Delaware Business January/February 2011

s p r ec e ia p o l r a t n is nu s u al e

in recovery

together THREE D OLLARS

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In This Issue features

47

Small Business Alliance

10

Economic Development

51

New leaders join the recovery effort.

Delaware Manufacturing Association

annual report

Public Policy

55

2

58

Chamber Staff

Membership

3

State Chamber Board of Directors

5

departments 61

2011 Editorial Calendar

7

Message from the Chairman and President

Newsmakers

State Chamber members share their news and successes.

8

Legislative Priority

The State Chamber presents its 2011 Legislative Agenda.

68

Welcome New Members

70

State Chamber Scene

15

2010: A Year in the Life of the Chamber

72

Calendar of Events

The year in photos.

29

74

Benefits of Membership

Government Affairs

33

The Partnership, Inc.

43

Delaware Retail Council

75

Committees

76

For Assistance, Call the Chamber

On The Cover Delaware’s business community and government leaders are in the recovery effort together.

Volume 17, 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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B u s i n e s s Januar y / Febr uar y 2011

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2010 Delaware State Chamber Staff Editorial Staff Thomas J. Cooper Chairman James A.Wolfe President/CEO

Katie Grasso Managing Editor Sharon R. Reardon Editor

Kelly Cofrancisco Editor

Executive Committee

James A. Wolfe President and CEO

Marianne K. Antonini Senior Vice President, Finance & CFO

A. Richard Heffron Senior Vice President, Government Affairs

CHAIRMAN Thomas J. Cooper Cooper Realty Associates IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN Richard K. Struthers CHAIR-ELECT Connie Bond Stuart PNC Bank VICE CHAIRMAN William R. Allan Verizon Delaware

Sharon Reardon Senior Vice President, Marketing & Executive Director, Small Business Alliance

Janine G. Sorbello Senior Vice President, Education & Executive Director, The Partnership, Inc.

John H. Taylor, Jr. Senior Vice President & Executive Director, DPPI

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

Board of directors Martha S. Gilman Gilman Development Company

Paul H. Mylander The Bank of Delmarva

Julian H. Booker Delmarva Broadcasting Company

John E. Healy III Healy, Long & Jevin, Inc.

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

David B. Brown, Esq. Potter, Anderson & Corroon LLP

Michael Houghton Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell, LLP

John S. Riley Ashland, Inc.

Timothy J. Constantine Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware Cheryl Corn Executive Assistant to the President

Linda D. Eriksen Accounting Associate

Charlie Copeland Associates International, Inc. Chip Davis AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP E. Andrew DiSabatino EDiS Company Christina Favilla Discover Bank Donald G. Gagnon AAA Mid-Atlantic Dr. Orlando J. George, Jr. Delaware Technical & Community College

Katie Grasso Communications Manager

Greg Gross Director of Government Relations

Chuck James Account Executive

A. Richard Heffron Senior Vice President Sharon R. Reardon Senior Vice President & Executive Director, Small Business Alliance Arlene M. Simon Account Executive

Bill Stephano Director of membership

Tyrone Jones AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP Richard H. LaPenta Insurance & Financial Serv., Ltd. Robert J. Laskowski, MD Christiana Care Health Systems Cathy MacFarlane ING DIRECT

Thomas A. Shoemaker TD Bank W. Laird Stabler III, Esq. Laird Stabler & Associates Gary R. Stockbridge Delmarva Power Ed Sutor Dover Downs Hotel & Casino

Paul M. McConnell McConnell Development, Inc.

William Wallace JPMorgan Chase

Michael McMullen Agilent Technologies

Robert W. Whetzel Richards, Layton & Finger

Chad Moore The Bellmoor

Katie Wilkinson Wilmington Trust Company

Bret Morris A. R. Morris Jewelers

Lloyd Wirshba Barclaycard US

staff James A.Wolfe President/CEO Marianne K. Antonini Senior Vice President

Liz Pretz Events manager

William E. Manning Saul Ewing, LLP Chip Rossi Bank of America Dennis M. Salter Summit Realty Advisors, LLC Fred C. Sears II Delaware Community Foundation Mark S. Stellini Virtual Resources, LLC Mark Turner WSFS Bank Michael S. Uffner AutoTeam Delaware Richelle Vible Catholic Charities, Inc.

Linda Ammons Widener University School of Law

Robert L. Byrd The Byrd Group, LLC

Kelly Cofrancisco Program & Communications Specialist

Tony Allen, PhD Bank of America Sylvia S. Banks DuPont Ernest J. Dianastasis CAI Donald T. Fulton George J.Weiner Associates Pierre du Pont Hayward University of Delaware Richard Kenny Delaware Supermarkets, Inc. Alan Levin Delaware Economic Development Office Hinton Lucas DuPont

Janine G. Sorbello Senior Vice President & Executive Director, The Partnership

John H. Taylor, Jr. Senior Vice President & Executive Director, DPPI

Greg Gross Director of Government Relations Chuck James Account Executive

Kelly Cofrancisco Program & Communications Specialist

Liz Pretz Events Manager

Cheryl Corn Executive Assistant to the President Linda D. Eriksen Accounting Associate Katie Grasso Communications Manager

Arlene Simon Account Executive Bill Stephano Director of Membership Patrina Wallace Information Administrator

ADVERTISING SALES / Miller Publishing, Inc.

Fred Miller President

Delaware State Chamber of Commerce 1201 North Orange Street, P.O. Box 671 • Wilmington, DE 19899-0671 (302) 655-7221 • (800) 292-9507 • www.dscc.com

Patrina Wallace Information administrator

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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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ng

r s, LLC

2010 Delaware State Chamber Board of Directors executive committee

CHAIRMAN Thomas J. Cooper Cooper Realty Associates

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN Richard K. Struthers

CHAIR elect Connie Bond Stuart PNC Bank

vice chairman William R. Allan Verizon Delaware

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

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

Richard Kenny Delaware Supermarkets Inc.

Alan Levin Delaware Economic Development Office

Hinton Lucas DuPont

William E. Manning saul ewing, LLP

chip rossi bank of america

Dennis M. Salter Summit Realty Advisors, LLC.

Fred C. Sears II Delaware Community Foundation

Mark S. Stellini virtual resources, LLC

Mark Turner WSFS Bank

Michael S. Uffner AutoTeam Delaware

Richelle Vible Catholic Charities, Inc.

Julian H. Booker Delmarva Broadcasting Co.

David B. Brown Potter Anderson & Corroon, LLP

Robert L. Byrd The byrd group, llc

Timothy J. Constantine Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware

Charlie Copeland Associates international, inc.

Chip Davis AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals lp

E. Andrew DiSabatino EDiS Company

Christina Favilla Discover Bank

Donald G. Gagnon AAA Mid-Atlantic

Orlando J. George, Jr. Delaware Technical & Community College

Martha S. Gilman Gilman Development Company

John E. Healy III Healy Long & Jevin, Inc.

Michael Houghton Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell, LLP

Tyrone Jones AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals lp

Richard H. LaPenta Insurance & Financial Services, Ltd.

Robert J. Laskowski Christiana Care Health System

Cathy MacFarlane ING DIRECT

Paul M. McConnell McConnell Development, Inc.

Michael McMullen Agilent Technologies

Chad Moore The Bellmoor Inn & spa

Bret Morris A.R. Morris Jewelers

Paul H. Mylander The Bank of Delmarva

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

John S. Riley ashland, Inc.

Thomas Shoemaker TD Bank

W. Laird Stabler, III Laird Stabler & Associates

Gary R. Stockbridge Delmarva Power

Ed Sutor Dover Downs Hotel & Casino

William S. Wallace JPMorgan Chase

Robert W. Whetzel Richards, Layton & Finger

Katie Wilkinson Wilmington Trust Company

Lloyd Wirshba Barclaycard us

ity

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Linda Ammons Widener University School of Law

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B usiness Januar y / Febr uar y 2011

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editorial

Delaware Business 2011 Editorial/Ad Calendar*

c a l en d a r

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 2011 editorial calendar, including special advertising sections and advertising space reservation deadlines:

January/February

State Chamber Annual Report The State Chamber’s Year in Review, and a look at Delaware’s economic development.

March/April

Guide to Real Estate & Construction Guide to Health Care & Insurance Guide to Taxes Space reservation: January 19, 2011 May/June

Superstars in Education Guide to Education Guide to Legal Services Guide to Wellness Space reservation: March 12, 2011 July/August

Meeting & Banquet Guide Back-to-School Guide Insurance & Financial Services Space reservation: May 14, 2011 September/October

Guide to Health Care Guide to Education Green Guide Space reservation: July 14, 2011 November/December

Superstars in Business Guide to Small Business Guide to Construction & Real Estate Guide to Technology Guide to Banking Space reservation: September 15, 2011 To reserve an ad, contact Fred Miller at (302) 576-6579 or fmiller2@dscc.com. * 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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Delaware Business magazine covered a variety of topics – from the construction industry to education. above, the covers of the 2010 issues.

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Introducing the Newest Delaware Business Tool.

Refer qualified businesses to Delaware and get paid if they relocate here.

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m ess a ge f r o m t h e ab fa g n & t h e P r es i d en t C hc ad i rem

Let’s Continue to Work Together Tommy Cooper Chairman of the Board

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Certified PubliC ACCountAnts & Advisors

of

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by Gov. Markell and Secretary of Education Lillian Lowery that won Race to the Top federal funding to support Delaware’s continued progress on major education reform.

It appears that the recession reached its bottom and economists predict that the climb upward will be steady, but slow.

Optimism alone won’t stimulate the economy, nor will increased taxes on weakened businesses. The most reliable way to increase revenue to the state is by assisting the private sector in creating jobs and enabling the byproducts of increased production and sales. While the U.S. Congress continues in gridlock, Delaware leads the way, taking care of business.

As we do after every election, Delaware pulls together and rises to our challenges. We thank our members for being part of this noble effort. We’ll all be healthier and stronger for it. n

Celebra ti n

D

elaware caught national and worldwide attention during the weeks leading up to Election Day on Nov. 2, 2010. While Delawareans were in the spotlight then, we are most proud of the work we do after all the campaign activity is over, when we make clear as candidates and citizens that we are committed to working together.

Congratulations to U.S. Senator Chris Coons and Congressman John Carney. We wish them well as they continue their service to Delaware constituents and now have the chance to represent their home state on the federal level. The State Chamber remains a partner to all of our legislators, advising and advocating businessfriendly decisions.

We applaud Governor Jack Markell and Delaware Economic Development Office Director Alan Levin this year for making it clear that every job and every business in Delaware is important.

The State Chamber helped spread the word of the Governor’s innovative programs such as the Business Finders Fee (BFF), an incentive program that rewards Delaware businesses for statewide business recruiting efforts.

We celebrated Lt. Gov. Matt Denn’s announcement in November that Delaware had improved more than any other state in the U.S. in holding down the cost of workers compensation insurance to business. This achievement was a result of the work done by the State Chamber and leaders from the state’s business, medical and legal sectors to reform the law. Delaware’s workers compensation premiums, which were once the third highest in the nation, have dropped to 34 among the 50 states. This reform is a prime example of our vigilance to keep business costs down in order to compete with neighboring states and in the global economy.

Equally important as fiscal responsibility and cost containment are health care cost and education reform. The State Chamber continues to champion these issues. With a presence on the Delaware’s Health Care Advisory Panel, we support efficiencies through the Delaware Health Information Network, the first operational statewide health information exchange in the country. And in June, the State Chamber gathered health and wellness experts for a Wellness at Work conference to help employers guide healthy lifestyles and savings among their employees.

We continue to support Vision 2015, the initiative to provide a world-class education to every child in our state. And we commend the teamwork of educators and business leaders led

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delaware state chamber of commerce

2011 Legislative Agenda

D

elaware’s economic challenges stubbornly persist and the same question remains: what legislative and policy changes will be made during this coming session to address the state’s enduring fiscal challenges and encourage economic development? The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s 2011 legislative agenda for the 146th General Assembly addresses issues such as fiscal responsibility, education, health care, energy, infrastructure, federal legislation and economic development that will be crucial to the state’s economic recovery.

State Fiscal Policy

From fall 2008 until fall 2009, the state’s revenue projections decreased with each Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council (DEFAC) meeting. There was a bit of optimism when last fiscal year, the state experienced a small increase in revenue of about $136 million, based upon the fee and tax increases of July 2009. Continuing optimism was restrained this past September when DEFAC reported revenue projections that were basically flat. Historically the early DEFAC numbers are conservative, which is not a bad thing because they cause the administration to be cautious when constructing a budget. With the economy continuing its slow but steady growth pattern of the past year and facing the prospect that the distribution of federal stimulus funding will end, the administration and the General Assembly should continue to: • Re-examine how state government functions.

• Take a close look at how taxpayers’ money is being spent.

• Implement restraints on state spending.

• Develop new revenue sources without additional fee and tax increases.

This is a continuation of efforts started by the Markell administration and the General Assembly following the 2008 economic collapse. DEFAC predicts slow growth will continue throughout 2012 and 2013, and businesses and citizens will continue to deal with the financial squeeze. This causes policy makers to be wary of taking additional money out of peoples’ pockets through fee and tax increases. The bottom line is that for the economy’s recovery to quicken, businesses and consumers must pick up the pace of investment and spending.

Call to Action: All state and local governments need to continue cutting expenses and become more efficient to balance their budgets. Tax and fee increases are not viable options while businesses are still attempting to climb out of a deep recession.

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Public Education

Delaware’s public schools are improving but they still lag behind in dropout rates, test scores, and preparation for higher education and the job market. President Obama’s aggressive “Race to the Top” educational improvement plan, headed by his innovative Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, will provide an additional $120 million through a competitive grant awarded to Delaware. This grant money provides new opportunities for public school system improvement efforts. Required changes will include flexible decision making capability for each school, measuring student achievement on an ongoing basis, the state taking responsibility for addressing failing schools and including student achievement as part of teacher accountability standards.

Delaware’s businesses, while working with community, education and government leaders, must continue to develop a road map for Delaware’s public schools to achieve world-class status.

To meet this goal, it is imperative that implementation of the Vision 2015 plan be accelerated.

Call to Action: The State, education community and the citizens of Delaware must continue to implement the aggressive education reform agenda outlined in Vision 2015, which is now aligned with President Obama’s “Race to the Top” education improvement program. This cooperative agenda will provide our public school system with the ability to achieve world-class status.

Health Insurance

With the passage of the Affordable Care Act, the landscape for health care and health insurance is beginning an ambiguous transformation. The difficulty for the business community is that the implementation of changes in coverage, regulations and penalties are spread out over several years.

Businesses, insurers and providers are uncertain what effect this new law will have on costs and what their obligations will be. Furthermore, there is the distinct possibility some of the expected changes will be modified before implementation.

