Newsbites

WSFS CARES Foundation Supports Community

The WSFS CARES Foundation, the charitable giving arm of WSFS Bank (Nasdaq: WSFS), provided grants to two organizations as part of its continuing series of philanthropic activities by WSFS and the Foundation. The grants, approved in the second quarter by the WSFS CARES Foundation board, will support Be Ready Community Development Corp. and TeenSHARP.

Be Ready Community Development Corporation (Be Ready CDC) is a resident-driven community development organization with the goal to revitalize the Hilltop neighborhood in Wilmington’s West Side. A prior WSFS grant supported phase one of Be Ready CDC’s Solomon’s Court Project to create six affordable units for low-income households, which is now complete. The latest grant will continue supporting the project through the second and final phase, creating 12 additional units for a total of 18 affordable rental units and 5,600 square feet of ground floor commercial space for small businesses. The funding from WSFS helps to complete part of an $11 million project to improve the housing on the West Side of Wilmington.

TeenSHARP prepares Black, Latino, and low-income students to attend and thrive at America’s top colleges with little or no debt. The WSFS CARES Foundation has supported TeenSHARP throughout the years, helping the organization grow from just 10 students to about 400 today, and around 500 total high school graduates. The WSFS grant will support the A-List program, which provides high school students assistance as they move to and through college, helping them navigate their professional careers to build leadership and decision-making skills, financial stability, and independence.

Ben DuPont Named Delaware Citizen of the Year

The Del-Mar-Va Council, Boy Scouts of America is proud to announce Ben duPont is the recipient of the 2024 Delaware Citizen of the Year Award. Ben will be honored at a ceremony on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at the Oberod Estate near Wilmington, Delaware. This award honors a prominent Delaware leader who has a wide influence in the business and professional community while serving as an exemplary role model for our youth.

Ben duPont is co-founder and managing director at Chartline Capital Partners, a Venture Capital Fund. Chartline makes investments in enterprise and industrial technology companies working to make core industries more efficient, reliable, and safe.

Funds raised by this event support a variety of Scouting programs including workforce development, programs for low-income youth, STEM, conservation programs, and much more. The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

New Directors and Counsel at Richards, Layton & Finger

Richards, Layton & Finger elected attorneys Cory D. Kandestin, Daniel E. Kaprow, and Kyle H. Lachmund as directors of the firm, and Christine Dealy Haynes, Zachary D. Kmetz, and Kinsey Lenehan as counsel of the firm, effective July 1.

“We are so proud of the achievements of these fine lawyers,” said Lisa Schmidt, president of Richards Layton. “They have the skill, the experience, and the commitment to excellence our clients depend on. These talented attorneys join their colleagues at the firm in delivering the innovative counsel, practical solutions, and exceptional client service that are the hallmarks of our firm.”

Ballard Spahr Guides Bond Financing Process

The proceeds of a tax-exempt revenue bond issuance of up to $16.8 million, with Ballard Spahr serving as bond and bank counsel, will provide financing to expand the first and only pediatric nursing home in Delaware.

Exceptional Care for Children, Inc. (ECC), will use the proceeds to finance the construction, furnishing, and equipping of a new building with 22 beds and programs geared for ECC’s teenage population. ECC currently operates a 46-bed, residential, skilled nursing facility on a 20-acre campus on Independence Way in Newark. Nationally recognized for its services, ECC cares for medically fragile children ages birth to 21 who no longer qualify for care in an acute care hospital but have a severe, chronic medical condition or need a medical technology that cannot be supported in their home. Pursuant to a bond purchase and loan agreement by and among ECC, the Delaware Economic Development Authority (DEDA) as conduit issuer, and a commercial bank as direct bond purchaser, DEDA issues the bonds for purchase by the bank, and the proceeds are applied to make a loan to the nonprofit borrower, ECC. The tax-exempt bonds, which provide a lower-cost financing option for such capital projects, are issued solely on the credit of ECC. There is no financial risk to the state or taxpayers. The Ballard Spahr team that worked on the transaction was led by Emilie R. Ninan, co-chair of Ballard Spahr’s Finance Department and former leader of the firm’s Public Finance practice.

Avelo Airlines Adds Two Routes

Avelo Airlines announced an expansion at Philadelphia / Delaware Valley region’s

best airport—Wilmington Airport (ILG) adding service to two new destinations: Charlotte / Concord, N.C. (via USA) and Orlando / Lakeland (via LAL).

