Chamber

Vol. 44, No. 5 www.cdcc.net May 2021 It’s Time to Tee Off with TEAM Dover! It is time to get that golfing equip- with a shot gun start at 11 am. This ment into tip-top shape! It’s time to golf tournament is open to golfers of Cornerstone Member - clean up your spikes, dust off those all skill levels – from the novice to the Axia Management golf clubs, get the cobwebs out of seasoned golfer. Golfers will play on Hotel Group...... your bag and begin assembling your teams of four – two DAFB members favorite golfing gear because a very and two civilians – to help foster great popular TEAM Dover event, The relationships, create partnerships, Bluesuiters Golf Tournament, is right and spark incredible conversations. around the corner! This event, hosted Golfers can look forward to some by the Central Delaware Chamber of pre-game time at the course’s driving Commerce’s Military Affairs Commit- range. Activities will include a hole-in- tee, is designed to help maintain and one contest featuring amazing prizes strengthen the positive and support- and a golf ball drop used to determine ive relationship the CDCC enjoys with the day’s 50/50 winner. In addition, Cornerstone Member - the Dover Air Force Base. This unique This year’s golf outing, brought to each golfer will have an opportunity tournament connects personnel from you by Embrace Home Loans, will be to receive a door prize and goody bag. Delaware Federal DAFB and members of the communi- held on May 19th at Jonathan’s Land- ty for a day of golf and networking. ing. Registration will begin at 10 am, See TEAM — Page 4 Credit Union...... Page 4 IN THIS ISSUE... Dover Downs Revitalizes Excellence in Business Awards – It’s Time to VOTE! Community Action “Excellence” has been defined in health crisis, we saw flexibility, inno- Program...... Page 5 various ways: greatness… the qual- vation, and creativity. In short, they ity of being outstanding or extremely have each demonstrated excellence good, of being truly the best at some- in their own way. Join #LiveCentralDE thing… distinction… superiority… Each year, nominations are gath- Among Chamber members, excel- ered for three prestigious awards: and “Share Love lence is measured by positive inter- Large Employer of the Year (for com- to your Local!” actions with the public, a demon- panies of more than 50), Small Busi- stration of growth, a prevailing ness of the Year (for companies of up ...... Page 10 response to adversity, and a passion to 50), and Young Professional of the for service to the community. Excel- Year (for individuals between 21 and lence achieved by an active pool of 35 years of age). The nominations Workforce Development: high achievers is truly excellent. are reviewed by a committee com- Growing Them Here and Again, this year, we have been pre- prised of previous award winners sented with three incredible nom- who select three nominees in each Keeping Them Here inees in each category. They are category. This is followed by a vote ...... Page 21 bright, intelligent, forward thinking, of the Chamber members that deter- highly skilled… and more. Especial- mines the winner. Finally, the awards ly in this past year, they have shown are presented in June at the Awards resilience, persistence, and determi- for Excellence Dinner that concludes nation more than ever before. As we the Chamber’s year of events. witnessed the way they handled do- ing business in the midst of a global See Excellence — Page 11

Lessard Builders to Host May Sunset Business Mixer er – a FOUNDATIONal opportunity to CE- MENT your relationships with other mem- ber businesses! This popular event will be held on Wednesday, May 26th, from 5 – 7 pm, at Lessard Builders 261 E. Camden-Wy- oming Avenue in Camden. Mark this date on your calendar and NAIL it down so that you can be there! Lessard Builders had its begin- It’s time once again to re-connect with ning in 1951 in Long Island New York! fellow business leaders, engage in conver- Great-grandfather Dan opened a con- sations over delicious refreshments, share struction business and built homes, pole your business story with other business barns, and buildings. The business grew over the years and eventually relocated to www.cdcc.net owners in our area – and BUILD your net- Delaware, where it continues to be known work! That’s right – it’s time to mark your calendar for the May Sunset Business Mix- See Mixer — Page 3 2 Chamber Connections, May 2021 Calendar of Events Due to COVID-19 gathering restrictions, some of our events have be- come virtual, others will be hybrid offering both in-person and virtual access. For activities where a location is not listed, please call the CDCC Office at (302)734-7513 for specific information.

May Thursday, June 3rd Thursday, May 6th Leadership Central Delaware Leadership Central Delaware 8:00am - 5:00pm, 8:00am - 5:00pm, Energy & Environment Day Learning Together Communications and Media Day Thursday, June 3rd Thursday, May 6th Kent County Open for Business Kent County Open for Business The world around us is er businesses and business CANCELLED 8:30am - 10:00am, constantly changing, grow- leaders, especially small and Tuesday, May 11th TBA CDCC Board Meeting Tuesday, June 8th ing, and providing us with mid-sized businesses, with 7:30am - 8:30am, CDCC Board Retreat new opportunities. These the expertise and resources via Zoom 9:00am - 4:00pm, new opportunities gener- needed to create and sus- Tuesday, May 11th TBD Young Professionals Social Wednesday, June 9th ally require one basic skill: tain a culture of inclusion 12:00pm - 1:00pm, Coffee Coaching the ability to learn. No mat- within their companies. Jonathan's Landing 8:00am - 9:00am Wednesday, May 12th Wednesday, June 9th ter how old you are or how Within the next few Coffee Coaching Marketing Committee Meeting much you know, there is al- months, the CDCC will be 8:00am - 9:00am Wednesday, May 12th 10:00am -11:00am ways something to learn. adding a new page on our Marketing Committee Meeting Thursday, June 10th I am sure you have all website that will house tem- 10:00am - 11:00am Member Orientation heard the saying, “You don’t plates, videos, and various Thursday, May 13th 12:00pm - 1:30pm Member Orientation Tuesday, June 15th know what you don’t know.” other resources to assist our 8:30am - 10:00am LCD Steering Committee Meeting Your Chamber is currently members as they learn more Tuesday, May 18th 12:00pm - 1:00pm LCD Steering Committee Meeting on a learning path regarding about DE&I, too. It is also TBD 12:00pm - 1:00pm Military Affaire Wednesday, May 19th Diversity, Equity, and Inclu- our plan to host workshops 5:30pm - 7:30pm, Bluesuiters Golf Tournament sion (DE&I). We have part- and seminars that will pro- 10:00am Reg.; 11:00am Start, Dover Air Force Base nered with the United Way of vide resources and opportu- Jonathan's Landing Wednesday, June 24th Awards for Excellence Dinner Delaware and the Delaware nities for our members. Monday, May 24th CDCC Executive Committee Meeting 5:00pm - 7:30pm, Racial Justice Collaborative We know that, by working 8:00am - 10:00am Pizzadili Winery to be become part of the Fu- together, we become stron- Wednesday, May 26th Wednesday, June 30th Ambassador Committee Meeting sion Alliance. The purpose learning together, Ambassador Committee Meeting ger. By 4:30pm, 4:30pm, of this alliance is to advance we will become more knowl- Lessard Builders TBD Wednesday, May 26th Wednesday, June 30th racial diversity, equity, and edgeable, more aware, and Sunset Business Mixer inclusion within Delaware’s more effective. In short, 5:00pm - 7:00pm, Sunset Business Mixer 5:00pm - 7:00pm, TBD business community by pro- learning will lead to better Lessard Builders Monday, May 31st TBD viding infrastructure and businesses and better com- Memorial Day LCD Closing Retreat resources that will empow- munities! Office Closed 9:00am - 3:00pm, June TBD

Thank you to the CDCC An Industry Exclusive CDCC Marketing Package! Chamber Connections Cornerstone Members! Published monthly by the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, the first accredited Chamber of Commerce in Delaware. We represent the interests of the small business community. Over 800 businesses support CDCC. OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Committee Chairman...... Shane E. Breakie, Chesapeake Utilities Corp. Energy/Utility First Vice Chair...... Brian J. Stetina, Faw Casson Hospitality Vice Chair, Economic Development...... Christina M. Lessard, Lessard Builders, Inc. Vice Chair, Organizational Development...... Jesse C. Keleher, Harrington Raceway & Casino Vice Chair, Community Affairs...... Chaz M. Rzewnicki, Dover Federal Credit Union Vice Chair, Legislative Affairs...... C. Scott Kidner, C.S. Kidner Associates/Capitol Strategies Vice Chair, Military Affairs...... Evans Armantrading, Jr., CNU Fit, LLC Banking Treasurer...... Medical/Rehabilitation Vice Chair, Smyrna-Clayton...... Dana F. Wattay, Wattay Accounting Casino/Entertainment Past Chairman...... Sean M. Mace, Eden Hill Medical Center (USPS 462-490) BOARD OF DIRECTORS Engineering Central Delaware Tony Allen, Ph.D. – Delaware State University Scott Connell, Merrill Lynch Chamber of Commerce Timothy R. Horne, Dover International Speedway 435 N. DuPont Highway Ryan D. Horsey, Parkview RV Center Manufacturing Insurance Real Estate Dover, Delaware 19901 Dr. Cornelia Johnson, Delaware Technical Community College 302-734-7513 Konrad LaPrade, Delaware State News 435 N. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901 Lori J. Llewellyn, My Roots P: 302.734.7513 Richard A. Mohnk, Bayhealth Medical Center – Kent Campus E: [email protected] POSTMASTER: Lincoln D. Willis, The Willis Group www.cdcc.net Send address changes to HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS AND GUESTS Chamber News, Robin R. Christiansen, Mayor, City of Dover 435 N. DuPont Highway, Hon. Jeffrey W. Hall, Commissioner, Kent County Levy Court Dover, DE 19901 Col. Matthew E. Jones, Commander, 436th Airlift Wing ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Subscription Price: Judy Diogo, President $20.00 per year Cristal R. Brenneman, Executive Assistant & Director of Special Events (included in membership dues) Dina C. Vendetti, Director of Marketing and Communications Cindy A. Friese, Assistant for Special Events & Sponsorships Periodical Postage Paid at Member Chamber of Commerce of the United States Chamber Connections Production and Layout by: The THECDCC CDCC is the is essentialthe essential resource resource for for growth growth of Dover, DE 19901 of engaged businesses in Central Delaware. Delaware State News engaged businesses in Central Delaware. Additional mailings are available for a $20 subscription fee. In many cases, more than one individual in a member business would like to receive information from the Chamber. By forwarding the subscription fee, the Chamber will satisfy the second class postage requirements and that individuals will be added to the mailing list. Chamber Connections, May 2021 3 Cornerstone Member - Axia Hotel Group A Formula Blue™ Facelift Planned for the Holiday Inn Express & Suites® The Holiday Inn Express & Suites® is the per- fect stop for travelers who are looking for a simple and smart place to call home while on the road. This upper mid-scale hotel offers comfortable and stylish guest rooms and well-appointed suites with plenty of room to spread out. Owned by Axia Management Hotel Group, this hotel is known for its many amenities and convenient location. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites® offers guests free Wi-Fi, free parking, an outdoor pool, fresh, contemporary look and feel. In addition to free hot breakfast, 24-hour community business the new look, Formula Blue™ was created with center, 24-hour fitness center, and the Priority special emphasis on reducing outside noise so Point Reward Program. Conveniently located that guestrooms can be quiet, comfortable spaces just off Route 1, the hotel is just minutes from where guests can get a good night’s sleep. Dover International Speedway, Dover Air Force While the hotel will continue to offer guests the Delaware’s guests for more than 50 years. Their Base, Delaware State University, many govern- familiar amenities they enjoy, hotel executives attention to detail, their sensitivity to the needs ment offices, and Dover’s historic downtown. The have collaborated on a Property Improvement of their guests, and their reasonable pricing have DE Turf Sports Complex is just a 20-minute drive Plan that will include even more incredible fea- all become the hallmarks by which their proper- and Rehoboth Beach can be reached in less than tures. A market space will be added in the lobby ties are known. Guests can look forward to all an hour. area and an outside patio will be built. The build- that the new and improved Holiday Inn Express This popular InterContinental Hotels Group ing will receive a new exterior, and guest rooms as & Suites® will have to offer, knowing that their (IHG) property is scheduled for an exciting well as public spaces will be improved. The hotel stay will be easy, comfortable, and convenient – all facelift later this year, beginning in September, will remain open during the renovation process, at a good price. to meet the standards of IHG’s Holiday Inn Ex- which is expected to be complete by 2022. For more information about Axia Hotel Group press® prototype, Formula Blue™. This Formu- The Axia Management Hotel Group has pro- and their properties, please visit www.axiahotel- la Blue™ renovation will provide the hotel with a vided the highest level of hospitality to Central group.com.

Mixer Continued From Page 1 for quality craftsmanship. Today, the team at Lessard Builders still prides it- self on their history and the same prin- cipals their great-grandfather demon- strated over 65 ago: family, community, and working with people to turn their dreams into a reality! Come and learn all about what’s happening at Lessard and about their impact here in Central Delaware. The leading networking oppor- tunity offered by the Chamber, the Sunset Business Mixer is one of the many benefits that accompany your membership. Mixers provide a great opportunity for CDCC members and their guests to spend time together at the end of a work- day in a casual setting, while meeting other business owners and collecting qualified leads. The Mixers occur 10 times during the year. Be sure to bring your business cards – you can share them with other attendees and enter the business card drawing to be the next CDCC Member of the Month! Please note that, for in-person events, appropriate safety precautions will be in place to ensure the well-be- ing of everyone. Guests will be asked to complete a brief health screening, including a temperature check (must be 99.5 or below), before entering. At- tendance will be limited so that appro- priate social distancing can be prac- ticed. Masks are required. To register for this event, please contact the CDCC office at 302-734- 7513 or via email at adminassistant@ cdcc.net. You can also sign up through the website, www.cdcc.net by clicking on the Events Calendar. We hope to see you on Wednesday, May 26th at Lessard Builders in Camden for the Sunset Business Mixer! 4 Chamber Connections, May 2021 Cornerstone Member - Dover Federal Credit Union 7 Ways to Get the Credit Score Everybody Wants It’s common knowledge that having a good or even great cred- it score is important, but far fewer people know how to get one, or how to keep and maintain it. We all want a great score but it doesn’t happen by accident and it doesn’t happen overnight. It can take time to estab- lish and build your score, but with a couple of simple mistakes all of your hard work could be lost if you’re not careful.

