The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce (DSCC) is taking a deep dive into important topics at the forefront of the business community, and we’re featuring the experts—our members! Hosted by Kelly Basile, chief operating officer at DSCC, we are having candid conversations with everyone from CEOs, to interns, data scientists, community and government leaders, and more. Watch video versions of the podcast and view exclusive bonus content at https://www.dscc.com/podcast.html

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Advocacy doesn’t always begin with politics or lobbying. Often, it starts with relationships, participation, and business leaders simply sharing their real-world experiences. As Small Business Month comes to a close, Kelly sits down with Joe Giordano of Whisman Giordano &amp; Associates, Jake Ruddy of PCS, and Evan R. Park of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce to discuss why it’s important for small businesses to connect with local lawmakers, how policy decisions affect day-to-day operations, and why firsthand business perspectives help shape better outcomes for Delaware.

Advocacy doesn’t always begin with politics or lobbying. Often, it starts with relationships, participation, and business leaders simply sharing their real-world experiences. As Small Business Month comes to a close, Kelly sits down with Joe Giordano of Whisman Giordano &amp; Associates, Jake Ruddy of PCS, and Evan R. Park of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce to discuss why it’s important for small businesses to connect with local lawmakers, how policy decisions affect day-to-day operations, and why firsthand business perspectives help shape better outcomes for Delaware.

Advocacy Starts With You

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As energy demand accelerates and grid constraints tighten, conversations around reliability, capacity, and affordability are becoming increasingly tied to Delaware’s economic future. In this episode, Kelly sits down with Brian Jordan of Delmarva Power, Andrew Cottone of Aternium, and Joe Kerecman of Calpine to discuss how energy availability is shaping business growth, site selection, infrastructure planning, and long-term competitiveness across the region. From data centers and rising demand to grid congestion and legislative activity in Dover, the conversation explores what it will take to support growth while maintaining reliability and cost stability.

As energy demand accelerates and grid constraints tighten, conversations around reliability, capacity, and affordability are becoming increasingly tied to Delaware’s economic future. In this episode, Kelly sits down with Brian Jordan of Delmarva Power, Andrew Cottone of Aternium, and Joe Kerecman of Calpine to discuss how energy availability is shaping business growth, site selection, infrastructure planning, and long-term competitiveness across the region. From data centers and rising demand to grid congestion and legislative activity in Dover, the conversation explores what it will take to support growth while maintaining reliability and cost stability.

Can the Grid Keep Up?

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​Delaware has no shortage of ideas when it comes to strengthening our economy, but turning those ideas into real solutions can be a challenge. At a time when the state stands at a crossroads, the biggest risk isn’t a lack of vision — it’s the status quo. In this episode, Kelly sits down with Mark Hutton, head of Business Banking and Delaware regional president of M&amp;T Bank and a founding trustee of the<a href="https://www.dscc.com/foundation.html" rel="nofollow"> Delaware State Chamber Foundation</a>. They explore why the Foundation was created, the role it plays as a convener, how it’s working to move from conversation to action, and a bonus chocolate chip cookie tasting!

​Delaware has no shortage of ideas when it comes to strengthening our economy, but turning those ideas into real solutions can be a challenge. At a time when the state stands at a crossroads, the biggest risk isn’t a lack of vision — it’s the status quo. In this episode, Kelly sits down with Mark Hutton, head of Business Banking and Delaware regional president of M&amp;T Bank and a founding trustee of the Delaware State Chamber Foundation. They explore why the Foundation was created, the role it plays as a convener, how it’s working to move from conversation to action, and a bonus chocolate chip cookie tasting!

A Foundation for the Future

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ILC Dover has been part of Delaware’s manufacturing story for decades, supporting missions that reach far beyond the First State. In this minisode, Rob Reed, president of aerospace and defense solutions at ILC Dover, shares the company’s Delaware roots, its work supporting aerospace and defense missions, and how the company is building a skilled workforce while strengthening ties to veterans, military families, and the local community.

