“the new face of manufacturing in Delaware”

 JPMorgan Chase announced as newest Bloom customer

(Newark, DE) –  Bloom Energy officially celebrated its new manufacturing center in Newark and says it will be hiring more than 100 new workers in the coming months in jobs ranging from welders to production control technicians to electric/electronic engineers.   Bloom Boxes use revolutionary solid oxide fuel cell technology that converts fuel to electricity using an electrochemical reaction, rather than combustion, allowing customers to reduce their carbon footprint while cutting operating costs.  At today’s event, JPMorgan Chase announced it will be Bloom’s newest commercial customer in Delaware.

“This is the new face of manufacturing, and we have it right here in Delaware “ said Governor Jack Markell, who spoke about traveling to Bloom’s California headquarters in 2010 to talk with company leaders about expanding to Delaware.  “The growth of innovative companies like Bloom and of new, high-tech manufacturing is necessary to move Delaware’s economy forward.  We know one of the major reasons Bloom chose Delaware is our outstanding workforce.  We are committed to supporting and developing a pool of talented workers prepared for jobs in new manufacturing.  I am confident the company will continue to discover the great talents we have in Delaware and partners in the community that support Bloom’s continued growth here.”

JPMorgan Chase announced that it will soon pilot an 500 kW installation of Bloom boxes powering its Morgan Christiana site that will support power to its data centers.

“The fact that Bloom is opening this additional manufacturing plant in Delaware gives us easy access to maintenance and monitoring engineers at our Morgan Christiana site.  We hope to expand the pilot as we move forward,” said Bill McHenry, global head of Property Operation, who spoke at the official opening. “We are able to not only improve our facility right here in Delaware, but also fulfill our companywide commitment to investing in new technologies designed to reduce our impact on the planet.”

“Bloom has the best technology when it comes to converting fuel to electricity,” said K.R. Sridhar, C-E-O of Bloom.  “We have a tremendous following with our customers who want affordability, predictability when it comes to costs , reliability, security, and sustainability.  Using less fuel is the pathway to efficiency.”

Sridhar talked about Bloom’s commitment to Delaware saying, “We have built a factory; we are creating jobs and  we are putting cleaner energy in the state.  Our commitment continues.   Good partnerships are about trust and we will continue our commitment.”

University of Delaware President Patrick Harker said, “This is a milestone moment for us in terms of sponsoring innovation.  Bloom saw the potential of this campus early on.  They understood the advantages of proximity to UD: the creative energy of a lot of great minds working together; the efficiency that expedites time-to-market for important discoveries; the synergy of centralizing high-quality R&D education and training, technology development and manufacturing so that each can inform and improve the other.”

Bloom announced its plans to build its new, high-tech manufacturing center in Delaware in 2011 and broke ground on its facility in Newark in April 2012 which is located on the site of the former Chrysler plant in Newark.

Bloom’s customers include WalMart, which endorsed its growing partnership with Bloom during today’s event, as well as Google, Apple,  Bank of America, FedEx, Co a-Cola, Staples, A-t-and-T, Verizon and E-Bay.  Walmart first installed Bloom systems in 2009 and is one of Bloom’s largest customers.

Bloom began shipping Bloom boxes from the Center this summer and currently has approximately 80 people working at the new manufacturing center and has more than 70 jobs posted for immediate hiring.

Photos from the event are available on Flickr.

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Great opportunity for entrepreneurs in Milford, Milton, Smyrna and Dover

DOVER, Del. (Oct. 15, 2013) – Once-vacant properties in four Delaware downtowns have been transformed into wellsprings of opportunity thanks to a state-run program offering small business owners a head start in brick-and-mortar locations.

Project Pop-Up 2013 has provided three months of rent-free retail space to five total businesses in Milford, Milton, Smyrna and Dover. The program, a joint effort of the Delaware Economic Development Office and local stakeholders in these towns, also offers assistance from a business advisor.

Three of the Pop-Up businesses held grand openings this week attended by Alan Levin, Director of the Delaware Economic Development Office; Diane Laird, State Coordinator for Downtown Delaware; Ken Anderson, Project Pop-Up Business Advisor and DEDO’s Director of Entrepreneurial & Small Business Support; and other state and local officials.

“Project Pop-Up demonstrates why small business is a big driver for Delaware’s economy,” Gov. Jack Markell said. “The success of this program underscores the fact that there are entrepreneurs who want a shot at starting and growing businesses, and downtown communities have a home for them.”

The goal of Project Pop-Up is to fill vacant properties in Delaware’s downtowns during the holiday season. But unlike Pop-Up programs in other cities across the country, the First State’s program encourages small business owners to sign long-term leases.

