DELAWARE
BUSINESS January/February 2015  $3.00
2014
Annual Report
Featuring Dr. Janice Nevin of Christiana Care Health System
A Publication of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce
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Focus
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In this Issue
Eating local was the theme of the 4th Annual Taste of Delaware. PHOTO BY BRIAN MULLIGAN
Annual Report
Departments
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT.............................................................................. 3
Member News and Notes..................... 13
STATE CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS.................................................................. 4
Q&A: Dr. Janice Nevin Business Spotlight: 3E Marketing
2015 DELAWARE BUSINESS EDITORIAL CALENDAR................................................. 7
Nonprofit Spotlight: Gaudenzia
THE 2015 DSCC LEGISLATIVE AGENDA..................................................................... 9
Welcome New Members....................... 24
TASTE OF DELAWARE.............................................................................................. 36
Chamber Scene...................................... 26
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT...................................................................................... 42
Newsbites................................................ 72
2014 YEAR IN PHOTOS............................................................................................. 45
Calendar of Events................................ 76
THE AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE............................................................................ .58
Chamber Member Benefits.................. 80
THE PARTNERSHIP, INC............................................................................................ 60
Chamber Committees........................... 83
SMALL BUSINESS ALLIANCE................................................................................... 66
For Assistance, Contact the Chamber........................................... 84
DELAWARE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK..................................................... 69 DELAWARE MANUFACTURING ASSOCIATION.......................................................... 70
On The Cover
DSCC Annual Report. PHOTO BY DICK DUBROFF/FINAL FOCUS
DELAWARE BUSINESS窶ポ窶カa nu a r y / Fe br u a r y 2015
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Volume 20, Number 1 / 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. 1
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DELAWARE
2015 Delaware State Chamber Staff
BUSINESS EDITORIAL STAFF Mark Stellini Chairman
A. Richard Heffron President
Matt Amis Managing Editor
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIR
VICE CHAIR
COUNSEL
Mark Stellini Assurance Media
Salvatore J. “Chip” Rossi Bank of America
William E. Manning Saul Ewing LLP
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
TREASURER
PRESIDENT
Hinton Lucas DuPont
Barry Crozier Belfint, Lyons & Shuman
A. Richard Heffron Delaware State Chamber of Commerce
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A. RICHARD HEFFRON INTERIM PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
MARIANNE K. ANTONINI SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE & CFO
JOHN H. TAYLOR, JR. SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DPPI
Sylvia Banks DuPont
Scott Malfitano Gary R. Stockbridge CSC - Corporation Service Company Delmarva Power
Donald T. Fulton George J. Weiner Associates
Nicholas Marsini PNC Bank, Delaware
Mark Turner WSFS Bank
Martha S. Gilman Gilman Development Company
Chad Moore The Bellmoor
Richelle Vible Catholic Charities of Delaware
Michael Houghton Dennis M. Salter Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell, LLP Summit Realty Advisors, Inc.
Katie Wilkinson Fulton Bank
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
MATT AMIS COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
CHERYL CORN EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT, SR. VICE PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS
JAMES DECHENE DIRECTOR, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
William R. Allan Delaware Community Foundation
Rita P. Hollingsworth (Tony Allen) Theodore J. Prushinski Bank of America Citizens Bank
Linda Ammons Widener University School of Law
Tyrone Jones AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP
James Randall Caldwell Staffing
Mike B. Berardi Wohlsen Construction Company
Christopher L. Kenny ShopRites of Delaware
Michael Ratchford W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
Marray Berstein Nixon Uniform Service
Richard Kenny ShopRites of Delawar, Retired
Robert (Rob) Rider, Jr. O.A. Newton
Julian H. “Pete” Booker Delmarva Broadcasting Company
Bernhard Koch AAA Mid-Atlantic
John S. Riley Ashland, Inc.
Jennifer Gimler Brady Potter Anderson & Corroon LLP
Nicholas P. Lambrow M&T Bank
William B. Robinson George & Lynch, Retired
Mark Brainard Delaware Technical & Community College
Richard H. LaPenta Insurance & Financial Services, Ltd.
Richard D. Rowland Rowland, Johnson & Co., PA
Stephan Lehm VanDemark & Lynch, Inc.
Greg Sawka Bancroft Construction Company
Robert L. Byrd The Byrd Group
Alan Levin Delaware Economic Development Office
Fred C. Sears, II Delaware Community Foundation
Timothy J. Constantine Highmark Delaware, BCBS
Renee Lewandowski Agilent Technologies
Thomas J. Cooper Cooper Realty Associates
Andy Lubin University of Delaware
Charlie Copeland Associates International, Inc.
Hinton J. Lucas, Jr. DuPont, Retired
Ernest Dianastasis CAI
John McCarthy AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, LP
Brian DiSabatino EDiS Company
Paul M. McConnell McConnell Development, Inc.
E. Andrew DiSabatino EDiS Company
Bonnie Metz Verizon, Delaware
Dennis Dunn AT&T, Delaware
Calvert Morgan, Jr. WSFS Bank
G. Kevin Fasic Cooch & Taylor
Peter Morrow The Welfare Foundation
Dave Hargadon TD Bank
Janice E. Nevin, M.D., MPH Christiana Care Health System
Pete Hayward University of Delaware, Retired
Brian Nixon Invista
John (Jack) E. Healy III Healy Long & Jevin, Inc.
John Owens Capital One
Kevin C. Broadhurst Comcast
LINDA D. ERIKSEN ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE
FRED MILLER ADVERTISING/RETENTION
KEN EVANS ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
PATRINA WALLACE GOVERNMENT RELATIONS ASSISTANT
CHUCK JAMES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
KELLY WETZEL PROGRAM AND COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
DELAWARE STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 1201 NORTH ORANGE STREET, P.O. BOX 671 • WILMINGTON, DE 19899-0671 (302) 655-7221 • (800) 292-9507 • WWW.DSCC.COM
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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W. Laird Stabler, III, Esq. Laird Stabler & Associates, LLC Richard K. Struthers Ashford Point Dian C. Taylor Artesian Water James A. Tevebaugh Tevebaugh Associates William M. Topkis Daniels + Tansey, LLP Michael S. Uffner AutoTeam Delaware Clinton Walker Barclaycard US William S. Wallace JPMorgan Chase Robert W. Whetzel Richards, Layton & Finger Stuart Widom Calpine Harry L. Williams Delaware State University
STAFF A. Richard Heffron President Marianne K. Antonini Senior Vice President John H. Taylor, Jr. Senior Vice President & Executive Director, DPPI Matt Amis Communications Manager
Cheryl Corn Executive Assistant to the President, Senior Vice President, Communications 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
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Message from the President BY RICH HEFFRON
This January marks my 24th year with the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. When I joined the Chamber on January 21, 1992, I don’t know if I intended to stay this long. What I can say is that I enjoy what I do and like the staff, Chamber members and public officials I’ve had the honor to work with. During those 24 years, the state has experienced two minor recessions (during the early 90s and 2000s) and the great recession of 2008, whose effects we are still feeling. The global marketplace changed the corporate structure of Delaware, while mergers, financial fluctuations, and a shrinking manufacturing base added to the change. Now the industrial base encompasses mostly smaller, advanced manufacturing companies. While the Delaware City Refinery has changed owners several times, the current owners are able to tap into the new energy economy by refining the Canadian oil sands product. Health care has become the state’s largest employer and the state’s fastest growing job sector. The technology revolution has transformed the job market, challenging the education system to adapt curriculum to evolving job skill requirements. Politically, Delaware has gone from a balanced state with a mixed congressional delegation, a legislature with each party controlling one house (a largely Democratic Senate and largely Republican House) to a solid blue state. But the 2014 elections indicate the Republican Party may have made some inroads. The point is simple. Over a generation, things change. Change is reality, and we need to not only adapt, but also embrace the opportunities presented by change. It’s a necessary ingredient to grow an economy. It’s something that the Chamber acknowledges and welcomes. Internally, we have modified our governance structure, reflecting similar adjustments from other chambers and nonprofits locally and nationally. This change establishes a smaller Board of Directors and gives them more responsibility for overseeing the fiscal stability of the chamber. There is now a larger Board of Governors that will be tasked with advising the management of the organization on both internal and external policies. We hope this leads to a more open process and an efficient management system. As the economic landscape continues to shift, the Chamber must remain vigilant in scrutinizing the legislative and regulatory processes at the federal, state and local level. A number of critical issues face the business community, including economic development, education, environmental regulation, escheat, health care, immigration, incorporation process, infrastructure financing, public DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ja nu a r y / Fe br u a r y 2015
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safety, taxation, workers’ compensation and workforce development. These issues all feed into the long-term viability of the state’s fiscal health. Where appropriate, we will work with public officials, and when we disagree, we will make our position known and engage in civil debate and discussion. Change is never easy, but with change comes opportunity. After 23 years I’ve seen many things change, and I’ve seen the opportunities that can come with foresight of embracing the opportunities that change offers. We at the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce look forward to working with you, our members, in utilizing these opportunities to grow our economy in a way that will benefit all Delawareans.
McCarter & English, LLP proudly supports the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce
Renaissance Centre, 405 N. King Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 T 302.984.6300 F 302.984.6399 www.mccarter.com BOSTON HARTFORD STAMFORD NEW YORK NEWARK EAST BRUNSWICK PHILADELPHIA STAMFORD WILMINGTON WASHINGTON, DC
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2015 Delaware State Chamber Board of Governors
CHAIR *MARK STELLINI ASSURANCE MEDIA
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR HINTON LUCAS DUPONT
Board Members
VICE CHAIR *SALVATORE J. “CHIP” ROSSI BANK OF AMERICA
TREASURER *BARRY CROZIER BELFINT, LYONS & SHUMAN
COUNSEL *WILLIAM E. MANNING SAUL EWING LLP
WILLIAM R. ALLAN DELAWARE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
LINDA AMMONS WIDENER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW
*SYLVIA BANKS DUPONT
MIKE B. BERARDI WOHLSEN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
MURRAY BERSTEIN NIXON UNIFORM SERVICE
JULIAN H. “PETE” BOOKER DELMARVA BROADCASTING COMPANY
JENNIFER GIMLER BRADY POTTER ANDERSON & CORROON LLP
MARK BRAINARD DELAWARE TECHNICAL & COMMUNITY COLLEGE
KEVIN C. BROADHURST COMCAST
ROBERT L. BYRD THE BYRD GROUP
TIMOTHY J. CONSTANTINE HIGHMARK DELAWARE, BCBS
THOMAS J. COOPER COOPER REALTY ASSOCIATES
CHARLIE COPELAND ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
ERNEST DIANASTASIS CAI
BRIAN DISABATINO EDIS COMPANY
E. ANDREW DISABATINO EDIS COMPANY
DENNIS DUNN AT&T, DELAWARE
G. KEVIN FASIC COOCH & TAYLOR
*DONALD T. FULTON GEORGE J. WEINER ASSOCIATES
*MARTHA S. GILMAN GILMAN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
DAVE HARGADON TD BANK
PETE HAYWARD UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE, RETIRED
JOHN (JACK) E. HEALY III HEALY LONG & JEVIN, INC.
RITA P. HOLLINGSWORTH BANK OF AMERICA
*MICHAEL HOUGHTON MORRIS, NICHOLS, ARSHT & TUNNELL, LLP
TYRONE JONES ASTRAZENECA PHARMACEUTICALS LP
CHRISTOPHER L. KENNY SHOPRITES OF DELAWARE
RICHARD KENNY SHOPRITES OF DELAWARE, RETIRED
BERNHARD KOCH AAA MID-ATLANTIC
NICHOLAS P. LAMBROW M&T BANK
RICHARD H. LAPENTA INSURANCE & FINANCIAL SERVICES, LTD
STEPHAN LEHM VANDEMARK & LYNCH, INC.
ALAN LEVIN DELAWARE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
RENEE LEWANDOWSKI AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES
ANDY LUBIN UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE
*SCOTT MALFITANO CSC - CORPORATION SERVICE COMPANY
*NICHOLAS MARSINI PNC BANK, DELAWARE
JOHN MCCARTHY ASTRAZENECA PHARMACEUTICALS, LP
PAUL M. MCCONNELL MCCONNELL DEVELOPMENT, INC.
BONNIE METZ VERIZON, DELAWARE
*CHAD MOORE THE BELLMOOR
CALVERT MORGAN, JR. WSFS BANK
PETER MORROW THE WELFARE FOUNDATION
JANICE E. NEVIN, M.D., MPH CHRISTIANA CARE HEALTH SYSTEM
BRIAN NIXON INVISTA
JOHN OWENS CAPITAL ONE
THEODORE J. PRUSHINSKI CITIZENS BANK
JAMES RANDALL CALDWELL STAFFING
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MICHAEL RATCHFORD W.L. GORE & ASSOCIATES, INC.
ROBERT (ROB) RIDER, JR. O.A. NEWTON
JOHN S. RILEY ASHLAND, INC.
WILLIAM B. ROBINSON GEORGE & LYNCH, RETIRED
RICHARD D. ROWLAND ROWLAND, JOHNSON & CO., PA
*DENNIS M. SALTER SUMMIT REALTY ADVISORS, INC.
GREG SAWKA BANCROFT CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
FRED C. SEARS, II DELAWARE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
W. LAIRD STABLER, III, ESQ. *GARY R. STOCKBRIDGE LAIRD STABLER & DELMARVA POWER ASSOCIATES, LLC
RICHARD K. STRUTHERS ASHFORD POINT
DIAN C. TAYLOR ARTESIAN WATER
JAMES A. TEVEBAUGH TEVEBAUGH ASSOCIATES
WILLIAM M. TOPKIS DANIELS + TANSEY, LLP
*MARK TURNER WSFS BANK
MICHAEL S. UFFNER AUTOTEAM DELAWARE
*RICHELLE VIBLE CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF DELAWARE
CLINTON WALKER BARCLAYCARD US
WILLIAM S. WALLACE JPMORGAN CHASE
ROBERT W. WHETZEL RICHARDS, LAYTON & FINGER
STUART WIDOM CALPINE
*KATIE WILKINSON FULTON BANK
HARRY L. WILLIAMS DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY
* BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DELAWARE BUSINESS窶ポ窶カa nu a r y / Fe br u a r y 2015
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Jan uar y / Fe b r uar y 2015 | DELAWARE BUSINESS
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Delaware Business magazine covered a variety of topics—from education to fitness to restaurants—in 2013. Above, the covers of 2013.
