by James DeChene

Today’s article on Delaware’s corporate reputation is fundamentally a capture of just about all the topics the State Chamber has been advocating and focused on in the past year. From the status, reliability and future of escheat, to recent legislation and decisions involving shareholder lawsuits and the potential fallout from last week’s ruling against Dole, the article lays bare the fact that the corporate community views on Delaware are in flux.

There’s no question that Delaware remains the premier choice for companies to incorporate, and a record setting year for companies incorporating in the state showcases that fact nicely. There is a question being raised nationally, however, of how Delaware is viewed for already established companies that are now involved, for a variety of reasons, but most notably in how predictable the courts are. The State Chamber has gone on record stating that we believe the courts in Delaware, specifically the Court of Chancery, are clearly sensitized to the issues and are demonstrating that they tread carefully on a case by case basis based on the facts of the case.

by James DeChene

The Delaware Chancery on Wednesday found Dole Food Co. Inc. CEO David Murdock and General Counsel C. Michael Carter liable to investors to the tune of $148 million for fraud intended to drive the company’s price down ahead of Murdock’s 2013 go-private deal.

In his opinion, Vice Chancellor J. Travis Laster wrote that although the Dole board’s merger committee made a Herculean effort to overcome Murdock and Carter’s efforts to keep investors in the dark, it was deprived of information about the company’s ability to negotiate on a fully informed basis and potentially say no to the Merger.

Going so far as to accuse Murdock of being a “liar” and a “fraudster”, Laster stopped short of making accusations of any criminal wrongdoing. The case will be appealed to the Delaware Supreme Court, which will deliver the final verdict in the case.

The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s affiliate, the Small Business Alliance, is now accepting nominations for an award of distinction to an individual – not an organization – who has made outstanding contributions to the small businesses and nonprofit organizations of Delaware. The prestigious Marvin S. Gilman Bowl will be presented at the annual Superstars in Business Awards luncheon on November 10, 2015.

Note: The Marvin S. Gilman Bowl is NOT the Superstars in Business award.

Past Marvin S. Gilman Bowl recipients:
2008 Albert A. Morris
2009 Barry A. Crozier
2010 The Levin Family
2011 Michael S. Uffner
2012 Fred C. Sears, II
2013 Donald T. Fulton
2014 Julian “Pete” H. Booker

When one thinks about Manufacturing, many times they have an outdated image of a dirty environment with an emphasis on tough physical labor. Women displayed their capability in the field of manufacturing during World War II, as they kept the factories humming. Today’s manufacturing environments, especially in high tech companies, are very different than that. In some cases, they are sanitized controlled environments. Historically, it has been difficult to find many women in jobs higher-level jobs. But in today’s world of manufacturing, women who have graduated with degrees in engineering, sciences and business are progressing through the ranks to management and executive roles. These individuals are seeing how exciting a career in manufacturing can be and are energized by the fast moving pace and global nature of roles in the industry.

Locally, Agilent Technologies is a high tech company that manufactures instrumentation for the Analytical and Life Sciences markets. Products produced here in Delaware are Gas Chromatographs and Mass Spectrometers. Liza Bartle is a Senior Director of Manufacturing, located in Delaware where she manages instrument manufacturing in Wilmington, Singapore and Shanghai. She is a good example of how individuals move around to different jobs today and eventually find areas that they love. Having graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Mathematics, she began teaching high school math and working on getting an MBA. After receiving the MBA, also from her alma mater, she moved to Hewlett-Packard where she held positions in several departments, such as human resources and quality assurance.

However, the opportunity to move into the world of manufacturing introduced her to the role she has enjoyed most, her current one. The fast pace of needing to meet shipment and revenue plans and introducing new products made for a very interesting and challenging job. HP spun off Agilent Technologies in 1999 and in 2006; Liza’s role grew bigger as she began managing both the Wilmington and Shanghai manufacturing teams, taking a much more global view. Meeting suppliers in China and helping them to understand the quality level required for Agilent products required developing better communication skills. And in 2014, Liza expanded her job again and took over managing the manufacturing team in Singapore. With each additional team, the job got more interesting and fun. Opportunities to bring people together, across cultures and time zones, to share their experiences and knowledge is a true pleasure for Liza. Developing others and seeing them grow to bigger roles has been the most rewarding aspect of all.

