DOI Will Publish Names of Companies Who Violate State Insurance Regulations

​Dover, DE – The Delaware Department of Insurance now publishes fines imposed by Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart against insurance companies who violate state insurance regulations.

Commissioner Stewart fined the following companies a total of $83,300 during the first quarter of 2016:

Name                                                        Fine                              Date

21st Century                                          $27,500.00                 1/21/2016

Teachers Insurance Co.                       $25,000.00                  2/04/2016

Homesite Insurance Co.                      $15,000.00                  3/17/2016

Jackson National Life Ins. Co.                $3,800.00                  3/22/2016

Progressive Direct                                  $5,000.00                  3/03/2016

Progressive Northern                            $7,000.00                  3/04/2016

The Department previously announced that penalties assessed against Aetna and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware earlier in January totaled $483,000.

Fines generally result from a “market conduct” examination of a company’s practices performed by the Department, or from DOI’s participation in a multi-state examination conducted by several jurisdictions.  Details of the companies’ particular violations may be found in the Stipulation and Consent Order entered into by the parties and listed under “Consent Decrees” in the Enforcement Actions & Fines section of the Department website at http://www.delawareinsurance.gov/departments/documents/enforcement/actions.shtml.

Click on the PDF link in the right-hand column to read the consent decree in its entirety.

For more information, call the Department at 1-800-282-8611.

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(DOVER, Del.—April 18, 2016)—The Delaware Quilt Documentation Project will hold a Quilt Documentation Day on Saturday, April 30, 2016, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Lewes Presbyterian Church located at 133 Kings Highway in Lewes, Del.

The project is designed to record the rich tradition of quilt-making in the state of Delaware and to help preserve its legacy for future generations. Owners of quilts made before 1950 are encouraged to bring their quilts to this informative documentation process which involves photographing each quilt, recording its physical characteristics and gathering historical information about the quilt and/or the quilt-maker. Admission to the session is free and there is no cost for the documentation of quilts made in Delaware. Walk-ins are welcome, but an appointment is recommended to guarantee that a particular quilt is included in the documentation process. A donation is requested for the documentation of quilts without a Delaware provenance.

After the documentation process has been completed, data related to Delaware-made quilts will be compiled and analyzed, and a book featuring the most representative and historically important quilts will be developed. The project plans to mount a traveling exhibition of selected quilts which will be displayed in each of Delaware’s three counties.

The Delaware Quilt Documentation Project is a collaborative effort between the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs and the University of Delaware. Information about Delaware quilts will be submitted to The Quilt Index, a national data base maintained by The Alliance for American Quilts. The project is supported, in part, by grants from the Delaware Humanities Forum and the National Quilting Association, as well as individual contributions. For additional information contact the project co-coordinators Ann Baker Horsey of the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs at 302-739-6402 or Dr. Fran Mayhew of the University of Delaware at 302-368-8423. To make an appointment, call Dr. Mayhew.

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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

More than ever, access to good jobs and a rewarding career requires education and training beyond a high school diploma. We have no higher priority than to ensure that we give all Delawareans affordable opportunities to gain the right skills for today’s economy. When we give that chance to our hardworking and determined workforce the impact is clear.

You can see the results in the 50 young Delawareans who just completed intensive training in health care and customer service through our partnership with the McKinsey Social Initiative. The graduates told us that prior to joining the programs, they were unemployed or underemployed, felt frustrated and stressed, and saw no way to jumpstart their careers. Now they have job opportunities that they could not have previously imagined in fields like nursing and hospitality. We must continue to grow that initiative.

While that program is free for students, we know the cost of advanced education is daunting for many. For the past decade, our SEED and Inspire scholarships have opened the door for nearly 20,000 high school graduates to receive two years of free college tuition. But some who need help the most can’t access these scholarships because they can’t attend school full-time or they need to interrupt their studies to care for young children or earn money to support their families. No one should be denied a successful future because of circumstances beyond their control. I’m proud to join the original founder of SEED – Senator Harris McDowell – to propose legislation that expands the program for those who must attend part-time or take a semester off.

By building on these efforts, we’ll continue to remove unnecessary obstacles to success and create opportunity for all Delawareans to reach their potential, while building a stronger workforce to grow our economy. And that will keep Delaware moving forward.

(DOVER, Del.—April 15, 2016)—During the month of May 2016, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be offering 14 special programs at sites across the state. Except where noted, all programs are free and open to the public.

Highlights of the month include several programs presented from May 6 to 8 as part of the 83rd Annual Dover Days Festival which is dedicated to promoting the heritage and culture of the state of Delaware and its capital city. The theme for the 2016 festival is historic preservation as reflected in Preservation50, the United States’ multi-year celebration of the 50th anniversary of the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The act has transformed the face of communities from coast to coast as it established the legal framework and incentives to preserve historic buildings, landscapes and archaeology.

