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Viewpoints: Pete DuPont Foundation, Wilmington Alliance launch E3 initiative

June 23, 2020 | Vol. 7 • No. 13 | $2.00 | DelawareBusinessTimes.com 21

Medical tourism company set to hire 200 by end of year 3

DSU on verge of acquiring Wesley College? 5 COMING OUT OF THE GATE Restaurants struggle Delaware businesses seek ways to run to add capacity due to 8-foot distancing rules a strong race as state slowly reopens 7

Sustaining high growth Three of the Delaware companies on the 2019 Inc. 5000 list talk about their pandemic experiences. 23 Spotlight: Two downtown building sales offer hope for market and two large warehouses planned in New Castle

To sponsor the Delaware Business Times digital edition, May 26, 2020 | Vol. 7 • No. 11 | $2.00 | DelawareBusinessTimes.com 15, 16 contact: [email protected] A QUESTION

Governor: Consumer OF TRUST confi dence key to reopening economy 13

Desperation grows for restaurants, retail as Phase 1 nears 4

Small businesses plead their case to Carney Pandemic reinforces to loosen rules prior to reopening need for downstate broadband 6

Dear Governor Carney State business organizations plea for governor to lighten restrictions 10-13 Viewpoints: Pete DuPont Foundation, Wilmington Alliance launch E3 initiative 21 June 23, 2020 | Vol. 7 • No. 13 | $2.00 | DelawareBusinessTimes.com

Medical tourism company set to hire 200 by end of year 3

DSU on verge of acquiring Wesley College? 5 COMING OUT OF THE GATE Restaurants struggle Delaware businesses seek ways to run to add capacity due to a strong race as state slowly reopens 8-foot distancing rules 7

Sustaining high growth Three of the Delaware companies on the 2019 Inc. 5000 list talk about their pandemic experiences. 23 At the onset of the pandemic, Delaware Today and Delaware Business Times created Delaware Delivers for Heroes, a program designed to help support our state’s restaurant community while acknowledging those who have worked tirelessly to care for Delawareans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thanks to the generosity of our readers, we were able to purchase nearly $4000 worth of gift cards from local restaurants by the end of May and present them to nominated groups.

As Delaware continues to reopen, local restaurants and our healthcare community are still facing extraordinary challenges.

For more information, to donate or nominate a hero visit, DelawareDeliversForHeroes.com

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1 From left, Kelly Connell, director of operations for Platinum Dining Group, presents Delaware Today’s Scott Pruden with the Platinum gift card purchase. 2 From left, firefighters Jacob Strab, Bill Krupa and Jordan Edgerton of Hockessin Fire Company accept gift cards for Platinum Dining Group, presented by Delaware Delivers for Heroes. 3 Robert Lloyd and Charmayne Lane, anesthesia technicians at ChristianaCare in Newark, accept gift cards to Stone Balloon Ale House on behalf of their team, presented by Delaware Delivers for Heroes. 4 Chef Robbie Jester of Stone Balloon Ale House in Newark presents the gift cards purchased from High 5 Hospitality. Photos by Scott Pruden

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2 June 23, 2020 | DelawareBusinessTimes.com Medical tourism company plans to add 200+ jobs by year end to address pent-up demand Founded 2014, a biweekly newspaper serving Delaware’s business community. Vol. 7, No. 13 dated June 23, 2020 BY PETER OSBORNE no surprise bills a month later. Why not shop for our Copyright © 2020 by Today Media, all rights reserved. health care? It’s about giving the patient more choices HOCKESSIN – Medical-tourism company My This newspaper or its trademarks may not be reproduced in whole or and options, crossing geographic borders to get the in part in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including Med Choices says it will hire 230 full-time employees highest quality of care and transparent pricing. It is photocopying or recording, or by any information storage and retrieval in Delaware by the end of the year thanks to really that simple.” system now known or hereafter invent without written permission opportunities created by skyrocketing health care costs, The company’s rapid expansion will be backed by from the Publisher. For licensing, reprints, e-prints, plaques, e-mail a boom in interest in its telehealth services during a $48 million capital infusion from an Australian [email protected]. the COVID-19 pandemic, and the anticipation of investor, Swenson said. The early goings of that a return to patient travel for specialized medical, expansion have required a lot of pivoting though. dental, and cosmetic surgeries in early 2021. Back in March, My Med Choices was scheduled to The short-term plans include a move to the Group Publisher Robert F. Martinelli send 11 patients to Australia and 17 to South Korea University of Delaware’s STAR Campus in Newark Publisher Michael Reath by the end of 2020 and hiring of people in executive before COVID-19 put an immediate stop to all travel. Editor Peter Osborne level positions, technical roles, case managers, and “That forced us to pivot and reinvent ourselves,” [email protected] call-center positions. The longer-term plans calls Swenson said. “We’re leading now with the telehealth Associate Editor Jacob Owens for the hiring of nearly 1,000 people in Delaware and second opinions as our main focus until the travel [email protected] by the end of 2021. market reopens fully in January 2021.” Reporter Katie Tabeling The company currently employs 17 people on its Other hospitals have seen huge jumps in use of [email protected] core team, including 10 in Delaware, but expects to telehealth services while patients are quarantined. In Research, Digital, and Mike Rocheleau have more than 1,250 between Delaware and satellite My Med Choices’ case, it’s also using the telehealth Engagement Editor [email protected] offices by the end of 2021. platform that Swenson created in India in a previous Vice President of Charlie Tomlinson My Med Choices works directly with consumers, role as an add-on for clients. Business Development self-insured employers and government agencies to Swenson also plans to establish a prescreening center Digital Sales & Karen Martinelli reduce health care costs by contracting with top-quality in Delaware, which is a service that few other medical Marketing Manager hospitals; medical and dental providers; and recovery tourism companies currently offer. Multi Media Account Carol Houseal and wellness centers in the United States and overseas, Right now, the company has more overseas patients Executives Scott Comeaux said founder and CEO Mary Swenson. traveling to the United States; however, with the recent Programs & Event Coordinator Meaghan Daly My Med Choices works with employers – many of agreement with Ramsay Health Care and other top 10 them large with international operations – to assess hospitals worldwide, Swenson sees My Med Choices Production Manager Donna Hill their biggest health care costs and then connects as “an organization without health care borders.” Art Director Chris Johnson them with “centers of excellence” in nine surgical “The United States has the best cancer treatment Graphic Designers Eric Bolis areas, including knee and hip replacements, cardiac, but only for the very wealthy,” she said. “In the United Shelby Mills cancer, spine, and bariatric. It negotiates with those States, most insurance companies automatically reject Rosalinda Rocco institutions within the United States and globally a claim for CAR T-Cell Therapy, which can cost up to Director of Digital Strategy Greg Mathias to offer lower prices than they might get through $1 million for treatment. Sheba Medical City in Israel Publisher Emeritus Sam Waltz insurance providers, largely because hospitals offer a has a 90% survival rate for CAR T-Cell Therapy for significantly lower cash price for services, Swenson less than $300,000.” Today Media, A Martinelli Holdings LLC said. The company helps clients negotiate for those The company signed a memorandum of President Robert F. Martinelli cash prices. Secretary-Treasurer Richard Martinelli understanding earlier this year with five South Korean “The United States is the only country without medical firms, a more than $1 million contract that In Memoriam transparent health care pricing,” Swenson said. “Many was facilitated by Export Delaware, a state agency Chairman Angelo R. Martinelli (1927 – 2018) people here have to make a decision whether to pay Vice President Ralph A. Martinelli (1962 – 2019) under the Department of State. She’s also helped the their medical bills or their house payment at the state of Florida reduce costs for elderly dental patients Advertising Information end of the month.” by identifying reputable providers in Mexico and [email protected] Virginia-based, medical-focused consulting firm 302.504.1276 negotiating discounted rates there and has even helped Global Healthcare Resources says that an average individual clients in the final stages of life travel with Subscription Information of 11 million people travel to different parts of the their families to Switzerland, where euthanasia is legal. DelawareBusinessTimes.com/subscribe-now world for medical assistance. 800.849.8751 The company’s new employees will be arranging “This industry has been on pause for a while visas and domestic and international flights; working To submit press releases or story ideas because of COVID but it’s starting to come back,” said with employers to identify cost savings; and guiding [email protected] Jonathan Edelheit, chairman and co-founder of the patients through the process. She will also be hiring Daily Newsletter Medical Tourism Foundation in West Palm Beach, a medical director and hopes to acquire a medical- Sign up for our daily newsletter, delivered to your e-mail Fla. “It’s about a $100B industry and the big players inbox at DelawareBusinessTimes.com/Newsletter [like My Med Options aspires to be] need to deal records data management company soon. Events with thousands of patients per year to break even.” Swenson said she will also be hiring a to-be- The Delaware Business Times hosts a number of events Edelheit said that COVID’s impact on companies determined number of part-time nursing assistants each year. View the schedule and register for events at and home-health aides to escort patients, transport DelawareBusinessTimes.com/Events and individuals means that the industry is likely to become even more attractive as companies and data and act as translators where needed. patients focus on saving money. Looking ahead, Swenson said My Med Choices “The opportunity with Korea is huge, and one will collect data over the next five years from hospitals Delaware Business Times (USPS 21760, ISSN 2639-8087), Vol. 7, No. 13 dated of the big opportunities ahead is second opinions that describe themselves as “centers of excellence” and June 23, 2020 is printed 26 times per year by Today Media, 3301 Lancaster Pike benchmark hospitals against each other. She also hopes Suite 5C, Wilmington DE 19805 and is available by subscription for $39 per year. and building trust because we have a lot of pent-up Periodicals postage paid at Wilmington, DE and additional mailing offices. Single demand,” he said. to work with a Delaware college or university to create copy/back issues are available at the cover price of $2 plus $2 shipping and My Med Choices negotiates a set fee for employers a Medical Tourism/Travel for Treatment certification handling. Attention Postmaster: Send address changes to Delaware Business Times, PO Box 460516, Escondido, CA 92046-9808. and individual patients and also receives referral fees program and hire top graduates to work for the Delaware Business Times cannot be responsible for the return of unsolicited from clients like Australia-based Ramsay Health company. material with or without the inclusion of a stamped, self-address return Care, a provider of private health care in the United “None of this would have been possible without envelope. Information in this publication is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy ad completeness of the information cannot be Kingdom, Australia, France, Indonesia, and Malaysia the help we’ve gotten from the Secretary of State’s guaranteed. No information expressed herein constitutes a solicitation for the with 480 facilities across 11 countries. office through the global export program and [Export purchase or sale of any securities. “This is the future of health care,” Swenson said. Delaware Director] Beth Pomper’s targeted global “We can shop for a car anywhere in the world with mission and expert advice,” she said.

DelawareBusinessTimes.com | June 23, 2020 3 Business sub-committee of Pandemic Resurgence task force kicks off

BY KATIE TABELING economy will be forward-thinking plan is looking five Prosperity Partnership, and Perdue driven by data, like steps ahead, she added. Like every other Agribusiness. President Dick Willey. WILMINGTON — It’s time to move what the state has state and almost every country in the past But Carney also asked the state past the reactive split-decisions from the done in tracking three months, Delaware has reacted to a chamber to appoint three members early days of the COVID-19 pandemic hospitalizations for number of positive cases, and COVID-19 to represent each county. and form a proactive plan if a resurgence its phased approach test results come within 14 days. Those business leaders include does come, said Delaware State Chamber in reopening this "We need to understand the leading Chris Schell, CEO of Schell Brothers of Commerce Board of Directors Chair month. In theory, indicators that got them from where they Homebuilding that focuses in Sussex Katie Wilkinson. Katie Wilkinson this would give are. Because once we start hearing about County; Taryn Dalmasso, plant manager Wilkinson, the senior vice president and commercial market executive at business leaders positive tests, that’s old news from at Edgewell Products in Dover; and Fulton Bank, has been tasked to lead guidelines of what to do to ensure that two weeks ago,” Wilkinson said. Steve Chambliss, the general manager the Pandemic Resurgence Advisory the curve stays flat. Gov. John Carney created the of the Christiana Mall in Newark. Committee’s business subcommittee. It would also give businesses advance PRAC and appointed 44 business and “Once we start work, I suspect we Her chief goal: Setting data benchmarks notice of what to expect if an uptick community leaders and elected officials will have potential gaps [in industry for Delaware businesses to keep an eye in COVID-19 comes to Delaware, to outline strategies moving forward. and county],” she said. “But my feeling on as the state reopens the economy. contrasting with the abrupt closure many Led by Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long is that we have the right people on the “It will be a challenge, but to identity stores faced in March, Wilkinson said. and Secretary of State Jeff Bullock, subcommittee to reach out to folks in these benchmarks that business owners “The idea is to have tools so folks can the PRAC is divided into three sub- those industries to get solid input, so that can follow when we’re approaching a be aware, part of the solution and maybe committees: equity, health and business. their ideas are represented in the process.” resurgence or in a resurgence will give even plan accordingly,” she said. “It’s To ensure that most industries had The PRAC’s goal is to have a final them the opportunity to self-monitor and about providing the tools and guidelines a voice, Carney appointed prominent report done by September 30 , so control their own destiny,” Wilkinson so we do not face another complete representatives from Delaware’s business recommendations are ready to execute told the Delaware Business Times. shutdown if we can avoid it.” community like Kurt Foreman, the in time for the predicted fall resurgence The benchmarks for Delaware’s But another challenge in making a president and CEO of the Delaware of COVID-19.

The Pandemic Resurgence Advisory Committee Sen. Dave Wilson (R-Bridgeville) and State Rep. Jeff Information Chief Information Officer James Collins; is divded into three subcommittees: business, equity Spiegelman (R-Clayton). New Beginnings Community AME Church Pastor and health. • Health: Subcommittee Chair Dr. Nancy Fan, Chair Rev. Rita Paige; Freeman Williams, NAACP State Members of the Pandemic Resurgence Advisory of the Delaware Health Care Commission; Dr. Karyl Conference executive member and former superintendent Committee include: Rattay, director of the Delaware Division of Public of the Christina School District; Westside Family • Business: Subcommittee Chair Katie Wilkinson, Health; New Castle Health & Rehabilitation Center Healthcare President and CEO Lolita Lopez; True Chair of the Board of Directors, Delaware State Nursing Home Administrator Mickey Carroll; Genesis Access Capital President and CEO Van Hampton; Latin Chamber of Commerce; Kurt Foreman, president and Health Care Vice President of Operations Vickie American Community Center President and CEO Maria CEO of the Delaware Prosperity Partnership; Nelson Fox; Beebe Healthcare President and CEO Dr. David Matos; Dr. Leroi Hicks, vice chair of the Department Hill, vice president of United Food & Commercial Tam; ChristianaCare President and CEO Janice E. of Medicine for the ChristianaCare Health System; Workers (UFCW) Local 27; Todd Lawson, Sussex Nevin; Delaware Medical Society President Dr. Joseph La Red Health Center Chief Operations Officer Rosa County Administrator; Steve Chambliss, general Straight; State Sen. Bryan Townsend (D-Newark); Rivera; Jane Hovington, NAACP State Conference manager of the Christiana Mall; Taryn Dalmasso, State Rep. Dave Bentz (D-Newark); State Sen. Ernie executive member and president of the Richard Allen plant manager at Edgewell Products; Chris Schell, Lopez (R-Dewey/Rehoboth Beach/Lewes); State Rep. Coalition; NAMI Delaware CEO Dr. Josh Thomas; CEO of Schell Brothers Homebuilding; Judy Diogo, Steve Smyk (R-Lewes), and AJ Schall, Director of the Delaware Department of Corrections Commissioner president of Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce; Delaware Emergency Management Agency (also serving Claire DeMatteis; State Sen. Elizabeth Lockman Carrie Leishman, president and CEO of the Delaware on the equity sub-committee). (D-Wilmington); State Rep. Sherry Dorsey-Walker Restaurant Association; Dick Willey, president of Perdue • Equity: Subcommittee Chair Eugene Young, (D-Wilmington); Senate Minority Leader Gerald Agribusiness; Delaware Transportation Secretary Jen President, Metropolitan Urban League of Wilmington; Hocker (R-Ocean View); and State Rep. Lyndon Cohan; Senate Majority Leader Nicole Poore (D-New Delaware State Housing Authority Director Anas Yearick (R-Camden). Castle); State Rep. Bill Bush (D-Dover/Milton); State Ben Addis; Delaware Department of Technology and Refusing to let a pandemic cause her business to melt VOICES No one can say that Janine Crawford’s the winter. That is expense, but it is the price of doing first year opening Pop In Artisan Pops why she introduced business in the new normal. in Middletown was a dull one. liege waffles and “There are some added fees with The Delaware Business Times “When you open your own business, hot chocolate to takeout, with the boxes and charges you have high expectations and hopes,” keep customers through the system,” she said. “But is publishing a regular series Crawford said. “But the area has really coming back in without leveraging my platform, I of short features on how embraced me because what I have is colder weather. wouldn’t be able to do curbside service Delaware small businesses are so unique.” But what she as I’m doing now. If I waited, I wouldn’t Pop In Artisan Pops, which offers Janine Crawford did not expect be able to do it.” responding to the COVID-19 handcrafted ice pops, opened for business was a pandemic Now that summer is here, Crawford coronavirus pandemic. They're in July 2019. What sets the business triggering an economic recession. is prepared for the heat to drive more pivoting: changing their apart from store-brand ice cream is “It’s really hard to tell what the customers craving a cool snack. People Crawford’s passion for sweets and difference in business this season is can walk in and order, but the dining business models or adding using all-natural ingredients. Pops because we weren’t open last March,” area is still closed for sit-down service. are sweetened with cane sugar or she said. “I’m not really sure what’s new products, or making it But she is not going to sweat it. honey, and fresh fruit can be found ahead to be honest, but you position Instead, she is going to try and stay easier for their constituents in fruit-flavored treats. yourself the best you can.” positive. “My grandmother always made When Delaware started to shut down, to serve customers. You “You never know what comes up wedding cakes and I loved sweets,” she Crawford refocused her efforts. She can find many more at as a small business owner,” she said. said. “Eventually, you start pushing your started to revamp her website to offer “You have to be willing to try new delawarebusinesstimes.com/ boundaries. I started to study how to online sales for take-out. She doubled voices make gelato and sorbet, and here we are.” down on her social media and online things and be as agile as possible.” Crawford did expect a slowdown in presence. Some of it came at an added --Katie Tabeling

