Investing in Industry

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

February 10, 2025

For quite a few years in a row, manufacturing has been the leading sector of interest for businesses looking to locate or expand here in Delaware. There are many reasons for this sector's growth and we should be doing more to welcome its expansion. This could include land-use policy changes and rezoning in some cases, perhaps public investment in utilities to make more sites ready for these opportunities, and youth and adult training programs to meet employment needs.

Currently, there are only seven high school pathway programs focused on manufacturing in the state, with a total of 685 students participating across four grades. With an average starting salary of just over $50,000 per year, we need to expand these offerings quickly. Adult education and training options must also grow to meet the steady demand for manufacturing jobs.

The U.S. makes up just 4% of the world’s population but accounts for 25% of global gross domestic product. As world events and technological advancements make the U.S. (and Delaware) a prime location for manufacturers, our economy will continue to grow. Let’s work together and pivot quickly to meet these realities.

Finally, do you know of a product made in Delaware that’s “cool?” Nominate that company and its product for our Coolest Thing Made in Delaware competition. The winner will be announced at our Spring Manufacturing & Policy Conference on March 27. Let’s spread the word that manufacturing is thriving here in the First State. Nominate a product here >

News You Can Use

This week’s economic news kicks off tomorrow with the NFIB optimism index and results from January. On Wednesday, the consumer price index numbers for January are released and Fed Chairman Jerome Powell testifies before Congress. Thursday data points include the producer price index figures for January, while on Friday we’ll see U.S. retail sales numbers for January and December business inventory data.

Several State Chamber members have earnings calls this week, starting today with Incyte, Edgewell Personal Care, McDonald’s, Arch Capital, Compass Minerals, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. DuPont leads off the calls on Tuesday and is joined by Coca-Cola, Ecolab, Marriott International, Brookfield, DoorDash, Zillow, S&P Global, and WK Kellogg, and others. CVS Health, Exelon, Cisco Systems, and the Williams Companies are part of the long lineup on Wednesday. Deere, Hyatt Hotels, PBF Energy, Pilgrim’s Pride, Roku, and Yelp are on the Thursday schedule. AMC Networks, Fortis, Moderna and others are part of the Friday schedule.

Michael J. Quaranta

President

Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

Junia Holdings Inc. is a leading provider of digital non-contact optical inspection systems and is a pioneer in the specialty metal fabrication and manufacturing segment. They provide solutions for a variety of manufacturing needs in the automobile, aerospace, electronics, energy, firearms, medical, and telecommunications industries.

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