FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 5, 2006

DAVE HAMILL, DEDO
(302) 672-6824

DOVER - Delaware By Hand, an initiative designed to help create a formalized showcase for the many talented craftspeople living and working in the state, was the recipient of a $12,000 check today from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development to help spread awareness.

U.S. Congressman Mike Castle was on hand for the presentation at Delaware State University's MBNA America Building, where a $50,000 grant was also presented to the university to fund a shared-use commercial kitchen that will be used by new or expanding food businesses.

"This is a good day for the USDA, a good day for Delaware and a good day for all the people that will be served by these two organizations," said Castle, who admitted that his experience with crafting was limited to the clay ashtrays he made for his parents in grade school.

The genesis of Delaware By Hand goes back to 2001, when Gov. Ruth Ann Minner signed Executive Order No. 3, establishing a Strategic Economic Council (SEC) to recommend the steps that should be taken to recruit and retain specific desirable industries and business sectors in the state.

The Council identified six areas of opportunity for significant economic growth in Delaware. To fully evaluate these sectors, the Council divided into six subcommittees augmented by business leaders and elected officials with expertise in each area of opportunity. The subcommittees then conducted additional research in the specific focus areas and developed recommendations.

Delaware By Hand was one of the initiatives identified by the Council.

"As with any organization that promotes Delaware's economy, we have a personal stake in the success of Delaware By Hand," said Judy McKinney-Cherry, director of the Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO). "We provided seed money to help get them started, and we look forward to serving as a resource for these incredibly talented artisans to help them grow their businesses and achieve the level of recognition they so richly deserve."

Delaware City has been chosen as a potential pilot location for a craft center in conjunction with this project. The items contained therein would be of superior quality and capitalize on Delaware's colonial, nautical and agricultural traditions, as well as its Native American and Amish cultures.

Additional start-up activities planned for the initiative include:

• Establishing a Web site for artisans;
• Providing assistance with Web site design;
• Assisting with business-plan development and the establishment of a business license;
• Creating marketing brochures and location maps of shops and studios;
• Establishing a jurying process;
• Recruiting new artisans through instructional classes;
• Developing signage to display in storefronts;
• Providing resource assistance through partnerships; and
• Maintaining a presence at local and regional arts festivals, the State Fair and other events.

Since its inception, Delaware By Hand has extended its reach to include visual arts, poetry and theater. The initiative is currently seeking an intern to work out of DEDO's Dover office. Interested parties should send resumes to Barbara Rodgers by fax at (302) 739-5749 or via e-mail at Barbara.Rodgers@state.de.us.

For more information on Delaware By Hand, visit the Web site at www.DelawareByHand.org or contact President Deb Appleby at (302) 644-4424 or by e-mail at studio24@thestudioon24.com.