4 June 23, 2020 | DelawareBusinessTimes.com Sources: DSU nearing deal to acquire Wesley College

(Editor’s Note: The newspaper went to positive manner.” workforce. Its accredited Master of million in stimulus funding from the press in the middle of a meeting of DSU’s “Like a few of our sister institutions Occupational Therapy program, which federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and board of trustees, where they were expected in the state, we have talked with Wesley Wesley started when Clark arrived at the Economic Security (CARES) Act, half of to discuss a potential purchase. Wesley has about their future,” DSU Chief Operating university, is the only one in the region. which is required to go to student relief. a board meeting scheduled for early next Officer Cleon Cauley told DBT. “They In 2019, the school had roughly 400 Wesley reportedly had discussions in week. Please check our website for the most have strong academic programs and have to 500 applicants vying for 40 nursing February with Central Florida-based up-to-date information on this story). long been a valued pillar of the Dover program slots, and its first class from Saint Leo’s University, a Catholic community. They are also a minority- the occupational therapy program had university that aspires to become one BY PETER OSBORNE serving institution which is a federal a 2019 pass rate of 100%, which is of the largest faith-based universities DOVER – Delaware State University designation and emblematic of their significantly higher than the national in the United States. is reportedly in the final stages of talks student demographic profile. In many average, Clark said. Over the past few years, Saint Leo’s has to acquire cash-strapped Wesley College, ways, their students are very similar to There has been some debate over walked away from other acquisition deals and a formal agreement could come ours, so we care about their ability to whether Wesley, as a private school, with schools in similar situations to Wesley, as early as the end of June. provide greater access to students from should receive state funding. in part because of balance-sheet concerns. A deal would still have hurdles to clear, underserved communities. While we have Clark, the former commandant of The Florida-based private university with including getting outside support for no definitive agreements with Wesley, we the U.S. Naval Academy who came to 35 regional locations across seven states helping fund the acquisition, a deeper want to be helpful wherever we can.” Wesley in 2015, argued in September will also be closing 17 campuses over the review of Wesley’s finances, and approval According to Wesley's website, that Wesley should be eligible for state next few months and shift solely online, from DSU's accrediting body, according undergraduate enrollment was 1,035 for fall funding since more than 50% of Wesley’s according to a university statement sent to to sources close to the talks. 2019, compared with 1,228 for fall 2018, students are Delawareans and more than the Tampa Bay Times newspaper. During Wesley President Robert 1,447 for fall 2017, and 1,600 for fall 2013. 80% of its graduates stay in Delaware after People familiar with the current Clark’s five-year tenure, Wesley has Wesley's minority population is above 60%, graduation. Additionally, he said, “Wesley negotiations said the acquisition is reduced expenses and improved its range according to its online Fact Book. employs 500 people from full professors, contingent on DSU's ability to get of academic offerings, but it has been Wesley students and their parents may students, staff, maintenance, adjuncts, and support from sources beyond the battling well-documented financial welcome a DSU acquisition. Full-year we provide $80 million a year – and that's Delaware General Assembly. The challenges, including declining enrollment tuition and fees at Wesley for the 2020- conservative – to our region.” General Assembly has barred Wesley and falling revenue, a situation that was 21 school year is just over $27,000, while The state did provide a bit of a lifeline from requesting any more funding not helped by the university needing DSU’s published tuition and fees for the earlier this year when Wesley was from the higher-education investment to refund room and board costs to upcoming school year currently stands approved to receive up to $3 million, committee or any other state agency. students during the pandemic. at $8,258 for in-state students and buying the school additional time to Clark said in September that Wesley Clark declined comment on any $17,294 for out-of-state students. find a merger partner. Since 2018, the has reduced operating expenses by close prospective merger partners, citing a Wesley’s nursing program is one of private college has received a total to $3 million, “looking at everything confidentiality agreement, beyond saying the best in the state and provides a of $6.4 million from the state. from how you handle consumables that “discussions are moving forward in a large portion of Delaware’s health care In addition, Wesley received $1.5 to what types of lights you use.”

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DelawareBusinessTimes.com | June 23, 2020 5 ChristianaCare works with MIT, Stanford Southern Delaware Tourism launches and Cal to advance COVID-19 testing $20,000 campaign

BY JACOB OWENS BY KATIE TABELING CHRISTIANA – Eric Kmiec has GEORGETOWN — Southern studied molecular medicine and gene Delaware Tourism is gearing up for a editing for 30 years, but he’s rarely seen new marketing message, asking visitors a time when the fruits of research are to rediscover what the Delaware beaches so readily at hand. have to offer. As director of the Gene Editing In Phase 2, Gov. John Carney hopes to Institute of the Helen F. Graham balance health concerns and the highly Cancer Center & Research Institute at seasonal tourism industry with lifting ChristianaCare, Kmiec has been leading the ban on short-term rentals and giving the New Castle County-based health restaurants more seating capacity inside system’s effort to study patients’ and out. But that all depends on visitors responses to the COVID-19 virus. feeling comfortable making the trip. The Gene Editing Institute is “Welcoming people back to Delaware internationally known for its work with and encouraging them to come back is CRISPR, an emerging technology that also a big part of it,” Carney said at a allows scientists to examine genetic press conference earlier this month. “We defects and treat them at a level not seen think we have the best beaches and the in prior decades. Calling it “the genetic best restaurants at the beaches, and we spell checker of human disease,” Kmiec need to do some marketing.” explained that CRISPR is a bacteria’s In the upcoming days, Southern genetic defense against viruses, which Dr. Eric Kmiec and his team at the Gene Editing Institute are working with leading universities and biotechs to Delaware Tourism Executive Director scientists have learned to use as a tool. improve COVID-19 tests and potentially make them cheaper. | PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTIANACARE Scott Thomas said a new “Welcome Back” “It helps us correct inherited diseases marketing campaign will run across social like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease, but media platforms via ad banners, stills and it will also help us to disable genes that pandemics in the future where the future videos. In total, the campaign cost are malfunctioning in cancer,” Kmiec said, CRISPR science could be applied though. $20,000 and required some reshoots noting that ChristianaCare’s work to date “We're cautiously optimistic that we'll It will save the state and to weave into existing materials. is aimed at lung and pancreatic cancer. be able to come up with something health systems an ungodly “There’s a lot of thought out there in the next year or so that will help us about how to travel safely in the Studying gene panels with understand what genes are accounting amount of money if it foreseeable future, and we’re ready to Stanford, Cal, and biotechs for that for the response,” Kmiec said. relay that message, reinforcing welcoming “It’s not easy, but I think CRISPR proves to be as effective. people back,” Thomas said. “This is really In mid-May, the Gene Editing has got everybody excited because about promoting the county at large with Institute was contacted by a consortium it allows us to attempt to do that.” ERIC KMIEC of researchers at Stanford University, Director, Gene Editing Institute of the outdoor adventure, wildlife, our culinary the University of California, Berkeley Working with MIT on Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & coast and more.” and several biotechnology companies a diagnostic test Research Institute at ChristianaCare In a typical year, Southern Delaware to join an effort that is seeking to Tourism would start advertising in January determine which genes are responding While Kmiec’s team works on the through the end of summer. But most of to a COVID-19 infection. gene panel study, it is also helping the “It will save the state and health the effort would ramp up in the spring “That’s really the problem in the country Massachusetts Institute of Technology systems an ungodly amount of money and fall months, coinciding with efforts right now. Some people who get infected (MIT) refine a CRISPR-based diagnostic if it proves to be as effective,” he added. to expand the high tourism months. remain asymptomatic while others have a test for COVID-19 that its researchers The test can also return results in But since COVID-19 upended those variety of levels of response,” he said. helped develop. a matter of hours, which would help plans, this will be the first time in recent Kmiec said that researchers will study Kmiec said that his team has worked in the pandemic response of rural or history Southern Delaware Tourism gene panels obtained from COVID-19 with MIT previously and when he impoverished communities that may launches a marketing campaign in June. The patients, likely through saliva or blood heard that the university was developing not have access to the expensive PCR new ads should run for at least 90 days. samples, to seek out the genes that may its own test using CRISPR, he called equipment, and are forced to wait days for After reallocating some grant funding be influencing a patient’s response to them a few weeks ago to see if the test results from farther afield, Kmiec said. and other monies, Thomas said this the virus. Once they can determine the Gene Editing Institute could help. To help the effort, Kmiec’s team is campaign will also target more on the genes, scientists may be able to identify “They sent us samples of their test working to improve the sensitivity of Philadelphia and D.C. metro region easier to discern factors related to those overnight,” he recalled. the Sherlock test as well as fine tune it within a two-hour radius. genes, such as genetic ancestry, inherited Kmiec explained that the so-called to the COVID-19 strain that is found In previous years, Delaware extended diseases, and socioeconomic factors. Sherlock test – developed by MIT, in Delaware. Each region seems to have its marketing reach to New York and If the work is successful, Kmiec said Harvard University, Ragon Institute, slight variations in the viral type, and Connecticut. The expectation is that CRISPR tests may one day be able to and the Howard Hughes Medical Kmiec explained that the CRISPR test visitors this year are more likely to come tell hospitals how an individual patient Institute – uses CRISPR to search for will have to be tailored to a region and its somewhere familiar and local rather may fare with the virus early on in their the COVID-19 virus’s RNA and binds population. The Gene Editing Institute than make a 5 to 6-hour car drive. diagnosis, potentially leading to better to it if found. The science comes with has been working in partnership on its Looking at regional competition at the allocation of resources and treatment huge advantages compared to the more research with Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Jersey Shore or in Maryland, Thomas of patients. common nasal swab polymerase chain Hospital for Children, which has the said that Delaware's location and how the Kmiec said that because the study will reaction (PCR) test: time and money. ability to verify the results found by business community was taking precautions likely require a year of testing of patients, Labs need more expensive Kmiec’s team. against coronavirus gives it an advantage. it is unlikely to be used in response to thermocycler equipment to run a “We're hoping that this test can really “Rehoboth Beach is known in the the COVID-19 pandemic. Because PCR test and the tests themselves cost become sort of the standard of care Mid-Atlantic Region, and we’re really COVID-19 is among the SARS family upward of $200 each. In comparison, no because frankly, it could be used in places showcasing our business and how serious of coronaviruses, which already saw a expensive equipment is needed for the where they don't have the opportunity we are about this,” he said. “Whether it’s prior pandemic in 2002, epidemiologists Sherlock test, and the tests themselves to have major instrumentation to run summer safely or welcome back, we’re believe there will likely be more such cost about $6 each, Kmiec said. the PCR test,” he said. ready to meet people.”

6 June 23, 2020 | DelawareBusinessTimes.com Increased capacity may not be on many restaurants’ Phase 2 menu

BY PETER OSBORNE weeks as they slowly returned from other regulations,” he assignments, including working with the said. “Bar seating Delaware restaurant inspectors found State Health Operations Center. Mack is at about 45% of Bar seating is at about that restaurants were “receptive” to also said at the time that while inspectors previous capacity. 45% of previous capacity. restrictions during Phase 1, with only are “not turning away from food safety, Demand for our a few stumbling blocks that were dealt our first priority will be COVID-19 existing patio Demand for our existing with through education rather than compliance.” seating is high enforcement. patio seating is high but Delaware Restaurant Association but due to social But the big challenge in Phase 2, as the President and CEO Carrie Leishman Xavier Teixido distancing due to social distancing state doubles capacity limits from 30% said she’s heard that the inspections were requirements to 60%, is that many restaurants can’t requirements we are under cordial and educational, adding that we are under 50% capacity there as take advantage because of the stringent she’s “really proud of the industry for well. [Plus}, you also have to factor requirement that tables be 8 feet apart. 50% capacity there as well. adhering to the guidelines.” in the additional loss of seating when “We’ve seen some issues and two people are seated at a table of XAVIER TEIXIDO opportunities to educate about mask But Leishman said many restaurants wearing and distancing, but most were are finding that it’s difficult to go much four, which is common. Delaware Restaurateur only one or two violations that they were beyond 30% capacity with the stringent Mack acknowledged that there will be 8-foot spacing. “an adjustment period” to the increased able to fix so we could move on,” said week or so after a few initially,” Mack Jamie Mack, section chief for the Health “We’re not seeing that anywhere else capacity allowance with the 8-foot said. “We have seen some folks try to Systems Protection unit of the Delaware in the country,” she added. “Our [new] restrictions still in place, but said he get creative and do some things we don’t Division of Public Health (DPH). “We bar-seating allowance is proper social has been “impressed with how seriously allow, and we did identify a few places reinforced that customers had to wear distancing. We just want the same the restaurants are taking this and how that didn’t have permits.” masks when they weren’t at the table and language for our tables, particularly everyone is doing the right things in But Delaware restaurants waiting for had some challenges with employees, since many of our restaurants can’t take the right way.” the removal of restrictions in Phase 3 particularly with some back-of-house advantage of things like outdoor seating.” Delaware has about 4,000 may have to wait longer than expected. workers. We understand those challenges Longtime Delaware restaurateur businesses that are registered as a food Gov. John Carney’s Deputy Chief of and are having conversations about Xavier Teixido agreed that the move establishment. Mack said that his team Staff Jonathan Starkey tweeted June next steps.” to Phase 2 has not been the panacea is looking at a cross-section of restaurants 16 that “Delaware has not set a date on The state got off to a slow start with many hoped for. In his case, he has not so that they can understand where Phase 3 of reopening. Why? Because inspections during Phase 1, which ran applied for expansion of outdoor dining they need to focus future inspections. too many people are not wearing masks, from June 1-15. In a late May interview in Trolley Square because he believes it That could include small independent not social distancing, and only thinking with the Delaware Business Times, Mack would be contested. operators, a specific restaurant chain, about themselves. Governor Carney and said he was expecting his 20-person team “We are unable to get to 60% capacity or larger, more popular restaurants. the public health team will follow the to do 60-100 inspections per day but at either Kid Shelleen’s or Harry’s Savoy “We haven’t received any food- data closely and move forward when they only completed 50 in the first two Grill under the current social distancing establishment complaints in the last we can do so safely.”

