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Articles by Mary Benson
California Voice: After years of undrinkable water, our rural California community finally has hope
Until recently my husband, Norm Benson, and I were mom-and-pop operators of a water treatment and distribution system at Clear Lake, an idyllic, nutrient-rich version of a green Lake Tahoe, about 110 miles north of San Francisco. We love our community and didn’t mind pitching in. Over the years our mutual water system, the Crescent Bay Improvement Co., has become unsustainable. Our treated lake water could not meet state or federal drinking standards.
We did our best but couldn’t make our community water system work Original
Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering statewide issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WeeklyMatters for a Saturday morning digest of the latest news and commentary from the Golden State. This story is part of California Voices, a commentary forum aiming to broaden our understanding of the state and spotlight Californians directly impacted by policy or its absence. Learn more here.
Whatever happened to Butte Choice Energy? | Editor For A Day Original
I wrote three emails, one to Chico City Council member on the Board, Dale Bennett, and forwarded it to Erik Gustafson and Butte County Administrator Brian Sing, who are listed on the website.
Benson: Voting for Pyska to continue her work
I have volunteered on more than 10 local campaigns over the past 40 years. I have noticed that a candidate who has begun preparing for the position long before election season is a stronger candidate on the campaign trail and does a more effective job once elected or re-elected. I live in District 5, and have been paying close attention to the race for Supervisor between Jessica Pyska and Daniel “Boone“ Bridges. I watched the Jan. 10 forum streamed on the PEG channel (you can find it on YouTube).
Valley’s Edge guest commentary: A chance to avoid irreparable consequences Original
On March 5, Chico voters choose whether or not to approve the Valley’s Edge development, 1,448 acres approximately the size of Gridley in population and acreage, sprawled onto the southeastern corner of Chico. There are many reasons why this development will have irreparable, negative consequences for Chico. The Environmental Impact Report’s traffic study indicates the development would contribute to 23,000 new car trips a day.
Newsom should be protecting California — not PG&E profits. Stop granting a license to burn
A tree bursts into flame as a garage burns in the Dixie Fire on Highway 89 south of Greenville on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021. Two nearby homes burned as well. Nathaniel Levine nlevine@sacbee.com Right now, Californians, including fire survivors from Paradise and other burned-out communities in Butte, Shasta, Sonoma and Napa Counties, are stuck with two bills: One from when PG&E burned down our communities, and one to reimburse the utility for the damage it caused.
Wildfires: Heartbreaks and Healing Places
Wildfire impacted folks mostly from Chico in Butte County, the North Central California region hard hit by climate fires, will carpool together to paint a giant street mural with paint made from wildfire ashes and charcoal from burned trees on their properties. We will protest against the financiers of fossil fuels and PG&E for the last big chance before Cop26 starts on Halloween day.
Nigeria: U.S. Court Orders Arrest of DCP Abba Kyari As Hushpuppi Fingers Him
The United States District Court for the Central District of California has indicted Commander of Force Intelligence Response Team, DCP Abba Kyari in the ongoing prosecution of famous Nigerian Instagram celebrity, Raymond Abass, popularly known as Hushpuppi. Consequently, US District Judge, ,Honorable O. Otis, has issued a warrant of arrest on Kyari and five others, to appear before it in the ongoing matter.
KN95 Medical Masks
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Mike Quaranta brings expertise and customer service to chamber
By Joyce Carroll Special to Delaware Business Times Mike Quaranta brings more than 30 years of experience in both the public and private sectors to his new role as president of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. His government experience includes a seven-year stint as the chief of staff for the U.S. House of Representatives. Here in Delaware, Quaranta is a member of the New Castle City Council.
Delaware Blue Coats hires new coaches, players and support staff
Delaware Blue Coats hires new coaches, players and support staff The Delaware Blue Coats has announced a series of hires to build out the growing basketball team. Philadelphia 76ers Vice President of Basketball Operations & Delaware Blue Coats General Manager Elton Brand today announced that the team has added Chase Buford, Jason Crafton and Kelly Peters as assistant coaches. The trio joins first-year Head Coach Connor Johnson, who was named to his position on June 18.
La Piña Valley Cantina Boasts Bright Flavors and Flair
By Ken Alan David Steiger is a veteran restaurateur with a background that includes time at Stephen Starr’s Buddakan in Center City Philadelphia. More recently, he served as director of operations for Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar. La Piña Valley Cantina is the 42-year-old’s first solo venture, and it celebrates the vibrant, pepper-flecked flavors of Mexico via its updated interpretations of classic fare.
The future of transportation in the First State
Transportation planners and experts are careful about predicting how Delawareans will get around in 30 years, but they’re more certain about how they won’t. Many argue that building more roads, highways and parking lots is a trend in need of reversal. “Building new roads is not where the country is,” said Jennifer Cohan, secretary of the Delaware Department of Transportation.