The biggest question mark on the horizon is what happens if the courts find that the coverage mandate in the statute is unconstitutional or that the government has limited authority to enforce the mandate? Despite these questions, the state is compelled to move ahead with policies such as establishing a catastrophic health coverage pool and constructing an insurance purchasing exchange. The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce will continue to keep its members informed about

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progress in implementing the federal program, and will keep a close eye on any proposed legislative changes so businesses can plan for the future.

Call to Action: Business leaders need a clear understanding of the federal law and their obligations under the new statute.

We need a health care insurance system that controls costs and provides the ability for everyone to obtain coverage.

Energy

Energy independence, coupled with a stable supply and a reasonable cost structure, is critical to the continued growth of our state’s economy. Numerous manufacturers have stated publicly that high utility costs are a deterrent to expanding and building facilities in Delaware. This road block to economic expansion needs to be resolved if we are going to expand manufacturing in our state.

With the combined efforts of the federal government, the State of Delaware, the University of Delaware, Delmarva Power and NRG Energy, the effort to build a wind farm off the coast of Delaware is moving forward. This is not the only opportunity for our state. Delmarva Power, along with other energy providers, is working toward finding alternative sources of renewable energy that can not only meet Delaware’s demand, but also offer opportunities for economic development.

Call to action: It is essential that we look closely at energy costs and outline a plan that will make these costs more reasonable. Moreover, Delaware must take advantage of its unique opportunities to become a leader in providing clean, reasonably priced energy for its citizens and businesses.

Infrastructure

Successful economic development efforts can only succeed if the required transportation, water/wastewater and telecommunications infrastructure is in place. Projects that will provide Delaware with the needed infrastructure are best accomplished through public/private partnerships. To be successful, our leaders must be innovative in creating partnership opportunities. Offers to privatize infrastructure have been discussed in the past and should continue to receive serious consideration.

This is especially important now, when state finances are under pressure. The proper investment in infrastructure will foster economic growth.

Call to Action: Delaware needs to continue considering all practical public/private partnership proposals that can help to increase and enhance our state’s infrastructure at an affordable cost.

Economic Development

All of the topics discussed in the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce 2011 Legislative Agenda are essential ingredients for

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a strategy to foster economic development. During Governor Markell’s first two years in office, progress has been made with efforts to expand the partnership with our institutions of higher education, finding means of generating greater access to venture capital, streamlining the government permitting and regulatory process, looking for global market opportunities and aggressively promoting what Delaware has to offer to existing and new businesses. One of the most important efforts is the development of a plan that will encourage resident manufacturers to expand and attract new manufacturing companies. This will necessitate a close scrutiny of the state’s environmental regulatory process, land use policy, education and training programs, infrastructure needs, economic development investment, energy costs and tax structure.

Call to Action: We must continue ongoing efforts to find ways to encourage Delaware businesses to expand while attracting new businesses. It is essential that the state develop a manufacturing blueprint. These efforts will create jobs and produce income for Delaware’s citizens. Economic development is the cornerstone of a healthy and vibrant state economy.

Federal Legislation

We will be keeping a close watch on the new federal health care law as well as other issues on a federal level. Although control of the House of Representatives has changed and the Senate is no longer in the firm control of one party, we need to pay close attention to legislation that addresses climate change, alters the way workers can choose to form a union, tax policy changes and most importantly, those that challenge Delaware’s position as the corporate capital of the world. The message to our congressional delegation is that the outcome of these legislative efforts can have a profound effect on the Delaware business community. It remains important that we provide affordable health care, meet the challenges of efficient energy production and climate change, protect workers’ rights and address corporate abuse, but do so in a way that does not unfairly hurt Delaware’s business.

Call to action: Make certain that our representatives in Washington understand the consequences of federal legislation for Delaware and its business community.

Since September 2008, Delawareans have contended with enormous challenges to our economic viability, fiscal stability and the capacity to meet the needs of distressed citizens.

Working together we have achieved some success with these economic hurdles. The road to recovery remains a long and difficult journey that we can successfully navigate only if we work together. n

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d e v e l o p m en t

New Leaders Join the Recovery Effort

economic

By Larry Nagengast

H

ere’s your three-sentence Delaware economic outlook for 2011: The state’s economy is slowly recovering.

The pace is too slow for those who are out of work or who can’t get loans for their businesses. Even if conditions improve, state and local governments face significant challenges in controlling costs in the face of stagnant revenue streams.

Now, the details.

“The biggest indicator that things are getting better is the drop in the unemployment rate,” says Alan Levin, director of the Delaware Economic Development Office. The state’s unemployment rate declined steadily in 2010, from a high of 9.2 percent in February and March to 8.4 percent in September. The number of unemployed has dropped from 39,364 in March to 35,311 in September.

That number, however, represents “way too many people out of work,” says John Carney, the former lieutenant governor who won the election in November as Delaware’s sole member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

“We’ve lost a lot of jobs in facilities like Chrysler and General Motors that have been at the foundation of our economy for 50 years, places that have provided thousands of families with the pathway to the middle class,” Carney says.

Gov. Jack Markell and Levin have helped broker deals to bring Fisker Automotive and its hybrid electric cars to the former GM plant and new ownership to the former Valero refinery in Delaware City. And the University of Delaware has ambitious plans for a Science and Technology Campus on the former Chrysler site.

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Of the three, however, only the PBF Energy refinery will be creating jobs in the short term – with about 600 workers now involved in the retooling and about 700 expected to be on site when the refinery reopens in the spring.

More new jobs are in the pipeline in Sussex County too, thanks in part to grants and loans from DEDO’s Strategic Fund. Mountaire Farms’ new rendering and resourcerecovery plant will provide up to 300 construction jobs and 31 permanent positions. And Perdue Agribusiness will move its headquarters from Salisbury, Md., to Seaford, Del. in 2012, bringing another 110 to 120 jobs.

Overall, Levin says, since Markell took office in January 2009, DEDO has had a hand in creating 7,383 new jobs, but some of those are part of three-year and five-year plans, so the full impact won’t be seen until sometime in 2015.

“The state has done a good job in finding new uses for the high-profile closures,” says Chip Flowers, elected state treasurer in November. “But there’s been a lot of churn in small business, and many of the jobs lost in that sector aren’t being replaced.”

As he heads to Washington, Carney says he’ll give special attention to the needs of small businesses. “Our role as public officials is to establish conditions so businesses can be successful. Small businesses drive the economy and job creation, but they’ve had trouble getting working capital since 2008,” he said.

In addition to easing access to credit, Carney says he’ll work to reduce or simplify regulations affecting small businesses

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Carol Yost, Jeannine White, and their brother Mark Cummings — in 1963, and today.

“In 1963, Dad chose our health insurance for us.

Today, we’d make the same choice.”

Hundreds of thousands of Delawareans can tell the same story as the Cummings family. That’s because Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware has been the state’s trusted provider of health care coverage for 75 years. During that time, health care and health insurance have changed dramatically. But those changes have only strengthened our commitment to providing you with access to high-quality care. We are proud of the partnership The Cummings children, opposite their dad’s ID card (as seen in a 1963 ad).

we’ve built with you, and of the loyalty you show by continuing to choose Blue.

Having celebrated our 75th anniversary this past November, we’d like to thank you for being part of our history. We look forward to many more years of working well together with you.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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and push for health-care “rules and regulations that result in containing costs and affordable premiums (for small businesses) rather than driving costs up.”

Carney, Levin and Rich Heffron, senior vice president for government affairs at the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, all say the state has to focus on creating more jobs in manufacturing, which, according to Heffron, after the Chrysler and GM closings, now accounts for only 6 percent of the state’s workforce. Levin pointed to the expansion project at Summit Aviation in Middletown, which could add nearly 200 jobs in aircraft maintenance and repair in the next three years.

Carney has been promoting green manufacturing jobs – wind turbines and related equipment for the proposed wind farm in the Atlantic Ocean off the Delaware coast, for example. Heffron believes Delaware’s manufacturing future lies in smaller, cleaner plants that reflect the trend toward a greener economy.

The pending sale of the Wilmington Trust Co., a business icon in the state for more than a century, to Buffalo-based M&T Bank adds another layer of uncertainty to the state’s financial outlook.

“Nobody wants to see a great Delaware institution fall,” Levin says. But, he added, M&T has a reputation as a strong community lender and the expectation is that M&T will retain Wilmington Trust’s branch structure, and the business loan officers that go along with it.

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While the private sector is showing some small signs of recovery, the outlook for government spending is less certain.

Wilmington Mayor James M. Baker announced layoffs to take effect in January and has hinted that more cuts may be coming when the city’s next fiscal year begins in July. The continuing slump in the real estate market will force county governments to keep a tight rein on spending, since property taxes are their primary revenue source.

At the state level, unless the economy turns around quickly, Heffron expects the squeeze to continue for two more years.

“Revenues aren’t growing quickly but fixed costs continue to grow,” he says. “If revenues are flat, or growing at 1 or 2 percent, you end up behind because fixed costs are growing at a faster rate.”

As the General Assembly begins reviewing Markell’s FY 2012 budget, it will be working without longtime Joint Finance Committee leader Nancy W. Cook, a fixture in the Senate since 1974 and chair or vice-chair of the JFC for 23 years. Cook, defeated in a bid for re-election, “knew how to say no, knew how to carry water for the governor, knew when to make a deal,” Heffron says.

Flowers’ election as treasurer could alter some of the dynamics of the state’s economic development efforts.

Flowers is advocating a more activist role for the treasurer’s office, moving it beyond issuing bonds, signing checks and balancing the state’s accounts and into economic forecasting and economic development.

Flowers’ short-term priorities include creating an “economic early warning system/economic index,” a periodic report of economic data that would give government officials and business owners “real time information on the direction of the state’s economy,” and developing “a non-debt stimulus package,” essentially trying to pay the state’s vendors faster in order to increase in-state economic activity.

Since treasurer is an independently elected office, it’s not clear how Flowers’ goals will mesh with the Markell administration. “Everybody is free to help. Our mission is to put Delawareans to work. Chip is a bright, talented guy. We’ll be talking about what we can get done,” Levin says.

With Carney succeeding longtime U.S. Rep. Mike Castle in Congress and Chris Coons, the former New Castle County executive, starting his first term in the Senate, Delaware will have the least seniority in its Congressional delegation since 1973, when Vice President Joe Biden was starting his first term in the Senate.

But Levin downplayed the relative lack of seniority as the delegation looks out for the state’s economic interests.

“Chris Coons understands the issues that Delaware faces. John Carney was the state’s secretary of finance. He understands how the game is played. In the end, I don’t think seniority, or lack of it, matters as much as what they bring to the table,” he says.

“Besides, they’ve got a great teacher in (Senator) Tom Carper. If they can take their lessons from him, they’ll be fine.” n

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BeeBe Medical center delivers For delaware What began in 1916 as a four-room hospital in Lewes has become southern Delaware’s leader in advanced healthcare. The unyielding efforts of our staff, physicians, volunteers, and friends have brought awards and innovation for the people of Delaware.

BeeBe delivers QUalitY • HealthGrades® Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence™ • Rated among Top 5% in the nation and Best on Delmarva in Orthopaedics by HealthGrades® five years in a row • Commission on Cancer Outstanding Achievement Award for Excellence • Premier Award for Quality by Premier Healthcare Alliance for outstanding patient care, quality clinical outcomes, and operational efficiency • Golden Apple Award for Quality Leadership

BeeBe delivers innovation • Intraperitoneal Treatment (IP)—abdominal therapy for ovarian cancer • Endovascular Stent Graft AAA Repairs with CardioMEMS wireless pressure sensors • Leading-edge digital, video-based Endoscopic Imaging for GI procedures • Minimally Invasive Surgery such as Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

It’s never been more important than it is today to help improve the health of our communities, and Beebe stands ready to continue providing highquality, progressive healthcare for Delaware.

Lewes, Delaware www.beebemed.org

D e l awa r e

InsIst on qualIty. InsIst on BeeBe.

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w w w . p o t t e r a n d e r s o n . c o m

Intellectual property environmental taxation

commercial Litigation

Business

Labor & employment

structured Finance & alternative entities product Liability

Bankruptcy & corporate reorganization corporate counseling & Governance

administrative

Your Delaware Advantage trusts & estates

corporate & alternative entity Litigation

Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Business transactions construction Health

mergers, acquisitions & divestitures

Internet & technology adr

real estate

Insurance coverage Litigation

potter anderson & corroon LLp 1313 north market street, p.o. Box 951 wilmington, de 19899-0951 phone: (302) 984-6000

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ae y ba cr d ei n f gr e v i e w

2010:the a year chamber in the life of

 In January, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce awarded its prestigious Josiah Marvel Cup Award to Edgar S. Woolard. from left: DSCC Board Chair Tommy Cooper, former DSCC Board Chair Ric Struthers, U.S. Senator Ted Kaufman, Victor Battaglia, Woolard, DSCC President Jim Wolfe, Governor Jack Markell, and U.S. Rep. Mike Castle. Photo by Dick Dubroff/ Final Focus

 Senator Tom Carper addressed Chamber members in January at the Environmental Committee meeting at Arsht Hall in Wilmington and was surprised with an early birthday cake presented by the Arsht Hall and State Chamber Staff. Photo by Katie Grasso  Sen. Carper (at podium) was on hand to announce the $1.5 million grant to WhiteOptics LLC in Newark, which will go toward creating jobs and developing energy-saving technology. Photo

by Katie Grasso

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 from left: Widener Law School students Marian Akrami, Mohammed Shariff and Ostin Warren, Jim Wolfe, DSCC president and CEO, Linda Ammons, Widener School of Law dean, Rich Heffron, DSCC Sr. V.P. Government Relations and students Jennifer Bailey, Damian DelPino, and Destiny Prater, pose for the camera at the Leadership Luncheon in March. Photo by Kelly Cofrancisco

 In March, Delaware’s First Lady Carla Markell talked to a group of more than 50 people at the Women in Business Forum about volunteering in Delaware. “My pride for our state grows every day,” she said. Photo by Katie Grasso

 Manufacturing Conference keynote speaker, Fisker Automotive COO Bernhard Koehler (center, right) and Russel Datz of Fisker Automotive (left), speak with Chamber members in March. Photo by Katie Grasso

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★ Thank You

SPONSORS

ae y ba cr d ei n f gr e v i e w

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

for your support of Superstars in Business From the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce Small Business Alliance

And Special Congratulations to the 2010 Winners and Award of Excellence Recipients

2010 Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Sponsors Platinum: Bank of America; Wilmington Trust Diamond: Gilman Development Company; Morris James LLP Gold: Bancorp Bank; Belfint Lyons & Shuman CPAs; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware; Citizens Bank; Colonial Parking; Delaware Economic Development Office; DuPont; EBC Carpet Services; PNC Bank; Verizon Delaware; WSFS Bank Silver: AAA Mid-Atlantic; Artisans’ Bank; Auto Team Delaware; BDO (formerly McBride Shopa & Co.); Dukart Management; Glenmede Trust; Roland, Johnson & Company, P.A.; Santora CPA Group; University of Delaware; VanDemark & Lynch; Wheeler, Wolfenden & Dwares Bronze: Bayhealth Medical Center; Chesapeake Utilities; Delaware Community Foundation; DiSabatino Construction Company; EDiS Company; George J. Weiner Associates; Gunnip & Company; Home Instead Senior Care; Wood & Associates Friends: Catholic Charities; Community Service Building; The Company Corporation Media & Promotion: Aloysius Butler & Clark; Delmarva Broadcasting Company; Farley Printing Awards: A.R. Morris Jewelers Speaker: WDEL 1150 AM Video: Teleduction

Superstars in Business Winners Laura Novak Photography & Little Nest Portraits (Category of up to 25 employees) SSD Technology Partners (Category of 26 to 64 employees) i.g. Burton and Company, Inc. (Category of over 65 employees) Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County (Nonprofit organization category)

Awards of Excellence Bramhall & Hitchen, Inc. (Category of up to 25 employees) Gunnip & Company LLP (Category of 26 to 64 employees) Morris James LLP (Category of over 65 employees) Children & Families First (Nonprofit organization category)

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ D e l awa r e

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 Patrick Callahan and Lee Mikles of the Archer Group greet Matt Sullivan, editor of Spark, during a signing of their book, “Engage Your Brand,” at the Young Executives Committee Meeting in March. Photo by Matthew Waters

 from left: Jim Wolfe, president and CEO, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, Nick Romano, vice president and SSD partner, Nancy Froome, vice president and SSD partner, Joe DiPinto, Wilmington’s director of economic development, Barbara Hines, president and founder of SSD, Governor Jack Markell, Wilmington Mayor James Baker and Gregg Pettinaro help cut the ribbon in front of SSD’s new headquarters at the Wilmington Riverfront in April. Photo by Kelly Cofrancisco

 In April, networking breakfast attendees hear about the business side of baseball at Frawley Stadium, the home of the Wilmington Blue Rocks. Photo by Matthew Waters

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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.

