes of scanning the patient’s mouth, and another client is using one Novem b e r / Dec em b e r 2014 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

11/10/14 10:15 AM

Guide to Innovation as part of their company’s manufacturing process. We will use ours to print replacement gears and various parts within our products to eliminate the need for overnight delivery of selected components.”

With the potential to create cake decorations, fashion customized artificial limbs, reduce inventory of molds, create models and prototypes, and even eliminate the need for organ donors someday, 3D printers are changing the business world of tomorrow. Excel Business Systems will take you to that future by providing access to some of the world’s most cutting-edge 3D technology.

DIAMOND TECHNOLOGIES In early 2013, Diamond Technologies partnered with St. Elizabeth High School in Wilmington to facilitate the shift from traditional books and learning to integrated technology into the classroom.

St. Elizabeth’s had previously decided to move to a mandatory 1:1 “Bring Your Own Device” policy for the 2013-2014 school year and needed help upgrading the school’s network infrastructure to support more than 350 devices being used simultaneously.

“By integrating technology into today’s classrooms, students are better prepared for both the workplace and the world in general. Diamond was excited to work with St. Elizabeth’s in overcoming the challenges of managing a wireless school network, multiple devices and creating the online learning environment” said Greg Ballance, Diamond Technologies’ CEO.

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Gov. Jack Markell visited St. Elizabeth High School to see the impact of technology in the classroom.

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Guide to Innovation Diamond’s team worked with St. Elizabeth’s director of technology, Christopher Matarese, and principal Shirley Bounds in identifying vendors—such as Comcast—to provide the bandwidth needed, as well as the selection and purchase of hardware required to smoothly transition the school from books to iPads. Diamond provided network consulting and network provisioning for the project, including running miles of cable throughout the school to eliminate dead spots insuring network performance was maintained when hundreds of students and teachers accessed the system.

DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR In March 2013, Delaware’s Division of Employment and Training, in partnership with America’s Job Link Alliance, successfully launched its intelligent resume builder in Delaware JobLink (www.joblink. delaware.gov).

By using streamlined intuitive technology, jobseekers have the ability to create multiple resumes based on different themes, industries and brands. JobLink’s enhanced resume builder guides jobseekers through the resume creation process and transforms basic input into relevant professional resumes.

Some unique features include: • Precise candidate job order matching, using type-ahead functionality linked to O*NET occupation codes and job families.

The innovative Resume Builder tool from the Department of Labor can enhance prospects for jobseekers and employers.

• Jobseekers can create objective or summary of qualifications statements based on their “Work Wanted.”

• Job seekers can build relevant work experience, education, or military experience sections using work activities, talents, and tools & technologies statements imported from O*NET database.

• Job seekers can manage their resumes on a mobile device with ease. n

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Guide to Banking

SECURE? Local banks rely on best practices, new innovations to thwart cyber fraud BY LARRY NAGENGAST HIGHLY PUBLICIZED SECURITY BREACHES this year have compromised account information contained within millions of credit cards nationwide but officers at banks operating in Delaware say they’re working hard to stem the tide and protect the interests of their customers.

“Customer safety is very important to us,” says Jim Mazarakis, chief technology officer for WSFS Bank.

Changes in credit cards themselves, including a transition to cards with an embedded microchip, are on the way and should reduce the incidence of breaches like those that have affected customers at Target, Home Depot, Michaels, PF Chang, Acme supermarkets and others, bankers say.

The microchip-embedded cards, often called “EMV cards,” after the Europay, MasterCard and Visa systems collaboration that developed them, are already the standard in Europe. They are being gradually rolled out and should be in widespread use by October of next year, Mazarakis says.

“The U.S. as a whole is far behind in next-generation technology to improve the card industry’s infrastructure,” says Chris Squiers, vice president for cybersecurity risk at M&T Bank. “We’re trying to be innovators, to bring the next generation to the U.S.” The microchips offer an encryption capability far superior to the magnetic DELAWARE BUSINESS | Nove m be r/ De ce m be r 2014

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strips on the back of virtually all credit cards now in use in the United States, says Ron Laws, chief financial officer and IT security officer for Community Bank. Users must enter a PIN with each transaction to verify their identity.

Bankers note, however, that the issuance of these new cards will not necessarily end the security breaches that have become so troublesome. Rather, they say, it could prompt cyberthieves to direct their attention toward online transactions which do not require swiping a credit or debit card.

While banks are reluctant to discuss the details of their monitoring systems, officials interviewed for this story say their systems are designed to identify indications of unusual credit-card usage—a high-end jewelry purchase by a frugal spender or two gasoline purchases made at virtually the same time at locations hundreds of miles apart, for example—and that they contact their customers if something seems amiss.

