A Publication of New Castle County Chamber of CommerceMarch 2014

After several months of planning andcollaboration, the new and improved

downtown Wilmington Trolley is back onthe road and many city residents and busi-nesses are very excited to see it. Over thelast few years the ridership on Trolley Route32 has been declining and recently it was injeopardy of being shut down. This changedwhen Downtown Visions, the organizationthat manages the Wilmington Business Improvement District, took the lead to re-think and revamp the way the Trolleyoperates in Wilmington. The net resultwas a new and improved Trolley servicethat better meets the needs of people livingand working in the City.

Downtown Visions brought together awide range of organizations including theVisitors and Convention Bureau, WilmingtonRenaissance Corporation, the RiverfrontDevelopment Corporation, and City government to work with DART to addressa number of key operational issues thatwere confronting the Downtown Trolley.One area of concern that was clearly identified was the need to improve theconnection between Downtown Wilmingtonto other key areas of the City such as theRiverfront, LOMA, Trolley Square, theDelaware Avenue area including Trinity

Vicinity. Another area of concern centeredabout the hours of operation as the Trolleyshut down in the early evening and did notprovide any service to get customers todining and entertainment venues locatedin different parts of the City, but primarilyto the Riverfront.

The existing Trolley service was losingridership because the current route andhours of operation were out of sync withthe needs of city residents, workers andvisitors. Marty Hageman, Executive Director of Downtown Visions, explainsthe need for a revamped trolley this way,“Every great city has superb transportationlinkages that are convenient, affordableand a viable alternative to driving andfinding a parking space. To improve eco-nomic development in the City it is im-perative that we meet the transportation

“Dollar Trolley” Comes to WilmingtonAffordable Downtown Transportation

w w w . N C C C C . c o m

needs of people living and working in thedowntown area. Since DART was willingto partner with us, we were able to transforman underused asset into a real plus for the City.”

In early February, the new Trolley madeits debut as Mayor Williams, representativesfrom DART, Downtown Visions and othersboarded the Downtown Trolley at RodneySquare to take the first ride on the revampedRoute 32. After a great deal of input andconsideration. four key elements were in-tegrated into the new Trolley service whichinclude: 1) expanded coverage down MarketStreet and to the Riverfront, 2) increasedfrequency, with a Trolley leaving everytwenty minutes, 3) adjusted operating hoursfrom 10:45 AM to 10:45 PM and, 4) an af-fordable fare of one dollar for every ride.

Continued on page 3.

This Edition

2 I Chamber Events Matter

3 I As a Matter of Fact

“Dollar Trolley” Comes to Wilmington Affordable

Downtown Transportation

Think Differently About:Education, Innovation & Journalism

4 I Legislative Connection

Beware of the Consequences of Policy Decisions

Patent Troll Targeting of Small Businesses Leads to Concerted Action by National Associations

5 I Economic Development

7th Annual Economic Forecast Luncheon Rescheduled

The EEC Continues to Grow with the Addition of Ross Capital Partners, LLC

6 I Calendar of Events - March

Networking, Business

Education, Legislative Events

& More

7 I Membership Matters

New Member Listing

SpringFest Tabletop Networking Expo

8 I Member Profiles

TekSolv Continues to Grow in Newark

One Stop Marketing Shop

10 I Advertise with the Chamber

Chamber Advertising is Easy and Affordable

11 I Ribbon Cuttings

Networking 101

Photo courtesy of Lindsey Studio

Over 75 woman turned out at Harry Savoyon Naaman’s Rd for our First Women

Into Networking event of 2014.Keynote, Angela Jo Manieri, author of"Your I Am Wake Up Call" educatedus on how to “Rise to the T.O.P. andThink on Purpose” through a humor-ous skit. At W.I.N. events, ladies also

enjoy plenty of free networking time andhave opportunities to exhibit. Mark your

calendar for May 15th when we will gather at the Doubletree Downtown Wilmington withKeynote Troy Farmer of EVA, LLC.

Tucker Robbins of Berkshire Hathaway accepts the prize of a oneyear membership to Hagleyand a lunch for 2 at Toscanafrom Hagley's membershipmanager, Kim Kelleher. All enjoyed this joint mixerwith the Greater WilmingtonConvention & Visitors Bureau!

