Delaware Business September-October 2012

DELAWAREBUSINESS

PLUS:• The Green Guide

• Successes in Public Education

September/October 2012 $3.00

Health Fitness

GUIDE TO

Improve your Mind, Body and Spiritthis Fall

+

• SucPub

A Publication of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

DSCC_SeptOct12.indd 1 8/23/12 2:50 PM

Especially about what people want from a bank.

WHEN YOU’VE BEEN AROUND AS LONG AS WE HAVE,

YOU TEND TO LEARN A FEW THINGS.

How does a bank stay in business for 180 years?

By knowing what’s important to its Customers. That’s why we

provide Delaware’s largest free ATM network1. Free checking.

Free debit card transactions2. And a standard of service you

won’t find anywhere else. Where can you find a bank like this?

At your nearest WSFS. Call us at 1-888-WSFSBANK or visit us

online at wsfsbank.com.

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/wsfs.

1 Free ATM transactions for WSFS Customers at WSFS ATMs. 2 Multi-currency international transaction fee applies to ATM and debit card transactions.

©2012 Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB | Member FDIC

DSCC_SeptOct12.indd 2 8/23/12 2:50 PM

creo

DELAWARE BUSINESS | September /October 2012 1

Volume 17, Number 5 / Delaware Business (USPS 012098)

(ISSN 153253542) is published bi-monthly by the DSCC Center

for Business Management. Subscription price is $18 a year

(included in membership dues). Known office of publication

is 1201 N. Orange St., Suite 200, Wilmington, DE 19801.

Periodicals postage paid Wilmington, DE 19850. Postmaster:

Send address changes to Delaware Business, c/o DSCC

Center for Business Management, P.O. Box 671, Wilmington, DE

19899-0671. Telephone (302) 655-7221.

Departments

President’s Message ..............................2

Change is on our minds this season.

Legislative Priority ..................................3

Time to Ask Questions about

Delaware’s Economic Future

2012 Member-to-Member Discount Coupons ...................................................6

Member News and Notes ......................9

Delaware Business meets the king of

compost, UD’s new campus STAR, and

Winterthur’s revamped greenhouse. All

that, and much more.

Q&A: Delaware Hospice CEO Susan Lloyd

Nonprofit Spotlight: YMCA Delaware

Business Spotlight: Kumon Academy

Welcome New Members ......................22

Chamber Scene .....................................24

Newsbites ...............................................55

Calendar .................................................57

Affiliates Update ....................................59

Manufacturing........................................60

Chamber Committees ..........................62

Chamber Member Benefits .................63

For Assistance, Contact the Chamber ..........................................64

In this IssueFeatures

GREEN GUIDE .......................................................................................................... 33

Ten local companies are doing their part to make Delaware a greener place.

Did yours make the cut?

EDUCATION .............................................................................................................. 39

After all the handwringing and impassioned speeches about the need for

reform, what about the success stories in public schools? There’s plenty to

celebrate. BY LARRY NAGENGAST

HEALTH + FITNESS.................................................................................................. 51

Self-improvement is on our minds this fall. Let our panel of experts explain

how you can improve your mind, body and spirit. BY EILEEN SMITH DALLABRIDA

On Th e CoverImprove Your Mind, Body

+ Spirit this Fall.

Delaware Business and Th e DSCC wishes

goodbye and good luck to former staff ers

Denee Crumrine and Lisa Prickril.

Correction: In the May/June 2012 issue of Delaware Business, the listing for

Saul Ewing LLP, part of the “Guide to Legal Services” article, was incorrect. It

should have read: “Saul Ewing LLP has 240 attorneys providing sophisticated

legal services from offices in 11 locations along the East Coast. Our Delaware

attorneys provide bankruptcy and restructuring, environmental, real estate,

land use and zoning, litigation, public finance and general business advice to

regional, national and international businesses and nonprofits, individuals and

entrepreneurs.” Delaware Business regrets the error.

DSCC_SeptOct12.indd A1 8/27/12 4:22 PM

September /October 2012 | DELAWARE BUSINESS 2

1201 NORTH ORANGE STREET, P.O. BOX 671 • WILMINGTON, DE 19899-0671

(302) 655-7221 • (800) 292-9507 • WWW.DSCC.COM

The mission of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce is to promote an economic climate that strengthens

the competitiveness of Delaware businesses and benefits citizens of the state. The Chamber will provide services

members want; it will serve and be recognized as the primary resource on matters affecting companies of all

sizes; and it will be the leading advocate for business with government in Delaware.

DELAWARE STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

EDITORIAL STAFF

William R. AllanChairman

A. Richard HeffronInterim President

Matt AmisManaging Editor

CHAIRMANWilliam R. AllanWilliam Allan & Assoc., LLC

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMANThomas J. CooperCooper Realty Associates

CHAIR ELECTHinton LucasDuPont

VICE CHAIRMark StelliniAssurance Media

TREASURERBarry CrozierBelfint, Lyons & Shuman

Tony Allen Bank of America

Sylvia Banks DuPont

Ernie Dianastasis CAI

Donald T. FultonGeorge J. Weiner Associates

Pierre du Pont HaywardUniversity of Delaware

Alan LevinDelaware Economic Development Office

William E. ManningSaul Ewing LLP

Chip RossiBank of America

Richard D. RowlandRowland, Johnson & Co., PA

Dennis M. SalterSummit Realty Advisors, Inc.

Fred C. Sears, IIDelaware Community Foundation

Mark TurnerWSFS Bank

Michael S. UffnerAutoTeam Delaware

Richelle VibleCatholic Charities of Delaware

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Marianne K. AntoniniSenior Vice PresidentA. Richard HeffronSenior Vice President, Interim PresidentJanine G. SorbelloSenior Vice President & Executive Director, The PartnershipJohn H. Taylor, Jr.Senior Vice President & Executive Director, DPPI

Matt AmisCommunications ManagerCheryl CornExecutive Assistant to the PresidentSenior Vice President CommunicationsKatie DunnCommunications SpecialistLinda D. EriksenAccounting AssociateGreg GrossDirector of Government Relations

Chuck JamesAccount ExecutiveArlene SimonAccount ExecutiveBill StephanoDirector of MembershipPatrina WallaceInformation AdministratorKelly WetzelEvents Manager

STAFF

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Linda AmmonsWidener University School of Law

Julian H. BookerDelmarva Broadcasting Company

David B. BrownPotter Anderson & Corroon, LLP

I.G. Burtoni.g. Burton & Co., Inc.

Timothy J. ConstantineHighmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

Charlie CopelandAssociates International, Inc.

E. Andrew DiSabatinoEDiS Company

Orlando J. George, Jr.Delaware Technical & Community College

Martha S. GilmanGilman Development Company

Robert V.A. Harra, Jr.Wilmington Trust Company

John E. Healy IIIHealy Long & Jevin, Inc.

Michael HoughtonMorris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell, LLP

Tyrone JonesAstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP

Chris KennyShopRites of Delaware

Bernhard KochAAA Mid-Atlantic

Richard H. LaPentaInsurance & Financial Services, Ltd.

Robert J. Laskowski M.D.Christiana Care Health Systems

Renee LewandowskiAgilent Technologies

Michael MacFarlanTD Bank

Cathy MacFarlaneING DIRECT

Scott MalfitanoCSC - Corporation Service Company

Nicholas MarsiniPNC Bank, Delaware

John McCarthyAstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP

Paul M. McConnellMcConnell Development, Inc.

Chad MooreThe Bellmoor

Bret MorrisA.R. Morris Jewelers

Theodore J. PrushinskiCitizens Bank

Michael RatchfordW.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

John S. RileyAshland, Inc.

W. Laird Stabler, IIILaird Stabler & Associates, LLC

Gary R. StockbridgeDelmarva Power

Clinton WalkerBarclaycard US

William S. WallaceJPMorgan Chase

Robert W. WhetzelRichards, Layton & Finger

Katie WilkinsonFulton Bank

Harry L. WilliamsDelaware State University

Fred MillerPresident

ADVERTISING SALES / Miller Publishing, Inc.

Message fromthe Vice President

Although the official start ofautumn comes on September 22,we all know that for most peoplethe fall season really begins the dayafter Labor Day. This is when weleave behind the relaxed summerseason and begin to pick up thepace—whether its the final, furiousstretch of the baseball season orthe renewed focus on the always-

intense football gridiron.This time also signals the beginning of a new school

year, the restart on the selling season, and yet another elec-tion cycle. In short, this is a time to focus on newness. Inthis vein, Delaware Business shifts its focus to the relativelynew sector of the business community: green industry inDelaware. Though some will always remain suspiciousabout making business greener, efforts to preserve the envi-ronment while reducing energy consumption is never a badthing. This month, Delaware Business takes a look at 10member companies that are doing their part to make ourstate a little greener. See page 33 for more. There is alwaysa small but vocal group uncomfortable with change, butwe continue to find companies like Croda, Evraz ClaymontSteel, TD Bank, and many more that are making innova-tive changes to the way we produce and use energy.

Personal newness is also a reflection of self-improvement.And many of our Chamber members are focused on justthat: creating a newer, better you. Flip to our cover storyon page 51, and hear what our DSCC member expertshave to say.

As I noted above, it’s back-to-school time for Delawarestudents, and we’re happy to have Mark Murphy installedas the state’s new Secretary of Education. Murphy, alongwith Gov. Jack Markell, sat down with contributing writerLarry Nagengast to examine the newly installed DelawareComprehensive Assessment System, and why we should beencouraged by its results. For that, and more educationalsuccess stories, turn to page 39.

It’s also a time of transition here at the Chamber, as webid farewell to our president and CEO Jim Wolfe, whoretired in August. We thank Jim for his years of servicehere, and promise to bring our members new and excitingthings as we move forward. Thanks for reading.

DELAWAREBUSINESS

Rich Heff ron


creo


PH

OTO

BY

DIC

K D

UB

RO

FF/F

INA

L FO

CU

S

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY

Time to Ask Questions about Delaware’s Economic Future

BY RICH HEFFRON

EACH ELECTION SEASON, the Delaware BusinessLegislative Priority column makes the point that elections have con-sequences, and that it is important for State Chamber members to be involved in the election process. Candidates for public office need funding and volunteers, and State Chamber members are in a position to provide both of those to candidates that understand the issues that affect economic development and growth. Our efforts have paid off in recent elections with a number of business-savvy candidates rising to the top of both major parties to Delaware’s federal, state and local offices.

Several issues could have an enormous impact on policies thataffect Delaware’s economic future, both in the long- and shortterm.

Short Term

Federal, state and local government fiscal policy. Projectionsshow that the federal, state and several local governmentsare facing deficits for the next few budgets years. How thesebudgetary shortfalls are addressed will have a direct affect on theDelaware business community. The treatment of fees, taxes andspending priorities will be in the forefront of administrative and

legislative decisions. These short-term choices will have long-term consequences.

Public safety. The situation in the City of Wilmington is dire.And there are indications that other areas of our state are begin-ning to see an uptick in violence, primarily when it’s related toillicit drug trade. Businesses will not locate—and consumers willnot visit—areas where they do not feel safe. This is a problemthat must be addressed now; long term solutions are not a viablealternative.

Land use policy. Overly restrictive land use regulations hadminimal effect when the economy was growing. Compounded bythe weakened economic conditions of the last five years, restric-tive land use policies have made job creation through businessexpansion all but impossible in parts of Delaware. It is necessaryto review these policies and make the changes necessary to allowresponsible development.

The continuing escalation of health care and workerscompensation costs. These added expenses are strangling smallbusiness. With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act,business leaders and owners are struggling to determine futurecosts and obligations. The federal and state governments need to


creo


Legislative Priority

move quickly to implement new laws so businesses can processinformation properly. The cooperative efforts of the private andpublic sector in applying of innovative means of controllinghealth care costs need to be expanded.

Burdensome, unnecessary and outdated regulations. At alllevels of government, these are cited by economists and businessleaders as a drag on economic growth. Governor Jack Markell hasalready started addressing the issue by issuing an executive order

requiring state agencies and departments to review regulationsevery three years. Federal and local governments need to followthe governor’s lead.

Long Term

Infrastructure expansion and improvement. These are essen-tial to economic development, and the needs are numerous. Theyinclude communication, energy, transportation, technology, andwater and waste-water projects. The investigation into utilizingprivate/public partnerships needs to be expanded. The expansionof the Port of Wilmington onto the Delaware River so as to takeadvantage of the deepen channel is specific public/private part-nership that can serve as the introduction of this concept thathas been successfully adopted in other jurisdictions.

Improvement in public education. This remains an importantshort- and long-term goal. Measureable improvement has beenmade, but we are not nearly where Delaware needs to be. Therelationships between the traditional public school systems andcharter schools need to be clearly defined. This determinationwill provide more certainty to the future of the public schoolsystem.

Green energy. Evaluating which types of green energy andindustry are both practical and possible is an ongoing process.Delaware should look to be a leader in exploring the technolog-ical advances that will help make these decisions.

Coastal Zone Act. It is time to take a serious look at thealmost 40-year-old Coastal Zone Act. There is an opportunity totweak the statute in a way that will allow clean manufacturingand related businesses to expand or locate in abandoned indus-trial sites area within the coastal zone.

Delaware’s economic future hinges on the decisions made byour government leaders. Now is the time to ask those seekingyour support what they believe in. How they plan to addressthese issues is more important than ever.

Delaware’s economic future hinges on the

decisions made by our government leaders.

Now is the time to ask those seeking your

support what they believe in.


creo




2012 Member-to-Member

Delaware State Chamber of Commerce members offer savings on the benefits and services they provide

through this directory. The following list of offers can be used to help your business. This list is updated

throughout the year on the Chamber’s Members-Only section of the Web site, www.dscc.com. Some

restrictions may apply. Call the business directly for additional details on its offer. To promote your own

business with a member-to-member discount, call (302) 576-6566 or e-mail [email protected].

Discount Directory

AGORANET, INC.AgoraNet provides web site design and development services

and custom software programming. Since 1996, AgoraNet

has been a leader in using cutting edge technology to help

organizations and businesses of all sizes spread their mes-

sage and sell their products.

Contact: Betsy Warren314 E. Main St.Newark, DE 19711(302) 224-2475Fax: (302) [email protected]

10%

DSCC members will receive

10-percent off a first design or

development contract.

AUTOTEAM DELAWARE - DELAWARE

CADILLAC, SAAB, SUBARU, KIAAuto

Contact: Michael Uffner1606 Pennsylvania AvenueWilmington, DE 19806(302) [email protected]

10%

10% off service and/or parts up

to $100. One coupon per cus-

tomer per visit. Not valid with

any other offers.

BACK TO BASICS LEARNING

DYNAMICSSince 1985, the award-winning tutors and instructors at Back

to Basics have provided children and adults with exceptional

one-on-one tutoring, small group workshops and enrollment

in our unique private school.

Contact: Beverly Stewart6 Stone Hill RoadWilmington, DE 19803(302) 594-0754beverly@backtobasicslearning.comwww.backtobasicslearning.com

FREE HOUR

One free hour of tutoring ($52-

$58), with discount given at the

end of one month of services

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAUBusiness association.

Contact: Carol Tomlinson60 Reads WayNew Castle, DE 19720(302) 230-0112 x14Fax: (302) 230-0116E-mail: [email protected]

NO APPLICATION FEE

Application fee waived when

your company applies for BBB

accreditation and mentions

DSCC membership ($40 value).


creo


COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT NEWARK-

UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARELodging accommodations and conference services.

Contact: William Sullivan400 David Hollowell DriveNewark, DE 19716(302) 737-0900E-mail: [email protected]

50%

50 Percent Off Meeting Room

Rentals at Courtyard by Marriott

Newark – UD

DELAWARE EXPRESS SHUTTLE

& TOURSTrust Delaware Express to get you where you are going. With

more than 100 dedicated drivers supported by professional dis-

patch, safety, customer service and maintenance teams, we are

the largest and most trusted airport shuttle and executive trans-

portation provider with 20 years or more experience in Delaware.