DELAWARE BUSINESS 2015 EDITORIAL CALENDAR* The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s Delaware Business is published six times a year, featuring a wide range of editorial content of interest to the business community. Below is the 2015 editorial calendar, including special advertising sections and advertising space reservation deadlines:
January/February State Chamber Annual Report The State Chamber’s Year in Review, and a look at Delaware’s economic development. Space reservation: November 17, 2014 March/April Guide to Real Estate & Construction Guide to Health Care & Insurance Guide to Taxes Space reservation: January 19, 2015
May/June Superstars in Education Guide Guide to Education Guide to Legal Services, Government Affairs and Incorporating Services Guide to Wellness & Health Space reservation: March 10, 2015 July/August Restaurant, Meeting & Banquet Guide Guide to Higher Learning Insurance & Financial Services Space reservation: May 14, 2015
September/October Guide to Health + Fitness Back to School Guide Manufacturing Guide Space reservation: July 13, 2015 November/December Superstars in Business Guide Guide to Construction & Real Estate Guide to Technology Guide to Banking Space reservation: September 14, 2015
* This calendar lists cover story topics and special advertising segments. Editorial topics are subject to change. Advertisers will be notified of any significant changes to content. All ads are due one week after space reservation deadline. DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ja nu a r y / Fe br u a r y 2015
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AstraZeneca is proud to support the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call 1-800-AZandMe or visit astrazeneca-us.com ©2014 AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals PL. All rights reserved
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PHOTO BY DICK DUBROFF/FINAL FOCUS
2015 Legislative Agenda BY JAMES DECHENE
DELAWARE’S ECONOMIC CHALLENGES remain daunting as the state economy continues a slow recovery in the midst of flat revenue projections. This economic picture is stubborn and persistent. Many of the questions we faced in 2010 remain: What legislative and policy changes can be made during this coming session to address the state’s enduring fiscal challenges and encourage economic development? In response, The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s 2015 Legislative Agenda for the 148th General Assembly remains largely the same. It addresses issues that are still crucial to the state’s economic recovery: fiscal responsibility, education, health care, energy, infrastructure, federal legislation, and economic development. State Fiscal Policy The past few years, the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council (DEFAC) has been wisely conservative with revenue projections. Each June there is a bit of optimism when final DEFAC numbers show small increases in revenue for the current year. But the long-term outlook continues to show slow revenue growth, with key areas like lottery, personal income tax, and franchise taxes showing little movement. These reports require the DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ja nu a r y / Fe br u a r y 2015
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administration to be cautious when constructing the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Slow but steady growth has been the pattern. With that trend in mind, the DSCC remains supportive of efforts by the administration and the General Assembly to: • Re-examine how state government can more efficiently function • Implement further restraint on state spending • Develop new revenue sources One area of growing concern is the state’s reliance upon revenue generated by abandoned property, also known as escheat. Escheat generated $500 million last year, but the consensus in the business community is that number is bound to shrink in coming years as companies become savvier in tracking unclaimed property. The result will inevitably mean less money in the state coffers, and with other revenue streams remaining flat, strong consideration as to how to bring in new revenue must be made. Call to Action: All areas of state and local government need to continue finding ways to cut expenses and increase efficiency while balancing their budgets. Tax and fee increases remain suspect options while businesses continue the long climb out of the great recession of 2008. 9
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2015 Legislative Agenda Public Education Delaware’s public schools are improving. However, dropout rates, test scores, and student preparation for higher education and the job market are still not where they need to be. With recent reports of increases in Delaware-educated, college enrolled students forced to take remedial courses in order to catch up to where they should be, it is a clarion call that our school system has serious problems to address. Coupled with a bevy of at-risk schools, the business community needs to help address these problems early to help ensure a talented workforce will be available. Call to Action: The State, education community, and the citizens of Delaware must continue to implement the aggressive education reform agenda outlined in Vision 2025, currently aligned with President Obama’s “Race to the Top” education improvement program. This cooperative agenda provides our public school system with a road map for attaining world-class status. Health Insurance As we enter the second year of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) implementation, users in the commercial and individual markets continue to see rising costs at renewal time. While enabling those without coverage to sign on for a subsidized plan, it is important to remember those subsidies run out in two years, and what remains to be seen is how much of an impact this will have on the cost of insurance. Call to Action: The ACA needs to be reformed so that business and individuals can be confident that the problems and dysfunctionality have been resolved. Business leaders need a clear understanding of their obligations and options under the ACA. Energy Energy independence, coupled with a stable supply and a reasonable cost structure, is critical to the continued growth of our state’s economy. Numerous manufacturers have stated publicly that high utility costs are a deterrent to expanding or building facilities in Delaware. Construction of a statewide transmission line should provide more energy and a cut in cost, but because of federal regulation and construction time, this project is still years away from completion. This roadblock to economic expansion needs to be resolved if we are going to grow Delaware’s manufacturing base. With technological advances, new sources of oil and natural gas have come into the market, lowering some prices and allowing the country to lower the percentage of its purchase of off-shore fossil fuels. This helps, but it will not guarantee large energy cost reductions. The announcement of a multi-billion dollar investment at Sunoco’s Marcus Hook site is evidence that companies are willing to expand, and in Delaware, PBF Energy has plans to invest as well, pending permitting. These expansions will be crucial for Delaware to take advantage of the growth opportunities in the energy industry by bringing much needed jobs and revenue into the state. Call to Action: If Delaware business is going to stay competitive in the global marketplace, it is imperative that our state government 10
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and business leaders explore every available means of controlling and lowering energy costs. Delaware must take advantage of unique opportunities to become a leader in providing clean, reasonably priced energy for its citizens and businesses. Infrastructure Successful economic development efforts can only succeed if the necessary communication, education, technology, transportation, and water/wastewater infrastructure are in place. Last session’s discussion of raising the gas tax wasn’t acted upon, but the fact remains that something must be done to invest in measures to repair and replace our aging infrastructure. There are technical and structural enhancements to be made to existing funding mechanisms, and the Chamber has outlined ways to meet these goals. In addition, there may be a revisiting of the proposed water usage fee, and discussions on implementation and a payer schedule remain ongoing. Call to Action: Appropriate investment in infrastructure will foster economic growth. Delaware needs to continue considering all practical proposals that can improve our state’s infrastructure at an affordable cost. Workers’ Compensation In the last couple years, Delaware’s workers’ compensation rates have risen by double digits, after several years of reductions thanks to 2007 changes in legislation. To address rate hikes, the governor appointed a dedicated taskforce. Its first mission? To lower medical costs by 20 percent. The process to do so has been implemented for 2015. Furthermore, legislation was passed tying Delaware’s workers’ compensation medical payments to Medicare rates. Since then, the taskforce has focused on the DCRB’s rating process, the fact that Delaware’s workers’ compensation cases stay open longer than those in our neighboring states, and how insurers set reserve levels. In addition, the Workers’ Compensation Data Committee will be reviewing medical data to uncover the primary cost drivers. Call to Action: Changes to the workers’ compensation system are a necessity. Delaware’s should mirror those of states with low workers’ compensation costs and solid medical treatment systems. Tax Policy In recent years the state has adjusted taxes rates in an attempt to raise revenue while promoting economic development, but some critical revenue areas have improved more slowly than we hoped. There are some signs that the current tax structure will need to be revised if the state is to meet future revenue needs and encourage job creation. This will be a major undertaking—one that needs comprehensive study before implementing any reform plan. Measures such as lowering the corporate tax rate to incentivize businesses to relocate or eliminating the estate tax because it costs more to administer than the revenue brings in, are just a few examples of what could be part of such a study. Call to Action: It is essential that the state continues to adjust tax rates in a way that will encourage economic development and Jan uar y / Fe b r uar y 2015 | DELAWARE BUSINESS
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partner with the State Chamber and others to scrutinize the long term sustainability of the current tax structure. Economic Development The only way Delaware can remain competitive in the global marketplace is by expanding partnerships between our institutions of higher education, finding ways to generate greater access to venture capital, streamlining the government permitting and regulatory process, looking for global market opportunities, protecting and expanding our manufacturing base, and aggressively promoting what Delaware has to offer. It is vital that we continue to scrutinize the state’s environmental regulatory process, land use policy, education and training programs, infrastructure needs, economic development investment, energy costs, and tax structure. Some efforts have already paid dividends. A few success include: Last year, the State Chamber worked with the Delaware Manufacturing Association, Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership, DelTech, the New Castle County Vo-Tech district, local school districts, manufacturers, and the state government to design a blueprint for implementing an advanced manufacturing educational and training program that will enhance the appeal of manufacturing in Delaware. The pilot program is underway, and the expectation is that it will receive the funding mecha-
nism it needs to continue and expand to Kent and Sussex counties. Conversations have begun, and we believe it is time look at the Coastal Zone Act, as it applies to existing industrial areas, to determine if changes are appropriate in light of the environmental and technological advances made since the laws were instituted in 1971. The recent announcement that remediation of the Evratz steel plant will begin this year is heartening, and there exist other sites in Delaware that could see similar action. Along with creating much needed jobs, these projects will demonstrate that Delaware is invested in state-of-the-art industrial facilities. Call to Action: Delaware’s economic development success stories have been accomplished through the joint efforts of the federal, state, and local governments, partnering with our institutions of higher education and the business community. It is imperative that the manufacturing blueprint be further refined in ways that will create more manufacturing jobs. A successful economic development plan is the cornerstone of a healthy and vibrant state economy. Since September, 2008, Delawareans have contended with enormous challenges to our economic viability, fiscal stability, and the capacity to meet the needs of all our citizens. Working together we have overcome many economic hurdles. It’s been a long and difficult journey, but we still have a long way to go. By working together, we can meet the expectations of all Delawareans.
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PASKILL STAPLETON & LORD DSCC_JanFeb15.indd 12 Date:
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Member
news&Notes Is there a Doctor in the House?
MEET DR. JANICE E. NEVIN, THE NEWLY MINTED PRESIDENT AND CEO OF CHRISTIANA CARE, HEAD OF STATE’S LARGEST PRIVATE EMPLOYER, AND YOUR ANNUAL DINNER KEYNOTE SPEAKER. BY MATT AMIS During more than a decade of service to Christiana Care Health System, Dr. Janice Nevin has advanced Christiana Care’s commitment to patient safety, clinical excellence and patient experience, and provided vital leadership for the $210 million transformation project that began in 2009 at the Wilmington Hospital campus.
››
Delaware Business chatted with Dr. Nevin about her Annual Dinner debut, the future of health care in Delaware, and more.
PHOTO BY DICK DUBROFF/FINAL FOCUS
DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ja nu a r y / Fe br u a r y 2015
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What does it mean for you to be addressing so many business leaders and lawmakers from across the state at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner? How big a deal is this for you personally? What are some emotions you have heading into this? 13
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Member
news&Notes It is an honor to be invited to speak at the Annual Chamber Dinner. Delaware has outstanding leaders and I am genuinely excited and feel distinctly privileged to address the group. This is a watershed time for health care and I’m optimistic about what we can accomplish together. I think the Annual Dinner is a great way to celebrate the people and resources that we have in this state. I’m really pleased that the Annual Dinner committee chose the format that they did. Having the opportunity to be interviewed by Sharon Baker in a more informal setting is a great approach to engage in what I hope will be a meaningful conversation.
Christiana Care crosses so many different streams in Delaware—as the state’s largest private employer, as a deliverer of care, as a research and educational institution, as a shaper of public policy—is there one message that you hope to get across at the Annual Dinner? I am optimistic about the future of health and health care in the state of Delaware. We are approaching the future from a position of strength. At Christiana Care we are focused on being part of the state’s efforts to create high value health care for our neighbors, powered by partnerships and innovation. I think the current conversation that we’re having around health care in our state is the right conversation. It includes the voices of all the stakeholders—providers, payers, employers and most importantly patients. Patients have a seat at the table in ways they haven’t before – not only to engage in their personal health but to help us design a better system of care. Our goal in Delaware is what is referred to as the “Triple Aim”: That is, delivering the highest quality of care, the best patient/caregiver experience, and all done at a cost that our neighbors can afford. I’m not naïve to the challenges. It’s going to be hard work getting there. But my optimism comes from a place of knowing what Delawareans are able to accomplish, such as the public-private partnership that helped us 14
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receive $35 million in funding to implement the State Innovation Model Plan, all designed to improve health care of Delawareans.
We’re also happy to be celebrating the renovation and expansion of the Wilmington campus. Tell us what the improvements mean for the organization, for patients, and for the community overall. The improvements are already very evident. We’ve expanded several of our services—the joint replacement center, surgical services including operating rooms, the emergency department and others. We’re also expanding The Rocco A. Abessinio Family Wilmington Health Center, which provides primary care and specialty care to people who might be on Medicare, Medicaid, or might not have insurance—some of our most vulnerable citizens. We have already added over 300 FTE [full-time equivalent] employees, new jobs to the city of Wilmington, and there are more jobs to come. Having been involved in the Wilmington project from the beginning, I can say that our goal wasn’t simply about increasing capacity, it was always about transforming how we deliver care. I feel the greatest accomplishment is how the staff has fully embraced the concept of patient- and family-centered care. You can feel the change when you walk in the door -- and Wilmington is leading the way when it comes to the way our results are measured in health care.
