Issue 11.05

February 7, 2025

WORKING SMARTER

HOW MANUFACTURERS ARE USING AI

10,000 baby boomers are reaching retirement age per day, a trend that won’t slow until 2030. With Millenials and Gen Z making up much smaller cohorts, manufacturers in the United States are facing a growing labor gap. Rather than replacing workers, artificial intelligence is proving to be a powerful tool to supplement the workforce, improve efficiency, and enhance safety. A 2024 report from the National Association of Manufacturers explores how businesses are leveraging AI to modernize production while keeping workers at the center of decision-making. Read more >

DELAWARE MANUFACTURING BY THE NUMBERS

$7.3B

in added economic value

29,800

people employed

$86,075

average salary

608+

manufacturers in the state

$4.5B

of exported goods

7.5%

of Delaware's GDP

$245.81

productivity value added per hour,

ranked fourth nationwide

$21,016

annual average investment per manufacturing employee

Sources: National Association of Manufacturers, Delaware Competitiveness Bluebook

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Delaware is highly dependent on franchise tax revenue, which is largely paid by out-of-state companies incorporated here. It accounts for one-third, or $2 billion, of the annual state budget of $6 billion. If this revenue were to suffer losses, where would the General Assembly make massive spending cuts or raise taxes to fill that shortfall? Read more >

Business Insider

• Delaware governor tells BI things may 'need to change' as companies threaten to leave the state

Cape Gazette

• Study: Latino, Haitian groups need housing, jobs, childcare
• Corporate law structure plays vital role in Delaware

Delaware Business Now

• Legislation calls for higher income tax rate for those making over $125,000 a year
• Update: Meyer vows to make effort to keep corporate homes of Facebook and other companies in Delaware

Delaware Business Times

• Building Delaware’s STEM workforce in new ways
• Delaware leaders grapple with federal financial changes
• TidalHealth expands footprint with new campus build in Millsboro
• Meyer launches campaign to retain and ‘win’ top incorporation status

Delaware LIVE

•  2 Delaware businesses honored for military/veteran support

Delaware Public Media

• Delaware could drain budget reserves in two years and still face deficit, difficult decisions ahead
• Delaware eighth grade literacy rate hits 27-year low, slight bump in fourth grade math and reading

Delaware State News

• Delaware House committee clears educator incentive bill
• Delaware's Joint Finance Committee to begin budget hearings on Tuesday
• Delaware businesses honored for supporting military and veteran talent

State of the Guard

Thursday, February 20

8:00 am - 9:30 am

Delaware National Guard Joint Force Headquarters

1 Vavala Way, New Castle

Networking Breakfast at the Allied Health Center

of Excellence

Wednesday, March 12

7:30 am - 9:00 am

Delaware Tech

300 Orange St., Wilmington

Spring Manufacturing & Policy Conference

Thursday, March 27

9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Delaware Tech

100 Campus Dr., Dover

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