An Economy Driven by Talent

Issue 7.21

May 21, 2021

EFFECTIVE TODAY

SOCIAL DISTANCING AND MASK MANDATE ELIMINATED

Governor Carney signed the 29th modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration, eliminating social distancing requirements and removing Delaware’s mask mandate effective May 21. Delawareans, visitors, and Delaware businesses should follow social distancing and masking guidance for fully vaccinated individuals issued last week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

There no longer will be capacity restrictions. Businesses can operate at 100% capacity, as long as you can also maintain 3 feet of social distancing between people.

Businesses may impose mask requirements for customers and employees, but it is not required.

If you are fully vaccinated, you no longer have to wear a mask indoors or outdoors, with the exception of:

State buildings
Public transit
Planes
Schools and child care facilities
Health care facilities
Congregate settings (prisons, shelters)

Unvaccinated and not fully vaccinated individuals, including children not yet eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, should continue to wear masks around others who are outside their immediate household.

This Week in Dover

Monday was the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council's (DEFAC) May meeting. The Council revised its revenue forecast to add an additional $429 million dollars split between FY2021 and FY2022.

In the General Assembly, two State Chamber priority pieces of legislation saw movement this week:

SB127 creates a site readiness fund, and has passed the Senate.
HB166 was released from House Labor Committee and establishes the Elevate Delaware program.

Also released from the Senate Banking, Business and Insurance Committee:

SB93, which is related to auto-renewing or “Evergreen” contract.
HB91, which establishes the definition of “unfair practice."

TALENT FINANCE FOR THE NEW ECONOMY

MORE AFFORDABLE, LESS DEBT, BETTER OUTCOMES

Our economy competes nationally and globally on talent – this was the case even before pandemic shocks shifted many jobs to a remote posture. Now, in 2021 and beyond, we’re entering the most dynamic labor market we’ve ever experienced. We are moving toward an innovation-based global economy that will be driven by talent. This fundamental economic shift will bring major disruptions for employers, learners, students, and workers alike. Read more >

ADRESSING THE ONGOING NEED

FOR SKILLED EMPLOYEES

Q&A WITH SECRETARY KARRYL HUBBARD

Forward Delaware holds a lot of

promise for underemployed Delawareans. Tell us about this initiative and how implementation is going?

Delaware allocated $15.5 million to support this initiative, with a goal of reaching more than 3,000 participants using 26 existing training providers. These funds allowed our training providers to increase their capacity. Read more >

Automation is changing the workplace. What do you think employers need to

key in on for the next five years?

Employers should examine areas that could be impacted by technology. They also need to provide continued training, upskilling and cross training opportunities, and diversify staff by hiring people with strong critical thinking skills and those that can adapt to change. Read more >

"It is no secret that workforce development is a

federal and state priority. It will be key to use data

and business intelligence to adjust workforce investments accordingly." - Karryl Hubbard,

Secretary, Delaware Department of Labor

President's Message

What are your favorite chips? Utz? Lays? Ruffles? No, not those chips! I’m talking about Intel, NVIDIA, Qualcomm, Micron, Global Foundries, and AMD. Those guys.

Despite what cardiologists say, we need chips! According to the WSJ, “A global chip shortage is hampering production of everything from home appliances to PCs to autos" Read more >

CLOSING THE SKILLS GAP

STREAMLINING RECRUITMENT & TRAINING WITH

SECTOR-BASED REGIONAL INITIATIVES

How do we build a supply of talent to fill the demand of entry- and mid-level positions quickly? Below are two forward-looking initiatives that help bridge these gaps for specific positions. Read full article >

UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE

The University of Delaware offers

the first and only accredited trust management minor in the U.S. Students build a foundation of skills in trust law,

tax, investments, and business through traditional coursework and completing

a summer internship in the trust

industry. Read more >

YEAR UP

Year Up is committed to ensuring

equitable access to economic opportunity, education, and justice for all young adults. Their intensive training program utilizes

a high expectation, high support model where students learn in-demand,

technical and professional skills and

apply them during a corporate

internship. Read more >

HIRE MORE FOR SKILLS,

LESS FOR INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

McKinsey Organization Blog Post

More than 70 million U.S. workers filed for unemployment insurance from March through December. Now, more organizations are converting what were furloughs early in the pandemic to permanent job losses. While many companies have parted ways with workers, others—from e-commerce firms to grocery stores—are looking to bring more on. Many are struggling to fill open roles. This should spark organizations to rethink how they bridge the gap between talent demand and supply. Read more >