by James DeChene
​
The General Assembly returned from Easter Break this week and worked on a few bills related to the
business community. HB310, a voluntary program to be established by the Secretary of State’s office for companies to certify their sustainability programs, was not heard, but will likely reappear soon. HB 170 (State Chamber supports), which establishes a refundable tax credit for qualified angel investors and companies, has passed the House, and was released from Senate Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee yesterday. 
 
Also yesterday, Governor Carney signed HS1 for HB287 (State Chamber supports), which renames the modified diploma individuals with intellectual disabilities receive upon graduating from high school so they can check the “diploma” box on job applications. This effort, was in part, driven by the inability of current high school graduates to claim they have a high school diploma due to how it’s named. The name change has no impact on the course work required to graduate.
 
Next week, the General Assembly is back in session.  The State Chamber is watching a number of bills, and will report on activity, if any, next week.

by Mark DiMaio

Last year we asked Chamber members to participate in a survey for input about obstacles to their business growth. We received nearly 100 individual responses to our question about specific suggestions on what Delaware should do to improve its economy.  Listed below are four areas that respondents mentioned most often, along with ways the Chamber is working to advance Delaware’s economic health.  

Improve schools and infrastructure

• The Chamber is a member of the Education Equity Delaware Coalition whose goal is to increase public awareness of education funding equity issues and solutions, and to focus on long-term systemic change on behalf of Delaware’s students, particularly those with the greatest needs. Rod Ward, president and chief executive officer of Corporation Service Company (CSC), is the Chamber’s coalition representative. 
• The Chamber supports the efforts of the task force created by HCR 39. This task force will make recommendations regarding the impact of consolidating school districts in the state. Visit www.dscc.com/takeaction and search HCR 39 in the Find Legislation field to learn more. Jordon Rosen of Belfint, Lyons and Shuman serves as the Chamber representative on a subcommittee looking at the financial impact of school district consolidation. 
• We are actively engaged, along with many of our members, with the Pathways to Prosperity program. Delaware Pathways programs are a set of curriculum focused on a specific industry-based “pathway,” paired with opportunities to gain workplace experience while still in high school, graduate with a head start on a college degree, or gain qualifications needed to go to work immediately. Consider attending the 2018 Delaware Pathways Conference on March 21.

Balance the state budget with new revenue sources and cut government spending

• We will continue to advocate for structural changes to Delaware’s budget. Delaware needs fiscal policies that foster business growth and advance the state’s long-term economic future.
• We support HB 160 that aims to establish metrics for grant-in-aid funding to nonprofits. Visit www.dscc.com/takeaction and search HB 160 in the Find Legislation field to learn more.

            
Encourage entrepreneurship and a diverse economy - strong business climate to attract new business

• The Chamber supported passage of HB 226 to create the new Delaware Prosperity Partnership, a public-private partnership to aid in the stimulation of Delaware's economic growth.
• We support HB 170: Angel Investor Job Creation and Innovation Act for Small Technology Companies. This legislation creates an incentive for qualified angel investors to invest capital in qualified Delaware small technology companies. Visit www.dscc.com/takeaction and search HB 170 in the Find Legislation field to learn more.
• Please join us on Thursday, March 22, for an important panel conversation about economic development in Delaware: “Building Delaware’s New Frontier."  

Streamline land use and permitting process – less regulation overall

• The Chamber is providing feedback to the GEAR taskforce, established by Governor Carney to review Delaware regulations and areas that could and should see reductions and streamlining.
• The Chamber will also continue to contribute, where appropriate, ideas of areas where permitting could be lessened or streamlined in agencies such as DELDOT and DNREC.
• The State Chamber is working with DNREC to update Delaware’s Coastal Zone regulations, following the passage of HB 190 (Coastal Zone Modernization Act). We believe this will make Delaware more competitive and attractive for redevelopment, bringing with it more jobs and a boost to the local economy.

By Mark DiMaio

In 2017, we invited Chamber members to participate in a survey in part to gauge their view of obstacles to their business growth. Listed below are the top five, along with ways the Chamber is addressing them.

1. Cost of Employee Health Care
The Chamber recognizes the growing problem surrounding health care costs. 

• We will continue to follow plans to create a health care benchmark, and what that means for providers, insurance companies and patients.
• Next month, Dr. Janice Nevin, MD., MPH, President and CEO of Christiana Care Health System, will provide an important update the DSCC Board of Governors on the future of health care.
• Join us and the Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health on May 21, for the Delaware Employer Summit - details to follow.

 
2. Lack of Qualified Applicants
We are actively engaged, along with many of our members, with the Pathways to Prosperity program. Delaware Pathways programs are a set of curriculum focused on a specific industry-based “pathway,” paired with opportunities to gain workplace experience while still in high school, graduate with a head start on a college degree, or gain qualifications needed to go to work immediately. The program is a unique collaboration of school districts, businesses, higher education, and national advisory partners that represent a new way to do school. The Delaware Manufacturing Association (a Chamber affiliate) members have actively participated in the Manufacturing Engineering Technology and Manufacturing Production & Logistics pathways.  

Delaware Pathways will host its 4th Annual Conference on March 21.
 
