Gov. Jack Markell is heading to the Australian American Leadership Dialogue (AALD) forum this week in Sydney.
A release from the Governor’s Office said Markell will build on his efforts to include Delaware in global business discussions in an increasingly global economy.
Invited by the AALD Chairman, Markell will participate in discussions with top political and business leaders from both countries.
The release took pains to emphasize that the trip was not a junket at taxpayers’ expense.
Trip costs are provided by AALD, and are not paid with state funds. No members of the governor’s staff or cabinet will attend.
Nearly 150 delegates include top officials in foreign affairs and trade, as well as CEOs and other executives from more than 40 companies, many with global locations, as well as leaders in education and research,” the release noted.
“The governor will have the opportunity to share Delaware’s story in meetings on economics and trade, innovation and technology, energy and climate, and education,” the release stated.
The announcement of the trip reflects a change from the administration of Gov. Ruth Ann Minner.
The policy from that administration was not to release any information on trips until the plane was in the air. Security concerns were cited as the reason for the policy.
The forum lasts from Aug. 8 to 10th. That means Markell will pile up a lot of air miles for a fairly short visit.
Rice met the challenges
This week we learned that Danielle Rice was leaving the top post at the Delaware Art Museum for a position with Drexel University.
As noted in a brief story in this issue, Rice faced major challenges during her time as museum director. An expansion program left the museum with higher operating costs and a troublesome debt burden at a terrible time for the economy.
Rice managed to deal with these obstacles while remaining active in the community. Her successor will still face those challenges and others in coming years.
The key will be to find the next generation of donors and supporters at a time when donation and cultural choices are seemingly endless.