The following are 7 ways to get the credit score you’ve always want- ed. 1. Be careful of how often you apply. Every time you apply for a new loan or line of credit, lenders pull your credit report. A small amount of points is taken from your score each time this happens! You get these points back after a year, but continually having your credit ran can keep your score lower. 4. Keep low credit card balances. 2. Don’t get too many new loans at once. I know, sometimes this is easier said than done. Avoid losing points by When you open a new loan or line of credit, you also lose a small amount never carrying credit card balances that exceed 30% of the total limit of of points. You get these points back after a year, but just the same as the card. If you do have higher balances, be sure to pay them down and having your credit report ran, opening too many loans and lines of credit you will see your score increase! at once can drop your score significantly. Try and plan out the loans you might need in the not too distant future (auto loan, personal loan, etc.) 5. Use various types of credit. and space them out when possible. Part of what makes up your credit score is what type of credit you use. By using various types of credit, including credit cards, personal loans, 3. NO late or skipped payments! and auto loans, you can create a diverse credit portfolio which may in- By making your payments on time and never missing one, you not only crease your score. This helps proves to lenders that you can handle differ- help build your credit and payment history, but you avoid losing massive ent forms of debt. amount of points. While it’s better to pay more than the minimum, you always want to avoid paying less or not at all each month. 6. We all make mistakes. Sometimes life throws something our way that we aren’t prepared for. Whether you maxed out a credit card or were late on a payment, don’t get discouraged. It might take extra time for your score to bounce back, but it isn’t the end of the world. Make sure to take steps to pay your balance down or set reminders for when your payments are due. Eventually these little blemishes will fall of your report and your score will rise. If forgetting every month is the main issue, try setting up automatic payments with your lender. 7. Request your annual free credit report. A lot of us might know our score but have never really seen what our credit report looks like. Everyone is entitled to a free credit report once a year. Take advantage of this and make sure that what’s on your report is accurate. Not only does this help you avoid identity theft but can also help you to better identify areas where you might be losing points unnec- essarily. Credit Takes Work, But We Can Help You Get There The trick to having good credit is knowing how often to use credit, making payments on time, and being sure to use various forms of credit. Whether you are just starting out establishing credit, working to build or repair credit, or trying to maintain the score you already have, these are tips that should everyone should keep in mind. If you aren’t where you want to be, let Dover Federal Credit Union help you get there with a free credit score analysis. To get started, contact Dover Federal today. TEAM Continued From Page 1

Snacks and beverages will be available on the golf course provided by CDCC member businesses. We are so grateful for the help of our sponsors in bringing this tournament to the community. We’d like to say a special thank you to AMB Mobile Massage & Wellness Center, Burke Equipment, Compass Investment Advisors, Delmarva Veteran Builders, Dover Federal Credit Union, Five Star Home Foods Incorporated, Humana, Indepen- dent Metal Strap, Pike Creek Mortgage Services, Inc., Pinnacle Rehabilitation & Health Center, Woody’s on Wheels, and Wilmington University. A special thank you to our signature sponsor, Em- brace Home Loans and to Jonathan’s Landing for hosting our event. Anyone interesting in sponsor- ing this TEAM Dover event, should contact Cindy Friese at [email protected]. one from Dover Air Force Base for their service or donating a door prize, please contact Cristal The tournament cost is $80 per golfer, which in- by sponsoring their golf for the day – this kind of at the CDCC Office at 302-734-7513 or by email cludes a day of golf and dinner at the clubhouse sponsorship is also $80. If you would like to par- [email protected]. We will be excited to see after the event. Perhaps you’d like to thank some- ticipate in the tournament by golfing, sponsoring, you on May 19th for this fun event! Chamber Connections, May 2021 5 Member News Dover Downs Revitalizes Community Action Program Since 1969, Delaware’s largest and most luxurious place to play, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino® has been providing a variety of entertainment and dining options to the Central Delaware community. The complex is owned by the Bally Corporation and is located in Dover on Highway 13. The most well-known features of Dover Downs Hotel & Casino® are the 500-room hotel, harness racing, the Casino which offers over 2,700 slot machines and 40 table games, and the Rollins Center, an 18,000 square foot multi-purpose ballroom which features entertainment, and hosts a variety of banquets, busi- ness conferences, and conventions. Adjacent to the Bally property is a .625-mile harness racing track and a one-mile concrete track used for NASCAR Motor Racing events, both owned by Dover Motorsports. Dover Downs makes a significant Nancy McCoy, Community Action Pro- Tony Rohrer, Vice President and General impact on the hospitality indus- gram Coordinator Manager try here in Central Delaware and throughout the mid-Atlantic. People for Kids, participation in Rock Your ic, Dover Down’s pool of employ- often travel quite a distance to avail Socks for World Down Syndrome ees is currently a bit smaller. They themselves of all the hotel and casi- Day, monthly birthday bag drop offs have about 800 employees that have no have to offer. In addition, Dover to the Boys and Girls Club of Dover, returned to work out of their work- Downs has a tremendous impact on monthly birthday boxes and other force of 1,300. But, even with that, the economy and provides the area donations to the Dover Interfaith they are excited at the response so with well over 1,300 employment op- Mission for housing, and an Earth far. Approximately 40+ employees portunities. Day clean-up at Mallard Pond Park. have already become involved. While Dover Downs Hotel & Casi- Ms. McCoy is already looking for This new initiative is not in any no® has always been pleased to be and planning the next events with way mandated, but it remains com- part of the Dover community, their her sights set on an animal shelter, pletely voluntary. Plans are in place leaders are making a concentrated the Adopt-a-Highway program, and for some type of incentive contest effort to re-fresh the way they en- a porch beautification project at where volunteers can be placed into gage in the community. They are Dover Place – just to name a few! a drawing for prizes. Plans are also keenly aware that the support of the “We’ve been very fortunate with lin- in the works for establishing a wall local community plays a large role in ing things up and getting people to of pictures in the employee break their success. They are excited to participate,” remarked McCoy. “It room celebrating what they have initiate an intentional program that sort of reminds me of my Girl Scout been able to accomplish. The hope allows them to return the favor, that leader days! It’s wonderful to be is that this kind of recognition and gives them opportunities to support helping the community.” celebration will create a good “buzz” the community by giving back. As the team at Dover Downs con- around this effort and will motivate “Here at Dover Downs Hotel & tinues to plan their events, they see more employees to join in. Casino, we’re very excited to be em- no need to reinvent the wheel and “One component of our commu- barking on the development and ex- duplicate efforts. Instead, they are nity action program is the develop- ecution of our revitalized community hoping to help others who are al- ment of an ‘All In’ team of dedicated action program aimed at supporting ready giving back by putting their ef- and caring employees, all eager and and giving back to the communities forts behind initiatives that already willing to participate and help in any that support us,” commented Tony may be in place. For example, they way possible to make a difference,” Rohrer, the establishment’s Vice have engaged in a partnership with explained Rohrer. “Whether helping President and General Manager. Gals That Give in which they will build a home for deserving individu- While their efforts in this “fledgling help promote the work of Gals That als or creating awareness and a pres- year” of the program may be limited Give and can be used as a resource. ence to support a charitable walk or due to COVID-19 restrictions, the This strategy will enable them to run, we have numerous team mem- team at Dover Downs is working to- spread the love, without spreading bers lining up to get involved. I could wards two events per month. These themselves too thin! not be prouder of our Dover Downs two events per month are in addi- Mr. Rohrer explained it this way: team and their willingness to get in- tion to numerous drives for goods “There are so many wonderful op- volved and their excitement about and monetary donations already in portunities to get involved with donating their time and resources place. The effort, coordinated by charitable organizations, commu- to improving the quality of life in our Nancy McCoy, executive assistant, nity initiatives and general projects communities.” began with employee volunteers and in and around the Dover area that The folks at Dover Downs Hotel has already grown to include spous- we feel we can contribute resources & Casino® understand that they es. Eventually, some of the activities, to. Whether our contributions are fi- have a responsibility to support the especially gatherings of food, cash, nancial in nature, or from a human community. They believe in cele- and goods, will allow customers to resource aspect, we intend to get out brating the good things that are contribute as well. into the communities and make a happening here in Central Delaware To date, the community action positive contribution to the amazing not just by standing back and offer- program has included a build at Cen- efforts already in place.” ing their cheers and applause, but tral Delaware Habitat for Humanity, The community action program by getting involved in the effort be- a Toys for Tots Drive which yielded is something that promises growth cause, as Tony Rohrer believes, “the 8 large boxes filled with toys, a Code each year resulting in an integration best hand is a helping one.” Purple collection that gathered over into the culture of Dover Down’s em- For more information about Do- 300 gently used, new, and handmade ployees. The hope is that it will even- ver Downs Hotel & Casino®, please items, participation in the Shamrock tually just become a standard part of visit their website at www.dover- Scramble 5K to benefit Kays Kamp what they do. Due to the pandem- downs.com. 6 Chamber Connections, May 2021 A Class Reunion Around the Topic of Healthcare This year’s Health & Human Ser- leading can be described in this way: and Brutus, they were given the vices day brought the Class of 2021 “Take care of each other. No Surpris- opportunity to write messages of back together for the first time in es.” encouragement and gratitude with several months – and what a happy Bayhealth is currently launching sidewalk chalk on the walkways sur- reunion it was! The day’s activities their new Graduate Medical Educa- rounding the hospital. were hosted by the team from Bay- tion program. Family Medicine Res- The day ended with a virtual pan- health’s Sussex campus who made idency Program Director, Dr. Brintha el discussion that was designed to everyone feel welcome and put to- Vasagar, and Internal Medicine Res- gether a day filled with informa- idency Program Director, Dr. Joseph give class members an overview of tion from beginning to end. From Deutsch, spent time talking with the the various sectors of health care. discussions about the pandemic to class about their preparation to wel- The class welcomed panelists Erin learning about the new residency come residents to Bayhealth. It is DelFarno, Post Acute Medical Re- program to the ins and outs of the the hope of hospital leaders, as well habilitation Hospital of Dover, Chris Emergency department to having an as workforce development leaders, Fraser, Westside Family Healthcare, opportunity to pet the therapy dogs, that the residents will remain in Cen- Louis Memmolo, Weiner Benefits class members got an up close and tral Delaware after their residencies Group, and Wayne Smith, Delaware personal look at one of the states are completed. Healthcare Association, and listened leading industries. Class members also had the op- as each explained their unique role Bayhealth is positioned for growth portunity to hear from several other The day began with a presentation in Delaware’s healthcare system. by Bayhealth President and CEO, and is pleased to be expanding its speakers later in the day. Foundation The day ended with an amazing Terry Murphy, called “The Impact of footprint and preparing to launch its Director of Development, Charles Healthcare.” Terry shared that Bay- graduate education program. “Chuck” Desch, and Development tour and explanation of the Linear health is a technologically advanced Terry left the group with a medical Specialist, Mary Curtin, spoke about Accelerator (LINAC). The LINAC is not-for-profit health care system. An caution regarding their own health the Bayhealth Foundation and its the device most commonly used for affiliate of Penn Medicine for heart and wellness. He explained that work to develop support for active external beam radiation treatments and vascular, cancer, and orthopae- many people were required to delay and anticipated programs and ser- for patients with cancer. The LINAC dics, Bayhealth employs more than their personal care to make room for vices of the health system. Dr. Julie works by customizing high energy 4,000 workers and boasts a medical all the COVID-19 cases. Some con- Cullen, Assistant Medical Director, x-rays or electrons to conform to a staff of over 400 physicians. The mis- tinue to delay care. His urged the Emergency Department, Sussex tumor’s shape and destroy cancer sion of Bayhealth is to strengthen members of the class to do whatev- Campus, shared her experiences and cells while sparing surrounding nor- er they can to maintain their health our community, one life at a time. insight into the work of the Emer- mal tissue. Terry spent time sharing informa- care by going for check ups and tests gency Department and what that Even though COVID-19 restric- tion about how the hospital worked as needed. “The delay of health care looked like during the height of the to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. is not only bad for the individual,” pandemic. Dr. Cullen echoed Terry tions limited our movement, the He presented statistical information commented Murphy, “it is detrimen- Murphy’s warning about not delay- team at Bayhealth did a remarkable and talked about their efforts to pro- tal to the community’s health.” ing regular care. Charles Annan, job of sharing vital information with cure appropriate staffing and supply, Next on the agenda, class mem- Manager, Continuous Improvement the Class of 2021. Health & Human their efforts to enhance internal and bers got an inside look at how hos- Methodologies and Support, spoke Services Day packed with a variety external communication, and their pital technology impacts the health- about initiatives at Bayhealth to of statistics, perspectives, expla- focus on infection prevention leader- care system. Rick Mohnk, Vice promote clear and effective commu- nations, and leadership wisdom. ship. A great deal of time was spent President and Chief Information Of- nication among staff members, espe- Class members were pleased to be discussing staff care and the services ficer at Bayhealth and CDCC Board cially regarding safety issues. reunited in person. They felt like that were put into place to ensure Member, gave the group a glimpse One of the class’s favorite por- they gained a tremendous amount of the health and well-being of those of the important role technology tions of the day was their visit with behind-the-scenes knowledge from working through the health crisis. plays every day, including during the Mouse and Brutus, the therapy the presentations and conversations Mr. Murphy also spoke about pandemic. He also shared his per- dogs. Mouse, a Pomeranian and the $91 million financial impact of spective on what it means to be an Toy American Eskimo, and Bru- they experienced during the day. COVID-19. Much of that has been re- effective leader. “People are brilliant tus, a Labradoodle, are both 7 years They also felt a deep sense of appre- imbursed through CARES act mon- if you give them a chance to be,” he old. They enjoy their volunteer job ciation for the way that Bayhealth ey and other funding from the state commented. Taking care of one’s at Bayhealth providing comfort and handled the global health crisis and of Delaware, but there remains a $30 team is paramount to good leader- offering affection to patients. While for the many sacrifices that were million short fall. Despite all that, ship. According to Mohnk, the art of the class was outside with Mouse made during the past year.

Marie Kozel creates a special message for the staff at Social Distancing and Masks made the in-person expe- Bayhealth, Sussex Campus. rience a reality.

Mouse, the therapy dog, seemed Brutus loved his time with to receive as much affection as the Class of 2021. he shared!

