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Articles by David Brond
5 college enrollment messages to send to parents
Communicating with parents of prospective students is more important than ever in the age of COVID. Following are messaging tips based on findings of a parent survey. Photo by Corinne Kutz on Unsplash College leaders know that parents have great influence on their children’s college decision-making. Even before COVID-19, outreach to parents—from initial search through admissions deposit and welcoming them to the campus—was a cornerstone of successful college and university enrollment efforts.
Bloom Energy - Delaware Business Times
WHO WE ARE Bloom Energy’s mission is to make clean, reliable, and resilient energy for everyone on the planet. Our distributed energy platform, the Bloom Energy Server®, converts natural gas or bio gas into electricity without combustion – Generating electricity on-site where you need it, with 60% less CO2 emissions than the average US grid power, no environmentally harmful smog-forming particulate emissions, delivering 125 times more electricity than solar power in the same footprint.
Mythbusters: What people get wrong on manufacturing and trades
Dead-end and dangerous. There was a time when trade and manufacturing jobs were characterized by negative stereotypes — back when jobs in welding and construction meant backbreaking work with little room for advancement. But this isn’t your grandfather’s workforce, and antiquated practices have given way to career paths, safety measures, and the growth of technology-based skills in sectors like health care and renewable energy.
Chemical company seeking almost $4 million in taxpayer money
Chemical company seeking almost $4 million in taxpayer money (AP) — A specialty chemicals company is seeking almost $4 million in taxpayer money from Delaware officials. Solenis LLC is asking for $3.9 million from the Delaware Strategic Fund for retaining and growing its headquarters and research and development operations in New Castle County. The Council on Development Finance will consider the request Monday.
DelDOT hires new DMV director
DelDOT hires new DMV director The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) this month announced the hiring of Jana Simpler as the new DMV director, effective September 4, 2018. Simpler currently serves as the director of the Delaware Office of Highway Safety. Her career in highway safety began in 1997. She held the position of deputy director of OHS through 2009 and as director for the last eight years. “We are excited to have Jana joining us,” said DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan.
Penn National seeks first Pennsylvania sports betting permit
Penn National seeks first Pennsylvania sports betting permit (AP) — Penn National Gaming is the first casino operator in Pennsylvania to apply for a license to offer sports betting in the state, now that regulators cleared it to begin. Penn National submitted a 107-page application to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board on Friday. A gaming board spokesman says Penn National’s application is unlikely to get approval before October.
Apply for the 2019 Family-Owned Business Awards
The Family-Owned Business Awards program honors family businesses that make up the backbone of the American economy. From small, boutique operations to large multi-generational firms, these entrepreneurial families are building business legacies that will last for generations to come. More than two thirds of privately held businesses in the U.S. are family-owned firms. Delaware Business Times will be celebrating the family-owned businesses that are successful, growing and moving America forward.
Wilmington staple Chelsea Tavern expands into alleyway
Chelsea Tavern, a downtown Wilmington staple, is adding a new indoor and outdoor seating area called The Terrace. The expansion will involve adding 60 new seats to an adjacent alleyway along Market Street. “This new dining area will give us something that no one else downtown has presently,” said Joseph Van Horn, owner of Chelsea Tavern. “Everyone loves to dine al fresco and Wilmingtonians are no different.
Chemours reports second quarter earnings
Chemours reports second quarter earnings (AP) _ Chemours Co. (CC) last week reported second-quarter net income of $281 million. On a per-share basis, the Wilmington, Delaware-based company said it had profit of $1.53. Earnings, adjusted for one-time gains and costs, came to $1.71 per share. The results beat Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of four analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of $1.53 per share.
Switzerland firm acquires B&W Tek spectroscopy business in Newark
Switzerland firm acquires B&W Tek spectroscopy business in Newark Metrohm AG from Herisau, Switzerland has acquired B&W Tek’s Spectroscopy Solution Business based in Newark. “We are pleased to strengthen our product portfolio in spectroscopy by the acquisition of B&W Tek’s R&D, production and sales organizations,” said Dr. Christoph Fässler, CEO and president of Metrohm AG. The field of spectroscopy looks at how matter and electromagnetic radiation interact.
