250 and Beyond

Issue 12.26

July 10, 2026

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250 AND BEYOND

DELAWARE'S SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL WILL RESONATE LONG AFTER THE FIREWORKS FADE

As the nation celebrates its 250th birthday, an even older living relic quietly persists year after year outside a brick home in northern Delaware. The nearly 300-year-old sycamore tree was standing on the riverbank property when George Washington and his staff borrowed the home’s kitchen from its Quaker owner for a war conference before the Battle of Brandywine.

The Hale-Byrnes House has seen an increase in visitors this year, many of whom accidentally stumble across the site while detouring around I-95 road work, says historian Kim Burdick. State and local leaders, along with tourism boosters, would like to reduce that kind of surprise about Delaware’s historic gems, using the nation's 250th anniversary to introduce visitors and residents alike to Delaware's merits. Read more >

ON THE COVER
MEET ARTIST EMILY HERSHMAN

For Emily Hershman, creating the cover artwork for the July/August 2026 of Delaware Business magazine was an opportunity to celebrate the state she has called home her entire life.

A Delaware native, Hershman served as communications director for former Gov. John Carney and First Spouse Tracey Quillen Carney. ... Earlier this year, she launched Two Hens Studio, where Hershman and her mom, Lisa, sell original pieces that range from postcards, landscape paintings, renditions of local landmarks, card decks, and more. Learn more about Emily >

CAPITALIZING ON THE SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL MOMENTUM IN EVERY CORNER OF THE STATE

WHERE HISTORY

LIVES ON

The fireworks and the big July 4 celebrations may have wrapped up, but the America 250 celebration is far from finished. Over the past several weeks, New Castle County and communities across Delaware delivered incredible anniversary celebrations filled with family fun, concerts, reenactments, and patriotic events. Read more >

THE CENTER OF THE CELEBRATION

Delaware ratified the constitution before anyone else. Now Dover is making sure the country remembers it. As the nation marks its 250th anniversary of independence, Delaware’s capital city continues to commemorate the milestone with special exhibits, events, and historic experiences throughout the year.

A SEASON OF OPPORTUNITY

The Southern Delaware Tourism team is consistently seeking, evaluating and creating opportunities to expand our reach to potential visitors, as well as current visitors who may not be familiar with all Sussex County has to offer. Many events and tourism partners throughout Sussex County are adding a 250th-anniversary twist to their offerings. Read more >

DELAWARE STATE CHAMBER SEEKING NEXT PRESIDENT

The Delaware State Chamber is seeking its next President. Current President Michael Quaranta announced his plans to retire by the end of 2026 during the State Chamber's 189th Annual Dinner in January, and the search is now underway to identify his successor. If you or someone in your network is an experienced, relationship-driven leader with a passion for business advocacy and organizational leadership, we encourage you to apply or share this opportunity. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to DelawareStateChamberofCommercePresident@KornFerry.com.

View the full job description >

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

When I was fresh out of college and beginning my career in the United States Senate, I had the opportunity to sit on the Senate floor late one evening while my then-boss, Senator David Durenberger, debated a legislative proposal with several of his colleagues. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan of New York ... then said something that has stayed with me ever since: "We are all entitled to our own opinion; however, we are not entitled to our own set of facts."

Facts are stubborn things, and they are especially important in the world of policymaking. With that principle in mind, we began publishing the Delaware Competitiveness Bluebook and launched the Delaware State Chamber Foundation, our 501(c)(3) affiliate. Read more >

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