Delaware Business July-August 2012

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Bon Appétit!

2012 20 2 012 12 R Restaurant Restaurant, estaurant, Meeting & Banquet G uiide Guide

PLUS: •

Guide to Vo-Tech Schools •

Guide to Insurance

A Publication of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

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THE FASTER MONEY CAN GO AROUND THE WORLD, THE MORE YOU NEED A BANK

THAT’S ALWAYS BEEN RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER. A bank that knows you – and what matters to you.

A bank that has people who can give you answers without passing you from one desk to another. That can make decisions right here. And a bank that keeps your money working for you in your community. Where can you find a bank like this? Just around the corner—at your nearest WSFS. Call us at 1-888-WSFSBANK or visit us online at wsfsbank.com.

©2012 Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB | Member FDIC

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Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/wsfs.

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Fritz Land and Chuck James admire the work of Mary Page Evans during an evening mixer at the Delaware Art Museum. PHOTO BY COLEEN HEAVER

Departments President’s Message .............................. 2 The DSCC’s legislative prowess.

Legislative Priority .................................. 3 Local elections matter, too.

Member News and Notes ...................... 5 DSCC partners with Google and the Plus-3 Network, DSU plots a charter high school, EDiS hosts students of its own, the governor talks educational successes, and we preview the next Superstars in Business event.

Q&A: Culinary mastermind Dan Butler

In this Issue Features

Nonprofit Spotlight: The Salvation Army Business Spotlight: Parcels, Inc. Welcome New Members ...................... 16 Chamber Scene ..................................... 18

RESTAURANT, MEETING & BANQUET GUIDE ........................................................... 25 Your one-stop shop for places to eat, drink, rest your head or host a party.

Newsbites ............................................... 61

INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES ................................................................. 47

Calendar ................................................. 63

Delaware Business peeks in on Kelly Benefit Strategies, the consultants that offer the ‘Total Benefits Solution.” BY EILEEN SMITH DALLABRIDA

Affiliates Update .................................... 65

GUIDE TO EDUCATION ............................................................................................. 53

Manufacturing........................................ 67

Soup’s on at New Castle County Vo-Techs, where culinary programs train the next generation of chefs, and a whole lot more. BY LARRY NAGENGAST

Chamber Committees .......................... 70 Chamber Member Benefits ................. 71 For Assistance, Contact the Chamber .......................................... 72

On The Cover The 2012 Restaurant, Meeting & Banquet Guide features The Buttery in Lewes. Photo by Tom Nutter DELAWARE BUSINESS

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Volume 17, Number 4 / Delaware Business (USPS 012098) (ISSN 153253542) is published bi-monthly by the DSCC Center for Business Management. Subscription price is $18 a year (included in membership dues). Known office of publication is 1201 N. Orange St., Suite 200, Wilmington, DE 19801.

Periodicals postage paid Wilmington, DE 19850. Postmaster: Send address changes to Delaware Business, c/o DSCC Center for Business Management, P.O. Box 671, Wilmington, DE 19899-0671. Telephone (302) 655-7221.

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DELAWARE

Message from the President One of the biggest strengths of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce is its legislative prowess—our unique ability to spur actual change in Dover.

With that in mind, we couldn’t be more pleased with Gov. Jack Markell’s deal with municipalities James A. Wolfe that will lower electric rates in order to foster more economic development. A memorandum of understanding was crafted between the state and town leaders that will provide local governments the opportunity to upgrade their electric utility systems, making them more efficient and cost effective.

It’s been a longtime goal to lower Delaware’s utility rates, and the agreement will not only help our current businesses, but will also make Delaware more attractive to those businesses that might want to expand or locate new facilities in the region.

Our vice president of government affairs, Rich Heffron, also led the charge in workers’ compensation reform.

Despite a one-year average increase in workers’ compensation costs in 2011 (a result of increased accident filings in 2008-2009), overall since the inception of the updated workers’ compensation statue in 2008, costs have gone down 18 percent for the residual market and 22 percent for the voluntary market. First quarter projections for 2012 are for rates to begin dropping again. That adds up to cost reductions in five of the last six years. That’s a big deal.

We’re also pleased to have another great Superstars in Education campaign in the books (pun intended). Though we’re sad to lose Education Secretary Lillian Lowery to Maryland, I think we gave her a proper sendoff during our awards dinner. Take a look at the pictures from that evening on page 56.

We hope you enjoy the 2012 Restaurant, Meeting & Banquet Guide as much as our board members did. A few of them, including our chairman Bill Allan and our immediate past chairman Tommy Cooper, took the time to tell us about their favorite restaurants. The results of which can be found on page 25.

The restaurant, hotel and hospitality industry make up a huge chunk of the retail sector. And in many ways, their health reflects the health of our economy. So do your part to support local business, and we’ll do the same.

After all, it is summertime. Start your party here.

BUSINESS EDITORIAL STAFF William R. Allan Chairman

James A.Wolfe President/CEO

Matt Amis Managing Editor

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Sylvia Banks DuPont

Chip Rossi Bank of America

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN

Ernie Dianastasis CAI

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

Thomas J. Cooper Cooper Realty Associates

Donald T. Fulton George J. Weiner Associates

Dennis M. Salter Summit Realty Advisors, Inc.

CHAIR ELECT

Pierre du Pont Hayward University of Delaware

Fred C. Sears, II Delaware Community Foundation

Alan Levin Delaware Economic Development Office

Mark Turner WSFS Bank

CHAIRMAN

William R. Allan William Allan & Assoc., LLC

Hinton Lucas DuPont VICE CHAIR

Mark Stellini Virtual Resources

Michael S. Uffner AutoTeam Delaware

William E. Manning Saul Ewing LLP

TREASURER

Barry Crozier Belfint, Lyons & Shuman

Richelle Vible Catholic Charities of Delaware

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Linda Ammons Widener University School of Law

Tyrone Jones AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP

Chad Moore The Bellmoor

Julian H. Booker Delmarva Broadcasting Company

Chris Kenny ShopRites of Delaware

Bret Morris A.R. Morris Jewelers

David B. Brown Potter Anderson & Corroon, LLP

Bernhard Koch AAA Mid-Atlantic

Theodore J. Prushinski Citizens Bank

I.G. Burton i.g. Burton & Co., Inc.

Richard H. LaPenta Insurance & Financial Services, Ltd.

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

Timothy J. Constantine Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware

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

John S. Riley Ashland, Inc.

Charlie Copeland Associates International, Inc.

Renee Lewandowski Agilent Technologies

E. Andrew DiSabatino EDiS Company

Michael MacFarlan TD Bank

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

Cathy MacFarlane ING DIRECT

W. Laird Stabler, III Laird Stabler & Associates, LLC Gary R. Stockbridge Delmarva Power Clinton Walker Barclaycard US

Martha S. Gilman Gilman Development Company

Scott Malfitano CSC - Corporation Service Company

Robert V.A. Harra, Jr. Wilmington Trust Company

Nicholas Marsini PNC Bank, Delaware

Robert W. Whetzel Richards, Layton & Finger

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

John McCarthy AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP

Katie Wilkinson Fulton Bank

William S. Wallace JPMorgan Chase

Harry L. Williams Delaware State University

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

STAFF James A.Wolfe President/CEO Marianne K. Antonini Senior Vice President A. Richard Heffron Senior Vice President Janine G. Sorbello Senior Vice President & Executive Director, The Partnership John H. Taylor, Jr. Senior Vice President & Executive Director, DPPI

Matt Amis Communications Manager Cheryl Corn Executive Assistant to the President Senior Vice President Communications Denee Crumrine Program & Communications Specialist Manager, Small Business Alliance Katie Dunn Communications & Events Associate Linda D. Eriksen Accounting Associate

Greg Gross Director of Government Relations Chuck James Account Executive Lisa Prickril Events 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

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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PHOTO BY DICK DUBROFF/FINAL FOCUS

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY

This Year, Don’t Forget Local Officials on the Frontline

BY RICH HEFFRON

IT’S A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION YEAR, and most voters are just beginning to focus on the race between President Barack Obama and his Republican challenger, Gov. Mitt Romney.

The candidates for these and other local offices will not be determined until July 11, the day after the filing deadline. But the issues that all candidates should address are clear.

Turnout is always higher when Americans have the opportunity to choose the person who will lead their country for the next four years. Media attention and the excitement that it generates are primarily focused on national and statewide races for governors, and seats in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. This is reflected by the quadrennial uptick in voter turnout.

But too often overlooked are the races for important local government offices. Two particularly challenging races taking place this year are for New Castle County Executive and Mayor of Wilmington. Political scientists and experts argue that local officials hold greater influence on people’s lives because they make decisions that affect their constituents on a daily basis. In recent years, these New Castle elections have been decided in September primaries because of the growth of the Democratic Party in northern Delaware. That of course is subject to change, but so far it does not appear that the Republican or Independent candidates will be competitive at this stage of the 2012 election.

Public Safety People do not want to live, and businesses will not want to locate in areas where they do not feel safe. Illegal drug trade is indisputably tied to the public safety crisis in this country. New Castle County and Wilmington are not alone in trying to decide how best to address criminal activity, yet far too many crimes involving violence in our area are a product of substance abuse and the competition to profit by feeding people’s dependence.

Local government is on the frontline in this battle, and yet there is no easy answer, no silver bullet. There are multiple means of addressing the problem—police enforcement policy, community involvement, alcohol and drug abuse treatment, job creation, youth programs, public education, job opportunities and training for former prisoners—and the list goes on. But the fact is that local government leaders must be willing to find creative means while working tirelessly to reduce crime if they expect their jurisdictions to grow economically and prosper.

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Legislative Priority Fiscal Stability Since the financial collapse of 2008, local governments have faced extremely difficult financial conditions. A sluggish upturn has made things marginally better, but it hasn’t provided a clear path to resolving the nagging budget dilemma.

Until the housing market improves dramatically, providing New Castle County with increasing transfer tax receipts and a growing

The leaders of local jurisdictions are fortunate that they have a partner with state leaders who are focused on retaining, expanding and attracting employers who will provide jobs and revenue to state and local governments. property tax base, it will be necessary to carefully monitor spending while looking for potential new sources of revenue. Both are much easier said than done, especially in a time when the taxpayer wants his elected officials to hold the line on spending and taxes while providing the same level of service.

The City of Wilmington has a similar problem when it comes to growing the tax base. The only way the city will accomplish this is through the expansion of business opportunities, which will provide an increase in property and wage tax receipts. It will also provide jobs for residents in the local jurisdiction with the state’s highest unemployment rate.

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Economic Development Some degree of economic growth has occurred in isolated locations such as the Christina Riverfront, the Route 301 corridor, and Smyrna. There are future bright spots to anticipate, like the former Chrysler Plant site in Newark, which is now owned by the University of Delaware.

Though these are undoubtedly good signs, the struggle continues to keep ahead of those businesses that are cutting back on Delawarebased activities. Sustainable, controlled growth is an absolute necessity if economic conditions are going to improve at a healthy pace.

The leaders of local jurisdictions are fortunate that they have a partner with state leaders who are focused on retaining, expanding and attracting employers who will provide jobs and revenue to state and local governments.

All Delaware’s local government officials face some aspect of these issues every day. It is essential to address each of them, realizing that resolution is complex, and rarely comes easily.

A wise person in the local business community realizes that each of these issues affect their success. Business leaders must offer their cooperation with whomever is elected, and public officials must be willing to approach businesses with ideas and concrete partnership plans.

But first, our citizens must decide who they want to tackle these challenging jobs.

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Member

news&Notes Bridging the Gap DSU LEADERS PLOT STEM-FOCUSED CHARTER SCHOOL

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The concept of “Early College High Schools” has become popular throughout the country and for a good reason — they are helping to bridge the gap between high school and college among low-income and underserved populations.

Research from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation shows that if you increase academic standards and rigor, and offer the added incentive of college credits (as Early College Charter Schools do), then students will perform better than those in traditional schools.

Delaware State University caught wind of this national trend and began to develop a new charter school to be housed on the DSU campus.

“It demystifies the college experience,” says Provost Alton Thompson, chair of the Founding Board of Directors for the new school, and the leader in its development.

Their focus for the school is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, otherwise known as STEM. “The STEM focus will allow us to parlay our university’s strengths into the early college school — these are the areas in which we are strongest as a university,” says Thompson.

This school would be the first of its kind in Delaware. If it succeeds like the others around the country, it could mean increased opportunities for underprivileged and low-income students. Plus,

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BY STEPHANIE FITZPATRICK

students who attend could earn up to 60 college credits — which means a potential savings of 50 percent on college costs. This savings encourages students who wouldn’t have otherwise attended college to do so.

“If we could get 50 percent of the students from this new school to attend Delaware State University, we will be delighted. If not, it’s still a greater contribution to the community,” says Thompson enthusiastically.

To help ensure success of the project, DSU staff have partnered with a group named Innovative Schools, a Wilmington based nonprofit which has a proven record of establishing and developing charter schools.

“They have been great to work with and have worked with other top performing schools,” says Thompson.

“They will help to establish an infrastructure throughout the first five years.”

Innovative Schools will also help them maintain compliance with state standards, find talented staff, and work on the entire portfolio of the school.

This open access school will be marketed primarily to students who would be first generation college graduates and who have interest in STEM fields. While grades will not be considered, students will need to generate a letter of interest and sign a contract of behavior and expectations. If interest is

DSU Provost Alton Thompson says the planned STEM charter school could benefit low-income students. PHOTO BY ABBY SAYEG. high, they will also put a lottery system into place.

Once approved by the State of Delaware in June, the school would primarily be funded publically and be open to all Delaware residents (at the time this article went to print, the approval was still pending).

“Anyone is welcome who can get there, although we expect most of the students will be from the greater Kent County area,” says Thompson.

Their target deadline for the school to open is the fall of 2013.

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Member

news&Notes

The tradition known as EDiS Institute has helped galvanize interest from vo-tech students across Delaware. PHOTO COURTESY OF EDIS COMPANY.

Building the Future VO-TECH STUDENTS LEARN CONSTRUCTION AND COMMUNITY AT THE EDIS INSTITUTE BY KELLY MURRAY

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In April, hundreds of vocational education students joined engineers, architects and tradesmen in Wilmington’s Chase Center to discuss the future trends of the ever-evolving construction industry. What brought them together? EDiS Company’s innovative approach to education: the EDiS Institute.

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Established in 1998, EDiS Institute offers a pathway for vocational education students in Delaware to gain insight on the construction industry, examine its role in the economy, and learn about its impact on the environment. The event is put on every two years by the centuryold EDiS Company, and provides industry members and students a platform

to communicate with each other in a thought-provoking setting.

“It was originally created as a way for us to celebrate the company’s anniversary and as a benefit for the community and the construction industry,” says Brian DiSabatino, president of EDiS Company. “The tradition has been bringing nationally known speakers to

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Since its inception, the EDiS Institute has raised $165,000 in donations, which have been used towards contributions to vocational education school districts in Delaware. speak and galvanize support for vo-tech education.”

In the past, notable speakers have included Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who spoke at the 2000 EDiS Institute about the construction industry’s role as environmental stewards. This year, the speakers included John Stapleford, director of the Caesar Rodney Institute’s Center for Economic Policy and Analysis; John Patterson, a best selling co-author and customer relations expert; and renowned architect Andres Duany, who spoke about the next generation of community planning.

The half-day forum not only offers an educational outlet but maintains a philanthropic focus as well. Since its inception, the EDiS Institute has raised $165,000 in donations, which have been used towards contributions to vocational education school districts in Delaware.

DiSabatino says that the Institute is important to EDiS because the company’s culture is innovative and community oriented. “Our community service success hinges on the next generation’s interest and willingness to enter into the fields of construction, engineering and architecture,” he says. “We want to inspire ninth to twelfth graders to love the industry as much as we do.”

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Party Down at Best of Delaware

BY MATT AMIS Imagine a ballroom lined with rows of tasty cocktails, fun prizes and lots, and lots and lots of delicious food in every conceivable shape, size and flavor. Now, add in some rockin’ live music, a philanthropic mission, a swanky guest list and a circus performer or two.

Is this beginning to sound like the coolest party around?

Find out on your own when the mirthmakers at Delaware Today magazine kick off the next Best of Delaware Party later this month. The party, which commences at 6 p.m. on July 26th (a special VIP sneak-peak begins at 5 p.m.), will be held at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino.

Best of Delaware has long been one of the most popular shindigs in the state, with an average attendance of 2,000 guests, and 100 exhibitors. The party goes hand-in-hand with the magazine’s annual Best Of issue, which recognizes excellence in Delaware dining, shopping, and much, much more. Exhibitors, which run the gamut from sushi makers to cake decorators, are all Best of Delaware winners, and represent the finest in Delaware.

“All of Delaware’s best in one room, and all for a great cause, what could be better?” says Robert Martinelli, president and CEO of Today Media, Inc. This year, funds from the party will go toward Nemours/Alfred i. duPont Hospital for Children, Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc., and Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay. Jellyroll, one of the region’s preeminent party bands, is booked once again as the house band for the evening, and a shuttle service (included with admission) will be transporting guests to and from Aldersgate United Methodist Church in North Wilmington, and the 273 Park-and-Ride near Bear. Tickets cost $75 for VIP access, and $55 for general admission.

Visit www.BestofDE.com for more information.

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Member

news&Notes The Most Super Time of the Year 2012 SUPERSTARS IN BUSINESS

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The time is here – this could be your year! The 2012 Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Awards are back. Join the ranks of past Superstars by applying your small business or nonprofit for this prestigious award.

The Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Award, named for one of Delaware’s leading small business entrepreneurs, honors businesses and nonprofit organizations for their outstanding achievements and model approaches to business and management. Over 50 worthy companies have achieved Superstar status. To be among them this year, apply now using the form on page 35 or at ssb.dscc.com. Awards of Excellence are also given to companies who show great potential as future winners.

Requirements for application: • Must be a member in good standing of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

BY DENEE CRUMRINE

• Must be in business for at least three years • Small businesses are defined as being between one and 150 full-time employees • Application must be submitted no later than August 24, 2012

Luncheon and Keynote Speaker Please save the date for the 14th Annual Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Awards Luncheon on November 14, 2012.

Keynote speaker Dan Butler, owner and chef of several popular Delaware restaurants, will speak to the struggles brought on by the economic downturn and how he survived them, using social media to build relationships, and how he has grown his businesses. Read a brief Q&A with him on page 12 and more on our blog: dscc. wordpress.com.

To register, apply, sponsor or advertise, visit www.dscc.com/superstarsin business or call (302) 576-6564.

“It was wonderful to receive recognition for the success and business culture we have created. Everyone in the Alliance family was very proud of the award. For companies in Delaware, the Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Award is truly an honor that cannot be understated.”

— Mike Vanderslice, Director of Sales & Marketing, Environmental Alliance 2012 Superstars in Business Award Winner “Sunday Breakfast Mission applied to Superstars in Business because to be recognized by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Alliance is a reflection of superior non-profit business practices and the accompanying results. To be honored with such an award will only add to the credibility of the work we are doing.”

— J Morgner, Mission Advancement Manager, Sunday Breakfast Mission 2012 Award of Excellence Winner

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Superstars in Business winners in 2011 included (from top) Environmental Alliance, Inc., EDiS Company, The Ministry of Caring, Inc., and Corexcel. PHOTOS BY TOM NUTTER.

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Member

news&Notes Net Gains PLUS 3 NETWORK HELPS USERS GET IN GEAR

BY MATT AMIS

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At the DSCC’s April 18 Wellness@Work Conference, keynote speakers Bruce Panasuk and Jason Danner yielded the floor to a wiry man from California named Rick Sutton.

Sutton, a former sports marketing guru, is today the co-founder and CEO of the Plus 3 Network, an innovative online platform that allows users to log physical activity for personal rewards, to compete in various contests, and move money to nonprofit organizations via Plus 3 Sponsors.

The Plus 3 Network fueled a fitness challenge between DSCC employees and their Wellness@Work partners, Kelly Benefit Strategies.

The site–which counts about 32,000 users–is equal parts fitness log, social media platform, and fundraising bean counter, which, when used in combination, can work wonders. The more you exercise, the more funds are raised for charity.

“There are a lot of different ways people are motivated,” Sutton says.

“And the ability to use community, charity, family and additional motivators to get people to participate is great for us.

I think we’ve all seen it in the marketplace, whether it’s a three-day cancer walk or a MS ride where you have to

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Plus 3 Network founder Rick Sutton (left) and business account manager David Monico say their site motivates users to exercise while raising money for charity.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RICK SUTTON

raise money from your friends. They get amped up because it’s not about them, it’s about making the world a better place.”

With Plus 3, every step, every hour in the gym, every stroke in the pool is transformed into “Kudos”–a points system that gets converted into charitable dollars for a cause of the user’s choice. Values are placed on an activity

based on either distance covered (like miles during a run), or time logged (like hours of yoga). There are close to 80 different sports and activities that comprise the system, and each one pays out kudos at a different rate. Users can even sync a GPS, or a GPS-enabled smart phone to log precise data.

Sutton, an avid cyclist and athlete, says the site targets the less-athletically inclined with its motivational tools.

“We really wanted to nurture people through a system that is inviting friends and family to do what they like at the pace they like to do it. And if you just get out there, it’s really simple, you can be a hero.”

For more, visit www.plus3network. com.

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SAVE THE DATE! JULY 26 Best of Delaware returns to Dover Downs Hotel & Casino®

For targeted advertising and event sponsorship opportunities, contact:

(302) 504-1326 • sales@delawaretoday.com

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news&Notes The Butler Did It A Q&A WITH CULINARY MASTERMIND DAN BUTLER

BY KATIE DUNN

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Dan Butler, known around Delaware as Big Chef Guy, has mastered the art of keeping things fresh in his restaurants. From Piccolina Toscana to Deep Blue, Butler knows first-class food and first-rate business.

In fact, he will be the keynote speaker at the 2012 Superstars in Business Awards Luncheon on November 14. Delaware Business took a trip to the Trolley Square favorite to gain a little insight behind Butler’s success.

How did you get started in the restaurant business?

Well, as a high school student I was a dishwasher at the Hotel du Pont. Even as a high school student, I knew that this was the best place around and the most logical choice to work for somebody who was going to pursue this type of a career. As opposed to looking for a job as a fry cook, which I could have easily gotten. When you’re a young kid like that it’s important to work in places that take these things seriously. I say now that I was very smart about that! The people there are very professional. Even today if you want to concentrate on becoming a chef, look to the Hotel du Pont. As a kid, your first instinct is not to work hard.

Being a chef is hard, physical work and you have to know that at an early age.

I worked for a lot of people I had great respect for there. From there I went to the Culinary Institute of America under the advice of my executive chef at the

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time. Then I got experience in a lot of different places.

In this profession, it’s not an uncommon thing to get what you can out of each job.

What would you say your business philosophy is?

My personal philosophy may differ from others, and I can’t discount it, where an important aspect is being consistent. People know what to expect from these kinds of restaurants. I think consistency is certainly important as far as quality and experience goes, but when you’re in a position where what you’re selling is a new experience; things have to be new every now and then. We do want people to come in every week and we need to keep it fresh for them. That’s true of Toscana, but it’s funny about Deep Blue because the clientele there is much less local. There are more business people and travelers who know what to expect. We certainly try new things with the menu, but as far as the décor and the experience goes, we have to keep that consistent. When people are corporate entertaining they want to know that this is going to be good and dependable.

I do own restaurants but how I make

Dan Butler, the man behind Piccolina Toscana, Deep Blue, Brandywine Prime and others, will keynote the 2012 Superstars in Business Luncheon on November 14. PHOTO BY COLEEN HEAVER

my trade is a cook. I don’t think of myself differently than any of my cooks.

I hope to think that it translates to the people who work for me. I treat everyone as a professional, including servers, managers, bar tenders. I get why people don’t have these jobs as a long term career, but it is a profession. One of the most important aspects in creating a positive guest experience is creating a positive employee environment. I like to say we take our jobs very seriously, but not ourselves very seriously. That has served me well to this day.

What has been an obstacle for you in opening and running a restaurant?

Opening my restaurants was not very difficult and I attribute that to being

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very lucky and working very hard. One definite challenge is to not become complacent. We’re here everyday but you have to remember that the customer is not. They can make a judgment about their experience from the one time that they’re here. The customer doesn’t know what you did yesterday or that there is a dishwasher out today. And they shouldn’t know. It’s a challenge to make sure things are fresh for every customer experience.

for one second it is anything like what you see on television. It can capture the pressure, and sometimes you are running off of that adrenaline. But the hours?

The hours you have to put in to this are brutal. Be prepared to work very hard. It is tremendously rewarding though. My kitchens are open kitchens, when possible. I want to be part of the buzz and also want people to come up to me and say “Chef that was amazing.” That, for me, makes the whole thing worthwhile.

What advice would you give to someone opening a restaurant?

How do you utilize social media?

I would say to anyone wanting to open or even work in a restaurant, don’t think

I see social media as something for the restaurant, a way to make personal rela-

tionships with customers. Personal relationships are very important to me. That is what drives the whole thing. I think a lot of my success has to do with very individual, very personal relationships.

Social media is just another tool in creating relationships.

What do you like to do for fun?

I have a seven and a four year old, so when I have free time I do spend it with my kids. But I am a cyclist, I love to ride.

Deep Blue has a riding club and we meet once a week in the Toscana parking lot.

I would venture to say it is the biggest organized ride in the area.

DSCC Partners with Google to Drive Businesses Online

BY DENEE CRUMRINE On a sunny day in April, the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts underwent a Google transformation. Green, red, yellow and blue ran rampant throughout the building, which was marked with the iconic Google Places pin.

The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce was thrilled to be a part of this movement – “Get Your Business Online.”

Google has been traveling the country, hosting free events and getting small businesses set up with free websites. “Build Your Free Website” was one of three sessions at this day-long event. The other two included “Grow your Business Online” and “Promote Your Business Online.” Altogether, they comprised a comprehensive and user-friendly experience for small business people.

After creating their free website, or if they already had one, attendees moved to the Grow session where they learned how Google took over the Wilmington Riverfront in April.

PHOTO BY DENEE CRUMRINE Google search actually works, got an introduction to search engine optimization and received tips for promoting their website. A short introduction to search engine marketing was also given.

“Promote Your Business” encouraged website owners to utilize the tools offered by Google, and explained AdWords and AdWords Express. It was an informative overview of advertising on Google and building ads that actually work.

Our communications staff had a blast at this event, which was a great resource for our small business members.

We thank the DCCA, Aloysius Butler & Clark, and Google for an awesome event filled with extremely valuable information, and for making sure we were a part of the big day.

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Member

news&Notes

Parcels Inc. helps keep Wilmington businesses booming.

PHOTO BY NICK WALLACE

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

››

Parcels, Inc.

To maintain a successful business for more than 30 years, the name of the game is evolution.

Parcels, Inc. is a model of evolution.

Incorporated in 1980, the company opened as a courier service. As the fax machine—remember that?—became popular, naysayers suggested couriers would become obsolete. But Parcels is still going strong in the age of electronic information.

“Our courier volume hasn’t gone down at all,” says Vito DiMaio, executive vice president of Parcels, Inc. Instead, the company has taken on a host of new services to grow the company.

Parcels currently employs 140 people.

Parcels, Inc. is owned by Jim and

14

DB_JulyAug12.indd A14

BY APRIL HALL

Maureen Johnson, who started the business to serve primarily Wilmington law firms. As the face of Wilmington has changed, Parcels extended its services to banks, hotels and other businesses.

At the Delaware College of Art and Design, Parcels even helps students print and finish their final projects in the spring.

Parcels is known as “the secret army” of the Wilmington—its uniformed employees rove the city’s busy streets during the work week delivering documents and packages to offices. But the company’s evolution has come to include electronic document management and printing.

“Our services generally facilitate the

movement of information,” DiMaio says.

“And it’s all about speed and doing things efficiently.”

Whether it’s printing banners for a business or setting up electronic documents for a visiting legal team, Parcels does a lot of work on a rush basis. This company cannot sum up what it offers in the classic “elevator pitch.”

“We have more than 100 services we offer,” DiMaio says. “What we tell our customers and those considering becoming a customer is if you have a need, please give us a call. If we can’t fill that need, we can certainly give you a good direction. We really try to be that one-stop shop.”

July / Aug us t 2012

| DELAWARE BUSINESS

6/19/12 3:39 PM

Major Philip DeMichael (left) keeps hope alive at the Salvation Army.

PHOTO BY NICK WALLACE

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

››

Salvation Army

People tend to think about the Salvation Army during the holidays, when the organization’s redsmocked volunteers ring bells around the red bucket at the grocery store and the mall.

But others think about the charity all year long–especially now. Providing everything from childcare to senior care to help for the homeless has become more challenging as families struggle to make ends meet.

Major Philip DeMichael, Delaware regional coordinator for the Salvation Army, says contributions have taken a hit since the recession gripped the nation.

“The money has gone down,” DeMichael says, “but we are still able

DELAWARE BUSINESS

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BY APRIL HALL

to put nine cents of every dime donated to the Salvation Army directly into our programs.”

The nonprofit had its first meeting in Delaware in 1890 on Wilmington’s Market Street. Over the following 120 years, the Salvation Army expanded to serve the unique needs of Kent and Sussex counties.

“I would say New Castle County, being the largest county and largest population, has the largest need,” DeMichael says. “The need we see here is for youth, to keep them off the street.”

He says the goal of the teen program is to keep kids involved in the youth center until 9 p.m. every night.

There are also waiting lists at their

homeless shelter and for their daycare programs, says DeMichael, a 45-year veteran of the nonprofit who will retire in June. Programs in New Castle County alone run on a $5 million budget each year, he says.

“We never have turned away people, we never will,” DeMichael says. “It is not an organization that is open from 9 to 5.

We want to be that agency that is here for the community, the one that can still give help to that person who needs it.”

And for that, DeMichael believes the funding will always come through.

“Maybe it’s because we’re a faithbased organization,” he says, “but we believe that what we need will come from above.”

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6/19/12 3:39 PM

WELCOME New Members 7P’S

ALPFA is the premier business organiza-

HODGSON VO-TECH HIGH SCHOOL

Mr. Christopher Wood 11 Graham Court Newark, DE 19711 (302) 373-1645 Fax: (302) 266-0216 www.7psit.com

tion for expanding opportunities for Latino

ties, adds value, and builds relationships

Ms. Annemarie Linden 2575 Glasgow Avenue Newark, DE 19702 (302) 834-0100 Fax: (302) 834-0598 www.nccvotech.com

IT services are a much needed part of an

for its members, the community and its

Hodgson Vo-Tech promotes a school-wide

organization’s daily well-being. 7P’s service

business partners while expanding Latino

effort to have all students comprehend and

motto is “Fix it right the first time.” Their IT

and diverse leadership in the global work-

apply content as indicated by performance

services will fix it the first time and get your

force.

on career program certifications as well

Leadership in the global market. ALPFA Delaware is an emerging chapter with a membership base of over 100 active members. Its mission creates opportuni-

business back running on all cylinders.

AFLAC WILMINGTON Mr. Ford Downes 1705 Talley Road Wilmington, DE 19803 (302) 377-3459 Fax: (302) 762-1979 www.aflac.com

as state and district assessments. Its mis-

ASSURANCE MEDIA, LLC

sion is to prepare students vocationally and

Mr. Joe Mirolli 590 Century Boulevard, Suite B Wilmington, DE 19808 (302) 892-3540 www.assurancemedia.net

academically to be productive, employable

With multimedia technology integration

HOWARD HIGH SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY

through the use of structured cabling,

citizens of society by integrating high quality instruction and technology in a safe, caring, and cooperative school environment.

The largest provider of supplemental insur-

Assurance Media ensures that your entire

ance in the United States, Aflac has been

infrastructure benefits from the speed and

chosen by more than 50 million people

flexibility of IP technology. By utilizing one

worldwide because of its commitment to

vendor for all your voice, data, video and

providing customers with the confidence

CCTV cabling needs, you save money, time

Dr. Stan Spoor 401 East 12th Street Wilmington, DE 19801 (302) 571-5412 Fax: (302) 571-5843 www.nccvotech.com

that comes from knowing they have assis-

and worry.

Howard High School of Technology is a

tance in being prepared for whatever life may bring.

ALPFA/ASSOCIATION OF LATINOS IN PROFESSIONS OF FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING Mr. Brandon R. Blitman 801 S. Grand Avenue, Suite 650 Los Angeles, CA 90017 (302) 634-4697 www.alpfadelaware.org 16

DB_JulyAug12.indd A16

comprehensive vocational-technical high

EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS

school with approximately 860 students in

Mr. David Rodier 2 Penns Way, Suite 205 New Castle, DE 19720 (302) 324-0140 Fax: (302) 324-1173 www.expresspersonnel.com

grades 9 through 12. Students from across

We help businesses achieve their goals

Graduates earn both a high school diploma

by providing cost-effective employment

and a certificate of competency in one of

solutions.

the 13 programs.

New Castle County, Delaware (covering five different school districts) are eligible to apply for admission. In addition to a full academic curriculum, the school offers 13 different career programs of study.

July / Aug us t 2012

| DELAWARE BUSINESS

6/19/12 3:40 PM

HSA BANK Ms. Donna Woe Woerner Street, Suite 320 605 North 8th S Sheboygan, WI 53081 (201) 306-1209 www.hsabank.com www.hsabank.c

Middletown, DE 19709 (302) 449-3609 Fax: (302) 376-6796 www.nccvotech.com

(302) 357-3256 Fax: (302) 357-3276 www.wtplaw.com

St. Georges Technical High School, a 1,000-

Taylor & Preston for trusted representation

Since 1933, clients have come to Whiteford,

pupil facility for grades 9 to 12, is one of

and guidance on issues critical to achieving

HSA Bank is a M Milwaukee-based company

four comprehensive vo-tech high schools

their business goals. With more than 160

nation’s leading Health and one of the na

administered by the New Castle County

attorneys, Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is

Savings Account (HSA) administrators.

Vocational Technical School District. St

one of the region’s largest law firms. Clients

than 300,000 accountholders It serves more th

Georges offers comprehensive high school

range from Fortune 500 companies to small

billion dollars in HSA assets. with nearly a billi

academic curricula and career and technical

businesses to start-up enterprises. The firm

focuses solely on the adminThe company foc

training in the areas of information technol-

helps clients arrange financial transactions,

istration, service and support of our HSA

ogy, construction trades, health care ser-

mergers and acquisitions, and public offer-

product. Its philosophy is to do what we

vices, public and consumer services, and

ings. The firm advises companies and orga-

do best and partner with others who do the

science, energy and drafting technologies.

nizations of all size on tax, employment, and real estate matters.

same to provide a best-of-breed solution.

TOP QUALITY INDUSTRIAL FINISHERS, INC. MODERN WATER, INC.