ILC Dover has been part of Delaware’s manufacturing story for decades, supporting missions that reach far beyond the First State. In this minisode, Rob Reed, president of aerospace and defense solutions at ILC Dover, shares the company’s Delaware roots, its work supporting aerospace and defense missions, and how the company is building a skilled workforce while strengthening ties to veterans, military families, and the local community.

MINISODE | Meet Innovator ILC Dover

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Canada is Delaware’s top export market, making the economic relationship between the First State and our northern neighbor deeper than many people realize. From chemicals to agriculture and financial services, Delaware businesses rely on Canada as a major destination for their goods and services, while Canadian companies operate across the state, supporting jobs and strengthening key supply chains. In this episode, Kelly sits down with Canada’s Consul General in New York, Tom Clark, to discuss the growing importance of state-level relationships, the role of the Consul General, and how the Canada-Delaware partnership supports economic growth, trade, and opportunity on both sides of the border.

Canada is Delaware’s top export market, making the economic relationship between the First State and our northern neighbor deeper than many people realize. From chemicals to agriculture and financial services, Delaware businesses rely on Canada as a major destination for their goods and services, while Canadian companies operate across the state, supporting jobs and strengthening key supply chains. In this episode, Kelly sits down with Canada’s Consul General in New York, Tom Clark, to discuss the growing importance of state-level relationships, the role of the Consul General, and how the Canada-Delaware partnership supports economic growth, trade, and opportunity on both sides of the border.

Delaware and Canada: Integrated Economies

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This episode is sponsored by Delmarva Power. Energy costs have been top of mind for businesses and households alike, as demand grows and the energy landscape continues to evolve. In this minisode, Jaclyn Cantler, senior vice president of government, regulatory and external affairs at Pepco Holdings (Delmarva Power), discusses how the company is working to ensure reliability and affordability while modernizing the grid, preparing the workforce of the future, and strengthening community partnerships.

Energy costs have been top of mind for businesses and households alike, as demand grows and the energy landscape continues to evolve. In this minisode, Jaclyn Cantler, senior vice president of government, regulatory and external affairs at Pepco Holdings (Delmarva Power), discusses how the company is working to ensure reliability and affordability while modernizing the grid, preparing the workforce of the future, and strengthening community partnerships.

MINISODE | A Conversation with Delmarva Power

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Preventive care isn’t just a health benefit—it’s a business strategy. Access to preventive care can shape the health of a workforce and the strength of a business. Services like annual checkups, screenings, immunizations, and mental health support help employees stay healthy and catch issues early, before they become more serious and costly. In this episode, Kelly sits down with Kevin Ussery from Beebe Healthcare and Tom Belmont from the Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health to explore how employers can make preventive care more accessible and why prevention is critical for long-term workforce well-being.

Preventive care isn’t just a health benefit—it’s a business strategy. Access to preventive care can shape the health of a workforce and the strength of a business. Services like annual checkups, screenings, immunizations, and mental health support help employees stay healthy and catch issues early, before they become more serious and costly. In this episode, Kelly sits down with Kevin Ussery from Beebe Healthcare and Tom Belmont from the Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health to explore how employers can make preventive care more accessible and why prevention is critical for long-term workforce well-being.

Meeting Employees Where They Are: The Importance of Preventative Care

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The playing field and the boardroom may seem worlds apart, yet the lessons learned through sports often prove invaluable in the professional world. From preparation to discipline, teamwork, and dealing with pressure and adversity, athletic experiences can shape leaders in powerful ways. In this episode, Tamara Stoner of Delaware State University and Ted Lauzen of Grey Fox Wealth reflect on how their time playing sports gave them an edge in their careers—and how those same skills continue to guide their success today.

The playing field and the boardroom may seem worlds apart, yet the lessons learned through sports often prove invaluable in the professional world. From preparation to discipline, teamwork, and dealing with pressure and adversity, athletic experiences can shape leaders in powerful ways. In this episode, Tamara Stoner of Delaware State University and Ted Lauzen of Grey Fox Wealth reflect on how their time playing sports gave them an edge in their careers—and how those same skills continue to guide their success today.

