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Founded 2014 A Biweekly Newspaper Serving Sen. Coons’ star — like his mentor Joe Biden’s — clearly is in ascension Delaware’s Business Community Vol. 5, No. 9 dated May 1, 2018 U.S. Sen. Chris Coons’s committee Keep in mind that Delaware is a state that sent a liberal © Copyright 2017 by Today Media, All Rights Reserved. vote of “Present” to forward CIA Joe Biden, a conservative Bill Roth and a Rockefeller This newspaper or its trademarks may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form or by Director Mike Pompeo’s name Republican Mike Castle to Congress for years, retaining any means electronic or mechanical, including forward to become America’s next moderate Democrats like Tom Carper for governor. photocopying or recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system now known or hereafter Secretary of State may have been an Despite political forces that continue to pull elected invent without written permission from the Publisher. exceptional signal that re ected what o™ cials to the fringes, voters still remain for the most For licensing, reprints, e-prints, plaques, e-mail his home state voters expected of him. part centrist. [email protected]. Sen. Coons, a liberal by any While no evidence exists that President Trump enjoys CEO/President Sam Waltz de nition, compromised his any resounding popularity in the First State, Delaware Founding Publisher Publisher principles a bit to give President voters still value the fairness of giving the POTUS the Robert F. Martinelli Trump the team on the eld that team he wants, hence, the reasonableness of Sen. Coons’s Associate Publisher Chris Walus Trump says he needs for the good of our country. “Present” vote. I rst met Sen. Coons in October 1993, when he served “Shared concern for their families and their Editor Christi Milligan as a young lawyer laboring mightily as an extended part communities, people who want to make a di› erence” is of the Gore family at the W.L. Gore family business. how Delaware money-manager excelsior Murray Sawyer Digital Editor/Senior Reporter Alex Vuocolo We sat shoulder-to-shoulder for several years as volunteers recently described his Westover Capital rm’s Delaware- Copy Editor on chamber of commerce legislative committees. centric clientele in a country club economic outlook Al Kemp Clearly a conscientious progressive and even liberal as conference. It would not be surprising to nd as many Director of Digital Strategy the term fell into some disrepute as a political label, Democrats in that Westover audience as Republicans. Greg Mathias Coons at the time remained “a business Democrat.” Sawyer went on to attribute values he’s discovered Vice President of Business Development Today, his liberal bona des are such that if Joe Biden among those Delaware elites to include decency, openness Charlie Tomlinson does not become the Democrats’ presidential nominee in and intellectual curiosity. Left unsaid, but assumed, of Director of Business Development 2020, taking Massachusetts U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren course were commitments to a small-D democratic Avie Silver with him as his VP pick, I would not be surprised to see society and free enterprise AKA capitalism. Sales Chris Coons as a VP pick under the alternate Democrat James Pethokoukis, a scholar at the American Lisa Fleetwood, Roger Girke presidential nominee Sen. Warren. Enterprise Institute and the keynote speaker at Sawyer’s Tiffany Giroux Sen. Coons’ star — like his mentor Joe Biden’s — late April event, warned the audience of demographic Art Director clearly is in ascension. shifts that presage a fundamental shift, if not erosion, Chris Johnson He has done an incredible job of not only positioning in those core shared values. Production Manager himself as a conscience of the left, but getting media “More than 30 perc ent of the millennial generation — Donna Hill accolades and coverage for how he’s done it. those roughly 35 and younger today — say that democracy Graphic Designer C. Belinda Cimo Except for the hard-core liberal fringe on the extreme is not essential in our society,” Pethokoukis warned. “And left that has been in frothy uproar over all Delaware’s some 42 percent of the millennials say capitalism is not Book Of Lists/Audience Development Specialist Mike Rocheleau Democrat leadership, Gov. Carney, Sen. Carper and Sen. essential.” Founding Publisher Coons, and except for what seems to be a conservative Racial, aŸ uence, geographical and other attributes of Sam Waltz bloc that appears less driven by making the state into a society in general would be re ected in the millennial Today Media monotheistic society, Delaware’s electorate for today generation. As a result, those are attitudes that should President: Robert F. Martinelli still seems solidly anchored in the middle. create concern for all of us. Vice President: Ralph A. Martinelli Secretary-Treasurer: Richard Martinelli Chairman: Angelo R. Martinelli WHAT’S INSIDE ON THE COVER GET MORE NEWS For advertising information [email protected] In Review 4-6 302.504.1270 5Q 8 For subscription information DelawareBusinessTimes.com/Subscribe Business News 9-16 800.849.8751 Book of Lists 28 To submit press releases or story ideas Want more news while [email protected] Know How 29 on the go? Sign up for Delaware Business Times is printed 26-times per year by Viewpoint 26, 27 our daily E-Newsletter: Today Media, 3301 Lancaster Pike Suite 5C, Wilmington DelawareBusinessTimes.com DE 19805 and is available by subscription for $59.00 Biz Calendar 32 per year. Single copy/back issues are available at the People on the Move 33 cover price of $2.00 plus $2.00 shipping and handling. William Kurt Foreman and Attention Postmaster: Send address changes to Highlight Reel 30-31 Delaware Business Times, PO Box 460516, Escondido, Michael J. Quaranta CONNECT WITH US CA 92046-9808. Application to mail at periodicals Final Thoughts 35 PHOTO BY LUIGI CIUFFETELLI postage prices is pending at Wilmington, Delaware post offi ce and additional mailing offi ces. Facebook.com/DelawareBusinessTimes Delaware Business Times cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited material with or without the Spotlight: Kent County inclusion of a stamped, self-address return envelope. Downtowns are making a comeback. Two demographics are fueling their Information in this publication is gathered from revival: the 55-plus crowd that has grown tired of the mall experience @DEBusinessTimes sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy ad completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. and longs for the personal service they may have experienced in their No information expressed herein constitutes a youth, and the millennials who prefer living and recreating in an urban Linkedin.com/Company/Delaware-Business-Times solicitation for the purchase or sale of any securities. environment. | 19-25 4 | May 1, 2018 DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES DelawareBusinessTimes.com IN REVIEW NEWS BRIEFS

trends will mean a reduction in opioid addiction and deaths.” Delaware makes list of 10 Friendliest States for Online Businesses

25 census tracts across Delaware designated as Opportunity Zones these show that the public policies we have put in place are having a positive impact,” said Gov. John Carney. “Health-care practitioners in Delaware Gov. John Carney recently announced that are partners in the shared e ort to overcome this 25 census tracts in Delaware were designated as crisis, and we are seeing the results of changes in Opportunity Zones by the U.S. Department of prescribing practices that will, without question, Treasury. „is could mean more private investment save lives across our state.” in economically distressed communities around „e Division of Professional Regulation reported the state. a 14 percent drop in opioid prescriptions and 18 Opportunity Zones encourage private investment percent decline in the total amount of opioids by o ering tax incentives to investors. Carney dispensed. nominated the tracts earlier this month. „e key regulations took e ect on April 1, Delaware made Frontier Business’s list of the “Strengthening neighborhoods and communities 2017. „ey established a tighter regiment for 10 Friendliest States for Online Businesses across Delaware helps improve our economy, when and how much doctors can prescribe. It also „e communications services company based stabilize families, and make our state an even better required more routine checks of the Prescription the ranking on economic climate, workforce, place to live, work and visit,” said Gov. Carney. Monitoring Program (PMP) database. technological capabilities, as well as technology “„ese Opportunity Zone designations will help “„e regulations are an important component of infrastructure such as broadband speed, access, build on our ongoing community development the state’s overall plan to address the prescription business phone and business bundles. e orts, and encourage additional private investment opioid epidemic, and we are pleased to see the “Delaware may be small, but the tax perks where it can have the most impact regulations are having the intended e ect of are big. „e ‘Incorporation Capital of America’ — in economically distressed communities. reducing the number of prescriptions written,” claims more than half of the nation’s Fortune 500 „e newly designated areas include Dover, said Division of Public Health (DPH) Director companies — whether they physically reside there Milford, Seaford, Georgetown, the Del. 9 Corridor Dr. Karyl Rattay. “DPH and the Safe Prescribing or not,” read the ranking. “In addition to being in New Castle, the STAR Campus in Newark Subcommittee of the Addiction Action business-friendly, Delaware also scored well on the and parts of the industrial waterfront. Committee continue to partner with DPR to cost of living compared to the other top ten states.” „e ranking also touted Delaware’s beaches State reports drop in opioid increase awareness among prescribers regarding the regulations, safe prescribing practices and and vacation destinations. prescriptions and total pills alternatives to pain management.” „e full ranking includes: „e regulations and other initiatives re¡ect a 1. Washington „e Delaware Department of State has reported coalition between state government, advocates 2. Oregon a drop in the number prescriptions for opioid and public health organizations. 3. Utah medications and the total quantity of opioids “Fewer prescriptions written and fewer pills 4. Virginia dispensed in the last 12 months. dispensed mean fewer chances for Delawareans to 5. Colorado „e agency attributes the drop to a series of new become addicted to opioids, or for these dangerous 6. California regulations and a concerted e ort by o•cials to drugs to be diverted for illegal use,” said Secretary 7. Delaware crack down on the problem. of State Je Bullock. “„e regulations we enacted 8. Minnesota “„e opioid epidemic continues to ravage families last year to put limits on opioid prescriptions seem 9. Maryland across our state and our nation, but numbers like to be working. We hope that in the long term these 10. Massachusetts

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14 percent .1 percent $244,300 Drop in opioid Drop in unemployment Median home value prescriptions statewide 76,475 pounds of medication collected through Drug Take-Back events rate in March in New Castle County DelawareBusinessTimes.com DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES May 1, 2018 | 5 IN REVIEW NEWS BRIEFS

Sallie Mae opens second Delaware continued investment in our state reaffirms the first-time homebuyers fact that Delaware remains a great place for any location, plans to add 285 jobs company — large or small — to put down roots The General Assembly in April introduced a bill and create jobs.” to exempt first-time homebuyers from a recent Gov. John Carney, Sen. Tom Carper, Sen. Chris The 57,000-square-foot office features 515 increase in the realty transfer tax. Coons and Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester on April 17 workstations, conference rooms, training rooms, Lawmakers raised the tax from 3 percent to 4 joined Sallie Mae Chairman and CEO Raymond a fitness center, and a full-service cafeteria and percent last summer in order to balance the budget. Quinlan for the ribbon-cutting of the financial break room. The tax is split equally between buyers and sellers. company’s second Delaware office. The company has already moved 325 employees This bill would exempt buyers who have never The new office is located at 86 Christiana Road into the new facility, and it plans to add 285 new owned a home from the paying the additional one in New Castle and will host 500 jobs. The company jobs by 2020. percent. The exemption only applies for the first maintains its headquarters in Newark. “Sallie Mae is a growing consumer bank with $400,000 of the purchase. Sallie Mae invested $8.4 million into renovation, strong, established roots here in Delaware, and we Republican and Democratic legislators support construction, technology and talent at the new are looking forward to again drawing from the the bill. location. The office will host credit services, fraud talented local workforce to continue the build- Another housing-related bill will cross Gov. prevention and collections, and is expected to out of a best-in-class customer service operation,” John Carney’s desk this week. Introduced in early generate $28.3 million in annual salary and benefits Quinlan said. 2017, the bill would amp up the punishment for “Delaware has a lot to offer businesses looking to home improvement fraud by tethering the criminal grow and thrive — from a talented and dedicated Housing bill introduced sentence to the value of the loss suffered by the workforce, to an ideal location and quality of life victim. This would remove the current $1,500 that’s second to none,” said Carney. “Sallie Mae’s to reduce transfer tax for cap on fraud charges.

