Author: Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Delaware science and technology innovators

Innovation and Growth Ahead in Delaware’s Chemical Industry

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Innovation and Growth Ahead in Delaware’s Chemical Industry

chemical industry innovation in Delaware

24 January 2020 – 

Delaware continues to provide a productive environment for major companies throughout the world in agriculture, financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, and the chemical industries. Known as the chemical capital of the world, Delaware has a commanding presence in the $4 trillion global chemical industry. It is the research and administrative center for some of the largest chemical companies in the world and provides one of the richest research environments for chemical innovation. 

Through innovation, a very talented workforce, and sustainable chemistry practices, the future of the rapidly evolving chemical industry in the First State is bright.

Innovation

Delaware is home to some of the world’s most transformative innovations. A global leader in science, tech, manufacturing, and agriculture, the First State supports innovative enterprises with incentives, financing options, research and development (R&D), and business development support. Many companies today are embracing joint development programs, strategic partnerships, and even increasing merger and acquisition (M&A) activity to support a more innovative culture.

The chemical industry is no exception to this trend. The leaders and trailblazers in this industry are innovating through collaboration with customers, other companies, and academic institutions.

Talented Workforce

Delaware is known for its diverse, educated, and talented workforce. Delaware has seen an expansion in its workforce by 10% during the past decade, nearly twice the U.S. average and is within easy access to more than 100 research-based universities, colleges and medical schools.

Various programs are developed to ensure the talent that walks out of these educational institutions are appropriately employed. They train the workforce and match the right talent to the right company.

Sustainable Chemistry 

Sustainable chemistry involves finding lasting solutions to various issues like environmental protection, global healthcare, and food and water safety. Uniquely positioned as a commercial center and hub for comprehensive chemistry research, Delaware has seen a steady increase in the focus on sustainable chemistry. The industry continues to grow and rely on innovations. Incredible talent comes out of the world-class research universities that have a particular focus on chemistry and chemical engineering. The University of Delaware has a top 10 ranked Chemical Engineering program and multiple research institutes directly related to sustainable chemistry, such as the Center for Composite Materials, the Energy Institute, the Catalysis Center for Energy Innovation, and the Delaware Environmental Institute. Sustainable chemistry companies find a concentration of talent in Delaware with the highest concentration of chemical engineers and chemists in the United States – more than three times the national average.

The innovation ecosystem in Delaware forms the basis of the continued growth of all the key industries in Delaware, including the chemical industry. The industry is shifting to high-tech innovation to commercialize higher-value products and services with shorter turnaround times and reduces risk.  Delaware looks forward to a ‘ChemTech’ future that is driven by innovation, nurtured by sustainable chemistry, and strengthened by a diverse and talented resource pool.

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la vida hospitality group delaware restaurants

Living La Buena Vida

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Living La Buena Vida

8 January, 2020 – 

Delaware-based La Vida Hospitality Group is on the Move

With names like Big Chill Beach Club and Crooked Hammock Brewery, the restaurants under La Vida Hospitality’s umbrella possess a low-key vibe. The company, which is headquartered in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, urges customers to “enjoy the ride.”  

But don’t let the laid-back attitude fool you. La Vida is on the fast track, and its growth is propelled by professionalism, attention to detail and Delaware’s business-friendly climate.

In 2019, La Vida Hospitality had 350 employees and $13 million in revenues. Next year, the company expects to reach 600 employees and earn $25 million.

La Vida’s focus is on building a way of life, not just restaurants, said Josh Grapski, managing partner. “We think of food and beverage as a way to deliver a lifestyle,” he explained. “Products and services can supply an experience.”

 To date, that experience is rooted in the casual beach lifestyle. Crooked Hammock has a spacious outdoor area with games so guests can mingle as though they’re at a backyard barbecue. Big Chill Beach Club in Bethany Beach is located on deck above the surf in Delaware Seashore State Park. 

The hospitality group’s stable also includes Big Chill Surf Cantina, Taco Reho and Fork + Flask, formerly Nage.

When it opened in 2004, Nage took a risk. The site is in a strip mall on Route 1. At that time, there were few upscale eateries on the highway. Nage succeeded, but over time, diners’ attitudes relaxed. 

Encouraged by the popularity of the casual Crooked Hammock, which opened in 2015, La Vida turned Nage into Fork + Flask, which sports a large bar and cabana-esque décor. (The site remains the home of La Vida’s catering division.) However, it is still an indoor space.

Crooked Hammock and Big Chill Beach Club capitalize on the tourist’s desire to experience the area up close and outside. “We can take advantage of our surroundings to create a better experience,” Grapski said.