“A lot of fraud happens at the customer level, through their own computers, through their own usage. We want to make customers aware of how they need to protect themselves, and of the products available to them to protect themselves,” says Nick Lambrow, regional president of M&T Bank.

Banks also offer customers the ability, through online access, to set up alerts of their own. It is now easy, they say, to arrange to receive regular 43

11/10/14 10:15 AM

Guide to Banking notifications of account balances, of when the balance falls below a specified level, and of transactions that exceed a specified amount.

Capital One bank recently introduced a new service, called “Second Look,” that flags potentially duplicate charges, automatically renewing subscriptions and increases in recurring charges that customers commonly overlook. Second Look highlights questionable charges and alerts customers, giving them directions for how to contact a bank or merchant to challenge the charge.

For commercial customers, M&T and many other banks offer a service called “Positive Pay,” which alerts businesses to potentially fraudulent transactions before debits are made to their checking accounts, Lambrow says.

“You can never be too careful. It’s away good to continue monitoring, to keep an eye on things, to set parameters for your accounts,” Squiers says. While security threats are lurking everywhere, bank customers should not become fearful of using their credit cards. “Don’t be scared, but be aware,” Squiers says.

The credit-card payment processing is “a multi-layered issue,” a system that involves customers, merchants, processors and banks, Mazarakis says.

“If any one is compromised, then customer information and their accounts can potentially be compromised.”

Most of the recent security breaches have been the result of flaws in the merchants’ and processors’ systems, but when there’s a responsibility that the violated card user be made hold, the law usually places that burden on the banks, Mazarakis says.

“This adds to the bank’s expense, and it may pose a future risk to your

credit, but the merchant, who made it all possible, is not liable for any of the consequences,” he says.

WSFS is urging Visa, which processes the credit cards it issues, to improve vulnerability testing throughout the processing system and to require merchants to increase their investments in more secure technologies, he says.

Meanwhile, WSFS makes it a practice to issue new credit or debit cards to any of its customers whose account information was compromised. Last month it issued new cards to customers who might have been impacted by the Acme supermarkets’ data breach.

Community Bank has a similar policy. “When it’s determined that cards have been breached, Visa sends us a list of cards used and we reissue them,” Laws says. And, he adds, if customers believe their cards have been compromised, they can request that the bank issue a replacement card. “Issuing a new card is a lot less expensive than the consequences of someone accessing your account through a counterfeit card,” he says.

M&T does not automatically reissue cards in a breach situation. “We have various levels of response, and it can include reissuing cards. But reissuing cards all the time can become self-defeating,” Squiers says.

Information on how customers can protect the security of their accounts is available on the websites of most banks. (See related story.)In addition, M&T offers seminars and public forums on banking security issues to business groups and community organizations. “We think it’s important to talk to individuals on what’s going on in the fraud world, how you identify these types of things, and suggest ways to protect yourself,” Squiers says. n

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Guide to Banking

Security Tips

those at coffee shops and libraries, might not be as secure as the one you use at home.

• When making purchases or conducting financial transactions

Here are some suggestions for protecting your privacy and the

online, look for a URL that begins with https:// and a closed

security of your accounts.

padlock icon in the lower right-hand corner of your browser.

• Watch out for copycat sites that may look like a financial institution.

Passwords and PINs:

Be sure you are using the correct web address for your bank.

• Never leave your computer unattended while using an online

• Never share passwords or PINs with anyone.

• Never write down passwords where they can easily be found by

baking or investing service.

• Make sure your computer is protected with anti-malware software.

others.

• Cover the keypad when entering a PIN at any public location.

• Avoid using any personal information, including birthdays, significant names and Social Security numbers, as passwords.

• Use passwords that contain both letters and numbers; avoid

Email safety: • Do not reply to any email or pop-up message that requests that you update or provide personal information.

• Call your bank or financial institution if you are uncertain of the

using recognizable words.

• Do not use the same password for social media accounts and

source of an email that requests financial information.

• Do not open email or attachments from senders you do not

for accounts used for financial transactions.

• Change online passwords often; every 30 days is a good guideline.

recognize. Attachments may be “Trojan horse” programs that compromise your computer’s security.

Online security:

• Use secure messaging features for online communications with

• Only access personal financial information from a computer you trust, and be sure to use a secure network. Public networks, like

     

banks and other financial institutions.

Sources: WSFS Bank, TD Bank, M&T Bank, PNC Bank

      



 

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www.smartdriveusa.org

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(888) 553-6543

Sobieski Life Safety, LLC

Corporate Office 10 Hadco Road Wilmington, DE 19804 (800)321-1332 www.sobieskiinc.com service@sobieskiinc.com

Coordination, Design, Installation, Inspection, Service & Monitoring for Fire Protection & Alarm Systems Exceeding Your Expectations... Everyday

Serving Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland & New Jersey

Sobieski Services, Inc.