ECONOMICS Delaware unemployment rate employed stood at 459,564, up 1 percent from including fast food last month. 3. Postsecondary health specialties teachers continues steady drop Service industry, health care dominate list 4. Nurse practitioners of most in-demand jobs 5. Non-farm animal caretakers The Delaware Department of Labor in March SmartAsset, a personal finance website and 6. Restaurant cooks reported a drop in the state unemployment rate service provider, ranked the top 10 most in-demand 7. Medical and health services managers from 4.4 percent to 4.3 percent. jobs. 8. Information security analysts The rate held at 4.5 percent from November 2017 The list is based on four economic metrics: 9. Financial managers to January 2018, before ticking down to 4.4 percent growth in employment from 2015-2016, percent in February. change in average incomes from 2015-2016, 10. Medical assistants The national average has settled at 4.1 percent for expected growth between 2016-2026, and expected Out of the top ten, there were a wide range of the past six months. percent change between 2016-2026. incomes. Half had average salaries of $96,000, The monthly report also found that the total Here are the results: and other half made under $32,850 per year. The number of unemployed (20,695) dropped six 1. Personal care aides service industry and health-care professions made percent from February. The total number of 2. Food preparation and serving workers, up the majority of the list.

RESTAURANTS Bertucci’s Italian restaurant structure and position it for seeking buyer amid Chapter significant future 11 bankruptcy growth,” said Brian Wright, CEO. Bertucci’s, the popular Italian restaurant chain, The Bertucci’s has filed for voluntary petitions for relief under location in New Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States Castle County Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. on Christiana Under the deal, the buyer would assume all and Concord assets and certain liabilities. Right Lane Dough Pike will remain Acquisitions, LLC has stepped up as the stalking open for now, but horse bidder, a term used for a potential buyer that the restructuring makes an offer prior to auction. Other buyers could could include still win the bid. closings. Bertucci’s “Today’s filing is expected to be seamless for maintains a total of focusing on a return to Bertucci’s roots: authentic, Bertucci’s guests, trading partners and vendors, 59 locations. high quality, fresh ingredients that guests and team and result in minimal disruption to its operations, “We are grateful for the service and loyalty of members alike crave and care about,” Wright said. allowing us to strengthen the company’s financial our team members and are looking forward to 6 | May 1, 2018 DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES DelawareBusinessTimes.com IN REVIEW RESTAURANTS Delaware Bio Gala highlights according to a new study published in the CRISPR have  nancial need. Journal. Each school will receive $20K. š is money will be gene editing breakthrough, Investigators at the Gene Editing Institute, which put into endowed funds to pay out scholarships in scholarships is part of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & perpetuity, Stimson said. Research Institute at Christiana Care, said their new š e gala event also included a  reside chat with A breakthrough in gene editing and the “cell-free” CRISPR technology is the  rst CRISPR Herve´ Hoppenot, chief executive o› cer at Incyte announcement of a scholarship fund were just tool capable of making multiple edits to DNA and Kelvin Lee, director of NIIMBL. some of the highlights of the 2018 Delaware Bio samples “in vitro,” which means in a test tube Incyte recently made headlines for a failed drug Gala this month, which also featured a “ reside or petri dish. trial of epacadostat used in combination with Merck chat” with the leaders of Incyte and Newark-based š e advance could have immediate value as & Co. Inc.’s Keytruda in melanoma patients. National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing a diagnostic tool, replicating the exact genetic But for Hoppenot, the news had bigger mutations found in the tumors of individual cancer Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL). implications. More than 300 executives, researchers and patients, according to Christiana Care o› cials. “When I heard  rst I felt really, really, really sad for scientists from the state’s leading bio and health Mutations that cause cancer to spread can diœ er from patients with cancer because we were on this project care companies attended the event at the DuPont patient to patient and being able to quickly identify for number of years,” said Hoppenot. “We had Country Club. Helen Stimson, president and CEO the correct mutation aœ ecting an individual patient these hopes and expectations that it would change of the Delaware Bioscience Association, recognized can allow clinicians to implement a more targeted outcomes for patients with certain types “ignitors” and “innovators” in Delaware’s growing treatment strategy. bioscience sector, including Adesis, LabWare Inc., Stimson also announced the creation of the of skin cancer, melanoma.” Delaware Innovation Space, Agilent Technologies Delaware Bioscience Association Scholarship Hoppenot said 700 patients participated in the and LiteCure Inc., among others. Fund thanks to a windfall year that will enable the study and the failure of that clinical trial disappointed Stimson announced that scientists at Christiana organization to “…multiply our supporters dollars patients and their families. Care Health System’s Gene Editing Institute have by giving back to the community.” In house, Hoppenot said some Incyte researchers developed a potentially breakthrough CRISPR š ese scholarships will be for students in the has worked on the project for 12 years. “It was very gene-editing tool. It could allow researchers to take bioscience  elds who are sophomores or above. emotional in many ways,” said Hoppenot, who added fragments of DNA extracted from human cells, Scholarships at Delaware Tech Community that the drug won’t be scratched and that Incyte put them into a test tube, and quickly and precisely College and Delaware State University will be researches continue to work on a diverse portfolio engineer multiple changes to the genetic code, awarded to students with GPAs of 3.0 or higher who of drug oœ erings. 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NECA-PDJ.ORG 8 | May 1, 2018 DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES DelawareBusinessTimes.com Thomas J. Hanna 5Q: President, Harvey Hanna & Associates Harvey Expanded community economic progress. However, we The GM plant is a brownfi eld Hanna & engagement helps secure a win- believe strongly in a concurrent role site. What advice do you Associates Inc. win for the company, its tenants for mass transit (DART engagement 4 have for other developers has announced and local publics.  e dynamics of with Twin Spans Business Park considering this type of property? its exploratory redevelopment have changed since and Creekwood); both freight and plan for the our Twin Spans Business Park was passenger rail; and greenway projects Create beneƒ cial working redevelopment developed in 1998-2002; accordingly, such as bicycle and walking paths. relationships with the regulatory of the former we are responding to the regional We walk the talk. community and the local publics; General atmospherics rather than any unique transparency is key. Motors plant Commercial tenants would corporate experience — the Barley How does Harvey Hanna at 801 Boxwood Road outside Mill project is considered a classic make up a signifi cant part of Wilmington.  e plan proposes balance its prerogative with case of plans getting sidetracked due 3 the Boxwood re-development turning the 142-acre property into 5 those of state and local to perceived insu• cient community under this plan. Any thoughts on a modern business, fulƒ llment and engagement. partners? How did that dynamic distribution campus that would serve the types of businesses that might play out for this project? as an economic engine for the region. What inspired the inclusion of fi ll out the space? We talked with company president  e experience with s tate and transit-oriented development Current expectation — which  omas J. Hanna about working 2 local partners remains underway; could change tomorrow with the across sectors and embracing the in the Greater Newport Area no conclusions can as yet be region’s “atmospherics” through the Redevelopment plan? And how ideal manufacturing tenant — would drawn.  at said, we are proud encompass tenants along the lines project. does Harvey Hanna think about of the progress made to date with of e-commerce and distribution/ the submission of the Exploratory transportation access generally? What lessons from past fulƒ llment/logistics operations. Plan to the New Castle County redevelopment projects We are strong proponents of We will listen to what the market Department of Land Use and the multimodal transportation processes. tells us in terms of best uses. 1 has Harvey Hanna brought dialogue to date with the regulatory Adequate highway systems are community. All stakeholders desire to the GM plant? obviously an imperative to continued to put Delaware back to work.

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Delaware Business Times is • Bridgewater Jewelers pleased announce the nalists of – New Castle the 2018 Family-Owned Business • Boulden Brothers – New Castle Awards.  is annual celebration • Budget Rooter – New Castle honors multi-generational, family- • Carman Auto Group owned businesses in Delaware for – New Castle overall excellence, and specialty • DiFebo’s Restaurants awards given for innovation, – Bethany Beach customer service, community service, • Doherty Funeral Homes overall impact and remarkable – Wilmington growth. • IncNow (Agents & Corporations,  is year, 30 nominations were Inc.) – Wilmington • Kreston Wine & Spirits – reviewed by a judging panel that Wilmington included members of Delaware • Lessard Builders – Camden Business Times’ editorial team • Mid-Delaware Imaging – Dover and third-party judges. • Nowland Associates, Inc.  e Family-Owned Business – Newark • Whisman Giordano & Associates Join Delaware Business Times as Awards is a signature event for us. • Schoenberg Memorial Chapel – Newark we pay tribute to the winners at the Finalists will be featured in the May – Wilmington More information is available at Christiana Hilton in Newark on 15 issue of Delaware Business Times, • Serpe’s Bakery – Elsmere the FOBA event page: http://www. June 20.  e evening will include and honored at our annual awards • Synerfac Technical Sta› ng delawarebusinesstimes.com/family- cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a sit-down dinner June 20 at the Christiana – New Castle owned-business-awards-event/. dinner and awards ceremony. Hilton, Newark. • Urban Furniture Outlet Our nalists include: – New Castle