THE WHITING-TURNER CONTRACTING COMPANY

Mr. Michael Jones 15 Reads Way, Suite 100 (302) 669-6901 Fax: (877) 663-3944 www.modernwater.com

Mr. Eddie Camacho 1204 East 12th Street Wilmington, DE 19802 (302) 778-5005 Fax: (302) 778-5006 www.topqualityfinishers.com

Modern Water Group is a leading provider

From industrial spray painting, to powder

of patented water technologies. Led by an

coating, and soon to include chemical

Mr. Joshua George 131 Continental Drive, Suite 404 Newark, DE 19713 (302) 292-0676 Fax: (302) 292-0683 www.whiting-turner.com

experienced management team, we have

film and resin coating, Top Quality has the

The mission of Whiting-Turner is to build on

global reach with operations in the Middle

expertise and experience to get the job

its reputation for integrity, excellence, expe-

East, Europe, South Africa, China, USA

done quickly, correctly and on-budget.

rience and leadership as the nation’s finest

and the UK. In all our markets and across

construction organization by continuously

our suite of technologies, sustainability and

UNIQUE IMAGE

improving the quality of work and services;

environmental responsibility are at the heart

Mr. Jamie Nolte 306 North Maryland Avenue Wilmington, DE 19804 (302) 658-2266 Fax: (302) 658-5864 www.uniquetees.net

constantly striving to exceed each client’s

of what we do.

MPS TRANSPORTATION INC. Mr. Derek Stanford 220 West 35th Street New Castle, DE 19802 (302) 709-1679 Fax: (302) 371-9860 www.MPSTransportation.com

expectations; maintaining dedication to the highest moral principles; providing its people with a challenging, secure and safe environment in which to achieve personal career goals.

Unique Image has been a supplier of custom textile and promotional products since

WILMINGTON DE JOB CORPS

1979. It carries all types of wearables, includ-

MPS provides non-emergency transporta-

sweatpants, hats, jackets, polos, button ups

tion for individuals and groups needing one

and so much more. Promotional products

way and round trip transportation to medical

and advertising specialties are also available,

facilities, private residences, airport shuttling,

from custom clocks, pens, can coozies, key

Ms. Rhonda Austin 9 Vandever Avenue Wilmington, DE 19802 (302) 230-2531 Fax: (302) 575-1713 www.jobcorps.org

shopping and much more. Its aim is to deliver

chains, bottle openers, flash lights, umbrellas,

Job Corps is a free education and training

quality transportation service to customers.

and any other item that you can think of.

program that helps young people learn a

ing but not limited to t-shirts, sweatshirts,

The company values transporting its customers to and from their destinations safely.

ST. GEORGES TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL Ms. Terri Villa 555 Hyett’s Corner Road DELAWARE BUSINESS

DB_JulyAug12.indd A17

| Ju l y / Au gu st 2012

career, earn a high school diploma or GED,

WHITEFORD, TAYLOR & PRESTON, LLC

and find and keep a good job. For eligible

Ms. Vicki L. Shoemaker Esq. Renaissance Centre, 405 North King Street, Suite 500 Wilmington, DE 19801

young people at least 16 years of age that qualify as low income, Job Corps provides the all-around skills needed to succeed in a career and in life.

17

6/19/12 3:40 PM

1.

3.

State Chamber SCENE 2.

1. Sec. Alan Levin from DEDO gave an update on the state of business in Delaware to a packed room at the Wilmington Club. Photo by Nick Wallace.

2. Rich Heffron from the State Chamber and Scott Malfitano from CSC Corporation Services Company were among the guests at April’s Legislative Forum. Photo by Nick Wallace.

3. Kaitlin Donovan and Mary O’Brien from KForce Professional Staffing talk with David Bart from ARS Fleet Service at the Blue Rocks Networking Breakfast.

Photo by Colleen Heaver.

18

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July / Aug us t 2012

| DELAWARE BUSINESS

6/19/12 3:40 PM

4.

4. Jared Forma from the Blue Rocks crew gives a behind-thescenes tour to attendees. Photo

by Colleen Heaver.

5.

5. Chamber members gathered at the Delaware Art Museum for a delightful evening mixer. Photo by Colleen Heaver.

6. Daniel Rice, executive director of the Museum, gave attendees a tour of the exquisite Mary Page exhibit. Photo

by Colleen Heaver.

6.

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6/19/12 3:40 PM

State Chamber SCENE 7.

8.

9.

7. Sec. Shaileen Bhatt from the Dept. of Transportation addressed an intimate room with some department updates. Photo by Nick Wallace.

8. David Small, deputy secretary for the Dept. of Natural Resources, gave an overview of the progress they have made and what is in the future for DNREC.

9. The 2012 Wellness@Work conference was a huge success thanks to our speakers Dr. Bruce Panasuk and Jason Danner. Pictured here with DSCC President Jim Wolfe and special guest, Rick Sutton. Photo

by Denee Crumrine.

20

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July / Aug us t 2012

| DELAWARE BUSINESS

6/19/12 3:40 PM

10.

10. Wellness@Work attendees networking among exhibitors at the Medical Society of Delaware. Photo

by Nick Wallace.

11. Dr. Bruce Panasuk had people inspired to focus more on their health and wellbeing! Photo by Nick Wallace.

11.

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6/19/12 3:40 PM

State Chamber SCENE 12.

12. Lisa, Katie and Denee represented the Chamber as partners in the Delaware Get Your Business Online event presented by Google.

13. A group of Young Executives volunteered with New Castle County Habitat for Humanity for some community outreach. Photo by Colleen Heaver.

13.

22

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| DELAWARE BUSINESS

6/19/12 3:40 PM

14.

14. Bob Madison and Nancy Solero from engage3SIXTY presented the latest Small Business Alliance Workshop, Social Media and Reputation Management: 10 Steps to Getting it Right. Photo by Nick Wallace.

15. After an afternoon on the green, these gentlemen enjoy a lovely evening mixer at Frog Hollow Golf Club. Photo by Nick Wallace.

15.

16.

16. Carol Ammon, founder and former CEO of Endo Pharmaceuticals, was a remarkable speaker for the latest Leadership Breakfast at the beautiful Winterthur Museum and Gardens. Photo by Nick Wallace.

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6/25/12 1:49 PM

2012 Restaurant, Meeting & Banquet Guide The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s Restaurant, Meeting & Banquet Guide is a one-stop resource for planning your next event. This guide is also available on www.dscc.com.

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6/19/12 3:40 PM

Restaurant, Meeting & Banquet Guide HOTELS NEW CASTLE COUNTY

Crowne Plaza | Wilmington – North

Ballroom is the ideal setting for

Website: www.udel.edu/hotel Working with the School of Hotel,

630 Naamans Road, Claymont

ness meetings for up to 700

Restaurant, and Institutional

Contact: Courtney Alleman

guests. The Crowne Plaza hotel

Best Western Brandywine Valley

Management and University of

Phone: (302) 791-4611

has two executive floors with pri-

Delaware Conference Services,

Fax: (302) 798-6182

vate lounge, complimentary high

1807 Concord Pike, Wilmington

the Courtyard by Marriott is the

Email: Courtney.Alleman@

speed wireless internet, 24-hour

Contact: Mary Taylor

ideal environment to discover,

CPwilmingtonnorth.com

fitness center, business center

Phone: (302) 658-4531

experience and enjoy welcoming

Website: www.cpwilmingtonnorth.com

and outdoor pool.

Fax: (302) 656-8564

accommodations. The hotel’s

The Crowne Plaza - Wilmington

Email: manager@brandywineinn.com

126 guest rooms, with compli-

North is only minutes from

Days Inn

Website: www.brandywineinn.com

mentary high-speed Internet,

Wilmington-area corporations

900 Churchman’s Road, Newark

Best Western Brandywine Valley

can serve as a group headquar-

including DuPont, AstraZeneca,

Contact: Anupe Patel

provides outstanding hotel

ters. Working cooperatively with

Accenture, Evraz, AIG, IBM and

Phone: (302) 368-2400

accommodations, state-of-the art

other first-class Newark-area

many others. While staying in the

Fax: (302) 731-8620

video conferencing, an executive

hotels, the hotel can provide

Crowne Plaza hotel in the pic-

Email: daysinndos@yahoo.com

meeting center and more. Expect

up to 700 group rooms for your

turesque Brandywine Valley, visit

Website: www.daysinn.com

the highest degree of hospital-

event. The adjoining Clayton

Longwood Gardens, Harrah’s

The newly-renovated, three-story

ity and service for your business

Hall Conference Center’s 40,000

Chester Casino and Racetrack,

property is conveniently located

needs. Also, State Chamber

square feet of meeting space

Winterthur Museum, QVC, and

off I-95 at exit 4B. Complimentary

members will receive a 15 per-

includes 21 meeting rooms

Brandywine River Museum—all a

continental breakfast available

cent discount.

and a 500 seat auditorium. A

short distance away. Easy access

and in-room coffee makers are

7,000-square-foot ballroom

to Philadelphia Sports Complex,

offered. Several restaurants are

Courtyard by Marriott Newark – University of Delaware

accommodates 500 banquet-

including Citizens Bank Park,

within walking distance. An on-

style or 450 classroom-style.

Wells Fargo Center and Lincoln

site classroom seats up to 50

400 Pencader Way, Newark

Additional services include video

Financial Field. The Crowne

people.

Contact: Bill Sullivan

conferencing, high-speed Internet

Plaza - Wilmington North features

Phone: (302) 391-2261

access and exhibit capabilities.

12,000 square feet of flexible

Days Inn-Wilmington

meeting space, and the Grand

5209 Concord Pike, Wilmington

Fax: (302) 737-0990

Email: billsull@udel.edu

weddings, social events or busi-

Contact: Pearson L. Williams Phone: (302) 478-0300 Fax: (302) 478-2401 Email: daysinnwilm@comcast.net Website: www.mydaysinn wilmington.com Days Inn Wilmington is located in the heart of the Brandywine Valley, near all area attractions. There are 96 spacious rooms with a microwave, refrigerator and high-speed Internet. Rooms include a complimentary continental breakfast with a hot waffle bar.

Doubletree Downtown Wilmington 700 N. King Street, Wilmington Contact: Eric Chapman

Crowne Plaza | Wilmington – North

Phone: (302) 661-4316 Fax: (302) 429-5979 Email: eric.chapman3@hilton.com

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DELAWARE BUSINESS

6/19/12 3:41 PM

Be a meetings hero.

Sheraton Suites Wilmington

Website: www.wilmingtondowntown./

Phone: (302) 368-8521

doubletree.com

Fax: (302) 368-9868

Their Grand Ballroom is the largest

Email: hojonewarkdos@yahoo.com

in downtown Wilmington accom-

Website: www.hojonewark.com

modates banquets, wedding

The newly-renovated Howard

receptions, corporate functions,

Johnson Inn & Suites furnishes

and social occasions with style.

four different banquet rooms for its guests. The Garden Room is

Doubletree Hotel – Wilmington

cozy for up to 20 people. The

4727 Concord Pike, Wilmington

Iron Hill Room is perfect for

Contact: Danielle Hennessy

meetings of up to 30 people.

Phone: (302) 478-6000

The Constitution and Polly

Fax: (302) 478-6049

Drummond Rooms seat up to 50

Email: Danielle.hennessy@hilton.com

people each or 100 when com-

Website: www.doubletree

bined. All of the rooms are quaint

wilmington.com

and inexpensive. Meeting room

More than 11,000 square feet

discounts are available to guests

of meeting and function space

of the hotel.

on two levels makes Doubletree Wilmington ideal for any size

Sheraton Suites Wilmington

group. The Concord Ballroom can

422 Delaware Avenue, Wilmington

accommodate up to 350 guests

Contact: Sales Department

for banquet seating and 600

Phone: (302) 576-8000

for a reception. The Canterbury

Fax: (302) 576-8010

Ballroom can hold up to 300 for a

Website: www.sheraton.com/

reception or up to 200 for banquet

suiteswilmington

seating. Eight breakout rooms will

This all-suite upscale hotel is

accommodate up to 50 people.

conveniently located in down-

Doubletree Wilmington’s expert

town Wilmington. Facilities

planning and catering staff can

include a restaurant, bar, gift

customize menus and special

shop, business center, indoor

touches to make every occasion

pool and sauna, fitness center

successfully memorable.

and Club Suites. Flexible meeting

Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau Attention meeting planners, businesses and organizations; for more than 30 years the Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau has served as the only destination marketing organization for New Castle County. We are your resource. We are your partner.

And we are here to provide you with outstanding support services that will make your next corporate meeting, event, retreat, or team building exercise a resounding success.

Assistance with venue selection, rates and dates Access to support services from catering to entertainment Incentive programs available No detail is too small

Contact us when planning your next event.

space is perfect for both corpo-

Howard Johnson Inn & Suites

rate meetings and social events.

1119 S. College Avenue, Newark

A state-of-the-art Legal Center is

VisitWilmingtonDE.com/Meet

Contact: Kirsten Bradley

available for trial teams and high-

Contact a meeting and event specialist today at 1.800.489.6664

DELAWARE BUSINESS

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6/19/12 3:41 PM

Restaurant, Meeting & Banquet Guide speed Internet access is available

is the ultimate setting for your

in all suites and meeting rooms.

next meeting, wedding reception, social gathering and spe-

Hotel du Pont

cial event. From initial planning

11th and Market Streets, Wilmington

through execution, we manage

Contact: The Sales Office

the details of your event and

Phone: (302) 594-3100 or (800) 441-

confidently deliver excellence

9019

every step of the way. Our ball-

Fax: (302) 594-3108

room and well-appointed board-

Website: www.hoteldupont.com

rooms, elegant hospitality suites,

Noted for its European distinc-

and private dining areas in our

tion, the Hotel du Pont contains

restaurants provide a complete

217 guest rooms and several

array of flexible meeting space to

first-rate restaurants, as well as

accommodate 30-1,500 guests.

30 conference rooms with more

More than 35,000 square feet of

Internet, onsite AV capabilities

Contact: Linda Graves-Crocker

than 30,000 square feet of avail-

distinctive function space

and Business Center.

Phone: (302) 677-0777

able meeting space. There are

includes the Rollins CenterÂŽ, an

two self-contained conference

18,000 square feet, column-free

Hampton Inn-Dover

Email: Jennifer.Coverdale@marriott.com

areas, each with its own individ-

ballroom with 22-foot ceiling,

1568 N. DuPont Highway, Dover

Website: www.marriott.com/default.mi

ual style: the traditional Executive

sub-dividable into three sound-

Contact: Cindy Price

When every detail must be

Conference Center with five

proof sections. Six meeting

Phone: (302) 736-3500

perfect, guests can count on

dark-paneled rooms (one seat-

rooms include a ballroom and

Fax: (302) 736-6402

Residence Inn’s advanced facili-

ing up to 60) and the Conference

breakout rooms for up to 150

Website: www.hamptoninn.hilton.com

ties and expert meeting profes-

Center, more contemporary

guests. Three hospitality suites

in feeling, with 11 rooms, the

feature racetrack views. Meeting

Residence Inn by Marriott Dover

and successful outcome. Two

largest holding 120. Both have

amenities include wireless

600 Jeffric Boulevard., Dover

meeting rooms, 697 square feet

The Bellmoor Inn & Spa

Fax: (302) 672-8017

sionals to deliver a productive

their own registration and dining areas. The French neo-classic Gold Ballroom will hold groups up to 500. The Business Center provides any needed printing and faxing. All guest rooms have four telephones and dual phone lines.

The Hotel du Pont also offers amenities such as 24-hour room service, complimentary shoe shines and concierge service.

HOTELS KENT COUNTY Dover Downs Hotel & Casino 1131 N. DuPont Highway, Dover Contact: Ann Stack Phone: (800) 711-5882

DSCC Chairman Bill Allan and wife Jeanne love BIG FISH GRILL (720 S. Justison St., Wilmington,

Email: casinopromotions@dover

(302) 652-3474, www.bigfishgrill.com, contact: Angela Hasting), a casual seafood and steak restau-

downs.com

rant. Lunch and dinner are served daily. Their private dining room can hold up to 45 people. Photo

Website: www.doverdowns.com

by Abby Sayeg

Dover Downs Hotel & Casino 28

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| DELAWARE BUSINESS

6/22/12 4:05 PM

It doesn’t feel like work when you’re at the beach.

Katie Wilkinson, senior vice president of Delaware Commercial Banking at Fulton Bank, digs the all-you-can-eat Dungeness crabs at FEBY’S FISHERY (3701 Lancaster Pike, Wilmington, (302) 998-9501, www.febysfishery.com, contact: Philip DiFebo).

The classic eatery and seafood market has been serving the freshest seafood in the area since 1974. “We’re a big seafood family,” Wilkinson says, “and they are very family oriented. Their staff is friendly, a lot of them have been there for a long time, so we get to know each other.” Photo by Coleen Heaver of total meeting space, on-site

Flexible meeting rooms with state

meeting rooms ideal for small

of the art audio and visual that can

groups of 15 to 50 people and

seat 10 to 1,000 people. Contact

AV can be accommodated.

one of the talented hospitality

Feel the ocean breeze during your next conference or meeting. Our oceanfront banquet rooms are ideal for business or group retreats. We also offer award-winning food and luxurious accommodations. Call or visit us online to learn more.

professionals to assist in planning

Sheraton Dover Hotel

your event. With accommoda-

1570 North DuPont Highway, Dover

tions including audio and visual

Contact: Darrell Dudley

technology equipment, a staff of

Phone: (302) 678-8500

professionals, menu options and

Fax: (302) 678-0107

a 24,000-square-foot facility, the

Email: ddudley@sheratondover.com

Sheraton Dover’s new spacious

Website: www.sheratondover.com

rooms will provide a large gather-

The Sheraton Dover Hotel is the

ing the ultimate satisfaction when

perfect place to hold a meeting.

it comes to doing business.

DELAWARE BUSINESS

DB_JulyAug12.indd A29

| Ju l y / Au gu st 2012

The pink hotel on the boardwalk.

