Governor’s Statement on President Obama’s 2015 State of the Union Address

Wilmington, DE – Governor Markell, who attended tonight’s State of the Union address, issued the following statement in reaction to President Obama’s remarks:

“As the President made clear again tonight, our country’s future prosperity depends on a strong middle class and a fair opportunity for all those striving for the middle class. To achieve those goals requires that we give our people the skills they need to thrive in today’s economy and that we build a talented workforce to spur growth of key industries.
 
“I’m particularly pleased by the President’s emphasis on access to our community colleges and I’m proud Delaware has shown great leadership in this area for many years by offering our high school graduates free tuition for two years of higher education through our SEED and INSPIRE scholarship. Institutions like Delaware Tech, and the partnerships they build with our businesses, offer outstanding training and retraining for the jobs of our present and future. The President’s agenda, which importantly includes support for students as well as workers transitioning to new careers, would strengthen these efforts.
 
“We can only build an economy that works for everyone if we have the foundation of a strong infrastructure, so it’s vital that the President also continues to reiterate his call for investments in our transportation system to create jobs today, while generating economic development for years to come.
 
“These are not Democratic or Republican issues. Outside of Washington, we know these priorities will mean more economic opportunity and a better quality of life for Delawareans and all Americans. It is incumbent upon Democrats and Republicans to overcome Washington politics and find common ground to act on these issues.”
 
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Governor Markell Welcomes Chilean President Michelle Bachelet to Delaware

Photos from today’s event

Delegation visits Port of Wilmington to discuss business relations with Delaware leaders

Wilmington, DE – Joined by U.S. Senator Tom Carper, Congressman John Carney, dozens of local business leaders, as well as state and local officials, Governor Markell welcomed Chilean President Michelle Bachelet to the Port of Wilmington to discuss ways the two countries can increase trade opportunities and strengthen business relationships. Joining President Bachelet was a delegation that included Chilean authorities and business leaders.Chilean President Visit

“We were honored to welcome President Bachelet to Delaware today,” said Governor Markell. “We are fortunate to have strong commercial relationships with Chilean growers and businesses through the Port of Wilmington, and visits like this aim to enhance those relationships and determine new ways in which we can work together to grow our economies.”

Bachelet, serving the second of two non-consecutive terms as president of Chile, became the first woman elected to that office in 2006. In 2002, she became the first woman to lead the Chile’s Defense Ministry and has also served as the country’s health minister. She was elected as president of Chile for the second time in 2014.

To commemorate the first visit by a President of the Republic of Chile to the Port of Wilmington, President Bachelet unveiled a plaque as part of today’s event. Sponsored by the Chilean Exporters Association (Asoex), the plaque will be permanently displayed at the Robert F. Senseny Administration Building.Chilean President Visit

“This visit aims to enhance and extend links between Chile and this region, so we can do more and better business, and generate more jobs and prosperity for our people,” said President Bachelet. “This is a great opportunity to learn about the operations of one of the most modern and relevant U.S. ports. And, of course, I am especially honored the plate was unveiled in commemoration of this visit as a symbol of brotherhood between Chile and the United States.”

The Port of Wilmington, the nation’s leading hub for imported perishable cargo and fruit concentrates, serves as a major East Coast gateway for Chilean fruit and has been handling shipments from the country since 1988.

“The Port’s relationship with Chile is a strong one built on years of cooperation and synergy. With a global economy facing times of uncertainty, partnerships like this are crucial,” said Alan Levin, Director of the Delaware Economic Development Office and Chairman of the Diamond State Port Corporation. “We applaud Chilean business and government officials, especially President Bachelet, for their role in this partnership, which has brought significant jobs and revenue to the State of Delaware.”

In 2014, Chilean fruit business accounted for more than 167,000 pallets and was responsible for 835 jobs; $48 million in related business revenue; $45 million in personal income for all those involved with this cargo; and about $4.4 million in tax revenue for Delaware and the region.