Certainly your predecessor, Dr. Laskowski, made his mark on Delaware and the region. What, if anything, did you learn from him about being an effective leader and collaborator? Dr. Laskowski was a tremendous leader for Christiana Care and for Delaware. He really brought to life our mission, which is about our partnership with the community. He taught us what it means to have that connection with our neighbors. On a personal level, he was a wonderful mentor and friend, and I greatly value the opportunity I’ve had to work with him. He invested in me, and I’m deeply appreciative of that.
That said, how would you describe your own leadership style? I would say I’m very committed to listening and learning. I believe that we have continued opportunities to further deepen partnerships, certainly in our community and in particular with the patients we serve. I would like to think I’m collaborative and courageous. When we work together as a team—especially with those people on the front lines—we can innovate solutions and are better positioned to improve care.
We keep raising this word “collaboration.” How important is that aspect of your job? It’s critically important. It’s at every level. The word “inclusive” is also very important to me. I’ve had experiences where the people I looked to for leadership in a particular situation happened to be people on the front lines, the ones closest to the issues, and with their input, we were able to cut through to the root of the problem and ultimately the solution. As a leader, you have to have the courage to be willing to listen—even when you hear things that you might not want to hear.
What’s on the horizon for Christiana Care? What will be the big issues, initiatives or projects that you’d like to become involved with? Our biggest challenge is around our strategy of creating value in health care. When we talk about value at Christiana Care, it is not simply quality and cost but it is value from the perspective of our neighbors—what is it that is important to them. We are really focusing on partnerships across our community and across industries, not just health care. We are also exploring innovations in health care design, as well as enabling technology that will move us forward. And we are realistic. We know the way that health care providers, including hospitals and health systems, are paid is shifting from fee-for-service to value-based, which means we assume more risk. But there is also tremendous new opportunity to provide services to Jan uar y / Fe b r uar y 2015 | DELAWARE BUSINESS
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our neighbors in ways they consider valuable. We have embraced this new payment model because we as providers share the same goal as our patients: care that is effective and affordable. In terms of a specific project, we have submitted a letter of intent to expand our women and children’s building at Christiana Hospital. We will be seeking community input on this project, which will allow us to increase our services for women throughout their lifespan; and, we will replace our Level III neonatal intensive care unit with a new neonatal intensive care unit with private rooms that will further our commitment to including family members as part of the care team. This project will also create construction jobs and permanent health care jobs.
No matter the industry, stature or political affiliation, health care seems to be a huge topic on everybody’s mind. Does it ever feel daunting to be a decision-maker when it comes to such a hot-button issue? I’m acutely aware of the profound responsibility I have to our organization, our people and our community. But I am more excited about the opportunity that I see in the future, both in health care and in the state itself.
What motivates you? What keeps you sane during the difficult times? Is there anything you like to do outside of work to help you think or relax or recharge your batteries? The times when my family—my husband, and my two daughters in college—can all be together as a family are extremely meaningful and valuable. Also, I started doing yoga a year-anda-half ago, and I try to practice it two to three times a week.
Do you have a favorite yoga pose? Shavasana is the closing pose. It is a relaxing pose intended to rejuvenate body, mind, and spirit. It works!
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Coming this Summer: Corporate FunRun Delaware 5K What: The Corporate FunRun Delaware 5k is an after-work running/walking event on Wednesday, July 22, in downtown Wilmington. A pre-race gathering and post-race party will be staged in front of the City County Building on French and 8th Street with the majority of the run/walk taking place in Brandywine Park. It will undoubtedly be one of Delaware’s premier corporate gatherings as well as one of its largest road races. Who: The Corporate FunRun Delaware 5k is a team-based event—individuals cannot sign up alone. A company team signs up first via a team captain, and employees/guests of that team register themselves as a team member. Company teams come from all different vertical markets. Finance, accounting, law, non-profit, government, schools, technology, manufacturing and insurance are some of the most well represented sectors. Why: Corporate FunRun events are popular with HR directors. They promote workplace health and fitness. They engage employees, and spur team-building. This is an “all about Delaware” event, loaded with Delaware-based companies and organizations, local partners — including YMCA Delaware — and beneficiaries. For more info, visit www.corporatefunrun.com.
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Member
news&Notes
GUEST COLUMN:
Connolly Gallagher LLP
“BAN THE BOX” LAW A TRICKY NEW ISSUE FOR EMPLOYER BY: TIMOTHY M. HOLLY, ESQUIRE On November 4, 2014, a significant change in employment law, commonly known as “Ban the Box,” went into effect. As of now, this law applies only to public employers, which means the State of Delaware, its agencies, or political subdivisions. For all practical purposes, however, this law excludes any state, county or municipal police force, the Department of Correction, the Department of Justice, the Public Defender’s Office, the courts, or any position where federal or state statute
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requires or expressly permits the consideration of an applicant’s criminal history. The private sector should be watching this issue carefully, because there is a movement to have this law expanded to cover them as well. Indeed, along with this new law, additional, accompanying law was created that encourages companies that contract with the state to adopt policy similar to the new Ban the Box law. The bill initially even proposed law that would have stated a new policy
that the State does business only with contractors that have adopted policies, practices, and standards consistent with the new Ban the Box law. Under this new law, public employers are prohibited not only from considering but also inquiring into a criminal record, criminal history, or credit history or score of an applicant during the initial application process, up to and including the first interview. This law does not clarify what restrictions, if any, apply,
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after the initial application process, as to anything other than criminal history. Indeed, the law merely states that, “[i]f an applicant is otherwise qualified, a public employer may inquire into or consider an applicant’s criminal record, criminal history, credit history or credit score after the completion of the first interview.” As for criminal history (but apparently not criminal record, credit history or credit score), after inquiry and consideration is permissible, the new law implies, but it does not clearly state, that disqualification for criminal history is unlawful unless it is “job related for the position in question and consistent with business necessity.” The law further states that public employers “shall consider the following factors in its hiring decision:” (1) the nature and gravity of the offense or conduct; (2) the time that has passed since the offense or conduct and/or the completion of the sentence; and (3) the nature of the job held or sought. The law does not state in what way(s) such factors must be considered in making hiring decisions. The “job related and consistent with business necessity” standard has been around for years – in a different context, under what typically is called “adverse impact” analysis, which provides that some employment practices, adopted without a deliberately discriminatory motive, may in operation be functionally equivalent to intentional discrimination. As an example, an employer might have a facially-neutral employment policy of requiring all applicants (regardless of their demographic) to run a certain speed or lift a certain amount (or any other criterion). An applicant not selected based on failing to meet the established threshold for the requirement might claim that the criterion results in a disproportionately negative
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impact on that applicant’s sex, race, or other qualifying protected status—hence an “adverse impact.” Even where there is no evidence of an improper intent behind imposition of the criterion, an employee who is able to establish an adverse impact can establish legal liability for an employer unless the employer can prove (not merely a burden of production but an actual burden of proof) that the requirement is job related and consistent with business necessity. Thankfully, for private employers, the law does not typically require private employers, prior to having an employee establish a legally-cognizable adverse employment action, to establish the job relatedness and business necessity of every criterion used to make employment decisions. Moreover, adverse impact claims are complex enough that many plaintiffs’ lawyers do not even explore the viability of such claims. Thus, most employers have had little reason to spend time, money, and energy learning of challenges that exist in establishing the job relatedness and business necessity of each criterion used in an employment selection process. Instead, the bulk of legal compliance efforts have focused on assuring that illegal intent does not infect selection decisions. Now, however, with Delaware law apparently prohibiting public employers from excluding an employee based on criminal history unless it is job related and consistent with business necessity, at least public employers will need to develop a much more proactive approach to grappling with this standard. Indeed, because time could be of the essence in making personnel selection decisions (e.g., because alternative candidates might take other opportunities if employ-
ers do not act quickly), public employers planning to use criminal history in their employee-selection process would be wise to put into place a methodology to establish the requisite standard so that they do not find themselves inventing an analytical process from scratch if/when it is determined that there might be a desire to disqualify a primary candidate based on criminal history. Interested advocacy groups such as the DSCC Employer Advocacy Subcommittee make an effort both to pay attention to pending legislation that intentionally or unintentionally can impact private employers and to notify employers of such bills before they become law. However, private employers should do all that they can to be independently vigilant and to be involved in dialogue regarding bills that burden their business. Certainly all employers are invited to notify the EAS if there is concern about pending legislation, as early in the process as possible, so that DSCC might take a position to ease the growing burden on private businesses. After all, while interesting and reasonable arguments involving important societal values exist on both sides of the “ban the box” debate, a robust debate is only possible if those with a voice—including businesses—pay attention and participate in the debate. Tim is Co-Chair of DSCC’s Employer Advocacy Subcommittee and partner in the labor and employment group of Connolly Gallagher LLP. Employers having questions about these issues or other employment law issues are welcome to contact Tim at (302) 252-4217. Employers wishing to be part of DSCC’s EAC may contact James DeChene at (302) 576-6560.
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Member
news&Notes BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT:
3E Marketing Solutions
BY AMANDA HURD It all began in 2009 around Donna Duffy’s kitchen table. Each week Duffy and her business partner, Pat Howes, invited local business owners to meet for breakfast and an opportunity to discuss small business marketing challenges and strategies. The group offered information, suggestions, and solutions free of charge. The breakfast’s mission was to create a small-business community dedicated to helping others and exchanging problemsolving ideas, but Donna had no way of knowing just how far these breakfasts would take her. During these meetings, Duffy found that many of her colleagues were struggling to find the time and resources necessary for effective marketing. The small business owners often felt overwhelmed by the number of marketing tools available and uncertain of which they should choose to implement. Understanding that marketing and strategy are essential pieces of running a successful business, she recognized a need in the community that she could meet and founded 3E Marketing Solutions. 3E Marketing Solutions is now a unique marketing boutique that “Educates, Equips, and Engages” other small business owners and organizations with affordable marketing strategies and solutions. Focused on building a community among small business owners, 3E Marketing Solutions helps its clients realize and develop their potential by providing one-on-one coaching, workshops, strategy sessions, consulting, implementation, and events.
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PHOTO BY AMANDA HURD
We tailor our services to each individual client’s needs, just like a tailor does clothes. The 3E Marketing Solutions team takes the time to know its clients and their companies before building a marketing toolbox to meet the specific needs of each. When asked what makes 3E Marketing Solutions so successful, business and operations manager Marjorie Mundy said, “I believe it’s Donna’s clear understanding of not only what the best marketing tools on the market are, but also what the best application for each of them is. We tailor our services to each individual client’s needs, just like a tailor does clothes. Donna also has incredible foresight when evaluating the needs of our clients and quickly recognizes what the most effective long-term approach will be.”
Today, Duffy continues to honor the start of 3E Marketing Solutions by leading a weekly marketing mastermind group that meets at her kitchen table. The members discuss the latest marketing strategies and solutions, including potential joint venture projects to cross promote participating businesses. Whether you would like to learn how to use a tool and implement it yourself, get coaching or consulting, or have the whole thing done for you, the team at 3E Marketing Solutions will work to find the marketing tools that best reflect your missions and purposes while accommodating different budgets and preferences. 3E Marketing Solutions can take you and your small business from where you are to where you need to be.
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When Delaware succeeds, we all succeed.
From Wilmington to Rehoboth, M&T Bank is here to help the families, businesses and community organizations of Delaware succeed. We do so backed by more than 150 years of experience, with an exceptional group of dedicated, long-tenured employees. From bike shops to big corporations, we’re helping businesses of all sizes thrive. In fact, we’re the #1 SBA lender in Delaware and the #6 SBA lender nationally.*
From the Grand Opera House to Habitat for Humanity, we’re supporting more than 100 vital organizations with our resources and energy. From Bethany Beach to Bridgeville, Delmar to Dover, Middletown to Milford, we’re proud to serve the communities where we live and work. For more about us, visit mtb.com or stop by the branch nearest you.
*According to statistics released by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for total approved loans through the SBA’s 7(a) lending program during the federal fiscal year ending 9/30/2014. ©2014 M&T Bank. Member FDIC. ret010540 DE Print ad 8.5x11_M.indd 1
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Member
news&Notes NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT
Gaudenzia Fresh Start
BY AMANDA HURD
quality of life – allowing them to live as In 1968, a group of distinproductive and accountable individuguished business, political, and als.” Since 1968, Gaudenzia has grown community leaders recognized a seriand expanded its services to meet the ous problem in the City of Philadelphia: needs of over 100,000 individuals. a growing number of people suffering Gaudenzia offers several comprehenfrom addiction were unable to find help. sive outpatient and residential programs Determined to address the problem, that address the specialized substance these leaders invited a small group of abuse treatment, prevention, and educasubstance abuse treatment professiontion needs of its clients. Steve Blank, a als to create a residential treatment proGaudenzia division director, says “drug gram. They called it Gaudenzia. addiction, mental health, and physical Gaudenzia began as a mutual suphealth are not distinct issues. Here at port community comprised of a group of people who were trying to recover from addiction by supGaudenzia porting one another. The proencourages gram took in men and women its clients to with a variety of addiction participate in treatment problems. It provided them with as partners, the shelter, sustenance, and and not support they needed to join the “patients.” rest of the Gaudenzia “family” in
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living free from drugs and alcohol. Most of these people had no ability to pay for treatment, leaving maintenance of the program dependent upon dayto-day contributions of food, clothing, and furniture from the community. The community responded enthusiastically, and today, Gaudenzia operates over 141 programs at 77 facilities throughout Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, continuing its mission to “help people affected by chemical dependency, mental illness, and related conditions to achieve a better
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PHOTO BY BRIAN MULLIGAN
Gaudenzia, we don’t address the problems separately, making our approach very effective in treating individuals.” Gaudenzia encourages individuals to take part in the treatment process as full partners, not as objects or patients, and assigns work responsibilities that teach basic cooperation, respect, and discipline. “Gaudenzia’s programs are so effective because they’re able to group together men and women of similar ages who suffer from the same addictions and health issues,” Blank says. “Our therapeutic communities give clients the ability to support each other, which promotes the self-led healing process. Our Young-Adult Program in Wilmington, for example, predominantly addresses the heroin epidemic we are seeing today among individuals ages 18 to 25, and it is quite successful.” Once individuals graduate from Gaudenzia, they enter one of its three alumni associations, each of which provides a network for people to meet others in recovery and to remain in touch with the organization. The alumni have opportunities to provide support, inspiration, and guidance for current clients in treatment. Mutual support, shared stories of success, and personal responsibility help to separate Gaudenzia from traditional support organizations and make it an example of what can be accomplished in the lives of others.