Oceanfront at 2 Olive Avenue ✦ Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 Reservations: (800) 33 BEACH or (302) 227-7169 ✦ www.boardwalkplaza.com

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6/19/12 3:41 PM

Restaurant, Meeting & Banquet Guide HOTELS SUSSEX COUNTY

Fountain Courtyard, Rehoboth

rates. Deluxe accommodations

ful views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Beach’s most luxurious outdoor

include 76 king and double rooms

Or choose the intimate Plaza

reception space. The profession-

with ocean and/or bay-view bal-

Cottage for executive-style ses-

al staff is happy to assist with all

conies. Schedule a meeting or

sions. Groups of up to 110 peo-

The Bellmoor Inn & Spa

aspects of creating a successful

reception for groups of up to 150

ple will enjoy full-service meals

6 Christian Street, Rehoboth Beach

conference or social gathering.

in the multi-conferencing facilities.

catered in-house by Victoria’s

Contact: Chad Moore

Banquet/meeting room capacity

Phone: (302) 227-5800

for 10 to 100 people is available.

Restaurant (open seven days a

Boardwalk Plaza Hotel

week, all year, for breakfast, lunch

2 Olive Avenue & the Boardwalk,

and dinner), the cozy Plaza Pub

Best Western Gold Leaf

Rehoboth Beach

lounge for cocktails and light fare,

Website: www.thebellmoor.com

1400 Highway One, Dewey Beach

Contact: Sales Department

a variety of gracious accommo-

Combining modern sophistica-

Contact: Sami Awayes

Phone: (302) 227-7169

dations and Victorian charm, full-

tion with the seaside retreat

Phone: (302) 226-1100

Fax: (302) 227-0561

menu room service, a heated spa

atmosphere of Rehoboth Beach,

Fax: (302) 226-9785

Email: bph@boardwalkplaza.com

and AAA Four Diamond award-

the Bellmoor provides the ideal

Website: www.bestwesterngoldleaf.com

Website: www.boardwalkplaza.com

winning service and hospitality.

setting for any event. Conference

Located in the ocean block

Meet in oceanfront, Victorian

rooms offer a feeling of warmth,

between the beach and

elegance at the Boardwalk Plaza

Inn at Canal Square

elegance and charm – a perfect

Rehoboth Bay, the Best Western

Hotel. The oceanfront Kent and

122 Market Street, Lewes

environment for any gathering.

Gold Leaf Hotel offers

Sussex Halls offer state-of the-

Contact: Jesse Burns

The Bellmoor also offers the

vacationers and business travel-

art audio-visual equipment, T1

Phone: (302) 644-3377

lovely Magnolia Garden and

ers affordable packages and value

and wireless Internet and beauti-

Fax: (302) 644-3565

Fax: (302) 227-0323 Email: chadmoore@thebellmoor.com

Email: innatcanalsquare@verizon.net Website: www.theinnatcanal square.com Located on the water in the heart of the Lewes historic district, the Inn at Canal Square offers 22 guest rooms and two two-bedroom deluxe suites with a magnificent view of the harbor. Two meeting rooms are available, the Waterview Room overlooking the canal and the Parkview Room.

Any level of service a meeting or event may require can be accommodated.

Lord Baltimore Lodge 16 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach Phone: (302) 227-2855

Led by Guiseppe and Anna Martuscelli, 34-year-old LA CASA PASTA (130 Four Seasons Parkway, Newark, (302) 738-9935, www.martuscelliandsons.com/lp, contact: Gianmarco Martuscelli) is all about

RESTAURANTS NEW CASTLE COUNTY

flavorful, homemade coastal Italian cuisine., including homemade pasta, fresh seafood and veal— something that Mark Stellini, a member of the DSCC Board of Directors Executive Committee, and Tom Embley of Precision Air Convey—can attest. “I’ve been going there for 20 years,” Stellini says.

“And I love the place for a business lunch or a family dinner.” Photo by Coleen Heaver

Dom’s Pizza & Steaks Filingeri Bros, LLC 224 W. Market Street, Newport

30

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| DELAWARE BUSINESS

6/19/12 3:41 PM

Contact: Dominick Filingeri Phone: (302) 998-7154 Fax: (302) 998-7254 Email: catering@ilovedomspizza.com Website: www.ilovedomspizza.com Dom’s Pizza and Steaks provides catering for any sized event.

From large meetings to small office parties, Dom’s Pizza and Steaks can customize a menu to fit specific needs. It was voted “Best Pie for the Regular Guy” by the News Journal in June 2008.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill Center Pointe Plaza, 1225

Former DSCC chairman Tommy Cooper of Cooper Realty says the ambiance at Lewes classic THE

Churchman’s Road, Newark

BUTTERY (Second & Savannah, Lewes, (302) 645-7755, www.butteryrestaurant.com, contact: Lisa

Contact: Mike Lieber

McDonald) is unmatched. “It’s very casual, but refined,” he says. “The food is always consistent, and

Phone: (302) 366-7577

you can count on having a great dining experience.” The beautifully restored Victorian home in the

Fax: (302) 366-8011

heart of Lewes has been applauded and awarded for excellence in cuisine and service for 16 years.

Website: www.firebirdsrestaurants.

Photo by Tom Nutter

com

TAKE MILES OFF YOUR NEXT MEETING.

Enjoy the convenience of Wilmington’s premier event venue, right in your own backyard.

Versatile space that can accommodate groups of 25 to 1,500. Award-winning cuisine.

Attentive staff. State-of-the-art audiovisual services. And no sales tax. Why go any further?

815 Justison Street | 302 .425.3929 | www.centerontheriverfront.com

DELAWARE BUSINESS

DB_JulyAug12.indd A31

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Ju l y / Au gu st 2012

31

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Restaurant, Meeting & Banquet Guide Wood grilled steaks, ice cold

that are certain to please both the

experience including a relaxed

ing ‘til midnight, a lively pastry

martinis and more. A semi pri-

most discerning and adventure-

atmosphere, private tables,

bar, chef tastings and brunch.

vate dining room holds up to 8

some palettes. Enjoy a chef’s

attentive service, fine wines and

people.

tasting menu each evening to

signature fondue dinners.

Potstickers Asian Grille

broaden your culinary experience.

The Green Room at the Hotel du Pont

Centre Point Plaza II

Newport Restaurant

1247 Churchman’s Road, Newark

601 Newport Pike, Newport

Phone: (302) 731-0188

11th & Market Streets, Wilmington

Hibachi Sushi and Supreme Buffet, Inc.

Contact: Maria Perdikis

Fax: (302) 731-9188

Contact: Dining Reservations

429 South Walnut Street, Wilmington

Phone: (302) 998-1073

Website: www.potstickersasian

Phone: (302) 594-3154

Phone: (302) 658-8580

For 25 years, Newport

grill.com

Fax: (302) 594-3070

Fax: (302) 658-8581

Restaurant, located in Greystone

Potstickers is an Asian fusion of

Plaza, has served breakfast,

quality ingredients and high-end

Website: www.hoteldupont.com Timeless charm and beauty are

Melting Pot, Chelsun, Inc.

lunch and dinner. The restau-

dining complete with a sushi bar.

reflected in the recent renova-

1601 Concord Pike, Wilmington

rant offers delicious homemade

Voted Best of Delaware 2010 and

tions; a combination of new

Contact: Brad Oberholzer

chicken croquettes and crab

2011.

and old with rich wood panel-

Phone: (302) 652-6358

cakes. Newport Restaurant is a

ing, gold-leaf ceilings and chic

Fax: (302) 652-8101

casual, family restaurant.

Versace-pattern china. Service at

Website: www.meltingpot.com

The Spare Rib Xpress/Kegler’s Pub & Sports Bar

the Hotel du Pont is exquisitely

For more than three decades,

Piccolina Toscana

3031 New Castle Avenue, New Castle

old-fashioned friendly, attentive,

The Melting Pot has defined fon-

1412 N. Dupont Street, Wilmington

Contact: Anthony Georgette, GM

gracious and refined. The Green

due dining niche across America.

Contact:

Phone: (302) 655-7427

Room offers American cuisine

At The Melting Pot, fondue truly

Phone: (302) 654-8001

Fax: (302) 655-2080

with a European flair in an elegant

becomes a memorable four-

Fax: (302) 654-8250

Email: thesparerib@comcast.net

atmosphere that is both comfort-

course dining experience where

Website: www.piccolinatoscana.com

The Spare Rib Xpress is a full

able and intimate. Classic dining

patrons can dip into something

Nestled in Trolley Square,

service dine in/carry-out/cater-

without the stuffiness, the Green

different – and discover all the

Piccolina Toscana is an Italian

ing restaurant located at The

Room features innovative dishes

ingredients for a unique dining

“tapas” restaurant featuring din-

Bowlerama Family Entertainment

DSCC board member Chad Moore of the Bellmoor in Rehoboth Beach appreciates the fine dining acumen of EDEN RESTURANT (23 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, (302) 227-3330, www. edenrestaurant.com, contact: Danielle Panarello), which has captured awards for its wine list and martini bar. “There’s always lots of energy in the room,” he says. “That, and a great wine list. You can’t go wrong with the grilled Caesar salad, or the lobster and crab tower.” Photo

by Tom Nutter

32

DB_JulyAug12.indd A32

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| DELAWARE BUSINESS

6/19/12 3:41 PM

Bowling Center featuring over

charities and non-profits of their

twenty 50” Plasma TV’s and a

choice.

The Green Room at the Hotel du Pont

new 100” HD TV. Its great food has been voted “Best Ribs” in Delaware Today. Live entertainment in Kegler’s (check for dates and

RESTAURANTS SUSSEX COUNTY

times). Meeting capacity up to 90.

Union City Grille

Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats

805 N. Union Street, Wilmington

320 Rehoboth

Contact: Matthew Curtis

Avenue, Rehoboth Beach

Phone: (302) 654-9780

Contact: Matt Patton

Fax: (302) 654-0238

Phone: (302) 226-BREW

Website: www.unioncitygrille.com

Fax: (302) 226-0792

private function room overlooks

Beach

Located in Wilmington’s Little

Email: matt@dogfish.com

the distillery. An enclosed deck is

Contact: Laura McCann

Italy, Union City Grille serves deli-

Website: www.dogfish.com

also available in the spring, sum-

Phone: (302) 227-3567

cious food at affordable prices.

Experience craft-brewed ales and

mer and fall. Dogfish is open for

Fax: (302) 227-4566

Its menu ranges from chili to their

spirits made in Delaware and a

lunch and dinner, seven days a

Website: www.grottopizza.com

signature filets to award-winning

brew rub specializing in wood-

week, year round.

Since 1960, Grotto Pizza has

meatballs. Union City Grille also

grilled seafood and steaks. A

offers “Dine-in for Charity” where

casual, fun environment with

Grotto Pizza, Inc.

was voted Best Pizza in Best of

participants can raise money for

great food and drinks. Upstairs, a

20376 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth

Delaware 2011.

DELAWARE BUSINESS

DB_JulyAug12.indd A33

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Ju l y / Au gu st 2012

been a staple in Delaware and

33

6/19/12 3:41 PM

Restaurant, Meeting & Banquet Guide Nicola Pizza 8 North First Street, Rehoboth Beach

COUNTRY/MEMBERS CLUBS

from simple breakfast and lunch

requirement to host events at the

options to extravagant dinners

Club or Brantwyn.

Contact: Nick Caggiano, Jr.

are available. Conference service

Phone: (302) 227-6230

packages make planning easy,

Frog Hollow Golf Club 1 East Whittington Way, Middletown

Fax: (302) 226-3721

Cavaliers Country Club

and any event can be paired

Website: www.nicolapizza.com

100 Addison Drive, Newark

with golf, tennis or an event in

Contact: Carmel Stephano

Nicola Pizza started in Rehoboth

Phone: (302) 737-1200

the park for your next retreat

Phone: (302) 378-4653

Beach in 1971 and is home to

Fax: (302) 737-1212

or teambuilding exercise. With

Email: cstephano@froghollow

the famous, Nic-o-boli. The pizza

Cavaliers Country Club, the

spectacular views of the golf

golfclub.com

shop also participates in fund-

best-kept secret in northern

course and the park, a meeting

Website: www.froghollowgolfclub.com

raising events.

Delaware, is located just off

at Deerfield is sure to refresh and

Frog Hollow Golf Club is

I-95 and 10 minutes south of

reinvigorate.

Middletown’s premiere champi-

Wilmington. Golf outings avail-

COMMUNITY, CONFERENCE & CONVENTION CENTERS

able on Mondays and Thursdays.

Brandywine Executive Center

Deerfield

1521 Concord Pike, Suite 301,

onship 18-hole golf course fea-

DuPont Country Club & Brantwyn Estate

turing The Den Restaurant, which

Banquet and meeting accommodations available for five to 350

1001 Rockland Road, Wilmington

for enjoying food and drink with

people.

Contact: The Sales Office

friends. Not your typical pub

Phone: (302) 421-1730

fare, the Den Chef creates daily

Fax: (302) 421-1770

specials that are sure to please

507 Thompson Station Road, Newark

Website:

many a palate. The Oak Room at

Wilmington

Contact: Jeffrey Robinson

Minutes from downtown

Frog Hollow is the perfect setting

Contact: Chuck Boyce

Phone: (302) 368-6640

Wilmington, the DuPont Country

for your banquet or special event

Phone: (302) 352-9948

Fax: (302) 366-0345

Club & Brantwyn Estate offers

with ample space for 150 guests,

Email: chuck@bwecenter.com

Email: dfinfo@deerfieldgolfclub.com

a variety of meeting and social

scenic vistas and a 5-star wait

Website: www.bewcenter.com

Website: www.deerfieldgolfclub.com

venues accommodating groups

staff to complete this truly unique

Executive office space, shared

Deerfield is Delaware’s most

from five to 500. The Clubhouse

facility located in Middletown.

office space, business identity,

unique and memorable meeting,

features two spacious ballrooms,

meeting space.

conference and special event

eight banquet rooms and a lovely

Kings Creek Country Club

destination. Meetings from 20

outdoor terrace. A former du

One Kings Creek Circle,

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library

to 500 guests can be scheduled

Pont family residence, Brantwyn

Rehoboth Beach

in any one of our many meeting

Estate offers an elegant and

Contact: Gary Wheeler

5105 Kennett Pike, Wilmington

rooms. A wide array of spaces

unique setting for any event.

Phone: (302) 227-7172

Contact: Isabelle Farrell

from conference rooms to trade-

Conference and wedding pack-

Fax: (302) 227-7015

Phone: (302) 888-6130

show venues, are available for

ages and golf outings are

Email: gwheeler@kingscreek

Email: ifarrell@winterthur.org

your next special event. Menus

available. Membership is not a

countryclub.com

offers a comfortable atmosphere

Fax: (302) 888-4844 Website: www.winterthur.org From off-site meetings to elegant galas for hundreds, Winterthur offers a diverse array of venue options for your special event.

Acres of grounds, picturesque gardens, various indoor locations to accommodate your meeting or special event need including a lecture hall that seats 356.

Additional services include video conferencing and high-speed internet access. Catering provided by Restaurant Associates.

Heritage Shores Club

34

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| DELAWARE BUSINESS

6/19/12 3:41 PM

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES? Apply now for the 2012 Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Award and show Delaware why you deserve star status!

Use this application to apply your small business or nonprofit today. You can also apply online at ssb.dscc.com.

Superstars in Business Awards Luncheon Wednesday, November 14, 2012 11:15 a.m.

Hotel du Pont Gold Ballroom Featuring Keynote Speaker: Dan Butler Culinary Mastermind of Piccolina Toscana, Deep Blue, and more!

Delaware State Chamber of Commerce | Superstars in Business | Apply online at ssb.dscc.com DELAWARE BUSINESS DE SS

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WHAT MAKES YOUR BUSINESS SUPER? This application form is a simple self-evaluation that can improve your business management skills, and put you in the running to win the 2012 Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Award!

Step 1/Self-Evaluation: • If your organization is a business, please use form A. • If you are a nonprofit, please use form B. Please answer the questions as a separate Microsoft Word file with your company letterhead or complete it online at ssb.dscc.com.

Electronic PDFs and paper versions are also available. Please contact Denée Crumrine at dcrumrine@dscc.com or (302) 576-6564.

Eligibility: • Member of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce • In business for at least three continuous years • 150 employees or fewer • Previous Superstars in Business winners may re-apply after five years If you would like to be connected with a previous Superstars in Business winner for assistance in completing your application, please contact Denée Crumrine at dcrumrine@dscc.com or (302) 576-6564.

Step 2/Submission: Applications must be submitted to the Superstars in Business Committee no later than August 24, 2012. No late entries will be accepted. Please note that materials submitted cannot be returned, but all information remains confidential.

Step 3/Application Review: Within each category, the finalists may be contacted for additional information or validation of the information submitted.

The review made at this step is held in strict confidence.

Step 4/The Awards: Each winner will be presented with a special award recognizing their superior achievement on November 14, 2012 at a luncheon in the Gold Ballroom of the Hotel du Pont in Wilmington. Marketing and recognition will be given to all the Business Superstars throughout the year.

Awards may be judged in the following categories: • 1 to 25 employees • 25 to 75 employees • 75 to 150 employees • Nonprofits Please note that the categories will be decided upon at the Selection Committee’s discretion based on number of entries and the quality of applications.

Below each question we have provided you with ‘Ideas for Success.’ They aim to help you form more robust answers and provide suggestions on what information may make your response more competitive. These are not requirements, but may help judges compare your business against other applicants. Please answer questions as concisely as possible.

Questions and sponsorship or advertising inquiries may be directed to Denée Crumrine at (302) 576-6564.