C H A M B E R E V E N T S M A T T E R

2 I March 2014 I www.ncccc.com New Castle County Chamber of Commerce

Visit

ww

w.N

CC

CC

.com

& click Events C

alendar

WIN Women Into Networking

New business connections were made at the most recent “Cigar Connections” event at Sikar Cigar & Hookah Lounge in Wilmington. Each attendee enjoyed two free cigars, delicious hors d’ ouvres and cash bar. A great time was had by all!

Cigar Connections

Joint Mixer at Hagley Soda House

Policy Makers, Movers

& Shakers Breakfast

Representatives Bryon Short and Mike Ramonejoined us at the Chamber on Jan. 31st for an engag-ing panel format discussion on current issues fac-ing our state. Thank you to the panelists and to allof the guests who came out to participate in thisfirst Policy Makers, Movers and Shakers event for2014. Visit www.ncccc.com for future breakfast,lunch and cocktail hour events in this series.

www.ncccc.com I March 2014 I 3

The goal of these new elements is toincrease the current ridership levelof about 1,200 people per month to4,000. At this increased level, addi-tional expansion of the Trolley couldbe considered.

The expanded coverage is designedto help connect downtown workers,residents and visitors to the many din-ing, entertainment and shopping op-portunities including the Penn CinemaIMAX, DE Children’s Museum,Delaware Center for ContemporaryArts, Riverfront Market, the GrandOpera House and the DuPont Theater.With the new timetable for trolleyoperations stretching past the dinnerhour all the way to 10:45 PM andwith a trolley running every twentyminutes, it becomes much easier tomove around the Downtown areaand get to various riverfront attractions.The new low cost fare of one dollarmakes the trolley an affordable option for everyone.

At this point, service is notavailable on the weekend,but if ridership levelsexpand past 4,000 rid-ers per month,DART will considerexpanding theservice into theweekend. Week-end service couldalso run later intothe evening,which will be asignificant benefitfor retail stores andrestaurants locatedalong the Dollar Trol-ley route. So if youwant to help getWilmington movingagain, make plans toride the Dollar Trol-ley the next time you are downtown,it’s a great way to get around.

“Dollar Trolley” Comes to Wilmington

Affordable Downtown Transportation

A S A M A T T E R O F F A C T

Continued from page 1.

The New Cas-tle County

Chamber ofCommerce hasbeen helping businesses connect, saveand grow for over 90 years. Every yearsince 1922, we have hosted an AnnualDinner to bring our members togetherwith Delaware’s business and electedleaders for an evening of networkingand to celebrate business success righthere in New Castle County. The AnnualDinner is also the Chamber’s largestfundraising event. Last year we changedthe format of the Annual Dinner to allowmore Chamber members to attend andenjoy our largest event by moving it to the Bob Carpenter Center in Newark, by implement a more interactiveprogram and by adding an affordablenetworking mixer.

This year we are continuing to improvethe Annual Dinner and NetworkingMixer by adopted the theme of “ThinkDifferent.” We want to use the AnnualDinner as a tool to get the business com-munity more focused on solutions tochallenging economic and political issues.The inspiration for this year’s themecomes from the famous Apple computermarketing campaign that encouragedpeople to think differently and promotedthe idea of innovation. We will featurethree “TED Talk” type presentations bythree nationally recognized thought lead-ers concerning; Journalism, Educationand Innovation. We will also be announc-ing the winner of the Second AnnualSwim with the Sharks Funding PitchCompetition for early stage businesses.The evening will conclude with somemore networking and a Coffee andDessert Bar where you can meet ourthree speakers and mingle with our guests.

It has certainly been a very challengingtime for all large and small businessesover the last few years. Government lead-ers at the local, state and federal levelshave been struggling to develop legislation,policies and programs that will help

promote econom-ic growth in thepost Great Re-cession world.

One thing is clear for both business andgovernment, we must seek out new waysto run our businesses and encourage thedevelopment of policies and programsthat will support meaningful economicgrowth. Delaware businesses must thinkdifferently about ways to meet changingconsumer demands and take advantageof technological advancements. Gov-ernment must find ways to solve problemsand develop solutions that will create anenvironment that is conducive for economic growth and job creation. Thebottom line is this, both government andbusiness must think differently and mustwork together to help get Delaware’seconomy moving again.

