Middletown – In his weekly message, filmed at the new HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital in Middletown, Governor Markell highlights statewide progress towards job growth and business development. 

“We still have more work ahead to ensure a good job is available for every Delawarean who wants one, but our job growth continues to outpace the national average and we should be optimistic about the future,” said Governor Markell. “To keep our momentum, we must remain focused on the key drivers of economic prosperity: things like a skilled and talented workforce, a good business environment in the state, and opportunities for Delaware’s employers to tap into markets around the world.”

Every week, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

YouTube: http://youtu.be/VH3FKwaiZcQ

Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml

By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/governormarkell

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FULL TEXT OF MESSAGE

The dedication of the HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital here in Middletown is an important step toward have more high quality and cost-effective health care options. For many Delawareans recovering from serious injury and illness, including stroke and brain injury, it will mean an appropriate and convenient setting to get the treatment they need. But this hospital won’t only be important to patients. Health care is one of the most reliable growth industries and HealthSouth is more evidence of the progress we’re making to strengthen our economy.

We still have more work ahead to ensure a good job is available for every Delawarean who wants one, but our job growth continues to outpace the national average and we should be optimistic about the future. Ninety construction jobs were involved in building the facility and HealthSouth will support 80 jobs on day one. Not far from here, Amazon is looking to hire thousands of Delawareans at its Middletown facility. In Wilmington, the financial sector continues to provide opportunities in high-skill positions like data analytics. And more activity is being created by companies like Uzin Utz, the flooring company that is building a manufacturing plant in Kent County, and Allen Harim, which plans to employ hundreds of people at a Millsboro poultry facility.

We’re proud that Delaware was rated one of the top two states best positioned for the new economy. To keep our momentum, we must remain focused on the key drivers of economic prosperity: things like a skilled and talented workforce, a good business environment in the state, and opportunities for Delaware’s employers to tap into markets around the world. Through all of these efforts, will create more job opportunities, strengthen our quality of life, and keep Delaware moving forward.

The dedication of the HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital here in Middletown is an important step toward have more high quality and cost-effective health care options. For many Delawareans recovering from serious injury and illness, including stroke and brain injury, it will mean an appropriate and convenient setting to get the treatment they need. But this hospital won’t only be important to patients. Health care is one of the most reliable growth industries and HealthSouth is more evidence of the progress we’re making to strengthen our economy.

We still have more work ahead to ensure a good job is available for every Delawarean who wants one, but our job growth continues to outpace the national average and we should be optimistic about the future. Ninety construction jobs were involved in building the facility and HealthSouth will support 80 jobs on day one. Not far from here, Amazon is looking to hire thousands of Delawareans at its Middletown facility. In Wilmington, the financial sector continues to provide opportunities in high-skill positions like data analytics. And more activity is being created by companies like Uzin Utz, the flooring company that is building a manufacturing plant in Kent County, and Allen Harim, which plans to employ hundreds of people at a Millsboro poultry facility.

We’re proud that Delaware was rated one of the top two states best positioned for the new economy. To keep our momentum, we must remain focused on the key drivers of economic prosperity: things like a skilled and talented workforce, a good business environment in the state, and opportunities for Delaware’s employers to tap into markets around the world. Through all of these efforts, will create more job opportunities, strengthen our quality of life, and keep Delaware moving forward.

-Long-term listing of museum events also included-

(DOVER, Del.—Oct. 31, 2014)—During the month of November 2014, the Zwaanendael Museum, located at 102 Kings Highway in Lewes, Del., will present two special programs focusing on different aspects of Delaware history. For additional information, call 302-645-1148.

On Saturday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m., the museum will present “Delaware’s Decades—the 1970s: ‘Coastal Zone Act of 1971,’ ” a lecture by Kevin Coyle, principal planner for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, on the landmark state-legislation that limited industrial development in Delaware’s coastal areas.The program is the 1970s chapter of “Delaware Decades,” an eight-part series of lectures exploring successive decades in Delaware’s history from the 1930s to the 2000s. Admission to the event is free and open to the public but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling the museum at 302-645-1148 no later than Nov. 6, 2014.

