[new_royalslider id=”79″] The Technology Forum of Delaware held its first Idea Challege last week.
Click here for an in-depth look at the challenge from Radio Newark
The event featured teams assigned to finding ways to attract business to Wilmington. The city has vowed to find funding for the best ideas.
Frequently noted at the event was the status of Wilmington and the state of Delaware as a center for incorporation. Most companies incorporated in Delaware do not locate to Wilmington or other areas.
One sobering statistic was the high office vacancy rate in the city. It was noted that Wilmington’s office vacancy is only slightly lower than the figure in troubled Detroit.
Four teams each collaborated and delivered innovative proposals. Their proposals leveraged the use of information technology, social media and data centric solutions to invigorate Wilmington’s business community.
“After a lively deliberation process, the judges selected the coIN Loft/Start It Up Delaware team’s big IDEA,” said Tracy Shickel, a judge in the competition.
Team members were Richard Prieto, John Kirk, Robin Lawton, Will Swezey, and Sonal Cerena. According to Shickel. Their idea of the winning team is to offer back office services such as payroll, accounting, IT and administration, based in Wilmington, thereby establishing the city as a remote office location. The city’s marketing and branding plan would include positioning Wilmington as the “Telecommuting Hub”of the East Coast, she said.
Back office support service business would grow and occupy some of Wilmington’s available commercial real estate. And the goal over time would be to have the companies eventually locate divisions or headquarters to Delaware.
Another idea that gained a sizable number of votes from the audience called for the city to become a center for growing international companies, with marketing efforts, incentives and other tools.
Rick Sommer, chairman of the Technology Forum of Delaware, said the organization was pleased with the event.
“All the presenters were passionate about their ideas and were very creative. Initial feedback is that the members and attendees enjoyed this format and are encouraging us to do this again,” Sommer says. “We are hopeful that the winning idea will be explored to bring to reality and make a positive impact in our community.”