ENTRY DEADLINE: August 24, 2012 Apply online at ssb.dscc.com or mail completed applications to: Small Business Alliance/ Delaware State Chamber of Commerce 1201 N. Orange Street, Suite 200, P.O. Box 671 Wilmington, DE 19899 Delaware State Chamber of Commerce | Superstars in Business | Apply online at ssb.dscc.com | (302) 655-7221 36

DB_JulyAug12.indd A36

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6/19/12 3:41 PM

Form A for BUSINESSES Please answer all questions as concisely as possible on your company letterhead or online at ssb.dscc.com.

1.

Business name, address and phone number; Primary contact’s name, title, phone number and email address.

2. Please describe your business.

3. List the number of years in business and briefly explain how your business was started.

4. Number of employees and average tenure (Please distinguish between full-time and part-time).

5. Please provide your business mission statement and/or business philosophy.

A mission statement, vision statement, guiding principles or strategies for success should be listed here or can be included as attachments.

How is your mission statement communicated to clients, investors and/or the general public, i.e. word of mouth, through marketing materials, etc.? Also explain how they were developed – were they customer or leadership driven, and how do you ensure they are understood by your entire company? Tell us here if you have team building meetings, strategy sessions and/or safety meetings that may include a regular discussion on these important guiding statements.

6. Given the economic challenges of the recent past and present, how have you been able to sustain or grow your business?

The recession created both difficulties and opportunities for businesses. Here would be a good place to reference any strategies or measures taken that have resulted in savings, stability or growth. Profitability results or a steady financial track record would be great evidence of skillful business management. How do your financial records measure up to other companies in your industry? Smaller companies should show growth or sustainability and share projections for the future. Larger, more mature companies normally have a formal budgeting process that should show results against forecasts. An index of profitability, projection and/or financial summary would be helpful. Actual financial metrics will separate your application from the competition. You might also tell us of innovative ways you have used to market or boost sales that have produced a good ROI. Remain assured that all information is kept confidential.

7. What makes your business stand apart from your peers and/or similar businesses?

Please use this question to outline how you identify customer needs and priorities. Customer loyalty, years of experience, low associate turnover and industry awards are all competitive weapons. Tell us if you are measuring customer satisfaction or if you have moved to customer loyalty or customer advocacy. Share with us how you brand your company and how you maintain it, i.e. social media, online networking, marketing campaigns, etc. Tell us if you have a customer database or process to retain information about customers to use in the future. If you have a formal process for tracking and resolving complaints, please highlight your program here and brag about your results. If associate training or education reimbursement programs are a big part of your employee retention program or your quality/safety programs, please tell us about that too. Specific examples are appreciated.

8. Identify two or three of the most significant challenges in growing your business, and explain how you handled them.

Some companies highlight their hiring and retention programs here and others may share their success in adpating to economic climate changes. If there are challenges, financial or otherwise, how did the leaders of the organization rally associates to meet the challenge? How were the challenges identified and did you anticipate them coming? If they could not have been predicted, what have you learned for the next time to make the company stronger? If there are no challenges/problems to list because all employees are proactively taking care of all aspects of business in the best possible way, tell us that, too!

9. Briefly discuss the nature and involvement of your community service efforts.

List key leaders’ involvement – describe investments of time, as well as causes supported financially. This is also the place where you may highlight efforts to care for our environment. List efforts regarding investment in friendlier vehicles or equipment, and to conserve and recycle materials. Do you have a formal program that includes fundraising or service hours donated? Are the commitments or passions you have for certain causes conveyed in your marketing? Are they a part of the image you relate to others? Describe any support for a health and safety program where you may even include family members.

10. Please provide the names of your professional support, i.e. banks, accounting firms, etc. If you are an award winner, we will contact them on your behalf to share the good news.

We also encourage you to provide customer testimonials with your application.

Delaware State Chamber of Commerce | Superstars in Business | Apply online at ssb.dscc.com | (302) 655-7221 DELAWARE BUSINESS D SS

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Form B for NONPROFITS Please answer all questions as concisely as possible on your company letterhead or online at ssb.dscc.com.

1.

Business name, address, and phone number; Primary contact’s name, title, phone number and email address.

2. Please describe the work of your nonprofit.

3. Number of years serving the community.

4. Number of paid staff and average tenure.

5. Number of volunteers and their average tenure.

6. Percentage of your organization’s budget that is: Program Services_____, Fundraising_____, Management and General_____.

7. Please provide your organization’s mission statement and/or philosophy.

A mission statement, vision statement, guiding principles or strategies for success should be listed here or can be included as attachments.

How is your mission statement communicated to clients, investors and/or the general public, i.e. word of mouth, through marketing materials, etc.? Also explain how they were developed – were they customer or leadership driven, and how do you ensure they are understood by your entire organization? Tell us here if you have team building meetings, strategy sessions and/or safety meetings that may include a regular discussion on these important guiding statements.

8. What makes your nonprofit stand apart from your peers and/or similar nonprofits?

Please outline the measurable outcomes you monitor that indicate client satisfaction, program delivery, volunteer tenure and retention and fundraising effectiveness.

9. What is the number of people or groups that have benefited from your organization? (Please provide results for each of the last three years.)

10. What have been the two or three most significant challenges in meeting the needs of your constituency? And how have you approached these challenges?

Do you have a survey process for your constituents and/or your benefactors to identify how their needs are changing? Have any changes to your organization come from this survey process in the past few years?

11. Please provide the names of your professional support, i.e. banks, accounting firms, etc. If you are an award winner, we will contact them on your behalf to share the good news: We also encourage you to provide customer testimonials with your application.

Delaware State Chamber of Commerce | Superstars in Business | Apply online at ssb.dscc.com | (302) 655-7221 38

DB_JulyAug12.indd A38

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Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library Website: www.kingscreek

expansive outdoor patio. Our

countryclub.com

guests will experience exception-

The peaceful setting of the beau-

al amenities, first-class service

tifully lush golf course and ample

and attention to detail when visit-

facilities for all your needs has

ing Heritage Shores Club.

made Kings Creek Country Club a popular destination for all wed-

Rookery Golf Club

dings, receptions, meetings and

27052 Broadkill Road, Milton

banquets. Able to accommodate

Contact: Glenda Adkins

parties of nearly any size; staff of

Phone: (302) 684-3103

food and function specialists can

Fax: (302) 684-3389

readily make arrangements for

Email: gadkins421@aol.com

indoor or open-air ceremonies.

Website: www.rookerygolf.com Inside the Rookery Golf Club is

Heritage Shores Club

the Blue Heron Grille, a restau-

1 Heritage Shores Circle, Bridgeville

rant offering breakfast and lunch

Phone: (302) 337-9926

every day and dinner on Fridays.

Fax: (302) 337-9915

The Rookery Golf Club special-

Website: www.heritageshoresgolf.com

izes in golf outings, small recep-

Located just a short distance to

tions and dinner parties.

the nearby beach cities, Heritage

Capacity: 80 to 100.

Shores Club offers an exciting traditional country club ameni-

University & Whist Club of Wilmington

ties. Complementary to the sur-

805 North Broom Street, Wilmington

rounding golf course, a sprawling

Contact: Margaret Reilly

28,000 square-foot Clubhouse

Phone: (302) 658-5125

inspired by the architecture of

Fax: (302) 658-6415

Nantucket offers an elegant

Email: mreilly@universtywhist.com

venue for hosting special occa-

Website: www.universityandwhist

sions from your wedding recep-

club.com

tion to corporate events and

The University and Whist Club

banquets. With the surrounding

of Wilmington is known for its

golf course offering scenic sur-

quiet elegance and charm. The

roundings the Heritage Shores

Club is recognized for its long-

Club provides a unique venue

standing reputation for fine din-

for weddings with a beautifully

ing and attentive service. Come

adorned grand ballroom or the

and experience the superior

championship golf course with

DELAWARE BUSINESS

DB_JulyAug12.indd A39

| Ju l y / Au gu st 2012

THE

perfect

MIX

Luxurious overnight accommodations, the best steaks in Dover and lavish facilities for gatherings of 15 to 1500.

Sacrifice nothing... indoor heated pool and hot tub, all-new core fitness center, high-speed internet, cocktail lounge, award-winning restaurant, pet-friendly accommodations, 37” LCD TVs and complimentary Starbucks Coffee in every guest room. You name it... everything you want is here for you!

Dover’s Premiere Steakhouse

Every night’s a party.

It’s z-place to be!

1570 North DuPont Highway, Dover, DE | 302-678-8500 | www.sheratondover.com

39

6/19/12 3:41 PM

Restaurant, Meeting & Banquet Guide food, beverage and services the

facilities available to host events

University and Whist Club has to

ranging from conferences, meet-

offer in an atmosphere of comfort,

ings and seminars to banquets

warm hospitality and camarade-

and concerts. Capacities range

rie. The Club offers eight different

up to 8,000 people. Request

private rooms that can accom-

reservations at least 60 days in

modate from two to 200 guests.

advance for large events; meet-

The Club is open to the public

ings require a 15 business day

for catering, business meetings,

notification. The University is

rehearsal dinners, bridal and

centrally located, includes friend-

baby showers, wedding recep-

ly and courteous service and is

tions, breakfasts, luncheons,

handicapped accessible.

dinners, private parties, holiday gatherings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and memorial receptions.

Delaware Technical & Community College, Conference & Training Centers Dover, Georgetown, Stanton &

UNIVERSITIES & COLLEGES

Wilmington Contact: Pat Callahan Phone: (302) 857-1414 Fax: (302) 857-1452

The Bob Carpenter Sports/ Convocation Center

Email: pcallaha@dtcc.edu

University of Delaware

Experience the best of both

631 South College Avenue, Newark

worlds – a learning environment

Contact: Domenick Sicilia

grounded in academic tradi-

Phone: (302) 831-4015

tion, with the finest in hospitality

Fax: (302) 831-4019

amenities and high-tech meeting

Email: dbs@udel.edu

facilities. There are four loca-

Website: www.udel.edu/bcc

tions, with at least one in each

The Bob Carpenter Sports/

of Delaware’s three counties.

Convocation Center (BCC) is a

Each center offers fully equipped

Website: www.udel.edu/conferences

Email: jfee@immaculata.edu

5,000-seat multipurpose facility

breakout rooms, networked mul-

Goodstay Center has the char-

Website: www.immaculata.edu

at the University of Delaware. The

tipurpose computer labs, video

acter and charm typical of the

A spacious ballroom with an

BCC is the home of the Fightin’

conferencing facilities and ample

historic Brandywine Valley. The

entrance hall and terrace, the

Blue Hens men’s and women’s

parking at all locations, all less

1700s-era stone mansion is a

Great Hall is a perfect place to

basketball teams. It also serves

than 20 minutes from any point in

favorite site for weddings and

hold your wedding, anniversary,

as a venue for contemporary

Delaware. A team of experienced

social gatherings. Arsht Hall is

birthday celebration or a corpo-

entertainment for the University

conference and meeting planners

supremely designed for mingling

rate meeting. Old-world charm

and the local community and

will work with you to develop a

and buffets. The building itself is

lends itself to a memorable

offers approximately 20,000

flawless meeting that exceeds

designed in a contemporary style

celebration. From the splendor

square feet of floor space for

expectations. Every detail from

and is full of light, comfort and

of Immaculata’s campus, with

exhibits, conferences, meetings

menu planning to the most

convenience. The meeting and

landscaped lawns and gorgeous

(capacity 5,000) and banquets

sophisticated technology will be

banquet room capacity for meet-

vista, you will enjoy the ambiance

(capacity 1,000).

handled. Capacity: five to 1,300.

ings is 10 to 100, 200 banquet

of the ballroom designed in the

style and 300 for receptions.

early 20th century.

Delaware State University

Goodstay Center & Arsht Hall

1200 N. DuPont Highway, Dover

University of Delaware 2700 Pennsylvania Avenue,

The Great Hall at Immaculata University

John M. Clayton Hall

Phone: (302) 857-7775 Fax: (302) 857-7246

Wilmington

1145 West King Road, Malvern, Pa.

Contact: Polly Weir

Email: events@desu.edu

Phone: (302) 573-4401

Contact: Jackie Fee

Phone: (302) 831-2214

Delaware State University offers

Fax: (302) 573-4402

Phone: (610) 647-4400, ext. 3112

40

DB_JulyAug12.indd A40

Website: www.dtcc.edu/ccp

Biggs Museum of American Art

100 David Hollowell Drive, Newark

continued on page 41 July / Aug us t 2012

| DELAWARE BUSINESS

6/19/12 3:41 PM

continued from page 40

The Center features comfortably

The largest boutique special

Contact: Tim Gilrain

Fax: (302) 831-2998

appointed overnight accommo-

event facility in the Brandywine

Phone: (302) 656-1027

Email: pweir@udel.edu

dations for 50 people and meet-

Valley for meetings, tradeshows,

Fax: (602) 282-9243

Website: www.udel.edu/conferences

ing/dining space for 100-plus

and celebrations. Modern spa-

Email: Tim.Gilrain@phoenix.edu

Clayton Hall’s conference facility

people.

cious design with over 87,000

Website: www.phoenix.edu/Delaware

houses superlative, state-of-

square feet of versatile space

At University of Phoenix, our

the-art facilities and is flexible in

including dedicated exhibit

classes are usually held in the

space, meeting rooms, fixed seat

evenings and on weekends to

auditorium and two beautifully

meet the needs of our students.

appointed ballrooms. The center

This means most of our class-

holds 1,600 for banquets. State-

rooms are available for rent dur-

of-the-art professional in-house

ing the day, allowing you to take advantage of extra space you

floor, drive in access and com-

might not have at your offices.

exhibit area, 22 conference and

A. Felix DuPont Memorial House - Retreat and Conference Center

audio visual services, ground plimentary WIFI. Seamless event

Our Delaware campus is located

meeting rooms and a 500-seat

54 Oak Avenue, Rehoboth Beach

planning, award-winning delec-

on the waterfront in Wilmington,

auditorium.

Contact: Kathy Moore

table culinary combined with

providing easy access to major

accommodating a wide range of conferences, from an intimate gathering for 10 to a full-scale 1,200-person conclave. Clayton

COMMUNITY, CONFERENCE & CONVENTION CENTERS

Hall features include a dedicated conference staff, state-of-the-art audio visual, 7,700 square feet of

Phone: (302) 656-5441 ext. 105

professional, accommodating

highways, hotels and local com-

Neumann University

Fax: (302) 656-7342

service will elevate your event.

munity services. To accommo-

One Neumann Drive, Aston,

Email: kathymoore@dioceseofdela-

Pennsylvania

ware.net

Contact: Alexis Sinkow, Director of Conference and Scheduling Services

date your facility needs, we offer five meeting rooms available in a

Nestled in the Pines section

University of Phoenix Delaware Campus

of Rehoboth Beach, Memorial

900 Justison Street, Suite 920

for nearly any type of technical

Phone: (610) 558-5625

House is operated by the

Wilmington

presentation—offering an ideal

Email: sinkowa@neumann.edu

Episcopal Diocese of Delaware

Website: www.neumann.edu/about/

as a retreat and conference cen-

conferencing.asp

ter for non-profit organizations.

Looking for a Retreat-like

It is an ideal location to conduct

Atmosphere? Neumann

an off-site meeting, and is avail-

Conference and Training Centers

University has meeting space

able for daily or overnight stays.

STANTON AND WILMINGTON CAMPUSES

conveniently located in the

Complete catering service is

Rocco A. Abessinio Building.

available for meals and refresh-

Included in this space are mod-

ments. The house has 30 beds

ern meeting rooms equipped

spread throughout 10 bedrooms

with board tables, audio-visual

offering a variety of sleeping

capabilities, and easy access to

arrangements. There are a num-

vending machines and restrooms

ber of meeting areas to accommodate the entire group and

variety of sizes—and equipped

Delaware Tech Conference Centers offer: Space - More than 2,000 square feet to accommodate up to 500 attendees Technology - Wi-Fi, overhead projectors, video conference equipment Free parking - both locations

Virden Conference & Retreat Center

breakouts. The house is located

University of Delaware

the beach and four blocks from

700 Pilottown Road, Lewes

Rehoboth Avenue.

One-Stop Shopping - Access to our team of professional planners and caterers

Phone: (302) 645-4110

Chase Center on the Riverfront

Let’s plan your next event together.

Fax: (302) 645-4113

815 Justison Street, Wilmington

Email: hjtaylor@udel.edu

Contact: Kerrie Van Horn

Website: www.udel.edu/conferences

Phone: (302) 425-3929 ext. 138

in a quiet oasis two blocks from

Contact: Jay Taylor

The University of Delaware’s

Fax: (302) 425-4897

Virden Center is a full-service

Email: info@centerontheriverfront.

conference and retreat facility

com

situated in a quiet secluded set-

Website: www.centerontheriverfront.

ting in historic, seaside Lewes.

com

DELAWARE BUSINESS

DB_JulyAug12.indd A41

|

Ju l y / Au gu st 2012

For more information contact Gary James at (302) 283-3179 or grjames@dtcc.edu.

41

6/20/12 3:33 PM

Restaurant, Meeting & Banquet Guide setting for your next meeting or

Website: www.rockwoodpark.org

training. You can rent our facilities

Rockwood offers newly renovat-

on a recurring schedule or simply

ed, state-of the-art meeting facili-

for a one-time event. And we

ties, a Victorian house museum

offer highly competitive rates.

and Victorian style cafe, historic landscape garden, and a park

Wilmington Area Planning Council (WILMAPCO)

with more than two miles of light-

850 Library Avenue Suite 100, Newark

the Northern Delaware Greenway.

ed walking trails that connect to

Contact: Randi Novakoff Phone: (302) 737-6205 ext. 111 Email: rnovakoff@wilmapco.org

THEATERS

Website: www.wilmapco.org A meeting/conference room is

Delaware Theatre Company

available for public meetings.

