Delaware Business January-February 2013

DELAWARE BUSINESS January/February 2013

$3.00

2012 Annual Report

Celebrating 175 years of serving business in Delaware

A Publication of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

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Delaware’s bank Always has been. Always will be.

WSFS Bank is the oldest, locally-managed, independent bank and trust company headquartered in Delaware. WSFS can service all of your needs—lending, deposits, and investments—for both consumers and businesses and is the largest ATM provider in this market.

WSFS has served this community for over 180 years.

We Stand For Service

®

is who we are and we live by it everyday.

©2012 Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB | Member FDIC

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In this Issue Annual Report

Departments Member News and Notes .................... 15

STATE CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS ................................................................. 3 MESSAGE FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT .................................................................... 4 2013 DELAWARE BUSINESS EDITORIAL CALENDAR ................................................ 7 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN ............................................................................. 8

Q&A: Delaware State University’s Dr. Harry L. Williams Nonprofit Spotlight: Arthur J. Turner Jr. Scholarship Foundation Business Spotlight: The Melting Pot

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY ........................................................................................... 11 Welcome New Members ...................... 22

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ..................................................................................... 36 2012 YEAR IN PHOTOS ............................................................................................ 39

Chamber Scene ..................................... 24

THE PARTNERSHIP, INC. .......................................................................................... 50

Newsbites ............................................... 66

DELAWARE RETAIL COUNCIL .................................................................................. 52

Calendar ................................................. 68

SMALL BUSINESS ALLIANCE .................................................................................. 54

Chamber Committees .......................... 70

YOUNG EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ............................................................................. 59

Chamber Member Benefits ................. 71

DELAWARE MANUFACTURING ASSOCIATION ......................................................... 60 DELAWARE PUBLIC POLICY INSTITUTE .................................................................. 62

For Assistance, Contact the Chamber .......................................... 72

DSCC MEMBERSHIP ................................................................................................ 64

On The Cover DSCC celebrates 175 years of serving business in Delaware.

DELAWARE BUSINESS

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Volume 18, 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.

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DELAWARE

2012 Delaware State Chamber Staff

BUSINESS EDITORIAL STAFF William R. Allan Chairman

A. Richard Heffron Interim President

Matt Amis Managing Editor

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Tony Allen Bank of America

Chip Rossi Bank of America

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN

Sylvia Banks DuPont

Richard D. Rowland Rowland, Johnson & Co., PA

Thomas J. Cooper Cooper Realty Associates

Ernie Dianastasis CAI

Dennis M. Salter Summit Realty Advisors, Inc.

CHAIR ELECT

Donald T. Fulton George J. Weiner Associates

Fred C. Sears, II Delaware Community Foundation

CHAIRMAN

William R. Allan William Allan & Assoc., LLC

Hinton Lucas DuPont

Pierre du Pont Hayward University of Delaware

VICE CHAIR A. RICHARD HEFFRON SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

MARIANNE K. ANTONINI SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCE & CFO

JANINE G. SORBELLO SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, EDUCATION & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE PARTNERSHIP, INC.

Mark Stellini Assurance Media TREASURER

Alan Levin Delaware Economic Development Office

Barry Crozier Belfint, Lyons & Shuman

William E. Manning Saul Ewing LLP

Mark Turner WSFS Bank Michael S. Uffner AutoTeam Delaware Richelle Vible Catholic Charities of Delaware

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Linda Ammons Widener University School of Law

Tyrone Jones AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP

Chad Moore The Bellmoor

Julian H. Booker Delmarva Broadcasting Company

Chris Kenny ShopRites of Delaware

Bret Morris A.R. Morris Jewelers

Bernhard Koch AAA Mid-Atlantic

Theodore J. Prushinski Citizens Bank

Richard H. LaPenta Insurance & Financial Services, Ltd.

Michael Ratchford W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

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

John S. Riley Ashland, Inc.

David B. Brown Potter Anderson & Corroon, LLP JOHN H. TAYLOR, JR. SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DPPI

MATT AMIS COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

CHERYL CORN EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT, SR. VICE PRESIDENT COMMUNICATIONS

Timothy J. Constantine Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Charlie Copeland Associates International, Inc. E. Andrew DiSabatino EDiS Company Orlando J. George, Jr. Delaware Technical & Community College Martha S. Gilman Gilman Development Company

KATIE DUNN PROGRAM & COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

LINDA D. ERIKSEN ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE

GREG GROSS DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Robert V.A. Harra, Jr. Wilmington Trust Company John E. Healy III Healy Long & Jevin, Inc.

Renee Lewandowski Agilent Technologies

W. Laird Stabler, III Laird Stabler & Associates, LLC

Michael MacFarland TD Bank

Gary R. Stockbridge Delmarva Power

Cathy MacFarlane ING DIRECT

Clinton Walker Barclaycard US

Scott Malfitano CSC - Corporation Service Company

William S. Wallace JPMorgan Chase

Nicholas Marsini PNC Bank, Delaware

Robert W. Whetzel Richards, Layton & Finger

John McCarthy AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP

Katie Wilkinson Fulton Bank

Michael Houghton Paul M. McConnell Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell, LLP McConnell Development, Inc.

Harry L. Williams Delaware State University

STAFF

CHUCK JAMES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

ARLENE M. SIMON ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

BILL STEPHANO DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP

A. Richard Heffron Senior Vice President, Interim President Marianne K. Antonini Senior Vice President Janine G. Sorbello Senior Vice President & Executive Director, The Partnership 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 Katie Dunn Program & Communications Specialist Linda D. Eriksen Accounting Associate Greg Gross Director of Government Relations

Chuck James Account Executive Arlene Simon Account Executive Bill Stephano Director of Membership Patrina Wallace Information Administrator Kelly Wetzel Events Manager

ADVERTISING SALES / Miller Publishing, Inc.

Fred Miller President

DELAWARE STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PATRINA WALLACE INFORMATION ADMINISTRATOR

KELLY WETZEL EVENTS MANAGER 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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2012 Delaware State Chamber Board of Directors Executive Committee

CHAIRMAN WILLIAM R. ALLAN WILLIAM ALLAN & ASSOCIATES, LLC

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN THOMAS J. COOPER COOPER REALTY ASSOCIATES

CHAIRMAN ELECT HINTON LUCAS DUPONT

VICE CHAIRMAN MARK S. STELLINI ASSURANCE MEDIA

WILLIAM E. MANNING SAUL EWING, LLP

TREASURER BARRY A. CROZIER BELFINT, LYONS & SHUMAN

TONY ALLEN PH.D BANK OF AMERICA

SYLVIA BANKS DUPONT

ERNIE DIANASTASIS CAI

DONALD T. FULTON GEORGE J. WEINER ASSOCIATES

PIERRE DU PONT HAYWARD UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE

ALAN LEVIN DELAWARE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

CHIP ROSSI BANK OF AMERICA

RICHARD D. ROWLAND ROWLAND, JOHNSON & CO., PA

DENNIS M. SALTER SUMMIT REALTY ADVISORS, INC.

FRED C. SEARS II DELAWARE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

MARK TURNER WSFS BANK

MICHAEL S. UFFNER AUTOTEAM DELAWARE

RICHELLE VIBLE CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF DELAWARE

Board of Directors

LINDA AMMONS WIDENER UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW

JULIAN H. BOOKER DELMARVA BROADCASTING

DAVID B. BROWN POTTER ANDERSON & CORROON, LLP

TIMOTHY J. CONSTANTINE HIGHMARK BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF DELAWARE

CHARLIE COPELAND ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, INC.

E. ANDREW DISABATINO EDIS COMPANY

ORLANDO J. GEORGE, JR. DELAWARE TECHNICAL & COMMUNITY COLLEGE

MARTHA S. GILMAN GILMAN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

ROBERT V.A. HARRA, JR. WILMINGTON TRUST CO./M&T BANK

JOHN E. HEALY III HEALY LONG & JEVIN, INC.

MICHAEL HOUGHTON MORRIS, NICHOLS, ARSHT & TUNNELL, LLP

TYRONE JONES ASTRAZENECA PHARMACEUTICALS

CHRISTOPHER L. KENNY SHOPRITES OF DELAWARE

BERNHARD M. KOCH AAA MID-ATLANTIC

RICHARD H. LAPENTA INSURANCE & FINANCIAL SERVICES, LTD.

ROBERT J. LASKOWSKI CHRISTIANA CARE HEALTH SYSTEMS

RENEE LEWANDOWSKI AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES

MICHAEL MACFARLAND TD BANK

CATHY MACFARLANE ING DIRECT

SCOTT MALFITANO CORPORATION SERVICE COMPANY (CSC)

NICHOLAS MARSINI PNC BANK DELAWARE

JOHN MCCARTHY ASTRAZENECA PHARMACEUTICALS

PAUL M. MCCONNELL MCCONNELL DEVELOPMENT, INC.

CHAD MOORE THE BELLMOOR

BRET MORRIS A.R. MORRIS JEWELERS

THEODORE J. PRUSHINSKI CITIZENS BANK

MICHAEL RATCHFORD W.L. GORE & ASSOCIATES, INC.

JOHN S. RILEY ASHLAND, INC.

W. LAIRD STABLER, III LAIRD STABLER & ASSOCIATES

GARY R. STOCKBRIDGE DELMARVA POWER

CLINTON WALKER BARCLAYCARD US

WILLIAM S. WALLACE JPMORGAN CHASE

ROBERT W. WHETZEL RICHARDS, LAYTON & FINGER

KATIE WILKINSON FULTON BANK

HARRY L. WILLIAMS DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY

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Message from the Vice President

BY RICH HEFFRON

WE AT THE DELAWARE STATE CHAMBER of Commerce are among the first to see movement in our economy. Comments from members, sponsor levels, member renewals and request for membership, when combined with media reports, are all indications of where the state economy is heading. Last spring it seemed that a slow economic turnaround had begun to pick up speed, but as the year progressed it returned to a more deliberate pace. Now here we are at the beginning of 2013, still searching for better ways to stimulate Delaware’s economic growth curve.

Past efforts are showing success, with the near completion of the Amazon distribution center in Smyrna, Bloom Energy’s groundbreaking on University of Delaware land in Newark, Christiana Care’s expansion of the Wilmington Hospital, the new Calpine natural gasfueled energy plant in Dover, a planned partnership to expand the Port of Wilmington on to the Delaware River, and many more contributing success stories in 2012.

Risk Control

Captives

Workers Compensation

Job creation is the number one goal for the DSCC and its members.

We will be working with Governor Jack Markell, the General Assembly and local government officials to accomplish this goal.

The Delaware electorate returned all of our statewide officials to their positions in Dover and Washington, D.C. by healthy margins.

In General Assembly races, the Democrats picked up one seat in the House while the Republicans added a seat in the Senate. There will be new leadership in both houses. The state’s largest county witnessed the return of New Castle County Executive Tom Gordon after eight years out of office, and the state’s largest city will have a new mayor for the first time in 12 years with the swearing in of former State House member Dennis P. Williams.

Our congressional delegation—U.S. senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons and Congressman John Carney—are acknowledged locally and nationally for their work toward consensus in addressing the national debt situation.

In Dover last year the State Chamber was active in opposing an increase in the minimum wage at a time small businesses were facing an uncertain future. We also worked to revise the way escheat monies are collected, to remove the sunsets on positive changes in the public education unit-count process, to authorize Teach for America program, and to update the workers’ compensation payment process for hospitals and surgery centers.

Furthermore, the Chamber supported the Governor’s executive order requiring state agencies to review regulations on a regular basis to determine if they are out of date, unnecessary or overly burdensome to business. We have urged and will continue to urge our members to cooperate in this effort by notifying the governor’s office of any regulations they feel fall within these categories.

Please find on page 39 pictures from the great events we held this year. These events help publicize the Chamber’s efforts to improve Delaware’s business climate and allow our members to showcase what they are contributing to our economy.

It is most important that our members participate in their Chamber of Commerce. Please: join a committee, attend and sponsor an event (or events). And when you have a question, comment or problem, contact us so we can help you grow your business.

lyonsinsurance.com Wilmington 302.658.5508

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Rehoboth 302.227.7100

May/June 2012

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2012 MARVIN S. GILMAN

SUPERSTARS IN BUSINESS AWARDS

Small Business, Great Big Event

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

BRONZE

Bank of America M&T Bank

ab+c Creative Intelligence Back to Basics Learning Dynamics Inc. Delaware Community Foundation Diamond Technologies, Inc. DiSabatino Construction Company Environmental Alliance, Inc. George J. Weiner Associates

DIAMOND

The Gilman Family GOLD

Associates International, Inc. Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, CPAs Citizens Bank Colonial Parking, Inc. Delaware Economic Development Office DuPont EBC Carpet Services Corp.

