Wf magazine january 2014 2

Wf

Creating jobs Benefit of Art in Delaware >P4 Education >P10

magazine

workforce DELAWARE

A Free Monthly Publication Presenting Multiple Voices in the Workforce

Published by The Elizabeth House Family Life Center, Inc.

The Creation of

Jobs+

>P6

Minimum age

to work in the state >P8

Work for Ex-Offenders Delaware seeks ways >P11

goodnews!

Goodwill of delaware and delaware County | winter 2013

&

SSd technology supporting

education the planet Mission

Moment Find out how your donations gave Arline Opportunity

in the news: Goodwill Awarded JP Morgan Chase Veterans Grant

www.goodwillDE.org

1

Wf

Editorial

magazine

workforce DELAWARE

A Free Monthly Publication Presenting Multiple Voices in the Workforce

Publisher The Elizabeth House Family Life Center, Inc. Editorial Staff Maurice L. Butler, President Mort Hochstein, Managing Editor Jessica Pogash, Feature Story Editor Partner Relations Advertising Maggie Jhons

Creative Director Jesus Tony Fernandez-Davila Graphic Designers David Burke, Rachel Coleman,

Photographers/Illustrators David Burke, Rachel Coleman, Elevin Photography,

Videographers John Fiske, Dick Lowry

Contributing Writers John Fiske, Andrew Freeman, Damon Gambuto, Mort Hochstein, Comments, Suggestions and Inquiries The Elizabeth House Family Life Center, Inc. Workforce Development Team 1500 East Newport Pike Suite 201 Wilmington, DE 19804 302-998-9200 info@workforcedelaware.org

Website:

www.workforcedelaware.org The Workforce Delaware Magazine is published by The Elizabeth House Family Life Center, Inc. as one of our Workforce Development Social Enterprises.

The Magazine welcomes feedback from readers, letters, e-mails and other correspondence.

Feedback received may be published in a future issue of the magazine.

The Elizabeth House Family Life Center, Inc. is a nonprofit 501C 3 Community Development Corporation.

Wanted:

Creative tools to stimulate job growth

Y

ou can start with pension reform and the mounting state deficit and work your way through medical marijuana, concealed carry, gambling and any number of other important topics. In such a climate, it can happen than even subjects as telling and as vital as the state’s 9.3 percent unemployment rate — one of the highest in the nation — and the weakened business climate can get lost in the shuffle.

As our economy continues to sputter, it shouldn’t be a surprise that recently reached out to try to lure Illinois businesses to their states. What can be done to fight off the poachers? Tax breaks are a traditional incentive, but the state also needs to put some creative new tools in its toolbox.

A bill in the General Assembly fits that description, creating a job-training program that would be tested at four community colleges, including College of Sussex County. The community colleges would custom design workforce training programs to benefit new or expanding companies. In exchange, those companies would have to create new jobs.

CLC and the three downstate schools would be able to borrow to create new job-training programs and recoup those costs through fees, including charges to the company that would benefit from the worker training.

Eligible businesses would include manufacturing, processing and product assembly, among others. They’d have to create new jobs, not positions for replacement workers or at companies that close in one area of the state and open elsewhere.

It’s a concept that looks beyond tax breaks to provide incentives that address real needs and issues facing a business. The bottom line could be a tangible and valuable benefit to businesses, communities and prospective employees.

The program mimics similar initiatives in Iowa, Missouri and Kansas.

Proponents point to successes at Dover Community College, which has funded 294 projects creating nearly 21,000 new jobs since 1983.

Maurice Butler President

Workforce Delaware | January 2014 | 3

table of contents Editorial:3 Opportunities: 6 - 7 - 10-11 Creating Jobs: 8 -12

DELAWARE

3

Works

18

Cover Story: 14 -15

16

Small Business:

Entrepreneurship: 18

Industry News: 20-21

JOBS &

26

Careers Job Search:22-23

24 - 25 Diversity Gender: 26 Creating Jobs:

4 | Workforce Delaware | January 2014

Wf

W

e need multiple voices from the community to share information, knowledge, stories and advice about Workforce trends, issues and opportunities happening in our State and Region.

Please join our list of business, nonprofit and faith leaders, human resource professionals, educators, researchers, economist and politicians as we all come together to promote the value of: • Work • Job Creation • Innovation and • Industry Growth in our communities, …while sharing opportunities with those who are unemployed, underemployed, changing careers or simply looking for a chance to work.