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for when they chose Quaranta, out to make good policy, he said. He of a raft of candidates, to be the hopes to expand the chamber’s use new president of the organization. of communication tools and social Quaranta will take over when current media to expand the chamber. “You president Rich HeŽron retires can’t do one without the other.” on June 30. Known as both a statesman and “We are thrilled to have Mike diplomat, Quaranta even fullled the as our new president,” said Gary divergent desires of board members, Stockbridge, chairman of the State some who wanted a local Delaware Chamber’s board of directors. “Mike’s diverse set of experiences candidate and others who wanted to will make him an eŽective leader for bring in someone from outside who the State Chamber’s next chapter could have a diŽerent perspective. as we continue our work supporting As a local resident who worked small and large businesses across in D.C. for the last eight years, Delaware.” Quaranta has both. Quaranta’s experience is “He will be an excellent president diverse. Besides his vast barbecue moving forward,” said HeŽron. knowledge, he also knows lobbying, As far as the chamber goes, communications, nancial Stockbridge views working with the management, small business, new Delaware Prosperity Partnership networking and team building — and the state’s budget concerns as to name a few of his qualications. two issues key for the new president. “I think Mike is going to be wonderful,” said Scott Maltano, vice Quaranta already met with the president of CSC and a member of Kurt Foreman, the new director the chamber selection committee. for the partnership, and they have Out of the many applicants the similar goals and objectives. –ey committee received, 19 prospective both recognize the importance president candidates were of Delaware’s small and medium interviewed. Quaranta shone above businesses. –ey want to keep and the others because of his experience grow the businesses that are already as a small business owner of an in Delaware while making sure the antique store in Old New Castle, his rest of the world puts a pin in the local political involvement as former map marking the Diamond State as campaign director and chief of staŽ a possible gem for new business. for Rep. Michael Castle and a current Until he takes over completely on city councilman for Old New Castle, July 1, Quaranta will be working side and his work as a D.C. lobbyist and PHOTO BY LUIGI CIUFFETELLI public relations representative for by side with HeŽron to make the Local businessman Michael J. Quaranta replaces Rich Heffron as president of the Delaware State Chamber Cogent Strategies. “He’s the epitome transition as smooth as possible. –at, of Commerce. of what we were searching for.” and he’ll be enjoying more time with Plus, as Maltano put it, “He his family, his wife, Michelle, and the BY KIM HOEY social media to absorb all the blame. knows Delaware inside and out.” –e two high school-aged daughters still Special to Delaware Business Times He even suggested that the contest hiring committee expects Quaranta at home. He estimates he’ll have an would be better the next year, but to expand and build the chamber to extra 25 hours each week now that When Michael J. Quaranta that there’d still probably be bumps. new levels. he won’t be commuting to D.C. proposed a barbecue contest as a In its third year, the Colonial BBQ Quaranta, who was a managing every day. continues to grow and has become fundraiser for Old New Castle, director at Cogent, plans to bring “–e business community is he didn’t mean a family picnic. one of the favorite attractions of some of the lessons learned and going to face a lot of issues, both No, Quaranta took classes in the Old New Castle’s Separation Day practices followed at the D.C. legislatively and regulatorily, and art of barbecue, became certied celebration every June. rm to lead the chamber forward. the chamber has to be on that,” as a barbecue judge, got the event “He takes initiative,” said Michael Every team at Cogent consisted said HeŽron in a release from the sanctioned by the Kansas City Ratchford, Quaranta’s longtime of a Democrat, a Republican and Barbecue Society, pulled together friend and neighbor in Old New a communications person, said chamber. “Mike is the right person more than $11,000 in prize money Castle. “He throws himself all in. Quaranta. But everyone would jump to lead the State Chamber and guide and elded contestants from at least He understands how things get done.” in and help on any project when the organization’s future. Mike is the ve states. Taking initiative and getting things needed. type of leader who will embrace that When there was a glitch in the done are qualities the Delaware State You need to have diŽerent change and will grow the Chamber contest the rst year, he took to Chamber of Commerce was looking perspectives and good communication to a new level of success. 12 | May 1, 2018 DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES DelawareBusinessTimes.com LEADERSHIP

PHOTO BY LUIGI CIUFFETELLI William Kurt Foreman has served in economic development positions across the country. His last role was as vice president of economic development for the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce.

Kurt Foreman's career path leads to Delaware

Economic development a calling for new as his own long before. When And he’s lived a lot of places. referring to Delaware it is never Not including the places he lived head of Delaware Prosperity Partnership as “you,” but always as “we.” domestically and abroad as a child, “We want to make sure we’re professionally he’s lived in Virginia, absolutely on the list [of companies Wisconsin, New York, Georgia, BY KIM HOEY And now his home is Delaware, looking for a place to locate],” Pennsylvania, Louisiana and Special to Delaware Business Times where he will serve as the new he said of one of his marketing goals. Oklahoma. president and CEO of the Delaware Foreman wasn’t looking for a Some people “nd a place and plant If the people of the world were Prosperity Partnership. job when he happened to see the their ”ag, said Foreman. He felt like lined up with extroverts on one end “Delaware has a lot to o­er,” said advertisement for the Delaware there were so many nice places in the and introverts on the other, William Foreman as he packed his clothes, opening and was intrigued. country, “Why not learn about them Kurt Foreman would probably land at books and music for the drive to “I’m a huge fan of public-private and build your network?” His wife of the head of the extrovert line. After Delaware from his last position as the partnerships,” he said. States that are 28 years, Julie, and their four children spending his childhood traveling the executive vice president of economic doing well in this country all have were game to take the journey world as an Army brat and his adult development for the Oklahoma City strong partnerships, he said. “Plus, with him. life moving around the country with Chamber of Commerce. He started I joke, it’s the only place on my His eclectic living history was work, Foreman is good at quickly his job in Delaware on April 9, but [mid-Atlantic] BINGO card one of the selling features for the adopting a new place as his home. in his mind had adopted Delaware where I haven’t lived.” Delaware search committee. His DelawareBusinessTimes.com DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES May 1, 2018 | 13 LEADERSHIP

work in Oklahoma, where he led a “ e way he handled himself in the state. His plan in Delaware is Delaware Secretary of Finance Rick team of 16 in business recruitment interviews, he was very con†dent, four-pronged. Tell the story of how Geisenberger’s John Adams in the and business retention and expansion, yet very respectful,” said Perkins. great Delaware is outside the state musical “1776” in college, and met his is practically taken from the wish list “I’d describe Kurt as someone to get people to come, tell the story wife singing in an a cappella group of what the committee was looking comfortable in his own skin, of Delaware inside the state to get in their church. He also likes †nding to happen in Delaware. In earlier forthright … as good a listener companies to stay and grow, and then work in Louisiana, Foreman was as he is experienced.” work on innovation by creating an “hole in the wall” restaurants and the startup president for a regional Economic development isn’t a job asset map of what Delaware has and spending time with his family. So far. economic development marketing for Foreman, it’s a calling. While what is being worked on and work on His youngest son is a freshman group that successfully recruited and most people get into it by accident, talent. Many people think the most in college, so, he said he might be built businesses throughout eight of it was something he chose. important thing for businesses is real looking for new hobbies now that the state’s parishes. He distinguished “I enjoy knowing that by the end of estate, he said, but more important is he and his wife are empty-nesters. himself for being able to bring the week, month, year, we’ve probably access to a talented pool of people. William Hearn, of Atlanta, a friend diverse groups together behind done something as a group that’s He was simply the best †t for and colleague of Foreman’s for more a single economic development helped people’s lives,” said Foreman. what the partnership wanted to than 20 years, wasn’t surprised that strategy to move economic He explained that by growing accomplish, said John Riley, DPP development forward. opportunity in an area, he hoped his search team member and interim Foreman got the job or by any of “I think this guy’s the real thing,” team — because he said he can’t do it CEO. In his job experience, Foreman the positive things people had to said Robert W. Perkins, executive alone — helped someone be able to, has already run two di„erent public/ say about him. director of the Delaware Business perhaps, buy a reliable car, put a child private partnerships, built teams, He described Foreman as a person Roundtable and member of the through school, help an ailing parent. hired sta„, raised funds, created with both a good head and a good partnership hiring committee. Some “We don’t know who they are and strategic plans, and worked with heart. of the reasons Foreman rose to the they don’t know who we are, boards. Add his broad base of “He’s someone who is going to be top of the national candidate list were but hopefully we’ve helped.” national contacts and leadership forthright and honest. He’s going to his experience with di„erent markets, He spent his †rst two weeks in experience, and Foreman just the variety of work he’d completed in Delaware meeting the partners, naturally rose to the top, said Riley. do the right thing. He’s someone I economic development, his history being introduced on the Œoor of the Plus, he can sing and act. can rely on to give me good advice,” of leadership and his passion for House and Senate in Dover and He loves community theater. said Hearn. “ ose are increasingly economic development. driving from place to place learning He played omas Je„erson to di›cult qualities to †nd these days.”