EDiS Company Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware PNC Bank TD Bank WSFS Bank

FRIEND

Community Service Building Corp.

Corexcel Professional Staffing Associates, Inc. Ronald McDonald House of Delaware ADVERTISING DESIGN

Mease Communications VIDEO PRODUCTION

Teleduction RADIO ADS, APPLICATION HOSTING

SILVER

Artesian Water Co. Artisans’ Bank Assurance Media, LLC AutoTeam Delaware Delaware City Refining Company LLC Dukart Management/McDonald’s Glenmede Gunnip & Company, CPAs MySherpa New Castle Insurance ParenteBeard LLC Vandemark & Lynch, Inc. Wheeler, Wolfenden & Dwares CPAs

DELAWARE BUSINESS

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Delmarva Broadcasting Company AWARDS

A.R. Morris GIFTS

Delmarva Broadcasting Company Healy Long & Jevin PRINT/ONLINE MEDIA

Delaware Today SIGNAGE

Parcels, Inc

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DELAWARE BUSINESS 2013 EDITORIAL CALENDAR*

S P R EC E IA P O L R A T N IS NU S U AL E

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 2013 editorial calendar, including special

the chamber works for you!

2011 Annual Report Edition

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 16, 2012 March/April Guide to Real Estate & Construction Guide to Health Care & Insurance Guide to Taxes Space reservation: January 18, 2013 May/June Superstars in Education Guide Guide to Education Guide to Legal Services and Government Affairs Guide to Wellness & Health Space reservation: March 8, 2013

Delaware Business magazine covered a variety of topics— from education to fitness to restaurants—in 2012. Above, the covers of 2012.

July/August Restaurant, Meeting & Banquet Guide Guide to Higher Learning Insurance & Financial Services Space reservation: May 14, 2013 September/October Guide to Health + Fitness Back to School Guide Manufacturing Guide Space reservation: July 12, 2013 November/December Superstars in Business Guide Guide to Construction & Real Estate Guide to Technology & Innovation Guide to Banking **Marvel Cup call for nominations** Space reservation: September 13, 2013 DELAWARE BUSINESS

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* 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.

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Message from the Chairman DSCC, elected officials continue to fight for jobs in 2012 BY WILLIAM R. ALLAN WE HAVE JUST FINISHED a long, expensive election season. And after all the debates, primaries, more debates, campaign fundraisers, political ads and polls, we saw the voters re-elect President Barack Obama, keep the Republican majority in the House of Representatives and the Democratic majority in the Senate. Now, the president and Congress are facing some very tough decisions which will need to be addressed as quickly as possible.

Economists fear that raising taxes will put the U.S. economy back into a recession. Others are reluctant to cut entitlement programs while unemployment rates continue to be stubbornly high. But something must be done to get the nation’s runaway deficit under control. Officially, the recession, which began in December 2007, ended in June 2009. However, the recovery continues to be very, very slow.

Businesses crave certainty, so we encourage lawmakers to address the long-term issues facing the economy without stifling the growth we need to get this country back to work.

Here in Delaware, we re-elected Governor Jack Markell, Lieutenant Governor Matt Denn, Senator Tom Carper and Congressman John Carney.

We congratulate these men and look forward to working with them as they continue to focus on getting Delaware’s economy growing at a faster rate. Our unemployment rate, while about a percentage point below the national average, is far from the level we need for full employment.

In Dover, the Democrats continue to control both houses of the 147th General Assembly, but both chambers will have new leaders. This will create a whole new dynamic as the governor, the new Speaker of the House Pete Schwartzkopf, the new Senate President Pro Tem Patricia Blevins and the rest of the legislators work to deliver a budget by the end of June.

In New Castle County, County Executive Tom Gordon and Wilmington Mayor Dennis Williams have said they will be working together on the issues facing local government—especially the level of violent crime. This is extremely important to businesses looking to locate and expand in the area.

On the jobs front, several companies announced they will move to or expand their operations in Delaware. Capitol One 360 completed its acquisition of ING Direct and said it will create more than 500 jobs in Wilmington.

Citi Cards brought 260 jobs to the Brandywine Building in Wilmington.

Bloom Energy broke ground on a new Bloom Energy Manufacturing Center in Newark on the University of Delaware’s Science, Technology and Advanced Research (STAR) Campus. The Bloom Energy Manufacturing Center is expected to bring hundreds of 21st century manufacturing jobs to the region. Amazon.com, Inc. plans to invest $90 million to open a new 1 million-square-foot fulfillment center in Middletown. Hawker Beechcraft Global Customer Support opened its newest factory-owned aircraft maintenance facility at the New Castle County Airport.

The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce appreciates all the hard work Gov. Markell and Secretary of Economic Development Alan Levin put into bringing jobs to the State. The key to economic recovery is job creation.

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As always, the DSCC made its members’ voices heard at Legislative Hall in Dover. This summer, it passed bills that will. Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Rich Heffron has the details on page 11.

This year, the Chamber honored seven Superstars in Education and four Superstars in Business. More than 100 of the state’s business leaders became Principal-for-a-day, and got a firsthand look at the reforms the Chamber is advocating for in our public schools. Education, clearly, is still at the core of everything we do. Businesses need to stay intimately connected with education reform in order to shape future generations of leaders.

This month, Dr. William Winkenwerder, Jr., chairman of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, spoke at our Annual Dinner about the Affordable Care Act and the recently completed merger between Highmark and BCBS of Delaware. Health care costs will continue to be a very large expense for businesses as we work to “bend the cost curve” There is much that remains to be done. With the election behind us, the Chamber will be working with its members, and government officials to make Delaware an even better place to locate and grow businesses. Q

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Working well together.

HIGHMARKBCBSDE.COM Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

DELAWARE BUSINESS

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PHOTO BY DICK DUBROFF/FINAL FOCUS

2012 Legislative Wrap-up

BY RICH HEFFRON

IN THE SPRING, the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council projected just a small budgetary increase in 2012, prompting the General Assembly to pass a $3.9 billion Fiscal Year 2013 operating budget. The problem that they now face is a revenue drop of about $60 million in FY 14 and another $100 million in FY 15. With caution in mind, this legislative year actually turned out to be a rather routine session.

This year the General Assembly fulfilled last year’s promise to end its traditional last-minute budget battle by having the spending bills available for review several days before the June 30 deadline. Once again the Joint Finance and Bond committees made their decisions in open session, establishing a new tradition.

Several legislators commented that these open sessions actually made the process much less tiresome and more enjoyable.

Now, the public can truly understand how tedious the process of allocating the state’s money can be. As is usually the case, the administration was successful generating support for most of its key proposals. Investment in economic development continues to DELAWARE BUSINESS

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be a major factor in budgeting dollars, as is education, and infrastructure financing.

Beginning with the final terms of now-retired Speaker of the House Bob Gilligan and Senate President Pro Tempore Tony Deluca, most of the controversial legislation was addressed early in the session, thus avoiding of the late session contention of earlier years. All these factors contributed to a generally quiet legislative session for the business community.

Taxes & Spending Legislators fear for a potential revenue loss down the line, so very little was done with tax or fee bills this session. The General Assembly did adopt (and Governor Jack Markell signed) HB 251 (Longhurst D–Dist. 15) that eliminated the $100,000 license fee paid by firms engaging in oil lightering operations in the Delaware Bay. The abandoned property statute was amended under SB 258 (DeLuca D-11th Dist). This creates an additional incentive for 11

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2012 Legislative Wrap-up

holders of abandoned property to report such property to the state and promptly resolve claims in a process that would limit the reporting of abandoned property to 1996 or 1993, rather than the current obligation of holders to report abandoned property back to 1981.

Education Last year the General Assembly passed (and Gov. Markell signed) SB 16 (Sokola D-8th Dist), allowing school districts to base hiring and spending decisions on an estimated unit count each March, rather than the previously required September date.

There was a sunset attached to this bill, and this session Senator David Sokola sponsored and the governor signed SB 164, which eliminates this provision. Retiring Rep. Terri Schooley (D -23rd Dist.) sponsored HB 239/HA1 which repeals the April 2012 sunset provision attached to the statute authorizing it as a route to teacher licensure and certification.

Negotiations related to an update of the charter school statute continued without a final agreement. This year, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce will continue to express its support for comprehensive revision of the state’s charter school law.

Economic Development With Bloom Energy breaking ground for its east coast plant at the former Chrysler site in Newark, Amazon constructing a facility in Middletown, and various other projects such as the rejuvenation of the Delaware City Refinery and Calpine’s plan to build a natural gas-fueled generating plant in Dover, the Delaware Economic Development Office’s efforts continue to provide opportunities. The General Assembly approved $30 million for the Strategic Fund and an additional $6 million for specific projects in the Bond Bill to fuel further job creation efforts.

Labor When the updated workers’ compensation statute was made law six years ago, the General Assembly promised to make improvements to Delaware’s workers’ compensation system. They have. In order to facilitate and hospital and surgery center compliance held within the workers’ compensation statute, the General Assembly passed SB 238 (Deluca D-11th Dist). This bill establishes a formula for calculating payment schedules that add clarity and equity to the process.

Land Use In order to allow counties a more reasonable timeframe to establish their comprehensive plans, SB 138 (Venables D- 21st Dist.) was passed and signed to bump the maximum time between updates from five year to 10 years. This legislation does not prohibit counties from doing more frequent updates if they wish.

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The end of the session saw some familiar faces leave Legislative Hall for the final time as elected officials. Rep. Gilligan retired after 40 years of service, the last four as Speaker of the House.

Senate President Pro Tempore Tony DeLuca will not return after 14 years, eight in leadership. Others leaving after years of service include: Sen. Dori Connor, Sen. Liane Sorenson, Rep. Biff Lee, Rep. Nick Manolakos, Rep. Brad Bennett, Rep. Terri Schooley, and Rep. Dennis P. Williams. Sen. Michael Katz and Rep. Lincoln Willis will not return after serving one term each. We appreciate the time all of these General Assembly members dedicated to the citizens of Delaware.

TOTAL STATE SPENDING FY ‘12 Allocation Bond Bill

$429,271 million1

Grants-in-Aid

$41.2 million

Operating Budget

$3.9 Billion2

Transportation Trust Fund

$173,271 million

TOTAL

$ 4.4 Billion

(1.) Includes the Transportation Trust Fund, and (2.) federal passthrough funds

T OT AL S T AT E S P E NDING Trans portation Trus t F und 2% Twenty-F irs t C entury F und 0%

Operating B udget 92%

B ond B ill 5% G rants -in-Aid 1%

Final Thoughts Legislation is a product of a desire to make the state a better place for all of its citizens, and compromise between those who might have a different idea of what defines better. This past session was a successful one for the Delaware business community and the residents of the state. The upcoming session will present more opportunities and challenges as we face an economic growth pattern that is not as robust as was expected to be last spring. Q Januar y/Febr uar y 2013

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Experience Us !"

Bankruptcy & Corporate Restructuring Business Planning & Transactions Commercial Litigation Commercial Real Estate, Banking & Land Use Corporate Counseling & Litigation Education Law

Employment Law Environmental Law Intellectual Property Litigation Non-Compete & Unfair Competition Personal Injury & Workers’ Compensation Tax, Trusts, & Estates Trade Secret Counseling & Litigation

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Member

news&Notes Arthur J. Turner Jr. Scholarship Foundation

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

BY ROSE SUMMERS

ii

Arthur J. Turner Jr. died at the age of 17 afflicted with Osteogenic Sarcoma—a malignant bone tumor that develops during adolescence.

A star at his Brandywine High School in both academics and athletics, Arthur held strong aspirations to continue his education and become a resource to his community.

Years after his passing, the Arthur J. Turner Jr. Scholarship Foundation has become the fulfillment of these dreams.

Arthur’s parents—Darlene and Arthur Sr. — strive to honor their son’s memory by providing disadvantaged youth with educational opportunities and to promote healthy lifestyles in their community.

The Turner family initially created a fund in 1992 to receive and disseminate scholarship donations. Each scholarship provides a low-income youth who

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has been accepted into a four year college with $500. Their fund grew rapidly and became a nonprofit organization in December 2009. With growing access to resources, the Foundation is looking to raise the scholarship amounts to $750 for scholarship recipients—whose numbers change from year to year. Since its inception, the foundation has distributed over $13,000 in scholarship funds.