“We are extremely honored to welcome President Michelle Bachelet, the first Chilean head of state to visit the Port of Wilmington,” said Gene Bailey, the Port’s Executive Director. “Her visit is the highest compliment to our Port and to the efforts of men and women working here. Their hard work and dedication have been key to the commercial success of Chilean fruit with the North American consumer, and Chile’s commitment to our port for more than twenty-five years has been so important to the economic vitality of the Port of Wilmington and the surrounding region.”

Global Reefers NV, the successor company to Pacific Seaways, operates the only direct Chilean fruit express service between Chilean ports and the Port of Wilmington. The current shipment to the Port includes Chilean table grapes, blueberries, plums, peaches and other deciduous fruit. Those crops will be discharged from specialized reefer ships overseen by Global Reefers NV to the Port of Wilmington through April.Chilean President Visit

“Since 1988, the relationship between Chile and the Port of Wilmington has been vital to the economy of Delaware and the region,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper. “I look forward to strengthening that relationship – one that provides over 800 jobs and millions of dollars in revenue – for many years to come.”

In addition to fruit from Chile and other countries, the Port handles between 30,000-40,000 tons of sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, lithium carbonate, potassium sulfate and related chemicals shipped from Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) to Wilmington, where it is stored and distributed by Intercontinental Services of Delaware LLC. These chemicals are used for industrial, agricultural and solar energy applications. The Port also handles large amounts of Chilean salt for various chemical processes used by DelDOT and others to battle snow and ice.

The Port offers the largest on-dock cold storage complex in North America. It is operated by Diamond State Port Corp., and is responsible for 5,200 family sustaining jobs annually, generating $384 million in business revenue, $360 million in personal income and $35 million in state and regional taxes.

“I was very pleased to join Governor Markell and Senator Carper in welcoming President Bachelet to Delaware,” Congressman John Carney said. “Millions of Americans enjoy fruit every day and probably don’t think very much about where it came from.  But, here in Delaware, we think about it a lot because the Port of Wilmington is the entry point for Chilean fruit that feeds families all across North America. The strong relationship that Delaware and our port workers have with Chile creates jobs and supports the economy of both countries. I’m proud that the Port of Wilmington plays such an important role in this exchange, and I look forward to building on this relationship in the future.”

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$7 Million Now Available to Revitalize Downtowns

Dover, DE – Governor Jack Markell and Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) Director Anas Ben Addi announced today the launch of the Downtown Development Districts (DDD) Grant Program. The DDD Grant is now available for investments in recently designated areas of Wilmington, Dover and Seaford that need the rehabilitation, expansion or new construction of commercial, industrial, residential (including multi-family), and mixed-use buildings or facilities located within the boundaries of a District.

Governor Markell said, “Downtown Development Districts will spur private capital investment in commercial business districts, stimulate job growth, help build a stable community of long term residents by improving housing opportunities, and strengthen our neighborhoods.  The DDD Grant Program offers the opportunity to generate a surge of cultural, real estate, and business activity that could reinvigorate declining areas of our cities.”

DSHA Director Anas Ben Addi added, “After many rounds of outreach and gathering feedback, we are excited to launch this program.  In structuring the grant allocation process, we tried to be fair to all projects and Districts, regardless of the size or location. The $7 million funding will allow us to attract at least $35 million worth of private investments to the designated Districts.”

The DDD Act of 2014 was enacted by General Assembly to spur private investment in commercial business districts and other neighborhoods; improve the commercial vitality of our cities and towns; and, help build a stable community of long-term residents in our downtowns and other neighborhoods.  State and local incentives are available to businesses and district investors who invest within the Downtown Development District boundaries.

Examples of eligible activities include:  Exterior, interior, structural, mechanical or electrical improvements; excavations; grading and paving; installing driveways; landscaping or land improvements; and, demolition.

Developers, homeowners, or business owners interested in investing in the DDDs may apply directly to DSHA. Applications, forms and guidelines may be obtained from DSHA’s website. Projects seeking a Large Project reservation must apply by March 20, 2015. Small Project applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.

(Please see the Downtown Development District Fact Sheet for additional information.)

To view the Downtown Development Districts Grant Program, visit the DSHA’s Downtown Development District web page.  Visit the Office of State Planning Coordination website to learn about additional available programs that may be used in combination with the DDD Grant.