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You Told Us What
SUCCESS Would Look Like...
Now let’s make our vision a reality. Thank you for being one of the nearly 4,000 conversations we’ve had with Delawareans about how to better prepare our students for a lifetime of success.
FINAL PLAN COMING SOON www.visioncoalitionde.org The Vision Coalition of Delaware, the leadership team that developed the Vision 2015 plan, include members from a broad range of public, private, and civic groups. DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ja nu a r y / Fe br u a r y 2015
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Member
news&Notes GUEST COLUMN:
Delaware Department of State
BRINGING THE WORLD TO DELAWARE AND DELAWARE TO THE WORLD BY ANDREA TINIANOW, DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
To spur Delaware’s international economic growth, the Delaware Secretary of State made the bold move last year to integrate Delaware’s international trade and corporate marketing efforts, and created a brand new division with three goals: increase Delaware companies’ exports; attract foreign direct investment; and drive Delaware’s corporate growth. One year later, the Division of Corporate and International Development is making these goals a reality. More and more Delaware businesses are seeking out assistance to become export-ready and compete successfully in a global marketplace, while companies around the world are looking more closely at Delaware, not just as a place to form business entities, but also to locate their operations. Key to these efforts is Global. Delaware.gov, a dynamic new website that promotes Delaware for international economic development. The website is visually engaging and user-friendly, and is organized by the three areas that are the focus of the Division: Investing in Delaware, Expanding Markets, and Forming Corporations in the State. Another major component is the Division’s Export Strategic Initiative, a program designed to assist Delaware companies commence or expand export activities. The Division has conducted exhaustive research to identify opportunities for Delaware companies, and will soon begin an ambitious
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…companies around the world are looking more closely at Delaware, not just as a place to form business entities, but also to locate their operations.
outreach effort to connect with those companies and help them navigate the export process, from identifying markets abroad to setting up viable payment options and understanding international tariffs and regulations. The Division has also launched a professional online network called Global Delaware Ambassadors aimed at con-
necting the many Delaware enthusiasts here and abroad. These professionals, many of whom either currently live in Delaware or have spent considerable time in the state, are natural multipliers, willing and able to provide introductions and share their experiences. There are also industry-specific subgroups, such as the Global Delaware Bioscience Ambassadors and the Global Delaware Exporters, where members share news, information and their experience in expanding operations abroad. The Division utilizes time-tested methods for international business creation, such as trade missions abroad, as well as pioneering techniques that leverage Delaware’s proximity to New York City. For example, the Division recently held a reverse trade mission, hosting 31 members of the Foreign Trade Commissioners (who reside in metropolitan New York) representing 25 different countries. The one-day event was held at the University of Delaware’s Science, Technology and Advanced Research (STAR) Campus in Newark, where guests attended a full day of strategic meetings with key Delaware officials and business and industry leaders, followed by a tour of the state-of-the-art facilities at the STAR Campus. The event was an ideal opportunity to showcase the state’s assets and establish a relationship with a number of countries with potential for trade and investment. continued on 25
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DELAWARE BUSINESS窶ポ窶カa nu a r y / Fe br u a r y 2015
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WELCOME New Members ACCOUNTEMPS: A ROBERT HALF COMPANY
ASTRA PLAZA ASSOCIATES, INC.
Ms. Courtney Sickle 500 Delaware Avenue, Suite 700 Wilmington, DE 19801 (302) 252-3162 www.accountemps.com Accountemps helps job seekers find posi-
Ms. Angela Tsionas Matulas 65 S. Chapel Street, Suite 107 Newark, DE 19711 (302) 369-8895 Fax: (302) 369-8893 www.tsionasinc.com
tions in accounting and finance at the best
Astra Plaza Associates is a residential man-
organizations worldwide. Its temporary staff-
agement leasing company that provides
ing solutions not only provide you with job
apartment and townhouse rental units in
EDWARD JONES-MIDDLETOWN
opportunities, but also offer registered can-
Delaware.
Mr. Anthony B. Johnson 115 N. Broad Street, Suite 2 Middletown, DE 19709 (302) 376-0283 Fax: (888) 354-2392 www.edwardjones.com
didates free access to courses that will help you improve your skills and work toward
BLU FILMS MEDIA GROUP LLC
industry certifications while it works to place
Mr. Ivan C. Thomas 4 Blue Ridge Pl. Newark, DE 19702 (302) 983-6703 www.blufilmsmedia.com
you at top companies.
A-LERT MOTIVATIONS Mr. Art Blanchette 32096 Sussex Street Dagsboro, DE 19939 (302) 732-3460 Fax: (302) 732-3650 www.a-lertmotivations.com
able, simple, clean, and professionally pro-
HARVEY, HANNA & ASSOCIATES
duced video that is bound to attract more
Mr. Ryan Kennedy 405 E. Marsh Lane, Suite 1 Newport, DE 19804 (302) 323-9300 Fax: (302) 683-9306 www.harveyhanna.com
BLUE MARBLE GLOBAL SERVICES Mr. Ted Stein 800 King Street Wilmington, DE 19801 (302) 661-4390 Fax: (302) 661-4398 www.bluemarblelog.com
Harvey, Hanna & Associates is a full service commercial real estate development company featuring 3 million square feet of prime location commercial, retail, and industrial real estate in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Blue Marble is a solutions-oriented company that provides document management, logis-
HOESCHEL FINANCIAL SERVICES
tics, and research services.
2644 Capitol Trail, Suite 360 Newark, DE 19711 (302) 388-1541 www.hoeschelfs.com
owned and operated company with expertise in reaching many of your customer seg-
EASTERN LIFT TRUCK CO., INC.
ments through its call centers.
Mr. Max Bielat
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of investment firm. Its mission is to help financial goals.
as customized apparel and incentive pro-
24
Edward Jones is a decidedly different kind
local establishments that provides afford-
panies’ exposure.
ALW Sourcing is an independent minority-
in the industry for renting or leasing.
individuals reach their serious, long-term
mercial printing and business forms, as well
Mr. William Allen 42 Reads Way New Castle, DE 19720 (215) 287-5202 Fax: (866) 964-2430 www.alwsourcing.com
finest material handling and storage products
businesses, non-profit organizations, and
customers and exponentially increase com-
ALW SOURCING
Eastern Lift Truck Company offers some of the
BLUFILMS is video production for small
A-Lert provides promotional products, com-
grams for marketing and motivation.
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Hoeschel Financial is committed to main-
www.metrotirez.com
taining the highest standards of integrity and
Metro Tirez is an exporter and distributor of
professionalism in its relationship with its cli-
tires that is built from experience and a pas-
ents. It endeavors to know and understand
sion for the automotive industry.
your financial situation and provide you with only the highest quality information, services,
PROMO VICTORY, INC.
and products to help you reach your goals.
Ms. Vicki Lam 4142 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Suite #238 Newark, DE 19713 (800) 385-7573 Fax: (877) 573-1146 www.promovictory.com
IAM FILM WORKS Ms. Dawn Mosley 1201 N. Orange Street, Suite 7381 Wilmington, DE 19801 (302) 377-1313 www.iamfilmworks.com
Promo Victory, Inc. specializes in unique creative products that add impact and value so
IAM Film Works is a film production compa-
your brand stands out from the crowd and is
ny that creates promotional videos, commer-
committed to providing outstanding service
cials, documentaries, short films, and public
by being responsive, reliable, and respon-
service announcements for private, public,
sible. Its mission is to help you maximize
government, and nonprofit organizations.
your marketing dollars with creative, costeffective, and successful promotions.
INTERCONTINENTAL SERVICES OF DELAWARE LLC
RAINBOW INTERNATIONAL
Mr. Rick Ryan 1020 Christiana Ave Wilmington, DE 19801 (302) 654-1217 Fax: (302) 654-6402 www.icsdelaware.com
Mr. Tim Visser 470 Copper Drive Wilmington, DE 19804 (302) 325-2351 www.RainbowIntl.com/newcastle
ICS handles bulk industrial grade chemicals
professionals will work quickly to stop fire,
through the Port of Wilmington. It is located at
water, smoke, or mold damage and restore
the entrance of the Port with 500,000 SF of dry
your home and its contents back to pre-fire
warehouse space on 50+ acres with rail service.
condition by using cleaning systems and
Rainbow International of New Castle service
equipment that will help eliminate the costly
KMMDIGITAL
replacement of restorable items. Rainbow
Ms. Kathryn McGrail 62 Auburn Road Avondale, PA 19311 (484) 523-2500 www.kmmdigitalmarketing.com
International also specializes in carpet,
KMMdigital is a marketing, advertising con-
SBSI BUSINESS CONSULTING
sulting, and event planning company that
Mr. Anthony Simmons 299 Heather Way Monroe, NJ 08831 (732) 960-1730 www.simmonsservice.com
provides digital marketing strategy consultations and services.
METROTIREZ Mr. Nick Lahijan 4510-C Emerson Street Hyattsville, MD 20781 (302) 672-0302 DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ja nu a r y / Fe br u a r y 2015
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upholstery, and hard surface (tile and grout) cleaning services. It can clean your home from top to bottom, inside and out.
SBSI is an internet marketing company that provides clients with strategies for business growth and tools to increase revenue,
Guest Column continued from 24 On the corporate side, the Division employs several strategies to direct a steady flow of information about Delaware’s corporate governance regime to legal and business professionals globally, including organizing, hosting and attending trade missions and other events where thought leaders from the corporate and legal community congregate. An important tool in this effort is the Division’s corporate web site, corplaw.delaware.gov, and companion Delaware Corporate and Legal Services Blog, decals.delaware.gov, that provides news and information about Delaware corporate law and related matters, spelling out to corporate attorneys and other professionals worldwide the advantages of forming entities, transacting business and resolving disputes in Delaware. This information can also be found at Global.Delaware.gov in the “Incorporate” section. Over the last year, the Division has reached out to business executives and their professional organizations throughout Delaware, including the State Chamber, to try to better understand their needs. We are looking to help develop solutions to assist Delaware businesses grow internationally and to attract international businesses to put down roots in Delaware. Through such projects and initiatives, the Division is committed to working through public-private partnerships to drive new opportunities for Delaware businesses abroad and create new highpaying jobs through increased foreign direct investment. We are excited about the future, and look forward to continuing to collaborate with Delaware’s business community to catapult Delaware to a higher excellence.
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1.
1. Hundreds of attendees gather to network before the annual Superstars in Business Awards Luncheon in the Hotel du Pont’s Gold Ballroom on November 11. Photo by Dick Dubroff/Final Focus.
State Chamber SCENE 2.
2. Members of the St. Patrick’s Center smile after being named the 2014 nonprofit Superstars in Business award winners. Photo by Dick Dubroff/Final Focus.
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3.
3. Greg Gurev of MySherpa expresses his gratitude in a speech when announced as a Superstar in Business. Photo by Dick Dubroff/Final Focus.
4. Members of Brightfields, Inc., smile bright with their awards. Photo by Dick Dubroff/ Final Focus.
4.
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State Chamber SCENE 5.
5. Members of Teksolv smile bright with their awards. Photo by Dick Dubroff/Final Focus.
6. Marvin S. Gilman Bowl winner Julian “Pete” Booker of Delmarva Broadcasting Company holds the award after DSCC President Rich Heffron announces the secret. Photo by Dick Dubroff/Final Focus.
6.
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DuPont is proud to support the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce
and the 178th Annual Dinner.
P.O. Box 232 Wilmington, DE 19899 Phone 302.655.7718 Fax 302.655.7918 rdubroff@finalfocus.com
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see it all at www.finalfocus.com
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State Chamber SCENE 7.
8.
7. Keynote speaker Steven Strauss holds a book-signing following the event. Photo by Dick Dubroff/Final Focus.
8. The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition Savvy Resale Store hosted an early-morning networking breakfast on November 19.
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State Chamber SCENE 9.
9. The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition Savvy Resale Store hosted an early-morning networking breakfast on November 19.
10. DSCC president Rich Heffron, welcomed guests to the University & Whist club for a Leadership Breakfast on December 3.
10.
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Call Beebe Healthcare’s Pre-Arrival Services at (302) 645-FAST (3278) to schedule your 3D mammogram at the Beebe Health Campus on Route 24 or visit beebehealthcare.org and click on “Request Appointment” in the top menu.
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State Chamber SCENE 11. 11. Mark Brainard, president of Delaware Technical Community College, presented keynote remarks as attendees enjoyed breakfast and networking around the Christmas tree.
12. Terry Strine (left) and Fred Sears (right) celebrated the career of Dr. Robert Laskowski at a special event on October 28.
12.
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Taste of Delaware
On December 4, the DSCC, and U.S. Senator Chris Coons built upon a growing Delaware culinary tradition in the heart of our nation’s capital. More than 20 vendors from around the state traveled to Washington, D.C. to feed and entertain 600 attendees, including several U.S. Senators, inside the packed Kennedy Caucus Room at the Russell Senate Office Building. Yes, the Fourth Annual Taste of Delaware was a resounding success. And the rest of the country is beginning to learn: Delaware has some of the tastiest food and drinks in the country. PHOTOS BY BRIAN MULLIGAN 36
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1. THANK YOU TO THE EVENT’S SPONSORS Bank of America Delaware Technical Community College Dupont PSEG Nuclear, LLC And to the event’s outstanding vendors: Atlantic Sands Hotel & Conference Center Capriotti’s Grotto Pizza Dogfish Head Craft Brewery The House of William and Merry Delcastle Technical High School Culinary Program Waggies by Maggie & Friends
2.