Installation, Repair, & Maintenance for Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning

Corporate Office 14 Hadco Road Wilmington, DE 19804 (800) 665-0002 www.sobieskiinc.com service@sobieskiinc.com

Exceeding Your Expectations... Everyday

Novem b e r / Dec em b e r 2014 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

11/10/14 10:15 AM

UD MBA Food. Passion. Service.

UDGradbiz.com

302.261.5600 Online Ordering Available www.pineapplecatering.net

University and Whist Club of Wilmington

University and Wh

Fine Dining | Business Meetings | Social Events | Catering | Weddings

FineDining | Business Meeting

805 N Broom St Wilmington, DE 19806 302.658.5125 www.universityandwhistclub.com

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Call For a Tour Today!

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University and Whist Club of Wilmington

University and Wh

FineDining | Business Meetings | SocialEvents | Catering | Weddings

FineDining | Business Meeting

805 N Broom St Wilmington, DE 19806 302.658.5125 www.universityandwhistclub.com

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University and Whist Club of Wilmington

University and Wh

FineDining | Business Meetings | SocialEvents | Catering | Weddings

FineDining | Business Meeting

805 N Broom St Wilmington, DE 19806 302.658.5125 www.universityandwhistclub.com

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Call For a Tour Today!

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University and Whist Club of Wilmington

University and Wh

FineDining | Business Meetings | SocialEvents | Catering | Weddings

FineDining | Business Meeting

805 N Broom St Wilmington, DE 19806 302.658.5125 www.universityandwhistclub.com

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University and Whist Club of Wilmington

University and Wh

FineDining | Business Meetings | SocialEvents | Catering | Weddings

FineDining | Business Meeting

805 N Broom St Wilmington, DE 19806 302.658.5125

DELAWARE BUSINESS窶ポ窶クove m be r/ De ce m be r 2014

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www.universityandwhistclub.com

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THE DELAWARE STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO...

CELEBRATE WITH THE

SUPERSTARS IN BUSINESS

Join us on December 9 and enjoy a taste of the First State!

Join our honorary host Senator Christopher Coons for the Third Annual Taste of Delaware—

Sponsored by:

a crowd favorite event in the nation’s

Join us for the 16th Annual Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Awards

capital that showcases the finest culinary

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

traditions from the First State — we will have Grotto pizza, Dogfish Head beer, UDairy Creamery ice cream and more to enjoy.

MasterShowerDoors.com Register online at www.dscc.com or call (302) 576-6564.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2013 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Kennedy Caucus Room, Russell Senate Office Building Room 325 Constitution Avenue and 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002

Thursday, December 4, 2014 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Kennedy Caucus Room, Russell Senate Office Building Room 325 Constitution Ave & 1st St, NE, Washington, DC 20002

11:15 am to 1:45 pm DELAWARE STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 1201 NORTH ORANGE STREET, SUITE 200

Hotel du Pont – Gold Ballroom – Wilmington, Delaware

WILMINGTON, DE 19801

Keynote Speaker:

Steven D. Strauss Senior “USATODAY” small business columnist and author of the “Small Business Bible”

Hosted by U.S. Senator Chris Coons to showcase the finest culinary traditions from the First State!

Register now at www.dscc.com or call (302)655-7221 $70 for DSCC members and $85 for non-members (Tables of ten available)

FREE TO ATTEND Register online at www.dscc.com or call (302) 576-6564.

Liberty Mutual Insurance 131 Continental Drive, Suite 108 Newark, DE 19713

Keith Mickle

(302) 668-5561 (mobile) Tel: (302) 369-9904, Ext. 52999

Megan Donahue

(302) 275-6369 (mobile) Tel: (302) 369-9904, Ext. 53014

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Our recognized logo lends instant credibility to your business, and stands for trust, with 7 out of 10 consumers saying they would prefer to work with businesses accredited by us.

FIND OUT if your business qualifies to join us. Call 302.221.5255 or visit www.delaware.bbb.org.

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Novem b e r / Dec em b e r 2014 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

11/10/14 10:15 AM

Newsbites

Dogfish Head Names New CEO; Expands Distillery Operations Nick Benz has been named Chief Executive Officer of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton.

While founder and president Sam Calagione will continue his daily focus on strategy, new product innovations, collaborations, and events, Benz will expand the breadth and depth of working excellence at Dogfish Head in his new role.

“With Nick here, Dogfish has become a stronger, more operationally excellent company. I’m very thankful for what Nick is contributing to our journey,” says Calagione.

