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Newsbites
Code Differently and Wilmington University Secure Groundbreaking Partnership
Embarking on an exciting collaboration, Code Differently and Wilmington University unveiled their trailblazing partnership to propel aspiring tech enthusiasts into future career success. Under their agreement, Code Differently participants can earn up to 18 credits toward coveted undergraduate degrees in cutting-edge concentrations like Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Data Analysis. New students enrolling from Code Differently will also enjoy the added perk of waived application fees at Wilmington University.
“This collaboration with Code Differently speaks to our mission of providing opportunity and flexibility to students, and it also addresses our comprehensive focus on technology,” says Wilmington University President Dr. LaVerne Harmon. “We understand the high demand for skilled IT professionals, and suspect that that need will grow. This partnership reflects an opportunity for innovation to meet accessibility in higher education.”
Morris James Earns National Recognition as Top Workplace
Morris James is proud to announce its recognition as one of the twelve law firms to be named by USA Today and Energage as a nationally distinguished “Top Workplaces USA” for 2024. This prestigious award celebrates organizations that prioritize their employees and cultivate exceptional workplace cultures, setting the standard for excellence in the year ahead. Notably, Morris James stands as the sole representative from Delaware, reaffirming its commitment to excellence on a national scale.
The National Top Workplaces award, presented by USA Today, is bestowed upon organizations with a workforce of at least 150 people, and what sets this recognition apart is that it is determined by the employees themselves, who evaluate their workplaces through a comprehensive 24-question Survey.
“This national recognition reaffirms our commitment to fostering a workplace culture where collaboration, respect, and innovation thrive,” says Keith Donovan, managing partner of Morris James. “As Morris James celebrates this achievement, the firm remains dedicated to upholding its values and principles, ensuring that its workplace continues to be a source of pride and excellence for years to come.”
Easterseals Receives Grant from New Castle County
New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer joined the leadership of Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore recently to announce a $100,000 investment in Delaware’s largest nonprofit for inclusion and access for people with disabilities.
The funds being awarded to Easterseals will be used to make necessary repairs and upgrades to existing bathrooms throughout the New Castle building to help minimize the spread of germs that could lead to COVID and other illnesses. Last year, Easterseals served more than 2,900 individuals in New Castle, either in the building or in the community. Included in the improvements is the installation of touchless technology in the bathrooms.
“This grant helps us make needed improvements to ensure that our on-site services at our New Castle site provide an even safer environment for the adults in the day programs as well as our staff,” Easterseals President and CEO, Ken Sklenar, said. “The presentation of this grant is just one more example of our partnership with New Castle County. We are grateful for this partnership which includes the New Castle County-based Hope Center, where our pre-vocational workers are learning important job skills to help them find employment in the community.”
Marnie Custom Homes Names Jon Subity as Co-Owner
Marnie Custom Homes, the 2022 NAHB Custom Home Builder of the Year, recently announced the promotion of Jon Subity to the position of co-owner alongside President and Owner Marnie Oursler.
With over a decade of dedicated service at Marnie Custom Homes, Jon has exemplified unwavering commitment and exceptional leadership within the company. Joining Marnie Custom Homes as a Project Manager ten years ago, he quickly rose through the ranks to become vice president, overseeing vital aspects of the company’s operations.
In his new role as co-owner, Jon will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s future trajectory. His expertise, dedication to excellence, and passion for building extraordinary homes have been instrumental in the company’s success.
Jon Subity expressed his excitement for the opportunity, stating, “I’m incredibly excited and honored to take on this new role as co-owner of Marnie Custom Homes. Being part of such a dynamic team and contributing to the growth and success of the company is a dream come true. I look forward to continuing our journey of crafting exceptional homes and making lasting impressions in the Bethany Beach community.”
Harvey, Hanna & Associates Completes New Industrial Space
Harvey, Hanna & Associates, Inc. recently announced the completion of its latest industrial property spanning 130,000 square feet at 50 Harbor View Drive in the Delaware River Industrial Park (New Castle, DE).
