MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

August 28, 2023

For many families, today is "back to school day" as students, faculty, and administrative staff’s kickoff the new school year. For us, that means we are organizing our Delaware Principal for a Day program, and you are invited to participate this October 16-20!

Statewide, there are slightly more than 11,000 high school seniors this year. In nine short months, many of those graduates will hit the marketplace looking for employment. This program is a great way for you or your employees to connect with area high schools or middle schools and build valuable relationships that could lead to an important pipeline of talent.

High school enrollment across the U.S. peaks in 2025 and then declines rapidly. Delaware will experience that decline too. Our Delaware Principal for a Day program creates stronger connections between educators and the business community so that, together, we can help shape our future workforce.

If you have never done this, I encourage you to sign up and give it a try. If it has been years since you participated, a lot has changed and I encourage you to participate again. Learn more and register >

News You Can Use

Wow! August is almost over? We kickoff (pun intended) the week of economic news on Tuesday with the S&P Case-Shiller home price index for June and July job openings (9.58 million). ADP employment figures are out on Wednesday, as is pending home sales figures for July. Thursday is about inflation data and the Chicago Business Barometer. Friday is the first of September and we start to see data for the month of August. The U.S. unemployment rate, hourly wages, and ISM manufacturing—all key indicators—are released. July construction spending numbers are also released on Friday.

Earnings calls this week get started on Tuesday with State Chamber retail member Best Buy who is joined by J.M. Smucker and Malibu Boats. Salesforce headlines the Wednesday calls that also include Brown-Forman, Chewy, Cooper, Five Below, and MasterCraft. Dell Technologies, Lululemon, Campbell Soup, UBS, and Signet Jewelers round out the week for calls.

Michael J. Quaranta

President

Delaware State Chamber of Commerce

Uniquely Delaware

Delaware Pathways - Connects students, communities, & employers

Acquiring both academic and technical skills in combination with meaningful work experience gives students the freedom to choose their life’s path.

Delaware Pathways link education and workforce development efforts for youth and provide opportunities for youth to gain work experiences aligned with their career goals through a series of high-quality education programs that link to postsecondary education and careers. Learn more >

middle & high schools offering Pathways programs

23,009

students currently enrolled in Pathways programs

68%

of students who transition into postsecondary education & the workforce

59%

of students who are college & career ready

Source: Delaware Pathways

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