We’ve worked hard to put Delaware back on sound footing after the worst recession in 80 years, but we still have a lot of work to do to grow our economy in a challenging climate. We saw progress in Newark this week, as Bloom Energy officially opened its fuel cell assembly plant, where high-tech jobs and innovative technology will thrive; and cleaner, more reliable energy will result. The company’s fuel cells already help power major companies, like Google, FedEx, Coca-Cola and Verizon. In addition, the Port of Wilmington announced a long-term agreement with Fresh Fruit Maroc, which sends its Moroccan clementines to the U.S. through Delaware.  This is the longest agreement of its kind with Maroc and will result in dozens of direct and indirect jobs at the Port. News about Bloom and the Port came on the heels of Amazon, celebrating its expansion in Middletown, which brought 1600 jobs to Delaware with more hiring taking place. But we also know these continue to be difficult times. Our thoughts are with the workers impacted by the idling of the Evraz steel plant in Claymont, as we seek to ensure every opportunity to get them back to work. To keep making progress, our economic plan includes training a workforce with the skills to fill in demand jobs, encouraging manufacturing, supporting entrepreneurs, and building on our state’s key industries, from agriculture to finance. My Administration remains open to ideas that continue to improve our economy and, no matter the challenges, we’ll keep Delaware moving forward.

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