And now, as a member of the global GO Airport Shuttle net-

work, the world’s largest door-to-door airport shuttle company,

Delaware Express is expanding to offer regional services as well.

Contact: Gerry Frenze2825 Ogletown RoadNewark, DE 19713(302) 454-7800 ext 616Fax: (302) 454-9885E-mail: [email protected]

10%

DSCC members and their

employees receive a 10-percent

discount on airport shuttle ser-

vices to the Philadelphia Airport

when making reservations on

the State Chamber ground

transportation portal on www.

dscc.com’s Member-to-Member

Discount page.

ENVIRONMENTAL ALLIANCEEnvironmental Alliance, Inc. is a full-service environmental

consulting and engineering firm providing environmental due

diligence for real-estate transactions, remedial investigations,

remediation system design installations and operation and

maintenance services.

Contact: Mike Vanderslice5341 Limestone RoadWilmington, DE 19808(302) 234-4400Fax: (302) 995-0941E-mail: [email protected]

10%

Environmental Alliance offers a

10-percent discount from our

published rate sheet exclusively

for DSCC members.

GEORGE J. WEINER ASSOCIATESGJWA creates innovative and cost-effective insurance pro-

grams for individual clients as well as customized employee

benefit plans for our business clients.

Contact: Louis Memmolo Red Clay Center at Little Falls2961 Centerville Rd., Suite 300Wilmington, DE 19808(302) 658-0218Fax: (302) 998-4590E-mail: [email protected]

WELLNESS COMMUNICATION

CAMPAIGN

A free employee communica-

tion campaign includes custom

branded wellness newsletters,

posters and handouts promot-

ing healthy eating, exercise and

wellness. New material provided

monthly. Also includes access to

comprehensive web portal.

GREATER GEORGETOWN CHAMBER OF

COMMERCEThe Greater Georgetown Chamber of Commerce is the third

largest chamber in Southern Delaware, linking business with

community.

Contact: Karen S. Duffield140 Layton AvenueGeorgetown, DE 19947(302) 856-1544Fax: (302) 856-1577E-mail: [email protected]

$25

Receive first-year discounted

dues of $125 (regularly $150) or

a free Web site link for one year

(a $25 value).

Member-to-Member Discount Directory


creo


PAYROLL MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCEPayroll service.

Contact: Jim Paoli153 E. Chestnut Hill Road, Suite 210(302) 456-6816Fax: (302) 456-6812E-mail: [email protected]

10%

Ten-percent discount on all

payroll services with no set-up

charges.

RICHARDS PAVING, INC.Paving

Contact: Sherri Soreth9 Bellecore DriveNew Castle, DE 19720 (302) 328-5828

5%

DSCC members receive five

percent off up to $100 on any

of our services.

ROCKWELL ASSOCIATESRockwell Associates is a premier financial service organiza-

tion in Wilmington, established in 1965, with proven profes-

sionals who are caring, conscientious people – the kind you

depend on. Rockwell Associates can help with retirement

and college funding, income protection, tax and estate plans,

executive compensation and group benefits.

Contact: Carolyn Humphrey 1521 Concord PikeBrandywine, DE 19803(302) 655-7151Fax: (302) 655-3042E-mail: [email protected]

FREE REPORT

DSCC members can receive a

free comprehensive personal or

business financial status report

along with a list of any recom-

mendations that may be helpful.

SIMON & CO.We are a gift and specialty food mail-order business special-

izing in the most unique fine foods - combining them together

with just the right packaging.

Contact: Jennifer Simon130 Hickman Road, Ste. 10Claymont, DE 19703(302) [email protected]

15%

Members receive 15% off

Unique Gift Baskets & Gourmet

Foods - Corporate Gifting

UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE

PROFESSIONAL & CONTINUING

STUDIESProfessional and career development certificate programs. To

see what programs are being offered, go to www.pcs.udel.

edu/organizations/associations.html.

Contact: George Irvine (302) 831-7858www.pcs.udel.edu/organizations/associations.html

10%

Members receive a 10-per-

cent discount on Professional

Education Certificates from

the University of Delaware

Professional & Continuing

Studies.

VENTURE TECH CONSULTINGComputer Consulting Services

Contact: Rand CallahanPO Box 12903 San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 (888) 806-9221 E-mail: [email protected]

40%

40% off Remote Monitoring

Services 7/15/2012

Discounted pricing plan for up

to 40% off Remote Monitoring

Services from Venture Tech

Consulting to Delaware State

Chamber Members.

Member-to-Member Discount Directory


creo


Membernews&Notes

›› Whoever said you can’t

turn chicken manure into

chicken salad never met Bruce

Blessing. Blessing, owner of Blessing

Greenhouses and Compost Facility in

Milford, turned a sea of chicken waste

into premium, earth-friendly compost.

Blessing’s operation produces nutri-

ent-rich compost that winds up on golf

courses and farms. He sells his retail

products to gardeners and landscapers

from his Milford flower stand. “So far,

the response from our customers has

been great,” says Blessing, who earned

an Organics Material Review Institute

certification for his compost.

For decades, nitrogen pollution—pri-

marily from chicken manure—has been

the Chesapeake and Delaware Bay’s

number one polluter. When it rains, nitro-

gen from manure runs off the land into

nearby waterways or drains into the water

table. Composted land handles rain differ-

The King of CompostMILFORD’S BRUCE BLESSING GROWS TASTIER VEGETABLES,

ENRICHES THE SOIL AND ENVIRONMENT BY JACK HOBAN

Bruce Blessing’s compost enriches local farms,

golf courses, and many more sites.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY BLESSING GREENHOUSES

continued on 11


creo


Membernews&Notes

››The iconic five-point star that

signified the former Chrysler site

in Newark is now commemorated in the

name of the University of Delaware’s

new campus—the Science, Technology

and Advanced Research (STAR)

Campus.

In the first phase of the project,

UD hopes to transform the site into a

“healthy community by design,” where

health is not only the topic of research,

education, and clinical programs, but

also a way of life, complete with fitness

facilities, walking and biking paths, and

cafes serving healthy food.

The University acquired the 272-

acre site in 2009 and has since cleared

everything but the administration build-

ing and a small portion of the manu-

facturing plant. In the coming months,

expansion and transformation of that

structure will take place.

E.A. Delle Donne Associates &

Bancroft Construction, in partnership

with UD, will develop 103,000 square

feet on the northern end of the struc-

ture. The remaining 100,000 square feet

of the existing building will be renovated

and developed to accommodate medi-

cal- and health care-related retail ten-

ants during Phase Two of the project.

What UD does on the STAR campus

will impact all Delawareans, as a criti-

cal mass of experts and resources is

brought together to make the state a

healthier place for all of us.

Plans for the Health and Life Sciences

Complex on the STAR Campus include

interprofessional education programs for

health care students and for the current

health care workforce. On-site clinics

will provide convenient and comprehen-

sive healthcare for UD employees and

the community. Additionally, there will

be a number of translational research

initiatives with the University’s part-

ners in the Delaware Health Sciences

Alliance.

A STAR is BornFORMER CHRYSLER PLANT TRANSFORMED INTO UD SCIENCE HUB

When completed, UD’s Science, Technology and

Advanced Research Campus will provide students

with state-of-the-art facilities.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY TEVEBAUGH & ASSOC.


creo


The new campus will foster collabora-

tion and provide space for state-of-the-

art equipment that can be shared by

the scientific community. It will facilitate

new models for strategic business part-

nerships in a variety of areas, including

clinical care, health and wellness, and

devices and materials. Similarly, new

educational opportunities will open up in

the form of internships, service learning,

training, and cooperative learning.

To make the existing building more

suitable for clinical, research, and aca-

demic activities, the architect, Tevebaugh

Associates of Wilmington, has added

two-story wings of 45-foot- wide space

on the front and north end of the building.

This column-free space will allow greater

flexibility in providing areas for large

classroom, clinic and assembly spaces.

The two wings connect at the corner of

the building in a two-story glass-walled

student lounge and gathering space. The

exterior walls of the building will be clad

in limestone masonry units with blue-

green window walls. Located at the main

entrance, the building will provide a con-

temporary gateway to the STAR campus.

The Chrysler assembly plant was a very

important part of the local and regional

economy for decades, and what UD is

about to launch on the STAR Campus will

play a similar role in the decades to come.

What UD does on the STAR

campus will impact all Dela-

wareans, as a critical mass of

experts and resources is brought

together to make the state a

healthier place for all of us.

ently. When mixed with soil, the souped-

up soil acts like a sponge, allowing water

to drain slowly through it, absorbing pol-

lutants and cleaning the water as it emp-

ties into nearby waterways.

Blessing grew up on a farm in Houston,

Delaware. Forced into action at a young

age, he never anticipated a future in farm-

ing. “My dad never made much money

farming but there was always plenty of

food on our table,” he says. “He saw

something noble in growing the food that

fed your family.” After deciding that he

had no future in farming, Blessing worked

a number of jobs, most associated with

the chicken industry.

Blessing discovered his compost

blend by trial and error. While mixing

batches of potting soil for his flowers,

the idea for premium compost appeared.

Blessing eventually settled on a product

with a 10-1 carbon to nitrogen ratio. He

claims the higher nitrogen content gives

his compost more oomph. Handled sep-

arately, Blessings’ ingredients are pretty

rancid: poultry and hatchery waste,

rotting grass clippings and decaying

leaves. But mixed together they become

a fine, black, odorless material that acts

like a multi-vitamin for the soil.

“The key to our compost are the

consistent ingredients,” Blessing says.

“Other composts are made from whatev-

er comes through the gate that day. But

because of our proximity to the chicken

processing houses, we get a consistent

mix of chicken byproducts to use in our

compost.”

Blessing knew that if he was going to

be competitive in the market, he needed

a quality process to make his products.

He developed an in-vessel system where

he could mix consistent batches of com-

post and then let it cure for 12 months.

For more, visit www.blessingsblends.

com.

Compost continued from 9

Blessing, a former farmer, knows how

to create healthy soil. PHOTO PROVIDED

BY BLESSING GREENHOUSES


creo


Membernews&Notes

›› On June 28, 2012, the United

States Supreme Court handed

down its 5-4 decision that largely found

President Barack Obama’s health care

reform law, The Patient Protection and

Affordable Care Act, constitutional. This

article will discuss the Court’s ruling on

the PPACA, and the implications of that

decision on employers. As liberals cel-

ebrate Chief Justice John Roberts’ ruling

and declare the health care debate defini-

tively over, Mitt Romney pledges that if

he is elected, he will act to repeal it on his

first day in office. Regardless of the out-

come of future politics, business owners

must take steps to comply with the new

law which is a daunting 2,700 pages long.

The crux of the PPACA is the individ-

ual mandate, which requires that most

Americans have health insurance by

2014. It is estimated that over 30 million

uninsured individuals will be provided

affordable coverage and an estimated

6 million people will obtain coverage

through Employer-Sponsored Insurance.

As such, the PPACA establishes

American Health Benefit Exchanges,

provides Federal subsidies for exchange

insurance premiums and cost-sharing

requirements, provides temporary tax

credits for small businesses that offer

health coverage, imposes penalties on

some individuals who forego coverage,

and imposes penalties on employers

with more than 50 employees who do

not offer health insurance to workers.

Depending on the size of the compa-

ny, the PPACA requires that employers

offer “affordable” coverage to their full-

time employees or face a fine for each

uninsured employee. The law defines

“affordable” as when the employee’s

contribution toward the employer’s

lowest-cost-self-only premiums do not

exceed 9.5 percent of the employee’s

household income.

Beginning in 2014, states will be

required to create a regulated and

competitive marketplace for buying

health insurance. These Health Benefit

Exchanges will serve as a marketplace for

purchasing insurance. Businesses with

100 employees or less will be able to pur-

chase insurance through the Exchange in

their respective state. Beginning in 2016,

Delaware has the option to limit access

to the Exchange to those companies with

50 or fewer employees.

If your company has less than 50

employees, you have several options.

You can continue to provide the type of

health insurance you provide now, if any,

from a private health insurance plan. Or,

you can switch health insurance plans

and participate in the Exchange in your

state. Another avenue for small busi-

nesses with fewer than 50 employees

is to forego offering health insurance as

they are not required by law to provide

GUEST COLUMN: An Employer’s Guide to Health Care LawBY WIER & ALLEN, P.A.

Regardless of the outcome of future politics, business own-

ers must take steps to comply with the new [health care] law

which is a daunting 2,700 pages long.



it. If that happens, employees will have

the option to purchase insurance through

the individual market and can access

state sponsored Exchanges or face pen-

alties.

If you are a larger company, specifically

one that employs 50 or more employ-

ees, there is a major decision before you

that could have a significant impact on

your bottom line. You can either spon-

sor a health care plan for 100 percent of

your full-time employees, or pay $2,000

in penalties per individual employee for

the number of full-time employees in

excess of 30. For example, if a company

employs 51 full-time individuals, their

options would be to provide health care

coverage to all of those employees or

pay $42,000 (21 employees at $2,000 per

employee) annually in fines. The National

Federation of Independent Business

reports that the average health insur-

ance premium cost in the small group

market is $4,260 for individual coverage

and $11,100 for family coverage. Small

employers with fewer than 50 employees

currently pay on average 86 percent of

the total cost of single employee health

insurance and 65 percent for family cov-

erage.

The Agency for Health care Research

and Quality, Center for Financing, esti-

mates that 43 percent of companies

with less than 50 employees offer health

insurance to their employees, while 96

percent of companies with more than 50

employees offer health insurance.

It is believed that market pressures

could drive companies, especially those

with more than 50 employees, to pur-

chase insurance rather than incurring

the penalty even if it proves more costly.

However, it has been long debated

whether companies will choose to pay

the fine due to the fact that it will cost

less than purchasing insurance, and

employees can access their own indi-

vidual health care through the system.

Employers may also cap the number of

full-time employees they hire or reduce

the salary of employees to adjust for the

increased health care costs. Failure to

provide benefits or reduction of salaries

could hurt a company competitively,

especially those in highly competitive

markets seeking qualified employees.

Needless to say, companies that are

already operating at a slim profit mar-

gin or operating in the red could be in

for a tough haul due to their inability to

absorb the high cost of insurance and

having to unfortunately dedicate valu-

able resources to paying penalties. The

Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and

Joint Committee on Taxation has esti-

mated that starting in 2014, there will be

a reduction in the number of employees

that currently receive health insurance

from their employers, dropping by 7 per-

cent, and mainly impacting individuals

earning lower wages and being employed

by small business owners.

On the other hand, if a company has

less than 25 employees, it is possible

that it could reap the benefit of tax relief.

Starting back in 2010, companies that

pay for a large portion of health care pre-

miums qualify for a tax credit. Beginning

in 2014, this credit could be as large as

50 percent of premiums if its employees

have average salaries of $50,000 and if it

participates in an Exchange. Companies

employing less than 10 employees with

average employee wages below $25,000

are eligible to receive a 100 percent tax

credit. However, the Federal government

will view a sole proprietor as an individual

who is required to purchase health insur-

ance or pay an annual penalty for not

complying with the law.

A possible unintended consequence,

and one that has been a point of debate

regarding the impact on employees, is the

scenario in which an employer chooses to

eliminate its health care plan and opts to

What is Health Care Law and Does It

Affect Me?For years, many have believed that Health Care law primarily dealt with

medical malpractice lawsuits and was strictly limited to doctors and hospi-

tals. However, it is undeniable that Health Care law now affects nearly every

American in the United States. The health care industry is no longer limited

to health care practitioners. It has expanded to include hospitals and hospital

systems, public and private insurers, small and large employers, employees,

pharmaceutical and device manufacturers, individual practitioners who treat

patients, and the patients themselves. Health Care law affects all of us. Existing

and proposed federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations will dramati-

cally impact all those in the health care industry. As a result, Wier & Allen, P.A.

will be providing a series of articles on the different aspects of Health Care law

and how it affects members of the Chamber.

continued on 19


creo


Membernews&Notes

››Amongst a sea of health care

awareness campaigns, it can be

hard to know which diseases and health

problems that could affect you, and how

you can prevent them.