3. Concerns with Crime & Safety 
The Chamber supports the efforts of elected officials and their staffs to reduce crime in Wilmington and across the state. 

• The Chamber strongly supports the efforts of Wilmington Mayor Michael Purzycki and Wilmington Police Chief Robert Tracy to combat crime in the city.  
• The Chamber and its Health Care committee, in partnership with the Chamber's Employer Advocacy and Education Committee will host an event focused on what employers need to know about the legal and human resource challenges of opioid abuse in the workplace. This national epidemic impacts a wide swath of the population with no bias against race or economic standing and it’s important for businesses to realize the potential impact to employees and their families. Drug addiction plays a major role in crime within our communities.    

4. Concerns About Local Schools
Improving education outcomes is a key factor in developing a skilled workforce and attracting new business to Delaware.  

• The Chamber supports the efforts of the task force created by HCR 39. This task force will make recommendations regarding the impact of consolidating school districts in the state.  The Chamber has a representative (Jordon Rosen of Belfint, Lyons and Shuman) on the subcommittee looking at the financial impact of school district consolidation
• The Chamber is a member of The Education Equity Delaware coalition whose goals are to increase public awareness of education funding equity issues and solutions, and to focus on long-term systemic change on behalf of Delaware’s students, particularly those with the greatest needs. Rod Ward, president and chief executive officer of Corporation Service Company (CSC), is the Chamber’s coalition representative.    
• The Chamber supports Governor Carney and the Delaware Department of Education efforts to develop a Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between the Delaware Department of Education and the Christina School District, thus creating partnerships that will advance the academic growth and success of students in Priority Schools. 
• We are actively engaged, along with many of our members, with the Pathways to Prosperity program.

 
5. Cost of Permitting and Regulation Compliance 

• The State Chamber is working with DNREC to update Delaware’s Coastal Zone regulations, following the passage of HB 190 (Coastal Zone Modernization Act). We believe this will make Delaware more competitive and attractive for redevelopment, bringing with it more jobs and a boost to the local economy.
• The Chamber is providing feedback to the GEAR taskforce, established by Governor Carney to review Delaware regulations and areas that could and should see reductions and streamlining.
• The Chamber will also continue to contribute, where appropriate, ideas of areas where permitting could be lessened or streamlined in agencies such as DELDOT and DNREC.

by Mark DiMaio

In 2017, we invited Chamber members to participate in a survey to gauge their view of Delaware's economic health, and provide input on policy priorities. Listed below are the top four, along with ways the Chamber is addressing them.
​
1. Economic Development
The Chamber is dedicated to promoting an economic climate that strengthens the competitiveness of Delaware businesses and benefits citizens of the state.

• The State Chamber is working with DNREC to update Delaware’s Coastal Zone regulations, following the passage of HB 190 (Coastal Zone Modernization Act). We believe this will make Delaware more competitive and attractive for redevelopment, bringing with it more jobs and a boost to the local economy.
• The Chamber supported passage of HB 226 to create the new Delaware Prosperity Partnership, a public-private partnership to aid in the stimulation of Delaware's economic growth.
• Please join us for an important panel conversation about economic development in Delaware: “Building Delaware’s New Frontier."
• We support HB 170 “Angel Investor Job Creation and Innovation Act for Small Technology Companies” – This legislation creates an incentive for qualified angel investors to invest capital in qualified Delaware small technology companies.

2. Cost of Health Care
The Chamber recognizes the growing problem surrounding health care costs.

• We will continue to follow plans to create a health care benchmark, and what that means for providers, insurance companies and patients.
• Next month, Dr. Janice Nevin, MD., MPH, President and CEO of Christiana Care Health System, will provide an important update the DSCC Board of Governors on the future of health care.
• Join us and the Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health on May 21, for the Delaware Employer Summit - details to follow.

3. Government Spending
We will continue to advocate for structural changes to Delaware’s budget. Delaware needs fiscal policies that foster business growth and advance the state’s long-term economic future.

• We support HB 160 that aims to establish metrics for grant-in-aid funding to nonprofits. 
• The Chamber will support efforts to create and maintain sustainable revenue within the State's budget.  

4. Education Reform (K-12)
Improving education outcomes is a key factor in developing a skilled workforce and attracting new business to Delaware.  

• The Chamber supports the efforts of the task force created by HCR 39. This task force will make recommendations regarding the impact of consolidating school districts in the state.
• ​The Chamber supports Governor Carney and the Delaware Department of Education efforts to develop a Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between the Delaware Department of Education and the Christina School District, thus creating partnerships that will advance the academic growth and success of students in Priority Schools. 
• We are actively engaged, along with many of our members, with the Pathways to Prosperity program.

by Mark DiMaio

The future is now for expanding the state’s manufacturing sector. While manufacturing jobs in Delaware continue to increase at a modest pace, building blocks have been put into place to spring Delaware forward. Delaware manufacturing will need to combine organic growth with the long-term development of heavier industries in abandoned and underutilized locations. The modernized Coastal Zone Act should propel new investment in Delaware’s manufacturing sector. 
 
