Permitting process makes DE less competitive

Issue 5.50

December 13, 2019

Message from the President

This past Wednesday we headed down to the nation's capital to host the 9th Annual Taste of Delaware with honorary host, U.S. Senator Chris Coons. Held as close to December 7 as possible, the Taste of Delaware commemorates the anniversary of Delaware ratifying the Constitution in 1787 — making us The First State. It showcased more than 20 of the state's very best in the hospitality industry such as The Starboard Restaurant, Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, SoDel Concept's Thompson Island Brewing Company, Hotel du Pont, UDairy Creamery, Painted Stave Distilling, the University & Whist Club, and Dogfish Head Craft Brewery. Read more

View photos from the 9th Annual Taste of Delaware

Analysis: Delaware’s Permitting Process Makes State Less Competitive, Inhibits Economic Development

A new independent analysis of Delaware’s permitting process finds that other states in the region, including Maryland and Pennsylvania, are able to achieve substantially faster permit approvals for businesses wishing to locate or expand in the state. As a result, Delaware is missing significant economic development opportunities in the competition for jobs, talent and investment.

The analysis, conducted by professional services firm KPMG, concludes that Delaware has an opportunity to be more competitive if its permitting processes were strengthened through streamlined communication between state agencies, greater transparency and cost predictability, and a fast-track approval program for high-priority projects, among other recommendations. Read more

View the full analysis

THE DEMAND FOR SKILLED TALENT

Why Hiring Managers are Facing Big Challenges

It's a candidate's market right now. Last year, the overall unemployment rate was at a historically low level. Organizations in the business and professional services sectors added an average of 35,000 jobs per month through the first half of 2019. And over the past year, wages have climbed by 2.9%. The bottom line: Workers have increased confidence about seeking better opportunities and making career moves that are to their advantage. What does that mean for hiring managers? Read more

MOVE OVER 4-YEAR DEGREES

Make Room for Immersion

Trainings and Bootcamps

Delaware finds itself on the forefront of non-traditional education: Zip Code Wilmington, a nonprofit coding bootcamp, is changing the way people get critical tech knowledge by immersing them in a bootcamp experience. Gone are the days of thinking a 4-year college degree, plus master’s, plus certifications, plus, plus, plus…are needed to succeed in white collar careers. Today, it is becoming more of the norm, due to time and financial constraints and other personal factors, for adults to seek non-traditional education options to learn and earn, especially in the technology industry. Read more

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Small Business Credit Survey

The State Chamber is partnering with the Federal Reserve to conduct a Small Business Credit Survey for both pre-start and existing businesses, and we’d like you to participate. This short survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and the questions center around business conditions, financing needs and experiences. Summary results will be shared with you and all responses are confidential. The survey highlights the experiences of small businesses and provides critical information that service providers, policymakers and lenders use to improve programs for small business owners.

Take the survey

The survey closes December 20, 2019

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