Governor’s Weekly Message: Promoting Job Growth by Supporting Business Development

Wilmington, DE – As a guest host for the Governor’s weekly message, Delaware Economic Development Office Director Bernice Whaley highlights ongoing efforts to promote job growth and support business development in the First State.

“Since the financial collapse seven years ago, middle class jobs have changed drastically. Industries that fueled middle class jobs, no longer had the ability to support our middle class in a sustainable way,” said Whaley. “We have fought back from these losses by recognizing that in our transformed economy, good jobs look different and require a higher level of skills than they did in the past. By continuing to support businesses across many industries to ensure we are generating high quality opportunities, we’ll 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://youtu.be/Vp0uVk6hZXI
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 Governor’s Weekly Message: Promoting Job Growth by Supporting Business Development


Delaware Branding Company celebrates grand opening in Milford

Project Pop-Up participant offers graphic design, body art,
and more in new Front Street spot

MILFORD, Del. (Dec. 3, 2014) – From art galleries to performing arts and, more recently, even culinary arts, Downtown Milford continues to build on an arts-related retail strategy. The arrival of Delaware Branding Company now adds graphic design to support this downtown strategy.

State and local officials joined business owners Mike and Amy Perfetti for a ribbon cutting on Wednesday Dec. 3, outside of the business at 19 NW Front Street.

Delaware Branding Company, a participant in this year’s Project Pop-Up program, will offer graphic design, sign making, body art, and DJ services at its new location.

Project Pop-Up, now in its third year, provides three months of rent-free commercial space during the holiday season along with the assistance of a business advisor to help launch and grow the business. The program has grown from three participating businesses in 2012 to 15 this year, including nine businesses in an incubator in Wilmington.

Delaware Branding Company also sells magnetics, banners, aluminum and wood signs and provides logo design, business card and flier design and van, truck and boat lettering.

“Project Pop-Up not only gives us the chance to move into our own building, it also provides us with the opportunity to connect with the community. A lot of what we do has a personal touch, and being in downtown Milford will allow us to get to know our customer base,” said Mike Perfetti, an award-winning graphic designer. “We can’t thank DEDO and Downtown Delaware enough for this chance of a lifetime.”

Diane Laird, State Coordinator for Downtown Delaware, said that Milford has been an excellent partner in Project Pop-Up.

Laird said she and Ken Anderson, Director of Entrepreneurial and Small Business Support for the Delaware Economic Development Office, have worked together with Milford representatives to match businesses with available properties that support the arts focus in downtown.

“The DBC owners are seasoned business owners who bring significant business experience to Milford,” Anderson said. “It is the only business in a 20-mile radius that offers the unique combination of services that DBC has to offer. They successfully ran a business in Pennsylvania and they expect similar success and growth in their new Milford location.”

In 2005, Perfetti was honored by the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) for Outdoor Transit Advertising in 2005.

The Perfettis would love to duplicate the success experienced by several Pop-Up selectees in Milford, Middletown, and Smyrna, who have already expanded their shops due to significant growth and expansion of their customer base. In Milford, Paige Deiner, a 2013 Pop-Up participant in Milford, saw business quadruple just months after opening, necessitating a move to a larger facility where she now offers massage, Reiki, yoga and self-development classes. Karen Gill, owner of Royal Treatments in Smyrna, just expanded into a vacant space adjacent to her Pop-Up shop, which is now home to Smyrna Cards and Gifts.

“The success of the Project Pop-Up businesses in Milford and elsewhere shows that if given the opportunity, Delaware entrepreneurs will rise to the challenge and build successful small businesses,” said Alan Levin, Director of the Delaware Economic Development Office. “Delaware’s economy is strong, with a growing job base, and that is due in large part to our thriving small business sector.”

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


Governor Markell Signs Bill to Revitalize Urban Areas, Spur Economic Development

Law creates plan proposed in State of the State to designate Downtown Development Districts

 Dover, DE – Joined by community leaders, legislators, and local officials from all 3 counties, Governor Markell signed Senate Bill 191 today to establish economic development incentives that promote revitalization of Delaware’s downtowns.

First proposed in the Governor’s State of the State address in January, SB 191 allows for the creation of Downtown Development Districts – a small number of areas in cities in towns that would qualify for significant development incentives and other state benefits. Senators Margaret Rose Henry (D-Wilmington East), Brian Bushweller (D-Dover), and Robert Marshall (D-Wilmington West), as well as Representatives Helene Keeley (D-Wilmington South), Stephanie Bolden (D-Wilmington), and Darryl Scott (D-Dover) were the prime sponsors of the bill, which passed unanimously in the General Assembly after receiving support from various municipalities and community organizations.