TrafficCast keeps eyes on the road from a new home
One of Wilmington’s newest tenants is a global provider of traffic data BY CHRISTINE FACCIOLO Special to Delaware Business Times Over the last 20 years, TrafficCast has become a global provider of digital traffic data and software. The firm develops technology, applications and content that forecast travel times, monitor road speeds and track construction activity and accidents.
Membership Organizations and Industry Groups
Delaware’s innovation economy is supported by a diverse infrastructure of chambers of commerce, networking groups and industry associations. Located in the heart of Wilmington’s business district, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce helps businesses of all sizes in Delaware achieve success through a variety of educational programs and business services, including: legislative advocacy, communications and publications, small-business benefits and services, and networking events.
Dan Young leverages marketing for education
By Joyce L. Carroll Special to Delaware Business Times Dr. Dan Young admittedly eats, breathes and sleeps marketing. While he used to channel that energy in a corporate setting, he decided to prioritize academia after listening to a TEDx talk by Sir Ken Robinson. The topic: Do schools kill creativity? “I wanted to be a part of the education solution as opposed to an adviser,” Young said.
5 tips: Giving older applicants an edge in job interviews
By Michael Hemphill Guest Columnist 1. If you have gray hair, that’s fine, but you need to have a very good cut and a style that is youthful- looking without being juvenile. You don’t need to color your hair if you have a really good contemporary cut. If you do color your hair as you age, don’t ever go darker than a medium brown, especially for men. You see men out there who you know they’re gray and they dye their hair almost dark, dark brown. It screams fake. 2.
SoDel Chef Doug Ruley attends seafood summit
SoDel Chef Doug Ruley attends seafood summit One of Delaware’s top chefs has returned from Washington D.C. after meeting with top experts on sustainability in the seafood industry. Doug Ruley, vice president of SoDel Concepts, recently attended an invitation-only summit on sustainable seafood sponsored by the James Beard Foundation. The event took place on June 5. A number of seafood experts, academics, chefs and purveyors attended.
Court upholds conviction of medical marijuana activist
Court upholds conviction of medical marijuana activist (AP) — Delaware’s Supreme Court has upheld the drug dealing and conspiracy convictions of a woman who illegally sold medical marijuana. The court ruled Tuesday that Facebook posts in which Jessica Andreavich promoted her activities and listed prices for her products were properly allowed into evidence by a judge.
Budget Rooter - DBT
Whether the economy is bullish or bearish, everyone is always looking to save a buck. From the final years of Reaganomics through the Great Recession of 2007-2009 to the Trump Administration, Budget Rooter has valued the idea of saving its customers money. The plumbing company’s humble beginnings laid the foundation. “This business was started by one spunky lady armed with a telephone book, her son and one plumbing truck,” Business Manager Jen Conway said of the company’s founders.
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.
5 Great Tips on How to Pick the Right Dumpster
Do you need to rent a dumpster for a construction site, remodel, roof or window replacement? Most of us need to rent a dumpster a few times in a lifetime and haven’t a clue about how to pick the right dumpster for the job. I’ve rented a dumpster twice; one to dump all the stuff I should have years earlier right before a move and the second dumpster at our new home construction site.
Wilmington street corner renamed after East Side business owners
Wilmington has renamed a busy street corner in honor of East Side business owners Bennie and Esther H. Broomer. The husband and wife team have operated Bennie’s Big Scoop at 800 North Church Street for nearly four decades. The business opened in 1980 as a seasonal operation offering ice cream, candy, soda and video games and grew into a year-round convenience store with groceries and hot food, including soul food platters and homemade desserts courtesy of Esther Broomer.
Homewood Suites Wilmington breaks ground on Christina Riverfront
Homewood Suites Wilmington breaks ground on Christina Riverfront Buccini/Pollin Group, PM Hotel Group and BPGS Construction yesterday held the official groundbreaking ceremony for Homewood Suites Wilmington, a 120-room, extended-stay hotel located at 820 Justison Street directly along the Michael S. Purzycki Riverwalk . Developers expect construction to finish up in September 2019. They also anticipate the project will create 100 construction jobs and 30 full-time positions once completed.
Delaware Pathways gets $3.25 million for student work program
Delaware Pathways gets $3.25 million for student work program Bloomberg Philanthropies has provided a $3.25 million grant to Delaware Pathways towards improving access to economic opportunity for Delaware students. Delaware Pathways, a partnership between the K-12 education system and various public and private partners, offers high school and postsecondary students an opportunity to gain work-based learning experience, college credits and industry credentials.