Dogfish Head is winding up a $45 million expansion of its brewery in the Sussex County community of Milton and has added states it had been forced to drop from its distribution footprint, due to shortages of its products.

Dogfish is also looking for a vice president of Business Operations who will oversee non-beverage businesses, including restaurants, an inn in Lewes,

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the brewery tasting room, and future expansion into other non-beverage businesses.

“We are very focused on delivering strong growth over fast growth, and that takes hard work and focus from each of us here at Dogfish. Now there will be more of us in leadership roles to bring that focus,” Calagione added.

Another change to the Dogfish Head management team is the departure of longtime Vice President of Sales Adam Lambert. Adam will be departing at the end of November to pursue a new opportunity with New Holland Brewing Company in Holland, Mich.

“In his seven years with Dogfish, Adam has done a wonderful job helping us grow from a small microbrewery to a regional brewery producing over 200,000 barrels annually,” says Calagione. “I wish Adam much happiness and success in his next adventure in the craft brewing community.”

Additionally, the brewery has made plans to expand its distilling production. Back in 2002, Calagione picked up a little stainless steel feed bin that he had big plans for. Sam worked with engineers and welders to reshape the tank in the form of a pot still—lovingly named ‘Frankenstill’—and Dogfish Head’s days of hand-distilling gin, rum, and vodka began.

For a dozen years, Dogfish’s little “distillery that could,” perched on the second floor of our Rehoboth Beach brewpub, has been putting out an extremely limited selection of rum, vodka, and gin. Most has been sold right out of the pub and at select retailers in Delaware. But now, after an expansion at our nearby Milton brewery, we will have the space to kick our distilling up a notch (or three).

“Dogfish Head’s distilling roots run deep,” says Sam. “We’ve been putting

our off-centered thumbprint on the distilling world for over a decade, and I’m excited that we’re now able to take this project to the next level by broadening production and distribution.”

Dogfish rum, gin, and vodka will begin rolling out in spring 2015 throughout Delaware, New York City, and additional mid-Atlantic markets.

The new distillery will be led by award-winning Head Distiller Graham Hamblett. Graham, a horticulturalist with nearly two decades of experience running an artisanal winery and distillery, joined Dogfish in January.

Thomas D. Keehan, V.P. Promoted to Group Manager at Artisans’ Bank Artisans’ Bank is pleased to announce that Thomas D. Keehan, vice president of residential lending, has been promoted to vice president and group sales manager in the bank’s residential mortgage division.

Keehan’s new responsibilities will include all management and sales direction for the bank’s existing staff of mortgage originators. In addition, he will be involved in determining new residential markets and mortgage products for the bank.

Keehan joined the bank’s residential mortgage division as vice president in 2013. He has over 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry, primarily with Gilpin Mortgage as a senior mortgage loan officer. Prior to working at Gilpin Mortgage he was a senior mortgage loan officer for Guaranty Bank/Shelter Mortgage Company in Wilmington, where he originated loans for Patterson Schwartz Real Estate.

He is an active member of the local community. Keehan is on the board of directors for the Timber Lane

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Newsbites Swimming Club, an affiliate member of New Castle County Board of Realtors and a member of both the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce. Keehan is a graduate of Salesianum High School and the University of Delaware. He resides in Wilmington.

ab+c Creative Intelligence Named as Agency of Record for Newark Natural Foods ab+c Creative Intelligence, a full-service marketing communications agency, is now the agency of record for Newark Natural Foods. As the organic grocery store moves to its new, larger location, Newark Natural Foods asked ab+c to undertake its rebranding effort.

“Not only is Newark Natural Foods a wonderfully run company with a unique business model, but they are also a bedrock of their community,” says Paul Pomeroy, managing partner and director of marketing at ab+c. “We are honored to call them a partner and we look forward to working with them to build out a brand that speaks to their heritage and their future.”

New Delaware Humane Association Board Officers and Members Announced In 2014, Delaware Humane Association (DHA)’s Board of Directors re-elected Daniel E. Cruce, Esq. as president, and two existing members were elected to new roles: Peggy H. Eddens as secretary, and Robert W. Pierce as treasurer.

In addition, five new members were welcomed to the board: Armand A. Battisti, consultant and adviser; Carol Lee Griffin, Radnor Hunt Races coor-

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the wheel of a car, you’re letting your friends and family know that you’re about to drive and can’t respond until you safely reach your destination. You can also use #X in a text conversation to pause it until you arrive. You’re also letting your network know you have committed to not text and drive.

dinator, The Brandywine Conservancy; Timothy M. Holly, partner, Connolly Gallagher LLP; Donielle R. Larson, clinical social worker, ACTS Signature Hospice; and Joel D. Stango, service executive, AT&T.

