Developing Delaware Conference opens up conversation on workforce development, economic growth

DOVER, Del. – Thursday, industry leaders in the first state gathered at the annual Developing Delaware Conference discussing everything from workforce development to economic growth.

“The first thing we want to do is have a strong and growing economy because when people have good jobs and they’re able to support themselves and their family it makes everything else better,” Delaware Governor John Carney said.

Attendees got the opportunity to network and showcase new projects underway.

Sussex County Administrator Todd Lawson talked about the 200,000 sq. ft. Frankford park and an outdoor cottage that would bring more than 100 jobs to Georgetown. “We have to partner with folks In Sussex county and beyond to make sure that need is met to make sure that we have the employment that is required to continue to see the local economy grow,” Lawson said.

“Its an exciting time in Sussex to see these things come together. It’s a lot of work and factors that go into the success story so we’re glad to see it coming to fruition.” 

Over in Kent County, more warehousing and distribution centers are the target industries. “And those types of bedrock industries lay a great foundation for a healthy economy. We don’t want to focus so much just on the service industries in the community but also those producer industries,” Kent County Administrator Michael Petit de Mange said.

Although the focus may differ depending on the county, we’re told the common goal is the same: making sure Delawareans will not only have jobs but also be able to thrive. “Provide good, well paying jobs to sustain a community where it’s a great place to live, work, and raise family but people need a living wage to do that,” Petit de Mange said.

Other topics of discussion included the expansion of broadband access and how embracing technology initiatives like telehealth have actually helped bolster the local workforce.

Governor Carney says the biggest challenge the state is facing is having more jobs available than workers.

He says to attract more talent his office wants to push initiatives like salary increases.