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BY KEN MAMMARELLA Her love of history shows in a chapter she’s Special to Delaware Business Times writing for “Delaware WhoDunIt,” an upcoming Delaware Humanities book to encourage children “Dover is a little gem,” said N. Taylor Collins, to explore history. Her chapter involves a quilt, a and she likes to share all the history and fun it symbolic system from the past telling slaves on the oers. Underground Railroad it was safe to move on. Her enthusiasm is why she and fellow Other winners: entrepreneur Jan Crumpley have received the new Byway Small Business award from the Delaware Small Business Person of the Year District Oce of the U.S. Small Business Kim Adams Administration. Mountain Consulting, Inc. were honored for their years of using their knowledge to help other businesses grow. €e award is one several announced by the SBA, Konowitz for 48 years ran the Milford Stitching and its partners at the Small Business Development Co., a textile manufacturer that catered to hotels, Center, SCORE and the Women’s Business Center motels and department stores. “When I retired in (WBC) that celebrate the success of outstanding 2006, I came home, and my wife, Linda, said ‘What small business owners, resource partners, are you going to do?’ I replied ‘I don’t know.’ She and small business lenders. said ‘You are not staying home.’ I found SCORE.” €e Dover resident has volunteered with Byway Small Business SCORE for 12 years, including a stint as state Jan Crumpley and N. Taylor Collins chairman, and has helped more than 36 businesses Parke Green Galleries & The Delaware Store open in the Kent County area. Notable starts include First State Manufacturing and Shorecare. “I love to help other people,” he said. “I have been president of Congregation Beth Sholom in Dover. Kim Adams in 2003 co-founded Mountain I am now vice chair of the Dover Interfaith Consulting Inc. with her husband, Troy Adams. Mission for Housing.” He has the professional engineer license, and she In one fateful drive to a SCORE session, he has the business management and development recruited Schafer to serve as group treasurer, a task experience. €eir Dover company has since grown he has handled since a few months after he started volunteering with SCORE in 2009. to 25 employees and $3.1 million in revenue, Schafer is a mechanical engineer who retired to she said, for engineering design, construction Delaware after serving in multiple positions with management, surveying and technical services. several companies and owning his own consulting Part of their growth comes from four SBA Four artistic retirees — Collins, Crumpley, business for 24 years, providing technical, certi›cations and the ensuing bene›ts in Susan Johnston and Maria Liberto Basette — production, sales, IT implementation, training went through the Kauman FastTrac business government contracts. Mountain Consulting and administrative services for manufacturers. He development program with the Delaware is a HUB Zone company (its oces are in a worked in the Baltimore area and served there on Economic Development Oce and in 2013 opened Historically Underutilized Business Zone, and the Governor’s Workforce Development Board. Parke Green Galleries in an 1830 building on €e a third of employees live in such zones); an 8(a) He has counseled 270 clients. “I’ve done a lot of Green in Dover. €ey also took over the Delaware company, which allows small disadvantaged dierent things,” he oered for why he has been Store (for First State stu) in their operations. business to be the sole source of government so popular. His titles have included machinist, €eir love of history is proclaimed in the site contracts under $4 million; a minority woman- laboratory supervisor, chief engineer, vice president (a 1787 vote at a long-demolished tavern there owned business; and an SBA-certi›ed business. of engineering, national sales manager, executive rati›ed the U.S. Constitution and made Delaware Mountain Zone reaches well beyond its home vice president and president of a $40 million the ›rst state), phone number (ending in 1787) turf. Its biggest client is the Philadelphia District of company — and he also built a six-bedroom home and gallery names (Dover astronomer Annie Jump the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Four employees for his family. He has also presented numerous Cannon and preservationist Mabel Lloyd Ridgely). are now working on ›re-detection systems at classes, including Boots to Business, which helps “We really like history,” Collins said. “It’s U.S. Army Reserve centers in West Virginia. And the transition from military service to business important to capture history in art.” And she Adams plans within six months to open an oce in ownership. does — along with a mobile in progress featuring Cecil or Harford County, Maryland, to be close to Schafer continues in SCORE because of the autographs from tourists who stop at the store. operations at Aberdeen Proving Ground. satisfaction he gets from helping people. “I helped Collins and Crumpley (the others have retired) a 50-year-old man, who was a truck driver with very poor credit, set up his own trucking business. won the award for backing an SBA and Delaware Lifetime Achievement Award I helped him create a business plan, and it took him Department of Transportation campaign to Charlie Schafer about a year to clear up his credit. He ultimately promote scenic and historic byways and small Herb Konowitz got a loan to get his own truck. He was very businesses on them. €e store participates in the SCORE Delaware fortunate because they just started repairing a Byway Bucks program (a 10 percent discount) and runway at Dover AFB, and he got a steady hauling Herb Konowitz and Charles Schafer, who met displays a byway map. “We push other businesses job to help him get busy right out of the gate.” down the street,” Collins said. through the Service Corps of Retired Executives, DelawareBusinessTimes.com DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES May 1, 2018 | 15 SMALL BUSINESS

Frank J. Masley Champion Award supplier diversity and inclusion is an important part.” Michele Morin She also cited increased training to “help the inclusive business community learn how to do About the awards Delaware Offi ce of Supplier Diversity business with the state, to get certi
ed as a diverse ’ e awards by the U.S. Small Business As executive director of the state O ce of or small business with OSD, to connect with the Administration’s Delaware District O ce Supplier Diversity, Michelle N. Morin champions school districts for supply chain opportunities, for will be presented May 2 at the DuPont small businesses and
rms owned by minorities, matchmaking connections with other businesses Country Club. Questions about the awards women, veterans, service-disabled veterans and and more.” ’ ese eŽ orts help promote how ceremony, dinner and networking event individuals with disabilities. Since she started in Delaware is an “open and equal procurement state.” should be sent to Jim Provo, small business 2013, state contracting with diverse and small ’ e award is named for Masley, an Olympian awards representative, at [email protected]. businesses has increased by 283 percent, from who with his wife Donna in 2003 established a At an April 17 gathering, Gov. John $75 million in
scal 2013 to $287.4 million Delaware company to make specialized gloves. Carney presented tributes to the winners by the end of
scal 2017. and asked about their business. “’ e most She also is a participant or serves in an advisory Woman-owned common question was ‘What is the hardest role on nine councils, boards and commissions. Business thing to do as a small business owner today?’ In a bio she wrote for the awards, she said she Kelly Jones Provo said. “And the unanimous response “believes in servant leadership and continues to The Cleaning Girl, was ‘Finding quali
ed, hard-working strive to create community, build relationship and Inc. employees.’ ” act as a B2B and B2G matchmaker by uniting An independent panel of judges considered resource partners and business owners to continue ’ e feminine sales, revenue growth, longevity and economic opportunity advancement at all levels.” focus of ’ e community involvement to decide on the An o ce listserv sent out 506 “OSD Is Sharing” Cleaning Girl Inc. winners, according to John Fleming, emails in the last
scal year, including networking, includes the name, district director. education, development and conferences. Morin the founder (Kelly Delaware’s awards are part of a national emphasized the work is a group eŽ ort. “No one Jones), two new program that dates back to 1963 and the person can accomplish anything important alone. partners (Candice celebration of National Small Business Colleagues, partners and the vendor community Caruso and Denai Wolfe), community partnerships Week, which is April 29-May 5 this year. all work together to make our state function, and that promote other women and plans to franchise

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Smyrna, a town of 11,000, has seen a flurry of new business activity, including in the heart of the historic downtown district. PHOTO BY ERIC CROSSAN Kent County’s tale of three cities

Downtowns are Target and Home Depot delivered still works-in-progress but there is Commission saw the value of the knockout punch. evidence that their e‘orts — and converting an eyesore into an asset on the rebound Vacant storefronts and o†ce investments — are paying signi’cant that would provide opportunities for buildings blighted the downtowns. dividends. community water-based recreation. in Smyrna, Dover Major employers either shut Just what is that “secret sauce,” the e mile-long Mispillion Riverwalk down or moved to outlying areas. ingredient applied to revitalizing our Park wends its way through and Milford Neighborhoods took on a shabby, older downtowns? e right formula downtown, drawing residents and threadbare appearance as residents requires a mixture of art and science. visitors alike and serving as the BY CHRISTINE FACCIOLO followed the exodus of business. Smyrna, the most progressive of the catalyst for and character of the Special to Delaware Business Times Downtowns are making a three, realized early on the advantages revitalized downtown district. comeback. Two demographics are of planning and organization. Dover is now recognizing the need fueling their revival: the 55-plus e committed town government to leverage the assets it possesses into Downtowns have struggled through decades of tough times. crowd that has grown tired of the adopted a can-do attitude that a shared vision steering economic First, mom-and-pop corner mall experience and longs for the viewed challenges as opportunities, growth. It was recently selected as stores got wiped out by the wave of personal service they may have proactively responding to problems the ’rst recipient of the “Unlock supermarkets that came to town in experienced in their youth, and the in the downtown district. the Block” program, which seeks to the ’50s and ’60s. en, in the ’70s, millennials who prefer living and Milford found its renaissance in pair tenants with landlords in the strip shopping centers came along, recreating in an urban environment. the source of its past prosperity: the Loockerman Street corridor. Selected and more stores ed the downtowns. is is a look at how three Kent Mispillion River. e idea for the tenants will receive incentives and In the ’80s, shopping malls were County cities — Smyrna, Milford Mispillion Riverwalk dates back to assistance, including fee waivers, built, pummeling them further. After and Dover — have put new life into 1974 when town leaders in the newly business consulting services, technical that, big-box retailers like Wal-Mart, their old, tired downtowns. ey are established Parks and Recreation assistance and cash contributions. 20 | May 1, 2018 DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES DelawareBusinessTimes.com SPOTLIGHT KENT COUNTY Smyrna’s percolating economy was a long time brewing

BY CHRISTINE FACCIOLO Special to Delaware Business Times

Just ve years ago it would have been impossible to imagine walking in downtown Smyrna and smelling freshly brewed coee or grabbing lunch at the tavern and topping it o with a hot-from-the-oven sweet treat. It may have been a long time coming, but Smyrna is enjoying a urry of business activity with a number of new businesses opening such as Painted Stave, Slate Café and Brick Works Brewing and Eats and the Yarn Maven. Last summer, the Lemon Leaf Café and JR’s Past- Time Pub moved into the building vacated by ‡e Inn at Duck Creek, while One North Main Street Eats and Sweets recently took over the space occupied by the Drunk’n Baker. Lindsay Powell-Conley and husband Timothy are looking to open their second business in the downtown area this fall: Cobalt Manor, an event space and restaurant at the site of the old Wright Mansion on 47 E. Commerce St. ‡e Yarn Maven has moved farther up Commerce Street to a larger location to accommodate growth, Painted Stave is building an outdoor cocktail garden for a Memorial Day weekend opening as well as an outdoor whiskey storage facility. Being chosen for the Downtown Development Designation (DDD) program has denitely helped downtown Smyrna grow, as has the rebounding economy and population increase. “‡ings are denitely coming back,” said Town Manager Gary Stulir. “We’re working with developers.” ‡at’s only part of the story, according to Rick Ferrell, the town’s business and economic development consultant. Ferrell believes that communities must have PHOTO BY ERIC CROSSAN strong organizational structures in place to be able to Ron Gomes Jr. and Mike Rasmussen opened Painted Stave Distillery in 2013, aided by incentives and tax abatements from Smyrna. take full advantage of government incentives. ‡at, he said, is what put Smyrna ahead of the game relative to other Delaware municipalities. its district application. ‡e town did not receive important role in downtown Smyrna’s success. “We have an engaged town council that values designation until two years later but having a “Rick is constantly trying to bring business to business and economic development, a proactive viable blueprint for growth in hand allowed town and help them out if they’re struggling,” economic development committee, a business it to have projects in queue. he said. “‡ere’s a lot more one-on-one attention development committee and an active redevelopment “When we got [designation] in 2016, we than in a place like Dover which is a little more committee,” he said. received more than $200,000 in grants that spread out.” Smyrna, which straddles the county line between resulted in $1.6 million in private reinvestment Ferrell encourages property owners in the New Castle and Kent, also had a strategic plan passed in the rst year,” said Ferrell. downtown area to interact with each other to by council in 2014. ‡at plan would form the basis of Stulir said Ferrell’s expertise has played an determine the best mix of tenants to achieve DelawareBusinessTimes.com DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES May 1, 2018 | 21 SPOTLIGHT KENT COUNTY

synergy and market growth. “e biggest challenge to downtowns is not the shortage of ideas but inuencing the people who own the real estate,” he said. “You can have all the ideas you want but if you don’t have three property owners who see it the same way, you may not get the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker. You might get three hair salons or something that doesn’t necessarily grow the market.” Ferrell also advises business owners to “come out of their silos” and cross-promote themselves with other local businesses. at brands the downtown as a regional destination, drawing tourists who will spend time and money and make repeat visits. “A town like Smyrna with a population of 11,000 can’t support a downtown economy,” he said. Painted Stave Distillery got lots of help from the town in the form of fee waivers, help with utilities and tax abatements, when owners Ron Gomes Jr. and Mike Rasmussen opened in 2013. e owners have also seen the value of cross-promoting their businesses with other establishments, such as Blue Earl Brewing Co. and Brick Works Brewing and Eats, said co-owner Ron Gomes Jr. “We do two pub crawls a year with Blue Earl and Brick Works and we’ve had a collaborative billboard,” he said. “Whenever we Œnd interesting opportunities that we think are going to help the businesses and help the town, we’re all about it.” Smyrna Town Manager Gary Stulir says "things are definitely coming back." PHOTO BY ERIC CROSSAN