AT&T, Rep. Scott Help Raise Awareness, Provide Solutions for Texting and Driving: Time To Get The #X Out and Help End Texting While Driving in Delaware As part of AT&T’s nationwide day of action, AT&T this summer called on all Delawareans to join together to address a dangerous practice that puts millions of Americans at risk: texting while driving.

AT&T has distributed resources to organizations statewide, asking them to join the “It Can Wait” movement by organizing activities in their communities.

In addition, for the first time this year, individuals can text their pledge to never text and drive. Text the keyword icwde to 464329. The pledge —and the text— are free.

The initial aim of the It Can Wait campaign is to end texting while driving was to raise awareness about the risks associated with texting behind the wheel. Since then, It Can Wait has evolved into a social movement focused on changing behaviors. And now, we’re shifting our focus to solutions to prevent drivers from texting while driving.

It’s time to get the #X out and work together towards finally ending texting while driving. By sharing #X on your social networks before you get behind

Wheeler, Wolfenden & Dwares, CPAs Honored as One of 2014’s Best of the Best Accounting Firms by INSIDE Public Accounting Wheeler, Wolfenden & Dwares, CPAs (WW&D) recently received top honors as one of only ten firms across the country designated “Best of the Best Under $5 Million” as a result of INSIDE Public Accounting’s (IPA) 24th Annual Survey and Analysis of Firms. Recognized for overall superior financial and operational performance on more than 70 IPA criteria, WW&D earned the prestigious distinction based on its unique combination of planning, strategy, and execution in a field of 540 firms nationwide that included more than 100 competing companies in the Northeast region.

Firm managing director David Wolfenden offered, “We are extremely gratified by this recognition. Day-in and day-out our team consistently operates at the highest levels—externally with our clients and internally through management and procedural excellence.

We’ve worked hard to institutionalize a higher standard here.”

As a member of The IPA Best of the Best Under $5 Million, Wheeler Wolfenden & Dwares, CPAs has demonstrated its ability to deliver exceptional client service, commitment to training,

Novem b e r / Dec em b e r 2014 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

11/10/14 10:15 AM

unique benefits for both staff and clients, and specialized client focus – on par with the best large firm counterparts – all without the advantages of extensive big-firm resources.

DCIC Loan Helps Kalmar Nyckel Foundation Sail New Horizons Delaware Community Investment Corporation (DCIC) has provided a $1.8 million bridge loan for the construction of Kalmar Nyckel Foundation’s (KNF) Education and Ship Maintenance Center.

KNF is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to “preserving and promoting the cultural and maritime

heritage of Delaware for the education and enrichment of all.” The Kalmar Nyckel serves as a floating classroom for all ages by providing sea-and landbased learning and recreational experiences.

The expansion of the education center will include indoor and outdoor learning stations and will allow KNF to offer year round innovative educational and outreach programs such as: • Hands-on economic learning lessons that teach students how to make gainful trade decisions • Teacher resources, workshops, and professional development courses in partnership with the Delaware

Department of Education and the Social Studies Coalition of Delaware • Crew training for its 300+ volunteers • Lecture series “Community investments come in all shapes and sizes. I am so pleased DCIC could play a role in this very special development project that will expand the outreach and legacy of Delaware’s great Kalmar Nyckel vessel,” president and CEO of DCIC, Jim Peffley, said. “DCIC is grateful to have had the opportunity to partner with Kalmar Nyckel to provide bridge loan financing, and commends the entire development team for their tireless efforts to preserve and enhance this cultural icon.”

This community development project is vital to the economic development of downtown Wilmington, Delaware and the Riverfront community. Located in a low income census tract, the Kalmar Nyckel provides experiential learning and resources to surrounding areas.

The KNF investment illustrates DCIC’s commitment to community development and revitalization initiatives that advance socio-economic opportunities for communities in Delaware. Additionally, this investment is an example of the diversity in project financing offered by Delaware Community Investment Corporation.

Finally, DCIC would like to extend its gratitude to Barclays Bank Delaware, M&T Bank, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Delaware, and WSFS Bank for their financial support to this vital community development initiative.

WSFS Voted #1 Bank in Delaware Fourth Year in a Row WSFS Financial Corporation, the parent company of WSFS Bank, today

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announced that it has been named the “Top Bank” in Delaware by the readers of The News Journal and delawareonline.com in their annual Readers’ Choice Awards for 2014. This is the fourth consecutive year that WSFS was presented with this award.

“We are honored to be chosen as the best bank in Delaware for the fourth year in a row by our customers and community friends,” said Mark A. Turner, WSFS president and CEO. “This recognition, combined with recent news of being named a Top Workplace for the ninth consecutive year, as well as instituting a stock buyback program and a twenty-five percent increase to our third quarter dividend, demonstrates the successful execution of our strategy for Associates, Customers and Shareholders.”

