Unwavering In Her Commitment

Issue 12.02

January 16, 2026

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UNWAVERING IN HER COMMITMENT

MICHELLE DIFEBO FREEMAN HONORED WITH

JOSIAH MARVEL CUP

During the 189th Annual Dinner, the Delaware State Chamber awarded its prestigious Josiah Marvel Cup to Michelle DiFebo Freeman, owner and CEO of the Carl M. Freeman Companies.

“She has a vision for Sussex County that is beyond what any of us could ever have imagined for the spaces in the area,” shared Sara M. Bluhm, executive director of the Sussex County Land Trust. “There are easy roads she could take to fulfill that vision. But for the benefit of the community and those who reside in her developments, Michelle chooses to take the one that’s less traveled every time.” Read the full announcement >

Photo by Dick Dubroff / Final Focus Photography

INTEREST EARNED
ROOTED IN DELAWARE FOR NEARLY TWO CENTURIES, WSFS FINANCIAL CORPORATION HAS FLOURISHED

Many banks have weathered their share of financial storms and historic events. But very few are still around and can say they have been through the American Civil War, the railroad panic of 1873, the Great Depression, and all the boom-and-bust times since.

WSFS Financial Corporation can. Founded in 1832 as the Wilmington Savings Fund Society, it has endured for nearly two centuries, building a reputation as Delaware’s homegrown bank and expanding into a full-service financial services provider. Read more >

Photos by Dick Dubroff / Final Focus Photography

RESULTS THAT MATTER

GOV. MEYER SHARES VISION FOR A FASTER, CLEARER, MORE ACCOUNTABLE STATE GOVERNMENT

At our 189th Annual Dinner, Governor Matt Meyer’s remarks centered on the idea that leadership in state government should deliver real results for Delaware families and employers. He thanked the State Chamber for bringing the business community together and highlighted progress in protecting Delaware’s corporate franchise and launching a new Office of Workforce Development to better align training with the jobs of the future.

He also pointed to major investments in Delaware’s growth, including Merck’s $1 billion manufacturing facility, expanded affordable housing efforts, and a new digital permitting interface aimed at cutting regulatory costs and delays. Looking ahead, Meyer emphasized a “deregulate and innovate” agenda focused on making state government faster, clearer, and more accountable, while continuing work on literacy, school funding reform, child care, and a more affordable Delaware.

ANDREW COTTONE NAMED BOARD MEMBER OF THE YEAR

Chosen by State Chamber staff, Andrew Cottone, III of Aternium was named Board Member of the Year. He has been a member of our board of governors since 2020 and board of directors since 2023, served on the board of our workforce development affiliate, and is an active member of our nominating committee. Beyond his thoughtful engagement in meetings, Andrew has gone above and beyond by building strong relationships with State Chamber staff.

Did you miss the 189th Annual Dinner? Watch the program, including WSFS Financial Corporation's Chairman, President, and CEO Rodger Levenson's keynote and Governor Matt Meyer's remarks on YouTube or by clicking the above image.

ANDREW COTTONE NAMED BOARD MEMBER OF THE YEAR

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