“Across the country, people from all walks of life are re-discovering our cities and towns as places where they want to live, work, start a business, and raise a family,” said Governor Markell. “This urban resurgence is beginning to happen in Delaware as well—but it could use a ‘shot in the arm.’ It is my hope that this innovative new program to revitalize our downtowns will bring much-needed energy and resources to areas of our state that have been overlooked for too long.”

Through the new program, localities will be able to apply to have a portion of their city, town, or unincorporated area designated as a Downtown Development District (DDD).  Applications will be evaluated using three main criteria: (1) need; (2) the quality of the development plan submitted by the applicant; and (3) local incentives offered. Following the initial round of applications, the Governor will select at least 1 but no more than 3 Districts. Under the program, the first 3 Districts must include 1 District in each county. Up to 15 total districts will be able to qualify at one time.

Subject to funding, investors in the selected Districts would be entitled to grants of up 20 percent of their construction costs. Grants will be available for all types of projects (residential, commercial, and mixed-use), and may be used by for-profit builders and investors, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and homeowners. The grants will be administered by the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA).

In addition to the above grants, state agencies will provide additional incentives for qualified activity within Districts. For example, DSHA will offer additional funding to renovate vacant and abandoned houses in DDDs, and several state agencies (including DelDOT) will prioritize work in Districts. In addition, under SB 292, a percentage of the state’s existing Historic Preservation Tax Credits will be designated to fund qualifying projects in DDDs, recognizing that this tax credit has been a powerful tool in not only preserving historic structures but also in revitalizing communities.

Further details about Downtown Development Districts are explained in this fact sheet. Additional information about the DDD application process, as well as information about specific program benefits and rules, will be available in the weeks to come.

 Comments from Legislation’s Sponsors:

“Strong downtowns have the potential to be tremendous catalysts for developing stronger cities across-the-board, but to achieve that, downtowns have to overcome the challenges of aging buildings and infrastructure,” said Sen. Henry, the bill’s lead sponsor. “This new law will help marshal the kinds of resources we need to meet those challenges and will encourage the all-important investment and support from the private sector that is needed to make this succeed.”

“We are focused on reenergizing downtown Dover and we’ve made great progress,” said Sen. Bushweller. “The program this bill creates provides an additional push and will pay big dividends for communities up and down the state.”

“Our downtowns are the hearts of our communities; they’re what we see in our minds when we think about Wilmington, Dover or Seaford,” said Rep. Helene Keeley. “This new law will make sure these essential parts of our cities and towns are vibrant centers of growth we can be proud of.”

“There is a mix of ‘mom and pop’ stores that have been in the neighborhood for years and new businesses popping up that have created a strong energy in the community,” said Rep. Stephanie T. Bolden. “There is definitely potential for growth, and we need to maximize on the opportunity to do so.”

“A downtown like Dover’s draws as much from its rich past as it does from its plans for the future, and our history compliments and enriches what we want to see come next,” said Rep. Scott. “This initiative is about infusing these historic neighborhoods with fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm.”


New Delaware study points to benefits of irrigation

DOVER — Irrigation can increase grain production and profitability even in a near-ideal growing season, a new survey of Delaware cropland shows.

Delaware farm fields that used irrigation in 2013 produced 27 percent more corn per acre on average than non-irrigated fields, according to new data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

Irrigated acres produced 40 bushels of corn per acre more than non-irrigated ones, or 189 bushels for irrigated land compared to 149 bushels for non-irrigated land, the survey shows.

“Irrigation is an incredibly valuable tool that can help increase economic stability and improve profits even in a record-setting corn yield year like 2013,” Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee said. “This data shows how an initial investment can make yields more predictable and let farmers influence production in periods of drought.”

Kee noted that irrigation also has environmental benefits, making crops more efficient in the uptake of nutrients so they don’t stay in the soil during dry weather and then add to nutrient loading during the wet fall and winter months.

The data is the first time Delaware has compared yields for irrigated and non-irrigated corn. Of the 174,000 acres harvested for corn for grain in 2013, 43 percent – or 75,000 acres – were irrigated, the data shows. About 57 percent, or 99,000 acres, were not irrigated.

Delaware corn producers saw a record average yield of 166 bushels per acre in 2013, beating the previous record of 162 bushels per acre, in 2000.

An innovative partnership now in its fourth year offers help to Delaware farmers who want to add new irrigation systems. The Delaware Rural Irrigation Program, or DRIP, offers no-interest loans to install new equipment in partnership with private lending institutions.

Eligible farmers must have been actively engaged for at least two years in growing and harvesting of cash crops, such as corn, soybeans, fruit and vegetables, in Delaware, and must own or lease the land to be irrigated.

The loan fund finances up to 25 percent of the total project cost, not to exceed $25,000, at zero interest for a term of no longer than seven years. Repayment of principal must begin in year three of the loan. Financing is limited to one project per farm each year.

