Public events scheduled in all three counties to discuss Delaware’s economy, economic development

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP) announced community conversations on economic development efforts scheduled in all three counties. Governor Carney, co-chair of the DPP, will join DPP President, W. Kurt Foreman, as well as DPP staff and board members, to provide an update on the public-private partnership that leads economic development for the state.

The Delaware Prosperity Partnership is responsible for attracting, growing and retaining businesses; building a stronger entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem; and supporting private employers in identifying, recruiting and developing talent in the state of Delaware. The state jointly funds the partnership’s operations with private business.

Governor Carney worked closely with members of the General Assembly to approve the concept and funding for the public-private entity. In August 2017, Governor Carney signed House Bill 226, creating the Delaware Prosperity Partnership and the Division of Small Business within the Delaware Department of State.

Governor Carney signed Executive Order #1 on his first full day in office to create the Economic Development Working Group to explore a new economic development strategy. Governor Carney’s economic development plan was built on recommendations from the Economic Development Working Group. Strategically partnering with the private sector on economic growth was a key recommendation of the Governor’s Action Plan for Delaware.

DPP Community Conversations on Economic Development

Each event is open to members of the public and press.

Tuesday, February 19 – GEORGETOWN

Wednesday, March 20 – DOVER

Tuesday, April 2 – WILMINGTON

Expo to expose students, career-seekers to careers in construction

WILMINGTON, Del. – On Friday and Saturday at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, Governor John Carney and a dozen partner organizations will host the first Governor’s Construction Career Expo to expose Delaware students and Delawareans exploring a career change to careers in construction.

The construction industry is one of Delaware’s fastest-growing employment sectors with more than 3,500 job openings expected through 2024. The Governor’s Construction Career Expo will introduce training and career paths to students and those looking to move from jobs to meaningful careers. The Governor’s initiative is also an opportunity to connect employers and career-seekers, and to continue to train and develop a strong, skilled Delaware workforce.

“We’re working hard to make sure that all Delawareans have the opportunity to succeed and share in our state’s economic progress,” said Governor Carney. “Careers in construction have provided paths into the middle class for thousands of Delaware workers and their families. Those same opportunities exist today. This Construction Career Expo will help connect Delawareans with meaningful career opportunities in construction fields, and expose Delaware students and adults to good-paying, skilled construction careers that are in demand and can help strengthen Delaware’s workforce.”

On Friday, September 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chase Center in Wilmington, middle school students from various schools in New Castle County will have the opportunity to participate in one of three scheduled blocks to meet with employers, sample fun activities and tools, and participate in heavy equipment demonstrations and virtual simulators. This specialized field trip was coordinated with school principals and school districts.

“We have planned an amazing event for nearly 2,000 middle school students on Friday that features 65 interactive experiences representing 35 different trades all under one roof, presenting all the opportunities the construction industry has to offer Delaware’s workforce,” said Alisha Bryson, Vice President of Wayman Fire Protection, Inc., who served as the Expo planning committee chairperson. “Then for the community event on Saturday, we have all of this plus 20 job training programs providing information on how to acquire the skill sets needed to enter high-paying construction careers.”

All students, families, and members of the public, are invited to attend the Construction Career Expo on Saturday, September 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Chase Center in Wilmington. The free family-oriented career fair will include activities for both youth and adults, skills training opportunities, on-site job interviews, heavy equipment demonstrations, and food trucks. Representatives from more than 50 local companies will be on hand Saturday to help Delawareans learn about high-wage jobs, and discover skills training opportunities.

“We are excited to showcase the different construction trades and the growing opportunities for careers in Union construction,” said James Maravelias, President of the Delaware Building and Construction Trades Council.

“We appreciate the Governor’s support in holding this expo to showcase the entire construction industry,” said Edward J. Capodanno, President of Associated Builders and Contractors, Delaware Chapter. “It is an outstanding opportunity for the industry to show the availability for great paying jobs where you receive training and the ability to advance in a career while being a productive citizen in the First State.”