This magazine will also serve as a platform to inspire and promote the idea and value of: • Small Business Ownership • Entrepreneurship • Freelancing and • Contracting …as alternative and nontraditional pathways to employment and work.

magazine

workforce DELAWARE

Free Monthly Publication Serving Delaware and Delaware County

Writers Wanted

Call 302-998-9200 • Get Involved

in the e Voices Multipl enting ion Pres ly Publicat Month

rce Workfo

The tion of Crea

Jobs+

>P6

Inc. Center,

A Free

Life Family

Freelance Writer

orceE workfDELAWAR

House abeth The Eliz

Partner with our team today as a

Wf

of Art Benefit n >P10 ucatio g jobs Creatinaware >P4 Ed in Del

ine MAgAz

ed by Publish

• Health Care & Social Assistance • Home Health Care Services • Professional, Scientific and Technical Services • Finance and Insurance • Educational Services • Community Care Facilities for the Elderly • Pharmacies and Drug Stores • Computer Systems Design and Related Services • Software Publishers • Information Technology and Telecommunications • Plumbing, Heating and HVAC • Electrical Contractors • Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction • Residential Building Construction • Facilities Support Services • Energy/Environmental • Financial Services • Warehouse Clubs and Supercenters • Retail Trades • Specialized Freight Trucking

e um ag Minimin the state >P8

rs ffende r Ex-O >P11 Workarfo s ways e seek Delaw

to work

Workforce Delaware | January 2014 | 5

opportunities The good news is that the report recommendations will give us a better strategy without spending a dime of additional taxpayer money.

Creating jobs

in Delaware

by embracing Africa’s economic potential

C

By Senator Chris Coons

reating jobs in Delaware means making sure our local businesses can sell their goods and services to more customers – no matter where in the world they live. In today’s global economy, we can’t ignore the fact that 95 percent of the world’s consumers live beyond our borders. Many of them live in Africa, which is home to seven of the ten fastest growing economies in the world and is poised for an economic takeoff led by an exploding middle class. continued on page 7

6 | Workforce Delaware | January 2014

Opportunities...continued from page 6 When American businesses sell their products in Africa, they grow and create jobs in their offices, headquarters and factories here at home. Nearly 10 million American jobs are supported by exports – including well over 11,000 in Delaware – and every billion dollars of U.S. exports could create as many as 5,000 new jobs. So it is in our economic interest to dramatically scale up our economic engagement with Africa. If we don’t, our international competitors will – and in some cases, they already have. At a meeting about U.S. export opportunities, an African head of state told me that while they “would prefer to work with the United States, the Chinese are already here.”

We cannot allow our competitors in the global economy to lock American companies out of fast-growing African markets, which have as many as 900 million potential consumers. Large and small businesses in Delaware, from DuPont-Pioneer to Baltimore Air Coil, based in Milford,

are already selling their goods and services to African customers, but we have to do more to provide the tools and resources they need to succeed.

As chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, I recently released a report based on hearings

we can’t ignore the fact that 95 percent of the world’s consumers live beyond our borders.

Many of them live in Africa,

and research on Africa’s economic potential.

This report includes concrete recommendations for increasing U.S.-Africa investment and trade. Implementing these recommendations will strengthen our trade relationships, open new markets to American businesses, support domestic economic growth and job creation and ensure we do not continue to cede political and economic leadership on the continent to our global competitors.

We have to implement a smarter, more cohesive strategy for broad U.S. engagement with Africa in the public and the private sectors. This is a race for access to the fastest-growing markets anywhere in the world – and that’s a race I want the United States to win.

I have been encouraged in the last year to see a new policy from the Obama administration that includes ways to increase trade and improve economic engagement with Africa.

Workforce Delaware | January 2014 | 7

creating jobs

Minimum Age to Work in Delaware

F

By Jen Glantz

ederal child labor laws state that the minimum age to work is 14 (with some exceptions).

However, child labor laws in each state may also indicate the minimum age to work and which permits are needed. When there is a conflict between federal and state laws, the more restrictive law will apply.

Before children begin working jobs for kids it is important to review the rules and restrictions surrounding minor labor laws.

Here is an overview of the requirements for children to work in each state. For specific laws and rules in your state, visit the state labor website.

In addition, be sure to review if any of the laws in your state have recently changed.

State: Delaware

Child employment certificate needed to work: Required by Delaware state law for kids under age 18.

Where to obtain employment certificate needed to work: Employment certificates are provided by

the Labor Department or at your school. Ask about the employment certificates at your school’s office to find out how to get an employment certificate.

Age certificate needed to work: An age certificate is not required under Delaware state law.

State Labor Website: For more information on the minimum age to work in Delaware and how to obtain employment certificates visit the Delaware State Labor Website.

Additional State Laws: The minimum age to work does not include doorto-door sales, working in the agricultural field, and the child entertainment industry. All of those employment categories have different minimum age requirements. In addition, there are other child labor laws that limit the hours minors can work.

Requirements for other states: If you live in a different state, or plan to work in a different state, you can review the minimum age to work by state.

Jobs for Kids: Once you determine that you meet the minimum age to work in your state, you can begin to look for jobs for kids. Job ideas include a paper route, babysitting, working retail and more.

The minimum age to work does not include door-to-door sales, working in the agricultural f ield, and the child entertainment industry.

8 | Workforce Delaware | January 2014

A community of caring, caring for the community.

When so many in our community are in need, our $28.1 million in charity care becomes a lifeline. Caring for our neighbors is our priority and passion.