The Athlete's Edge

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Child care isn’t just a family concern. It’s a business issue. Behind every workforce statistic are real families making tough choices about work, career growth, and child care. In Delaware and across the country, the cost, availability, and quality of child care directly impact whether parents can work, take promotions, or stay in the labor force at all. In this episode, Kelly is joined by Madeleine Bayard from Rodel, and Carrie Leishman from the Delaware Restaurant Association, to explore how affordability, access, flexibility, and quality in child care affect Delaware’s workforce challenges and opportunities.

Child care isn’t just a family concern. It’s a business issue. Behind every workforce statistic are real families making tough choices about work, career growth, and child care. In Delaware and across the country, the cost, availability, and quality of child care directly impact whether parents can work, take promotions, or stay in the labor force at all. In this episode, Kelly is joined by Madeleine Bayard from Rodel, and Carrie Leishman from the Delaware Restaurant Association, to explore how affordability, access, flexibility, and quality in child care affect Delaware’s workforce challenges and opportunities.

It Impacts Everyone: The Business of Child Care

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Tariffs are one of the hottest topics in business right now—shifting from week to week, sparking debate, and creating uncertainty for companies across the globe. In this episode, Kelly is joined by Carla Stone, president of World Trade Center Delaware, and David Mathe, director of Export Delaware, to explain what tariffs are, why they matter, and what resources Delaware companies can utilize to navigate this rapidly-changing situation.

Tariffs are one of the hottest topics in business right now—shifting from week to week, sparking debate, and creating uncertainty for companies across the globe. In this episode, Kelly is joined by Carla Stone, president of World Trade Center Delaware, and David Mathe, director of Export Delaware, to explain what tariffs are, why they matter, and what resources Delaware companies utilize to navigate this rapidly-changing situation.

Trade Under Pressure: Tariffs & Geopolitics

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Delaware isn’t alone in navigating a period of rapid transformation. Political, geopolitical, technological, environmental, and demographic changes are reshaping how consumers spend, businesses operate, and leaders plan for the future. In this episode, Kelly is joined by Rodger Levenson of WSFS Bank and Chip Rossi, recently retired from Bank of America, to discuss how these shifts are impacting Delaware’s economy. Drawing from insights in the State Chamber’s recent white paper, The Trends Shaping Delaware’s Future, they explore how the state can turn disruption into opportunity for the years ahead.

Delaware isn’t alone in navigating a period of rapid transformation. Political, geopolitical, technological, environmental, and demographic changes are reshaping how consumers spend, businesses operate, and leaders plan for the future. In this episode, Kelly is joined by Rodger Levenson of WSFS Bank and Chip Rossi, recently retired from Bank of America, to discuss how these shifts are impacting Delaware’s economy. Drawing from insights in the State Chamber’s recent white paper, The Trends Shaping Delaware’s Future, they explore how the state can turn disruption into opportunity for the years ahead.

The Trends Shaping Delaware's Future

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Delaware has a new governor—and with new leadership comes new ideas. Since taking office in January 2025, Governor Matt Meyer has made small business and entrepreneur support a key pillar of his economic development strategy. In this special episode of Delaware Deep Dive, Governor Meyer joins Kelly to discuss his administration’s approach to strengthening Delaware’s small business landscape. He shares why innovation and small business growth are central to the state’s long-term competitiveness, and how recent initiatives aim to build the talent pipeline, support entrepreneurs, and remove barriers to growth.

Delaware has a new governor—and with new leadership comes new ideas. Since taking office in January 2025, Governor Matt Meyer has made small business and entrepreneur support a key pillar of his economic development strategy. In this special episode of Delaware Deep Dive, Governor Meyer joins Kelly to discuss his administration’s approach to strengthening Delaware’s small business landscape. He shares why innovation and small business growth are central to the state’s long-term competitiveness, and how recent initiatives aim to build the talent pipeline, support entrepreneurs, and remove barriers to growth.