To help promote a new way ofthinking, the Chamber is pleased to pro-vide a platform for innovative thinkingat our 2014 Annual Dinner. There is nomore critical element to a successfuleconomy than a highly trained workforce.But in order to have this, we need tothink differently about the way we areeducating our children. In order to takeadvantage of all the new opportunitiesin the 21st Century, we need to think differently about the culture of innovation,be more willing to try new things andnot be afraid of failing. If the economy isgoing to move forward we will to re-think the ways we get information,communicate ideas and promote politicaldialog. We need to think differently aboutthe future of journalism and the role ofthe media.

So I hope you will join me on March18th for an entertaining and thought pro-voking evening. It is time to think differ-ently and seek out innovative solutionsthat will not only help your businessgrow, but help Delaware be better positioned to compete with our neighboring states and our neighbors throughout the world.

Think Differently About:

Education, Innovation & Journalism

Sir Isaac Newton’s famous quote whensetting forth his laws of motion, “To

every action, there is opposed and equalreaction,” has its applications where publicpolicy is concerned. For too long, toolittle consideration has been given in Con-gress or by President Obama to the conse-quences of the laws they make, the regula-tions that arise from them and the politicalgrandstanding in which they engage.

By all accounts, the Affordable CareAct (ACA) remains a mess. A disastrouswebsite launch, followed by the realization

that a great number of Americanswould end up paying substantially

more for their health insurancethan prior to the Act’s passage.Then it’s followed by rapidlydeveloping rigidity in labormarkets and widespread con-

fusion, mass policy cancellationswithout sufficient plans to ensure

adequate coverage for affected indi-viduals, and it’s left observers on the rightand left alike wondering when the promised

L E G I S L A T I V E C O N N E C T I O N

4 I March 2013 I www.ncccc.com New Castle County Chamber of Commerce

Beware of the Consequences of Policy Decisions

benefits of this massive reengineering ofone sixth of our nation’s economy will ar-rive. After the postponement of two keydeadlines and unclear guidance from theWhite House as to how insurance compa-nies, coverage seeking Americans andbusinesses should proceed, no one is exactlysure what the end result will be where thislaw is concerned.

Here’s what we do know, the Congres-sional Budget Office is projecting that the

law will result in two mil-lion fewer full-time jobsover the course of thenext decade. Proponentsof the law pose the dubi-ous argument that thebetter part of those twomillion jobs will disappearbecause individuals whowere formerly requiredto work full-time will befreed from that require-ment by the ACA. Arewe to believe that the

greater part of these people do not alsohave mortgages, rent or other major ex-penses? To anyone making a payroll orworking their fingers to the bone at a full-time job to make ends meet, this argumentstrains credulity.

We also know that a number of compa-nies – particularly in the hospitality andretail sectors – have decided as a matterof policy that they will no longer hirepeople for more than 29 hours per week.

Visit

ww

w.ncccc.com

&

clickG

overnment A

ffairs

The problems posed by “patent trolls”are a key issue in the 113th Congress.

In fact, the issue is pressing enough thatlegislation introduced in both houseshas been the work of a bi-partisan coali-tion of legislators and that PresidentObama mentioned patent reform in his2014 State of the Union Address.

Patent trolls do not create anything,rather they prey upon the work of othersby purchasing blocks of patents andmaking exceedingly broad patent infringement claims against the devel-opers, innovators and end users of technologies. This problem has grownto become a $29 billion drag on our nation’s economy. Suits have increasedby some 400 percent since 2005.

Patent Troll Targeting of Small Businesses

Leads to Concerted Action by National Associations

In December, the House of Repre-sentatives passed H.R. 3309, The Inno-vation Act, this legislation includes pro-visions which substantially improve patentprocesses; however, more needs to bedone. The Senate has its own bill toaddress this concern – S. 1720, the PatentTransparency and Improvements Act.The introduction of this legislation is animportant first step, but it needs to bestrengthened to bring about protectionsfor the small businesses who have beenthe targets of predatory and frivolouslitigation and threats from patent trolls.