DRIP loans can help farmers add new irriation systems, including center pivot, linear move, towable systems, span angle systems, corner arm systems, single phase systems or wells and filters associated with drip irrigation systems. All work must be performed by experienced and qualified contractors licensed in and located in Delaware.

Farmers interested in participating should contact James Pennewell at the Delaware Economic Development Office at 302-672-6807 or james.pennewell@delaware.gov. Applications should be submitted concurrently with approved bank financing. The loan application will be reviewed by DEDO Capital Resources staff with comment from the Department of Agriculture.

# #  #

Delaware corn for grain, 2013

Irrigated: 77,000 acres planted … 75,000 acres harvested … 189 bushels/acre yield

Non-irrigated: 103,000 acres planted … 99,000 acres harvested … 149 bushels/acre yield

Total: 180,000 acres planted … 174,000 acres harvested … 166 bushels/acre yield

Source: USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service

# # #

Contact:

Dan Shortridge
Chief of Community Relations
Delaware Department of Agriculture
302-698-4520


Governor Markell Proposes New Program to Boost Manufacturing Workforce

Initiative would give high school students opportunity to earn professional certificates before graduation

Wilmington, DE – Proposing an opportunity to grow a vital part of our economy while giving more young people the best chance to reach their potential, Governor Markell today outlined an Accelerated fIMG_2724Career Paths program that would allow high school juniors and seniors to obtain professional manufacturing certificates when they graduate. The Governor previewed the initiative in his State of the State address as part of his plans to give students a roadmap from the classroom to employment.

In highlighting the importance of the manufacturing sector, the Governor noted that manufacturing is responsible for about 40 percent of total U.S. output and employment, and for two-thirds of our private-sector research and development. In addition, the average wages in manufacturing are more than 16% higher than the average wages in the economy.

“To keep our economy growing, we must meet the needs of our manufacturing employers,” said Markell during an address at the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce Legislative Brunch and Manufacturing Conference. “We often talk about our global competition for talent as though it’s mainly a competition for individuals who have pursued a college education. We assume “good jobs” require a traditional degree, but nothing could be further from the truth. Just as we provide specialized coursework for students transitioning to college, this program provides similar opportunities for those choosing an accelerated career path.”

Delaware’s Accelerated Career Paths program ensures high school graduates are ready to start a career on day one.

Delaware’s manufacturers embraced the idea of working with the State, Del Tech, and school districts on developing this innovative approach to career readiness for the youngest members of our workforce – thereby ensuring a pipeline of talent for their long-term workforce needs.

With partnership from Del Tech and the Delaware Manufacturing Association, the initiative will involve developing a two-year, comprehensive program in manufacturing technologies for Delaware high school juniors and seniors.  The program – which results in nationally recognized advanced manufacturing certificates, in addition to a high school diploma and even some college credits – allows students to attend classes at their home school part of the week, while spending the remainder at the community college getting hands-on training.

Students will attend classes in their homes schools and receive training on manufacturing equipment at Del Tech so they can get the hands-on training necessary to land that first job.

“So many of the best jobs available now are in technical fields requiring electrical, mechanical, and maintenance skills,” said Mitch Magee, chair of the Delaware Manufacturing Association. “These are jobs that pay very well, often better than entry-level jobs attainable with a college degree, and we must offer the opportunities to become certified for these positions.”

The Delaware Manufacturing Association and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership are working to help identify members willing to offer real world opportunities during the summer between junior and senior year. This effort recognizes that, whether it takes the form of hands-on work or job shadowing, direct exposure to the workplace is crucial. Students will spend about 200 hours over the summer practicing their skills in the workplace.fIMG_2716

The manufacturing association has agreed to assist on three other fronts:

  • Vetting the curriculum, both up front, and on an annual basis to ensure it keeps pace with the industry’s evolving needs in light of changing technologies and improved methodologies.
  • Improving the image of manufacturing with the students, parents and educators through a variety of in-school activities and on-site events at the manufacturers’ facilities.
  • Ensuring students who commit to this path will be rewarded for doing so by developing ways to better predict their hiring needs 2-3 years down the road, so that the current pipeline matches the future demand for skilled employees.

The effort is modeled after a partnership between Delaware Technical Community College and Red Clay Consolidated School District. That program brought in high school juniors in the fall of 2012 for more than 300 hours of training in carpentry, plumbing, electricity, and OSHA Construction Safety.

Enthusiasm around the manufacturing partnership idea resulted in two schools – William Penn and Del Castle – piloting a shorter version of the initiative this semester at Del Tech, where 16 seniors are taking an intensive course covering math, blueprint reading, electrical and mechanical fabrication, and other key skill areas.

“Accelerated career pathways allow high school graduates to start a career on day one, without the time and financial investment required to pursue higher education,” said Markell. “They are the right choice for many of our students, including some of our best and brightest, and we need to make sure that we provide the training and workplace opportunities these young people need to excel.”

###