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Newsbites
Oliver Yao Named Dean of the Lerner College
Oliver Yao, interim deputy provost for graduate education and associate dean for graduate programs of the College of Business at Lehigh University and esteemed business faculty member, has been appointed dean of the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics.
“I am delighted to welcome Oliver Yao to UD as the next dean of the Lerner College of Business and Economics,” University President Dennis Assanis said. “As a recognized scholar with extensive administrative experience at the department, college and university levels, his demonstrated vision for academic excellence integrating research, education and impact will be an enormous asset to UD.
I look forward to our work together as we continue strengthening the identity of the Lerner College while embracing partnership and interdisciplinary opportunities across the University, including ongoing development of the Fintech ecosystem.”
Yao will be a key member of the University’s senior administrative team, responsible for leadership of the college, including the development, operation, and sustained excellence of all academic programs across its five academic departments, centers, and institutes.
Richards, Layton & Finger Elects New Firm Directors
Richards, Layton & Finger elected attorneys Robert Greco, Antonios Roustopoulos, and Brendan Schlauch as directors of the firm, effective July 1.
“We’re thrilled to promote Rob, Tony, and Brendan as directors of our firm,” says Lisa Schmidt, president of Richards Layton. “These outstanding young lawyers have demonstrated the skill, the drive, and the commitment to excellence that our clients depend on, and I know they will continue our tradition of offering innovative counsel, practical solutions, and exceptional client service.”
Robert Greco advises clients on transactions and governance matters involving Delaware corporations. His
practice includes counseling on mergers and acquisitions, internal restructurings, IPOs, equity and debt financings, dissolution, and ratification of defective corporate acts.
Tony Roustopoulos focuses on matters related to commercial real estate, ranging from simple real estate acquisitions and financings to complex business matters related to real and personal property. He represents developers, lending institutions, borrowers, landlords, tenants, and other holders of commercial property in a broad range of business, contract, and real estate matters.
Brendan Schlauch focuses his practice on corporate bankruptcy, bankruptcy litigation, corporate restructuring, and other insolvency matters. He represents debtors, prepetition and DIP lenders, purchasers, and other parties in all aspects of chapter 11 cases.
Mountaire Awards $80,000 in Scholarships
Mountaire Farms, the nation’s fourth largest chicken company, recently awarded 32 students with $2,500 scholarships to help them pay for college. Children and grandchildren of employees, growers, and grain producers were eligible for the scholarship.
“We are proud of this program because it embraces everything that we care about – our employees, our growers, our grain producers and their families,” said Phillip Plylar, president of Mountaire Farms. “And these students have all demonstrated a commitment to their education, and to their communities, which we believe should be celebrated.”
Home Energy Assessment Incentives for Military and First Responders
Energize Delaware has opened their Assisted Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Program for military and first responders. That means military active duty, military retirees; firefighters; police; and EMTs receive a home energy
audit performed by a professional energy auditor ($450 value) for $25 and receive higher rebates on energy efficiency work that is completed.
After the energy assessment, Energize Delaware incentivizes homeowners to make the energy-efficiency upgrades with a variety of rebates after the work is completed by a program participating contractor. The rebates could be for weatherization measures such as insulation, crawlspace encapsulation, insulated siding, air sealing or duct sealing. There are also rebates for HVAC and water heating measures like adding a new heat pump, mini-splits, furnaces, heat pump and tankless water heaters, smart thermostats, whole house dehumidifiers, and more.
Renters who have an energy assessment done, have a whole house report they can share with their landlords to show them what could be done to make the house more energy efficient to reduce utility bills, improve comfort and also improve the durability of the home.
Energize Delaware also offers low-interest loans to eligible borrowers to complete projects. Learn more at energize.delaware.org.
Division of Small Business Honors EDGE Winners
The Delaware Division of Small Business recognized 10 small businesses Wednesday as winners of the seventh round of the Encouraging Development, Growth and Expansion (EDGE) competition. Awardees in the latest round of the competition include a drone company in need of an indoor facility, a company developing a new product for next generation silicon solar cells, and owners looking to bring a printing and artist co-working space to Kent County.
Gov. John Carney, Deputy Secretary Kristopher Knight, and Division of Small Business Director Regina Mitchell announced the companies at an event at the Chase Field House in Wilmington, where Hx Innovations, LLC, one of this round’s winners in the STEM category, is located.
“The EDGE grant program helps small businesses get the ‘edge’ they need to expand and innovate by providing much-needed capital assistance that these businesses may not have access to otherwise,” said Governor Carney. “This program has been very successful over the last few years, and we look forward to seeing how these companies and business owners grow their businesses with their grants.”