Organizations such as the NationalRestaurant Association, the NationalRetail Federation, the American BankersAssociation, the International Association

of Travel Agents, the AmericanHotel and Lodging Associa-tion, the NationalGrocers Associa-tion and othergroups who rep-resent countlesssmall businessesn a t i o n a l l y , have formed a coalition calledthe Main StreetPatent Coalition.Their aim is substantially increase pro-tections for small businesses by ensuringthat the final legislation which reachesPresident Obama’s desk addresses fivekey areas: Transparency: they are seeking

to improve transparency byeliminating the ability of thesepatent assertion entities to shieldtheir identities using shell cor-porations; Patent

Quality: they seek the ability toaddress overly broad or bad patentswhich allow these entities a foot in thedoor; Demand Letters: they seek provi-sions to punish entities which wronglysend threatening demand letters to busi-nesses; End Users: they are seekingprotections for the end users of technologies which they neither developednor sell; and Litigation Costs: they are seeking language which would allow courts to assign the litigation costs to patent trolls when they file frivolous lawsuits.

Now a number of people who once hadto work overtime at one full-time job topay the rent or mortgage and put food onthe table will be obliged to work two jobs.We know that the fact that the coveragemandate applies to companies with 50 ormore employees has provided a hiringdisincentive to numerous small businessesin our country. All of this has occurred inthe name of expanding access to affordablehealth care coverage. To be sure, that is aworthy goal. The issue however, is notthe sought-after end, but rather, the meansused to get there.

What has informed the morass we call the Affordable Care Act is a certaintyon the part of certain policymakers, thebetter part of whom have never grown orrun a small business or made a payroll –or run an insurance brokerage for thatmatter – that they somehow knew betterthan the private sector and could redistribute goods and services in a manner more efficient than the market.

Continued on page 9.

www.ncccc.com I March 2014 I 5

E C O N O M I C D E V E L O P M E N T C O U N C I L

7th Annual Economic

Forecast Luncheon

Rescheduled for

March 11

Join us as the New Castle County Eco-nomic Development Council hosts the

7th Annual Economic Forecast luncheon.

The event will be held Tuesday, March 11th from 11:30 am – 2:00 pm atthe Doubletree by Hilton WilmingtonDowntown (700 North King Street).

Our featured speaker will be Dr. Anirban Basu, the Chairman and CEOof Sage Policy Group, Inc., an economicand policy consulting firm in Baltimore.His presentation will recap the economicactivities of 2013 and discus the outlookfor the economy for 2014. Dr. Basu is anengaging speaker and his presentationsare informative and entertaining.

Dr. Basu is one of the Mid-Atlantic region’s most recognizable economists, inpart because of his consulting work onbehalf of numerous clients, including promi-nent developers, bankers, brokerage houses,energy suppliers and law firms. Mr. Basuhas written several high-profile economicdevelopment strategies for governmentagencies and non-profit organizations. Inrecent years, he has focused upon healtheconomics, the economics of educationand economic development. He currentlylectures at Johns Hopkins University inmicro-, macro-, international and urbaneconomics.

You can register for this event atwww.ncccc.com.

The EEC is a small business incubator located at the New

Castle County Chamber of Commerce. The Incubator is de-signed to provide business supportservices to entrepreneurs and associated companies. They provide advice, access, and support in a nurturing environment allowing thecompanies to grow. They are a mixed-use facility with a diverse group oftenants. The ultimate goal of theincubator is to graduate their com-panies and have them expand andcreate jobs in New Castle County.

Over the past year, the incubatorhas accepted several new companiesinto their program. One of therecent tenants added to the EECIncubator is Ross Capital Partners,LLC. Ross Capital Partners is acommercial lending company thatadds much needed financing re-sources for business and real estateowners. Their relationships with thecapital markets and the U.S. SmallBusiness Administration, combinedwith twenty five years of mortgagebanking experience allow RCP togive more lending flexibility thanyou will find in today’s environment.

As Delaware’s onlySBA Lender ServiceProvider, they workclosely with regionalPreferred Lenders tosource the right loansat the best terms tomeet your financingneeds.

