Good morning,

Former Delaware State Chamber of Commerce president and Milford native  John Burris had some advice for a new media outlet.

Around the time of the launch of the Business Ledger in 1994, Burris reminded us not to “forget the poultry industry,” even though circulation was largely limited at the time to New Castle County.

The Ledger came at a time when Burris and the State Chamber were looking to return to the days when the organization was the media voice for economic growth in a state.

Burris’ predecessor Bill Wyer was said to have kept a shovel in the trunk of his car,  thanks to a continuous round of groundbreakings in the 1980s.

The Chamber’s paper was loaded with ads as well as releases and photos of groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings. It rankled managers at my previous gig the Delaware Business Review.

By 1994, the boom was gone.  Burris wanted to recapture some of that glory with an upgrade of the Chamber’s own publication.

While always gracious, we were clearly rivals. However, Burris recognized the need for more voices for businesses and offered the advice that I have always kept in mind.

The good news a couple of decades later is that the growth of the poultry business has continued despite some twists and turns.

Two giants in the business, Allen and Townsend are gone, with Korea-based Harim and family-owned Mountaire buying out their assets

Both have expanded operations but have faced legacy environmental issues. Newcomers and a few longtime residents are increasingly intolerant of the industry and want to remake their little piece of paradise in their own image. 

Last week,  Allen Harim opened a new headquarters in Millsboro at the former Vlasic pickle factory site. We also saw signs that another giant on Delmarva, Purdue, is moving forward with its agribusiness headquarters 

Residents and environmental groups fought plans that also include a deboning plant. Had  Allen Harim not bought the property, water quality issues that came with Vlasic would have taken far longer to resolve.

The poultry industry is aware of the issues and public perception. The good news is that the investments continue. It is up to the state’s business and government leaders to step up and continue to support a key industry when necessary.

Stay cool. The newsletter returns tomorrow. – Doug Rainey, publisher.