Coastal Magazine names Blake Gilbert best server in Sussex County
Coastal Magazine’s annual reader poll named Blake Gilbert, a server at Bluecoast Seafood Grill + Raw Bar in North Bethany Beach, the best server in Sussex County. “Blake is the epitome of professionalism in the hospitality industry,” said Scott Kammerer, president of SoDel Concepts, which has 10 restaurants along the Delaware coast. “He’s knowledgeable about the menu and the wine.
Rep. Rochester introduces bill to help farmers impacted by Trump trade policy
Rep. Rochester introduces bill to help farmers impacted by Trump trade policy Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester today introduced a bill to extend federal trade assistance to farmers, growers and producers negatively impacted by President Donald Trump’s trade policy.
Concord Park office plaza is about to become mixed-use
One of the luxury apartments soon to open at The Concord. With new construction nearing completion, The Buccini/Pollin Group has rebranded the Concord Plaza office park at 3535 Silverside Road. The formerly underused commercial property is now called The Concord, a planned mixed-use community with 341 apartments, high-end restaurants and office space. New developments include four five-story and two four-story buildings and a new 60,000-square foot office building.
DCAD welcomes students derailed by closure of Art Institute of Philadelphia
DCAD welcomes students derailed by closure of Art Institute of Philadelphia Art Institute of Philadelphia will cease operation on August 28, and Delaware College of Art and Design is stepping up to welcome students whose degrees could be derailed. “Our admissions deadline for Fall 2018 is Aug.
Learning and leading: an educational resource guide for executives
By Jon Hurdle Special to Delaware Business Times Colleges and business groups in Delaware offer a range of degrees, certificates and courses at graduate level to professionals seeking to build their knowledge of business-related skills. These range from finance and accounting to health-care management and the latest information technology.
Highmark requests 5.7% rate increase for ACA plans
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware requested a proposed 5.7 percent rate increase for its 2019 Affordable Care Act marketplace business. The request goes through the Delaware Department of Insurance, which reviews and seeks public comment on the proposed rate.
Delaware exporters brace for NAFTA trade talks
A hand-held analyzer called TacticID can identify explosives, chemicals and other components. It’s made at B&W Tek and sold around the world. Photo by Ron Dubick. By Kim Hoey Special to Delaware Business Times Delaware exports such as jet engines, watermelons, baked goods and medical equipment could face new trade barriers should the Trump administration go forward with a plan to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Fox Rothschild expands footprint to Wilmington
Fox Rothschild expands footprint to Wilmington Philadelphia-based law firm Fox Rothschild earlier this month announced the opening of new offices in Chicago and Wilmington following a merger with Fishman Glantz & Towbin LLC, a 23-attorney firm focused on bankruptcy, commercial litigation and real estate. “This merger will boost our litigation and real estate capabilities and add a deep bench of bankruptcy lawyers to bolster our national practice in that arena,” said Mark L.
Keeping antibiotics out of the food chain
At a sprawling plant along the Indian River in Millsboro, through three shifts on seven days a week, employees at Merck Animal Health manufacture vaccines and other pharmaceutical products for cats, dogs, pigs and cows. But like so much of the agriculture industry here in the First State, Merck’s biggest customer is the poultry industry. “[The plant is] running more or less around the clock,” says Executive Site Director Regina Holzbauer, who has been at the Millsboro location since 2015.
Delaware Technology Park incubates next-gen startups
Sometimes it seems as if Mike Bowman is running a hatchery for startup companies instead of an incubator at Delaware Technology Park (DTP) and nearby DTP@STAR Campus, the University of Delaware’s growing facility on South College Avenue in Newark. Since DTP’s founding in 1992, more than 100 companies have been located at the park, including 50 that have graduated. “It’s been a tremendously busy year at STAR,” says Bowman, who was a founder of DTP and has headed it since 1998.