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Erin Thwaites opened Bel Boutique last year, one of a number of businesses filling vacancies in downtown Dover. PHOTO BY ERIC CROSSAN Dover: A capital city slowly fills it's vacancies

BY CHRISTINE FACCIOLO storefronts still dogs Dover’s a pitch competition judged by “Dover has a number of excellent Special to Delaware Business Times Loockerman Street corridor. local experts. businesses and this provides a great Now state and local entities are ƒose selected for the program will opportunity to bring a few more in.” When Dave Hugg decided to coming together to promote small receive a combination of incentives Mayor Robin Christiansen agrees. grab a cup of co ee before work last business and reduce vacancies. and assistance, including fee waivers, “We need to pursue these programs year, he was shocked to nd nothing ƒe “Unlock the Block” campaign free business consulting services and ‘Unlock the Block’ is just brewing on Loockerman Street. which was unveiled last month and technical assistance. another item to help us revitalize Delaware’s capital city seemed looks to assist landlords in nding “We’re doing the program to our downtown area as people trend to encourage people to pass it by. tenants for those empty properties highlight the spaces but also to toward boutique shopping.” “If you have to go out on the and also directing property owners let people know about the DDD Hugg is pleased with the highway to the Wawa, you’re to incentives that are available incentives,” said Tina Bradbury, collaboration among several probably not going to go back into for redevelopment. operations manager of the organizations, including the Dover,” said Hugg, who came out Four properties have been Downtown Dover Partnership. Downtown Dover Partnership, city of retirement to take over as city conrmed to participate in the “People worry about opening a of Dover, Central Delaware Chamber planner last year. program: 1 W. Loockerman business and this really lets them of Commerce, Kent Economic Co ee is now perking in St., 155 So. Bradford St., 204 know that we support them.” Partnership, First State Community downtown Dover thanks to the Loockerman St. and 147 Diane Laird, state coordinator Loan Fund, NCALL and the House of Co , which opened S. Governors Ave. for the Division of Small Business’ Division of Small Business. in March. Tenants for this initial group Downtown Delaware program, calls “What’s happened recently is But the problem of vacant of vacancies will be selected through the program a formula for success. that we’ve had great success in DelawareBusinessTimes.com DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES May 1, 2018 | 23 SPOTLIGHT KENT COUNTY building a collaboration to get things of state government and education. done and ‘Unlock the Block’ is an „e city is home to four institutions example of it.” of higher learning: Delaware State Indeed, Hugg, former town University, Wilmington University, manager for Smyrna, feels that it was Wesley College and Delaware a lack of vision and cooperation that Technical Community College. caused Dover to lag behind other “We’ve not been able to take towns in Kent County in its e orts advantage of the proximity particularly to revitalize its downtown district. of Wesley College,” he said. “If you “In Smyrna, there was a shared think of Newark or anywhere else vision in terms of what we wanted that has a large student population, downtown to be and the kinds of they’re integral to the community. things we wanted to go after,” he said. „at doesn’t seem to have happened “I’m not so sure that was the case in Dover … yet.” here in Dover.” One building Hugg would like PHOTO BY ERIC CROSSAN Moreover, he noted, the city had its to see occupied is the Loockerman Tina Bradbury, operations manager of the Downtown Dover Partnership has prioritized attracting new own issues in trying to ƒgure out its Exchange Building on the corner businesses. role in economic development. “It had of Loockerman and State streets. an economic development department, “„at’s one of the signature buildings,” of the neighborhood.” excited about the “Unlock the Block” and then it didn’t,” he said. „en it he said. “Getting someone in that Hugg says things are looking up for program. „waites even has a wish got transferred to the Downtown building would really help downtown.” downtown Dover, noting that vacancy list of what she would like to see Partnership, and I think it’s unclear „en there’s the challenge of what rates are half of what they were last come to downtown. whether the focus is going to be to do about the West End, the area year. Plus, he is hopeful that all the “I would love to see more boutique- downtown or the whole city. So there below Governors Avenue. “It’s an business activity going on in the U.S. type shops and restaurants,” she said. were a lot of things that slowed the area with all the perception issues, 13 corridor will eventually lift the success rate here in Dover.” blighted, lots of crime, loitering,” he fortunes of downtown. “A brew pub or a wine bar would Hugg also feels that Dover has said. “„at’s where we’re concentrating Local merchants like Erin „waites, be amazing and I know that would failed to leverage the many assets it our e orts to get new homeownership owner of Bel Boutique and „e appeal to my customers which would has, namely its history, being the seat opportunities to change the perception Loocke which opened last year, are only help grow this as a destination.”

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June 20th | 5:30-6:30 pm Cocktails and Networking | 6:30-9 pm Dinner and Awards | Christiana Hilton, Newark DE 24 | May 1, 2018 DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES DelawareBusinessTimes.com SPOTLIGHT KENT COUNTY River town of Milford finds its future by looking to its past

BY CHRISTINE FACCIOLO Special to Delaware Business Times

Rebirth is something Milford knows something about. Once a bustling shipyard town, the city seemed destined to suer the fate of other communities that relied on old-school industries. Milford is looking to its past to secure its future. e Mispillion River, once home to six shipyards, became the catalyst for the revitalization of the city’s downtown business district. “e city of Milford was founded as a shipbuilding town,” said Mayor Bryan Shupe. “We want to make sure our vision draws on the heritage of the Mispillion River and carries our history into the future with us.” Rivertown Rebirth 2025 was drawn up three years ago to serve as the blueprint for the revitalization of downtown Milford and also formed the basis of the city’s application to the state’s Downtown Designation Development (DDD) program. Milford won designation in August 2016. Pierce notes that three projects tapped DDD grant money the Œrst year. e historic building that housed Lou’s Bootery is being renovated to create retail space on the Œrst ‘oor and high-end apartments on the upper ‘oors. e former Milford Skating Rink has been refurbished to house the architectural and engineering Œrm Davis, Bowen and Friedel. Restaurateurs Robert Ciprietti and Joseph Curzi are renovating the former M&T Bank building on the corner of NW Front and Walnut streets to house Touch of Italy, slated to open in the fall. “We’ve issued probably 30 permits within the DDD area,” said Pierce. “We’ve seen a commitment of over $4 million in private investment.” City oœcials note that Milford’s DDD area was drawn to include not only the commercial areas but the residential areas surrounding the downtown area. “We felt that attracting businesses to downtown would be more successful if the neighborhoods surrounding downtown were more vibrant,” said City Manager Eric Norenberg. Businesses have been responding. “We had one day in December when we had three grand openings in the downtown area,” Norenberg said. We’ve had a pastry shop that’s just opened — My Sister’s Fault — and it’s just packed on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s really been an incremental but steady pace of businesses coming in. If one happens to close, other stores come in pretty quickly.” Lifecycle, which sells, rents and repairs bikes, opened last year in the space formerly occupied PHOTO BY ERIC CROSSAN by Gooden’s Floral Shop. Lifecycle, a bicycle repair shop, occupies the former location of Gooden's Floral Shop in downtown Milford. Other businesses have expanded, including DelawareBusinessTimes.com DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES May 1, 2018 | 25 SPOTLIGHT KENT COUNTY

e Music School of Delaware about what the residents want, and and Fur Baby. I think to get that well-rounded As stipulated in the Rivertown approach has paid o‰ and will Rebirth plan, the Mispillion, which continue to pay o‰ ,” said Sara divides the city between Kent and Pletcher, president of Downtown Sussex Counties, plays a major role Milford Inc. in attracting businesses and visitors. Lifecycle owners Jenn Rowan and “We’re really trying to create the Ben Jones have organized cycling kinds of unique opportunities for events, championed healthy lifestyles a downtown experience that’s not and advocated for safer streets for just stop, shop, eat and run,” said pedestrians and cyclists alike. Norenberg. “It’s ‘spend and afternoon “We provide evidence-based and have fun in the downtown area.’” research to the city of Milford Last fall the city installed a third that shows that a pedestrian-based kayak dock near Arena’s Deli and Bar. infrastructure brings economic and A nearby tattoo shop has responded cultural growth to a downtown area,” PHOTO BY ERIC CROSSAN by expanding its business to include said Rowan. A former shipping channel, the Mispillion River has served as the heart of Milford's redevelopment plans. kayak rentals, he added. Organizations such as the Business owners engage in a kind of Mispillion Art League, the Music “social entrepreneurship,” sponsoring School of Delaware, the Milford “We rope o‰ our parking lot and “Milford has a lot of outlying events to bring the community Public Library and the Riverfront put out tables and chairs for people neighborhoods that have been built together and increase foot traˆ c in eatre also sponsor events that so that they can get to the food in the last 10 or 15 years and the the downtown area. eir e‰ orts draw people to the area. trucks,” said Jones. “We typically residents are mostly retirees and largely follow the results of the Downtown Milford is also host to have a parking lot packed with transplants from New Jersey and “Community Conversations” that several events such as the Saturday 50 to 100 people for four hours,” Pennsylvania and we hear it a lot that engaged the public to think about Farmers Market, the Bug & Bud said Lifecycle’s Jones. they don’t know what Downtown how Milford’s economy should Festival, the Riverwalk “Freedom” is fall the third day of Milford is or what it o‰ ers,” said evolve in the coming years. Festival and ird ursdays when Wilmington’s Ladybug Festival music Pletcher. “So, we have to market to our “I think the city does truly care stores remain open until 8 p.m. festival will take place in Milford. own residents as well as to visitors.”

