(Hockessin, DE) – In his weekly message, filmed at Star-Med in Hockessin, Governor Markell addresses ongoing efforts
to support the supplier diversity community in Delaware.

“Executive Order 44, signed last spring, ensures businesses owned by individuals with disabilities and certain small
businesses are able to successfully compete for state contracts as certified diverse suppliers,” said Governor
Markell. “It builds on previous efforts to support minority, women and veteran-owned businesses throughout the state,
which, combined, has resulted in nearly a 200% increase in Delaware’s supplier diversity community over the past six
years.”

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/4IiZzezShtY
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
Twitter: www.twitter.com/governormarkell

You can view the Governor’s Weekly Message Transcript: Supporting Supplier Diversity to Encourage Increased Business Growth

Entrepreneurs and small businesses are a key part of Delaware’s overall economic success. Our supplier diversity community is no exception. It’s why we’re committed to providing them with the supportive environment they need to thrive – and our ongoing efforts reflect that. Executive Order 44, signed last spring, ensures businesses owned by individuals with disabilities and certain small businesses are able to successfully compete for state contracts as certified diverse suppliers. It builds on previous efforts to support minority, women and veteran-owned businesses throughout the state, which, combined, has resulted in nearly a 200% increase in Delaware’s supplier diversity community over the past six years. A community that includes businesses like Star-Med and Vel Micro Works, both located here in Hockessin. Lead by Diane Ferry, Star-Med is the only woman-owned business operating in the health information management industry in the country. Together with Vel Micro Works, a minority-owned custom software development company, they developed an electronic health records system, Star-Trac, recognized for its first-in-the-nation certification for strict privacy and security measures. Or Fayda Engineering & Energy Solutions, or Delcollo Security Technologies, both veteran-owned businesses providing support to State agencies. These are just a few of the over 2000 supplier diversity providers certified in Delaware – and the list continues to grow. By creating more opportunities for our diverse community of entrepreneurs and small business owners to succeed, we’ll encourage new innovators to step forward, putting more people back to work and further growing our economy. And that will keep Delaware moving forward.

Governor also nominates Commissioners Mary M. McDonough and Susan P. Tussey for reappointments to the Court of Common Pleas and Family Court of New Castle County, respectively

Wilmington, DE – Governor Markell today announced he has nominated Jeffrey J. Clark, a veteran of the United States Army and well-respected attorney with 18 years of legal experience, to serve on the Kent County Superior Court. If confirmed by the Delaware Senate, Clark will fill the vacancy left by Judge Jan Jurden, who was sworn in as President Judge of the Delaware Superior Court on February 16, 2015.

“Jeff Clark has served his country and his community, developing a reputation as a dedicated, focused attorney with the utmost professionalism and attention to detail,” said Governor Markell. “If he is confirmed by Senate, I believe Jeff will serve our state well as a Superior Court judge.”

Mr. Clark is a partner at Schmittinger & Rodriguez, P.A. In that capacity, he regularly litigates personal injury, criminal defense law and commercial cases. He also served as a legislative attorney for the Delaware State Senate for sixteen years and has served as a Commissioner on the Delaware Public Service Commission since 2005.

In addition to his professional work, Mr. Clark has taken an active role in his community. He was a member of the Smyrna School Board for 15 years, serving as its president for three terms. He is a member of the Kenton United Methodist Church, and served as director of the Smyrna Opera House for two years.

“I am honored and thankful that Governor Markell is nominating me for this office,” said Clark.  “If the Senate, after considering of my nomination, confirms me, I would look forward to serving the people of Kent County and the State.”

Clark, 46, received a Bachelor of Sciences from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1990.  He earned his law degree at Widener University School of Law and was admitted to the Delaware Bar in 1997. He resides with his family near Kenton.

In addition, Governor Markell today announced he has nominated the Honorable Mary M. McDonough for reappointment to the New Castle County Court of Common Pleas. A graduate of University of Delaware and New York University School of Law, Commissioner McDonough has served as a commissioner on the New Castle County Court of Common Pleas since 2004.

The Governor also announced his nomination of the Honorable Susan P. Tussey for reappointment to the New Castle County Family Court. A graduate of University of Delaware and Widener School of Law, Commissioner Tussey has served as a commissioner on the New Castle County Family Court since 2010.

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Where/When: Dover Downs Conference Center on Thursday, March 12, 2015 at  9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

“Joined Voices, Shared Journeys; The Brain Injury Experience”

Be a part of the Joined Voices! Register today either on line at www.biaofde.org or download, complete and mail the attached registration form.

For more information call the BIAD office at 1-800-411-0505.

Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) and the Delaware Council of Faith-Based Partnerships will be hosting a free Lunch & Learn on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 in the Carvel State Office Building, 3rd Floor Conference Room, at 820 N. French Street, Wilmington, Delaware. Join us as Gary Hecker, DSHA Housing Finance Manager, presents information on helping individuals and families facing foreclosure on their home, including the Delaware Emergency Mortgage Assistance program, and a program for senior homeowners in Wilmington who are facing foreclosure for delinquent city property taxes and water/sewer bills. Luncheon and presentation are free, but registration is required. Please RSVP to Flora McConkie at (302) 633-4825 or de.cfbp@gmail.com.

The Delaware Council of Faith-Based Partnerships was created by Governor Jack Markell in 2012. Members of the Council serve as interfaith volunteers, and the Council operates without state funding, partnering with government agencies and nonprofit groups to address community needs.

About the Delaware State Housing Authority
The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA), formed in 1968, is dedicated to providing quality, affordable housing opportunities and appropriate supportive services to low- and moderate-income Delawareans. In addition to its role as the State’s Housing Finance Agency, DSHA is unique in that it also serves as a Public Housing Authority and acts as a Community Development and Planning Agency. As a Public Housing Authority, DSHA receives funding from HUD to build, own, and operate public housing in Kent and Sussex counties, two of Delaware’s three counties. For more information about the Delaware State Housing Authority, please call: (888) 363-8808 or visit our website at: www.destatehousing.com.