What are some of the medicines included in the AZ&Me Prescription Savings Programs?* ACCOLATE® (zafirlukast)

PULMICORT RESPULES® (budesonide inhalation suspension)

ARIMIDEX (anastrozole)

RHINOCORT AQUA® (budesonide)

ATACAND (candesartan cilexetil)

SEROQUEL® (quetiapine fumarate)

ATACAND HCT (candesartan cilexetil-hydrochlorothiazide)

SEROQUEL XR® (quetiapine fumarate) Extended-Release Tablets

®

®

®

CRESTOR (rosuvastatin calcium) ®

FASLODEX® (fulvestrant) Injection MERREM® I.V. (meropenem for injection) NEXIUM® (esomeprazole magnesium) NEXIUM® (esomeprazole magnesium) For Oral Suspension NEXIUM® I.V. (esomeprazole sodium) Injection PULMICORT FLEXHALER™ (budesonide inhalation powder, 90 mcg & 180 mcg)

SYMBICORT® (budesonide/formoterol fumarate dihydrate) Inhalation Aerosol TOPROL-XL® (metoprolol succinate) ZOLADEX® (goserelin acetate implant) ZOMIG® (zolmitriptan) ZOMIG® (zolmitriptan) Nasal Spray ZOMIG-ZMT® (zolmitriptan) *Other AstraZeneca medicines may also be available. Program eligibility criteria and products covered are subject to change.

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.

Call. Ask. Enroll.

1-800-AZandMe (1-800-292-6363) or AZandMe.com AZ&ME and PULMICORT FLEXHALER are trademarks and ACCOLATE, ARIMIDEX, ATACAND, ATACAND HCT, CRESTOR, FASLODEX, MERREM I.V., NEXIUM, PULMICORT RESPULES, RHINOCORT AQUA, SEROQUEL, SEROQUEL XR, SYMBICORT, TOPROL-XL, ZOLADEX, ZOMIG, and ZOMIG-ZMT are registered trademarks of the AstraZeneca group of companies. ©2010 AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP. All rights reserved. 303852 6/10

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Prescription Savings Programs

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in a brced ve ie fw g year

 In May, Skyline Middle School students and teacher Robert Ligenfelter show off their Superstars in Education banner they won for the program, “How a Bill Becomes a Law,” which teaches students about government, law and debate. Photo provided by Skyline Middle School

 Delaware’s Secretary of Education Lillian Lowery, pictured here at DSCC’s Superstars in Education Recognition Dinner in May, developed the winning Race to the Top plan. Photo by Ron Gough

 At the June Legislative Brunch a panel discussed health care reform. From left: Rita Landgraf, Secretary of Delaware Health and Social Services, Roger Kirtley, Lyons Companies, Katie Hays, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Liz Fowler, U.S. Senate Finance Committee, discussed the Affordable Care Act. Photo by Katie Grasso

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The employees and management of Delaware Physicians Care, an Aetna Medicaid plan, are pleased to announce that we have been chosen by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as one of the best Medicaid health plans in the nation for the third year in a row.

Ranked #21 in the nation, we are the top-rated Medicaid plan in Delaware.

Since 2004, Delaware Physicians Care, an Aetna Medicaid plan located in Newark, Delaware, has been providing nearly 100,000 Delawareans with Medicaid coverage.

We’re very proud to be ranked so highly three years in a row. Rankings are based on the quality of care as well as how satisfied our enrollees are with the services they receive. It’s a statement about the excellence of our staff and participating providers – and how dedicated they all are to ensuring our members stay as healthy as possible.

NCQA’s Health Insurance Plan Rankings 2010-2011 – Medicaid rankings are available online at: http://www.ncqa.org/ portals/0/health%20plan%20rankings/2010/HPR2010_NCQA_Plan_Ranking_Summary_Medicaid.pdf

DE-10-11-05

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 Sam Calagione, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery owner, has a drink with Chamber members at DSCC’s annual evening mixer at the brewery in June. Photo by Katie Grasso

 Michael Samuelson, president and CEO of The Health & Wellness Institute, was the keynote speaker at DSCC’s Wellness at Work Conference in June at UD’s Clayton Hall. Samuelson spoke about the importance of screenings and wellness to the health of employees. Photo by Katie Grasso

 Golfers scramble to their starting holes at the Chamber Chase Golf Tournament in September held at Kings Creek Golf Course in Rehoboth Beach. Photo by Katie Grasso

 The Young Executives Committee of the State Chamber held a luncheon with guest speaker Collin O’Mara, secretary of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, at the Doubletree Hotel Downtown in Wilmington in July.

Nearly 70 attendees came out to hear the secretary speak on the environmental issues facing Delaware and what the group can do to help. Photo by Katie Grasso

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Leadership Through leadership, strength and a commitment to excellence, we can reach new heights together.

We proudly support the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce.

© 2010 JPMorgan Chase & Co.

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jpmorganchase.com

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review year

in

 Jennifer Simon of Simon & Co. shows off her specialty pastries at the Tabletop Mixer in September. Photo by Tom Nutter

 In September, tabletop attendees were even greeted by those in costume! Photo by Tom Nutter

 Members enjoyed networking and delicious food from The Buttery in Lewes at the Evening Mixer in September. Photo by Kelly Cofrancisco

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year in review

If our children’s education were a business, we would all invest.

The Rodel Foundation of Delaware Join us in helping make Delaware’s schools the best in the nation.

It’s possible here.

www.rodelfoundationde.org

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in

 At the October Young Executives Committee Meeting, more than 30 people participated in speed networking. Photo by Katie Dunn

 Lt. Governor Matt Denn spoke at a press conference on worker’s compensation at the State Chamber in November.

Photo by Kelly Cofrancisco

 CBS News Senior White House Correspondent Bill Plante was the keynote speaker at the Superstars in Business Awards program at the Hotel du Pont in November. Photo by Dick Dubroff

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Guiding Clients For More Than 50 Years.

Bankruptcy • Business Planning • Commercial Litigation • Commercial Real Estate Corporate Counseling and Litigation Environmental Law

•

•

Employee Benefits • Employment Law

Intellectual Property Litigation •

Tax, Trusts & Estates

www.YoungConaway.com

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g o v e r n m en t affairs

Economic Challenges Continue for Delaware

By Rich Heffron

T

he story of this legislative session is that a little extra money can only go so far, but it can keep the wolf away from the door, at least until next year. With the late spring Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council (DEFAC) reports adding approximately $300 million in revenue for the General Assembly to allocate, the administration and legislators decided to give small increases here and there, while fending off most of the Governor’s proposed budget cuts. Included in the increase was a rollback of the previous year’s 2.5 percent cut in state employee salaries – a strategy that is expected in an election year.

As for the election itself, the Democrats were able to buck the national Republican trend and add two additional seats to their majority in the House of Representatives, the only state to do so. This gives the Democrats a 26 vote super majority enabling them, like their colleagues in the Senate, to pass tax and fee increases without Republican support and override a Governor’s veto. Neither of which appear to be on the horizon this coming year. Long time Joint Finance Co-Chair Senator Nancy Cook lost her bid for a 35th year serving in the State Senate. Despite the loss of this seat, the Democrats still hold an overwhelming 15 to 6 advantage in upper chamber. On the state level, Democrats swept all the statewide offices up for election except the State Auditors office, which Republican incumbent Tom Wagner held onto by a slim 5,000 vote margin.

The greatest impact on the Delaware political scene occurred during the September primary when perennial candidate and tea party darling Christine O’Donnell upset former Governor Congressman Mike Castle in the Republican U.S. Senate primary.

This terminated Castle’s distinguished public career and handed the seat formerly held by Vice President Joe Biden to New Castle County Executive Chris Coons. Former Democratic Lt. Governor John Carney handily won Castle’s congressional seat, becoming one of only three Democrats nationwide to capture a district formerly held by a Republican. For the first time in

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several decades, two of the three Delaware congressional offices will have newcomers sitting on Capitol Hill.

General Assembly - Finances and Taxes

The most significant news was the passage of legislation that establishes an escheat appeals process. This made improvements to the administration of the state’s abandoned and unclaimed property statutes by providing property holders with additional clarity and certainty regarding the enforcement of the Delaware abandoned property statute. Other legislation passed renewed the state’s historic tax credit program and exempted wholesalers shipping pharmaceuticals from the gross receipts tax.

Legislative disappointments included the lack of action on the Governor’s request that the General Assembly approve the establishment of a two-tier pension system with newly hired employees receiving reduced benefits. The General Assembly also failed to pass restrictions on two spouse employee health insurance policies while passing legislation giving New Castle County the authority to impose a surcharge on permits for funding volunteer fire departments.

Education

House Republicans raised questions about legislation that would establish a pilot project allowing flexible spending options for a limited number of school districts. These questions delayed action on this legislation until early in the upcoming legislative session.

Consumer Protection

After two years of discussions between the business community, legislators and the Attorney General’s office, agreement was reached on upgrading the state consumer protection code to bring greater clarity and consistency to the law while increasing the enforcement authority of the Department of Justice.

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Energy & the Environment

g o v e r n m en t

After the Governor vetoed a bill in 2009 that would have removed the five cent deposit on bottles, the interested parties began negotiations. The result of these talks was legislation that will implement comprehensive residential and commercial recycling programs by municipalities and waste haulers. It also establishes the Delaware Recycling Fund, supported by a four-year, four-cent bottle deposit fee to defray the costs of implementation. DSCC, working with several of its members, provided amendments that make the program practical.

In a post session victory for manufacturers, the Governor vetoed legislation that put restrictions on the use of wood waste for energy incinerators The Governor found this bill to be overly broad and in conflict with efforts to attain innovative renewable sources of energy.

Labor

The General Assembly passed an act applying to the construction services industry that provides administrative remedies and civil penalties against an employer who knowingly misclassifies an employee as an independent contractor.

Health Care

Much discussed legislation establishing the Delaware Health Information Network (DHIN) as an independent public/private entity with a permanent governance structure passed at the end of the session. This change is the product of significant input and effort from the Joint Sunset Committee and its staff, members of the current DHIN Board, the administration and members of the Delaware health care and business communities.

Small Business

There were two pieces of legislation supported by the small business community that passed the House of Representatives, but got caught in the Senate’s end–of-session rush. One was flexible regulation for small business patterned after the federal Regulatory Flexibility Act. The second would grant a state bidding preference for Delaware-based small businesses.

Economic Development

DSCC supported the Governor’s proposed Business Finder’s Fee, which creates incentives for existing businesses to partner with the State in the effort to stimulate the Delaware economy. This bill creates a tax credit program that would award each Sponsor Firm and each New Business Firm with a $500 annual tax credit for three years per Delaware job created by the new business.

The legislature also passed legislation that will expand the types of captive insurance companies that can domicile in Delaware. A requirement that out of state contractors use Delaware courts for legal disputes did not receive attention this past session, but will be re-introduced this coming January.

Financial restraints and an unclear economic outlook caused the Governor and his colleagues in the General Assembly to make tough decisions regarding the state’s ability to support existing state services. Unfortunately, as of press time, the outlook for 2011 appears to hold the same financial challenges. n

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Please call 1-866-464-8664 (Option 3) to find out which handsets include a free accessory with a new activation*. Maximum valueof the free accessory is $59.99. Limitedtime offer; subject to change without notice. Additional restrictions apply.Subject to credit approval; per line activation feeand other upfront and monthly charges and fees may apply – see representative for details. $200/line early cancellation fee and Regulatory Programs Fee (not a tax or government-mandated charge) of 86¢ per line/month apply. Taxes approx. 6-18% of your monthly bill. See Pricing, Services and Devices brochures and T-Mobile’s Terms and Conditions (including mandatory arbitration) at www.T-Mobile.com, for rate plan information, charges for features and services and restrictions and details. Service not available everywhere; for details see Coverage Maps at www.T-mobile.com or visit a T-Mobile store. Rebate/Discounted Phone Offers: Discounted phone limited to specific model shown. Supplies may be limited and offer available only from a T-Mobile business sales representative or online orders through a corporate extranet; not available through retail outlets or independent dealers. TMobile reserves right to substitute different phone models of equal or greater value. Customer must remain on qualifying rate plan at time mail-in rebate is processed.

Rebate takes up to eight weeks. Visit store, see rebate form or contact T-Mobile Customer Care at 1-800-937-8997 with questions. T-Mobile and the magenta color are federally registered trademarks of Deutsche Telekom AG. Stick together is a federally registered trademark of T-Mobile USA, Inc. ©2008 T-Mobile USA, Inc. To receive the

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the

Linda Poole was the recipient of the Replication Award at the Superstars in Education awards program in May. Photo by Ron Gough

p a r t ne r s h i p

Connecting Business and Education

By Janine Sorbello

W

ith national attention on Delaware’s education system, the State Chamber’s education affiliate, The Partnership, Inc., focused on engaging the business community in programs that promote partnerships and prepare students to compete in a global economy.

“With a strong focus on raising student achievement, the State Chamber continues to be a valued partner with both the business and education communities,” says Peggy Strine, chair of The Partnership, Inc. Progress has been made through the Superstars in Education and Principal for a Day programs, but Strine says there is still a lot of work to be done.