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DelawareBusinessTimes.com | June 23, 2020 7 Arts organizations get ‘vital lifeline’ through CARES Act grants

BY PETER OSBORNE educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into BUILDING The Delaware Division of the Arts all facets of Delaware life. (DDOA) has allocated $443,000 in relief “We were literally days away from grants to 55 arts and community-based announcing what would have been our organizations as well as 11 artists. biggest season to date at The Freeman The grants, supported organizations Stage when COVID-19 hit our nation,” Delaware and individuals who have had to postpone said Patti Grimes, executive director of or cancel events – and in many cases, the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation/The fund-raising – as a result of social Freeman Stage, which received $12,500. distancing guidelines set forth by the state. “With the assistance of the CARES TOGETHER The money came from the National grant, we were able to pivot to a virtual Endowment for the Arts through the presentation of arts enrichment and federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and education for the local community Economic Security (CARES) Act and and schools.” ranged in size from $1,000 to $12,500. “This emergency support from DDOA Funds could be used to support salaried is critical to an organization like ours at employees, fees for artists and/or this perilous time,” said OperaDelaware contractual personnel, as well as facility General Director Brendan Cooke. “We costs such as rent and utilities, incurred have a highly specialized staff that would between March 15 and August 31. be very hard to replace. At present, there is “After having to postpone our July no safe way for us to produce large scale, production of "The Tempest" until live opera. Socially distanced seating may summer 2021, [this] is a vital lifeline,” be achievable, but right now, it does not said David Stradley, producing artistic seem to be safe to rehearse large groups director for Delaware Shakespeare, of singers indoors. We've been able to which received $10,000. “The summer pivot to some small-scale, outdoor "drive- production is our largest source of earned through" performances, but there's simply revenue with over $58,000 in ticket sales. not enough capacity for revenue for that The grant ensures that we are able to to be sustainable long-term. Funds like keep our small administrative staff in this act as a "ventilator" for organizations place, while continuing to find innovative that can't quite breathe on their own ways to connect Delaware community yet, and we are profoundly grateful.” members with Shakespeare. Our online Newark Arts Alliance Executive Sonnet Project has so far received over Director Terry Foreman, whose 25,000 cumulative views and supported organization received $7,500, said, "The artists with supplemental income at a programs we are now able to offer due challenging time for freelance workers.” to this funding are the Newark Garden Lewes-based Coastal Concerts Tour, Camp Imagine, Spring and Summer Executive Director Carol Dennis said, workshops and classes and maintaining “The grant really helped reduce our our space to be ready to host exhibits cashflow uncertainty as we lost critical again in late June,” said Terry Foreman, revenues from our advertisements and executive director of the Newark Arts Delaware Contractors Association, the leading voice of sponsorships from struggling local Alliance, which received $7,500. the construction industry in the State of Delaware, is an businesses. This is allowing us to focus on CARES Artist Relief Grants also organization of qualified General Contractors, Construction the launch of our new website/electronic provided up to $500 to eligible Delaware ticketing platform and the 2020-21 season artists impacted by the cancellation Managers, Trade Contractors, and Industry related firms - all while developing a new business of a specific scheduled event, gig, dedicated to the principles of skill, integrity and reliability. model for the COVID-19 era.” or opportunity (e.g. commissions, The Delaware Division of the Arts is performances, readings, contracts, an agency of the Delaware Department teaching classes, etc.) because of of State that administers grants and COVID-19. DDOA did not disclose programs that support arts programming, the names of those recipients.

Daniel J. Hahn, Sr., President Grants went to the following organizations. Unless otherwise noted, the organizations are based in Wilmington or the city indicated in the organization’s name: Bryon Short, Executive Vice President • $12,500 : Delaware Symphony Orchestra, Joshua M. Freeman Foundation (Selbyville), and Music School of Delaware. • $10,000: Art Therapy Express Program (Hockessin), Art Works for All (Dover), Associated Community Talents (Middletown), Biggs Museum of American Art (Dover), Brandywine Baroque (Greenville), Center for the Creative (302) 994-7442┃Fax (302) 994-8185 Arts (Yorklyn), Choir School of Delaware, Christina Cultural Arts Center, Cityfest Inc., Delaware Art Museum, Delaware Choral Society (Dover), Delaware Dance Company (Newark), Delaware Shakespeare, Delaware Theatre Company, Developing Artist Collaboration (Rehoboth Beach), First State Ballet Theatre, Grand Opera House, Inner 527 Stanton-Christiana Road City Cultural League (Dover), Mid-Atlantic Ballet (Newark), Mispillion Art League (Milford), OperaDelaware, Possum Point Players (Georgetown), Rehoboth Art League, Rehoboth Beach Film Society, Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival, Newark, DE 19713 Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre, Smyrna Opera House, The Candlelight Theatre (Ardentown), The Delaware Contemporary, UD Resident Ensemble Players (Newark), Wilmington Drama League, Winterthur Museum Garden & Library • $7,500: Clear Space Theatre Company (Rehoboth Beach), Delaware ChoralArts (Greenville), Delaware Institute for the Arts in Education, Market Street Music Corp., Newark Arts Alliance • $5,000: Coastal Concerts Inc. (Lewes), Newark Symphony Orchestra, Pieces of A Dream, Rainbow Chorale of Delaware, UD Master Players Concert Series (Newark), • $2,500: Arden Club, Bootless Stageworks, CoroAllegro, Kent County Theatre Guild Foundation Inc. (Dover), www.dca.build Southern Delaware Chorale (Rehoboth Beach) • $1,000: Capital Ringers (Lewes), Children’s Theatre of Dover, Delaware Pacem in Terris, Milton Arts Guild, Rehoboth Concert Band

8 June 23, 2020 | DelawareBusinessTimes.com SPOTLIGHT: GLOBAL TRADE Gulftainer keeps sights on lofty future for Wilmington port

BY JACOB OWENS

WILMINGTON – Gulftainer has wasted no time in making an impact as the new operator of the Port of Wilmington, but it has had to navigate the uncertain waters of the COVID-19 pandemic. The world’s largest independent port operator, based in the United Arab Emirates, took over the Port of Wilmington in October 2018 after striking a 50-year deal with the state entity that previously ran the port, Diamond State Port Corp. Since then, Gulftainer has invested Work is steadily progressing at the Port of Wilmington to bring in more ships and cargo under Gulftainer’s watch. | PHOTO COURTESY OF GULFTAINER $118 million to repair the port’s eight berths, road infrastructure and not only can we take your containers off hopes to pick back up in coming months. warehouses while also installing the berth, but now we can put it right Key to that planned growth will be additional crane rail, so that ship-to- on to the logistics trucks and take it the development of a second shipping We're seeing an increase of shore cranes now run the length of the right to your distribution center.” terminal a few miles to the north at a berths, and a new water pumphouse, around 38% in productivity The port itself has also seen lower former Chemours plant at Edgemoor. according to Eric Casey, CEO of GT unloading and loading times under The state purchased the site for $10 across the board. USA Wilmington, the local subsidiary the new owner. Casey explained that million just before the leasing of the for Gulftainer. The company has another those efforts included consolidating property to Gulftainer, which now plans ERIC CASEY $70 million in projects left to go, Casey the container yard and getting better on investing at least $500 million to build said – meaning Gulftainer will nearly CEO, GT USA Wilmington productivity out of the rail cranes. a terminal capable of holding 1.2 million double the original $100 million capital “Our ILA friends have been absolutely containers. The bulk of that investment investment commitment made when Edgemoor will be a gamechanger for fantastic in showing us what they can will come from building a wharf on the the state leased the property. Delaware’s shipping status because of its really do in terms of safe, efficient Delaware River to receive ships hauling “We are in unique geographic positioning, Casey said. and effective productivity,” he said primarily dry container cargo. the process of “Once you leave the facility, there is “We’re going to be able to bring in building our of the hundreds of unionized port one traffic light between you, Canada, bigger ships, 10,000 [containers] and up,” rubber-tire gantry workers represented by Local 1694 Miami, or Chicago. You’re within he said. “Right now, that's bigger than we container stacks,” of the International Longshoremen’s 24 hours of two-thirds of the U.S. can handle here at Wilmington.” he explained, Association. “They really helped us population,” he said, noting most older Casey said that project, which is still in referring to the change the dynamics by which were ports in the mid-Atlantic are located tracked cranes measured, so we were seeing an increase the permitting phase, had eyed breaking inside cities. “We’re also the first port on ground in 2021, but the pandemic’s the Delaware River from the Atlantic Eric Casey that can stack of around 38% in productivity across and sort the 20- the board, across all volume.” impact may change the company’s Ocean, saving customers hours of sailing foot standardized containers that house Part of Gulftainer’s efforts to maintain timeline. Once built, Gulftainer believes time and a lot of fuel money as well.” import and export products. “We’ve a good relationship with its union is to also finished the design on our new dry include it in a project being developed warehouse that we are going to start at the former Elbert-Palmer Elementary Pandemic suppresses traffic volumes School in Southbridge. The port operator relatively soon. I say ‘relatively’ because Traffic volumes at the Port of Wilmington have been well below expectations signed a 10-year lease for the property with COVID-19, everything was slowed as a result of the pandemic from the Christina School District in down significantly and we're trying “The shipping lines are estimating that by August they will have taken 4 million order to operate a training center for to figure that out now.” containers worth of capacity out of the supply chain system,” said Eric Casey, job applicants while also giving space Gulftainer is seeking to increase CEO of GT USA Wilmington. “That weighs on everybody worldwide and to the ILA for a union hall. the number of containers that can be it does weigh on us here.” “We want people to look at joining the stored at the port by about 70%, rising Bulk freight volume has declined, principally because mines have slowed ILA and see that these are these are career- from 350,000 to 600,000. That will be production or closed due to social distancing concerns around COVID-19, oriented jobs and their families can have achieved by use of the gantry stacks Casey said. Mineral and chemical salt shipments that would normally flow to increase the height and density of opportunities to work,” Casey said. “We're through the port have fallen in Wilmington. container yards without having to expand also talking to a credit union that wants to Fresh fruit imports, a calling card for Wilmington as it is the largest North the wharf ’s footprint, Casey explained. set up shop in there to give people some American port for fresh fruit and juice concentrate under brands like Dole, financial opportunities as well.” Increased collaboration, efficiency Chiquita and Citrosuco , also have declined because farmers in Central and South What the future holds America couldn’t harvest their crops as they normally would with diminished A new face has arrived at the port to workforces. Lockdowns in China and Western Europe allowed some exporters to support customers’ needs once freight While Gulftainer waits out the consider sending their product to the United States though, which helped lessen arrives in the country. Momentum impacts of the pandemic, it is also some of the potential volume losses, Casey said. Logistics, another Gulftainer subsidiary, keeping its eyes on the future. The Port Thankfully, Wilmington’s longstanding stringent health guidelines to back its opened its first U.S. office at the Port of Wilmington ranks as the 22nd largest Safe Quality Food certification aligned fairly closely with the U.S. Centers for of Wilmington in March, bringing container port in the country, but hopes Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for COVID-19. 30 jobs with it. to break into the top 10 in coming years. “Our system wasn't totally disrupted because we were already on board with “When we got our feet wet here at Part of that will come through the a large majority of what they were asking for,” Casey said, noting Gulftainer’s Wilmington, [Momentum Logistics signing of new shipping lines. Casey said operational costs were limited to additional cleaning and acquisition of personal General Manager] Stuart Mainland that Gulftainer was in talks with 19 of protective equipment. determined that this would probably be the 20 of the world’s largest shipping The work on a training center for job applicants that would also house a union a good opportunity for Momentum to lines, 17 of which would be new to the hall came to a halt with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, Casey said, join in,” Casey said. “Momentum is a port. The pandemic has thrown a wrench noting they hope to begin again soon as the state’s reopening plan continues. very synergistic business to us, because into those negotiations, but Casey said he

DelawareBusinessTimes.com | June 23, 2020 9 THE LIST Delaware's Largest Exports Ranked by Total 2019 Exports UN Commodity % Growth Rank Code Description Code Total 2019 Exports Total 2018 Exports Q1 YTD 2019 Q1 YTD 2020 YOY YTD % '18-'19 DE Exporters

ALL EXPORTS $4,407,150,210 $4,704,478,083 $1,492,960,443 $1,222,113,480 -18.1% -6.3%

1 Pharmaceutical Products 30 $1,034,488,677 $989,099,112 $312,456,654 $126,066,761 -59.7% 4.6% Incyte, Astra Zeneca

2 Plastics And Articles Thereof 39 $419,739,764 $505,416,387 $147,384,560 $163,348,052 10.8% -17.0% Chemours, Polymer Technologies, Speakman, White Optics, Batta Environmental, ILC Dover Optic, Photo, Medical Or Agilent, ANP Technologies, Advanced Materials 3 90 $410,584,538 $389,958,547 $126,355,585 $137,776,299 9.0% 5.3% Technology, Avkin, B&W Tek, Denovix, Halosil, Surgical Instruments LiteCure, Sepax Technologies, GS-Tek 4 Vehicles and Parts; Excludes Railway 87 $400,608,316 $833,308,494 $126,892,600 $106,763,532 -15.9% -51.9% Port to Port

5 Industrial Machinery 84 $382,248,222 $385,333,870 $119,569,097 $130,732,181 9.3% -0.8% Accudyne, Solar Unlimited

6 Mineral Fuel, Oil, Bituminous Subst.; Mineral Wax 27 $243,693,122 $350,027,430 $128,181,814 $56,015,225 -56.3% -30.4% Delaware City Refinery

7 Aircraft, Spacecraft, And Parts 88 $203,353,166 $70,121,118 $139,298,694 $29,367,467 -78.9% 190.0% Accudyne

8 Natural/cultured pearls, precious stones & metals, coin 71 $185,469,370 $43,381,789 $21,114,505 $17,993,511 -14.8% 327.5%

9 Edible Fruit & Nuts; Citrus Fruit Or Melon Peel 08 $165,437,105 $176,483,244 $61,000,120 $63,207,402 3.6% -6.3% Vincent Farms, Fifer Orchards

10 Electric Machinery; Sound Equip; Tv Equip 85 $130,016,079 $193,634,479 $33,282,672 $90,346,621 171.5% -32.9% Soap; Waxes, Polish Etc; 11 Candles; Dental Preps 34 $88,107,998 $77,573,482 $27,358,343 $33,458,277 22.3% 13.6% Jax & Daisy

12 Rubber Products 40 $87,840,461 $4,476,427 $23,530,591 $44,124,146 87.5% 1,862.3%

13 Organic Chemicals 29 $64,371,876 $71,056,208 $22,427,051 $21,077,049 -6.0% -9.4% Arkion, Adesis Inc.,

Converted Paper Product 14 Manufacturing 32 $62,750,462 $74,511,635 $24,074,731 $19,676,109 -18.3% -15.8%

15 Chemical Manufacturing 32 $58,071,324 $54,934,756 $22,402,335 $16,568,527 -26.0% 5.7% DuPont

16 Meat And Edible Meat Offal 02 $56,638,855 $77,071,193 $19,143,017 $24,809,753 29.6% -26.5% Perdue, Mountaire Allen Harim

Works Of Art, Collectors Pieces 97 $51,310,008 $12,271,250 $15,484,882 $2,291,584 -85.2% 318.1% Bayshore Fine Art 17 And Antiques

Miscellaneous Chemical 38 $38,586,916 $52,261,681 $14,459,636 $14,208,188 -1.7% -26.2% Miles Scientific, Halosil, Arkion 18 Products

19 Iron and Steel Mill 73 $31,879,016 $36,061,204 $14,338,774 $4,809,013 -66.5% -11.6% Industrial Valves and Fittings Manufacturing Inorganic Chemicals; Precious & 20 Rare-Earth Metal & Radioactive 28 $30,899,951 $23,770,731 $8,956,183 $12,286,469 37.2% 30.0% Compounds

21 Manmade Staple Fibers 55 $26,047,017 $32,888,022 $8,133,434 $7,730,651 -5.0% -20.8%

Textile adding, felt & nonwoven; 56 $21,411,089 $12,718,737 $6,015,649 $6,715,067 11.6% 68.3% 22 yarns; twine, cordage

Miscellaneous Edible 21 $19,782,268 $13,728,930 $4,088,404 $10,165,443 148.6% 44.1% Dr. Natural Healing 23 Preparations

24 Construction; Contractors 23 $13,903,314 $6,148,572 $2,491,900 $5,045,978 102.5% 126.1% Buccini/Pollin Group

Essential Oils; Perfumery; 33 $13,581,426 $12,046,750 $3,353,477 $2,280,785 -32.0% 12.7% 25 Cosmetics

Impregnated Etc Text Fabrics; 59 $11,018,186 $5,850,670 $2,722,549 $5,013,488 84.1% 88.3% 26 Tex Art For Industry

27 Glass And Glassware 70 $10,478,195 $10,726,243 $3,328,585 $3,318,815 -0.3% -2.3%

Miscellaneous Manufactured 28 Articles 96 $10,478,043 $12,324,517 $4,301,877 $4,087,602 -5.0% -15.0%

29 Copper And Articles Thereof 74 $9,357,416 $8,276,412 $2,609,835 $24,169,842 826.1% 13.1% Speakman

Source: Data provided by Export Delaware and WISERTrade. For this list 'Exports' is considered as a commodity good that is exported through the state of Delaware but may have originated from outside the state.