This year’s businesses are as follows:

• Milford Massage, Wellness and Yoga, 127 NW Front St., Milford. Owner Paige Deiner provides massage, Reiki, yoga and self-development classes in her 766-square-foot location off historic Front Street in the recently restored Governor William Tharp Building.
• 302 Fitness, 113 Union St., Unit A, Milton. The personal training studio and small group workout center, owned by John Lehne, offers fully customized training plans and group workouts such as yoga, boot camps, circuit training and more in its 1,100-square-foot-space.
• Royal Treatments, 14 S. Main St., Smyrna. Karen Gill’s business offers custom window treatments, home décor and accessories in a 1,200-square-foot space.
• Computers Fixed Today, 131 W. Loockerman St., Dover. The computer retail and repair business, owned by Theo Morgan, sells laptops and other computer equipment and provides services such as virus removal and network installation set-up.
• Milton Wellness Center of Delaware, 113 Union St., Unit B, Milton. The business, owned by Dr. Bill Shearer and Mary Van House, offers human performance consulting including yoga, coaching and sports psychology.

“We are proud to offer this program as an incentive for these entrepreneurs, but they are the ones who took the leap, and for that we applaud them,” Levin said. “It’s great to see an infusion of new businesses and fresh faces and ideas in some of Delaware’s most historic downtowns.”

Last year’s inaugural Project Pop-Up helped two business owners sign leases beyond the three months of free rent.

This year, all selectees have signed leases that will allow them to make a smooth transition to paid occupancy beginning Jan. 1, 2014.

“We had property owners looking beyond the three-month trial period long before they officially moved in,” said Diane Laird, State Coordinator for Downtown Delaware. “Not only are these towns getting new businesses, they’re also getting devoted business owners who are in this for the long-haul.”

About the Delaware Economic Development Office
The Delaware Economic Development Office is an executive state agency responsible for attracting new investors and businesses to the state, promoting the expansion of existing industry, assisting small and minority-owned businesses, promoting and developing tourism and creating new and improved employment opportunities for all citizens of the State. Visit dedo.delaware.gov.

About Downtown Delaware
Downtown Delaware, a program of the Delaware Economic Development Office, provides Delaware’s historic downtowns, communities, and small businesses with tools to revitalize their commercial districts, increase entrepreneurial opportunity, and enhance quality of place. To learn more about the Main Street program, visit www.delawaremainstreet.com.

Dover, Milford, Milton and Smyrna will have vacancies filled during holiday season

DOVER, Del. (Sept. 19, 2013) – Owners of five Delaware businesses are thinking holidays already, and they have every reason to do so – they’ll be taking part in a state-led initiative that will provide them with rent-free commercial space for three months in a Delaware downtown from October through December.

The new businesses chosen to participate in Project Pop-Up 2013 will open by Oct. 1 in Dover, Milford, Milton and Smyrna.

Unlike more traditional Pop-Up programs in other areas of the country, Delaware’s Project Pop-Up has the dual goal of helping small business owners sign a long-term lease to occupy a brick-and-mortar location while also filling vacant properties in the state’s towns. This year, all selectees have signed leases that will allow them to make a smooth transition to paid occupancy beginning Jan. 1, 2014.

“We support small businesses at every phase of their development, because small business is big business in Delaware,” Gov. Jack Markell said. “This program has become an integral part of the reshaping of our economy by not only promoting entrepreneurship but also revitalizing our downtowns.”

The following businesses were chosen to take part in Project Pop-Up 2013:

• Computers Fixed Today, a computer repair/ retail company in Dover owned by Theo Morgan.
• 302Fitness, a personal training studio and small group workout center in Milton owned by John Lehne.
• Milton Wellness Center of Delaware, which offers human performance consulting including yoga, coaching and sports psychology, run by Dr. Bill Shearer and Mary Van House.
• Milford Massage, Wellness and Yoga, a Milford-based business owned by Paige Deiner.
• Royal Treatments, a Smyrna-based business owned by Karen Gill that offers custom window treatments, home décor and accessories.

This is the second year that the Delaware Economic Development Office and Downtown Delaware have offered Project Pop-Up, with last year’s program placing three businesses in open spaces.

Both Amber Shader, owner of First & Little baby boutique in Middletown, and Jenn White, owner of Little Posies Photography in Milford, signed long-term leases to stay in their properties beyond the three-month period offered by the program.

“Last year, two of our success stories quickly became part of their respective downtown business communities,” said Diane Laird, DEDO State Coordinator for Downtown Delaware. “We’re confident that the properties and business owners taking part in Project Pop-Up 2013 will find that same spirit of partnership in their new homes, and that this synergy will translate into success beyond the upcoming holiday season.”

Alan Levin, Director of the Delaware Economic Development Office, said Project Pop-Up has become a vital tool in helping revitalize Delaware’s main streets.