Due to its strong community ties, the foundation also engages in a grassroots project to foster the education of children in the community. Events and fundraisers like spelling bees, educational workshops, and gala celebrations keep the foundation growing strong, and allow its leaders to promote their core values of academics and athletics. Now, with their fourth spelling bee approaching, participation has increased from one to eight schools.

PHOTO BY NICK WALLACE

In keeping with their healthy lifestyle approach, the organization hosts an annual 5K Walk/Run is held for Delaware’s local runners, community youth, small businesses, and corporations.

The Turners work tirelessly to promote the success of the community’s youth.

“We have to help our children,” says Darlene Turner, founder and executive director. She considers the community to be her family, and she and her husband “know what family means.”

Ultimately, the Turners hope to increase their educational support throughout all of New Castle County, because “kids need that support, some need it more than others,” Darlene says.

The Arthur J. Turner Jr. Scholarship Foundation is there for those others, and they have become part of the larger Turner family.

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Member

news&Notes BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

The Melting Pot

BY ROSE SUMMERS

ii

A night out at your favorite restaurant can be enjoyable, but it can also become an expected and predictable experience when it comes to special occasions. On Valentine’s Day, why go predictable, when you can go exciting?

The Melting Pot, a boutique chain of fondue restaurants, is ready and willing to provide V-Day atmosphere, relaxation, delicious food and great drinks.

Each year on February 14, the restaurant goes all out. After all, what could be more romantic than sharing a bubbling cauldron of dark chocolate together?

“The Melting Pot is a little bit different than most restaurants,” says Jeffrey Nichols, who owns Melting Pot Wilmington. Private booths help create an aura of privacy, and the mood around the room during Valentine’s Day—accentuated with flowers, hearts, balloons, photo booths and more—drive home the romantic atmosphere.

The restaurant finds itself completely booked ahead of time for Valentine’s Day, Nichols says. This year, the restaurant will extend its three special meal packages—Romeo, Juliet, and Cupid—through the entire holiday weekend, February 14-16. So snag a reservation early to ensure a delicious and enchanting rendezvous. “It’s about showing another person that you care,” Nichols says.

The first Melting Pot opened in 1975 in Florida, and has grown to 140 locations today. The franchise first came to Wilmington in 1994 as part of the Independence Mall, and has become a local Valentine’s Day tradition ever since.

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The franchise first came to Wilmington in 1994 as part of the Independence Mall, and has become a local Valentine’s Day tradition ever since.

The Melting Pot also offers patrons special occasions like Ladies Nights, which appeals to its largest customer base—females. In addition, the restaurant hosts customer appreciation week in April for customers who are part of Club Fondue or who follow the Melting Pot Facebook page.

Truly, there is something about fondue that brings people together. Instead of dining as a solo endeavor, friends, family and loved ones are invited to share and work together to enjoy a meal. All of this interactivity fosters conversation and closeness. Says Nichols: “Most people who don’t like it have probably never tried it.”

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Member

news&Notes Big Man on Campus Q&A WITH DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY’S DR. HARRY L. WILLIAMS

BY ELLE BORNEMANN

ii

North Carolina born and bred, Dr. Harry L Williams finished 2012—his third year serving as the 10th president of Delaware State University—in grand fashion. Under his watch, DSU ranked 13th among the nation’s 105 Historically Black Colleges and Universities in a U.S. News & World Report ranking, achieved record-breaking enrollment rates each year that extended past 4,000 in the fall 2011 semester, and broke ground on a state-of-theart Optical Science Center for Applied Research building (OSCAR).

How does a university president stay motivated and continue to drive success?

Read on.

How do you like being president so far and what do you think of Delaware?

My dream job was to be a college president, so moving from DSU’s Provost to becoming president in January 2010 has definitely been the highlight of my career. As for the transition from North Carolina to Delaware, it was one of the easiest moves my family and I ever had to make. I grew up in Greenville, North Carolina which is very similar to Dover, so it felt like I was transitioning back home. I love the “Delaware Way” in terms of how people get along with one another and how you can engage with a wide variety of people.

How did your time with the University of North Carolina and Appalachian State University prepare you for your current position?

I can’t even begin to explain how much my experience at both places has pre-

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Dr. Harry L. Williams (center, between Tavis Smiley and Dr. Cornel West) has Delaware State University moving up in the world thanks to new facilities and expanding academics.

“Five thousand students is a good mix, but we like to think more globally, reassuring everyone that we are truly unlimited in our efforts when it comes to academic outreach.” pared me for my position here at DSU. I graduated from Appalachian State where I also served in associate vice chancellor posts in the areas of academic affairs, enrollment and diversity. I then transitioned to the University of North Carolina Education System Headquarters Office located in Chapel Hill, where I oversaw at a higher level how the university’s education system ran and how university policies were implemented. Having that underneath me and then coming in

as Provost to Delaware State University allowed me to hit the ground running.

How does it feel to be president of a university that’s ranked so highly among Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the country?

It’s a fantastic accomplishment. While our goal is to ultimately become number one in the rankings, just knowing that we are moving up is a great feeling. I think a continued on 23

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| DELAWARE BUSINESS

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Making our mark.

One graduate at a time.

At Delaware State, you can choose from 82 programs.

Because no two of our students are exactly alike.

Except in the great things they go on to do.

Dover, DE | desu.edu | 800.845.2544

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Member

news&Notes Is the PEO business model it right for your business? ii GUEST COLUMN:

BY JIM FORD, INSPERITY

If you are like most small businesses in Delaware, your employees are both your greatest asset and most expensive investment. But employee administration can be confusing, complex and costly. What’s a small business to do?

One smart option is to consider outsourcing your HR tasks to a PEO. Unlike some HR outsourcing companies that provide only one or two quality services, a professional employer organization (PEO) offers a more comprehensive approach to helping you manage your business’s human resources responsibilities. For the right business, a PEO allows you to transfer the majority of your business’ cumbersome and time-consuming HR tasks to a dedicated team of HR specialists who are available to provide immediate guidance and recommendations for your specific needs.

Here are five advantages of working with a PEO:

1. Alleviate Administrative Overload A reputable PEO offers a variety of professional HR and business services.

Typically, when you join a PEO, it’s an opportunity for you to outsource the bulk of your responsibilities, including: employment administration, employee benefits, government compliance management, workers’ compensation, payroll and payroll tax administration, recruiting and hiring, policies and best practices, training and development and performance management.

2. Attract and Retain Quality employees According to Milan Yager, president of the National Association of Professional

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Employment Organizations, or NAPEO, “Most small businesses don’t offer full benefits due to the cost and only about 20 percent of small businesses offer a 401(k) package.”

Without competitive and affordable benefits, businesses risk having talented employment candidates and current high performing employees choose employment from competitors and other companies, which kills a business. With a PEO, small businesses are able to offer their employees reasonably priced benefits, such as 401(k) plans and medical coverage, and can, in turn, attract skilled workers and reduce costly turnover.

3. Ensure Regulatory Compliance When it comes to HR, the government has a slew of rules and regulations by which you must abide. But exactly what those are and how they affect your business is not always clear. Many PEOs will guide you, step-by-step, through the often cumbersome process of ensuring your business complies with the myriad of both federal and state-specific employment laws.

4. Reduce Employer Liability One employee lawsuit could jeopardize the very existence of your business. But as a PEO client, the PEO assumes or shares your employer-related liabilities, taking on the risk of employment-related legal issues, thereby reducing the risk to your business.

5. Leverage “Big Company” Buying Power When you enter into a relationship with

a PEO, not only do you get to hand off the administrative responsibilities of HR, your company gets the leverage and buying power of the much larger PEO. This means you can obtain the same benefits and low premiums as many large companies.

The takeaway: One proven way for small businesses in Delaware and across the country to survive and thrive in 2013 and beyond is to prudently invest in their business by committing to focus the entire organization’s energy and time on revenue generating and customer facing activities while outsourcing the complex and costly requirements associated with having employees. If HR duties are keeping you from being more competitive, a PEO that takes these responsibilities off your plate may be your best solution.

Jim Ford has been working in the small business community for 22 years.

Currently, Jim is a Certified Business Performance Advisor with Insperity. Jim leverages his broad business experience and Human Capital expertise to help small to medium-sized businesses implement people strategies and solutions that grow revenue, increase profits, reduce operating costs and develop loyal customers. Jim can be reached at jim.ford@insperity.com.

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| DELAWARE BUSINESS

1/14/13 11:09 AM

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We’re Bank of America Small Business Bankers, and we’re dedicated to finding the best solutions to help your business meet its objectives now and into the future, from checking to merchant services, from credit to cash management. All with the convenience you expect from Bank of America.

To learn more, contact Jim Schofield at or visit EDQNRIDPHULFD FRP VPDOOEXVLQHVVEDQNHU.

For information on fees and other costs related to business checking and payroll services, please visit bankofamerica.com/smallbusiness.

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Š 2012 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

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WELCOME New Members BERNARD PERSONNEL

furniture and working environment to fit

Mr. Barney Bernard 5187 Woodmill Drive, Suite #1 Wilmington, DE 19808 Phone: (302) 999-7213 Fax: (302) 999-8323 www.bernardstaff.com

their budget—from the lunchroom to the

Bernard Personnel is a full-service staffing firm dedicated to providing temporary and permanent staffing solutions to its clients, as it has since 1964.

boardroom, the cubicle’s fabric to the CEO’s desk.

DELAWARE SAFETY COUNCIL, INC. Mr. David E Skupien 2 Read’s Way, Suite 205 New Caslte, DE 19720 Phone: (302) 276-0660 Fax: (302) 276-0655 www.delawaresafetycouncil.org

JOB CORPS ADMISSIONS AND CAREER TRANSITIONS Ms. Jhmira Alexander 9 Vandever Ave. Wilmington, DE 19802 Phone: (302) 230-2538 Fax: (302) 575-1865 www.jobcorps.gov Job Corps is a free education and training program that helps young people learn a career, earn a high school diploma or GED, and find and keep a good job. For eligible

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in the workplace, in the home, on the high-

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way, and in the community

career and in life.

DENTAL ASSOCIATES OF DELAWARE HOCKESSIN OFFICE

ROBERT KONZA, PERSONAL TRAINER

Brownstone Financial Services Group, LLC is a full-service accounting and financial consulting firm providing sophisticated

Mr. Edward Gabriel 500 Lantana Drive, Lantana Square Hockessin, DE 19707 www.delawaresmiles.com

financial expertise and support to midmarket companies.

DENTAL ASSOCIATES OF DELAWARE MIDDLETOWN OFFICE

CAPITOL OFFICE INC.

106 St. Anne’s Church Road Middletown, DE 19709 www.delawaresmiles.com

Mr. Neal Sherr 1521 Concord Pike, Suite 301 Wilmington, DE 19803 Phone: (302) 352-9988 Fax: (302) 295-0011 www.capitoloffice.us Capitol Office Inc. endeavors to supply

Mr. Robert J. Konza 14 West Dale Road Wilmington, DE 19810

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Dental Associates of Delaware is a group

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its clients with the best possible office

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| DELAWARE BUSINESS

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Q&A continued from 18 major game-changer for us was when we went to the Delaware General Assembly and asked them to establish a deal where Delaware students would benefit from a scholarship support system. Governor Markell signed for it and we are looking to our Inspire Scholarship Program to really lead the way in moving us up the rankings.

What major expansions and accomplishments lie ahead in DSU’s future?

and re-engineer functional teams within

OVERNIGHT SYSTEMS, INC.

supply chain.

Mr. Aron Smith 4664 Norwood Drive Wilmington, DE 19803 Phone: (302) 220-0581 www.ovsys.com

CLARK C. KINGERY, P.A. Mr. Clark Kingery, Esq. 203 W. 18th St. Wilmington, DE 19802 Phone: (302) 428-1915 Fax: (302) 656-6924 www.KingeryLaw.com Kingery Law is a debt collection law firm representing creditors throughout Delaware since 1995. Its experienced staff

SHOPRITE OF CHRISTINA CROSSING Mr. Chris Kenny 501 South Walnut Street Wilmington, DE 19801 Phone: (302) 225-6900 www.shoprite.com

excels at skip tracing, litigation, wage attachment, and sheriff sales. Its clients

SHOPRITE OF GOVERNOR’S SQUARE

are small businesses, credit unions, and

1101 Governor’s Place Bear, DE 19701 Phone: (302) 392-2900 Fax: (302) 392-2901 www.shoprite.com

individual creditors who seek effective legal services at reasonable rates.