As manufacturing jobs are growing again, both in Delaware and in the US, it is a great time for women to engage in the function of manufacturing and enjoy the benefits of a career that is rewarding and fun.

By James DeChene

The News Journal recently highlighted the expansion of Delaware’s Pathways to Prosperity program, featuring the advanced manufacturing component currently entering its second year in New Castle County, and entering its pilot year in Sussex County. The program was spearheaded through a partnership between the Delaware Manufacturing Association, Del Tech, the Markell Administration and the Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership as a way to provide advanced manufacturing skills in high school to help prepare students for either a career directly out of high school, or as a spring board to an advanced degree in fields such as mechanical or electrical engineering. The first year saw over 30 enrolled in the program, featuring both classroom and hands on training, with a paid summer “craftsmanship” (think internship, but more hands on) following. Graduates of the two year program will receive a nationally recognized certificate giving them a head start on the hiring process.

By James DeChene

News this week out of the Delaware Department of Education that Secretary Mark Murphy is resigning and will be replaced by former New Castle County Vo-Tech District Superintendent Steven Godowsky. Murphy’s tenure at DOE saw many education reforms implemented, but his relationship with teachers, unions and the General Assembly could not be characterized as strong, or even at times cordial. The hope is that with a new Secretary, many of these issues will be resolved and more focus will be able to be placed where it belongs—on education issues, versus the personalities involved. The State Chamber will continue to work with the various stakeholders in the education world to insure that children in Delaware receive a high quality education that properly prepares them to enter either a degree granting institution, or to enter the workforce or military directly.

By Mark DiMaio

Andy Williams famously sang about “the most wonderful time of the year” and of course he was crooning about the holiday season but here at the State Chamber, The Delaware Principal for a Day Program is “the most wonderful time of the year”. Maybe a little over the top but not really for a program that started in 1993 and over the past ten years has facilitated over 1,400 school visits by Delaware’s business leaders. This year’s “wonderful time” happens from October 12th to October 16th.

The Delaware Principal for a Day Program recognizes a need to foster working relationships between business leaders, educators and schools. The State Chamber, through its affiliate The Partnership, Inc. created this program to provide CEOs and business leaders an opportunity to spend the day in a Delaware school carrying out the daily responsibilities of a principal. Business leaders and elected officials participate in the Program for many and varied reasons, but ultimately the goal is to build a closer connection and relationship between school, college and career. This connection provides business leaders the opportunity to meet the next generation of prospective employees and provides a firsthand look at your future workforce. Every year we receive tremendous positive feedback from our participating business leaders and we want to provide an opportunity for anyone who’s interested to participate in 2015. Last year, we had over 130 schools participate and your opportunity to sign up is now.

So far this year, more than 100 schools will open their doors to host a guest principal. Follow the Program on Facebook where participants can share their photos and stories.

Email Kelly Wetzel to participate and make difference for a lifetime.

The Partnership, Inc. was created to promote charitable and educational activities by developing and fostering programs that private sector involvement in workforce development and education. We all know that the future of Delaware depends on the foundation we build in our schools today.

By Doug Rainey

Two Delaware employers are the first recipients of an award from Chambers of Commerce for support of the Guard and Reserve.

Phoenix Restoration, Newport and large employer Christiana Care Health System received the Delaware Warrior Friendly Business Award for their ongoing support of the men and women who serve the state and nation.

This awards were sponsored by the State, New Castle County and Central Delaware Chambers of Commerce and awarded through their Joint Military Affairs committees.

The employers were honored last month at the Delaware Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (DE ESGR) Annual Awards Recognition Banquet at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington.

“This was a special night bringing together Delaware businesses and our military to honor their workplace leadership, successes and support for those who selflessly serve our country, said Gary Stockbridge,” state chair for DE ESGR. “We look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come.”