13SPONS60

www.christianacare.org

opportunities Delaware seeks ways to help

ex-offenders enter the workforce

H

akin Drake of Georgetown has been looking for a job since last month but he faces one big hurdle beyond those typical job seekers face in this tough job market. He’s an exoffenders.

After serving more than 13 years in prison for armed robbery and possession of a firearm, he walked out of Delaware’s state prison system last month with little guidance on how to navigate his job search, beyond a computer class he took while incarcerated, and limited state or county help once he was on the outside. continued on page 14

10 | Workforce Delaware | January 2014

opportunities Ex-offenders...continued from page 11 “I’m at rock bottom now,” said Indeed, efforts to reform Drake, 31. He said he’s open to any the prison system and keep extype of employment, everything offenderss from re-offending from fast food to chicken plants. can take years, if they work Bottom line, he added, he’ll work at all. And historically, such for anyone “that’s willing to hire efforts in Delaware have been failed to gain traction. me. I can do any job.”

The clock is ticking on Drake First State Takes and his chances of successfully Steps to Get integrating back into society because finding a good job quickly Ex-offenderss Back is his best bet to making it happen. on Track Based on the most recent federal The Department of data, the percentage of inmates Correction does offer inmates back behind bars within three the opportunity to get their years of release could be as high GEDs, or other adult-based as about 70 percent, and Delaware Tammy Robinson helps Leroy Wyatte as he looks for job leads on the Internet educations degrees, as well as corrections experts estimate the during an employment readiness session for residents of Gateway House in providing options for them to state’s numbers may be just as high. Wilmington. She started the program with a grant after she was forced to close work inside prison and out and her own agency. / The News Journal/WILLIAM BRETZGER To reduce the likelihood that via work release facilities, said they’ll return to jail, ex-offenders John Painter, spokesman for need to land good jobs within two months of their release, said Nancy the DOC. “We’re doing a better job of putting things in place now,” he La Vigne, director of the Justice Policy Center at The Urban Institute in stressed. Visher thinks a lot of progress is being made, especially recently Washington, DC. with the Justice Reinvestment Initiative, and a homegrown state program

Delaware Lacks Data to Monitor Success of Reentry Programs

Delaware government officials know how critical helping exinmates before and immediately after they come out can be in order to find work, and a few new initiatives have been implemented in the last year or so to help them, in large part spearheaded by Gov. Jack Markell.

But the state, not unlike other states across the nation, lacks a clear track record when it comes to programs to help ex-offenders after their release, and Delaware government and corrections officials don’t even have the hard statistics they need to monitor if these programs work at all.

The recidivism rate, which basically tracks re-offenders, hasn’t been calculated in Delaware for years. And that means not even the Delaware Department of Correction (DOC) knows how many of their former inmates are returning to prison.

Drewry Fennell, executive director of Delaware’s Criminal Justice Council, said the state hopes to have more prison data available soon as part of a larger effort to examine Delaware’s criminal justice system. Delaware was chosen to be one of a handful of states to get federal help analyzing data and adopting new programs under the U.S. Justice Department’s Justice Reinvestment Initiative. In July, Gov. Markell signed an executive order to form a task force to oversee the process.

“By the end of January, we’ll have a better handle on who’s in our facilities and why,” Fennell maintained. “We have to build a firm foundation of knowledge for people to assess what they’re doing. It’s not a cake you bake in an hour.”

to reduce recidivism created in 2009 called The Individual Assessment, Discharge and Planning Team, or I-ADAPT. I-ADAPT essentially broke down the walls between five government agencies – the Department of Correction, the Delaware State Housing Authority, the Department of Labor, the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Social Services and the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families – allowing them to combine their efforts to help inmates assimilate back into society by addressing a host of issues they’ll face, including finding employment.

Robert Strong, deputy assistant to Delaware’s Labor Secretary John McMahon, said the program is structured around managing the ex-offenders six months before they’re released.

Workforce Delaware | January 2014 | 11

workforcebriefly Delaware’s auto industry reborn Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 Rumors of the demise of Delaware’s auto industry have been greatly exaggerated, claims Vice-President Joe Biden.

“The doubters were wrong about our ability to manufacture,” Biden told an enraptured crowd Tuesday at the former General Motors assembly plant near Newport. About four months after GM closed the Boxwood Road facility, the dormant building was once again full of noise — and auto workers –as Fisker Automotive announced it will renovate the plant to produce plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. “This factory in Delaware and the industry are going to get back up off the mat,” Biden said. “And, folks, in so doing we’re going to help some of the best workers in the world reclaim their jobs. And America’s auto industry is going to reclaim its world leadership.”

“This is our sunny day,” yelled Sen. Tom Carper. “Welcome to Delaware,” said Markell to Fisker Automotive executives.

And Sen. Ted Kaufman said it’s all about “jobs, jobs, jobs.” The plant will support Fisker Automotive’s Project NINA, the development and manufacturing of a plug-in hybrid sedan costing just under $40,000.