Earlier this year, Christiana Care

Health System launched the “Know

Your Numbers” Campaign to educate

the public about cardiovascular disease,

the leading cause of death in the United

States—and soon to be the leading

cause of death throughout the world.

Over the past two decades, the age-

adjusted mortality for cardiovascular

disease has decreased 25 percent.

This decrease is related in large part

to better management of risk factors,

something the “Know Your Numbers”

campaign addresses. However, this

trend is changing because of the grow-

ing epidemic of obese and overweight

people, which affects two-thirds of the

U.S. population. The campaign is part of

an attempt to reverse this trend again,

using the knowledge that improving

awareness about better lifestyle choices

can decrease occurrences.

“One way to change behavior

is to legislate it,” says Dr. Edward

Goldenberg, Christiana Care’s Director

of Preventive Cardiology. “The other

way is to deliver a consistent message.

That’s what the ‘Know Your Numbers’

campaign is all about.”

Originally started by the American

Heart Association, the “Know Your

Numbers” campaign aims specifically at

raising awareness about the key num-

bers that put you at high risk for cardio-

vascular disease.

Chief among them are blood pres-

sure, blood sugar, weight, cholesterol,

and waist size. The majority of people

whose health care numbers are above

those listed below experience a number

of medical issues that increase their risk

of heart problems.

“Smoking and weight are the two

leading causes of heart disease,”

Goldenberg says.

Currently, there are a large variety of

programs that exist in Delaware to com-

bat the growing rate of heart disease.

Already partners with the American

Heart Association, Christiana Care

intends to meet with the Delaware

Healthcare Association and Department

of Health and Human Services in the

near future in hopes of creating a more

unified message and having a larger

impact.

“I volunteered myself to attempt to

bring hospitals, state government, and

other agencies together to combat this

issue,” Goldenberg says.

Christiana Care also offers a free

health counseling service that begins

with an online screening. Of the people

who have participated in this service,

one-third have made significant lifestyle

changes. To participate in the screening,

visit www.christianacare.org/hearttest.

Additionally, the hospital cafeterias

have marked each food product with

color-coded apples to indicate their

nutritional value – red meaning not

healthy and green meaning healthful.

The hospital and its other partners hope

this campaign will raise awareness about

the magnitude of this health issue—and

provide the public with tools to remedy

the situation. Yet, Dr. Goldenberg notes

that there is no replacement for educat-

ing childre n about eating healthy, setting

healthier industry standards (such as ban-

ning smoking on company property), and

having personal responsibility in lifestyle

choices.

The Magic NumbersCHRISTIANA CARE LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO EDUCATE

ABOUT CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

BY STEPHANIE FITZPATRICK

Are you at risk?

Test your numbers:Optimal Blood Pressure: less than 120/80

Blood Sugars: less than 100

LDL (bad cholesterol): less than 100

HDL (good cholesterol): over 40 in men/over 50 in women

Weight: Body Mass Index (BMI)

less than 25 (not a percentage)

Waist Circumference:

Depends on race

Asian: 35 for men/31 for women

All other races: 40 in men/

35 in women


creo


Arkadi KuhlmannJim Kelly

2000Charles M. Cawley

John A. Krol

2001Werner C. Brown

John W. Rollins, Sr.

2002T. Coleman du Pont

Robert W. Gore

2003John B. Campbell

Sally Hawkins

2004Leon N. Weiner

Marvin (Skip) Schoenhals

2005Leonard W. Quill

Leon F. Slocomb, Jr.

2006Murray Berstein

Foster Friess

2007-2008Alan B. Levin

Frank J. McIntosh

2009Craig A. Rogerson

Dian C. Taylor

2010Carol A. AmmonMark A. Suwyn

2011Alan R. BurkhardJames A. Wolfe

1990P.S. du Pont

Crawford GreenewaltJoseph Tatnall

1991 Oliver Evans

Wilbert & Genevieve Gore

1992Alexander E. Giacco

George Lobdell

1993Joesph BancroftIrving S. Shapiro

1994Jack Burris

Arther S. CarotaE.I. du Pont

1995Joshua & Thomas Gilpin

Edward Goett

1996Walter S. CarpenterDavid D. Wakefield

1997Joshua Heald

Edgar S. Woolard, Jr.

1998Carolyn S. Burger

Harry Levin

1999Fredrick G. Krapf, Jr.Bernard J. Taylor II

Thursday, September 27, 2012

2012 LAUREATES

PLEASE JOIN CHAIR ANDREA THOMSONFOR THIS YEAR’S FESTIVITIES

PLEASE JOIN CHAIR ANDREA THOMSONFOR THIS YEAR’S FESTIVITIES


creo


Membernews&Notes

››Winterthur Museum, Garden and

Library, set amidst a 1,000 acre

preserve and surrounded by picturesque

landscape, has become a must-see

attraction for people in the area and

around the world. Whether visitors are

interested in history, art, or horticul-

ture, the reasons to visit the charming

estate—and the former home to Henry

Francis du Pont—are endless.

Come October, there will be yet anoth-

er exciting reason to visit Winterthur: a

newly constructed Brown Horticultural

Learning Center. Formerly the home of a

3,000-square-foot tropical greenhouse,

the center will now serve as an educa-

tional hub for community members and

Winterthur staff. Specifically, the Brown

Horticulture Learning Center will be

available for horticultural programming,

meetings and special events, demonstra-

tions, displays for garden clubs, schools,

community and senior groups, business

partners, and more.

The idea for the project grew out of an

increasing interest of garden supporters

to engage in educational programs.

“[Several years ago] we began drop-in

programming where people could take

informational classes. We noticed enthu-

siasm for the programming and wanted

a place for additional hands-on activities.

Board Members Alice Cary Brown and

W.L. Lyons Brown shared enthusiasm for

the project,” says Chris Strand, a garden

and estate director at Winterthur and one

of the key leaders throughout the learning

center’s development.

In fact, Alice Cary Brown and W.L.

Lyons Brown shared so much enthu-

siasm that they donated $1 million to

make this vision a reality.

“As I learned about Henry Francis du

Pont’s vision for his garden at Winterthur,

I realized there is a need for a dedicated

space where all ages can come and

learn about his legacy and explore horti-

cultural topics,” Alice Cary Brown says.

“The Brown Horticulture Learning

Center offers a unique, state-of-the-

art educational resource for Winterthur

members and the community, offering a

range of science-based learning oppor-

tunities for children and adults under

the expert instruction of Winterthur’s

horticultural staff,” says David Roselle,

Winterthur’s executive director.

One of the priorities for the project

has been to stay true to the historic

look and feel of the original green-

house. To that end, organizers commis-

sioned architectural firm Moeckel and

Carbonnel Associated, led by Michael

Carbonnel, re-used much of the material

from the original building to help pre-

serve its character.

A “green” space in every sense of

the word, they have used very little

new materials in the construction. They

were even able to preserve the beautiful

stone wall across the front side of the

original greenhouse.

The official opening will take place on

October 1.

“This is a big moment,” Strand says.

“We think that Henry Francis du Pont

would be pleased, as the Center con-

tinues Winterthur’s rich tradition of

preserving history for future generations

while providing enhancements that will

allow us to reach new audiences.”

On October, Winterthur will also

host a family Truck and Tractor Day, an

opportunity to see the new facility and

enjoy seasonal treats such as apples,

ice cream, and more. Additionally, over

the next several months, Winterthur will

introduce new and different program-

ming including classes led by arborists,

floral arrangers, garden designers and

more. For more info, visit www.winter-

thur.org or call (302) 888-4600.

Re-writing HistoryWINTERTHUR TO UNVEIL RENOVATED HORTICULTURAL CENTER BY STEPHANIE FITZPATRICK

Th e Brown Horticultural

Learning Center is yet another

exciting reason to visit Winter-

thur. PHOTO COURTESY WINTERTHUR

MUSEUM, GARDEN AND LIBRARY.



›› Delaware is the First State in many

ways: a place of new beginnings,

fresh ideas and innovation for so many

businesses and families. Which is why

we’re so proud to have held conversa-

tions about the future of Medicare and

Social Security right here in Delaware.

While Washington continues to talk about

the future of these vital programs behind

closed doors, hundreds of Delawareans

have made their voices heard. Nationwide:

More than 2.2 million people have had the

opportunity to express their views.

We call this effort You’ve Earned

a Say, because we believe that

Delawareans, like all Americans, have

spent their lives paying into these

programs and deserve to know what

changes are being considered on how

to strengthen these programs for future

generations. The next

President and Congress

could determine the

future of Medicare and

Social Security. The public deserves

to understand all sides of the debate,

the pros and cons—without the politi-

cal jargon and spin—in order to speak

out about how they feel the proposed

changes will impact their future.

If you’re wondering why this conversa-

tion matters to the business community,

it’s because the health and financial, retire-

ment security of the people who work at

Delaware’s businesses could be at stake.

Medicare is facing financial challenges.

Ever-rising costs in the broader health care

system and the Medicare fund that pays

hospital bills will face a shortfall in 2024.

AARP is committed to working toward

a solution that ensures Medicare contin-

ues to guarantee that future seniors have

affordable, quality health care. Social

Security can pay all promised benefits until

2036, and after that, it can pay 75 percent.

AARP is committed to working toward a

solution so that all Americans who pay into

Social Security can continue to count on

the guaranteed benefits they worked for

all their lives. At AARP, we want to ensure

that you have the information you need on

these issues, and that you have the oppor-

tunity to make your voice heard.

There are nearly 173,000 Delaware

residents who depend on Social Security

benefits to help pay the bills every month,

and over 149,000 whose families count

on Medicare to help them afford health

care, including guaranteed coverage for

doctors, hospitals and prescription drugs.

That’s why we’re going

to ensure you have easy

access to information

about the programs and

the challenges that Medicare and Social

Security recipients face.

If you look at the numbers, these pro-

grams play a vital role in our state’s econ-

omy. According to AARP’s Public Policy

Institute, the Medicare program spent

an estimated $1.32 billion on health care

services in Delaware last year. In addition,

$1.9 billion in social security benefits were

paid to Delawareans 65 and older, which

also injected money into our economy and

businesses statewide.

These programs matter to individuals,

businesses and our state’s economy.

More importantly, your voice matters.

For more than a year, the President

and Congress have been talking

about changes to Medicare and Social

Security. Now, there are many options on

the table that our Congressional delega-

tion will be considering. Social Security

and Medicare are the foundation of

income and health security in retirement

for most Americans – a role that has

become even more important in today’s

tough economy. Congress needs to hear

how these programs have an affect on

Delawareans and all Americans.

AARP will make it possible for our elect-

ed officials to hear your voice. When you

visit www.earnedasay.org, you can easily

contact your representatives by email. We

will also give you straightforward informa-

tion on the issues which can help you

when sharing your ideas about how to

strengthen these programs.

In this national conversation, you

can tell your Congressional delegation

how these issues will impact you, your

family, your business and your work.

Washington needs to hear from you. The

future of Medicare and Social Security

is a debate about people’s lives—about

our lives, and you’ve earned a say.

AARP will collaborate with Delaware

First Media to hold Gubernatorial and

Congressional can-

didate debates on

October 16 and 17.

The candidates will

make their views

known to voters on

the important issues of

Medicare and Social

Security. Watch online

at www.wdde.org.

GUEST COLUMN: AARP: An Important Conversation Has

Begun and You’ve Earned a Say BY LUCRETIA B. YOUNG, AARP STATE DIRECTOR

Lucretia B. Young



Membernews&Notes

›› Susan Lloyd was honored

recently by the National

Hospice Foundation for her work

as president and CEO of Delaware

Hospice. In a career that spans two

decades, Lloyd has guided the organi-

zation as it developed and grew to serve

more than 3,000 families in Delaware

and in Southern Chester and Delaware

Counties in Pennsylvania. Delaware

Business had the opportunity to sit

down with Lloyd and get an inside per-

spective on the amazing work Delaware

Hospice does providing compassionate

end-of-life care and services to families.

How did you get started in hospice care?

I’m a registered nurse by background.

I’ve always had an interest in home-

based services. I was a home care

nurse after working in a hospital setting.

I found that this was where my love

was. The environment in health care,

when you go in an institution or any sort

of hospital, you’re on their turf. When

the patient leaves that setting, the real

world starts. How are they going to stay

compliant with what the doctor feels

is appropriate to maintain their health

and deal with their illness? We can be

pretty independent individuals, so in the

real world we need a lot of guidance on

what would be best.

How have you seen Delaware Hospice

grow?

Twenty-five years ago, people would

call the organization wanting to know

what “home-based care” is. People

were not familiar with what a hos-

pice was, let alone have experience

with it. We were really in our start-up

years and I think over time, people

have come to recognize the value of

the service we provide to the patient

that we care for. In addition to that,

the family that we’re caring for is an

important distinction in hospice care.

We focus on the family as a unit of

care. Supporting the caregivers after

they have lost their loved ones is what

hospice care is all about.

How important are your volunteers?

They are the backbone of what we

do. Our volunteers are actually a tre-

mendous resource to the organization.

They are 800 in number and obviously a

very strong force for us in providing care

at the bedside, working in the office,

fundraising, and being a companion to

the caregivers. We are very fortunate

to have that kind of resource. One of

the things I find most gratifying work-

ing here is that when things evolve, life

goes on. We have kids we take care of

through our New Hope program and

they often become counselors for other

kids as they grow into adults. They

remain involved by volunteering for

other families. That is real human con-

nection and I find that amazing. People

think of hospice care as a death experi-

ence but it’s really about holding the

hands of people and moving forward

and walking with them.

How do you and your employees stay

positive in what can be a pretty difficult

atmosphere?

It’s true that our patients are dealing

with an illness that will take their lives,

so we experience loss here. We sup-

port one another. We make sure we take

time to acknowledge that, specifically

by remembering patients we’ve cared

for and the experiences we had with

them. We make sure people have time

away from the work that they do and

experience their own lives. People think

of us as a group dealing with death. But

really, we are dealing with a stage of

life that is important to provide support

to people going through. As a family

experiences an illness, they essentially

Compassion in CareQ&A WITH DELAWARE HOSPICE CEO SUSAN LLOYD

BY KATIE DUNN

Delaware Hospice CEO Susan Lloyd has guided

the organization through tremendous growth,

and was honored recently by the National

Hospice Foundation. PHOTO BY ABBY SAYEG



open their arms to us and allow us to

walk through that journey with them.

We engage with the family for another

year after the patient’s death and we get

to see things come full circle. It’s very

rewarding work. I think people who have

experienced Delaware Hospice care are

always amazed at the comprehensive-

ness of the services we provide here.

What does the future of hospice care

look like?

As the baby boomers come along, we

expect they are going to want different

things from the hospice care community.

They are going to want to be much more

engaged in decisions around their care

and choosing their options for end-of-life

care. I think they are going to be drivers

a lot more than the generation before

them. We know that there are a lot of

people who will have a need for these

services. We’re well aware that they are

probably going to opt into it with a differ-

ent focus than we’ve seen before.

How does it feel to be recognized by the

National Hospice Foundation?

It was a very, very nice honor. My staff

put me in for this, which is remarkable.

I was very gratified by that, and a little

embarrassed. I am really proud of the

workers of this organization, the first ones

by the bedside. My role has always been

to support that. I’m so proud of what they

have done in the community and what

they continue to do and how they con-

tinue to grow. The fact that they would

take a couple of minutes to recognize my

part in that was very, very nice.

Switching gears a little, what kind of busi-

ness challenges have you been through?

Well on the business side, resources

are always an important issue for us.

Our organization was established to

meet a community need. So identifying

what those needs are and trying to fill

them is always a challenge. We have the

traditional reimbursement systems of

Medicaid, Medicare and private insur-

ances. But if you want something in

addition to that, than you have to figure

out the resources.

How will hospice care be affected by the

health care mandate?

Every health care provider is going

to be affected by the changes the new

legislations have brought about. The

first thing that we see is the need for

better coordination of care and servic-

es, probably more so than ever. We’re

looking to really partner with our other

health care providers in the community

so we can provide all the comprehen-

sive services that each of us individually

have available to provide to patients

and families. We want to effectively

make sure they get their services and

that we minimize the disruption and

duplication for them.