Building Delaware’s Economic Future, One Small Business at a Time	

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Delaware is punching above its weight when it comes to innovation. Ranking 8th overall—and 1st for innovation environment—on WalletHub’s 2025 Most Innovative States list, the First State continues to attract forward-thinking entrepreneurs. In this episode, Kelly is joined by Bill Provine of The Innovation Space and Noah Olson from the Delaware Prosperity Partnership to explore why Delaware’s collaborative ecosystem, strong support networks, and startup-friendly culture make it a hub for problem solvers and change-makers.

Delaware is punching above its weight when it comes to innovation. Ranking 8th overall—and 1st for innovation environment—on WalletHub’s 2025 Most Innovative States list, the First State continues to attract forward-thinking entrepreneurs. In this episode, Kelly is joined by Bill Provine of The Innovation Space and Noah Olson from the Delaware Prosperity Partnership to explore why Delaware’s collaborative ecosystem, strong support networks, and startup-friendly culture make it a hub for problem solvers and change-makers.

30-Year Overnight Successes: Nurturing Delaware’s Innovation Economy

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This episode is sponsored by Cover &amp; Rossiter. Running a business—regardless of its size—demands strategic acumen, dedication, and adaptability. While both share the foundation of serving a mission and objectives like profitability and growth, the challenges and nuances between managing a large enterprise and a small business diverge significantly. In this episode, Kelly sat down with two Delaware business leaders, Tom Horne of JPMorgan Chase and Katie Kutler of Kaffé KARMA, to explore the vast differences and fundamental similarities between running their respective organizations.

Running a business—regardless of its size—demands strategic acumen, dedication, and adaptability. While both share the foundation of serving a mission and objectives like profitability and growth, the challenges and nuances between managing a large enterprise and a small business diverge significantly. 

In this episode, Kelly sat down with two Delaware business leaders, Tom Horne of JPMorgan Chase and Katie Kutler of Kaffé KARMA, to explore the vast differences and fundamental similarities between running their respective organizations.

A Day in the Life of a CEO

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Delaware is home to hundreds of manufacturers who employ more than 28,000 Delawareans and make innovative products with local and global impacts. As we witness the reshoring movement, there is an opportunity not just for the U.S. but for Delaware to solidify its position as a leader in the manufacturing economy. In this episode, Brian Brooks from Hologic and Dave McGonigle from Avkin are at the table—two manufacturers who participated in our inaugural <a href="http://weebly-link/728163909229380482" rel="nofollow">Coolest Thing Made in Delaware</a> contest—who will explore the importance of the sector and the many career opportunities that exist within it.

Delaware is home to hundreds of manufacturers who employ more than 28,000 Delawareans and make innovative products with local and global impacts. As we witness the reshoring movement, there is an opportunity not just for the U.S. but for Delaware to solidify its position as a leader in the manufacturing economy. In this episode, Brian Brooks from Hologic and Dave McGonigle from Avkin are at the table—two manufacturers who participated in our inaugural Coolest Thing Made in Delaware contest—who will explore the importance of the sector and the many career opportunities that exist within it.

Meet the Makers: Two Manufacturers Who Are Saving Lives and Inspiring Futures

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NASA research shows that reducing global emissions would prevent about 1.4 million hospitalizations and emergency room visits, 300 million lost workdays, and 440 million tons of crop losses in the U.S. alone. Addressing this global crisis is a priority to customers, investors, and employees alike. Andy Wirth of AstraZeneca and Drew Getty from Perdue Farms sat at the table to discuss why being an environmentally conscious company is not only about doing good, it’s also good business.

NASA research shows that reducing global emissions would prevent about 1.4 million hospitalizations and emergency room visits, 300 million lost workdays, and 440 million tons of crop losses in the U.S. alone. Addressing this global crisis is a priority to customers, investors, and employees alike. Andy Wirth of AstraZeneca and Drew Getty from Perdue Farms sat at the table to discuss why being an environmentally conscious company is not only about doing good, it’s also good business.