Home Grown Cafe Painted Stave Distilling BBC Tavern and Grill Chic Treats SeaWatch International Stone Balloon Taphouse UDairy Creamery Espuma Mispillion River Brewing Wilmington Pickling Company Delaware Technical Community College Culinary Program a(Muse.) Restaurant Peco’s Liquor Store
3.
1. Ayana Johnson, Robbie Jester, and Stephen Tyler Parsons of the Stone Balloon prepare for the Fourth Annual Taste of Delaware celebration to start.
2. Dogfish Head Craft Brewery is always a popular spot.
3. Attendees bask in the glow of Delaware’s iconic Grotto Pizza.
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Taste of Delaware 4.
5.
A Taste of Sen. Chris Coons What is the “goal” in your mind of this event? What are we hoping to capture?
Any favorite moments or memories from the first three years of this event? John McCain showing up last year was cool.
Really to showcase some of the amazing dining and drinking options of our state, top to bottom. We are promoting tourism and economic development giving some of the people of D.C., many of whom travel to our beaches during the summer, a chance to familiarize themselves with some new eateries.
Yes, that was cool. I think it’s great to have some of these top chefs in Delaware come down and share their gifts with us, and it’s a great opportunity for us to showcase them. Folks like Hari Cameron of a(Muse.), Bill Hoffman from the House of William & Merry, Dan Butler from Toscana, and so on.
What, in your mind, defines dining in Delaware? What does Delaware taste like?
What do you think those non-Delaware folks like the best, in terms of food or drink offerings from Delaware?
Diversity. There are so many options from up and down the state, from BBQ, to the freshest seafood, mouth-watering pizza, and some great sandwiches. They all have something to do with the bread. And the water.
They love to eat everything, but the Capriotti’s and Dogfish Head always seem to be the busiest areas. But people do discover some new eateries and make a note to try them out next time they are at the beach.
Do other states (besides Vermont) do something like this?
We hear you’re quite the foodie. What are some of your favorite places to eat or drink around Delaware?
There are a few other states that do these events, New York, Hawaii are some of the best I’ve attended.
What sort of feedback have you heard from non-Delawarean guests at Taste of? People love the idea to get a little taste of Delaware at this event. With our beach towns so close to D.C., we attract a good amount of D.C. folks to our beaches in the summer, but this event gives them an opportunity to experience what their missing come the winter months and that’s the great food and drink.
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I love Mikimoto’s and it’s great to grab on my way home from the train station. If I’m in Newark, I enjoy HomeGrown, and further south Frederica Pizza & Pasta House and Fat Daddy’s BBQ in Georgetown.
What is your guilty pleasure, food-wise? Ice cream – Woodside, UD Creamery are some of my family’s favorites.
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6. 9.
10. 7.
4. Ed Mulvihill of Peco’s Liquors helps an attendee with a drink order.
8.
5. Eric Williams of Mispillion River Brewing pours a frosty one.
6. U.S. Sen. Chris Coons greets chef Jay Caputo of Espuma.
7. Sen. Coons, Katie Morrison of Dogfish Head, and Sen. Tom Carper
8. Chef/instructor Michael Mullen from Delcastle welcomes Sen. Coons.
9. Sen. Carper and Rich Heffron address the crowd.
10. Sen. Carper and DSCC chairman Mark Stellini work the room. DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ja nu a r y / Fe br u a r y 2015
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Taste of Delaware 11.
Taste of Delaware Tweets Down in DC for the Taste of Delaware. Between the ice cream and the pickles! #drinklocal #smyrnaDE
12.
13.
Peco’s Liquors @ PecosLiquors Tonight Peco’s was proud to be a part of the 4th Annual Taste of Delaware. We joined with Mispillion River Brewing and Dogfish Head Beer and many of our great local restaurants, in bringing Delaware to D.C. Great event by Senator Coons, and the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. Nicole deBrabander @ NicoleMdeB My favorite reason to be on Capitol Hill: A Taste of Delaware! #302 @ U.S. Senate Kennedy Caucus Room
Sarah @Blondie951 18h18 hours ago @Delaware_Dolfan I only care about my taste. LOL! There were a lot of men in the issue who were far from sexy. Senator Tom Carper @SenatorCarper 23h23 hours ago Can’t wait! RT @chriscoons: Very excited to host #DE restaurants on Capitol Hill for @DEStateChamber’s 4th annual Taste of Delaware! #netDE Senator Chris Coons @ChrisCoons 23h23 hours ago Very excited to welcome Delaware restaurants to Capitol Hill this afternoon for the @DEStateChamber’s 4th annual Taste of Delaware! #netDE
daveweigel @daveweigel The faster I file, the sooner I get to the only essential event in Washington.
11. Chef Bill Hoffman (right) of House of William & Merry chats up a Delcastle student.
12. Dinner is served. 13. The Delcastle High culinary team once again provided valuable support to the event.
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jay caputo @chefcaputo Washington, DC Just the Taste of Delaware…on Capitol Hill. #chefslife #espuma #delaware #delawaretodc @ Russell… http://instagram. com/p/wMzecGPuO6/ Painted Stave @ paintedstave Washington, DC
Home Grown Café @homegrowncafe Blue & Gold potato soup shooters. #TasteOfDelaware in #DC. Thank you #ChrisCoons #localflavor #HGC #foodDE #NetDE
Jan uar y / Fe b r uar y 2015 | DELAWARE BUSINESS
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Heath Kahrs
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Heath Kahrs is Right, By My Side Call Heath at (302) 737-6200 or (800) 347-0116 41
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Economic Development
Programs, Legislation Look to Spur Inclusion Among Small Businesses BY ALAN LEVIN, DELAWARE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
OUR STATE IS RIFE with entrepreneurs who have fresh ideas and the courage to move that idea into a brick-and-mortar location. Historic downtowns are seeing start-ups move in alongside long-time businesses, and devoted business owners are serving their communities with quality child care centers, restaurants and retail shops. Small businesses providing professional, construction, manufacturing and architectural and engineering services are gaining traction in the marketplace and seeking increased business opportunities within the state. There are countless small businesses run by men and women with decades of experience and knowledge in their respective industries in Delaware. Many of these small businesses have the opportunity to compete for contracts to provide public works, goods and services to state government. But “many” is not good enough. Executive Order #44, signed in March 2014, “ensures representation of minority and/or women business enterprises, veteran-owned businesses, and businesses owned by individuals with disabilities in Delaware’s supplier diversity initiatives.” Simply put, this landmark executive order makes sure that all small businesses have the same chance at doing business with the State of Delaware. To exclude anyone would not only be a disservice to them but also to the state. In an effort to find the best company for any job, we must leave no stone unturned. The Executive Order also calls for the creation of a Small Business Focus Program, a race and gender neutral business program for small businesses of a certain size in six different industry sectors: Architecture & Engineering services; Construction; Manufacturing; Retail; and ServiceWholesale. The program aims to increase opportunities for small businesses to participate in state procurement by creating a registry; directing state agencies to access that registry when making under threshold procurements; analyzing how much is spent on current and future procurement with eligible businesses; and providing advice and recommendations to the governor concerning supplier diversity strategies on a regular basis. This means there will be more transparency in the procurement process. While designed to promote a spirit of inclusion for all small businesses, this order is very specific as far as increasing access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities. 42
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Despite the signing of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act nearly a quarter of a century ago, people with disabilities in Delaware and across the nation, have not been given a fair chance to build successful careers and businesses. Employment levels have not risen among these Americans despite their considerable talents. Gov. Jack Markell has put a national spotlight on employment challenges for people with disabilities and has led Delaware’s committed efforts to address these issues. The State has since made it a priority to increase opportunities and employment among people with disabilities through better job training and placement, access to work-based support, and engagement with the business community. I’m sure there are some who have concerns about this order and what it will mean to their small business. Perhaps they are worried this will limit their chances at landing work with the state. Rest assured, this executive order will not take away, but will enhance the opportunities for qualified, traditional supplier diversity constituents. This order and the Small Business Focus Program that it creates will only help Delaware’s reputation as the most business-friendly state in the nation. To view Executive Order #44, go to http://www.governor.delaware.gov/ orders/EO44.pdf. n Jan uar y / Feb r uar y 2015 | DELAWARE BUSINESS
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Some kids would give anything to go to school.
Thanks to the First State School at Wilmington Hospital, chronically ill youngsters can get a quality education even as they receive the medical treatment they need. The first school of its kind in the U.S., it’s a program co-sponsored by Christiana Care and the Delaware Department of Education through the Red Clay School District. The First State School is one more way we’re partnering with the community to make a difference.
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2014 A YEAR IN PHOTOS
Former Chief Justice E. Norman Veasey’s family joins him as he accepts the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious Josiah Marvel Cup Award at the January 13 Annual Dinner.
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2014: A Year in Photos Hinton Lucas performed the ceremonial passing of the gavel to Mark Stellini at the Annual Dinner.
The Cindy Foundation for Ovarian Cancer Research, along with Rep. Helene Keeley, presented a check to Christiana Care Health System in March.
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Donna Duffy and Pat Howes, co-owners of 3E Marketing Solutions, celebrate with a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 7.
March 11, Governor Markell informs Chamber members about his new tax proposals.
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2014: A Year in Photos
Newly appointed President of the DSCC mixes with new members on March 12.
Small Business Alliance chairman and 2014 Superstars in Business Committee chair Chip Rankin presented a commemorative plaque to president of the 2013 Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Award winner, Unique Impressions, Donna O’Dell Hoke.
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Ralph Kuebler addressed the Delaware school leaders at the Superstars in Education awards ceremony.
On April 8, Governor Markell met with local manufacturers at the Manufacturing Conference and Legislative Lunch.
These leaders representing four school districts win the Leadership Category in May’s Superstars in Education May awards ceremony for sharing the best practices, resources, and ideas to ensure that every high school student graduates ready for college or a career.
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2014: A Year in Photos
Chuck and Chip were all smiles at the Mary Kate Mouser Leadership Breakfast.
Also in May, Delaware Young Professionals took advantage of a beautiful day to network at a golf outing.
Chamber members rose their glasses to Dogfish Head for hosting its June 11 mixer.
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Chamber President Rich Heffron poses with Daniel Short and Valerie Longhurst, the 2014 Small Business Guardians, at the June 18 Legislative Brunch. Photo by Natalie Pesetsky.
August 13, Mark Stellini outlines the key characteristics of successful schools at the Rodel Education Discussion.
John Meyer, Jenni Jones, and Joe Wilson sat down to discuss social media trends at the End-of-Session Legislative Brunch. DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ja nu a r y / Fe br u a r y 2015
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2014: A Year in Photos
U.S. Senator Chris Coons speaks about the future of manufacturing in Delaware on August 20.
DSCC’s Kelly Wetzel is caught hanging with DE Young Professionals at the “Go Ape” event in August.
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The annual Chamber Chase event brought an opportunity to practice putting on September 4.
September 18, Chamber members got an exclusive preview of the DE Children’s Theatre’s production of Oliver.
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2014: A Year in Photos
Also in September, Santa made an early appearance people at the Chase Center to meet with hundreds of business for the Chamber’s annual Delaware Networking Station.
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THANK YOU TO OUR 178TH ANNUAL DINNER SPONSORS Presenting Sponsor
Reception Level
Chairman’s Level
Ambassador Level
Advocate Level
Artisans’ Bank Assurance Media, LLC Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, CPAs Bernardon Haber Holloway Architects Blood Bank of Delmarva Bloom Energy BrightFields, Inc. Chemical Industry Council Christiana Mall Cover & Rossiter, P.A. Creative Communications Delaware Valley Development Company Del-One Federal Credit Union Diamond Technologies, Inc. Doherty & Associates, Inc.
Small Business Leader
Easter Seals of DE & MD’s Eastern Shore Elliott Greenleaf Emory Hill Companies Environmental Alliance, Inc. Excel Business Systems, Inc. Fulton Bank George J. Weiner Associates, LLP Gilman Development Company Goldey-Beacom College Goodwill Industries of Delaware Gunnip & Company, CPAs Health Insurance Associates Healy Long & Jevin, Inc. Hopkins & Sons, Inc. Horty & Horty, P.A.
LuxiaSuites Mercer Health & Benefits MilliCare by EBC MySherpa PPG Industries, Inc. Rowland, Johnson & Company, P.A. Ruggerio Willson & Associates, LLC Santora CPA Group Signarama of Newark Stephano Slack LLC TekSolv, Inc. The News Journal Media Group Wheeler, Wolfenden & Dwares, CPAs
*As of 12/17/14
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2014: A Year in Photos
James DeChene, Rich Heffron, Mike Castle, Nicole Poore, and Charlie Copeland take time in October to discuss the upcoming November elections with the DYPN.
Dr. Bob Laskowski smiles with Terry Strine and Fred Sears at his October 28 breakfast.
