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Articles by Shawn Kessler
New street signs come 'out of nowhere,' confuse beach town
New street signs come ‘out of nowhere,’ confuse beach town (AP) — A Delaware town says the state department of transportation didn’t properly communicate before installing more than 20 signs. The Delaware Department of Transportation tells WBOC-TV the new directional signs in Dewey Beach were installed to prevent crashes along Route 1. But some have reported the signs have created confusion.
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.
3 Rules to Charitable Tax Deductions
If reducing your taxable estate is an important estate planning goal, making lifetime charitable donations can help achieve that goal and benefit your favorite organizations. In addition, by making donations during your lifetime, rather than at death, you can claim income tax deductions. But some of your charitable deductions could be denied if you don’t follow IRS rules.
Bardea Food & Drink in Wilmington puts a new spin on Italian classics
Bardea Food & Drink, the long-planned Italian restaurant by Scott Stein and Chef Antimo DiMeo, will open this Friday, September 14 at 620 N. Market Street. The 5,000-square-foot eatery boasts 120 seats and a rectangular bar with 20 stools and outdoor seating. The refurbished building looms over the corner of 7th and Market streets, inside the former location of Kennedy Fried Chicken.
Global cookware maker opens store in Rehoboth Beach
Global cookware maker opens store in Rehoboth Beach Le Creuset, the global maker of premium cookware, is opening its newest store at Tanger Outlets Rehoboth Beach in Delaware. The firm will celebrate the opening Friday, September 21 through September 30 with special savings and a free tote bag with any purchase.
Plea to be heard for benefits of worker illegally in country
Plea to be heard for benefits of worker illegally in country (AP) — Delaware’s Supreme Court is being asked to overturn a judge’s decision terminating the disability benefits of a woman who is in the country illegally and was injured at work. Justices are to hear arguments Wednesday regarding the judge’s ruling, which upheld a decision by the state Industrial Accident Board.
Building a Sales Team
It is that time of year again, the beginning of the football season, and for 59.3 million people, that also means it’s the beginning of Fantasy Football season. Fantasy Football creates a time to get together with friends and become the general manager of your own NFL team. While eating pizza and drinking a beer or two, you have the sole responsibility of selecting a team of NFL players to compete for [insert funny team name here].
Delaware dairy farmers paid by class action suit
(AP) — Thousands of Northeast dairy farmers are receiving their share of a $50 million settlement, nearly nine years after some farmers filed a class-action lawsuit against a national dairy marketing cooperative. Dairy farmers of America this week paid an average of $4,000 to nearly 9,000 farms to settle a lawsuit that accused the marketing group of trying to drive down milk prices.
WSFS combines with Beneficial in $1.5 billion deal
WSFS Financial Corporation and Beneficial Bancorp, Inc. today announced the signing of an agreement to combine. As part of the $1.5 billion deal, subsidiaries WSFS Bank and Beneficial Bank will merge under the WSFS name. The combined company will be the largest, locally-based community bank in the Greater Delaware Valley. WSFS operates 77 offices, including 60 banking offices, many in Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania.
For Sen. Anthony Delcollo, follow-through is everything
By Joyce L. Carroll Every Sunday, Delaware’s youngest state senator tries to carve out some downtime out of his busy schedule. Anthony Delcollo was elected to public office in the 7th district in 2016, and he maintains his private sector job. An associate attorney for Offit Kurman, he established the firm’s first Delaware office in Wilmington.
Partnerships help Del Tech supply workforce with skilled labor
Like its counterparts around the country, Delaware Technical Community College aims to connect its courses and programs with demand from public and private sector employers. To do that, they must closely understand and work with the industries and governments that will hire their graduates.
TheraV provides non-pharmacological pain relief
Newark-based TheraV makes the Elix, a non-prescription device that uses vibration to combat neuropathic pain. Founder Amira Idris received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware in 2015 and her master’s in entrepreneurship and design through UD’s Horn Entrepreneurship program in 2016. Q: How did you spot the need for the device? Amira Idris: In my junior year as an undergraduate student, I had the chance to work in a prosthetic clinic through a course called clinical immersion.
Westward shift expands beach market into Sussex County
In the 1980s, Mary Ann Benyo and her partner wanted to open a bed-and-breakfast in Lewes or Rehoboth Beach. They met with a real estate agent, who gave them a reality check. “We saw the prices of the properties, and said, ‘Oh,’” Benyo recalled. The agent suggested Milton, which is about 13 miles from Rehoboth Beach. The women successfully ran their B&B in Milton until 2000. Over that time, Milton became known as beach-area real estate.