NASON CONSTRUCTION, INC. Ms. Allie Foy 2000 Foulk Road, Suite F Wilmington, DE 19810 Phone: (302) 529-2800 Fax: (302) 529-2808 www.nasonconstruction.com

ShopRite has grown into the largest retailer-

Nason Construction provides general con-

Today, Wakefern and ShopRite together

struction, contractor construction manage-

employ more than 50,000 people through-

ment, design, build and general contracting

out New Jersey, New York, Connecticut,

services.

Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland.

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owned cooperative in the United States and the largest employer in New Jersey.

The cooperative is comprised of 45 members who individually own and operate supermarkets under the ShopRite banner.

We are looking to expand our already outstanding Neuroscience and Optics Program with the addition of the Optical Science Center for Applied Research (OSCAR) Building. The center will provide students and researchers with state-of-the-art facilities that will allow them to make groundbreaking research and discoveries in science. We also believe this addition will help us to one day be the top historically black university in the nation. But to get a further glimpse of our academic expansion “master plan” you need to look at our methods for outreach beyond Delaware borders.

Five thousand students is a good mix, but when it comes to external thinking, we like to think more globally like China, South America, Asia, etc., reassuring everyone that we are truly unlimited in our efforts when it comes to academic outreach.

What do you like to do for fun or to keep you motivated?

Well, I run a lot. I began running track in 8th grade and ran all throughout high school and college. I get up as early as 5 a.m. every morning and go for a run around campus for a distance that accumulates to about four miles every day. It’s a nice way to keep my head clear and keep myself focused. I like to keep myself moving forward and I encourage students at DSU to find ways to keep themselves motivated and moving forward just as we are.

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1.

1. Rich Heffron and Martha Gilman pose with Fred Sears, recipient of the 2012 Marvin S. Gilman Bowl, at the Superstars in Business Awards Luncheon held November 14 at the Hotel du Pont in Wilmington. Photo

by Dick Dubroff/Final Focus Photography.

State Chamber SCENE 2.

2. Small Business Alliance cochairs Chip Rankin and Pam Cornforth at the Superstars in Business Awards Luncheon held November 14 at the Hotel du Pont in Wilmington. Photo

by Dick Dubroff/Final Focus Photography.

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| DELAWARE BUSINESS

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3.

3. More than 300 attendees joined the DSCC in congratulating the 2012 Superstars in Business November 14 at the Hotel du Pont in Wilmington.

Photo by Dick Dubroff/Final Focus Photography.

4. Keynote speaker Dan Butler traced the roots of his restaurant empire during the 2012 Superstars in Business Awards Luncheon November 14 at the Hotel du Pont in Wilmington.

Photo by Dick Dubroff/Final Focus Photography.

4.

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State Chamber SCENE 5.

5. Randy Glick, Rich Heffron

6.

and Mike Vanderslice take a break in conversation during the December 4 Holiday Breakfast at The Microsoft Store.

6. Eric Harris of Sojourner’s Place addresses the crowd during the December 4 Holiday Breakfast at The Microsoft Store.

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TD Bank, N.A. | Equal Housing Lender | Loans subject to credit approval. Other terms and conditions may apply. Some fees and restrictions may apply. Some credit restrictions may apply.

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State Chamber SCENE 7. The Kennedy Caucus Room

7.

was packed for the Second Annual Taste of Delaware on December 6 in Washington, D.C. Photo by Brian Mulligan.

8. U.S. Senator Chris Coons and Elizabeth Stangl, Delaware’s Apple Queen, pose by the T.S. Smith & Sons booth during the Second Annual Taste of Delaware on December 6 in Washington, D.C. Photo by Brian Mulligan.

8.

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| DELAWARE BUSINESS

1/14/13 11:09 AM

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YOU CAN EXPECT EXCELLENCE FROM US. BEEBE MEDICAL CENTER ACHIEVES MULTIPLE HEALTHGRADES ® AWARDS CARDIAC

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Overall Orthopedic Services, Joint

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VASCULAR Ranked #1 in Delaware for Vascular Surgery

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Visit our website to learn more about our award winning services. beebemed.org

Lewes, Del. beebemed.org

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State Chamber SCENE 9. The students of the

9.

Delcastle Technical High School culinary program were special on-hand helpers during the Second Annual Taste of Delaware on December 6 in Washington, D.C. Photo by Brian Mulligan.

10. Eric and Sasha Aber (with Sequoia and Lucian), owners of Home Grown CafĂŠ in Newark, pose during the Second Annual Taste of Delaware on December 6 in Washington, D.C. Photo by Brian Mulligan.

10.

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| DELAWARE BUSINESS

1/14/13 11:09 AM

What can a pharmaceutical company do to help people afford their medicines?

What are the AstraZeneca AZ&Me Prescription Savings Programs?

Programs that provide AstraZeneca medicines at no cost to qualifying people with no prescription drug coverage or Medicare Part D enrollees who experience difficulty affording them.

Who is AstraZeneca?

AstraZeneca is a pharmaceutical company that makes brand-name prescription medicines and has offered prescription savings programs for over 30 years.

The AZ&Me Prescription Savings Programs have over 20 AstraZeneca medicines available in the program. To learn more about the program or see a complete list of available medicines, please scan the tag below or visit www.azandme.com.

Call. Ask. Enroll.

1-800-AZandMe (1-800-292-6363) or AZandMe.com Full Prescribing Information is available at www.astrazeneca-us.com, or by calling AstraZeneca at 1-800-236-9933.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Prescription Savings Programs AZ&ME is a trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies. Š2012 AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP. All rights reserved. 2184301 11/12

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State Chamber SCENE 11. Bob and Billy Rawstrom

11.

of Maiale Deli and Salumeria during the Second Annual Taste of Delaware on December 6 in Washington, D.C. Photo by Brian Mulligan.

12. Elizabeth Nolan, Maggie Corrigan and Leigh Corrigan of Waggies by Maggie during the Second Annual Taste of Delaware on December 6 in Washington, D.C. Photo

by Brian Mulligan.

12.

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13. Michelle Cross, Sandra

13.

Massa and Emilie Ninan pose during a Women in Business Forum at Pro Kitchen Gear on December 11. Photo by Brian Mulligan.

14. Chef Jennifer Behm, winner of Fox’s “MasterChef” Season 1, was a guest speaker for a Women in Business Forum at Pro Kitchen Gear on December 11. Photo by Brian Mulligan.

14.

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State Chamber SCENE 15.

15. University of Delaware’s Jennifer “JJ” Davis was keynote speaker at a December 13 Leadership Breakfast at University & Whist Club in Wilmington. Photo by Brian Mulligan.

16. Lisa Brubaker, Jennifer “JJ” Davis, Beth Allen and Cindy Crompton Barone pose by the Christmas Tree after a December 13 Leadership Breakfast at University & Whist Club in Wilmington. Photo by Brian Mulligan.

16.

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| DELAWARE BUSINESS

1/14/13 11:09 AM

THE DELAWARE STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE THANKS ALL OF THE SPONSORS FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THE

176TH ANNUAL DINNER PRESENTING:

ADVOCATE:

SUPPORTER:

RECEPTION:

LEADERSHIP

AMBASSADORS:

& THE KENNY FAMILY FOUNDATION

INVITATION AND PROGRAM:

WORKSHOP PRESENTED BY: DELAWARE BUSINESS

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Sponsors as of 01/05/13

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Economic Development

New Small Business Popping Up Everywhere

BY ALAN LEVIN, SECRETARY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

RATHER THAN MEASURE

our 2012 success by large business acquisitions, I would like to take this opportunity to focus on those businesses that are key to Delaware’s future economic success, the businesses producing the most results: the Small Business. After all, when the Small Business Administration (SBA) reports that more than 90 percent of all Delaware employers are small businesses, it’s time to stand up and take notice.

It has been a stellar year for the entrepreneur in Delaware with numerous business owners opening their doors either for the first time or after an expansion. And DEDO has been there to support many of them with our specialty loan programs and services tailor-made for the entrepreneur.

Some of these new businesses include an inventory tracking manufacturer, a German bakery and an independent book store, just to name a few. They all braved these difficult economic times to open or expand their business in 2012, and I’m proud to say that they are all still going strong.

A truly unique initiative emerged this year that maximized our resources to promote small businesses and the communities they serve. Downtown Delaware, a program of the Delaware Economic Development Office launched the Project Pop-Up (dedo.delaware.gov/popup) program in

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September. Supported by funds from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), this program is designed to stimulate entrepreneurial activity and reduce downtown vacancies. Downtown Delaware’s Project Pop-Up provides Delaware entrepreneurs the opportunity to be “open for business” in select downtowns by giving them retail space, rent-free, in four designated Main Street communities (Dover, Middletown, Milford, Wilmington). Business owners can test their start-ups for three months during the 2012 holiday season and receive one-on-one guidance from a business development expert, free of charge.

Governor Jack Markell joined me on November 13th for the grand opening of a new Pop-Up store, YoYo Joe’s at 711 N. Market Street in Wilmington.

The toy store has a focus on educational, safe and really fun toys, unlike any around Wilmington. Market Street hasn’t seen a toy store in years, so Joe Mitchell’s store, YoYo Joe’s truly fills a gap in the local community.

Next, DEDO celebrated with Jennifer White of Little Posies Photography on November 15th as she cut the ribbon to her Pop-Up store located at 131 NW Front Street in Milford. Jenn specializes in creating unique, memorable photography of all kinds including wedding, maternity, newborn, family and pet photos.

Janu ar y/Febr u ar y 2013

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On November 16th, DEDO headed to 49 W Main Street in Middletown to help Amber Shader open the doors of her Pop-Up store, First & Little (Featuring Photography by Amber Shader). This children’s boutique, adjacent to the Everett Theatre, also offers specialty keepsake photography.

An additional business signed a lease for the Dover location late in the season but and is expected to be open for business in mid-January.

DEDO anticipated success from Project Pop-Up for the business owners, property owners and communities in which they serve. By concentrating our efforts on the Main Street areas, a Pop-Up store reduces vacant properties in otherwise neglected areas, brings needed retail services to the community and compliments adjacent businesses which increases foot traffic for all.

Another project goal is to see these businesses keep their doors open past the holiday season. It appears that goal has been met, even exceeded! Small business owner Jenn White of Little Posies Photography in Milford signed a one-year lease prior to her Grand Opening, and long term leases are very likely with two additional businesses. We also found that many entrepreneurs and small business owners are now interested in applying for the 2013 holiday season, and additional property owners have offered a similar incentive (three months free rent) to qualified applicants.

DEDO is dedicated to assisting the entrepreneur and small business owner. We are here to help from that first idea right through to the ribbon cutting! But we couldn’t do our work without the constant support and leadership of Governor Jack Markell who continues to believe in Delaware’s small businesses.

The Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses of today will keep Delaware moving forward. DEDO’s continued efforts, support and vision will produce successful results, future opportunities and enable us all to keep the economy alive. Q

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| DELAWARE BUSINESS

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A YEAR IN PHOTOS

Robert Rider, with wife Barbara, was honored with

Roy Roper, president and CEO

the 2012 Josiah Marvel Cup at

of Blood Bank of Delmarva,

the Chamber’s Annual Dinner

chats with DSCC’s own

on January 9. Photo by Dick

Chuck James at a February

Dubroff/Fianl Focus

networking breakfast.

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2012: A Year in Photos

On March 13, the Young It was Short v. Short at a

Executives Committee wel-

March Legislative Forum with

comed Geoff Sawyer, Deputy

Rep. Bryon Short and Rep.

Chief of Staff to Gov. Jack

Dan Short. Photo by Coleen

Markell, to the University &

Heaver

Whist Club in Wilmington.

Breakfast is served at Delcastle Technical High School during a march networking breakfast. Photo by Coleen Heaver.

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Robert Johnston of Dale Carnegie Training of Delaware, presented a Small Business Alliance Workshop on profitable networking in mid-March.

Photo by Nick Wallace.

“Made in Delaware� was the theme of the March 22 Legislative Brunch and Manufacturing Conference at the Dover Sheraton.

Later in the day, Gov. Markell himself took to the podium to address the importance of manufacturing in the First State.

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2012: A Year in Photos

DSCC Networking Breakfast attendees got a chance to lace up inside the Wilmington Blue Rocks locker room during an April mixer. Photo by Coleen Heaver.

DELDOT Secretary Shailen Bhatt took center stage at a March 27 meeting of the DSCC Transportation Committee. Photo by Nick Wallace.

At an especially artful Evening Mixer in April, Danielle Rice and the Delaware Art Museum played host to the DSCC. Photo by Coleen Heaver.

