Issue 11.01

January 10, 2025

SECURING DELAWARE'S SUCCESS

A BLUEPRINT FOR THE 153RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY


Welcome members of the 153rd General Assembly and congratulations to everyone who won the election this past November. Your policy choices will have profound impacts on the future of our state and affect the thousands of licensed businesses, half-million Delaware employees, and one million residents in Delaware.


Due to a prolonged inflammatory period following a worldwide pandemic and supply chain challenges that severely reduced bottom lines, many businesses are on a daily mission to increase their company’s value and return to profit before going under. They need Delaware to win every competitive battle and possess a strong business-friendly environment. Read more >

COMPETITIVENESS AGENDA


The 153rd General Assembly will convene on Tuesday, January 14. In advance of session starting, we are sharing our 2025 Competitiveness Agenda—a coordinated list of feedback from our members and our partners. The agenda includes items we’ve identified as critical because they affect not just our members but the business community at large, regardless of size or industry. Read more >


WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING & EDUCATION


ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY, & SUSTAINABILITY


HEALTH CARE


ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT


FISCAL POLICY

The Competitiveness Bluebook is a new publication that features national, unbiased data. It shows where Delaware stands in comparison to other states and identifies areas of improvement.

A BILLION-DOLLAR GAMBLE


What would you do if someone handed you a bill for $250 million dollars and needed payment in full by July 1? Then later that same year in maybe November or December, you receive word that you need to pay another $250 million dollars on top of what you just paid. Going forward, it becomes clear that you need to find an additional $500 million as taxpayers who had the option to pay you are leaving. A scenario like this is more likely than some would care to admit if we don’t take care of our franchise tax and all the moving parts that make it a substantial revenue stream.


"Now, come on, that’s not at risk and we’ve had this stream of income forever; you’re just being alarmist." Read more >

FAST FACT: The State of Delaware is the recipient of about $2.5B of revenue from outside of its borders, and that’s just over a third of the entire state budget.

WE NEED A BIG HAIRY AUDACIOUS GOAL—a BHAG. And while BHAGs come with the fear of change and discomfort of new, they also bring needed innovation and progress.


The state’s optimal location, favorable tax climate, and reputation for being the premier place of incorporation for business entities are just three things on a long list of reasons why Delawareans possess a lot of pride to be from the First State; and it’s true, our state really is a small wonder. Delaware’s virtues need to be cherished, nurtured, and protected.


However, we are now at a crossroads between where we currently are and want to be. Take a wrong turn and we could potentially witness unintended results. Read more >

Click the image to download our strategic plan executive summary:

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE


Every now and again, events from far, far away might have an impact on our membership, and so I thought I’d discuss how disruptions in shipping lanes might one day affect the things you need. The post-World War II maritime order is under major stress. Within the last few weeks, we’ve seen the Israelis expand their interest with the Houthis in Yemen. Read more >

In Case You Missed It

Cape Gazette


Delaware Business Now


Delaware Business Times


Delaware Online


Delaware Public Media


Delaware State News


Spotlight Delaware

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Upcoming Event

 

188th Annual Dinner

Monday, January 13, 2025

4:00 pm - 7:15 pm 

Chase Center on the Riverfront, 815 Justison St., Wilmington

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