Incyte wants to take on cancer with specialized therapies
Reid Huber, executive vice president and chief scientific officer at Incyte, has a simple formula for how the company can keep ahead in a drug therapy environment that is moving more rapidly every year. “Speed, creativity and thinking 12 steps ahead is where the action is,” he says. That mantra is helping to fuel Incyte’s research and development of drug therapies. Its signature product, Jakafi, has been helping patients fight bone cancers and marrow disorders for several years.
Kellogg's Honey Smacks linked to Salmonella outbreak
Kellogg’s Honey Smacks linked to Salmonella outbreak The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) has shared information with the public regarding a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked the outbreak to Kellogg’s Honey Smacks Cereals. So far, 73 people from 31 states, including 24 hospitalizations, have reported becoming ill after eating the popular breakfast food.
Pizza by Elizabeths Celebrates 25 Years
Pizza by Elizabeths Celebrates 25 Years Wilmington staple Pizza by Elizabeths turned 25 this month. The Greenville eatery is celebrating all month long with a number of yummy specials, surprise gifts and some strolls down memory lane.
Harvey Hanna development at Boxwood Road to create 2,100 jobs
The planned redevelopment of the former General Motors plant at 801 Boxwood Road outside Wilmington will produce more than $281 million in annual impact and create 2,100 permanent jobs, according to a report by Econsult Solutions. Newport-based developer Harvey Hanna & Associates, Inc., which commissioned the study, released the results on Thursday.
Souvenir shopping at the beach? Check out these restaurant-related retailers
Forget saltwater taffy and caramel corn: Several spots offer a side of memorable merchandise. One of Rehoboth’s most iconic restaurants, Grotto opened a 900-square-foot gift shop in First Street Station on May 25. There are neatly folded T-shirts and sweatshirts, as well as aprons, pizza pie-shaped dog toys, leashes imprinted with slices, greeting cards with custom illustrations, pizza pans, cell phone wallets, key chains and serving plates. The shop also sells bake-at-home pizza.
King of Prussia-based company commits to hiring local employees with disabilities
King of Prussia-based company commits to hiring local employees with disabilities The Precisionists, Inc., a Wilmington-based company that connects individuals with a broad range of disabilities to job opportunities, has announced a new partnership with Vertex, Inc. The King of Prussia-based company, which develops tax technology and services, has committed to hiring local adults with disabilities. The Precisionists will identify, train and support new hires.
Always Best Care Delaware opening second location in Milton
Always Best Care Delaware opening second location in Milton Always Best Care Delaware, a provider of home care and free assisted living placement, is set to expand to Sussex County with a second location at 624 Mulberry Street in Milton. The company’s original facility is located on 101 S. Cleveland Avenue in Wilmington.
State reports drop in opioid prescriptions and total pills
The Delaware Department of State on Thursday reported a drop in the number prescriptions for opioid medications and the total quantity of opioids dispensed in the last 12 months. The agency attributes the drop to a series of new regulations and a concerted effort by officials to crack down on the problem.
Sallie Mae opens second Delaware locations, plans to add 285 jobs
Gov. John Carney, Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester yesterday joined Sallie Mae Chairman and CEO Raymond Quinlan for the ribbon cutting of the financial company’s second Delaware office. The new office is located at 86 Christiana Road in New Castle and will host 500 jobs. The company maintains its headquarters in Newark, Delaware. Sallie Mae invested $8.4 million into renovation, construction, technology and talent at the new location.
Know how: How Gen X managers can better prepare the next generation for leadership
Consider this: By 2020 Gen Y will make up a third of the global workforce. Every quarter, more millennials move up the management ladder, climbing closer to CEO and other C-Level roles. According to 15Five, a performance management solution that makes continuous employee feedback simple, boomers and Gen X need to communicate their hard-earned wisdom and meet millennial needs such as career growth and professional development.
Backpage.com remains in 'good standing' in Delaware
Backpage.com remains in ‘good standing’ in Delaware (AP) — Despite a shutdown by federal authorities and a 93-count indictment against seven people associated with it, Backpage.com is still listed in “good standing” in its state of incorporation. Delaware Deputy Secretary of State Kris Knight wrote in an email to The News Journal on Monday that his department hasn’t taken action to void the limited liability company, as authorities haven’t yet requested a change in status.
Diamond State Port Corp. approves Port of Wilmington lease to Gulftainer
By KEN MAMMARELLA Special to Delaware Business Times The board of directors of the Diamond State Port Corp. voted unanimously on Friday to approve a preliminary agreement to lease the Port of Wilmington for 50 years to GT USA Wilmington, LLC, a new Delaware subsidiary of Gulftainer. Many of the roughly 500 attendees came to hear about Gulftainer’s commitments to job retention and creation, particularly union jobs.
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.
