John Burris: A Legacy of Leadership

Issue 7.45

November 5, 2021

John M. Burris Honored with the

Marvin S. Gilman Bowl

In a surprise announcement at the 23rd Annual Marvin S. Gilman Superstars in Business awards luncheon, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce awarded the esteemed Marvin S. Gilman Bowl to John M. Burris, former president of the State Chamber.

He joined the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce in 1990 as its president. Many programs that still exist today were created during his tenure, including Delaware Principal for a Day, Superstars in Education, opening a tourism office in Bridgeville, creating the Delaware Public Policy Institute, and reengaging the Delaware Manufacturing Association—an affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers.

“Ten of the best years of my life were at the State Chamber. This tribute means a lot to me, and it’s full circle,” reflected Burris. Read the full announcement >

WATCH THE SURPRISE:

John M. Burris | 2021 Marvin S. Gilman Bowl Recipient

From left: Martha S. Gilman, Cathy Burris, John Burris, and Brett Gilman Smith

Members of John's staff from his tenure

as president joined him at the surprise

HOW IT ALL STARTED...

STATE CHAMBER CREATES CLOSER CONNECTION

TO THE SMALL BUSINESS COMMUNITY

1995 was a pivotal year for the Delaware State Chamber. A former small business owner himself, John Burris appointed a group of representatives to come together as a Steering/Ad Hoc Committee on small business services, assess the climate for this segment of membership and recommend a strategy to update the Chamber’s focus on its 2,800 small business members. The result was the creation of the Small Business Alliance and a recommendation to create a new signature event. Three years later, in 1998, the curtains were raised for the Superstars in Business awards program.

“Small businesses form the backbone of our economy, yet it is very

difficult for them to have influence as Individuals... As a [large] group

of employers, however, they can speak with a very strong voice.”

- John M. Burris

Above article from 1996 Annual Report issue of Delaware Business magazine

Click image to download

Top-Quality Investments are

Key to Our Future

The economic damage brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic has been well documented. In response, the federal government has done several things, among them is economic assistance to states and municipalities around the country to stimulate the economy and support businesses. The State of Delaware has received unprecedented stimulus aid that if invested wisely, could have meaningful economic impacts for years. ... Other federal funding could be headed our way, so the State Chamber believes it is important to identify investment ideas that could benefit the state for the long term.

Make Delaware Route 1 an Interstate Highway
Build a Bypass Road in Sussex County
Create a Brownfield Cleanup Fund
Establish a Multi-Flag University and Training Center in Downtown Wilmington

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

By James DeChene, Armitage DeChene & Associates

As 2021 draws to a close, it seems like a good time to reflect on what the past year has brought, and what to watch for in 2022. For many, this year was a continuation of last. Many are still working from home and figuring out where their kids need to be and when—along with (re)learning dreaded programs like Schoology. For others, especially if you are a beach business, it was learning how to handle record breaking crowds with about half staff. While it seems like 2021 was significantly better than 2020 in terms of learning how to deal with COVID-19, we still have a long way to go back to normal. Read more >

Message from the President

We know the First State is a retirement destination as retirees from the Mid-Atlantic settle in Sussex County and elsewhere in the state. With them come their brains, talent, career history, and experience. Now imagine you are an employer looking for experienced talent, but are mindful of your budget and what you can afford. Among us are people with forty-plus years of work experience and vast amounts of knowledge. Read more >