What is the difference between hospice

care and other end-of-life care?

Hospice care is very specifically aimed

at end-of-life care and there is a spe-

cific expertise that organizations have.

Delaware Hospice is the only not for

profit hospice in the state of Delaware.

We are really concentrated on meeting

the needs of the community, so we do

specific needs assessments to see what

people feel they need from their end-

of-life care services. Delaware Hospice

has expanded to create services like the

Transitions Program which is for seri-

ously ill patients that need help out in

the community and not necessarily ready

for hospice care.

pay the fine. This puts the employee in

a precarious situation to either purchase

their own insurance or have to pay a

penalty. In 2014, the annual penalty will

be either $95 per adult and $47.50 per

child (up to $285 per family), or 1 per-

cent of the family income, whichever is

greater. In 2015, the penalty increases

significantly to $325 per adult and

$162.50 per child (up to $975 per fam-

ily), or 2 percent of the family income,

whichever is greater. In 2016 and later

years, the penalty is $695 per adult and

$347.50 per child (up to $2,085 per fam-

ily), or 2.5 percent of the family income,

whichever is greater.

It is imperative to be prepared for

the after-effects of the Court’s ruling

and the PPACA. Meet with your legal

counsel, insurance provider and your

accountant to make sure you are in

compliance with the law. Make sure

you are able to anticipate increased

costs and possible tax advantages.

Position yourself to take advantage

of any opportunities while reviewing

employment projections and contribu-

tion strategies.

Wier & Allen, P.A. practices in the

areas of health law and labor and

employment. The Firm provides a variety

of legal services to business owners and

health care providers, including com-

pliance with fed-

eral and state laws

and regulations,

litigation defense

in employment-

related disputes,

and counseling on

a number of other

business manage-

ment issues. Dick Wier

Health Care Law continued from 13



Membernews&Notes

›› Sonali Pandit has been a teacher

for a long time.

In her native India, Pandit announced

to her family one Sunday that she would

give up her free time on the weekend to

teach another young girl how to read.

“My grandmother was very politically

involved,” Pandit says. “And my mother

had a degree. I was also taught a

woman should be educated, she should

stand on her own feet, be independent.”

And so it began. First, she taught a

peer in India. Later, when she moved to

the U.S., she launched a story time pro-

gram at a Hindu temple in Hockessin.

Finally, her passion culminated into two

Kumon Academy Math and Reading

Center franchises in Delaware, which

she runs primarily as a one-woman

shop (her husband handles the billing).

In India, Pandit worked in sales and

marketing before receiving a degree

in chemistry. She used the degree for

working in a pharmaceutical lab. She

moved to the U.S. in 2001 and went on

to study nuclear medicine, which she

used with patients in at a local cardiolo-

gist’s office. It was during this time she

started the program at the temple and

realized her true love for education.

“Kumon was exactly what I was doing

at the temple, but I would be getting

paid,” Pandit says. She completed the

application process for the franchise,

the extensive training program and con-

tinues her training at conferences and

seminars across the country.

Kumon, which was founded by a

math teacher in 1954 in Osaka, Japan,

subscribes to the Kumon Method of

Learning, which extols independent

learning, creative thinking and analyti-

cal skills. More than 16 million students

worldwide have experienced the results

of the Kumon Method.

Since opening her Bear location in

2008 and Hockessin site in 2010, Pandit

has helped more than 1,000 students,

Pandit says.

“We call it instruction, not teaching,”

Pandit says of the Kumon method. “We

want to make students self-learners. We

break each concept down by self-teaching

and if they have trouble with a concept, we

take them back stewps to what they know.

“You read a recipe and you do it, but

you do it again and again. By doing

the program yourself, you learn. If you

have a motivated child, he can rise quite

quickly.”

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Kumon Academy BY APRIL HALL

Sonali Pandit assists students in-

side the Bear chapter of Kumon

Academy. PHOTO BY NICK WALLACE


creo


››For most people, the YMCA

conjures images of swim classes

and weights, or at the very least, a

ubiquitous Village People song. But in

Delaware, the YMCA’s reach and influ-

ence is far greater.

Michael Graves, the 25-year president

of the YMCA of Delaware—the

only statewide YMCA in the coun-

try—says the mission of the orga-

nization fits into three major head-

ings: youth development, healthy

living and social responsibility.

One of the Y’s nine branches

statewide is at 10th and Walnut

streets in Wilmington. An all-youth

branch, it is staffed as a “curfew

center” at night. If police pick up

young people breaking the city’s

curfew, they are taken to the Y

instead of the police station where

they can meet with officers, counsel-

ors and sign up for a series of class-

es with their parents. If the classes

are completed, any charges filed for

curfew violations are dropped.

If children do go astray, how-

ever, the YMCA also serves as a

resource center, helping juvenile offend-

ers in Family Court and encouraging kids

to get back on track with their education

when necessary. The organization also

provides childcare at 45 different sites

throughout the state.

As for healthy living, the YMCA is

implementing an initiative to educate

people about Type II diabetes. One-third

of all adults in the U.S. are pre-diabetic,

Graves says, and through a performance-

based reimbursement program, the Y is

trying to show that by losing extra weight,

exercising more and eating more health-

ily, full-blown Diabetes may be avoided.

In January Medicare will start reimbursing

for that program and the organization is

also working with local healthcare provid-

ers for reimbursements.

Graves says this ounce of prevention

could save Delaware business owners

thousands of dollars in healthcare costs

for employees who develop Diabetes

later in life.

Finally, in the realm of social respon-

sibility, the YMCA is taking on training

35,000 Delawareans on the signs of

children’s sex abuse and what steps to

take to help.

In a two and a half hour training ses-

sion, in person or online, adults can find

out how to recognize a child in danger.

“Adults just don’t know what to do

about it,” Graves says, adding all adults

are welcome to be trained. “We need

police and fire and UPS driver, journal-

ists, the older woman in your neighbor-

hood who always knows who’s coming

and going. You need to get enough of

the adults that are around.”

Besides its great social programs, the

YMCA is a hefty Delaware employer,

with jobs for about 2,500 people, the

bulk of whom are part-time and many

who are seasonal, working at camps or

as lifeguards.

The organization’s non-profit funding

comes largely from membership revenue

from its 80,000 statewide members and

program revenue, Graves says. The bal-

ance is via public support, endowments

and government grants, with a little less

than 1 percent from the United Way.

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT YMCA of Delaware BY APRIL HALL

Youth development is a key

component for Michael

Graves and YMCA Delaware.

PHOTO BY ABBY SAYEG



BLUE VAULT, LLC

Mr. Christopher Thomas1300 North Broom StreetWilmington, DE 19806(302) 425-4367Fax: (302) 425-0436www.BlueVault.comBlue Vault provides web-based solutions to

the legal industry in the areas of case man-

agement, financial management, and docu-

ment management.

BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT, LLC

Mr. Doug Diamond2430 Terwood RoadHuntingdon Valley, PA 19006(215) 830-1222www.bizimprovement.comBusiness Improvement provides business

advisory services to help CEOs and their

executive teams implement a powerful col-

lection of business best practices.

CONTENT, LLC

Mr. Michael Ventresca307 A StreetWilmington, DE 19801(609) 760-3577Video Production Company and Creative

Content Provider

CONTINUITY FIRST

Mr. Ralph Petti5 Lyons Mall, Suite 322Basking Ridge, NJ 07920(908) 310-6381www.ContinuityFirst.com

Continuity First provides the critical business

continuity planning to compliment your disas-

ter recovery and backup solutions. This ser-

vice starts as low as $20 per month and can

help save your business in any disaster event.

CROWNE PLAZA, WILMINGTON NORTH

Ms. Courtney Alleman630 Naamans RoadClaymont, DE 19703(302) 791-4611Fax: (302)798-6182www.cpwilmingtonnorth.comThe Crowne Plaza is a full service hotel in

North Wilmington, the only CP in Delaware.

Newly renovated from top to bottom, there

is a full complement of meeting and ban-

quet rooms. There is also a full service din-

ing room and a pool.

DELAWARE ORAL HEALTH COALITION

Ms. Terri-Lynn Hodges102 Meetinghouse LaneCamden, DE 19934(302) 331-6951Fax: (302) 538-5893www.DOHCSmiles.comThe Delaware Oral Health Coalition provides

leadership and advocacy so that Delaware

residents can access affordable, quality oral

health care. An emphasis on early preven-

tion and maintenance is observed.

GLOBAL CORPORATE COLLEGE IN CARE OF

ANNE ARUNDEL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Ms. Melanie Koorey101 College Parkway

Arnold, MD 21012(410) 777-2022Fax: (410) 777-2022www.globalcorporatecollege.comGCC offers customized training from C-suite

to entry level. We have nationally acclaimed

curricula as well as the capability to design

and develop programs from scratch to meet

specific initiative and company methods

and culture. In addition to having one of the

largest workplace curriculum in the world

through our consortium of over 45 colleges

and universities, the GCC can provide full

flexibility as to delivery mode, timeframe

and location: locally, nationally or in any for-

eign location.

HISTORIC ODESSA FOUNDATION

Ms. Jennifer Cabell 201 Main StreetOdessa, DE 19730(302) 378-4119Fax: (302) 378-4050www.historicodessa.orgThe Historic Odessa Foundation exists

to preserve and encourage the use of its

historic buildings by the general public,

students and scholars in order to learn and

appreciate the history, architecture, daily

life, and furnishings of Delaware’s colonial

period with the anticipation that this process

will contribute to the quality of life in the

town of Odessa and the region.

PIXSTAR, INCORPORATED

Mr. George Reissig1515 Savannah Road, Suite 200

WELCOMENew Members



Lewes, DE 19958(302) 644-8650Fax: (602) 644-8651www.pixstar.com Founded in 1998, Pixstar, Inc. is a

Delaware-based Business Intelligence and

Information Architecture consulting firm that

assist clients in resolving unique informa-

tional challenges.

SIEMANOWSKI

CONSULTING, INC.

Mr. Aaron Siemanowski1308 Delaware Avenue, Suite 14Wilmington, DE 19806(302) 593-4319Fax: (302) 883-8366www.siemanowski.comSiemanowski Consulting offers structural

engineering services including analysis,

design, construction documentation, and

construction administration.

SUPERSUDS

Ms. Mary Tuggle900 South Franklin StreetWilmington, DE 19805(540) 752-7190Fax: (540) 752-7192www.supersudslaundries.comLarge storefront windows, brightly colored

walls, ceramic tiled floors, and granite

countertops make doing your laundry at

SuperSuds an enjoyable experience. We’ve

thought of everything to make it feel as

much like home as possible.

TD BANK - DOVER II

1035 Forrest AvenueDover, DE 19904 (302) 760-4790Fax: (302) 760-4793www.tdbank.com

TD BANK - HOCKESSIN

7330 Lancaster PikeHockessin, DE 19707(302) 234-8570Fax: (302) 234-8573www.tdbank.com

TD BANK - REHOBOTH BEACH

34980 Midway Outlet DriveRehoboth Beach, DE 19971(302) 644-0952Fax: (302) 644-7001www.tdbank.com

TD BANK - SILVERSIDE

1803 Marsh RoadWilmington, DE 19810(302) 529-8727Fax: (302) 529-8730www.tdbank.comTD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank,

is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S.,

and provides customers with a full range

of financial products and services at thou-

sands of convenient locations and ATMs

from Maine to Florida.

T-MOBILE

Ms. Christina Schmidt1265 Drummers Lane, Suite 206Wayne, PA 19087(610) 225-2118Fax: (610) 225-2120www.t-mobile.comIn a world full of busy and fragmented lives,

T-Mobile USA, Inc., has the idea that wire-

less communications can help. The value

of our plans, the breadth of our coverage,

the reliability of our network, and the quality

of our service are meant to do one thing:

help you stick together with the people who

make your life come alive.

WSFS BANK - MIDWAY REGIONAL

HEADQUARTERS

4601 Kirkwood HighwayWilmington, DE 19808 (302) 571-7007Fax: (302) 225-9738www.wsfsbank.com

WSFS BANK - LANTANA

6274 Limestone RoadHockessin, DE 19707(302) 283-4600Fax: (302) 489-2524www.wsfsbank.comWSFS Bank is the seventh oldest, continu-

ously-operating bank in the United States. A

permanent fixture in the Delaware commu-

nity, the Bank is a service-oriented, locally-

managed, community banking institution.

t I i

TD BANK - DOVER II

1035 F t A

T-MOBILE

Ms. Christina Schmidt1265 Drummers Lane, Suite 206W PA 19087



1.

2.

State ChamberSCENE

1. The DSCC’s Chuck

James cuts the ribbon on a

new Wilmington location for

Northwestern Mutual on May 22.

2. DSCC chairman Bill Allan

and retired DSCC president

Jim Wolfe share a laugh at a

May 24 Leadership Breakfast at

Winterthur Museum, Garden and

Library. Photo by Nick Wallace.


creo


3.

4.

3. Keynote speaker Carol

Ammon, founder of Endo

Pharmaceuticals Inc.,

addresses the crowd at a

May 24 Leadership Breakfast.

Photo by Nick Wallace.

4. Charlie Tomlinson of Delaware

Today, Sandy Drzewicki of

Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, and

Ralph Petti of Continuity First

do some networking at a

June 5 Networking Breakfast

at Diamond Technologies in

Wilmington. Photo by Abby

Sayeg.


creo


State Chamber SCENE

6.

5. 5. The crowd acknowledges

all the interesting people

in the room during a June

5 Networking Breakfast at

Diamond Technologies in

Wilmington. Photo by Abby

Sayeg.

6. Patrick Carroll of the

Delaware Humane Association

and special guest Casey take in

the excitement at the 2012 Small

Business Conference and End-

of-Session Legislative Brunch on

June 14 at the Dover Sheraton.

Photo by Abby Sayeg.

7.


creo


9.

8. 7. Michael Waite of Blood Bank Delmarva

and Jenni Fleck Jones of Belfint, Lyons &

Shuman, P.A. network at the 2012 Small

Business Conference and End-of-Session

Legislative Brunch on June 14 at the Dover

Sheraton. Photo by Abby Sayeg.

8. Charlie Copeland of Associates

International asks a question of keynote

speaker Giovanni Coratolo of the U.S.

Chamber of Commerce during the 2012

Small Business Conference and End-of-

Session Legislative Brunch on June 14 at the

Dover Sheraton. Photo by Abby Sayeg.

9. U.S. Representative John Carney and

State Senate Pro Tempore Tony DeLuca

share a laugh during the 2012 Small

Business Conference and End-of-Session

Legislative Brunch on June 14 at the Dover

Sheraton. Photo by Abby Sayeg.


creo


State Chamber SCENE

11.

10. 10. Jim Wolfe and Rich

Heffron present the inau-

gural Small Business

Guardian Award to State

Representative Greg Lavelle

during the 2012 Small

Business Conference and

End-of-Session Legislative

Brunch on June 14 at the

Dover Sheraton. Photo by

Abby Sayeg.

11. Jim Wolfe and Rich

Heffron present the inaugu-

ral Small Business Guardian

Award to State Senator

Robert Venables during

the 2012 Small Business

Conference and End-of-

Session Legislative Brunch

on June 14 at the Dover

Sheraton. Photo by Abby

Sayeg.


creo


12.

13.

12. State Senate Pro

Tempore Tony DeLuca ran

though legislative news and

updates during the 2012

Small Business Conference

and End-of-Session

Legislative Brunch on June

14 at the Dover Sheraton.

Photo by Abby Sayeg.

13. Speaker of the House

Robert Gilligan was honored

for his years of service in

the state legislature dur-

ing a special ceremony at

the 2012 Small Business

Conference and End-of-

Session Legislative Brunch

on June 14 at the Dover

Sheraton. Photo by Abby

Sayeg.


creo


State Chamber SCENE

14. 14. Chuck James of the

DSCC helps Jos. A. Bank

Clothiers in Greenville with its

grand re-opening ceremony

on June 7.