Now La Vida is taking the Delaware beach vibe beyond Sussex County’s borders. A Crooked Hammock in Middletown, located near Wilmington, Delaware, opened in late 2019 with an even larger outdoor area than the original site.

Another Crooked Hammock is scheduled to open in late 2020 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. La Vida Hospitality is currently exploring new opportunities for Big Chill and plans to seek bricks-and-mortar locations for fast-casual Taco Reho restaurants. 

Being based in Delaware has helped boost La Vida’s success, said Grapski, who has worked in more than 10 states. The hospitality industry here is a community instead of a group of competitors, he said. Suppliers are supportive, and legislators are approachable. “You can get things done in a friendly, productive manner,” he said.

La Vida Hospitality is looking for other businesses that might complement its offerings, such as hotels or entertainment complexes. If they’re at the beach, La Vida will play up the get-away-from-it-all mentality. If they’re in suburbia or a city, they’ll give residents a vacation close to home.

 If La Vida Hospitality has its way, guests at all the locations will be living the good life. For information, visit lavidahospitality.com.

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Claymont Train Station Rendering Delaware

Claymont Renaissance Continues

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Claymont Renaissance Continues

Claymont Train Station rendering Delaware business

Community hears updates on development initiatives

On December 3, 2019, more than 150 people attended a public meeting at the Crowne Plaza Hotel to learn about economic progress in northern Claymont, Delaware, which is situated near the state’s border with Pennsylvania.

The panel, hosted by the Claymont Renaissance Development Corporation, included representatives from the Delaware Transit Corporation, the Wilmington Area Planning Council, the CRDC and Commercial Development Corporation. 

There was much to discuss, including a new train station and office park, biking and walking trails, and a possible residential area.

“A lot of great questions were asked. I was pleased to be there and see the interaction,” said New County Councilman John Cartier.

 Building a Hub

Claymont has long been prized for its location near interstates, railways and the Delaware River. The new train station, which is currently under construction, is slated to open in 2022. “This will be a state-of-the-art commuter rail station that will drive redevelopment in the whole north Claymont zone,” Cartier said.

The access to Amtrak’s Northeast corridor and SETPA Regional Rail service is attractive to businesses. Commercial Development Company (CDC), which now owns the leveled Evraz Claymont Steel property, has filed an exploratory plan with New Castle County to build an office park adjacent to the train station.

 Live, Work, Play

For commuters, Claymont’s location is a plus, and the area has a mix of housing options, from old manor homes with river views to apartments. More recently, buyers have had the choice of new construction in Darley Green.

Just minutes from I-95 and I-495, Darley Green blends townhomes and apartments with the new Claymont Public Library and retail space. The community is 75% built out, Cartier reported at the CRDC meeting at the library on Dec. 4. “It’s a milestone; the project is near completion.”   

Seeing the popularity of Darley Green, CDC has considered developing a 1,200-unit residential project of townhomes and apartments. At the CRDC meeting, Cartier and Brett Saddler, executive director of the public-private CRDC, stressed that CDC had not filed a proposal.

 Both residents and visitors will soon have more to do in their own backyard. Hangman Brewing Company is nearly ready to open near the intersection of Harvey Road and Philadelphia Pike, Saddler said. 

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Wilmington Area Planning Council, a regional transportation agency, is conducting studies to make Governor Printz Boulevard more pedestrian-friendly. According to Saddler, the goal is to connect the former steel mill and train station sites with Bellevue State Park and Fox Point State Park to the north and, therefore, create a link with the Northern Delaware Greenway.

“This is exciting for people who like to bike and walk,” he said. “It will be safe and aesthetically pleasing.”

The North Area Claymont Master Plan also includes a marina on the Delaware River, easy waterfront access and a recreation area.

 The CRDC will continue to hold regular update meetings so the public can weigh in. “CRDC works for the people of Claymont,” Saddler concludes. “We will be here month after month, rain or shine, to answer questions the best we can.” 

For information on the CRDC, visit claymontrenaissance.org. For a video rendering of the train station, visit youtube.com/watch?v=qbh0JZmbmfc&feature=youtu.be

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Carvertise Greg Star and Mac Nagaswami-Macleod

Carvertise Expands as it “Drives” National Advertising Campaigns

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Carvertise Expands As It “Drives” National Advertising Campaigns

(Wilmington, Del.) Carvertise, an innovative advertising company, is growing and has announced plans to hire 50 people in Delaware. The company, founded by Mac Nagaswami Macleod and Greg Star – both graduates of Horn Entrepreneurship at the University Delaware – has experienced 150% growth over the past three years. Macleod presented Carvertise’s growth strategy to the Council for Development Finance (CDF) today and was approved for a $290,000.00 performance-based grant from the Delaware Strategic Fund.

