INSIDE: January Jumpstart • Health Care • Business Licenses
morning Star
Business Report January 2015
2
Business Report | January 2015
We believe in doing the right thing
when no one else is looking.
www.trinitylogistics.com
Seaford, DE • (866) 603-5679
Our team will make sacrifices in order to help you succeed. Our team will keep their promises. Our team will remove any obstacle to provide you with the service your business deserves. With so many 3PLs to choose from, you can count on our 35 years of experience. We are the partner you can trust.
TRUCKLOAD LTL INTERMODAL INTERNATIONAL SPECIALTY FREIGHT WAREHOUSING TMS LOGISTICS CONSULTING FREIGHT MANAGEMENT
De • tailed [dee-teyld] Business requirements are always changing, becoming more complex. You want a firm that you can trust to give care and consideration to all aspects of your business. The Horty professionals are thorough, thoughtful and comprehensive in their approach to providing service. We see the big picture, but we pay attention to the details.
Redefining Service.
www.horty.com • 888.968.7168 Horty & Horty, P.A. • Certified Public Accountants and Consultants • Offices in Wilmington and Dover, Delaware
3
Business Report | January 2015
Be Screened
Be Secure 16
Be The Healthiest You Can Be With Beebe Healthcare
Screenings such as mammography, colonoscopy, PAP smear, prostate, and lab work should be scheduled according to your age and gender. Ask your primary care physician which screenings you need during your annual wellness appointment. Schedule your annual health screenings at one of the seven Beebe Healthcare locations. Visit www.beebehealthcare.org/healthscreening to find out more and view our Health Screening Checklist. Call Beebe Healthcare’s Pre-Arrival Department at (302) 645-FAST (3278) or visit beebehealthcare.org and click on “Request Appointment” in the top menu.
4
Business Report | January 2015
Lewes, Delaware • beebehealthcare.org
inside January 2015
16 xx xx Paul Marecki of Bayhealth Medical Center, center, speaks with attendees at last year’s Business 2 Business Expo in Dover.
Features
14
Health
6
Chamber Listings
22
Personnel File
8
Business Licenses
30
Business Directory
10
Business Digest page 10
Business Digest
12 Tourism
January Jumpstart
On the Cover
From bottom to top: Judy Diogo, Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce; Roxane Ferguson, Middletown Area Chamber of Commerce; Lynn Brocato, Greater Seaford Chamber of Commerce; Karen Duffield, Greater Georgetown Chamber of Commerce; Betsy Reamer, Lewes Chamber of Commerce. Not pictured are representatives from the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford, Milton Chamber of Commerce and Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce. Photo by Ronald MacArthur
Sussex County Financial Services. Page 20 Print Shack. Page 21 Dinner is Served Page 21
February Theme: Innovative Entrepreneurs Contact Chris Redman at (302) 2629137 or credman@mspublications.
5
Business Report | January 2015
CHAMBER Listings Chamber
Phone
Key contact
Bethany-Fenwick Chamber of Commerce
539-2100
Delmar Chamber of Commerce
Dues*
Members
Fax
Kristie Maravalli $211
800
539-9434
846-3336
Diane Johnson $75
67
846-3336
Georgetown Chamber of Commerce
856-1544
Karen Duffield
$150
460
856-1577
Laurel Chamber of Commerce
875-9319
Don Dykes
$130
130
280-6365
Lewes Chamber of Commerce
645-8073
Betsy Reamer
$210
432
645-8412
Milford Chamber of Commerce
422-3344
Jo Schmeiser
$165
310
422-7503
Millsboro Chamber of Commerce
934-6777
Amy Simmons
$150
260
934-6065
Milton Chamber of Commerce
684-1101
Lisa Sumstine
$150
120
684-1101
Rehoboth-Dewey Chamber of Commerce
227-2233
Carol Everhart $210
1303
227-8351
Seaford Chamber of Commerce
629-9690
Lynn Brocato
$150
318
629-0281
Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce
734-7513
Judy Diogo
$225
868
678-0189
Delaware State Chamber of Commerce
655-7221
Chuck James
$315
2000
654-0691
Delaware Small Business Chamber
482-2120
Bob Older
$295
170
Delmarva Black Chamber of Commerce
450-4501
Clay Hammond
* Annual membership cost based on businesses with fewer than 10 employees. For Delaware State and Central Delaware chambers membership cost figure is for 1-5 members.
6
Business Report | January 2015
New businesses Pop-Up in area’s small towns For the second straight year, a state program has sparked the launch of new businesses in downtown Milton, helping entrepreneurs move their enterprises into once-vacant brickand-mortar locations. Wine Knot Shop, P.C. Rods and Nest Spa & Boutique, participants in this year’s Project Pop-Up program, marked their official grand opening in Milton with a trio of ceremonies on Dec. 17. Project Pop-Up, now in its third year, provides three months of rent-free commercial space during the holiday season along with the assistance of a business advisor to help launch and grow the business in its new location. The program has grown from three participating businesses in 2012 to 15 this year. Last year, two businesses signed longterm leases in Milton: 302 Fitness and Milton Wellness Center, and the program has enabled two businesses to launch in Milford this
“The initial stage starting up can be the scariest. We would have never tried to do this without the assistance of the Pop-Up program.” Amy Conroy
year alone, including the Delaware Branding Company and Patty Cakes. Amy and Patrick Conroy are the owners and operators of two Project Pop-Up busi nesses. Amy Conroy described the Wine Knot Shop as an “off-the-wall gift shop” that sells personalized furniture such as shelves and benches, custom wine bottle labels for any occasion, paintings, cork and bottle cap art and is other personalized gifts. P.C. Rods, which in an adjacent space at 113 Union Street, is a bait, tackle and rod repair shop. Amy Conroy said Project Pop-Up was especially helpful in overcoming their fear of the unknown. “The initial stage starting up can be the scariest. We would have never tried to do this without the assistance of the Pop-Up program,” Amy Conroy said. “The classes, seminars and networking provided by the Pop-Up program gave us the knowledge and guidance to start our small businesses. We are up and running and are very excited about our future.” “Project Pop-Up is a must for anyone dreaming to own their own business,” Patrick Conroy said. “This program really brings life back into small towns.” The third business taking part in this year’s
Project Pop-Up is Nest Spa & Boutique, owned by Hillary Reid. After hearing about Project Pop-Up, Reid decided to move her natural skin care business, then called Skin By Hillary, from a smaller shop in her native Milford to a larger property in Milton. Moving the business, now known as Nest Spa, into its new home at 105 Federal Street has allowed Reid to expand her services to
include spa, massage, nails and facials. “Project Pop-Up has helped me get established. I would recommend it to someone who has a small business they want to expand or someone doing it out of their home or on the side,” Reid said. “If you’re scared and don’t have the finances to expand or get started, Project Pop-Up gives you that cushion of three months rent-free. Plus, the resources are there. If you need something, you can call.”
142 East Market Street, PO Box 751 Georgetown, DE 19947-0751
Attorneys at Law John A. Sergovic, Jr. Shannon Carmean Burton David J. Weidman
Leslie Case DiPietro Seth L. Thompson Elizabeth L. Souceck
Real Estate / Civil Litagation / Family Law / Wills & Estates / Probate / Guardianships Construction Litigation / Land Use Regulation / Zoning / Business Law & Formation Commercial & Residential / Landlord/Tenant
P 302-855-1260 | F 302-855-1270 | www.scdelaw.com
Home and Business
LIGHTS. LOCKS. THERMOSTATS. VIDEO.
Manage Your Security System • Door Locks • Thermostats • Lights • Video
From anywhere with our Virtual Keypad App TM
All supported by DelawareÕ s Only Local U.L. Listed Monitoring Center DELIVERING RESPONSIVE PERSONALIZED SERVICE
800-244-2261 Call or visit us @
www.securityinstrument.com
Securing what matters since 1960
Wilmington 302-633-5621 • Sussex 302-645-2212 • Dover 302-764-2212 7
Business Report | January 2015
Business licenses Bridgeville Tire Kings LLC, Bridgeville Tires; 18654 S. Main St., Bridgeville; retailer-various products Delmar Hayward, Deandre Vashon, ICT Solutions; PO Box 186, Delmar; professional and/or personal services Route 54 Bargain Outlet; 5 E. State St., Delmar; retailer-various products Dover Brannon, Alysha R., MOC Sports; 116 Millcreek Dr., Dover; personal services-health club/spa December Bodine; 200 Beechwood Ave., Trlr. 48, Dover; professional and/or personal services-unclassified Disaster Prep Now & React Later; 501 Oak Ln., Dover; professional and/or personal services Dixon, Byron, BKD Consulting; 1200 N. Dupont Hwy., #2, Dover; professional and/or personal services Dreamagain LLC; 230 Carlisle Dr., Dover; advertising agency EP Solutions; 4322A Massachusetts Dr., Dover; professional services-security business G&W Investments LLC; 1833 Lancaster Ave., Dover; reconciliation purpose code Git Fit LLC; 480 Country Dr., Apt. D, Dover; retailer-various products I’ll Be There Cleaning & Care; 250 Loblolly Pine Dr., Dover; professional and/or personal services Ironmine Inc.; 3909 Leipsic Rd., Dover; commercial lessor Jennette Putnoky; 86 Cresthaven Ln., Dover; direct care worker JKB Corp, Two Men and a Truck; 1169 S. Dupont Hwy., Dover; drayperson/mover Keene, Kevin, Keene Dental Studio; 2000 Cypress St., Dover; professional and/or personal services McCausland, Natasha L., Nat’s Naturals; 164 Stoney Dr., Dover; retailer-various products Merchants’ Agents; 1 Chadwick Dr., Dover; professional and/or personal servicesunclassified NAI Saturn Eastern LLC, Safeway; 190 John Hunn Brown Rd., Dover; tobacco products retailer/retailer-grocery supermarket Rays of Light Behavioral Service; 219 Carter Rd., Dover; professional and/or per8
Business Report | January 2015
sonal services Shiv 2 Inc., Kent Liquor Mart; 103 S. Dupont Hwy., Dover; tobacco products retailer State Line Building Supply Inc.; 5119 N. Dupont Hwy., Dover; retailer-various products Twilley, Michele L., Michele Twilley Auction Services; 100 Baulkin Dr., Dover; auctioneer-residential URS Agents LLC; 28 Old Rudnick Ln., Dover; professional and/or personal servicesunclassified USA-China Youth Culture Exchange; 53 Stuart Dr., Dover; professional and/or personal services VM & Son Enterprise LLC; 39 Wycombe Dr., Dover; personal services-general repairperson Worthy, Roteasha S., JAM Enterprise; 235 Simon Cir., Dover; professional and/or personal services-unclassified Georgetown Belle, Sherita, Sherita Belle Contracting; 19367 Citizens Blvd., Unit 304, Georgetown; professional and/or personal services Custom Colors LLC; 111 Linden Ave., Georgetown; contractor-residential Givens Flowers & Gifts LLC; 135 E. Market St., Georgetown; retailer-florist Iron Source LLC; 25113 Dupont Blvd., Georgetown; motor vehicle dealer; wholesalertransportation equipment MV Contract Transportation Inc.; 545 S. Bedford St., Georgetown; taxicab/bus operator Rehoboth Donut Shops Inc., Dunkin Donuts; Rt. 113 & College Parkway, Georgetown; retailer-restaurant York, Heather D., The Holistic Butterfly; 113 Wingate Dr., Georgetown; professional and/or personal services-unclassified Greenwood Peters, Tina R.; 1220 Deep Grass Ln., Greenwood; professional and/or personal services Harrington Lowe, Cindy A., Clear Lights; 5665 Fox Hunters Rd., Harrington; personal servicemotor vehicle service Roberts, Craig; 3350 Brownsville Rd., Harrington; reconciliation purpose code Trinity Electric North; 307 Calvin St., Harrington; contractor-residential
