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.”

​​A message from the DSCC Chairman of the Board, Chip Rossi

Click here to read this message in the September/October issue of Delaware Business magazine!
The most important role of any chamber of commerce is to help its members succeed. Earlier this year, we asked all of you what you wanted from your state chamber of commerce. While most of your responses aligned to topics that we are working on today, we learned a few things that are helping us better serve you in the future.

You told us that the most important area of support is the role that we play advocating for legislation on key issues. Whether discussing the commercial impacts of the Coastal Zone Act or encouraging legislation that provides greater access to capital for  small business owners, we strive to be a consistent voice at the legislative table. These discussions, and others like it, ensure that the interests of our members are represented in the legislative debates that affect how Delaware does business.

You also asked us to continue to work with the state to find new ways to drive sustainable revenue growth in Delaware. The budget shortfall  continues to widen as the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council (DEFAC) reduces revenue projections faster than the state assembly can identify ways to reduce spending. This is an  opportunity for us, as business advocates, to continue to encourage state and local leaders to tackle the difficult decisions that need to be made today to continue to attract and retain businesses  across the state.

Finally, you told us that you appreciate and enjoy the networking and learning opportunities that we offer. To build on that, this year we hosted multiple meetings with key elected officials to discuss legislation affecting small businesses and ideas for improving the Delaware economic climate. In addition, we created the inaugural John H. Taylor Jr. Education Leadership award that was presented to Jack Varsalona, president of Wilmington University, during our 2016 Superstars in Education ceremony in May.

It is important to remember that this work takes  time. We may not see the results we want from every legislative session or key vote, but we remain committed to working on the things that will help our state – and our members – thrive and grow. On behalf of the board and the staff, thank you for the opportunity to continue to work on the issues that you have told us are important to you.


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By Mark DiMaio

Last spring we lost our dear friend and colleague, John Taylor. John was an integral part of the Chamber family and his leadership as president of the Delaware Public Policy Institute moved Delaware forward on significant policy issues. Most importantly, John had a deep dedication to improving education in Delaware. Throughout his professional career, John was an educator. He began his career as a teacher, then served as the assistant to superintendent for Wilmington’s Board of Education. John’s education background and his ability to share information and make connections served him well as he rose to become the editorial page editor for The News Journal.

As founding member of the Vision Coalition, John’s leadership and directness were instrumental in building an impactful public-private partnership advocating to improve education in Delaware. His leadership style was always straightforward, clear-headed and often unwavering. At the same time, he was a humorous and truly humble man.

In honor of John’s leadership and commitment to education, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce has created the John H. Taylor Jr. Education Leadership Award to recognize someone in the community who has provided sustained leadership in advancing Delaware education and who, by doing so, has also made our community a better place to live and work.

This year’s Superstars in Education program is proud to present the inaugural John H. Taylor Jr. Education Leadership Award to Dr. Jack P. Varsalona, president of Wilmington University. We recognize Dr. Varsalona for his 40 years of leadership, vision and personal contributions advocating to improve Delaware education. He is one of the founders of the Delaware Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and a member of the Ursuline Academy Board of Trustees. He is also a member of the Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation Advisory Board in addition to being the 2013 recipient of the Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation’s Muriel E. Gilman Championship Award for his outstanding contributions to the success of the Foundation. Varsalona’s passion for excellence in education is also apparent in his work as a team chair with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the accrediting body that helps other colleges and universities to maintain high scholastic and student life standards.

Varsalona is heavily involved with community organizations, including the United Way of Delaware, the Wilmington Renaissance Corporation and First State Innovation. He also sits on the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Delaware. In 2014, Varsalona was the inaugural recipient of the Father Roberto Balducelli Appreciation Award for his extensive work in the Italian-American community and support of Italian artistry. Varsalona was named Advocate of the Year by Goodwill of Delaware and Delaware County in May, 2015, for his substantial scholarship support and other contributions to Goodwill’s mission of helping individuals to overcome barriers to improving their lives.

The John H. Taylor, Jr. Education Leadership Award will be presented on Monday, May 9 at the Superstars in Education Reception & Awards Ceremony.

Click here to learn more.

​by Mark DiMaio

The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce announced that the inaugural John H. Taylor, Jr. Education Leadership award goes to Dr. Jack P. Varsalona, president of Wilmington University. The award will be presented at DSCC’s annual Superstars in Education Reception & Awards Ceremony at Wilmington University’s Doberstein Admissions Center Auditorium, May 9, 2016 at 4:45 p.m.
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The John H. Taylor, Jr. Education Leadership Award recognizes someone within the community who has provided sustained leadership in advancing Delaware education and who, by doing so, has also made our community a better place in which to live and work. “I’m honored to receive this award from the State Chamber for many reasons, but most especially because it has John Taylor’s name attached to it,” said Varsalona. “John’s integrity and his concern for students in Delaware were second to none. He was passionate about education reform and was well respected for all he wrote and did toward that end in this state.”