Corporate • Website • Marketing • Training 610.633.2862 [email protected] | www.videonetinc.com

RON STROBEL Corporate Video Expert

Simply, The Best Video Guy in Our Area 26 | May 1, 2018 DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES DelawareBusinessTimes.com VIEWPOINT Consumer Bureau under threat in Trump Adminstration

e landmark established a complaint system The CFPB, under Trump-appointed Mike Fair Housing Act that helped tens of thousands of will be 50 years consumers get problems resolved; and Mulvaney, has pulled back from enforcing old this year. Two delivered, in all, roughly $12 billion full generations in ‘ nancial relief to about 29 million have grown up wronged consumers. laws against racially discriminatory lending. in the United e passage of Wall Street Reform Rashmi Rangan States in this signaled a continuation of the Guest Columnist time, educated in federal government’s commitment not exist. Yet, for reasons di› cult insurance and charging mortgage schools teaching to equality and fairness in lending, to comprehend, the issue of borrowers unfair fees. over a century of civil rights struggles begun so many years ago. Banking discrimination in lending just I cannot predict the future of the and e orts to stop discrimination, institutions were burdened with self- will not go away. Consumer Bureau but I can predict whether by race, color, religion, regulation of their lending activities And then a manager at a Starbucks the future of lending discrimination sex or other prohibited basis. and, to be sure, the burdens carried in Philadelphia summons police to will encompass prohibited e Wall Street Reform Act (aka associated costs. remove two black patrons who are discrimination and will be with us Dodd Frank), passed by Congress But the public attacks by banks and simply waiting at a table for a friend for some time to come. Deny its in 2010 and signed into law by their lobbyists on Wall Street Reform to arrive. A company that trumpeted existence if you will, but it is alive and President Barack Obama, created and the Consumer Bureau have been in its founding years that it would well in the payday lending industry, the Consumer Financial Protection relentless. Today, important consumer lead the way in race relations among the new and used car sales industry, Bureau (CFPB) and gave it powers protections teeter on the brink of American corporate businesses ‘ nds the mortgage lending industry and to police lending discrimination in repeal. e CFPB, under Trump- itself hoisted into a national media in access to equal credit. the federal arena. appointed Mike Mulvaney, has pulled fury over a seemingly innocent social I continue to wonder in awe at the e CFPB opened its doors in back from enforcing laws against setting. For one day, all of Starbucks unwillingness of banks to pay a little will close for business to instruct all 2011. Lawmakers created the federal racially discriminatory lending; for self-policing today that solves agency to hold banks and lenders to slammed the brakes on steps to hold employees on corporate culture. an “imaginary” problem. Rather, standards of basic fairness in their Equifax accountable for the massive So too with Wells Fargo on April the preferred route seems to be to treatment of consumers — a job that data breach last year that a ected 143 20 this year. It was the Consumer face the enormous cost of conduct none of the old bank regulators had million Americans; dropped a lawsuit Bureau that led the federal rooted in the human condition that considered worthy of their attention. against abusive online payday lenders; investigation. With the $1 BILLION will inevitably surface in customer Over the next six years, it crafted new and abandoned an investigation sword of Damocles over its head, relations. rules against una ordable, booby- of another. Wells Fargo shouted its commitment trapped mortgages; went to bat for For many, if not most bankers, to their customers to deliver only Rashmi Rangan is the executive director borrowers and families against loan prohibited discrimination simply the best service. e bank had forced of the Delaware Community Reinvestment sharks and other ‘ nancial scammers; does not exist. Many feel it does its customers into unneeded car Action Council.

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Corrections Policy If you believe that we have made an error, in a story we publish, please email us at [email protected] DelawareBusinessTimes.com DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES May 1, 2018 | 27 VIEWPOINT Wilmington Green Box tackles two problems at once

JASON AVILES neighborhood. community residents and working funds to get the program o” the Guest Columnist Community retail outlets for professionals. ground and have received minimal healthy goods and fresh produce So far, we’ve trained and hired a funding assistance. ere are pockets of downtown are virtually non-existent, nutrition total of four local, at-risk teens in is is the year we’ll be focusing Wilmington where two things are so education is scarce and many order to o”er an escape from their on making our program even better scarce they’re practically non-existent: residents lack the awareness and crime-ridden neighborhoods, while through fund-raising and going after Entrepreneurial job opportunities knowledge to successfully integrate simultaneously equipping them with grants. Our goals this year include healthy foods into their households. the skills and tools to be an asset and nutritious meals. training and employing another We call these areas “food deserts,” to their communities. But what if there was one simple six at-risk teens, providing them and they’re why we launched Green Wilmington Green Box is way to address both of those issues? with a new mobile push cart, new Box in May 2016. on the verge of exciting growth equipment, start-up inventory and at’s been the unique vision of e rst phase of our program opportunities this summer, when we supplies. ese are the essentials we Wilmington Green Box, a 501(c)(3) was a creative seasonal mobile-push introduce our own line of bottled need to continue our growth and nonpro t program that provides at- cart. e second phase, launched last cold-pressed juices in partnership sustain our program. risk teens with entrepreneurial jobs summer, introduced a seasonal public with the Big Fish Restaurant Group, is summer, we will continue while supplying urban communities green space in combination with a which will sell them out of their new turning Wilmington’s “food with access to fresh produce and unique outdoor kiosk structure. Our Harvest House co”eehouse. deserts” green, because we believe healthy goods. mobile push cart traveled throughout During two summer seasons (2016 good nutrition and simple job More than 65 percent of Wilmington providing community and 2017), we’ve supported eight opportunities are not luxury items in Wilmington residents live more than residents and working professionals local food companies by purchasing life. ey’re simple basics that should a half-mile away from the nearest with direct access to locally sourced, over 2,000 goods from them, and be a starting point for success. grocery store. Moreover, crime in a”ordable, plant-based healthy served over 1,000 people, the the city continues to far outpace the Wilmington Green Box was one of the winning goods and produce. majority of them African-Americans ideas at the Reinventing Delaware series, an idea national average, with data on the Our outdoor kiosk structure who live in the local Wilmington crowdsourcing event developed by the Pete du city’s website showing a 22 percent o”ered a public green space, free community. Pont Freedom Foundation. Jason Aviles is the co- increase in shootings and homicides founder of Wilmington Green Box. For information WiFi, seating, a stage for local We have a proven model that on how to get involved or support the Wilmington in 2017. In our experience, at-risk entertainment events, and a continues to grow and work Green-Box through USEED crowdfunding and other teens have found it di‹cult to escape more stable and consistent outlet of e”ectively. Up until this point, we efforts, contact Jason at wilmingtongreenbox@ the negative inŒuences of their healthy goods and produce for both have contributed our own personal gmail.com.

Proposed hotel tax hike meets fierce resistance

e hotel industry and cost much-needed hotel for tourism marketing. In the more word of government has really hurt industry in New business, as the tax will be higher progressive counties, the lodging our relations in the state, and now Castle County than surrounding areas. Guests have tax increases are allocated to add County Executive and Council. is facing a direct already asked about this proposed marketing dollars to tourism. New Hotels currently pay the 8 percent challenge, driven extreme tax. Castle County is taking all the lodging tax with 5 of that 8 percent by New Castle 2. Loss of tourism business will money. going to the State of Delaware County Executive impact our ability to create and 5. ere is no mention of general fund, 1 of the 8 percent Bill Silva Matthew Meyer’s maintain jobs, many at entry level addressing AirBnb, the operator of to beach replenishment in Sussex Guest Columnist singling out positions, in hotels and related illegal hotels in Delaware, which County, 1 of the 8 percent to fund our industry tourism venues. Hotels already pay pay zero lodging tax, and take hotel the State Tourism O‹ce and for a 38 percent tax increase. House our fair share of property taxes, business and jobs. Legislation should prorated share of the last 1 percent Bill 377 is legislation that would school taxes and other employment be passed to tax them like we tax our to support the marketing of the allow counties to levy a lodging tax taxes. hotels. county via the Greater Wilmington of 3 percent on top of the existing 3. New hotel development will 6. Last year, the state of Delaware Convention and Visitors Bureau. 8 percent in most of New Castle slow down, meaning fewer new jobs was about to take all the tourism e industry is urging all hoteliers, County, except for Wilmington, and less property taxes for the county marketing dollars for the three associates, tourism industry partners where the tax is 10 percent. e and possibility our state. Anti- counties, despite existing law. e and the public to oppose this tax, members Delaware Hotel and business legislation is never for lodging industry needs assurance that and reach out the chair of the House Administration Committee, Lodging Association oppose this bill the good of our community. will never happen again. Only at the Rep. Valerie Longhurst, to express for the following business reasons: 4. Meyer and the New Castle last minute was that funding restored. opposition. 1. e 38 percent increase in the County Council are pushing for the It would have seriously impeded our County Lodging Tax will impact maximum tax increase of 3 percent, ability to compete. Bill Silva is Chairman of the Board of the the competitiveness of the hotel with no mention of any allocation 7. An overall lack of trust of the Delaware Hotel and Lodging Association. 28 | May 1, 2018 DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES DelawareBusinessTimes.com BOOK OF LISTS Top Kent County Employers Ranked by No. DE Employees