Laurel Archetype Technologies Inc.; 32629 Meadow Branch Dr., Laurel; professional and/ or personal services-unclassified Hicks, Jesse J., Jesse Hicks Contracting; 102 W. 9th St., Laurel; contractor-residential J and J Fence Co., LLC; 36189 Vickers Xing, Laurel; contractor-residential Jones Jr., Alvin R., Delmarva Tools Inc.; 29890 Ak Ln., Laurel; reconciliation purpose code Pryor, Shelby D., Dawg House Vapors; Rt. 13 Outlet Market, Laurel; retailer-various products/tobacco products retailer Richard E. Corley; 35838 Dannys Dr., Laurel; direct care worker Walt’s Custom Tile & Flooring; 504 Center St., Laurel; contractor-residential Lewes Beach Business LLC, Home Alone at the Beach; 32 Lakewood Dr., Lewes; professional and/or personal services Burris Public Affairs LLC; 35974 Spinnaker Cir., Lewes; professional and/or personal services Clayton, Robert, New Wave Construction; 74 Sussex Dr., Lewes; contractor-residential Coastal Colors Painting Company; 31114 Beaver Cir., Lewes; contractor-residential Genie Marketing; 7 Odessa Ave., Lewes; professional and/or personal services Geyer’s Seafood Market; 18226 Coastal Hwy., Lewes; retailer-food (except restaurant) Globaldoxs; 16192 Coastal Hwy., Lewes; professional and/or personal services Jordan L. Walsh, JLW Home Services; 32909 Ocean Blf., Ste. 102, Lewes; professional and/or personal services McCloy, Bruce R.; 3 Lakeview Ct., Lewes; contractor-residential Root, Vicki J., Shoreline Counseling Services; 1143 Savannah Rd., #4, Lewes; professional services-counselor Rub Shack, The; 22874 Cypress Dr., Lewes; retailer-food (except restaurant) Sarah L. Smith, LLC, Lewes Expressive Therapy; 119 W. 3rd St., Ste. 1, Lewes; professional services-counselor Milford BDH Painting LLC; 3 NW 4th St., Milford; reconciliation purpose code Crosley, Dana; 648 Evans Dr., Milford; direct care worker Jester, George G. III, HJ General
Contracting & Remodeling; 4965 Mills Rd., Milford; contractor-residential Martins Roadside Assistance; 147 Colonial Ln., Milford; personal service-motor vehicle service Milford Storage Properties LLC, DE Storage Milford; 101 E. Masten Cir., Milford; commercial lessor Mispillion Fitness; 239 NE Front St., Milford; personal services-health club/spa Millsboro Affordable Home Dialysis Inc.; 315 Country Pl., Millsboro; professional and/or personal services C. Bryant Creations, Glitz & Glamour Makeup Designs; 30492 Mount Joy Rd., Millsboro; personal servics-beautician Dano Enterprises LLC, Patriot’s Firearm Safety; 6 Arrowhead Trl., Millsboro; professional and/or personal services Loving, Thomas P., Jr., Silver Fox Consultants; 24704 Shoreline Dr., Millsboro; wholesaler-machinery equipment & supplies Miss Ene III LLC; 24571 Dogwood Ln., Millsboro; professional and/or personal services Palias, Mario K., Moe’s Pet Sitting; 20570 Overman Way, Millsboro; professional and/or personal servics-unclassified Watts, Tammy L.; 32296 Robin Hoods Loop, Millsboro; direct care worker
RIBBON CUTTING - The Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce (CDCC) joined Rudy’s Family Restaurant recently in a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate its membership with the CDCC. Rudy’s is a family owned restaurant in Harrington that offers a wide variety of home cooked menu items available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They also offer daily specials, pasta nights, all you can eat buffets, offsite catering, homemade desserts in their onsite bakery. Rudy’s has recently expanded with the addition of Rudy’s Gummy Berry Frozen Yogurt featuring frozen yogurt, gelato, ice cream, gourmet coffees, fresh squeezed juices and homemade pastries.
Seaford Just a Touch of Heaven Contr.; 8723 Garden Ln., Seaford; contractor-residential Payton Consulting and Financial; 616 Elm St., Seaford; professional and/or personal services-unclassified Smyrna Hexed Vapor, Smash and Crash Properties LLC; 81 Ramunno Dr., Smyrna; tobacco products retailer/retailer-various products Smyrna Health & Nutrition; 220 E. Glenwood Ave., Smyrna; reconciliation purpose code Techie Boomer, The; 42 W. Worthington Blvd., Smyrna; professional and/or personal services-unclassified Walker, Karlett, Lett’s Move Fitness; 13 Southall Ct., Smyrna; professional and/or personal services Write Harvest; 1297 Smyrna Leipsic Rd., Smyrna; professional and/or personal services
RIBBON CUTTING - The Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce (RBDBCC) held a ribbon cutting ceremony recently to welcome Spanners Computer & Automotive Repair Services to the resort community. Spanners provides on-site services for your automotive and computer needs. They make house calls and come to your home or business. For more information about Spanners, visit spannersrepair.com. Pictured from left: Elsa Munos, RBDBCC; Sue Proctor; Joe Proctor; Patty Burkentine, RBDBCC; Joy Kidd, RBDBCC.
9
Business Report | January 2015
Business Digest Hawkins honored at event
Gedell Hawkins, a government contracting specialist for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Delaware office, was honored recently at Delaware Today’s Women in Business event at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington. The Hawkins event lauded 36 women achieving success in the business arena. Hawkins is a business opportnity specialist at SBA’s Delaware District Office. She has been an SBA employee for 27 years and has worked in SBA’s Delaware office since 2006. She devotes her career to helping small businesses achieve success in Delaware.
State website named best
Delaware has been awarded first place in the 2014 “Best of the Web” State Government Competition sponsored by the Center for Internet Security’s Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center. This is the third time that Delaware’s cyber security website has received this honor in the past five years. The Department of Technology and Information (DTI) cyber security website (digiknow.delaware.gov) was named the best state government site for promoting cyber security awareness and information. The Center for Internet Security’s MultiState Information Sharing and Analysis Center is the focal point for cyber threat prevention, protection, response and recovery for the nation’s state, local, territorial and tribal governments.
Fund launches grants program
The Fund for Women is accepting applications for its 2015 grants program from Delaware nonprofit agencies with programs benefiting women and girls beginning Jan. 1. The application is available online at www.delcf.org/ffw. The deadline is Jan. 30. Only online applications are accepted and should be sent to grants@ DeFundforWomen.com. The Fund for Women accepts applications from nonprofit, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organizations for programs that address the needs and enhance the worth and potential of women and girls in Delaware by helping them to lead productive, self-sufficient lives. 10
Business Report | January 2015
The one-year grants offer organizations an opportunity to obtain seed money for innovative, creative programming or to continue or expand programs proven to be effective.
Nickle Electrical receives awards
Nickle Electrical was awarded three Excellence in Construction awards recently from the Associated Builders and Contractors Delaware chapter. The company received two awards at the Excellence level. One was for its work on the Hologic DET facility in Newark and the other for the new, state-of-the-art Delaware City DMV facility. The third award was given at the Merit level to Woodbridge High School. Nickle now holds a total of 31 ABC Excellence in Construction Awards. The honors were presented at an awards dinner in November at the Chase Center on the Wilmington Riverfront.
SBA, RoundTable renew partnership
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has renewed its partnership agreement with the Minority Business RoundTable (MBRT) to continue joint outreach efforts to minority entrepreneurs. The alliance is part of SBA’s ongoing effort to support small business development initiatives in underserved communities. The agreement allows the organizations to share resources and educate minority entrepreneurs on how to use SBA products and services to establish and grow their businesses. The two-year agreement is a renewal of the partnership that started between the SBA and MBRT in 2010.
Ridgely selected for award
Daniel Ridgely, associate and project manager of Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc., has been selected by the Delaware Business Times as one of their 2014 “40 Under 40” award recipients. With this first annual “40 Under 40” award, the Delaware Business Ridgely Times sought out 40 residents under the age of 40 who are on the rise professionally and committed to serving their community. Recommended for the award by Sam Waltz, it was Ridgely’s architectural work on projects like the Best Western Gold
SMALL BUSINESS FUNDING FORUM - Delaware Small Business Development Center Southern Delaware Director Bill Pfaff discussed local funding resources at the “How to Fund Your Business” Forum presented by the Owens Campus Entrepreneurship Club on Dec. 10, 2014. Other guest speakers included local Angel Investor Jon Brilliant and Jennifer Rohe of PNC Bank.
Leaf in Dewey Beach, the Camden Town Hall and the Frankford Fire Hall, along with his position as an adjunct professor at Delaware Technical & Community College and his role with the Delaware Valley Green Building Council, which were all contributing factors in the final selection process. Ridgely joined Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc., in 2006.
Easter Seals elects new board
The following new officers have been elected to the 2015 board of directors for Easter Seals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore: Martha L. Rees, chair; Jeffrey C. Gosnear, vice chair; Christine Sauers, treasurer and David Dougherty, secretary. Rees, of Wilmington, is vice president and assistant general counsel for the DuPont Company. She also serves as chief antitrust counsel and chief environmental counsel. Gosnear, of Rehoboth Beach, is vice president for Grotto Pizza, Inc. Sauers, of Wilmington, is the president of the Better Business Bureau of Delaware. Dougherty, of Plymouth Meeting, Pa., is the sales vice president for the Mid-Atlantic Region of AT&T’s Signature Client Group.
DELMARVA PENINSULA WE LIVE HERE. WE VOLUNTEER HERE. WE WORK HERE. WE BANK HERE.
GOOD THINGS HAPPEN ON THE DELMARVA PENINSULA WITH THE HELP OF CNB.
cnb-bank.com | 302.284.4600 Choose from 20 banking locations across Maryland’s Eastern Shore and Delaware between CNB and our affiliate bank, Talbot Bank.
From left to right: Robert Baer, White Pines Farm, Centreville; Stephen Wright, V.P. Commercial Banking Officer CNB Felton Branch; Dennis Walters, V.P. Commercial Banking Officer CNB Chestertown Branch; Ralph Twilley, V.P. Commercial Banking Officer CNB Stevensville Branch; Carolyn D. Spicher, V.P. Commercial Banking Officer CNB Denton Branch; Bill Stoops, V.P. Commercial Banking Officer CNB Commerce Street Centreville Branch
11
Business Report | January 2015
tourism
Southern Delaware Tourism celebrates anniversary Southern Delaware Tourism, the Convention and Visitors Bureau for Sussex County, celebrated 25 years of service at its annual Tourism Award Luncheon at the Atlantic Sands Hotel and Conference Center in December. The organization, chartered in 1989 and staffed by an executive director, a media relations manager and a marketing programs manager, is a non-profit destination marketing organization promoting Sussex County to overnight visitors. It is overseen by a board of directors that includes representatives from Sussex County chambers of commerce, the county’s economic development director, and advisory board members representing tourism partners including hotels/motels, restaurants, parks, recreation, the arts and area attractions. Past executive directors of Southern Delaware Tourism Cindy Small and Karen Bowers Falk joined current director Scott Thomas in celebrating the milestone. Event attendees brought more than 120 pounds of food with them, which was donated to the Food Bank of Delaware.
From left are past and current Southern Delaware Tourism executive directors, Cindy Small, Scott Thomas and Karen Bowers Falk.