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 is 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: (302) 739-4263 or visit our website at: www.destatehousing.com.

Press Contact:

Christina M. Hardin-Dirksen
Chief of Community Relations, DSHA
Phone:  (302) 739-4263
Email:  Christina@destatehousing.com


Governor’s Weekly Message Transcript: Growing the Economy by Strengthening Our Downtowns

We recognize that much of our economy’s future growth must be driven by the vibrancy of our downtowns. More Americans are seeking dynamic and exciting urban environments and our ability to continue to create opportunities for Delawareans will depend, in large part, on whether we meet these demands. That’s the motivation behind the Downtown Development District program, which celebrated the designation of its first three districts this week.

After receiving impressive proposals from cities and towns across the state, we selected Seaford, Dover and Wilmington to have their downtowns and surrounding areas designated for economic development incentives. Each city’s plans demonstrates the impact that development incentives can have and the tremendous potential of downtown revitalization. While Seaford has many abandoned properties, it has shovel-ready projects waiting for just a little extra financial boost to get started.Dover has lined up an impressive array of partners: developers, realtors, not-for-profits, a sustainable utility, and banks, as well as affordable housing and social service providers to support their efforts. And Wilmington’s plan would effectively build on downtown revitalization efforts underway, not only through projects proposed for the Market Street Corridor, but also by investing in neighborhoods on the east and west sides.

We remain focused on ways to give our cities the best chance to thrive and we see Downtown Development Districts as a key part of the solution. With the support of leadership in each of these districts, along the residents, businesses, and not-for-profit communities who live and work there, we can generate a surge of real estate, cultural and business activity to jumpstart progress in areas that have long been overlooked. And that will keep Delaware moving forward.

Governor’s Weekly Message: Growing the Economy by Strengthening Our Downtowns


African American History Month programs among 18 special events sponsored by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs during February 2015

(DOVER, Del.—Jan. 14, 2015)—During the month of February 2015, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be offering 18 special events at sites across the state. Twelve of these events will be presented in commemoration of African American History Month, an annual observance celebrating the invaluable contributions that the black community has made to the culture and history of the United States. Unless otherwise indicated, events are free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-744-5055.

Highlights of the month include “Celebrating Love and Family: ‘The Roots of an African-American Family and Community—Star-Hill and the Gibbs Family Legacy,’ ” a lecture by former Delaware State University professor Dr. Gregory Scott about his research on the previously unknown history of Star-Hill, a black community in Kent County that began in the 1880s. The program will also feature former state Rep. Donald Blakey reading original poetry by Solomon Gibbs, a former resident and leader of Star-Hill. The program will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7 at The Old State House located at 25 The Green, in Dover.

On Saturdays, Feb. 7, 21 and 28, the John Dickinson Plantation, located at 340 Kitts Hummock Road in Dover, will offer special tours exploring the lives of African-Americans who lived in slavery and servitude at the home of John Dickinson, one of the founding fathers of the United States and “Penman of the Revolution.”

Finally, on Saturday, Feb. 21, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., the Johnson Victrola Museum, located at 375 S. New St. in Dover, will present “Celebrating Love and Family: ‘The Story of Fats Waller,’ ” guided tours that focus on the life and achievements of the noted jazz musician, accompanied by Waller’s Victor recordings played on authentic Victor Talking Machines.

Special events, February 2015
Note:
Recent program changes are highlighted in brown.