Carvertise is a progressive marketing firm that “wraps” cars with eye-catching advertising content. The all-in-one agency creates the campaign, wraps the cars and maps strategic routes to build brand visibility for its clients. Carvertise uses GPS to determine when and where their cars are on the road, providing comprehensive impression reports to the client.

The company has secured national partnerships, with companies such as EA Sports, 7-Eleven, Empire Today and Norwegian Air. They have drivers across the country and now have sales outposts in Philadelphia, Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles. In addition, Carvertise has relationships with Uber and Lyft, so many rideshare drivers also participate.

Through this national growth, all operations and administrative activity has remained headquartered in Wilmington, Del. They currently have 15 staff in Delaware, and the 50 new jobs will be located in Delaware as well.

Carvertise will use the performance-based grant from the Delaware Strategic Fund to advance their operations and marketing to sustain the company’s growth.

“We are proud to have Delaware roots and it is very gratifying to me to continue to grow here in Delaware; it’s a great place to live, work and play. We are grateful for the strategic fund support; it helps Carvertise continue its growth,” explained Macleod.

“Delaware is proud to help support growing businesses like Carvertise – an innovative company with Delaware roots that is creating good jobs right here in our state,” said Governor John Carney. “We are trying hard to offer support for homegrown companies, to keep them growing and innovating in Delaware. This announcement only reaffirms that Delaware remains a great place for businesses of all sizes to put down roots, grow and create good-paying jobs in Delaware.”

About Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Created in 2017, Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP) is a nonprofit, public private partnership that leads the state of Delaware’s economic development efforts to attract, grow and retain businesses. DPP works with site selectors, commercial developers and business executives focused on where to locate or grow a business. The DPP team’s services include working with prospects to review potential sites, cost-of-living, and funding opportunities, including available tax credits and incentives. For more information, visit www.choosedelaware.com.

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International Recognition of Delaware’s Fintech Opportunities

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International Recognition of Delaware’s Fintech Opportunities

Delaware Prosperity Partnership visits Factory Berlin to share fintech report

Delaware Prosperity Partnership President, Kurt Foreman shared the findings from Delaware in a Fintech Future at Factory Berlin, one of the world’s most unique international coworking spaces, with more than 3,000 members from over 70 nations. The Delaware fintech report was researched and authored by the Delaware Prosperity Partnership, First State Fintech Lab and the University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration.

Delaware is already a financial services destination with world-renowned, established financial services firms including JPMorgan Chase, Capital One, and Bank of America. And now, fintech startups are thriving in Delaware’s innovation ecosystem, and mid-stage fintech companies from around the world are choosing Delaware to continue to grow. Acorns, a California-based fintech, recently opened a satellite operation at The Mill in Wilmington, Delaware while Marlette Funding is expanding and creating 200+ new jobs in the state.

As a leader in intellectual property, Delaware is competitively positioned to capitalize on the international surge of investment activity in fintech advancement. Globally, fintech investment has increased exponentially, with over $111.8 billion of investment in 2018 compared to just $18.9 billion in 2013.

Director of Research at the Delaware Prosperity Partnership, John Taylor, explained, “Delaware’s history as a leading international center for financial services—with deep workforce strength across both financial and tech occupations—has positioned the state as a natural home for both fintech startups and the established banks that have rapidly transformed into fintech companies.”

Some takeaways about fintech in Delaware:

  • Delaware has the highest relative concentration of financial services jobs of any U.S. state. Among U.S. counties, New Castle County ranks third.
  • Since 2009, nearly 200 fintech patents were assigned to Delaware-based individuals and companies, ranking first in the United States on a per capita basis, and fifth in absolute terms.
  • Finance accounts for more than one-fifth of our state’s GDP, the largest contribution of any sector.
  • Delaware has been a magnet for out-of-state direct investment by financial services firms in recent years, with $725 million invested since 2010. Wilmington is the leading destination in our region for this investment.

Delaware in a Fintech Future is available at www.choosedelaware.com/fintechreport.

About Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Created in 2017, Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP) is the nonprofit that leads the state of Delaware’s economic development efforts to attract, grow and retain businesses. DPP works with site selectors, commercial developers and business executives responsible for deciding where to move or grow a business. The team helps with reviewing potential sites, cost-of-living analysis, quality-of-life intel and funding opportunities including available tax credits and incentives. For more information, visit www.choosedelaware.com.