“The Delaware Contractors Association is most pleased to be actively involved in this unique partnership. Working in cooperation with the Governor’s office, other business organizations and organized labor gives us an excellent opportunity to introduce construction to many of the young students in our schools,” said John J. McMahon Jr., Interim Executive Vice President of the Delaware Contractors Association. “Hopefully these students will realize the potential in our industry as they continue their studies, and give serious consideration to pursuing a career in construction.”

“I feel most fortunate to have worked with a group of such collaborative professionals from both the private and public sectors whose focus was only to plan and execute a valuable educational and informative event for Delaware’s students and the community,” said Victoria C. Gehrt, Ed.D., Superintendent of New Castle County Vo-Tech School District.

The Governor’s Construction Career Expo is presented in partnership with:

• Office of the Governor
• AFSCME
• Delaware State AFL-CIO
• Delaware Building and Construction Trades Council
• Delaware Chief School Officers Association
• Delaware Contractors Association
• Delaware Department of Education
• Delaware Department of Labor
• Delaware Department of Transportation
• Associated Builders and Contractors
• Delaware Technical Community College
• The Committee of 100
• City of Wilmington

Visit de.gov/build to learn more about the expo and join the conversation online using the hashtag #DEBuilds.

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Lease agreement expected to create jobs, generate as much as $600 million in new investment

WILMINGTON, Del. – On Tuesday, Governor John Carney, the Diamond State Port Corporation, and GT USA Wilmington, LLC finalized an agreement that will significantly expand the Port of Wilmington, create jobs, and lead to as much as $600 million of new investment at one of Delaware’s most important industrial sites. Earlier this year, Governor Carney announced the agreement with Gulftainer to lease the Port of Wilmington from the State, construct a new container shipping facility on the Delaware River, and significantly expand jobs at the Port over the next decade.

“This historic agreement will result in significant new investment in the Port of Wilmington, which has long been one of Delaware’s most important industrial job centers,” said Governor Carney. “For decades, jobs at the Port have helped stabilize Delaware families and the communities where they live. I was proud to help make our partnership with Gulftainer official today, and I want to thank members of the General Assembly, the Diamond State Port Corporation, Gulftainer, the International Longshoremen’s Association, and all of our partners who have helped make this agreement a reality.”

Under terms of the agreement finalized on Tuesday, Gulftainer’s subsidiary GT USA Wilmington, LLC will make annual royalty payments to the State of Delaware reaching an estimated $13 million over the next decade. The company plans to invest as much as $600 million in the Port over the next decade, including approximately $410 million for a new container facility at DuPont’s former Edgemoor site, which was acquired by the Diamond State Port Corporation in 2016.

The agreement is expected to create thousands of new jobs.

“We are proud to be making this long-term commitment to the State of Delaware, its community and its economy,” said Badr Jafar, Chairman of Gulftainer’s Executive Board. “This landmark agreement builds on Gulftainer’s 43-year track record of delivering excellence and dependability in ports and logistics operations around the world, and will create thousands of new jobs, enhanced links and sustainable value for Wilmington and the State. We are confident that this public-private partnership will propel the Port of Wilmington towards becoming the principal gateway of the Eastern Seaboard.”

“This is truly a remarkable partnership for the State of Delaware, the City of Wilmington, our Port and the thousands of families whose livelihoods depend on this facility,” said Secretary of State Jeff Bullock, Chairman of the Diamond State Port Corporation. “The agreement signed today represents many months of very hard work on the part of many people, all of whom were dedicated to achieving a result that benefits all sides. It has been a privilege to be a part of this effort; I’m proud of the work we’ve done, and I’m excited for the future of this partnership and what it will mean for our state.”

“This is a great day for the State of Delaware,” said William Ashe, President of International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1694. “We’re strengthening the Port and local job creation. I was very happy to be a part of this celebration and agreement signing today.”

