Issue 8.38
September 23, 2022
Data-Driven Development
DELAWARE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD ISSUES
STUDY TO BETTER UNDERSTAND WORKFORCE NEEDS

Delaware faces stiff competition in attracting businesses to the state, and success hinges on having the skilled workforce that new and existing employers need. Indicative of the challenges we face is that the number of jobs employers need to fill is significantly greater than the number of available individuals with the right skills and experience. Playing an increasing role in plugging that gap is the Delaware Workforce Development Board. Read more >
“The more we understand what employers want, the better we can help individuals become employees.” — Joanna Staib, Executive Director, Delaware Workforce Development Board
EPISODE 2 | THE EXPERIMENT WORKED
FEATURING DESA BURTON AND SCOTT MALFITANO

Right here in Delaware, we have what some people consider to be one of the best workforce development and training programs in the nation, Zip Code Wilmington. But can this model be used for other industries which are facing a shortage of qualified workers? We speak with two people who are at the forefront of this conversation, Desa Burton, executive director of Zip Code Wilmington, and Scott Malfitano, chair of the Delaware Workforce Development Board.

MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIR
BY NICK LAMBROW


In my 35-plus-year career, I can think of plenty of times when the outlook was cloudy, but never a time when there was so much disagreement about the current state. Declaring whether the U.S. economy is in recession, which may seem simple, is suddenly a matter of opinion.

Without weighing in on that debate, I can say three things with confidence: Businesses are facing unprecedented challenges; finding qualified labor is paramount; and Delaware is well-placed to succeed. Read more >
Developing Delaware
The prevalence—and future—of technology in nearly every industry in Delaware
cannot go unnoticed. On October 13, learn how sectors like health care, hospitality,
and agriculture are taking on tech to tackle challenges, innovate, and improve lives. Register >
RACING TO A RED LIGHT?
ZIP CODE WILMINGTON HELPS YOU
TURN TOWARDS A TECH CAREER

Are you racing to a red light? [Matthew] Sigelman testified that the growth of our evolving economy “carries the tangible risk of obsolescence for many workers, particularly those who have been in the same job for an extended period [or] who have had limited opportunities for reskilling.” Any receptionist of a now-remote company or cashier managing a self-checkout will tell you time and technology wait for no one. ... In other words, keeping up with technology is not just necessary for the next generation of workers, it is necessary for the current workforce. Read more >
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
Along with co-host Better Business Bureau Serving Delaware, the State Chamber held its annual Delaware Networking Station event this week at the Chase Center in Wilmington.
In Case You Missed It
ADVERTISE WITH THE CHAMBER
Promote your events, news & initiatives to Delaware's business community through us!
Connect with Us
Upcoming Events
Networking Breakfast
at Delaware Technical Community College
Thursday, October 6
7:30 am - 9:00 am

300 N. Orange St.
Wilmington
Developing Delaware Conference
Thursday, October 13
9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Modern Maturity Center
1121 Forrest Ave.
Dover
Delaware Principal
for a Day
October 17 - 21, 2022

At a middle or
high school
near you!