Superstars in Education

More than 450 business leaders and educators attended the Superstars in Education recognition dinner on May 3, 2010 at the Chase Center on the Riverfront to celebrate the achievements of seven winning programs and two special awards. Since its inception in 1990, Superstars in Education has recognized more than 240 educational programs that have a direct impact on student achievement.

Superstars in Education winners receive a $2,500 cash award along with a banner and trophy. For many teachers, the Superstars award increases a program’s awareness in the community as well as its sustainability. “Winning the award enabled us to continue the program financially. It would not have been possible to continue stocking the school store or to have an awards assembly,” says Cindy Pochomis, teacher at Richardson Park Learning Center and three-time Superstars winner. Richardson

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Park’s winning program, Saving for Success, has seen student scores increase as it gives special needs students a chance to learn about saving in a hands-on manner that they would not have had without this program. “By having a school bank, the children are exposed to the vocabulary of saving and spending as well as the Delaware math standards,” Pochomis says.

Superstars Hits the Road

No time was wasted as the State Chamber took its Superstars show on the road. Throughout May, a celebration was hosted at each winning school. At most assemblies, all of the teachers and staff attended to watch the presentation of the banner and trophy. “There is no substitute for telling teachers they’ve done a great job,” says State Chamber president Jim Wolfe. “That’s why I clear my schedule and travel up and down the state and host school assemblies to celebrate their success.”

Superstars Hits the Road has been celebrating excellence in schools since 2005.

Principal for a Day

Principal for a Day is a total immersion program in an educational atmosphere that offers business leaders the opportunity to experience both the joys and challenges of preparing students to become tomorrow’s workforce. Guest principals spend a day in a Delaware school carrying out the daily responsibilities of a principal. Principals and business leaders also learn about each others’ respective professions, share management ideas and discuss best practices. As a result, many business leaders and

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educators develop ongoing relationships. Just over 140 business and education leaders participated in the Principal for a Day program, a week-long event in October where business leaders headed off to Delaware schools to spend a day carrying out the duties of a school principal.

There were many surprising moments, especially for some first-time participants who hadn’t visited a school in years. Cindy Crompton-Barone, vice president of Human Capital Development for WSFS Bank, spent a day as principal of the Delaware Military Academy. “At DMA, I was impressed to see a group of young adults take pride and ownership in their school,” she says. “DMA students got involved in many of the school operations and apply the unique leadership program this school offers to manage their school and community activities.” She also learned how well prepared students were to transition to secondary education or directly into the workforce. “DMA students are in a better position to succeed as future leaders in our community,” she says.

Teacher Externship Program

“One of the best professional development experiences in 25 years!” is how Transition Counselor H. Pamela Johnson reviewed her Teacher Externship Program experience this past June.

Johnson was one of 76 educators from 17 school districts that visited 37 Delaware businesses to observe the skills their students will need to become successful in tomorrow’s world of work.

Marking the eighth year in 2010, the Teacher Externship Program offers a three-day opportunity to bring the employer and the educator together to exchange and share knowledge about the current and future job market requirements. From this valuable insight, educators design learning activities that will build career awareness and opportunities for their students that will enhance their skills and talents that are most valued by the employer. This business connection allows educators to develop

Attorney General Beau Biden visited Middletown High School’s Boys State group during his visit for the Principal for a Day program.

Photo by Katie Grasso

a relationship with the business community and communicate employer expectations back to students.

Educators earn professional development hours, which are a requirement to maintain their teaching certification. The next program is scheduled for the week of June 20, 2011, once again bringing businesses and educators together for the common goal of better preparing Delaware students for the workforce.

The Teacher Externship Program is a partnership between the Delaware Business, Industry, Education (BIE) Alliance, the Delaware Department of Education and the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. For more information about the Teacher Externship Program visit the BIE website at www.bie.k12.de.us or contact Lori Aldrich at (302) 368-4591 or laldrich@bie.k12.de.us.

To learn more about The Partnership, Inc. or its programs, contact Executive Director Janine Sorbello at (302) 576-6575 or jsorbello@dscc.com. n

2010 The Partnership, Inc. Board of Directors

Peggy E. Strine chair

Willie C. Martin DuPont

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William R. Allan Verizon Delaware

Christina Favilla Discover Bank

Doug Gramiak Education Voters of Delaware

Dr. Paul A. Herdman The Rodel Charitable Foundation of Delaware

Ralph A. Kuebler Chairman, Superstars in Education Selection Committee

Dr. Lillian M. Lowery Secretary of Education

Dr. Linda F. Poole Educationally Speaking, LLC

Fred C. Sears II Delaware Community Foundation

Hon. David P. Sokola State Senator

Mark S. Stellini Virtual Resources, LLC

Joseph L. Yacyshyn Wilmington Trust Company

Carolyn Zogby Red Clay School District

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Thank you

Sponsors

for your support of the Delaware State Chamber’s 174th Annual Dinner Dinner & Reception Sponsor: Audio/Visual Sponsor: Supporter level:

AT&T Invitation & Program Sponsor:

Associates International, Inc.

Delaware State Chamber of Commerce www.dscc.com

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Principal for a Day The State Chamber salutes all of the business leaders, government officials and principals who took the time to participate in Principal for a Day. Mr. Ernest J. Dianastasis CAI Archmere Academy Ms. Katherine K. Wilkinson Wilmington Trust Company Baltz (Austin D.) Elementary School

Ms. Pat Forester Forester Communications Brader (Henry M.) Elementary School

Mr. Michael Petit de Mange Kent County Levy Court Caesar Rodney High School

Hon. Michael N. Castle United States House of Representatives Brandywine High School

Ms. Peggy E. Strine The Partnership, Inc. Calloway (Cab) School of the Arts

Mr. Keith Schuck Chase Bank USA, N.A. Bancroft Elementary School

Mr. Julian H. Booker Delmarva Broadcasting Company Brandywine Springs School

Mr. Thomas J. Cooper Cooper Realty Associates Cape Henlopen High School

Ms. Paulette S. Moore Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence Bayard Middle School Mr. Christopher Weeks Becker Morgan Group, Inc. Beacon Middle School Mr. Don Mell mell3strategies Bedford (Gunning) Middle School

Dr. Robert J. Andrzejewski Innovative Educational Associates Brandywood Elementary School

Hon. Lillian M. Lowery DE Dept. of Education Carrcroft Elementary School

Ms. Lynne Robinson PAWS for People Brennen School (The)

Ms. Kendall Massett At Your Service Hospitality Management, LLC Castle Hills Elementary School

Mr. Ted C. Williams Landmark Engineering, Inc. Bunker Hill Elementary School

Mr. Fred C. Sears Delaware Community Foundation

Cedar Lane Early Childhood Center Mr. Brad Cowen EDiS Company Central Middle School Ms. Michelle A. Taylor United Way Of Delaware Claymont Elementary School Mr. Jeff Moran Discover Bank Colwyck Elementary School Lewis H. Lazarus, Esquire Morris James LLP Concord High School Dr. Richard Gochnauer Wilmington University Conrad Schools of Science Ms. Cindy Crompton-Barone WSFS Bank Delaware Military Academy

Attorney General Beau Biden met with Boys State members at Middletown High School where he was principal for a day.

Photo by Katie Grasso

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Mr. James A. Wolfe Delaware State Chamber of Commerce Delcastle Technical High School Ms. Denise Cugler Wilmington Trust Company Delmar Middle School Mr. Jon Ulrich Bank Of Delmarva Delmar Senior High School Mr. Rob Eppes Junior Achievement of Delaware Dickinson (John) High School Mr. H.K. Chow Manager Dover Air Force Base Middle School Mr. Paul J. Pomeroy Aloysius Butler & Clark Downes (John R.) Elementary School Ms. Priscialla Turgon Professional Staffing associates, Inc. Downie (Carrie) Elementary School Ms. Judy Johnson Delaware National Bank Dunbar (Paul Laurence) Elementary School Jeffrey M. Bross, P.E. Duffield Associates, Inc. duPont (Alexis I.) High School

Pete Booker of Delmarva Broadcasting, left, was a guest principal at Brandywine Springs Elementary School in Wilmington. Photo by Janine Sorbello

Ms. Connie Bond Stuart PNC Bank duPont (Pierre S.) Middle School

Ms. Julie Miro Wenger Delaware Food Industry Council Forest Oak Elementary School

Dr. Susanna Lee Jobs For Delaware Graduates East Dover Elementary School

Ms. Marilyn Monahan Reading Assist Institute Forwood Elementary School

Ms. Enid Wallace-Simms Delmarva Power East Side Charter School Ms. Michele D. Allen Wier & Allen, P.A. Eisenberg (Harry O.) Elementary School The Honorable Chandlee Kuhn State of Delaware Family Court Elbert-Palmer Elementary School

Mr. Willie C. Martin DuPont duPont (Alexis I.) Middle School

Mr. Michael Rasmussen Rodel Foundation of Delaware Fifer (Fred) Middle School

Dr. Jeffrey A. Chambers DuPont duPont (H.B.) Middle School

Mr. Mark S. Stellini Virtual Resources, LLC First State School

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Ms. Christine R. Sauers Better Business Bureau of Delaware, Inc. Frear (Allen) Elementary School Mr. James D. Randall Liberty Staffing Gauger-Cobbs Middle School Mr. Thère du Pont Longwood Foundation Glasgow High School Ms. Jeanne Kasey Big Brothers/Big Sisters of DE Heritage Elementary School

Mr. Tony Allen Bank of America Kirk (George V.) Middle School Mr. Marke Dickinson AAA Mid-Atlantic Kuumba Academy Mr. Scott Foltz Vice President/Partner Lake Forest South Elementary School Mr. John M. DiEleuterio Office of U.S. Senator Ted Kaufman Lancashire Elementary School Mr. Buck Simpers, AIA Buck Simpers Architect + Associates, Inc. Laurel Senior High School

Mr. Rob Belfiore EDiS Company Highlands Elementary School

Ms. Martha Gilman Gilman Development Company Lewis (William C.) Dual Language Elementary School

Mr. Rick DiSabatino EDiS Company Howard High School of Technology

Mr. Nicholas Hoeschel Rockwell Associates Linden Hill Elementary School

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Mr. Thom Shumosic, CFP, AIF Retirement Planning Specialists Lombardy Elementary School

the

Ms. Mary Devine Wilmington Trust Company Long Neck Elementary School Ms. Crystal L. Hudson Bank of Delmarva Lord Baltimore Elementary School Mr. Riccardo Stoeckicht Rodel Foundation of Delaware Maclary (R. Elisabeth) Elementary School Ms. Christina K. Bell Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, P.A. Major George S. Welch Elementary School Mr. John J. McMahon, Jr. Delaware Department of Labor Maple Lane Elementary School Mr. Fred Miller Miller Publications Marbrook Elementary School Mr. Richard Jundt Glyphix Advertising Inc. Mariner Middle School

Peggy Strine meets with students at Cab Calloway School of the Arts where she was a guest principal. Photo by Janine Sorbello

Mr. Robert F. Martinelli Delaware Today Magazine Marshall (Thurgood) Elementary School Mr. William F. Ward, Jr. Bushido USA McCullough (Calvin R. ) Middle School Mr. Tyrone Jones AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP McKean (Thomas) High School Ms. Colleen Morrone Goodwill of Delaware and Delaware County McVey (Joseph M.) Elementary School

Ms. Janine G. Sorbello Delaware State Chamber of Commerce Meadowood Program Mr. Jerry Doherty EDiS Company Meredith (Everett) Middle School Hon. Joseph R. Biden, III Office of the Attorney General Middletown High School Mr. Gerard L. Esposito Tidewater Utilities, Inc. Milford Middle School Mr. Jeffrey M. Fried, FACHE

Beebe Medical Center Milford Senior High School Mr. Jack Riddle Community Bank Delaware Millsboro Middle School Hon. Thomas R. Carper United States Senate Milton Elementary School Mr. James Donahue United Way of Delaware MOT Charter School Ms. Joy Zaben ING DIRECT Mote (Anna P.) Elementary School Mr. Tom Kovack Esquire Mount Pleasant High School Mr. Brett Turner Rodel Foundation of Delaware New Castle School (Colonial ILC) Hon. James Sills, III DE Dept. of Technology & Information Newark High School Hon. Jeffrey W. Bullock DE Dept. of State North Dover Elementary School Ms. June Betts Bank of Delmarva North Georgetown Elementary School

PNC Bank President Connie Bond Stuart joins students at P.S. duPont Middle School during the Principal for a Day program.

Photo by Janine Sorbello

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Mr. Scott J. Rukowicz Bank of Delmarva North Laurel Elementary School

Januar Januaryy // Febr Februar uaryy 2010 2011 D e l a w a r e B u s i n e s s

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Mr. Stephen M. Mockbee Patriot GSI North Star Elementary School Mr. Rodger Levenson WSFS Bank Odyssey Charter School Ms. Janice Giannini Paradigm Associates, LLC Our Lady of Fatima School Ms. Julie A. Hester St. Francis Hospital Padua Academy Dr. Bradley Skelcher Delaware State University Paul M. Hodgson Vocational Technical High School Dr. Keith D. Wing DuPont Pencader Charter High School Mr. Murray Berstein Nixon Uniform Service & Medical Wear Penn (William) High School

Secretary of Labor John McMahon sits with Maple Lane Elementary School students during lunch for his stint as principal for a day. Photo by Janine Sorbello

Mr. F.M. Ross Armbrecht, Jr. Delaware Foundation for Science & Mathematics Educa.

Phillip C. Showell Elementary School Mr. John Hollis Nemours Health & Prevention Services Phillis Wheatley Middle School Ms. Marnechia M. Alexander Comcast Spotlight Pleasantville Elementary School Mr. E. Andrew DiSabatino EDiS Company POLYTECH High School Mr. Alan B. Levin DE Economic Development Office Positive Outcomes Charter School Mr. George D. Meldrum Nemours Foundation Prestige Academy Charter School Dr. Maria Finamore Languages, Ltd., LLC Pulaski (Casimir) Elementary School

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Keith Schuck of Chase Bank read to a group of students during his principal for a day visit at Bancroft Elementary School. Photo by Janine Sorbello

Mr. Jim Mazarakis WSFS Bank Pyle (Sarah) Academy Mr. Richard Kapolka Connecting Generations Read (George) Middle School Mr. Chris Moody Delaware Tech. & Comm. College Rehoboth Elementary School

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Ms. Denise Cairo Technicare, Inc. Richardson Park Elementary School Ms. Peggy Vavalla DuPont Richardson Park Learning Center Mr. Scott A. Young

Barclays Bank Delaware Richey Elementary School Ms. Connie Cooper Cooper Realty Associates Seaford Middle School Ms. Pam McCutcheon WSFS Bank Shields (Richard A.) Elementary School

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Mr. James Bonds Boardroom Presentations, Inc. Shortlidge (Evan G.) Academy

the

Ms. Melanie George Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. Shue-Medill Middle School Mr. Timothy J. Houseal Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP Skyline Middle School Mr. Marcus Vandevliet MV Consulting Smith (Jennie E.) Elementary School Ms. Anne Germain Delaware Solid Waste Authority South Dover Elementary School Mr. Brian Gottschalk Bank Of Delmarva Southern Delaware School of the Arts Ms. Sandra McKinney Delaware River and Bay Authority Southern Elementary School Mr. Jim Coyne AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP Springer Middle School Mr. William H. Major Wilmington Trust Company St. Ann School Mr. William B. Parks Colonial Parking, Inc. St. Edmond’s Academy Mr. Robert Bird Home Instead Senior Care St. Elizabeth Elementary School Mr. William R. Allan Verizon Delaware St. Elizabeth High School Mr. Donald T. Fulton, CLU George J. Weiner Associates St. Georges Technical High School

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Mr. Mike Freda EDiS Company St. Mark’s High School Ms. Peggy Eddens WSFS Bank St. Mary Magdalen Mr. Milton Delgado Nemours Health & Prevention Services St. Paul School Ms. Shannon M. DeLucia Delaware Park St. Thomas More Academy Ms. Evie Zerefos Delaware Tech. & Comm.