The recently completed industrial building has already secured a notable tenant – PODS Enterprises LLC (PODS), a renowned leader in portable storage solutions. With its innovative approach to storage, logistics, warehousing, and distribution, PODS will further enhance the dynamic operational landscape in the region. PODS will occupy the entirety of the building at 50 Harbor View Drive in New Castle, Delaware.
“We are proud to unveil this addition to our portfolio,” said Thomas J. Hanna, president and CEO of Harvey, Hanna & Associates, Inc. “This project underscores our dedication to delivering cutting-edge industrial spaces designed to optimize efficiency and productivity for our tenants. This project represents HHA’s very first self-fulfilled new construction project where the entire project was managed in house by HHA Construction Management. I could not be prouder of the Project Team, which was led by Mike Nash, Mike Brabson, Will Harvey and Thomas Harvey. The entire project team deserves a lot of credit for a job well done.”
Westfield Insurance and The Precisionists, Inc. to Partner
Westfield Insurance, a leading U.S.based property and casualty (P&C) insurance company, announces the launch of its neurodiversity employment partnership with The Precisionists, Inc. (TPI), a Wilmington, Delaware-based IT and business services company focused on employment for neurodiverse adults. This innovative employment program will leverage the talents of TPI’s workforce, who are impacted by autism and other neurodiversities, to be part of Westfield’s workforce.
“When properly assessed and trained, people impacted by autism and other neurodiversities are extremely high-performing employees. TPI’s employees bring innovative approaches to performing critical and challenging jobs such as administrative business and IT functions,” said Ernie Dianastasis, CEO of The Precisionists. “When you consider that more than 80% of autistic adults in the U.S. are either unemployed or underemployed, we are making a true difference in engaging a significant, talented,
untapped labor force. We are thrilled to partner with Westfield, a leader in the insurance industry and an employer committed to advancing diversity and inclusion.”
Candidates interested in exploring employment opportunities as a part of this program should contact The Precisionists’ talent acquisition team by emailing inquiries to careers@theprecisionists.com.
Food Bank of DE receives Community Partner Award
The Food Bank of Delaware received the Delaware State Education Association’s (DSEA) 2024 Community Partner Award during the organization’s annual Representative Assembly on Saturday, March 23 at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington.
The Food Bank was nominated by Gloria Ho, a school social worker at Milton Elementary School in the Cape Henlopen School District. Ho praised the Food Bank’s commitment to eliminating childhood hunger, specifically addressing the Backpack Program.
Cathy Kanefsky, president and CEO of the Food Bank of Delaware, expressed gratitude for the award, specifically addressing the connections between food insecurity and the impact on hunger and learning. She recognized Ho’s long-time and ongoing commitment – since 2009 – to the Backpack Program providing weekend and holiday meals for students.
“We are honored to receive the Community Partner Award from the DSEA,” said Kanefsky. “Even more special was having Gloria Ho present it. Gloria is a remarkable partner in our pursuit to make sure children in Delaware have food to eat on weekends and during the holidays. It’s heartbreaking to think that a child may not eat if he or she is not in school. This award gives us an opportunity to highlight the importance of partnership between the Food Bank of Delaware and schools throughout our state to help ensure no child goes hungry.”
Greater Wilmington CVB Launches New Website
The Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau, the destination marketing organization for New Castle County, has launched a completely redesigned website, VisitWilmingtonDE. com, aimed at inspiring and motivating those considering or planning a visit to the region.
The website offers a seamless and immersive online experience, featuring captivating full-width videos and intuitive navigation. It serves as the ultimate gateway to all the tourism offerings of Greater Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley area. From access to the Bureau’s official visitor guide to exclusive deals offered through the Greater Wilmington Discount Pass, everything a visitor needs is conveniently located on the new site.
“We’re more than just a destination— we’re a community,” said Jennifer Boes, the Bureau’s executive director. “Our new website reflects this ethos, and we’re excited for visitors to explore all that we have to offer.”
Navigation has been streamlined with larger images and visual elements, ensuring ease of use for all visitors. Additionally, VisitWilmingtonDE.com incorporates an innovative Trip Builder feature. This personalized tour guide helps craft tailored itineraries, catering to diverse interests ranging from history and cuisine to outdoor adventures.