200 Water Street, Wilmington

Capacity: 45

Contact: MaryAnn “MJ” Jones

Easter Seals Conference Center

much more. A 50” Plasma TV,

Phone: (302) 594-1104 ext. 251 Fax: (302) 594-1107

The Grand Opera House

DVD, sound system, wireless

Email: mjones@delawaretheatre.org

818 North Market Street, Wilmington

internet, climate controlled and

Website: www.delawaretheatre.org

Contact: Melissa Lazopoulos

ample free on-site parking are

Biggs Museum of American Art

Founded in 1979, the Delaware

Phone: (302) 658-7897

available. Bowlerama is handi-

406 Federal Street, Dover

Theatre Company (DTC) is the

Fax: (302) 652-5346

cap accessible. Many packages

Contact: Beccy Cooper

flagship professional theatre in

Email: MLazopoulos@grandopera.org

are available that include food,

Phone: (302) 674-2111, ext. 101

the state and one of Delaware’s

Website: www.thegrandwilmington.

refreshments, snacks, bowling

Email: bcooper@biggsmuseum.org

largest cultural institutions.

org

and shoe rental.

Website: www.biggsmuseum.org

Recognized as the cornerstone

The Grand is a Victorian opera

The Biggs Museum of American

in the Brandywine Valley’s rich

house which has been meticu-

Art houses a collection of fine

cultural landscape, DTC has

lously restored to its original

Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Inc.

and decorative art objects

produced more than 150 plays

grandeur and outfitted to serve

6 Cannery Village Center, Milton

reflecting the State of Delaware,

for over one million residents and

Delaware as a performance

Contact: Mark Carter

the Delmarva Peninsula, and

visitors to its community. DTC

facility. It includes a 1,190-seat

Phone: (302) 684-1000

the Mid-Atlantic region. The

offers rentals of its full stage,

theater, a 300-seat theater and

Fax: (302) 226-0792

Museum’s 16 galleries display

apron, gallery/ lobby, rehearsal

studios with capacities from 16

Email: info@dogfish.com

a careful balance of furniture,

hall and more.

to 300 people.

Website: www.dogfish.com

MUSEUMS

paintings, silver, glass, ceramics,

Free tours of Dogfish Head’s

and textiles in a timeline presen-

The DuPont Theatre

tation from 1700 to the present.

1007 N. Market Street, Wilmington

A number of diverse spaces are

Contact: Diana Hunt

available for meetings, recep-

Phone: (302) 656-4401 or (800)

Bowlerama

get all beer and merchandise in

tions, cocktail parties, rehearsal

338-0881

3031 New Castle Avenue, New Castle

our on-site gift shop. The tours

dinners, weddings and other

Fax: (302) 594-1437

Contact: Steve Gross

are fun and give you a chance

occasions. Private gallery tours

Website: www.duponttheatre.com

Phone: (302) 654-0263

to get a behind-the-scenes peek

can be provided. Fees are based

The DuPont Theatre is among

Fax: (302) 654-0263

at our brew house, the cellars

on the number of guests and

the oldest continually operating

Email: sgross@bowlerama.us

(including our 3 huge wooden

hours reserved for the event.

theaters in the nation. Located

Website: www.bowlerama.us

tanks) and our packaging hall.

Milton, Delaware, brewery include

A LITTLE DIFFERENT

sampling (only for those of legal drinking age), and a chance to

in the luxurious Hotel du Pont,

Newly renovated in 2008-2009,

Rockwood Park and Museum

the brightest stars of stage and

Bowlerama Family Entertainment

610 Shipley Road, Wilmington

screen have graced the lovely

Bowling Center offers more than

Junior Achievement of Delaware

Contact: Regina Marini

Victorian stage since 1913. This

1000 sq. ft. of meeting space for

522 S. Walnut Street, Wilmington

Phone: (302) 761-4342

1,200-seat theater is the perfect

over 100 people. Available for

Contact: Perry Bacon

Fax: (302) 761-1723

setting for large meetings and

meetings, team building, parties,

Phone: (302) 654-4510

Email: rockwood@nccde.org

events.

awards banquets, reunions and

Fax: (302) 654-0783

42

DB_JulyAug12.indd A42

July / Aug us t 2012

| DELAWARE BUSINESS

6/19/12 3:41 PM

Email: Perry@JADEL.org

Website: www.de.easterseals.com

event rental. Capacity: 250; 400

Castle

Website: www.jadelaware.org

Easter Seals offers a beauti-

for Gallery 10

Phone: (302) 575-1800

Junior Achievement’s Experiential

ful, brand-new 1,400-square-

Fax: (302) 655-0774

Learning Center provides a

foot Conference Center. The

Provides background and fore-

unique backdrop that is perfect

Conference Center is convenient-

for any type of event. The facility

ly located just off of Commons

offers more than 13,000 square feet of space and is appropri-

PHOTOGRAPHERS

ground music.

Boulevard and is perfect for

Final Focus

FastSigns

professional trainings, confer-

301 A Street, Wilmington

4577 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington

ate for small intimate gatherings

ences, workshops or meetings.

Contact: Dick Dubroff

Phone: (302) 998-6755

or receptions accommodating

Depending on seating and table

Phone: (302) 655-7718

Fax: (302) 998-7542

as many as 200 people. A mini-

arrangements, this room can

Fax: (302) 655-7918

Sign manufacturers that can do

version of a town can simulate

accommodate between 65 to

Website: www.finalfocus.com

one-day service and displays/

a meeting in a village square, a

100 people. The Conference

local bank or a mayor’s office.

Center is fully accessible and

Portraits In The Sand

This one-of-a-kind setting will

includes Internet connection,

110 White Oak Road, Rehoboth Beach

Foxfire Printing

make any function memorable.

video connection, a wireless

Contact: David Koster

750 Dawson Drive, Newark

State-of-the-art audio/visual

mouse and keyboard, a wireless

Phone: (302) 226-9226

Phone: (302) 368-9466

equipment includes 14-foot

microphone, a DVD/VHS player,

Website: www.portraitsinthesand.

Contact: Seif Hussain

screens for DVD/VHS and

and a speaker phone. The room

com

Email: thussain@foxfireprinting.com

PowerPoint presentations, a

also has an audio loop for the

smart board, Internet access and

hearing impaired. Limited food

a computer lab.

exhibits.

Website: www.foxfireprinting.com Foxfire is a full-service, technol-

service is available, as are break-

Terence Roberts Photography Inc.

out rooms. Parking is free and

109 Warwick Drive, Wilmington

company, delivering

Kalmar Nyckel Foundation

just steps from the front door.

Contact: Terence Roberts

turnkey solutions for retailers,

1124 East 7th Street, Wilmington

Our rates are very reasonable,

Phone: (302) 478-1132

manufacturers, direct marketers,

Phone: (302) 429-7447

and all funds are used to support

Fax: (302) 478-1161

and service industries.

The Kalmar Nyckel provides

disability services. Ask about our

Website: www.terenceroberts.com

sails for up to 49 passengers

Dover and Georgetown locations.

ogy-driven marketing solutions

Gable Signs, Inc.

for private charters and has a

Tucker Photographic

301 Harvey Drive, Newport

90 person capacity for dockside

P.O. Box 397, Rockland

Contact: Mike Hewitt

Contact: Kevin Tucker

Phone: (302) 764-7446

Phone: (302) 764-8040

Email: mike.hewitt@gablesigns.com

events. The ship is an excellent

MUSEUMS

showcase for corporate, private, and educational events, such as

Delaware Art Museum

employee meetings, social galas,

2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington

and school groups. Guest are

Contact: Liz Derosier

invited to haul lines alongside the

Phone: (302) 571-9590 ext. 530

crew, join in a sea shanty or two,

Fax: (302) 571-0220

and enjoy tales of the original

Email: lderosier@delart.org

Kalmar Nyckel or pirate history

Website: www.delart.org

BSI Exhibits

Light Action, Inc. is a full service

on the special pirate sails.

The museum offers indoor and

404 Industrial Park Drive, Yeadon, Pa.

production company specializing

outdoor facilities in a variety

Phone: (610) 622-2100

in theatrical lighting, staging, and

of sizes. The Museum’s large

Fax: (610) 622-0773

audio-visual services. A broad

Gallery 10 will be available for

BSI Exhibits offer designers and

range of the most modern prod-

rental, perfect for a sit-down

builders of tradeshow exhibits

ucts and services are available

event (up to 180 people) or

(custom, modular, portable sys-

for our clients supporting meet-

greatly expanded capacity for

tems) and branded environments

ings, banquets, concerts, theatri-

a reception (up to 400). The

including complete turnkey show

cal productions, and corporate

Easter Seals Conference Center

Chihuly Bridge, running along

site services and graphic design

events.

61 Corporate Circle, New Castle

Dale Chihuly’s Persian Window,

and production for all types of

Contact: Nancy Ranalli

is appropriate for smaller gather-

media.

Parcels, Inc.

Phone: (302) 324-4444

ings. The Museum is available for

Digital Music Express (DMX)

230 N. Market Street, P.O. Box 27,

Email: nranalli@esdel.org

corporate, non-profit and social

4008 North Dupont Highway, New

Wilmington

COMMUNITY, CONFERENCE & CONVENTION CENTERS

DELAWARE BUSINESS

DB_JulyAug12.indd A43

| Ju l y / Au gu st 2012

Website: www.gablesigns.com

SIGNS/EXHIBITS/AV/ LIGHTING

Light Action, Inc. 71 Industrial Boulevard, New Castle Phone: (302) 328-7800 Fax: (302) 328-7400

43

6/19/12 3:41 PM

Restaurant, Meeting & Banquet Guide Phone: (302) 888-1718

ness room is available, as well

without the expense of traditional

Phone: (302) 792-2515

Email: metrocolor@parcelsinc.com

as several other meeting rooms.

office space. Several custom-

Website: www.simonandco.com

Parcels offers full service litiga-

The menus are customized to

ized packages are available for

Email: Jennifer@simonandco.com

tion support, high speed copying

meet anyone’s budget and culi-

furnished office space, virtual

Simon & Co. is a gift and spe-

and scanning services, color

nary desires, and the food is

offices and meeting facilities in

cialty food business specializing

reprographics, banner production

presented in a creative artistic

our world-class headquarters

in the most unique fine foods,

and specialty printing – includ-

display with hand-carved fruits

conveniently located in down-

combining them together with

ing short runs. Services available

and vegetables.

town Wilmington. Our dedicated

just the right packaging – creat-

staff enjoys watching our clients

ing the most elegant gifts that

Le Chateau Gourmet

grow their business while we

are “Simply delicious.” Do you

805 South Harrison Street, Wilmington

provide them with professional

need a special favor for a cor-

Contact: Charles Grier

support services.

porate meeting or a wedding?

24/7.

CATERERS

How about fabulous chocolates

Phone: (302) 654-2585

Marble Slab Creamery

Fax: (302) 429-1872

1215 Churchman’s Road, Newark Phone: (302) 224-7522

Urban Café

Fax: (302) 224-1340

1201 N. Market Street, Wilmington

Website: www.marbleslab.com

Phone: (302) 652-3663

From birthday parties to reunions,

Fax: (302) 652-0811

or nuts for your tables? And if

EVENT SERVICES/ SPEAKERS/STAFFING

you have guests or associates staying in a local hotel for your event, we will prepare welcoming gift bags or boxes that will

Michael A. Poppiti, P.A.

make them “ooh and aah.” Our

company picnics to trade shows,

301 Old DuPont Road, Suite C,

gifts can be customized to meet

office parties and other special

Wilmington

anyone’s budget and desires.

Contact: Ciro Poppiti, III

Simon & Co. also offers “fresh

Phone: (302) 521-5461

baked trays” that are perfect

Hoffman Design Group, Inc.

Email: ccpoppiti@aol.com

for any office, a meeting, or just

900 Carpenters Crossing

Website: www.poppitilaw.com

to send to your favorite host or

The Greenery Caterers at Rockwood Park Carriage House

Folcroft, Pennsylvania

A law firm in the practice of those

hostess. Also ideal to send as

Contact: Donna Zettle

areas involving food and bever-

a condolence, “thinking of you”

610 Shipley Road, Wilmington

Phone: (610) 459-1407

age; alcohol licensing; hospitality;

gift. Our delicious cakes, cook-

Contact: Craig and Patti Trostle

Fax: (610) 459-1408

restaurants and banquet facilities.

ies and rugelach are baked from

Phone: (302) 472-2433

Email: info@hoffmandesigngroup.

Fax: (302) 482-1885

com

Email: ctrostle@greenerycaterers.

events, Marble Slab Creamery

FLORISTS

can help turn any event into a special occasion.

scratch for us by wonderful bakeries in Philadelphia and Boston.

Website: www.hoffmandesigngroup.

Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau

com

com

100 West 10th Street, Suite 20,

Sons Tea or some fresh fruit can

The Greenery Caterers are the

Providing interior and exterior

Wilmington

be added as well. ■

exclusive caterers at the newly

landscaping, floral, holiday decor.

Contact: Director of Sales

renovated Rockwood Park

Phone: (302) 295-2213

Carriage House located on the

Fax: (302) 652-4726

grounds of New Castle County’s Rockwood Park. The Carriage House is designed for both outdoor garden wedding ceremo-

COMMUNITY, CONFERENCE & CONVENTION CENTERS

nies, as well as indoor wedding

Email: info@visitwilmingtonde.com Website: www.VisitWilmingtonDE. com From stately mansions and museums to opulent gardens

receptions with a fabulous new

STAT Office Solutions

and historic hotels, GWCVB will

climate-controlled patio area.

1201 North Orange Street, Wilmington

help you find the perfect setting

In addition to weddings from

Contact: Linda Grund

for your next event. GWCVB will

60 – 225 people, the Carriage

Phone: (302) 884-6746

save time and money by doing

House is also ideal for any social

Fax: (302) 573-2507

the legwork for you ... free of

or corporate event of distinction:

Email: lgrund@statofficesolutions.

charge.

anniversaries, showers, bereave-

com

ment gatherings, corporate

Website: www.statofficesolutions.com

Simon & Co.

retreats or business meetings. A

STAT Office Solutions offers first-

130 Hickman Road Suite 10 Claymont

state-of-the-art audio visual busi-

class work and meeting space

Contact: Jennifer Simon

44

DB_JulyAug12.indd A44

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July / Aug us t 2012

| DELAWARE BUSINESS

6/19/12 3:41 PM

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DELAWARE BUSINESS

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Guide to Insurance

Kelly Benefit Strategies weaves wellness advocacy into its Total Benefits Solution

The Full Cycle

AT KELLY BENEFITS STRATEGIES, staff members don’t just talk about ways to keep employees fit and healthy.

They walk the walk. And run the run. And bike the bike.

“It’s in the fiber of the family that started the business back in 1976,” says Jason Danner, vice president and senior consultant. “Four sons in the Kelly family grew up playing lacrosse and have maintained that dedication to fitness as adults.”

BY EILEEN SMITH DALLABRIDA

Jason Danner and Kelly Benefit Solutions provide affordable and innovative benefit packages to companies around the region.

PHOTO BY COLEEN HEAVER; A RT DIRECTION BY LUIS DIAZ.

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Guide to Insurance Kelly offers a variety of services that comprise its customized Total Benefits Solution, which is based on the unique needs and requirements of each customer. This approach includes plan design and strategic vision, underwriting, risk assessment, compliance support and ongoing consulting and advocacy.

That translates to bringing affordable group benefits to companies through innovative design, management and administration. That involves taking care of workers when they are sick or injured, as well as coming up with strategies to encourage wellness in order to avoid suffering, expense and lost productivity.

“It’s beyond benefits,” Danner says. “People are the greatest asset in any business and if people lead healthier lives, everyone wins.”

Companies benefit from lower costs and a more engaged workforce. Because benefits are better, there is less turn over. Management has more time to focus on strategic initiatives.

“We are a strategic benefits partner for our clients,” he says. “Companies engage Kelly to optimize their benefits program in a holistic manner.”

Currently, about 75 percent of health care costs come from what is known in the industry as “self-preventable” diseases. That is, illnesses employees probably would not develop if not for such bad habits as poor diet, smoking, uncontrolled stress and lack of physical activity.

In addition to carrots, companies also are introducing sticks.

Increasingly, employers are rolling out a smoking tax, charging workers who smoke a hefty surcharge on their benefits contributions. The rationale is that smoking is a choice that contributes to higher health care costs.

“It’s not to pick on smokers,” Danner says. “It’s a fact that smoking causes lung cancer.”

Wellness initiatives also can have a significant impact on the bottom line. As an example, he points to an area auto dealership, where management was determined to reduce expenses for its aging workforce of 150 employees.

Workers were averaging $1.03 in healthcare costs for every $1 of premiums, far greater than the 85-cent goal established by the federal government.

To identify medical problems earlier when they are less expensive to treat, the dealer offered a discount on premiums to workers who volunteered for a health risk assessment and biometric screening. The company also brought in a health coach once a week to talk about nutrition and exercise.

In less than two years, employee health costs dropped to 64 cents for every $1of premiums. This year, workers are tracking at 49 cents.

Wellness programs also are much less expensive than medical plans.

While healthcare benefits might cost an employer $850 each month per worker, a wellness program might cost $13 per employee.

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Kelly Benefit Strategies’ commitment to wellness includes sponsoring a professional cycling team.

Kelly’s main headquarters is in Hunt Valley, Md. In 2007, the company rolled out a corporate cycling team, which raises the national profile of the business, as well as its commitment to fitness.

“It’s a lifetime sport,” Danner says. “You can ride a bike well into your 80s, while you couldn’t play football at that age.”