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DelawareBusinessTimes.com | June 23, 2020 11 VIEWPOINTS How asking courageous questions inspires change

e workshop for our children and future generations. needs to be phrased using positive and had been How we can make our mark. empowering language like “If my goal or Courageouly curious planned months We learned there is a skill involved intention is to…” or “How might I….” ago. e topic in crafting and asking courageously or “How else could…” And, we learned questions template was curiosity, curious questions. I do not believe there that you need to pay attention to mood, specically how is a more important time in history to tone, timing, and body language when for focusing to be productively become masters of this skill. Why? is asking courageous questions. Mastering curious by asking new skill will serve us because it is time these skills opens up dialogue and • If my goal is to ______, SHARON KELLY HAKE courageous to ask courageous questions. Questions change instead of asking questions Guest Columnist questions. that will awaken new insights within in a negative way that can shut the how might I ______? Great Dames, us. Insights that illuminate our values door on the ideas and inclusiveness a community whose focus is helping and help us to align our actions with we need to survive and thrive. women activate their purpose and our values. I believe that Great Dames – and • If my intention is to passion, would come together virtually When we are asked a courageous there is a Great Dame in all women ” ______, how can I in a workshop led by Adina Tovell, question, it taps into a deeper place love to ask questions, especially when honor that in this moment? a nationally recognized curiosity within us. Courageous questions they are surrounded by a community advocate and expert. make us more open to new ideas and of sisters who show us what it means en COVID-19 hit, and we found solutions. ey play a vital role in to listen without judgment, to love • If I truly value ______, ourselves questioning how to lead our teaching, mentoring, forging authentic unconditionally, and to value others, what might I ______? families, communities and businesses connections and solving big problems. even when their stories are di•erent into an unknown future. en George ey help us listen with openness, from mine. Great Dames show us what Floyd was killed, and we joined people act in alignment with our values, it means to believe in all women. And • If I truly want to show up as everywhere to ask erce questions lead with integrity, love deeply that all women have value and deserve about pervasive racial injustice and and compassionately. our support. ______, how might I unconscious bias. Guided by Adina, we learned that At this remarkable moment in history, ______? at’s what Great Dames do well. We the process starts with purpose – we are asking all women to make ask questions. As women, we frequently understanding what matters most a commitment to ask courageous engage in powerful conversations to help and what you want to achieve. Next questions and to listen to what • If ______really matters us know better and do better. We aim to comes context. Right now we have the they awaken within us. to me, how might / will / could I understand what matters most and how opportunity and necessity to boldly ask ______? we can make sense of the world. We talk questions about our society and ourselves. Sharon Kelly Hake is co-founder and about how we can create a better world We learned that a productive question president of Great Dames, Inc.

12 June 23, 2020 | DelawareBusinessTimes.com IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Support Our Journalism: Every day Delaware Business Times is breaking news online. To stay up to date sign-up for our daily newsletter at, Delawarebussinesstimes.com/newsletter. AstraZeneca studying potential ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) highlights a few of those stories. The full version is available to read at Delawarebusinesstimes.com COVID-19 antibody treatment

WILMINGTON – Building on its Dover Post downsizes, but new work toward a COVID-19 vaccine, the pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca announced June 9 that it has secured building owner adding 40 jobs federal funding for a treatment using antibodies grown in labs. DOVER — The Dover Post plant “We have been using about 20% of the AstraZeneca, which has its U.S. preventative therapy, we hope to improve is downsizing its space in the capital, space we have. We’re excited that we can corporate headquarters in the its effectiveness in neutralizing the making way for textile manufacturer see this remaining space utilized instead Wilmington suburbs, reported that it virus. These collaborations help ensure Avalon Industries, Inc. and plastic of remaining vacant,” said Amy Dotson- has licensed six coronavirus-neutralizing potential medicines that can prevent container maker International Newton, the publisher and advertiser antibodies from Vanderbilt University or treat COVID-19 are accelerated Container Corporation. director of the Dover Post. and plans to enter two of them into as quickly and safely as possible,” said clinical development in the next two Steven Manlove, the CEO and Breaking down the space, the Dover Mene Pangalos, executive vice president months. Terms of the collaboration president of both Baltimore-area based Post will retain 3,500 square feet for of AstraZeneca’s biopharmaceuticals agreement it signed with Vanderbilt Avalon Industries and International office space and 2,500 square feet in research and development division, in April were not disclosed. Container, bought the 24,000-square- warehouse space where carriers will in a statement announcing the deal. The treatment focuses on antibodies, foot warehouse for $1.4 million in May. get newspapers before they start their In conjunction with the Vanderbilt which are created in the body to fight Once interior renovations are complete, routes, according to Dotson-Newton. licensing, AstraZeneca announced that it infections. Monoclonal antibodies the manufacturer will bring up to 40 The Dover Post was founded in 1975 has also signed an interagency agreement (mAbs) mimic natural antibodies and new positions to the state capital. by Jim Flood, which later added six other with the Defense Advanced Research “There’s some heartburn because we’re can be produced in large quantities in weekly newspapers. In 2008, the paper Projects Agency (DARPA), part of the leaving people that have worked for years the lab to inject into infected patients. was sold to GateHouse Media, which U.S. Department of Defense, and the with us behind. But the business climate The spike protein on the SARS- Biomedical Advanced Research and owned 144 daily newspapers and 684 in Maryland is getting tougher and with CoV-2 virus is the primary target being Development Authority (BARDA), part community publications. GateHouse our lease up, this was an opportunity explored for targeting by mAbs, because of the U.S. Department of Health and also added other Delaware publications we had to jump on,” Manlove told it is responsible for binding and fusing Human Services. Those deals will support to its portfolio like the Middletown the Delaware Business Times. the virus to the host cell membrane. The the company’s development efforts, Transcript, Smyrna/Clayton Sun-Times, Avalon Industries, based in Baltimore, aim is that by targeting the spike protein, including a Phase I clinical trial and the makes bags, straps, covers and more. Sussex Countian, Milford Beacon and the antibody will be able to neutralize manufacturing of the investigational Among its clients are first responders, the Hockessin Community News. the effects of the virus by affecting product for testing in Phase 1. major U.S. defense contractors and GateHouse merged with Gannett last its capacity to infect healthy cells. AstraZeneca announced in May other commercial clients. International year in a transaction valued roughly $1.4 AstraZeneca reported that it has that it was developing a promising Containers is an injection moulding billion, making Gannett the country’s evaluated more than 1,500 mAbs in the COVID-19 vaccine that it licensed from company that currently focuses on largest newspaper chain with 261 treatment of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the University of Oxford in the U.K., disposable containers for laboratories. newspapers in 46 states, including The found the most encouraging pre-clinical where its global headquarters is located. Manlove plans on entering into a News Journal based in Wilmington. results in Vanderbilt’s antibodies. The The company said the mAbs treatment long-term lease with Gannett, which The Dover Post stopped printing two advancing to trial are hoped to be could be used as a preventative for those owns the Dover Post. The warehouse will newspapers onsite in 2017. Printing combined together in a single treatment. potentially exposed to the COVID-19 be divided into four suites, with 18,000 has moved to the News Journal’s New “By combining two monoclonal virus and could be complementary to square feet to be divided up between Castle plant, according to Gannett antibodies that bind to distinct parts a vaccine, as some people are not able Manlove’s companies, and the rest to the spokeswoman Stephanie Tackach. of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to receive vaccinations. Dover Post and its 18-person staff. --Katie Tabeling into what potentially could be a single --Jacob Owens Delaware keeps top bond ratings and saves $5 million in refinancing

WILMINGTON – The state’s top credited the state with preparing for budget cushions, including its $252 is filled by unspent funds each year and bond ratings were recently reaffirmed economic downturns through building million reserve “rainy day” account and capped at 5% of state revenue. States by three of the four rating agencies, reserves. All four agencies had last its $126.3 million Budget Stabilization typically try to leave such savings funds as it also refinanced bonds to save evaluated the state’s financial position in Fund, as a big reason for its top ratings. untouched to boost credit ratings, and on a lower interest rate. January, before the pandemic began. They also complimented the state’s use of Delaware has not drawn from the reserve State finance officials reported that In a statement announcing the the independent, non-partisan Delaware account since it was created in 1980. $33.1 million in general obligation (GO) reaffirmed ratings, Gov. John Carney said, Economic and Financial Advisory Council To further meet the estimated bonds were refinanced at a record low “The COVID-19 emergency presents (DEFAC) to forecast revenue estimates. $403.4 million deficit for FY 2021, the interest rate of 0.79%, saving the state enormous financial challenges for every The reviews did warn the state about administration is proposing to eliminate a planned 2% pay increase and step $5.2 million over the bonds’ decade-long state, including Delaware. But I think all drawing too much upon its reserves to help increases for state employees, the annual term. The savings were structured to Delawareans can be proud of the work plug deficits in the FY 2021 budget though. bond bill, and earmarks for land. help the state address the fiscal year we've done with the General Assembly The General Assembly’s Joint The agency estimated that Delaware's 2021 budget challenges brought on to boost the state's finances prior to this Finance Committee recently reviewed revenues will fall 20.8% in 2020, followed by the COVID-19 pandemic and unanticipated event, so our state is better a revised budget proposal from by a 9.1% increase in 2021, resulting the state-mandated shutdown of prepared to weather the storm.” Carney’s administration that sought to in a cumulative result over a three-year commerce to stem its transmission. Delaware Finance Secretary Rick utilize $76.3 million from the Budget period of a 10.1% decline. That would Fitch, Moody's and KRBA all reaffirmed Geisenberger added that the state’s Stabilization Fund, which was created be a slightly worse downturn than its Delaware’s Triple A rating in June reviews refunding “shows the market's confidence under Carney’s tenure to plug smaller estimated state median decline of 16.6% – Standard & Poor’s did not review the in Delaware despite the near-term budgetary gaps through an annual in the first year and negative 5.7% over 2020B GO bond offering, which refunded challenges faced by every state.” savings program. The proposal does not the three-year scenario, Fitch reported. old debt at the new lower rate – and The agencies all highlighted the state’s use any of the state’s reserve fund, which --Jacob Owens

DelawareBusinessTimes.com | June 23, 2020 13 IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Support Our Journalism: Every day Delaware Business Times is breaking news online. To NCC Exec. Meyer seeks to continue stay up to date sign-up for our daily newsletter at, Delawarebussinesstimes.com/newsletter. ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) highlights a few of those stories. The full version is available to read at Delawarebusinesstimes.com expanding virus testing in county

NEW CASTLE – New Castle colleague Dr. Michael Bass on how NCC receives interest on airport, County Executive Matt Meyer has been to help. pleased by the utilization of COVID-19 They connected the county executive testing sites set up in recent weeks, and with Dr. David Sinclair, a Harvard won’t appeal tax case ruling he hopes to widely expand the availability University medical school professor, and of tests in coming months. Dr. Chris Mason, a Cornell University NEW CASTLE – With New Castle in a competitive bidding process. Meyer said that he was encouraged medical researcher. Those connections County poised to possibly put the long- “My obligation is to get the best deal that Delaware’s outbreak never led to meetings with several leading term operational lease of the Wilmington for taxpayers,” Meyer said. “We may end seemed to approach the crisis seen testing companies across the country. Airport out for bid, County Executive up continuing with the DRBA; we'll see in New York City, New Jersey, and However, it was Curative, which had just Matt Meyer said there has been interest whatever's in the best interest of county Philadelphia, especially considering completed a sale of thousands of tests to from new parties. taxpayers.” the interconnectedness of the region. the U.S. Air Force and the city of Los Meyer confirmed that private With the COVID-19 pandemic He credited Gov. John Carney’s Angeles, that state health officials felt companies have reached out to the county wreaking havoc on the airline industry administration and the leaders of most confident in. regarding the future of the airport. right now – Frontier Airlines pulled the state’s health care systems with Meyer is glad to see the hundreds of “We haven't gotten into details because, out of its May relaunch of service from preventing a surge of cases. residents coming out to county testing ultimately, if we go that route, we're going Wilmington Airport with plans to try As of June 16, the state had more than sites, noting about 1,200 residents got to run a bidding process,” he said. again in November – and a five-year 10,400 confirmed COVID-19 cases and tested June 10. The county’s current contract with window until the contract expires, Meyer 426 deaths. The percentage of positive He’s not satisfied with those numbers. the Delaware River and Bay Authority said the county has time on its side. cases related to overall tests, however, has He wants to increase testing to a point (DRBA), a transportation agency backed continued to fall in recent weeks. Tax-assessment appeal? where every resident has the opportunity by Delaware and New Jersey, is set to “It’s not perfect. There are people on to receive a test weekly. Meyer said that my staff who’ve lost members of their expire in 2025. The county’s deadline Meyer also confirmed that his he believed widespread testing will family, and that’s a tragedy that we can to notify DRBA of non-renewal is administration won’t appeal a Court of be the tool to bridge the gap until never undo,” Meyer said. “But we’re June 30, however, and failing to provide Chancery ruling last month that found a vaccine is ready, providing relief going to continue working really hard.” notification would automatically renew the outdated property tax assessment to affected businesses by boosting Meyer, who was perhaps the first the contract for another 30-year term. system used by Delaware’s three counties consumer confidence. Delaware public official to call for A county task force asked to review was unconstitutional. For now, the Curative tests are largely widespread testing, said that he still the airport’s lease recommended that it The case was split by the court into identifying pockets of concern and trying believed that testing would be the not be renewed, and the county council a liability phase and a remedy phase, to head off potential outbreaks. One of quickest way to jumpstart sectors backed that recommendation in a and Meyer said that he won’t appeal the the tools that the county has been using near-unanimous vote in May. The task of the county and state economy. ruling against the counties but rather to decide where to hold testing sites is force’s contracted consultant, Airport “One way [out of this pandemic] hope to address its concerns in the an innovative collaboration with Biobot Business Solutions, reported that DRBA is a vaccine and another way is really remedy phase. Analytics, a Massachusetts Institute has failed to pay its $1 lease since 1995, effective treatment,” he said. “Most of us “We think there are some serious of Technology-incubated startup when it began operating the airport. don’t have much control over a vaccine issues with the decision the chancellor that analyzes urine and stool samples DRBA countered that the nominal or treatment, but a third way is we start made in the liability phase,” he said. from municipal wastewater systems to rent was factored into its debt service turning this invisible virus visible…the “We may have an opportunity to appeal identify asymptomatic carriers who are payments on the property, which totaled more people get tested, the quicker we it later and we may just do that.” potentially shedding the COVID-19 $7 million when it took on the airport. identify where this thing is, and we can Meyer emphasized that the ruling will virus. The consultants also questioned a lack squash it once and for all.” not affect property owners 2020 tax bills, The Biobot analysis estimates that of communication and transparency Meyer has been credited with especially as many are struggling during positive cases of COVID-19 could be between the county and DRBA, which bringing Curative Inc., the California- the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. upward of 75,000 – or nearly one in the two-state agency has refuted. based company that is supplying six residents in the county. Meyer said that he will submit the “Your taxes are not going up this year 200,000 saliva-based COVID-19 tests The data has further convinced non-renewal notice and consider whether and, for most people, your taxes will to Delaware in a $30 million deal, to to enter into a bidding process at some never go up as a result of this decision,” the table with state officials. Lifelong Meyer of the need to acquire more point in the future or try to negotiate he said. “It's going to be a several years’ friend Dr. Neil Hochstein read his tests, which he said is a constant a new contract with DRBA, which has process if there is a reassessment.” News Journal Op-Ed on the need for effort for the administration. previously said it would not participate --Jacob Owens more testing and began consulting with --Jacob Owens ‘Al fresco’ initiative seeks to create curbside restaurant service in Delaware