“Small businesses in Delaware are job creators, innovators, help create economic diversity, and reduce environmental impacts,” said Deputy Secretary of State Kristopher Knight. “The EDGE grants are driven by creativity and innovation—which is reflected by the diverse array of entrepreneurs and STEM-related businesses this round. With the help of the EDGE grants, we are fostering innovation with the necessary capital to help individuals start or expand their small business.”
Harvey, Hanna & Associates Appoints COO
Harvey, Hanna & Associates, Inc. (HHA) announced that John C. Fannin III, CPP, LEEDAP, has been appointed chief operating officer for the company. The company also announced two additional promotions.
Mr. Fannin joins Harvey, Hanna & Associates after leading a distinguished career as a government official, corporate executive, successful entrepreneur, proactive business partner, and a consultant to many international organizations. Mr. Fannin’s leadership at HHA encompasses oversight and accountability of all aspects of company operations including, but not limited to, portfolio and property management, construction planning and management, marketing, customer relations, and related subsidiaries including Big Box Buildings LLC.
“John brings to HHA a proven record of leadership in sourcing and expanding alliances and identifying trends and strategies to help sustain profitable growth,” stated company Chairman E. Thomas Harvey III. “We are excited to engage John’s unrelented focus on organizational excellence,” Mr. Harvey added.
YMCA of Delaware Welcomes Tom Myers
After an extensive search, the YMCA of Delaware is excited to name Tom Myers as the organization’s new chief development officer. Myers comes to the Y with 20 years of experience in youth development, education, community engagement, and philanthropy, and has a proven track record of helping the Y expand its reach and increase impact.
“I am truly grateful for this opportunity to work hand-in-hand with the passionate staff and volunteers of the YMCA of Delaware to advance our mission,” expressed Myers. “I’m inspired by our team’s commitment to improving the health of our Y communities, their dedication to fostering pathways for success for our young people, and their
efforts to help individuals and families gain economic stability. I’m eager to help elevate this important work, in collaboration with our partners and community leaders, to support the wellbeing and prosperity of all children, teens, and adults across Delaware.”
In his new role, Tom will lead the YMCA of Delaware’s Development team to spearhead mission advancement, corporate partnership, and organizational fundraising initiatives to expand the reach and transformative impact of the Y.
New College Level Esports Certificate Prepares Gamers for a Competitive Industry
New College Level Esports Certificate Prepares Gamers for a Competitive Industry
This fall, Wilmington University will offer a certificate for serious gamers who want to take their talents to the next level.
The new 18-credit, 100%-online certificate—the first in Delaware—was created in partnership with Futures First Gaming (FFG). It can stand alone, or its credits can count toward an associate or bachelor’s degree. The certificate combines six credits of esports-specific coursework, including esports events and production and esports and data, with nine credits of industry skill-based curriculum that will provide students with many flexible career opportunities.
“Three billion people worldwide are identifying as gamers,” says Stephen Sye, CEO of Futures First Gaming. “I like to say, ‘Gaming’s the carrot, but the learning is the nugget.’ This is an opportunity for both students and parents to really understand that their children can pursue their passions and still be successful.”
“This is a growing industry that we are proud to be a part of,” said Matthew Wilson, Ed.D., program chair and a director of the College of Education and Liberal Arts. “WilmU has a new esports lab and its competitive esports teams are participating in events we host with FFG, so we see this as the next logical step.”
“It’s not just the fact that you’re getting into the field of esports,” agrees Christian Broderick, WilmU’s head esports coach, who will also teach Intro to Esports Events and Production. “The certificate’s courses develop various skills that can transfer into other types of careers like data analyst, network engineer, social media manager, or program coordinator.”
ChristianaCare Launches Speakers Bureau
ChristianaCare has launched a new speakers bureau that makes it easier than ever for community and professional organizations to request health experts as guest speakers at an event or meeting.
“At ChristianaCare, our mission of service to the community includes a commitment to provide timely, accurate health information so that people can make informed decisions about their health,” said Karen Browne, vice president of marketing and communications.
“Through our new speakers bureau, we’ve expanded our capacity to meet these needs in the community.”
Designed using technology from ExpertFile, the speakers bureau website provides easy discovery and access to experts, including their bios, downloadable photographs, samples of past presentations, languages spoken and more.
To request a speaker, visit: www.christianacare.org/speakers. To request ChristianaCare’s participation in health fairs or other community events, contact ChristianaCare’s Community Health team at www.christianacare.org/us/en/wellness/community-health.
