MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT


February 17, 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to disrupt several sectors of the economy. I received a preview of a report we are commissioning (and look forward to sharing soon) that states “AI will have a significant impact on Delaware businesses, though the exact timing and extent remain uncertain. However, most experts agree that AI adoption will accelerate in the coming years. Industries expected to be most affected include finance and insurance, retail trade, and health services—all of which are vital to Delaware’s economy.” The analysis continues, “Any job reductions in these sectors could have widespread economic effects across the state.”


Beyond workforce concerns, AI also presents opportunities for economic growth and innovation. Delaware businesses that embrace AI-driven technologies can enhance efficiency, improve customer experiences, and develop new revenue streams. From automating routine tasks to advancing data analysis, AI has the potential to reshape industries in ways that create new jobs, not just replace them.


State and local governments should be testing AI solutions, too. As baby boomers retire, tax revenue growth will slow while spending increases. To fill this gap, AI tools can help address job vacancies, inefficiencies, and application processes. The sooner we accept that the world around us is using these tools to solve problems, the better off we will be.

News You Can Use

We start a shortened week of economic news this week with remarks from Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker and others. Tuesday brings us February results from the home builder confidence index, followed on Wednesday with January housing starts and building permits data. The Philadelphia Fed manufacturing survey is out on Thursday, as well as January U.S. leading economic indicators. We wrap up on Friday with consumer sentiment figures for February and existing home sales for January. 


Things get started tomorrow for companies with earnings calls, as both the equities and bond markets are closed today in observance of Presidents’ Day. Chemours leads off the calls on Tuesday and is joined by Fluor, GeneDx, Vulcan Materials, Occidental Petroleum, and Toll Brothers. Wednesday calls include Analog Devices, Cinemark, Etsy, Wingstop, CF Industries, NerdWallet, Vimeo, and others. Walmart kicks off the Thursday calls and is joined by Cushman & Wakefield, Southern, Boise Cascade, CarGurus, Con Edison, and Rivian Automotive, among others.

Michael J. Quaranta

President

Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

Uniquely Delaware

Delaware's Fastest Growing Traded Clusters

Delaware has a diverse economy, but several key industries are driving the state’s growth. Distribution and e-commerce added nearly 9,000 jobs from 2018 to 2023, making it the fastest-growing traded cluster. Business services, financial services, and federal government services also saw significant employment gains, highlighting Delaware’s strength in logistics, finance, and professional services. View full chart >

Delaware State University (DSU) is a public Historically Black University in Dover, Delaware, with satellite campuses in Wilmington and Georgetown. The university comprises four colleges and serves a diverse population of undergraduate and graduate students.

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