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Ambassador Committee
Ambassadors Add Value to Chamber BY CHUCK JAMES
THE AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE is made up of eight volunteer Chamber members, and coordinated by Sr. VP of Membership, Chuck James. The ambassadors come from a variety of member categories: Big Companies, Small Business, Retail Stores, Sole proprietors, etc. The purpose of the Ambassador Committee is to increase membership and retention, and to act as a liaison between the State Chamber staff and the membership at large. The Ambassadors attend Chamber events to welcome new members to the Chamber, assist in connecting existing members with each other, and help to recruit prospective members. Ambassadors “take the temperature” of existing members with monthly member satisfaction calls and bring issues to the attention of the Chamber staff that may not come to the surface otherwise. In 2014, the Ambassadors made nearly 1,000 phone calls to existing members, noting changes in contact information and surveying them on various topics related to their “Chamber experience.” They attended 30 events, and spoke with countless members. The Ambassadors earn points for all these activities. The points are totaled up at the end of the year and an Ambassador of the year is named. 58
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This year’s Ambassador of the Year is Ralph Petti of Continuity Dynamics. Please congratulate Ralph when you see him – and you will see him often at Chamber events up and down the state. Thanks, Ralph! Well done. n
Members of the 2014 Ambassador Committee: Brooke Miles, Delaware Shoutout Eric Bentley, Microsoft Store Gary Pawliczek, Ameriprise Jack Coleman, Stouch Lighting Jake Ruddy, PCS, Inc. Nick Hoeschel, Rockwell Financial Ralph Petti, Continuity Dynamics, Inc. Revonda Moody, RM Associates 2014 Ambassador of the Year: Ralph Petti, Continuity Dynamics
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Bonus Business Spotlight:
Continuity Dynamics, Inc. At a time when disasters in Delaware are soaring—including 19 snowstorms last year, the I-495 bridge issues, the bees, and many other events affecting local businesses—Continuity Dynamics, Inc. moved into town just in time. Ralph Petti, MBCI, CBCP and president of CDI, moved company headquarters from New Jersey to Wilmington two years ago to support the many clients supported in the local area.
Ajith Kumar, M.D., FACC George D. Moutsatsos, M.D., FACC
Comprehensive Cardiovascular Care Executive Cardiovascular Evaluations 2700 Silverside Road ste. 3A Wilmington, DE 19810 G36 Omega Drive Newark, DE 19713 (302) 482-2035, www.Westovercardiology.com
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS & ADVISORS
As a certified consulting firm, Continuity Dynamics brings more than 25 years of experience to the region, and clients both local and global. An active member of the community, Petti was just named as the “Ambassador of the Year” by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce for his enthusiasm in attracting and promoting the State Chamber to local businesses. The opportunity to educate and protect local businesses provides his greatest measure of satisfaction, he says. “Who suffers most? Small and medium sized businesses with less than 200 employees,” Petti says. “While most companies have insurance and also back up their data, 90 percent of them do not have the business continuity planning solutions to help them to protect their businesses during disaster events and to remain in business thereafter. Business continuity plans are internet-based and start at less than $50 per month with thousands of users nationally, and are written in Microsoft Word for ease of use for everyone in your organization and for their employees’ family disaster planning.” Contact Continuity Dynamics at (888) 977-7475 for a free planning evaluation, or visit www.ContinuityDynamics.com. DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ja nu a r y / Fe br u a r y 2015
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Neil Armstrong Became the First Man on the Moon in 1969. We landed in Delaware 30 years earlier. Middletown
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New formats highlight a year of momentum for The Partnership, Inc. IT WAS A YEAR OF CHANGE and newness for the Partnership, Inc. To start, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce affiliate unveiled a revamped Superstars in Education program in 2014. Since 1989, Superstars has honored Delaware educators who have implemented and sustained a creative, unique program, or a teaching practice that shows measurable results and raises student achievement. While the 60
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program remained committed to rewarding quality instruction and student achievement, Superstars in 2014 also focused on the business community and its investment in the future, reinforcing The Partnership’s original mission of encouraging private sector involvement in workforce development and education. This year’s event highlighted educators that focused on critical workJan uar y / Fe b r uar y 2015 | DELAWARE BUSINESS
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place need areas like science and technology, as well as programs that support the development of student’s personal and vocational skills. School-to-business partnerships were also recognized for their systemic contributions to increasing student achievement, career awareness and workplace skills. During the spring, the Superstars in Education Selection Committee considered nominations from public, private and parochial schools in the following categories: • General and Business Partnerships • Leadership • Technology • Science • Special Populations Support • Expanded Leaning Opportunities The committee received 44 total applications—from 11 different school districts—and pared from the group a shortlist of finalists. From the finalists, only nine winners were chosen and recognized at a cocktail reception and awards ceremony on May 5 at the Sheraton Wilmington South Hotel. They were:
“McKean FFA” McKean High School Science Category
This intra-curricular organization, led by the school’s agriculture department, blends animal science and biotechnology, along with community service, philanthropy and vocational skill-building. “Ursuline’s One-on-One Laptop Program” Ursuline Academy Technology Category
Personalizing academic tools in the classroom is key for this program, which bridges the gap between traditional instruction and computer-assisted learning with leading-edge software and web-savvy faculty. “Blended Learning” A.I. du Pont, Conrad, and McKean High Schools Technology Category
Thanks to state-of-the art technology practices—including Blackboard’s Edline Learning Management System—students from two high schools can attend courses offered by either school via live video broadcasts. “Peer to Peer Observations”
“BRINC – Linking to the Future”
Georgetown Middle School
Brandywine, Indian River, New Castle County
Leadership Category
Vocational Technical, and Colonial School Districts
An open-door policy led to helpful collaboration across grade levels and content areas, improving faculty communication, and driving student achievement across the board.
Leadership Category
A like-minded consortium of leaders from four school districts share best practices, resources and ideas to ensure that every high school student graduates college- and career-ready.
“Mission: Space” Bunker Hill Elementary School Science Category
“Red Clay Renovation and Construction Program” Red Clay Consolidated School District Business Partnerships Category
A partnership with Delaware Technical Community College, this 10-month program aimed at high school juniors and seniors imparts vocational skills in the areas of carpentry, plumbing, wiring, painting, blue print reading, and more.
A STEM-driven science unit focusing on earth science, the solar system, and space travel and technology took center stage at Bunker Hill. An afterschool event, dubbed “Mission: Space,” attracted more than 200 students, parents and faculty members for space-themed fun and handson education. n
“Moving to Learn” Richardson Park Learning Center Special Populations Support
Dedicating time and energy to health, wellness and fitness—be it jumping, dancing or fishing—helped the special-needs population at Richardson Park improve behavior and drive academic success. “School-Wide Science Fair” William Henry Middle School Science Category
Striving to gain ground in students’ critical thinking and communications, a school-wide science fair was developed. Scientifically-oriented questioning, collecting evidence and forming explanations helped address both. DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ja nu a r y / Fe br u a r y 2015
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LEADERS FROM BOTH THE EDUCATION and business worlds—including Governor Jack Markell, Lieutenant Governor Matt Denn, and CAI managing director Ernie Dianastasis—spoke at the awards reception, along with DSCC president Rich Heffron. The 2014 Delaware Principal for a Day program clocked yet another banner year, when it began on October 6. In its 21st year, 130 schools participated statewide.
Since 1993, the Principal for a Day program has connected the business and education communities. The program is run by The Partnership, Inc., which is the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s education affiliate. Both the Chamber and The Partnership are committed to building strong public-private partnerships in the community in order to share best practices while developing the workforce of tomorrow.
1.
2.
1. Mike Freda of EDiS shows off his
4. Art Blanchette from A-LERT Motivations
best face with children from Meadowood
smiles for the camera with students at
Program in Newark.
Richard A. Shields Elementary School in Lewes.
2. John Moore of the United Way of Delaware helps a student at Fifer
5. U.S. Senator Tom Carper poses
Elementary School in Camden.
with students at Lake Forest Central Elementary School in Felton.
3. Jack Barr from Bancroft Construction Company congratulates a student on winning an award at Southern Elementary School in New Castle.
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3.
4.
5.
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Pete Booker from Delmarva Broadcasting Company is all smiles at Serviam Girls Academy in New Castle.
2014 The Partnership, Inc. Board of Directors
FRED C. SEARS II DELAWARE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INTERIM CHAIR
WILLIAM R. ALLAN VERIZON DELAWARE
DOUG GRAMIAK OFFICE OF CONGRESSMAN JOHN CARNEY
DR. LINDA F. POOLE EDUCATIONALLY SPEAKING, LLC
PEGGY E. STRINE
KATIE WILKINSON FULTON BANK
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DR. PAUL A. HERDMAN THE RODEL CHARITABLE FOUNDATION OF DELAWARE
JOSEPH L. YACYSHYN M&T BANK
RALPH A. KUEBLER CHAIRMAN, SUPERSTARS IN EDUCATION SELECTION COMMITTEE
WILLIE C. MARTIN DUPONT
CAROLYN ZOGBY RED CLAY SCHOOL DISTRICT
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Small Business Alliance
Small but Mighty SBA has Banner Year BY KELLY WETZEL
CHAIRED BY JOSEPH FARLEY, JR. AND MICHAEL REATH, the SBA still represents Delaware’s small business community, and advocates the needs and issues of businesses comprising of less than 150 employees. Making up more than 80 percent of the State Chamber’s membership, small businesses possess an important voice within our organization. The Small Business Alliance also hosted two important events to keep small business issues on the forefront in 2014: the Small Business Conference & End-of-Session Legislative Brunch in Dover, and the 16th Annual Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business awards luncheon at the Hotel du Pont. The brunch is held annually each June. Held at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, the conference featured remarks from Lee Mikles, Senior Vice President of Acrometis, whose technology-focused marketing expertise of 66
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more than 20 years have been featured in Advertising Age and The Wall Street Journal. He is also the author of “Engage Your Brand: How Smart Companies are Using Social Marketing to Drive Their Business Forward.” Mikles’ presentation concentrated on social marketing for small businesses and how to use it efficiently when there isn’t the man power to focus on it daily. The audience was also lucky to hear more about this topic from knowledgeable panelists JB Braun, Today Media; Jenni Fleck Jones, Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, CPAs; John Meyer, Corporation Service Company; and Joe Wilson, Koncordia Group. The second portion of the event featured remarks from Senate President Pro Tempore Patricia Blevins and Speaker of the House Peter Schwartzkopf. Blevins and Schwartzkopf recapped the legislative year by highlighting issues that included worker’s compensation, minimum Jan uar y / Fe b r uar y 2015 | DELAWARE BUSINESS
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wage, the bond bill, infrastructure and clean water. The Chamber also honored Representative Val Longhurst with the 2014 Small Business Guardian award. The 16th Annual Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business awards luncheon, held in November, was a highlight for the Chamber this year. Another sold out luncheon at more than 330 guests, the event featured senior USATODAY small business columnist and author Steven D. Strauss. Strauss’ presentation featured the notion that one small change in a business can lead to exponential growth and success. He cited that companies to look to are our 2014 Superstar winners: MySherpa, 1-24 Employees; BrightFields, Inc., 25-59 Employees; TekSolv, Inc., 60-150 Employees; and St. Patrick’s Center, Nonprofit. Award of Excellence recipients included Griswold Home Care, Inc.; Assurance Media, LLC; Tidewater Utilities, Inc.; and Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, Inc.
The program also recognized one business leader who made major contributions to Delaware’s community with the Marvin S. Gilman Bowl. This year the Chamber honored Julian “Pete” Booker of Delmarva Broadcasting Company with this prestigious award – a very deserving recipient. In 2004 Booker, along with his wife Susan, founded an organization called SmartDrive, which is dedicated improving the driving skills of teenaged drivers. This year, Smartdrive will have a staggering 40,000 students participating from 169 high schools in our region. Booker is the past chairman of the board of trustees for Ursuline Academy, a past president of the Wilmington Rotary Club, and a Big Brothers/Big Sisters youth mentor. He also served on the Board and chaired the Marketing committee for the United Way of Delaware and received OCI/Service Source’s Founder’s Award. Booker also represents Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland on the National Association of Broadcaster’s Board of Directors. n
2014 Small Business Alliance Board of Managers
Small Business Alliance Senior Advisory Council
MR. JOSEPH FARLEY, JR., *CO-CHAIR, ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
MR. MICHAEL REATH,*CO-CHAIR, DELMARVA BROADCASTING COMPANY
MR. GREG BALLANCE, DIAMOND TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
MR. TIMOTHY BOULDEN, BOULDEN BROTHERS
MS. PAM CORNFORTH, RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF DELAWARE
MR. KEN ANDERSON, DELAWARE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
MR. TERRENCE BARCLIFT, BANK OF AMERICA
MR. NASH M. CHILDS, BANCROFT CONSTRUCTION CO.
G. KEVIN FASIC, ESQ., COOCH & TAYLOR P.A.
DONALD T. FULTON, GEORGE J. WEINER ASSOCIATES
MS. DONNA MASLEY, MASLEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
MR. CHAD MOORE, THE BELLMOOR INN & SPA
MR. WILLIAM PARKS, COLONIAL PARKING, INC.
MS. JANICE GIANNINI, PARADIGM ASSOCIATES, LLC
MS. MARTHA GILMAN, GILMAN DEVELOPMENT CO.
MR. JACK HEALY III, HEALY LONG & JEVIN, INC.
MR. JAMES RANDALL
MR. CHIP RANKIN, EBC CARPET SERVICES CORP.
MR. CHRISTOPHER SCARPITTI, M&T BANK
MR. ROBERT SMITH, SANTORA CPA GROUP
MS. CATHY STAUFFER WOZNIAK, THE TEAM APPROACH
MR. STEPHAN LEHM, VANDEMARK & LYNCH, INC.
DR. JAMES B. O’NEILL, PH.D., UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE
MR. WILLIAM B. ROBINSON, JR., GEORGE & LYNCH, INC.
PRISCILLA TURGON PROFESSIONAL STAFFING EMPLOYEE TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
MR. MICHAEL VANDERSLICE, ENVIRONMENTAL ALLIANCE, INC.
MR. DENNIS M. SALTER, SUMMIT REALTY ADVISORS, LLC
MR. MICHAEL S. UFFNER, AUTOTEAM DELAWARE
MR. LAWRENCE DISABATINO, DISABATINO CONSTRUCTION CO.