WILMINGTON — In an effort to entice city residents to start dining what businesses are doing and get people best when there’s a cluster of businesses. bring a sense of normalcy to Delaware out and shopping again. more comfortable coming out.” We’ve found that restaurants draw more and expand dining options, Wilmington The first weekend was a success Jennifer Kmiec, executive director people to shop retail, and vice versa.” has closed off some parking spaces so from the vantage point of Wilmington of the Committee of 100, said that the Wilmington is the latest city to work restaurants can expand further outside Small Business and Minority Business “dream team” of Downtown Visions and with restaurants to shut down streets starting with an iconic downtown street. Development Director DaWayne the Wilmington Office of Economic or expand outdoor seating options. “Curbside Wilmington” closed 20 Sims.“We definitely saw an uptick in Development had worked throughout Rehoboth Beach blocked off some parking spaces along Market Street traffic, and people enjoyed the live jazz the weeks to understand what downtown downtown parking, causing an 11% drop between Ninth and Fourth Street so music that was playing at the Grand. businesses needed in terms of support. in parking revenue in the first days of that restaurants nearby can use them as Talking with residents and businesses, “This is about enhancing what retailers June. The Rehoboth Beach City Council parklets, where dining tables are set up, we’re seeing a lot of pent up demand and and restaurants can already do, providing agreed on June 16 to remove parking or for curbside service. City officials, people eager to get outside,” Sims said. the infrastructure in place,” she said. baracades, except for 10 restaurants Downtown Visions and The Committee “The key is not doing this at a top-down “We want to see this expand, ideally to that requested outdoor dining. of 100 launched the initiative June 13 to level but doing what we can to enhance the west side, because this really works --Katie Tabeling

14 June 23, 2020 | DelawareBusinessTimes.com FOR THE RECORD

Liquor Licenses Patel – (302)834-1941 #12828 Calatlantic Group, Inc. to Surender Thomas & Kathryn Koch to Gary T. & Beach 19971, $1,035,000 Katta; 166 Hammersmith Way, Bear Pamela S. Henry; 2 The Strand, New RJL Family Enterprises LLC to Scott Source: Delaware Offi ce of Alcoholic Beverage CANCELLED LICENSES 19701, $421,000 Castle 19702, $575,000 and Kelly Serpico; 216 Grey Plover Court, Control Commissioner Casual Dining Concepts, LLC T/A Townsend Properties LLC to Dolores Michael & Valerie J. Rabb to Troy & Allie Lewes 19958, $995,801 NEW APPROVALS Michael’s Family Restaurant; 1000 Shantay Hainey; 333 Helen Drive, Truesdale; 720 Wood Duck Court, The Churchman’s Road, Newark 19719 #12235 Townsend 19734, $410,000 Estates of Dove Run, Middletown 19709, Michael and Molly Ceppetelli to Jennifer Acepub, LLC T/A Ace's Pub; 7288 $485,000 and Andrew Hickey III; 105 Godwin Place, Lancaster Pike, Hockessin 19707, License Real Estate Transactions Steven M. and Diane M. Roberts to Bethany Beach 19930, $950,000 Type: Taproom-On, Sunday, Contact - Nikoloas and Aimee Zafiratos; 34 Toll DE LP to The Kayden Elizabeth Cobb Shawn Naylor (302) 438-3800, Transferred Source: Local Recorders of Deeds Crimson King Drive, Rose Hill at Lexington Trust; 714 Jake Way, Highpointe at St. Schell Brothers LLC to Paul and Laura from Famous Tom’s Tavern, Inc. Farms, Bear 19701, $430,000 Georges, New Castle 19720, $585,426 Albrecht; 26304 Crosswinds Landing, KENT COUNTY Americana Bayside Village, Selbyville Reybold Venture Group Xi-A LLC to Ty 19975, $847,000 Theo's 44 Rehoboth, LLC T/A Theo's Vijay & Padma Tatagari to Henry Mast; DeWees Properties, LLC to Timothy and A. Cornelius & Destany L. Stripling; 117 Steaks, Sides & Spirits- Rehoboth; 44 316 Quail Run, Wild Quail Golf & Country Stephanie Cairo; 4200 Pyles Ford Road, Sirius Dr., Bear 19701, $416,475 Shell Brothers LLC to Teresa Lyons; Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach 19971, Club, Camden Wyoming 19934, $449,900 Wilmington 19807, $1,160,000 License Type: SPR-ON, Sunday, Patio, 27034 Bay Bluff Road, American Bayside Owner – Chris Agharabi, Transferred Fung Fung Ting & Freeman Hwang to Toll DE LP to Dennis Shevlin & Mamny Richard and Janvier Clark to Dimitrios Village, Selbyville 19975, $816,000 from A Muse Vinaykumar; 40 Case Ridge Rd., Wolf Palmer-Shevlin; 704 Jake Way, and Maria Tangalidis; 220 Bohemia Mill Creek, Dover 19901, $532,500 Highpointe at St. Georges, New Castle Pond Drive, Bohemia Mill, Middletown John Stoner & Elizabeth Riep to Cathy JMF Group, LLC T/A Wild Quail Golf 19709, $1,050,000 & Earnet Carter III and Leah & Matthew Champions Club Homes, LP to Darlene 19720, $565,000 and Country Club; 1 Clubhouse Drive, Watkins; 150 New Castle Drive, Bethany M. & James C. Carroll; 153 Augusta Camden-Wyoming 19934, License Type: Lawrence M Peltier to Gerald A Ciriaco; NVR, Inc. to Leroy and Preethi Hill; 2001 Beach 19930, $785,000 National Drive, Jonathans Landing, Multiple Activity Club-On, Sunday, Contact 102 Beacon Court, Breckenridge, Ferwig Court, The Preserve at Deep Creek, Magnolia 19962, $455,346 Joseph and Rachel Hutson to Robert – Joshua Ferris (302)-382-6797 Wilmington 19808, $440,000 Middletown 19709, $440,000 Betty Anne Wyatt-Dix to Betty Ann & and Maria Joyce; 17541 Venables Drive, Senators, Lewes 19958, $717,000 NEW APPLICATIONS John C. Johnson, Sr.; 6 Cedarfield Rd., Toll DE LP to Kulsoom & Syed Qadri; 906 SUSSEX CO. Magnolia 19962, $487,000 Mellissa Court, Highpointe at St. Georges, Shell Brothers LLC to Louis and Eileen Insight at Peninsula LLC to Peter Acker Auction DE, LLC T/A Acker; 1800 New Castle 19720, $642,000 Ogletown Road, Suite D, Newark 19711, NEW CASTLE CO. Martini; 27219 Anchor Point Road, Schuyler and Sigyn Eisl; 33241 Indian License Type: Package Store American Bayside Village, Selbyville Bay Circle, The Veranda Condominium, Kelly P. Dashiell to Samantha Transue Boyds Corner LLC to Anthony and 19975, $1,974,000 Unit 35, Millsboro 19966, $584,000 Vino e Spirito, LLC T/A Tim’s Liquors; and Anthony Ward; 236 Porky Oliver Audrey Hill; 2750 Van Cliburn Circle, 6303 Limestone Road, Hockessin, DE Drive, The Legends, Middletown 19709, Village of Bayberry – South, Middletown Walsh Properties LLC to Dewey Walsh William and Sally Duveneck to Natalie 19707, License Type: Package Store, $410,000 19709, $506,000 TIC 1 LLC and Dewey Walsh TIC 2 LLC; and Matthew Conley; 18682 Sunny Sky Sunday, Tasting, Owner – William 2004 Coastal Highway, Dewey Beach Blvd., Gravel Hill, Milton 19968, $575,000 Joyce M. Bembry to Pamela and Richard 19971, $1,600,000 Galbraith, Jr. (302) 239-5478, Transferred Christopher and Kathleen Sprizzirri Severance; 21 Forest Ridge, Creek Walter and Barbara Samuels to from Gunina Enterprise, Inc. to Brittany and Trevor Riccobon; 304 Landing, Newark 19711, $425,000 Daniel and Francis Conaty to David and Bayhealth Medical Center, Inc.; 7237 Ellenwood Drive, Parkside, Middletown Anita Ionni; 506 Bayard Ave., Rehoboth Cedar Creek Road, Lincoln 19960, TRANSFER REQUESTS 19709, $462,000 K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at Beach 19971, $1,375,000 $575,000 Simpra, Inc. to KPT, Inc. T/A Delaware Baymont Farms, LLC to Mark Ambrose City Liquors; 76 Clinton Street, PO Box and Toni Nestore; 224 Northern Oak Ronald J. & Carmen Craig to Payal Parth Lighthouse Cove Development Company Karen M. Vorsteg to Graeme C. & Glenda 4146, Delaware City, DE 19706, License St., Baymont Farms, Middletown 19709, Mody; 17 Hempsted Dr., Farmington, II, LLC to Eugene and Kathryn Gaietto; A. Lake; 8 Demarie Dr., Grand View Type: Package Store, Sunday, Prakash $430,000 Newark 19702, $400,000 1301 Coastal Highway, Unit S263, Dewey Shores, Ocean View 19970, $550,000 YOUR CHOICE: Now, Pickup and Delivery for service

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DelawareBusinessTimes.com | June 23, 2020 15 FOR THE RECORD

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programs statewide; Absolutely Flawless their opinions on their current and former Neurology & Neurosurgery. Women, $5,000 to provide meals for banking relationships. Banks were rated Saint Francis Healthcare in Wilmington families in Indian River School District; on general customer satisfaction and recently received Certification in Hip Freeman Foundation, $10,000 to convert important attributes including trust, fees, and Knee Replacement from The Joint its free, weekly Young Audience Series to digital services and financial advice. Commission. The certification reflects a virtual program; Delaware Center for The PNC headquarters building on Saint Francis Healthcare’s commitment Horticulture, $10,000 to mobilize home Delaware Avenue. in Wilmington has to providing the highest quality of care gardeners to grow and donate produce installed state-of-the-art logo and brand for hip and knee replacement. statewide; Clear Space Theatre Company, signage installed facing the I-95 corridor $10,000 to support operations; Merakey Highmark Inc. and HealthNow New York as part of its lease renewal agreement Allos, $6,500 for equipment to provide Inc. today announced an agreement to that was completed last fall. services for individuals with intellectual affiliate, marking a key milestone in plans to bring together the two not-for-profit disabilities at Delaware group homes; and HEALTH CARE Bellevue Community Center, $10,000 Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance to provide fresh produce to underserved ChristianaCare has developed a new plans to better serve the communities families in Wilmington. virtual telehealth service for businesses of Western and Northeastern New York, and employers that provides daily as well as Highmark’s Pennsylvania, Beebe Medical Foundation received monitoring of employees for COVID-19 Delaware and West Virginia regions. a donation of $19,000 from the Pines This month, Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen of the Delaware National Guard continued symptoms, testing, if needed, and care Restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, for employees who test positive. The MEDIA AND PR their missions in support of saliva-based testing and analysis for COVID-19 across from the proceeds of a four-week the First State. Employee COVID-19 Symptom Monitoring Short Order Production House took Saturday night virtual fundraising series at and Testing Program is designed to More than 25 members with the National Guard in Delaware have been working with home two gold awards at the 2019-2020 the “Top of the Pines.” increase safety and ease anxiety in the staff members from the Delaware Emergency Management Agency to increase the Philadelphia Metro American Advertising The Sallie Mae Fund, Sallie Mae’s workplace by effectively monitoring Awards, known as the ADDYs, for availability of saliva-based testing for the coronavirus disease to individuals at mobile charitable arm, has awarded a total employees’ health. For employees, “LiveWorkPlay: It’s Time Wilmington” drive-thru locations. | PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DELAWARE NATIONAL GUARD of $67,500 in grants to nonprofit it offers the convenience of access in the Local Television Commercial organizations in Delaware. The grants to a registered nurse to discuss their Campaign category and for “A Century support education and outreach initiatives symptoms and the opportunity for a Old Time Lapse” in the Advertising PHILANTHROPY machine for books and materials; Chinese at Christina Cultural Arts Center, Girl tele-visit with a provider. The program Industry Self-Promotion category. American Community Center, $8,000 In its ninth round of grants, the Delaware Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay, Delaware relies on ChristianaCare’s COVID-19 Virtual to support virtual programming and Blue Blaze Associates has completed the Humane Association, and Year Up Practice and its award-winning CareVio COVID-19 Strategic Response Fund on operations of the facility in Hockessin; first phase of a comprehensive multi- Wilmington. care management program for daily June 8 awarded $108,760 to 13 nonprofit Siegel JCC, $16,360 for equipment to channel strategic marketing plan and organizations providing services to bi-directional, secure text messaging. facilitate safely reopening the facility in FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS digital transformation for White Horse communities throughout the state. The Wilmington; Delaware Zoological Society, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital Village, an active senior living community fund also earmarked $50,000 to create $10,000 to support zoo operations and WSFS Bank, the primary subsidiary of for Children has been ranked in five in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. a new initiative to increase equity in virtual programming; Wilmington & WSFS Financial Corporation, ranked 21st pediatric specialties in U.S. News & World Services provided so far include a brand Delaware by strengthening smaller Western Railroad, $5,000 for equipment nationally on Forbes’ second annual Report’s new 2020-21 Best Children’s refresh, a website redesign, COVID-19 nonprofits (operating budgets $250K to facilitate safely reopening the World’s Best Banks list. This is the first Hospitals rankings. Orthopedics ranked communications, and redesign of print and under) led by and serving people of historical railroad; Lewes Public Library, time WSFS has made the global list. in the top 20 in the nation and the materials. Launched in late February, the color, who are disproportionately affected $10,000 for equipment to support virtual Forbes partnered with Statista to produce hospital’s other ranked specialties were site’s virtual tours have served as a critical by the pandemic. Grantees are: Laurel programming; Paws for People, $4,000 the list, surveying more than 40,000 Cancer, Cardiology & Heart Surgery, resource to the White Horse Sales Team Public Library, $3,900 for a UV sanitation to support virtual pet therapy and reading banking customers across the globe for Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, and during the coronavirus pandemic.