Rick Mohnk, VP & Chief Terry Murphy, Bayhealth Information Officer and President and CEO The Class of 2021 and alum Amanda Bowie (far right) The tour of the Linear Accelerator was fascinating. CDCC Board Member Chamber Connections, May 2021 7 Learning Leadership at the Garden Path A significant part of our Leader- ship Central Delaware curriculum each year requires class members to work together on projects that will benefit the community. These Com- munity Impact projects help stu- dents to apply their newly acquired and continuously developing leader- ship skills to real-life situations that will help other members of the Cen- tral Delaware community. These projects are submitted each year by non-profit member businesses and are voted on by class members during the Opening Retreat. The LCD Class of 2021 chose a project submitted by NCALL (Na- addition, they did some general tional Council on Agricultural Life tion that the garden is the “best kept clean-up of the area and made plans and Labor Research Fund, Inc.). secret in town.” for the installation of a mural at the The project involves the construc- Under the leadership of project site. tion of a pathway to their community managers, Tim Bailey of Central The class’s next workday is garden. The garden, a collaborative Delaware Habitat for Humanity, and planned for May as they install the effort of Wesley College, Delaware Patty Isherwood of Bayhealth, class mural and put the finishing touches State University, and NCALL, is the members have spent their leader- on the project. only community garden in the city. ship year planning and gathering To donate or offer any assistance Nestled behind the residence hall on resources to complete the garden to the class as they complete their the Wesley College campus, it is a co- project through the work of two project, please contact the CDCC of- operative garden that grows veggies committees, the project’s budget fice at (302)734-7513. for the local community and native committee and the community out- plants for pollinators. The pathway reach committee. will bring visibility and awareness to On Saturday, April 17th, class the garden, thus dispelling the no- members came together at the gar- den site for their first of two work- days. The group gathered at the work site armed with gloves and wa- ter and went to work prepping the border beds adjacent to the walk- ing path by adding soil, edging, and weeding. They also prepped and planted the actual garden beds. In 8 Chamber Connections, May 2021 CDCC Special Feature

The winning putt of the tourna- Thanks, Woody - delicious! First Hole in One of the Event! ment...

Best Dressed THE Chamber Mini Masters – Harrington ERA The Masters™ is held down in Georgia each year – But this year we wanted to have it right here. Best Overall Team Augusta’s big course - beautiful inside the fence, – Gang Greene And, of course, Georgia’s land mass is really immense. Tournament Champion Compared to the First State, it’s really gigantic! and Winner of Could we pull off a Masters™? Would it make us all frantic? Being small and different, we’ll avoid any rut… the Coveted Blue Jacket Why not a Masters™ in Miniature – a game of putt putt?! – Mike Harrington There’s this place in Wyoming where we could all play – “Kent County’s Happiest Place!” people say. Tre Sorelle Dolce is just like a dream – Where mini golf is played right next door to ice cream!

Thank you, Shay - what a treat! In costume and golf garb the duffers showed up They took their turns aiming for the little white cup. The fans were so happy to be back together In this unusual Springtime 80-degree weather. There were trophies and prizes and stiff competition, Strategies, tactics, and lots of ambition. Players and fans had a big barrel of fun – At the end of the day who would be #1? The food trucks arrived with their goodies so dear – There was plenty of water and soda and beer! We talked and we ate – it was really quite neat. We sampled the Chamber’s Crabby Caddy treat. Prizes were given – best putt and best dressed… With applause and yahoos and excitement and zest. Can you even imagine all the wild, happy racket When the winner was awarded the Chamber’s Blue Jacket?! This brand-new event to new heights it did reach – It rivaled that Masters™ in the land of the peach. The Chamber Mini Masters was quite the success – It will go down in our history as one of the best. Many thanks to our sponsors, volunteers, and our host – Being together’s what we enjoyed most. We’ve got just one more line to put in your ear – Let’s do it again at the same time next year! Thanks to the Gang from FLy High Cheer & Tumble who served the Crabby Caddy. Thanks, Friends from Fordham & Domin- ion

Mike Harrington, winner of the coveted Blue Jacket Gang Greene, the Best Overall Team Family Affaire, the Best Dressed Chamber Connections, May 2021 9 Plans are Falling Into Place for the 55+ Expo The Central Delaware Chamber of Com- merce is pleased to announce that, after a one- year hiatus due to the pandemic, plans are in process to bring the 55+ Expo back! It has been an interesting and challenging year as we have all been called to navigate the rough waters of COVID-19. We seem to finally be at a moment when things are starting to turn around and head back in a direction that feels more “normal.” Safety protocols have gone great lengths to stop the spread and flatten the curve and vaccinations are beginning to re- store confidence as we watch the light at the end of the tunnel grow brighter. There is no doubt that many lessons have been learned throughout this emergency health situation. One of those lessons is the need to be prepared to take care of ourselves and those around us. The Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce’s 20th Annual 55+ Expo is an event designed to help do just that – learn what we need to do prepare for our own future and the futures of those we love. The 55+ Expo is NOT an event just for senior citizens. Much of what Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce is sibility. Knowing the multitude of resources happens at the event is planned with seniors in pleased to present an event designed to bring that are available and how to find them will be mind and much of our focus is on helping them seniors and their caregivers together with the a critical component as you care for friends and to maintain lives filled with good health and products and services that will allow them to family members as they age. energy for every day. If however, one waits un- live their best lives. This FREE event will show- The CDCC would like to take this oppor- til they’ve reached those “golden” years before case businesses that can assist our seniors as starting to envision and plan how they want they do their best to maintain active lifestyles tunity to thank our businesses that have al- them to look, it will be difficult, if not impossi- and stay involved in their local communities. ready committed to sponsoring this event (as ble, to make those dreams come true. In addi- Bayhealth Medical Center will be on hand to of 4/27/21): our Wellness Center Gold Sponsor: tion, many in the age bracket 35 and older find provide the event with a Wellness Center. Con- Bayhealth Medical Center; our Gold Sponsors: themselves caring for aging relatives. In addi- sultants will be there to help answer questions Humana, The Center at Eden Hill, First State tion to our Caregiver’s Support Center, the 55+ and offer guidance on the journey to better Orthopaedics; our Media Sponsor: Dover Post; Expo, with over 100 vendors, features a variety health. Plans are underway for sponsor-con- and our Network Nook Sponsor: DART. of goods, services, and resources that can help. ducted seminars and live entertainment. For more information, call the CDCC Office On its NEW DATE, Tuesday, August 10, 2021, The 55+ Expo also offers help for a younger from 9 am – 3 pm, participants are invited to generation that may be providing care for par- at (302)734-7513 or visit our 55+ Event page at Dover Downs® Hotel & Casino for one of the ents and grandparents. Details are currently www.cdcc.net/55plus. We look forward to see- most comprehensive expos of its kind in Dela- coming together for our Caregiver’s Support ing you on our new date, August 10th! Until ware, the CDCC’s 20th Annual 55+ Expo. The Center. Caregivers bear an enormous respon- then, stay healthy and be well.

The area’s most complete and trusted jewelers for over 70 years 10 Chamber Connections, May 2021 Member News Join #LiveCentralDE and “Share Love to your Local!” Central Delaware is an amazing signed to create an awareness of place to be! There are new busi- all Central Delaware has to offer. nesses taking root in our area. New Participants are encouraged to Eat housing developments are starting Central (find delicious food at a local to bloom within a mile or two of our restaurant or food truck), Drink Cen- main corridors. New residents are tral (sip some great local libations or finding their way into the heart of craft sodas), Outdoors Central (en- Central Delaware. Legislators meet joy a favorite local outdoor activity), here in thoughtful conversations to Give Back Central (contribute time, discuss ways to uplift and improve talent, and/or treasure to a local the lives of our citizens who seek to cause), Shop Central (pay a visit to be part of the solution, who are eager a local shop or boutique), Move Cen- to give back. Residents and visitors tral (make exercise and movement a alike can experience life in the fast priority), Must-Do Central (explore lane at our speedway or life at a slow- some of the hidden gems that make Mike Rasmussen, Quality of Life Task er pace in our towns, at our parks our area unique), and Culture Cen- Force Spokesperson and our nature trails. History comes tral (enjoy a local gallery, museum, seven years ago and acclimated alive as stories are told about being or theatre) – all between April 15th quickly to the small-town feel. He the first to sign the Constitution and May 30th. Participants who feels that the area is a place where it or Caesar Rodney’s famous horse- complete four categories can enter is easy to feel deeply connected. He back ride to cast his deciding vote. to win a gift card to a Central Dela- appreciates the variety of resources Opportunities abound for tax-free ware location. Those who complete that are available here. “There’s an shopping and incredible dining ex- all eight categories will be placed in a awesome base of things to draw from periences. Grateful citizens observe drawing to win an epic staycation at in Central Delaware,” he offered, and engage in activities that support Dover Downs Hotel & Casino. “and it’s never far from the people or the Dover Air Force base. Museums, To participate, visit www.visitdel- places you want to be.” art, and music add to the developing aware.com/LiveCentralDE to down- Members of the Greater Kent culture. Central Delaware is a place load the checklist. As categories on Committee believe that the timing worth celebrating! the checklist are completed, partic- is right for this kind of campaign. As in many places that people call ipants are asked to share their ad- As places begin to re-open after the “home,” there are some unique gems ventures on social media using the pandemic, #LiveCentralDE will give here that go unnoticed – even by life- hashtag #LiveCentralDE. Find a link people some additional motivation long residents. Did you know that to #LiveCentralDE at www.cdcc.net/ to get out and start enjoying what space suits are made for NASA right living-here/play/. Sharing stories and the region has to offer. here in Kent County at ILC Dover? using the hashtag has the potential Business owners who are interest- Did you know that buffalo live here to create some good “buzz” about all ed in assisting with this campaign in the first state? Have you heard there is to enjoy here in Kent County. may consider donating gift cards about the Cranberry Bog near Route Completed checklists are to be sub- and prizes to the cause by contact- 6 or the Round Barn on South Little mitted at www.visitdelaware.com/ ing Pete Bradley at Kent County Creek Road or the Tilapia Farm near LiveCentralDE no later than May Tourism (pbradley@visitdelaware- Milford? Central Delaware is full of 30th. villages.com). hidden treasures and off-the-beaten “It’s far too easy to fall into the Central Delaware residents are path places that add to its charm. trap of saying ‘there’s nothing to do encouraged to participate, use the #LiveCentralDE, a new campaign here,’ when nothing could be further hashtag, share their stories, and help recently launched by the Greater from the truth,” observed Rasmus- to re-write the amazing story that is Kent Committee’s Quality of Life sen. “This is an area where there’s a Central Delaware! From dining to Task Force, is designed to cele- LOT to do. We are hopeful that this shopping to can’t-miss things to do, brate all things Central – and keep campaign will serve to change the let’s come together and support our us from being the region’s best kept story of our area from ‘nothing to do’ local community – let’s love our local secret! While reorganizing the Kent to ‘SO MUCH to do.’” and celebrate Central. Together, we Economic Partnership, the Greater Mike moved to Central Delaware can make a difference! Kent Committee (GKC) commis- sioned Rockport Analytics to iden- tify business and growth opportu- nities in Central Delaware. Among other opportunities, the data mined by this study identified a need to improve the quality of life in Cen- tral Delaware. The GKC’s Quality of Life Task Force was established and commissioned to study the issue and make recommendations. After much research and deliber- ation regarding what Kent County was missing, committee members turned their attention to bolstering support for what the area already offers. That is not to say that new amenities will not be considered – brew pubs, dog parks, family en- tertainment centers, and the like may very well be part of the evolv- ing near-future of the region. As the committee began identifying the as- sets of the area, however, it appeared that what was really missing was an active marketing voice for the region. “The need appeared to help folks gain a better understanding of what’s here,” commented Mike Rasmussen, committee spokesperson, Smyrna Councilman, and owner of Painted Stave Distilling. “We would like to find a way to engage more people, not just the ‘super users’ - the same small mass that seem to show up for everything.” It was out of that need that #LiveCentralDE was born. This new campaign is designed to create en- ergy around the narrative that tells Central Delaware’s story. #LiveCen- tralDE encourages individuals to complete a checklist of tasks de- Chamber Connections, May 2021 11

Large Employer of the Year CDCCAwards2021. Remember – only chamber Excellence Bayhealth members are eligible to vote and only one vote Continued From Page 1 Century Engineering per member is allotted. POLYTECH It is imperative that the members of the Cen- It is NOW time to cast your votes for the Ex- Young Professional of the Year tral Delaware business community support each cellence in Business Awards! Remember – each Ryne Johnson – Advantech other’s successes. It has been said many times CDCC member business has one vote for the per- Jesse Sapp – Chesapeake Utilities by many people that “when one wins, we all win!” son/business who best embodies the Chamber’s There is so much good happening in Kent County Corporation criteria for excellence. One more time, the candi- that it is hard to choose a “best.” But by lifting Cassie Porter – Faw Casson dates are… up a “best,” we all are motivated to improve, to Members may vote using the ballot in this issue of the Chamber Connections – simply complete excel, to grow – and ultimately to contribute to Small Business of the Year your voting and mail the form to the Central Del- the greater good of Central Delaware. Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity aware Chamber of Commerce at 435 N. DuPont We look forward to celebrating all our nominees DE Turf Hwy., Dover, DE 19901. Members may also vote with you at the Awards for Excellence Dinner on The House of Coffi online using this link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/ June 24, 2021, at Pizzadili Vineyard & Winery!

