Participation more than doubles for state program, which offers rent-free commercial space

Dover, DE – Last year, five entrepreneurs jumped at an opportunity offered by the State of Delaware and used it to achieve their dreams of moving into a brick-and-mortar location.

Using last year’s success as a springboard for 2014, Project Pop-Up has more than doubled that number, as 13 businesses will participate in the program this holiday season.

Project Pop-Up, a joint effort between the Delaware Economic Development Office and Downtown Delaware, offers three months of rent-free commercial space and the assistance of a business advisor from October through December. The program also helps to spur economic development in towns across the state by placing businesses in renovated properties that were once vacant.

“The success of Delaware’s talented and hard-working entrepreneurs is vital to our state’s present and future economy,” Gov. Jack Markell said. “Project Pop-Up has proven to position them for long-term success, helping to turn their great ideas into thriving businesses, while reinvigorating vacant properties in our downtowns. Combined with initiatives like expanding the research and development tax credit for small businesses and reforming state regulations, this initiative is an essential part of our efforts to unleash the potential of Delaware’s small business community.

The following businesses will take part in Project Pop-Up 2014 and will open on Oct. 1:

• Fresh Faced Skin Care, LLC, owned by Erica Suppa, 104 West Main Street, Middletown
• Max Tax, LLC, owned by Gary and Nicole Kennedy, 202 North Union St., Wilmington
• Patty Cakes, LLC, owned by Latricia Vicks, 22 South Walnut St., Milford
• Skin by Hillary, LLC, owned by Hillary Reid, 105 Federal St., Milton
• WineKnot21, LLC, owned by Amy Conroy, 113 Union Street Unit F, Milton

This year will also see the addition of a Project Pop-Up Incubator at 9^th and Shipley streets in Wilmington, which will include the following businesses:

• Barrel of Makers, owned by Jesse Taylor
• Cherné Altovise Jewelry, owned by Cherné Bishop
• Dolley’s Sweet Cakes, owned by Andrienne Dolley
• Fit Body Personal Training, owned by Ositadinma Ofuani
• FLYOGI, owned by Jason Aviles
• London Rocks Kids, owned by Damaris Colon
• MIZ INK, owned by Michael Hill
• Tasty Couture, owned by Theresa Holland

“The expansion of this year’s Pop-Up program to include a three-month incubator in the City of Wilmington will create an opportunity for early stage entrepreneurs to market test their products and services, during the holiday season, in an active downtown location,” said Ken Anderson, director for entrepreneurial and small business support for DEDO. “We are confident that a number of these businesses will be in a better position to pursue longer-term lease arrangements going forward.”

Last year’s Project Pop-Up participants included 302 Fitness, a personal training studio and small group workout center in Milton owned by John Lehne; Milton Wellness Center of Delaware, owned by Dr. Bill Shearer and Mary Van House; Milford Massage, Wellness and Yoga, owned by Paige Deiner; Royal Treatments, a home décor and window treatments business in downtown Smyrna owned by Karen Gill; and Computers Fixed Today, owned by Theo Morgan and located in Dover.

“The response to last year’s program was just phenomenal, and we couldn’t be happier with the fact that we were able to more than double the number of participating businesses,” said Diane Laird, State Coordinator for Downtown Delaware. “What was most encouraging was our ability to help last year’s businesses sign long-term leases beyond the holiday season. We hope to replicate that success this year.”

Last year, all five businesses signed long-term leases and continue to do business in the communities in which they were established.

Deiner’s business did so well that it outgrew its space and moved to a larger location less than a mile away. Since she first opened her business with the help of Project Pop-Up, Milford Massage has quadrupled its business, compiling in one day what it used to bring in over a week.

“I don’t think any of this would have been possible without Project Pop-Up,” Deiner said. “It was hard to take that risk and invest in something that I was unsure about. Project Pop-Up not only gave us a start, but it gave us constant support. It gave me the opportunity to work toward that dream with confidence.”