Q&A: Ricky Nietubicz of Mishimoto talks cars, bikes and trucks
Mishimoto was founded in 2003 and is now the world leader in performance cooling products for everyday driving, the racing circuit, and for bikes and trucks. Headquartered in New Castle, it employs almost 100 people who are involved in activities from research to marketing. We talked with Ricky Nietubicz, Mishimoto’s communications head, about what’s in store for this Delaware growth company. Q: How did Mishimoto come to be headquartered in Delaware?
ILC Dover invents tech for land, air and sea
It’s a long way from the surface of Mars to the tunnels beneath New York City, but it’s just a short distance for the folks at ILC Dover. It’s all about having the right technology — and the imagination to know how to apply that technology to diverse situations. In recent years, New York City transportation tunnels have been inundated with seawater from storms such as Hurricane Sandy. ILC Dover’s technology has helped mitigate the effects of flooding.
Q&A: Dr. Norman Wagner on entrepreneurship in Delaware
Dr. Norman Wagner is Unidel Robert L. Pigford Chair in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Delaware and is co-founder of STF Technologies LLC. Dr. Wagner is also very involved with organizations and discussions that address startup companies and entrepreneurial activities in Delaware. We asked him some questions about both his work and his observations.
Franklin Energy opening Newport location
Franklin Energy opening Newport location Bala Cynwyd-based Franklin Energy is holding a ribbon cutting for it first Delaware office next week. The Newport location will serve as the energy company’s home in Delaware. Franklin Energy manages the Energize Delaware Home Performance with ENERGY STAR and supports Delaware’s Weatherization Assistance Program.
Kreston Wine & Spirits
Kreston’s Wine & Spirits was founded in 1933. That was the year that the 21st Amendment was ratified, repealing Prohibition for good in America. Kreston opened on Concord Avenue 85 years ago. President Bob Kreston credits customer service, knowledgeable salespeople and the willingness to innovate and welcome new technology as key to the success of his grandfather, father, and now himself.
STRIDE finds a partner in California-based molecular tech firm
STRIDE finds a partner in California-based molecular tech firm STRIDE of Delaware The Science Technology and Research Institute of Delaware (STRIDE) today announced a research and development agreement with Zymergen, a California-based molecular technology company. STRIDE experts will work with Zymergen to develop microbially-derived “building blocks” for applications such as coatings, adhesives and films.
Leon Tucker's road from journalism to community-minded PR
By Joyce L. Carroll Special to Delaware Business Times Leon Tucker launched his public relations firm in April after a 20-year journey from working in newspapers to serving the community. Tucker started out as a reporter for the Gannett Group and moved up the ranks to editor. He grew disheartened, however, as journalistic values changed. A layoff in 2013 inspired both a career change and a shift in perspective. Tucker decided he wanted to help organizations doing good.
Wilmington Fiscal Year 2019 budget is approved
Wilmington Fiscal Year 2019 budget is approved The Wilmington City Council on Thursday night approved the Fiscal Year 2019 budget by a vote of 9 to 4. There were no changes made to the initial budget submitted by Mayor Mike Purzycki. “The new budget enables the city to provide the same or improved level of programs and services for citizens in the new fiscal year without the need for a tax increase,” Purzycki said.
Milford banks on Mispillion River for revitalization
Rebirth is something Milford knows something about. Once a bustling shipyard town, the city seemed destined to suffer the fate of other communities that relied on old-school industries. Milford is looking to its past to secure its future. The Mispillion River, once home to six shipyards, became the catalyst for the revitalization of the city’s downtown business district. “The city of Milford was founded as a shipbuilding town,” said Mayor Bryan Shupe.