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We proudly support…

©2012 AAA Mid-Atlantic

…the vital role you play in sustaining our evolving business community.

AAA. Use it for all it’s worth.®

DELAWARE BUSINESS

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2012: A Year in Photos

U.S. Senator Tom Carper addressed the audience at the 2012 Superstars in Education awards dinner, held at the Chase Center on May 7. Photo by Eric Crossan

Mark Stellini of Assurance Media and Widener Dean Linda Ammons pose while awaiting Delaware Economic Development Office Sec. Alan Levin at an April Legislative Breakfast at the Wilmington Club. Photo by Nick Wallace.

The Young Executives Committee lent a helping hand to Habitat for Humanity during a special May outreach.

Photo by Coleen Heaver.

In one of her last public appearances as Delaware’s Secretary of Education, Lillian Lowry took part in the 2012 Superstars in Education awards dinner, held at the Chase Center on May 7.

Photo by Eric Crossan.

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Social media was topic of the morning during a May 16 Small Business Alliance Workshop. Photo by Nick Wallace.

Chuck James of the DSCC helped open a new branch for Northwest Financial in May.

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2012: A Year in Photos

Keynote speaker Carol Ammon held court at Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library on May 24 for a Leadership Breakfast. Photo

by Nick Wallace

Matt Grygiel of M&T Bank and Michele Chynoweth of Emory Hill smile for the DSCC camera during an evening mixer at Frog Hollow Golf Club on May 22. Photo by Nick Wallace.

DSCC interim president Rich Heffron presided over the Endof-Session Legislative Brunch at the Dover Sheraton on June 14. Photo by Abby Sayeg

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Jeff Robinson spoke to the crowd at an August 15 Evening Mixer at Deerfield.

Photo by Abby Sayeg.

Presenting sponsors Horizon Services displayed front and center at the 2012 Delaware Networking Station, held at the Chase Center on September 27.

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2012: A Year in Photos

To kick off the 2012 Delaware Principal for a Day program, statewide leaders (including DSCC chairman Bill Allan) met with students, faculty and press at Thomas McKean High School for a special press conference. Photo by Tom Nutter.

DSCC staffers donned hairnets and served lunch to the residents of Sunday Breakfast Mission.

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THE DELAWARE STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE THANKS ALL OF THE SPONSORS FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THE

176TH ANNUAL DINNER PRESENTING:

ADVOCATE:

SUPPORTER:

RECEPTION:

LEADERSHIP

AMBASSADORS:

& THE KENNY FAMILY FOUNDATION

INVITATION AND PROGRAM:

WORKSHOP PRESENTED BY: DELAWARE BUSINESS

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Sponsors as of 01/05/13

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2012 in The Partnership, Inc.

Education Reform Begins with Passion ONE OF THE STATE CHAMBER’S KEY OBJECTIVES is education reform. And although people may have different philosophies and opinions, the common thread is passion. Business leaders and teachers are passionate about preparing today’s students to graduate high school work and career ready. The business community has already put a stake in the ground to work toward common core standards, dropout prevention and eliminating the achievement gap.

With these important goals in mind, how can anyone make an informed decision if he or she has no personal knowledge or experience? That’s why The Partnership, Inc. strives to provide opportunities for business leaders to become more deeply involved in the educational process, daily routines and administrative functions.

performance. Pam Manlove, s 2012 Superstars winner and principal at East Dover Elementary School says, “The award supports us towards empowering students to achieve their fullest potential and helps us continue to provide support to teachers and students in the journey towards success.”

Nearly 450 business leaders and educators gathered on May 7 at the Chase Center on the Riverfront to honor the winners and watch the video showcase that presented seven creative programs that raised student achievement.

Each Superstars in Education winner received a $3,000 cash award along with a banner and trophy. More than 50 teachers representing these programs walked across the stage to accept their awards. For many teachers, the Superstars award provides an opportunity for schools to increases a program’s awareness in the community while effectively raising student achievement.

Pam Manlove, 2012 Superstars winner and Principal at North Dover Elementary School agrees the award invigorates both staff and students. “The award supports us toward empowering students to achieve their fullest potential and helps us continue to provide support to teachers and students in the journey toward success.”

Developing and instituting a successful program comes down to one important factor—leadership. Lisa Ueltzhoffer, principal at Thomas McKean High School in the Red Clay School District, recognizes that teachers make the difference between mediocrity and excellence in education. “While we can all have great programming ideas, implementing the ideas with fidelity can be a challenge,” says Ueltzhoffer. “Programs are only as good as the professionals who coordinate and lead them.”

Superstars Hits the Road Programs like Superstars in Education reinforce The Partnership, Inc.’s devotion to education by rewarding innovation in schools.

Superstars in Education It’s not easy choosing among the best of the best. When the Selection Committee finished the arduous task of selecting the winners, it was time to pick up the phone and deliver the good news. “Learning that your program has received Superstars status validates the hard work that goes into the type of initiative that is recognized by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s Selection Committee,” says Cindy Pochomis, a 2012 Superstars winner and a teacher at Richardson Park Learning Center.

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Throughout May, a celebration was hosted at each winning school. At every assembly, the teachers and staff attended to watch the presentation of the banner and trophy; and a showing of the video. Christine Alois, 2012 Superstars winner and a supervisor of instruction at Caesar Rodney School District says, “What a perfect way to start our morning and a perfect way to say, thank you to a group of teacher leaders who have truly made a difference.”

Superstars in Education Website The Superstars in Education website is up and running. Although a work in progress, you can now log on to: www.superstarsineducation.org to apply online for an award, read stories about past winners and view pictures from the Delaware Principal for a Day program.

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We live in a global workplace where an online meeting among people in several different countries is commonplace. Students are outpacing all new technology with Internet, iPhones and the ability to participate in gaming with anyone anywhere. This is why the State Chamber will continue to provide opportunities for involvement in the education community through the Superstars in Education and Delaware Principal for a Day programs. Q

2012 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. PAUL A. HERDMAN THE RODEL CHARITABLE FOUNDATION OF DELAWARE

RALPH A. KUEBLER CHAIRMAN, SUPERSTARS IN EDUCATION SELECTION COMMITTEE

WILLIE C. MARTIN DUPONT

DR. LINDA F. POOLE EDUCATIONALLY SPEAKING, LLC

MIKE STETTER DELAWARE DOE

PEGGY E. STRINE

KATIE WILKINSON FULTON BANK

JOSEPH L. YACYSHYN M&T BANK

CAROLYN ZOGBY RED CLAY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Dr. Lillian Lowery made one of her last public appearances as Delaware’s Secretary of Education at the 2012 Superstars in Education awards dinner.

PHOTO BY ERIC CROSSAN.

Delaware Principal for a Day Throughout the month of October, almost 100 of Delaware’s business leaders spent time becoming ‘guest principals’ to learn firsthand what happens during a typical school day; however, the first lesson was: there is no such thing as a typical day. This learning experience helped business leaders gain a deeper, broader understanding of how schools operate.

The program kicked off on October 4 with a Press Conference at Thomas McKean High School in the Red Clay School District. Guest speaker Enid Wallace-Simms, Delmarva Power, stressed the importance of spending a day in a school. “The day allows us to see the needs and issues that impact young people in today’s world. When granted that inside access and insight, we as business and community leaders strive to collectively address those needs through positive opportunities through our internal channels,” says Simms.

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Retail Council

For Delaware Retailers, It was the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

BY GREG GROSS

THE FAMOUS ANDY WILLIAMS HOLIDAY SONG may have rang true for retail shoppers around the First State in 2012. As retailers geared up for the traditional post-Thanksgiving shopping exercise known as Black Friday, they focused on the throng of folks that lined up outside their doors at the wee hours of the morning. However, consumers are increasingly drawn to early holiday specials and internet shopping from the comforts of their homes.

Large chain stores prefer the drive of impulse purchase-prone shoppers.

But sales growth during the busy Thanksgiving weekend more often was driven by online shoppers. Many still bask in the family tradition of rifling through newspapers stuffed with Black Friday sales fliers, but more and more, Thanksgiving evening is reserved for a laptop and an early wake-up call on Black Friday to shop online instead.

Such internet conveniences now account for nearly 40 percent of the $52.4 billion spent during the Black Friday weekend in 2011, according to the National Retail Federation. In 2006, online shopping accounted for just 23 percent of Black Friday activity.

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With that in mind, local Delaware State Chamber of Commerce alums, retail giants Wal-Mart Stores Inc., and Target Inc. promoted handsome in-store Black Friday promotions to their online customers. For example, Wal-Mart offered some deeply discounted items only to online shoppers who downloaded the retailer’s mobile application, or signed up for special promotions via email Facebook.

Not all were pleased with the overtures retailers were making to entice shoppers. Retailers who opened their doors Thanksgiving night instead of the traditional Black Friday faced increasing criticism from employees upset at not being able to spend the holiday with their families. For the second year in a row, employees of Target, Wal-Mart and Toys “R” Us had started or signed petitions in protest of having to work on Thanksgiving Day. As of the Friday before Thanksgiving, the website change.org had logged 91 petitions against Black Friday sales that start on Thanksgiving. In 2011, the site logged 150 petitions all season. Nearly 15 new petitions are added each.

For retailers on the ground or out in cyberspace, it was still one of the most profitable days to kick-off the holiday shopping season in the First State. Q Januar y/Febr uar y 2013

| DELAWARE BUSINESS

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2012 Delaware Retail Council Board of Directors

KENNETH L. BRENNAN (CHAIRMAN) BOSCOV’S

THOMAS R. ZAPF (IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN) MACY’S

BRET MORRIS A.R. MORRIS JEWELERS

MICHAEL UFFNER AUTOTEAM DELAWARE

NOT PICTURED: MATT BENEDETTI HOME DEPOT

RICHARD KENNY DELAWARE SUPERMARKETS

ROBERTA WUTTKE ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY

STEVEN CHAMBLISS CHRISTIANA MALL

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DELAWARE BUSINESS

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Small Business Alliance

Workshops, Legislative Action Define 2012 for Small Business Alliance

BY KATIE DUNN

IT MIGHT BE SURPRISING NEWS that small businesses actually make up a huge fraction of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s membership. The Small Business Alliance is an affiliate with a purpose of serving the needs of those Delaware businesses with 150 employees or less, as well as local non profits.

What’s not surprising is that small businesses play an essential role in the economy and community of our state. This affiliate aims to provide quality services and resources to meet the needs specific to small business. During tough economic times, we offer support and recognition of those who have attained success despite of it. Whether it’s a networking event or committee meeting, an educational workshop or a legislative forum, we’re here to work for you and with you.

Small Business Workshops and Events 2012 was another year full of valuable workshops and SBA events for the benefit of our members. The workshops ranged from learning the best apps to get for your smartphone and tablet to help grow your business to the always popular networking seminars with the Dale Carnegie professionals.

In March, Robert Johnston from Dale Carnegie of Delaware presented a high-energy and interactive workshop titled “Profitable Networking.”

Attendees learned how to choose the right networking event for their business, how to prepare for an event, how to initiate a conversation that leads to business, how to avoid major mistakes, how to follow up with someone and much more.

Our friends at the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware hosted the May workshop titled “Social Media and Reputation Management, 10 Steps to Getting it Right.” Nancy Solero from engage3sixty, a company that helps clients create a brand and supports that brand through marketing, social media and public relations, presented a workshop to help members use new technology effectively, along with Bob Madison.

A couple of technology gurus from Wilmington University presented a workshop to help businesses choose the right applications for their smartphones and tablets. “The Must Have Apps” workshop shared useful apps for customer relation management, presentations, billing and more.

The Legislative Forums this year were also valuable. In March, State Representatives Bryon Short and Dan Short, leaders of the Small Business Caucus, lead a roundtable discussion regarding changes that affect small 54

DSCC_JanFeb13.indd 54

Small Business Caucus leaders Bryon Short and Dan Short led a discussion in March. business. We welcomed Sec. Alan Levin from the Department of Economic Development in April at the University & Whist Club for an update on the state of business in Delaware.

Of course we had the ever-popular, annual bus trip down to the Dogfish Head Brewery in June with the Young Executives Committee. The Young Execs hosted several successful events this year. To read more about them, check out the article by the committee’s chairman Mike Vanderslice on page 59.

November means the Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Awards Luncheon. Keynote speaker Dan Butler, local celebrity chef and successful restaurateur, addressed a packed Gold Ballroom at the Hotel du Pont about his start in the restaurant world and how he grew a business out of his passion. We couldn’t have been happier with the caliber of applications received this year, especially from the winning companies. The 2012 Superstars in Business were Blooming Boutique, Cover & Rossiter, P.A., Emory Hill Companies and the Blood Bank of Delmarva. The Award of Excellence Winners were Unique Impressions, Community Bank Delaware, Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc. and Sunday Breakfast Mission.