Riding a bike also is an eco-friendly, low-cost way to get around. Seven of eight full-time employees ride their bikes to work on occasion at Kelly’s office in downtown Wilmington. Instead of hopping on the elevator, staffers often walk the 11 floors to the company suite—and sometimes they take the stairs just for fun “We run up and down the stairs and see how many times we can do it in half an hour,” Danner says.

Kelly employees have found that stair climbing is a free source of aerobic exercise that is accessible just about any place there are buildings taller than one story.

“I generally take the stairs everywhere now, though not always 11 flights every morning,” says Ryan Schultz, senior account manager. “I just try to find a balance and make sure it’s included in my day.”

Joseph Angellini, senior account manager, says biking and working out with fellow employees helps to forge a solid team.

“It builds trust and camaraderie between colleagues,” he says.

Exercise is a great stress buster, as well.

“In the short term, working out gives me an opportunity to unwind and relax,” says Justin Cross, account manager. “But I believe most of the beneJuly / Aug us t 2012

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Guide to Insurance fits will be evident later on in life. I have heard it said that most Americans spend the first half of their life trying to make money at the expense of their health, and the second half of their life spending all their money to repair their health.”

Cross brings the fitness message home from the office. He and his family take walks together after dinner. He also does kettle bells, swinging a heavy cannonball-shaped weight with a handle on it up and down.

“My little girl, Selah Rose, loves when I do ‘Selah Bells,’” he says.

Both Kelly and the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce have offices in Wilmington at One Commerce Center on North Orange Street.

“It’s beyond benefits. People are the greatest asset in any business and if people lead healthier lives, everyone wins.”

— Jason Danner, vice president and senior consultant

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Kelly and the chamber partnered with Plus 3 Network, a social networking company that combines personal fitness with charitable giving. Plus 3 plotted both teams’ progress as employees racked up points for such activities as walking, rowing and putting in time on the elliptical machine. The goal was to raise money for two good causes, the Sunday Breakfast Mission and Delaware Hospice.

“The competition with Kelly was a way for us to put our money where our mouths are, so to speak,” says James Wolfe, chamber president. “In the weeks leading up to our annual Wellness @ Work Conference, the competition not only energized and engaged our staff, but it proved to me the power of implementing simple wellness programs in the workplace.”

So, which team won?

Danner says it was a draw, meaning no one lost—and everybody won.

After all, it was a friendly competition.

“The chamber has more people but we had higher average points per person,” he says.

Adds Wolfe, “the DSCC team had more energy, better focus and a renewed passion for health. We have Kelly to thank for that.”

Harnessing competitions, rewards and other interactive tools helps to inspire workers to embrace habits that are good for them—and to stick with them when the going gets rough.

“Wellness has to be fun,” Danner says. “It just can’t be clinical.”

Workplace fitness doesn’t have to be expensive, either. Small businesses, in particular, can benefit from managers and employees pooling exercise equipment that might not be getting a good workout at home. So, why not move that idle treadmill out of the garage and into an informal company fitness center?

“My weights were collecting dust in my basement,” Danner says. “Now, they are in the office for everyone to use, so colleagues can hit the weights at work.” ■ July / Aug us t 2012

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Guide to Education Culinary careers (as well as many others) blossom at Delcastle Technical High School under the watch of instructor James Berman (center). PHOTO BY NICK WALLACE.

Recipe for Success

Top chefs at Delcastle Technical High School lead an exciting mix of programming at Delaware Vo-Techs

BY LARRY NAGENGAST

IT LOOKS LIKE ANY SMALL RESTAURANT. Cooks in the kitchen are pan-roasting fish, mixing soup, grilling cheesesteak sandwiches and whipping up a mean stir fry. Servers on the food line are filling salad bowls and taking orders for wraps and panini. The cashier makes change while hosts and hostesses refill water glasses and keep the tables clean.

But this 52-seat restaurant is different in a significant way. No one on the staff is over 18, and in fact, every one here is a high school student. It’s Binders Café at Delcastle Technical High School, where students in the school’s award-winning culinary arts program prepare lunch four days a week, fill catering orders for school and nonprofit organizations, and learn the skills essential for success in the food service industry.

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The boss, chef Jim Berman, is head of the culinary arts program, and wears the same white cook’s jacket as his students. But his presence is hardly noticed. Except for two students asking for advice on how to make the crust for a cheesecake they had never tried before, Berman does little other than observe.

“The operation should be autonomous—the kids working with very little guidance, focusing on quality and time management,” Berman says.

The students do it all—not just cooking and serving but also choosing menus, scheduling assignments for everyone on the team, contacting vendors and making sure everything gets done on time, he says.

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Guide to Education know we have to stay on the right page at all times,” Berman says.

As restaurants go, there’s nothing simple about the menu either, even though an entrée, beverage and dessert can be had for less than $10. Entrees one week in May included chargrilled flank steak and pan-roasted amber jack and mushroom quinoa with roasted golden beet and bacon relish. Compared with the gingered chicken dumplings in shitake mushroom duck broth, the bacon-potato soup seemed positively mundane.

“We make everything from scratch here, even the skins for the dumplings,” Berman says.

“It’s good—too good sometimes,” says Delcastle dental assistant teacher Annette Shimp, who usually eats in the café twice a week.

“You can see the improvement throughout the year, both in cooking and in presentation,” added Jan Spence, a paraprofessional on the Delcastle staff.

From the sophomores learning the basics to the seniors who take on

supervisory roles, Delcastle’s 75 culinary arts students learn the importance of working together. “Everybody is so close, it’s like a family,” junior Ashley Morole says.

“It’s a struggle,” added junior Chris Pedrogo. “But when we have to get it done, we get it together.”

Getting it done together extends far beyond the kitchen that serves as their primary classroom.

Students work at one of the concession stands at Frawley Stadium during Wilmington Blue Rocks games, take co-op jobs at restaurants and bakeries throughout New Castle County, and even in the Delcastle school cafeteria. Their support for charitable causes in the community adds up to 4,000 to 4,500 volunteer hours a year.

In March, 15 students collaborated with local artists in the Taste for Art fundraiser to benefit Children and Families First. In April, students worked alongside top chefs from across the nation at the Meals from the Masters benefit for Delaware’s Meals on Wheels program. In late June, another 15

More Cool School Programs NEW CASTLE COUNTY VO-TECHS OFFER A WIDE ARRAY The New Castle County Vocational-Technical School District

grams. They learn not only biology and chemistry but also how

offers a total of 41 career programs. Three programs—culinary

to maintain and operate instruments and equipment commonly

arts, carpentry and auto technology—are offered at all four high

found in biotech labs. They learn to analyze data and to pres-

schools: Delcastle, Hodgson, Howard and St. Georges. Some

ent facts and ideas graphically, orally and in writing at a quality

programs are offered at only one school. They include:

level consistent with standards of the biotechnology commu-

Digital Media and Graphic Arts programs are unique to

nity. Highly competent graduates may obtain work immediately

Delcastle Technical High School. The Digital Media curriculum

as lab technicians, but they are advised that an associate’s

includes courses in video production and in web and graphic

degree, and often a bachelor’s degree, is required for continued

design, preparing students for careers in television and other

advancement in the field.

video-oriented professions. The Graphic Arts curriculum prepares

Students apply for vo-tech schools in eighth grade, ranking the

students to produce printed communications using offset, screen

four schools in order of preference and listing three desired areas

and digital technologies.

of study. About three-quarters of all applicants are selected, most

The Computer Network Administration curriculum, unique to the Howard High School of Technology in Wilmington, trains students for entry-level employment in the information technology industry.

of them at the school of their choice, according to district spokeswoman Kathy Demarest.

Although there are some differences in organization at each of the

Students learn about computer hardware and operating systems,

schools, the freshman year is devoted to career exploration, with

networking, software applications, and receive introductions to web

students gaining exposure to many programs offered at their school

and video game design technologies.

and then applying to a specific career program. After two years of

Environmental Landscape Technology is a specialty program at Hodgson Vocational-Technical High School in Glasgow. Preparing students for careers in landscape management, the curriculum encompasses the entire ecosystem, with hands-on experience provided on the school’s landscaped grounds, turf grass areas, woodland and wetland areas. The program prepares graduates for many green careers in the environmental, horticultural and land-use fields.

At St. Georges Technical High School, the newest of the vo-

intensive work in their career area, many seniors spend up to onehalf of the year in co-op work programs.

Each school has a staff member responsible for its co-op programs. They are: • Delcastle, Kevin Thomas, 995-8187, kevin.thomas@nccvt. k12.de.us • Hodgson, Bryan Moxley, 832-7740, bryan.moxley@nccvt.k12. de.us

tech schools, Biotechnology is one of several unique programs.

• Howard, Vince Lofink, 571-5410, vince.lofink@nccvt.k12.de.us

This career program challenges students to master the science

• St. Georges, Roger Seedorf, 449-3617, roger.seedorf@nccvt.

and math skills needed to enter competitive college-level pro-

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students headed to Kansas City, Mo., for the Skills USA national competition (where a Delcastle team won a first place award in 2010). And, for the last two years, Delcastle students have bested Delaware professional chefs in the competition at the March of Dimes’ Farmer and the Chef fundraiser.

In July, a group of 21 students will head to Ripatransone, Italy, for a two-week cooking tour and plan to write a book chronicling their experiences, Berman says.

Delcastle graduates are ready to work in “above entry-level positions” in food service, Berman says, but many choose to continue their education at Delaware Technical Community College or in two- or four-year programs at the Culinary Institute of America, Johnson & Wales University or the New England Culinary Institute.

Culinary programs at the vo-tech districts other schools are similar to the one at Delcastle, but they are slightly smaller, enrolling an average of around 55 to 60 students, Berman says.

Delcastle senior Kelsey Grant was looking to start a full-time job this summer, figuring she would work for a year or two before going to college to prepare for a career in restaurant management.

“Based on what I’ve done here, I feel that I’m 100 percent ready,” she says.

Pedrogo is looking forward to honing his skills during his senior year before enrolling in a college culinary arts program.

“I see myself getting old cooking,” he says, “because cooking never gets old.” ■

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A Night with W

Supporting S i their h i

award winning school, the choir from Thomas McKean High School sang the national anthem.

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the Stars

The 2012 Superstars in Education were honored at an awards dinner held on May 7. PHOTOS BY ERIC CROSSAN S

Brandon

Jackson, Keri Fulcher and Jack Perry get some networking in before the dinner starts.

W

Students from

Delaware Technical Community College wait their turn to talk to Attorney General Beau Biden.

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Superstars in Education

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W

Clockwise from top left: Sec. of Education

Lillian Lowery was proud to share the night with the Christina School District, the Lt. Governor Parental Involvement Award winners.

Lowery is a former superintendant for the district. Sec. Lowery and Peggy Strine from the Partnership, Inc. chat before sitting down to dinner. The room at the Chase Center looked stunning waiting for the nearly 400 attendees to arrive!

X

Ralph Kuebler from the selection commit-

tee hands Katie Kravitz from Thomas McKean High School a Superstar Award for the “Absence and Recovery Work� program.

T

Gov. Jack Markell caught up with many

guests before addressing the crowd with aspirations to make Delaware schools the best in the country.

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Superstars in Education X

Lt. Gov. Matt Denn gave out the

Parental Involvement Awards to some outstanding programs in the Christina School District.

T

Sen. Tom Carper (left) celebrates

the exceptional winning education programs and Sen. Chris Coons (right) addresses the crowd and commends the winning programs.

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Newsbites District of Delaware, serving as chair of the House Judiciary Committee and a member of the Joint Finance Committee. She co-founded and cochairs the Delaware Kids Caucus, a group of legislators who advocate for children’s issues. Smith is also a member of the Child Protection Accountability Commission, which monitors Delaware’s child protection system to ensure the health, safety and well-being of the state’s at-risk children.

Artisan’s Bank Promotes Three

Artisans’ Bank is pleased to announce the promotions of the following three bank officers: Richard M. Tulin, promoted to Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer; Elizabeth D. Albano, promoted to Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer; and Joel S. Schiller, promoted to Senior Vice President & Chief Risk Officer.

As Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Tulin will be responsible for the Senior Management of Bank Administration WSFS Investment Group and Bank Operations. He will oversee Hires New Financial Advisor the planning, organization and controls of day-to–day activities of the Bank. Mr. WSFS Financial Corporation, the Tulin will develop strategies for current parent company of WSFS Bank, today & future organizational needs and attain announced that Frank FitzGerald II has established Bank operation joined WSFS Investment and financial goals. Mr. Tulin Group, Inc. as a Financial will be a member of the Senior Advisor. WSFS Investment Management Group and reports Group is a subsidiary of directly to the President and WSFS Bank, providing brokerage, retirement and insurCEO. ance services to its clients Mr. Tulin joined the Bank’s through INVEST Financial Finance Division in 1998 as Corporation.

Finance Asset/ Liability Officer Prior to joining WSFS, Mr. Frank FitzGerald II after having been with Zurich FitzGerald was Vice President Commercial in Baltimore, of Investments at Citizens Investment MD. He went on to assume addiServices (formerly Dreyfus Investment tional responsibilities within the Bank’s Services), where he was responsible for Finance Division; his most recent posithe sales and service of investment prod- tion being Vice President and Group ucts to individuals and businesses.

Finance Manager before his promoMr. FitzGerald began his career in tion to Senior Vice President and Chief marketing with John Hancock Insurance Operating Officer. Mr. Tulin is a graduate Company in Philadelphia. He then spent of the University of Delaware, Newark, the next seven years with Prudential DE where he received a B.S. degree Insurance Company of America, servin Business Administration. Mr. Tulin ing as a manager in the sales and resides in Bear, DE. marketing departments before joining Mrs. Albano will assume the Senior Dreyfus. A resident of Lewes, Delaware, Management duties of the Finance Mr. FitzGerald is a graduate of Widener Area. She will be responsible for the University with a Bachelor of Science in financial management of the Bank Psychology and an Associate degree in to include cost accounting, budgets, Business. forecasting needs, regulatory agency

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& government reports. Mrs. Albano will oversee the management & coordination of all fiscal reporting activities and ensure compliance with Bank policies and procedures. Mrs. Albano will be a member of the Senior Management Group and report directly to the President and CEO. Mrs. Albano joined the Bank in 1991 as a Management Trainee and has progressed through a variety of positions in both the Control and Finance Divisions. Before her promotion to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer she was Vice President & Controller. Mrs. Albano is a graduate of Mount St. Mary’s College, Emmitsburg, Maryland where she received a B.S. degree in Business and Finance. Mrs. Albano resides in Wilmington, DE. As Chief Risk Officer, Mr. Schiller will assume the Senior Management duties of the Bank’s Control Division to include Compliance & CRA, Physical and Account Security, Internal Audit, and Enterprise Risk Management. Mr. Schiller will be a member of the Senior Management Group and reports directly to the President and CEO. Mr. Schiller joined Artisans’ in 1999 as Assistant Vice President and Compliance Officer. He had previously worked 19 years in the Audit Division for the former Beneficial Corporation, including two years as Audit Director for its Stuttgart, Germany office. Before his promotion to Senior Vice President & Chief Risk Officer, Mr. Schiller was Vice President, Compliance & Community Reinvestment Officer. Mr. Schiller is a graduate of Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey where he received a B.S. degree in Accounting.

He obtained his MBA from Widener University, Chester, PA. Mr. Schiller resides in Wilmington, DE.

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Wolfenden appointed President of Committee of 100

High Honors for Delaware Today Magazine

David Wolfenden, CPA, MS Delaware Today magazine has recently been elected as recently received top honors from President of the Committee the Delaware Press Association of 100 for a term of two (DPA), earning several awards in years. David has been an the 2012 DPA Communications David Wolfenden active board member of the Contest. Nine members of the Committee of 100 for three years and Delaware Today editorial team and affiliis looking forward to the opportunity to ated freelancers earned a total of 16 honors continue to be involved in such a presit- in 10 categories. The team accumulated gous organization. The Committee of seven first place honors and a host of other 100 is a business organization that proaccolades. Categories included feature stomotes responsible economic developries, columns, page layouts, headline writment and addresses issues that affect ing, and electronic newsletters.

Delaware’s economic health. Organized The Delaware Press Association is dediin response to problems in land use cated to promoting the highest standards planning and state and local finance, of excellence in communication, as well the Committee of 100 has evolved into as protecting First Amendment freedoms. a broad-based organization that funcEach year the DPA Communications tions as a positive force, as well as a Contest welcomes entries from all profescritical observer. It can bring to bear sional communicators in Delaware and the expertise of our membership for the provides an opportunity to compete in benefit of all Delaware citizens. various fields. All DPA contest winners are David Wolfenden, CPA is also presihonored at the DPA Annual Meeting and dent of Wheeler, Wolfenden & Dwares, Contest Awards Banquet each spring.

CPAs a large, local full-service CPA firm, First place winners who are members of with offices in Lewes and Wilmington, the National Federation of Press Women Del. WW&D offers a broad range of tra(NFPW) may enter the national competiditional tax, accounting, and advisory tion: Delaware Today magazine will submit services to individuals, businesses, and seven entries to the national competition nonprofit entities. this year.

Saint Francis Introduces New Name, Identity Saint Francis Healthcare in May officially introduced its new brand identity and expansion of services through a comprehensive multimedia marketing campaign that will run through the remainder of the year. The new brand identity includes a change in the healthcare organization’s name, logo and tagline, all supported by the organization’s newly coined and trademarked concept of “Care-ology™.

Formerly Saint Francis Hospital, the integrated healthcare system is now Saint Francis Healthcare, with the tagline “We specialize in you.”