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Delaware Young Professionals Network
Building for the Future
The Delaware Young Professionals Network Year in Review BY MIKE VANDERSLICE, COMMITTEE CHAIR
THE DELAWARE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS NETWORK (DYPN), formerly known as the Young Executives, has
sionals at Deerfield Country Club in May; and an exciting team-building exercise at the Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course in August. Our planning committee has also worked to offer free, evening networkgrown by leaps and bounds since our humble beginnings back in 2010. ing mixers throughout the year (every other month), at various restaurants The DYPN provides younger employees of State Chamber members all over the state. Stay tuned for our list of venues on tap for 2015. I am with an engaging environment to promote leadership and building proalways most proud of our community service event. This year the DYPN (in fessional networking relationships. The DYPN Planning Committee has concert with the State Chamber), participated organized a full slate of events to cover the in the Blood Bank of Delmarva’s Summer Blood gamut of professional growth topics (leaderChallenge, which kicked off with a breakfast ship, networking, communication skills, etc.) Find us on LinkedIn and Facebook networking event at their Newark donation cenover the course of the year. The goal of the www.facebook.com/DSCCDYPN ter in May. It was a rewarding experience for all group is to encourage an exchange of ideas those who participated. between peers on overcoming business chalThe DYPN is aiming for continued success lenges, while helping to develop Delaware’s in 2015 with amazing programs and events that will bolster the profesnext generation of executives. But most importantly, it’s about realizing sional growth of Delaware’s younger workforce. The group is designed to these goals in a fun and non-intimidating environment. encourage tomorrow’s senior managers and business leaders, and we invite Some events from 2014 included: an awesome luncheon at Wilmington’s you to become more involved. Ernest & Scott Taproom in March with Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head For more information about the Delaware Young Professionals Network, where Sam offered his thoughts on leadership and lessons learned in building please contact Kelly Wetzel at kwetzel@dscc.com or (302) 576-6564. n a business from the ground up; our 2nd annual golf outing for young profes-
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Manufacturing
Resurgence in Manufacturing Activity Laying Groundwork for the Future BY MITCH MAGEE, CHAIRMAN, DMA
THE DELAWARE MANUFACTURING ASSOCIATION (DMA) is an affiliate of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and is the state representative of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). Members include small, medium and large firms with manufacturing presence in the state of Delaware. The key strategic goal of DMA is
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to promote the growth of Delaware’s manufacturing sector. Towards that end DMA’s priorities include: • Promoting public policies that help Delaware’s manufacturers compete in today’s global economy and reduce regulatory burdens that hurt job growth. • Promote manufacturing’s value to local communities including employment whose average annual wage exceeds $77,000* • Encouraging investment in state infrastructure to ensure efficient and cost effective distribution of raw materials and products. • Support through time, talent and funding the many private-public workforce development initiatives. • Collaboration among Delaware’s manufacturers to leverage best practices. There has been resurgence in manufacturing level of activity with manufacturing employment increasing over 4.5 percent nationally since the end of the 2009 recession. And despite the lingering unemployment rate of over 6 percent, manufacturers continue to struggle to find and develop high skilled, qualified candidates. To address this critical “infrastructure” issue and as an effort to lay the groundwork for long term viable job growth of high tech manufacturing jobs in Delaware, DMA is pleased to support and partner with Delaware Technical Community College, Gov. Jack Markell and Sec. of Labor John McMahon on Delaware’s high school manufacturing technology career pathway program. This is a pilot vocational program developed to provide high school students a rigorous, technology based education with practical, hands on experience in one of Delaware’s manufacturers and leading to nationally recognized certifications. Students that graduate from this program will be well prepared for multiple career pathways including employment but also additional education such as two- or four-year engineering technology programs. For more information or to get involved with this as well as many of DMA’s other activities, please contact Cheryl Corn with the State Chamber at (302) 576-6572 or ccorn@dscc.com. n * Bureau of Economic Analysis (2013) Jan uar y / Fe b r uar y 2015 | DELAWARE BUSINESS
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2014 Delaware Manufacturing Association Board of Managers
CHAIR BRIAN NIXON INVISTA
VICE CHAIR LIZA BARTLE AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES
VICE CHAIR SCOTT WELCH MOHAWK ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
LOU GARZARELLA ASTRAZENECA PHARMACEUTICALS
JASON GONZALEZ DUPONT COMPANY
PAUL MORAN BASF CORPORATION
PAUL MORRIS (INTERIM) DELAWARE MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP
BEDFORD “BUFF” BRUNO ENERGIZER PERSONAL CARE
MICHAEL CRAWFORD* ASTRAZENECA PHARMACEUTICALS LP, RETIRED
JUSTIN CRESSLER KRAFT FOODS, INC.
ROBERT DOLAN* GM ASSEMBLY PLANT, RETIRED
JOSE DOMINGUEZ DELAWARE CITY REFINING COMPANY
JOSEPH P. FARLEY, JR. ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL
ERIC GRABER BRYAN HORSEY CALPINE CORPORATION BLOOM ENERGY
LEE KIEFFER SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS
MITCH MAGEE* PPG INDUSTRIES, INC.
K. SCOTT MCNARY PROCTOR & GAMBLE, THE DOVER WIPES COMPANY
JAY MERVINE MILLER METAL FABRICATION, INC.
JANICE MILHEIM FMC BIOPOLYMER
NEAL NICASTRO PPG INDUSTRIES, INC.
MARK PUZZO ATLANTIS INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
ALAN ROGERS KUEHNE COMPANY
ROBERT STEWART CRODA
SHER VALENZUELA FIRST STATE MANUFACTURING
JAMES A. WOLFE* CHRYSLER, DSCC, RETIRED
ROBERT PRYBUTOK POLYMER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
*SENIOR COUNCIL
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Newsbites Station.” says John Kaczowka of CBRE, the real estate broker for the building. A unique feature of the renovation is the installation of a destination dispatch elevator control system which will improve security and reduce waiting time for the elevator. On the upper floors, elevator lobbies will be improved with new lighting and interior finishes. All mechanical and electrical services to the building have been modified and enhanced for multi-tenant occupancy. The tenth floor, which is becoming a new conferencing center, will be available for use by all tenants and provide exceptional views of the city. Construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of summer, 2015.
Tevebaugh Associates Creates New Look for the Wilmington Skyline The former ALICO Building at 600 North King Street is scheduled for a renovated new look according to Tevebaugh Associates, architects in Wilmington. The ten-story building, located adjacent to the New Castle County Courthouse, will be experiencing improvements throughout the building and grounds in preparation for new leasing opportunities. MetLife, the current tenant of the entire building, will be retaining several floors of office space while the remaining floors will become available for lease to new tenants. The building sits above an 800 car parking deck operated by the Wilmington Parking Authority. Renovation of the 180,000 square-foot downtown office building, built in 1985 by AIG, will start in the spring of next year. Exterior renovations will include landscaping and lighting that improves visibility and accentuates the grand new main entrance to the building. The
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new entrance is a curved glass box that extends the lobby out to a generous drop off drive from King Street. The two story entrance will provide natural daylight into the lobby. The original dark bronze panels that separate the windows will be replaced with a warm tone contemporary metal panel. Night lighting will illuminate all sides of the building. The interior of the lobby will be reconfigured to provide a restaurant/café which will have access to an outdoor plaza with seating on the north side of the building. Other retail and building amenity space will be available throughout the first floor as well as enhanced pedestrian access to the parking deck, central reception desk, and seating and waiting areas. New wood paneling and architectural features are designed to replace the precast concrete finishes of the original lobby. “We are excited about the revitalization and opportunities available so close to the city, state and federal buildings plus the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, New Castle County Courthouse and the Wilmington Train
Outside-In Presents “Influencing Cultural Transformation - One Small Step at a Time” Seminar The Outside-In Companies host a monthly series of seminars in downtown Wilmington, which feature guest speakers who will share stories about people, talent best practices, company culture, and local business successes. The next seminar, Influencing Cultural Transformation - One Small Step at a Time, will take place on Thursday, January 29, 2015, 7:30-9:00AM. The event will take place at the Goodstay Center on the University of Delaware’s Wilmington campus. The Talent Seminar series is designed as a networking event and seminar for both business leaders and HR professionals to learn the best practices in talent leadership. Individuals interested in talent management, recruiting, company culture, expanding your knowledge on best business practices, or seeking HRCI recertification credits are encouraged to attend. The feature presenter, Beth Bunting Arnholt, will share how she influences cultural transformation one step at a time
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in her role as VP of Integrated Talent Management at Comcast/NBCUniversal. To register or find out about upcoming events, visit www.OutsideInCompanies. com/events
Federal Reserve Bank Head to Keynote 10th Economic Forecast in Newark The head of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis will keynote the 2015 Economic Forecast sponsored by Lyons Companies and the Center for Economic Education and Entrepreneurship of the University of Delaware Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics. David F. Lyons Sr., president and CEO of Lyons Companies -- which created the first event in 2006 as a means to provide national-class economic education in the Delaware region -announced the speakers for the 10th annual Economic Forecast: • James Bullard, president and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis • Jay Bryson, Ph.D., managing director, Global Economist, Wells Fargo • Michael K. Farr, president, Farr, Miller & Washington, LLC, author of The Arrogance Cycle, and contributor to CNBC, CNN, Bloomberg, Reuters and the Nightly Business Report • Jon Hilsenrath, The Wall Street Journal chief economic correspondent, will moderate panel discussions. David Lyons along with Joe Valerio, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Lyons Companies, will host the event. The Economic Forecast will be held Tuesday, February 3, 2015 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. in Clayton Hall on the campus of the University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware. “Each year our distinguished panel of experts tackles head on the current economic conditions, trends and policy implications,” Lyons commented. For
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Wohlsen Construction Receives Awards of Excellence Wohlsen Construction Company received three Awards of Excellence from the Delaware Contractors Association. The awards were presented at the association’s 45th Annual meeting. An Excellence award was presented to Wohlsen in the General Contractor Under $5 million category for the 44 Kent Way Renovation project. Bernardon Haber Holloway Architects designed the 10,000 square feet of renovations to the historic building located on the University of Delaware campus. Additionally, Wohlsen received an Excellence Award in the General Contractor Over $5 million category for the Concord Health Center project for Christiana Care Health System. The project, located in Chadds Ford, PA, designed by Bernardon Haber Holloway Architects consisted of 75,219 square feet of additions and renovations to provide a new state-of-the-art health care facility.
more, visit www.lyonsInsurance.com/ lyons-edu/economic-forecast.html
Tim Plemmons Joins NAI Emory Hill NAI Emory Hill is pleased to announce that Tim Plemmons has joined the firm as a commercial real estate associate. Tim has Tim Plemmons ten years of land use planning and development experience in Delaware and Southeastern Pennsylvania in addition to a background in construction. His focus will be providing the highest level of service in commercial real estate sales and leasing to clients in the Tri-State area and he will represent all property types including office, retail, industrial and flex commercial space.
John Mascari Joins Karins and Associates Karins and Associates, an engineering firm with offices in Newark and
Georgetown, has named John M. Mascari, P.E., to the position of project manager in the firm’s Newark office. John, who joined the Karins John M. Mascari and Associates team in November 2014, brings more than 28 years of experience in civil engineering and land development design expertise to the company. He has designed and managed sitecivil engineering projects in the private and public sectors throughout Maryland and Delaware. John is well-versed in Maryland’s Environmental Site Design regulations and strives to provide aesthetically pleasing innovative stormwater management designs and create attractive communities where people want to live and work. Prior to joining Karins and Associates, John spent the past nine years working at Fair Hill Engineering, LLC, Elkton, Maryland, serving as a civil engineering project manager for land development projects and eventually becoming owner.
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Newsbites Bank of America Charitable Foundation Awards More Than $2.5 Million in Grants to Delaware Nonprofits The Bank of America Charitable Foundation has announced more than $2.5 million in grants this year to nearly 70 nonprofits throughout Delaware to help individuals and families build better financial lives. These grants will strengthen the economic and cultural foundation of local neighborhoods by supporting job skills training, affordable housing, and basic necessities such as food and shelter—all of which help build healthier and more vibrant communities. Workforce development and education, community development and basic human services are among the Foundation’s top priorities, as there is significant need in Delaware and across the country. These grants build on the bank’s longstanding commitment and investment in Delaware.
“When people in Delaware can secure jobs with livable wages, afford a place to call home and put food on the table, our state succeeds,” said Chip Rossi, Delaware market president at Bank of America. “Jobs, housing and hunger are the cornerstones of thriving communities and financial stability, which is why these causes are so important to us.” Just a few examples of the many local nonprofit organizations receiving funding are: •Challenge Program, to help teens and young adults access employment training and job placement, as well as overcome any barriers to reaching financial stability as they enter adulthood. •Food Bank of Delaware, to help support its Mobile Community Nutrition and Education Program, which includes a new mobile pantry truck. •Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County and Inter-Neighborhood Foundation, to help in the construction of 17 new townhomes on land previous-
Blood Bank of Delmarva to Open Fifth Donation Center Blood Bank of Delmarva opened its fifth, permanent donation center, the Concord Center, on December 1. The center is located at the Christiana Care Concord Health Center at 161 Wilmington-West Chester Pike (Rt. 202), Chadds Ford, Pa. “We are pleased to open a new and permanent location for residents and employees in the Northern Delaware and Southeastern Pennsylvania areas to donate blood,” said Roy Roper, BBD President & CEO. “We are grateful to the thousands of people each year who roll up their sleeves to support patient transfusion needs in our community hospitals. We are hoping the new location will prove to be convenient for many blood donors.” The 3,000-square-foot Concord Center has 10 donor beds and is on the second floor of the health center in Suite 2300. The center will begin with whole blood donations, but will be equipped to accommodate all donation types, including double red cell and platelets.
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ly donated to these partners by the bank that will revitalize homeownership in the Eastside Wilmington community. Bank of America’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a strategic part of doing business globally. Our CSR efforts guide how we operate in a socially, economically, financially, and environmentally responsible way around the world, to deliver for shareholders, customers, clients, and employees.