The winner of the Gilman Bowl was the very deserving Fred C. Sears from the Delaware Community Foundation for his contributions to small business and non profits in Delaware.

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We couldn’t have put on such a successful event without the help of the planning committee and the generous support from our sponsors.

Thank you!

Benefits & Services Committee Role: Identifying group-oriented benefits for Chamber members Contact: Bill Stephano at (302) 576-6574 or bstephano@dscc.com

Make the Most of Membership

Small Business Alliance Committees

Education & Development Committee Role: Providing educational or skills-based workshops to members to promote growth Contact: Katie Dunn at (302) 576-6578 or kdunn@dscc.com Employee Relations Committee Role: Working to find legislative solutions to Human Resource management issues Contact: Greg Gross at (302) 576-6568 or ggross@dscc.com

Ambassador Committee Role: Gaining and retaining membership; serving as a membership liaison Contact: Chuck James at (302) 576-6562 or cjames@dscc.com

Environmental Committee Role: Reviewing and shaping environmental legislation/regulation with the

Members know the Chamber works for them and we work hard to give you the best value for your membership. Other ways to make sure your voice is heard, your successes are known and you are truly getting the most out of your membership is to get involved with a committee and to stay up-to-date with the great benefits we’ve created just for you.

2012 Small Business Alliance Board of Managers

Small Business Alliance Senior Advisory Council

CHRISTOPHER RANKIN EBC CARPET SERVICES CORPORATION, CO-CHAIR, BOARD OF MANAGERS

PAM CORNFORTH RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF DELAWARE, CO-CHAIR, BOARD OF MANAGERS

GREG BALLANCE DIAMOND TECHNOLOGIES

TIMOTHY U. BOULDEN BOULDEN, INC.

LARRY DISABATINO DISABATINO CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

JOSEPH FARLEY, JR. ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, CHAIR, BENEFITS AND SERVICES

G. KEVIN FASIC COOCH & TAYLOR, P.A.

DONALD T. FULTON GEORGE J. WEINER ASSOCIATES

GREGORY M. GUREV MYSHERPA

JOHN E. HEALY III HEALY LONG & JEVIN, INC., LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

STEPHAN LEHM VANDEMARK & LYNCH, INC., SUPERSTARS IN BUSINESS CHAIR

CHAD MOORE THE BELLMOOR

WILLIAM PARKS COLONIAL PARKING

JAMES D. RANDALL CALDWELL STAFFING

MICHAEL REATH DELMARVA BROADCASTING SERVICES, TREASURER, BOARD OF MANAGERS; CHAIR, EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

PRISCILLA TURGON PROFESSIONAL STAFFING

WILLIAM F. WARD, JR. BILL WARD, INC.

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KEN ANDERSON DELAWARE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

CYNTHIA C. DWYER WELLNESS COMMUNITYDELAWARE

JAMES O’NEILL, PH.D. UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE

DENNIS M. SALTER NEW CASTLE INSURANCE

TERRENCE BARCLIFT BANK OF AMERICA

JANICE GIANNINI PARADIGM ASSOCIATES, LLC

WILLIAM B. ROBINSON, JR. GEORGE & LYNCH, INC.

NASH M. CHILDS BANCROFT CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

MARTHA S. GILMAN GILMAN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY

RICHARD D. ROWLAND ROWLAND, JOHNSON & COMPANY, P.A.

MICHAEL S. UFFNER AUTOTEAM DELAWARE

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Small Business Alliance Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) Contact: Greg Gross at (302) 576-6568 or ggross@dscc.com Health Care Committee Role: Discussing key health care issues and assisting in formulating policy Contact: Matt Amis at (302) 576-6566 or mamis@dscc.com

Contact: Katie Dunn at (302) 576-6578 or kdunn@dscc.com Young Executives Committee Role: Developing relationships among young professionals and encouraging involvement in the Chamber Contact: Katie Dunn at (302) 576-6578

Benefits of the Alliance Legislative Forum Role: Addressing legislative issues of interest to Chamber members Contact: Greg Gross at (302) 576-6568 or ggross@dscc.com Tax Committee Role: Reviewing tax legislation and lobbying for the change Contact: Greg Gross at (302) 576-6568 or ggross@dscc.com Transportation Committee Role: Creating a unified voice for making recommendations to the Delaware Department of Transportation Contact: Greg Gross at (302) 576-6568 or ggross@dscc.com Women in Business Forum Role: Supporting Delaware women in business through networking and education

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The following benefits are just some of the perks of being a Chamber member.

• Health Insurance – via Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware • Dental & Vision Insurance – via Dominion Dental Services • Free Prescription Drug Discount Card • Exclusive Access to Chamber Members by Direct Mail • Discount Radio Advertising – via Delmarva Broadcasting Company • Affinity Business Credit Card – via Bank of America • Discount Payroll Services • Airport Parking Discounts • Discounted Office Supplies – via W.B. Mason • Discounted Constant Contact Email Marketing Services • Blood Bank Membership Options • Notary Services and Certificate of Origin Documents To learn more about these benefits, visit www.dscc.com/benefits or call Bill Stephano at (302)576-6574. Q

Januar y/Febr uar y 2013

| DELAWARE BUSINESS

1/14/13 11:09 AM

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Young Executive Committee

Generation Next Young Executives Committee Year in Review

BY MIKE VANDERSLICE

SOMETIME IN THE MID-90S, Mark Stellini and John Burris sought to address a bit of an image problem at the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.

“Back then it was known as kind of a good ol’ boys club,” Stellini says. In response, the pair formed the first iteration of the Young Executives Committee. “It felt like an added value and a freshness to the Chamber in a time when it really needed it,” Stellini says.

The Young Executives Committee, which was born again in 2010, still strives to provide younger members of the State Chamber with an environment to build professional networking relationships. The Young Executives encourage an exchange of thoughts between peers on overcoming business challenges, while helping to develop Delaware’s next generation of executives through business networking and personal growth.

2012 was a great year for Young Execs. Since being inducted as the first Chair of the group, our planning committee helped me to develop a diverse program of events to promote professional networking and personal growth. We had great success with our Smart Tax Strategies breakfast in February, and multiple evening networking mixers throughout the year. In March, Geoff Sawyer, Governor Jack Markell’s Deputy Chief of Staff, took time out of his busy schedule to join us for a thought-provoking session that offered insight into the state’s economic status, and what the future holds for our generation. I think I am most proud of our community service event in May which benefited Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County. It was such a rewarding experience for all of the Young Execs who participated.

This is just the beginning. In 2013, we hope to build momentum off our benchmark year with more community events and networking programs that will continue to bolster the professional growth of Delaware’s younger workforce. The group is designed to help those who are poised to be tomorrow’s senior managers and business leaders, and we invite you to become more involved. The YEC is just one committee of many under the Small Business Alliance. For more information about the Young Execs, please contact Katie Dunn at kdunn@dscc.com or (302) 576-6578. Q DELAWARE BUSINESS

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PHOTO BY MALCOLM VAN ATTA

Find us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/DEYoungExecs

Mike Vanderslice, in addition to chairing the Young Executives Committee, is the director of sales and marketing for Environmental Alliance, Inc.

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Manufacturing

Delaware Manufacturing Association – The Year in Review

BY MIKE CRAWFORD, DMA CHAIRMAN

THE DELAWARE MANUFACTURING ASSOCIATION (DMA) is an affiliate of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and the state arm of the National Association of Manufacturers. The DMA’s role is to work collaboratively with Delaware manufacturers of all sizes, state and local government, educators, and manufacturing trade organizations to help improve the competitiveness of Delaware manufacturing.

In late 2010 the DMA worked to identify key “pain points” for manufacturers that, if addressed, would help make a Delaware more competitive place to manufacturer products. The areas identified include: taxation, energy cost, environmental regulations, education, and workforce training.

Over the course of 2011 and 2012 the board has been driving this agenda forward. In October, Mark DiMaio was voted in as president/secretary of the board.

The board boasts senior executive representation from the following companies: • Agilent Technologies • Associates International • AstraZeneca • Atlantis Industries • BASF • Calpine Corporation • Croda • DuPont • Energizer Personal Care • Everz Claymont Steel 60

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• • • • • • • • • •

FMC Biopolymer Invista Kraft Mohawk Electrical Systems Inc PBF Energy Polymer Technologies PPG Industries Proctor & Gamble, The Dover Wipes Company Siemens Heathcare Diagnostics W.L. Gore

Additionally, Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership is represented on the board.

In the area of energy costs and municipal energy rates, Governor Jack Markell’s efforts to reduce electrical rates and create an economic development rate to incentivize job creation was applauded by the board as a step forward in trying to resolve energy cost issues that hamper Delaware’s competitiveness.

In the area of workforce training the manufacturing community worked with Delaware Technical and Community College to determine specific training and skills needed to support manufacturers. The culmination of this collaboration is DelTech’s Innovation and Technology Center, which has customized programs to focus on specific manufacturers’ needs.

Manufacturers worked closely with other advocacy groups and the Board of Electrical Examiners to exempt manufacturing employees from electriJanuar y/Febr uar y 2013

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2012 Delaware Manufacturing Association Board of Managers

cal licensing requirements under certain conditions, which would have put and undue burden on operations.

The DMA’s marquee event is the annual Legislative Brunch and Manufacturing Conference. which is held in March. We were a little bit surprised that we were sharing our manufacturing exhibit space with a mortician’s conference, but that didn’t cause any gloom. The morning session was headlined by Mr. Ned Monroe of the National Association of Manufacturers, and once again the keynote speaker was Gov. Markell, who discussed what is being done to improve education and make Delaware more competitive in order to retain and attract high quality manufacturing jobs. Over 30? Manufacturers set up exhibits to showcase products that are made in Delaware.

Currently, the board is keeping challenging steps to extend the gross receipts tax and worker’s compensation rates.

In closing, the board would like to recognize Mr. Jim Wolfe for his contributions to the DMA. Jim has a true passion for manufacturing and over the years has made a significant contribution to making Delaware a more competitive state to manufacture products. We wish Jim all the best in his retirement and welcome his Sr. Council on the DMA. Q DELAWARE BUSINESS

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SCOTT WELCH (CO-VICE CHAIR) MOHAWK ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS, INC.

MIKE CRAWFORD (CHAIR) ASTRAZENECA PHARMACEUTICALS LP

MITCH MAGEE (CO-VICE CHAIR) PPG INDUSTRIES, INC.

LISA BARTILE AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES

MILES BRITTAIN EVRAZ CLAYMONT STEEL

BUFF BRUNO ENERGIZER PERSONAL CARE

CHARLIE COPELAND ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, INC.

JUSTIN CRESSLER KRAFT FOODS, INC.

JOHN J. CZERWINSKI COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE, INC.

RICK DEADWYLER DUPONT COMPANY

ROBERT DOLAN GM, RETIRED SR. COUNCIL

JOSEPH P. FARLEY, JR. ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, INC.

ERIC GRABER CALPINE CORPORATION

JULIE HANSEN PROCTOR & GAMBLE THE DOVER WIPES CO.

TOM INAGAKI W.L. GORE & ASSOCIATES, INC.

LEE KIEFER SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS

RUDY MERSTETTER BASF

GRAHAM MOORE FMC BIOPOLYMER

BRIAN NIXON INVISTA

ROBERT PRYBUTOK POLYMER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

STEVE QUINDLEN DELAWARE MANUFACTURING EXTENSION PARTNERSHIP

HERMAN SEEDORF DELAWARE CITY REFINING COMPANY, LLC

ROBERT STEWART CRODA

KELLY WILSON, ATLANTIS INDUSTRIES CORP. NOT PICTURED: BRUCE HUMPRIES SIEMENS HEALTH CARE DIAGNOSTICS, RETIRED SR. COUNCIL

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Delaware Public Policy Institute

Education, Health Care Headline DPPI Initiatives in 2012

BY MARK DIMAIO

Education The Delaware Public Policy Institute continues to be a major force in public education. DPPI director John Taylor plays a vital role as a member of the Vision 2015 Implementation Committee, and overseeing the Vision Network of schools.

On January 19, Taylor moderated a panel following the showing of the documentary film “American Teacher.”