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16 June 23, 2020 | DelawareBusinessTimes.com FOR THE RECORD

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j-VOICE Monthly publication. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Circuit Court nevertheless vacated in its June 3 decision the EPA's registration of The Legal 500 has ranked Richards, PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS XtendiMax and Enginia™ herbicides, as Layton & Finger in its top tiers in well as Corteva's registration for DuPont™ SHRM (the Society for Human Resource M&A Litigation: Defense and Delaware FeXapan® with VaporGrip® Technology. Management) recently awarded its Corporate Law in its 2020 national Corteva said it is seeking to intervene premier Excel Platinum Award to SHRM rankings. Firm director Gregory Williams Delaware State Council, DelMarVa was named in the prestigious Hall of Fame to preserve its rights and to support the SHRM Chapter, and Delaware SHRM category; Catherine Dearlove, Rudolf rights of customers to use the impacted Chapter for numerous accomplishments Koch, and Srini Raju were ranked as dicamba weed control technologies. in 2019. The EXCEL award is given to state Leading Lawyers; and Blake Rohrbacher Corteva said it “believes dicamba is an councils and chapters to recognize major was chosen as a Next Generation effective weed management tool for accomplishments, strategic activities, Partner. The Legal 500 also named Mark farmers when used according to the and tactical initiatives that elevate the Gentile, Richard Rollo, and John Mark label.” It also seeks to “preserve the role profession of human resources. Zeberkiewicz as key lawyers. of the U.S. EPA to administer the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide & Rodenticide Act Delaware Farm Bureau has received PUBLIC COMPANY NEWS (FIFRA), including granting or cancelling a specialty crop block grant from the crop protection product registrations, for Incyte has launched a new Global United States Department of Agriculture, the benefit of agriculture and society.” managed through the Delaware Responsibility section on its Incyte.com website. This section provides information Department of Agriculture, to promote RESTAURANTS AND RETAIL on Incyte’s long-term approach and local farmers and produce side-by-side commitment to building a sustainable Grain On The Rocks, located at 43 with iHeartMedia. The campaign will run Dover International Speedway is partnering with the American Lung Association in business by helping patients in need, Cape Henlopen Drive, has opened at the for two-years through December 2021, Delaware by turning turquoise through June 30 to honor those impacted by lung supporting its colleagues, giving back Lewes Ferry Terminal. The Lewes Coffee digitally introducing 24 fresh market cancer as part of Turquoise Takeover (June 14-20). | PHOTO COURTESY OF DOVER to its communities, reducing its impact Company has been added with locally specialty crops available seasonally at on the environment and promoting roasted coffee, opening at 8 a.m. for INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY markets all over Delaware to consumers ethical and responsible behavior. As early morning visitors to the ferry or who are on the go and ready to find part of this newly available content, Cape Henlopen State Park. NONPROFITS of hardware devices (i.e. Chromebooks or local produce. Incyte has also released its first annual laptops) and virtual access technologies Sustainable Accounting Standards Board Capriotti’s is offering four new menu Wilmington Alliance has formed the The Lewes Chamber of Commerce’s (i.e. Zoom Pro Plan) for their learners (SASB) Summary and its 2019 Global items featuring American Wagyu Beef, Wilmington is Working Equitable “Restarting Lewes’s Economy” is and training providers to offer online Responsibility Highlights. supplied by Silver Snake Farms. The new Technology Fund. Powered by the highlighting its new brand — Love, Lewes job training. Barclays’ anchor funding subs include American Wagyu Roast Beef, Alliance’s anchor supporter Barclays – through the sale of yard signs. Students Corteva, Inc. filed a motion June 12 to will support the procurement, setup and American Wagyu Slaw Be Jo, American US Consumer Bank, the fund aims to from Cape Henlopen High School’s DECA intervene in the U.S. Court of Appeals for delivery of technology hardware and Wagyu Cheese Steak, and Wagyu and address the digital divide by increasing program are “planting” the yard signs and the Ninth Circuit case challenging the U.S. other technology needs. Bleu Salad. equitable access to online job training working on the social media campaign on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and support faster economic recovery for Jewish Federation of Delaware won Facebook and Instagram. The signs are registration of the dicamba herbicide Thompson Island Brewing Company in citizens hit the hardest by the COVID-19 first place in a national communications available for $10 at the Lewes Chamber marketed as XtendiMax® Herbicide with Rehoboth Beach recently released four pandemic. The Wilmington is Working competition hosted by the National Visitor Center at120 Kings Highway; VaporGrip® Technology. Corteva was limited-edition new beers available in Equitable Technology Fund is designed Federation of Press Women for a online at the chamber’s LewesChamber. not a party to the lawsuit, and until June cans. One of the latest offerings, Revival, to assist Wilmington-serving 501(c)(3) magazine page designed by Carolyn com website; or at Lewes Wear at 109 3, the case appeared to involve only is a collaboration with nearby Revelation workforce development programs in need Katwan that ran in the organization’s Savannah Road. the XtendiMax registration. The Ninth Brewing Company.

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DelawareBusinessTimes.com | June 23, 2020 17 FOR THE RECORD

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Vincent J. Daniels, DMD, has been elected president ChristianaCare president and CEO Janice Nevin was named as one of this year’s 50 Most Influential of the Delaware State Dental Society,(DSDS), the Clinical Executives by Modern Healthcare. Modern Healthcare is the nation’s leading industry-intensive first African American to lead the organization in news magazine for health system executives, and this program focuses clinicians working in the health its 157-year history. Daniels, 54, a practitioner of 29 care industry who are deemed by their peers and an expert panel to be the most influential in terms of years, has owned Blue Diamond Dental in Wilmington demonstrating leadership and impact. since 1999. His specialty is general family restorative Nevin, who became ChristianaCare’s first female CEO in 2015, was ranked 14th on the list. In making dentistry. Services include implants, periodontics, its decision, Modern Healthcare pointed to Nevin’s vocal support of Gov. John Carney’s stay-at-home oral surgery, endodontics, restorative, crowns, orders to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 as well as being the first to hold a drive-thru testing event bridges, dentures and partials. two days after Delaware saw its first confirmed case of COVID-19. Daniels graduated from the Temple University "This has been an extraordinary time for our community and our nation, as we continue to navigate School of Dentistry in Philadelphia and completed the COVID-19 pandemic. I am so grateful to receive this recognition at a time when our caregivers are undergraduate studies at the prestigious Morehouse demonstrating our values of love and excellence daily, as they so selflessly serve our community," College in Atlanta, Georgia. He began his dental career in Center City Philadelphia Nevin said. "It is my privilege to serve alongside them and to lead ChristianaCare through this crisis, and later relocated to Wilmington where he began his private practice. and I am optimistic that the lessons that we are learning will make us an even better heath care organization in the future, making a positive impact on health for everyone in all of the communities we serve.”

The Delaware Senate has confirmed the • The Honorable Catherine Hester Castle County, as an associate attorney Walker is Secretary of the Delaware opportunity. Morris joined the company following judicial nominations: from Lewes for Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman Department of Health and Social Services in 2003 and has served as Navient’s • The Honorable • Brett Graves from Lewes & Goggin, and as a judicial law clerk for (DHSS) under Governor John Carney. The controller since 2014. Charles Butler as the Family Court. From 2000-2009 and agency has 11 divisions, more than 4,000 • Candace Whitelock from Seaford William Burton has joined Barnes & a Superior Court again from 2014-2016, Horton, who is also employees and a budget greater than $2 Thornberg as an associate in its Delaware Resident Judge Governor John Carney has nominated a registered nurse, attended to obstetrical billion. office. He litigates issues related to of New Castle Mark Conner as Superior Court Judge patients. Horton would replace Judge Stephen J. Akerley has joined InterDigital breach of fiduciary duties, shareholder County. Judge in Sussex County; Monica Horton as John Welch, who will retire on June 30, Inc. as vice president of litigation. In his and corporate governance disputes, Butler – who since Judge of the Court of Common Pleas 2020. 28-year career, Mr. Akerley has forged a valuation and appraisal law, and other 2012 has served in New Castle County; and Rae Mims • Rae Mims has been a deputy attorney presence as a leading voice and litigator corporate and commercial litigation as a judge on the as Judge of the Court of Common general in the Delaware Department of on IP issues worldwide. He has been a issues, on behalf of corporations, Superior Court in New Castle County – Pleas in Sussex County. Justice since 2007. She has represented partner at various top law firms, including directors, officers, members, partners, replaced Resident Judge of Superior • Mark Conner has served as the the Delaware Department of Correction, Dechert LLP and, since 2017, Mintz Levin, investors and stockholders. While his Court Richard “Dick” Cooch, who retired managing attorney for the Office of the State Board of Education, the specializing in standards-essential patent practice is primarily focused in the Court in January. Judge Butler was nominated Conflicts Counsel for Sussex County Delaware State Police, and the Division of and FRAND issues. Mr. Akerley has been of Chancery, he also represents clients in and confirmed in 2012 to serve as a judge within the Office of Defense Services Public Health. During her time as a deputy listed among the top IP litigators in Silicon other state and federal courts, including on the Superior Court in New Castle since July 2016. During his time in attorney general, Mims also oversaw Valley and recognized multiple times as the Delaware Superior Court, the Federal County. Previously, Judge Butler served a top litigator by Daily Journal (DJCO) this position, he represented criminal criminal adult felony prosecutions in District Court for the District of Delaware, as Delaware’s chief deputy attorney defendants in the Superior Court, the the Superior Court, and prosecuted and National Law Journal. general. Judge Butler also served as a and the Delaware Supreme Court. Court of Common Pleas, the Family misdemeanor cases in the Family Court, Eeva K. Hakoranta prosecutor in the Delaware Department Michelle D Court, and the Justice of the Peace Court. the Justice of the Peace Court, and the has joined of Justice and has experience as an McCann has Conner has previous experience as a Court of Common Pleas. Additionally, InterDigital as chief Assistant District Attorney with the launched her Deputy Attorney General at the Delaware Mims has experience in private practice licensing officer, City of Philadelphia. first book, The Department of Justice in both the Criminal as an associate with Binder & Binder in effective July 1. Nature of God: The • Francis “Pete” and Civil divisions, as well as in the Public Philadelphia, and was an Assistant District Ms. Hakoranta Jones as a Judge Defender’s Office. Between 2007-2016, Attorney in Bucks County, PA. Mims joins the company Revelation. This of The Superior Conner served as an adjunct professor would replace Judge Rosemary Betts from Nokia, where book chronicles Court. Jones will at Delaware Technical and Community Beauregard, who retired on April 1, 2020, she led patent Michelle’s journey replace Judge College and Wilmington University, on the Court of Common Pleas in Sussex licensing since 2012, and most recently with God and the Butler. Jones is teaching courses on business law and County. served as senior vice president and head angels. As a former social worker, Michelle criminal law and procedure. Conner would directed a welfare-to-work program, a Morris James Kara Odom Walker, of intellectual property and litigation. replace Judge Scott Bradley, who retired supervised graduate students and taught partner who MD, MPH, MSHS, Under her leadership, Nokia successfully May 1, 2020, on the Superior Court in in the Master of Social Work program chaired the firm’s will join Nemours concluded license agreements with Sussex County. (MSW) at Widener University. She also personal injury group and served as an Children's Health substantially all the world’s major handset worked in the financial industry for 16 executive committee member. Previously, • Monica Horton has served since 2016 as System on Sept. manufacturers. Ms. Hakoranta moves into years, first at MBNA America and then Jones clerked for the Delaware Supreme a Deputy Attorney General in the Delaware 1 as senior vice the role upon the retirement of Timothy at Bank of America. Michelle retired Court; Goldman, Phillips, Nichols, Department of Justice, where she is the president and chief J. Berghuis, who had been chief licensing officer since January 2018 and who joined from corporate marketing in May. Pederson and Hurtt; and the National head of the Health Law Unit in the Civil population health the company in 2001. Labor Relations Board. Division and provides general counsel officer (CPHO). Jennifer Bailey has left her role as • Justices of the Peace: to the Delaware Department of Health In this new role, Dr. Walker will report to Ted Morris is serving as acting CFO of director of global business and market and Social Services. Horton’s public and Nemours President and CEO R. Lawrence Navient, following the resignation of development at Solenis to become vice • Walter Newton from Wilmington private legal experience includes serving Moss, MD, and be based at the Nemours Chief Financial Officer Christian Lown, president of business development at • Shanaya Eyong from Newark. as an assistant county attorney for New National Office in Washington, D.C. Dr. who resigned to accept a new career SANEXEN Environmental Services Inc.

multinational pharmaceutical giant was president of the GlaxoSmithKline Although Fleming is a lifelong Delawarean, Bio members to the public. Fleming tapped as new GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Foundation. He and his wife, Christy, his work at GSK had him based in “Every day they're researching and also founded Town Square Delaware, an Philadelphia and focused on a global Christopher Yochim, chairman of Delaware Delaware Bio president online media outlet that covers the state market. So, he said his first task is to developing really world-class technologies Bio’s board of directors, called Fleming “a of Delaware and recently sold to Delaware become better acquainted with all of and breakthroughs,” he said, noting WILMINGTON proven strategic leader with deep roots Live, owned by Chris Kenny. Delaware Bio’s members, from the largest, Delaware companies, universities and – Delaware in Delaware” and noted that continuity in multinational companies to the smallest research firms are developing a COVID-19 Delaware Bio’s leadership was vital in the Fleming said that he was drawn to the BioScience startup firms. vaccine, treatments, and tests. Association has current pandemic environment. Delaware Bio position due to his uniquely named Michael applicable set of skills – aside from his “It's such a broad range of companies With a deep heritage of scientific “Michael’s experience with life science Fleming as its pharmaceutical industry background that are involved in lots of different innovation like DuPont and AstraZeneca companies and his expertise in marketing, next president, and communications work, Fleming also areas of scientific innovation, beyond branding, communications, and public and the home of billion-dollar startups succeeding Helen served as a legislative assistant and state just biopharmaceuticals, although that's policy will be of great value as we strive like W.L. Gore and Incyte, Fleming said Stimson who left office director to the late U.S. Sen. William certainly a big piece of it,” he said. to find new and effective ways to support V. Roth Jr. that he wanted to help ensure that future the organization this month for a role at Fleming said that he is lucky to inherit a our members,” Yochim said. generations of innovators continue to Adesis Inc. “It's a really unique opportunity to be well-run organization and emphasized make Delaware their home by fostering Fleming takes over for Stimson, who able to work on behalf of the industry that he wanted to continue to provide Delaware Bio represents 130 a supportive climate. departed Delaware Bio on June 1 to take to support what is, I think, the future high-value programs for members, while pharmaceutical and biotechnology the role of chief operating officer at Adesis, of the state,” he said. also helping to tell the stories of Delaware --Jacob Owens firms, medical device manufacturers, a contract research organization based agricultural biotech and chemical in New Castle. She had led Delaware Bio companies, research and testing since 2017, when she took over for the companies, hospitals and medical Insperity’s Unique HR Outsourcing Solution association’s founder, Bob Dayton. institutions, and other organizations and Helps Small Businesses Reduce Costs & Mitigate Risk Related to Being an Employer. related service companies that employ Fleming spent 18 years at GSK, where Find out how your small business can run better, grow faster, and make more money! 8,000 in the state. Fleming left his he led corporate brand management, previous role of head of global medical community investment, digital media, Call Carolyn Natrin @ 267-940-6957 and regulatory communications at the and product communications, and