State Said to Be Reviewing Pay for Fast-Food Workers The New York State attorney general is investigating whether the owners of several fast-food restaurants and a fastfood parent corporation have cheated their workers out of wages, according to a person familiar with the cases. The attorney general’s office is also reviewing payment practices at other fast-food establishments, but has not begun a formal investigation, said the person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the investigation is continuing.

The person would not discuss further details, including the names of the restaurants, how many are involved or the locations, except to say that several are in New York City.

Eric T. Schneiderman, the attorney general, is examining whether employers paid less than minimum wage, did not pay overtime, failed to reimburse employees for work-related expenses or falsified payroll records.

12 | Workforce Delaware | January 2014

creative jobs Benefit of arts education to Delaware’s future workforce Gov. Markell reminded us in a recent interview for this newspaper that when it comes to what companies are looking for, it begins with a talented workforce, and continues with cost of labor, taxes, safety and cultural elements clearly linked to quality of life. There is a critical role the arts play in providing a well-rounded education for the nation and Delaware’s youth but also in the state’s overall quality of life.

The arts community uses the same skills that are highly valued by businesses, such as creativity and the ability to communicate effectively . The inclusion of art in kids’ ...

Delaware right to champion jobs for the disabled

By Senator Chris Coons

The dignity of work should be the right of any American who is able, willing and qualified. But such equal opportunity employment has never been a guarantee of the American Dream for those with physical or intellectual disabilities.

But Delaware has recently changed that, and it should become demonstrably evident nationwide as Gov. Jack Markell exercises his influence as the new head of the National Governors Association.

Markell has persuaded U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, to join him in pushing a public-private initiative to motivate companies to hire disabled people. At home, the governor signed the Employment First bill on Monday that makes it unlawful to bypass the application of a qualified job seeker because he or she has a disability.

This invaluable class of workers keeps small and large businesses profitable. Yet nationally they face a nearly 80 percent unemployment rate.

Coverstory

By MAYA RHODAN Workforce Delaware staff

W

hen President Barack Obama addresses a joint session of Congress on Thursday, he will face a business community both desperate for a boost in ailing sales and deeply skeptical of the government’s ability to help.

Bob Greifeld, CEO, Nasdaq-OMX: ‘U.S. companies need the ability to recruit the best workers....We must increase the number of “The labor H-1B visas available and market has shown reform the employmentbased green card process.’ absolutely no Pressure on recovery,” There’s politicians to act is no scenario in growing. By any measure, the job which the labor market’s recovery has market doesn’t been weak. Last Friday, continue to need the Labor Department help three to four reported that on balance no new U.S. jobs were years from now” created in August, the said Harvard worst showing since University economist last September, and Lawrence Katz. well below the 125,000 needed to keep up with population growth.

The White House’s own projections call for unemployment to average 9% through 2012.

According to a recent Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll, more than 70% of Americans think the economy has yet to hit bottom. Without action from Congress, two economic-stimulus programs—a payroll-tax holiday for workers and emergency unemployment-insurance benefits—will expire by year-end, causing a loss of 750,000 jobs in 2012,

14 | Workforce Delaware | January 2014

DELAWARE

Th creati

JOB

www.theelizab

ARE WORKS

he ion of

BS

bethhouse.org

according to an estimate by Moody’s Analytics.

“The labor market has shown absolutely no recovery,” said Harvard University economist Lawrence Katz. “There’s no scenario in which the labor market doesn’t continue to need help three to four years from now.”

The Journal talked to four groups of people who analyze hiring and hire workers themselves. Here are their views about how to spur job creation: Carlos Ghosn, CEO, Renault, Nissan: ‘The first would be research and development, promoted both publicly and through companies’ investments in R&D....

The second would be the development of infrastructure.’

Chief executives of some of the world’s largest corporations support repairs to aging infrastructure, financed in part by private money, and point to lower taxes and fewer business restrictions as ways to create jobs.

“I travel the world on a regular basis, and U.S. infrastructure is simply not competitive,” said Tom Albanese, CEO of Rio Tinto, RIO +1.97% the global mining company.

Dominic Barton, managing director of consulting firm McKinsey & Co., said pension funds, asset managers, sovereign wealth funds and private-equity firms are prepared to invest in infrastructure projects and could contribute $250 billion to $500 billion of equity capital to them over the next three years.

Workforce Delaware | January 2014 |15

DELAWARE WORKS

smallbusines Government

Jobs Advice, Care of the

Man From Delaware

I

By Paul Barrett

n combating the inevitable Republican fall campaign accusation that he’s antibusiness, President Barack Obama would be wise to ally himself with public-spirited business leaders. To pick an example purely out of the blue, there’s New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg (founder and majority owner of Bloomberg LP, which owns Bloomberg Businessweek, but see this intriguing New York Times dispatch about a recent private lunch at the White House).