Phone Rank Company Website No. DE Employees Person in charge (Title) Year Founded DOVER AIR FORCE BASE (302) 677-3000 1 442 13th St www.dover.af.mil 12,800 Col. Ethan Griffin (Commander) 1941 Dover, DE 19902 BAYHEALTH SYSTEM (302) 674-4700 2 640 S State St 3,300 Terry Murphy (President, CEO) 1925 5 www.bayhealth.org Dover, DE 19901 CAPITAL SCHOOL DISTRICT (302) 672-1500 3 198 Commerce Way www.capital.k12.de.us 1,222 Daniel Shelton (Superintendent ) 1969 Dover, DE 19904 CAESAR RODNEY SCHOOL DISTRICT (302) 698-4800 4 7 Front St. www.crk12.org 1,042 Kevin R. Fitzgerald (Superintendent ) Wyoming, DE 19934 DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY (302) 857-6060 5 1200 N Dupont Hwy www.desu.edu 1,009 Dr. Harry Williams (President) 1891 Dover, DE 19901 DOVER DOWNS HOTEL & CASINO (302) 674-4600 6 1131 N DuPont Hwy www.doverdowns.com 1,000 Gordon Basht (Sr. Director of Sales) 1969 Dover, DE 19901 KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY (302) 677-0020 7 1671 S. State Street www.kw.com 652 Gary Keller (Co-founder, Chairman) 1983 Dover, DE 19901 CHESAPEAKE UTILITIES CORPORATION (302) 734-6797 8 PO Box 1769 www.chpkgas.com 650 Mike McMasters (President) 1947 Dover, DE 19903 LAKE FOREST SCHOOL DISTRICT (302) 284-3020 9 5423 Killens Pond Rd. www.lf.k12.de.us 582 Brenda G. Wynder (Superintendent ) 1969 Felton, DE 19943 KRAFT HEINZ CO. (302) 734-6100 Bernardo Hees (CEO) 10 1250 W. North Street www.kraftheinzcompany.com 570 Sergio Nahuz (Head of U.S. Sales) 1964 Dover, DE 19904 CITY OF DOVER (302) 736-7005 11 15 Lockerman Plaza cityofdover.com 450 Robin R. Christiansen (Mayor) 1683 Dover, DE 19903 DELAWARE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE (302) 857-1000 1 12 100 Campus Drive www.dtcc.edu 418 Dr. Mark T. Brainard (President) 1966 Dover, DE 19904 EAGLE GROUP (302) 653-3000 13 100 Industrial Blvd. 400 Mark Brenner (VP of Sales) 1978 Clayton, DE 19938 www.eaglegrp.com KENT COUNTY LEVY COURT Hon. P. Brooks Banta (Commissioner & (302) 744-2305 President) 14 555 Bay Rd 302 1655 Dover, DE 19901 www.co.kent.de.us/ Hon. Terry L. Pepper (Commissioner & Vice President) WESLEY COLLEGE INC (302) 736-2300 15 120 N State St 265 Robert E. Clark (President) 1873 Dover, DE 19901 www.wesley.edu FIFER ORCHARDS, INC. (302) 697-2141 Carlton Fennemore (Owner) 16 1919 Allabands Mill Rd 150 Bobby Fennemore (Owner) 1919 Camden-Wyoming, DE 19934 www.fiferorchards.com Curt Fennemore (Owner) Owners HERITAGE AT DOVER (302) 735-8800 17 1203 Walker Rd 150 Beth Jarrell (Administrator) 19904 Dover, DE 19904 www.genesishcc.com POLYTECH SCHOOL DISTRICT (302) 697-2170 18 823 Walnut Shade Rd., PO Box 22 150 Mark Dufendach (Superintendent ) Woodside, DE 19980 polytechschooldistrict.com

1 Editorial estimate for Dover campus Source: Individual company survey responses. Researched by: Delaware Business Times. All figures followed by an asterisk are previous year's figures. Some companies may have been omitted due to lack of information, deadline restrictions, or space constrictions. Editorial Estimate = Information derived from: publicly available sources, observation, news sources, and general market knowledge of the editorial team. DelawareBusinessTimes.com DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES May 1, 2018 | 29 KNOW HOW THINGS Does job-hopping help or hurt your career?

I KNOW ABOUT e tenure tide is shifting, and substantially more SELLING YOUR workers — especially those from younger generations — see rewards in job-hopping than before, according to new VISION TO YOUR research from global stang rm Robert Half. Sixty-four TEAM MEMBERS percent of professionals polled think changing roles every few years can be benecial, with the biggest perk being 5BY JIM HARTSTEIN a higher salary. is marks a 22 percent increase from a Guest Columnist similar survey conducted four years ago. Executives don’t necessarily agree. A separate survey It is true that “where of CFOs found 44 percent are not at all likely to hire a there is no vision, candidate with a history of job hopping because they the people perish.” want to avoid losing them in the future. Your team needs “Entering the workforce for the rst time can be to know that they of workers ages 35 to 54 and 51 percent of those 55 intimidating for college graduates, even for those who are working to and older. might already have interviews or positions lined up,” said achieve a greater • Workers with a college degree or higher see the most good. Having a Jeanie Sharp, regional vice president for Robert Half. benet in changing jobs every few years (67 percent). concrete vision of “ ere are many diˆerent situations that can arise post- • Company size matters: 51 percent of CFOs at that greater good will allow your team graduation, but the important areas to focus on include to push through the tough times and companies with more than 1,000 employees said a history polishing your resume, expanding your network and always do what it is right, honest and of frequent job changes isn’t relevant if the candidate is being open to temporary or part-time work that can ethical first. Developing your vision can the right t. give you the necessary work experience and set you be tough. Here are some things to keep • e biggest drawback of job-hopping, cited by up for opportunities down the road.” in mind. 46 percent of workers, is being perceived as a ›ight risk. Other key ndings from the research: 1. You must internalize the vision • Seventy-ve percent of employees ages 18 to 34 The surveys were developed by Robert Half and conducted by independent If you do not first believe wholeheartedly view job-hopping as benecial, compared to 59 percent research firms. in your vision, how is anyone else supposed to believe it, let alone follow you through thick and thin? Dream. Pray. Meditate. Make your vision so deep More ways to lose an audience than to build one and true to you that you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that your vision Has your appeal to large audiences they certainly won’t care about your sales agenda. will come to life. been trailing oˆ lately? Are you 3. Failure to understand your audience 2. Float it getting fewer and fewer “likes” or I learned this the hard way, back when we were trying Share your vision with people you trust. “shares” on your content — none, to make our rock band famous. Once we were booked Family. Mentors. Close friends. Let them maybe? Ugh. We all struggle with it. as an opening act for David Brenner, and his audience be your sounding board. Take their good ere are lots of ways to attract comprised the blue hair casino crowd who lived for Frank feedback and leave the rest. an audience, but there are even more Sinatra and yelled “turn it down!” when their grandkids ways to drive them oˆ. I call them 3. Model it had the radio on. Your team is always watching the way Dana Dobson “audience repellents.” Here are ve Anxious to show oˆ on a big stage, my band played that you carry yourself personally and Guest Columnist that I see most often: mostly our original rock tunes. After each one, all we got 1. Bragging and humble bragging professionally. Make sure that you are were golf claps. But when we played “ e Rose” at the end, living your vision in such a way that If the damage done by bragging is a self-in›icted back then a top-of-the-charts ballad, we got a standing others notice and want to do the same. wound, then “humble bragging” is pouring lemon juice ovation. ere’s something to be said for “givin’ ’em what on it. 4. Tell your team they want.” With your vision now firmly ingrained in We don’t like braggarts at a cocktail party, so it 4. Giving up too soon stands to reason we don’t like it from businesses, either. your personal truth, share it with your It takes time, and lots of repetition, to get people to Humble bragging is bragging online about your business team. Let them see, through your words notice you. Unless, of course, you’ve just landed a jet in and actions, what the Promised Land accomplishments but pretending to be modest while the Hudson River without killing anyone. Keep your looks like. Your team needs to know that you’re doing it. communications frequent, relevant to your audience the work they are doing everyday truly A business humble brag usually starts with the words, matters. and consistently value-driven. “We’re just thrilled to announce that … ” Or, “We’re so 5. Your website isn’t media friendly humble and honored to have … ” 5. Tell your team some more. 2. Failure to connect and engage Never forget that the “media” is one of your most By continuing to paint a clear picture of important audiences. To research your company and success and winning, your team will be You can visit many social media business pages, judge whether you’re credible, they’ll look at your website. drawn to make the right decisions even websites and posts and see nothing but brags and self- when you are not around. It is imperative serving sales messages, as if social media itself was created If you don’t have an online press room providing the that your team is also able to internalize just so marketers could advertise for free. You will also kind of information a journalist needs to do his/her job, the vision so that it can also become observe that there’s not much of an audience there, either. they’ll probably blow you oˆ. ey will move on to another their truth. To attract an audience, you need to make the bulk company or expert who has their act together. It wasn’t you. Jim W. Hartstein is a principal and certified of your communications strategy about delivering the A PR consultant, keynote speaker, author and workshop leader, Dana Dobson insurance counselor/certified risk manager information they want, not what you want. If someone’s not is a TEDx speaker coach. Her book, “How to Reach Millions with Artful PR” at The Insurance Market. interested in you as an organization or as a solo professional, is available on Amazon.com. 30 | May 1, 2018 DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES DelawareBusinessTimes.com highlightreel

Schell Brothers donate The Boulevard Live $25,000 to Beebe Medical celebrates grand Foundation opening Beebe Medical Foundation † e Boulevard Live and the Schell Brothers unveiled Entertainment Restaurant the largest single donation ever hosted its grand opening made for the Beebe Beach Bash, ribbon cutting with the scheduled for June 2. Central Delaware Chamber Schell Brothers donated of Commerce. Owner Chris Schell, Beebe Healthcare President & CEO Jeffrey $25,000 to the foundation as M. Fried, Judy Aliquo and Preston Schell stand in front Charles Boyer was joined Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen with Bess and Charles Boyer, their Diamond Sponsors for the event, of the Beebe Medical Foundation on Savannah Road by family and friends to family and staff members at the grand opening ribbon-cutting in Lewes. touted as the “Biggest Party of celebrate the business ceremony for The Boulevard Live Entertainment Restaurant. the Summer.” opening its doors at its 1036 “We are so grateful for the generous support of the Schell Brothers La— erty Lane location. who continue to support Beebe and our community. We are honored that Boyer, who led a distinguished military career by serving in both the Army and Schell’s Diamond sponsorship is the largest sponsorship in the history of the Air Force prior to settling in the Dover area, decided to open † e Boulevard the Beebe Beach Bash,” said Judy Aliquo, president and CEO of the Beebe because of his passion for music and performing. “It gives me great pleasure to Medical Foundation. share my love of music with the community,” he said. “I also enjoy great food so † e Beach Bash takes place June 2 on a docked ferryboat at the Lewes when the opportunity to combine both became available I jumped at the chance. Ferry Terminal. † is year’s event features boardwalk games, dancing, † e Boulevard is a place where everyone can enjoy all types of music. We o— er dining and music by † e Fabulous Greaseband. † e event supports Beebe’s jazz, classic and contemporary R&B, country, Latin, pop and old school.” Emergency Department. Emergency services are planned to expand to the † e venue was previously known as Cowboy Up but was sold to Boyer Millville area with the creation of a free-standing emergency department in November 2017. at a new Beebe Health Campus on Del. 17.

(Highlight Reel is compiled by Delaware Business Times staff. If you have a comment, or suggestion for contribution to Highlight Reel, send it to [email protected])

Build it Better. Build it Faster.