Delaware professionals launch visual arts learning camp in Wilmington
Delaware business professionals Ingrid and James Burnett have signed on to open a franchise of the Abrakadoodle learning camp in Wilmington. Based in Sterling, VA, Abrakadoodle’s model offers classes, field trips, special events, camps and workshops in the visual arts. The Wilmington franchise plans to expand across the state with offerings in Newark, Dover, Middletown, New Castle, Bear, Delaware City, Smyrna and Hockessin.
Suit against drugmakers over opioids remanded to state court
Suit against drugmakers over opioids remanded to state court (AP) — A federal judge has ruled that Delaware’s lawsuit against drug manufacturers, distributors and drugstores over the opioid crisis should be sent back to state court. In a ruling Wednesday, the judge granted the state’s request to remand the case back to Superior Court.
Governors form group to study gun violence, offer solutions
Scholars and law enforcement officials will collect data and analyze gun violence information to pass on to policymakers. Their work will fill the void left by the federal government’s 1996 ban on the use of federal funds to study gun violence, according to the coalition. Connecticut Gov. Dannel P.
#1 Why a Custom App May Be Your Best Bet
Cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions have become the norm in businesses of all sizes. According to a report from Palo Alto Networks, the number of cloud-based applications used by large enterprises increased 46 percent from 2012 to 2015. Techaisle’s 2015 US SMB Cloud Computing Adoption Trends study predicted that cloud usage by small to midsize businesses would increase from 89 percent in 2014 to 96 percent in 2015, with the deeper use of SaaS helping to drive that growth.
Know how: When to move the office out of your spare room
Lori DavisGuest Columnist Going from a home-based office to a rental space is a big decision that causes angst among many business owners. The thought of increasing monthly operating expenses because of rent, utilities furniture, IT services and office equipment can be quite unsettling. However, here are five solid reasons why it is time to set up shop in a location other than your home.
Wine and Dine With Locals Around the World
If you’re hungry for a different type of adventure, a chance to explore world cultures through their authentic tastes is the perfect vacation for foodies. Opting to go on a food and drink vacation can immerse you directly in with the locals, giving you the chance to taste authentic cuisine away from mainstream restaurants.
Rep. Longhurst proposes equal rights amendment to Delaware constitution
Rep. Longhurst proposes equal rights amendment to Delaware constitution House Majority Leader Rep. Valerie Longhurst has sponsored a bill amending the Delaware Constitution to include an equal rights amendment. The bill would add the following section to Article 1 of the Constitution: Section 21. Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged on account of the sex of the person. The bill is only the first step in an extended process.
Delaware DOT sues bridge designer over cost overruns, delays
Delaware DOT sues bridge designer over cost overruns, delays (AP) — The Delaware Department of Transportation is suing a bridge designer for errors that sent a bridge project over budget and schedule. The Delaware 141 bridge finally reopened on Monday after the project ran nearly four months over schedule and $1 million over budget. Agency spokesman C. R. McLeod tells The News Journal of Wilmington that the state blames Philadelphia-based designer McCormick Taylor.
Frontier gun maker Remington seeks bankruptcy protection
Remington, a company that began making flintlock rifles when there were only 19 United States, has filed for bankruptcy protection. Mounting debts at the arms manufacturer have snowballed, ironically, since the election of Donald Trump, who has called himself a “true friend” to the gun industry. Remington, which as roots dating to 1816, has lined up $100 million with lenders to continue operations. It remains unclear what will happen to its 3,500 or so employees as it reorganizes.
Nonprofit Explorer tool allows users to search individuals
Nonprofit Explorer tool allows users to search individuals ProPublica’s Nonprofit Explorer public database now allows users to search for board members and key employees. The search tool tracks almost 616,000 tax-exempt organizations, including details such as executive compensation, revenue and expenses. Users can download tax filings as far back as 2001.
Leadership and management advice for family-owned businesses
Delaware Business Times has partnered with the Small Business Development Center of the University of Delaware, an affiliate of the SBA, to produce workshops assisting small and family-owned businesses. The next workshop in the series will take place Thursday, March 22 at the Soda House in the Hagley Museum and will focus on management and leadership development in the family owned or closely held business.
Delaware companies tap autistic workers for new talent pipeline
After 20 years working as a user interface analyst, Anthony Moffa was still unable hold down a job. He was passionate about his work, but he struggled to get along with co-workers and navigate office politics. Finally, at 48, Moffa was diagnosed with autism. Armed with a name for the challenges that had plagued him for decades, Moffa discovered a wealth of resources.
Delaware House approves ban on bump stocks
(AP) — The state House on Thursday approved a bill banning the sale or possession in Delaware of devices that increase the rate of fire of semiautomatic rifles.The bill defines bump stocks, trigger cranks and similar devices as “destructive weapons,” the possession or sale of which is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. The measure was approved on a 25-3 vote and now goes to the Senate.
