Developing Delaware

Delaware is small, but diverse. As you travel around our three counties, you discover there is a lot to be learned from the success of our neighbors. We all benefit in the end if we engage in conversation and collaboration to generate job creation. The innovations created from these partnerships will help businesses thrive in Delaware. Join the dynamic discussion at Developing Delaware, an event to inspire the future of economic development statewide.

For more information, please contact Kerri Welcher.

2024 PRESENTATIONS

LIGHTNING ROUND PRESENTATIONS: MAJOR REGIONAL PROJECTS:

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THE FUTURE OF JOBS & POLICY IN THE RETAIL SECTOR
Retail is a vital component of our economy, providing essential goods, driving consumer spending, and generating important employment opportunities. In fact, one in three American’s first job was in retail, and the industry supports 26% of Delaware’s jobs. However, what those jobs look like and what happens in the store are changing as more technology is integrated into the sector. Mark Mathews, executive director for research at the National Retail Federation, discussed the true importance and impact of retail, how technology is enhancing jobs, and what policies are on the horizon that could help or hinder the industry.

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2023 Presentations

THE STATE OF HOUSING IN EACH COUNTY:

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WORLD-CLASS RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING
Named the nation’s “best state workforce training program,” LED FastStart® was designed to do just that in the state of Louisiana. FastStart provides customized employee recruitment, screening, training development and training delivery for eligible, new or expanding companies—all at no cost.

Jeff Lynn, the creator of LED FastStart® and the current President of Central Alabama Community College, discussed what it takes to build a successful workforce development program.

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2022 Presentations:

THE COOLEST PROJECTS IN EACH COUNTY:

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UNIVERSAL BROADBAND: CONQUERING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE

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Broadband is critical to building our innovation economy, supporting education, and enhancing citizen safety. While Delaware is recognized nationally for some of the fastest broadband speeds, access and affordability are still challenges experienced by many. This panel featured:

Moderator, Héc Maldonado-Reis, Tech Impact's Data Innovation Lab
Kevin Broadhurst, Comcast
Jason Clarke, Chief Information Officer, State of Delaware
Robert McGuckin, Verizon Delaware

ZOGBY ANALYTICS STUDY RESULTS - By the Delaware Workforce Development Board

On behalf of the Delaware Workforce Development Board (DWDB), this document contains:

Results from the Delaware Workforce Development Board Business Decision Makers Study conducted in the spring of 2022 by Zogby Analytics. The survey’s purpose was to enhance focus on programs and initiatives that most effectively provide the job skills that employers need. DWDB worked with Delaware Data Innovation Lab (DDIL) to analyze the data received.
Detailed breakdown of Delaware’s demographics supplied by Lightcast / Emsi Burning Glass, a global leader in labor market analytics.

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2021 PRESENTATIONS:

THE COOLEST PROJECTS IN EACH COUNTY

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RISE UP: BUILDING LIFE-CHANGING CAREERS - By the National Retail Federation Foundation

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rise up program

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PRIVATE SECTOR-LED FINANCE INNOVATIONS TO BETTER INVEST IN PEOPLE - By the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

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The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USCCF) is engaging employers and their partners across the country in developing a new demand-driven approach—talent pipeline management—to close the skills gap. Learn more >

Current approaches to financing education and career readiness fail to meet the needs of the labor market. The Talent Finance initiative will explore new ways to invest in people and skills that keep pace with innovation and advance economic opportunity, diversity, inclusion, and competitiveness. Learn more >

JEDx is developing a public-private approach for collecting and using standards-based jobs and employment data that will enhance government reporting, workforce analytics, and empower people to use their own records to pursue opportunities and advancement. Learn more >

The T3 Innovation Network’s mission is to enable the digital transformation of the talent marketplace by promoting data interoperability and harmonization across diverse stakeholders, including: employers; education, training, and credentialing providers; government agencies; and technology partners. Learn more >