Each year, The News Journal and delawareonline.com encourage their readers to nominate and vote on their favorite businesses in a variety of categories, including Entertainment, Dining & Nightlife, Shopping and Professional Services. WSFS was the winner of the Professional Services - Bank category.

Delaware’s First-Ever Walk for a Healthy Community Raises Nearly $80,000 for Local Nonprofits Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware is pleased to announce that the first-ever Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community in the state of Delaware raised nearly $80,000 for the 17 participating nonprofit organizations.

“We are thrilled that the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community in Delaware was such a success, with about 1,300 people joining us at Bellevue State Park for the event,” said Highmark

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Newsbites Delaware president Tim Constantine.

“We want to thank all of the walkers and charitable organizations for their enthusiastic efforts on walk day and for the work they do all year long to serve our neighbors in need.”

The annual walk will be moving to June 6, 2015 at Bellevue State Park.

Highmark Delaware organizes and underwrites all costs associated with the walk, while walkers select which participating nonprofit organization they wish to support. The nonprofits then keep 100 percent of the funds raised

by their walkers. Highmark’s Walk for a Healthy Community has been held annually throughout Pennsylvania since

Calendar of Events

2003, and has helped more than 200 organizations collectively raise more than $7.8 million.

NOVEMBER 6, 2014

NOVEMBER 19, 2014

Senate Building, Washington, D.C.

DYPN Happy Hour at Caffé Gelato

For more information, please contact

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Networking Breakfast at DBCC’s Great Stuff Savvy Resale Shop

Location: Caffé Gelato, Newark

7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

kwetzel@dscc.com.

For more information, please contact

Location: Wilmington

Kelly Wetzel at (302) 576-6564 or

For more information, please contact

DECEMBER 9, 2014

kwetzel@dscc.com.

Kelly Wetzel at (302) 576-6564 or

Holiday Networking Breakfast at American Cancer Society

kwetzel@dscc.com.

NOVEMBER 12, 2014

Kelly Wetzel at (302) 576-6564 or

7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

16th Annual Superstars in Business

NOVEMBER 20, 2014

For more information, please contact

Tax Committee Meeting

Kelly Wetzel at (302) 576-6564 or kwet-

11:15 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

zel@dscc.com.

Location: Hotel du Pont Gold

Location: DSCC Board Room

Ballroom, Wilmington

For more information, please contact

DECEMBER 17, 2014

For more information, please contact

James DeChene at (302) 576-6560 or

Tax Committee Meeting

Kelly Wetzel at (302) 576-6564 or

jdechene@dscc.com.

8:30a.m. –10:00 a.m.

Location: DSCC Board Room

kwetzel@dscc.com.

DECEMBER 3, 2014

For more information, please contact

NOVEMBER 18, 2014

Chamber Leadership with Mark Brainard

James DeChene at (302) 576-6560 or

Employer Advocacy & Education Committee Meeting

7:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

jdechene@dscc.com.

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Kelly Wetzel at (302) 576-6564 or

JANUARY 12, 2015

Location: DSCC Chairman’s Room

kwetzel@dscc.com.

178th Annual Dinner

For more information, please contact

For more information, please contact

Chase Center on the Riverfront

James DeChene at (302) 576-6560 or

DECEMBER 4, 2014

For more information, please contact

jdechene@dscc.com.

Taste of Delaware

Kelly Wetzel at (302) 576-6564 or

Location: Kennedy Caucus Room, Russell

kwetzel@dscc.com.

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Novem b e r / Dec em b e r 2014 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

11/10/14 10:15 AM

Certified PubliC ACCountAnts & Advisors

Directors Marie Holliday, Geoff Langdon, Loretta Manning and Peter Kennedy.

Providing complete Tax, Audit and Accounting Services in the Delaware Valley for:

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

see it all at www.finalfocus.com

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• Corporations • Nonprofit Organizations

Find out how we can put our experience to work for you!

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DSCC_NovDec14.indd 59

Business of the Year

(302) 656-6632

Wilmington • Middletown /CoverRossiter

DELAWARE BUSINESS | Nove m be r/ De ce m be r 2014

• Small Businesses • Individuals and Families

@CoverRossiter 59

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Delaware Business Delaware Business

0 0 1

2

0

6

Bi-Monthly

8 3

$18

5,000

Matt Amis

1202 N. Orange St., Ste. 200, Wilmington, DE 19801

November-December 2014

10/22/14

302-655-7221

1202 N. Orange St., Ste. 200, Wilmington, DE 19801

Delaware State Chamber of Commerce 1202 N. Orange St., Ste. 200, Wilmington, DE 19801

5,000

948

956

2,845

2,845

200

0

-

-

3,993

3,801

Matt Amis

0

0

1202 N. Orange St., Ste. 200, Wilmington, DE 19801

0

0

0

0

0

0

DSCC Center for Business Management

1202 N. Orange St., Ste. 200, Wilmington, DE 19801

0

0

3,993

3,801

1,007

1,199

5,000

5,000

100

100

x x Nov-Dec 2014

10/22/14

Matthew N. Amis

x

HAMBER BENEFITS OFFICE NEEDS

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That’s what mutual success is all about.