Dow Chemical Company earns Top Employer status in 17 countries
The Dow Chemical Company has announced its certification this year by the Top Employers Institute in 17 counties, including: Canada, China, Egypt, Germany, Ghana, India, Kenya, Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, and United States. The Institute measures through independent audits factors such as career management, compensation, talent attraction and learning and development.
Remote Monitoring Boosts Cybersecurity
Ransomware. Malvertising. Phishing. Distributed Denial of Service. All variants of cyberattacks seem to be growing to record levels, putting the pressure on network administrators to detect and mitigate threats. Remote network monitoring solutions can relieve the pressure and dramatically improve your ability to keep cybercriminals at bay.
Draper further expands radio offerings
Draper Media has expanded further into radio with the acquisition of MTS Broadcasting in Cambridge, Maryland, which comprises WAAI-FM, WTDK-FM, WCEM-FM and WCEM-AM. “Our audience will have more choices for music, information about local events and more access to WBOC’s local news and weather with the addition of these four radio stations,” said Craig Jahelka, president of Draper Media. Draper plans to bolster the quality of the FM broadcast signals and expand programming at the stations.
Company gives Delaware $325K in grants for opioid crisis
Company gives Delaware $325K in grants for opioid crisis (AP) — An insurance company has given four Delaware organizations $325,000 in grants to combat the state’s opioid crisis. The News Journal of Wilmington reports Highmark Delaware President Tim Constantine announced the grants Monday as “no organization or entity can fight this alone.” The state Department of Health and Social Services says 34 people have died from suspected overdoses so far this year, while 308 died in 2016.
CSC expands into finance and private equity markets
CSC expands into finance and private equity markets CSC today announced the expansion of its Global Financial Markets business in the U.S. The Delaware-based financial services agency will now offer its special purpose entity, independent director and fund administration business to the structured finance and private equity markets through its global brand.
Path from prison to workplace should be on employers’ radar
Sam WaltzFounding Publisher What will become of Delaware’s ex-offenders? That’s one of the biggest questions facing government and business over the next few years. In the failed bid to lure Amazon’s second headquarters, Delaware last year bragged about the state’s bright, young workforce.
State Chamber announces new president
State Chamber announces new president The Board of Directors of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce has named Michael J. Quaranta as its new president following Rich Heffron’s retirement on June 30, 2018. “We are thrilled to have Mike as our new president,” said Gary Stockbridge, chairman of the State Chamber’s Board of Directors. “Rich Heffron’s tenure has put the State Chamber on stable financial footing and positioned us as the leading advocate for business in the state.
5 things I know about: event planning and marketing
Whether you are coordinating an event for 20 people or 200 people, the details can be stressful. Our marketplace hosts thousands of events on an annual basis. Hosting a successful networking event, open house or charity function requires patience and a strong set of organizational skills. Every aspect of each event comes with its own “to-do lists.” The venue, staff, food, printed material, responsibilities, third party vendors — all combined together — require a lot of communication.
Company to Watch: The Archer Group
In 2003, digital marketing was on the cusp of transforming the way companies do business. MySpace was founded that year, and Facebook followed the next year. Few businesses, however, knew how to incorporate digital media into a marketing plan. Philadelphia had a smattering of digital agencies, but Wilmington was wide open. To fill the niche, Lee Mikles and Patrick Callahan started The Archer Group. Nearly 15 years later, The Archer Group has experienced some changes.
Economic forecasters predict stronger GDP growth
Economic forecasters predict stronger GDP growth Economic forecasters predict stronger GDP growth in the coming years than prior estimates suggested. The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia surveyed 36 economic forecasters who predict real GDP will grow at an annual rate of 3.0 percent this quarter and 2.9 percent next quarter. Looking further ahead, the panel of forecasters predict GDP growth of 2.8 percent in 2018, 2.5 percent in 2019, and 2.0 percent in 2020.
Delaware leaders and experts rally against bankruptcy reform
U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced a bill earlier this month that would make it harder for companies to file for bankruptcy outside of their home states. The Bankruptcy Venue Reform Act takes aim at the practice of “forum shopping,” in which companies seek out states with the most favorable laws.
Purzycki played in NFL, then married the banker next door
Mike Purzycki, Wilmington’s 56th mayor, came to Delaware at 17 to play Blue Hen football. He wound up putting down roots and marrying the banker next door. After his record-setting football career at the University of Delaware, Purzycki returned home to Newark, N.J. He played football for the New York Giants until a knee injury derailed his pro career. He returned to Newark, Delaware, where he worked in real estate and development by day and attended Delaware Law School at night.
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