NOMINEES FOR SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

stilled, Thrifty Thursdays, with various deals of the day on select furniture and when customers spend a certain amount to spin the wheel for a discount. Intro- Business: ducing an online store in 2020 Central Delaware due to COVID-19 has allowed Habitat for Humanity ReStore for increase in customer reach. Address: We also treat our customers like 2311 South DuPont Highway family. If you support CDHFH in Dover DE 19901 any means, you become a part of Primary Contact: Chrissy Kyriss, ReStore Director the CDHFH family. We will make Telephone: 302-346-0220 X110 sure to remember your name, say Email: hi every time you are in the store, www.centraldelawarehabitat.org etc. Describe the business: What are the goals for your The ReStore recycles over- business in the next three to five stocked, second, used, discon- years? tinued, and salvageable building To generate on average of materials donated by manufac- $50,000.00 a month in sales, con- turers, stores, contractors, and tinue to create and sustain part- individuals. These donated items nerships with local organizations are resold to the public and the for donated items and/or spon- proceeds go towards funding our sorships. Continue to train and affordable home projects. maintain our excellent customer ness: menting a cleaning and sanitize service skills and have a net in- Mission/Philosophy: In staffing increases: As the de- schedule, quarantining new come to gross sales ratio of 50%. The Habitat ReStore mission mand for low priced retail items donations, mandatory masks We hope to instill more programs is: To generate revenue through increased, from 2016 to present for employees and customers. to help those in need in Kent the sale of donated items to we went from five ReStore em- We have also instilled a new vol- County. support Central Delaware Hab- ployees to ten employees in 2020. unteer schedule that allows for What distinguishes your business itat for Humanity’s mission of In 2019 Habitat for Humanity more volunteer shifts and virtual from the others? eliminating poverty housing, to ReStore & Affiliate purchased volunteer opportunities to allow We strive to help those in need promote neighborhood revital- and moved into their forever for volunteerism in areas of store everyday. It is not only our mis- ization through the sale of low- home. that need extra hands. sion, but it is instilled in every cost building materials and other In Sales: We have developed a working staff member, that what they do items, and to facilitate the reuse 2016 $333,733.48 Do and Do Not Accept donation every day is making a difference of materials reducing landfill 2017 $377,567.96 list and a quality check for do- in our community. You can drive waste. 2018 $404,747.58 nations to allow us to make sure to downtown Dover and see the 2019 $418,873.35 that we are able to sell the donat- Primary good or service provided: progress that Central Delaware 2020 $429,874.43 ed products. We have also started The ReStore sells donated Habitat for Humanity is accom- selling paint supplies, bedding, items at 50%-70% off retail price. Describe the challenges facing plishing. We are continuing to etc. which are items that are used We sell building materials, home your business: transform lives and creating a frequently by consumers. We have goods, furniture, and other home We had to close for six weeks generational impact for many also partnered with name brand improvement items. The ReStore in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pan- years to come. suppliers, where they donate gen- is Central Delaware Habitat for demic. We also have had to change tly used items for us to sell. What contributions have you Humanity’s main fundraiser. The multiple policies to coincide with Marketing, Marketing, Mar- made in the community? proceeds fund our future con- restrictions. Such as limiting vol- keting. We have created a Market- Serving on boards/committees: struction products. It allows us unteerism and holding donations ing Plan for us to follow to reach We have a board that helps us to continue to build affordable for sanitary purposes. more customers in more remote strive for affordable housing in homeownership in Kent County. As our inventory is all donation areas and to reach our target au- the Kent County community. We based, we rely heavily on donated Number of years in business: dience. We have increased our on- also have a representative that items from individuals and corpo- 13 years line presence and developed an sits on the Restoring Central Do- rations in our community. Due to online store for customers who ver committee. How did your business start? COVID, we have a decrease in do- wish to shop from the comfort of Serving as a volunteer: We Central Delaware Habitat nations. We also have a challenge their home. partner with Dover PD, NCALL for Humanity was established receiving quality donations that and The Green Beret Project to in 1990, CDHFH’s first ReStore appeal to our customer base. Describe a creative, imaginative help individuals and families in opened on July 1, 2007. We have Reaching more customers in or innovative process you have Kent County by handing out food gradually grown and moved lo- Kent County and making sure developed that has helped your during the holidays and doing cations to fit our growth in sales our mission of building affordable business grow: clean ups in downtown Dover. and programs. We moved to S. homes is understood. We have developed several dis- Providing in-kind services: Dupont Hwy about two years ago. Describe solutions developed to count days to bring in more cus- We have a Families in Need pro- address those challenges: tomers looking for a good deal on gram that also those in need of Number of employees: With working with the local a great product. On Wednesdays furniture items to volunteer in Full-time – 3 Part-time – 8 government, we have been able we offer a senior and military dis- exchange for a furniture item of Describe the growth of your busi- to remain open due to imple- count, on Thursdays we have in- their choice. 12 Chamber Connections, May 2021 NOMINEES FOR SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Business: DE Turf Sports Complex the US National/Olympic lacrosse Address: teams to play an exhibition at the 4000 Bay Rd, Frederica, DE Turf in June of 2021! 19946 Primary Contact: What are the goals for your busi- Angie Eliason, ness in the next three to five years? Executive Director • Have all 12 fields at the com- Telephone: 760-835-7693 plex lighted Website: www.deturf.com • Pay off all Covid-19 related loans Describe the business: • Build an additional storage Mission/Philosophy: building to house equipment need- The mission of the Kent County ed to maintain the integrity of the Regional Sports Complex Corpo- fields, which attracts the premier ration (also known as the DE Turf) athlete and tournaments is to serve as an economic engine • Fund a maintenance/repair/wa- for central Delaware by providing a terfall account of $1 million+ first-class sports destination venue that attracts sports tourism to the What distinguishes your business area. A premier facility for premier from the others? became clear: How do we create an with three employees and has grown athletes. The DE Turf is different from all economic engine that would act as to seven full time and approximate- other businesses, as we were born a catalyst for small businesses to ly 30 part-time, per season Primary good or service provided: create jobs across many industries, In Sales: We have seen significant out of the idea to bring tourism and An outdoor sports facility. including the hotel, lodging, restau- growth, even through Covid around economic impact to the region. It rant, service, and retail industries, 111% year over year is our main goal to have as many Number of years in business: while also increasing the capacity out-of-state athletes, families, spec- Four to compete for local and regional Describe the challenges facing tators, coaches and referees at our sport tournaments? The idea that your business: facility every weekend. We strive How did your business start? emerged called for the creation of a Currently we are in need of get- to offer the highest level of custom- In 2009, the Greater Kent Com- sports complex that would stimu- ting the remaining fields at the DE er service and facilities to our local mittee (GKC) began conceptual late small business start-up oppor- Turf lighted, so we can bring even athletes at the same time as keep- discussions on what would become tunities and increased jobs in the larger tournaments and events to ing the hotels, bars, restaurants and the vision to create the DE Turf tourism industry by drawing multi- central Delaware. shops full of out-of-state guests. We Complex. Two related problems day events and tournaments. To also have a major impact on help- were identified: For several years, that end, DE Turf received its status Describe solutions developed to ing keep businesses in central Del- hotel occupancy in Kent County as a tax exempt 501(c) (3) organiza- address those challenges:We are in aware, afloat. averaged 47 percent versus an in- tion from the IRS on September 19, the creative stages of addressing We also hosted 21 lacrosse and dustry standard of 60 to 65 percent. 2012. In 2013, DE Turf entered into the financial challenge of getting field hockey tournaments in 2020, During that time, the Kent Coun- a lease agreement with Kent Coun- the project done. Possibilities of hosting over 150,000 athletes, ty Tourism Office was not able to ty for 84 acres of land and the Del- grants, a capitol campaign and a coaches, referees and spectators at respond to numerous requests for aware Infrastructure Fund Com- few other ideas are currently being the DE Turf without one incident proposals to host high school and mittee awarded DE Turf the funds flushed out. or Covid-19 infection. We are very college tournaments because of the for utilities, water, sewer and roads. proud of this effort to help keep lack of an appropriate facility. The In 2016, ground was broken and Describe a creative, imaginative central Delaware’s economy mov- combination of these two issues in 2017, DE Turf began operations or innovative process you have ing at such a difficult time. resulted in a loss of potential eco- that resulted in more 40,000 visitors developed that has helped your What contributions have you nomic activity within the county. and 3,700 hotel rooms booked over business grow: made in the community? The small businesses and tourism tournament weekends as 1280 play- We have added birthday par- Serving on boards/committees: industry that made up a significant ers took to the fields. ties for kids at the facility, added Board of Directors for Kent County part of the local economy were neg- fall boys and girls lacrosse leagues, Tourism atively impacted by a dispropor- Number of employees: starting in the summer of 2021 we Providing in-kind services: We tionately low amount of the visitor Full-time – 7 Part-time – 30 will have a 7 v 7 football league and offer free league registrations and and spectator revenue normally as- continue to source major lacrosse, other services whenever asked for sociated with vibrant local and re- Describe the growth of your busi- soccer, field hockey, ultimate fris- benefits, fundraisers, raffles and gional sports programs. As the con- ness: bee and flag football tournaments. prizes to the central Delaware com- versation progressed, the challenge In staffing increases: Started out I am also in conversations to bring munity.

Business: The House of Coffi the community had our back. We Address: 14 E. Loockerman St., continued to persevere! Dover, DE 19901 Challenging times continue and Primary Contact: Kristin Stonesifer I continue to diversify our business Telephone: 302-270-1230 model in the way of menu items, Website: www.thehouseofcoffi.com services, and locations.

Describe the business: Describe a creative, imaginative, or Quaint, yet edgy coffee shop nes- innovative process you have devel- tled in the historic district of Dover, oped that has helped your business DE. grow: Mission/Philosophy: We have been intentional about To serve quality drinks and build partnering with other businesses a community of love, peace, and in the community. We have found harmony for all. ways to offer more to our guests by including menu items from oth- Primary good or service provided: er businesses on our menu. These Describe the growth of your busi- many businesses in our area closed. coffees and teas partnerships have been benefi- ness: For a walk-in coffee shop in the cen- cial for the partnering businesses In Sales and Staffing: We saw 25% ter of town, that was an enormous as well, giving them exposure. We Number of years in business: challenge. It was clear that we 3 years gross sales growth year of year firmly believe that we can do more from 2018 to 2019. This gave me the needed to be creative and change together than we can accomplish the way served people. How did your business start? indication we were heading in the on our own. right direction. With the increase in In addition, we support the arts The House of Coffi started as a Describe solutions developed to gross sales, our staff tripled from 5 in all forms – musicians, painters, small girl’s dream to have “Kris- address those challenges: tin’s Cakes and Coffee.” I tucked to 15. Growth continued in 2019 and ceramics, photography, sewing, jew- We held on and switched gears. elry makers. We have held multiple that away for a career in corporate through mid-March of 2020. We created contact-free COVID- art exhibitions. We invite local art- America. In 2018, I decided to make safe delivery. We also initiated a ists to display their work in our shop the move – and what better place Describe the challenges facing your holiday gift basket delivery option, and on our walls. We take no mone- than my hometown! business: which pushed merchandise sales tary payment or any commission for After the onset of COVID-19, out to our loyal customer base. Do- selling goods or hosting events for Number of employees: business was down 85%. People nations began to arrive for front- Part-time – 18 were ordered to stay at home and line workers – at that point, I knew See House of Coffi — Page 13 Chamber Connections, May 2021 13

Coffi is to grow our community and Dover comes together. We draw a around the world who grow the House of Coffi perfect our craft via practice, hard highly diverse clientele – students, beans and their families. That en- Continued From Page 12 work, and quality products. business people, artists, politicians, ables us to make a global impact, and more - and we enjoy being a to do something that is bigger than these creative entrepreneurs. That What distinguishes your business place where people come to meet, ourselves for the good of the planet. has drawn people into our shop and from the others? to share amazing coffee and tea, re- We make donations to local char- given budding artists in our area an The House of Coffi is in the cen- lax, and share conversations. ities, sports, clubs, first responders, opportunity to “try their wings” in a ter of everything in downtown Do- and mental health workers. safe space. ver. We are the hub, the spot where What contributions have you made For the past 22 years, I have the shopping district, the historic in the community? served on my family “board of direc- What are the goals for your business district, the banking district, and We purchase sustainable coffee. tors” as the mother of four beautiful in the next three to five years? government buildings all converge That makes a difference not only children! I anticipate that term con- The main goal for The House of – we are literally the place where here in Dover, but to the farmers tinuing for a lifetime. NOMINEES FOR LARGE EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR Business: Bayhealth Medical Center Address: 640 S. State Street, Dover, DE 19901 Primary Contact: Kevin Snyder, Vice President of Marketing & Communications plans to build new facilities or expand existing Telephone: 302-744-7213 ones, including our current Harrington location. Website: www.bayhealth.org Other offices have moved locations to expand services, including the recent move of Occupa- Describe the business: tional Health and Walk-in Care in Milford – now Mission/Philosophy: To strengthen the health conveniently located on Rt. 113. of our community, one life at a time. In Sales: We are a not-for-profit healthcare system. In Fiscal Year 2019, Bayhealth recorded Primary good or service provided: 105,181 emergency department visits, 19,844 pa- Healthcare, including inpatient, outpatient tients admitted to beds, 2,193 births, and pro- and emergency services, as well as employed vided $64.8 million in unreimbursed care to pa- physician practices encompassing a variety of tients. out our local community, including donors and specialties. other businesses, to make sure we had the PPE Describe the challenges facing your business: and other critical supplies we needed to keep Number of years in business: Our greatest recent challenge has been and our patients and caregivers safe. Bayhealth has been in operation for 24 years, continues to be the COVID-19 pandemic. Its • We implemented innovative ways to facili- but its hospitals, Kent General (presently known effects and related challenges are the same as tate communication between patients and their as Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus) and Mil- those faced by other healthcare organizations. families, care partners and caregivers. Through ford Memorial (now the new Bayhealth Hospi- More specifically, it has: assistive devices with video capability, such as tal, Sussex Campus) have been serving the com- • Placed an increased demand for and usage tablets, the patient was (and is) able to connect munities of central and southern Delaware for of PPE, particularly in the beginning when there with their loved ones beyond a simple phone more than 100 years combined. was a time of shortage. call. This has been very rewarding and provides • Created a need to limit visitation based on much needed comfort to all during required visi- How did your business start? CDC guidelines in order to maintain a greater tation restrictions put in place to keep our facil- Bayhealth was established in 1997 with the level of safety for our patients, visitors and care- ities safe. merger between Milford Memorial Hospital in givers. • With the virus disrupting normal operations Milford and Kent General Hospital in Dover. • Impacted our approach and ability to pro- for many medical facilities, telehealth services vide patients with services related to elective became popular. When the threat of COVID-19 Number of employees: surgeries and preventative medicine. prompted doctor’s offices to postpone routine Full-time: 3,457 Other challenges we’ve faced over the past office visits, it became clear Bayhealth’s tele- Part-time: 712 year include educating our community about health platform that was scheduled to launch Medical Staff: More than 400 physicians the importance of COVID-19 testing and vacci- later in 2020 needed to be set up more quickly nations and navigating issues related to vaccine to give physicians another option to safely treat Describe the growth of your business: availability. patients, and Bayhealth team members across In staffing increases: Our staffing numbers We’re also paying close attention to our team several departments worked together to make are constantly growing as a result of our long- members and caregivers. We know the pandem- that happen. term master strategic plan that was developed ic has been hard on them – many have seen • We were the first to receive the COVID-19 10 years ago. Some recent examples of how COVID-19 at its worst, others haven’t hugged vaccine in the state and were the first to admin- we’ve grown and will continue to grow to meet their loved ones in over a year, and some were ister it. the needs of our community, include: asked to temporarily take on new roles as we ad- • We helped staff and support weekend vac- • In 2019, the construction was completed, justed our service offerings. We’re focused on giv- cine clinics and created an online “reservation” and the state-of-the-art Sussex Campus, de- ing our team the tools, education and resources landing page where Delawareans can sign-up for signed to deliver a new level of healthcare to they need to remain resilient. our clinic and to register with the state for other Sussex County, opened in Milford. In late 2020, opportunities. the Nemours Building opened on the Sussex Describe solutions developed to address those • We created vaccine tool kits to share with Campus, providing several specialty services. We challenges: local businesses to help educate their employees have also begun expanding the fifth floor of Bay- Here are some examples of how we overcame and get those who have been working from home health Hospital, Sussex Campus with 23 more the challenges related to the Coronavirus pan- vaccinated so they can resume working on-site. patient beds and the third floor to include five demic while also being there for our community more women’s services beds and a surgical suite. in every possible way: Describe a creative, imaginative or innovative This expansion will help meet the growing com- • At the very beginning of the pandemic, we process you have developed that has helped munity needs for years to come. quickly set up COVID-19 testing sites and cre- your business grow: • On March 19, 2021, we welcomed 21 new ated a Coronavirus Management Team (CMT) Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, we imple- physicians to the first year of our Graduate Med- and related hotline, which offered referral-based mented selection criteria to identify patients ical Education (GME) program. These new phy- drive-thru screenings. We set it up this way to who would be eligible for same-day orthopae- sicians will officially join Bayhealth as part of the help save community members from the in- dic surgery/procedures, meaning they wouldn’t Family Medicine Residency Program and Inter- convenience of attending a drive-thru and be- have to stay in the hospital overnight. Once the nal Medicine Residency Program on July 1, 2021. ing turned away if they weren’t eligible to be COVID situation started to improve we were The GME program will continue to expand and screened. able to resume this process, which involves sur- serve our growing communities as it adds more • We put immediate safety measures in place geons and their staff letting eligible patients specialty residencies and brings more than 100 for our patients, staff, and community to help know they would be having a same-day proce- physicians to central and southern Delaware in prevent the spread of the virus and we scaled dure either while speaking with their surgeon the coming years. our care units to meet surges as necessary. about their procedure or at the time they were • New family medicine, primary care and spe- • We helped educate our community through scheduled for surgery. During a time when safety cialty care practices are also underway through- our CMT hotline, special eNewsletters, Face- was a top concern, patients were not only happy out Sussex County with the planned addition of book Live events, and more by sharing informa- to hear they wouldn’t have to stay overnight but a new GME practice in Milford and a new emer- tion from our physicians and other clinical staff none of these patients had to be hospitalized for gency and walk-in facility with primary and spe- as well as from key leaders of our organization. cialty services off Route 9. There are additional • We collaborated with many people through- See Bayhealth — Page 14 14 Chamber Connections, May 2021