About First State Fintech Lab

The First State Fintech Lab (FSFL) is a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing and growing the financial technology ecosystem in Delaware by convening and collaborating across industries, disciplines, and demographics. The FSFL supports and helps foster novel public-private partnerships and dialogue; works to fill Delaware’s talent pipeline; and supports expanding opportunities and access to low investment communities. To learn more, visit firststatefintech.org

About the Institute for Public Administration, University of Delaware

The University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration (IPA) addresses the policy, planning, and management needs of its partners through the integration of applied research, professional development, and the education of tomorrow’s leaders. IPA is a research and public service center in the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy & Administration. To learn more, visit www.ipa.udel.edu

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UD, Delaware Technology Park and Discover Bank Partner on New FinTech Building at STAR Campus

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UD, Delaware Technology Park and Discover Bank Partner on new FinTech Building at STAR Campus

25 NOVEMBER, 2019 | PETER BOTHUM | UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE

Once a nearly blank canvas inviting imagination for what the university of the future may look like, the University of Delaware’s Science Technology and Advanced Research (STAR) Campus is realizing such transformation on a daily basis. Combining top academics and research with industry and community partnerships, a renewed future is shaping in real time at this intersection of discovery, education and innovation, driven by a bold vision for positive impact on the world.

UD, Delaware Technology Park (DTP) and Discover Bank will partner on the construction of a new building that continues the STAR Campus’s march into the future, adding a building block that taps into the evolving world of financial services technology — commonly called FinTech — with an eye on growth for Delaware.

Like the previous construction on STAR Campus, the six-story, 100,000-square feet structure will bring various facets of an industry together under one roof, in this case the academic, business and governmental segments of the financial world.

“Working with DTP and Discover to strengthen Delaware’s growing FinTech sector, the University of Delaware is proud to participate in this public-private partnership, continuing development of knowledge and innovations that help drive our state’s economy,” said UD President Dennis Assanis. “Our University is a national leader in finance, technology and entrepreneurship, so combining our expertise and resources in these complementary fields will yield exciting opportunities for our students and faculty with meaningful impact on society.”

The new FinTech building will add immense value to Delaware’s growing prowess in financial technology. More and more financial services companies are morphing into technology companies. Global investment in FinTech-related companies rose from $18.9 billion in 2013 to $111.8 billion in 2018, according to a recent report by the Delaware Prosperity Partnership.

“We’re working hard in Delaware to support those entrepreneurs and innovators who will keep our state competitive in the 21st century economy, and drive new job creation,” Governor John Carney said. “We’re also good at working together in Delaware, and I am really pleased to see this kind of collaboration between the private sector and the University of Delaware. This partnership at the STAR Campus will help create a pipeline of skilled local talent, support our entrepreneurs, build on our strength in financial technology, and strengthen our economy over the long term.”

By constructing a hub where the financial services industry and academia intersect with technology and innovation, UD, Discover and DTP will contribute to the vitality of Delaware’s economy. UD’s research and instruction in data-related disciplines will create a highly capable workforce to feed the FinTech industry in Delaware, including the start-up businesses that will hatch, grow and spin out of the new facility.

The building will house:

  • Spaces for startups to develop and grow, managed by Delaware Technology Park. Tenants will have onsite access to business development resources and technical assistance.
  • Labs and centers associated within UD’s College of Engineering and Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics. These spaces will link strengths and resources from both colleges on topics such as financial analytics, cybersecurity, human-machine learning and data analysis.
  • UD’s Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships (OEIP) will relocate its offices from the Delaware Technology Park’s Innovation Way location.
  • Delaware’s Small Business Development Center, which will be synergistically located to offer assistance to OEIP’s Spin In program. This program connects UD undergraduate students with community entrepreneurs and early-stage startups to give them an inside look at business innovation in action and a chance to apply what they’re learning in real-life situations.

“Delaware Technology Park is excited to launch a new building project on STAR Campus in conjunction with the University of Delaware and funded by Discover Bank,” said Mike Bowman, president and CEO of DTP. “It will contain faculty, students and entrepreneurs with outstanding data science knowledge and digital management competencies as well as support resources for business development and community education.”

The $38 million project will be funded via a favorable below market interest rate loan by Discover Bank to DTP, the owner of the building. UD will lease space in the building.

Discover Bank is currently exploring ways to partner with UD on research related to the financial technology needs of the bank that may include cyber-related technologies, and consumer data analytics, applications and behaviors. A national nonprofit focused on improving the financial health of communities, has partnered with Discover Bank to work with UD, DTP, entrepreneurs and the community on the utilization and testing of financial technologies to improve consumer financial health.

“Discover Bank is dedicated to building stronger communities, which is why we’ve championed this project with the Delaware Technology Park and the University of Delaware to expand economic opportunities, create jobs in financial services and FinTech, and promote financial health for underserved populations,” said Discover Bank President James J. Roszkowski. “The development at STAR helps us realize our vision of creating brighter financial futures for consumers as well as creating new opportunities for the business community.”

