Issue 11.12

March 28, 2025

2025 COOLEST THING MADE IN DELAWARE

AGILENT TECNOLOGIES' RESOLVE RAMAN

HANDHELD SPECTROMETER

During the Spring Manufacturing & Policy Conference in Dover, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce (DSCC) and its affiliate, the Delaware Manufacturing Association (DMA), named Agilent Technologies’ Resolve handheld Raman spectrometer as this year’s Coolest Thing Made in Delaware.

“While Delaware’s population is aging, I think this award symbolizes the importance that manufacturing has in retaining our young workforce,” said Adam Blackford, associate vice president at Agilent Technologies. ”We are humbled and grateful to be recognized as this year’s Coolest Thing Made in Delaware. More importantly though, we are grateful for all the manufacturers who participated in the competition and highlighted just how cool it is to do business in Delaware.” Read more >

THIS WEEK IN DOVER

Yesterday wrapped up a busy week in Dover. Notably, SS 1 for SB 21 was passed by the House and signed by the Governor. Other bills that saw movement include:

• HB 105 – Pay Transparency
• HB 84 – Employer-Sponsored Meetings and Communications
• Chatbots (Draft bill – not yet introduced)

Additionally, Governor Meyer presented his FY26 budget reset yesterday, which includes updates to Delaware's tax code and investments in education, housing, healthcare, and government efficiency and transparency. 

The General Assembly will have bond hearings next week and will be on break until they return to session on Tuesday, April 8th. Read more >

KEEP THE PRESSURE ON

CONTINUING TO FOCUS ON STREAMLINING THE PERMITTING

AND DEVELOPMENT TIMELINES

We have all heard the phrase, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease,” and in the case of the project permitting and development process, this phrase often applies. Development projects frequently receive hundreds of comments either in support of or in opposition to them as they proceed through the required review and comment period.

Such varying viewpoints are a healthy part of the process and often lead to a better outcome. Having consistent, fact-based recommendations with supporting data will increase the likelihood that project stakeholders take notice, especially if received from multiple parties. Read more >

BUILDING A BETTER DELAWARE

Q&A WITH JEN COHAN



With Ed Capodano's retirement, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Delaware is beginning a new chapter under the leadership of Jen Cohan, who stepped into the role of president in January 2025. With a strong background in public service and a deep commitment to the construction industry, she is ready to lead the organization forward. We caught up with her to learn more about her vision and goals for ABC Delaware. Read more >

BREAKING NEW GROUND

Last fall, Carson Development broke ground on the future Reese Apartments, a significant affordable and workforce housing initiative in Felton, Del., aimed at addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in the state. This project also marks a significant milestone, as Carson Development proudly stands as the first and only women-owned business enterprise low-income housing tax credit developer in the state. Read more >

MANAGING GROWTH WITH PLANNING AND PARTNERSHIPS

"When asked to describe how how the Town of Middletown has become an example of strategic growth in Delaware, I have to say in my 36 years as mayor, there have been several collaborations that stand out. We have become known as a business-friendly community, mostly because my staff and I meet weekly with all kinds of business opportunities." Read more >

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK:

The DMA's Spring Manufacturing and Policy Conference was held at Delaware Technical Community College's Del-One Conference Center in Dover on Thursday. Featured speakers included Governor Matt Meyer, Gus Faucher from PNC Financial Services Group, and Kurt Foreman from the Delaware Prosperity Partnership.

Delaware Business Now

• Delaware home prices rise as inventory posts sharp increase
• My take: Delaware population growing and aging
• (Video) Meyer releases outline of proposed state state budget that comes with added tax for the wealthy

Delaware Business Times

• Delaware small businesses continue to wait on tariffs
• From intern to president, Irwin leads Mountaire into next era

Delaware LIVE

• Vision Coalition unveils transformative 10-year plan for education

Delaware Online

• Trump cancels food aid, amounting to loss of 900,000 meals for Food Bank of Delaware
• February home sales in Delaware: Sussex leads the way in sales and highest median price

Delaware Public Media

• Delaware's chicken industry sees growth amid avian flu concerns

Spotlight Delaware

• Meyer signs controversial Senate Bill 21 into law after bitter House debate 

WDEL

• Developing: Gov. Meyer proposes FY '26 "budget reset"

Own Your Future: Navigating Work and Wealth for YPs

Wednesday, April 9

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

The Mill Space

221 W 10th St., Wilmington

Superstars in Business Application Workshop

Wednesday, April 23

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Hybrid Event

Navigating Delaware Pathways Summit

Tuesday, April 29

8:00 am - 2:30 pm

Bally's Dover Casino Resort

1131 N. DuPont Hwy.,

Dover

Advertise with DSCC