Ross Capital Partners is a familycompany started one year ago by SteveFasick, and since has expanded to include his two sons Ryan and Kevin.Steve has chosen to name the companyRoss Capital Partners to honor his father, Ross Fasick, a retired senior executive from DuPont. Steve has 30years’ experience in the mortgagebanking, lending, and real estatefields. He was the founder and CEOof Wilmington Mortgage, Delaware’slargest independent mortgage bank-ing operation. He sold his residentialmortgage company in 2010 and willnow work with his sons focusingcommercial lending.

AAA Mid-Atlantic ◆ Aloysius Butler & Clark ◆ AstraZeneca ◆ Bancroft Construction ◆ Bernardon Haber HollowayChristiana Care ◆ City of Newark ◆ City of Wilmington ◆ Commercial Industrial Realty Council ◆ Committee of 100

DE Taxes/DE Staffing ◆ Delaware BioScience Association ◆ Delaware Economic Development OfficeDelaware River & Bay Authority ◆ DelDot ◆ Delmarva Power ◆ DiSabatino Construction

Emory Hill Real Estate Services ◆ Facility Services Group ◆ Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors BureauHarvey, Hanna & Associates ◆ Info Solutions LLC ◆ Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay

M&T Bank ◆ New Castle County Government ◆ New Castle County Board of Realtors ◆ PNC BankSaul Ewing LLP ◆ Setting Properties, Inc. ◆ TD Bank ◆ The Byrd Group ◆ The Commonwealth Group

University of Delaware ◆ W.L. Gore ◆ Whiting Turner ◆ WILMAPCO ◆ World Trade Center Delaware

For information on joining the EDC, contact Bob Chadwick at chadwickb@ncccc.com

Economic Development Council Member List

The EEC Continues to Grow with the Addition

of Ross Capital Partners, LLC

Ross Capital Partners will not only benefit from being a tenant atthe EEC it will also provide a benefitto other companies within the EEC.As all our companies expand andgrow they will need access to capitaland Ross Capital Partners will beuniquely qualified to assist and helpthem secure loans.

The EEC is excited about therecent expansion and is looking forwardto continued growth and success in2014. For more information on theEmerging Enterprise Center, pleasecontact the program manager, FrankDeSantis, at DeSantisF@ncccc.com

Steven Fasick, Founding and Managing Partner of Ross Capitals, LLC.

Dr. Anirban Basu, CEO of Sage Policy Group

New Castle CountyNew Castle CountyEconomic Development CouncilEconomic Development Council

23 24 25 26 27 28 1

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Noon - 1:30 PMChamber Orientation atlunchtime, a FREE event(registration requested)

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM7th Annual Economic

Forecast Luncheon

DoubleTree by Hilton(rescheduled from 2/13)

5:30 - 7:30 PMNetwork at Night

Mardi Gras Holiday Inn Express

Sun M o n T u e W e d Thu Fr i S a t

M A R C H E V E N T S C A L E N D A R

6 I March 2014 I www.ncccc.com New Castle County Chamber of Commerce

Save th

e Date!

2014 An

nu

al Din

ner

March

18th

UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED

All events are held at the New Castle County Chamber,12 Penns Way. Call (302) 737-4343 for details. To register for events, please visit www.NCCCC.com and click ‘Calendar & Registration’

5:30 - 8:30 PMAnnual Dinner &

Networking Mixer

The Bob Carpenter Center, Newark

See back page for details

8:00 - 9:30 AMNonprofit

Roundtable

8:00 - 10:30 AMBusiness Fundamentals:

Are you destroying “Good” employees

with “Bad” Performance Reviews

9:00 - 11:00 AMNew Castle County Open for Business

a FREE event; walk-ins welcome

location to be announced

6:00 PMChina Trip Info Session

at Wilmington University

Save the Date - April Events

April 8, 8:30 -10:00 AMChamber Orientation, a FREE event (registration requested)

April 10, 5:00 - 8:00 PM3rd Annual SpringFest Tabletop & Networking Expo

at Bella Vita Ballroom/ Cavalier Country Club

April 18CHAMBER CLOSED; Good Friday

April 24, 2014 9:00 - 11:00 AMNew Castle County Open for Business

a FREE event; walk-ins welcome

April 29, 8:00 - 9:30 AMNonprofit Forum

April 29, 6:00 PMChina Trip Info Session

April 30, 11:30 AM - 2:00 PMSpeed Networking at lunchtime

Annual Dinner & Networking MixerTuesday, March 18th, 5:30 - 8:30 pm at The Bob Carpenter Center

www.NCCCC.com

Presentations focusing on:Innovation, Education & Journalism

Entrepreneurs WIN $2,500 to put towards your business by entering the Video Pitch Competition!