The building, which is scheduled for a 2021 opening, will mark the first sizable presence of Lerner College on the STAR Campus.

“This project will create an excellent opportunity for UD students to explore new frontiers in data-related disciplines including computer and information sciences, computer engineering and financial analytics,” UD Provost Robin Morgan said. “With a focus on setting up our students for success, the UD community will have access to new space for academic growth and the pursuit of employment opportunities in the continuously expanding FinTech industry here in Delaware.”

Potential plans and programs include a cybersecurity leadership center that would link Lerner’s cybersecurity management with the College of Engineering’s cybersecurity engineering and technology, a space for human-machine learning and social media data analysis and a multi-media studio.

Kurt Foreman

PRESIDENT & CEO

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Wilmington, Delaware economic development

DPP’s Role in Delaware Economic Development

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DPP’s Role in Delaware Economic Development

20 November 2019 – 

This month, we had an opportunity to meet with Becky Harrington, Director of Business Development, to chat about Delaware’s economic development efforts. Below, she shares some background and insights about the Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP) and its role in helping the state attract new jobs and companies. (This interview has been edited for length and clarity.)

Leading Delaware’s Economic Development Efforts

Like most state economic development organizations, when the DPP was formed, it focused on creating new jobs and investment in Delaware. These efforts focus on four areas:

  1. Attraction – Focusing on bringing new companies here
  2. Expansion – Engaging and supporting existing employers
  3. Innovation – Convening and supporting new, emerging sectors
  4. Talent – Enhancing the state’s talent pool and supporting employers in their workforce needs

Most states focus on the first three areas, but the fourth area has been increasing in importance across the nation. The emphasis on workforce and talent cultivation has become an increasingly important element of attracting new companies and retaining existing employers. As a result, DPP has a focus on talent attraction, to complement what Delaware Technical Community College and other colleges and universities are doing. We want to further strengthen Delaware’s talent pipeline with a two-pronged approached – by developing local talent and attracting employees from outside the state. We have some exciting initiatives that will help Delaware stay competitive.

Partnerships Fuel Delaware Economic Development

Our economic development efforts are fueled by strong partnerships. We include our statewide partners when we engage with new companies and site selectors. Because of these valuable partnerships, prospects considering Delaware are able to ask peer companies important questions about the business climate, labor force, taxes, and quality of life.

Delaware’s Collaborative Spirit

In Delaware, we often say that we are bigger because of our size. We can easily access elected officials, regulatory agency leaders, and community leaders to help our clients and prospects. When a prospect sees how cooperative our state is, it makes it easy to visualize how Delaware can be a good fit for their company.

Delaware’s Pro-Business Attitude

We have a pro-business attitude in Delaware, both on the government side and corporate leadership side. It is exciting to be here working with DPP – From Governor John Carney to our Congressional delegation to our private sector investors, there is a great focus on creating the right kind of jobs and the right kind of investments in our state.

If you’re looking to grow or expand your business or would like to learn how our Delaware economic development agency can help you, contact us today at (302) 477-7497.

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Datwyler Sealing Solutions plant in Middleton Delaware

Datwyler Sealing Solutions Chooses Delaware for $100 Million Facility

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Datwyler Sealing Solutions Chooses Delaware for $100 Million Facility

Datwyler Sealing Solutions new facility Middleton DE

13 November, 2019 – 

When Datwyler Sealing Solutions decided to expand its manufacturing and distribution capabilities in North America, the Swiss company’s site selection criteria were quite specific. After considering locations across the United States, company leaders concluded that Middletown, Delaware, was the optimal location for its new $100 million, 200,000 sq. ft. manufacturing plant.

“We identified a handful of areas across the country that might satisfy our needs, “says Frank Schoubben, site director of the company’s new Middletown, DE, plant. He served as a member of the team tasked with selecting the new U.S. site.

Datwyler, a more than 100-year-old firm headquartered in the heart of the Swiss Alps, began as a manufacturer of rubber products, including tires. Today, however, Datwyler Holding owns 50 business entities, with sales in over 100 countries and employing more than 8,000 employees. Its product line includes a broad range of rubber stoppers, aluminum seals, plungers, combiseals, tip caps and needle shields used in pharmaceutical products, medical devices and for diagnostic research and drug development. Datwyler Sealing Solutions also makes products for the automotive business, consumer goods, oil & gas, and general industries.