Conscious Companies: Sustainable Employers are Desirable Employers

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This episode is sponsored by Delmarva Power. After more than three decades at the company, Phil Vavala brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role of region president at Delmarva Power. A born and raised Delawarean, Phil shares his career journey - from intern to president - top priorities for the company, and Delmarva Power’s approach to workforce transitions and cleaner energy.

This episode is sponsored by Delmarva Power.

After more than three decades at the company, Phil Vavala brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role of region president at Delmarva Power. A born and raised Delawarean, Phil shares his career journey - from intern to president - top priorities for the company, and Delmarva Power’s approach to workforce transitions and cleaner energy.

MINISODE | Meet Phil Vavala, Region President of Delmarva Power

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This episode is sponsored by the Christiana Mall. It’s no secret that businesses are struggling for talent. Once you find those all-star employees, it becomes paramount to retain them. And understanding the concept of career progression and its importance to boosting employee engagement, productivity, and retention can help. In this episode, Keisha Morris of Bayhealth and Michelle Ray of Blackwell HR Solutions will explore the intricacies of developing your employees’ careers, offering insights, strategies, and real-world examples on how professional development initiatives will not only lift your employees but also your organization.

This episode is sponsored by the Christiana Mall. 

It’s no secret that businesses are struggling for talent. Once you find those all-star employees, it becomes paramount to retain them. And understanding the concept of career progression and its importance to boosting employee engagement, productivity, and retention can help. In this episode, Keisha Morris of Bayhealth and Michelle Ray of Blackwell HR Solutions will explore the intricacies of developing your employees’ careers, offering insights, strategies, and real-world examples on how professional development initiatives will not only lift your employees but also your organization.

Reaching New Heights: Lifting Your Employees & Your Business

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This episode is sponsored by the Delaware Department of Labor. Chris Counihan, director of the Division of Paid Leave at the Delaware Department of Labor, joins Kelly to delve into the details of the new Delaware Paid Leave program, which takes effect in 2026. For more information on Delaware Paid Leave, visit <a href="https://de.gov/paidleave" rel="nofollow">DE.gov/paidleave</a>. Questions can be emailed to <a href="mailto:PFML@delaware.gov" rel="nofollow">PFML@delaware.gov</a> or directed to the 24/7 call center at 302-761-8375.

This episode is sponsored by Delmarva Power.

Chris Counihan, director of the Division of Paid Leave at the Delaware Department of Labor, joins Kelly to delve into the details of the new Delaware Paid Leave program, which takes effect in 2026. 

For more information on Delaware Paid Leave, visit DE.gov/paidleave. Questions can be emailed to PFML@delaware.gov or directed to the 24/7 call center at 302-761-8375.

MINISODE | Preparing for the Delaware Paid Leave Program

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It’s not news that the news is in trouble. Your morning paper is thinner than it used to be. Important elections sneak up on you. You hear rumors of something that happened down the street or around the corner, and the lack of news coverage leaves you wondering what to believe. In this season 4 premiere, Ivan Thomas of DETV and Allison Levine of the Local Journalism Initiative will dive into the importance of strong, independent local journalism and how it connects to a better quality of life for all.

It’s not news that the news is in trouble. Your morning paper is thinner than it used to be. Important elections sneak up on you. You hear rumors of something that happened down the street or around the corner, and the lack of news coverage leaves you wondering what to believe. In this season 4 premiere, Ivan Thomas of DETV and Allison Levine of the Local Journalism Initiative will dive into the importance of strong, independent local journalism and how it connects to a better quality of life for all.

Beyond Breaking News: Why Local Journalism Matters	

The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce is taking a deep dive on important topics at the forefront of the business community, and we’re featuring the experts—our members!

The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce (DSCC) is taking a deep dive into important topics at the forefront of the business community, and we’re featuring the experts—our members! Hosted by Kelly Basile, chief operating officer at DSCC, we are having candid conversations with everyone from CEOs, to interns, data scientists, community and government leaders, and more. Watch video versions of the podcast and view exclusive bonus content at https://www.dscc.com/podcast.html