Farmers, vendors will connect at Agriculture Week More than 1,900 Delaware agricultural producers will learn best practices and new technologies, expand existing networks and make connections with vendors during the 10th Annual Delaware Agriculture Week, Jan. 12-16, at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington. Delaware Ag Week provides sessions that cover a wide array of topics including small fruits, fresh market & processing vegetables, small flock & commercial poultry, grain marketing, grain crops, hay & pasture, beef cattle, irrigation, direct marketing and much more. All sessions are free, however, some require preregistration. Nutrient management, pesticide and certified crop adviser continuing education credits will be offered. For more information, visit the 2015 Delaware Agriculture Week website: sites. udel.edu/delawareagweek or call Karen Adams at 856-2585, ext. 540. 12
Business Report | January 2015
TOURS RECEIVE AWARD - The Eating Rehoboth and Eating Lewes Food Tours have been chosen from among five nominees by a panel of independent travel writers to receive the 2014 Southern Delaware Tourism Award. The award was presented at the Annual Southern Delaware Tourism Award Luncheon held at The Atlantic Sands Hotel and Conference Center in Rehoboth Beach recently. The Eating Rehoboth/Eating Lewes Food Tours have been major contributors to the quickly growing and well-deserved perception of Southern Delaware as The Culinary Coast. Other 2014 nominees included Gordons Pond Trail in Cape Henlopen State Park, Rehoboth Foodie.com/ Rehoboth in my Pocket, Rich Bloch, Dickens Parlour Theatre and Vanderwende Farm Creamery. Pictured from left: Nikky Fisher, chairperson, Southern Delaware Tourism; Scott Thomas, executive director, Southern Delaware Tourism; Bob Yesbek, Deb Griffin and Paul Cullen of Eating Rehoboth and Eating Lewes Food Tours.
Forecasting the economic future
The head of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis will keynote the 2015 Economic Forecast sponsored by Lyons Companies and the Center for Economic Education and Entrepreneurship of the University of Delaware Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics. The Economic Forecast will be held Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Clayton Hall on the campus of the University of Delaware in Newark. Speakers include: James Bullard, president and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis; Jay Bryson, Ph.D., managing director, Global Economist, Wells Fargo and Michael K. Farr, president, Farr, Miller & Washington, LLC, author of The Arrogance Cycle, and contributor to CNBC, CNN, Bloomberg, Reuters and the Nightly Business Report. Attendance is open to the public but registration is required. For more information, contact EconomicForecast@LyonsInsurance. com.
Festival impact is more than $68 million
The four-day Firefly Music Festival, held June 19-22, 2014 at Dover International Speedway, contributed more than $68 million to the regional economy and created the equivalent of 579 full-time jobs in 2014. In addition, state, local and federal tax contributions totaled $9.9 million. The $68 million in spending for goods and services throughout the economy that Firefly generates averages out to more than $850 per guest, with approximately 80,000 attending the 2014 festival. In addition to the money that Firefly helps inject directly into the economy, the 579 full-time-equivalent jobs it helped create before, during and after the event came with total additional wage and salary payments of more than $23 million. The top business sectors impacted by Firefly include food service and drinking establishments; retail stores; security services; building maintenance and repair services; and hotels and motels. “It’s important to note that the impact of Firefly reaches far beyond the immediate economic benefits,” said Linda Parkowski, director of the Delaware Tourism Office. “By hosting 80,000 people from all 50 states and 24 foreign countries, Delaware gains visibility, and its appeal as a destination is enhanced.” Firefly Music Festival returns to the Woodlands at Dover International Speedway on June 18-21, 2015. For more information, visit www.fireflyfestival.com.
RIBBON CUTTING - The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford (CCGM) held a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration recently for Jarmany’s Closet, located at 127 NW Front St., Milford. Jarmany’s Closet is a consignment/resale shop dedicated to offering plus size clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories and jewelry at affordable prices. For more information about Jarmany’s Closet, visit www.jarmanyscloset.com or find them on Facebook. Pictured from left: Maggie Thompson, WSFS; CCGM President Angela Dorey; Owner Elaine Scanlon; Mayor Bryan Shupe; Barbara Steele, CCGM Ambassador and David Drandorff, Fetterman Insurance.
KSI RECEIVES DONATION - Kent-Sussex Industries, Inc. (KSI) received a donation recently from Dentsply Caulk in support of its 2015 wall calendar. Other monthly sponsors include: Bank of Delmarva, Citizens Bank, City of Milford, Community Bank Delaware, Country Life Homes, Delaware Electric Cooperative Inc., Discover Bank, Dover Federal Credit Union, Schmittinger & Rodriguez, Tidewater Utilities Inc. and WSFS Bank. To receive a wall calendar or to learn more about KSI, contact Alicia Hollis at hollisa@ksiinc.org or 302-422-4014 ext. 3015. Pictured, KSI CEO, B. Craig Crouch (far left) accepts a donation from Dentsply Caulk’s gift contribution committee: Cheryl Passwaters, Judy Cole, Beverly Hughes and Robert Tappan. 13
Business Report | January 2015
Health Steele promoted to director
Chris Steele, RRT, BSAH, is the new director of respiratory care services at Beebe Healthcare. Steele started his career at Beebe Healthcare in 2011, and in 2012 was promoted to manager of Respiratory Care Services. In his new role, he will be managing about 40 Beebe team members. Steele is a memSteele ber of the American Association for Respiratory Care and The National Board for Respiratory Care. He is also a former respiratory pharmacology instructor.
Khaled Elraie joins NHS
Nanticoke Health Services and the Nanticoke Physician Network welcome Khaled F. Elraie, MD, FACG, specializing in gastroenterology. He is accepting new patients at Nanticoke Physician Network Gastroenterology in Seaford. Dr. Elraie graduated from Cairo University in Cairo, Elraie Egypt in 1988. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Fairview Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. He completed a fellowship in gastroenterology at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, S.C. in 2001. He is board certified in gastroenterology. Dr. Elraie is fluent in English and Arabic and speaks basic French. To make an appointment with Dr. Elraie, call 629-5193.
Beebe recognized in publication
Beebe Healthcare’s commitment to fast action during heart attacks has been recognized by Becker’s Healthcare. Becker’s Healthcare publication Infection Control & Clinical Quality compared the nation’s hospitals in terms of deaths within 30 days of a heart attack. The report, published Nov. 12, 2014, found Beebe Healthcare to be among the 48 hospitals with the lowest 30-day heart attack mortality rates in the nation as determined by data from Hospital Compare. Becker’s included hospitals with a mor14
Business Report | January 2015
FIGHTING BREAST CANCER - The Tanger Outlet Center in Rehoboth Beach raised and donated over $29,000 to the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition this past fall. Tanger’s 2014 PinkSTYLE Campaign ran Sept. 15 - Oct. 25, with funds being raised through the sale of the TangerSTYLE Pink Card. For a $1 donation to local breast cancer beneficiaries, Tanger customers received a coupon card that provided 25-percent bonus savings at participating stores. In 2014, Tanger Outlet Centers in the U.S. and Canada raised $1.3 million during the PinkSTYLE campaign. Shown (l to r are Sue Ryan of DBCC, Amy Norgate, General Manager of Tanger Outlet Center, Connie Holdridge of DBCC.
tality rate at 12 or below. The national average is 15.2. This is the second year in a row that Beebe Healthcare has been recognized for low mortality rates in heart attack care. Beebe’s life-saving treatment for heart attack patients was also recognized by Healthgrades, which gave Beebe a 5-star rating for 2014 and 2015 for treatment of heart attack. Beebe Healthcare treats about 300 heart attack patients each year.
Bayhealth uses no-touch technology Bayhealth’s Environmental Services team is using a new no-touch technology for highlevel decontamination, SteraMist. SteraMist utilizes an activated hydrogen peroxide mist to decontaminate designated areas, including operating rooms and isolation (enhanced contact precautions) rooms. “We have seen significant improvement in our rate of Healthcare Associated infections (HAI) with Clostridium difficile. Since initiating the program, we have identified significantly less HAI’s with C. diff, and have experienced a 51 percent reduction in infections,” said Kelly Gardner, Bayhealth’s infection prevention manager. While most common cleaning chemicals are only able to kill 40-70 percent of dangerous contaminants, SteraMist consistently kills 99.999 percent of microorganisms, even those residing in the most hard-to-reach
areas, while leaving no residue or noxious fumes.
OB-GYN head of state Medical Society
Nancy Fan M.D., an obstetrician/ gynecologist who practices at Women to Women OB/GYN in Wilmington and is on the staff of Saint Francis Healthcare, was re-elected to lead the Medical Society of Delaware for the 2014-2015, at the group’s recent annual meeting. Fan is a graduate of Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, Penn. She completed her residency in obstetrics/ gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. She has served as chair of the Medical Society of Delaware School Health Committee from 2006 to 2013 and was chair of the Young Physicians Section from 2010 to 2012. Other officers who will serve for the coming year are: Dorothy Moore, M.D., president-elect; Prayus T. Taylor, M.D., vice president; Harry A Lehman, III, M.D., secretary; Randeep S. Kahlon, M.D., treasurer; and Leo W. Raisis, M.D., speaker of the council. The Medical Society also presented awards to members who graduated from medical school 50 years ago.
La Red has a new dentist
La Red Health Center welcomes dentist Dr. Nwaneka Nwokolo. “Sussex County is federally designated as being a low-income dental health professional shortage area, and the demand for oral health services is Nwokolo unrelenting, so I am delighted to announce that Dr. Nwaneka Nwokolo has joined us as a new member of the clinical staff at La Red Health Center,” said Brian Olson, chief executive officer. Dr. Nwokolo earned a bachelor of science in psychology/allied health from Howard University and a doctor of dental surgery from Howard University College of Dentistry. Dr. Nwokolo originates from Nigeria and grew up in Maryland and Washington, D.C., where her family resides.
Luis Barcena joins Nanticoke
Nanticoke Health Services welcomes Luis M. Barcena M.D. He is accepting new patients at Seaford Internal Medicine located at 1501 Middleford Road, Seaford. Dr. Barcena graduated with his doctor of medicine degree from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana School of Barcena Medicine/Hospital Universitario San Ignacia in Bogotá, Colombia in 2006. He completed his residency in internal medicine at University Hospitals Case Medical Center in 2011. Dr. Barcena completed a fellowship in infectious disease at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago in 2013. He is fluent in English and Spanish. To make an appointment, call 629-4569.
Orthopaedics recognized at Beebe Beebe Healthcare’s Orthopaedics Services have been recognized with the Healthgrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award for the ninth year in a row (2007-2015). The program was also recognized with the Healthgrades Joint Replacement Excellence Award for six years in a row (2010-2015) and was named among the top five percent of hospitals in the nation for overall orthopaedic services.
Laura Gravelin, MD, receives the 2014 Spirit of Planetree Physician Champion Award for Bayhealth Kent General Hospital from Eric Gloss, vice president of medical affairs.
Health-care workers recognized for delivering patient-centered care In the spirit of Planetree, Bayhealth presented a Caregiver Award and Physician Champion Award during ceremonies held at both Kent General and Milford Memorial hospitals. The Spirit of Planetree Awards were created to promote patient centered care by publicly recognizing individuals who personalize and demystify the healthcare experience for others. At Bayhealth Kent General Hospital, Paul Inge, RN, received the Caregiver Award, recognizing that each staff member is a caregiver with an opportunity to positively influence the way health care is delivered. At Bayhealth Milford Memorial Hospital, George Ehrmann, Patient Advocacy, received the Caregiver Award. Nominees were Debbie Bowden, RN, Day Surgery and Cynthia
Nanticoke program is certified
Nanticoke Memorial Hospital announces the certification of its Pulmonary Rehabilitation program by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Nanticoke Memorial Hospital was recognized for its commitment to improving the quality of life by enhancing standards of care. This success is due to great teamwork
(Cyndi) Martin, NP, Cancer Center. The Physician Champion Award recognizes a physician who is a champion for the Planetree model of patient-centered care and who actively participates as a role model for other medical staff members. At the Kent Campus, Laura Gravelin, MD, cardiology, received the Physician Champion Award. At Milford Memorial Hospital, Nana Yaw A. Darkwa, MD, hospitalist, was honored with the Physician Champion Award. He was also selected as Physician of the Year by the nursing staff. At Kent General, a special Planetree Award was presented for Pet Therapy to Eileen Guiry and eight-year-old Miniature Schnauzer, Bella. by physicians from Nanticoke Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine led by Dr. Muhammad Athar, Pulmonary Rehabilitation specialist Angela Howard and a multidisciplinary team of specialists including a dietician, pharmacist and nurses. Certified programs are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices available.