An evening of clever, controversial and humorous presentations, connecting with your next customer and supporting the business community.

www.ncccc.com I March 2014 I 7

Bloom EnergyManufacturing(302) 533-3650www.bloomenergy.com

Cat’s PajamasPet Sitting(302) 793-2287www.thecatspajamas.biz

Christina School DistrictEducation/Training(302) 552-2600www.christinak12.org

Delaware Settlement Services, LLCReal Estate/Title Service(302) 731-2500www.desettle.com

Integrity Sport & Spine Chiropractic Center, LLCMedical(302) 595-2344www.mynewarkchiro.com

Isaacs Automotive, Inc.Automotive(302) 995-2519www.isaacsauto.com

Mattress by AppointmentRetail/Wholesale(302) 709-1830www.mattbyappt.com

MLS Team Philadelphia Union SoccerSports & Recreation(610) 497-8797www.philadelphiaunion.com

Nurse Next DoorHealth Care(302) 264-1021www.nursenextdoordelaware.com

Pike Creek DentalMedical/Dentists(302) 239-0410www.pikecreekdental.com

N E W M E M B E R S M E M B E R S H I P M A T T E R S

Join the Chamber to have your business listed here!

Visit www.ncccc.com orcall (302) 737-4343.

List complete as of February 19, 2014

Positive Promotions, Inc.Advertising & Marketing(302) 292-3994www.delaware28.com

PPL EnergyPlusUtilities(888) 289-7693www.pplenergyplus.com

Prepaidian, Inc.Financial Services(610) 255-0758www.prepaidian.com

Secure Transport, LLCTransportation/Limo(302) 229-0085www.securetransport.biz

Solution On-Call Services, SOSHealth Care/Home Services(302) 353-4328www.solutionsos.net

Connect Save Grow● ●

www.ncccc.com (302) 737-4343

The Marketing Department World-wide (TMD), the nation’s first mar-

keting consulting agency with a networkof local offices focused on providingcreative and affordable marketing so-lutions for entrepreneurs, has openedin Wilmington, Delaware.

The Marketing Department pridesthemselves on being transparent through-out your entire experience. They are upfront about their pricing and providecustomers a money back guarantee.

Blair Hains, a Delaware resi-dent, is the Managing Partnerof The Marketing Departmentin Delaware. “With its vibrantand engaged business com-munity, Delaware is a perfect

fit for The Marketing Depart-ment,” said Hains. “Using our

marketing genius tools, The Marketing Department can helpDelaware’s entrepreneurs to developand execute a marketing plan that propels their business forward whileworking within their budget.”

Velocity and Spark are two of the marketing packages offered by

The Marketing Department to entre-preneurs to help establish themselvesquickly. Velocity is a selection of robust,cost effective and scalable marketingsupport tools that are specifically de-signed to bring a new business or productto market, fast. Spark increases theweb presence of a business by the bestpractices of Inbound Marketing and putthem to work where customers live,work, and play online.

All The Marketing Department siteshave access to a centralized creative department, which keeps costs downfor customers while producing top-notchmarketing collateral to compete withlarger, more costly agencies.

For more information on The Marketing Department you can visittheir website, www.TMDDelaware.com.

TekSolv, based in Newark, Delaware,is a leading provider of full service

safety, rescue, health, engineering, industrial automation and environmentalservices. TekSolv specializes in oil andgas, manufacturing, construction andgovernment-related industries.

TekSolv was started in 1999 and hassince grown into a major corporationwith over 150 employees and locationsacross the country. The corporate head-quarters is in Newark, Delaware, andthere are facilities located in Ohio, Texasand two in Pennsylvania.

They earned the position of 1,960 onthe 2013th Inc. 5000 list and were rankedfifth overall in the State of Delaware. They look forward to continuing to grow and expand in the future.

In addition to the services that TekSolv offers, they also have a retail store with supplies and clothing for industries such

as industrial, law enforcement, firefightersand other public safety professionals.They offer brands such as Carhartt,HAIX, Helly Hansen, Red Kap, Bulwarkand Horace Small and if you can’t findwhat you need in the store they canorder it for you.