College Stokes (Nellie Hughes) Elementary School Mr. Jay Miller Chase Bank USA, N.A. Stubbs (Frederick Douglass) Elementary School Ms. Kelly Van Horn Club Z Sunnyside Elementary School Mr. Hugh D. Leahy, Jr. Delaware Community Foundation Sussex Central Senior High School

Karen L. Morris, Esquire Morris and Morris LLC Counselors at Law Warner Elementary School

Dr. Patricia M. Dwyer Wesley College Woodbridge High School

Mr. Steven A. Rose Nanticoke Health Services West Seaford Elementary School Hon. Matthew P. Denn Delaware Office of the Lt. Governor Wilbur (Kathleen H.) Elementary Mr. Michael Tuosto PSEG Nuclear, LLC Wilmington Manor Elementary School Ms. Suzi Harris Delaware Charter Schools Wilson (Etta J.) Elementary School Ms. Christina Favilla Discover Bank Woodbridge Elementary School

Mr. Rick DiSabatino EDiS Company Sussex Technical High School Dr. Robert Siegel DuPont Talley Middle School

See. Learn. Share. Network. Celebrate.

Ms. Darelle Riabov Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware The Independence School Charles S. McDowell, Esq. Potter Anderson & Corroon, LLP Thomas Edison Charter School Mr. Dennis Rochford Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay Ursuline Academy (upper school) Ms. Bianca Fraser-Johnson Bank of America Ursuline Academy (lower school)

Save the Date Monday, May 2, 2011 Superstars in Education Awards Dinner Chase Center on the Riverfront 4:45 p.m. Registration 6:00 p.m. Dinner Program immediately following Sponsorship opportunities available.

Contact Janine Sorbello at (302) 576-6575 or jsorbello@dscc.com for more information.

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ab r et ca di e lf g

The State Chamber held a networking breakfast in front of the future Nordstrom department store at the Christiana Mall in Newark in October. More than 50 people attended the event to hear about the new retail attractions at the mall. Photo by Kelly Cofrancisco

Delaware Retail Council Forges Ahead By greg gross

T

he current state of the economy is reflected in the retail industry. Retail offers the most honest opinion and forecast for the state and national economy.

Retailers comprise a large and vital element of our Delaware economy. Locally, retailers employ about 84,000 Delawareans, about 20 percent of the state’s total workforce, and contribute almost $18 billion in sales activity through the 5,400 retail establishments that call Delaware home. The current Delaware retail climate offers a glimmer of hope for Delaware’s economic future as hard work has created growth opportunities.

The Delaware Retail Council, an affiliate of the State Chamber, is a group comprised of leaders in the local retail industry that works toward improving the business climate for retailers. In 2010, Delaware saw many developments in the retail industry:

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• At least 10 new stores have recently opened at local malls.

• The addition of the Target store at the Christiana Mall in Newark added 400 jobs and 145,000 square feet of retail space.

Built on the site of the closed Lord & Taylor, Target has been one of Delaware’s most anticipated retail openings in years.

• The Dover Mall is adding three new retailers: Toys “R” Us Express pop-up, Things Remembered, and Build-A-Bear Workshop.

• Other retail hot spots are moving ahead as well. The WalMart near Prices Corner unveiled a three-month remodeling project featuring a new layout, wider aisles and lowprofile shelving. Nearby, a new BJ’s Wholesale Club is rising from the site of the old Value City just outside Elsmere.

Christiana has opened more than 50 new stores and restaurants since the redevelopment began in 2007. Another eight

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Let’s be proud of our hard work and thankful to the many businesses that believe in Delaware as we continue to work toward a stronger and more prosperious Delaware. are opening for this holiday shopping season. The mall has added almost 300,000 square feet of storefront retail space and another 283,000 square feet of anchor-store space. By the time Nordstrom opens, the mall will employ about 3,000 people, a 100 percent increase over two years ago.

Through the power of the State Chamber’s membership and the cooperation of Delaware’s legislature, the DRC has interactive relationships with many legislators who are willing to listen and work together to achieve fair legislative outcomes that do not threaten a retailer’s viabilty. The State Chamber and the DRC provide the strong leadership needed to continue developing relationships that are committed to making a visible and direct contribution to public policies in a nonpartisan setting.

As Delaware’s retail industry has shown, the state has made significant progress. Let’s be proud of our hard work and thankful to the many businesses that believe in Delaware as we continue to work toward a stronger and more prosperous state. n

2010 Delaware Retail Council Board of Directors

Put the Power of tD Bank to work for You. To speak with a Small Business Relationship Manager, call 1-888-751-9000 or visit www.tdbank.com/small business

Kenneth L. Brennan (Chairman) Boscov’s

Richard Perno J.C. Penney

Thomas R. Zapf (Immediate Past Chairman) Macy’s

Michael Uffner AutoTeam Delaware

Richard Kenny Delaware Supermarkets

Roberta Wuttke Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Bret Morris A.R. Morris Jewelers

Not pictured: Matt Benedetti Home Depot Dan Coe Tri-County Security Steven Chambliss Christiana Mall jennifer Hoehn Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Julie Miro-Wenger Delaware Food Industry Council Erik Woehrmann Walgreens

TD Bank, N.A. Some fees and restrictions may apply. Loans subject to credit approval.

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am s bc ad ll e fbgu s i ness alliance

Small Business Alliance is a Big Player

By Sharon Reardon

Alan B. Levin accepts the Gilman Bowl on behalf of his father, Harry Levin, the founder of the family business Happy Harry’s, and his mother Diane Levin, at the Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Awards program. The Gilman Bowl was established as a tribute to small business leadership. Photo by Dick Dubroff The Small Business Alliance held a workshop in February on how social media can benefit business. top, from left; Moderator Lee Mikles of The Archer Group, Greg Hughes of the State of Delaware, Kim Kostes of the Food Bank of Delaware, Darren Majoney of ING Direct, and Matthew Peterson of Element Design Group.

Photo by Katie Grasso

T

he Small Business Alliance of the State Chamber works to serve the needs and interests of Delaware’s small businesses. We know that every business, no matter what size, has big challenges to face.

How those challenges are handled makes the difference.

Done well, the smallest of businesses can have the greatest impact on our state.

We’ve made it our mission to provide services and support for the unique challenges of small businesses. We connect our members with statewide opportunities. From business prospects to legislators, from skills training to higher learning, from committee work to networking and online social media, the Chamber builds connections for small business.

We provide the resources you need, with the knowledge to put them to work for you.

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Small Business Resources

The Small Business Alliance organized several workshops and webinars this year, providing business expertise for the benefit of small business employers and their employees.

In May, Rep. Bryon Short, co-chair of the state’s Small Business Caucus, moderated an Alliance-sponsored workshop with existing small business resources to help business owners identify the best support for their needs. Representatives on the panel were from the Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO), Small Business Administration (SBA), Office of Minority Businesses and Women-Owned Enterprises (OMBWE), Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC), Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), and the YWCA Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship.

Industry experts from all aspects of marketing lent their wisdom to attendees at another panel presentation in October.

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aalblci a dn ec fg e

We provide the resources you

b u s i ness

need, with the knowledge to put them to work for you.

small

This workshop led attendees through the myriad of choices giving advice on how to plan a realistic marketing mix. Social media, print and online advertising, radio, video, public relations and direct customized print and mail were covered in a valuable session on how to reach customers and targeted audiences through multiple mediums.

Business success is more likely to come to those who actively and ambitiously market themselves.

Small Business Events

Small Business Alliance-sponsored events provide statewide networking. Upstate and downstate local Chamber members met at an evening networking mixer at the upscale Buttery restaurant in Lewes this year. And the Dogfish Head Craft Brewery tour and networking mixer in Milton has become an annual signature event in June.

The flagship event of the Small Business Alliance is the Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Awards luncheon, held annually in November. This year, eight outstanding companies and non-profit organizations were recognized for small business excellence. The four Superstars in Business winners were Laura Novak Photography & Little Nest Portraits, SSD Technology Partners, i.g. Burton & Company and Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County; these four companies received the Award of Excellence: Bramhall & Hitchen, Gunnip Company, Morris James LLP and Children and Families First. DEDO Director Alan Levin collected the Gilman Bowl for himself and his departed parents, Harry and Diane Levin, as the founders and owners of the Happy Harry’s pharmacy. Keynote speaker CBS News Senior White House correspondent Bill Plante rounded out the program with his remarks on Delaware’s national impact on the recent elections.

Benefits Connections

Chamber membership entitles businesses to a number of customized benefits. Members can choose from four different exclusive health coverage choices within the Chamber’s Health Plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware. New this year are two more health benefits. The Delaware Drug Card is a free card that provides discounts on all FDA-approved prescription medicines; and Dominion Dental Services is the Chamber’s new preferred provider for the benefit of low rates for dental and vision care coverage. The Chamber Affinity card, offered by Bank of America, is tailored for small business with special reward features and no annual fee. And T-Mobile

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Members enjoyed networking and delicious food from The Buttery restaurant in Lewes at the Small Business Alliance Evening Mixer in September. Photo by Kelly Cofrancisco

and Constant Contact offer deep discounts for Chamber members, too.

Members can also benefit from the Chamber’s new Web site that offers new ways to post your own news, events and member-to-member discount offerings, even contribute as a guest blogger – a great way to establish your professional credibility and gain clients.

Business Connections

Committee participation is another effective way to meet others and become involved. The Small Business Alliance welcomes all members to its committees. The Education and Development Committee, Benefits and Services Committee, Legislative Forum and the Women in Business Forum are all open to participants.

The newest addition to the Chamber’s committee offerings is the Young Executives Committee. This group has a growing roster of nearly 200 professionals between the ages of 21 and 40 who share an interest in social media, professional growth and networking.

Whether your business is just starting out or you’ve been in business for years, building or maintaining a successful small business takes a lot of time. And your time is valuable. The Small Business Alliance exists to help you invest the right time in exchange for a wealth of benefits. Make a commitment to step up your participation in 2011 – you’ll be rewarded with new connections, information and tools you can use right away to strengthen your business this year. n For more information about the Small Business Alliance, contact Sharon Reardon at (302) 576-6578 or sreardon@dscc.com.

Januar y / Febr uar y 2011 D e l a w a r e B u s i n e s s

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Stephan Lehm VanDemark & Lynch, Inc., Co-chair, Board of Managers

John E. Healy III Chad Moore Healy Long & Jevin, The Bellmoor Inc., Co-chair, Legislative Committee

Timothy U. Boulden Boulden, Inc.

Nash M. Childs Bancroft Construction Company

Joseph Farley, Jr. Farley Printing Company, Inc., chair, benefits & services committee

James D. Randall Liberty Staffing Services

Michael Reath Scott Thomas Delmarva Southern Delaware Broadcasting Services Tourism Treasurer, Board of Managers

G. Kevin Fasic Cooch & Taylor, P.A.

Donald T. Fulton George J. Weiner Associates, Chair, 2010 Superstars in Business Awards

Janice Giannini Paradigm Associates, LLC

Gregory M. Gurev MySherpa

William M. Topkis Topkis Financial Advisors, LLP

Michael S. Uffner AutoTeam Delaware

alliance

William Parks Colonial Parking Co-chair, Board of Managers

am s bc ad ll e fbgu s i ness

2010 Small Business Alliance Board of Managers

Priscilla Turgon William F. Ward, Jr. Professional Staffing, Bill Ward, Inc. Chair, Education & Development Committee

2010 Small Business Alliance Senior Advisory Council

Cynthia C. Dwyer Martha S. Gilman Wellness Community- Gilman Development Delaware Company

William Major Wilmington Trust

James O’Neill, Ph.D. University of Delaware

William B. Robinson, Jr. George & Lynch, Inc.

Richard D. Rowland Rowland, Johnson & Company, P.A.

Dennis M. Salter Summit Realty Advisors, LLC

Bill Santora is Right, By Our Side

Bill Santora Terry Wolf Don Fulton Xavier DeCaire Santora CPA Group George J. Weiner Associates

Call Bill at 302-737-6200 or 800-347-0116.

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Bayhealth Medical Center – comprised of Kent General Hospital in Dover, Milford Memorial Hospital in Milford and many satellite facilities in all three counties – has been serving the health needs of Delaware residents for decades.

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PPG Industries, Inc. in Dover celebrated 35 years in business by hosting an open house. Photo provided by PPG Industries, Inc.

Manufacturing Strategies: Get Delaware Moving

By Jim Wolfe

T

he Delaware Manufacturing Association (DMA), an affiliate of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, is made up of manufacturers across the state, both large and small. It is also the state arm of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). This active group meets periodically throughout the year to share ideas, discuss manufacturing strategy and legislative issues, solve problems, and discuss the challenges of doing business in our state.

John Engler, President and CEO of NAM says, “America’s vitality, innovation, prosperity and jobs spring from manufacturing.” He is right; however, it takes teamwork and creative ideas to keep moving forward in spite of the challenges that exist in the world today. We often read about manufacturing woes, but I know firsthand that we have many successful manufacturing companies right here in The First State. I recently reached out to a cross section of our DMA Board of Managers and asked them to share their formulas for success in Delaware. Here is what they had to say:

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“Under my watch, our manufacturing strategy focused on driving product costs down and improving our capability to add new product lines. Tactically, we embraced Lean Manufacturing initiatives with the help of the Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership (DEMEP), and strengthened our scientific and engineering resources embedded within manufacturing. Our efforts generated more predictable processes and thus better use of our capital, opened up space for growth and new products, and improved our productivity. As a result, our Delaware operation benefited from some vertical integration, site consolidations, business growth, and new product lines.

Although we made progress, many opportunities remain.”

Bruce Humphries Vice President, Glasgow Reagents Manufacturing (retired) Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Newark, DE “The PPG Dover plant celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2010.

Over 40 percent of PPG’s workforce has been with the plant for

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2010 Delaware Manufacturing Association Board of Managers

Scott Welch (chair) Mohawk Electrical Systems, Inc.