Project Pop-Up represents a “graduation phase” of DEDO’s support of small business, which begins with programs like Start It Up Delaware and continues with the Kauffman FastTrac Program, said Alan Levin, Director of the Delaware Economic Development Office.

“Every big business started out as a small business. We provide financial assistance and support for small businesses because they are the future of our economy,” Levin said. “Project Pop-Up has been successful at identifying those individuals who are willing to take the leap and move ahead with their vision. These men and women will lead Delaware’s economy for years to come, and we will gladly support their efforts long after the ink dries on their first long-term lease.”

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.

Contact:

Peter Bothum Delaware Economic Development Office peter.bothum@delaware.gov Office: 302-672-6857 Cell: 302-632-6665

During the month of October 2014, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be offering 10 special programs at the state of Delaware’s museums. A full schedule of events is included below. All programs listed are free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-744-5055.

On Saturday, Oct. 25, between 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., the New Castle Court House Museum, located at 211 Delaware St. in New Castle, will present “William Penn Day,” a day-long series of activities commemorating Penn’s Oct. 27, 1682 disembarkment at New Castle, his first landing in the New World. Activities will include a re-enactment of the Livery of Seizen ritual in which Penn received possession of New Castle and a 12-mile circle of land surrounding it; “Tea With Mrs. Penn”; a performance by De Blokfluiters recorder/flute ensemble; “The Trial of William Penn,” a historical play exploring Penn’s trial on religious freedom and the rights of English subjects under the law; and an evening concert of Baroque music by the Immanuel Bach Consort. 

On Saturday, Oct. 4 at 2:30 p.m., the Johnson Victrola Museum, located at 375 S. New St.in Dover, will present “Pioneers in the Music Industry: Emile Berliner,” a program featuring Oliver Berliner, grandson of inventor Emile Berliner, who will discuss his grandfather’s life, his inventions (including the gramophone) and his major contributions to society.

Finally, on Saturday, Oct. 11, between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., the John Dickinson Plantation, located at 340 Kitts Hummock Road in Dover, will be alive with music, food, hands-on activities and entertainment during the program “A Day in the Life of the John Dickinson Plantation.” Featured performers will be the Swordmasters who will be demonstrating Colonial muskets and rifles, and giving fencing presentations.

Administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the six museums of the State of Delaware—the New Castle Court House Museum, the John Dickinson Plantation, the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, The Old State House, the Johnson Victrola Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum—tell the story of the First State’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, October 2014
Note: Recent program changes are highlighted in brown.

Saturday, Oct. 4 2014
“The Declaration of Independence.” Guided tours focus on the document in which the newly born United States declared its independence from Great Britain, and the Delaware signers who made this one of the most important documents in American history. 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, Oct. 4, 2014
“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 3:30 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055. Note change in program time.

Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014
River Towns Ride and Festival. Festivals in historic New Castle and Delaware City frame a bicycling event between the two cities. Family-oriented festival held from Noon–5 p.m. at the New Castle Court House Museum and The Green in New Castle will feature music, rides, attractions, games, tours, vendors, craft beers, food and drink. 302-323-4453.

Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014
“His Majesty’s Sloop of War DeBraak.” Held in conjunction with Lewes’ annual Boast the Coast festival, the event will feature a day-long slate of maritime-history and -archaeology activities including block-and-tackle demonstrations and a 2 p.m. presentation on the DeBraak shipwreck. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-645-1148.

Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014
“Pioneers in the Music Industry: Emile Berliner.” Guided tours explore the first pioneers in the music industry including the inventors of talking machines as well as early recording artists. Oliver Berliner, grandson of inventor Emile Berliner, will discuss his grandfather’s life, his inventions (including the gramophone) and his major contributions to society. First Saturday in the First State program. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Program at 2:30 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055. Note change in program description and time.

Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014
“A Day in the Life of the John Dickinson Plantation.” Visitors of all ages will enjoy a day of music, food, entertainment and hands-on activities from Colonial trades to hearth cooking in the 18th-century setting of the home of the “Penman of the Revolution.” The featured performers will be the Swordmasters demonstrating Colonial muskets and rifles, and giving fencing presentations. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277. Note program addition.

Friday, Oct. 24, 2014
“Lantern Tours of the Plantation.” Programs explore the parties, games, dances and entertainment that would have abounded at the plantation during the nighttime in the 18th century. Activities will also include wagon-ride guided-tours conducted by staff of the St. Jones Reserve exploring the nocturnal life of the estuary. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Programs 6–7 p.m. and 7:30–8:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-739-3277.

Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014
William Penn Day. Series of programs commemorating the 332nd anniversary of Penn’s disembarkment at New Castle, his first landing in the New World. Activities at the New Castle Court House and The Green include a re-enactment of the Livery of Seizen ritual in which Penn received possession of New Castle and a 12-mile circle of land surrounding it; “Tea With Mrs. Penn”; a performance by De Blokfluiters recorder/flute ensemble; “The Trial of William Penn,” a historical play exploring Penn’s trial on religious freedom and the rights of English subjects under the law; and an evening concert of Baroque music by the Immanuel Bach Consort. and an evening concert by the University of Delaware Baroque Chamber Ensemble. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Free admission. 302-323-4453. Note programming change.

Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014
“An 18th-Century Sweet Tooth.” Hands-on workshop in which visitors can learn how to create 18th-century sweets and goodies. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014
“Mysteries of History.” Walking tour explores the unusual tombstones of St. Peter’s cemetery in Lewes. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Tour leaves from the museum at 2 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-645-1148.

Exhibits and displays, October 2014
In addition to special programming, the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is presenting the following exhibits and displays:

Thru Dec. 7, 2014 Thru July 31, 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. Note changes in closing date.

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. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. from April 1–Oct. 31. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. from Nov. 1–March 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. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. from April 1–Oct. 31. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. from Nov. 1–March 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 many more-complicated machines are composed. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Ongoing
“Simple Pleasures: Picnic, Play and Dance.” Display of original Edwardian and roaring 20s fashions that reflect the spirit of the liberated “modern” woman as depicted in the Downton Abbey television series. From the collections of the state of Delaware. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Mon.–Sat., 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

(Dover, DE) – In his weekly message, Governor Markell addresses the importance of the Delaware State Housing Authority’s (DSHA) just-released Housing Needs Assessment, which provides information to help determine housing priorities for DSHA and in communities throughout the State. The new report analyzes issues like the types of housing in highest demand, and will help shape policies to strengthen the economy.
“The state, our counties, and all of our cities and towns must effectively plan for the type of housing and land use that best serves Delawareans, while encouraging economic development across the state,” said Governor Markell. “By having a long-term plan, we’ll continue our work to ensure Delaware is an attractive place to live for families of all types; we’ll make the most of our state’s housing resources; and we’ll provide our people with the economic opportunity to keep Delaware moving forward.”
Every week, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W9f03YQP-4
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

Transcript of the Governor’s Weekly Message: Growing the Economy by Meeting Delawareans’ Housing Needs

Child Passenger Safety Week September 14^th-20^th

Dover – It’s not always easy to know how to correctly secure children in car seats in all types of vehicles. Three out of 4 parents in Delaware do not install their child’s car seat properly. So Delaware and the rest of the nation recognize National Child Passenger Safety Week September 14-20 to promote the correct and consistent use of child safety seats. Children using incorrectly installed car seats face dramatically increased rates of death and injury in the event of a crash.

OHS and Bucklebear will be distributing important information in the community on child passenger safety including tip sheets, how to register your car seat, and where to find car seat fitting stations. Fitting stations are conveniently located statewide and staffed by certified child passenger safety technicians who will inspect the car seat for correct installation and show you how to properly position your child in the seat. Call for an appointment at one of these locations.