15
Business Report | January 2015
COVER STORY
February expo will be great chance to promote business, chamber sponsors say By Carol Kinsley Ten chambers of commerce within the state of Delaware are set to launch their second State Wide Business 2 Business Expo, scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 12, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino. Open to the public, it’s an expo for consumers, customers and shoppers. Visitors will see different products and services showcased by businesses from all over the state of Delaware and will be able to attend cutting-edge technology sessions. Hors d’oeuvres will be served and a cash bar will be available at this networking expo. Networking alone is reason enough for anyone involved in business to attend. This is an opportunity to grow your business and connect with other business professionals statewide. “At the end of the day,” said J.R. Ennis,
director of Leadership Central Delaware, marketing and program development of the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce (CDCC), “this expo helps nurture and grow business relationships in Delaware!” Ennis said the B2B Expo is an excellent opportunity to expand a business’s client base, to go statewide and to showcase one’s products or services. “There will even be a ‘networking nook; located at the expo for exchanging business cards and making new connections,” Ennis said. You’ll want to reserve your spot now to get a prime spot. Booths measuring 8 feet by 10 feet are $450; 8-foot by 20-foot spaces are $800. Included are pipe and drape, one table and two chairs. Space will be confirmed on a first-paid, first-served basis. For more information on the B2B Expo, visit www.cdcc.net/ B2Bexpo to reserve your booth on the user-
friendly map. Participating chambers include: • Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce • Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford • Delaware State Chamber of Commerce • Greater Georgetown Chamber of Commerce • Greater Seaford Chamber of Commerce • Lewes Chamber of Commerce. • Middletown Area Chamber of Commerce • Milton Chamber of Commerce • Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce • The Quiet Resorts Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce The 2015 Business 2 Business Expo is sponsored by Allen Insurance Group Benefits Connection, Comcast Business, Delaware State News and Dover Downs Hotel & Casino.
Who’s in charge at the local chambers? Following are profiles of directors of chambers of commerce in the area. The profiles are in the directors’ own words and include reflections on the futures of their towns.
Judy Diogo, President Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce
Education and work experience I earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Andrews University. I am a graduate of the Institute of Organizational Management and earned my Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credentials. Family, interests, Diogo hobbies My family includes my husband, Eli and our children: Amelia, Emily and Eli. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, practicing yoga and boating. Personal goals & achievements 16
Business Report | January 2015
At this stage in my life, my goal is to be happy with every day I am given and to do something good with each day I am given. Future goals, programs or projects Our members will see new programs and events in 2015 that will help our members grow their businesses, because at the end of the day that is what we do. Bragging on your town or chamber The biggest achievement for the CDCC this year is reaching 1,000 members! I have to thank all of the businesses who helped us get to 1,000 members strong. We at the CDCC are extremely proud of our membership. Our members make Kent County one of the best places in the entire nation to work and live. The businesses here know what community is and they are part of it. We are looking forward to 2015 because we know it will be even better than 2014! Karen S. Duffield, Executive Director Greater Georgetown Chamber of Commerce Education and work experience After growing up and working in Washington, D.C., I moved to Rehoboth Beach in 1994. Over the past 20 years, I have worked with area chambers and nonprofits. The Rehoboth-Dewey Chamber of
Commerce provided a solid training ground for me and this is where I credit learning everything you want to know about managing a chamber from Carol Everhart. In 2001, I realized a long-time dream of owning and operating a Duffield bed & breakfast, when I found just the right property and moved to Milton. Before my two daughters were born, I was able to juggle that business along with serving as the executive director of Milton’s emerging chamber, and managing the initial renovation and revitalization of the historic, non-profit Milton Theatre. Great networking opportunities led to my present position with the Greater Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, a tenure which has now spanned over seven years. Family I live in Milton with my two 10-year-old daughters, Emma and Olivia. Future goals, programs or projects The Georgetown Chamber is entering what I think will be one of its most dramatic
periods of growth. After three years of searching, we settled on and have repurposed an older residential Georgetown property for our new offices and a Visitor Center that will promote tourism throughout the county. We are thrilled to have Southern Delaware Tourism staff share our space at 827 East Market St., and partner in the development of this Visitor Center that will market all of the chamber destinations in Sussex. The Georgetown Chamber has also just completed a new branding effort and our new logo has a great energy and connectedness to it. The colors capture our area’s natural aesthetic, and the design simply but clearly reminds us of our integral place in the county seat. Every town and city in Southern Delaware has its own unique quality & character, and I feel fortunate to have lived in and worked for many of them.
Kristie Maravalli, Executive Director Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce
Education and work experience As an undergraduate, I studied English at Susquehanna University and continued on to get my master’s degree in administration at West Chester. I then began coaching women’s basketball and eventually became the head coach at John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio for 14 years prior to moving here. Family, interests, hobbies Being outside and active has always been priority. I feel blessed to have landed Maravalli here. With the Quiet Resorts Information Center and the Chamber offices on Coastal Highway, workplace conditions are phenomenal. Personal goals & achievements Making a career change from higher education to the Chamber of Commerce has been the most enlightening and rewarding experience I have had professionally to date. The goal of our team is to connect businesses, resources, people and projects in order to facilitate growth. Future goals, programs or projects In 2015, our chamber is working to provide more resources for our small business owners, partner with the future workforce in creating educational opportunities and better service the growing retirement population.
Bragging on your town or chamber The Bethany-Fenwick Area business community is extremely active and involved. Whether it is networking or community outreach, we see strong support and collaboration in making lower eastern Sussex County a great place to be.
Don Dykes, Executive Director Laurel Chamber of Commerce
Education and work experience I graduated from Laurel High School and Delaware Tech. I have also completed online business courses. My professional experience includes owner of New Homes & Porch & Patio Enclosures, chamber director from 1997 to 2000, bank manager, real estate agent, owner of a real estate business and chamber director from 2012 to the present. Family, interests, hobbies I am married to Kathy Dykes and I have two daughters: Dykes Kathy Nichols, RN, of Laurel, who works at Peninsula Regional Medical Center and Cindy Burritt, a physical therapist with Genesis in Dover. I have four grandkids: Diana, Brittany, John and Tae. I love to be involved with my church family and my pastors, Tim Dukes and Rob Brown at Central Worship Center. I really like to cook and try new dishes and collect recipes. Football and NASCAR are my two favorite sports. Personal goals & achievements I ran a successful business for 20 years and was named Dealer of the Year in 1997 of all the dealers in the country. I sold my business in 1997. I then became chamber director for Laurel and built the chamber to 212 members before moving on to banking. I managed the County Bank and Bank of Delmarva branches and got my real estate license. I was Citizen of the Year in 2000 and Business Person of Year in 2013. My most important goal is to continue my relationship with my Lord Jesus Christ. Future goals, programs or projects I was asked to come back to the Laurel Chamber part-time on Jan. 1, 2012 and rebuild the chamber’s membership which had dropped below 80 members. With the blessings of the Lord we are 143 members and growing. After 15 years of putting on the July 4th Independence Day Celebration we turned it over to the Town. In 2012, we began a new project, the Broad Creek Bike
& Brew Tour with almost 400 riders in 2014. We are in the planning stages now for the 2015 Bike & Brew with expectations of 800 to 1,000 bike riders. We continue to promote Laurel and all of western Sussex County. Bragging on your town or chamber I have a great chamber board and membership with a good mix of ladies and gentlemen working for the good of our members and the Laurel community. We have a good relationship with the Town of Laurel. We are working together for the betterment of our citizens. I love this town and I’m as local as you can get. I was born on 9th Street in Laurel, went to New Jersey once to work for Hess Oil company - lasted two weeks - came back and never left. Good things will happen in Laurel with water and sewer coming to Sussex Highway.
Bob Older, President/Founder Delaware Small Business Chamber
Education and work experience I started Delaware’s first PVC furniture company in 1981. In 1984, I founded Pride Signs and sold it in 1989. I then purchased a Tastykake Franchise in 1991 and sold it in 1993. I founded Creative Travel, Inc. in 1994 and the business is celebrating 20 years this year. I founded the Delaware Small Business Chamber in 2011. Family, interests, hobbies I have a 22-year-old daughter, Alexandra. I love to cook and travel and I collect cookbooks, eagles and oriOlder ental collectibles. Personal goals & achievements My goal is to get the Delaware Small Business Chamber to 1,000 members. Future goals, programs, projects Our goal is continued growth. The chamber is currently growing at a rate of about 40% per year. We are continually building on the Small Business Vehicles Convoy and our Awards Brunch. Bragging on your town or chamber We are the first chamber in the world to create the Small Business Vehicle Convoy. We are the only chamber in the state that does not charge solely based on the size of the business. We offer over 72 free events a year to our members. Betsy Reamer, Executive Director Lewes Chamber of Commerce 17
Business Report | January 2015
CHAMBERS Education and work experience I have a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois, Chicago campus. My work experience includes 18 years as the executive director of the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, executive director of the Baltimore Choral Society and marketing and public relations director at Center Stage Theater, Baltimore. Family, interests, hobbies My family includes my husband who owns Midwest Feather & Down in Lewes; my son, daughter-in-law and 2 1/2-year-old grandson in Louisiana; my daughter in New Mexico and my stepReamer daughter in Baltimore. I enjoy reading, biking and skiing. Future goals, programs or projects Lewes has so many dynamic organizations that make significant contributions to the quality of life and enhancement of the business community. We are constantly reaching out to form partnerships with these groups to expand the scope of activities that we can offer our visitors as well as the residents of the greater Lewes area. A number of new events are in the planning stages. The chamber continues to work with the nonprofit Lewes-Rehoboth Canal Improvement Association to offer an alternative transportation connection from Lewes’ Canalfront Park to Rehoboth’s Grove Park via the canal. Bragging on your town or chamber Lewes has always been a destination for people who love the bay, ocean and beaches. With the creation of new trails, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of bicycles on the roadways and in the bike racks in our parks and commercial district. The network of new trails in Cape Henlopen State Park and a planned trailhead connecting the Gordons Pond Trail and Junction and Breakwater Trails and the future Lewes to Georgetown trail along the existing rail line add to the already rich outdoor experience surrounding Lewes. Lisa Sumstine, Executive Director Milton Chamber of Commerce Education and work experience I have an associate’s degree from Delaware Tech and a bachelor’s degree from Belmont University. Family, interests, hobbies My family includes my husband, Jim and daughters, Kate and Charlotte. Future goals, programs or projects We are constantly working to offer more to our membership and community. Bragging on your town or chamber 18
Business Report | January 2015
Milton is growing and flourishing and so are we. The year 2014 was an extraordinary year for our town and chamber. We started the year with eight vacancies downtown and ended 2014 with two. Carol A. Everhart, President/CEO
Sumstine
Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce Education and work experience I received my degree in organizational management and tourism at the University of Delaware. I have experience in the fields of special events, recreation, paralegal and creative consulting. I started at the chamber as event coordinator in 1989, was promoted to marketing director in 1990, became executive director in 1992 and president and CEO in 2001. I have served as marketing chair for the Institute for Organized Management at the University of Delaware and on numerous county, state, municipal and commission boards, including Resort Transportation Everhart Advisory Committee, Southern Delaware Tourism Board and WSFS Advisory Board. I have received several awards which include: VIP Sussex Outdoors - Jan. 2014; Women of Distinction – Delaware Beach Life – Aug. 2014; Top 50 Delaware’s Most Influential People – 2012; Top Women in Business – 2007; Governor’s Hall of Fame for Special Events – 2000, 2001; American Express Leadership – 2001; Junior Achievement Volunteer Recognition – 2000; Early Choices Volunteer Recognition - 2000; Governor’s Public Sector Program – 1998; Governor’s Quality Service – Outstanding Achievement in Special Events – 1998; Governor’s Travel and Tourism Person of the Year – 1997; Governor’s Outstanding Marketing - 1993. Family, interests/hobbies I have two children - Kris Everhart, a speech/language pathologist and Wyatt Everhart, a broadcast meteorologist. I enjoy rock collecting and painting in watercolors. Personal goals and achievements Health and exercise are important to me. I also believe in putting people, family and sweetheart first. Future goals, programs and projects We are creating a new spring event for 2016 and continue to work on the develop-
ment of a man-made attraction. Bragging on your town or chamber The Rehoboth-Dewey Chamber, representing over 1,300 business members, is the largest local chamber in Delaware and is the major marketing arm for the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach resort area. This representation gives the chamber a powerful voice when responding to issues of legislation at all levels. The resort area and chamber have received numerous awards, from Best Boardwalk and Best Places to Live/Retire/ Visit to state and national chamber awards for accomplishments and festivals. Lynn Brocato, Executive Director Greater Seaford Chamber of Commerce Education and work experience I have an MBA in business administration from Loyola University in Baltimore and a BA in finance from Notre Dame of Maryland University, also in Baltimore. I have a background in banking, working in several departments including customer service, mortgage processing and servicing and accounting. I spent several years working for the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore. I have held my real estate broker license in Maryland for the past 12 years, where I have been a buyer’s specialist, helping first time homebuyers and advising/selling retirees retirement developments. During my tenure as a marketing manager of a large retirement community in Salisbury, I took advantage of cable television advertising to geotarget regions where there was a high population of prospective retirees. In this position, I became interested in television and online marketing and worked for Comcast Spotlight on how to develop and implement cable television and Brocato online marketing campaigns. It was this experience with Comcast Spotlight that led me to the Greater Seaford Chamber of Commerce, where I became active with the chamber to help initiate the introduction to businesses in Western Sussex County. I joined the membership services committee. After a year, I became the chair of the committee, and shortly after was asked to serve on the board of directors. I served as the 2nd vice president for a term before I applied for the open position of the executive director at the end of 2013. Future goals, programs or projects This past year for the GSCC has been a year of transition and implementation of new communication and accounting systems, along with a strong focus on introducing
new tourism collateral and offering value added services to attract new members as well as membership retention. The Chamber has increased membership to 310 members and launched a brand new website. We have re-activated a tourism committee and committed chamber resources to help plan, support and put on several events and festivals throughout Western Sussex County, including the return of the Towne & Country Fair, Riverfest in Seaford, Bridgeville’s Apple Scrapple Festival and the introduction of Live for Chocolate. The Chamber is looking forward to providing and taking a supportive role in the upcoming celebrations for the 100th Anniversary of the Town of Blades and 150th Anniversary for the City of Seaford, both being celebrated in 2015. In addition, the chamber will partner with Nanticoke Health Services to present the 2nd Annual Live for Chocolate event promoting womens’ health and breast cancer awareness. GSCC is working with Heritage Shores and Barton’s Grand Rental to host the Bridgeville Beer & Barrel Festival at Heritage Shores Club in Bridgeville. The chamber is also planning to provide more opportunities for members to host Business Networking Mixers, Lunch and Learns and Breakfasts, as well as providing more business development workshops. The Greater Seaford Chamber of Commerce is taking on more of a collaborative role with businesses, organizations and fellow chambers in Western Sussex County.
Jo Schmeiser, Executive Director Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford
Education and work experience I have a Bachelors’ Degree from Wilmington College. My work experience includes: Employment Agency Manager of Sales & Temporary Division, Customer & Sales Service for Packaging Corporation, Advertising Sales and Management, Marketing Director for Schmeiser a multi-franchise auto dealership. Family, interests, hobbies My husband, Paul, and I have immediate family in Kent & New Castle Counties and we enjoy spending quality time with family and friends. I also like volunteering, photography and writing. Personal goals and achievements In 2014 I Served on the Southern Delaware & Kent County Tourism Board of Directors, as Executive Secretary for Kent County Tourism, and served on the Del Tech Terry Campus Business/Entrepreneurship and Hospitality Management Advisory
Board. I was also chosen as a Class of 2014 Delmarvalous Woman and will serve on the Greater Kent Committee for 2015. Future goals, programs and projects The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford recently developed fusion, a young professional group, who meets twice a month. The CCGM is developing a scholarship program and a business shadowing program with the Milford School District. The chamber’s first Legislative Luncheon will be held in the first quarter. A new event called The Forgotten Union Cemetery Lantern Tour will be introduced in September. The chamber is partnering with the Milford Museum and Delmarva Historic Haunts to bring this program to life. The CCGM will participate again, in the Delaware Chambers of Commerce B2B Expo in February. The chamber will also be hosting major events including the Mixer-Expo in March, “10 of the Best” Awards & Volunteer Appreciation Dinner & Celebration in April, Girls Night Out, featuring the Marvelous Men of Milford Fashion Show and the Golf Classic in May, the former Smile for Freedom 5K in June, Milford’s Largest Annual Outdoor Event, the Riverwalk “Freedom” Festival in September, the Holiday Auction & Tastes of Milford in November and the Holiday Gift Drive for Milford’s Homeless Children in December. The chamber will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2015. Special events and celebrations will happen throughout the year. Bragging on your town or chamber After very long, successful careers, Milford’s Mayor, City Manager and Manager of Parks and Recreation are all retiring. The new Mayor, Bryan Shupe, was elected in April, and is one of the youngest mayors ever elected in the state; 29 years old at election time. During 2014 many new businesses opened in the greater Milford area, and the city continued to improve the quality of life by completing the walking trail of Goat Island, opening a Bocce’ Ball Court and Dog Park in Bicentennial Park. The Chamber of Commerce had a very successful year, and was able to donate more than $20,000 to local non-profit members of the chamber, and we are hoping to be able to increase that amount in 2015.
Amy Simmons, Executive Director The Greater Millsboro Chamber of Commerce
Education and work experience
I graduated from Sussex Central High School and Delaware Technical & Community College and worked as a nurse at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury and Harbor Healthcare in Lewes. Due to medical issues I had to stop working for several years and returned to work as a manager for a women’s exercise facility. After the facility closed I began to help out in the
Millsboro Chamber of Commerce office with clerical duties and preparing for events. I was hired on full time with the Chamber in August of 2010 and was promoted to Executive Director in December of 2012. Family, interests, Simmons hobbies I live in Millsboro with my husband Robert. We have two children, Courtney who is 25 and married and works as a social worker for Coastal Hospice, and Ben, who is 21 and a college student in New York studying Jazz Performance on saxophone. We have one grandson, David, who is three years old amd keeps us young. I like to read, yard sale with my mom and husband and I love to walk four miles every day with my Husky. “Bear”. My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family. My biggest achievement within the last year is losing over 100 pounds. My life has changed drastically and I feel so much better about myself. I have always been a confident person but obtaining this goal has shown me that I can do pretty much anything I put my mind to. Future goals, programs and projects With the Chamber I have had great success in the past few years. I took on the challenge of changing the annual Christmas Parade to a night parade. This has been a great success and a tradition that I hope to continue for years to come. The Millsboro Country Festival made its debut in September 2013 and it was a great success. We set the bar high the first year and continued in 2014 with a second year of success. This event is a family friendly event for all ages and there is something for all ages to do and enjoy. Plans are underway for September 19, 2015. My hope is to continue to strengthen the Chamber membership along with finding new ways to help promote and provide cost effective advertising for each member. I would really like to see the membership participate in business mixers after hours, this is something that hasn’t been regularly done in this Chamber. I am hoping, with the help of the Chamber Board of Directors. to come up with a tourism event to take place in the spring. This may take a few years to develop but it is a priority of mine. The Chamber will hold it’s annual Central Sussex Bridal Show on March 15. This year we are celebrating 20 years for this event. The title for this year is “A Platinum Affair”. The Chamber has a very active Board who strive to help the community and businesses in the area thrive. This area continues to grow with new businesses opening and residents moving in but we hope to keep that small town charm that people have come to know and love about Millsboro! 19
Business Report | January 2015
January JumpStart
Sussex County Financial Services Sussex County Financial Services in Georgetown is a private accounting office dedicated to serving the Sussex County community which includes individuals as well as businesses. We can help with accounting, taxes, audits, IRS problems and more. We are
certified acceptance agents for the IRS specializing in the process of ITIN numbers for non-resident aliens. Our mission is to reach everyone who needs help with their finances, making sure that our clients leave the office with a basic
Sussex County Financial Services WE CARE ABOUT YOU! For Private & Commercial Financial Needs
• New Business Set-up • Bookkeeping • Taxes • Audits • IRS Problems • Notary • Translations 432 East Market Street, Unit 102, Georgetown, DE 19947
302.854-6686 20
Business Report | January 2015
Hablamos Español
understanding of tax regulations. We want to help small businesses succeed by providing bookkeeping and accounting advice. We also set up new businesses for the state of Delaware. Our goal is to educate our clients with the proper advice according to the law. We believe that by doing so we contribute to the community by helping individuals make an educated decision. In addition to accounting services, we translate documents for immigration or any other document that needs to be translated from Spanish to English. We also provide notary services. Call us at 854-6686. Our office is located at 432 E. Market St., Georgetown.
print Shack Inc.
Print Shack, Inc. has been providing printing and marketing materials to businesses on Delmarva since 1987. Owner, Bill Whaley and his associates, Chris Strassel and Suzette Donovan, recently created a direct mail marketing program that has proven to be successful for many clients. The program, Print Shack E-Z Mail, utilizes the Every Door Direct Mail rates through the U.S. Postal Service which saves clients a substantial amount of money on postage. At 17.5 cents postage, the client can send a larger amount than usual and get a better return in potential customers. Many clients have repeated the program several times because it works so well. The design is free. In addition to its direct mail marketing program, Print Shack, Inc. designs, prints and imprints all kinds of marketing materials, cards, envelopes and business forms. For more information, contact Print Shack, Inc. at 629-4430 or info@printshackde.com.
E-Z MAIL™
Regular
17.5¢ POSTAGE 92¢ WHICH YOU WHICH WOULD WOULD YOU RATHER PAY? RATHER PAY?
Get NEW Customers FAST with the Print Shack E-Z Mail™ System. Targeted Direct Mail for only 17.5¢ postage using a 8.5” x 11” full color postcard.
“The best marketing strategy I’ve seen in my 26 years in business.” - Bill Whaley, Owner, Print Shack, Inc.
“It works! 25 new patients since Friday... ... Shew!” - Dawn W., Laurel Dental Contact FREE Info Info Contact us us for for aa FREE Package which includes samples. Package which includes samples.
302.629.4430 302.629.4430 info@printshackde.com info@printshackde.com
Dinner Is Served personal Chef Service By Betty Burleigh Owner & Personal Chef
A personal chef service like Dinner is Served provides you with great tasting, healthy, affordable meals in the comfort of your own home without the daily grind of shopping and cooking. It gives you the convenience of meal preparation in your home and includes: Customized Menu: Your personal chef takes the time to learn your needs and preferences. This information is used to create delicious meals personalized to your individual tastes. Grocery Shopping: Your personal chef does the shopping for you. The freshest and finest ingredients are bought just before coming to your home and preparing your meals.
Personal Chef Service Affordable, customized meals designed just for you, Chef Betty does the shopping, prepares and cooks the meals in your kitchen, packages them in disposable containers that can be reheated in your microwave or oven and stores them in your freezer, and cleans up!