Explore P&C insurance opportunities at HarfordMutual.com

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W.B. MASON W.B. Mason offers Chamber Members exclusive discounts of up to 90% off their most commonly used items. Doreen Miller for more information at doree.miller@wbmason.com or (888) 926-2766, ext. 8358.

PAYROLL SERVICES KTBSPayroll combines innovative technology with seamless administrative solutions, creating a payroll management system that is fully integrated, accurate and easy. Spend more time on business needs and less time managing payroll and benefits services! The first month’s administrative fees are waived for all DSCC members!

For more information, visit www.KTBSPayroll.com or call Michaela Kammer at (888) 882-1487.

Novem b e r / Dec em b e r 2014 | 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.

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

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

Infrastructure and Transportation Committee: The Infrastructure and Transportation Committee recognizes the critical role that the condition and functionality of Delaware’s infrastructure and transportation systems play in creating a strong economy and quality of life. The Infrastructure and Transportation Committee monitors issues, policies, and trends affecting Delaware’s infrastructure and transportation systems, as well as advises the Chamber’s Board of Directors on related policy issues. For more information, contact James DeChene at (302) 576-6560 or jdchene@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: Kelly Wetzel at (302) 576-6564 or kwetzel@dscc.com.

Delaware Young Professionals Network: 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 DYPN, for professionals between the ages of 21 and 40, aims to develop Delaware’s young workforce through professional business networking and personal growth.

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

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

See what’s new for your career wardrobe!

Legislative Forum: Members, lobbyists and legislative representatives work together to address legislative issues of interest to Chamber members. Contact: James DeChene at (302) 576-6560 or jdchene@dscc.com.

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

DELAWARE BUSINESS | Nove m be r/ De ce m be r 2014

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petites | talls | plus | custom | ready-to-wear 222 Delaware Avenue, #105, Wilmington, DE 19801 (302) 543-8054

info@entreDonovan.com

www.entreDonovan.com

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Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

SMALL STATE. BIG BENEFITS. UPS Shipping Discounts Save up to 34% on a broad portfolio of shipping services including: • Up to 34% on UPS Air letters including UPS Next Day Air®* • Up to 30% on UPS Air packages (1 lb.+) • Up to 32% on UPS International imports and exports • Up to 16% on UPS Ground shipments • Savings begin at 70% on UPS Freight® shipments over 150 lbs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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 Blood Bank of Delmarva, a nonprofit organization, supplies blood to the 16 hospitals on Delmarva. Blood donors become part of the Members for Life program to sustain the local community blood supply. Members will receive valuable health and wellness benefits. There is a need for 350 blood donations every day on Delmarva; therefore, support is encouraged and appreciated. There is no cost for membership. Members will be asked to give blood a minimum of once a year and to allow the Blood Bank to contact them if their blood type is needed. Visit www.DelmarvaBlood.org for more information or call 1 888 8-BLOOD-8 to schedule an appointment. You can also download the Blood Bank app on your iPhone or Android.

If you are unable to donate blood but would like to support the local blood supply, you can be part of the Blood Bank’s Friends for Life program by making a financial contribution.

Contributions are tax- deductible and can be made online at www.DelmarvaBlood.org or by calling 1 888 8-BLOOD-8.

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

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

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

DSCC Affinity Credit Card with WorldPoints Rewards The DSCC affinity card by Bank of America is a business credit card offered exclusively to State Chamber members that also offers a rewards program for discounted airline tickets, free hotel nights and car rentals and more. The Chamber affinity card with WorldPoints® lets members combine points from personal and business cards to get rewards even faster. Call (800) 598-8791 to apply, mention priority code FABLHRAQ. Dental and Vision Plan Dominion Dental Services provides dental and vision benefits on a group and individual basis with competitive, memberexclusive 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.

safeguards for individuals, families, small businesses and employee groups.

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

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

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

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

WorldPay Worldpay offesr Chamber members a variety of services designed to increase your profits, maximize your productivity, and help you get every penny you’ve earned. Worldpay is the global leader in payment processing solutions. Whether your customers do business on the phone, online, or in person, Worldpay has the products to fit your payment needs, from mobile card readers to virtual terminals, to integrated cash register systems.