Panelists included Paul Herdman, president and CEO of Rodel Foundation, Frederica Jenner, president of the DSEA, and Yvonne Johnson, president of the Delaware PTA. The session was co-sponsored by Rodel, the United Way of Delaware and the Delaware AFL-CIO. Also in January, Taylor attended the Grant Makers for Education meeting in Washington, D.C. as part of the Delaware delegation. The sessions focused on federal “Race for the Top” program, the national education reform program in which Delaware placed first nationwide.

At the end of May, Taylor helped to organize and was master of ceremony for a tribute to State Representative Terry Schooley, who retired in January as executive director of Kids Count Delaware. Taylor is a member of the Kids Count board of directors. The event, which was co-sponsored

by DPPI and the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, served as a fundraiser for Kids Count. Rep. Schooley was the chairwoman of the Delaware House Education Committee for the past four years and retired from the House this fall.

Health Care On April 30, Taylor and DPPI’s senior director Mark DiMaio attended the 1st Annual Christiana Care Value Institute Seminar, which DPPI cosponsored. The newly created Value Institute is designed to enable health care professionals to increase the value of health care to their patients.

There were several nationally prominent speakers on topics ranging from the success of the Massachusetts health care reform measures to the critical need for science-based health care.

Among the speakers was Delaware’s junior U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, who discussed the need for cost containment in health care. He suggested that the cost of health care is becoming unsustainable. Unless reforms are passed with cooperation of both Democrats and Republicans, the whole system could collapse. Arkadi Kuhlmann, founder of ING Direct and a Christiana Care board member, was the luncheon speaker. He talked about the need for “creative destruction” in medicine so that patients can be better served.

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He talked about the need for widespread innovation. Peter Slavin, CEO of Mass General Health System, described the success of the health care reforms in Massachusetts that were enacted under former Gov. Mitt Romney and strongly supported by the state’s business community. Dr. Robert Laskowski, CEO of Christiana Care and both a DPPI and DSCC board member, convened the sessions and summed up the day’s proceedings.

John Taylor continues to serves as a member of the Nemours Health Prevention Services Advisory Committee (NHPS). NHPS works closely with Delaware public schools to ensure that students receive proper diet and exercise while at school.

Non-Profits Early this year, Taylor was part of a search committee to select a new CEO for the Delaware Association of Nonprofit Agencies (DANA). Taylor, along with DSCC chairman Bill Allan, DSCC board members Fred Sears, Mark Turner and Richelle Vible, also serve as DANA Board Members and were part of the selection team. The DANA Board selected Chris Grundner to be the new CEO. Grundner was previously with the National Brain Tumor Association. The selection of Mr. Grundner is the latest accomplishment in DPPI and the Chamber’s efforts to help restructure and reinvigorate the Delaware Association of Nonprofit Agencies (DANA).

Taylor has been working with University of Delaware faculty and staff to plan the March 19 day-long seminar on “Careers in Public & Community Service” which commemorates the 50th anniversary of the University’s School of Public Policy and Administration.

Public Policy DPPI Executive Director John Taylor interviewed many prominent Delawareans for the business and politics channels on Contentdelaware. org. These interviews focus on key issues facing Delaware and the nation.

In 2012, Taylor interviewed: • U.S. Senator Tom Carper • U.S. Senator Chris Coons • U.S. Representative John Carney • Robert Gilligan, Delaware Speaker of the House • Ellen Kullman, chair and CEO the DuPont Co. • Chief Judge Chandlee Johnson Kuhn of Delaware’s Family Court • James Baker, Mayor of Wilmington Januar y/Febr uar y 2013

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• Sam Beard, president and co-founder of the Jefferson Awards for Public Service • Dr. Harry Williams, president of Delaware State University and DSCC board member • Dr. Lonnie George, president of Delaware Technical & Community College • Dr. Jack Varsalona, president of Wilmington University • David Ledford, executive editor of the News Journal • Rashmi Rangan, executive director of the Delaware Community Reinvestment Action Council • John Sweeney, The News Journal’s editorial page editor • Dr. Robert Laskowski M.D., president and CEO of Christiana Care and DSCC board member • Howard Griffin, president and publisher of The News Journal • Bob Byrd, Delaware lobbyist • Pete DuPont, former Delaware governor • Collin P. O’Mara, Delaware secretary of the Environment and Energy • Chipman Flowers Jr, Delaware State Treasurer • Chief Justice Myron Steele, Chief Justice of the Delaware Supreme Court • Fred Sears, President & CEO Delaware Community Foundation and DSCC board member • Matt Denn, Delaware Lt. Governor • Thère du Pont, president of the Longwood Foundation • Susan Love, Delaware Coastal Programs • Joseph R. “Beau” Biden III, Delaware Attorney General • Dori Jacobson, the Former Vice President of the Rodel Foundation of Delaware • Brian Winslow, executive director, Delaware Nature Society • Chris Grundner, President & CEO Delaware Association of Nonprofit Agencies

Please visit www.contentdelaware.org to see the John’s impactful interviews with Delaware’s leaders.

Taylor continues to participate with the Delaware Sea Level Rise Advisory Committee, representing the business community. The Committee meets monthly to explore the effects of sea-level rise and develop strategies to contend with the potentially devastating situation. Many of Committee’s findings were recently highlighted in a News Journal feature series.

DiMaio continued to serve as a loaned executive from AstraZeneca. He provided important research on State education, health care and tax policy issues and wrote an issue article on Delaware’s potential state revenue shortfalls. In October, DiMaio participated in the Kettering Foundation’s two day public policy research workshop “Connecting Professional and Citizens.” The workshop did exploratory research into the many problems that citizens and communities face when issue have a technical component. The small group focused on connecting professional (scientific and others) and citizens to examine challenges to democratic governance that arise when professionals communicate with citizens and communities about issues that involve scientific and technical solutions.

Politics Taylor helped to organize and moderated three Democratic Party political debates in May. The first was for candidates for Mayor of Wilmington.

The next featured candidates for New Castle County Council President and the third focused on candidates for New Castle County Executive. The debates, co-sponsored by the Wilmington Democratic City Committee, were well attended by local media and the general public and viewed as key Democratic Party primary events In June, Taylor served as a panelist on Common Cause of Delaware’s forum on the U.S. Supreme Court “Citizens United” ruling. The one day forum focused on the Court’s ruling and the affects unlimited political spending by corporations and unions could have in Delaware. Q

2012 Delaware Public Policy Institute Board of Directors

DR. ROBERT J. LASKOWSKI (CHAIR) CHRISTIANA CARE HEALTH SYSTEM

DR. TONY ALLEN BANK OF AMERICA

CAROL AMMON FOUNDER, FORMER CEO, ENDO PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

O. FRANCIS BIONDI, ESQUIRE MORRIS, NICHOLS, ARSHT & TUNNELL

DR. THOMAS M. CONNELLY, JR. DUPONT COMPANY

GOV. PIERRE S. DU PONT IV RICHARDS, LAYTON & FINGER

DR. PATRICK HARKER UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE

DR. PAUL HERDMAN RODEL FOUNDATION DELAWARE

ROBERT W. PERKINS ASTRAZENECA PHARMACEUTICALS

DR. DANIEL RICH UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE

MARVIN N. SCHOENHALS WSFS BANK

GARY STOCKBRIDGE DELMARVA POWER

RICHELLE VIBLE CATHOLIC CHARITIES

WILLIAM T. WOOD, JR. WOOD & ASSOCIATES

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Membership

How to Leverage your Membership

BY BILL STEPHANO

BUSINESSES JOIN THE DSCC to gain a competitive advantage. Our goal is to energize and promote a dynamic business environment through leadership, education and communication. Let us do that for you!

discounted product or service from your company. You can work with our communication department to design and offer opportunities to increase your pipeline!

Legislative Updates:

Education / Workshops:

Consider how being informed of changes in legislation can impact your business. The ability to proactively adjust could be all the competitive advantage you need. The DSCC will communicate Legislative Updates to your inbox to keep you informed.

The DSCC has always been an authority in business matters in and around the State of Delaware. In that position, there has been the responsibility to engage subject matter experts to deliver cutting-edge seminars and workshops to its members and the business community at large. A tradition we are proud to continue; you will be informed and included on educational briefings in areas such as: Health Care, Tax and Legislative Briefings, Social Media and Strategic Planning to name a few.

By engaging our membership consultants, we will work with you or your delegate to help give you “the competitive edge� you need to identify new sales opportunities through our lead groups and networking events or by reviewing educational workshops throughout the year.

Another added value of your membership is access to our Ambassador Committee. This dedicated group of individuals volunteers their time every month to contact our membership and provide an avenue of information that we ultimately use to improve our members’ experience.

Here is a list of our current Ambassadors that we are proud to mention:

Social Media: The DSCC has more than 2,100 members in its LinkedIn Group account, both members and future members participate in discussions, post updates and share information. Members in good standing leverage the LinkedIn Community to announce news and events important to their future growth. In addition to LinkedIn, the DSCC also has Facebook, WordPress, FlickR, YouTube and Twitter accounts that can become part of your social media strategy. Consider a web ad or banner online that will greatly enhance your SEO performance from the level of activity www.dscc.com currently receives.

Member to Member Discount Directory: A ‘Member Only’ program that not only enables you to receive discounted product and services from fellow members. It’s an opportunity to list a

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Mr. Chris Jerger, CJ Technology Solutions Mr. Gary Pawliczek, Ameriprise Financial Mr. Jack Coleman, Maintenance Engineering, LTD. Mr. Jon Bell, Better Business Bureau Mr. Kenneth Hoffmann, Progressive Software Computing Mr. J. Morgner, Sunday Breakfast Mission Mr. Nicholas Hoeschel, Rockwell Associates Ms. Revonda Moody, RM Associates Ms. Melinda McGuigan, EDIS

Take an opportunity to visit our website at www.dscc.com and begin to explore the new opportunities through networking, social media, events and education that continue to make a membership in the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce a valuable investment. I am available at any time to answer your questions and discuss how your membership could best serve you and your organization at (302) 5766574. Q Januar y/Febr uar y 2013

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Newsbites Precision AirConvey Expands into New Facility

Michael F. McDonald, Risk Management Advisor, Joins Lyons Companies

Precision AirConvey, the industry leader in the design, manufacture and installation of trim and scrap removal systems, is pleased to announce its expansion into a new larger corporate headquarters.

The new office located at 465 Corporate Boulevard in Newark will greatly streamline PAC’s operations, equipping the company with an updated product testing lab and enhanced customer meeting space. The innovative 26,000 square foot facility is a great asset to the company’s projected growth.

“We are very excited about moving into the new facility,” said Tom Embley, Chief Executive Officer at PAC. “This new team oriented office space will further increase customer focus, allow us to become much more process efficient, support our environmental commitment, and provide ample room to grow and expand.”

PAC looks to fully transition to the new facility by the end of 2012 and host customers during the first quarter of 2013.

Lyons Companies, Delaware’s largest privately-owned commercial insurance brokerage and employee benefits consulting firm is pleased to announce that Michael F. McDonald has joined the company as Risk Management Advisor.

Mike specializes in risk management, alternative risk financing and corporate insurance programs. He is experienced in property and casualty insurance program design and implementation for middle market and complex risk clients.

Mike’s client expertise includes the construction and real estate industries, public sector entities, professional service firms and manufacturers.

Mike graduated from the Catholic University of America with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Financial Management. He has earned both the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist designations. Prior to joining Lyons, Mike worked with several national insurance brokers, most recently Wells Fargo Insurance Services. He has over 16 years of industry experience, much of it working with complex risk and alternative finance solutions.

Bank of America Awards More than $1 Million to Delaware Nonprofits The Bank of America Charitable Foundation is awarding more than $1 million in grants to 25 Delaware area nonprofits offering job training, education programs and support services that help connect the unemployed, underemployed, veterans, youth and people with disabilities to employment opportunities.

As part of this support, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation has also named ServiceSource Delaware (formerly Opportunity Center Inc) as a 2012 Neighborhood Builder award recipient.

The organization received a $200,000

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unrestricted grant and leadership training to expand employment opportunities for underserved Delawareans with disabilities, including veterans. This is in addition to a $25,000 grant for their Employment Solutions program. The only service of its kind in Delaware, the program connects adults with Asperger’s Syndrome to employment services with individual communication and social skills training and matches participants to employed adult mentors.

Some of the Delaware nonprofits receiving grants that support workforce development and education are: Community Support Programs, Inc. in Wilmington was awarded a grant to support the expansion of Connect to Work, a job readiness program which successfully employs those with bar-

riers to employment, offering individuals a meaningful work experience and increasing long-term financial independence. This program will individually train 145 people, find job placement for 380 workers and foster a 95 percent increase in wages.