Avelo will now serve 13 nonstop destinations from ILG. The expansion is enabled by the addition of a second Boeing 737 serving Avelo’s ILG base. Beginning November 7, 2024, Avelo will operate these routes twice weekly.

Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy said, “Avelo is proud to be the Philadelphia / Delaware Valley region’s airline of choice. Our Customers tell us they love the convenience, affordability and reliability of flying Avelo at ILG. The addition of these two new routes is a testament to positive reception Avelo has received in the region.”

Delaware River and Bay Authority Executive Director Thomas J. Cook said, “As the operator of ILG, the Authority is all-in to help Avelo succeed and grow their customer base here. Our focus remains on being the airport of choice for people in Delaware, South Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland who seek low fares, quality service and a convenient, hassle-free airport experience.”

Avelo now serves nine nonstop destinations from ILG: Charlotte / Concord, N.C. (USA), Myrtle Beach, S.C. (MYR); Wilmington, N.C. (ILM); San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) and five cities in Florida: Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Fort Myers (RSW), Orlando / Lakeland (LAL), Orlando (MCO) and Tampa (TPA).

Vavala to Head Atlantic City Electric and Delmarva Power

Pepco Holdings, which includes Atlantic City Electric and Delmarva Power, named Phil Vavala as its new vice president of governmental and external affairs, and region president for Atlantic City Electric and Delmarva Power.

Vavala joined Pepco Holdings 33 years ago as an intern in Delmarva Power’s System Planning department and went on to hold a myriad of positions throughout operations for Atlantic City Electric, Delmarva Power, and Pepco Holdings.

“Phil understands our communities from a unique perspective, not only raising his family in this area and being a customer himself but starting as an intern and growing through the organization for more than 30 years has truly given him an understanding of what it means to power a brighter future for our customers,” said Rodney Oddoye, senior vice president of governmental, regulatory and external affairs at Pepco Holdings. “His leadership and drive not only help ensure the lights turn on when customers flip the switch and gas flows when they heat their home but goes beyond energy to make a positive impact on our communities.”

Vavala has served as chairman of the Pepco Holdings and Exelon Diverse Business Enterprise Working Group, focusing on developing spending opportunities with minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses and leading in the company’s commitment to provide more than energy for its customers. He is a graduate of Drexel University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.

CVB Welcomes New Membership Director

Brent Ferguson has joined the Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau as director of membership. In his new position, Ferguson oversees all aspects of member relations, member retention, and new member recruitment.

Jennifer Boes, executive director of the bureau, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Brent Ferguson to our team. His wide network of connections within the Greater Wilmington tourism community will help us further strengthen our relationships with our members and industry partners.”

Beebe Healthcare Welcomes Ryan Kennedy, CPA

After an extensive nationwide search, Beebe Healthcare named Ryan Kennedy, CPA, as its new chief financial officer. Kennedy is an experienced healthcare executive with more than a decade of leadership in finance. Most recently, he spent the last 10 years in a CFO role at Holy Name Health System, a 361- bed acute care facility that includes many outpatient offices and physician practices in northern New Jersey.

“Ryan’s healthcare financial acumen shined during our search for a new CFO,” said David A. Tam, MD, MBA, CPHE, FACHE, president and CEO of Beebe Healthcare. “His expertise and experience in joint partnerships and value-based care in a community health setting will play a critical role in Beebe’s continued strategic transformation to better serve the people of Sussex County. He joins a dedicated and seasoned team committed to our wonderful community.”

“Beebe Healthcare really stood out to me as an amazing opportunity, and its culture, leadership, and community drew me to Sussex County,” Kennedy said. “Dr. Tam’s vision for Beebe includes tremendous growth to be able to care for this growing community. I look forward to bringing my expertise to the Beebe leadership team and helping our health system grow to serve my family’s new home in Sussex County.”

Teens Take Trip to Kenya with YMCA of Delaware

The YMCA of Delaware held 2024 Global Teens Trip to Kenya, a transformative two-week abroad opportunity for local youth, in July. In partnership with New Castle County, this program aimed to provide high school students ages 14-18 with a unique and enriching experience.

This service collaboration with the Nairobi YMCA provided 20 students and 14 adult chaperones with an immersive cultural and educational experience. The YMCA Global Teens Program is designed to develop international understanding, leadership skills, and cultural competency, as well as provide service-learning opportunities for young people. It promotes civic engagement and a deeper understanding of social issues on both a local and global scale to prepare young people to lead in the 21st century.