Nemours Children’s Health Announces Chief Research Informatics Officer
Eric Hall, PhD, MBA, was appointed chief research informatics officer (CRIO) at Nemours Children’s Health. In the newly created role, Dr. Hall will oversee all aspects of research information technology and data science across the enterprise. He will also supervise the Biomedical Research Informatics Center based in the Delaware Valley and other research informatics services to bridge the gap between data analytics, science and health care. Dr. Hall will work to increase data sharing and multi-institutional collaboration, advance analytic capabilities and manage data governance activities.
“Dr. Eric Hall’s arrival marks an exciting chapter in the ongoing growth and progress of research methodologies at Nemours Children’s Health. The CRIO will serve as a champion for leveraging cutting-edge technology and the power of data analytics to accelerate research outcomes,” said Mark Mumford, executive vice president and enterprise chief operating officer at Nemours Children’s Health.
“I am honored to join Nemours Children’s Health where I have the opportunity to combine my passion for research and my dedication to pediatric healthcare,” Dr. Hall said. “My goal in this position is to drive discoveries that change lives and help to create the healthiest generations of children by harnessing the power of data, technology and collaboration.”
The Grand to Hold Over 50 Performances
The Grand is thrilled to open another season starting September 6 with the Byrds co-founder and acclaimed guitarist Roger McGuinn. Highlights of the 20232024 season’s currently announced line up include: seasoned singer-songwriters Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt Together on Stage (October 5); beloved Disney Junior characters and your favorite Marvel Superheroes are live on stage in Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume Palooza! (September 26); comedians Tig Notaro (September 17), David Sedaris (April 5), and Lewis Black Live (May 2); a celebration of world music and culture with the Pedrito Martinez Group (September 29) and Tablao Flamenco (September 30); Broadway legends Alan Cumming (October 28) and Sutton Foster (March 2); and more!
The Grand’s Broadway in Wilmington series at The Playhouse on Rodney Square opens in October with the North American tour of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic story, PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL (October 13-15). In March, the ‘Rhythm is Gonna Get You’ with ON YOUR FEET!, which follows the lives of Cuban-American musicians Emilio and Gloria Estefan and their rise to stardom (March 7-10). The smash-hit musical COME FROM AWAY arrives in April, telling the inspiring true story of a small town that welcomed the world (April 19-21). Just in time for Mother’s Day, LITTLE WOMEN: The Musical brings Louisa May Alcott’s classic story to life on stage (May 9-12). The Broadway season is rounded out with the heartwarming holiday rock ‘n’ roll musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET CHRISTMAS (November 17-19) and the feel good family-favorite ANNIE (January 5-7).
“We are so excited to welcome the community to The Grand this season. There is absolutely something for everyone” says Pamelyn Manocchio, executive director. “It is our sincere hope that we continue the rich history of this historic building as Delaware’s home for the performing arts and place to create lasting memories.”
Tickets are now on sale to the general public and can be purchased online at TheGrandWilmington.org or by calling 302-652-5577 or 302-888-0200.
Enstructure, GT USA Complete Transfer of Port of Wilmington Operations
Enstructure, a leading U.S. marine terminal and logistics company, and GT USA Wilmington (GT USA) completed the transfer of operations at the Port of Wilmington to Enstructure. Enstructure was selected by the Diamond State Port Corporation (DSPC) and the State of Delaware as the new operator at the Port of Wilmington and to collaborate with the DSPC on the potential expansion at Edgemoor.
“Enstructure is excited to partner with the DSPC and begin operations at the Port of Wilmington, where we will bring our experience in national and local markets, best-inclass service, and comprehensive terminal and logistics solutions to our customers,” said Matthew Satnick and Philippe De Montigny, co-CEOs of Enstructure. “Additionally, we will be working alongside the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), the Delaware Building and Construction Trades Council, and the Teamsters to grow operations at the Port, revitalize Port facilities and infrastructure, and maximize economic development and union job growth opportunities along the way, all while improving the experience for the long-standing customers of the Port of Wilmington. We are also excited to continue working with the DSPC to bring the potential Edgemoor development project to life.”
Peter Richards, CEO of Gulftainer, stated that “GT Americas has decided to step away from the development of the Port of Wilmington.” He continued, “Whilst the significant contributions made by Gulftainer in Wilmington over the last 4.5 years have been fully recognized by all stakeholders and have embellished Gulftainer’s successful track record of creating highly productive port operations, the evolved economic conditions and future financial viability did not meet our threshold for continued investment. Adhering to strict financial discipline has been central to the success of Gulftainer over the years. When investing in trade infrastructure and services, our goal is to serve our global customers and we remain committed to investing in the right projects worldwide, that have an appetite for foreign direct investment.”