Friday, Feb. 6, 2015
Concert by Bruce Anthony. Jazz guitarist. Presented in partnership with the Delaware Friends of Folk. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Program at 7:30 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015
“Celebrating Love and Family: ‘Paul Robeson’s Family Ties and Contributions.’ ” African American History Month tours focus on the biography and family of bass vocalist Paul Robeson, and his achievements and political views as they pertain to his struggle as a 20th-century black artist. The program will feature Robeson’s Victor recordings 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, Feb. 7, 2015
“Celebrating Love and Family: ‘Follow the Drinking Gourd.’ ” African American History Month program for children Pre-K through 2nd grade focuses on Delaware’s involvement in the Underground Railroad and its many heroes who helped enslaved people escape to freedom. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Program at 11 a.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015
“A World Apart.” African-American-history-based tours. Learn about Dinah and her family and their journey from enslavement to freedom. 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, Feb. 7, 2015
“Celebrating Love and Family: ‘The Roots of an African-American Family and Community—Star-Hill and the Gibbs Family Legacy.’ ” Lecture by Dr. Gregory Scott about his research on the previously unknown history of Star-Hill, an African-American community in Kent County that began in the 1880s. The program will also feature former state Rep. Donald Blakey reading original poetry by Solomon Gibbs, a former resident and leader of Star-Hill. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Program at 1 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015
“Follow the Drinking Gourd.” Interactive program for children Pre-K through 2nd grade focuses on Delaware’s involvement in the Underground Railroad and its many heroes who helped enslaved people escape to freedom. Partnership between the Dover Public Library and the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs. Dover Public Library, 35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover. 2 p.m. 302-736-7030.

Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015
“John Dickinson’s 207th Remembrance Day.” Program commemorating the death of John Dickinson explores 18th century mourning practices including a letter written in Dickinson’s memory by then President Thomas Jefferson. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Wreath laying ceremony at Samuel Dickinson’s gravesite at Noon. Program 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015
“Celebrating Love and Family: ‘Finding African American Families in Kent County—1830–1860.’ ” Interactive workshop about recent research into the lives of 19th-century African Americans residing in Kent County, Del. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Workshop 1–3 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Inclement weather date: March 14, 2015. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-744-5055.

Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015
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.

Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015
“Delaware’s Decades—the 1990s.” Program description TBA. Don Voltz, executive director of the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame, will discuss the planning and creation of the museum and its inductees. Part seven of an eight-part series exploring decades in Delaware’s history. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Program at 2 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Feb.2, 2015. Note updated program information.

Friday, Feb. 20, 2015
McLane and Washington.” Living-history theatrical performance by Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs historical interpreter Tom Welch exploring the relationship between General George Washington and Col. Allen McLane, the Revolutionary War hero from Duck Creek (Smyrna, Del.). Partnership between the division and the Dover Public Library. Dover Public Library, 35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover. 7 p.m. 302-736-7030.

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015
“Celebrating Love and Family: ‘Follow the Drinking Gourd.’ ” African American History Month program for children Pre-K through 2nd grade focuses on Delaware’s involvement in the Underground Railroad and its many heroes who helped enslaved people escape to freedom. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Program at 11 a.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015
“Stories of Runaway Slaves.” African-American-history-based tours. Learn about three runaway slaves and how they escaped from St. Jones Neck. 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, Feb. 21, 2015
“Celebrating Love and Family: ‘The Story of Fats Waller.’ ” African American History Month tours focus on the life and achievements of the noted jazz musician, accompanied by Waller’s Victor recordings played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Program 1–3 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Friday, Feb. 27, 2015
A Taste of Buena Vista.” Tour one of Delaware’s most historic houses and enjoy hors d’oeuvres and coffee accompanied by harp music. Buena Vista Conference Center, 661 S. Dupont Highway (Route 13), New Castle. 6–9 p.m. Admission $5 in advance by reservation through the Shop Delaware website (go to http://shop.delaware.gov and click the “events” link). 302-323-4430.

Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015
“Celebrating Love and Family: ‘Follow the Drinking Gourd.’ ” African American History Month program for children Pre-K through 2nd grade focuses on Delaware’s involvement in the Underground Railroad and its many heroes who helped enslaved people escape to freedom. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Program at 11 a.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015
“A World Apart.” African-American-history-based tours. Learn about Violet Brown and read her recollections. 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, Feb. 28, 2015
“Celebrating Love and Family: ‘The African-American Family in Slavery and Freedom—A Celebration of Love.’ ” Lecture by Dr. Gregory Scott on Herbert Gutman’s book The Black Family In Slavery and Freedom: 1750–1925.” The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Program at 1 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Exhibits, February 2015
In addition to special programming, the following exhibits are on display at Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs museums.
Note: Recent program changes are highlighted in brown.

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.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 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. Note correction to museum hours.

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. Mon.–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.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 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. Note correction to museum hours.

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.

-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