Communities in Schools of Delaware, Inc. in Dover received a grant for its On-Track College Access and Readiness Initiative for high school students. As part of the program, organizations provide communitybased, integrated student services to help at-risk students and their schools succeed. These services, ranging from providing mentors to meeting health and counseling needs, vary by student, but are systemically linked to schoolbased efforts to meet the health, safety

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and counseling needs of at-risk youth.

Ninety percent of the high school students in this program graduate to higher education access or post-secondary school training.

Grants are also being awarded to Autism Delaware, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware, Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware, Challenge Program, Christina Cultural Arts Center, Delaware Adolescent Program, Delaware Council on Economic Education, Delaware Futures, Delaware State University, Delaware Technical & Community College Educational Foundation, Easter Seals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore, First State Community Loan Fund, Friendship House, Goodwill Industries of Delaware & Delaware County, Jewish Family Services of Delaware, Junior Achievement of Delaware, Latin American Community Center, Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League, NPower Delaware, Teach for America, The Arc of Delaware and United Way of Delaware.

The more than $1 million in grants to Delaware nonprofits is part of the Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s investment of more than $22 million in grants to over 1,050 nonprofits in 34 states that support workforce development and education initiatives.

According to estimates provided by grant recipients, the funding will enable them to reach more than six million people, match over 100,000 youth with mentors, and help 29,000 students graduate with a degree or certification. The grants will focus on low- and moderate-income communities that have been hardest hit in the economic downturn. The funding is part of Bank of America’s intensified philanthropic focus on three core issues vital to the economic health of communities - housing, jobs and hunger and represents an important component of the company’s

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lending, investing and giving activities to help advance local economies.

Earlier this year, the bank announced nearly $600,000 in grants to Delaware nonprofits to build and rehab affordable housing, offer foreclosure prevention services and homeowner counseling, and provide other services intended to revitalize neighborhoods and help working families find and keep sustainable homes.

Saint Francis Healthcare Opens LIFE Center On Monday, November 26, Saint Francis Healthcare opened the State’s first Life program. Saint Francis LIFE – Living independently for elders, is the first and only Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly sponsored by the State of Delaware. The Life program offers a total solution for older adults who experience health problems that limit their daily activities and their ability to care for themselves. The elderly served by Saint Francis Life will be able to live safely at home, served by a team of compassionate health care and social service experts. Saint Francis anticipates that they will welcome the first participants in January 2013.

Julie A. Hester, President and CEO of Saint Francis Healthcare said: “The Life program is a natural extension of Saint Francis Healthcare’s Mission to provide person-centered health services that enable those we care for achieve their optimal quality of Life. When this program opens in the winter of 2013, it will offer a solution for older adults who experience health problems and chronic illness that limit their daily activities and their ability to care for themselves. The elderly served by Saint Francis Life will be able to live safely at home, served by a team of compassionate health care and social service experts.”

AT&T Aspire Donates $300K to Communities in Schools of Delaware Governor Jack Markell joined officials from AT&T, Communities in Schools of Delaware (CISDE), and other community leaders this fall to announce a $300,000 contribution to CISDE as part of the AT&T Aspire initiative.

CISDE is one of 47 Aspire grant recipients nationwide that this year shared nearly $10 million under AT&T Aspire, one of the largest corporate commitments focused on helping students graduate and prepare for college and careers. AT&T announced an additional quarter-billion-dollar expansion to the program earlier this year, bringing the total commitment to $350 million since the program was launched in 2008.

Communities in Schools of Delaware is part of the largest and most effective dropout-prevention organizations in the nation, and the only one proven to both decrease dropout rates and increase graduation rates. AT&T’s contribution will provide support for site coordinators at Dickinson High School, McKean High School, Newark High School and William Penn High School to focus on nearly 300 students at risk of dropping out of school.

CISDE facilitates and develops mentoring/tutoring, after-school programming, individualized interventions, counseling sessions, and family assistance.

Communities In Schools positions a dedicated site director inside partner schools. In this pivotal role, the director works with school staff to identify students at risk of not graduating. He or she assesses school and student needs and establishes relationships with local businesses, social service agencies, health care providers, and volunteer organizations to harness needed

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Newsbites resources, making student success initiatives more effective and efficient.

One hundred and seventy seven 9th grade students have been specially chosen for inclusion in a multi-year evaluation, focused on facilitating the Communities In Schools model.

Goals of this initiative include improving attendance, behavior, academic performance, and graduation rates. An additional 76 students in grades 10 through 12 will also be monitored for progress.

Gunnip & Company’s Durnan, Muddiman Earn CPA Designation

compliance and consulting service practice. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Delaware Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Jennifer Fredriksen

Three Employees Added to the EDiS Company Team EDiS Company welcomed three recent additions to its team. Laura Williams joined EDiS as Marketing Director. Laura comes to EDiS from the panhandle of Florida, where she worked as a Business Development Manager at AECOM. She has accumulated over 26 years of experience in the construction industry working with various construction firms and a vast client base. She previously worked with EDiS on the New Castle Courthouse project while she was with Jacobs Engineering.

Jessica C Durnan and Marisa L Muddiman of Gunnip & Company have both earned the designation of Certified Public Accountant from the Delaware State Board of Accountancy. The designation requires an accountant to complete coursework, have stipuLaura Williams lated professional experience and pass a four-part exam.

Jessica graduated from University of Delaware, in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in Jennifer Fredriksen Accounting and Marketing. joined EDiS as Marketing She joined Gunnip in 2009 as Assistant. Jennifer is a an intern prior to graduating. recent graduate of York She provides tax compliance College with a Bachelor services for the firm’s business of the Arts in Graphic and individual clients. Jess Design. While obtaining is a member of the American Melinda McGuigan her degree, Jennifer also Institute of Certified Public utilized her various artistic talents in Accountants and the Delaware Society her work as the Public Relations Chair of Certified Public Accountants. Marisa for the College Against Cancer: Relay joined Gunnip in the summer of 2009 for Life Committee at York College and as an intern. She graduated from participated in a graphic design sumWest Chester University in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting with mer internship at the YWCA. a minor in finance. Marisa provides Melinda McGuigan has been hired by audit services in the firm’s assurance, EDiS Company as Manager of Business

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Development. Melinda joins EDiS with an extensive amount of experience in inside sales and business development that she has gathered from previous positions that range from Operations Manager to Executive Director. In the past 29 years, Melinda has worked closely with individual clients, small businesses and Fortune 500 companies and, most recently, acted as the Executive Director of KINfolk, a nonprofit organization providing computers to hospitalized and homebound children.

Calendar of Events JANUARY 14, 2013

DSCC Annual Dinner 4:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m..

Location: Chase Center on the Riverfront Keynote Speaker Marvin N. “Skip” Schoenhals, Chairman, WSFS Financial Corporation and WSFS Bank For more information, contact Cheryl Corn at (302) 576-6572 or ccorn@ dscc.com.

FEBRUARY 5, 2013

Networking Breakfast at Jewish Family Services 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Location: Jewish Family Services For more information, contact Kelly Wetzel at (302) 576-6586 or kwetzel@dscc.com

FEBRUARY 20, 2013

Chamber Leadership with Dave Atadan 7:30 a.m. – 9:15 p.m.

Location: University & Whist For more information, contact Kelly Wetzel at (302) 576-6586 or kwetzel@dscc.com

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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.

Benefits & Services Committee: This committee identifies group-oriented benefits, such as health care coverage, dental and vision care, discounted office supplies, phone service, direct mail, radio advertising and much more to help Chamber members be healthy and competitive. Contact: Denee Crumrine at (302) 576-6564 or dcrumrine@dscc.com.

Education & Development Committee: This committee provides practical, valuable and affordable education and development programs to help existing members and potential members be more successful. Contact: Denee Crumrine at (302) 576-6564 or dcrumrine@dscc.com.

The Employee Relations Committee: This committee meets each month and brings in knowledgeable experts to discuss ever-changing labor and employment laws and regulations that impact all Delaware businesses. The interaction between speakers and committee members provides a cost-effective and efficient way to obtain up-to-date information that helps employers create or modify personnel policies and procedures before legal problems arise. Contact: Greg Gross at (302) 576-6568 or ggross@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: Greg Gross at (302) 576-6568 or ggross@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: Matt Amis at (302) 576-6566 or mamis@dscc.com.

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Holding Company Committee: Provides a forum to discuss issues affecting Delaware holding companies on the state and national levels. Contact: Matt Amis at (302) 576-6566 or mamis@dscc.com.

Legislative Forum: Members, lobbyists and legislative representatives work together to address legislative issues of interest to Chamber members. Monthly lunchtime meetings feature guest speakers who cover current topics of interest to the business community. Contact: Greg Gross at (302) 576-6568 or ggross@dscc.com.

Tax Committee: This committee reviews tax legislation and lobbies for the reduction of personal and business taxes in Delaware. Contact: Greg Gross at (302) 576-6568 or ggross@ dscc.com.

Transportation Committee: The transportation committee creates a unified voice when making recommendations to the Delaware Department of Transportation. Contact: Greg Gross at (302) 576-6568 or ggross@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: Katie Dunn at (302) 576-6578 or kdunn@dscc.com.

Young Executives Committee: 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 Young Executives Committee, for professionals between the ages of 21 and 40, aims to develop Delaware’s young workforce through professional business networking and personal growth. Contact: Denee Crumrine at (302) 576-6564 or dcrumrine@dscc.com.

Januar y/Febr uar y 2013

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Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

SMALL STATE. BIG BENEFITS. The State Chamber Health Plan The cost of employee health care is a top concern among Delaware business owners. DSCC has devised an affordable, quality health care plan for its members. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware announced new reduced rates and added an additional lower-cost plan choice. Visit www.dscc.com/healthplan. htm today or call (302) 576-6580 for more details.

bers). Call (302) 655-7221 for more information.

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.

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) 5988791 to apply, mention priority code FABLHRAQ.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

State Chamber members offer substantial savings on products Access full details on these benefits of and services to fellow members. membership in the members-only section To see the full list of discounts of the DSCC website. For more informaonline, visit www.dscc.com and click on Member2Member tion about obtaining your company’s Discounts. members-only login credentials, please email webmaster@dscc.com.

W.B. Mason Office Supplies W.B. Mason offers Chamber members exclusive deep discounts off their most commonly used items. Discounts are up to 90 percent. Contact Doreen Miller for more information at doreen. miller@wbmason.com or (888) 926-2766, ext. 8358.

Blood Bank Membership Member companies with five employees or less are offered unlimited group coverage in the Blood Bank of Delmarva. Call (302) 655-7221 for more information.

Certificate of Origin Documents Certificate of Origin documents are $20 for Chamber members ($100 for non-mem-

DELAWARE BUSINESS

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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 donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to call.

A. Richard Heffron Sr. Vice President Government Affairs/ Interim President Marianne K. Antonini Sr. Vice President Finance & CFO Janine G. Sorbello Sr. Vice President Education & Exec. Director, The Partnership Business Mentoring Alliance Principal for a Day Superstars in Education

576-6563 rheffron@dscc.com

576-6567 mantonini@dscc.com 576-6575 jsorbello@dscc.com

John H. Taylor, Jr. 576-6590 Sr. Vice President & jtaylor@dscc.com Exec. Director, Delaware Public Policy Institute Matt Amis Communications Manager Delaware Business Production Website Health Care Committee Holding Company Committee

576-6566 mamis@dscc.com

Katie Dunn Communications Specialist Women in Business Young Executives Committee Benefits & Services Committee Education & Development Committee

576-6578 kdunn@dscc.com

Cheryl Corn Sr. Vice President Communications Executive Assistant to the President

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Linda D. Eriksen Accounting Associate

576-6569 leriksen@dscc.com

Gregory L. Gross Director of Government Affairs Employee Relations Committee Environmental Committee Legislative Forum Tax Committee Transportation Committee

576-6568 ggross@dscc.com

Chuck James Account Executive Ambassador Committee

576-6562 cjames@dscc.com

Arlene M. Simon Account Executive

576-6576 asimon@dscc.com

Bill Stephano Director of Membership Patrina Wallace Information Secretary

576-6574 bstephano@dscc.com 655-7221 pwallace@dscc.com

Kelly Wetzel Events Manager

576-6586 kwetzel@dscc.com

Miller Publishing, Inc. Fred Miller President, Miller Publishing, Inc. Advertising Sales

576-6579 fmiller2@dscc.com

576-6572 DELAWARE STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ccorn@dscc.com

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

May/June 2012

| DELAWARE BUSINESS

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