Democrats unveil bill to ban assault-type rifles in Delaware
(AP) — Legislation to ban the sale of semi-automatic guns that resemble military weapons is now on the table in Delaware. Democratic lawmakers introduced the measure on Thursday. Democratic Gov. John Carney had called for such a bill after last month’s Florida high school shooting, which left 17 people dead. “These weapons allow those intent on doing harm to outgun members of law enforcement, and they have no place on the streets of our neighborhoods,” Carney said in a statement Thursday.
New builds and renovations heat up hotel sector
If you’ve visited the Wilmington Riverfront recently, you’ve likely noticed the construction next to Big Fish Grill. Another dining venue? Not quite. The project does include a banquet center, but it will link to a 114-room Hyatt Place Hotel. The Hyatt is part of a flurry of activity on Delaware’s hotel scene, particularly in New Castle County.
Gov. John Carney to sign bill clearing path for job seekers with criminal history
Gov. John Carney to sign bill clearing path for job seekers with criminal history Gov. John Carney today will sign a bill making it easier for job seekers with a criminal record to obtain professional licenses from the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. The board regulates practices in cosmetology, barbering, nail technology, aesthetics and electrology. It also issues permits and licenses to prospective workers and shop owners in the industry.
DowDuPont agriculture spin-off named Corveta Agriscience
DowDuPont agriculture spin-off named Corveta Agriscience The agriculture division of DowDuPont today announced its new name, Corveta Agriscience, once its spun off into its own company by June 1. The name is derived from a combination of words meaning “heart” and “nature.” “This is the start of an exciting journey,” said James C. Collins, Jr., chief operating officer of the Agriculture Division.
Marketing experts say entrepreneurs need a plan and good public relations
Jim Jannuzzio chose a racoon to serve as the animal mascot for his two-year-old BookBandit app. He didn’t spend money in traditional market research efforts to determine what animal would best represent his unique idea of getting better deals for textbook. Instead, he decided to research the market and see what animals had not yet been taken. “I said there’s got to be an animal that hasn’t been used by somebody. I saw the racoon, the little mask that made him look like a bandit,” he said.
Chemours posts sharp increases in quarterly, annual results - Delaware Business Times
Chemours posts sharp increases in quarterly, annual results (AP) — Chemours, the former performance chemicals unit of Dupont Co., is reporting net income of $228 million for its most recent quarter. That’s a big swing from the $230 million loss Chemours reported in the fourth quarter of 2016, which included a one-time $335 million charge to settle thousands of lawsuits over the release of a chemical used in Teflon production from a DuPont plant in West Virginia several years ago.
5Q: Jim Lee, founder of StratFI
Jim Leefounder of StratFI As the founder of StratFI, a Delaware-based investment management firm, Jim Lee knows the ups and downs of the local and national economy. But as a professional futurist, Lee also keeps an eye on things like technology and the social life of cities. We talked to Lee about the future of Wilmington and small cities across Delaware. Which technological changes do you think will have the most immediate impact on cities in Delaware?
DuPont Experimental Station cited for violating hazardous waste laws
DuPont Experimental Station cited for violating hazardous waste laws The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has cited the DuPont Experimental Station for violations of the state’s hazardous waste laws. The notice orders DuPont to pay a penalty of $53,600 plus another $3,350 to cover the costs of the investigation.
Analysis shows growing need or paid family and medical leaves
Analysis shows growing need or paid family and medical leaves A new analysis by the National Partnership for Women and Families reveals a lack of paid family and medical leave in Delaware. The nonprofit advocacy group conducted the analysis for all 50 states. The Delaware findings present a labor market dominated by women and working parents: In 76 percent of all Delaware households with children – nearly 150,000 homes – all parents have paying jobs. Women’s wages support their households.
State Chamber releases legislative priorities
The Delaware State Chamber today released a list of legislative priorities based on a survey of members conducted last December. “The results weren’t terribly surprising, and echo much of what the Chamber has focused on in Dover over the last few years,” wrote James DeChene, senior vice president of government affairs, in an overview of the results.
State budget cuts force nonprofits to reduce services
A survey conducted by the Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement (DANA) found that state funding cuts have forced nonprofits to reduce services. The fiscal year 2018 budget reduced grant funding to nonprofits by more than $25 million, including over $8 million in grant-in-aid dollars. Last fall, DANA reached out to nonprofit executives to better understand the impact of the budget cuts. Among the 52 respondents, a number said they have reduced service hours, promotions and employee benefits.
Delaware labor secretary departs for Delaware State
Delaware labor secretary departs for Delaware State (AP) — A Delaware cabinet member who was a holdover from the previous gubernatorial administration and has gone nearly a year without being renominated or replaced is leaving to take a position at Delaware State University. News outlets report the university announced Thursday that Labor Secretary Patrice Gilliam-Johnson will become its dean of graduate, adult and continuing studies after she leaves the department in February. Former Gov.
