May 15, 2023

The single largest collector of personal information about you is probably not who you think it is. State and local governments collect, sell, and share vast amounts of information about you. Unlike the private sector where you have options, you get no such options when obtaining a law, fishing, drivers, cosmetology, pet—you name it—license from state or local governments.

Businesses need information to segment their markets, find opportunities, become more efficient, and more. May and June are graduation months and maybe someone who just completed their studies in pediatric dentistry is looking for a place to start up a dental office. Looking at data where populations of families with children reside, and licensure information to learn who is already practicing in the area, are just some of the considerations that will help make an informed decision. Similarly, a pet grooming business may use pet license data to communicate with owners of pets, just like a landscaping contractor would use land records to avoid the expense of reaching out to people living in apartments. 

Policies that restrict data collection, sharing, and use—as well intended as they may be—oftentimes restrict commerce, consumer choice, and price competition. Small- and medium-size businesses are particularly harmed with policies like these because they cannot afford more expensive means of promotion that are typically meant for the masses. Neither do small and medium businesses have staff offices filled with compliance officers or regulatory privacy policy experts. Today, all businesses should have policies and procedures that treat personal information with care, and if the General Assembly decides to enact limitations on data collection, sharing, and use, they should not move forward without demanding that state and local governments do similarly. 

Tuesday kicks off the week of economic news with April retail sales, industrial production, and business inventories. On Tuesday we’ll also hear from regional fed presidents from Cleveland, Richmond, New York, Chicago, and Atlanta. Wednesday’s news brings us data regarding April housing starts and building permits. The Philadelphia Fed factory survey, initial jobless claims, and existing home sales figures are out Thursday. We wrap up the week Friday with panel remarks offered by Fed Chairman Powell and former Fed Chairman Bernanke.  

This is a relatively light week for earnings calls. We get started today with Lordstown Motors and Navitas Semiconductor. Home Depot headlines the Tuesday calls along with Agilysys, Keysight Technologies, Tencent Music, and Tupperware. Cisco Systems, Target and Wix are scheduled for Wednesday, while Walmart, Dole, Ross Stores, Deere, and Foot Locker round out the week.

Delaware Business Times announced the 2023 honorees of its third annual CEO of the Year program, which recognizes the efforts of Delaware’s top-ranking business leaders in both for-profit and nonprofit sectors. The State Chamber congratulates the following members:

Mark Newman, Chemours

Dr. Janice Nevin, ChristianaCare - DSCC Board of Directors member

Chris Baker, George & Lynch - DSCC Board of Governors member

Jane Pierantozzi, Faithful Friends Animal Society - 2021 Superstars in Business winner

Mac Macleod, Carvertise - DSCC Board of Governors member

Desa Burton, Zip Code Wilmington

Cape Gazette

CNBC

Delaware Business Now

Delaware Business Times

Delaware Public Media

Delaware State News

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