Another executive-turned-politician we’ve noticed recently is Delaware Gov. Jack Markell. We noticed him because Markell, a Democrat, dropped by Bloomberg LP’s Manhattan headquarters to chat about what’s new in his home state and to suggest lessons the White House might learn from business-friendly Delaware. He arrived unceremoniously, with a sole state trooper bodyguard and a pair of aides. Confronted with the bounteous offerings at the Bloomberg snack bar, he accepted only a cup of cold water, no ice.

The incoming chairman of the National Governors Association, Markell, 51, began his career as the 13th employee at Nextel (a name he happened to coin, he mentioned). He eventually served as senior vice president for corporate development at Nextel, now part of Sprint (S). His other jobs have included a senior management position at Comcast (CMCSA), a stint as a consultant with McKinsey, and another as a banker at

16 | Workforce Delaware | January 2014

First Chicago. He got into state politics in 1998, when he was elected Delaware Treasurer, and he won the governor’s chair in 2009. He’s soft-spoken, commonsensical, and moderate in tone and policy.

Judge for yourself from this recent appearance on MSNBC’s Morning Joe. Delaware, with its famously managementfriendly state court system, is the legal home for incorporation purposes of nearly two-thirds of the Fortune 500.

As such, it enjoys unique advantages when it comes to generating white-collar jobs, especially in finance, law, and related fields. Markell notes that in recent months he has helped secure more than 1,000 new jobs for the state at Citigroup (C), Capital One (COF), and other banks. Some of those positions, he acknowledges, transferred in from other states.

Still—and probably more important— Markell has had success helping to reopen shuttered manufacturing facilities previously operated by the likes of General Motors (GM) and Valero (VLO). This has required long negotiations with new owners and will pay off with revived industrial employment, as well as secondary jobs at small businesses that support the factories. Markell has also steered Delaware to victory in Obama’s Race to the Top competition for public school reform. The state’s unemployment rate recently fell from 7.2 percent to 7 percent, substantially below the national rate of 8.3 percent.

“CEOs are looking for a better-educated workforce and consistency and predictability in regulation and the tax system,” Markell says, ignoring his water. That’s the message he uses to market Delaware to business, and he recommends that the Obama administration consider borrowing it in the fall campaign. Note to the White House: Giving Markell some national exposure on the campaign trail might be a good idea, too.

DELAWARE WORKS

Entrepreneurship

Is Time to Start a New Business?

By: Pedro Moore Operations Manager, Innovation Ventures, LP

T

o Quit or Not to Quit: Starting a New Business While Maintaining Your Day Job This article will teach you how to successfully transition from an being an employee to running your own business.

Do you find it challenging to start a new business while still maintaining your day job?

It seems like you never have enough hours in a day.

When it comes to starting a new business and maintaining a day job, it may seem like you have NO time in a day, which may lead to the temptation of quitting your job.

Another hard obstacle in this process is learning how to balance business and your relationships with family and friends.

Most people start their new venture while they are still employed at their day job. The Shark, Daymond John from the hit ABC TV Show, Shark Tank & CEO of FUBU was a waiter at Red Lobster when he was building his billion dollar FUBU empire.

Here are some steps that can help you transition smoothly into entrepreneurship: 1) Select an idea that can be built on a part-time basis: Building a web app or starting a financial consultant business is more of a feasible idea that can be executed with part-time effort ver-

18 | Workforce Delaware | January 2014

sus deciding to build a flying car.

2) Maximize your time wisely: Dedicate x hours a day for a specified time period (i.e.

8pm-12am) Monday through Friday and leave the weekends open for family and friends.

(This is just an example, adjust according to your schedule). Get an efficient amount of sleep.

Your don’t want to lose focus on your day job. Also, utilize lunch period to follow up on leads, plan, brainstorm or even meet potential clients.

3) Find a Partner/Co-Founder: Having a co-founder/partner can be a huge weight off your shoulder when starting a business. In a part-time effort, a partner can make up where you lack and help you achieve more things in a short time period where otherwise you may not have been able to do so. Also, they provide motivation when times get tough. Select a day and time per week to always work together, keeping a fixed schedule will help you through the phases of the project that might not be

much fun.

4) Don’t forget to excel at the Day Job: Sometimes starting a part time business you begin to get distracted and lose interest in your primary job. As a result your performance drops which could lead to termination.

5) Budget, Budget, and Budget: Most likely your pockets will be thin during this time because you will be using a good portion of your paycheck to fund your new startup. So, it’s important that you spend wisely and pay down any debt or other expenses that you may have to improve your cash flow.

6) Just Do It: There is going to come a moment when you’ll have to decide whether this will remain a side business or to take the leap and quit the day job to run the business full time.

It’s definitely a scary moment, but before you make that decision, make sure everything checks out. The only thing left is to just do it.

Be smart when you begin building your business, you don’t want your employer to find out that you are working on a separate venture. Also, you want to review your employment agreement to make sure you can own the intellectual property that you are creating and see if you are under a Non-Compete agreement, which may prohibit you from working on a project similar to your present job.