TekSolv is a young company that isexpanding and growing and providingDelaware with specialized services. Formore information on TekSolv, visit theirwebsite www.teksolv.com.

8 I March 2014 I www.ncccc.com New Castle County Chamber of Commerce

M E M B E R P R O F I L E S

Visit

ww

w.N

CC

CC

.com

&

click ‘Mem

ber N

ews’

TekSolv Continues to

Grow in NewarkOne Stop Marketing Shop

www.ncccc.com I March 2014 I 9

M E M B E R S M A T T E R

Now, instead of correcting substantiveand very pressing problems with this Act,Republicans and Democrats are lockedin an absurd standoff wherein Democratsrefuse to admit that they were wrongabout some of their key premises as tohow this would work and Republicanscontinue to pass meaningless repeal billsin the House which will not see the lightof day in the near future in the UnitedStates Senate.

In another display of single-mindedideological talking points driven policy-making, President Obama and Democraticleadership are calling for an increase inthe minimum wage to $10.10 per hour by2015. A February report by the Con-gressional Budget Office has indicatedthat increasing the federal minimum wage

to $10.10 per hour could result in the lossof some 500,000 to one million jobs bythe second half of 2016. Proponents ofthe minimum wage increase point outthat the wages of the 16.5 million workersin an average week would increase.

According to Bloomberg, about 19percent of minimum wage earners actuallyfall below the poverty line. Proponentsargue that about 900,000 people wouldbe lifted out of poverty were the minimumwage increased to $10.10 an hour. If oneemploys that logic, then what about the500,000 to one million people who losttheir jobs as a result of such an increase?

It is time for policymakers to end par-tisan grandstanding and wishful thinkingand to engage in a serious effort to allowfor economic growth in the coming decade.

Beware of the Consequences

of Policy DecisionsContinued from page 3.

-

- -

For tickets and more information visit:

www.SocietaDaVinci.com | 302-631-1542TICKETS ARE ALSO SOLD AT: Hilton Wilmington/Christiana

C

ARMAN

Brought to you by

|

Chef Giuseppe Martuscelli

Chef Stefania Panza

Chef Robert Fratticcioli

Chef Patrick D’Amico

CELEBRITY CHEFS

Br

ought to you byBr

TICKE

.Sociewwww.For tickets and more information visit:

TS ARE ALSO SOLD A

302-631-1542|.SocietaDaVinci.com For tickets and more information visit:

ATTSO SOLD A Hilton Wilmington/Christiana:

302-631-1542For tickets and more information visit:

Hilton Wilmington/Christiana

A D V E R T I S E I N B U S I N E S S M AT T E R S !

10 I March 2014 I www.ncccc.com New Castle County Chamber of Commerce

Visit

ww

w.N

CC

CC

.com &

click ‘A

dvertise’

Advertising with the Chamber is an easy and affordableway to get your business in front of the customers

you need to help your business grow. There are manyvaluable advertising opportunities, including:

Business Matters (this publication)

• Choice of a variety of ad sizes and frequency. See the chart to the right to make your selection.

• Business Matters has a newspaper circulation of 65,000 and a direct mail circulation of 2,000.

• The publication is also posted to the Chamber’s website at www.ncccc.com and emailed to

over 28,000 subscribers to the Chamber’s email list.

• Custom advertising packages are available.

Electronic Media Advertising

• Banner and Island ads are available in the Chamber’s weekly mass emails, sent to over 28,000 subscribers

• Choose a website banner ad and have an opportunity to be seen by over 10,000visitors a month! Web banner ads start at just $200 a month.

• An Enhanced Online Business Listing lets you stand out among your competitors by enhancing your business listing for only $50 per year.

For more information on advertising with the Chamber, visit www.ncccc.com and click ‘Advertise, call (302) 737-4343 or email mcgahaj@ncccc.com.

NONSTOP TOAtlanta • Chicago-Midway • Denver • Detroit • Fort Myers • Orlando • Tampa

Chamber Advertising is Easy and Affordable

www.ncccc.com I March 2014 I 11

R I B B O N C U T T I N G S

Affinity Wealth Managementwww.affinitywealth.com

Networking 101

Networking is an im-portant part of

building a successful ca-reer. The old saying, “It’s not what youknow—it’s who youknow,” holds more truththan you might think. So think of networkingas an investment, not a nuisance.