Wilmington                                             DMV Dover DMV                                                 DSP Troop 7
2230 Hessler Blvd                                 303 Transportation Cir.                                      18006 Coastal Hwy, Lewes
302.434.3234                                        302.744.2749                                                       302.744.2749
Tuesday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm                 Tuesday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm                               302.387.2324
Wednesday 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm           Wednesday 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm                         By appointment only
Thursday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

OHS is also offering other opportunities statewide for families to get their car seats checked for free at the following locations:

Friday Sept. 19, 2014 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Christiana Care Hospital- Maternity Department
4755 Ogletown-Stanton Rd, Newark
Open to the public, no appointment necessary

Saturday Sept. 20, 2014 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Dover DMV
303 Transportation Circle
302.744.2749
No appointment necessary

There are 4 steps for child safety as they grow; rear facing, forward facing, booster seat use, and seat belt use. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends parents to keep their children in rear facing car seats until the age of 2. Delaware law sets a minimum standard that gives parents flexibility to meet the new best practice recommendation set by the AAP and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Delaware law simply requires a child to be “properly secured according to manufacturer’s instructions” in a child safety seat “that is appropriate for the child’s age/weight and height” up to age 8 or 65 lbs in weight, whichever comes first. Ages 8 – 16 must be secured in a seat belt.

OHS is encouraging parents to follow the wording in the NHTSA guidelines which were also updated to closely mirror the new recommendations by the AAP, but may be easier for parents to understand and follow. These guidelines recommend that parents keep their 1 – 3 year olds “rear facing as long as possible”, and focus more attention on obeying the manufactures weight and height limits on individual seats using age as a broad guide for rear facing vs. forward facing instead.

Parents who would like to learn more about the 4 steps for child safety and to find the times and dates of car seat check locations can visit OHS website at http://www.ohs.delaware.gov/carseat, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DEHighwaySafe, or Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ArriveAliveDE.

Dover –The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) along with state and local law enforcement are reminding motorists and motorcyclists alike to See & Be Seen during Delmarva Bike Week.  From September 11^th to 15^th, law enforcement across the state will be patrolling high crash roadways ensuring that both motorists and motorcyclists are riding and driving safe and sharing the road.  Motorists are reminded to look twice for motorcyclists before pulling out from an intersection or cross roads and motorcyclists are reminded that they need to comply with the state’s motorcycle safety laws including having the proper motorcycle endorsement on their license.

Agencies participating in the increased enforcement include Bethany Beach PD, Dewey Beach PD, Dover PD, Fenwick Island PD, Georgetown PD, Lewes PD, Milford PD, Milton PD, New Castle County PD, Newark PD, Rehoboth Beach PD, and DSP.

To date Delaware has experienced 15 motorcycle fatalities compared to 14 at this time last year.

Tips for drivers on how to prevent a fatal crash with a motorcycle;

• Though a motorcycle is a small vehicle, its operator still has all the rights of the road as any other motorist. Allow the motorcycle the full width of a lane at all times.
• Always signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic.
• If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful: motorcycle signals are often non-canceling and could have been forgotten. Always ensure that the motorcycle is turning before proceeding.
• Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections.
• Always allow more following distance – three to four seconds – when behind a motorcycle. This gives them more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
• Never drive distracted or impaired.

Motorcyclists can increase their safety by following these steps:

• Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and other protective gear.
• Obey all traffic laws and be properly licensed.
• Use hand and turn signals at every lane change or turn.
• Wear brightly colored clothes and reflective tape to increase visibility.
• Ride in the middle of the lane where you will be more visible to drivers.
• Never ride distracted or impaired.

For more information visit www.MotorcycleSafetyDE.org and follow regular campaign updates on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DEHighwaySafe and Facebook www.facebook.com/ArriveAliveDE.