Statewide Small Business Advisory Committee Meets
Speaks at Delaware School Nutrition Meeting about School Breakfast 

DOVER – Lieutenant Governor Matt Denn’s Small Business Advisory Committee began meeting in January of this year about a variety of issues that impact small businesses.  Improvements to the state’s small business loan programs, providing better information to small businesses about requirements of the Affordable Care Act, controlling workers compensation premiums, and state and county regulations are just a few of the topics that have been discussed.  The Committee’s 17 members represent a variety of small businesses throughout the state.

During tomorrow’s meeting – the last of 2013 – the discussion of how to make credit available to more small businesses will continue with John Fleming and Michael Rossi of the state Small Business Administration’s office and a representative of a local lender.  The committee will likely decide on recommendations that can be made to increase access to credit for small businesses.

A further discussion of the Affordable Care Act and its impact on small business is also on the agenda.  The meetings rotate between Wilmington and Dover, are posted in advance and open to the public.

Tomorrow afternoon, the Lt. Governor will be talking at the business meeting of the Delaware School Nutrition House of Delegates about trying to expand school breakfast to every elementary school classroom in the state.

9:30am – 11:30am     Small Business Advisory Committee meeting

The Tatnall Building
150 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, South
2^nd floor conference room
Dover

4:15pm – 5:15pm       Delaware School Nutrition House of Delegates Meeting
Modern Maturity Center
1121 Forrest Avenue
Dover

First State programs honor new generation and those who preserve our past

Photos are available for media use on Flickr.

DOVER – Delaware’s farming future and long agricultural heritage were both recognized today in a ceremony honoring the newest participants in the state’s Young Farmers Program and the latest inductees into the Century Farm Program, with the announcement that 10 young farmers would be receiving no-interest loans from the First State’s new innovative assistance program, now in its second year.

“These young farmers are continuing a long tradition of agricultural entrepreneurship exemplified by these longtime farm families that we also recognize today,” Gov. Markell said. “Our farming heritage is strong and proud in Delaware, and it will continue that way because of the hard work of the next generation and the investments we make in agribusiness today. Our Young Farmers Program will support a powerful agricultural industry and preserve farmland for years to come, and is a key part of our commitment to provide opportunity for all.”

The Young Farmers Program now has 20 participants – 10 in 2012 and 10 in 2013. This year’s class includes: Robbie Emerson, 24, Middletown; Matt and Bobbi Jo Webber, 34, Clayton; Toby Otwell, 33, Laurel; Doug Walsh, 35, Laurel; Cory Atkins, 26, Seaford; Cody Vanderwende, 22, Bridgeville; Sam Melson, 22, Bridgeville; Ryan Swartzentruber, 29, Greenwood; Josh and Kathryn Wharton, 33, Millsboro; and Clint Moore III, 39, Millsboro.

“The high cost of purchasing land to get into farming turns many young people away, but this program can help solve that dilemma,” said Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee. “This innovative program represents our firm commitment to supporting their dreams, and is a demonstration to agribusiness and our farmers that agriculture has a firm future in the First State.”

The land purchased with help through the program will also be permanently preserved as farmland through Delaware’s Agricultural Lands Preservation Program.

The average age of a Delaware farmer is 55; the average age of this year’s Young Farmers Program participants is 30. The participants include two couples, for a total of 10 new farms. One is from New Castle County, one from Kent County and eight from Sussex County.

Another round of applications is being accepted through Nov. 30. While not required, pre-qualification helps farmers ensure that they meet the criteria for the program and gives Department of Agriculture officials a way to gauge interest.

The inductions into the Century Farms Program bring the total number of farms recognized to 125, said Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Austin Short, who oversees both the Young Farmers Program and the Century Farm Program. The Century Farm awards have been presented annually since 1987.

“We hope that all of our young farmers will continue to thrive and become Century Farms,” Short said. “These awards are a shining example of the hard work and long days put in by so many generations of Delaware farmers on farms that are still active and working.”

The families recognized as part of the Century Farms Program on Wednesday were:

>> The Cannon family (James H. and Patricia A. Cannon), which owns an 89-acre farm in Kent County, near Greenwood, which has been in the family since 1879. The original 92-acre parcel was purchased for $800. The farm now produces corn, soybeans and wheat, and previously also produced pumpkins, gladiolas, chickens, ducks, turkeys and horses.