In-Home Meal Preparation: Your personal chef comes to your home with everything needed and prepares multiple personalized meals in your kitchen. Storage and Cleanup: Your personal chef packages your meals in disposable containers that can be reheated in the microwave or oven, and stored in your refrigerator or freezer. Your kitchen is left sparkling clean and filled with aromas of freshly prepared foods. Enjoyment: Simply heat up one of your many prepared meals and enjoy the free time and the fruits of your personal chef’s labor. Visit www.dinnerisservedbb.com, email Chef Betty Burleigh at dinnerisservedbb@verizon.net or call 302-9479679.
All you have to do is take one out and reheat it! It’s what’s for Dinner! Chef Betty Burleigh
www.dinnerisservedbb.com
302-947-9679
Since 2000 dinnerisservedbb@verizon.net 21
Business Report | January 2015
PERSONNEL FILE Handy joins real estate firm
Allen Handy has joined the Sperry Van Ness-Miller team as an advisor. Handy will be working out of the satellite office in Seaford with SVN-Miller Senior Advisor Tom Knopp. Handy has experience developing properties in Delaware and will focus on land and commercial retail Handy properties in Sussex and Kent counties. “Allen’s experience in commercial real estate development, in addition to his experience owning Lo-Mar Office Products in Seaford for 27 years, will make him a valuable and welcome asset to the SVN-Miller team,” said Knopp.
Powers joins Active Adults Realty
Bryan Powers has joined Active Adults Realty in Lewes. Powers, a U.S. Air Force veteran, became interested in real estate started at an early age when he helped his mother study for the real estate exam. Before embarking on a career in real estate, Bryan held Powers many positions with 84 Lumber Company including a year in New Orleans to help rebuild the city following Hurricane Katrina. Bryan and his wife Christine have one son, two daughters and six grandchildren.
Titus named development director Cape Henlopen Educational Foundation (CHEF) has announced the appointment of Alyssa Titus as its new development director. Titus has been the owner of Azura Clothing in Rehoboth Beach since 2001 and
22
Titus
Business Report | January 2015
is active in local business and nonprofit initiatives. She was previously CEO and head designer of Aly-Wear Inc. in Ephrata, Pa. She is a past president and current board member of Rehoboth Beach Main Street. She is also involved with Meals on Wheels, the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society and The Historical Society Beach Ball. A graduate of Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science, Alyssa lives in Rehoboth Beach with her husband, Andy, and children Dru, Reagan and Milena.
Colburn promoted to manager
Scott Kammerer, CEO of SoDel Concepts has announced the promotion of Shannon Colburn to general manager of Bluecoast Seafood Grill in Bethany Beach, one of the company’s eight restaurants along the Delaware coast. Colburn was 19 when founder Matt Colburn Haley hired her to work at the restaurant in 2001. In addition to working with Haley, Colburn also traveled with him on numerous philanthropic missions to Nepal and to Nicaragua. Colburn has worked at nearly all eight SoDel restaurants.
Conlon joins eXp Realty
Nycole Conlon has joined eXp Realty of Delaware, which has an office in Seaford. Conlon attended Wilmington University, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2010 and master of education in 2011. She lives in Smyrna and works throughout Conlon the state.
Trinity announces promotions
Trinity Logistics has announced leadership changes. Rich Clair of Bethany Beach has been hired as the new chief operating officer. Sarah Ruffcorn of Seaford has been promoted to senior vice president of strategic development in the corporate office. Mark O’Day of Seaford has been promoted to vice president of operations of the Delaware Regional Service Center. Brandy McMullen of Bethel has been promoted to vice president of administrative services.
Smith-Moore joins board
Dr. Donna Smith-Moore has joined the KSI board of directors. A Bridgeville resident, she has supported various KSI activities for many years. Dr. Smith-Moore earned her Doctor of Education in innovation and leadership with a concentration in higher education from Smith-Moore Wilmington University in 2013. She has a master’s in education leadership from the University of Delaware and a bachelor’s in business management from Wilmington University. She works for Wilmington University, Georgetown at Delaware Tech’s Owens Campus as an undergraduate academic advisor and adjunct graduate faculty member.
Plemmons joins NAI Emory Hill
Tim Plemmons has joined NAI Emory Hill as a commercial real estate associate. Plemmons has 10 years of land use planning and development experience in Delaware and Southeastern Pennsylvania in addition to a background in construction. In this position, he will focus on commercial real estate sales Plemmons and leasing to clients in the tri-state area and he will represent all property types including office, retail, industrial and flex commercial space.
NEW BOARD - Members of the Sussex County Association of Realtors (SCAOR) recently announced their new board of directors for 2015. The incoming directors were named during the organization’s annual banquet on Friday, Dec. 5, at the Sussex Pines Country Club in Georgetown. The board includes: president – Fred Dean, Remax Associates, Lewes; president-elect – Debbie Brittingham, Southern Delaware Realty, Laurel; 1st vice president – Tim Riale, Riale Realty, Harbeson; 2nd vice president – Chris Lind, Indian River Land Co., Millsboro; treasurer – Susan Giove, Mann & Sons, Rehoboth Beach; past president – Brad Riedle, Coldwell Banker Resort Realty, Rehoboth Beach; director – Bill Lucks, Sperry Van Ness, Rehoboth Beach; director – Bill Ferreri, Bay Coast Realty, Rehoboth Beach; director – Andrew Ratner, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Rehoboth Beach; director – Graves Carey, Carey Realty Group, Lewes; director – Bill Davis, Remax Associates, Lewes; director – Nora Martin, Remax Realty, Rehoboth Beach. Pictured, members of SCAOR’s 2015 leadership team are led in the oath of office by incoming President Fred Dean, center.
Plemmons graduated from the University of Virginia with a master’s degree in urban planning and from North Carolina State University with a bachelor of science in natural resource management.
Burkle promoted to corporate chef
Scott Kammerer, president and CEO of SoDel Concepts, announces the promotion of Ronnie Burkle to corporate chef. Burkle, who grew up outside Philadelphia, got into cooking at an early age. At 14, he got a job at the Cottage Café in Bethany Beach, which led to a series of restaurant positions in Bethany and Rehoboth as well as jobs in the Philadelphia area. Burkle studied at the Art Institute of Philadelphia and then moved to the beach full-time. His career with SoDel Concepts began as a sous chef at Catch 54 in Fenwick Island. Before his promotion, Burkle was chef at NorthEast Seafood Kitchen. As corporate chef, Burkle is now in charge of the kitchens at Catch 54, Papa Grande’s Costal Taqueria – both in Fenwick Island – Matt’s Fish Camp in Bethany Beach, NorthEast Seafood Kitchen and Big Thunder Roadside Kitchen. Burkle lives in Millville with his wife and two sons.
CULINARY CLASS GRADUATES - Six members of The Culinary School at the Food Bank of Delaware celebrated their achievements during a graduation ceremony recently at the Food Bank’s Milford branch. Guest speaker was Chef Hari Cameron, chef/owner of a(MUSE.) restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, who spoke about his road to success. Under the instruction of Food Bank of Delaware Chef Instructor Tim Hunter, the students spent 14 weeks developing their skills and passion for the culinary arts. In addition to learning hands-on skills in the food bank’s industrial-sized kitchen, the students also participated in a two-week internship, paid for by the Food Bank of Delaware. Students are referred to the program through the Criminal Justice Council, Delaware Department of Labor, Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and other community-based organizations. Pictured, back row, from left: Mark Heverin, Jr., John Messick, Ross Lancaster, Chef Instructor Tim Hunter. Front row: Tierra Butler, Paula Exantus, Eric Korona. Photo by Gwen Guerke 23
Business Report | January 2015
Bakery gets boost from Project Pop-Up towns like Milford serve as the backbone Something tasty recently popped up in of our state, and we need vibrant businesses downtown Milford. like Patty Cakes to breathe new life into Patty Cakes, owned by Latricia Vicks, their main streets,” said Alan Levin, Director offers one-of-a-kind custom wedding cakes of the Delaware Economic Development and cakes for other events; as well as an Office. “Every large, successful business assortment of sweets baked on premises, started somewhere, and we aim to nurture from scratch, including cookies, cupcakes, small businesses to put them on that path to brownies, cake truffles and other dessert prosperity. It appears that Ms. Vicks is well items. The business is the second Milfordon her way.” based Project Pop-Up participant – followVicks said she discovered Project Pop-Up ing Delaware Branding Company at 19 NW at the perfect time, just as she was looking to Front Street – to celebrate a grand opening move her showroom from Dover to a larger this year. location. Project Pop-Up, a “It has been absolutejoint effort between the Last year, Milford’s Project Pop- ly amazing. The property Delaware Economic has been a perfect fit for Development Office Up participant, Milford Maswhat we wanted to do. and Downtown sage, Wellness and Yoga, saw It’s a beautiful space,” Delaware, provides three months of rentbusiness quadruple just months Vicks said. “The partnership with DEDO has free commercial space after opening, necessitating a been wonderful. They’ve during the holiday season along with the move to a larger facility, where set me up with a number of networking opportuniassistance of a business owner Paige Deiner now offers ties. It’s given us a lot advisor to help launch of exposure and press, and grow the busimassage, Reiki, yoga and selfwhich has been phenomness. The program has enal. We have this anticigrown from three parpation of us opening the shop, and I hope we ticipating businesses in 2012 to 15 this year, can live up to it.” including nine businesses in an incubator in Diane Laird, State Coordinator of Wilmington. Downtown Delaware, said Vicks’ business “We are proud to once again partner with and its line of sweets should do especially the City of Milford to bring another promiswell in the heart of Milford. ing business to the downtown area. Historic
“Latricia’s product is so unique that people will travel for it. It is these kinds of destination businesses that enlarge the customer base of our small towns,” Laird said. “They bring in people from the broader region which, in turn, increases foot traffic and helps all the businesses downtown.” Last year, Milford’s Project Pop-Up participant, Milford Massage, Wellness and Yoga, saw business quadruple just months after opening, necessitating a move to a larger facility, where owner Paige Deiner now offers massage, Reiki, yoga and selfdevelopment classes. The openings of Patty Cakes and Delaware Branding Company back an artsrelated retail strategy in Milford that includes culinary arts, art galleries, and performing arts. “From our very first meeting, we knew Patty Cakes and its talented business owner Latricia Vicks was a viable Project Pop-Up candidate,” said Ken Anderson Director, Entrepreneurial and Small Business Support for the Delaware Economic Development Office. “As we continued to vet her business model, review her unique and eloquently designed products, and gaged her long-term commitment to her business, we knew she would be a great addition to all the exciting entrepreneurial activity in the town of Milford. Patty Cakes will be very successful.”
excursions, and practical activities aimed at equipping participants with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to work as local tour guides. One such test excursion was led by renowned Delaware historian Russ McCabe. “Southern Delaware Tourism is thrilled to partner with Delaware Tech’s Workforce Development and Community Education Program to create this certification course,” says Scott Thomas, Executive Director of Southern Delaware Tourism. “This training will bolster mobile tours of Sussex County and expand the tourism product-mix for visitors and residents. In addition, this will lead to more job creation and interest among tour operators, hotels and local attractions.” “As the growth of tourism in Delaware rapidly increases,” Aronson added, “so will the need for qualified, certified tour guides,
and we’re ready at Delaware Tech to meet that need.” The next class session begins on Monday, March 9, 2015 and will run for six weeks through April 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. on Mondays. No class will be held on April 6. Two Saturday sessions will be held on March 28 from 9 a.m. until noon and on April 18th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information, contact Kristen Bacon at 302-2596364. Earning certificates this month were Marilyn Barksdale, Jody Dengler, and Gabriele Fisher of Rehoboth, Nancy Burkett of Milford, Hildegard Reiger and Gwen Thompson of Greenwood, Barbara Campbell of Ocean View, Kathleen Porter of Delmar, Kay Powell of Lewes, and Donna Zetts of Milton.