The new Middletown plant, opened in 2018, is dedicated to Datwyler’s proprietary clean-room technology dubbed “FirstLine.” The technology is aimed at eliminating contamination in the manufacturing process, a critical concern in the pharmaceutical and medical devices industries.

During the site selection process, location was first on the list of Datwyler’s critical considerations. The site had to be near the company’s major customers in the pharmaceutical and medical devices industries. Sites across the continental United States were under consideration, but Datwyler was especially interested in locations in the tri-state area of New York, Delaware, and New Jersey, an epicenter of the American pharma industry.

In addition to geographic concerns, the company knew it would need to hire in excess of 100 employees with a variety of technical and business skills. So, a critical element of the search process was a survey of educational resources that would be nearby and responsive to Datwyler’s requirements.

Finally, the new site had to be near a major, international airport.

In the end, Middletown, Delaware, made the cut. 

A native of Belgium, Schoubben holds a master’s degree in industrial engineering and electrical mechanics with a specialty in polymers. A 16-year veteran of Datwyler, he has worked at company sites around the world. Most importantly, he led a greenfield site project in India, so he has lived through – and mastered – the tricky process of managing the technical and regulatory details of site selection.

“A number of things attracted us to Delaware. Of course, its proximity to our customers, many of whom are in New Jersey, was a key factor,” says Schoubben. “There are about 100 colleges and universities within a 2-hour drive from Delaware, so we knew we would have an attractive pool of well-educated people to satisfy our hiring needs.”

While technical competency is a requirement for employment with companies like Datwyler, so-called “soft skills” are also in demand. “A key objective of our hiring process is to identify people we can groom as future leaders,” says Schoubben. “We are engaged in that search now and expect to hire a total of 120 employees for this site.”

“We appreciate and admire Delaware’s historic ties to the chemical industry and manufacturing,” says Schoubben.  “And, of course, the scale of business and industrial growth in the Middletown area made it clear that this area welcomes companies like ours.”

Once Delaware emerged as the leading contender, Datwyler reached out to state economic development officials to explore the feasibility of locating in the Middletown area.

“Our experience was great,” Schoubben says. “It was very easy to establish open communications with state and local officials.”

He says they helped the company overcome potential barriers to obtaining permits and navigating regulatory workstreams. Because of their extensive experience, Delaware officials were able to arrange key contacts, make introductions and sequence events so that the overall process flowed smoothly.

“It’s been a good ride for us,” says Schoubben. “We continue to have good relationships with state and local officials and they continue to provide support when we need it. The fact that it took only 18 months from groundbreaking to grand opening is really notable. This is a winner for us!”

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North East England and Delaware sign economic development MOU

Delaware and North East England Sign Economic Development MOU

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Delaware and North East England Sign Economic Development MOU

Partnership will support international growth for bioscience, engineering & FinTech firms

(Wilmington, Del.) The Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP), the state economic development organization, and the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), a public, private and education sector partnership in North East England, UK, have signed a cooperative agreement to support joint business development. LEP works in partnership with the business community to grow the economy and create more and better jobs in the region.

Specifically, the two organizations will work together to support mutually beneficial international expansion for firms that work in:

  • Bioscience/Life Science and Wind Supply Chain
  • Advanced Engineering and FinTech
  • Innovation and Skills

North East England is one of nine official regions of England, which includes Northumberland, County Durham and Tyne and Wear. The North East LEP is responsible for promoting and developing economic growth in the local authority areas of County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland.

Representing Delaware was Kurt Foreman, President and CEO of DPP and Rod Ward, CEO of CSC, one of the world’s premier providers of business, legal, tax, and digital brand services. Ward is Co-Chair of the DPP Board of Directors.

Representing the UK was Andrew Hodgson, North East LEP Chair, and Helen Golightly, North East LEP Chief Executive.

Both economic development organizations will promote their partner area as a location for local firms looking for international business expansion opportunities. They will actively collaborate, support joint events, and encourage cross-education and training through the local universities.

“This agreement was a natural fit for our organizations and for the areas we represent,” said Kurt Foreman of the DPP. “Delaware and North East England will actively support one another in sectors where we both have strengths, helping our local companies become international companies by directly connecting them to our partners overseas. We look forward to the cross-Atlantic success stories and the jobs that will follow.”

“Delaware’s strengths in financial services, health and life sciences, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing match those of the North East, so I see a great opportunity for us to work together to create opportunities for local companies to collaborate and do business,” said Andrew Hodgson, Chair of the North East LEP. “Targeted region-to-region agreements like this demonstrate how we will use our Local Industrial Strategy to connect North East England into global trading networks.

“Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP) shares our ambition to improve innovation and skills across all sectors of industry to create a stronger economy. I’m looking forward to working with our colleagues from the U.S. to share learning and develop ideas that strengthen our connections and improve opportunities for businesses in the North East.”

About Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Created in 2017, Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP) is the nonprofit state economic development agency that leads the state of Delaware’s economic development efforts to attract, grow and retain businesses. We work with site selectors, commercial developers and business executives focused on where to locate or grow a business. Our team provides and reviews potential sites, cost-of-living analysis, quality-of-life information and funding opportunities, including available tax credits and incentives.

About North East Local Enterprise Partnership

North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), a public, private and education sector partnership in North East England, UK, works in partnership with the business community. Through its Strategic Economic Plan, it aims to grow the economy and create 100,000 more and better jobs for the North East by 2024.

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No State Builds Pathways from High School to Jobs as well as Delaware Does: Opinion

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No State Builds Pathways from High School to Jobs as well as Delaware Does: Opinion

7 NOVEMBER, 2019

How can it be that with the lowest unemployment rate in anyone’s memory, the U.S. still has 6.9 jobs seeking workers and 6.3 workers seeking jobs?

There is no single answer, but a big part of the problem is the skills gap – not enough workers with the right skills, especially to fill middle-skill jobs in such fields as health care, IT, and advanced manufacturing.

Many states are building pipeline programs to address this gap, programs that begin in high school, connect to post secondary institutions, and work with employers to ensure that students have the right skills to fill in-demand jobs that can get them launched on fulfilling careers.

No state does this as well as Delaware.

Over these past six years, Delaware has, from a standing start, created a statewide career pathways system that has become a model for the nation. Delaware has grown from 27 students enrolled in an advanced manufacturing program in 2014 to 16,000 students across the state currently enrolled in 25 career pathways in 12 high-growth, high-demand sectors of the state’s economy.

The state is on track to meet its goal of enrolling 20,000 students — half the high school population — in career pathways by 2020.

Delaware’s story is the lead chapter in a new book just published by Harvard Education Press, “Career Pathways in Action: Case Studies from the Field,” written by Nancy Hoffman and myself. This book, and the case study of Delaware Pathways, will be featured in a session at the upcoming annual Vision Coalition Conference Tuesday, Nov. 12 at the University of Delaware.

In a few short years, Delaware Pathways has transformed the education landscape. Career pathways match students’ interests with tailored instruction and relevant work-based learning experiences, and award industry-recognized credentials and college credits while students are still in high school.

These pathways provide on and off ramps for the full spectrum of options. A young person on a health care pathway could use it to decide: a) to become a certified nursing assistant so she can start earning some money while she weighs her options; b) to start working toward becoming a medical doctor; or c) that it isn’t the right field.

The goal is to give program participants enough early exposure to the world of work and careers to make informed decisions about what comes next after high school.

How has Delaware been able to build such a robust career pathways system in such a short time? The secret is partnership.

The collaboration among statewide entities like the departments of Education and Labor, Delaware Technical Community College, the United Way, Rodel and a network of private employers large and small led to the development of a compelling strategic plan specifying the roles and responsibilities of each partner.

This cross-agency structure is unusually strong, and a dedicated core team from the partner organizations has stuck together to implement that plan.

Delaware Pathways is not without its challenges, including the provision of meaningful work-based learning opportunities for all participants and the development of a long-range funding plan.

But with Gov. John Carney leading the effort to bring more employers to the table, the first challenge is being addressed, and given the broad-based political support for the program, I’m confident the funding challenge will be addressed as well.

Delaware, you are currently building what many believe is the most scalable and replicable career pathways model in the nation.

Keep pushing.

The leaders of the other 15 state and regional members of the Pathways Network are all pulling for you because what you build here could not only help your young people, but benefit their peers in states across the United States.

— Robert Schwartz is a professor emeritus of practice in educational policy and administration at Harvard Graduate School of Education and co-founder of the Pathways to Prosperity Network.

Kurt Foreman

PRESIDENT & CEO

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Delaware Biotech Businesses Focus on Innovation

Delaware Biotech Businesses Focus on Innovation

Written on . Posted in Success Stories.

Delaware Biotech Businesses Focus on Innovation

31 OCTOBER, 2019

For Delaware biotech companies, innovation is booming. Attracted to a business environment ripe with opportunity, bioscience companies in the First State are finding it possible to grow in a very dynamic ways. While Delaware’s enviable location, low cost of doing business, and collaborative, business-friendly environment are some of the key factors attracting biotech businesses, Delaware’s focus on innovation and rich diversity in biosciences makes it a prime location.

With the fourth highest number of employed PhDs working in the fields of science, engineering and healthcare, and a strong workforce and talent bred by the major academic institutions in the state, biotech companies in Delaware are primed for innovation. Read on to learn how a few of the leaders in the biotech industry are innovating in Delaware.

