Institutional Excellence

Issue 12.21

June 5, 2026

MEET KILEY MICHULKA

DSCC WELCOMES NEW EVENTS MANAGER

The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce welcomes its newest team member, Kiley Michulka, who joined the organization this week as events manager. Kiley will oversee the State Chamber’s full calendar of events, helping to deliver programming that brings together business leaders, policymakers, educators, and community partners from all across Delaware.

Learn more about Kiley >

Send Kiley a welcome email >

DELAWARE: WHERE INNOVATION MEETS INSTITUTIONAL EXCELLENCE

By Secretary Patibanda-Sanchez

Delaware has always punched above its weight. With just over 1 million residents, we host more than 2.2 million business entities — a historic high that underscores our enduring role as America’s corporate capital. In 2025, Delaware formed 334,461 new business entities, and an extraordinary 69% of U.S. IPOs chose Delaware incorporation. Despite media narratives about corporate departures, Delaware had a net gain of companies in 2025. Our more than $2 billion in corporate franchise revenue — the state’s second-largest source of income — allows us to continually reinvest in the legal infrastructure and expertise that keeps Delaware ahead. Read more >

FAST FACT: According to the Secretary of State's office, the number of business entities formed in Delaware rose by 100,000 in 2025.

PREPARING FOR

WHAT'S NEXT

For nearly half a century, Delaware’s economy has been powered in large part by what are known here as the Four Cs: chemicals, chickens, corporations, and credit cards. Of course, the state’s economy has always been more diverse than that, with auto manufacturing, health care, tourism, and other industries playing significant roles. Still, this legacy is critical to understanding Delaware’s unique economic, political, and policy landscape as we enter another period of transition in the First State and across the globe. Read more >

THE TRANSPARENCY

TREND

Corporate compliance has entered a new era of transparency. From state legislatures to federal regulators, there is an increasing demand for businesses to share who they are, what they do, and who benefits. The message is clear: The age of minimal disclosure is nearing an end. Delaware, long celebrated as the gold standard of corporate formation for its flexibility and business-friendly legal framework, has also moved in this direction with recent amendments to its Delaware General Corporation Law. Read more >

SHARE YOUR PERSPECTIVE

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE CHAMBERS NATIONAL BUSINESS LEADERS SURVEY

The Delaware State Chamber is encouraging members to participate in the 2026 National Business Leaders Survey, conducted by the Siena Research Institute in partnership with the National Association of State Chambers. The survey gathers insight from business leaders across the country on economic conditions, business confidence, and the issues affecting their ability to compete and grow. Responses will help ensure Delaware's business community is represented in this important national conversation. The survey will remain open through June. Complete the survey >

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

While the Joint Finance Committee of the General Assembly wraps up their work this week, there are only 10 legislative session days remaining and we're keeping a close eye on several bills that could impact Delaware employers, employees, and the broader business community.

One of the bills we're closely watching is Senate Bill 272, which would require Project Labor Agreements on certain public school construction projects. While amendments have been proposed, we continue to have concerns about maintaining competition and ensuring opportunities for small and local contractors. Read more >

ADVERTISE WITH THE STATE CHAMBER

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

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