Consider the fact that80-90 % of jobs are neveradvertised or placed withan agency. How do theyget filled? Through networking.

Networking is essential when startingup a new business or just looking for ajob. The more people you know, themore potential prospects and opportu-nities you have.

First Impressions Say a Lot so Be Prepared

When initially meeting someone,93% of the first impression is based onnon-verbal data such as appearance andbody language. After the initial impres-sion, what is said is very important andbecomes the substance and personality.

Always go to an event or meetingarmed with a solid knowledge of the au-dience, current events and business acu-men. Remember that first impressionsdo count, and you only have one oppor-tunity to make a good one.

When meeting new people, be interesting and interested. People loveto be asked questions – it’s an ice breakerfor them as well as for you. Once engaged in a conversation on a giventopic, the rest will flow. Simply find common interests!

Think about the best networking opportunities. Is it a one-on-one meetingover a meal or a drink? Is it an industryassociation gathering or serving on acommittee? Philanthropic interests?

tional.e naMore local.Mor

ed is easier than eonnectying ctaS

w with mors Journal. NowNe

heer with Tved is easier than e

ories andte local sw with mor

ttt mae of whaMor

ou.o yers ttt

.eory herts

ou, yo yers ttt. If it maevicde

our homeo yed ter— deliv

otional ce naell as morw

ou closer tt bring ysports tha

ou’ll find the wholeou, y

eoritvaeeds and f, social four home

YAODA Tom USage frerv

ommunity aso the cou closer t

Determine where the prospective clientsare involved, and determine your comfort zone.

When joining the Chamber, find yourpassion and where you can contributethe most, and then get involved to maximize the return. Some may be morecomfortable in a small group rather thannetworking at a large event. Choose howyou spend your time wisely.

Cultivate and Develop Relationships

Once involved in the Chamber, startbuilding relationships. There are simplekeys to building a lasting relationship:

• Keep in touch

• Follow up and follow through

• Be sincere

• GIVE before you expect to receive

• Be patient!

Offer to help people. Connecting thedots is an exercise that will continuouslycome back to you as an unexpectedbonus. Assist people searching for a jobor their children looking for summer internships. It’s another opportunity to reach out to someone you wish to develop a relationship with, without asking for business, but rather offering an opportunity.

Visit www.ncccc.com to plan your next networking event.

Annual Dinner & Networking MixerTuesday, March 18th, 5:30 - 8:30 pm at The Bob Carpenter Center

Featuring presentations by:

2nd Annual Swim with the Sharks Video Pitch Competition

The New Castle County Chamber of Commerce is holding a Video Pitch Competition as part of the Annual Dinner & NetworkingMixer. Early-stage businesses will have an opportunity to compete for a $2,500 prize to help fund their new business idea. First, second

and third place winners will also receive free Chamber membership for one year. The winners will be announced at the Annual Dinner.

The theme of this year’s Annual Dinner is “Think Different.” We are focusing on the concepts of innovation, education and journalism and will set the stage for three speakers who will give “TED Talk” type of presentations. The idea of the talk is to make people think differently and implement change about the particular issue or idea.

To Register: www.NCCCC.comQuestions: Contact Heather Fisher at fisherh@ncccc.com or (302) 294-2055.

Sponsorship Information: Contact Pamela Mayse at maysep@ncccc.com or (302) 294-2062.

Dinner Admission:$175 Members; $195 Non-Members

· Networking Dinner with Drinks Included

· Prime Seating at Presentation· Dessert and Coffee Bar

Networking Admission: $35 Members; $50 Non-Members

· Networking Reception with light Hors d’ Oeuvres & Cash Bar

· General Seating at Presentation· Dessert and Coffee Bar

Charles LewisNational Investigative Journalist;

former ABC News & 60 Minutes producer& founder of Center for Public Integrity

Rebecca Sibilia COO & VP of Fiscal Strategy

Students First“A movement to transform public education”

Dr. Stephen S. TangPresident and CEO

University City Science Center, PhiladelphiaFirst and largest urban research park in U.S.