Nickle Electrical Radiates Excellence at ABC awards dinner This year Nickle Electrical was awarded three Excellence in Construction awards from the Associated Builders and Contractors Delaware chapter. One of the projects given an award at the Excellence level was Hologic DET. The facility, located in Newark, manufactures medical imaging systems for women’s health examinations such as mammograms. The nearly 10,000-square-foot addition doubled product and output at the existing facility with cutting-edge technology. The second Excellence award was given to the new, state-of-the-art Delaware City DMV facility. Nickle successfully designed and built the electrical systems for this 48,000-square-foot project serving New Castle and Kent County Delaware. The third award was given at the Merit level to Woodbridge High School. This project was almost half a century in the making. The new 160,000-squarefoot facility opened its doors to more than 600 students in September with modern, state-of-the-art features to educate today’s youth. “Congratulations to all the employees who worked on these projects,” said Nickle president/CEO Steve Dignan. “It’s a reflection of all the hard work
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Newsbites everyone puts out on every project both big and small.” Nickle now holds a total of 31 ABC Excellence in Construction Awards. The honors were presented at an awards dinner on November 20 at the Chase Center on the Wilmington Riverfront.
Elliott Greenleaf’s Rafael Zahralddin-Aravena, Shelley Kinsella and Eric Sutty, Panelists at the Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s 20th Annual Business Lawyers’ Institute Rafael X. Zahralddin-Aravena, Shelley Kinsella and Eric Sutty, served as panelists on the “Directors’, Officers’ and Advisors’ Liability” presentation at the Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s 20th Annual Business Lawyers’ Institute. This panel examined issues surrounding the proper protections in place for officers, directors and advisors. Attention was paid to
protections for directors and officers in state corporate law statutes, contractual indemnification in the company’s articles of incorporation, indemnification in the company’s bylaws, individual protections in employment contracts, and insurance. The panel also discussed Delaware and Nevada law particularly in comparison to Pennsylvania law. Recent state law, including Delaware Chancery Court, decisions and developments in Federal District and Circuit Courts were discussed. The program covered a wide array of topics for the business lawyer focusing on legislative changes that have been enacted, and those in process, with regard to Pennsylvania business entities. In 2012 Benefit Corporations were authorized and last year the Nonprofit Corporation Law was comprehensively reviewed. The Pennsylvania General Assembly is in the process of adopting META (the Model Entity Transactions Act) as well as new chapters on names of associations and registration of foreign associations.
Calendar of Events
AT&T Gives $694,400 Aspire Contribution to Communities In Schools of Delaware, Studies Texting and Driving
JANUARY 12, 2015
Communities In Schools of Delaware (CISDE) – part of the nation’s largest and most effective organization dedicated to keeping kids in school and helping them succeed in life – today announced a $694,400 AT&T Aspire contribution that will enable the organization to expand its integrated student services model to more schools in Delaware. CISDE is one 30 recipients nationwide that received $12.5 million from AT&T as part of AT&T Aspire, the company’s signature education initiative focused on school success and career readiness. With an unwavering commitment to data-driven education outcomes, AT&T
178th Annual Dinner Chase Center on the Riverfront Contact Kelly Wetzel for more information at (302) 576-6564 or kwetzel@dscc.com.
FEBRUARY 19, 2015
Networking Breakfast at STAR Campus 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. University of Delaware’s STAR Campus Contact Kelly Wetzel for more information at (302) 576-6564 or kwetzel@dscc.com.
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Aspire has impacted more than one million students since its launch in 2008. “Common sense and extensive research tell us hungry students can’t learn, scared children can’t focus, and bored kids don’t thrive. We need to put students and their families at the center of our efforts and align the resources we have with their individualized needs,” said Jim Purcell, president, Communities In Schools of Delaware. “The inclusion of parents and support from the community, including mentoring, health, safety programs, needs, and resources, raises the achievement level and success of the student. This expansion demonstrates our commitment to give more young people the resources they need to succeed in school.” Gov. Markell, who recently was named to serve on the National Governors Association (NGA) Education and Workforce Committee, said “The future competitiveness and economic prosperity of our state and country are dependent upon having a skilled workforce with the education and training to thrive in the new economy. Technology companies like AT&T and others need a pipeline of workers who are equipped with the skills and experiences that are essential for success. AT&T’s contribution to CISDE is great news for our students and our state.” Through a competitive request for proposal process, 30 schools, school districts and non-profits, including Communities In Schools of Delaware, were selected from more than 1,100 nationwide. Programs were evaluated based on their effectiveness in helping students graduate, better prepared for a meaningful career or college. Selected programs use evidence-based approaches to serve students and are able to demonstrate quantitative results. “Education has been a priority for AT&T for more than a century. We
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Newsbites believe that when we invest in education, we are making our communities stronger, safer and more economically viable,” said Schweder. “This was an intensely competitive application process. Communities In Schools Delaware had a strong application and a strong record of success. We are thrilled to help them help more students prepare for college and careers.” Schweder added that CISDE has received more than $1 million in Aspire contributions since the initiative was launched. Additionally, a new survey commissioned by AT&T and Dr. David Greenfield, founder of The Center for Internet and Technology Addiction and Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at The University of Connecticut School of Medicine, found that twice as many people as self-reported cell phone addiction are showing compulsive phone behaviors—with three-in-four people admitting to at least glancing at their phones while behind the wheel. The study, fielded as part of the Texting & Driving … It Can Wait campaign, was released as AT&T focuses on helping people find ways to resist the urge to text and drive at a potentially deadly moment of temptation. • The AT&T DriveMode app for iPhone is now available on the App Store – making it the first free no-texting-while-driving application offered by a major U.S. wireless carrier that works on the iPhone. It silences incoming text message alerts, turns on automatically when one drives 15 MPH or more, and turns off shortly after one stops. When activated, it automatically responds to incoming SMS and MMS text messages so the sender knows the text recipient is driving. • The It Can Wait campaign is working with celebrities to help drive adoption of a new social shorthand, “#X.” You can use it in social media, text or email to
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signal to others that you’re pausing the conversation before you drive, and that you’ll get back to them when you arrive safely at your destination. It Can Wait is making a difference. The campaign has inspired more than 5 million pledges to never text and drive, and more than 1.8 million downloads of the Android and Blackberry versions of the DriveMode app. But more work needs to be done to help end texting while driving. To learn more about It Can Wait, please visit www.ItCanWait.com.
Newly Expanded Nemours/ Alfred I duPont Hospital for Children Welcomes First Patients After more than three years of construction and months of preparatory work, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children transitioned more than 100 patients from its existing building into the newly expanded portion of the hospital. Over the course of eight hours on Saturday, November 1, teams of Nemours Associates systematically moved patients from the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, the Blood & Bone Marrow Transplant unit and all five inpatient general medical/surgical units into the 450,000 square foot expansion. The hospital’s new Emergency Department opened to new patients on November 2, nearly doubling the hospital’s capacity to treat emergencies. The new space was designed by families, for families and features all single-patient rooms, an expanded Emergency Department, and pediatric intensive care unit, the soaring 5-story Anthony N. Fusco, Sr, Atrium, and the state of the art Discovery Zone presented by DuPont. “Perhaps the most important lesson we’ve learned over the years is that the happiness of a child is as important as the science behind her care,” said
Nemours president and CEO David J. Bailey. “At Nemours we treat children, not just disease. As guardians of children’s hope and joy, we’ve created spaces that allow children to be children and provide respite from courses of medical care already robbing too much of childhood. The real power of these lessons becomes evident as one enters the newly expanded hospital. You’ll feel it in your heart, this place is different.”
Richards, Layton & Finger Earns Top Ranking in U.S. News Richards, Layton & Finger has been ranked in the top tier in Delaware in 17 practice areas in the 2015 edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms.” Richards, Layton & Finger is recognized in a total of 21 practice areas. The “Best Law Firms” survey identifies firms that have earned the highest commendations from clients and peers. In the reported feedback, Richards, Layton & Finger’s lawyers were praised for their “excellent service” and their “broad and deep understanding of Delaware law and great judgment in advising on how it applies in real-world situations.” “We are proud of our tradition of offering outstanding client service and exceptional legal counsel,” said Robert Krapf, president of Richards, Layton & Finger, “and we are pleased that our commitment to excellence has been recognized by U.S. News – Best Lawyers.” HNBA National President Announces Appointment of General Counsel As HNBA national president Cynthia D. Mares takes charge of the Hispanic National Bar Association, she has appointed Rafael Zahralddin-Aravena, chair of the National Commercial Bankruptcy and Restructuring practice at Elliott Greenleaf, as general counsel. Mr. Zahralddin has previously served
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the HNBA as the national vice president of external affairs, regional president, the deputy for region IV and deputy general counsel. He has also been a member of the board of governors as an affiliate representative from the Delaware Hispanic Bar Association and has been a speaker and moderator at multiple HNBA conferences. Zahralddin opened the Elliott Greenleaf Delaware office in 2007, serving as its first managing shareholder. Zahralddin focuses his practice in the areas of commercial litigation, bankruptcy and creditors’ rights, corporate litigation, intellectual property litigation, entity formation, and international and comparative law. He also founded and served as the first president of the Delaware Hispanic Bar Association.
Goodwill Employee’s Aspirations as a Business Leader Fulfilled by University of Phoenix Scholarship Goodwill and the University of Phoenix announced a new scholarship program that awarded a scholarship to Chris Morris, of Wilmington, a team member of Goodwill of Delaware and Delaware County. The full-tuition scholarship is effective immediately and is part of 10 scholarships being awarded to Goodwill team members across the country through a grant provided by University of Phoenix to Goodwill Industries International. Chris will be able to pursue her MBA degree from University of Phoenix, helping to expand her skill sets and prepare her to further advance her career. Scholarship recipients were selected based on criteria that required they be participants or graduates in one of GII’s many leadership development programs such as the executive development program and the senior leader program, among others. Chris
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is an April 2013 graduate of Goodwill’s Senior Leadership Program. She is currently the senior operations manager at Goodwill of Delaware’s Recycling Center in New Castle. Goodwill partnered with University of Phoenix to award team members who have demonstrated academic excellence and the potential of advancing their careers at 10 of GII’s 165 independent,
community-based agencies across the United States and Canada. The team members who were awarded the scholarships include those working in or toward leadership roles at their respective Goodwill headquarters. University of Phoenix will continue to offer these scholarships each year through 2016, for a total of 30 full-tuition scholarships, as part of this new partnership with GII.
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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. 80
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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. 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. 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. Jan uar y / Fe b r uar y 2015 | DELAWARE BUSINESS
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DSCC Affinity Credit Card with WorldPoints Rewards The DSCC affinity card by Bank of America is a business credit card offered exclusively to State Chamber members that also offers a rewards program for discounted airline tickets, free hotel nights and car rentals and more. The Chamber affinity card with WorldPoints® lets members combine points from personal and business cards to get rewards even faster. Call (800) 598-8791 to apply, mention priority code FABLHRAQ. Dental and Vision Plan Dominion Dental Services provides dental and vision benefits on a group and individual basis with competitive, member-exclusive rates. Dental care coverage for most diagnostic and preventive services is 100 percent with up to 80 percent coverage for restorative care including fillings, root canals, crown and bridge work, periodontal treatment, oral surgery and more. Go to www. dscc.com/chamber/dental_plan.aspx or call (888) 518-5338 for more information. No application fee for DSCC members. Constant Contact Email Marketing Service State Chamber members are eligible to receive discounts on their Constant Contact account subscriptions. Members can save 20-percent if they prepay for 6 months and 25-percent if they prepay for 12 months. That is a 10-percent deeper discount than what is available to other customers. To sign up, visit the Constant Contact link on the State Chamber’s members-only page or call (866) 876-8464 to activate your member discount. Continuing Education Certificate Discounts The University of Delaware offers a 10% discount to State Chamber members when they choose to sign up for continuing education certificate programs. Contact Kelly Wetzel for more information. LegalShield All Delaware State Chamber members and member companies now have the opportunity to access affordable legal services. LegalShield is one of the nation’s leading providers of legal safeguards for individuals, families, small businesses and employee groups. Member companies can join the more than 34,000 companies currently offering LegalShield’s personal legal plans as a voluntary benefit to their employees. Through LegalShield’s personal legal plans, employees gain access to unlimited personal legal advice from LegalShield provider attorneys on topics such as mortgages, wills, contracts, and more. Employees also have the option to enroll in LegalShield’s identity theft plans for the added benefits of identity monitoring and identity restoration services. LegalShield’s personal legal plans also DELAWARE BUSINESS | Ja nu a r y / Fe br u a r y 2015
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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 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. 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. We knoW small business, We love small 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.
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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 | Ja nu a r y / Fe br u a r y 2015
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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 576-6563 President rheffron@dscc.com
Ken Evans 576-6576 Account Executive kevans@dscc.com
Marianne K. Antonini 576-6567 Sr. Vice President Finance & CFO mantonini@dscc.com
Chuck James 576-6562 Sr. Vice President, Membership cjames@dscc.com Ambassador Committee
John H. Taylor, Jr. 576-6590 Sr. Vice President & jtaylor@dscc.com Exec. Director, Delaware Public Policy Institute
Fred Miller 576-6579 Advertising Sales fmiller2@dscc.com Member Retention
Matt Amis 576-6566 Communications Manager mamis@dscc.com Delaware Business Production Website
Patrina Wallace 655-7221 Government Relations Assistant pwallace@dscc.com
Cheryl Corn Executive Assistant to the President Sr. Vice President Communications
Kelly Wetzel 576-6564 Program & Communication Specialist kwetzel@dscc.com Small Business Alliance Women in Business Delaware Young Professionals Network
Linda D. Eriksen Accounting Associate James DeChene Director, Government Relations
576-6572 ccorn@dscc.com
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 84
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Every day, we help people
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And we never stop pushing.
Because health is a life-long pursuit, we’re there for members day in, and day out. Providing millions of dollars in grants to address issues faced by uninsured and underserved populations. Encouraging thousands to engage in healthy lifestyles. Giving families tools and information for healthy living. And more. This is how Highmark actively promotes health for all.
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
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