You’ll gain faster access to cash and flexible pricing, including an option to guarantee pricing for three years—all backed by live 24/7 US-based customer care.

Visit www.worldpay.us/Partner/delaware-statechamber-140486 to enroll or contact Toby H Guinn, Sr. at (302) 268-6222 or Toby.Guinn@worldpay.us for more.

LegalShield All Delaware State Chamber members and member companies now have the opportunity to access affordable legal services.

LegalShield is one of the nation’s leading providers of legal

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

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 Contact link on the State Chamber’s members-only page or call (866) 876-8464 to activate your member discount.

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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.

A. Richard Heffron President

576-6563 rheffron@dscc.com

Marianne K. Antonini 576-6567 Sr. Vice President Finance & CFO mantonini@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 Cheryl Corn Executive Assistant to the President Sr. Vice President Communications Linda D. Eriksen Accounting Associate James DeChene Director, Government Relations

576-6566 mamis@dscc.com

576-6572 ccorn@dscc.com

Ken Evans Account Executive

576-6576 kevans@dscc.com

Chuck James Sr. Vice President, Membership Ambassador Committee

576-6562 cjames@dscc.com

Fred Miller Advertising Sales Member Retention

576-6579 fmiller2@dscc.com

Patrina Wallace Government Relations Assistant

655-7221 pwallace@dscc.com

Kelly Wetzel 576-6564 Program & Communication Specialist kwetzel@dscc.com Small Business Alliance Women in Business Delaware Young Professionals Network

576-6569 leriksen@dscc.com 576-6560 jdechene@dscc.com

DELAWARE STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 1201 N. Orange Street, P.O. Box 671 Wilmington, DE 19899-0671 (302) 655-7221 / Fax (302) 654-0691 (800) 292-9507 Kent & Sussex counties www.dscc.com Blog: dscc.wordpress.com facebook.com/delawarestatechamber flickr: flickr.com/dscc twitter: @Destatechamber 64

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16TH ANNUAL MARVIN S. GILMAN

SUPERSTARS IN BUSINESS AWARDS

Small Business, Great Big Event > Wednesday, November 12, 2014

RECOGNITION FOR OUR SPONSORS The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Alliance and Superstars in Business Planning Committee appreciate the support and generosity of the following sponsors: PLATINUM

BRONZE

Comcast Business Services M&T Bank Saint Francis Healthcare Bank of America The Gilman Family

AAA Mid-Atlantic Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc. Delaware Community Foundation Corp.

Delaware Hospice DiSabatino Construction Company Environmental Alliance, Inc. George J. Weiner Associates

GOLD

FRIEND

Associates International, Inc. BDO USA, LLP Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, CPAs Citizens Bank Cover & Rossiter DuPont Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware Millicare by EBC PNC Bank TD Bank TekSolv, Inc. WSFS Bank

Affinity Energy Management Community Service Building Corp.

Delaware State University Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County Professional Staffing, Employee Training and Development

DIAMOND

SILVER

Artisans’ Bank Assurance Media, LLC The Bellmoor Inn & Spa Blood Bank of Delmarva Colonial Parking, Inc. Delaware Cadillac, Saab, Subaru and Kia of Wilmington Delaware Economic Development Office Dukart Management Corp./McDonald’s Goldey-Beacom College Horty & Horty, P.A. McConnell Johnson Real Estate Company, LLC Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children New Castle Insurance, Ltd. Ronald McDonald House of Delaware Rowland, Johnson & Company, P.A. VanDemark & Lynch, Inc. Wheeler, Wolfenden & Dwares, CPAs

GIFTS

Bayard, P.A. Delmarva Broadcasting Company Healy Long & Jevin, Inc. Santora CPA Group ADVERTISING DESIGN

Mease Communications VIDEO PRODUCTION

Teleduction RADIO ADS / APPLICATION HOSTING

Delmarva Broadcasting Company AWARDS

A.R. Morris Jewelers PRINT/ONLINE MEDIA

Delaware Business Bulletin Delaware Business Times Delaware Today SIGNAGE

Parcels, Inc.

Sponsors as of 10/31/14

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We’re here for your business.

Welcome to Green Flag Country.

When you’re in Green Flag Country, you’re working with one of the strongest banks in the nation.

In fact, M&T is one of the top 20 full-service commercial banks in the U.S. Simply stated, our 158-year heritage of business success is built on a tradition of service, reliability and personal attention to both the customers and the communities we serve. And a commitment to our business neighbors to be here for your current and future needs. Welcome to Green Flag Country. Welcome to M&T Bank.

Stop by any M&T Bank branch today or call Pat Ponzo at 302-651-1252 to learn more.

1-866-281-9441 mtb.com

©2014 M&T Bank. Member FDIC.

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