www.dedo.delaware.gov Volume 1, Issue 1 - December, 2006

From our Director




DEDO Director Judy McKinney-Cherry




Welcome to the premier edition of DEDO's new E-letter!

Seasons Greetings! 

As the year 2006 comes to a close, the Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO) is accelerating its momentum to bring new investment and businesses to Delaware. This, while fostering an environment to assist existing businesses, create new businesses, and revitalize our downtown communities. We continue positioning Delaware as a quality destination for out-of-state visitors.  We've heard from you that there's a need for greater communication from our office. Well, we're listening!  My colleagues developed this e-newsletter to keep you up-to-date about new programs, announcements, improved processes, and happenings in the DEDO.  It's designed with you in mind. Our goal is to provide meaningful information that may help improve your firm's competitiveness and profitability.

This newsletter is intended to be valuable to you, so we welcome any feedback and suggestions that you might have.  Please feel free to email me at judy.cherry@state.de.us to share your thoughts.  

I wish you a happy holiday season and a profitable 2007!

Sincerely,

Judy McKinney-Cherry

ABOUT THE
DELAWARE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

The mission of the Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO) is to be responsible for attracting new investors and businesses to the State, promoting the expansion of existing industry, assisting small and minority-owned businesses, promoting and developing tourism and creating new and improved employment opportunities for all citizens of the State.



With the help of Citizens Bank and DEDO, Seaford's Craig Technologies was able to expand with state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment.

This e-newsletter is distributed to the contact list of the Delaware Economic Development Office to share information similar to that which prompted the addressee to initially provide DEDO with that contact information. If you'd prefer to NOT receive further e-newsletter mailings, click the link in the footer below and you will be removed from future e-newsletter mailings only. Similarly, if you've been forwarded this e-newletter and would like to continue receiving it at YOUR email address, simply send an email to steven.hicks@state.de.us (or click this link) with "SUBSCRIBE" as the subject line.

What's New?

Delaware's Intellectual Property New Business Creation Program  -  Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit?  Have you thought about starting your own business - becoming your own boss?  If so, Delaware's Intellectual Property New Business Creation Program might be the answer for you!  As a result of Governor Minner's New Economy Initiative, we've partnered with two of Delaware's most senior global corporations to make 255 patents/proprietary technologies available to Delaware-based entrepreneurs to start new businesses. This is a very innovative first for Delaware and the nation! Click here to find out more!

Are You Leaving Money on the Table?
If your company has recently added or plans to add new employees, and/or make a capital investment in your manufacturing facility, make sure your company receives all of the tax benefits to which it's entitled!  Think you might be leaving money on the table? Check out our new tax incentive calculator on our website.  This easy-to-use tool will help ensure you receive the maximum benefit for investing in your business.

DEDO, DNREC and DEMEP Receive Award from GM  -  DEDO, DNREC, and DEMEP received the "Speed Demon" award from General Motors last month for the organizations' efforts to streamline the permitting process for businesses.  Using value stream mapping, the organizations were able to shorten the time it takes for the state to issue a permit.  The award, instituted by GM CEO Richard Wagoner, recognizes process improvement. According to Robert Dolan, GM Plant Manager at the Wilmington Boxwood facility, this is the first time the award was presented to personnel outside of General Motors. 

DEDO Happenings

Terry Deputy Presents Keynote Address at MINITEC 2006 Conference  -  Terry Deputy, DEDO's Automotive Market Cluster Leader, was the luncheon keynote speaker at the Society of Plastic Engineer's Extrusion MINITEC 2006 Conference on October 16 in Claymont. He presented an overview of the Delaware Automotive Cluster Alliance and its relationship to the plastics industry. Did you know that Delaware has a significantly lower operating cost advantage relative to northern and west coast states for many plastic-related businesses?

Contact Terry at terry.deputy@state.de.us or (302) 672-6802.


DEDO Supports Chemistry Cluster in Editorial Letter - Chemistry and Advanced Materials is one of the region's prime targets of opportunity for future innovation and growth. Barbara DeHaven, DEDO's Chemistry Market Cluster Leader, recently published an editorial piece in the News Journal emphasizing that the business of chemistry is a vital part of Delaware's economy. Click here to read the editorial.

Contact Barbara DeHaven at barbara.dehaven@state.de.us
or (302) 577-8478.


Peter Bernota Serves as Panelist at DBA 2006 Delaware Trust Conference  -  Peter Bernota, DEDO's Acting Director of Market Development, was a featured panelist at the Delaware Bankers Association 2006 Delaware Trust Conference held last week at the Hotel du Pont.  In his discussion, Peter noted that trusts created under the Delaware Business Trust Act, unlike common law relating to trusts, are up-to-date and provide a rare element of certainty in modern business transactions. Bankers, attorneys, and government officials from throughout the United States attended this conference.

Contact Peter at peter.bernota@state.de.us or (302) 672-6816.

DEDO Director Joins International Economic Development Council's Board of Directors  -  The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) unanimously elected Judy McKinney-Cherry, Director of the Delaware Economic Development Office, to its Board of Directors, effective January 2007.  She is the only Delaware board member for the IEDC, the world's largest membership organization serving the economic development profession. The election took place during IEDC's 2006 Annual Conference, held September 17-20, 2006 in New York City.

DEDO Adds A Few Good Men and Women  -  DEDO is pleased to announce that we have added many new team members over the past several months, representing a wide background of both public and private sector experience in economic development, marketing, technology, and finance.

Please click here to learn of the DEDO’s new team members and look for biographies on all team members in the coming months!

Have you seen the new VisitDelaware.com?

The Tourism Cluster is very excited about its new website! With its increased functionality and added events and attractions, the new website is sure to bring more valuable tourism dollars to Delaware. Check it out here!
"The Delaware Economic Development Office... Innovation at Work."