During their stay in Kenya, students engaged in service learning, mental health forums with young people from the Nairobi YMCA, and numerous cultural experiences with local tribes.

The itinerary included visits to Nairobi, Maasai Mara National Reserve, the YMCA National Training Institute, and Mass at St. Stephen’s Cathedral Church.

Dogfish INN Celebrates a Decade

While Dogfish Head is best known for its craft beers and spirits, it has evolved far beyond its roots as the “first brewpub in the first state™.” In 2014, Dogfish Head opened the Dogfish INN, a canal-front, beer-themed hotel nestled in historic downtown Lewes, Delaware. In July, the Dogfish INN celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking the momentous occasion with a newly refurbished cottage lobby and an expanded list of guest amenities.

“This milestone marks a decade of evolution, innovation, and adventure at the Dogfish INN, where our guests have had the chance to fully immerse themselves in the Dogfish Head brand and everything our home of coastal Delaware has to offer,” said Dogfish Head Founder and Brewer Sam Calagione.

Whether folks want to explore coastal Delaware’s natural splendors or they’re simply looking for a way to avoid that pesky beach traffic, the Dogfish INN has things covered.

Placers Staffing Achieves Inc. 5000 Recognition

Placers Staffing, a leading workforce solutions provider, has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America for the ninth consecutive year. Ranking at No. 4801 nationally and 19th among Delaware-based companies, Placers continues to demonstrate its commitment to growth and excellence in the staffing industry.

“Our consistent presence on the Inc. 5000 list for nearly a decade is a testament to our team’s dedication and the trust our clients place in us,” said Chris Burkhard, president of Placers Staffing. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a key player in Delaware’s business landscape and our ongoing commitment to delivering innovative workforce solutions.”

Tevebaugh Architecture Announces Promotions

Tevebaugh Architecture is excited to announce the promotion of four exemplary members of our design studio to the position of Associate. These dedicated team members, recognized for their exceptional contributions and leadership, will play a crucial role in advancing our Wilmington and Philadelphia offices’ continued success and innovation.

Addie Spicer, AIA, joined Tevebaugh Architecture in 2014. With a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s in Architecture, she excels in healthcare and civic projects, including the Family Courthouse projects in Kent and Sussex County. Addie is a registered architect who actively volunteers in the arts community.

Britt van Veen, AIA, NCIDQ, WELL AP, joined Tevebaugh in 2020 and leads Tevebaugh’s Interior Architecture Department. With two degrees from The Catholic University of America, she balances design with budgets, advocates for women in architecture, and contributes to various professional organizations including AIA, NCIDQ, DREW, ASID and IIDA.

Curtis Harkin, AIA, with over 30 years at Homsey Architects, now leads the Homsey Studio at Tevebaugh Architecture. His classical training and international studies enrich his projects, including award-winning restorations like the Queen Theater. Curtis focuses on sustainable design, educational environments, and has built enduring design partnerships with innumerable regional clients.

Dan Mellon joined Tevebaugh Architecture in 2015 and now leads the Philadelphia Office. Leveraging a diverse project portfolio and a collaborative design approach, he focuses on building lasting client relationships. Dan holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Philadelphia University, where he remains active as a mentor and frequent guest critic.

BLS CPAs a Top 300 Firm

Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, CPAs (BLS) has been named a Top 300 firm in North America by INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA) for the tenth consecutive year based on the 2024 IPA Practice Management Survey. IPA is an award-winning publication for the accounting profession. IPA’s Survey and Analysis of Firms and the resulting national benchmarking report on North America’s largest accounting firms serve as an overall barometer for the profession. This year’s IPA Top firms are ranked by U.S. net revenue and was compiled by analyzing 629 survey responses received. BLS is the only Delaware-based firm included on the 2024 Top 300 list.

TidalHealth Nanticoke Achieves National Rating

TidalHealth Nanticoke received a prestigious five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in its recently released 2024 Hospital Quality Star Ratings.

TidalHealth Nanticoke is the only hospital in Delaware to earn this top rating, highlighting its role as a leader in healthcare excellence within the state. Nationally, TidalHealth Nanticoke is one of only 381 hospitals out of approximately 3,000, representing the top 8% of hospitals across the United States, to receive the highest possible rating from CMS. The five-star rating reflects excellence across five critical quality measures: mortality, safety, readmissions, patient experience, and timely & effective care.