DBA Digest for August 29, 2025

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During my two decade career at JP Morgan Chase we often talked about competition - both internal and external. Competition internally was approached in a healthy and constructive way, and often pushed people to bring out their best qualities. My career at Chase was spent building partnerships with third parties, and I was fortunate to work with teams from all areas of the bank, who strived to reach higher goals and created an environment where excellence was valued. We didn’t always win the deals, but the process built mutual respect because those working on these partnerships recognized the effort, discipline and determination of their colleagues.

My roles in Corporate and Business Development took several forms through the years, but all were similar as we faced external competition regularly in an almost face-to-face manner. A great sense of camaraderie was built as we worked long days and at times weekends. The experience of striving together on a shared goal fostered connection, the challenges and setbacks encountered along the way become collective experiences, uniting us through empathy and mutual encouragement. Competitiveness was not an individual pursuit but a bond where we not only respected each other’s skills, but in the end succeeded by striving side-by-side.

Corporate competitiveness can be a powerfully positive force. One example is the JPMorgan Corporate Challenge, which has since its founding in 1977 by Manufacturers Hanover grown to include 6900+ global companies and 220,000+ participants. This great event not only creates camaraderie but supports important causes. This year’s Corporate Challenge in Philadelphia supports causes like the TGR Foundation and in particular its Learning Lab. Per the Lab’s website, “The Lab provides opportunities, experiences and mentors that empower students from under-resourced communities to explore their interests and develop a plan for their future. The innovative educational programs prepare students with the knowledge, tools and confidence needed to unleash their potential.”

The JPMorgan Corporate Challenge will be held Oct 9^th for a 5^th year in Philadelphia. Registration closes Sept. 11^th so get your corporate team signed up soon. See the story below for registration information, and for important transportation information.

J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge -

October 9th - Philadelphia Museum of Art

The J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge is the world’s largest corporate running event. Powered by fitness, friendly competition and fun, teams of all speeds and abilities complete a 3.5-mile race while spending quality time together outside of work. Join us for the 4^th running of the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge Philadelphia on Thursday, October 9, 6:45 p.m.

An extra train will operate from Churchman’s Crossing Station to Suburban Station and return for the 2025 J. P. Morgan Corporate Challenge Race. The special train which is open to all Corporate Challenge individuals and teams will depart Churchman’s Crossing at 4:35 p.m., Wilmington at 4:50 p.m., and Claymont at 5 p.m. The train will arrive at Suburban Station at 5:27 p.m.

2025 Women Connect Network - September 19 - Lewes

Don't miss your last chance to enjoy summer at the next Women Connect Networking Event on Friday, September 19 in Lewes, DE at the Biden Environmental Training Center on Cape Henlopen State Park. 



The program will include sessions on Strengthening your Leadership and Networking for Introverts. Attendees will explore their natural leadership and communication styles through self-assessments, group discussions, and strategies to build stronger relationships. Leave with new connections and an organic matching of peer to peer mentoring.

Join us the night before on Thursday, September 18 for additional networking opportunities and plan a stay at the beach. For more information on accommodations email Corinne.Stayton@debankers.com 

Save the Date: Tuesday, September 30th

CAFE Fintech & DBA SHOWCASE

The Center for Accelerating Financial Equity (CAFE) is excited to invite DBA members to meet the fintech companies in the fourth cohort of the flagship CAFE Fintech Accelerator Program, Tuesday, September 30th, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Fintech Innovation Hub, STAR Campus, University of Delaware. The morning opens with welcome remarks from Karyn Polak (DBA President) and Kristen Castell (CAFE Managing Director), followed by pitches from six CAFE cohort companies.

The CAFE Accelerator is rooted in a bank–fintech collaboration philosophy: participating companies are designed to partner with and support banks, not compete with them. CAFE’s cohort of companies have extraordinary financial technology products that help financial institutions to advance financial health & wellness for low- to moderate-income communities.

2025 Delaware Trust Conference

Great Speakers! Great Topics! Register Today!

Registration is still open for the 20th annual edition of the Delaware Trust Conference. The 2025 Delaware Trust Conference will be live at The Chase Center on the Riverfront, AND live-streaming, on October 28 & 29, AND on-demand through November for credit. Earn up to 17.0 CLE, including 2.0 Ethics Credits. Register today.

Delaware State Chamber Podcast: The Trends Shaping Delaware's Future -

Featuring Rodger Levenson and Chip Rossi

Delaware isn’t alone in navigating a period of rapid transformation. Political, geopolitical, technological, environmental, and demographic changes are reshaping how consumers spend, businesses operate, and leaders plan for the future. Drawing from insights in the State Chamber’s recent white paper, The Trends Shaping Delaware’s Future, Chip Rossi, recently retired from Bank of America, and Rodger Levenson of WSFS Bank to discuss how these shifts are impacting Delaware’s economy. 

White Paper: The Trends Shaping Delaware’s Future

Delaware is undergoing a transformative period, with demographic shifts, labor force changes, economic challenges, and new opportunities shaping its trajectory. This white paper provides a comprehensive analysis of key trends affecting the state, utilizing a PESTLE framework (Political, Economic, Societal, Technological, Legal, and Environmental) to guide strategic planning.