Delaware receives another $2M to fight opioid epidemic
Delaware receives another $2M to fight opioid epidemic (AP) — The second half of a $4 million federal grant to fight the opioid epidemic in Delaware has been approved. The News Journal reports that Delaware’s congressional delegation announced the approval of the $2 million Opioid State Targeted Response grant Wednesday. The sum will go toward supporting the three Centers of Excellence that the first half of the grant is building.
Delaware expert Ted Gavin named president of American Bankruptcy Institute
Delaware expert Ted Gavin named president of American Bankruptcy Institute The American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI) has named Ted Gavin, CTP, as president of its board of directors. Gavin is a founding partner and managing director of corporate restructuring and public affairs at Gavin/Solmonese, which has offices in New York City and Wilmington. The one-year term began in April at ABI’s 2018 Annual Spring Meeting. Gavin has been a member of ABI since 2003.
New Castle County farmers markets open for business
New Castle County is calling in the warmer weather with the reopening of five county-sponsored farmers markets. These outdoor markets give local farmers and vendors a chance to sell their products, while providing residents with healthy food options. “Farm to table will make you grow strong and able,” County Executive Matt Meyer said.
Kurt Foreman's path to leading the Delaware Prosperity Partnership
If the people of the world were lined up with extroverts on one end and introverts on the other, William Kurt Foreman would probably land at the head of the extrovert line. After spending his childhood traveling the world as an Army brat and his adult life moving around the country with work, Foreman is good at quickly adopting a new place as his home. And now his home is Delaware, where he will serve as the new president and CEO of the Delaware Prosperity Partnership.
10 New Castle County Vo-Tech students graduate with jobs waiting
U.S. Senator Chris Coons on Tuesday joined 10 high school seniors as they signed “letters of intent” to join the workforce upon graduation. The New Castle County Vo-Tech School District recognized 10 students from Delcastle, Howard, Hodgson and St. Georges. A slew of local employers have committed to hiring from the graduating class.
5Q: Lobbyist Kim Willson on small businesses staying politically engaged
Kim Willson has worked in community organizations, nonprofits and Fortune 500 companies. But she’s always had an interest in politics. As a lobbyist for Ruggerio Willson & Associates, she works on a number of issues important to both small and large businesses. You spoke at the recent Small Business Day event organized by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. What advice do you have for small businesses to stay politically engaged? Being engaged in the process is critically important.
25 census tracts across Delaware designated as Opportunity Zones
Gov. John Carney on Thursday announced that 25 census tracts in Delaware were designated as Opportunity Zones by the U.S. Department of Treasury. This could mean more private investment in economically-distressed communities around the state. Opportunity Zones encourage private investment by offering tax incentives to investors. Carney nominated the tracts earlier this month.
WSFS hires new leadership team for banks in Delaware and Southeastern PA
WSFS hires new leadership team for banks in Delaware and Southeastern PA WSFS Bank on Thursday announced a new leadership team for its network of banking offices in Delaware and Southeastern Pennsylvania. Shari Kruzinski, a long-time employee of the bank, will lead the Bank’s five Retail Regional Managers as senior vice president and director of retail business initiatives.
Delaware employers adapt to impact of opioid epidemic on the workplace
Marian Young remembers how surprised she was when a colleague informed her that the construction industry was second only to hospitality in the amount of workplace substance abuse. “I had no idea,” said Young, president and co-founder of BrightFields Inc., a full-service environmental consulting firm in Wilmington.
Dover kicks off "Unlock the Block" program to bring new businesses downtown
Dover kicks off “Unlock the Block” program to bring new businesses downtown State and local officials on Monday gathered in downtown Dover to kick off “Unlock the Block,” an initiative to help landlords attract new business tenants. The Delaware Division of Small Business and the City of Dover will work together to fill vacant commercial spaces through a pitch competition judged by local experts.
New Castle County expands property tax exemption for disabled veterans
New Castle County expands property tax exemption for disabled veterans New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer last week signed legislation to expand property tax relief for disabled veterans and service members. Th bill introduced by Councilmember Janet Kilpatrick was inspired by a local Marine Corps reservist who suffered an injury while serving from 2006 to 2011. It waives the three-year residency requirement for the County’s existing property tax exemption.