gagement and high performance. Serving on boards/committees: the American Heart Walk, Pedal Bayhealth Bayhealth employees from all lev- Away Prostate Cancer, American What distinguishes your business els—executives, managers, clinical Continued From Page 13 Lung Society, Go Pink, and Go from the others? staff, etc.—serve on a wide variety Red, just to give a few examples. As a long-time member of our of committees and several boards complications after they had their Our staff also participate in many community, protecting the health of throughout the state and national- surgery. To help alleviate any fear church and youth programs during our friends, neighbors, families, and ly, including ones that are not only and to educate patients about their their own time. Our organization is all who live and work here is import- focused on healthcare but other ar- very involved in our community be- surgery, we also created a video that ant to us because we live here, too. eas of community development. A is sent to them via email or via text Here are examples of the unique few examples are Delaware Health- cause we are the community. as a link and we also mail other edu- ways we serve our community: care Association, Ebright, Directors Providing in-kind services: Bay- cational materials to them. Increas- • Our GME Program: We’re of Nursing, University of Delaware, health not only supports the com- ing the number of same-day ortho- bringing this unprecedented pro- American Legion Ambulance Sta- munity with our employees’ time paedic surgeries also helped solve gram to help train and attract phy- tion 64, The Hope Clinic, American and knowledge, we also provide any issues related to bed shortages sicians from across the country, with Heart Association, Easter Seals Fi- financial support and donate med- due to the pandemic. the ultimate goal of bringing more nance Committee, DelTech Com- ical supplies and materials to those physicians to central and southern munity College, and the Kent Coun- in Delaware as well as other coun- What are the goals for your busi- Delaware to serve our growing com- ty Tourism Board. Our employees tries. Each year, Bayhealth provides ness in the next three to five years? munities. have very diverse backgrounds and an average of $38,000,000 in free 1. Improve access to care and in- • Top Hospital Recognitions: We are knowledgeable in so many ar- services, free surgeries, supplies, troduce services to inform and pro- recently received the very presti- eas that they are compelled to con- and subsidized programs. Most of mote convenience to patients. gious honor of being named a Top tribute to our community outside our focus is in the State of Dela- 2. Improve quality and service Hospital in the United States and of what they are employed to do at ware with free medication and free while reducing cost of care through are the only one in the state to re- Bayhealth. enhancing efficiency and effective- ceive this designation. We were also Serving as a volunteer: Our Bay- blood pressure, diabetic, prostate, ness. the only hospital in Delaware to be health family is involved in many and breast cancer screenings on a 3. Affiliate with trusted partners named a Top Maternity Hospital. volunteer events and organizations. monthly basis, but we also supply to elevate services to the communi- With over 3,500 employees that give medical staff and materials to relief ty. What contributions have you made their free time, we interact with the missions in the Philippines and Nic- 4. Advance a culture of high en- in the community? community through Health Fairs, aragua.

Business: innovative process you have devel- Century Engineering, Inc. oped that has helped your business Address: grow: 550 Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901 For this response, I will go back to Primary Contact: our Mission Statement and expand Scott Rathfon, P.E., on the “dedication, responsive- Executive Vice President ness and commitment”. Century is Telephone: 302-734-9188 dedicated to the local community Website: www.centuryeng.com and we listen to the needs of the community and develop new and Describe the business: emerging markets based on those Mission/Philosophy: To provide needs. We value responsiveness and professional services by uniting putting the needs of our clients first quality, innovation, and creativity by striving to provide a timely, qual- with dedication, responsiveness, ity product. And we are committed and commitment. to the local area by hiring people In pursuing this we: from the area and being involved in - Collaborate with clients to im- the local community and organiza- plement sustainable solutions. tions. - Cultivate distinctive, profes- sional staff and services of out- What are the goals for your busi- standing value. ness in the next three to five years? - Contribute, through service and Our goal is to continue to grow in donations, to our community. the area and be involved in improv- ing the local community. We will Primary good or service provided: continue to be involved in working Century is a multi-discipline with local school mentoring pro- professional service firm providing grams, improving the environment a full slate of engineering related of the local area and improving the services to the Mid-Atlantic region. quality of life for those that live and Services include: work in central Delaware. Transportation Civil What distinguishes your business Environmental from the others? Describe the growth of your busi- in the economy. Recruiting new Water & Wastewater One thing we take great pride ness: talent is an industry issue due to Survey in is our effort and success to keep In staffing increases: Century’s the lack of engineering students as Structural some of the best and brightest tal- Geotechnical Delaware operation started with compared to the needs and a local ent from Delaware in Delaware. Mechanical six (6) employees in 1987 and has issue in attracting talent to the Do- We focus on local talent in the area Electrical grown to a current high of 156 em- ver market. The fluctuations in the that has the same dedication and Utility Locating & Coordination ployees. We started in a 1000 s.f. economy affect us when there is not commitment to improving the lo- Right-of-Way Services townhouse in downtown Dover in a sustained funding source for new cal economy and environment. An- Construction Management & In- 1987, then moved to a newly con- projects. other thing that distinguishes our spection structed 10,000 s.f. office just north business is the dedication of our of Dover in 1989. In 2000, we added Describe solutions developed to ad- employees as can be supported by Number of years in business: an office in Newark, Delaware and dress those challenges: the low turnover rate of our staff. The first Delaware office was then in 2019 we closed the north Some of the solutions to the re- established in Dover in 1987 (34 Dover office and moved in to a new- cruiting challenge included open- What contributions have you made years). ly constructed 25,000 s.f. office in ing the office in Newark to attract in the community? Dover. students from engineering universi- Serving on boards/committees: How did your business start? In Sales: The Delaware operation ties in that area. Also, for the Dover DAFB Honorary Commander Pro- The Delaware office was first es- started with a couple million dollars market, we invest time in the local gram; Greater Kent Committee; tablished to provide planning and in backlog and has steadily grown schools to promote engineering and design management services to Delaware Tech Advisory Boards; over the years to now over $22M in try to attract students that intend DE Turf Board; Local Sport Orga- DelDOT for the SR1, US 13 Relief sales for the Delaware operation. to stay in central Delaware. We also Route project. It all started with nization Boards; Professional Orga- work with local agencies in efforts to a staff of six (6) in a townhouse in nization Boards Describe the challenges facing your improve the quality of life in central downtown Dover. Serving as a volunteer: Local business: Delaware and sell the good things School Mentoring Programs; Go Number of employees: The typical challenges (not that are happening in the area. Red/STEM event participation; Full-time – 151 counting Covid) are recruiting en- School Robotics Club; Delaware Part-time – 5 gineering talent and fluctuations Describe a creative, imaginative or Bay Clean-up Chamber Connections, May 2021 15 NOMINEE FOR LARGE EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR Business: POLYTECH School District Address: 823 Walnut Shade Road, P.O. Box 22, Woodside, DE 19980 Primary Contact: Amelia E. Hodges, Ed.D., Superintendent Telephone: 302-697-2170 Website: education divisions have provid- geted, life-long, and cost-effective www.polytechschooldistrict.com ed remote and hybrid instruction employment preparation and ad- throughout the 2020-2021 school vancement opportunities. Describe the business: year, with the majority of adult ed- We are developing and imple- Mission/Philosophy: The POLY- ucation programming occurring menting new articulation agree- TECH School District Strategic in-person. ments, which will allow POLYTECH Plan guides our high school, adult Our district is committed to be- High School and Adult Education education, and district office work. ing responsive to local business, graduates to enter into adult edu- This plan was developed by a di- industry, and workforce needs. To cation and local college and univer- verse group of POLYTECH staff do this we constantly focus on sity programs with advanced stand- The school district was estab- members, students, family mem- maintaining and strengthening ex- ing (credits awarded for successful lished through state legislative ac- bers, and business and industry isting employer partnerships and completion of high school and adult tion. partners. The key components of cultivating partnerships. These education programs), which reduc- our strategic plan are listed below. Number of employees: partnerships are key to our ability es the time and cost of career-ad- Vision: To inspire a diverse com- Full-time – 179 to respond to local business and vancement education. munity of learners to achieve indi- Part-time – 233 industry trends and needs and to The High School and Adult Ed- vidual, educational, and career ex- adjust our programs to meet both ucation Divisions are also collab- cellence Describe the growth of your busi- current and anticipated needs. orating to align programming and Mission: To provide a supportive ness: Describe a creative, imaginative or career advancement opportunities environment that inspires a com- The high school grew over the by participating in Delaware’s new munity of life-long learners through innovative process you have devel- years as the demand for vocational/ oped that has helped your business Youth Apprenticeship Grant Pro- innovative opportunities, dynamic high school needs increased. The gram. This is a statewide effort, led partnerships, and engaging practi- grow: school had approximately 800 stu- This year the district stood up by the DDOE and DDOL to expand cal experiences dents in the early 1990’s and gradu- two new district-wide committees pre-apprenticeship and apprentice- Foundational Priority: A safe and ally grew by constructing additional to address needs specifically related ship opportunities in both existing supportive culture for all students, classrooms to accommodate ad- to social justice and hybrid learning and new areas of business and in- staff and stakeholders ditional students, and the related during the pandemic. dustry. Career & Technical Education need to increase staff. Over the past The Equity and Diversity Com- (CTE) Priority: Innovative Career What distinguishes your business decade, the high school has served mittee’s purpose is to identify in- & Technical Education supported from the others? approximately 1,200 students per stances of institutional bias at by dynamic industry partnerships While our sister public school dis- year and maintained a consistent POLYTECH and recommend ac- Academic Priority: Differenti- tricts provide services for students staffing ratio under the state’s unit tions for positive change related to ated learning experiences that ad- count system. curriculum and instruction, build- in grades Pre-K through 12, as a vance academic achievement and Adult education programs vary ing relationships, disciplinary prac- career and technical school district life-long learning from year-to-year based on local tices, and staff and student proce- our efforts are focused on preparing business and workforce demands, dures. youth in grades 9-12 and adults for Primary goods or service provided: federal and state program authori- The Reopening Committee was the workforce, while also provid- POLYTECH School District pro- zation, and program implementa- developed to plan for student, staff ing a full complement of academic vides educational programs and tion through collaborative efforts member and community safety and courses and programs. 100% of our training for students in grades 9-12 with the Department of Labor and wellbeing; high quality instruction- high school students participate in (POLYTECH High School) and for other state agencies. al delivery; and operational chang- a career and technical program of adults (POLYTECH Adult Educa- study while also taking all courses Describe the challenges facing your es/procedures required to provide tion) throughout Kent County, Del- a safe and effective hybrid instruc- required to meet Delaware’s high aware. business: school graduation requirements. COVID-19 has presented some tional environment for all stake- POLYTECH High School is holders. In addition, we provide a wide a comprehensive technical high operational challenges over the range of educational programs for past year related to instruction- In addition, over the past two school with approximately 1,200 years the Adult Education Division adults including Adult Basic Ed- students offering specialty training al delivery and school community ucation (ABE), James H. Groves activities for both high school and has developed several new pro- in twenty different technical pro- Adult High School Diploma, spe- adult education students. grams to meet employer and work- grams of study and the full com- cialized industrial and business From a longer-term perspective, force needs including: plement of academic coursework training, apprenticeship training, the greatest challenge our district • English Learners in New Ca- to meet Delaware’s graduation re- workforce development and certifi- faces is staying ahead of constantly reers (ELiNC) Program, which pre- quirements. cate training, and professional/con- evolving local industry and work- pares adult English language learn- POLYTECH Adult Education of- tinuing education courses. force needs. ers for employment in growing job fers skilled trades, transportation fields while also strengthening their What contributions have you made & logistics, healthcare and cus- Describe solutions developed to ad- proficiency in the English language. tomized training for local employ- dress those challenges: • Heavy Equipment Mainte- in the community? ers; ABE/GED® prep, adult basic During the pandemic, our dis- nance Technician Program, which Serving on boards/committees: literacy and workforce training for trict focused on ensuring a safe en- provides agricultural heavy equip- As the district superintendent, I English Language Learners, James vironment by adhering to all of the ment technicians with a thorough serve as a member of the Great- H. Groves Adult High School pro- Centers for Disease Control and understanding of electrical and er Kent Committee and Delaware gramming, and a variety of profes- Delaware Division of Public Health fluid power systems and skills for Racial Justice Collaborative (Kent sional and continuing education guidelines for schools and the Gov- maintaining those systems. County); DIAA Executive Board; classes. Training at Polytech Adult ernor’s emergency declaration re- • Civil Construction Laborer DASA Chief School Officers Asso- Education is focused on high-de- quirements. We acted quickly to Apprenticeship Program, which is ciation; DASA Curriculum and In- mand occupational areas identi- obtain PPE, sanitation supplies and designed to prepare participants structional Leads and Secretary of fied through input from industry remote learning hardware and ma- to enter into a career in the Civil Education’s Liaison Group; BRINC partners, the Department of Labor, terials; to adapt our HVAC systems; Construction and Heavy Highway Executive Leadership Committee; Delaware Workforce Development and to reconfigure our classrooms industries. and Delaware State Police Kent Board (DWDB), and Office of Oc- to ensure at least 6 feet of distanc- • Warehouse and Materials Han- County Civilian Advisory Board. cupational and Labor Market Infor- ing at all times. We communicated dling Program, which prepares par- Serving as a volunteer: POLY- mation (OOLMI). regularly with our high school and ticipants to work in a modern ware- TECH School District students and adult education staff members, stu- house environment. staff members participate in a wide Number of years in business: dents and their families to ensure • Customized Training Pro- range of volunteer activities in- Kent County Vo-Tech was estab- everyone was aware of protocols grams which are developed and cluding, but not limited to Special lished 56 years ago in September and provided additional training to offered on-site and in partnership Olympics events (host and coordi- 1965. It was consolidated in 1971 our staff so that they could operate with industry partners. nate), Delaware Food Bank events, and became a full time compre- in a hybrid in-person and remote Blood Drives (host and coordinate), hensive high school and adult ed- learning environment. What are the goals for your busi- National Honor Society and Project ucation provider in 1991, when the Our high school had already im- ness in the next three to five years? Unity volunteerism projects, MS name was changed to POLYTECH plemented a 1:1 student technolo- One of our goals is to strength- Bike to the Bay, March of Dimes, School District. gy initiative, which made the tran- en the collaboration between our March for Babies (host and coordi- sition to remote learning less of a Adult Education and High School nate), and Weekly staff fundraisers How did your business start? lift. Both our high school and adult Divisions in order to provide tar- to contribute to charities. 16 Chamber Connections, May 2021 NOMINEES FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR What contributions have you made in the community? Currently – I serve as the assis- tant boy’s lacrosse coach at Cae- sar Rodney High School in the springtime. This allows me to give Describe your current role with the sional career, I have found separa- back to the community through a company/organization: tion from other young professionals game that taught me so much. It As an account manager, I am in some ways. I am very willing to is much less about the game and responsible for visiting with cli- assist on the installation side with more about using team sport to ents to design, prepare and plan the technical team; to meet proj- explain adversity and teach life les- implementing security solutions ect deadlines. This not only allows sons that can be applied to future that enhance the life safety of all me to build a rapport with the field endeavors. I was fortunate enough stakeholders. This includes meet- technicians but develops my sys- to have role models in my life and ing with clients and prospective cli- tems knowledge. It is important I pride myself on being that to the ents, evaluating security concerns, to do the labor-intensive work be- current players. designing a system with engineers, cause you can appreciate the tech- and preparing an agreement to re- nician’s attention to detail, on the Additional personal information view with the client. At Advantech, job, and see the business from a dif- you would like to share: (Educa- we pride ourselves in being a value ferent lens. This past summer, we tional background, accomplish- add to our clients and valuing the were awarded a job at the DuPont ments, awards received, etc.) client relationship/experience more building in Wilmington. The project I was born and raised in Kent than a quota. had a very quick turnaround time – I spent a couple days on-site pulling County – I was fortunate enough What are your professional goals in cable and installing card readers in to receive a scholarship to play the next three to five years? 100-degree weather with our two lacrosse at a Division 1 school in Name: Ryne Johnson • Be in the top of the field as far technicians so the building could be Maryland (Mount St. Mary’s Uni- Title: Account Manager as industry expertise and systems turned over to the customer. versity). While playing I received knowledge At 27, I realize that levels of suc- first team all-league honors and Business: Advantech • Make a positive impact on the cess are relative, while I am com- the HEADSTRONG Foundation’s Address: 151 Garrison Oak Drive, safety and well-being of the com- fortable with current results of my Nick Colleluori achievement award Dover DE 19901 munity efforts, I’m not complacent, nor am for my team. Most importantly, I Telephone: (302) 674-8405 I consumed by it. I am willing to was a two-time captain and was Website: What distinguishes you from other seek and absorb advice from people able to get my MBA while away www.advantechsecurity.net young professionals? (Give an ex- who have succeeded by overcoming at school. Leadership has always ample of your positive leadership adversity. The cheapest lessons to been something that I have valued Number of Years at your current or achievements.) learn are from the mistakes of oth- and that is exactly what brought company/organization: 4 Years At the early stages of my profes- ers. me to Advantech.

