Strength United is Stronger

Issue 11.02

January 17, 2025

CORPORATIONS ARE DELAWARE'S GOLDEN GOOSE

They may applaud or criticize, but everyone recognizes Delaware’s dominance as the home for a huge proportion of top companies, complemented by a business law system that’s a national leader.

Thanks to the predictability, efficiency, and fairness Delaware offers, more than 60% of all Fortune 500 companies are incorporated here, according to the 2023 annual report from the Secretary of State. Additionally, 80% of all initial public offerings in 2023 were registered here.

Delaware residents may forget, or never realize at all, just how much those statistics affect their daily lives. Read more >

CSC CEO ROD WARD URGES UNITED STRENGTH TO PROTECT FRANCHISE TAX

From Delaware Business Times

In a rare sight, the chief of Delaware’s top incorporation firm urged incoming local government officials and business leaders to rally together to protect the state’s most lucrative income source.

“For 125 years, CSC has worked alongside Delaware and we’ve done so with one goal in mind — to create an ecosystem where businesses can thrive, people can grow and communities can prosper,” Ward said. “More than 100 years ago, New Jersey was poised to become the top jurisdiction for corporations today. I would offer to you that the reason they squandered this golden opportunity was their collective failure to appreciate it and their lack of focus on protecting and maximizing that power.” Read more >

SEN. CARPER HONORED WITH JOSIAH MARVEL CUP

Former state treasurer, congressman, governor, and U.S. Senator, Carper dedicated himself as a public servant for nearly 50 years.

“No man has had a more influential, longer lasting, or farther-reaching impact on Delaware’s political landscape than that achieved by my friend and wingman Tom Carper,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons. "He has accomplished so much for so many, regardless of party or alignment. Now that he has stepped away from a life of public service, we know two things: we will have to work overtime to fill the shoes he left behind; but we can also take solace in knowing he will never truly retire, and we will see him on a mic again soon." Read more >

Photo by Dick Dubroff / Final Focus Photograhpy

THE MARVELOUS MR. MARVEL

Businessman, attorney, farmer, and policy shaper—Josiah Marvel is the man behind the Delaware State Chamber’s prestigious award. For 75 years, the prestigious Josiah Marvel Cup has symbolized outstanding contributions to the state, community, or society. Learn more >

HON. NANCY COOK PRESENTED WITH DICK DISABATINO AWARD

Nancy W. Cook began her storied career as the first elected female Democratic Delaware state senator and concluded her formal career in public service as the longest- serving woman in the Delaware

General Assembly. Read more >

Photo by Dick Dubroff / Final Focus Photograhpy

JOHN GOODEN NAMED BOARD MEMBER OF THE YEAR

John Gooden of M. Davis & Sons was chosen as the Board Member of the Year for his exceptional contributions to the State Chamber. John serves as vice chair of the Board of Directors, co-chairs the Delaware Manufacturing Association, and chaired the Strategic Planning Committee. Read more >

Did you miss the 188th Annual Dinner? Watch the program,

including Rod Ward's keynote and Governor-elect Matt Meyer's remarks

on YouTube or by clicking the above image.

THIS WEEK IN DOVER

The 153rd General Assembly gaveled into session on Tuesday, signaling the start of a new legislative year. This week was mostly ceremonial – legislators were sworn into office, and they took care of some housekeeping items. Read more >

SEN. CARPER HONORED WITH JOSIAH MARVEL CUP

THE MARVELOUS MR. MARVEL

In Case You Missed It