“The UAE and U.S. have a strong, vibrant investment relationship that delivers meaningful and measurable benefits to businesses, and creates jobs in both countries,” said H.E. Yousef Al Otaiba, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the United States. “Gulftainer’s investment in the Port of Wilmington is a perfect example of this important economic partnership. This deal will create new jobs in Wilmington, and generate additional  economic benefits to other communities across Delaware.”

“This project is a win for everyone involved, creating increased trade capacity at the port, economic development for Delaware, growth opportunities for Gulftainer, and jobs for hardworking Americans,” said Ian Steff, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing at the U.S. Department of Commerce. “We at SelectUSA and the International Trade Administration are proud to have supported this endeavor, and we look forward to seeing the partnership grow in the years to come.”

Click here to download a photo from Tuesday’s signing event.

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Related news:

Statements from Governor Carney and Secretary of State Bullock on the Completed Federal Review of Wilmington Port Agreement

Governor Carney’s Statement on General Assembly Approval of Port of Wilmington Expansion

Governor Carney’s Statement on Bond Bill Committee Approval of Port of Wilmington Transaction

Governor Carney’s Statement on Diamond State Port Corporation Board Approval of Gulftainer Agreement

Governor Carney Announces Preliminary Agreement with Gulftainer to Expand the Port of Wilmington

WILMINGTON, Del. – At noon on Tuesday, September 18, Governor Carney, the Diamond State Port Corporation and GT USA Wilmington, LLC will finalize the concession agreement to lease and significantly expand the Port of Wilmington. In March, Governor Carney announced the agreement with Gulftainer to lease the Port of Wilmington from the State, construct a new container shipping facility on the Delaware River, and significantly expand jobs at the Port over the next decade.

Under terms of the agreement, Gulftainer’s subsidiary GT USA Wilmington, LLC will make annual royalty payments to the State of Delaware reaching an estimated $13 million over the next decade. The company also plans to invest up to $600 million in the Port over the next nine years, including approximately $410 million for a new container facility at DuPont’s former Edgemoor site, which was acquired by the Diamond State Port Corporation (DSPC) in 2016.

“This historic agreement will result in significant new investment in the Port of Wilmington, which has long been one of Delaware’s most important industrial job centers,” said Governor Carney. “For decades, jobs at the Port have helped stabilize Delaware families and the communities where they live. We look forward to making this agreement official on Tuesday, and I want to thank members of the General Assembly, the Diamond State Port Corporation, Gulftainer, and all of our partners who have helped make this agreement a reality.”

Media planning to attend Tuesday’s signing ceremony must RSVP by Friday, September 14, to Emily.David@delaware.gov. For media who RSVP, we will follow up with additional event details, including directions and parking information.

Concession Agreement Signing – Port of Wilmington

WHAT: Governor Carney, the Diamond State Port Corporation and GT USA Wilmington, LLC will sign a concession agreement for the Port of Wilmington.

WHO:   Governor Carney
Jeff Bullock, Secretary, Delaware Department of State
Rick Geisenberger, Secretary, Delaware Department of Finance
Members of Diamond State Port Corporation
Members of GT USA Wilmington, LLC
Members of the General Assembly
Port of Wilmington Employees
Members of ILA Local 1694

WHEN: Tuesday, September 18, 2018
11 a.m.
 *Media setup will begin at the Port at 11 a.m. The signing ceremony will begin at noon.

WHERE: Port of Wilmington
1 Hausel Road
Wilmington, DE 19801

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Free, family-oriented career fair to expose middle school students, adults to careers in construction industry

WILMINGTON, Del. — Governor John Carney on Thursday announced a family-friendly career fair for youth and adults to explore careers in construction. The Governor’s Construction Career Expo is a two-day event in September that will expose middle school students, and adults looking for a career change, to training programs and construction career paths.

“We’re working hard to make sure that all Delawareans have the opportunity to succeed and share in our state’s economic progress,” said Governor Carney. “Careers in the building trades have historically provided paths into the middle class for thousands of Delaware workers and their families. Those same opportunities exist today. This Construction Career Expo will help connect Delawareans with meaningful career opportunities in construction fields, and expose Delaware students and adults to good-paying, skilled construction careers that are in demand and can help strengthen Delaware’s workforce.”