Delaware State News: Ransomware attack surmounted
Delaware State News: Ransomware attack surmounted (AP) — A ransomware attack hit a daily Delaware newspaper at midweek but the editor says it has been surmounted and operations quickly resumed. The Delaware State News reported that the attack on its servers curtailed operations Wednesday, temporarily knocking the staff offline and leaving the Dover newspaper inaccessible by phone through most of the business day.
5Q: Duncan Patterson, chair of the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission
Duncan Patterson is one of the longest-serving horse racing commissioners in the country. He’s served as the chair of the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission, which regulates and oversees the sport, for the last 10 years. He also heads up the committee on drug testing standards for Racing Commissioners International — all while serving as president of the Delaware-based real estate firm Patterson-Woods & Associates.
Delaware city's nonprofits may pay fee for public safety
Delaware city’s nonprofits may pay fee for public safety (AP) — A proposed city ordinance would require nonprofits in Delaware’s capital to pay a fee to help fund the city’s public safety departments The News Journal of Wilmington reports nearly 45 percent of properties within Dover’s city limits are nonprofits or owned by the state. That means only 55 percent of the city’s properties are a part of the tax base funding fire and police protection.
Delaware to distribute Potassium Iodide tablets
Delaware to distribute Potassium Iodide tablets The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and Delaware Division of Public Health have announced plans to distribute potassium iodide tablets to Delaware residents living within ten miles of the Salem/Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations in New Jersey. Potassium iodide helps protect the thyroid glad from radioactive iodine getting ingested or inhaled.
Delaware levies $250K fine for poultry plant water pollution
Delaware levies $250K fine for poultry plant water pollution (AP) — Delaware has slapped a poultry producer with nearly $250,000 in penalties and other costs for years of wastewater violations at a chicken processing plant. The News Journal reports the state Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control released a secretary’s order Wednesday assessing Allen Harim Foods a $241,000 fine for more than 90 violations at its Harbeson plant.
UD student digs into Chester County, PA mushroom industry
University of Delaware graduate student Samantha Speck is studying geography to better understand the risks facing the U.S. mushroom industry. In the process, she surveyed mushroom farmers in Chester County, Pennsylvania and found a regional industry worried about its future. “Their concern is our mushroom market is going to become entirely imports because these businesses won’t be able to survive,” Speck told UDaily.
Debunking Facebook's algorithm: How to beat the system
A recent update to the Facebook algorithm has brands shaking in their boots. Why? Effective immediately, users will see less unpaid content from companies and more posts from friends and family. So, if you’re already seeing a decrease in reach on your brand’s organic content, you can blame the algorithm update.
Delaware judge: Weinstein company can pay bills, work toward sale
(AP) — A Delaware bankruptcy judge on Tuesday issued initial orders allowing the Weinstein Co. to continue paying its bills and working toward a sale of substantially all of its assets. Judge Mary Walrath’s rulings include interim approval for the company to borrow up to $25 million to see it through bankruptcy, but only after she expressed concern about the loan terms in the face of a competing financing proposal.
Report says Wilmington gain 1,000 construction jobs in 2017
A report by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) showed a six percent gain in construction, mining and logging employment in the Wilmington metropolitan area in 2017. The total number of jobs increased from 16,300 to 17,300, or a thousand positions. The annual report measures employment growth across all metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in the U.S. The Wilmington division includes parts of southeastern Pennsylvania, south Jersey, and eastern Maryland.
State panel updates Delaware revenue forecast
State panel updates Delaware revenue forecast (AP) — A state panel is updating Delaware’s official government revenue forecast for the first time since Gov. John Carney proposed a 3.5 percent increase in the operating budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1. Monday’s meeting of the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council is the first since Carney unveiled a $4.25 billion spending plan in January.
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