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Big Box Buildings | 405 E. Marsh Lane, Suite 1 Newport, DE 19804 302-323-9300 Ext. 13 | bigboxbuildings.com DelawareBusinessTimes.com DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES May 1, 2018 | 31 highlightreel

Delaware Decision Makers Southern Delaware Tourism talk Claymont economic hosts tourism partners expo development Southern Delaware Tourism held e Delaware Decision its 3rd Annual Tourism Partners Makers (DDM) had their Expo at Nassau Valley Vineyards. monthly luncheon at the e Expo also provided an Rockwood Museum. DDM opportunity for exhibitors to founder Dave Tiberi, president highlight new o­erings, and it of Emergency Response provides a venue for tourism partners Protocol, greeted the sellout to get creative — to network and crowd. e panel talked about brainstorm about ways of working economic development in Claymont. e discussion was led together to provide new experiences by moderator Dr. Mark Holodick, superintendent of the Brandywine for visitors and locals alike. School District. is year’s Expo featured nearly Panelists included Delaware State Chamber of Commerce Rich He­ron 30 exhibitors. Lana O’Hollaren, Southern Delaware Tourism’s Matt Carter, owner of Quest Adventures, stands with (Delaware State Chamber of Commerce), Brett Sadler, executive director of Tyler Hudson, owner of Dewey Beach Surf Shop. Claymont Renaissance Development Corp., Joe McGinn of McGinn Public marketing manager, said the expo Strategies and Keith Delaney of D2 Organization LLC. encourages collaboration between e Delaware Decision Makers’ next luncheon will be held in Middletown tourism partners. “And, of course,” she says, “our hotel partners discovered on May 10. e topic will be “ e Magic of Middletown.’’ many new activities and experiences throughout Sussex County to share with their guests.”

(Highlight Reel is compiled by Delaware Business Times staff. If you have a comment, or suggestion for contribution to Highlight Reel, send it to [email protected]) YOUR CHOICE: Now, Pickup and Delivery for service 2018 LINCOLN 2018 LINCOLN MKC SUV MKZ SEDAN

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U.S. SBA DELAWARE 2018 SMALL have entered into business alliances as well recordkeeping, securing your data, effectively The panel event will be held at Legislative as legal experts who will discuss the musts managing your employees, and business Hall, House Majority Hearing Room, BUSINESS AWARDS CELEBRATION and must-nots when it comes to alliances lending. 411 Legislative Ave. Dover. Join the Small Business Administration and in particular your own IP. The conference will be held at Sheraton Admission is $15. For more information in celebrating the success of this year’s Panel speakers include Usha Gopalratnam Wilmington South, 365 Airport Road. New or to register, go to http://www.dscc.com/. outstanding small businesses as well as the from SCORE Delaware, Janet Reed from Castle. Cost is $150. To register, go to resource providers and fi nancial institutions Potter Anderson & Corroon, and Keven www.dscpa.org. who support them. This year’s happy hour May 14 | 4:45-7PM Staley of Cloud Geeks. format at one of the state’s most celebrated SUPERSTARS IN EDUCATION The event will be held at 920 Justison May 10 |10 AM-2 PM facilities honors those who exemplify the RECEPTION & AWARDS CEREMONY St., Dravo Plaza, Wilmington. For more SMALL BUSINESS DAY IN DOVER best in the First State. Superstars in Education is charged information, call (302) 737-4343. Admission Join the Delaware State Chamber’s Small Co-sponsor of the event is the U.S. Small with recognizing outstanding educational is $25 for chamber members, $35 for non- Business Alliance for the 4th Annual Small Business Administration, Delaware District programs and individual achievements. members, $15 for chamber ambassadors, Business Day in Dover. Offi ce. This event highlights excellence in science and no cost for Emerging Enterprise Center A panel of lobbyists will explain the Fee to attend is $50. To register, go to teaching, integrated classroom technology incubator members. importance of the small business community www.delawaresbdc.org. The event will be practices, and school-to-career partnerships. having a presence at Legislative Hall and how held at the DuPont Country Club, 1001 It also serves the business community and May 10 | 8:30 AM-4:30 PM you, as a small business leader, can get more Rockland Road, Wilmington. BIG IDEAS FOR YOUR BUSINESS involved. its investment in the future. Delaware’s future The Delaware Society of CPAs has Panelists include Rick Deadylwer of depends on the foundation we build in our MAY 8 | 8:30-10:30 AM designed this one-day conference to assist DuPont, Kim Gomes from The Byrd Group, schools today. It is imperative that today’s BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS AND your business in building a fi rm foundation Lincoln Willis of The Willis Group, and Kim students have tangible skills when they are PROTECTING YOUR INTELLECTUAL for success. Whether you’re a new or Willson from Ruggerio Willson & Associates. ready to enter the workforce. Whether college PROPERTY established business, there’s something Moderator will be James DeChene of the bound, preparing for a trade job or working in As more and more businesses enter into for everyone. Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. the manufacturing world, students need to be strategic partnerships — whether to reduce A former FBI agent will talk about recent Attend the House Small Business Caucus equipped with the knowledge and skills to be costs, broaden reach or facilitate innovation cybercrime attacks. An expert in data meeting, chaired by Representatives Quinn productive employees and citizens. — it becomes increasingly important to analytics will show you how to improve Johnson, Daniel Short and Michael Ramone, The reception and awards ceremony will ensure that our interests and our intellectual your business by using the data you already to hear about important legislation in the take place at Wilmington University, 320 property are protected. have. A human resources professional will General Assembly that could impact your DuPont Highway, Doberstein Admissions Hosted by the New Castle County Chamber advise you on issues you didn’t know about small business. Lunch will be served. Center Auditorium, New Castle. For more of Commerce Emerging Enterprise Center, but should. Other topics include succession Attendees can opt to meet with their information or to register, go to www.dscc.com.

Nominate Delaware Business Achiever & Innovators Under 40!

Delaware Business Times is once again honoring Delaware’s best and brightest young professionals, all under the age of 40, who are making a difference with their initiative, innovation and intelligence.

To make a nomination, visit DBT www.DelawareBusinessTimes.com/40 DELAWARE ACHIEVERS & INNOVATORS40 UNDER 40 DelawareBusinessTimes.com DELAWARE BUSINESS TIMES May 1, 2018 | 33 PEOPLE ON THE MOVE BIOSCIENCE Alliance Provider Advisory Board ensures that the voices of providers, sta• and patients are captured throughout all CommonWell e• orts. DuPont team wins 2018 American Coatings Award Mr. Rahn coordinates the strategic planning of IT projects for Beebe, Members of the DuPont Industrial Biosciences BioMaterials Team received oversees the Meaningful Use program and serves on several health exchange the American Coatings Award at the American Coatings Conference in committees. Indianapolis. Rahn serves as the CommonWell Project Manager for both inpatient and
e Biomaterials Team received the award for the most outstanding ambulatory practices at Beebe Healthcare, routinely works with CommonWell conference paper, titled “Enzymatic Polymerization for Engineered and is the hospital’s liaison to the Delaware Health Information Network Polysaccharides in Coatings.” (DHIN), the › rst operational statewide health information exchange.
e team members include: HIGHER EDUCATION • Christian Lenges — business development director for Biomaterials, DuPont Industrial Biosciences DSU professor awarded • Natnael Behabtu — biomaterials application development leader, DuPont research grant Industrial Biosciences Dr. Mohammad Khan, • Monica Harvey — technical service and application development specialist, associate professor of physics and DuPont Industrial Biosciences engineering at Delaware State • Richard Milič — head of the R&D Department Research II, SYNPO University, was recently awarded • Jarmila Vlasakova — Senior Researcher, SYNPO a one-year, $102,000 research DuPont Industrial Biosciences, a business unit of DowDuPont Specialty grant to develop a high-resolution Products, works with customers across a wide range of industries to make ultrasensitive laser-based system products and industrial processes more e‰ cient and sustainable. that can sense chemical, organic HEALTH CARE and biological warfare agents.
e system will be installed in a drone helicopter and Ÿ own within the detection range of such hazardous agents. Beebe Healthcare’s Doug Rahn named
e research grant comes from the Hybrid Complex Warfare Division chairman of advisory council of the DoD’s O‰ ce of Naval Research. Douglas Rahn, project manager for Beebe Healthcare, According to Khan, the principal investigator of the grant, the sensor will was named chairman of the CommonWell Health Alliance be able in real time to detect agents such as Sarin , Samon, volatile organic Provider Advisory Council. compounds, as well as dangerous hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene Formed in February 2016, the CommonWell Health and xylene.

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Name: Corporate Commons Oce Space Location: 10 Corporate Circle, New Castle 19720 Asking price: Negotiable Size: 1,511 to 10,024 square feet Highlights: • Class A oce space • Corporate campus setting with on-site management • Plenty of nearby shopping, restaurants and entertainment • Easy access and ample parking • Renovated lobby Features: Centrally located in New Castle County, this property boasts a convenient location along the northeast corridor, minutes from I-95 with access to Amtrak in Wilmington and two major airports — Philadelphia and Baltimore/Washington (BWI). Contact: Emory Hill Broker Neil Kilian at (302) 521-7291 or (302) 322-9500; or [email protected]. BUSINESS MARKETPLACE BUSINESS SERVICES HELP WANTED EVENTS

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CHRIS BASON DIRECTOR, DELAWARE CENTER FOR INLAND BAYS Purpose and passion met in midstream

BY JOYCE L. CARROLL Special to Delaware Business Times

A childhood love of the outdoors was the catalyst for what is now a rewarding livelihood for Chris Bason. As director of the Delaware Center for Inlands Bays, he oversees projects and programs that seek to improve Sussex County’s waterways, while creating a deeper connection between individuals — both residents and entrepreneurs — and these vital natural resources. Included within the center’s advocacy are the Rehoboth Bay, Indian River Bay, Little Assawoman Bay and eight tributaries that feed these bays. Bason received his undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware, and his master’s degree from East Carolina University. An internship with the Army Corps of Engineers and positions with Nature Conservancies in Delaware and Florida provided a foundation for his present work. He credits Dr. Mark Brinson, whom he called one of the most accomplished ecological scientists in the eld, as an in† uential mentor. Climate change, pollution, and industrial growth — particularly within the poultry industry, impact the aquaculture of the waters within the center’s domain and provide challenges. Educational programs and regulation coupled with legislative initiatives enable positive change. “‰ at’s why policy work is so important … It can allow folks to do wonderful things,” he said. Bason added that he is proud of legislation he encouraged early in his directorship. “One of the rst things I did as director was to [seek] legislation to farm shell sh in inland bays,” he said. House Bill 160 received Gov. Jack Markell’s signature in 2013, enabling exploration of shell sh aquaculture following a lengthy review led by the center and partner stakeholders. Aside from nancial bene ts, oyster-bed rejuvenation also provides a natural means of ltering the waters. Partnerships with area restaurants have led to oyster-shell recycling, as the shells are the preferred substrate for oyster larvae growth. Bason said he’s grateful for the center’s business partners, including restaurants and event sponsors, as well as the growing number of volunteers — some 400 each year — who support the work the center does. “I’m extremely fortunate every day to have the opportunity to make a diœ erence in the place that has been my home and my family’s home for a longtime. It’s an honor,” he said. With regard to the people he serves: “‰ ere’s a beautiful connection between community and water. [It recalls] a simpler time.”

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