“The strength of our economy relies on the health of our downtowns, and we’re banking on Project Pop-Up to once again stir growth and activity in these municipalities,” Levin said. “We are proud of these small business owners for taking the next step and moving into a storefront, which in turn helps us by bringing a vacant property to life.”

About the Delaware Economic Development Office
The Delaware Economic Development Office is an executive state agency responsible for attracting new investors and businesses to the state, promoting the expansion of existing industry, assisting small and minority-owned businesses, promoting and developing tourism and creating new and improved employment opportunities for all citizens of the State. Visit dedo.delaware.gov.

About Downtown Delaware
Downtown Delaware, a program of the Delaware Economic Development Office, provides Delaware’s historic downtowns, communities, and small businesses with tools to revitalize their commercial districts, increase entrepreneurial opportunity, and enhance quality of place. To learn more about the Main Street program, visit www.delawaremainstreet.com.

Gov. Jack Markell attends ILC Dover’s celebration of new facility, which will bring 115 jobs

SEAFORD, Del. (Sept. 17, 2013) – ILC Dover helped the United States make history through its work with NASA and contributes to our military’s safety with its line of protection equipment.

On Tuesday, the company marked another milestone that will have a similarly profound impact on Delaware: The grand opening of a new plant that will bring 115 much-needed jobs to Seaford.

ILC Dover is in the process of staffing Grayling Industries, which has launched operations at a 90,000-square-foot facility. Employees there will manufacture internationally recognized safety products for contamination control on asbestos abatement projects and industrial packaging products for shipping and storage of bulk liquids and dry flowable products.

The production lines and the equipment to operate them are in the process of being moved from Juarez, Mexico, to Seaford.

“These new jobs, at this new plant, usher in a new day for the city of Seaford and all of Sussex County,” Gov. Jack Markell said. “ILC Dover must be applauded for bringing these jobs here from Mexico and not only doing right by Delaware, but also helping our country continue to pull business back home.”

Frederica-based ILC Dover, known for making spacesuits for NASA, the airbag system for the Mars Rover and Personal Protection Equipment for military, homeland security and industrial users, purchased Grayling in December 2012 to complement its flexible containment products for the pharmaceutical industry.

Two lines are currently in operation at the plant. The Dry Bottleneck Line produces dry powder liners. Cell # 1 manufactures dry powder liners and D-Con disposable shower enclosures, a low-cost, sturdy and disposable decontamination shower solution for abatement projects. While Grayling’s manufacturing operations are moving to Delaware, the subsidiary’s offices will remain in Alpharetta, Ga.

ILC Dover Chief Executive Officer William Wallach said the opening of Grayling Industries is a great example of how industry and government can work together in a way that allows for new jobs to be created.

“We are very excited today about the official opening of the new Grayling manufacturing facility in Seaford. Grayling Industries appreciates all of the assistance that has been provided by state and local officials to get this new manufacturing facility started,” Wallach said. “ILC Dover and Grayling Industries look forward to the continuing growth of our business, which will result in more opportunities for our employees and the local economy.”

Fifty employees are working the first production line from Juarez in a 60,000-square-foot production facility. An adjacent 30,000-square-foot finished goods warehouse is still under construction.

“This plant sets the bar very high for cleanliness and efficiency,” said Alan Levin, director of the Delaware Economic Development Office. “Positioning a high-quality operation like Grayling Industries at the southern end of our state provides more employment diversification to Sussex County.”

As part of the agreement to move Grayling’s manufacturing operations to Delaware, ILC Dover received a Strategic Fund Performance Grant in the amount of $364,500 for the creation of 115 new full-time positions in the state. The company was also approved for a Strategic Fund Capital Expenditures Grant in the amount of $187,860, or a 3 percent match on qualified capital expenditures up to and including $6,262,000.
About the Delaware Economic Development Office
The Delaware Economic Development Office is an executive state agency responsible for attracting new investors and businesses to the state, promoting the expansion of existing industry, assisting small and minority-owned businesses, promoting and developing tourism and creating new and improved employment opportunities for all citizens of the State. Visit dedo.delaware.gov.

About ILC Dover
The company was initially formed as a branch of the International Latex Corporation in 1932. Since 1947, ILC has been active in the design and development of products for both government and industry. Most ILC products are comprised of softgoods materials, products that are flexible by nature and result in innovative solutions to customer problems. Whether protecting personnel in hostile environments, containing potent pharmaceuticals, or developing unique inflatable devices, ILC has an enviable record of performance. By drawing from a blend of highly qualified personnel and a sound base of both proven and innovative technologies (the same attributes that helped us put man on the moon and cushion rovers on Mars), ILC continues to develop reliable hardware and unique softgoods. Visit www.ilcdover.com.