venture in college to sell custom bottle openers.

What contributions have you made in the community? Serving on boards/committees: Central Delaware Chamber of and capital projects through mar- • Continue to champion for posi- Commerce Marketing Committee; ket research and collateral creation. tive change and growth in the work- Southern Gas Association’s Growth • Prepare and distribute month- place. and Retention Committee; Ener- ly internal newsletter. • Increase my industry knowl- gy Solutions Center’s Commercial • Collaborative with Sales to cre- edge by completing the Southern Buildings Consortium; Chesapeake ate effective and informative collat- Gas Association’s Certificate Pro- Utilities’ (SPARC) Mentoring Em- eral. gram and the Energy Solutions ployee Resource Group • Create and edit databases with Center’s Training Programs Serving as a volunteer: Volun- customer information to assist with • Join additional Employee Re- teer regularly with the Food Bank mailing efforts. source Groups within Chesapeake of Delaware in Milford as well as • Manage and monitor the com- Utilities support during many meal distribu- pany’s internal website and social • Increase my professional ca- tion events; Volunteered in building media accounts. pacity by joining a local Toastmas- garden boxes and the playground • Lead and implement social ters chapter to grow my public at the Boys and Girls Club in Do- media initiatives within the compa- speaking and communication skills. ver; Volunteered numerous years as ny. a photographer and helper for the • Manage digital media storage What distinguishes you from other Fort Mead Spouses’ Club Children’s Name: Jesse Sapp and optimization for the company. young professionals? (Give an ex- Hospital Holiday Party Title: Marketing Analyst • Support community outreach ample of your positive leadership events and interact with the public or achievements.) Additional personal information Business: Chesapeake Utilities at vendor booths. • Led the initiative for Chesa- you would like to share: (Educa- • Create, distribute, and manage peake Utilities to create a social tional background, accomplish- Address: 500 Energy Lane, customer surveys. media presence. ments, awards received, etc.) Dover, DE 19901 • Gather information and pro- • Competed nationally through • Graduated from the University Telephone: 800-427-0015 vide reports on various fields within the Business Professionals of Amer- of Delaware with a bachelor’s de- Website: www.chpkgas.com the natural gas industry. ica for both Marketing and Entre- gree in Entrepreneurship & Tech- Email: [email protected] preneurship. nology Innovation as well as an as- What are your professional goals in • Am a Certified Tourism Am- sociate degree in Arts & Science. Number of Years at your current the next three to five years? bassador through Delaware’s • Recently achieved a long-time company/organization: 3+ Years • Become a Marketing Manager Quaint Villages personal goal of entering the 500 kg at Chesapeake Utilities • Interned at Chesapeake Utili- club in weightlifting, which involves Describe your current role with the • Increase my professional net- ties for 4 years while attending col- lifting a cumulative total of more company/organization: work by joining a future class of lege at the University of Delaware. than 1,102 lbs for a single squat, • Support large infrastructure Leadership Central Delaware • Started an entrepreneurial bench press, and deadlift. Chamber Connections, May 2021 17 NOMINEES FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR Serving as a volunteer: I am a Certified Tourism Ambassador for Kent County Tourism. In the past I have volunteered with the Food Bank of Delaware on various occa- sions. As part of the team at Faw Casson, I constantly get the op- portunity to give back to the com- Describe your current role with the What distinguishes you from oth- munity we serve through various company/organization: er young professionals? (Give an events that I enjoy being a part of. I am a Supervisor with the En- example of your positive leader- In the past we’ve volunteered with trepreneurial Services team at Faw ship or achievements.) Dover Days, Red Day with Keller Casson. Our team is dedicated to I am a graduate of the CDCC Williams, worked to improve State smaller businesses that are focused Leadership Central Delaware Parks, providing meals for the lo- on growth and helping them get (Class of 2015, best class ever!). cal men’s shelters and various col- back to what they got into business Completing the LCD program tru- lections within the office just to to do! I love spending time helping ly opened my eyes to what we have name a few! clients get back on track and real- in Kent County. I’ve been able to ly understand where their money is apply what I learned in LCD to Name: Cassie Porter going. I help them with things like help myself grow as a leader within Additional personal information Title: Supervisor record organization, understanding Faw Casson. I love working with you would like to share: (Educa- their business numbers, and con- my clients and helping them gain tional background, accomplish- Business: Faw Casson & Co., LLP sulting on business decisions. a better understanding of their ments, awards received, etc.) Address: 160 Greentree Dr, Ste 203, businesses all while helping them I graduated from Goldey-Bea- Dover, DE 19904 What are your professional goals in be able focus on what they love to com College with my MBA and Telephone: 302-674-4305 the next three to five years? do. have recently been promoted to Website: www.fawcasson.com In the next three to five years Supervisor. As far other acco- Email: [email protected] my professional goals are to contin- What contributions have you ue growing my network of referral made in the community? lades, I am a past Chapter Advi- Number of Years at your current sources and to continue learning Serving on boards/committees: sor for Theta Phi Alpha Fraternity company/organization: and helping educate the communi- I served as the Treasurer of Kent and I’m a dog mom to the cutest 5 (almost 6!) ty when it comes to taxes. County Tourism for several years. beagle ever!

Excellence in Business Awards 2021 Official Ballot

Sponsored by the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, this award is presented annually to the businesses/individuals selected by the Chamber membership as being the most outstanding in terms of growth, innovation, and community contribution. Only one ballot per CDCC member business may be submitted. The winners will be announced during the CDCC Awards for Excellence Celebration on Thursday, June 24, 2021 at Pizzadili Winery.

(Vote for one business/individual **Vote online at: in each category.) www.surveymonkey.com/r/CDCCAwards2021

Small Business of the Year Large Employer of the Year ____ Central Delaware Habitat for ____ Bayhealth Medical Center Humanity ReStore ____ Century Engineering, Inc. ____ DE TURF Sports Complex ____ POLYTECH School District

____ The House of Coffi Young Professional of the Year ____ Ryne Johnson, Account Manager, Advantech ____ Cassie Porter, Supervisor, Faw Casson & Co., LLP

____ Jesse Sapp, Marketing Analyst, Chesapeake Utilities

For detailed information on the nominees, see your May edition of the Chamber Connections or view their biographies online at www.cdcc.net.

Name: ______

Business: ______PLEASE RETURN YOUR BALLOT TO THE CHAMBER OFFICE BY WEDNESDAY, MAY 26th. 18 Chamber Connections, May 2021 Look for Member News these EXTRAS Mayor Christiansen Issues in the paper! National Walking Week Proclamation

The First State Webfooters Walk- ing Club hosted a walk around Leg- islative Mall last evening (Tuesday, April 6th). The First State Web- footers Walking Club is a chapter of the national organization, Ameri- can Volkssport Association (AVA). This walk coincided with National Walking Week (https://ava.org/na- tional-walking-week/ ) – and Mayor Robin R. Christiansen was on hand to share a proclamation to that ef- Marketing Opportunities Available fect to club president, Kathy Kres- ko. The group of walkers was a mix of club members and “newbees.” in these upcoming special sections: Karen Kaufman also served served as one of the organizers of the event.

summer edition features restaurants Mayor Christiansen presented a procla- and beach communities mation to club president, Kathy Kresko. Sunday, May 23

Dozens of engaging crosswords, mazes, word searches, Sudoku and more! Friday, May 28

Mayor Robin R. Christiansen met the First State Webfooters Walking Club in front of the Police Memorial on Legislative Mall. He remarked that it was an appropriate spot because of the walking that police- Mayor Christiansen was happy to meet men do. He shared that Dover City Police Senior Resource Guide for Downstate Delaware the group and encouraged their habit of will be initiating more neighborhood walk- and Maryland’s Eastern Shore healthy activity. ing beats in the near future. Sunday, June 6

In case you missed them, you can find these special sections online at BaytoBayNews.com/SpecialSections.