15. Bob Liberato of Emory

Hill strikes a pose with brew-

meister Sam Calagione at

the annual Evening Mixer

at Dogfish Head Brewery in

Milton on June 20.

16. Cortez Brokenbrough

of Delaware Skills Center

loads up during a July 17

Networking Breakfast at

Ronald McDonald House of

Delaware. Photo by Abby

Sayeg.

15. 16.


creo


Communicate In print. Online. In person.

For targeted advertising and event sponsorship opportunities, contact: 302.504.1326 [email protected]

Tickets: DelawareToday.com

September 13 Brandywine Country Club

Food & Drink Nightlife Services

Arts & Leisure Home Kids

THE P

REMIER

E OF

DELA

WARE

GRAP

EVINE

323 WINNERS

Girls’ Night Out


creo



33

Green Guide

Green Idea No. 1 EVRAZ Claymont Steel Improves Air Quality

As one of the nation’s largest producers of custom steel plate (its annual capacity is more than 500,000 tons), Evraz Claymont Steel can boast some prodigious output.

But one byproduct it would like to reduce is air pollution. That’s why the facility is undergoing construction on state-of-the art air pollution con-trol equipment. Think of it as a sophisticated air filter.

“It uses state-of-the art, Teflon-coated bags to clean the process emissions and discharges to the air on the outside,” says Tomasz Wesolowski, director of environmental services. “There’s nothing better on the market, and it meets or exceeds state, federal and international environmental standards.”

10 Great Green Initiatives

from Member CompaniesBY KATIE DUNN AND MATT AMIS

Green is Great

Al Gore aside, no single person or corporation

is going to save the planet from environmental

catastrophe. Instead, we all must do our part.

Delaware Business proudly salutes Chamber

member companies that have taken the reigns

and made our little corner of the globe a little

bit greener. Below, 10 of our favorite green

initiatives sparked from member companies.

DELAWARE BUSINESS | September /October 2012


34 May/June 2012 | DELAWARE BUSINESS

Green Guide

The improvement is part of a consent decree between DNREC andthe company, which has committed to continue technology upgrades that improve air quality. The decree required additional dust control capacity at the plant and its “melt shop” by adding an additional new baghouse which will almost double the plant’s particulate collection and filter system by August 2014.

The Claymont plant also replaced its old combustion system housed in its reheat furnace and installed a more energy efficient oxy-fuel furnace, which also lessens greenhouse gas emissions.

In concert, the changes will improve air-quality significantly in Claymont and surrounding areas.

Green Idea No. 2Croda Taps Cherry Island Landfill

On June 7, under the watchful eyes of Governor Jack Markell and DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara, Croda Inc., officially began construc-tion on an ambitious, $6 million landfill-gas-to-energy project at the Croda Atlas Point chemical manufacturing plant in New Castle.

The goal? Convert gas from the Cherry Island Landfill into fuel to operate Croda’s plant. The re-claimed landfill gas will provide the plant with enough renewable energy to power 55 percent of the plant’s operations, or the energy equivalent of 3,500 homes. The reduction of Croda’s carbon footprint will be the same as removing 33,000 cars from the road. All that from a landfill.

The worldwide chemical supplier invested $5.5 million in the project, with another $500,000 chipped in via a grant from the Delaware Energy Efficiency Investment Fund (EEIF) Program, administered through DNREC’s Division of Energy and Climate.

One more bonus: the creation of 20 construction jobs. The project is expected to be completed by September.

Green Idea No. 3TD Bank LEEDs the Way

TD Bank strives to be as green as its logo.That’s why, since 2010, the banking giant has focused on creating

LEED-certified branches and buildings. TD built its first LEED-designed store in 2010, and currently has 44 LEED-certified stores and buildings (and about 60 additional ongoing projects) in its roster.

Its newest store in Rehoboth Beach is the first store in Delaware that is LEED-designed. As of press time, it was yet awaiting official LEED confirmation.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design—a rating sys-tem developed by the U.S. Green Building Council) evaluates buildings for their overall environmental performance in six areas: sustainable sites, water use, energy efficiency, materials and resource use, indoor environmental quality and innovation and design.

At TD Bank, LEED certification was attained thanks to solar drive-thru canopies, teller counters made of 80 percent recycled material, reduced potable water use, and construction waste recycling.

“By building energy-efficient, green stores, we can reduce our energy consumption, save money, and operate our business in a more sustainable manner,” said spokeswoman Judith Rusk. “We are proud of what we’re doing to be kinder to the environment, and are happy to say that we are a carbon neutral organization.”

Evraz Claymont Steel

Croda

TD Bank


creo


Green Guide

Green Idea No. 4Blue Rocks Install Eco-Friendly Light Bulbs

While Mr. Celery already adds a slight greenish hue to the Wilmington Blue Rocks, the Frawley Stadium tenants got a little greener last season when they renovated 125 lighting fixtures with a more energy-efficient model.

The T5 Retrofit Kit, provided by City Electric Supply and The Green Savings Company LLC, is the most energy-efficient lighting solution on the market, and aims to reduce the Rocks’ lighting costs by 68 percent annually. A retrofitted conversion from T12 bulbs to T5 bulbs allowed the building to keep its current fixtures while introducing new bulbs, accord-ing to assistant GM Andrew Layman.

It also earned the organization a valuable $5,500 energy-efficiency light-ing rebate from the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility.

Frawley Stadium, built in 1993, had utilized outdated T12 fluorescent bulbs. With new eco-friendly and energy-efficient bulbs lighting the way, the future of the Blue Rocks looks even brighter.

Green Idea No. 5CSC Ingeo Eliminates Paper Waste

In late 2011, Corporation Service Company—a local and international leader for business, legal and financial services—acquired Ingeo, a Utah-based company that specializes in eRecording. It’s a process that effectively eliminates paper wherever possible in corporate settings by scanning and storing documents digitally—something that could prove very useful to CSC’s corporate clients when it came time to file myriad paperwork with government agencies.

“In essence, we are the middle person between large submitter banks, title companies, law firms and the county governments,” says CSC vice president Scott Malfitano. What we have done is create an online (paper-less) process to transfer documents to be recorded. We remove paper, increase processing time, get payment to the counties the same day.”

CSC Ingeo is today connected to 500+ Counties Clerks and County Recorder of Deeds departments across the country, helping them cut down on paper and postage, and streamlining electronic payment. Any rejected documents are flagged online and sent with an alert back to the bank or title company.

“We file well over two million documents a year,” Malfitano says. A few well-known customers include Bank of America, Citibank, Wells Fargo, PNC, JP Morgan Chase and SunTrust.

Green Idea No. 6The News Journal Prints on Recycled Paper

Delaware’s most-read daily newspaper, with a circulation of roughly 114,435 (131,796 on Sundays) goes through about 850 metric tons of

paper every month. That’s a lot of paper. Thankfully, the News Journal and its parent company Ganett source paper from mills that recycle.

“It can go anywhere from as low as 20 to 100 percent recycled,” says production director Rod Arnold.” It really depends on where we’re getting it at the time.” The average recycled paper content: 34 percent.

Arnold says the newspaper has been printed on recycled paper for at least 10 years, and for the past 15 years it has utilized soy-based color inks instead of harmful petroleum products.

Wilmington

Blue Rocks

Th e News Journal



“We don’t really publicize it as we used to,” Arnold says. “I think the readers just take it for granted.”

Green Idea No. 7Emory Hill’s LEEDership Qualities

At most construction sites, there is a chance of doing environmental damage. Emory Hill Companies have taken measures to dramatically reduce that probability. The company received the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Delaware 2011 Best “Green” Project Award for its work on the Delaware Tech Energy House at the Owens Campus in Georgetown.

The building was constructed to be energy and storm efficient similar to the way a person would like their home to be built. The project was awarded a LEED Platinum Certification, making it the second facility to receive the award in the state of Delaware.

The Royal Farms chain of convenience stores is another project where Emory Hill has gone green. The chain wanted to minimize destruction to the environment when building new stores, and partnered with Emory Hill to take the steps to minimize their impact. All newly constructed stores are now LEED certified. The newest store in the works—which will also include a car wash—will brings about even more green solutions to discover.

Green Idea No. 8EDiS Helps Sunday Breakfast Mission Go Green

When the Sunday Breakfast Mission wanted to get the most bang for their buck while constructing its new Women and Family Center, the Wilmington homeless shelter looked to the “Green Cents” program at EDiS. The goal of the program—helmed by one of the oldest construction companies in Delaware—is to make a building as economically and energy efficient as possible.

EDiS first had to clean the site of hazardous materials; as a Brownfield site, it was not fit to build upon. Once construction began, a rubber roof to reflect light, a triple-pane, low-heat glass for windows, low-flush toilets and motion activated hallway lights all contributed to making the Women and Family Center a super green building.

After construction was complete, there was still the job of furnishing each room in the building. EDiS adopted a room and used only reclaimed products to furnish it. The Sunday Breakfast Mission family was thrilled with the new center and the “green” work of EDiS. Saving money on energy costs can, in fact, be quite thrilling.

Green Idea No. 9UD’s Garden in the Shade

On top of Colburn Lab at the University of Delaware sits a garden over 4,000 square feet of vegetation and recycled rubber walkway tiles that provides more than an awesome aerial view. The garden was first created to give relief to engineering students from hot days after the air conditioning was turned off for the season. After almost four years of hard work, the garden was finally completed in June 2012.

Dr. Annette Shine and Chad Nelson were the faculty leads of the gardening crew that also consisted of students from the College of

Green Guide

Emory Hill

EDis/Sunday

Breakfast Mission

University of Delaware



Emory HillCompanies Commercial Brokerage, Construction, Property Management

Maintenance and Residential Real EstateReal Estate. Construction. Excellence.

We’ll help you save money and save the earth -

“Best Green Project”

“Energy House”

Engineering and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The plants act as a natural heat shield, absorbing and deflecting the

sun’s radiation. They have helped lower the classroom temperature by 5 or 6 degrees and also delay the high heat of the day a few hours when fewer classes are in session.

So far in 2012 alone, the rooftop garden has prevented 10,500 gallons of storm water from going into the White Clay Creek Watershed and reduced the emission of carbon dioxide to the environment by 1,212 pounds. As an added bonus, each month the University saves on the cost of energy to cool the rooms under the garden’s domain. Dr. Shine noted that the energy savings are more than her 2,000 square foot air conditioned home’s con-sumption.

Green Idea No. 10DelTech Learning to Build “Green”

There exists a high demand for skilled technicians who know their way around energy efficiency.

Delaware Technical Community College’s Innovation and Technology Center recently launched a world-class manufacturing skills program focused on energy-efficient manufacturing and facilities maintenance. Manufacturers agreed that in order to have a healthy business, there is a need for the specific type of skilled training that this program now pro-vides. DelTech worked with manufacturers across the state for support in identifying the critical needs of our local businesses and training the skilled workforce that can fill those jobs locally.

DelTech has secured the equipment, developed new training programs

and created customized programs to fit local manufacturers’ needs. Most of the costs were covered by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. Some of the green programs include weatherization and environmental safety. Training includes a range of hands-on learning and e-learning labo-ratories that hone job-ready skill sets. Students put theory to practice in classrooms built to mirror the real world. The program officially began in August with students envisioning a green future. ■

Delaware Technical

Community College





Guide to Education

A NEW SYSTEM for assessing student performance, improving test scores and the creation of new programs to spur student achievement have Gov. Jack Markell and state education officials anticipating continued progress during the new school year.

“The results we’re seeing show that progress is possible when we focus on what matters most, the children in the classroom and the teachers and principals that help them learn,” Markell says.

“It’s incredibly important that we continue to build on the momentum we have now,” says Mark Murphy, who succeeded Lillian Lowery in May as the state’s secretary of education. “We’re seeing thousands more children being successful, showing proficiency in meeting reading and math stan-dards. It’s very encouraging, and we need to build on that.”

The 2011-12 Delaware Comprehensive Assessment System (DCAS) results showed substantial increases in reading and math proficiency for students in grades 3 through 10. Reading proficiency increased from 61 percent of all students in 2011 to 73 percent this year; for math, proficien-cy increased from 62 percent of all students to 72 percent. Performance at “advanced” levels, the highest in the rating system, increased from 35 per-cent to 41 percent in reading and from 23 percent to 29 percent in math.

In addition, the test results showed greater improvement in both reading and math for both African-American and Hispanic students than for non-Hispanic white students, and for low socioeconomic status students when compared with their counterparts—indications that the “achievement gap” between the groups is narrowing.

DCAS results also showed increased proficiency rates in both social stud-ies (grades 4 and 7 were tested) and science (grades 5, 8 and 10) but those gains were smaller than those shown in reading and math.

Murphy points to three broad-based initiatives that are contributing to improved performance: the development of professional learning commu-nities (PLC), multiple testing opportunities through DCAS, and expanded leadership and development coaching.

The Professional Learning Communities, set up last year in each school, give teachers assigned to the same grade or subject area a 90-minute time block each week to discuss the progress their students are making and strat-egies to keep them moving forward, Murphy says.

Helping drive the PLC effort is the more sophisticated data available through DCAS, which is administered to all students three times a year, in fall, winter and spring. The tests themselves are computer-adaptive, with

Innovations, new test results, signal improvement in public schoolsBY LARRY NAGENGAST

Bright Ideas



the difficulty of questions adjusting according to the responses studentsgive to previous questions. The immediate feedback provided to students, parents and teachers makes it easier to identify strengths and weaknesses and adjust teaching strategies to better meet student needs.

Several coaching initiatives, according to Murphy, are helping prin-cipals develop leadership skills and giving them more time to focus on academic priorities.

Through the state’s $119 million Race to the Top federal grant, the state last year hired nine “development coaches” to work once a week with prin-cipals in 60 schools and to provide some district and county-level training programs. This year, the coaches will work in about 75 schools, including about 50 of the buildings served last year and 20 to 25 new ones. Their duties include working with principals on teacher development and evalua-tion issues, Murphy says.

Another 28 schools had the benefit of a “school administration man-ager,” or SAM, last year. The SAM takes on duties related to the school’s operation, giving the principal more flexibility to work on academic issues.

Better leadership means better support for teachers, and that translates into improved growth for students, Murphy says.

Murphy, who met with key stakeholders in each of the state’s 19 school districts during June, says educators had identified several new programs that appear to have an impact on improving test scores.

They include the creation of the New Tech Academy at Seaford High School, an acceleration program that gives special attention to lagging students in the Smyrna School District, and the introduction of Singapore Math curriculum in the Brandywine School District.

NewTech, an instructional system that relies on project-based learning, originated in Napa, Calif., and has been replicated in more than 60 schools in about 15 states, says Stephanie Smith, the Seaford School District’s pub-lic information officer. About half of the school’s ninth- and 10th-grade students volunteered for the new tech program last year, and 11th grade will be added this year, she says.

In project-based learning, Smith says, two subjects are taught together and students work in groups on projects that incorporate concepts integral to both subject areas. In one class, combining biology and language arts, students used their science skills to solve a murder mystery patterned on the Crime Scene Investigation television series.

“We’ve seen significant differences in DCAS scores, especially among freshmen compared to those in traditional classrooms, and attendance in New Tech is about 3 percent higher,” she says.

Smith says Seaford identified New Tech as a workable concept through its association with Innovative Schools Inc., a Wilmington-based nonprofit that researches successful school models nationwide and helps replicate them in Delaware. Throughout the school year, Innovative Schools assisted Seaford officials in building connections with the national New Tech Network, training teachers on new instructional methods and building community partnerships, says Debbie Doordan, the group’s executive director.

The acceleration approach used in Smyrna may seem counter-intuitivebut three years of using the strategy has produced improved test scores for children who need extra instruction in the summer, says Sandy Shalk, the district’s director of instruction. Rather than use summer school to review topics the students did not learn well the previous year, about one-quarter of the time is spent on remediation and three-quarters on acceleration,

introducing new materials that the students will be learning during the first quarter of the new school year.

“It’s not a panacea for everything,” Shalk says, “but when students feel success after they have been struggling, they just grow with it.”