Mike Crawford (Co-Vice Chair) AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP

Mitch Magee (Co-Vice Chair) PPG Industries, Inc.

lisa bartile agilent technologies

miles brittain evraz claymont steel

billie jean clifton atlantis industries, inc.

Charlie Copeland Associates international, inc.

John J. Czerwinski competitive advantage, inc.

Rick Deadwyler DuPont Company

Robert dolan

Joseph P. Farley, Jr. Farley Printing Company, Inc.

Tom Inagaki W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

lee kiefer siemens healthcare diagnostics

steve kimpton invista

Rudy Merstetter basf

graham moore fmc biopolymer

robert prybutok polymer technologies, inc.

Steve Quindlen Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership

Kevin Ripley Kraft Foods, Inc.

Robert Stewart Croda

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more than 20 years. Delaware educational resources like Del Tech, Wilmington College, DEMEP, etc. have played important roles in PPG Dover adapting to the increasing levels of equipment, process and supply chain complexity that has exploded over that time. Long term, sustainable success depends upon continuous improvement; particularly workforce development and lean process tools. The State of Delaware could learn much in applying these same tools to more efficiently provide their important services.”

Mitch Magee, Plant Manager PPG Industries, Inc. Dover, DE “Atlantis Industries Corporation services the extremely competitive automotive, medical, defense and consumer industries with plastic injection molded components and assemblies from our plant in Milton. During 2010, working with DEMEP, we completed Lean training and have also begun Profit Improvement Programs (PIP) throughout the organization. Over the next 12 months we plan to invest in automation/robotics on the manufacturing floor and will research additional training opportunities.

Additionally, we worked with DuPont’s Performance Polymers division which resulted in being awarded a substantial project in the military/defense industry. The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce has also recommended us to a fellow Delaware business, which has lead to a new relationship with another major project being awarded to Atlantis that has extraordinary future potential. Our industry will remain extremely competitive by networking within the state and utilizing all Delaware has to offer, Atlantis will continue to grow and service our customers from our plant in Milton.”

J. Kelly Wilson, General Manager Atlantis Industries Corporation Milton, DE “For a small business like Mohawk Electrical Systems, our main advantage is the ability to be flexible and provide a customized solution for each customer. Not only will we modify standard products to a customer’s specifications, we will create a completely unique product for the customer. We also strive to make our internal administrative process transparent to the customer and not ask them to adjust their purchasing practices to our standardized systems. Additionally, we do not chase projects that are low value added that are most likely to be outsourced to China or other low cost labor areas. We have concentrated on defense markets which can’t purchase from these markets or find situations where our customer is willing to pay a little more for the quality, design assistance and delivery flexibility that we offer. Lastly, we have continued to pursue international sales which has diversified our customer base and provided some insulation from the US downturn.”

Scott M. Welch, President and CEO Mohawk Electrical Systems. Inc. Milford, DE

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Delaware manufacturer Mohawk Electrical Systems employees gather for a photo at their Milford facility. Photo provided by Mohawk Electrical Systems

As you can see, building partnerships, sharing ideas, working with educational resources and state government agencies, as well as servicing their customers have enabled these manufacturers to make positive inroads during these difficult times. Manufacturing in the U.S. is not only the backbone of our economy but it is the key to leading the way to economic recovery. If you don’t believe me, go take a look at some of “As our new products have become more complex, we needed our local operations. You will be inspired by what you find.

At our Manufacturing Board meetings we have interactive more technicians in our workforce. Del Tech was a terrific conversation about issues that hinder growth or government partner and helped us to offer some of our operators the opportunity to develop into these roles through a customized program initiatives that help business thrive. We discuss legislative issues of electrical and chemical technician education at Del Tech and at both the state and national levels that the Chamber can on the job training at Agilent. Del Tech not only customized the advocate for on their behalf. The DMA gives manufacturers a program for us but also agreed to teach some of the early classes unifying voice when faced with road blocks and hurdles in the at our facility. This partnership has helped us have a stronger course of everyday business.

If you want more value from your Chamber membership, please team here in Delaware.”

Liza Bartle, Chemical Analysis join us at our Spring Legislative Brunch and Manufacturing Instruments Supply Chain Manager Conference on April 6 at the Dover Sheraton Hotel. If you would Agilent Technologies like to be a sponsor, please contact Liz Pretz at lpretz@dscc.com.

Wilmington, DE We look forward to seeing you. n

FEBRUARY 12 – MAY 1, 2011 This exhibition is made possible, in part, by grants from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency dedicated to nurturing and supporting the arts in Delaware, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. | Image: Mike Caffery and Jim Cyphers on the 18th Floor of New Bank of Delaware (detail), 1986. Fred Comegys (born 1941). Digital print on paper. On loan from the artist. © Fred Comegys.

For more than 40 years, Wilmington photographer and Pulitzer finalist Fred Comegys has captured international celebrities and local kids for the pages of The News Journal.

Experience Comegys’ distinct photographs and diverse subjects in this retrospective exhibition.

2301 Kentmere Pkwy • Wilmington, DE • 302.571.9590 • www.delart.org

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Accountants and Consultants www.bdo.com

“I know exactly who you should call.”

In the Delaware Valley… People who know, know BDO.

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from left: Rich Heffron of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and Jon Starkey of the News Journal ask U.S. House of Representative Candidates Glenn Urquhart and John Carney questions on the economy while moderator John Taylor of DPPI looks on. DPPI held two congressional debates in October on health care, education and the economy. Photo by Katie Grasso

DPPI Strengthens Initiatives

By John H. Taylor Jr.

T

he Delaware Public Policy Institute (DPPI) was engaged in a host of issues ranging from education to streamlining the permitting process in Delaware and New Castle County to working on the development of clean energy economies.

of more than $100 million. Four schools have been chosen and are now in the process of designing and implementing strategies to improve student achievement. More schools will be selected this spring.

Conference Series

Streamlining the Permitting Process

In January, DPPI released its report on the permitting process for new development. It contained a number of recommendations for the Delaware Department of Transportation, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and New Castle County. Gov. Jack Markell held a press conference to announce new processes at the state level and cited the work of DPPI as being central to his new approach. The development community and U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, then New Castle County executive, participated in the two-day event that led to the white paper’s recommendations and praised the results.

Race to the Top

Education, once again, was a principal focus for DPPI as it continued its support of Vision 2015, the business-led public school reform movement. DPPI assisted with Delaware’s Race to the Top application that led to the state winning the federal grant

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More than 1,500 people participated in the three Creating Knowledge-Based Partnerships conferences DPPI presented with the University of Delaware in 2010. In addition to the focus on the non-profit sector, conferences featured education and energy.

Both of these conferences drew capacity crowds at the university’s John M. Clayton Hall and resulted in action steps.

In December, at the request of DPPI Board Chair Dr. Robert Laskowski of Christiana Care and Delaware’s Secretary of Health and Human Services Rita Landgraf, DPPI initiated a workshop to focus on health care delivery in Delaware under the new federal Affordable Care Act. The sessions will be held in January 2011 and will include a variety of stakeholders from the greater health care community.

Non-Profit Research

Another continuing DPPI focus was strengthening the nonprofit sector. In 2008, DPPI helped to form an ad hoc group, the

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public a bpcodlei c fg y

DPPI assisted with Delaware’s Race to the Top application that led to the state winning the federal grant of more than $100 million.

Delaware Philanthropy Forum. In 2009, this group commissioned a study, “Philanthropy in the First State” which led to a major conference in March 2010.

“The Future of the Non-profit Sector in Delaware” was the seventh in the Creating Knowledge-Based Partnerships series that DPPI presents with the University of Delaware and which the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce sponsors.

The March two-day conference drew more than five hundred attendees to hear national, regional and local speakers, including Gov. Jack Markell. On day two of the conference, attendees participated in six workshops from which a number of action steps evolved. Since March, DPPI has concentrated on developing the best possible model for an intermediary group to represent Delaware’s non-profit agencies. This work was supported by a grant from the Jesse Ball du Pont Foundation. A report will be issued in early 2011.

This effort also led to the establishment of the Delaware Grantmakers Association and to research on improving the effectiveness of non-profit boards.

In an effort to enhance research on Delaware, DPPI worked with the University of Delaware to make the research tool HowDelawareCompares.org, an interactive Web site with ongoing updated information. DPPI and the State Chamber also support the new Web-based news and information site ContentDelaware.org, and is an advisor to Delaware First Media, a private, non-profit group seeking to cover Delaware events. n To learn more about the Delaware Public Policy Institute, contact Executive Director John Taylor at (302) 576-6590 or jtaylor@dscc.com.

100 Rogers Road Wilmington, DE 19801 p 302.656.4500 f 302.656.4890 Scan the QR code with your phone’s barcode scanner.

If you do not have one already feel free to download the scanner from http://web.scanlife.com/us_en

AssociatesInternational.com

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2010 Delaware Public Policy Institute Board of Directors

Dr. Robert J. Laskowski (Chair) Christiana Care Health System

Dr. Tony Allen Bank of America

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

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

Dr. Paul Herdman Rodel Foundation Delaware

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For more information, visit citizensbank.com/commercial.

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The State Chamber engaged members both in person and online with a live twitter feed at the Tabletop Networking Mixer in September. Follow the State Chamber by going to www.twitter.com/ destatechamber. Photo by Tom Nutter

Chamber Membership Works for You

By Bill Stephano

T

he State Chamber is committed to providing a membership that is a worthwhile investment.

While we see companies large and small taking a hard look at expenses, a chamber membership offers savings and opportunities companies can’t afford to miss.

Some fundamental changes were made in 2010 that will continue to have a positive effect on membership. The State Chamber unveiled its new Web site, www.dscc.com, featuring an easy-to-use member’s only section where members can log in to learn about membership benefits, sign up for a Chamber workshop, pay their annual bill online, or enhance their online listing so customers can find them while searching for the services they need on the Web. Another technological enhancement was the migration to a new member management software that has enabled the Chamber staff to effectively help organize and nurture its future members as well as communicate with our current members more efficiently.

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These changes have given staff members the ability to meet and talk more frequently with State Chamber members about their goals and needs.

Helping us understand members’ needs is our Ambassador Committee. This is a group of individuals that volunteer their time to reach out to our membership to get feedback that the State Chamber uses to evaluate its programs.

These volunteers are: Mr. Chris Jerger, CJ Technology Solutions Mr. Frank Dowling, Primerica Mr. Gary Pawliczek, Ameriprise Financial Mr. Jack Coleman, Maintenance Engineering, Ltd. Mr. Jon Bell, Network Search Mr. Kenneth Hoffmann, Progressive Software Computing Ms. Mary Sheldon, Christiana Bank & Trust Co. Mr. Michael Cronin, Restech Solutions, Llc Mr. Nicholas Hoeschel, Rockwell Associates Ms. Revonda Moody, RM Associates Ms. Melinda McGuigan, Kinfolk

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The Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Awards, named for one of Delaware’s leading small business entrepreneurs, honor businesses and nonprofit corporations for their outstanding achievements and model approaches to business and management. Photo by Dick Dubroff

We encourage all of our members to participate and be engaged in all levels of the State Chamber activities.

For more information about your membership, contact Director of Membership Bill Stephano at (302) 576-6574 or bstephano@dscc.com.

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DICKDUBROFFFINALFOCUS P.O. Box 232 Wilmington, DE 19899 Phone 302.655.7718 Fax 302.655.7918 rdubroff@finalfocus.com

see it all at www.finalfocus.com

Another way members can maximize their benefits is through participation in Lead Groups. The State Chamber holds lead groups in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties and are developed so that there are no competing firms represented in each of the groups. A distinct advantage of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce Lead Group is that your membership entitles you to participate in this unique program and effective program.

The State Chamber is also reaching out to young professionals with the newly formed Young Executives Committee. This group meets four times a year and attracts hundreds of young professionals in the region to network and hear from engaging speakers.

Young professionals ages 21 to 40 are invited to attend an event and get involved with the Chamber.

We encourage all of our members to participate and be engaged in all levels of the State Chamber activities. We hold more than 200 events a year. Each one has a networking component built in.

Take an opportunity to visit our site at www.dscc.com and begin to explore the new opportunities through networking, social media, events and committees that make your membership in the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce a valuable investment. n

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Newsmakers

Newsmakers Compiled by Katie Dunn

Hatfield Named NPA Chairman Jed Hatfield, president of Colonial Parking, Inc., was named chairman of the board of directors of the National Parking Association (NPA). Hatfield takes office for a two-year term effective October 12, 2010.

Colonial Parking has been a family-owned operation since 1965. Hatfield is now in charge of more than 40 facilities located in Wilmington, Greater Philadelphia and Allentown, Penn.

These facilities include public parking and parking management at downtown business and retail venues and nearby airports – including Colonial Airport Parking servicing air travelers at Philadelphia Airport.

Hatfield has significant experience with the design and construction review in addition to initial implementation of parking control systems. He has been actively involved in the design, construction and management of several major garages in the Greater Philadelphia Area. With a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Delaware, Hatfield has also earned the NPA’s prestigious Certified Parking Professional (CPP) title in 2008.

Verizon Funds UD Program The Verizon Foundation awarded a $187,000 grant to the

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University of Delaware’s Women’s Studies program to start a new undergraduate concentration in Domestic Violence. The announcement comes from the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The check was presented by Verizon Delaware’s President, William R. Allen, to University of Delaware and Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence staff at the Purple Ribbon Event in October. The program will begin in the fall 2011 semester.

Verizon has been a long time supporter of the efforts by organizations fighting domestic violence, including the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence. This new partnership with the University of Delaware will provide a new pool of highly motivated and thoroughly trained people who can make a real difference in the lives of survivors and for the domestic violence programs that serve them.

The collaboration will combine a research based education with direct service experience that will offer students the skills and expertise needed to be successful working in this complex arena. With assistance from the grant, UD will offer courses on women and violence, domestic violence services, public policy, legislation, community organizing, as well as an intensive

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Dino Carbone, center, recipient of the 2010 Nemours Inspiration Award, is flanked by previous awardees Richard Christopher of Wilmington, left, and David Lyons of Rehoboth Beach. Photo provided by Nemours

Nemours Gives Inspiration Award The Nemours Fund for Children’s Health, the philanthropic arm of the Nemours children’s health system, honored Dino Carbone with its Inspiration Award on Oct. 25, 2010. The award, presented at a gathering of The Nemours Society held on the campus of the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, was established to recognize someone who personifies philanthropy, not only through their own personal generosity, but in encouraging others to support Nemours and the children it serves.

Carbone, Nemours’ Administrative Director of Materials Management, has been with the organization for eight years. He chairs the Sponsorship Committees for A Night at Nemours, the hospital’s annual black-tie gala, as well as the annual gala held to benefit Nemours Children’s Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla. Carbone has raised a total of $2 million in sponsorships for both events.

Carbone and his wife Deborah were among the first members of The Nemours Society, which honors and recognizes annual donors of $1,000 or more. He has been an enthusiastic advocate for philanthropy at Nemours.