Have other great tips for working on a new venture? Tweet me your ideas! @pedromoore

DELAWARE WORKS

Industrynews

Bloom Energy Begins Fuel Cell Production in Delaware

D

By Eric Wesoff

elaware politicians and regulators wanted Bloom Energy to build fuel cells in their home state -- so they established a consumer-borne subsidy package to ease Bloom’s factory relocation. The fruits of that plan recently began to roll off the factory floor in Newark, Delaware as 50 employees began shipping “Bloom Boxes” to two substation sites in Delmarva Power’s utility territory.

Bloom’s fuel cells produce electrical power from natural gas via an electrochemical reaction rather than burning the gas.

The factory, on the grounds of an old Chrysler assembly plant now owned by the University of Delaware, is not yet finished, according to Delaware Online -- but Delaware-assembled fuel cells units have already been placed into service.

According to reports, “The average residential Delmarva customer is expected to pay $2.07 in July in surcharges agreed to by the state as part of the subsidy package developed for the Bloom project in 2011.”

State legislators also allowed fuel cells to be considered as part of the utility’s 20 | Workforce Delaware | January 2014

Solid oxide fuel cells rolling off a highly subsidized production line renewable energy portfolio requirements, an arguable classification.

In June of last year, GTM’s Jeff St. John reported that Bloom’s 30-megawatt project faced a lawsuit seeking to undo the project’s financial underpinnings, on the grounds that it represents a “crony” deal that would unfairly charge utility ratepayers millions of dollars and bar competitors from the state. The lawsuit, filed in federal District Court in Delaware, accused Delaware governor Jack Markell and the Delaware Public Service Commission of “unconstitutionally discriminating against Bloom’s competitors and taxing a segment of Delaware residents to subsidize the crony company.” Here’s the complaint (PDF) on the suit.

St. John reported that Delmarva plans to raise more than $100 million over twenty years to help finance the project, which equates to a $1.34-per-month surcharge on customer bills. Delaware is also providing $18 million in state incentives, and the project is seeking a federal cash grant for renewable power projects. The total cost to Delmarva ratepayers is expected to be about $133 million.

Bloom builds fuel cells of the solid-oxide variety with natural gas as the fuel. There is no heat resource in the Bloom Box as in other CHP fuel cells.The 200-kilowatt units are intended for commercial and industrial applications, and the firm boasts an all-star list of customers, including Adobe, FedEx, Staples, Google, Coca-Cola, Wal-Mart and Apple, which is tapping Bloom for 4.8 megawatts of fuel cells.

Bloom has raised almost $1 billion in venture capital over a decade from investors including GSV Capital, Apex Venture Partners, DAG Ventures, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Mobius Venture Capital, Madrone Capital, New Enterprise Associates, SunBridge Partners, Advanced Equities, and Goldman Sachs.

W

e need multiple voices from the community to share information, knowledge, stories and advice about Workforce trends, issues and opportunities happening in our State and Region.

Please join our list of business, nonprofit and faith leaders, human resource professionals, educators, researchers, economist and politicians as we all come together to promote the value of: • Work • Job Creation • Innovation and • Industry Growth in our communities, …while sharing opportunities with those who are unemployed, underemployed, changing careers or simply looking for a chance to work.

This magazine will also serve as a platform to inspire and promote the idea and value of: • Small Business Ownership • Entrepreneurship • Freelancing and • Contracting …as alternative and nontraditional pathways to employment and work.

Wf

of Art Benefit n >P10 ucatio g jobs Creatinaware >P4 Ed el D in

ine MAgAz

orceE workfDELAWAR e Voices Multipl enting ion Pres ly Publicat Month

rkforce in the Wo

The tion of Crea

Jobs+

House abeth The Eliz

Life Family

Inc. Center,

>P6

ed by Publish

A Free

e um ag Minimin the state >P8 to work

enders r Ex-Off 1 Work foseeks ways >P1 are Delaw

Wf magazine

workforce DELAWARE

Free Monthly Publication Serving Delaware and Delaware County

Writers Wanted • Health Care & Social Assistance • Home Health Care Services • Professional, Scientific and Technical Services • Finance and Insurance • Educational Services • Community Care Facilities for the Elderly • Pharmacies and Drug Stores • Computer Systems Design and Related Services • Software Publishers • Information Technology and Telecommunications • Plumbing, Heating and HVAC • Electrical Contractors • Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction • Residential Building Construction • Facilities Support Services • Energy/Environmental • Financial Services • Warehouse Clubs and Supercenters • Retail Trades • Specialized Freight Trucking

Partner with our team today as a

Freelance Writer

Call 302-998-9200 • Get Involved Workforce Delaware | January 2014 | 21

JOBS & CAREERS jobsearching

DELAWARE JOB SEARCH GUIDE This page is not just a list of Delaware job search sites. We’ll explore different ways to find job openings in Delaware.

DELAWARE JOB SEARCH SITES There are numerous web sites that either concentrate on Delaware jobs or offer many positions in DE in addition to other states. These sites are Delawarejobnetwork, DelawareJobs.com, gojobs, Employment Guide, jobcircle, Thingamajob, jobserve and Aol Find a Job. These job boards have useful features such as resume posting, alerts and career advice articles.