With 40 years of experience as a leader and advocate in Delaware education, Varsalona is recognized for his leadership, vision and personal contributions. He is one of the founders of the Delaware Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and a member of the Ursuline Academy Board of Trustees. He is also member of the Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation Advisory Board in addition to being the 2013 recipient of the Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation’s Muriel E. Gilman Championship Award for his outstanding contributions to the success of the Foundation. Varsalona’s passion for excellence in education is also apparent in his work as a team chair with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the accrediting body that helps other colleges and universities to maintain high scholastic and student life standards.
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Varsalona is heavily involved with community organizations, including the United Way of Delaware, the Wilmington Renaissance Corporation and First State Innovation. He also sits on the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Delaware. In 2014, Varsalona was the inaugural recipient of the Father Roberto Balducelli Appreciation Award for his extensive work in the Italian-American community and support of Italian artistry. Varsalona was named Advocate of the Year by Goodwill of Delaware and Delaware County in May, 2015, for his substantial scholarship support and other contributions to Goodwill’s mission of helping individuals to overcome barriers to improving their lives.
Please register for the event by visiting our website.

​It’s not every day that you get to “make someone’s day”. Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to make six outstanding school program’s “day” by notifying them at they were 2016 Superstars in Education winners. Superstars in Education (SSE) is charged with recognizing outstanding educational programs and individual achievements. The SSE Program highlights excellence in science teaching, integrated classroom technology practices, and school-to-career partnerships. This year, the Superstars in Education Selection Committee reviewed 42 exceptional nominations and the following six programs were chosen as Delaware’s best.

Project SEARCH – New Castle County
Red Clay Consolidated School District
Project SEARCH is a nine-month school-to-work collaborative transition program for students 18-21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program operates entirely within a host business. Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and on-the-job training and support.

Biomedical/Christiana Care Partnership
Conrad Schools of Science
This program is only four years old and has already been making an educational impact on Conrad Schools of Science. Students can now immerse themselves in specific careers including but not limited to Respiratory Therapy, Neurology, Genetic Counseling, Nutrition, Optometry, Audiology and Oncology.

Outdoor Classroom
F. Niel Postlethwait Middle School
This program was established in 2010 as a multi-purpose, cross-curricular, learning space. It is a part of modern school initiatives that focus on improving health, academic success, behavioral development, and prepare children for challenges and opportunities they might face later on in life. The classroom also strives to promote stewardship of nature and social responsibility.

Teacher Professional Learning Program
Sussex Central High School
With the integration of the digital platform of Schoology in Delaware schools, Sussex Central’s goals were to enhance the effectiveness of its teacher professional learning experience. With a blended learning format in classrooms, videos, texts, research, discussion boards, photo albums and collaborative activities have taken from simply a face-to-face to a more well-rounded experience.

21st Century Stars S.T.E.A.M. Program
William Henry Middle School
An inclusive program that provides academic and social enrichment opportunities to 5th and 6th grade students in a nurturing and supportive environment, topics covered include music, service learning, sports, entrepreneurship, art, dance, culture and S.T.E.A.M. technology (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math).

Accelerating Preliterate English Language Learners (A.P.E.L.L.) Program
Indian River School District
Located in the Carver Center, this program serves some of the district’s most needy learners. It is designed for newly arrived English Language Learners (EL) who have had major interruptions in their schooling, for generally, two or more years.

Please join Delaware Governor Jack Markell and the Delaware business community as we celebrate the 2016 Superstars in Education winners with a reception and awards ceremony on Monday, May 9, 2016 at 4:45 p.m. at Wilmington University’s Doberstein Admissions Center Auditorium.

​by Mark DiMaio

This year’s Superstars in Education Program with feature the inaugural John H. Taylor, Jr. Education Leadership Award. John was a passionate advocate of improving education and fairness for Delaware’s children.

Throughout his professional career, John was an educator. He began his career as a teacher, then served as the assistant to superintendent for the Wilmington Board of Education.  John’s education background, coupled with his ability to share information and make connections served him well as he rose to become The News Journal Editor before becoming President of the Delaware Public Policy Institute.

As founding member of the Vision Coalition, John’s leadership and directness were instrumental in building an impactful public-private partnership advocating to improve education in Delaware.

John’s leadership style was always straightforward, clear-headed and often unwavering and at the same time he was truly humble and humorous.
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John H. Taylor Jr. Education Leadership Award seeks to recognize someone who’s not only provided sustained leadership in advancing Delaware education but has made our community a better place to live and work.

​Over the last 24 years, schools across the state have displayed their Superstars in Education banner. There are many who have applied for this award, but there can only be a few winners. Programs range from single classroom programs to collaborative partnerships. This award is not just designed to point out what is working, it is dedicated to those programs that are special. The debate about educational programs includes terms such as ‘Race to the Top’, STEM, Common Core, standardized testing, college and employment ready, and the list goes on. In the end, the bottom line is that success comes from the teacher in the classroom and the leaders in our schools. That is to whom the Superstars in Education award is dedicated.