About Grayling Industries
Grayling Industries, an ILC Dover company, is a manufacturer of specialized flexible film products. The company, which has manufacturing operations in Seaford and offices in Alpharetta, Ga., makes safety products for contamination control on asbestos abatement projects and industrial packaging products for shipping and storage of bulk liquids and dry flowable products. Visit www.graylingindustries.com.

Governor Jack Markell, DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara and Delaware Economic Development (DEDO) Secretary Alan Levin today joined officers from the American Birding Association (ABA) and Delaware City officials to announce the ABA’s plans to move its North American headquarters from Colorado to Delaware next year. The ABA’s new home will be Delaware City’s historic Central Hotel overlooking the riverfront and Pea Patch Island, location of one of the largest heronries on the East Coast.

“We believe birding can play an important role in expanding our multi-billion dollar tourism industry,” said Governor Markell. “Having an international birding organization establish headquarters here in Delaware aids in those efforts, so we are excited to welcome the American Birding Association to its new home in Delaware City.”

“The American Birding Association will be a powerful conservation partner in advancing Delaware’s vision of becoming the First State in Birding,” said Secretary O’Mara. “The ABA national leadership in promoting wildlife viewing and habitat restoration fits perfectly with Delaware’s Bayshore Initiative and will help establish Delaware as the premier destination on the East Coast for birders and other outdoor enthusiasts from near and far year-round.”

“Right now, we have one thing you can’t buy – the birds,” said Secretary Levin. “While some birders – both local and visiting – know Delaware’s reputation for birding opportunities such as the spring red knot migration, we want to build on that reputation and expand this unique area of our growing ecotourism sector to attract many more birding visitors.”

“The American Birding Association has since its founding had a continental and hemispheric reach and outlook and will continue to as we move to our lovely new headquarters in Delaware City,” said ABA President Jeffrey Gordon. “Delaware’s location is ideal, putting us in the heart of a vibrant and active birding scene that stretches throughout the Mid-Atlantic from the ocean to the Appalachians.”

The ABA will be joining an already-vibrant birding community, Gordon added. “Just as important to our organization as the amazing birding found along Delaware’s Bayshore and beyond is the community of birders that live and visit here and the huge numbers of people who love this land and its natural heritage,” he said. “We’re looking forward to working with many partners to strengthen and grow that community and to inspire all people to enjoy and protect wild birds.”

“The City of Delaware City is most fortunate to be the new home of the American Birding Association. For the last few weeks it has literally been the talk of the town,” said Delaware City Chief Executive Officer Dick Cathcart. “With the City’s new emphasis on attracting ecotourism to our river town, the addition of the ABA will be a game changer for us. Coupled with our Branch Canal Trial project and the redevelopment of the Fort DuPont with additional trail systems, we believe Delaware City will become a major destination for this demographic of tourist. This would not have been possible without the cooperative and joint effort of city and state officials, Main Street Delaware City and our local state elected officials. We look forward to a long and great working relationship with the ABA.”

About ABA:

The American Birding Association is an internationally-recognized, non-profit birding organization representing more than 12,000 members from every U.S. state, Canadian province and more than 40 other countries. Founded in 1968, ABA is the only organization in North America that specifically caters to recreational birders, providing support through publications, conferences, workshops, tours, partnerships and networks. ABA’s educational programs promote birding skills, ornithological knowledge, and the development of a conservation ethic. ABA encourages birders to apply their skills to help conserve wild birds and their habitats, and represents the interests of birders in the planning and legislative arenas.

About the Central Hotel:

The Central Hotel has stood on Clinton Street through nearly two centuries of Delaware City’s rich history. Delaware City was laid out in the late 1820s as the C&D Canal was being built to connect the Delaware River and the Chesapeake Bay. The Central Hotel was originally built in 1830 as a combined dwelling and grain storehouse to serve the wharfs along the new canal. Uses over the years have also included a general store, restaurant, oyster cellar, tavern and hotel, as reflected in its many additions and changes.

Today, the former hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Delaware City Historic District. Its owners, Dana and Susan Renoll, are in the process of renovating the building to serve as a visitor center and offices for the American Birding Association, with residential space on the top floors. When finished, the renovations will include a green roof on part of the addition, two garden spaces, a recycled brick sidewalk along the canal side and a clean natural gas system. Completion of the project is expected in spring 2014.

Delaware City is one of the cities and towns along the Delaware Bayshore, the central coastline from the northern cities of New Castle and Delaware City and the Point of Cape Henlopen in Lewes. DNREC’s Delaware Bayshore Initiative, a landscape approach to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitat, increase volunteer participation in habitat stewardship projects, enhance low-impact outdoor recreation and ecotourism opportunities, and promote associated environmentally compatible economic development in this unique region. For more information, click Delaware Bayshore.