The construction industry is one of Delaware’s fastest-growing employment sectors with more than 3,500 job openings expected through 2024. The Governor’s Construction Career Expo will introduce training and career paths to students and those looking to move from jobs to meaningful careers. The Governor’s initiative is also an opportunity to connect employers and career-seekers, and to continue to train and develop a strong, skilled Delaware workforce.

“Throughout our state’s history, construction trades have been responsible for catapulting thousands of Delaware families into the middle class by providing skills training, benefits, and great wages,” said Cerron Cade, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Labor. “Today, it is more important than ever that the next generation of Delawareans are equipped with the best education and career training available, so they can continue to compete in a highly competitive and rapidly shrinking world.”

On Friday, September 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chase Center in Wilmington, middle school students from various schools in New Castle County will have the opportunity to participate in one of three scheduled blocks to meet with employers, sample fun activities and tools, and participate in heavy equipment demonstrations and virtual simulators. This specialized field trip was coordinated with school principals and school districts.

All students, families, and members of the public, are invited to attend the Construction Career Expo on Saturday, September 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Chase Center in Wilmington. The free family-oriented career fair will include activities for both youth and adults, skills training opportunities, on-site job interviews, heavy equipment demonstrations, food trucks, and giveaways.

The Governor’s Construction Career Expo is presented in partnership with:

• Office of the Governor
• AFSCME
• Delaware State AFL-CIO
• Delaware Building and Construction Trades Council
• Delaware Chief School Officers Association
• Delaware Contractors Association
• Delaware Department of Education
• Delaware Department of Labor
• Delaware Department of Transportation
• Associated Builders and Contractors
• Delaware Technical Community College
• The Committee of 100
• City of Wilmington

“Many local employers are having trouble finding enough people to fill vacant job openings. We will train and pay a great wage, but we just need to find people looking for a stable and good-paying job,” said Alisha Wayman Bryson, Vice President of Wayman Fire Protection. “The Governor’s Construction Career Expo is going to be an amazing event for all ages. On Friday, kids are going to see firsthand the magic of construction, and on Saturday, we will show the entire family the benefits of a career in the construction industry. We look forward to having trades, local employers with job openings, training centers, and schools all under one roof.”

“Governor Carney’s Construction Career Expo is an opportunity for our Unions to showcase the contributions made every day by the working men and women of our state, and how big of a role they play in Delaware’s economy,” said James Maravelias, President of the Delaware State AFL-CIO. “This Expo will also introduce young Delawareans to careers in construction, one of our state’s fastest growing industries. We are pleased to be partnering with the Governor on this event, and look forward to working together to promote good-paying careers in the Building Trades Unions.”

“The Wall Street Journal and Businessweek are only two of many publications that have recently written about the shortages of trained employees and opportunities in the construction trades,” said Dr. Victoria Gehrt, Superintendent of the New Castle County Vocational Technical School District. “Governor Carney recognizes the importance of the need to train for the construction industries and is promoting the first, hopefully annual, Governor’s Construction Career Expo in Delaware. We appreciate our Governor for his support in informing and encouraging our youth to consider the construction trades as a positive and rewarding career option.”

“The Colonial School District is proud to participate in the first ever Governor’s Construction Trades Career Expo for Delaware students and families,” said Dr. D. Dusty Blakey, Superintendent of Colonial School District. “We appreciate the Governor for his leadership and vision in the area of Career and Technical Education and more specifically, for providing Delaware families with access and opportunity to learn and explore careers in the construction trades. We firmly believe that this innovative approach to engaging stakeholders across the state to support education will have a positive impact on the future of Delaware’s workforce.”

Learn more and sign up to receive updates about the Governor’s Construction Career Expo.

Use the hashtag #DEBuilds to spread the word and follow discussion about the Governor’s Construction Career Expo on social media.

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