Program certifies participants as tour guides The inaugural Tour Guide Certificate Training Course, a collaboration between Delaware Technical and Community College’s Workforce Development and Community Education Program and Southern Delaware Tourism, wrapped up earlier this month, graduating 10 certified tour guides. This training course is intended to create a pool of accredited local tour guides to assist in showcasing Sussex County attractions to both visitors and residents. “This is such a unique opportunity,” said course instructor, Bonnie Aronson. “Students receive training on how to be a tour guide and then actually coordinate and guide their own tour. I’m so excited for the students that are already receiving requests to guide tours as a result of completing this class.” The Tour Guide Certificate Course consists of a combination of lectures, field 24
Business Report | January 2015
Beebe physician assistant works at Indian clinic Claudia Halstead, physician assistant for Sussex Emergency Associates in the Emergency Department with Beebe Healthcare, recently traveled to India where she was part of a medical team that worked at three rural clinics. “All the kids were happy and clean,” Halstead said. “The children were so wellbehaved. They had beautiful teeth, no lice, and no runny noses.” When Halstead asked how the children had such beautiful teeth, she was told it is because they don’t have access to sugar. Their diets consist of rice, potatoes, spinach, eggs, red peppers and Tandoori bread. At the clinics, Halstead saw all women. Most of them had minor complaints. Many asked questions about female issues, a topic they would never consider discussing with a male doctor, Halstead said. There was no chronic pain, no depression, and no ADHD. The people were shy, but respectful. Many of them had very limited contact with white people so they were very interested in the American team. “There’s no HIPAA there, so we did our exams behind pulled sheets,” Halstead said. “They were so interested in seeing me. In many cases, I talked to each patient for a
Physician’s assistant Claudia Halstead, left, speaks with women at a rural clinic in India.
long time before they would open up about their concerns.” The medical team saw about 250 people a day at each of the clinics they visited. The
team worked with interpreters and an Indian doctor. The rest of the people on the trip worked to rehabilitate an old church.
Expo offers honeymoon prize
Brides-to-be planning to attend The Special Moment event on Sunday, Feb. 22, at the Modern Maturity Center in Dover will have a chance to win a $2,400 honeymoon vacation package in Cozumel, Mexico, courtesy of Jet Set Travel, Dover, one of the event sponsors. The brides will have an increased opportunity to win the package if they particpate in the Honeymoon Hunt. Exhibitors will offer answers to clues for brides who stop by those exhibitors’ businesses or visit their websites prior to the expo. “Brides-to-be who participate in the hunt can increase their chance of winning the honeymoon package,” said Charles Gray, director of sales at Kent County Tourism and organizer of The Special Moment. The Special Moment, previously known as Capital Region Bridal Showcase, has been expanded to include everything formal and celebration event related. Vendors and exhibitors are still being sought for the event. For more information, visit www.thespecialmoment.com.
CHEF DONATION - The Lupo di Mare Women & Wine dinner in November raised $750 for the Cape Henlopen Education Foundation (CHEF), which develops resources and increases community awareness for the Cape Henlopen School District. Each month, the dinner at the Rehoboth Beach restaurant benefits a different charity. The donation was distributed through Global Fund Delaware and the check was presented to CHEF at Rehoboth Beach Elementary School. Pictured, from left, back row: Alexis Schreiber, general manager, Lupo di Mare; Lindsey Barry, controller, SoDel Concepts; Jason Blanshine, a teacher at Rehoboth Beach Elementary School Teacher; Alyssa Titus, development director, CHEF; Donald Ott, a teacher at Rehoboth Elementary School. Middle row: Remi Anderson-Logan, Avery Silicato, Ella Rishko, Dru Buehler, Swain Lee, Ty Hudson. Front row: Lulu Rishko, Reagan Buehler, Lexi Silicato, Milena Buehler. 25
Business Report | January 2015
Cape May-Lewes Ferry to get nearly $1 million upgrade to reduce pollution
FOUNDATION RECEIVES DONATION - The Global Delaware Fund has donated $5,000 to the Harry K. Foundation to help feed area children. Founded by Harry Keswani, the Harry K. Foundation is dedicated to helping Southern Delaware children who’re facing “food insecurity,” a USDA term that addresses not only hunger and interrupted eating patterns, but also the reduction in food quality and variety in certain areas. All of Sussex County’s school districts have a large population of low-income and poor children, and to date, the Harry K. Foundation has established food pantries in eight local schools. Pictured from left: Scott Kammerer, co-founder of the Global Delaware Fund and president and CEO of the Matt Haley Companies and SoDel Concepts; Lindsey Jacona, controller of the Matt Haley Companies; Harry Keswani, founder of the Harry K. Foundation; Tim Buckmaster, spokesperson and outreach administrator for the Harry K. Foundation. Photo by Pamela Aquilini
U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del) joined officials from the U.S Environmental Protection Agency recently to announce a $975,000 Diesel Emission Reduction Act grant to the Delaware River and Bay Authority that will help bring clean air technology to the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and reduce toxic air emissions. Carper has been a champion for clean air and was co-author of the Diesel Emission Reduction Act, which the president signed into law in 2011. The grant will support repowering the propulsion engines in the ferry boat M/V Delaware with EPA certified engines that are anticipated to annually reduce fuel use by 39,600 gallons and reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 443 tons. In addition, the upgrade will reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 39.7 tons and particulate matter (PM) emissions by nearly half a ton. The year-round Cape May-Lewes Ferry service is a critical part of the Mid-Atlantic regional transportation infrastructure, carrying about 800,000 passengers and 300,000 vehicles annually on a 14-mile route between Lewes, Del. and Cape May, N.J.
Marker recognizes fundraising efforts ot Beebe Medical Foundation
SCFCUF MAKES DONATION - The Sussex County Federal Credit Union Foundation (SCFCUF) made a $1,000 donation to the Nanticoke Pediatric Foundation recently. The donation will be used towards a new piece of equipment that will better assist in providing excellent care to newborns. Pictured from left: Renee’ Morris, NHS Foundation executive director; Heather Haddock, NMH clinical educator; Lori Lee, NMH assistant VP; Penny Short, chief operating & nursing officer; Sharee Coleman, SCFCU VP of marketing; Steve Rose, NHS president & CEO; Pam Fleuette, SCFCU CEO; Deb Jewel, SCFCU business development manager; Ashley Tyre, SCFCU director of human resources and Wayne Oberrmire, SCFCU board member. 26
Business Report | January 2015
The Beebe Medical Foundation hosted state and local officials, volunteers and community members on Wednesday, Nov. 19 for the unveiling of an official state historical marker in Lewes recognizing the Foundation for the work that it does in raising money to support healthcare services in the community. Delaware’s Speaker of the House Pete Schwartkopf, state Rep. Steve Smyk and state Sen. Ernesto Lopez paid for the marker in honor of the volunteers and staff of Beebe Medical Foundation. Beebe Medical Foundation, since it was established in 1989, has raised more than $45 million that has helped pay for several major construction projects and many medical advances. The ceremony took place on the grounds of the Foundation’s headquarters, which are housed in the 1940’s-era home of one of Beebe’s two co-founding brothers, Dr. Richard Beebe. Special guests attending the ceremony included Dr. Richard Beebe’s daughter Anna Beebe-Moore, her son Alex Moore, his son Chase Moore and their cousin Michael Gilmore.
H ave You B een D en ied SocialSecu rity or Veteran s’D isability B en efts efi ?
W e C an H elp!
L aw O ffices ofK aren Y.V ick s,L L C 500 W .Loock erm an Street,Su ite #102
D O V E R 674-1100 Toll Free
888-598-8890
e-m ail:k vick s@ vick slaw .com
FOCUSED advertising Mon.-Sat. 9 am - 9 pm • Sunday 10 am - 6 pm
The Business Report is delivered to nearly every chamber member in Kent &
Middletown Crossing Rehoboth, DE Milford, DE Smyrna, DE
302-376-1616 302-226-2300 302-424-8373 302-653-1515
Seaford, DE
Or Any of Our 27 Locations! www.concordpetfoods.com
JANUARY 2015 CALENDAR
Sussex Counties. What better way to get
Jan. 7 - 1st Wednesday - Chamber Economic Council Meeting - 12-1 PM; Georgetown Wesleyan Church Georgetown. Special Guest: Dr. Ileana SmithVP & Owens Campus Director at Delaware Technical College. Lunch is served. All are welcome! Call 856-1544 for info.
your message across?
Call 302-629-9788
Jan. 7 - 1st Wednesday - Chamber Board of Directors Meeting - 4 PM; NEW CHAMBER OFFICE - 827 East Market St., Georgetown. Call 856-1544 for more info.
sales@mspublications for more information
302-628-1001
Seaford Commons Shopping Center
Jan. 14 - 2nd Wednesday - Chamber Breakfast Meeting - 7:45-8:45 AM - DEL TECH - Student Services Center; $9 per person. RSVP by Tues., Jan. 13, by calling 302-856-1544. 4. Guest Presenter: TBA; Stay afterwards for Del Tech’s 1 Million Cups presentation from 9-10 AM Jan. 21 - 3rd Wednesday - Chamber Mixer - 4:30-6:30 PM; Host: Smith, McCartney & Owens, 406 So. Bedford Street, Suite 1, Georgetown. Visit this Georgetown law firm, and as always, this is an opportunity to network and mix & mingle with fellow Business leaders - ‘after hours.’ Jan. 28 - 4th Wednesday - Chamber Luncheon - 12 Noon -1 PM; at CHEER Center, Sand Hill Road in Georgetown; Guest Presenter: TBA. Cost is $10 per person. RSVP by Tuesday, Jan. 27, by calling 856-1544 or email karen@georgetowncoc.com.
Call Us If You Want to Grow Your Business
302-856-1544
302-856-1577 Fax
827 East Market St., P.O. Box 1, Georgetown, DE 19947
info@georgetowncoc.com www.georgetowncoc.com
27
Business Report | January 2015
Marketing Minutes: Four Steps to Achieve Online Marketing Success in the new year By Patricia Rivera If you have not yet developed an online marketing strategy, it’s not too late to kick off the new year with a rock-solid plan that reels in success. If you’re starting the new year without a clear idea of how you’ll attract and retain clients online, you may be setting yourself up for failure. You know what they say: If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Whether you’re running a nonprofit or a professional firm, a plan to make the most of your online marketing programs is the clearest path to success. The process starts with the four following steps. Step 1: Choose to engage in conversation with your clients and prospects One of the most cost-effective ways to grow is to leverage technology and social media platforms to engage in conversation. Hence this approach is called engagement marketing. You are essentially focused on giving your ideal clients a reason to stay connected and maintain a relationship with you. We’ll focus on the how shortly. Why try engagement marketing? It’s simple: so you can drive more new leads, repeat sales and online referrals. Content feeds and nurtures all stages of the sales or donation cycle and can inspire leads throughout the process. Engagement marketing allows you to use your knowledge and expertise to support your goals. Essentially, you’re delivering informative and educational content via email, web, social, mobile and print. Before you know it, you have an integrated plan that builds trust, loyalty and an engaging conversation across multiple platforms and channels. Step 2: Think like an inquisitive journalist to get the results of a marketing guru This is the part where we would need to start talking about developing a content strategy. But that sounds a little too convoluted. Let’s instead focus on 28
Business Report | January 2015
answering some basic questions: Why? Who? What? When? Where? Ann Handley, the chief content officer of MarketingProfs and author of “Content Rules,” notes that like good journalism, a content strategy focuses on these fundamental five Ws: 1. Why are you creating the content you’re creating? (What are your goals?) 2. Who is your audience? And who are you? 3. What do you want the content to achieve? 4. When and how are you going to develop the content? 5. Where are you going to publish? Your content should, first and foremost, support your organizational goals and address the needs of your ideal clients, donors or prospects. The frequency of your initiatives depends on your time and resources. But at the very least, you should consider updating your website or blog once a week, sharing on social media three or four times a week, and sending newsletters once a month. As resources permit, also consider creating short videos — nothing fancy, but definitely something interesting. Step 3: Repurpose, recycle and reuse to guide prospects through the sales funnel Say you decide to start publishing weekly blogs with the goal of attracting new clients. You’ll incorporate in your blog certain search engine optimization (SEO) terms to make it easier for the people looking for your service to find you. Perhaps one of the blogs could be used as an expert column or press release for the local papers. Naturally, you’ll also want to share the content on select social media platforms. Then you can send a few blog excerpts to your loyal customers or supporters through an email marketing campaign. To be sure, email marketing is one of the most powerful marketing tools available for developing customer and client relationships.
