The Need for Action

Issue 12.04

January 30, 2026

NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS!

2026 COOLEST THING MADE IN DELAWARE CONTEST

From forensic tools used by investigators to aerospace technology trusted far beyond Earth’s atmosphere, Delaware manufacturers are producing products with real-world applications that reach far beyond the First State. Now in its third year, the Coolest Thing Made in Delaware contest continues to elevate these innovative products and companies that define Delaware’s manufacturing industry.

Do you have a Delaware-made product that you think deserves recognition? Nominate them for this year's contest! You are welcome to nominate as many products as you'd like. Nominate a product >

MEET LAST YEAR'S WINNER: Agilent Technologies' Resolve handheld Raman spectrometer quickly and accurately identifies hazardous materials—including narcotics, explosives, and chemical warfare agents—through packaging or containers, helping emergency responders make safer, faster decisions. Learn more >

THE NEED FOR ACTION

NAVIGATING AMERICA’S ECONOMIC RAPIDS WITH FORESIGHT, FOCUS, AND LEADERSHIP

The rapids are the fast-flowing, turbulent, and unpredictable part of a river journey. Entering 2026, states and communities across the country are trying to navigate our current economic rapids. The past year was marked by national policy uncertainty and change, mixed economic results, brisk technological advancements, and interspersed with those challenges, emerging opportunities. Read more >

STRENGTHENING OUR FUTURE WORKFORCE

STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS ARE POSITIONING DELAWARE AS A LEADER IN WORKFORCE INNOVATION

Delaware's competitive advantage has always been its ability to act quickly, collaborate deeply, and stay focused on people. As employers across the country continue to navigate a changing labor market, Delaware stands out for its nimble approach to talent development and the close alignment between business, education, and government.

At the Delaware Workforce Development Board and the Department of Labor, we’ve seen firsthand how partnerships and data-driven decision-making can strengthen our workforce and help employers compete. The results are clear: Delaware is building systems that connect talent to opportunity, ensuring young people see our state as a place to live, work, and grow. Read more >

CAREER MOVES HELPS YOUR TRAINING PROGRAM REACH MORE DELAWAREANS

Right now, in Delaware, there are more open positions than there are workers to fill them—but many of these jobs require specialized skills or certifications. Career Moves is a free, centralized tool that helps workforce training programs reach learners statewide and strengthen Delaware’s talent pipeline.

Launched through a partnership between Tech Impact, the Delaware Workforce Development Board, and the Delaware Department of Labor, Career Moves makes it easier for job seekers to discover and connect with high-quality training opportunities. Learn more >

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Data on its own is not very interesting, but knitted together, individual data points become information, and information becomes knowledge. With more knowledge, we can hopefully make better and more informed decisions. Add scientifically-derived survey data to the mix while exploring a wide array of topics, and your view of what really matters to Delawareans comes into focus.

For us, that means refreshing our Delaware Competitiveness Bluebook yearly, and collecting new survey feedback from business leaders like you, and from everyday Delawareans, too. 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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