In Brandywine, math scores in the elementary grades have improved since the Singapore math program was introduced district-wide in fourth through sixth grade in the 2010-11 school year after three years as a pilot program, says Sally Todorow, the district’s math coach. Last year the pro-gram was broadened to reach from kindergarten through seventh grade, she says. Singapore math, Todorow says, strikes a balance in teaching both procedures and concepts, while the math curriculum previously used focused primarily on concepts.

School officials anticipate continuing to build on several innovations that got their start in the past year.

To train aspiring principals, Innovative Schools and the Department of Education adapted a program created by the New York City Leadership Academy to implement a 15-month program that placed six future prin-cipals in intern-like positions last year. Another six candidates joined the program’s second cohort this summer. Those who complete the program must commit to working three years as a principal or assistant principal in a high-need school.

Distance learning and videoconferencing took significant steps forward last year. The Red Clay school district built studio-like distance learning labs at A.I. du Pont High School and the Conrad Schools of Science, enabling students at both schools to take the same class, taught by a single teacher. The district’s education foundation is raising funds for additional labs, which could be set up this school year at the shared Charter School of Wilmington/Cab Calloway School of the Arts building and McKean High School,

Guide to Education

© 2012 Kumon North America. All rights reserved.

FREE PLACEMENT TESTING

Academic EnrichmentPre-K – 12th Grade877.586.6673 | www.kumon.com

“We’re seeing thousands more children being

successful, showing profi ciency in meeting

reading and math standards. It’s very

encouraging, and we need to build on that.”


creo


What can UDdo for you?

�Career enhancement

�Customized learning

�Degree completionThe University of Delaware’s Division of Professional and Continuing Studies can help you build your professional skills, improve your organization’s bottom line, and enrich your life.

• Certificate programs

• Customized learning solutions for your organization

• Credit courses—online or in the classroom

• Academic and career counseling

DB090012

UD is for you!302-831-7600

866-820-0238 (toll-free)

[email protected]

www.pcs.udel.edu

Superintendent Merv Daugherty says. And Cape Henlopen High School,among others, made extensive use of videoconferencing, scheduling more than 20 virtual field trips to locations hundreds of miles from the school.

The 2012-13 academic year will be significant for the charter school seg-ment of the public school system.

The State Board of Education has recently approved a new applica-tion form and framework, updating the criteria for approving new charter schools and monitoring the performance of those already in operation. The governor’s office has also created a task force to recommend improvements to the state’s charter school law, which has been largely unchanged since its adoption in 1995. Its report is expected to be ready before the General Assembly reconvenes in January.

Also this fall, the Community Education Building Corp. will begin reviewing applications from charters interested in moving into the new Community Education Building near Rodney Square in downtown Wilmington. The nine-story building, formerly part of the Bank of America office complex, is expected to house four charter schools, starting in September 2013.

During the coming school year, educators will be paying close attention to the details as they implement new programs, and the state “will make sure our teachers and principals have the resources they need to meet the needs of our students,” Murphy says.

By keeping a sharp focus on classroom needs, Markell says, “Our kids will be ready to compete with kids from around the world.” ■

Business & Financial Strategies

Targeted to Your Specific Needs.

Paul Seitz, CPA, ABV, CVA, CFFA

[email protected]

302 658 0292

Profitability and performance strategies

Fraud and forensic accounting

Valuation advisory

Working capital management

Litigation support & expert witness

SEITZ CONSULTING, LLCS t r a t e g i c F i n a n c i a l S e r v i c e s


creo


School of Graduate Studies and Research | 302.857.6800Find out more today: desu.edu

Further enrich your life learning at DSU

25 master’s degree programs and five doctoral degree programs in a wide variety of areas, including:

Business Administration (M.B.A.) Computer Science (M.S.) Physics (M.S.)Educational Leadership (M.Ed., Ed.D.) Sport Administration (M.S.) Optics (Ph.D.)

Cutting-edge scientific research

Dedicated faculty, challenging curriculum and real-life experience prepare you for success



130,610 futures await.

Education in the First State: Positioned to Lead Fifth Annual Vision 2015 Conference on Education

Wednesday, October 17, 2012 Clayton Hall, University of Delaware

Newark, Delaware

www.vision2015delaware.org



We help companies become more innovative and profitable by investing in their most valuable resource, their people.

Global Corporate College is committed to providing you customized training and development solutions.

For more information, call 866-311-8926or email Melaney Koorey at [email protected]

Global Corporate College | 6001 Cochran Road, Suite 305 | Solon, OH 44139 | 440.793.0202 | globalcorporatecollege.com

Your Partner in Corporate Education

C a l l T h e A r e a L e a d e r i n E d u c a t i o n a l C o n t r a c t S e r v i c e s f o r S c h o o l s a n d D i s t r i c t s

• Translating, Interpreting and Sign Language Interpreting• Extended Day• Homebound Services• ESL and Foreign Language Programs• Title I• Extended School Year• Remedial ELA and/or Math Programs• Part-time year-round teachers to fill your staff• Summer School and credit recovery or original credit• K-12 Private School at our site

302-594-0754 backtobasicsprivateschool.com backtobasicslearning.com

60+ Subjects K-AdultAt school, student home, or our Centers

Serving all counties in DE • Since 1985

Hall of Fame of DE Women Award WinnerBetter Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics Winner


creo


Superstars in Education

Curtain Call

Janine Sorbello of The

Partnership, Inc. hands out

trophies to the students of

Richardson Park Learning

Center.

The Superstars Hit

the Road program

included a stop at

McKean High School.

The 2012

Superstars

in Education

winners take

a bow



The students of Richardson Park

Learning Center display proudly their

Superstars in Education banner.


Students and faculty of the Capital

School District were honored during

the Superstars in Education Hit the

Road assembly.



Nellie H. Stokes

Elementary School


The Capital School District

McKean High School




Top left: Caesar Rodney School District

Top right: H.B. du Pont Middle School

Center: Central Middle School

Bottom: Richardson Park Learning Center



BUILDING YOUR BUSINESS TAKES THE RIGHT TOOLSTO MANAGE THE OUTFLOW OF CASH.With Cash Flow Options

SM

from PNC, we can help you take advantage of everydayuntapped opportunities. Like improving your payment practices. So you have morecontrol over the timing of cash outflow, and save time and money getting cash towhere it needs to go. For uncovering opportunities to help improve your cash flow,visit pnc.com/cfo, stop by a branch or call 1-855-PNC-CFO5.

ACCELERATE RECEIVABLES

IMPROVE PAYMENT PRACTICES

INVEST EXCESS CASH

LEVERAGE ONLINE TECHNOLOGY

ENSURE ACCESS TO CREDIT

for the achiever in youSM

All loans are subject to credit approval and may require automatic payment deduction from a PNC Bank Business Checking account. Origination and/orother fees may apply. PNC is a registered mark of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (“PNC”). Cash Flow Options is a service mark of The PNCFinancial Services Group, Inc. © 2012 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC


creo


Alejandro

Creative director

Robotic lung surgery at 48

Back to pluckin’ three days later

KENT GENERALMILFORD MEMORIALwww.bayhealth.org

Thanks to a da Vinci® robotic procedure, lungcancer patients have a new surgical option.

The most effective, least invasive surgical treatment available today is offered at Bayhealth—includinglung cancer surgery. Our experienced surgeons perform the most complex and delicate proceduresthrough incisions just millimeters in length usingthe da Vinci Surgical System. The result? Less pain,less scarring, less time in the hospital and a faster return to normal activities. If you’re facing surgeryfor lung cancer, explore the possibility of roboticsurgery with us.

Learn more at bayhealth.org/robotics.

Wilmington 302.658.5508 Rehoboth 302.227.7100

lyonsinsurance.com

Risk Control Captives Workers Compensation

Wilmington Office: 62 Rockford Road Suite 200 Wilmington, DE 19806

www.COVERROSSITER.com (302) 656-6632

Middletown Office: Bunker Hill Professional Centre II102 Sleepy Hollow Drive Suite 201 Middletown, DE 19709

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS & ADVISORS

Scan with your mobile phone to learn more!


creo


WE CAN’T SEE IT, yet we know it’s there—that link between the mind, body and spirit.

Achieving a healthy outlook in all three elements helps us to lead hap-pier lives. It also can boost our ability to build successful businesses and other organizations.

At Delaware Swim and Fitness Center in New Castle, swimmers who want to take the plunge into water challenges learn how to control their breathing and keep anxiety at bay. That’s a lesson to remember on dry land, if you are trying to keep a company afloat.

“If carbon dioxide builds up in the body it sends a panic signal to the brain,” says Glenn Moore, chief operation officer. “We teach swimmers to exhale as soon as their head hits the water and to turn their head and inhale after every three strokes.”

Swimming also is a life-long pursuit. Unlike ice hockey and other con-tact sports, you are never too old to play. And like a diverse company, everybody is invited into the pool. At Delaware Swim, there are adults in

beginner swim classes. Andrew Gemmell, the state’s only member of the 2012 Olympic team, trains there.

Plus, the more you swim, the easier it will be to fit into your bathing suit. Simply treading water burns 11 calories a minute, the same as a brisk jog.

“It’s a great aerobic workout, as well as relaxing, a way to empty your mind of the stresses of the day,” Moore says. “Swimming also is beneficial because you don’t have the stress on your joints that you do with running.”

TIP: Looking for a low-impact workout? Here’s a healthy way to make waves. In chest-deep water, face the wall of the pool. Grab the edge with your left hand. Place your right palm, with your fingers pointing down, below the water line. Put your feet and knees together and extend your legs behind you. Kick like a dolphin, starting with your mid-section and hips, then your thighs and knees. Keep going for 30 seconds.

At Hockessin Athletic Club, members have an array of fitness activities to choose from, including cardio kick boxing, cycling and weight training.

Guide to Health and FitnessGlenn Moore of the Delaware Swim

and Fitness Center says facing

challenges at the gym can lead to

improved health. PHOTO BY ABBY SAYEG

Improve upon all three this fall, with help from the DSCC expertsBY EILEEN SMITH DALLABRIDA

Mind, Body + Spırit



BEEBE DELIVERS QUALITY AND INNOVATIONBeebe’s specialty services and programs rank among the best in the state and in the nation. Some of our specialty services and programs are listed below:

• An exceptional orthopaedics program• Superior cardiac and vascular services that use

the latest technologies• Tunnell Cancer Center, known across the region

as the choice to make for cancer treatment• Gastrointestinal specialty services and proce-

dures including bariatric surgery

To read about the accolades for our medical specialties, please visit Beebe Medical Center’s website at www.beebemed.org.

BEEBE DELIVERS CONVENIENCEBeebe Health Services are never far away. Outpatient services offer flex-ible scheduling in multiple locations throughout Sussex County. Services are located on our main campus in Lewes, and in Rehoboth Beach, Milton, Georgetown, Long Neck, Millsboro, and Millville. Beebe also offers home health services.

Services include:

• Beebe Lab Express (7 locations)• Beebe Imaging (X-Rays, MRI, CT scans,

Ultrasound, Mammography, etc.)• Beebe Rehab (Physical Therapy, Occupational

Therapy, and Speech and Language Pathology)

• Wound Care Services• Diabetes Management• Home Health Agency

BEEBE MEDICAL CENTERDELIVERS FOR DELAWARE

Beebe Medical Center is a leader in providing comprehen-sive healthcare services—whether it’s inpatient care and surgical procedures or outpatient services at locations just around the corner from where you live.

The collaborative teamwork of our staff, physicians, volunteers and friends brings exemplary care and innovation to the people who reside in or visit Delaware.

Lewes, Delaware www.beebemed.org

302-645-3300

EXCELLENT PEOPLE.EXCELLENT CARE.

BEEBE MEDICAL CENTER RECEIVES

THE 2012 HEALTHGRADES®

DISTINGUISHED HOSPITAL

AWARD FOR CLINICAL EXCELLENCE™

THREE YEARS IN A ROW

In addition to methods for making your heart pump harder, HACoffers outlets for members to get their minds and spirits in shape. A one hour mind and body yoga class focuses on developing deep breathing and increasing stability and a wider range of motion—both on and off the mat. Connecting movement and breathing help to relieve mental stress and physical tension.

HAC’s menu of massage services have proved so popular that the club is expanding the department to include more massage rooms.

“Massage is great for relaxation, yet it has a lot of medicinal purposes,” says Craig Bohn, massage director. “There is a power to touch and kind-ness and care.”

HAC’s approach to massage focuses on mind, body and spirit, a phi-losophy that is taken seriously. All references to pampering and fluff have been removed from the massage center’s marketing materials. Therapists are instructed not to engage clients in conversation, unless the client wants to talk. Lighting is subdued.

“It’s like meditation,” he says. “You aren’t thinking about your grocery list.”Massages are tailored to meet various needs. Pre-natal massage helps to

reduce the swelling and discomfort often associated with pregnancy. Bohn traveled to Hawaii to work intensively with an athlete training for the grueling Iron Man triathlon, which combines a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile marathon run.

“He moved up 250 places in the race,” he recalls. “He said he could not have done it without his massage regimen.”

At HAC, massage therapists worked with a gymnast who had given up the sport due to severe chronic back pain, providing weekly massages for 10 consecutive weeks. Several months later, Bohn reports he is free of pain and has returned to the gym.

“Massage is part of a wellness regimen,” he says. “Massage has helped veterans suffering from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). Preemies gain weight faster if they have massage.”

TIP: If you are looking to massage therapy to address a specific physical concern,schedule regular visits. “You will start to see more results when you have mas-sage on an ongoing basis, perhaps once a month,” Bohn says. “The results are cumulative.”


creo


.

When it comes to the future of your Medicare and Social Security, you’ve earned the facts. Now with AARP’s online tools, fact kits, and community conversations across the country, it’s easy to get the facts and get involved. While Washington talks behind closed doors, we’re bringing the conversation to you, because you’ve earned a say.

Get the facts and join the conversation at earnedasay.org

Health care systems also are integrating services that address body, mind and spirit. For example:

Bayhealth offers a monthly series, Steps to Healthy Aging Clinics, at Kent General Hospital in Dover. Topics include cardiovascular health, eating light around the holidays and making your home safer in order to reduce your risk of falls and other accidents. Bayhealth sponsors quarterly classes at Milford Memorial Hospital.

At Christiana Care’s Eugene du Pont Preventive Medicine & Rehabilitation Institute in Greenville, patients will find a managed approach to weight loss. The team includes a doctor, registered dietician, psychologist and fitness trainer who take a comprehensive approach to weight loss, balancing medicine, nutrition, mental health and exercise.

The Consumer Health Resource Center in the medical library at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington is open to the public. There is an extensive selection of consumer health books, in addition to wellness materials, fact sheets and DVDs on healthy lifestyles. The resource center also includes information published in Spanish.

At the Sunday Breakfast Mission in Wilmington, homeless men, women and children are offered faith-centered support to heal their bodies, minds and spirits.

Many of the people who come to the mission suffer from mental ill-ness, alcoholism and drug addictions. Because people who have lived on

the streets often don’t have access to health care, there is a medical clinic at the mission every Tuesday. They also can look forward to clean clothes and nutritious meals.

“They can smell the aroma of food and know that they will have good things to eat,” says Rev. Tom Laymon, president and CEO. “Their plates will be full and they can enjoy conversation when they eat, just like anybody else.”

Establishing an atmosphere of calm and safety is essential. Each person who comes into the mission is welcomed. Walls are painted in soothing greens and blues.

“They are greeted with a smile,” Laymon says. “There are no angry reds or dark browns on the walls. Everything feels light.”

Most successful businesses and organizations have best practices, estab-lished procedures that help work to flow. That also rings true at the mis-sion, where people whose lives have spun out of control thrive in an atmo-sphere of stability.

“There’s a routine,” Laymon says. “Education, recreation, worship.”The spiritual connection is the glue that binds physical and mental well-

being together.“Our belief in God underlies the whole formation of what we do,” he says.

TIP: Establish a culture of warmth and serenity. Paint the walls in the work-place in calming colors. Make it a policy to greet colleagues, customers and clients with respect and kindness.