Best Lawyers Recognizes 19 Connolly Gallagher Attorneys in 2026 Edition

Connolly Gallagher is proud to be recognized by Best Lawyers, with sixteen attorneys recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® and three recognized in the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America 2026 editions. Additionally, two members of the Connolly Gallagher team have been named Lawyer of the Year in their respective practice areas for the Delaware Region.

38 Morris James Attorneys Earn "Best Lawyers" Recognition; 10 Listed as "Ones to Watch"

Morris James is proud to announce that 48 of our attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Spanning each of our five Delaware offices, these attorneys have been acknowledged for their excellence across 37 practice areas, highlighting the depth and breadth of our firm's legal knowledge and experience.

In addition to the Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch© rankings, three Morris James attorneys have been named 2026 “Lawyer of the Year” in their respective Delaware practices.

Webinar: A New Era for Banking: What President Trump’s Debanking Executive Order and Related State Laws Mean for Financial Institutions, Government, and Banking Customers - September 24

You’re invited to a critical webinar addressing a major development in the financial services industry. On August 7, President Trump signed a new executive order titled “Guaranteeing Fair Banking for All Americans.” The order seeks to prohibit financial institutions—regardless of size—from denying services to individuals or entities based on their political or religious beliefs or orientation, or the lawful businesses in which they are engaged.

This landmark action is poised to reshape the landscape of banking compliance and risk management. With federal regulators now directed to combat “politicized or unlawful debanking,” financial institutions, businesses, banking customers, and legal and compliance professionals must understand both the immediate and long-term implications. September 24, 2025, 12:00 - 1:30 PM ET

The Importance of Home Equity in Wealth Building - September 25

Homeownership is an important tool for building wealth. As a home’s value appreciates, the equity that accrues can serve as a valuable resource for emergency expenses, essential home repairs, or income-enhancing investments like education or job training. While homeownership continues to represent the largest share of household wealth for many Americans, research reveals that wealth-building pathways through homeownership vary significantly by household and neighborhood.

Join us to examine the role of home equity in promoting financial stability and building wealth in low- and moderate-income (LMI) communities. 

Event: The Importance of Home Equity in Wealth Building 

When: Thursday, September 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET

Where: Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, Ten Independence Mall, Philadelphia, PA 19106

The Financial Literacy Crisis

Imagine driving a car without a basic understanding of the rules of the road or even how to operate it. Scary thought. Here’s another scary circumstance – one that is all too real. Many Americans are making financial decisions with minimal financial knowledge of investing, budgeting, and credit. The TIAA Institute conducted a survey on U.S. financial literacy, asking 28 basic questions about retirement savings, debt management, budgeting, and other financial matters. The average respondent answered only about half of the questions correctly.

Podcast: Crypto's Capital Markets Revolution: Insights From GSR's Josh Riezman

In this episode of The Crypto Exchange, Genna Garver is joined by Josh Riezman, chief strategy officer and head of U.S. legal at GSR, to discuss the evolving landscape of digital assets and the regulatory environment surrounding them. The conversation delves into the regulatory challenges in the U.S., particularly the complexities of distinguishing between securities and commodities. Josh discusses the significance of the Clarity Act, which aims to provide a clearer framework for digital asset regulation, and the bipartisan efforts to address these issues. 

Go Back to School with Wilmington University

Thinking about going back to school? Wilmington University makes it easier than ever, and we’re proud to support your journey. The DBA and DFEA have partnered with WilmU to offer you access to a range of educational perks. Fall classes begin Tuesday, Sept. 2, and there’s still time to enroll.

Here’s what you can enjoy through our partnership:

· Guaranteed admission

· Flexible degree programs available in person or 100% online, including Business Management, Human Resource Management, Master of Business Administration and more!

· Discounted tuition

· A complimentary Transfer Credit Evaluation

· A waived $35 application fee with a special promo code

If you’re interested in enrolling, or if you’d like to explore forming a cohort with fellow colleagues, connect with a WilmU partnership specialist via the link below.

Developing Delaware: Conversation, Collaboration, Innovation, October 9th

Delaware is small but diverse. As you travel around our three counties, you discover there is a lot to be learned from the success of our neighbors. We all benefit in the end if we engage in conversation and collaboration to generate job creation and economic growth. The innovations created from these partnerships will help businesses thrive in Delaware.

This event is an opportunity to share the good things that are happening, compare Delaware to the successes around the region, hear innovative ideas, and create new business partnerships. And it is our hope that we walk away with inspiration and ideas—maybe even a to do list—on how to continue moving the First State forward. Join us Thursday, October 9, 2025 @ 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM, Delaware Technical Community College- Terry Campus, 100 Campus Drive, Dover, DE 19904

Rodel Child Care Survey of Employers 

Attention Delaware employers: Take this 5-minute survey and tell us about your experience with your employees and child care. This survey is for CEOs, organizational leaders, HR directors, managers, and business owners. Multiple representatives from an organization are permitted to respond.

Save the Date for the Delaware Healthcare Association’s 29th annual Delaware Healthcare Forum on December 10 in Dover!

In partnership with the American College of Healthcare Executives and Bayhealth, this event brings together policymakers and professionals across hospitals, health systems, and the healthcare community for a full day of informative panels and guest speakers. In the past, forums have tackled topics around health equity, access, affordability, and more. Continuing education credits for nurses are available! Forum agenda and topics will be released soon!