Superstars in Education highlights excellence in science teaching, integrated classroom technology practices, and school-to-career partnerships. This event recognizes outstanding educational programs and individual achievements. It also serves the business community and its investment in the future. Delaware’s future depends on the foundation we build in our schools today. It is imperative that today’s students have tangible skills when they are ready to enter the workforce. Whether college bound, preparing for a trade job or working in the manufacturing world, students need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to be productive employees and citizens. Today’s students are tomorrow’s workforce.

The 2016 Superstars in Education program will honor this year’s winning programs with a reception followed by an awards ceremony on May 9, 2016 at 4:45 p.m. at Wilmington University’s Doberstein Admissions Center Auditorium in New Castle, Delaware. We are counting on your generous sponsorship support to guarantee the success of this program. Sponsors are recognized at the ceremony and throughout the event’s promotion and publicity. We ask you to pledge sponsorship by March 9, 2016 to maximize visibility for your support. Click here to view sponsor opportunities. If you have any questions, please contact Mark DiMaio at (302) 576-6571 ([email protected]).
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Please join us in celebrating excellence in education and our commitment to forging strong business partnerships with schools in Delaware.

​by Mark DiMaio
Director, The Partnership, Inc.

The 2016 Superstars in Education program will honor this year’s winning programs with a reception followed by an awards ceremony on May 2, 2016 at 4:45 p.m. at the Wilmington University’s Doberstein Admissions Center Auditorium in New Castle. Plan to join us to celebrate the 2016 award winning programs. In 2015, we recognized six fantastic programs from across Delaware. Click here to watch the 2015 video.

The Superstars in Education program is charged with recognizing outstanding educational programs and individual achievements. This event highlights excellence in science teaching, integrated classroom technology practices, and school-to-career partnerships. Additionally, a special award will be presented recognizing business/community leadership in supporting education.

The program also serves the business community and its investment in the future. Delaware’s future depends on the foundation we build in our schools today. It is imperative that today’s students have tangible skills when they are ready to enter the workforce. Whether college bound, preparing for a trade job or working in the manufacturing world, students need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to be productive employees and citizens. Today’s students are tomorrow’s workforce.

The Partnership, Inc. was created to promote charitable and educational activities by developing and fostering programs that encourage private sector involvement in workforce development and education. Sponsors are recognized at the ceremony and throughout the event’s promotion and publicity. We ask you to pledge sponsorship by March 11, 2016 to maximize visibility for your support. Click here to download the sponsorship form. If you have any questions, please contact Mark DiMaio at (302) 576-6575 ([email protected]).
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Please join us in celebrating excellence in education and our commitment to forging strong business partnerships with schools in Delaware.

​I am honored to have this opportunity to work with all of you, the leaders of Delaware’s business community, as we continue to move our organization forward over the next few years. Mark Stellini did a lot for Delaware during his time as chairman of this organization and together, we can keep that momentum going in the months to come.

Our role at the Chamber is to support businesses of all sizes by advocating on legislative issues like the state budget or the Coastal Zone Act, promoting local leaders through programs like Superstars in Business and Superstars in Education, and helping build important relationships through activities like the Delaware Networking Station. We work together with key leaders throughout the state to drive towards a better, brighter future … a future that offers good jobs, good schools, strong and safe communities, and a diversity of people and ability who together build one Delaware.

This is an important time for our state. Delaware is facing economic, social and political changes and challenges over the next few years that could affect the quality of life for future generations. As we progress through this election year, we must keep in mind that it takes strong leadership to manage through change. I am counting on us to have the courage to tackle the challenges head on.

I know you believe in what we do. I do too.

Together we can create a better Delaware.

Sincerely,
Chip Rossi

​Quite simply, we focus our core initiatives to address the concerns of the entire business community.
The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce is the preeminent statewide business organization promoting a strong business climate in Delaware. We strive to create a statewide economic climate that enables all businesses to become more competitive. Our team consistently meets with Delaware’s Congressional delegation and plays a leading role on issues before the General Assembly. Our Board of Directors, Board of Governors and committee engagement assist in promulgating rules and regulations stemming from the various federal, state and local agencies that oversee business activity.
We are proud to be leaders on the policy front. Recent achievements include:

• Reducing workers compensation rates by 33% over three years
• Partnering with the Delaware Business Roundtable on an economic study focusing on the state’s long-term economic future
• Actively shaping legislation that impacts our members on issues such as: privacy, tax matters, abandoned property, employment law, education, and economic development

We also help our members forge new business relationships through networking and other social events meant to create an environment where businesses thrive in Delaware.
The DSCC is a nonprofit organization. We depend on the support of our members to accomplish our mission. We partner with other advocacy groups and serve as the leading voice of the business community. Our leadership helps create jobs, promote business and improve the quality of life for all Delawareans.
Your membership dollars and your support through programs like the Annual Dinner, Superstars in Education, Superstars in Business and our Legislative Brunches allow the State Chamber to be your dedicated voice in Dover.
We are proud to advocate on your behalf addressing the challenges of today and exploring the opportunities of tomorrow.