Guide to Health and Fitness



She could use your help to fight her breast cancer.

Giving blood gives her a future.Please call 1 888 8-BLOOD-8 to make an appointment.

Cancer Community Support Delaware offers cancer patients and theirloved ones a secure setting to air their feelings with a licensed therapist.

“It’s daunting to receive a cancer diagnosis and everybody can benefit from sup-port, no matter how many relatives and friends you have, no matter how strong a faith community a person might have,” says Sean Hebbel, program director.

The organization has offices in Dover, Greenville and Lewes. Supportgroups typically are scheduled for about two hours for each session, although they frequently are shorter. Patients are asked to commit to attending at least three sessions.

“You wouldn’t skip a doctor’s appointment to go to the mall,” Hebbel says. “We believe appointments here are just as important.”

Patients can nurture their physical, mental and spiritual health through yoga and tai chi, which harness gentle, flowing movements to enhance flex-ibility and reduce stress.

“When people first come to us, their faces might be drawn and their bodies are tense,” he says. “When they leave, they are not so tense.”

Occasionally, the group offers instruction in mindful self-hypnosis, a height-ened state of awareness in which the mind is open to positive thoughts.

“It’s for relaxation but a lot of people have learned to control their pain through self-hypnosis,” Hebbel says.

TIP: Commit to giving a new healthy behavior three tries. “If you only dosomething once and it isn’t a great experience, people tend to give up on it,” Hebbel says. “After three times, you will have a much more realistic view.” ■

Guide to Health and Fitness


creo


Kevin J. Conte joins YMCA of

Delaware as Chief Financial

Officer

The YMCA of Delaware announced that

Kevin J. Conte has joined the organiza-

tion as its new Chief Financial Officer.

“Effective immediately, we welcome

Kevin to our staff at the YMCA of

Delaware Association office, and look

forward to his guidance and leadership.

Kevin’s nineteen years at Wilmington

Trust exposed him to every facet of

financial services. His impeccable work

record and achievements at the bank

are indisputable,” said Michael

P. Graves, president of the

YMCA of Delaware. “I know

Kevin will be a tremendous

asset to the YMCA, and we’re

glad he’s here.”

Kevin graduated from the

University of Delaware and

received his MBA from Duke

University. He resides in north-

ern Delaware with his family.

Precision AirConvey

Welcomes New Regional

Sales Manager

Precision AirConvey, Inc., the industry

leader in trim and scrap removal sys-

tems, welcomed its newest Regional

Sales Manager, Kevin Callaghan.

Callaghan will be responsible for man-

aging existing accounts and driving

new business development efforts

among converters and manufacturers

in the Midwest region.

Callaghan brings to PAC an exten-

sive background as both a sales

engineer and territory manager with

experience in industrial manufacturing

and energy production. Callaghan’s

extensive history of success with man-

aging capital equipment projects will

be instrumental in territory and key

account expansion.

Richards Layton and Fred

Cottrell Named Among The

World’s Leading Patent

Practitioners

Richards, Layton & Finger and firm

director Frederick L. Cottrell III have

been selected to appear in the inau-

gural edition of IAM Patent 1000 – The

World’s Leading Patent Practitioners.

The IAM research team interviewed

attorneys and clients in 50 key jurisdic-

tions around the globe to identify the

lawyers and law firms that

companies turn to when only

the best patent work will do.

Cottrell practices in Richards

Layton’s Litigation Department,

focusing on intellectual prop-

erty, antitrust, products liability

and commercial law. He speaks

frequently on Delaware District

Court practice, Delaware intel-

lectual property and patent law,

Newsbites

Belfint, Lyons & Shuman’s Donna McClintock

Honored by Rotary

Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, P.A. announced that Donna L. McClintock, CPA was rec-

ognized at Christiana Rotary’s annual induction ceremony as a Paul Harris Fellow

and was inducted as the 2012/2013 Treasurer of Club.

Paul Harris Fellow recognition was created in memory of Paul Harris, the founder of

Rotary, as a way to show appreciation for contributions to the Rotary Foundation’s chari-

table and educational program. A Paul Harris Fellow is an individual who contributes

$1,000 or in whose name that amount is contributed. The Paul Harris Fellow serves as

an advocate of the Foundation’s goals of world peace and international understanding.

Frederick L. Cottrell

III


creo


and dispute resolution. IAM Patent 1000

notes that Cottrell is “a respected figure

who has cultivated superb relationships

with out-of-state firms and the judiciary.”

National Honors for Delaware

Today Magazine Delaware Today magazine recently

received national honors from the National

Federation of Press Women (NFPW),

earning several top awards in the 2012

National Federation of Press Women

Communications Contest. Three members

of the Delaware Today editorial team and

affiliated freelancers earned a total of four

honors, all ranking first or second place.

Editor-in-Chief Maria Hess captured first

place for her November 2011 personal-

ity profile featuring Jennifer Behm, titled

“Cooking up a Storm.” Managing Editor

Drew Ostroksi earned first place awards for

both his headline writing and his column

“302 First,” while freelance writer Mary

Pauer received second place honors for

her special article, “We Do Dirt.”

The National Federation of Press Women

is a nationwide organization comprised of

both men and women engaged in careers

across the communications spectrum.

Each year, the communications contest

provides a competitive outlet in a wide

variety of categories that ultimately encour-

age and reward excellence in communica-

tion. “We are humbled by the awards,”

says Hess. “It inspires us to keep up the

momentum and to improve our craft.”

Morris Nichols’ Rick

Alexander Named

One of the Top Ten

Most Highly Regarded

Corporate Governance

Lawyers in the World

Rick Alexander, member of

the Morris Nichols Delaware

Corporate Law Counseling

Group and Chair of the firm’s

Executive Committee, has been

named one of the top ten most

highly regarded corporate gov-

ernance lawyers worldwide by

The International Who’s Who of

Corporate Governance Lawyers

2012. Rick was recognized from among

485 other corporate governance lawyers

from 50 countries who stood out in sur-

vey feedback received from clients, in-

house counsel and fellow private practi-

tioners. He is the only Delaware lawyer,

and one of only five U.S. lawyers named

to the top list.

Newsbites

Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children

Among “Most Wired” HospitalsThe Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children has again been recognized

among the “Most Wired” hospitals and health systems in the U.S. for 2012 by

Hospitals and Health Networks magazine. Being named to the annual Most Wired

list is a coveted distinction that recognizes a hospital’s meaningful use of health

information technology. This is the second year in a row the duPont Hospital for

Children has been recognized with this award.

In the 2012 survey, 1,570 hospitals were represented--approximately 27 percent of all

hospitals nationwide. Just 154 hospitals were awarded “Most Wired” status. Nemours/

Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children was the only Delaware hospital and the only

Delaware Valley children’s hospital to win “Most Wired.” Hospitals & Health Networks

is the flagship publication of the American Hospital Association. This is the 14th year

Hospitals & Health Networks has named the “Most Wired” Hospitals and Health Systems.

Judging criteria looked at progress in adoption, implementation and use of informa-

tion technology in the four areas of infrastructure, business management, clinical qual-

ity and safety, and care continuum. Nemours was previously recognized for its use of

information technology. In 2011 the Healthcare Information & Management Systems

Society (HIMSS) Analytics awarded Nemours its Stage 7 award—the highest level of

attainment in adopting electronic medical records. Less than 1 percent of the nation’s

5,000 hospitals share this distinction.

Rick Alexander


creo


Order of the First State

Awarded to Bruce M.

Stargatt, Esquire

The law firm of Young Conaway Stargatt

& Taylor, LLP announced that Bruce M.

Stargatt, Esquire has been awarded the

Order of the First State by Governor Jack

Markell. The award is the highest honor

for meritorious service granted by the

governor.

“Bruce is a great Delawarean and I’m

proud to have gotten to know him over the

last decade,” said Governor Jack Markell.

“His impact on Delaware is far-reaching

and his commitment to serving others is

inspiring. It is with great pleasure and grati-

tude I award him with the Order of the First

State.”

Throughout his career, Bruce Stargatt

has served the State, the Delaware

Supreme Court and the citizens of

Delaware with great distinction, and his

efforts have had a huge impact on the

quality of life of Delawareans.

Mr. Stargatt came to Delaware with

the Delaware Air National Guard, and

after completing his tour of service as

a Legal Officer in the Guard, he started

his Delaware legal career. Before long,

he became a founding partner of Young

Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP, which

would become one of Delaware’s most

prominent law firms.

As a practicing lawyer, Mr. Stargatt was

also active in the community and he was

often called upon by the Courts for vol-

untary service to help improve the deliv-

ery of legal services for the benefit of all

Delaware citizens. The Delaware Supreme

Court sought Mr. Stargatt for important

projects to keep Delaware in the forefront

of the evolution of the law. He served

as a volunteer on the Supreme Court

SEPTEMBER 5Evening Mixer

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Location: Nicola Pizza, Rehoboth Beach

For more information, please contact

Kelly Wetzel at (302) 576-6586 or

[email protected]

SEPTEMBER 6Chamber Chase Golf Tournament

All Day

Location: Kings Creek Country Club,

Rehoboth Beach



[email protected]

SEPTEMBER 11Women in Business Forum with Dr.

Kathleen Matt

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Location: DSCC Board Room

For more information, contact Katie Dunn

at (302) 576-6578 or [email protected]

SEPTEMBER 19Small Business Alliance Workshop:

“What Apps You Need”

7:30 am-9:30 am

Location: Wilmington University New

Castle Campus

For more information, contact Katie Dunn

at (302) 576-6578, or [email protected]

SEPTEMBER 2711th Annual Tabletop Mixer

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Location: Chase Center on the Riverfront



[email protected]

OCTOBER 2Networking Breakfast at Janssen’s

7:30-9:00 a.m.

Location: Jannsen’s Market, Greenville

Pre-registration required

For more information, contact Kelly Wetzel

at (302) 576-6586 or [email protected]

OCTOBER 16Chamber Leadership Breakfast Series

with Leo Strine

7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Location: University & Whist Club,

Wilmington



[email protected]

OCTOBER 22-26Delaware Principal for a Day Week

All day

Location: All schools throughout

Delaware

For more information, call Janine Sorbello

at (302) 576-6575

OCTOBER 23Networking Breakfast at the Christiana

Mall

7:30-9:00 a.m.

Pre-registration required



[email protected]

OCTOBER 25 – 26, 2012Government Affairs Retreat

Location: Atlantic Boardwalk Hotel,

Rehoboth Beach, DE

For more information, contact

Rich Heffron at (302) 576-6563 or

[email protected]

Calendar of Eventscontinued on 58



I truly care about helping my customers succeed. Let me help you market with Delaware’s number one ad source and you’ll be well on your way.

Nicole CausiAutomotive Account [email protected](302) 324-2647

DELAWARE’S DIGITAL AND PRINT LEADERThe News Journal Media Group provides targeted multi-platform solutions for local businesses.

I truly care about helping my customers succeed

CARE PROVIDER

Advisory Committee of the American Bar Association Standards

for Criminal Justice. As Chair of the Delaware Appellate Handbook

Committee, he headed a team that produced a detailed set

of instructions for the filing and handling of civil and criminal

appeals from every Delaware Court. He was also appointed by

the Supreme Court to be Chair of the Delaware Supreme Court’s

Rules Committee. His work has been a benefit for every Delaware

resident, every user of Delaware Courts and for the Court itself.

National Kidney Foundation – Delaware Preps

for Wilmington Kidney Walk

The Wilmington Kidney Walk is a non-competitive walk

focusing on education and prevention of kidney and urinary

tract diseases, and the awareness of the need for organ dona-

tion. Nearly 1,000 walkers from all over Delaware are expected

to participate at the Riverfront in Wilmington on Sunday, October

14, in hopes of raising over $105,000 for local kidney patients.

Free food, drinks, live entertainment, raffles, and even a Doggie

Costume Contest will take place at Dravo Plaza, starting at 8:30

a.m. People of all ages are invited to stroll approximately one mile

along the river. To register for the 2012 Wilmington Kidney Walk,

please visit www.kidneywalk.org, or call 215-923-8611 for more

information.

Newsbites continued from 57


creo


SMALL BUSINESS ALLIANCENominations Open for the 2012 Gilman Bowl Award

BY DENEE CRUMRINE

“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to

the leaders of the Small Business Alliance. I was

deeply honored, surprised and humbled by the events

of last week. At a loss for words, it was impossible to

comprehend fully and be able to explain to the audi-

ence the meaning of the Gilman Bowl.”

– 2011 Gilman Bowl Award Winner,

Michael Uffner of AutoTeam Delaware.

The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce Small Business Alliance is now accepting nominations for the 2012 Gilman Bowl. This award of dis-tinction is given to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the small business and nonprofit community of Delaware. The presti-gious Marvin S. Gilman Bowl will be presented at the annual Superstars in Business Awards luncheon on November 14, 2012. Dan Butler, chef and owner of Piccolina Toscana, Deep Blue and other premier Delaware restau-rants will keynote the luncheon held at Hotel du Pont.

Criteria for nomination:

• Must be an individual (businesses of note should apply for the Superstars in Business Award at ssb.dscc.com).

• Must be a member, or part of an organization that is a member of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. Member must be in good standing.

• Individual should be an exemplary leader in the business community whose efforts and/or achievements have contributed to, supported and/or sustained the goals and success of small businesses in Delaware.

• Nominations are open to all Delawareans and can be made by any organization or individual in the state.

SPONSORS (as of 8/2/12)

Platinum: M&T BankDiamond: The Gilman FamilyGold: Belfint, Lyons & Shuman; Colonial Parking, Inc.; Delaware Economic Development Office; EBC Carpet Services Corp.; Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware; PNC BankSilver: Assurance Media, LLC; AutoTeam Delaware; Dukart Management/McDonald’s; Glenemede Trust Company; Gunnip & Company; MySherpa; New Castle Insurance; Vandemark & Lynch, Inc.Bronze: AB+C; Back to Basics Learning Dynamics; Diamond

Technologies; DiSabatino Construction Company; Environmental Alliance, Inc.; George J. Weiner & AssociatesFriend: Community Service Building, Inc.; Delaware Community Foundation; Parcels, Inc.Marketing & Advertising Design: Mease CommunicationsPrinting: Associates International, Inc. Promotional Media & Application Hosting: Delmarva Broadcasting Company Print & Online Media: Delaware TodayVideo: TeleductionGift Sponsors: Healy Long & Jevin and Delmarva Broadcasting CompanyAwards: A.R. Morris

DELAWARE RETAIL COUNCIL Retail Sales Take a Hit

BY GREG GROSS

In June, news that retail sales fell for yet another month had economists concerned that consumer spending won’t improve much for the rest of the year. Retailers that are accustomed to a slight bump in receipts at the end of the summer (think back-to-school shoppers) had little optimism that the bump would materialize—an especially grim outlook since retailers rou-tinely use the late-summer wave as an unofficial gauge for what the holiday shopping appetite might hold.

Retail sales dropped 0.5 percent in June, and created the first three-month stretch of declining sales since 2008. Sales figures released by the country’s biggest retail operators—Costco Wholesale, Target, and Macy’s—all fell below expectations. Sales for gasoline continue to fall. Sales of fur-niture, cars, building materials and restaurant meals dropped too. Sales of cars and car parts fell 0.6 percent, while the figure was worse for furniture and building materials, underlining the persistently sluggish housing mar-ket.

All indicators for the retail downturn point to slow job growth. Consumers, still saddled with debt from the housing bubble, aren’t getting raises. Household debt is till twice as high as the gross domestic product, just as it was in 1982, when the U.S. also experienced a serious recession. Income per capita has risen only 0.4 percent in the first five months of this year.

Yet, retailers are hopeful that an upturn is in the making. They believe firmly that job and income growth are still positive, albeit sluggish. The recent string of gloomy economic news creates headwinds for President Obama, who is running for a second term this year. Three years after pledging an economic recovery, growth has been weak. The national unem-ployment rate has been stuck around 8.2 percent, and manufacturing activ-ity shrank unexpectedly in June.

