Developing Delaware's Workforce

Issue 12.01

January 9, 2026

ADVERTISE WITH THE STATE CHAMBER

Promote your events, news & initiatives to Delaware's business community through us! Learn more >

SHOWCASE YOUR TRAINING PROGRAM

DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR SUPERSTARS IN EDUCATION & TRAINING IS APPROACHING!

A strong workforce is essential to a strong economy. When Delaware invests in skilled, career-ready talent, businesses are better positioned to locate, stay, and grow here. From college-bound students to individuals preparing for technical and trade careers, access to high-quality education and training is critical to long-term success.

Superstars in Education & Training recognizes innovative and impactful programs that are developing Delaware’s workforce. These programs close talent gaps, create opportunity, and equip individuals with the skills employers need — serving as models that can be scaled and replicated across industries and communities.

The deadline to apply is January 22. Submit your application >

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

HART OF GOLD CARE

When it comes to helping others, it doesn’t take a heart of gold to change a life forever. But for Sharon Harris, founder and director of Hart of Gold Care, that generosity has fueled her work for many years, even before registering as a nonprofit. With a dedicated team of leaders, volunteers, and community partners across Middletown, Del., and Pennsville, N.J., Hart of Gold Care provides support for individuals facing challenging times, helping them regain stability and self-sufficiency. Read more >

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

STAYBRIDGE SUITES DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON

For business leaders flocking to the First State, travelers may be surprised to discover a new selection for their visit: Staybridge Suites Downtown Wilmington, by IHG. Opened just over three years ago as a conversion of a prior office building, Staybridge Suites functions like standard lodging but specializes as an extended-stay hotel, providing apartment-like rooms and additional business-quality services for guests to feel at home during their stay. Read more >

SAFETY TOWN CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS

OF TRAINING EXCELLENCE

Chesapeake Utilities recently celebrated the five-year anniversary of its Safety Town training facility in Dover, underscoring its commitment to safety, education, and community partnership.

Opened in 2020 on the company’s Energy Lane campus, Safety Town was purpose-built to provide immersive, hands-on training environments for employees, contractors, and emergency responders. The facility includes classrooms, storage space, and shed-style homes built by Polytech High School students to replicate the residential settings where Chesapeake Utilities’ teams work every day. Read more >

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

“The times they are a-changin’” is a quote from Bob Dylan back in 1964, and boy are they ever. Artificial intelligence, the breakdown of the post-World War II world order, demographic changes here and abroad, and more are all mashing together to create plenty of disruption for business and government leaders alike.

I have written before about how lower birth rates are going to impact employers everywhere, and Delaware is no exception. What also needs to be understood is that fewer young people mean fewer workers will replace recently retired individuals, and that will have major impacts on public revenues and spending. Read more >

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