The health care system now offers greater access to quality health services for the people of Delaware. Saint Francis is already known for its comprehensive array of women’s health services and remains the sole provider of comprehensive obstetrics in Wilmington. The healthcare system’s expansion now includes: • The first program of all-inclusive elderly care (LIFE) based out of a new facility on the Wilmington Riverfront by the end of the year • An expansion of Saint Francis Home Care through service and technology to bring round-the-clock care to the homebound

Calendar of Events JULY 24

AUGUST 2

AUGUST 15

Evening Mixer at Blue Rocks Game

Young Executives Mixer

Evening Mixer at Deerfiled

5:30-7:30 p.m.

5:00-7:00 p.m.

5:00-7:00 p.m.

Location: Frawley Stadium

Location: Union City Grille

Location: Deerfield Golf and Tennis Club

Pre-registration required

Pre-registration required

Pre-registration required

For more information, contact Lisa Prickril

For more information, contact Lisa Prickril

For more information, contact Lisa Prickril

at 302-576-6586 or lprickril@dscc.com

at 302-576-6586 or lprickril@dscc.com

at 302-576-6586 or lprickril@dscc.com

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Newsbites • An expansion of the Family Practice, Women’s Health and Surgical networks • Renovations and an enhancement of service at the Franciscan Care Center, which provides long-term care • An expansion of the Saint Clare Van program, which meets the needs of the underserved in the community

Wilmington-based MilliCare

by EBC Carpet Services Recognized with Awards MilliCare, a leading provider of commercial carpet and textile care, recently recognized MilliCare by EBC Carpet Services with six awards for business and financial excellence.

EBC Carpet Services is a local, independently owned member of the MilliCare network – and received the Financial Excellence, Greatest Total Market Share and Greatest Gain in Market Share Awards.

In addition, EBC owner Chip Rankin was given an individual award for his dedicated service to the network’s Advisory Council. EBC associates Gary Nantais and Rob Holt were also recognized with Sales Network and Operations Network of Excellence Awards, respectively.

NAI Emory Hill Opens Second Location in Lewes NAI Emory Hill is excited to announce it is opening a second location in Lewes to better serve the needs of its commercial real estate clients in Sussex County. With the opening of the new office, Emory Hill hopes to grow from its strong roots in New Castle County to expand its offerings throughout the entire state of Delaware.

Brittany Danahy has joined Emory Hill to head the new office as a commercial real estate broker. Brittany comes to Emory Hill from Sperry Van Ness/Miller Commercial Real Estate where she specialized in the sale and

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lease of retail and professional office space throughout Kent and Sussex counties. Prior to joining Sperry Van Ness, she served as a commercial realtor for Ocean Atlantic Commercial, which she played an integral role of creating and growing. A graduate of the University of San Diego, Brittany majored in Business with an emphasis in Real Estate and has also worked for Grubb & Ellis/BRE Commercial and Marcus and Millchap.

Danahy said she will continue to maintain the already strong relationships she has formed with industry leaders and will continue to be involved in the ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers), the CCIM PA/NJ/DE Board as Education Chair and the Lewes and Rehoboth Beach Chambers of Commerce. She lives with her husband and two children in Rehoboth Beach and is also an active volunteer with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Delaware Hospice Opens New Office in Eastern Pennsylvania Delaware Hospice, the first and largest hospice provider in the state of Delaware, is pleased to announce the opening of its new office in Glen Mills, Pa. In addition to its new Glen Mills office, Delaware Hospice has offices in Wilmington, Dover, and Milford Delaware. In 2008, the Delaware Hospice Center opened its doors, enabling Delaware Hospice to offer a new option of specialized hospice care for those patients requiring brief stays for symptom management at its state-of-the-art in-patient unit.

Emory Hill’s Morrison Achieves CCIM Designation

Dave Morrison, of NAI Emory Hill in New Castle, has been designated a Certified Commercial Investment Member by the CCIM Institute.

A CCIM is a recognized expert in the Morris Nichols’ Donald Isken commercial and investment real estate Honored by Delaware State industry who successfully completes Bar Association a designation process that ensures proficiency not only in theory, but also Donald Isken, head of Morris Nichols’ in practice. The elite designation is commercial real estate law practice, is awarded to those who have successthe Delaware State Bar Association’s fully completed an intense curriculum, (DSBA) 2012 Community Service Award a portfolio demonstrating their depth of recipient. The Award recognizes annucommercial real estate experience and a ally a member of the judiciary or the comprehensive examination.

Delaware Bar who has demonstrated a The CCIM designation is considered commitment to leadership and service one of the most coveted designations in in activities that enrich and strengthen the industry, and experts who the community over a subpossess the CCIM designation stantial period of time. are considered an invaluable Isken is a member of Morris Nichols’ Commercial Law resource for commercial real Counseling Group. His pracestate owners, investors and tice is concentrated in real clients. CCIMs are part of a estate law and land use reguglobal commercial real estate lation. Chambers USA ranks network with members across Don among Delaware’s most North America and in more respected real estate lawyers. than 30 countries.

Donald Isken

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Affiliates UPDATE DPPI was a co-sponsor of the Christiana Care Value Institute Symposium in April

DPPI UPDATE

BY JOHN TAYLOR

RETAIL COUNCIL: CONSUMERS NOTCH GAINES AS SOME PRICES DECLINES BY GREG GROSS

The Delaware Public Policy Institute was co-sponsor of the Christiana Care Value Institute Symposium on April 30 at the John Ammon Center.

The day-long event featured speakers from Delaware and the nation.

The focus was on how health care providers like Christiana Care Health Systems can provide more value to the patients they serve.

DPPI Executive Director John Taylor helped to organize and moderate three Democratic Party political debates in May. The first on May 8 was for candidates for mayor of Wilmington. The next featured candidates for New Castle County Council president and the third focused on candidates for New Castle County executive. These two were held May 21.These debates, co-sponsored by the Wilmington Democratic City Committee was seen as a prelude to the Democratic Party primary election in September.

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

Retail sales are unlikely to tell the whole story behind the nation’s slow but stable economic recovery. Locally, consumer spending for 2012 is on somewhat sounder footing as everyday prices ease and the labor market strengthens. Macy’s reported a 6-percent increase in sales at their stores and affiliates.

It has not been easy to pin down the trajectory of consumer spending lately, which, after all, still is the single biggest part of the economy. One minute consumer credit is jumping due to the summer season and retailers are raising earning targets, and the next minute they are pulling in their horns.

There is continuing hope and optimism that retail spending will continue to strengthen through the summer and into the 2012 holiday season.

Jobless claims are down for a fourth month in a row. Average hourly earnings have ticked up as well. Confidence is improving at the pump, too. An average price of $3.57 per gallon of gasoline was reported during a May weekend in Newark. While still high, gas prices are unlikely to repeat last year’s run-up—barring a geopolitical upheaval.

These are all strong indicators that can help separate the real signal from all the other consumer noise out there. They suggest America’s gradual healing process continues with Delaware leading the way.

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DEMEP Profile Efficiency at Evraz Claymont Steel— which was built in 1917—has improved, with help from DEMEP.

Steely Reserve: DEMEP Helps Rejuvenate Aging Steel Plant

BY EILEEN SMITH DALLABRIDA

WITH AN ANNUAL CAPACITY of more than 500,000 tons, Evraz Claymont Steel is North America’s only carbon-plate mini mill, focusing on customers with special product and service needs that are not filled by traditional commodity-oriented steel plate producers.

Located on 425 acres fronting the Delaware River, the Claymont plant is specifically configured to provide low-cost steel plate in small-order sizes and non-standard dimensions. The customer base includes service centers, bridge fabricators, manufacturers of railcars, heavy construction machinery, mining equipment, storage tanks, pressure vessels, and shipbuilding. Evraz’s marketplace extends through the United States, Canada and Mexico.

But the plant, built in 1917, was showing its age. Maintenance and clutter were issues. Time-worn equipment did not perform reliably, resulting in unplanned downtime. Workers often sacrificed what should have been productive time cleaning up after a previous shift.

“There is nothing more frustrating than coming to work and having to make things right before you can even think about being productive,” says Scott Diestelkamp, director of technical services at Evraz. “We needed to make an about-face in our mindset.”

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Evraz’s parent company, based in Russia, is the 15th largest steel maker in the world with steel, mining and vanadium operations in Russia, Ukraine, Europe, South Africa and North America. The mill was selected by Evraz for a pilot program in the A3 format, a methodology that is used to identify a problem, analyze it, formulate corrective actions and devise an action plan. The company received a training grant from the Delaware Economic Development Office.

Evraz turned to the Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership for assistance in reducing waste throughout their processes while maintaining a reputation of providing high-quality products to customers on time. Accredited by the National Institute for Standards and Technology, DEMEP’s mission is to substantially improve the quality, productivity and profitability of Delaware manufacturers by identifying, transferring and implementing best practices.

“At DEMEP, we are wholly committed to helping manufacturers to get better at what they do,” says executive director Steve Quindlen. “We had worked with Evraz on a previous successful lean manufacturing initiative and have developed a relationship of cooperation and trust with the company.”

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DEMEP Profile Corporate management provided an executive overview of their vision for improving efficiency by eliminating waste. After reviewing the overview, DEMEP developed a five-day training package that incorporated such procedural tools as check sheets and templates that mill employees work with every day.

“A3 is a custom-designed, problem-solving methodology,” says Jim Jones, a DEMEP field agent. “We came up with a program that would address the mill’s specific goals and integrate A3 into the culture of the workplace.”

Through the DEMEP program, supervisors learned to write a problem statement that would serve as the launch pad for resolving issues that are an impediment to productivity. That is the first step in the four-step A3 cycle: Plan, do, check and act.

“The problem statement is essentially a communications tool and it has proved to be highly effective in clearly defining an issue,” Diestelkamp says.

Training days were spaced out over a four-month period. Between sessions, trainees were required to work on a project of their choice, using the problem-solving tools of A3 methodology. At the conclusion of training, each individual did a presentation for mill management and coworkers on the status of their project and how A3 training resulted in finding a solution.

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“DEMEP taught us to take a step back, talk about the problems we encounter in the workplace and then come up with solutions that increase our efficiency,” Diestelkamp says.

Input from employees was an essential part of that process. Workers were asked to create to-do lists of what needs to happen for a productive shift.

“How does your work area need to be set up so that the next person who works there has a successful shift?” he asks. “The answers to those questions helped us to put housekeeping and organization procedures in place so that people can keep their areas tidy.”

The A3 procedures Evraz employees learned from DEMEP empowered the staff to solve expensive, complex problems through clear communication and analysis. For example, problems with the plant’s caster were creating frustrating delays in production.

A caster might be compared to a giant Play-Doh machine that takes liquid steel and turns it into a solid product. But mechanical and electrical problems with the machinery were keeping the steel from solidifying properly.

“We sat down to document the problems with the caster, develop an action plan to address the issues and strategize their implementation,” Diestelkamp recalled.

As it turned out, three separate issues were contributing factors. To resolve the problem, workers did maintenance on the dummy bar used to start the cast, realigned the rollers and performed hydraulic and electrical repairs in the straightener. As a result, caster downtime has been reduced 90 percent.

The principles of A3 are now routine procedure at the mill. For example, each time there is an injury on the job, the supervisor must go through the A3 cycle.

“What created the injury?” Diestelkamp asks. “What needs to be done so the injury is not repeated?”

The transformation has been dazzling. As a result of Evraz’s innovative approach to changing the cultural dynamics of the mill with an emphasis on continual improvement, the Claymont operation went from an underperforming plant to a corporate model.

Based on that success, the parent company now plans to roll out A3 training at 10 other plants. To keep the momentum going, Evraz allocated an additional $10 million to the Claymont budget.

As a result of increased efficiency, the mill is ideally positioned to meet increased demand for steel generated by an improving economy.

Productivity and sales have increased, while costs have decreased.

Operations in the melt shop and plate mill increased from 96 hours to 160 hours each week. Instead of two shifts working four days, Evraz is productive 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To keep up with the demand, 125 employees have been added to the payroll.

Employee morale has improved dramatically. During a recent tour of the plant, Evraz corporate executives remarked on the energy and enthusiasm of workers.

“It is always good to be working for a company that is adding employees and sales,” Diestelkamp says. “Our morale is excellent.”

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WILL YOU BE THE NEXT

SUPERSTAR IN BUSINESS?

Small Business, Great Big Event

APPLY NOW Visit ssb.dscc.com for the online application Winners will be honored at the 2012 Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Awards

Wednesday, November 14, 2012 Keynote Speaker: Dan Butler, Chef/Owner, Piccolina Toscana

For more information, visit www.dscc.com/superstarsinbusiness Sponsorships and advertising opportunities are available.

Call (302) 576-6564 for details.

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CHAMBER Committees & Forums State Chamber members play a visible, active role in the business community by serving on committees. If you would like to get involved, contact the committee’s Chamber representative or register online at www.dscc.com.

Ambassador Committee: The Ambassador Committee is a specially chosen group of volunteers that assists in increasing membership and retention, and acts as a liaison between the State Chamber staff and the membership at large. Contact: Chuck James at (302) 576-6562 or cjames@dscc.com.

Benefits & Services Committee: This committee identifies group-oriented benefits, such as health care coverage, dental and vision care, discounted office supplies, phone service, direct mail, radio advertising and much more to help Chamber members be healthy and competitive. Contact: Katie Dunn at (302) 576-6578 or kdunn@dscc.com.

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

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

Environmental Committee: Working closely with the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), members are involved in the review and shaping of environmental legislation and regulation. Contact: Greg Gross at (302) 576-6568 or ggross@dscc.com.

Health Care Committee: Members discuss key health care issues facing Delaware businesses and provide feedback to the Chamber legislative team to assist in formulating policy.

Contact: Matt Amis at (302) 576-6566 or mamis@dscc.com.

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

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

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

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

Women in Business Forum: The Women in Business Forum was formed to forge relationships, break boundaries and build a better business environment for women in our community.

Former guest speakers include First Lady Carla Markell, Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, Family Court Chief Judge Chandlee Kuhn, State Reps. and Sens., and business leaders. Contact: Katie Dunn at (302) 576-6578 or kdunn@dscc.com.

Young Executives Committee: The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s newest committee was formed to encourage young executives in Delaware to be involved in the Chamber, network with other young professionals and further their business growth. The Young Executives Committee, for professionals between the ages of 21 and 40, aims to develop Delaware’s young workforce through professional business networking and personal growth. Contact: Denee Crumrine at (302) 576-6564 or dcrumrine@dscc.com.

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Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

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

Prescription Drug Discount Card The Delaware Drug Card will provide savings of up to 75-percent on prescription drugs at more than 50,000 pharmacy locations across the country. The Delaware Drug Card has no restrictions to membership, income or age, and you are not required to fill out an application. This program helps all residents of Delaware afford their prescription medications. For more information, go to www.dscc.com/rxdiscount.htm.

Payroll Services KTBSPayroll combines innovative technology with seamless administrative solutions, creating a payroll management system that is fully integrated, accurate and easy. With a single point of entry through KTBSOnline technology, KTBSPayroll’s service features offer Chamber Members a fast, accurate and efficient tool that will allow them to spend more time on business needs and less time managing payroll and benefit services, all at a competitive rate. In addition, the first month’s administrative fees are waived for all DSCC Members. For more information, visit KTBSPayroll.com or call Michaela Kammer at 888-8821487.

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@dbcmedia.com or call (302) 4782700 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. Dental and Vision Plan Dominion Dental Services provides dental and vision benefits on a group and individual basis with competitive, member-exclusive rates. Dental care coverage for most diagnostic and preventive services is 100 percent with up to 80 percent coverage for restorative care including fillings, root canals, crown and bridge work, periodontal treatment, oral surgery and more. Go to www. dscc.com/chamber/dental_plan.aspx or call (888) 518-5338 for more information. No application fee for DSCC members.

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

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

Blood Bank Membership Member companies with five employees or less are offered unlimited group coverage in the Blood Bank of Delmarva. Call (302) DELAWARE BUSINESS

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Constant Contact Email Marketing Service State Chamber members are eligible to receive discounts on their Constant Contact account subscriptions. Members can save 20-percent if they prepay for 6 months and 25-percent if they prepay for 12 months. That is a 10-percent deeper discount than what is available to other customers.

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

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

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For Assistance,

CALL THE CHAMBER The State Chamber of Commerce staff works for you, serving nearly 2,800 member companies and organizations statewide.

This State Chamber staff directory lists phone numbers and Email addresses, as well as individual areas of responsibility.

If you need business assistance or information, please don’t hesitate to call.

James A. Wolfe President & CEO Marianne K. Antonini Sr. Vice President Finance & CFO

576-6560 jwolfe@dscc.com 576-6567 mantonini@dscc.com

A. Richard Heffron Sr. Vice President Government Affairs

576-6563 rheffron@dscc.com

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

576-6575 jsorbello@dscc.com

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

576-6566 mamis@dscc.com

576-6564 dcrumrine@dscc.com

Katie Dunn Communications & Events Associate Women in Business Benefits & Services Committee

576-6578 kdunn@dscc.com

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576-6572 ccorn@dscc.com

576-6569 leriksen@dscc.com

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

576-6568 ggross@dscc.com

Chuck James Account Executive Ambassador Committee

576-6562 cjames@dscc.com

Lisa Prickril Events Manager Young Executives Committee

576-6586 lprickril@dscc.com

Arlene M. Simon Account Executive

576-6576 asimon@dscc.com

Bill Stephano Director of Membership

Denee Crumrine Program & Communications Specialist Manager, Small Business Alliance Young Executives Committee Education & Development Committee

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

Linda D. Eriksen Accounting Associate

576-6574 bstephano@dscc.com

Patrina Wallace Information Secretary

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.com/delawarestatechamber flickr: flickr.com/dscc twitter: @Destatechamber

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