A Chance to Change

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

April 3, 2023

Workforce shortages will be a discussion topic for a long time if we don’t adjust federal and state policies to immediately address employer needs. The federal government could open the immigration door to a few million skilled workers from around the world to fill jobs in health care, the building trades, and hospitality sectors, to name but a few. Washington policymakers could also consider the income limitations associated with Social Security distributions.

Here at home, the Delaware Skills Center, Zip Code Wilmington, and a few others have perfected “rapid training” for people looking to do something different. We need more programs that offer five-days-a-week, eight-hours-per-day training to move people into in-demand jobs.

State policymakers and employers need to also revisit policies that limit people with criminal backgrounds long after they have fulfilled their obligations to society.

We hear so often that employers can't find talent. Here is one career fair worth considering: Chase and numerous community partners—including the State Chamber—are hosting a Record Clearance Clinic and Employment Fair on April 14 at the Chase Fieldhouse. Individuals attending the event will be able to meet with attorney volunteers to discuss available options and next steps for seeking an expungement or pardon. Attendees will also be able to speak to participating employers about potential second chance employment opportunities.

If you are an employer implementing second chance employment initiatives and will consider applicants with an arrest or conviction record, consider securing a free table at this event:

Secure an Employer Exhibit Table

News You Can Use

Important economic news this week starts today with the S&P U.S. manufacturing results from March and February construction spending figures. Tuesday brings us news regarding February factory orders and job openings. ADP reports March employment data on Wednesday, while U.S. unemployment results and average hourly wages for March are public on Friday.

Lighting company, Acuity Brands, kicks off the week of earnings calls on Tuesday and is joined by MSC Industrial and SMART Global. Conagra, Simply Good Foods, and Schnitzer Steel have calls scheduled for Wednesday, while Constellation Brands (Corona Beer), Levi Strauss, and WD-40 round out the remainder of a light week of calls.

Michael J. Quaranta

President

Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

Uniquely Delaware

Delaware Ranked #8 - 2023 Most Innovative States

Innovation is a principal driver of U.S. economic growth. The U.S. spends more than $600 billion per year on research and development — more than any other country in the world and more than 25% of the world’s total. ... Certain states deserve more credit than others for the dominance of the U.S. during the tech era, though. These states continue to grow innovation through investments in education, research and business creation, especially in highly specialized industries. Read more >

Source: WalletHub

Export Delaware is an office within the Delaware Department of State that helps small- and medium-sized businesses grow. Export Delaware can help Delaware-based businesses reach new markets overseas.