In keeping with the historic-preservation theme, the division will be offering several programs celebrating the 1976 restoration of The Old State House which returned the venerable structure to its original 1791 appearance. Activities, which will take place at The Old State House, located at 25 The Green in Dover, include “There’s a Party in the House” on Friday, May 6 featuring 70s music and dancing; guided tours on Saturday, May 7 examining preservationist Mabel Lloyd Ridgely’s efforts in saving The Old State House from destruction; and the display “The Old State House: A True Restoration 1976-2016” which will be on-view beginning on May 4.

Other May activities of note include the ninth annual Symposium on the Early Colonial Archaeology of the Delaware Valley Region which will take place on Saturday, May 7 at the New Castle Court House Museum; and the fifth annual Zwaanendael Maritime Celebration: “A Sailor’s Life for Me” that will take place on Saturday, May 28 at the Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes.

Following is a complete listing of Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs special programs taking place in May 2016:

Sunday, May 1, 2016
“Post Cards of the Past.” Bill Burton gives visitors a chance to revisit “Old Dover” through his amazing collection of old Kent County postcards. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Program 2 p.m. Museum open 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-744-5054.

Tuesday, May 3, 2016
“Preservation50—‘Preserving Sussex County History: The Green Book.’ ” Presentation by researcher Carlton Hall of the State Historic Preservation Office on the “Green Book,” a travel and vacation guidebook for people of color during the segregation era. The program will explore the stories of African-Americans of the last century and their challenges living through the Jim Crow laws in Delaware from the 1920s to the 1960s. Presented in partnership with the Laurel Historical Society and the Laurel Public Library in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Laurel Public Library, 101 E. Fourth St., Laurel. 6:30 p.m. 302-875-3184.

Friday, May 6, 2016
“There’s a Party in the House.” Celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Old State House restoration. Dress in 1970s clothes and party like its 1976. Event includes music, refreshments, dancing and tours. Presented in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 6–8 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, May 7, 2016
Dover Days at The Old State House. Guided tours celebrate the 40th anniversary of the restoration of The Old State House which took place during the nation’s bicentennial year. Part of the Dover Days Festival. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, May 7, 2016
Ninth annual Symposium on the Early Colonial Archaeology of the Delaware Valley Region. Featuring informal presentations, the program is designed to build a regional-level dialog that can identify the uniqueness of the early Colonial cultures of the Delaware Valley. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-323-4453. To reserve a place, send an e-mail to craig.lukezic@de.state.us.

Saturday, May 7, 2016
“Sounds of War: Patriotic Music.” Guided tours examine music’s influence during America’s wars when patriotic songs were composed throughout the nation. Hear music played on authentic Victor Talking Machines that was popularized during the Civil War and later recorded by the Victor Talking Machine Company. Part of the Dover Days Festival. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3262.

Saturday, May 7, 2016
Dover Days at the John Dickinson Plantation. Celebrate the 60th anniversary of the John Dickinson Plantation as a museum! Activities include tours, Colonial games and hearth cooking utilizing 18th-century recipes. Part of the Dover Days Festival. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Sunday, May 8, 2016
Dover Days at The Old State House. In celebration of Preservation50, guided tours examine preservationist Mabel Lloyd Ridgely’s efforts in saving The Old State House from destruction. Part of the Dover Days Festival. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Sunday, May 8, 2016
“Sounds of War: Patriotic Music.” Guided tours examine music’s influence during America’s wars when patriotic songs were composed throughout the nation. Hear music played on authentic Victor Talking Machines that was popularized during the Civil War and later recorded by the Victor Talking Machine Company. Part of the Dover Days Festival. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3262.

Wednesday, May 11, 2016
“1774—The Continental-Congress Era Begins.” Lecture by historic-site interpreter Bob Vander Decker. Part five of “The Founding of America in One Year,” a year-long series that examines important local and national events that led to the founding of the United States. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 7 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Saturday, May 14, 2016
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.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Friday, May 20, 2016
“Preservation50—‘African-American History in 20th Century Delaware: The Green Book.’ ” Presentation by researcher Carlton Hall of the State Historic Preservation Office on the “Green Book,” a travel and vacation guidebook for people of color during the segregation era. Presented in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Event co-sponsored by the city of Wilmington, Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, and the Department of Planning’s Wilmington Preservation Roundtable. Third floor conference room, City of Wilmington offices, 800 N. French St., Wilmington. Noon. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-576-3107 no later than May 16.