DELAWARE STATE JOBS Delaware Employment Link offers a list of DE state government jobs. Those of you interested in employment with University of Delaware can check their job openings here.

22 | Workforce Delaware | January 2014

Finally you should take a look at our Government Job Search to find federal jobs in Delaware.

PROFESSIONAL JOB SEARCH IN DELAWARE JobsInLogistics.com and JobsintheMoney.com respectively specialize in Transportation and Finance and of course offer jobs in Delaware and other states. Computer jobs and Dice list IT career opportunities.

If you want to explore professional sites that list employment opportunities in your field, visit Professional Job Search Sites or take a look at the menu at the left.

DELAWARE NEWSPAPERS Newspapers are still important when it comes to Delaware job search. In addition to using career sites, you must check employment sections of newspapers from your area. So a list of Delaware publications will be help you to find more employment opportunities. continued on page 18

Delaware search...continued from page 17 TOP JOB SEARCH ENGINES Is there anything missing from this Delaware career guide? Yes, we haven’t talked about major employment sites like Monster. We discuss them at Best Job Search Sites guide overview. Without a doubt these mega job sites have many Delaware jobs.

OTHER DELAWARE EMPLOYMENT SOURCES Sites like jobopenings. net and Job-Hunt.org will definitely help in your Delaware job search efforts.

While they are not job banks, they list companies located in Delaware area and provide other useful resources.

Also LinkUp searches job boards from individual employers.

If you feel interested in employment opportunities in neighboring states, feel free to check our Pennsylvania Job Search Sites, Maryland Job Search Sites and

New Jersey Job Search Engines guides.

DELAWARE UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AND SOCIAL SERVICES Information on how to file for unemployment benefits in Delaware can be found at Delaware Department of Labor - Division of Unemployment Insurance. Delaware Health and Social Services - Division of Social Services provides information on how to apply for food stamps and other assistance programs.

DELAWARE JOB SEARCH SUMMARY Delaware job seekers can look for work in various industries such as Finance, Transportation, Hi-Tech and Agriculture. Such diversified career options represent definite advantage in this economy.

As you can see there are plenty of Delaware job search sites and other careeer resources available. It’s time to apply your knowledge in order to find many Delaware jobs in your field and ultimately land your dream position.

Workforce Delaware | January 2014 | 23

JOBS & CAREER

Creatingjobs

Terrible Questions To Ask In An Interview

T

By Robert Half International

he success or failure of a job interview doesn’t rest solely with the answers you give the hiring manager. The questions you ask can also speak volumes.

In a recent Robert Half survey, human-resources managers recounted the most unusual or surprising question they’ve received from a job seeker during an interview. Some of the highly questionable queries included: • “Do I have to be at work every day?”

• “Would you consider going on a date with me?”

• “Can I have three weeks off every three months to pursue my music career?”

• “Can my husband finish this test for me?”

24 | Workforce Delaware | January 2014

• “Is the boss single?”

• “Do you want to take a ride in my new car?”

• “Can you help me search for an apartment?”

• “What job is this for?”

Peculiar or presumptuous inquiries such as these can quickly undermine an otherwise solid interview performance. On the other hand, posing intelligent and informed questions shows the interviewer you’re a serious candidate while also helping you to determine if the role is right for you.

Here are some smart questions worth asking:

While researching your company, I learned that [fill in the blank]. Can you tell me more about that? Impress interviewers by making it clear you’ve done your homework. Learn as much as you can about the organization before your meeting.

More: How To Bomb A Sure-Thing Interview

Closely review the company’s website, marketing materials and recent financial reports. Tap your professional network for anecdotal insights and follow the company on LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.

Weaving some beyond-the-basics information you uncovered into your questions showcases both your interest and resourcefulness.

What types of training and development programs do you offer? Generally speaking, it is unwise to ask an employer what the company plans to do for you once hired; at least until the interviewer has sent signals that a job offer is likely. But bringing up training and development opportunities in an initial interview isn’t the same as jumping the gun about salary, benefits or vacation time.

Companies seek candidates who are committed to continually expanding their skills. If applicable, mention several pertinent proficiencies you’ve gained through professional development programs in the past.

What are some potential career paths within your company for a person starting in this position? This question shows you’re goal-oriented and career-minded. It also emphasizes your desire to grow with a company. Considering the significant amount of time, money and resources that companies invest in hiring and training new staff, it’s beneficial to indicate that you’re looking to stay onboard long term.

Why is this job open? Some questions are less about strategically pitching yourself and more about eliciting details that shed greater light on the job and the company.

More: Are Employers Really Allowed To Ask You That?

For example, it’s a good sign if the previous person got promoted or the position was newly created because the company is growing. If, however, there’s been high turnover or your would-be predecessor is “no longer with the company,” consider these warning signs that warrant another question or two.

What do you enjoy most about working here? Job seekers don’t always think of it this way, but an employment interview is a two-way street, and the efforts to impress should go both ways.