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Newsmakers

The Delaware Drug Card from the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

Member Dental Benefits Delaware State Chamber of Commerce Members have access to high-value dental benefits through Dominion Dental Services.

Dental Benefits Three unique options Use a network dentist or any dentist Coverage for over 250 services including fillings, crowns, root canals, orthodontia and more Simple online enrollment and administration Who can participate?

Any individual or member company.

DominionDental.com/edental/dscc The Dominion Group of companies includes Dominion Dental Services, Inc., the licensed underwriter of the dental plans, and Dominion Dental Services USA, Inc., a licensed administrator of dental and vision benefits. This policy includes limitations, exclusions and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued.

We Work For Your Benefit.

No application! Everyone qualifies!

Simply take this pre-activated card to your pharmacy for up to 75% discount on all FDA-approved prescription drugs.

FREE Delaware Drug Card instructions: 1. There are no forms to fill out. Simply present the Delaware Drug Card at your pharmacy along with your prescription or refill to receive a discount. Please visit our website www.dscc. com/chamber/prescription_drug_discount_card.aspx for the list of available regional and national pharmacies that includes Walgreens, CVS, Target, Walmart, Kmart, Safeway and more.

2. The pharmacy should keep your Delaware Drug Card information on file in their computer system, but please carry it with you in case you need to provide the information again or change pharmacies.

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The Delaware Drug Card will provide savings of up to 75% on prescription drugs at over 50,000 pharmacy locations across the country. This card is a point of sale discount plan and does not expire. This program is not insurance.

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Ultra-Realistic Sculpture Exhibit at the DE Art Museum The Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington is currently the home of Ultra-Realistic Sculpture by Marc Sijan. It features 17 remarkably life-like sculptures based on individuals Sijan knows well. The faces and figures of the sculptures capture movement and human emotion, as well as miniscule details of individual appearance. The artist admits his inspiration is drawn from classical sculptures, such as Michelangelo’s David, which exhibit an idealized form for the human body but his contemporary interpretation of the human form includes the gritty imperfections of average people.

The exhibition includes five life-size figures, three torsos, and ten portraits. The free-standing figures will be installed throughout the galleries to playfully engage visitors with the Muse-

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Newsmakers

10-week summer practicum of fieldwork. Through placements at DCADV member organizations, the participating students will be available to assist community agencies throughout Delaware.

In addition, students will graduate having made significant progress toward completing the requirements for DCADV’s Domestic Violence Specialist Certification. This certification is available to anyone working with victims and requires training on domestic violence prevalence, dynamics, advocacy, risk assessment, safety planning, intervention, psychosocial issues, children’s issues, work with special populations, cultural competency, legal remedies and current trends as well as 2,000 hours of direct service experience.

This 24-foot-long permanent exhibit called “Wilmington’s Railroad Heritage” will reside in the Wilmington Amtrak Station.

Station Exhibit Reveals History Wilmington’s little known railroad heritage is now dramatically celebrated by Friends of the Furness Railroad District’s latest project – the installation of a 24-foot-long permanent exhibit called “Wilmington’s Railroad Heritage” in the updated Amtrak Station.

The exhibit presents the story of railroads in America, rail lines that served Wilmington, the railroad industry’s broad impact on our area, and the architecture of Frank Furness, who designed and built more than 130 stations for the Pennsylvania, Reading, and Baltimore & Ohio railroads in addition to many banks, schools, mansions and other structures throughout the northeast. The exhibit also includes a timeline from 1820 to 1920.

From those early days to Amtrak’s high-speed Acela Express is a continuous line, with the Wilmington Riverfront playing a central role in history. The Lobdell Car Wheel factory was the world’s largest manufacturer of railroad wheels, using a special “chilling” process that kept wheels from shattering at high speeds. The Jackson & Sharp Company built ordinary and luxurious cars for railroads the world over. Harlan & Hollingsworth was a major manufacturer of railroad cars as well as ships. And Wilmington has been – and still is – the site of major car and engine service facilities.

Located near the new ticket counters, the exhibit will be seen by more than 700,000 passengers who use the station annually.

um’s permanent collection.

This exhibition was made possible, in part, by grants from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency dedicated to nurturing and supporting the arts, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support came from the Edgar A. Thronson Foundation. For hours of operation and ticket prices, please go to www.delart.org.

Psychologically Healthy Workplaces in DE The Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award given by the

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Delaware Psychological Association, rewards employers for creating workplaces that foster employee health and well-being while enhancing organizational performance. Chimes Delaware, Cover & Rossiter, and Delaware National Bank were recently honored with this award.

Chimes Delaware in Newark is the largest organization in the state to provide day, vocational, and residential services for people with cognitive disabilities.

Cover & Rossiter is a certified public accounting and advisory firm with offices in Wilmington and Middletown. Delaware National Bank is a full-service

commercial bank with twelve operating branches throughout the state and headquartered in Millsboro.

The award exists to recognize organizations that understand the importance of employee health and well-being and how it impacts organizational performance. The organizations also have implemented a variety of workplace practices in an active effort to create a positive work environment. Criteria for the award include employee involvement, health and safety, employee growth and development, the work-life balance, and employee recognition.

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Newsmakers

Tevebaugh Associates Design Training Center Construction for the Carpenter’s Union’s regional Apprentice Training Center is underway Sussex County. Tevebaugh Associates of Wilmington is the architectural firm for the building. The Carpenters Union serves a number of regional groups throughout the mid Atlantic area., and growth in the southern part of the Delaware Peninsula has determined the need for the center. The 25,000-square-foot building on Sea Shore Highway will contain a variety of work shops, classrooms, administrative offices and a 120-person meeting room for its apprentice membership. The site and building are being designed to achieve LEED Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

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WSFS President is CEO of the Year WSFS Financial Corporation, the parent company of WSFS Bank, presented Mark A. Turner, president and CEO with the CEO of the Year award at the Delaware Valley HR Department of the Year Awards dinner in November. The award is given to the CEO who has provided investment growth and service improvements for customers, and ensured the welfare for performance of all employees with a proven awareness of the human resources function and its importance to the success of their organization. The annual event took place at the Crystal Tea Room in the Wanamaker Building in Philadelphia, Penn.

Turner spoke about the award as “one that truly belongs to our organization.”

He said, “WSFS is a very special place that attracts and retains the best associates, who in turn, bring the best customers to our doors. I am both humbled and honored to receive this award.”

DCA Construction Excellence Awards The Delaware Contractors Association (DCA) and the State of Delaware’s Office of Management and Budget, cosponsored an awards program to honor the outstanding projects of construction companies.

The awards were presented at DCA’s Annual Meeting in October 2010 by Ann Visalli, director of the Office of Management and Budget and Mr. Robert Hill, president of the Delaware Contractors Association. The following companies and projects were honored in these categories: Bancroft Construction Company and the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center for a Medical Facility Over $5 Million; Nason Construction, Inc and the Red Clay Consolidated School District, Wilmington Campus for General Construction Over $5 Million; EDiS Construction Managers and the Delaware Welcome Center for Smart Growth Over $5 Million; Emory Hill and Company and the Delaware Children’s Museum for Adaptive Re-use Over $5 Million; QH&A, Inc. and the Kent County Courthouse for Specialty Contractor Mechanical; Corrado Construction Company, LLC and the Wilmington Organic Recycling Center for Environmental Under $5 Million; Merit Construction Engineers, Inc. and the restoration of the Eleutherian Mills Dam

09-1229

July / August 2008 D e l a w a r e B u s i n e s s

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Newsmakers

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Newsmakers

for Historic Preservation Under $1 Million; Wohlsen Construction Company and Martins Run Retirement Community, New Energy Club and Kitchen/Dining Renovations for Special Construction Under $5 Million; George & Lynch, Inc. and the NRG Indian River Power Plant for Construction Over $10 Million, Diamond Materials, LLC and Christiana Mall Redevel-

opment for Site Construction Under $10 Million, R.C. Fabricators, Inc. and the Delaware Welcome Center for Specialty Contractor Structural; Eastern Highway Specialists, Inc. and the Rehabilitation of Bridges 1 and 1A on Rising Sun Lane for Historic Preservation - Bridge Project, JJID, Inc. and the James Street Bridge - DelDOT Emergency Repairs for Bridge Proj-

ect Under $1 Million, Dewson Construction Company and the Flynn Residence for Residential Construction; and finally DryZone and the Residential for their Wall Anchor System for Specialty Contractor.

Beebe Ranked No.1 HealthGrades, the leading independent health care ratings organization, ranks Beebe Med-

ical Center as No. 1 in Delaware for Overall Orthopedics and Best in the Delmarva Peninsula for Overall Orthopedics for the fifth year in a row in a study released in October.

Beebe Medical Center is ranked among the top 5 percent in the nation for Orthopedics, and for Orthopedic surgery, joint replacement and spine surgery, according to HealthGrades. n

Newsbites n VanDemark & Lynch, Inc. added two members to its staff. Alex Meitzler, P.E., P.T.O.E., has joined the firm as a senior transportation engineer. Meitzler has 20 years of experience in the engineering and construction industries. Douglas S. Bower, E.I., LEED AP, has joined the firm as a design engineer. Bower’s experience includes full site design, from concept to construction, for numerous land development projects, including residential subdivisions and commercial centers in Delaware. n Clayton Hill, Principal of Emory Hill Real Estate Services, Inc. and also director of Property Management, has achieved CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) status by the CCIM Institute. Only six percent of practicing real estate professionals in the U.S has achieved this desirable designation.

recipients for the first time this year, Best Lawyers, concentrated on high-profile practice areas in cities with a large legal community. Only a single lawyer in each specialty received the designation of “Lawyer of the Year” for that community.

Douglas S. Bower

Alex Meitzler

n Milford Memorial Hospital Director for Patient Care Services, Heidi LeGates, has won the Distinguished Alumni Award from Delaware Technical & Community College. The award is given in recognition of excellence and outstanding achievements by Delaware Tech graduates who have made significant contributions to their community through their community service, and their professional and personal accomplishments. n Donald J. Wolfe Jr., chairman of Potter Anderson & Corroon LLP, has been named the “Wilmington, DE Bet-the-Company Litigator of the Year” for 2011 by Best Lawyers, among the most well-known and respected peer-review publications in the legal profession. Selecting

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Donald J. Wolfe Jr.

n Glenn Krasley has been named sales and marketing director of Ultrachem, Inc. Krasley will be responsible for increasing Ultrachem’s reach into the markets of food grade lubricants, impregnating oils and gels, high pressure compression lubricants, and gas compression lubricants. n Search engine and search marketing company eZanga (www. eZanga.com) ranked 158 on Technology Fast 500™, Deloitte’s ranking of 500 of the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and clean technology companies in North America. Rankings are based on percentage of fiscal year revenue growth during the period from 2005 to 2009 and eZanga grew 657 percent during this period. n R. Keith Elliott has resigned from the Board of Directors of Wilmington Trust Corporation due to medical reasons. “For 13 years, Keith has been a uniquely valuable source of experience and wisdom for Wilmington Trust,” says Chairman and Chief Executive Donald E. Foley. “We regret that unexpected medical issues have made it necessary for him to resign from the Board. While we surely will miss his counsel, we also extend our very best wishes to him and his family.” His resignation was effective in October 2010. n Richards, Layton & Finger director C. Malcolm Cochran IV has been chosen

by Children & Families First to receive their 2010 J. Thompson Brown Award.

Cochran was recognized for his advocacy for Delaware’s abused and neglected children as well as his commitment for strengthening family life.

Malcolm Cochran IV

July / August 2008 D e l a w a r e B u s i n e s s

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Newsmakers

SAVE THE DATE! 2011 Wellness at Work Conference Thursday, March 3, 2010 Clayton Hall, University of Delaware Newark, DE $30/ Non-profit Admission $50/ DSCC Member Admission $75/ Non-Member Admission Register Online at www.dscc.com

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Sponsorships & Exhibit Tables Available!

Contact Liz Pretz at lpretz@dscc.com or (302) 655-7221.

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NEWS S TAT E

CHAM B E R

Welcome New Members BELLEVUE REALTY COMPANY

Newark, DE 19711

Fax: (302) 633-6098

21 Industrial Blvd.

(877) 746-8450

http://www.HomeHelpersDE.com

New Castle, DE 19720

Mr. Marvin Sachs

Fax: (302) 266-6186

909 Delaware Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19806

www.thecbigroup.com

(302) 655-1818 Fax: (302) 655-7738 www.bellevuerealtyco.com

HIGH-TECH MACHINE CO., INC.

Mr. Neal Crosley

BUSINESS BUILDERS FOR ENTREPRENEURS, LLC

10 Lewis Circle

Ms. Kathy Jackson

302-636-0267

1831 Delaware Ave.

Fax: 302-636-0269

Wilmington, DE 19806

www.hightechmachineinc.com

Wilmington, DE 19804

(302) 225-8800

IWRITE LLC

Fax: (302) 689-0182

Ms. Maureen Lyons

http://www.pjfitz.com

4 Lone Acre Road Wilmington, DE 19803

PRO KITCHEN GEAR

(302) 654-7745

Mr. David McCormick P.O. Box 7658

laura novak photography & LITTLE NEST PORTRAITS

Wilmington, DE 19803

Ms. Michele Strum

http://www.prokitchengear.com

(302) 478-1020 Fax: (302) 380-3325

1825 Delaware Ave. Wilmington, DE 19806

Fax: (302) 225-8700 www.HelpForMyBusinessToday.com

(302) 689-0164

HOME HELPERS

(302) 656-5274

PTM MANUFACTURING, LLC

Ms. Krista Gaul

www.littlenestphoto.com

Mr. Ron Galloway

CBI GROUP

910 Gilpin Ave.

Mr. Rich Kolodgie

Wilmington, DE 19806

P.J. FITZPATRICK

Newark, DE 19713

1501 Casho Mill Road, Suite 9

(302) 633-6090

Mr. Rick Stover

(302) 455-9733

401 Bellevue Road

Widener Law’s MJ in Corporate Law Widener University School of Law is the only institution of higher education accredited by the CCB (Compliance Certification Board) that offers a masters of jurisprudence in corporate law. The Spring Regulatory Compliance program commences on March 7, 2011.

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School of Law Wilmington, DE

■

Harrisburg, PA

■

law.widener.edu/Succeed

Januar y / Febr uar y 2011 D e l a w a r e B u s i n e s s

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S TAT E

www.ptmmanufacturing.com

Wilmington, DE 19801

RISK SOLUTION, LLC

Mr. Bob Reis 326 Waycross Rd., P.O. Box 7015 Wilmington, DE 19803 (302) 691-3588 www.TheRiskSolution.com

.

Grow your REWARDS Grow your business.

(302) 654-3345

NEWS

715 N. King St., Ste. 200

CHAM B E R

Fax: (302) 454-9021

Fax: (302) 654-3479 www.tristatecourier.com

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> Combine points from your personal Delaware State Chamber of Commerce WorldPoints® account and all your employees’ business accounts to earn points faster

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> Choose from rewards such as gift cards, electronics, cash, travel, and much more!