>> The Welch family (Glenn H. and Paul Welch), which owns a 38-acre farm near Felton, which has been in the family since the 1850s. The original 165-acre parcel was believed to have been purchased in 1854 for $540. The farm now produces corn, soybeans and chickens, and previously also produced sweet potatoes and was home to a dairy operation.

>> The Adams family (Brent McCabe Adams Jr.), which owns a 211-acre farm near Greenwood. The original 90-acre parcel was purchased in the 1860s. The farm now produces soybeans, corn, wheat and barley, and previously also produced vegetables, peaches, poultry and other livestock. There are 14 historic agricultural structures on the property.

>> The Gray/Oliphant family (Irene Gray and Diane Oliphant), which owns a 20-acre farm near Georgetown. The original 50-acre farm was purchased in 1913 for $2,530. The farm now produces beef cattle, corn and soybeans, and previously also produced cucumbers, peppers, chickens, pigs and harness horses.

Century Farms must have been farmed by the same family for at least 100 years and must include at least 10 acres of the original parcel or gross more than $10,000 annually in agricultural sales.

2013 Delaware Young Farmers Program Participants
>> Ryan Swartzentruber, 29, Greenwood, 180 acres (two farms), growing row crops
>> Cody Vanderwende, 22, Bridgeville, 111 acres, row crops
>> Josh & Kathryn Wharton, 33, Millsboro, 30 acres, row crops and watermelon
>> Cory Atkins, 26, Seaford, 54 acres, row crops and watermelons
>> Robbie Emerson, 24, Middletown, 112 acres, row crops and hay
>> Sam Melson, 22, Bridgeville, 140 ares, row crops and hay
>> Clint Moore III, 39, Millsboro, 135 acres, row crops
>> Toby Otwell, 33, Laurel, 20 acres, row crops, watermelons
>> Doug Walsh, 35, Laurel, 33 acres, poultry
>> Matt and Bobbi Jo Webber, 34, Clayton, soybeans, wheat, lima beans

Contact:
Dan Shortridge
Chief of Community Relations
Delaware Department of Agriculture
302-698-4520

During the month of December 2013, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be offering 10 special programs at the state of Delaware’s six museums. Six of these programs will feature winter-holiday themed activities. A full schedule of events is listed below. All programs are free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-744-5055.

Highlights of the month include “Starry Hospitality Night,” a holiday-themed evening of music, festive décor and refreshments capped off with star-gazing in celebration of Delaware astronomer Annie Jump Cannon. The event, which will take place at Lewes’ Zwaanendael Museum on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 6 to 9 p.m., will feature Bill Ayrey, lab manager and company historian from ILC Dover, who will demonstrate the space suit that the company manufactures for NASA.

On Saturday, Dec. 14, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., one of Delaware’s most historic homes—the Buena Vista Conference Center south of New Castle—will be decorated for the holidays and will be offering craft activities presented by the Delaware Nature Society in which visitors can create their own holiday ornament utilizing natural materials. Intrepid travelers can then make the short trip to old New Castle for the annual Spirit of Christmas in New Castle which includes activities at the New Castle Court House Museum.

Also on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Dover’s John Dickinson Plantation will present “Handmade for the Holidays,” a hands-on program in which visitors can learn to decorate cards through the art of paper quilling and stenciling, write a personal note with a quill pen and create a sachet with herbs and spices.

Administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the six museums of the state of Delaware—New Castle Court House Museum, John Dickinson Plantation, First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, The Old State House, Johnson Victrola Museum and Zwaanendael Museum—tell the story of Delaware’s contributions to the history and culture of the United States. Through displays, exhibits and special programs, the museums explore how the state’s distinctive physical environment, in combination with the people who came to live there, gave Delaware an identity that is different from any other place.