Delaware legislators look to add sexual harassment rules
Delaware legislators look to add sexual harassment rules (AP) — Both chambers of the Delaware legislature are developing new sexual harassment protocols following the wave of claims against prominent figures nationwide. Outlets report the General Assembly expects to create rules forbidding sexual harassment and establishing a formal process for handling complaints. Delaware is the only state that has no written sexual harassment policy for legislators.
Joseph R. Biden, Jr. and Jill Biden named Marvel Cup recipients
By KEN MAMMARELLA Special to Delaware Business Times Photo by David Lienemann America’s political system is broken, but it can – and should – be fixed by rebuilding friendships and rallying around ideals, not tribes, Joe Biden said Monday. “Do it the Delaware way,” the former vice president said in his keynote at the 181st Annual Dinner of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce. “When you know someone personally,” you can be more honest with them, he explained.
DuPont to introduce new flexible tape
DuPont to introduce new flexible tape WILMINGTON — DuPont Safety & Construction will introduce DuPont FlexWrap EZ, its new flexible, self-adhered tape, at the International Builders Show in Orlando, Fla., Tuesday through Thursday. The tape aims to help create an air- and water-tight seal when installed around penetrations of all different shapes and sizes, including flashing around the many smaller electrical, HVAC and plumbing penetrations.
Delaware to sue U.S. EPA for failure to curb out-of-state air pollution
WILMINGTON – Delaware announced today its intent to send four Notice of Intent to Sue letters to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding air pollution that comes into Delaware from other states.
Know how: Should you take that “lump sum” pension?
Guest columnist Kevin Dombrowski As companies move away from defined benefit pension plans to defined contribution plans, many active and retired employees are faced with decisions to take a lump sum payment today or hold out for the promised periodic pension payment at some defined date in the future. If you are faced with this choice, how can you make an educated decision? Do the math. When you are offered a lump sum payment, run the analysis and compare the variables.
Better Business: Tracking Lost Sales
“Sorry, we don’t carry that item.” Or perhaps, “No, that’s not part of our service package.” How many times a year do your salespeople utter these words or ones like them? The specific number is critical because, if you don’t know it, you could be losing out on profit potential. Although you have to focus on your strengths and not get too far afield, your customers may be crying out for a new product or service.
Rent increases prompt ire at Delaware mobile home community
Rent increases prompt ire at Delaware mobile home community (AP) — Proposed rent increases at a mobile home community on Delaware’s Rehoboth Bay are exposing ambiguities in a state law designed to regulate the relationship between homeowners and their landlord. The News Journal reports arbitration hearings are scheduled for next month on proposed rent increases at the Rehoboth Bay mobile home park.
Residents embrace Harvey Hanna's plans for Boxwood site
A DNREC brownfield development agreement meeting turned into a Harvey Hanna love fest Thursday night as company president Thomas J. Hanna fielded questions about what he’s going to do with the former GM plant his company bought. By the end of the meeting, several residents thanked Hanna for cleaning up the site and erecting a fence. One said he trusted Hanna more than he trusted state officials. One said he was “jumping for joy” when he heard the company bought the site.
Wilmington University leads Delaware colleges in online programs
Wilmington University leads Delaware colleges in online programs Wilmington University earned the top spot in a ranking by OnlineColleges.com of college online programs. The ranking uses data from the National Center of Education Statistics to determine a 10-point scale drawing from 14 different metrics.
Former lawmaker appeals environmental cleanup decision
Former lawmaker appeals environmental cleanup decision AP) — A former state senator who owns and operates a dry cleaning business in Sussex County is challenging a verbal decision by Delaware’s environmental secretary regarding clean-up of the property. The state Environmental Appeals Board scheduled a daylong hearing Tuesday in Dover to hear the appeal from Joseph Booth and his wife Margaret, who own Thoro-Kleen Dry Cleaners in Georgetown.
Innovation Delaware Company to Watch: Fintech at JPMorgan
Fintech is big at JPMorgan Chase. In 2016, the financial powerhouse spent approximately $600 million on emerging fintech solutions, with some exciting new products and services on the near horizon: End-to-end digital banking will allow customers to open an account and complete the majority of transactions on a mobile phone.
Critical connection: How costs impact pricing
As we head toward year end, your company may be reviewing its business strategy for 2017 or devising plans for 2018. As you do so, be sure to give some attention to the prices you’re asking for your existing products and services, as well as those you plan to launch in the near future. The cost of production is a logical starting point. After all, if your prices don’t exceed costs over the long run, your business will fail. This critical connection demands regular re-evaluation.
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