18 June 23, 2020 | DelawareBusinessTimes.com FOR THE RECORD

BUSINESS CALENDAR Unless otherwise noted, webinar access JULY 16 | 7:15 – 8 :15 PM details will be e-mailed to registrants. Networking, Locating and Applying JUNE 1 – JULY 20 for Positions interested in Power Up your career with the University of Delaware’s digital marketing Boy Scouts of America Summer Seminar Series. As the job market shifts to Virtual Golf Classic address current realities, important strategies include solutions? thinking virtually, strengthening connections and The Del-Mar-Va Council, Boy Scouts of America, is identifying businesses that are adopting to the new excited to announce that the BSA Golf Classic is back Contact Greg Beran normal. Learn how to network and identify resources for its 38th year and will also be its first “virtual golf at [email protected] and strategies for your job or career shift. More tournament.” As always, every dollar raised by this information at udel.edu. event benefits more than 10,000 Scouts across the Delmarva Peninsula. The tournament kicked off on Monday, June 1st and will conclude on July 20th with a Virtual Award Ceremony. Foursomes and individuals JULY 20 can register to play online at www.dmvc.org/golf. 25th Annual Dickie DiSabatino After your round, enter your score online before July Golf & Tennis Classic 17th. Registration will remain open until the tournament ends in July. Winning teams will claim prizes and Cancer Support Community Delaware invites you to bragging rights that they can carry into 2021. participate in the annual DiSabatino Golf & Tennis Classic at Bidermann Golf Course and Vicmead Hunt in Where you shop makes a difference. Wilmington. Enjoy a day of golf and tennis, accompanied with a live and silent auction. Any changes, due to social JUNE 22 – 26 $ $ $ distancing protocol, will be communicated via email 48 14 1 Stuff the Bus or through the Cancer Support Community Delaware application. More info at cancersupportdelaware.org. Help support the Food Bank of Delaware's COVID-19 relief efforts by joining DART's “Stuff The Bus” Food Here's how Drive. Donate non-perishable to help Delawareans in much of your need of food assistance during this time. Mon, June 22, JULY 21 | 9 – 4:30 PM $100 purchase 9 - 4 PM Safeway, 19283 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth; Putting Delawareans Back to Work stays in your Tues, June 23, 9 - 4 PM Safeway, 190 John Hunn Brown Rd., Dover; Wed, June 24, 9 - 4 PM, ShopRite of Four Delaware’s business and community leaders must now community when Seasons, 700 Plaza Dr., Newark, Thurs, June 25, 9 - 4 play a vital role in getting Delawareans back to work you spend at… PM, ShopRite of Brandywine Commons, 1300 Rocky and driving economic recovery without a resurgence of Run Parkway, Wilmington, Fri, June 26, 9 - 4 PM, the virus. This full-day, digital conference will explore …an independent strategies and policies to restore the state’s economy …an in-town …a remote ShopRite of First State Plaza, 1600 W. Newport Pike, local store and to enable Delawareans to safely return to work. chain outlet online store Stanton. More info at fbd.com. (if the delivery driver More information at dscc.com. LOCAL MATTERS resides locally) Now more than ever JUNE 23 | 9:30 – 11 AM JULY 21 | 5:30 – 8 PM Source: Amercian Independent Business Alliance Organize Your Workspace for Maximum Efficiency The Committee of 100 Annual BBQ Reconnect with colleagues, clients, friends and elected On average, workers spend 19% of their time searching officials, at the Committee of 100’s annual barbeque at for what they need to do their job. That comes out to one the University and Whist Club in Wilmington. Members day out of a 40-hour workweek. Disorganization costs who have prepaid for the 2019-20 Dinner Meetings and time and money. Whether you work in a corner office Receptions are entitled to two guest tickets. More info with a view of the city, a corner of the guest room, or at committeeof100.com. ARE YOU A anywhere in between, this workshop will teach you on how to structure your workspace for optimal productivity. More information is available at dsbchamber.com. JULY 23 | 8 – 10 AM SUPERSTAR IN DelawareBio Virtual BioBreakfast JUNE 23 | 12 - 1 PM BioBreakfast is a morning opportunity to connect with PPP and your business: the life science industry and learn about hot topics. The BUSINESS? What comes next? event provides the opportunity to network with more than 100 professionals from the region over breakfast Did your business obtain a PPP loan and wonders and coffee and learn about ground-breaking research “what happens next?” How do you utilize the loan to and news from key members of the life sciences APPLY NOW! its maximum benefit? How do you fortify your business community. More info at delawarebio.org. for the future? More info at whismangiordano.com. Visit www.DSCC.com/SuperstarsinBusiness to apply online or to download a pdf version of the AUG. 6 | 10 – 11:30 AM JUNE 25 | 9:30 – 11:30 AM application. Learn to Understand Yourself and Others New Castle County – Open for Business to Build Better Business Relationships Join the NCC Chamber for a virtual Open for Business Winners will be honored at the Presented by Rosa Maria Faulkner, CEO of TRU Seminars. nd through Zoom. Meet with representatives from partner Attendees will learn the strengths and weaknesses of 22 Annual Marvin S. Gilman organizations that provide a range of services that help the four personality types and analyze their behavior Superstars in Business Awards Ceremony on start-ups. Advance your business model, reach potential patterns so you can understand yourself and others. You customers, land government contracts, secure loans, will gain knowledge on how to build better relationships Wednesday, November 4, 2020. meet state regulatory requirements and meet other by realizing why your co-workers behave as they do. This entrepreneurs striking out on their own for the first knowledge will enable you to form better teams to grow time. More info at ncccc.com. your business. Not only will this information improve your business relationships, but your out-of-office DEADLINE TO APPLY: JULY 24, 2020 relationships as well. More info at dsbchamber.com. JULY 16 | 1 PM 27th Annual Milford Chamber AUG. 13 | 7:15 – 8 :15 PM For more information, contact Helana Rodriguez Golf Classic at [email protected] or (302) 576-6575 The entry fee of $100.00 per person or $400.00 for a Acing the Virtual Interview foursome includes green fees, carts, use of the practice Power Up your career with the University of Delaware’s range, mulligans, lunch, snacks & beverages, a putting Summer Seminar Series. New to virtual interviews? You cntest, a goodie bag, a keepsake team photo sponsored are not alone. Join in on this seminar to learn strategies by C.M. Baker Photography, and dinner. Other contests to prepare for phone and video interviews. During the will be featured on the course, and great prizes will seminar they will discuss the nuts and bolts of setting up be awarded throughout the day. More information your tech and how to effectively articulate your fit for the is available at milfordchamber.com role and the organization. More information at udel.edu.

DelawareBusinessTimes.com | June 23, 2020 19 YOUR VIEW Delaware Business Times reader commentary policies Letters to the Editor We welcome your comments and opinions on topics related to Delaware business and economic trends. Letters must be signed and include contact information for verification. Op Ed Columns We also welcome guest columns on topics of interest to our readers. Columns should be no longer than 500 words, and concern topics of interest to our readers. How to Reach Us [email protected] Delaware Business Times 3301 Lancaster Pike, Suite 5C Wilmington, Delaware 19805 Corrections Policy If you believe that we have made an error in a story we publish, please email us at [email protected]

EDITOR'S NOTEBOOK Six "what does it mean" questions for the coming week

e BBC For those journalists interested in self- Delawareans are not as serious about he’s also launched with a heavy emphasis published a preservation, that leads you to consider the health-care risks as they have been? on reprinting press releases. story at the end how you must diŠerentiate yourself and What’s happening? Carney’s chosen e questions: Why didn’t you wait to of May that your product. Content gurus Joe Pulizzi replacement for Walker is her second- launch with more reporters if you want to said Microsoft and Robert Rose identied four questions in-command, Molly Magarik, who by compete with the News Journal? And as is planning to on their podcast that every journalist all accounts has done a great job. But someone who many believe will run for replace dozens of should be answering for their readers: this is a role that 43 states have lled the Republican nomination for governor contract journalists 1. What happened? with an M.D., a Masters of Public – and as someone who co-founded the PETER OSBORNE on its MSN 2. Why did it happen? Health, nursing degree or law degree. A Better Delaware PAC § will you website and use 3.What does it mean? Magarik is pursuing a Masters of Public (Kenny) separate yourself from the news automated systems to select news stories. 4. What can I (the reader) do about it? Health degree, but has little health operation if you choose to run to avoid Curating of stories from news e reality is that articial intelligence care experience outside of her three- any concerns that you’re going to use organizations and selection of headlines can handle the rst two questions, but year tenure at DHSS. Notably, she has Delaware Live to support your candidacy. and pictures for the MSN site is you can’t program wisdom into the political ties to the governor, running What’s happening? Companies are currently done by journalists, but the software. So those of us who can provide his state o¡ce when he served in talking about bringing employees back Seattle Times reported that articial answers to the third and fourth questions Congress – which is in line with to the o¡ce. intelligence will perform these news – as DBT tries to do on a regular basis – her political science education. e questions: What criteria are production tasks. will survive over the long term. e questions: Were any other you using, giving the growing concerns Well … isn’t that special. Even with the growth we’ve seen in o¡cials considered for this critical role? about future spikes in the numbers, to e news isn’t all that surprising, our digital engagement, nding that We expect that state senators will be determine whether employees need to given that newsroom employment at balance between reporting the news and interested to hear answers at Magarik’s come back? Are you seeing indications U.S. newspapers has fallen by around providing context is more di¡cult for our conrmation hearing this month. that individual teams are more or less half since 2008, according to a recent biweekly print editions. As an example, What’s happening?: Delaware productive working remotely? What Pew Research Center analysis of federal we have a few questions that we’ll be restaurants are complaining that have you lost in terms of innovation by job data that was completed before asking in the weeks to come. expanding capacity from 30% to 60% losing face-to-face interaction? And is a pandemic that has cost even more What’s happening? Dr. Kara Odom in Phase 2 doesn’t mean much with the this an opportunity to save money by reporters and editors their jobs. Walker resigned as the state’s director additional 8-foot distancing requirement downsizing your o¡ce space and other To be fair, there has a modest increase of health and human services to join in place? At the same time, the governor costs and nding ways to bring people in jobs after 2014 in other news- Nemours Children’s Health System as is expressing concern about residents together on an occasional basis? producing sectors – especially digital- senior vice president and chief population being less concerned about What’s happening: Delaware State native organizations – which has oŠset health o¡cer, starting Sept. 1. She had the restrictions that are in place? University is reportedly in talks to some of the losses at newspapers. been keeping a fairly low prole amid the e questions: Is that 8-foot restriction acquire Wesley College (see page 5). e decrease in local newsroom jobs is a COVID-19 pandemic, ceding the spotlight going to be loosened? If it isn’t, will more e questions: It’s clear what the driver behind the launch of Delaware Live to Dr. Karyl Rattay, director of the Division restaurants be able to stay open? benet is to cash-strapped Wesley, (and its subsequent purchase of Town of Public Health, but she’s been equally What’s happening? Kenny buys but what’s in it for DSU? What are Square Delaware). Owner Chris Kenny low-key in talking about the drivers of her Milford Live and Town Square Delaware the benets to acquiring a school with and investors like Ben du Pont have decision beyond a press release saying she to create a statewide platform to compete outdated buildings, declining enrollment, expressed interest in competing with e wanted to return to Washington, D.C. with e News Journal. He has hired the and a rough balance sheet? Who’s going News Journal, which is dealing with its e question: Why leave in the well-respected Betsy Price as editor and to fund it? Can the university nd a own staŠ challenges following Gannett’s midst of a pandemic when the governor now has a strong Town Square Delaware way to make the deal make scal merger with GateHouse Media. and others are raising concerns that team to develop community news, but sense over the long term?

20 June 23, 2020 | DelawareBusinessTimes.com VIEWPOINTS New E3 initiative hopes to find ‘Equitable’ opportunities for all entrepreneurs

BY STEPHEN SYE AND RENATA KOWALCZYK ˆe Foundation access to funding has an important opportunities. It is easy to see the impact of role in the ˆe goal is to We have put every aspect COVID-19 and social unrest in our entrepreneurship roll out E3 across nation’s cities and it is just as easy to element of E3, Delaware, with of our work in the city respond with empty platitudes. ˆe given our focus the œrst ecosystem through the lens of di‰cult work lies in oŠering eŠective on maintaining beginning in solutions and long-term remedies. ˆe the legacy of Wilmington this equity and inclusion. Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation STEPHEN SYE Governor du Pont RENATA KOWALCZYK summer. ˆe Pete and Wilmington Alliance aim for the Guest Columnist by unleashing Guest Columnist du Pont Freedom RENATA KOWALCZYK new E3 initiative to be one of those the state’s Foundation eŠective solutions. CEO, Wilmington Alliance entrepreneurial spirit and furthering and Wilmington Alliance are proud to E3 stands for Equitable individual opportunity and initiative. partner and lead this pilot project. Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and will be Speciœcally, E3 complements the Wilmington Alliance has been in Sussex County in 2020. powered by Wilmington-based Barclays Foundation’s Reinventing Delaware working with the National League E3 is designed to provide opportunity US Consumer Bank, our anchor funder. program and draws on that program’s of Cities (NLC) on structuring an for all. Critically, even businesses and It is a program designed to leverage the successes in seeking, nominating, and opportunity for Wilmington to join opportunities that are not selected for expertise and experience available in supporting Delaware’s “best ideas.” E3 NLC’s Innovation Ecosystem Program speciœc E3 assistance should beneœt from Delaware’s private and public sectors to in 2020. Ranging from rural townships, the networks, guidance, and involvement grow opportunities for businesses and will build on this process by establishing college towns to major metros, these of various E3 partners. related employment. “Equitable” is a teams of organizations willing to step up as ecosystem partners to support ideas cities have joined with more than 200 We are proud to lead organizations key component of E3. While our nation that are committed to the vision that from conception to launch and beyond. local partners and leveraged more than discusses and debates policing practices everyone, no matter what race or While the actual nature of individual $100 million in regional and national and race, we must not lose sight of the socioeconomic background, should have E3 ecosystems will change over time and resources to address local challenges. importance of increased business and the opportunities and access to resources apply diŠerently to diŠerent businesses Examples of those commitment making employment – particularly for smaller to create businesses and help economies and individuals, the overall goal is to cities include: Akron, Baltimore, employers, businesses, individuals of grow for their communities. Anyone that implement a process that continually Pittsburgh, Providence, Roanoke, color, and all who live in underserved is interested in supporting as a partner feeds entrepreneurs into pipelines that Syracuse, Washington DC, and others. communities. We see the timeliness of or a sponsor, please visit our website at provide access to necessary resources and ˆe E3 Wilmington initiative is exactly the E3 equitable focus in statistics like www.petedupontfreedomfoundation. connections to accelerate the launch or the type of an entrepreneurial ecosystem the 25,000 Delaware small businesses org/e3 or email contact@ growth of their businesses. Identiœed building eŠort that would impacted by COVID-19 and the petedupontfreedomfoundation.org. eŠorts/ideas/businesses will receive a give Wilmington access to regional nationwide 40% fall in working African- Governor du Pont continually pushed and national resources and funding. American business owners. ˆose comprehensive needs assessment and, for “ideas that break the mold,” held numbers represent real business owners, if selected for full support, will receive E3 will look at conceptual optimism in people as generators of these employees, and families and highlight the a customized acceleration plan. Some opportunities (ideas with potential ideas, and viewed that prosperity for all importance of E3’s goal of leveling the may need to begin with coaching that warrant additional research), comes when “individuals are encouraged playing œeld for access to resources. and guidance in business planning, development opportunities (ideas in to excel in a marketplace of choices.” E3 Since the establishment of the marketing, and promotion. Once place or where there is a strong market is designed to ensure that all individuals Wilmington Alliance in July of 2019, established milestones in those areas potential), existing business opportunities have opportunities and access to the we have put every aspect of our work have been achieved, additional assistance (where the initiative needs guidance resources needed to create businesses and in the city through the lens of equity in planning, acquiring, and employing to reach the next step), and expansion drive economic growth in communities and inclusion. Like the Pete du Pont the necessary information technology opportunities (where an existing throughout Delaware. Freedom Foundation, the Alliance infrastructure as well as optimizing space initiative is ready to scale up) in order views entrepreneurship as a key path planning (virtual o‰ces, co-working to help businesses at various stages. Stephen Sye is executive director of to prosperity. We need to make this space, or dedicated o‰ces) would be After E3’s pilot in Wilmington, we ‰e Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation path more accessible and equitable provided. Finally, when appropriate, plan to expand the program and its and Renata B. Kowalczyk is CEO for entrepreneurs. the E3 ecosystems will help increase beneœts to Dover and a third city of the Wilmington Alliance. Dear white corporate America…

Editor’s note: The Delaware Business Times rarely prints guest columns by business culture and Black consumers for decades. experiences, relationships, perspectives, leaders outside the state, but this seemed like an appropriate time to make an exception. Are you just now realizing that all Black insights, and ideas. And most importantly, This letter appeared as a full-page ad in Sunday’s New York Times ( June 14, page A7), lives matter, not just those of Black artists you’re not doing the right thing. as well as on LinkedIn. Mr. Johnson gave DBT permission to reprint this column; the and athletes? Not just Black dollars? Ask But don’t feel bad about that. Now is not the time to beat yourself up, or to boldfaced passages came from him. yourself, truthfully. That’s step zero. Next, listen. Before you open your obsess about the ten ways you might I get it. I know racial injustice and anti- Black prejudice mouth, open your eyes and ears. Listen get it wrong. That helps no one. What you have the best built into the very foundation of to your Black employees. They’ve been helps is fixing the problem. And you intentions. America. You want to do the right sounding the alarm for years. But don’t can do that. You can fix this. I know you’re thing. But you just don’t know how. stop there. Dig into the cold, hard Black To me, this isn’t only a social justice horrified and Is that about right? data. Learn where Black people exist in problem or an equal opportunity heartbroken by I know it is because you’ve been calling your company — and, more importantly, problem. This is a business problem, the killings of me. For the past two weeks, several times where they don’t. Count the too-few too. And you fix business problems Ahmaud Arbery, a day, it’s been the same question: What Black faces in meetings. Notice the all the time. So, you got this. OMAR JOHNSON George Floyd, can I do? muted Black voices in conversations But just in case you don’t “got it,” let Guest Columnist Tony McDade, Let me break it down for you. where decisions get made. If you do me help you out. Here’s a game plan: Breonna Taylor, For starters, the fact that you’re only that, you’ll see the problem clear as day. Inside your company walls, you need and too many others to name. asking now is part of the problem. You’re not nurturing your Black You want to take a stand against the Companies have been profiting off Black talent. You’re not benefiting from Black Continued on page 22