On Saturday, Nov. 15 at 2 p.m., the museum will celebrate Dutch-American Heritage Day with a lecture by Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs archaeologist Craig Lukezic on the Dutch loss of New Amstel (now New Castle, Del.) to the English in 1664. In addition to the lecture, the museum will be featuring Dutch-related activities between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. including crafts, a display of interesting Dutch facts, the proclamation of Dutch-American Heritage Day and a Power Point presentation on the “First Salute” to the flag of the United States. Admission is free and open to the public.

The Zwaanendael Museum was built in 1931 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the state’s first European colony, Swanendael, established by the Dutch along Hoorn Kill (present-day Lewes-Rehoboth Canal) in 1631. Designed by E. William Martin (architect of Legislative Hall and the Hall of Records in Dover), the museum is modeled after the town hall in Hoorn, the Netherlands, and features a stepped facade gable with carved stonework and decorated shutters.

Zwaanendael Museum exhibits and presentations provide a showcase for Lewes-area maritime, military and social history. Current exhibits include “A Seaborne Citizenry: The DeBraak and Its Atlantic World” which tells the DeBraak story, and “Delaware and the War of 1812” which examines the service and sacrifice of Delawareans of 1812 to 1815, and the important role that the state played in a conflict that helped shape the development of the United States as a nation.

Following is a long-term schedule of Zwaanendael-Museum-sponsored special events. Unless otherwise noted, all programs take place at the Zwaanendael Museum located at 102 Kings Highway in Lewes, Del. Museum hours from Nov. 1 to March 31 are Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. From April 1 to Oct. 31, museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free for all events listed. For additional information, call 302-645-1148.

Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014
“Delaware’s Decades—the 1970s: ‘Coastal Zone Act of 1971.’ ” Lecture by Kevin Coyle, principal planner for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, on the landmark state-legislation that limited industrial development in Delaware’s coastal areas. Part five of an eight-part series exploring decades in Delaware’s history. 2 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Nov. 6, 2014.

Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014
Dutch-American Heritage Day. Learn about the contributions that the Netherlands has made to the economic, social, political and cultural life of Delaware and the United States. Program will include a lecture by Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs archaeologist Craig Lukezic on the fall of New Amstel (now New Castle, Del.) in 1664. Lecture at 2 p.m. Additional program 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014
“Hospitality Night.” 1920s holiday-themed program featuring festive décor, music, demonstrations and seasonal refreshments. 6–9 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014
“Tour Zwaanendael Museum.” Enjoy the museum’s festive holiday-décor. Event held in conjunction with the Lewes Historical Society’s Christmas Tour of Lewes. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015
“Delaware’s Decades—the 1980s: ‘Salvage of His Majesty’s Sloop DeBraak.’ ” Lecture by Claudia Leister, executive director of the Milford Museum. Part six of an eight-part series exploring decades in Delaware’s history. 2 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Jan. 5, 2015.

Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015
“Delaware’s Decades—the 1990s.” Program description TBA. Part seven of an eight-part series exploring decades in Delaware’s history. 2 p.m.Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Feb.2, 2015.

Saturday, March 14, 2015
Delaware’s Decades—the 2000s. Lecture by Bill Ayrey, lab manager and company historian from ILC Dover, who will discuss the future of space travel and space suits from the early 2000s to the present. Eighth and final installment of a series exploring decades in Delaware’s history. 2 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than March 2, 2015.

Thursday–Saturday, April 9–11, 2015
Lewes Tulip Festival. City-wide series of activities celebrating Lewes’ Dutch heritage including Dutch games, crafts and a display of Delftware ceramics at the Zwaanendael Museum. Sponsored by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce. Downtown Lewes. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 302-645-8073.

Saturday, April 18, 2015
Dutch-American Friendship Day. Discover Delaware’s Dutch roots and learn how that connection is alive today.10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 25, 2015
King’s Day. Celebration of the birthday of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands in a program that will also explore royal titles and Delaware’s Dutch connection. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

-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, DE) – Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart today released Delaware’s Qualified Health Plan (QHP) rates for Plan Year 2015.  The Commissioner submitted the rates to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in August and CMS approved the rates yesterday.

The rate chart includes a comparison of 2015 rates with 2014, and can be found at http://www.delawareinsurance.gov/health-reform/DEMarketplace.shtml

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