Special events at the museums of the state of Delaware, December 2013

Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013
“Starry Hospitality Night.” Holiday-themed program includes star-gazing in celebration of Delaware astronomer Annie Jump Cannon plus Bill Ayrey, lab manager and company historian from ILC Dover demonstrating the space suit that the company manufactures for NASA. In addition, the evening will feature music, festive décor and refreshments. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 6–9 p.m. 302-645-1148.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013
“The First State.” Guided tours explore why Delaware is known as the First State due to its role in ratifying the U.S. Constitution. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013
“Tis’ the Season.” Guided tours feature holiday music recorded by Victor Records, played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. First Saturday in the First State program. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013
“An Illegal Activity.” Utilizing the exhibit “An Illegal Activity: The Underground Railroad in Delaware” as a backdrop, guided tours will explore Delaware’s crucial role in the Underground Railroad and on two Delaware leaders who aided in this “freedom enterprise.” First Saturday in the First State program. First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, Delaware Public Archives building, 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dover. Tours at 10 a.m., Noon and 2 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013
“Tour Zwaanendael Museum.” Enjoy the museum’s festive holiday-décor. Event held in conjunction with the Lewes Historical Society’s Christmas Tour of Lewes. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 302-645-1148.

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013
“Annie Jump Cannon.” Celebrate the 150th birthday of the noted Delaware astronomer. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Program at 2 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-645-1148.

Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013
Spirit of Christmas in New Castle. One of the best preserved colonial-era towns in America will feature tours of historic homes bedecked in holiday decorations, activities at museums including the New Castle Court House Museum, crafts, musical entertainment and more. Festivities will conclude at 5 p.m. with the annual Christmas tree lighting at Market   Square. Downtown New Castle. 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.  302-328-3279.

Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013
Buena Vista Holiday Open House. One-day-only event featuring one of Delaware’s most historic homes decorated for the holidays, plus craft activities in which visitors can create their own holiday ornament utilizing natural materials. Presented in partnership with theDelaware Nature Society. Buena Vista Conference Center, 661   S. Dupont Highway (Route 13), New Castle. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. 302-323-4430.

Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013
“Handmade for the Holidays.” Seasonal program in which visitors can learn to decorate cards through the art of paper quilling and stenciling. write a personal note with a quill pen and create a sachet with herbs and spices. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013
Demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild. Program explores spinning, weaving, knitting and other fabric arts. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 1–3 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Exhibits at the museums of the state of Delaware, December 2013

In addition to special programming, the museums of the state of Delaware are presenting the following exhibits:

Thru Summer 2014
“An Illegal Activity: The Underground Railroad in Delaware.” Exhibit explores the First State’s role in the Underground Railroad by showcasing Thomas Garrett and Samuel D. Burris and the actions they took in following their consciences rather than the law. Presented in partnership with the Underground Railroad Coalition of Delaware. First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, Delaware Public Archives building, 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dover. Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30-4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Ongoing
“Archaeology of the New Castle Court House.” The exhibit highlights the many phases of archaeological investigations at the New Castle Court House including artifacts representing over 300 years of continuous use of the building. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Ongoing
“Delaware and the War of 1812.” Exhibit examines the service and sacrifice of Delawareans of 1812 to 1815, and the important role that the state played in a conflict that helped shaped the development of the United   States. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. from Nov. 1–March 31. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. from April 1–Oct. 31. 302-645-1148.

Ongoing
“Emeline Hawkins: Her Journey From Slavery to Freedom on the Underground Railroad.” Exhibit chronicles the compelling story of Emeline Hawkins and her family and their 1845 odyssey on the Underground Railroad from slavery in Maryland, through Delaware to freedom in Pennsylvania. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Ongoing
“A Seaborne Citizenry: The DeBraak and Its Atlantic World.” Exhibit utilizes artifacts recovered from His Majesty’s Sloop of War DeBraak, a British warship that sank off the Delaware coast on May 25, 1798 to tell the story of the vessel, its crew and the historical context within which it operated in the Atlantic World of the late 18th century. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. from Nov. 1–March 31. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. from April 1–Oct. 31. 302-645-1148.