DelawareBusinessTimes.com | June 23, 2020 21 VIEWPOINTS SCOTUS decision means employers need to review policies and notices

BY JENNIFER GIMLER BRADY The Court compliance AND A.J. BOLAN declined to with state non- address the discrimination When evaluating health On June 15, 2020, the U.S. Supreme effect its ruling laws, as Court issued a landmark ruling in Bostock may have on the Delaware’s non- insurance programs, v. Clayton County, Georgia (No. 17- interpretation discrimination employers should 1618), holding that “[a]n employer who of other federal protections apply fires an individual merely for being gay and/or state laws. to employers consider whether or transgender violates Title VII” of JENNIFER BRADY However, the A.J. BOLAN of four or more the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Guest Columnist Court’s rationale Guest Columnist employees, plans include non- The Bostock opinion addresses the in Bostock could while Title discrimination protections appeals of three separate plaintiffs readily be extended to other non- VII applies only to employers of 15 or whose employers fired them after discrimination provisions that prohibit more employees. Therefore, employers for their employees. learning of their sexual orientation discrimination on the basis of sex, already complying with their state anti- or transgender status. In reaching the including statutes governing housing, discrimination provisions should not conclusion that Title VII protections public accommodations, education and have to change much going forward. extend to sexual orientation and gender healthcare. Exemptions for religious However, employers should undertake state courts to federal courts moving identity, the Court reiterated the well- employers may be available under Title a review of their employment policies forward. Employees who may have been known principle that “an employer VII, First Amendment law, or the and non-discrimination notices to hesitant to bring such claims under state who intentionally treats a person worse Religious Freedom Restoration Act, both update any Title VII language to law may now feel more empowered to because of sex—such as by firing the and we expect to see further litigation include sexual orientation and gender raise their discrimination claims after person for actions or attributes it would on these issues. Cases decided later this identity, as well as to ensure their internal the Supreme Court’s ruling. tolerate in an individual of another term, including Our Lady of Guadalupe policies do not discriminate on the As a final observation, the Court’s sex—discriminates against that person School v. Morrissey-Berru and St. basis of sexual orientation or gender ruling in Bostock could upend the recent in violation of Title VII.” The Court James School v. Biel, which address the identity. Additionally, employers should rule issued by the U.S. Department of rejected the employers’ argument “ministerial exception” included in Title take this opportunity to update their Health and Human Services, which that because the employers would VII, may provide further insight on how anti-discrimination training to include rolled back protections for LGBTQ discriminate against all homosexuals or religious exemptions would apply. the Title VII protections for LGBTQ persons in healthcare insurance programs transgender individuals, the employers The Bostock opinion, issued during employees and remind their employees by limiting the definition of “sex” to were not discriminating against the Pride month, is a victory for LGBTQ that discrimination in the workplace “biological sex.” When evaluating health employees because of sex. The Court employees and diverse workplaces. is not permitted. insurance programs, employers should emphasized that the text of Title VII While Delaware and its neighboring Businesses also can expect to see consider whether plans include non- makes clear that it protects “individuals” states, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New increased activity at the state level aimed discrimination protections for their rather than groups from discrimination Jersey, already prohibit employment at expanding LGBTQ protections in employees. and held that “it is impossible to discrimination based on sexual other areas. Businesses should proactively discriminate against a person for being orientation and gender identity, the review and/or update their policies to Jennifer Gimler Brady is a partner and homosexual or transgender without Bostock decision now extends these provide discrimination protections if they general counsel at Potter Anderson & Corroon discriminating against that individual protections to the estimated half of are covered by any provisions prohibiting LLP in Wilmington. A.J. Bolan is an associate based on sex.” In other words, the Court LGBTQ employees living in states discrimination on the basis of sex. at Potter Anderson. Brady was recognized recognized that sexual orientation and without state-level protections. The Bostock opinion may lead to an as the 2018 "Lawyer of the Year" in health gender identity inherently rely on the Any Delaware employer covered increase in discrimination cases brought care law for Wilmington by †e Best employee’s sex. by Title VII should already be in against employers and shift cases from Lawyers in America.

AMERICA Continued from page 21 Outside your walls, you have to step billions of dollars in enterprise value. up. As businesses, you have obligations Here’s the bottom line: This isn’t the to the communities you benefit from. Check yourself before time for another “diversity report,” or to hire more Black people. Period. And that work has to start now. Time for any report at all. This is a time for On one side of the equation, that means you call a Black person is of the essence. action, inside and outside. This is a time fixing the “pipeline” challenge, once and Support Black organizations who are “aggressive,” “disruptive,” for change: inside ourselves and our for all. So, redouble your efforts to identify, fighting to revolutionize criminal justice companies; across our communities recruit, attract, develop, and elevate Black and public safety in the United States. or “difficult.” That goes and our country. talent. Fund educational institutions that Invest in Black-owned businesses and No doubt, it’s daunting. You may feel champion Black students and their futures. a long way. Trust me. Black business leaders. Buy Black. Create pummeled, or paralyzed. I understand. On the other side of the equation, a cycle of Black opportunity and Black OMAR JOHNSON But lean into the discomfort. It’s okay. I that means helping Black talent climb have faith in you, corporate America. Like prosperity. Founder, ØPUS United the ladder, and turning over power and I said, you can fix this. We can fix this. authority to rising Black leaders. Retention And help shore up our democracy: Be part of the progress. Mobilize voters. So, before you call me again — before and promotion is just as urgent as you ask me what you should say, or recruiting and hiring. In fact, the former Help Black consumers hold politicians accountable. Don’t sit on the sidelines. what you should change — I’ll tell accelerates the latter. I guarantee you. and the top 1% of executives at Apple. you my answer right now: Absolutely Analyze where you are as an Those are the external moves. Everything they call Black employees I know this sounds like a lot. And my everything. organization. Set goals for where you in the workplace — creative, but “just a See you in the room. want to be. Put in place incentives to own story demonstrates how hard this kid”; cool, but “not a cultural fit” — they all is, but also how important. achieve those goals. Measure against them called me all of it. Some said, stick to Omar Johnson is the founder of Los Angeles- I grew up in Brooklyn during the age of ruthlessly and relentlessly with KPIs. This “urban” marketing, not global marketing. based ØPUS United. He is the former chief is core-business stuff, not extra credit. stop-and-frisk. I was arrested as a college Others said, you don’t have the “skills” marketing oŠcer at Beats by Dre and former Oh, and while you’re at it, stop with student in Atlanta during the era of Red to be a top boss. vice president of marketing at Apple. If you’d the BS office microaggressions. Check Dog policing. I sold mixtapes in a flea Thankfully, I had my own board of like to participate in a discussion on this topic, yourself before you call a Black person market to pay for school, before working directors. One amazing Black mentor, please send Editor Peter Osborne an e-mail “aggressive,” “disruptive,” or “difficult.” my way from the bottom to the top of and a group of white leaders who made at [email protected] That goes a long way. Trust me. America’s favorite companies — from a bet on me — and won big. The results or submit a comment to this column on Those are the internal moves. junior associate at Nike to CMO at Beats speak for themselves: I helped create our website.

22 June 23, 2020 | DelawareBusinessTimes.com Delaware Inc. 5000 companies pivot VOICES in response to pandemic challenges Acting fast helped Keystone Funding survive risk concerns

CAMDEN –Keystone Funding has losses and sell off our loans earlier than homes. That market is really strong.” come out of what has been a tough three most, meaning that we took significant Lenders like Paret say there are three months for the residential-mortgage discounts [on how much we made] and phases of recovery during a situation like business with a $130 million pipeline of reduced the risk to investors,” Paret said, this: You start by updating your credit business mostly because it “reacted faster” adding that he believes some of the policy with no exceptions; then move to than other lenders who sell their mortgages mortgage lenders who tried to wait phase two where you make exceptions From left: Jason Martin, Tim Paret and John Ghanayem to investors, CEO Tim Paret said. it out may be “mortally wounded.” where it makes sense; and then of Keystone. | PHOTO BY ERIC CROSSAN When COVID-19 became a reality, Keystone, which is licensed in eight memorialize changes with a new policy. the market for residential securitizations mid-Atlantic states, ranked 1,259th Paret said Keystone tightened its among the leadership team § we’ve laid was thrown into flux. The government on the 2019 Inc. 5000 list, with 328% credit policy “earlier than everyone off two people but replaced them. With announced widespread forbearance growth to $5.3 million between 2015 else,” increasing minimum credit scores the growth we’ve seen, we hired three allowances for homeowners without and 2018. Parets, bought a majority stake and required reserves, and initiating team members and we are now looking guidance to lenders and mortgage in Keystone in January 2018 because verification of employment within to fill four open positions.” servicers, leaving mortgage lenders he liked the technology platform that two days of closing a loan. “I think we’ll come out of this fine like Keystone with a large pipeline founder Jared Martin had created and “A lot of times when things get with the [Inc. 5000] rankings” in 2021, of loans that nobody really wanted. felt that he’d rather help capitalize the difficult, business owners are drawn Paret said. “I think we’ll double in “It’s difficult to manage risk when company rather than start from scratch toward shiny objects, said Paret, who size from a revenue and profitability you don’t have all the information and and then push the fast-growing company employs 37 people – 25 in Delaware. perspective. We’ve been able to double when so many people are experiencing “over the finish line by helping to expand “I believe that when things get hard, you our capital base with retained earnings, hardships from layoffs and concerns its distribution channels.” have to focus on blocking and tackling of mostly from adding two new channels § about their health,” Paret said. “We really Paret said Keystone is coming out of your business, on getting more efficient, wholesale lending and consumer direct didn’t know how many homeowners the pandemic in “really, really good shape. and identifying people and expenses that § and we have some tailwinds given that would fall behind on their payments The market has been going gangbusters don’t belong [in the culture you’re trying some of these other lenders seem to be in an extended shutdown.” since late March after a start to the crisis to create]. This is the advice my mentor, absent from this space because they “That persisted for three weeks or where nobody was calling us back. People Jerry Schiano, gave me in early March. took significant losses.” so. We made the decision to cut our now are refinancing; people are buying We’ve made this advice a daily topic --By Peter Osborne Recession’s lessons helping Placers weather pandemic Karins and Associates sees growth as pandemic antidote

NEWARK – For nearly 20 years, said – Burkhard said that they employ NEWARK – When Pennsylvania Gov. more than a decade ago forced the firm Placers has been connected Delaware thousands every year. He said that Tom Wolf decided to close the construction to close a nascent Sussex County office. jobseekers with employers in need, but his goal remains to make Placers the industry amid his state’s response to Today, the firm still does more residential company founder and President Chris largest private employer in the state – a the COVID-19 pandemic, Karins and than any other project type, but it has Burkhard said that the level of disruption distinction that ChristianaCare holds Associates President Dev Sitaram worried increased its commercial, office, industrial in the job market has been something with about 12,000 employees. that a snowball of such decisions would be and institutional portfolios as well. It he’s never seen before. His company’s success has landed it on a sizable blow to the engineering, planning has also expanded into Pennsylvania and “I can't tell you the number of the annual Inc. 5000 list each of the last and surveying firm’s revenues. Maryland, opening three offices across customers that called me and said, ‘Do four years, ranking 3,195th last year with Thankfully, Delaware and Maryland them with plans for more. I do layoffs or furloughs,’” he recalled. 114% growth over a three-year period to allowed the trades to keep working and “When everybody was shrinking, we Placers connects temporary workers total revenues of $12.1 million in 2018. his 47-year-old firm endured year-over- made a strategic plan to diversify,” Sitaram with employers in need. In typical years, Burkhard said that he expects a tough year revenue declines of an estimated said. “In the next one to three years, our that need may be to work on a new project second half of 2020 to give way to a 15% in April. strategic goal is to grow in Pennsylvania, or to support undermanned divisions. The much better 2021. The company made a commitment both with our two offices and maybe a to not furlough or layoff any of its 56 employee actually works for Placers, which “COVID was rough, but we were third location more toward Harrisburg, establishes a wage with the employer employees at five offices during the incredibly well-positioned,” he said. “We and in Maryland with a second office in need and pays the relevant taxes and pandemic, Sitaram said. Instead, Karins did so many things over so many years to closer to Washington, D.C.” insurance with a few-dollars-an-hour took the time to complete new staff get ready: low debt, having proper credit, That growth may come organically, markup as its revenue stream. training and standardize its filing systems good policies, stronger management as two of its out-of-state offices did, or While temporary staffers are used across all offices, while also taking some team, diverse customer base, etc.” by acquisition of another firm, which to moving between employers to cover speculative risks. With stability under its roof, Burkhard was how it opened its first Pennsylvania projects and duties as needed, the “We advanced some projects that we pandemic essentially hit pause on new said he felt compelled to put Placers’ did not necessarily have in the books office, Sitaram said. opportunities, Burkhard said. Some of his expertise to work during the pandemic or were not authorized to work, and so “There may be some opportunities for employees were furloughed and filed for that has seen more than 100,000 that was a cost for the company,” he said, us with the downturn, and we are well unemployment assistance as they awaited Delawareans file for unemployment noting they chose projects they expected positioned to make an acquisition,” he opportunities to return as the lockdown assistance in less than three months. He to advance as work ratcheted back up. added, noting a firm’s size, core values eased, while others were able to work created the Act of Kindness program, The firm’s foresight is why it has landed and work ethic are the traits Karins seeks. remotely and some found work with which provides free coaching for job it on the annual Inc. 5000 list each of the Although the firm is projecting lower essential businesses. seekers and business owners alike. last three years, ranking 3,546th last year revenues than budgeted due to the “We didn't lose that many [to “We're just doing whatever we can to with 99% growth over a three-year period pandemic’s disruptions, Sitaram said unemployment],” he said. “We were down, help, be it with resumes, helping people to total revenues of $7.1 million in 2018. that they were still looking to fill several but we're starting to rebound now.” get leads or tips, doing mock interview Sitaram said that his firm sought to high-paying jobs in its offices. While Burkhard declined to say practice, etc.,” he said. “We want to help diversify its project portfolio after the “We're looking to grow because we how many temporary workers are them just navigate their search in the 2008-09 Great Recession, when it was are optimistic of what the future holds,” employed by Placers – the figure would whole process.” then-skewed toward residential projects, he said. be of interest to his competitors, he --Jacob Owens and also expand its reach. That recession --By Jacob Owens

DelawareBusinessTimes.com | June 23, 2020 23 Sometimes we have to do more. This time, a lot more.

Sometimes the urgency of a better future compels you to act. We are in such a moment, when a global pandemic, a cry for racial justice and a feeling of hopelessness challenge each community.

In the face of this, Bank of America has committed to investing $1 billion over the next four years to build on our long-standing work to drive economic opportunity and equality in communities of color. It will power small businesses, help connect workers to new skills and job opportunities, improve medical response capacity and access to health care, and support affordable housing.

This bolsters our recent commitment of an additional $100 million to support nonprofit partners and $250 million to support Community Development Financial and Minority Depository Institutions, addressing impacts from the coronavirus that disproportionately affect black and brown communities.

My teammates and I here in Delaware commit to the important work that lies before all of us. We share the sense of urgency gripping the nation, and we welcome the promise of achieving great things together.

Chip Rossi Delaware Market President

To learn more, please visit bankofamerica.com/community.

Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. © 2020 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

24 June 23, 2020 | DelawareBusinessTimes.com