W3 What Women Want Fest To Your Health Game On (March Edition) Bay to the Beach (Spring Edition) Live Love Laugh Wedding Guide

For information on advertising in any of these special sections, contact us at 302-741-8200

or [email protected]. The group of walkers was a mix of club members and “newbees.” Chamber Connections, May 2021 19 Join the CDCC in congratulating the winners of the

Donna Zelano, Family Dental Associates, P.A. Lee Wagner, Home Instead Senior Care 2021 Best of the Best Administrative Professionals’ Contest Nicole LeSage, Miller Environmental Group Special thanks to our sponsors: Fifer’s Farm Store, Jen-Mor Florist, Merle Norman Cosmetics, and Mission BBQ. Member News Embracing Abilities at KSI Since 1962, Kent Sussex Industries disinfected, plexiglass was installed, (KSI) has been offering a much-need- workspaces were re-constructed, ed service to the Central Delaware special filtration was installed, social community. This private, non-profit distancing was mandated, masks and agency assists residents of Kent and gloves were utilized, and new safety KSI CaseManagers 2021 Sussex counties with disabilities in protocols were put into place. This their pursuit of potential employment shutdown was certainly a hardship for and their quest for meaningful partic- KSI’s clients and their families, but ipation in the community. The work the team at KSI worked tirelessly to of KSI not only impacts their clients maintain their connection with every- Social distancing and masks are a must! in a significant way, but also assists one. They utilized Facetime, phone In the absence of off-site work families and adds a meaningful contri- calls, ZOOM chats, and the like to opportunities, the team at KSI has bution to the community in terms of communicate with the people in their incorporated technology training, workforce development. care and did their very best to provide activities to help everyone learn the Approximately 300 individuals per services remotely. new protocols, and interesting class- year receive services from KSI as they In August, the facility was able to es which the clients are enthusiasti- work through programs focused on cautiously and carefully re-open, but cally taking part in and enjoying. Be- pre-vocational skill building, life en- by invitation only and at a limited Clients tried their hand at hydropon- cause of the constant communication ics during an interest class. richment, specialized day services, capacity of 100 clients. As for work- during the shut-down, the resilience and community inclusion. Each cli- force, KSI is currently working with of the clients, and these new additions ent creates their own goals and, with 62 employees – down from their usual to the repertoire, they are not seeing the help of the team at KSI, creates 100. With the utilization of Person- overwhelming regression, but rather the support plans necessary to reach al Protective Equipment (PPE) and the development of persistence, de- those goals. Through these programs the new safety protocols in place, the termination, and independence. and the training that they receive, training began on how procedures As KSI continues what their CEO, clients develop self-advocacy skills and programs would be carried out. Jayson D. Crouch calls the “rolling and achieve a higher level of indepen- “The community did a great deal to return” back to normal, they are cur- dence. The focus is never on what assist us,” commented Ann Haggerty, rently hiring. They are specifically can’t be done, but rather on what can KSI’s Vice President of Mission Ad- looking for drivers and direct support be learned, trained, and developed. vancement. “Not only did they donate At KSI, it’s all about “embracing abil- funding, but they came through with professionals. As always, the folks at ities.” gloves, hand sanitizer, masks (some KSI value the support of the commu- This past year has presented se- of which were handmade) – all things nity in terms of monetary donations and necessary items. They are always Sporting the PPE allows the team at rious challenges to the folks at KSI. that had not been included in this KSI continue their work! With the onset of the global health cri- year’s budget. They were amazing.” happy to create business partner- sis, much had to be done to create an The community also really stepped ships and, when they are once again environment that would keep people up its support through the Friends of fully operational, are always eager to safe, but still allow the team at KSI KSI’s Virtual 8th Annual Quarter Auc- hear from companies who would like to maintain critical connections with tion, held virtually in October 2020. to serve as work sites for their clients. their clients. Ms. Haggerty and numerous other As the staff members, clients, and As the pandemic seemed to online participants really enjoyed the families “claw their way back” to be- strengthen, many of the clients’ off- event. They explained that it was a ing fully operational, they are quick site workplaces shut down, sending lot of fun and did well, raising much to acknowledge how much they have their workers home to do their jobs needed funding. learned throughout this unusual year. remotely, and creating a massive shift Many routines have been changed They have learned much about how in the routine of the KSI folks. Be- because of the pandemic and re-open- to maintain connections remotely There’s still much being accom- cause of the danger of contracting ing required much to be learned and with each other, they have learned a plished on the KSI production floor. COVID-19 in small spaces and the re-learned. The cafeteria, once a great deal about the implementation impracticality of social distancing on place for down time and socialization, of increased technology, and this ex- KSI’s busses, transportation provid- is not in use. Rather, the kitchen staff perience has reinforced for all of them ed by the agency came to a halt and went to work perfecting individually the strength of the community sup- became the responsibility of the cli- boxed lunches that are delivered to port on which they rely. But more ents’ families. the clients in the building. Individual than anything, they have witnessed The KSI facility was closed from craft boxes have also been assembled all over again the amazing things that March through July, 2020. During this for the clients, eliminating the need to can happen when, together, they work time and under the direction of Linda share materials and tools. to “embrace abilities!” Pearson, Vice President of Operations, “Our clients have absolutely shined To learn more about KSI and what each component of what happens at through all of this,” remarked Hag- they have to offer, visit their website KSI underwent a radical transfor- gerty. “They are leading the way on at www.ksiinc.org or give them a call Special COVID Programming was im- mation as the facility was completely working together to get through.” at (302) 422-4014. plemented to keep people safe. 20 Chamber Connections, May 2021 CDCC joins bombshell hair studio for a Ribbon Cutting DOVER – The Central Dela- vices and sell a wide range of hair ware Chamber of Commerce host- care products, including their very ed a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for own branded hair care line, bomb- bombshell hair studio on April 16th shell luxury hair care. at 10 am. The ceremony was held at bombshell hair studio is proud to their location, 1655 S. DuPont High- be a part of the Central Delaware way in Dover. Chamber members, Community. The team at bomb- friends, and staff members joined shell looks forward to finding ways Tish Mattern and her team as they to give back. Stylists from bomb- celebrated the Grand Opening of shell have already been involved in bombshell hair studio! donating services for good caus- The mission of bombshell hair es and even teaching local youth studio is to bring a new concept about the beauty industry and their style salon studio to the Dover area. profession. They believe that of- From its exterior façade to its styl- fering their services in this way has ish décor, Tish Mattern, salon own- made people feel good inside and er, has followed her dream over the out! They know and understand past year and created an elegant that they have the ability to make a and luxurious style salon. With 20+ difference by uplifting, supporting, years in the beauty industry and and empowering others. her experiences of working in some To learn more about bombshell of the best style salons in Philadel- hair design and what they have to phia, she is thrilled to bring a high- offer, call (302) 735-1816. You can end style salon to Dover. also visit them on the web at www. While the primary focus of the services. The staff at bombshell fied in Keratin complex smoothing bombshell-hairstudio.com. Please salon is to provide outstanding hair is continuously engaged in honing treatments and The Dream Catch- join the Central Delaware Chamber care service from highly trained and their skills by participating in Ad- ers hair extension method. They of Commerce in congratulating Tish well-established stylists, they also vanced Mastery coloring and cut- use high quality professional hair Mattern and the team at bombshell provide a variety of other beauty ting courses. They are also certi- care products for preforming ser- hair studio on their Grand Opening! CDCC joins Heart to Heart Health Services for a Ribbon Cutting DOVER – The Central Delaware Chamber of tute, the National Safety Council, and the Amer- Commerce hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony ican Red Cross. for Heart to Heart Health Services on Friday, With nearly 20 years of nursing experience, April 9th, at 1:30 pm. The ceremony was held Theressa Milhouse understands the difficulty at their location, 1474 E. Lebanon Rd. in Dover. patients experience when searching for a lab Chamber members, friends, and staff members and/or training center nearby with extended joined the team at The Heart to Heart as they hours. Since the start of the pandemic, this has celebrated their Grand Opening! become an even bigger challenge. Theressa was Heart to Heart is an independent lab and determined to help find a solution. She had en- training center, specializing in CPR and First joyed visiting Central Delaware often to visit her Aid courses. The lab’s mission is to provide ac- son and decided to relocate here and open her curate, efficient, and confidential lab testing to new business. their clients. The mission of the training center Heart to Heart Health Services is proud to be is to empower in a diverse pool of participants a part of the Central Delaware Community. For the confidence and knowledge of Cardio-Pulmo- Theressa and her team, opening Heart to Heart nary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid. Health Services is a way of helping to create a Heart to Heart’s lab services include an array solution and serve the community. They look of CLIA waived testing that allow the team to forward to finding other ways to give back like provide results to the client and/or their doctor providing free COVID testing and discounted or in 30 minutes or less. Some examples of this type then receive their results. free training courses. of testing are COVID Antigen and/or Antibody, The training center at Heart to Heart offers To learn more about Heart to Heart Health Influenza, Glucose, Urine Pregnancy and Drug courses in CPR, Automated External Defibril- Services and what they have to offer, visit them Screen testing. They are also a lab draw site for lator (AED) and First Aid, as well as courses at www.heart2hearthealthservices.com or give UltaLabTests and Quest Diagnostics. Clients in bloodborne pathogens and babysitting. The them a call at (302) 603-3976. Please join the can schedule or walk-in, with their requisition or trainers at Heart to Heart are certified to teach Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce in con- doctor’s order, and have their blood work drawn these courses through the American Heart As- gratulating Theressa and her team at Heart to and sent out for processing. Their doctor will sociation, the American Health and Safety Insti- Heart Services on their Grand Opening!