Saturday, May 21, 2016
A Day in Old New Castle. The oldest house and garden tour in the nation includes programs at the New Castle Court House Museum and the New Castle Green. Downtown New Castle. Admission free at the New Castle Court House Museum. Admission charge at other venues. 302-322-5774.

Saturday, May 28, 2016
Fifth Annual Zwaanendael Maritime Celebration: “A Sailor’s Life for Me.” Maritime-themed activities, games, displays by local organizations and more. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. 302-645-1148.

Monday, May 30, 2016
Memorial Day. All museums of the State of Delaware will be open: The Johnson Victrola Museum and The Old State House, open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; the John Dickinson Plantation, New Castle Court House Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum, open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-736-7400.

Go to the following for a comprehensive, long-term calendar of division-sponsored events.

Exhibits and displays, May 2016
In addition to special programming, the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is sponsoring the following exhibits and displays:

May 4, 2016 thru mid-April, 2017
“The Old State House: A True Restoration 1976-2016.” Display explores preservation work that has been conducted since Delaware’s first state capitol building was restored to its original appearance in 1976. 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. 302-744-5054.

Thru mid-June 2016
“Called to Service: Women’s Roles During World War II.” Designed by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the display highlights the contributions of women serving in the army nursing corps and as nurse cadets during World War II. Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Ave., Dover. Limited visitation hours; call 302-739-9194 before planning a visit.

Thru Dec. 31, 2016
“Wine and Spirits in Delaware: Producing, Preserving, and Presenting.” Exhibit features objects and graphics from the 18th to the 21st centuries that illustrate Delaware’s wine and spirits trade. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. April 1–Oct. 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. Nov. 1–March 31: Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-645-1148.

Ongoing
“Discovering Delaware’s Maritime Past.” Display explores the DeBraak, a shipwrecked 18th-century British warship including a photo of the hull recovery, reproductions of items aboard ship, and a model of the vessel. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. April 1–Oct. 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. Nov. 1–March 31: Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 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. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Ongoing
Sculpture by Charles Parks. Display of works by the noted Wilmington artist featuring historical and political figures including a Minute Man, and presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and George W. Bush. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 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. April 1–Oct. 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. Nov. 1–March 31: Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 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. April 1–Sept. 30: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. Oct. 1–March 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

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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

Delaware will lead a trade mission to Seoul in June to connect Delaware business owners with customers and partners

Delaware businesses will meet with prospective buyers, agents and customers this June on a trade mission to South Korea. The trip is just one of many efforts the state is making to help local businesses compete in the international marketplace.

South Korea is the United States’ seventh-largest export market, with U.S. exports to South Korea totaling $44.5 billion in 2014. A comprehensive study conducted by Global Delaware, the state’s international marketing arm, indicates that it is one of four international markets that holds the most promise for Delaware companies overseas.

“The Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement is the United States’ largest free-trade agreement since NAFTA,” notes Global Delaware export advisor Beth Pomper. “With 80 percent of U.S. industrial goods exported to the country tariff-free, there is real opportunity in South Korea for Delaware goods and services.”

Throughout the trade mission, Delaware-based business professionals will attend one-on-one meetings with distributors, agents and customers who have been hand-selected by Delaware’s in-country trade expert Ken Yang. Yang will also host a prep session and an in-country briefing for mission attendees prior to the meetings. Transportation and translation services will also be provided.

The services provided by the State to businesses participating in the South Korea mission are valued at $6,500 per company, although the cost charged to companies is only $500, plus travel expenses. The State is willing to absorb much of the cost of trade missions because there is real potential for success, explains Pomper. “The work done on the trade missions leads to export and other forms of international business activity which in turn generates economic growth and creates jobs in the State.” Moreover, a portion of travel expenses may be eligible for reimbursement through a Market Access Grant, Pomper says.

“The trade mission to South Korea is just one example of the initiatives the State is coordinating to help businesses, especially small and medium size ones reach new global markets,” says Andrea Tinianow, director of Global Delaware. “Events like this one underscore the State’s commitment to Delaware businesses seeking to compete in the global economy.”

“Many, many Delaware businesses have the ability and the capacity to export. They just need a little nudge and a little help to get started. That’s what we are here for. We hope that any entrepreneur who feels ready to explore an export strategy will reach out and learn more about this trade mission – and others,” Tinianow says. “We have developed a full suite of strategic tools to support our Delaware business’ international expansion. We are here and ready to help.”

The trade mission is slated for June 13 – 17, and space is still available. Companies interested in joining the mission should contact Beth Pomper or David Máthé at Global Delaware by calling 302-577-8467, Beth.Pomper@delaware.gov; David.Mathe@delaware.gov.

4.12.16 – South Korea Trade Mission