Ongoing
“Simple Machines.” Exhibit demonstrating the six “simple machines”—incline ramp, screw, wedge, pulley, lever and wheel —that constitute the elementary building blocks of which all complicated machines are composed. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

-End-

Contact:
Jim Yurasek
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone:  302-736-7413
E-mail:  Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web:   http://history.delaware.gov

Dover –  Two DUI checkpoints are scheduled to take place this weekend as follows:

• Friday November 15th                 Elsmere – New Castle County DUI Task Force  – checkpoint

• Saturday November 16th            Millsboro-  DSP – checkpoint

Since January 1st there have been over 3,600 individuals arrested for DUI in Delaware this year. Checkpoint Strikeforce is a regional sobriety checkpoint campaign aimed at arresting DUI offenders, by using high visibility enforcement to deter those who would otherwise choose to drink and drive.  The campaign, a six month long effort running through New Year’s Eve, involves setting up weekly DUI checkpoints statewide.

For more information on Checkpoint Strikeforce visit www.ohs.delaware.gov, www.DUIRealTime.com and follow regular campaign updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DEHighwaySafe  and Facebook www.facebook.com/ArriveAliveDE.

Site features content in 10 languages

CorpLaw.Delaware.Gov

Wilmington – Governor Jack Markell joined Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock, Court of Chancery Chancellor Leo E. Strine, Jr., and international attorneys to unveil a new website CorpLaw.Delaware.Gov that highlights the benefits of incorporating in Delaware. The new site features content in 10 languages, a blog with updated information, and an email subscription service for those interested in updates.

“In a globalized economy, businesses have many choices about where they locate and where they incorporate,” said Governor Jack Markell.   “This website is an important tool that will help the state of Delaware communicate and market to an ever-expanding international audience about the benefits of incorporating in Delaware.  The site will help us reach a broad international audience whose members may be weighing their options for business formation.  We want them to choose Delaware.”

The new site, corplaw.delaware.gov, features basic information on the advantages of Delaware corporate law in 10 languages (English, Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Hebrew, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish). The content is written in a straightforward and non-technical manner, making it accessible and understandable. An accompanying English language blog will feature new content and expert articles that will be refreshed on a regular basis. The website also includes a subscription feature so those interested may sign up for email updates.

Chancellor Strine said, “By creating an ongoing forum for conversation among Delaware’s corporate bar and entrepreneurs, investment bankers and corporate lawyers around the globe, the State’s Corporate Law website will deepen Delaware’s growing status as the world’s leading domicile for the formation of sophisticated business entities.   Good long-term relationships are grounded in mutual understanding and respect, and this website is an illustration of the appreciation Delaware has for the global constituents of its corporate and business laws.”

The Delaware Court of Chancery Rules Committee participated in creation of content for the site as well, forming an “Article’s Subcommittee” that has crafted expert articles that will be featured on the blog.

Secretary Bullock said, “We have long recognized the need to communicate with the international community to leverage the State of Delaware’s key strengths: our advanced corporate law, business focused Court of Chancery, our expert legal community in Delaware, and our efficient Division of Corporations. This new site allows us to communicate this message across the world.”

Paul Olden, with the law firm NautaDutilh, who provided the Dutch and French translation of the website, said of the project, “In our opinion, it is important to be aware of the high quality of Delaware law and Judiciary. In our home jurisdictions Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, we closely monitor developments on corporate governance in the US, and Delaware in particular. The importance of these developments is partly due to the popularity of Delaware as a domicile for corporations from all over the US (and beyond). Delaware law and its body of precedent case law is therefore an example for the Benelux countries.”

Fast Facts

CorpLaw.Delaware.gov features:

• Straightforward content in 10 languages, written by experts:

1. English,
2. Arabic,
3. Chinese,
4. Dutch,
5. French,
6. German,
7. Hebrew,
8. Japanese,
9. Portuguese, and
10. Spanish

More languages will be added in the future.

The DECALS Blog, Decals.Delaware.Gov, which will post regular updates on Delaware Corporate Law, written by corporate attorneys and experts in the field, written in a non-technical manner (provided in English).

• An Email Subscription Service, for those interested in regular updates delivered to their inbox.

Sign Up for Email Updates:

1. Visit CorpLaw.Delaware.Gov
2. Text “CORPORATIONS” to 22828
3. Scan the below QR code with your phone 

Division of Corporations
Delaware is the chosen home of more than half of the publicly traded companies in the country including 64% of the Fortune 500 and tens of thousands of corporations and LLCs based all over the world.

Photos of the event can be viewed on Flickr

Video can be found on YouTube