The International Monetary Fund readjusted its U.S. growth forecast slightly downward from its April estimates for this year and next. It now expects GDP to grow by 2 percent in 2012 and 2.3 percent in 2013.

Affi liates UPDATE



UNIQUE IMPRESSIONS is a full-service seller of imprinted prod-ucts catering to a broad spectrum of organizations, including businesses, schools, nonprofit groups and sports teams.

The company was launched in 1988 and initially targeted sororities and fraternities on the University of Delaware campus in Newark. A founding partner, Donna O’Dell Hoke, got the inspiration for the business while working at a Greek store at her alma mater, Penn State University.

“I had friends at UD, who told me they had to go to University of Maryland to buy things for their sororities and fraternities,” she recalls. “I immediately made a note to myself to open a store in Delaware.”

The business clicked with the collegiate set and grew steadily over the years. Unique Impressions branched out, adding product categories, including event favors, promotional materials and one-of-a-kind items for individuals. The company can embellish clothing with vinyl lettering, embroidery, print screening or a combination of all three. Unique also sells engraved items, such as key chains, picture frames and money clips.

Over the years, the payroll grew to 10 full-time employees who make most products in-house, sewing embellishments, screening T-shirts and even applying rhinestones. The base of part-timers, many of them college students, fluctuates widely, from 45 during back-to-school and holiday sea-

sons to four workers when school is not in session.Last year, Unique began gearing up for a growth spurt, targeting mid-range

customers that would provide a new stream of income, but without the deep discounts and quick turnarounds often demanded by the largest customers.

“We were intentionally growing our client base and we needed to be ready to meet those new deadlines,” Hoke recalls.

But there was one large obstacle to growth. Unique had run out of room. There wasn’t space for more equipment or materials that would be needed to fill that anticipated need.

To identify ways to make the space and the staff more efficient, the company turned to the Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership. Accredited by the National Institute for Standards and Technology, DEMEP’s mission is to substantially improve the quality, productivity and profitability of manufacturers in the state by identifying, transferring and implementing best practices.

“Lean concepts are universal. They apply to a steel mill, a doctor’s office or an embroidery shop,” says Steve Quindlen, DEMEP’s executive director. “We have seen small businesses benefit enormously from lean training and Unique Impressions is a shining example.”

All full-time employees received training in 5-S processes. Introduced in

DEMEP

Very Impressive: Unique Impressions, DEMEP Spur Growth BY EILEEN SMITH DALLABRIDA

Profi le



Japan, 5-S focuses on effective organization and standardized procedures to simplify the work environment, reduce waste and activities that don’t add value to the product, while increasing quality, efficiency and safety. The 5-S principles translate to: Straightening, Systematic cleaning or Shining, Standardizing, and Sustaining.

Two DEMEP field agents, Lisa Weis and Jim Jones, meticulously mapped the movements of workers as they went about their tasks. What they saw looked like spaghetti, with swirls of pathways instead of direct, linear routes.

Their mission was to analyze the workflow and devise strategies for cut-ting out unnecessary steps.

“Wasted steps add up to wasted time,” Jones says. “If you can squeeze out that inefficiency, you will be more productive.”

Setting up a computerized embroidery machine was a time-consuming process because the screen used to program the equipment was located across the room from the machine.

“The two monitors were 10 feet away from one another,” Hoke recalls. “We just turned that giant machine around so the monitors are now two feet from each other.”

Valuable space on the second floor was consumed with storing mer-chandise that couldn’t be sold, including slightly damaged goods or articles whose personalization included an error.

“Some items were perfect, but out of style,” Hoke recalls. “College-age customers are very fickle when it comes to fashion.”

Unique Impressions reclaimed that space by donating, selling or tossing passé merchandise. The business gained even more room when an outdated embroidery machine was sold for scrap.

On the administrative front, DEMEP agents suggested transitioning from paper orders to electronic records.

“When a piece of paper travels from the original order, all the way through the process to accounting, there are many opportunities for that paper to get lost,” Jones says.

Electronic records also reduce the odds that a worker will misinterpret an order due to an individual’s handwriting.

In a business producing personalized pieces, errors are costly. Mistakes can render merchandise worthless or result in expensive alterations.

With a new emphasis on efficiency and procedures to measure perfor-mance in place, rework orders decreased 30 percent.

Increased accuracy also has resulted in reducing wasted material by nearly 5 percent, Hoke says.

“That might not sound like much but it really adds up,” she says.Still, the business hasn’t completely done away with paper.“There are times when it makes more sense to take a picture of a T-shirt

and draw on it instead of trying to describe that you want the design a little above the left chest,” she says.

In the retail space, the counter was reconfigured from a surface about the width of a desk into a long, horizontal bar.

“You can entertain many customers at a time, rather than have people line up single file,” Jones notes.

Merchandise was rearranged in order to make shopping more intuitive.

Instead of mingling various categories of goods, merchandise is grouped.“Giftware with giftware, sportswear with sportswear,” Hoke says.An added bonus: the new layout makes the store appear more spacious.The shipping department was consolidated from separate stations into a

single, linear space. To keep the surface streamlined, only the most commonly used tools are placed on the line. Rarely used tools are stored separately.

Overall, orders are up 15 percent. Sales have increased 20 percent. Because machinery is arranged more efficiently, set up times have been reduced by about one-third.

“With the unique and innovative ideas generated during the improvement event they were able to increase productivity and reduce waste, which allowed them to take on more work with their existing resources,” Jones says.

In coming months, Unique plans to buy additional lettering machinery that will enable the business to take on more orders. The business also will hire one additional full-time employee, plus several part-timers.

“The increase in business has given us a more comfortable cash posi-tion,” Hoke says.

There also has been a positive impact on the company culture. Lean principles are now part of Unique’s job training procedures.

“We talk about efficiency, when we didn’t before,” Hoke says. “It is an important part of the way we do business.”



Ambassador Committee: The Ambassador Committee is a

specially chosen group of volunteers that assists in increasing

membership and retention, and acts as a liaison between the

State Chamber staff and the membership at large. Contact:

Chuck James at (302) 576-6562 or [email protected].

Benefits & Services Committee: This committee identifies

group-oriented benefits, such as health care coverage, den-

tal and vision care, discounted office supplies, phone service,

direct mail, radio advertising and much more to help Chamber

members be healthy and competitive. Contact: Denee Crumrine

at (302) 576-6564 or [email protected].

Education & Development Committee: This committee pro-

vides practical, valuable and affordable education and develop-

ment programs to help existing members and potential mem-

bers be more successful. Contact: Denee Crumrine at (302)

576-6564 or [email protected].

The Employee Relations Committee: This committee meets

each month and brings in knowledgeable experts to discuss

ever-changing labor and employment laws and regulations that

impact all Delaware businesses. The interaction between speak-

ers and committee members provides a cost-effective and effi-

cient way to obtain up-to-date information that helps employ-

ers create or modify personnel policies and procedures before

legal problems arise. Contact: Greg Gross at (302) 576-6568 or

[email protected].

Environmental Committee: Working closely with the

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

(DNREC), members are involved in the review and shaping of

environmental legislation and regulation. Contact: Greg Gross at

(302) 576-6568 or [email protected].

Health Care Committee: Members discuss key health care

issues facing Delaware businesses and provide feedback to

the Chamber legislative team to assist in formulating policy.

Contact: Matt Amis at (302) 576-6566 or [email protected].

Holding Company Committee: Provides a forum to discuss

issues affecting Delaware holding companies on the state

and national levels. Contact: Matt Amis at (302) 576-6566 or

[email protected].

Legislative Forum: Members, lobbyists and legislative repre-

sentatives work together to address legislative issues of inter-

est to Chamber members. Monthly lunchtime meetings feature

guest speakers who cover current topics of interest to the

business community. Contact: Greg Gross at (302) 576-6568 or

[email protected].

Tax Committee: This committee reviews tax legislation and

lobbies for the reduction of personal and business taxes in

Delaware. Contact: Greg Gross at (302) 576-6568 or ggross@

dscc.com.

Transportation Committee: The transportation committee

creates a unified voice when making recommendations to the

Delaware Department of Transportation. Contact: Greg Gross at

(302) 576-6568 or [email protected].

Women in Business Forum: The Women in Business Forum

was formed to forge relationships, break boundaries and build

a better business environment for women in our community.

Former guest speakers include First Lady Carla Markell, Gov.

Ruth Ann Minner, Family Court Chief Judge Chandlee Kuhn,

State Reps. and Sens., and business leaders. Contact: Katie

Dunn at (302) 576-6578 or [email protected].

Young Executives Committee: The Delaware State Chamber

of Commerce’s newest committee was formed to encourage

young executives in Delaware to be involved in the Chamber,

network with other young professionals and further their busi-

ness growth. The Young Executives Committee, for profession-

als between the ages of 21 and 40, aims to develop Delaware’s

young workforce through professional business networking and

personal growth. Contact: Denee Crumrine at (302) 576-6564 or

[email protected].

State Chamber members play a visible, active role in the business community by serving on committees. If you would like to

get involved, contact the committee’s Chamber representative or register online at www.dscc.com.

Committees & ForumsCHAMBER



Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

The State Chamber Health PlanThe cost of employee health care is a top concern among

Delaware business owners. DSCC has devised an affordable,

quality health care plan for its members. Blue Cross Blue Shield

of Delaware announced new reduced rates and added an addi-

tional lower-cost plan choice. Visit www.dscc.com/healthplan.

htm today or call (302) 576-6580 for more details.

Prescription Drug Discount CardThe Delaware Drug Card will provide savings of up to 75-per-

cent on prescription drugs at more than 50,000 pharmacy

locations across the country. The Delaware Drug Card has no

restrictions to membership, income or age, and you are not

required to fill out an application. This program helps all resi-

dents of Delaware afford their prescription medications. For

more information, go to www.dscc.com/rxdiscount.htm.

Discounted Cell Phone products and ServiceState Chamber members can get a 10-percent discount from

T-Mobile on qualifying monthly recurring charges and other

special offers. Email Melissa Williams at melissa.williams2@t-

mobile.com to learn more about this benefit.

Notary ServiceDid you know that Notary Public services are free for Chamber

members? Call (302) 655-7221 to make an appointment to stop

in for a notary seal on your documents.

W.B. Mason Office SuppliesW.B. Mason offers Chamber members exclusive deep discounts

off their most commonly used items. Discounts are up to 90

percent. Contact Doreen Miller for more information at doreen.

[email protected] or (888) 926-2766,

ext. 8358.

Blood Bank MembershipMember companies with five employees

or less are offered unlimited group cover-

age in the Blood Bank of Delmarva. Call

(302) 655-7221 for more information.

Certificate of Origin DocumentsCertificate of Origin documents are $20 for

Chamber members ($100 for non-mem-

bers). Call (302) 655-7221 for more information.

Delmarva Broadcasting CompanyFifteen-percent in bonus airtime on commercial orders placed

by new advertisers on any Delmarva Broadcasting radio station.

Contact Mike Reath at [email protected] or call (302) 478-

2700 for more information.

DSCC Affinity Credit Card with WorldPoints RewardsThe DSCC affinity card by Bank of America is a business credit

card offered exclusively to State Chamber members that also

offers a rewards program for discounted airline tickets, free

hotel nights and car rentals and more. The Chamber affinity card

with WorldPoints® lets members combine points from personal

and business cards to get rewards even faster. Call (800) 598-

8791 to apply, mention priority code FABLHRAQ.

Dental and Vision PlanDominion Dental Services provides dental and vision benefits on

a group and individual basis with competitive, member-exclusive

rates. Dental care coverage for most diagnostic and preven-

tive services is 100 percent with up to 80 percent coverage for

restorative care including fillings, root canals, crown and bridge

work, periodontal treatment, oral surgery and more. Go to www.

dscc.com/chamber/dental_plan.aspx or call (888) 518-5338 for

more information. No application fee for DSCC members.

Constant Contact Email Marketing ServiceState Chamber members are eligible to receive discounts on

their Constant Contact account subscriptions. Members can

save 20-percent if they prepay for 6 months and 25-percent if

they prepay for 12 months. That is a 10-percent deeper dis-

count than what is available to other

customers. To sign up, visit the Constant

Contact link on the State Chamber’s

members-only page or call (866) 876-8464

to activate your member discount.

Access full details on these benefits of

membership in the members-only section

of the DSCC website. For more informa-

tion about obtaining your company’s

members-only login credentials, please

email [email protected].

Member-to-Member Discount DirectoryState Chamber members offer

substantial savings on products

and services to fellow members.

To see the full list of discounts

online, visit www.dscc.com

and click on Member2Member

Discounts.

SMALL STATE. BIG BENEFITS.


creo

May/June 2012 | DELAWARE BUSINESS 64

A. Richard Heffron 576-6563Sr. Vice President Government Affairs/ [email protected] President

Marianne K. Antonini 576-6567Sr. Vice President Finance & CFO [email protected]

Janine G. Sorbello 576-6575Sr. Vice President Education & [email protected]. Director, The Partnership Business Mentoring AlliancePrincipal for a DaySuperstars in Education

John H. Taylor, Jr. 576-6590Sr. Vice President & [email protected]. Director, Delaware Public Policy Institute

Matt Amis 576-6566Communications Manager [email protected] Delaware Business ProductionWebsiteHealth Care Committee Holding Company Committee

Katie Dunn 576-6578Communications Specialist [email protected] in BusinessYoung Executives CommitteeBenefits & Services CommitteeEducation & Development Committee

Cheryl Corn 576-6572Sr. Vice President CommunicationsExecutive Assistant to the President [email protected]

Linda D. Eriksen 576-6569Accounting Associate [email protected]

Gregory L. Gross 576-6568Director of Government Affairs [email protected] Relations CommitteeEnvironmental CommitteeLegislative ForumTax Committee Transportation Committee

Chuck James 576-6562Account Executive [email protected] Committee

Arlene M. Simon 576-6576Account Executive [email protected]

Bill Stephano 576-6574Director of Membership [email protected]

Patrina Wallace 655-7221Information Secretary [email protected]

Kelly Wetzel 576-6586Events Manager [email protected]

Miller Publishing, Inc.Fred Miller 576-6579President, Miller Publishing, Inc. [email protected] Sales

For Assistance,

The State Chamber of Commerce staff works for you, serving nearly 2,800 member companies and organizations statewide.

This State Chamber staff directory lists phone numbers and Email addresses, as well as individual areas of responsibility.

If you need business assistance or information, please don’t hesitate to call.

DELAWARE STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

1201 N. Orange Street, P.O. Box 671

Wilmington, DE 19899-0671

(302) 655-7221 / Fax (302) 654-0691

(800) 292-9507 Kent & Sussex counties

www.dscc.com

Blog: dscc.wordpress.com

facebook.com/delawarestatechamber

flickr: flickr.com/dscc

twitter: @Destatechamber

CALL THE CHAMBER


creo

Join us for the 2012 Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business Awards

Wednesday, November 14, 201211:15 am to 1:30 pm

Hotel DuPont – Gold BallroomRegister online at www.dscc.com

Keynote Speaker: Dan Butler, Chef/Owner, Piccolina Toscana

For more information, visit www.dscc.com/superstarsinbusiness

Sponsorships and advertising opportunities are available.

Call (302) 576-6564 for details.

Applications are still open and due no later than August 24, 2012. Apply at ssb.dscc.com.

Small Business, Great Big Event

CELEBRATE WITH THE

SUPERSTARSIN BUSINESS

YOU’RE INVITED

YOU’RE INVITED

YOU’RE INVITED


creo

Because we know you need flawless behind-the-scenes execution to perform at your best.

With roots dating back to the founding of Wilmington Trust Company by T. Coleman duPont in 1903,

Wilmington Trust has been serving successful individual and institutional clients for generations. We bring

a unique blend of knowledge, experience, and resources to every client relationship that we serve, offering

the highest caliber of service from a team of nationally recognized experts.

©2012 Wilmington Trust Corporation. Affiliates in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Washington DC, Amsterdam, Cayman Islands, Channel Islands, Dublin, Frankfurt, London, and Luxembourg.

We take your leading role very seriously.

Institutional Client ServicesNick Adams

302.299.3015

[email protected]