As your repurpose the content, experts at HubSpot suggest that you also keep in mind the “buyer’s journey,” the process a potential buyer goes through leading up to a purchase. The journey involves awareness, consideration and decision. HubSpot argues that people in each stage consume content differently. In the awareness stage, consumers want bite-sized content because they’re still learning about a topic and solution. Once they reach the decision stage, you can start providing more persuasive content about your service with a clear call to action. Nonprofits need to repurpose content for a variety of stakeholders, including prospects, clients, occasional donors or staunch supporters. Step 4: Make the most of your investment by implementing trackable metrics Engagement marketing allows you to use your knowledge and expertise to support your goals. To make sure that you’re reaching them, determine in advance what metrics you will track. If your results aren’t as strong as you’d like, look for ways to improve your content. See what type of content gets the most positive response Once you start publishing e-newsletters, blogs and social media posts, you’ll have hooked an audience, even if it’s small at first. You want to grow that audience by encouraging others to sign up for your emails at your establishment, website, events and even from your email signature line. Make sure to also include your social media links in everything that includes your company name. By implementing strategic content marketing campaigns, your organization can excel in 2015. Patricia V. Rivera is owner of Hook PR Group and an authorized Local Expert for Constant Contact. She helps organizations develop cost-effective content marketing plans. Learn more at hookpr.com/packages.
I have the ability to be more...
Vol. 18 no. 4
...when I have ability to work!
Publisher
Mike McClure
Vincent Catalfamo works hard every day doing food preparation and cooking for Touch of Italy. His contribution helps the restaurant shine for its customers, and Vince learns more every day he works. KSI Supported Employment is there to help Vince stay successful in that job, assisting both he and his employer with updated training, skill development and relationship building throughout the course of Vince’s employment. That way, Vince gets to show his best abilities behind his disability. And touch of Italy gets a great employee with dedication to his job.
Carol Wright Richardson
Embrace Abiliities in your workplace. KSI can help. Call 302-422-4014 to learn how.
Tina Reaser
Like us on Facebook. www.facebook.com/KSIworks
Treasurer
COMPOsiTiON
Elaine Schneider Karen Cherrix VP OF MarKeTiNG
Chris Redman
Kent-Sussex Industries, Inc.
sales
Risk Control
Captives
Rick Cullen Greg English
Workers Compensation
C O N Ta C T
Morning Star Publications 302-629-9788 951 Norman Eskridge Hwy. Seaford, DE 19973
msbusinessreport.com
businessreport@mspublications.com sales@mspublications.com
Focusing on the ambition and innovation that make Delaware businesses unique
please recycle this magazine
lyonsinsurance.com Wilmington 302.658.5508
Rehoboth 302.227.7100
29
Business Report | January 2015
BUSINESS DIRECTORY ACCOUNTING Horty & Horty, P.A. Doug Phillips, CPA, Cr.FA 302-730-4560 cpainfo@horty.com 3702 N. DuPont Hwy. Dover, DE 19901 ADVERTISING Morning Star Business Report Mike McClure 302-629-9788 302-629-9243 fax www.msbusinessreport.com sales@mspublications.com 951 Norman Eskridge Hwy. P.O. Box 1000 Seaford, DE 19973 BUSINESS ORGANIZATION Better Business Bureau of Delaware Christine Sauers 302-221-5255 302-221-5265 fax www.delaware.bbb.org info@delaware.bbb.org 60 Reads Way New Castle, DE 19720 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce Kristie Maravalli 302-539-2100 302-539-9434 fax www.bethany-fenwick.org info@bethany-fenwick.org 36913 Coastal Highway Fenwick Island, DE 19944 Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce Judy Diogo 302-734-7513 302-678-0189 fax www.cdcc.net jdiogo@cdcc.net 435 N. DuPont Hwy. Dover, DE 19901 30
Business Report | January 2015
Georgetown Chamber of Commerce Karen Duffield 302-856-1544 302-856-1577 fax www.georgetowncoc.com info@georgetowncoc.com 229 E. Market St., PO Box 1 Georgetown, DE 19947 Lewes Chamber of Commerce Betsy Reamer 302-645-8073 Toll Free 877-465-3937 302-645-8412 fax www.leweschamber.com inquiry@leweschamber.com 120 Kings Hwy., P.O. Box 1 Lewes, DE 19958 Greater Millsboro Chamber of Commerce Amy Simmons 302-934-6777 302-934-6065 fax www.millsborochamber.com info@millsborochamber.com P.O. Box 187 Millsboro, DE 19966 Milton Chamber of Commerce Lisa Sumstine 302-684-1101 www.historicmilton.com chamber@historicmilton.com 707 Chestnut St., P.O. Box 61 Milton, DE 19968 Rehoboth Beach - Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center Carol Everhart 302-227-6446 302-227-2233 ext. 13 302-227-8351 fax www.beach-fun.com carol@beach-fun.com 501 Rehoboth Ave. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Greater Seaford Chamber of Commerce Lynn Brocato 302-629-9690 302-629-0281 fax www.seafordchamber.com admin@seafordchamber.com 304 A High St. Seaford, DE 19973 EDUCATION Delaware Technical Community College Corporate and Community Programs Christopher M. Moody, Director (302) 259-6330 302-259-6759 fax www.dtcc.edu/owens/ccp cmoody@dtcc.edu Jason Technology Center 21179 College Drive Georgetown, DE 19947 University of Delaware Professional & Continuing Studies Tara Kee 866-820-0238 302-831-3292 fax www.pcs.udel.edu continuing-ed@udel.edu ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING Envirotech Environmental Consulting, Inc. Todd Fritchman 302-684-5201 302-684-5204 fax www.envirotechecinc.com info@envirotechecinc.com 26412 Broadkill Road Milton, DE 19968 FINANCIAL Bank of Delmarva Scott Rukowicz 302-875-5901 302-875-1766 fax www.bankofdelmarva.com
srukowicz@bankofdelmarva.com 200 East Market St. Laurel, DE 19956 County Bank 7 Sussex County Locations 302-226-9800 302-226-3182 fax www.CountyBankDel.com 19927 Shuttle Rd. (Main Office) Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 Del One Federal Credit Union 9 Statewide Locations Amy Resh 302-672-1492 302-739-1790 fax www.Del-One.org amy.resh@del-one.org 270 Beiser Blvd. Dover, DE 19904 Delaware State Police Federal Credit Union Stephen Cimo 302-856-3501 ext. 120 302-856-2539 fax www.dspfcu.com scimo@dspfcu.com P.O. Box 800 Georgetown, DE 19947 Sussex County Federal Credit Union Debbie Jewell 302-629-0100 302-629-0966 fax www.sussexcfcu.com djewell@sussexcfcu.com 1941 Bridgeville Hwy. Seaford, DE 19973 FUNERAL SERVICES Watson Yates Funeral Home Gary Yates 302-629-8561 302-629-7961 fax Front & King St. Seaford, DE 19973
GRAPHIC/WEBSITE DESIGN Dean Design Marketing Group Jane E. Dean 302-674-5007 302-229-3633 717-898-9570 fax www.deandesign.com thestudio@deandesign.com 13 Water St. Lincoln, DE 19960
dflood@averyhall.com
Health Bayhealth Kent General Milford Memorial Pam Marecki 302-744-7013 302-735-3227 fax www.bayhealth.org pam_marecki@bayhealth.org 640 S. State St. Dover, DE 19901
Suite 208
Beebe Medical Center Kelly Griffin 302-645-3220 302-644-9032 fax www.beebemed.org kgriffin@bbmc.org 424 Savannah Rd. Lewes, DE 19958 Nanticoke Health Services Sharon Harrington 302-629-6611 302-629-3211 fax www.nanticoke.org harringtons@nanticoke.org 801 Middleford Rd. Seaford, DE 19973 INSURANCE Farnell & Gast Insurance Joe Gast, CPCU 302-629-4514 302-536-6257 fax www.averyhall.com jgast@averyhall.com
500 W. Stein Highway Seaford, DE 19973 IFS Benefits
Patrick Fitzgerald Ryan Dunn
Bob Sonchen
302-645-2356
302-645-5723 fax
www.ifs-benefits.com
17527 Nassau Commons Blvd Lewes DE 19958 Lyons Companies David F. Lyons, Sr. David F. Lyons, Jr. Lew Harrington 302-227-7100
www.lyonsinsurance.com
info@lyonsinsurance.com
19643 Blue Bird Lane, Unit 8 Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
INTERNET SERVICE & WEB PAGE DESIGN Delmarva Digital Tim Smith 302-875-7700 302-875-8288 fax www.ddmg.net ddmg.netsales@ddmg.net 220 Laureltowne Laurel, DE 19956 INVESTIGATIVE & COLLECTION SERVICES Mohr Investigative Services, Inc. James W. Mohrmann 866-370-1004 www.mohrinvestigations.com jmohrmann@mohrinvestigations.com 9 East Loockerman Street, Suite 201 Dover, DE 19901
JEWELERS Holland Jewelers 302-947-1200 20750 John J. Williams Hwy. Peddlers Village Lewes, DE 19958 www.hollandjewelersinc@ yahoo.com
Print Shack Inc. 302-629-4430 302-629-4056 fax www.printshackde.com 9203 Brickyard Road Seafod, DE 19973
REAL ESTATE Callaway, Farnell and Moore, Inc. 302-629-4514 302-628-8500 800-966-4514 www.cfmnet.com admin@cfmnet.com 500 W. Stein Hwy. 22128 Sussex Hwy. Seaford, DE 19973
LEGAL Sergovic, Carmean & Weidman, P.A Attorneys At Law John A. Sergovic, Jr. Shannon D. Carmean Leslie Case DiPietro 302-855-1260 302-855-1270 fax www.scdelaw.com 142 E. Market St. PO Box 751 Georgetown, DE 19947
Coldwell Banker Resort Realty Skip Faust 302-227-5000 office 302-745-8764 cell 302-227-3804 fax www.skipfaust.com skipfaust@hotmail.com 20184 Coastal Hwy. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Law Offices of Karen Y. Vicks, LLC 302-674-1100 888-598-8890 kvicks@vickslaw.com 500 W. Loockerman St. Suite 102 Dover, DE 19904 PORTRAITS Portraits In The Sand Dave Koster 302-226-9226 302-226-8424 fax www.portraitsinthesand.com businessreport@portraitsinthesand.com 110 White Oak Rd. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 PRINTING & PROMOTIONS Delmarva Printing & Design Darrell Fearin 410-749-6700 dmvprinting.com dfearin@dmvprinting.com 31
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. Tracey Espada 302-227-2541 800-462-3224 302-227-8165 fax www.longandfosterde.com 37156 Rehoboth Ave. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
YOUR BUSINESS Include your business in this directory. Rates are low and the potential to reach thousands of business minded customers is great. Contact credman@mspublications. com Business Report | January 2015