Mr. Kevin Massey

ROCK SOLID CONTRACTING

726 Yorklyn Rd., Suite 200

Mr. Norman Oliver

(302) 729-4174

Hockessin, DE 19707

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1213 B Street

Fax: (302) 729-4194

Wilmington, DE 19801

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Mr. Jon Fletcher

TRISTATE COURIER & CARRIAGE

824 N. Market St.

Mr. Jeremy Luzader

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Call 1.800.598.8791 to apply (Mention Priority Code UAA6VP)

Wilmington, DE 19801

Save the Date Monday, May 2, 2011 Superstars in Education Awards Dinner Chase Center on the Riverfront 4:45 p.m. Registration 6:00 p.m. Dinner Program immediately following $50/ Educator Admission $80/ Corporate Admission When business leaders work hand in hand with educators to ensure that today’s students are being prepared for the business needs of tomorrow – that is truly a partnership that strengthens Delaware’s economic future.

6232_BoA_DE Chamber Ad_quarterpage.indd 2

1/13/10 11:33 AM

See. Learn. Share. Network. Celebrate.

2011 Sponsors LEADERSHIP

Agilent Technologies AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP Delmarva Power DuPont JPMorgan Chase & Co. The Rodel Charitable Foundation of Delaware

GOLD

Discover Bank PNC Bank WSFS Bank

SILVER

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware University of Delaware Verizon Wilmington Trust Company

BRONZE

Delaware Cadillac, Saab & Subaru Delaware Economic Development Office Delmarva Broadcasting Company Nixon Uniform Service The Sezna Foundation

FRIEND

Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc. Educationally Speaking, LLC

Sponsorship opportunities available. Contact Janine Sorbello at (302) 576-6575 or e-mail jsorbello@dscc.com for more information.

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NEWS S TAT E

CHAM B E R

State Chamber Scene Superstars in Business Awards

Superstars in Business Awards

November 10, 2010

November 10, 2010

At the 2010 Superstars in Business Awards Luncheon, (from left) Don Fulton, program chair, Jim Wolfe, president and CEO of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, Bill Parks, Small Business Alliance co-chair, Senior White House Correspondent and keynote speaker Bill Plante, Martha Gilman, board member, and Steve Lehm, Small Business Alliance co-chair, pose for the camera. Photo by Dick Dubroff

Superstars in Business winners Laura Novak of Laura Novak Photography and Little Nest Portraits and Lisa Detwiler of SSD Technologies pose with Jayne Armstrong of the Delaware Small Business Administration and Gary Munch of Boss Enterprises, Inc at the Superstars in Business Awards Luncheon.

Photo by Dick Dubroff

Roundtable with Senator Coons

Women in Business Forum

November 23, 2010

December 2, 2010

U.S. Senator Chris Coons heard from Delaware’s business community about their concerns on the economy and legislation that will impact business. Photo by Katie Grasso

J.J. Davis, vice president of finance and administration at the University of Delaware, talked to the Women in Business Forum about work/life balance and her role in the university’s Path to Prominence initiative. Photo by Katie Grasso

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from left

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Construction Management and General Contracting Residential and Commercial Management and Maintenance Concierge Residential Real Estate Services, Homes & Land Commercial Brokerage

10 Corporate Circle, Suite 100 New Castle, DE 19720 888.322.9502 | 302.322.9500 www.emoryhill.com

Now’s the time to take a look at the Delaware State Chamber Health Plan.

An Alternative to Banking . FREE Financial Counseling & Education . FREE Online Account Access & Bill Pay* . Youth & Retirement Accounts . 90-Day No-Pay Auto Loans . Disounted Auto Insurance . Debt Consolidation Loans . 0%** APR Rewards Visa . Statewide Locations

Call (302) 576-6580 for more information.

Request a Quote for this exclusive plan just for DSCC members.

Enjoy added peace of mind knowing your deposits are insured up to $500,000.

1

www.Del-One.org (302) 739-4496 For more information, visit www.dscc.com/healthplan.htm Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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*Conditions and restrictions apply. **0% APR introductory rate for 6 months: thereafter as low as 9.9% up to 15.9%.

1Savings are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration, a U.S Government Agency, to at least $250,000 and an additional $250,000 in coverage is provided thru the Excess Share Insurance Corporation (ESI)

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o fa b ec vd en ef tg s

Delaware State Chamber Calendar of Events JANUARY 13

c a l en d a r

EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Location: State Chamber Chairman’s Room, 1201 N. Orange Street, Wilmington For more information, contact Sharon Reardon at (302) 576-6578 or sreardon@ dscc.com.

JANUARY 19 & FEBRUARY 2, 16 BRANDYWINE BUSINESS ALLIANCE MEETING 8:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

Location: Ameriprise Financial Services Offices, 200 Bellevue Parkway, Suite 250, Wilmington Cost: Free Pre registration required.

For more information, contact Arlene Simon at (302) 576-6576 or asimon@dscc.com.

JANUARY 20 & FEBRUARY 17 HEALTH CARE COMMITTEE MEETING 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Location: State Chamber Board Room, 1201 N. Orange

INSURANCE

Street, Wilmington For more information, contact Katie Grasso at (302) 576-6566 or kgrasso@dscc.com.

contact Sharon Reardon at (302) 576-6578 or sreardon@ dscc.com.

JANUARY 21 & FEBRUARY 4, 18

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MEETING 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Speaker: Colin O’Mara, secretary of the Dept. of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Location: State Chamber Board Room, 1201 N. Orange Street, Wilmington Cost: Free For more information, contact Greg Gross at (302) 576-6568 or ggross@dscc.com.

WILMINGTON LEAD GROUP 8:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

Location: DSCC Board Room, 1201 N. Orange Street, Wilmington Cost: Free Pre registration required.

JANUARY 25 NETWORKING BREAKFAST 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Location: Sunday Breakfast Mission, 110 N. Poplar St., Wilmington Pre-registration required For more information, contact Liz Pretz at (302) 576-6586 or lpretz@dscc.com.

JANUARY 26 BENEFITS & SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Location: State Chamber Chairman’s Room, 1201 N. Orange Street, Wilmington For more information,

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

RETIREMENT

M Insurance Services, LLC 302-732-6655 866-837-6655 www.minsuranceservices.com Check us out on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/MInsuranceServicesLLC

Untitled-1

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JANUARY 27

JANUARY 31 LEGISLATIVE FORUM With congressman john carney 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Location: State Chamber Board Room, 1201 N. Orange Street, Wilmington Cost: $10/Members; $20 Non-members For more information, contact Greg Gross at (302) 576-6568 or ggross@dscc.com.

FEBRUARY 1

robert gilligan 12:00 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Location: State Chamber Board Room, 1201 N. Orange Street, Wilmington Cost: $10/members; $20 Non-members For more information, please contact Greg Gross at (302) 576-6568 or ggross@dscc.com.

FEBRUARY 8 WOMEN IN BUSINESS FORUM 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Location: State Chamber Board Room, 1201 N. Orange Street, Wilmington Cost: $10/Members; $20/Non-members For more information, contact Sharon Reardon at (302) 576–6578 or sreardon@ dscc.com.

FEBRUARY 15 NETWORKING BREAKFAST 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Location: TBD Pre-registration required For more information, contact Liz Pretz at (302) 576-6586 or lpretz@dscc.com.

February 16

FEBRUARY 7

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Location: State Chamber Board Room, 1201 N. Orange Street, Wilmington Cost: Free For more information, contact Greg Gross at (302) 576-6568 or ggross@dscc.com.

LEGISLATIVE FORUM with house speaker

Register for events online at www.dscc.com. n

SMALL BUSINESS ALLIANCE WORKSHOP 8:15 a.m. Registration; 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Workshop Location: TBD For more information, contact Sharon Reardon at (302) 576-6578 or sreardon@ dscc.com.

5:42 PM

Januar y / Febr uar y 2011 D e l a w a r e B u s i n e s s

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NEWS

Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

CHAM B E R

Small State. Big Benefits.

S TAT E

The New and improved 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/chamber/ health-plan.aspx today or call (302) 576-6580 for more details.

dental plan

Dominion Dental Services provides dental 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 for more details.

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 was launched to help all residents of Delaware afford their prescription medications. For more information, go to www.dscc.com/chamber/ prescription_drug_discount_card.aspx.

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. Call Brian Greene at (610) 653-8902 to learn more about this benefit.

Notary Service

Did you know that Notary Public services are free for Chamber members? Call (302) 655-7221 to make an appointment to stop in for a notary seal on your documents.

Blood Bank Membership

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

Delmarva Broadcasting Company

Fifteen percent in bonus airtime on commercial orders placed by new advertisers on any Delmarva Broadcasting radio station.

Contact Mike Reath at mreath@dbc1.com or call (302) 478-2700 for more information.

DSCC Affinity Credit Card with WorldPoints Rewards

The DSCC affinity card by Bank of America is a business credit card offered exclusively to State Chamber members that also offers a rewards program for discounted airline tickets, free hotel nights and car rentals and more. The Chamber affinity card with WorldPoints® lets members combine points from personal and business cards to get rewards even faster. Call (800) 598-8791 to apply; mention priority code FABLHRAQ. Member-to-Member Discount Directory

State Chamber members offer substantial savings on products and services to fellow members. To see the full list of discounts online, visit www.dscc.com and click on Member2Member Discounts.

Discounted Constant Contact E-mail Marketing Service

State Chamber members are eligible to receive discounts on their Constant Contact account subscriptions. Members can save 20 percent if they prepay for 6 months and 25 percent if they prepay for 12 months. That is a 10-percent deeper discount than what is available to other customers. To sign up, visit the Constant Contact link on the State Chamber’s members-only page.

Access full details on these benefits of membership in the membersonly section of the DSCC Web site. For more information about obtaining your company’s members-only login credentials, please e-mail webmaster@dscc.com. n

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S TAT E

Chamber Committees & Forums

CHAM B E R

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.

Ambassador

This committee identifies group-oriented benefits, such as health care coverage, discounted office supplies, phone service, direct mail, shipping and much more to help Chamber members be healthy and competitive. Contact: Sharon Reardon at (302) 576-6578 or sreardon@dscc.com.

Benefits & Services Committee:

This committee provides practical, valuable and affordable education and development programs to help existing members and potential members be more successful. Contact: Sharon Reardon at (302) 576-6578 or sreardon@dscc.com.

Education & Development 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.

The

Employee

Relations

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.

Environmental Committee:

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: Katie Grasso at (302) 576-6566 or kgrasso@dscc.com.

Provides a forum to discuss issues affecting Delaware holding companies on

Holding Company Committee:

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NEWS

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.

the state and national levels. Contact: Katie Grasso at (302) 576-6566 or kgrasso@dscc.com.

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.

Legislative forum:

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.

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.

Transportation Committee:

The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s newest committee was formed this year to encourage young executives in Delaware to get 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. The final meeting of 2010 was held Dec. 14 with speaker Brian Selander, Chief Strategy Officer, Office of Gov. Jack Markell. Contact: Katie Grasso at (302) 576-6566 or kgrasso@dscc.com.

Young executives committee:

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.

The final meeting of 2010 was held on Dec. 2 with guest speaker J.J. Davis, V.P. of Finance and Administration at UD. Contact: Sharon Reardon at (302) 576-6578 or sreardon@dscc.com. n

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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 e-mail addresses, as well as individual areas of responsibility. If you need business assistance or information, please don’t hesitate to call.

James A. Wolfe President & CEO

576-6560 jwolfe@dscc.com

Marianne K. Antonini Sr. Vice President Finance & CFO

576-6567 mantonini@dscc.com

A. Richard Heffron Sr. Vice President Government Affairs

576-6563 rheffron@dscc.com

Sharon R. Reardon Sr. Vice President Marketing & Exec. Director, Small Business Alliance Superstars in Business Wellness at Work Media Relations Marketing Benefits & Services Committee Education & Development Committee Women in Business Forum

576-6578 sreardon@dscc.com

Janine G. Sorbello Sr. Vice President Education & Exec. Director, The Partnership Business Mentoring Alliance Principal for a Day Teacher Externship Superstars in Education

576-6575 jsorbello@dscc.com

Cheryl Corn Executive Assistant to the President Linda D. Eriksen Accounting Associate

576-6566 kgrasso@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

576-6562 cjames@dscc.com

Liz Pretz Events Manager

576-6564 kcofrancisco@dscc.com

576-6572 ccorn@dscc.com 576-6569 leriksen@dscc.com

576-6586 lpretz@dscc.com

Arlene M. Simon Account Executive Bill Stephano Director of Membership

John H. Taylor, Jr. 576-6590 Sr. Vice President & jtaylor@dscc.com Exec. Director, Delaware Public Policy Institute Kelly Cofrancisco Program & Communications Specialist Young Executives Committee

Katie Grasso Communications Manager Delaware Business Production Web Site Health Care Committee Holding Company Committee

576-6576 asimon@dscc.com 576-6574 bstephano@dscc.com

Patrina Wallace Information Administrator

655-7221 pwallace@dscc.com

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

576-6579 fmiller2@dscc.com

Delaware State Chamber of Commerce 1201 N. Orange Street, P.O. Box 671 Wilmington, DE 19899-0671 (302) 655-7221 / Fax (302) 654-0691 (800) 292-9507 Kent & Sussex counties www.dscc.com Blog: dscc.wordpress.com facebook: facebook.com/delawarestatechamber flickr: flickr.com/dscc twitter: @Destatechamber

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Meet the WSFS small business fan club.

WSFS Bank understands the challenges business owners face. We realize that taking care of customers and managing employees leaves little time for developing a banking relationship. Our team of Relationship Managers can help. WSFS customers in the Delaware Valley have relied on our experience, stability and service for more than 178 years. We have the funding and expertise to help grow your business.

For more information on how we can be of service, please stop by any one of our 40 locations, including offices in Glen Mills, Longwood, Oxford and Blue Bell, and offices coming soon in West Chester and Edgmont. Or call one of our Relationship Managers at 1-877-WSFSBIZ.

Š2010 Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB | Member FDIC

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We’ve been his banker for 106 years.

We don’t take that responsibility lightly.

Across economic cycles that have spanned 20 U.S. recessions, 18 U.S. presidents, two world wars and one Great Depression, Wilmington Trust has played a role in the life of his family since 1903. We remain committed to a set of business practices and core values that reflect our focus on building long-term relationships.

We’re proud of our past and equally confident about our future. We owe this to the clarity of purpose in our corporate strategy, the disciplined management of risk, the outstanding work ethic of our staff members, and the hard-won loyalty of our clients, many of whom have been with us for multiple generations.

Our steady approach has served our company and our clients well through the extraordinary economic, social, and technological changes that have taken place since our founding.

We believe it will serve us well in the years ahead.

To find out how Wilmington Trust can help, call Katie Wilkinson today at 302.651.1460.

©2009 Wilmington Trust Company. Member FDIC.

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