CDCC joins Top Five BBQ Bakery for a Ribbon Cutting DOVER – The Central Delaware Chamber of sadilla, nachos, or anything else on their varied Commerce hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony menu, you are sure to enjoy a wonderful eating for Top Five BBQ Bakery on April 5th at 11 am. experience! Customers are invited to come in The ceremony was held at their location, 1365 person or to order online through the website for N. DuPont Hwy. in Dover (in the food court of pick up or delivery. the Dover Mall). Chamber members and friends Top Five BBQ Bakery is proud to be a part joined the team at Top Five BBQ Bakery as they of the Central Delaware Community. The team celebrated their Grand Opening! at Top Five BBQ Bakery is excited to join the The mission of Top Five BBQ Bakery is to Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce and is serve great food for a great price all over Dela- looking forward to all the Chamber offers to help ware. They are anxious to serve food items that grow their business. They are looking forward to people will love, in a way they’ll enjoy, and for networking with other Chamber members and a great price! Top Five BBQ Bakery began in are excited to have a chance to share their story. 2018 as a Food Tent at local events around Dela- Top Five BBQ Bakery is committed to serving ware, like Dover’s Farmer’s Market. Eventually, the community and is always looking for ways to a food truck was purchased enabling Top Five In addition to serving customers at their new BBQ Bakery to travel to events all over Dela- location at the Dover Mall, the team at Top Five give back. They have donated goods from their ware and in Maryland including NASCAR races, BBQ Bakery is happy to cater with or without food truck for special events and have even des- the Delaware State Fair, Dover’s Comic Con, the the food truck for any occasion. From parties ignated a portion of their tip money to help local Salisbury Festival and many more. Throughout to company meetings to any kind of celebration charities. the global health crisis, owner, Gregory Lock- involving delicious food, Top Five BBQ Bakery is To learn more about Top Five BBQ Bakery ett never stopped thinking about and planning willing to work with businesses, community or- and what they have to offer, visit them on the his next big step – his goal was to own his own ganizations, and people everywhere to provide web at www.top-five-bbq.square.site or on their restaurant. The accomplishment of his goal was good food at a great price. They are particularly Facebook page. Please join the Central Dela- celebrated as the ribbon was cut on the new known for their $5 BBQ meals, appetizers, and ware Chamber of Commerce in congratulating restaurant in the food court at the Dover Mall on specials. Whether you order a pulled pork or Gregory and Thais Lockett and Top Five BBQ Monday, April 5th. pulled chicken sandwich, a cheeseburger, a que- Bakery on their Grand Opening! Chamber Connections, May 2021 21 Member News New Member Spotlights Workforce Development: Growing Meet Dale Kurtz and Portrait Express Located in the old train station Them Here and Keeping Them Here in the heart of Wyoming, Delaware, Portrait Express is Delaware’s new- As the First State continues to put est portrait studio. Portrait Express efforts into drawing businesses into provides family portrait photo ses- our area and as the business commu- sions, headshots, newborn photos, nity continues to grow, the ability to and much more. The folks at Por- produce well-trained, highly skilled trait Express not only offer excep- workers is critical. Businesses are tional photography, but they print in search of employees that demon- all the portraits on location. This strate a high level of skill in their in- enables customers to conveniently dustry area, as well as a mastery of take their prints with them at the those skills referred to as “soft skills,” end of their appointment. things like a strong work ethic, prob- The first of these is awareness where Dale has lived in west Dover his lem-solving skills, communication, students are exposed to various ca- whole life. He began an aerial pho- interpersonal skills, the ability to reer options as employers make pre- tography business in 2015 after some work on a team, and the like. sentations, participate in career fairs, experience with a drone piqued his To assist in this effort, Delaware and open their businesses for tours. interest. That business eventually Technical and Community College “This kind of experience helps stu- evolved into a real estate photogra- established the Delaware Office of dents to understand what their local phy business. Dale specializes in all Work Based Learning in 2017. This opportunities are,” explained Hors- aspects of real estate photography office, housed on Del Tech’s Terry ey, “It helps them to see what is right including video production and even Campus in Dover, serves to coordi- in their back yards.” The second kind 3-D tours. When Dale is not taking nate employers, schools, and com- of experience is exploration in which photographs, he loves to ride his munity-based organizations as they students are offered active hands-on Harley. He also enjoys boating and provide students with the essen- engagement with Delaware employ- camping. tial skills needed for the workplace. ers as they conduct interviews, offer With a firm belief that small busi- The Delaware Office of Work Based job shadowing, or facilitate indus- ness is the backbone of this country, Learning acts as a liaison that brings try-specific student projects. The Dale feels certain that membership students, schools, and employers final kind of experience offered to in the Central Delaware Chamber trait Express, visit www.Portrait-Ex- together in a strong statewide work- students is immersion. Immersive press.com. You can also follow him based learning infrastructure. of Commerce is a perfect fit. He is student work experiences offer stu- happy to be part of the Central Del- on Facebook at www.Facebook. The folks at the Delaware Office of dents a way to jump-start their ca- com/wyomingportraitexpress. Feel Work Based Learning work side-by- aware business community and is reers with structured project-based free to call for more information or side with schools and local employ- excited to make connections and experiences in specific industries to make an appointment at (302) ers to develop immersive student network with other business own- over several weeks with an on-site 525-3222. Please join the Central work experiences. They spend time ers. He looks forward to attending mentor. events and doing whatever he can to Delaware Chamber of Commerce in learning the needs of the employers The work of the Delaware Office and the areas where they need work- support the local community. welcoming our new member, Dale of Work Based Learning tends to To learn more about Por- Kurtz, and Portrait Express! ers. Then, they work with schools to challenge the status quo in that it implement programs that will meet enables students and employers to those needs. The hope of the em- find each other early in the process. ployer is that once the students are Employers can then influence the Meet Beatrice Smith and Bea Delightful trained and vetted while they are in growth of the students to meet the school, they will be able to hire them needs of their company, developing and keep them after they graduate. workers that would be well-suited Working alongside Delaware’s for a career in their businesses. This Pathways Program and recently ex- kind of hands-on learning helps cir- panding into more academic careers, cumvent the intimidating red-tape the work of the Delaware Office of often involved in applying to a larg- Work Based Learning is to ensure er, national corporation. In addition, that students are adequately pre- it specifically develops home-grown pared and trained for the jobs they workers suited for companies and wish to pursue and that local indus- eliminates the need for them to look tries are thriving with a local home- nationally to fill their employment grown workforce. Early experiences vacancies. with work tend to positively impact “The work that we are doing,” of- a person’s interest in learning more, fered Mr. Horsey, “has the potential their ability to seek appropriate em- to change the culture of workforce ployment, and their future earning development in our area by support- potential. Affording students oppor- ing the talent pipeline that already tunities to complete some of their exists here.” Bea Delightful is an authentic creating personalized stuffed bal- training in a real-world work expe- It is expected that new services Haitian bakery located right here in loons, mugs, t-shirts, and the like. rience with a local employer can be will evolve in this arena in the near Dover. Chef Beatrice specializes in She and her husband are the proud the first steps to future employment future. In fact, some CARES Act Haitian delicacies such as pain pa- parents of 11 children and grandpar- in that organization. funding has been made available tate (sweet potato pudding), coco- ents to 9. They have lived in many “The biggest challenge for the that will help Horsey and his team nut, peanut, and cashew tablet (pra- parts of Delaware over the years but Delaware Office of Work Baseddevelop strategies to clearly under- line candy), Haitian cakes, fudge, have fallen in love with Dover. Learning,” stated Bryan Horsey, Del- stand job needs here in Delaware, and bread. While she enjoys making Chef Beatrice Smith is very excit- aware Office of Work Based Learning including the number of vacancies custom cakes, treats, cookies, and ed to be a part of the Central Dela- Director, “is finding employers who that exist in specific fields and even more, her favorite tasty snack to ware Chamber of Commerce. She are ready and willing to participate.” specific departments. produce is a vast array of regular and understands the value of Chamber Of course, the onset of the pan- The hope of the folks at the Del- liquor gourmet popcorn! At Bea De- membership and is thrilled to take demic last Spring forced the folks at aware Office of Work Based Learn- lightful, only the finest ingredients advantage of all the resources the the Delaware Office of Work Based ing is that employers will become are used to create handcrafted de- CDCC promises as she establishes Learning to make a giant pivot. Sev- aware of the opportunities available lights that will brighten the custom- her business and takes steps to helps eral businesses who could no longer to train and recruit workers and will ers’ day. Bea Delightful takes great it grow. Chef Beatrice believes that welcome student interns to their step up and explore the possibility pride in living up to the company’s her Chamber connection will help physical locations jumped in with of becoming involved and what it tagline “So Heavenly Minded, It’s to equip her with the tools she will virtual programming to keep the might look like when they do. “They Got to be Earthly Good!” need in her business journey. She program growing. Some even coor- need to understand that working Hailing from Haiti, Chef Beatrice looks forward to becoming engaged dinated projects that could be com- with secondary and post-secondary Smith is very happy to offer products in the activities of the Chamber and pleted in a virtual platform. These students can look like a thousand from her homeland. She describes eagerly anticipates the opportunity experiences were valuable and use- different things,” commented Hors- cake decorating as not only her pro- to network with fellow members and ful and many of them may continue ey, “no two situations are alike and fession, but her passion. Cooking business colleagues. even after the pandemic has passed, the definition of partnership changes and baking serve as her hobbies and To learn more about Bea Delight- creating a hybrid platform that may, with each situation.” much-needed therapy! She current- ful, visit www.bedelightfulcakes. in fact, be more efficient, depending To simply start a conversation ly operates Bea Delightful out of her com. You can also follow them on on the specific industry sector. about possible participation in this home, but she is hoping to expand Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok @ Within the program offered by initiative, please visit their newly re- in the near future. When she’s not beadelightfulcakes. Please join the the Delaware Office of Work Based vamped website at www.deowbl.org baking, she loves to spend time feed- CDCC in welcoming Chef Beatrice Learning, students can avail them- or email Bryan Horsey at bhorsey7@ ing the homeless, making desserts Smith and her bakery, Bea Delight- selves of three distinct experiences. dtcc.edu. at the Ronald McDonald House, and ful, into our membership! 22 Chamber Connections, May 2021 Ambassador’s Corner Kate Greene When Kate Greene and Jim Suhre, the hus- band and wife team behind the full-service adver- tising agency IMD4, moved to Dover in 2017, the first thing they did after unpacking was to join the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce. “A good chamber can be the heartbeat of a thriving business community,” said Kate. “And the CDCC sure fits that bill. When we moved to they learn the best way to make their member- Dover, we didn’t know anyone, but the Chamber ship work for their businesses. Kate also serves has helped us meet the community and we have on the CDCC Marketing Committee, helping found some wonderful clients along the way.” to determine the best way to communicate the Because the CDCC has been so helpful in help- Chamber’s messages. ing relocate IMD4 to the central Delaware area, IMD4 is a full-service advertising agency, able and consulting work. Jim has worked for major Kate opted to become a Chamber Ambassador as to create all aspects of marketing to help grow New York advertising agencies, and both have a way to help other new members find out about your business. IMD4 also specializes in branding, all of the wonderful programs and opportunities consulting and business strategy, including site worked in television as well. the Chamber has to offer. Kate is excited to assist location analysis for growing businesses. They To learn more about IMD4, and see examples new members as they become acclimated and as have decades of experience in marketing, design of their work, visit their website, imd4.com. Member of the Month Tell us something that makes your business/or- The County ganization unique. Our unique Exclusive Opportunity with one Women’s Journal in each category allows us to partner as an additional marketing arm for our many con- Name: Barbara Steele tributors. Title: Sales Associate Business: The Kent County Women’s Journal What do you see for the future of your business/ Address: P.O. Box 57, Lewes, DE 19958 organization? Phone: 302-740-2149 Continue to grow and serve the community Website: thewomensjournal.com and our family of contributors who renew year Email: [email protected] after year. We welcome new members to make our Journals even more valuable to readers. Tell us a little about your business/organization: what are your services/products, etc. How has the Chamber helped your business/or- Quarterly, Educational, Nationally Syndicat- ed Local Publication supporting the ganization grow? community. When people read print, they re- The Central Delaware Chamber offers high tain longer than online. touch, positive events with wonderful profes- Many save our Journals as educational op- sionals. They support our efforts to connect tions for future needs. with the BEST! They also refer our professionals to family and Cover & profiles shot on location at Delaware Center for Horticulture friends. by Debra Zeccola Photography. See profiles on pages 36-38 What is your best advice to other businesses/or- Please Take One It ’s FREE! www.TheWomensJournal.com Tell us about your role in the business/organi- ganizations? zation. Be visible and take advantage of all that is of- We invite local business to join and promote fered. through print, website, and high touch events. Connections are golden. Member Milestones Whether looking for a home in the historic district or a luxury commu- nity boasting all of today’s modern amenities, the team at Burns & El- The Central Delaware lis is committed to maintaining the highest level of customer service Chamber of Commerce and integrity. Whether you are buy- of Commerce is excited ing or selling, the agents at Burns to include a new monthly & Ellis will work with you full-time feature for 2021 in the throughout the entire process. They Chamber Connections. want to be there for each client to “Member Milestones” is This month, we are pleased to ensure they get the results they de- Navy Store constantly embraces designed to recognize, recognize two Milestone Members sire! Learn more about Burns & the challenge of expanding their congratulate, and high- who are celebrating 50 years of Ellis Realtors® and view their com- product list and fulfilling the de- light the recently CDCC membership, Burns & El- prehensive listings on their website sires of their customers to complete renewed member with lis Realtors® and the Dover Army at www.burnsandellis.com. their collections. Their products the most years of Navy Store. The Dover Army Navy Store are also now available on their web- membership in our Burns & Ellis Realtors®, owned opened its doors in downtown Do- site at www.doverarmynavy.com. organization. We truly by Terry and Tom Burns is the old- ver in 1964. Specializing in Military Burns & Ellis Realtors® and the appreciate the com- est real estate company in Central and Police memorabilia, the Dover Dover Army Navy Store are proud mitment and support Delaware. They continue year after Army Navy Store boasts a large col- members of the Central Delaware of our members as we year to set the standard for excel- lection of patches, uniforms, pins, Chamber of Commerce. Congrat- ulations to both on their 50 years continue to serve as lence in their industry. Their resi- hats, and much more. In addition, dential listings consist of all kinds of Chamber membership! Thank the essential resource they are also an official Boy Scout of homes including single family distributor. In fact, they are cur- you to both for the role you play in for the development of homes, condos, townhomes, new rently the only authorized commer- Central Delaware and for what you businesses in Central construction and lots or land on cial account for the Boy Scouts in bring to our community. And thank Delaware. We couldn’t which to build the home of your the state of Delaware. you for your support and your 50 do it without you! dreams. The team at the Dover Army year commitment to the CDCC! Chamber Connections, May 2021 23 Thank You for Your Renewal! NAME OF COMPANY...... # OF YEARS AARP Delaware...... 3 Coffee On Us! Affinity Home Care Services...... 1 All Around Maintenance, LLC...... 2 All Restored Inc...... 10 Sponsored by Avery Hall Insurance Group...... 3 Bayard Pharmacy...... 8 Bennie Smith Funeral & Limousine Services...... 5 La Baguette & Catering Buffalo Wild Wings/High 5 Hospitality, LLC...... 5 Burns & Ellis Realtors...... 50 The Central Delaware Chamber of Blyer’s Store, Inc...... 24 Care First Dental Team - Robert R. Coope, DDS...... 9 Commerce would love to connect Caring Hearts Home Care, LLC...... 5 Central Delaware Speech Language Pathology...... 2 you with something delicious! The Claws and Paws Pet Sitting...... 2 photograph on our front page head- Comfort Inn - Rehoboth...... 18 Corp1, Inc...... 10 er changes each month, depicting Delaware State Auditor Kathy McGuiness...... 2 Delaware State Housing Authority...... 17 picturesque and unique locations Dover Army Navy Store, Inc...... 50 right here in Central Delaware. Eagle Group (Metal Masters)...... 43 Emlyn Construction Company...... 12 These photos are the subject of our Encompass Health Rehabilition Hospital of Middletown...... 5 Euphoric Herbals...... 1 monthly “Coffee On Us” contest. If Albert Evans...... 6 you recognize the location of the Excel Business Systems...... 7 Eye Specialist of Delaware...... 3 header picture on our front page, Fairfield Inn & Suites...... 20 be the first to CALL the CDCC Of- Ferris Home Improvements...... 3 Fifer’s Farm Store...... 32 fice (302-734-7513) with the correct First State Improv LLC...... 1 Fort Still National Bank...... 7 answer and you will win a $10 gift Greater Kent Committee...... 11 card to: Green Diamond Builders, Inc...... 14 Heritage Shores...... 3 JEM Pest Solutions Inc...... 6 Shawn Kirlin/ME The Moving Experience Real Estate...... 5 La Baguette Bakery Knights Fine Jewelry Ltd...... 16 Laura’s Choice...... 1 Leadership Delaware, Inc...... 2 & Catering Leander Lakes, LLC...... 5 Meals on Wheels Delaware...... 2 Pats Select of Smyrna...... 1 Primerica - Erlene George...... 3 RPJ Waste Service, Inc...... 14 Saladworks...... 4 Spay Neuter Clinic...... 7 Special Touch Card Creations...... 2 Taking Healthy Back Together with Juice Plus+...... 1 Techno Goober...... 5 The Moving Experiencce...... 7 TidalHealth Lifeline...... 12 Tidewater Utilities, Inc...... 3 University of Delaware...... 33 New Members You’ll also see your picture and your company name on our Facebook Ace Handyman Services Dover Portrait Express Mr. Nick Pieller Mr. Dale Kurtz page – and, of course, you’ll win 371 West North St, Unit 1A 1 N Railroad Ave Dover, DE 19904 302-899-7300 Wyoming, DE 19934 302-525-3222 bragging rights for the month! bombshell hair studio Inc. Mrs. Tish Mattern 1655 S DuPont Hwy Shay’s Seafood & Soul The winner of the April “Coffee on Dover, DE 19901 302-735-1816 Ms. Shay Lillard Emmons Dover, DE 19901 585-317-5315 Us” contest was Melissa Allaband, of Mr. Brett Emmons 15 Park Dr Merry Maids, who correctly identified Dover, DE 19901 302-242-6494 The Skyline Cafe Ms. Liz Hansen Tre Sorelle Dolce Ice Cream & Mini Golf Eye Specialists of Delaware Mrs. Sharon Fields 100 S Main St Suite 102 in Wyoming, DE. Congratulations and 703 N. DuPont Hwy Smyrna , DE 19977 302-389-6679 Teal Creek Plaza Milford, DE 19963 302-499-4449 way to go! Thanks for playing our game! Top Five BBQ Heart to Heart Health Services LLC ***Please note that the same person is qualified to win the Mrs. Theressa Millhouse Mr. Gregory Lockett 1365 N Dupont Hwy 1474 E. Lebanon Rd Coffee on Us Contest only twice per calendar year.*** Dover, DE 19979 302-603-3976 Dover, DE 19901 302-669-8546 24 Chamber Connections, May 2021

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