Good interviewers will play up the advantages of working at the company, because they want to win you over. Asking this more personal question and getting the individual to explain why she is with the company can provide invaluable insights.

Pay attention to how the interviewer responds to this question.

Was the answer delivered quickly, with detail and enthusiasm? Or was there an awkward pause followed by a vague, tepid endorsement? Remember: Happy, satisfied employees won’t have any difficulty describing what they like about their job and the overall organization.

ies n a p m o C s e t a d i d seek can mitted m o c e r a o wh lly a u n i t n o to c g n i d n a p x e s l l i k s r i e th Workforce Delaware | January 2014 | 25

JOBS & CAREER

diversitygender

Women More Likely To Shun

Business Careers As ‘Evil’

T

here’s been much debate as to why women only make up just 4.2 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs. Is it discrimination? The high-pressure atmosphere? Women’s failure to “lean in”? A new study suggests another possible explanation: business can be dirty work, and women would rather stay clean.

Past research has found that women make more ethical corporate directors, restricting executive pay and curbing risk. (They’re also more likely to whiste-blow.) But the perception of business as inherently muddied by ethical compromises may actual deter more women from getting into the game in the first place.

According to a new study published in the journal “Social Psychological and Personality Science” in March, women are more likely to be morally outraged at the ethical compromises that come with business, less likely to want to take a high-salary job in business if there are ethical compromises involved, and more likely to associate business with immorality in general.

How Evil Are You Willing To Be?

To see what effect ethics might have in discouraging women from pursuing a career in business, Laura Kray, a professor at the

Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, and Ph.D. candidate Jessica Kennedy conducted three different tests. The first presented 103 adults with different business scenarios that involved some shady behavior, like a CEO laying off 100 loyal low-level workers rather than trim his or her salary or using a cheaper ingredient in a cancer drug, even though it was known to cause random lethal allergic reactions.

More: Do Women Have An Edge In The Job Search?

The participants rated their moral outrage (how disgusting, upsetting, shameful was this decision?) and also how much business sense each situation made. The women reported more moral objection than the men, and also ranked them as less acceptable as business practices.

In the second study, the researchers had 178 college students read job descriptions for high-paying positions in finance or consulting. All of them raised an ethical issue at the firm, but some said that employees were encouraged to be ethical and honest, while others said employees should do what was necessary to make money. The undergraduates then had to report how much interest they had in the jobs.

The sleaziness of the company had no affect on the men’s interest in taking the job, but it certainly did for the women. In the final study, 106 students were given an implicit association test. It turned out that women were significantly more likely to associate business with evil.

Women Are Raised That Way

“Women are socialized to be communal, which fits their traditional role to be in the home, where they’re more insulated from market pressures,” says Kennedy, who was intrigued by this question of gender and ethics after three years working in finance, one at the prestigious investment bank Lazard, and two at Goldman Sachs.

Men, on the other hand, are raised to be more results-oriented, she said, where they’re expected to do what it takes to achieve.

More: Tactics That Will Help You Get A Raise (If You’re Female) Kennedy believes this may explain why women make up nearly half of students at law and medical schools, but only 36 percent at top MBA programs. Women just have weaker stomachs for the kind of ethical compromises that comes with pure profit-minded work. This could also explain why women are vastly overrepresented in government and nonprofit sectors, where employees also tend to make less money. On the flip side, companies with more women up top actually make more money -- perhaps because women are less seduced by the short-term profit.

“They could be creating a more long-term perspective,” says Kennedy, “which could actually improve the bottom line.”

26 | Workforce Delaware | January 2014

Tired at The End of a Long Day...?

Need a Cleaning Service...?

Let ACS Cleaning Services, Inc. Help!

> Sanitize Kitchen and Bathrooms > Dust and Polish Furniture > Vacuum and Mop Floors > Windex® all Glass Surfaces Customize Your Cleaning Needs...

Call For a Free Estimate! > Empty all Trash Bins

Fall Special...

Get Your Third Cleaning Free for all New Weekly, Bi-weekly and Monthly Customers ACS Cleaning Services, Inc. is a full service cleaning company designed to give your home or office a customized, detailed, and thorough cleaning. Here at ACS Cleaning Services, Inc. we will listen to your specific needs and adjust to your schedule ac

We also provide “clean out” services Call for details and a free estimate.

A+ Rated on Angie’s List 209 Greenwood Road - Wilmington, DE 19804

302.998.7844 - 302.540.1529 Walt@ACSCleaningInc.com . www.acscleaninginc.com Licensed, Bonded and Insured

Bryn Mawr Trust Financial Strength, The Finest Products and Exceptional Personal Service.

Come to Bryn Mawr Trust for all your Personal, Business and Wealth Management Needs.

Strong • Stable • Secure

www.bmtc.com Kristin Knowlton, Vice President & Branch Manager 1000 Rocky Run Parkway, Concord, Delaware 19803 302-529-5984 email: kknowlton@bmtc.com

Member FDIC