The 2015 ESGR Award winners included the following Delaware employers and individuals:

PATRIOT AWARD
Jason Caparelli of the Apple Store in Newark
Steve Walker of Savage Rail Services of Delaware City

ABOVE & BEYOND
Solar City
SPI Pharma
Elwyn of Delaware
Waste Masters Solutions
Saint Francis Healthcare
Bloom Energy
Discover
New Castle County Government
Appoquinimink School District
Delaware Department of Transportation
SPI Pharma
Elwyn of Delaware
Waste Masters Solutions
Saint Francis Healthcare
Bloom Energy
Discover
New Castle County Government
Appoquinimink School District
Delaware Department of Transportation

SEVEN SEALS
John Still
David Keyser
Vince Jacono

FREEDOM AWARD NOMINEES
Dassault Falcon
Delaware Department of Correction
Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill
Delta Engineering
JP Morgan Chase
M&T Bank
Pat’s Family Restaurant
Saint Francis Healthcare
Town of Bridgeville
Woodbridge School District

FREEDOM AWARD – SEMI FINALIST
B.D. Abel Engineering, A Pennoni Company
Discover
Wilmington Police Dept

PRO PATRIA
Horizon Services

EXTRAORDINARY EMPLOYER AWARD
State of Delaware

For more information on this, volunteering with DE ESGR, or to schedule a free employer education seminar at your work site, contact Nicole Ortiz, at the Delaware ESGR office, at (302) 561-8415.

By Nick Lambrow, Delaware Regional President, M&T Bank

Much is expected of our teachers in 2015. Schools have changed from the simple brick buildings many of us knew as kids.  Teachers are encouraged to challenge and develop students’ abilities, build creativity, and develop independent, lifelong learners, all while ensuring STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) is a significant priority.

Primary and secondary education might not sound like a topic high on the list of priorities for a banker; however, I see the economic prosperity of our state closely tied to the success of the classroom in the 380 schools across Delaware. The 11,000 teachers who nurture and develop skills are creating this all-important next generation of innovators, business leaders, and customers. Help from volunteers is often welcome, and business people can and should lead the way.

Community businesses and volunteers can be instrumental in introducing young people to our economic system, how to run a business, calculated risk-taking, financial literacy, and much more, through organizations like the Delaware Adolescent Program (DAPI), and Junior Achievement (JA), both of which M&T Bank is proud to support.

DAPI offers academic instruction, health care and more to pregnant students and families so they may continue their education and consider healthy decisions for their future. JA, offers a robust menu of 21st Century K-12 learning experiences and the afterschool JA Company Program, where students actually create and run their own company under the guidance of experienced business professionals.

In banking, we’re continually looking for ways to bring about opportunity through business innovation. However, those lessons need to be learned early. Our teachers are doing great things but business leaders are often the crystallizing link in engaging students by sharing real world experience and igniting curiosity that leads to the great innovations of tomorrow.

by James DeChene

In recent weeks news stories have been written on the impact of minimum wage hikes in places like Seattle, Los Angeles, and now New York State.  A few interesting items to note stemming from these reports:

• In Seattle, where the minimum wage is now $15 per hour, some workers are asking their employers for less hours so that they still qualify for public subsidies, like rent, food stamps and health care
• There are employees now making less, if you include benefits, than what they were making before the hike.  In some cases employers are no longer offering 401(k) plans or paid vacations in order to instead cover the costs of increased wages
• Some tipped employees are also making less than before, especially in restaurants where customers are not only facing higher prices on meals, but also are not as inclined to tip a worker making $15 per hour
• In Los Angeles, the unions that pushed the City Council to approve a higher minimum wage have now gone back seeking exemptions for union members because the higher wages are forcing public and private sector layoffs.
  

Last year a task force was created to study the low wage, service worker industry in an attempt to quantify what a minimum wage increase would mean to employers and their employees. A subsequent piece of legislation was introduced to increase Delaware’s minimum wage to $10.25 per hour by 2019. Debate on this bill is expected in 2016.