In order for Delaware manufacturing to flourish, a strong and skilled workforce in essential. Many Delaware manufacturers are working with Delaware Technical Community College’s workforce training department to develop future employees to handle the rigors of 21st century advanced manufacturing. This advanced training is needed to develop skilled employees to replace older workers who are retiring. In addition to instruction in subjects such as computer programming and robotics, training also focuses on developing better ‘soft’ skills, such as leadership, teamwork and problem-solving, in order to compete in the modern workplace.
 
The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and the Delaware Manufacturing Association invite you to learn more the about the future of Delaware Manufacturing at the Spring Legislative Brunch & Manufacturing Conference.

Legislators returned to Dover this week. Among items passed, the General Assembly included extending reporting deadlines for the Taskforces on the Legalization of Recreational Marijuana and on School Redistricting. Expect reports to come later in the session.

Also passed this week was a bill creating a committee dedicated solely with how Grant in Aid funding will be administered in the future. Calling for the establishment of a review process, and creating metrics to measure success, the committee will work in conjunction, but separately from JFC to distribute Grant in Aid. Next week will be Governor Carney’s State of the State Address on January 18.

Earlier this fall, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce membership participated in a survey on their view of Delaware’s economy, key issues, and polices impacting business growth. The survey results will play a key role in the Chamber’s 2018 issue and advocacy strategy, including a continued focus on creating a successful environment for small businesses.  We are listening to you as we build our advocacy agenda for 2018, which will include your top policy priorities:

• overall economic development
  
• cost of healthcare
  
• government spending
  
• and education reform

As we build on the successes of 2017, your continued engagement is vital to advancing a prosperous business climate and attracting new enterprises to the state.

A special thank you to members who took the survey.

Please take a few minutes to review the survey results by clicking here.

Maybe it’s a continuation of my turkey coma, but I saw a lot of positive things happening this week in and around Delaware you may have missed. Chamber member, and Taste of Delaware participant, Waggies by Maggie & Friends, a Wilmington nonprofit dog treat company that employs people with intellectual disabilities, has won the $10,000 grand prize in M&T Bank’s first Understanding What’s Important Business Challenge. Maggie’s has been a great friend of the Chamber, and everyone here is so pleased at their award.  Congrats!
 
The announcement of a sports arena to be built by the Riverfront, with a connecting bridge to area attractions like Iron Hill and Frawley Stadium, is huge for Wilmington. Above and beyond what it can bring for economic development, it’s a major quality of life project for an area of the City that desperately needs one. Kudos to Governor Carney, Mayor Purzycki, and BPG for working together to bring this project to Delaware.
 
Speaking of Governor Carney, you may have read about the release, a bit early, of his Wilmington schools plan. While the plan will undergo a number of changes, what struck me was the Governor taking the time to visit residents of Wilmington in person, urging them to participate in the process and to educate them about what his plan will mean for Wilmington kids and families. Door knocking can be hard, and at times even unpleasant, but it’s also one of the best ways to sell your message. Color me impressed.
 
Lest you think I’ve lost my Grinch-esque ways, let me end by saying we’re following chatter that there’s an effort afoot to build support in order to increase Delaware’s Renewable Portfolio Standard to 50%, with an 8% carve out for solar generation. Currently, Delaware’s Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) are established by the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards Act (REPSA), which provides that utilities procure an increasing percentage of their electricity from renewable resources, leading up to 25% of energy derived from renewable sources by 2025. Obviously we’ll be watching this closely.

Superstar in Education winner William Penn High School hosted elected officials, faculty and staff, students and parents, and other community guests, at Historic Penn Farm on Tuesday, October 3. Serving food made with ingredients from their farm, the school held a reception in the barn at Penn Farm, where the school’s community supported agriculture (CSA) program, Farm to School, is housed. Following the reception, a pollinator field, made possible with financial support from DuPont, was celebrated with a wildflower seed toss.
 
The pollinator field, along with a transparent bee hive shed with a transparent viewing wall, was presented to the school by way of a $5,000 grant from DuPont. DuPont surprised the school and event attendees with the check at the Chamber’s annual Superstars in Education Awards ceremony on May 8, 2017, where William Penn High School was being recognized for their Farm to School program. 
 
It is DuPont’s hope that the hive will provide a save learning environment for apiary studies, while expanding on current honey harvesting operations. The pollinator field will allow students an interactive learning experience in horticulture, as well as serve as local point of interest for the community. The field, dedicated as ‘Mrs. Pickard’s Field of Dreams’, was named for the school’s agriculture teacher, Kathleen Pickard.
 
DuPont was impressed with the winning application’s demonstration of collaboration with multiple organizations – William Penn High School and the Colonial School District, Delaware Greenways and the Historic Penn Farm, University of Delaware, and New Castle County Commons – and even collaboration within the school, as the program engages students from agricultural, business, environmental and culinary disciplines.
 
Additionally, PJ Simon, Manager, Academic Outreach (North America), says, “This program checks many boxes. The students are learning skills in an oftentimes overlooked trade; instruction is hands-on and engaging, resulting in increased attendance and test scores; students gain a clear understanding of potential career paths; and the program has even reinvigorated the careers of the teachers.”