Incyte

Incyte is a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware. Founded in 2002, Incyte is focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel medicines to meet serious unmet medical needs in oncology and inflammation and autoimmunity. Today, the Company employs more than 1,400 people in the US, Europe and Japan as it strives to discover and de-velop first-in-class and best-in-class medicines—advancing a diverse portfolio of large and small molecules.

Investing in Delaware has brought positive results according to Incyte’s CEO Hervé Hoppenot:

“It has been a very understanding community around us, from the county, from the city, from the state. I must say we have an extraordinarily positive support and frankly we stay out of the craziness of Boston, Palo Alto, Shanghai. We are very close to key academic centers which are basically not only bringing talent to our organization, but are also a place where we can do partnerships, scientific partner-ships… I think that Delaware is a place where we are taking root, putting our infrastructure, expanding our teams and it will be part of that adventure.”

Adesis, Inc.

Founded in 1991 as CB Research and Development in Newport, Delaware, Adesis, Inc. is one of the first boutique chemistry Contract Research Organizations (CROs) in North America. Today, Adesis is a leading custom organic synthesis CRO specializing in organic and organometallic synthesis to support the pharmaceuticals, biomaterials and catalyst industries.

Adesis is one of the fastest growing life sciences companies in America necessitating the expansion of their facilities. In October 2018, Adesis celebrated the grand opening of its new, state-of-the-art chemistry laboratories, where Adesis scientists perform leading-edge discovery, development, and commercialization services. Along with state and local Delaware officials, the Delaware Prosperity Partnership supported the expansion, awarding Adesis a $445,224 grant to help facilitate its growth, resulting in the creation of more high-tech jobs in Delaware.

Senator Tom Carper said it best when asked about the company’s latest expansion in Delaware:

“We are thrilled that Adesis chose to make Delaware its home, and we are rooting for the company’s continued success and growth. This expansion not only means job growth here and now in Delaware, but a level of innovation that can benefit generations to come.”

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Prelude Therapeutics Expands in Delaware

Written on . Posted in Press Releases.

Prelude Therapeutics Expands in Delaware

Adding biotech jobs in cancer drug discovery research

(Wilmington, Del.) Prelude Therapeutics, a privately-held, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, is expanding in Delaware – planning to add up to 49 biotech positions by 2022 and invest $5 million in expanded lab and office space in the Wilmington area.

Prelude conducts research focused on key drivers of cancer cell growth, survival, and resistance. They currently have two clinical trials in progress, with more pre-clinical development candidates in the pipeline.

The company is outgrowing its current locations, split between the Delaware Innovation Space (located on the site of the former DuPont Experimental Station) in Wilmington, Del. and nearby overflow office space.

To support the local growth of this innovative, Delaware-based biotech company, the Council on Development Finance (CDF) recently approved Prelude for a Performance Grant of $684,090 and a Capital Expenditure grant of $150,000 for a total of up to $834,090. Both would come from the Delaware Strategic Fund and both are contingent on Prelude meeting its hiring goals.

With the additional job growth, Prelude’s team will expand to a projected total of 81 employees by 2022. The new positions include professional scientists and skilled associates and will add approximately $5.5 million to its annual payroll.

Prelude began operations in 2016 with a handful of employees and has now grown to 32 people, drawing international attention for their innovative discoveries and attracting top pharmaceutical and biotech talent to Delaware.

“We’re really pleased to support the expansion of Prelude – one of Delaware’s most exciting and innovative start-ups,” said Governor John Carney. “Prelude’s decision to expand in Delaware reaffirms that our state is a great place for business of all sizes to put down roots, grow and create good-paying jobs.”

“As a company, we sincerely appreciate the continued support from the state of Delaware,” said Prelude Therapeutics CEO, Kris Vaddi, Ph.D. “The Wilmington area provides an attractive location for hiring experienced and talented scientific, clinical and operational teams needed to build a successful biopharmaceutical company. We look forward to executing our drug discovery and development strategy to drive growth within the company over the coming years.”

About Prelude Therapeutics

Prelude Therapeutics is a privately held, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Wilmington, DE. Prelude is focused on the discovery and development of small molecule agents targeting novel molecular mechanisms that drive cancer cell growth, survival, and resistance to current treatments. For more information, please visit www.preludetx.com.

About Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Delaware Prosperity Partnership is a nonprofit state economic development agency that leads Delaware’s economic development efforts to attract, grow and retain businesses; to build a stronger entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem; and to support private employers in identifying, recruiting and developing talent in the state of Delaware.

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