Democratic candidate for Governor John Carney wants to a new marketing strategy for the Delaware Economic Development Office.
In an economic platform released on Friday, Carney would “direct DEDO to create a new, targeted marketing strategy that builds on Delaware’s economic strengths and highlights opportunities for entrepreneur investment and job creation.”
The agency, one of the smallest in state government has been viewed by some critics as being behind the times when compared to some of its counterparts in other states and counties.
Changing DEDO
A number of states and neighboring Chester County, PA have set up economic development corporations and councils that use a combination of public and private funding in efforts to attract and retain businesses.
Carney’s platform made no mention of that type of strategy.
Other points
Carney, who grew up in Claymont, continues to push for redevelopment of brownfield sites, like the former Evraz Claymont Steel mill and expansion of the Port of Wilmington. Other recommendations include:
- Creation of a better environment for start-ups, including better access to venture capital.
- Improving broadband access in rural areas of the state.
- Developing stronger partnerships between government, business and chambers of commerce.
- Developing workforce development programs that can move veterans and others into better jobs.
- Cutting red tape.
- Preserving farmland and providing market assistance for farmers and promoting agribusiness.
In 2009, current Gov. Jack Markell nominated Republican and former Happy Harry’s CEO Alan Levin to head the Economic Development Office during a deep recession that hit the state and contributed to the closing of both of its auto assembly plants.
Struggles, successes
Under Markell and Levin, Delaware Economic Development Office had its share of successes and failures that included the failed conversion of the former GM Boxwood Plant by Fisker Automotive. Fisker ended up in bankruptcy and the state is believed to have lost most of the $20 million in financial assistance for the project.
Also controversial was the Bloom Energy financial package that brought a plant for the fuel cell maker to Delaware in return for Delmarva Poser customers paying for electricity generated by Bloom fuel cells.
Employment at the plant is only a fraction of the 900 or so jobs that had been expected at the site in Newark.
On the plus side, the state solidified its reputation as a center for financial services, with JPMorgan Chase adding thousands of jobs in northern Delaware.
The current director is Bernice Whaley, a former executive at Happy Harry’s.
According to the release, Carney toured many businesses to discuss the challenges and opportunities.
He stated that the proposal was developed after disucssions with entrepreneurs, small business owners, business leaders, representatives of Delaware labor trades, community officials, farmers, and educators. To view the full platform text, click here.
