Working groups to take aim at Kent County economic development challenges

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Gerard Esposito, chairman of the Greater Kent Committee (GKC), announced the formation of two working groups to address issues related to economic development in Central Delaware.

The forming of the working groups is a direct recommendation of the Economic Analysis Study of central Delaware performed by Rockport Analytics.

 The study identified areas which needed to be addressed in efforts to attract business. The two areas identified by the study were: Education and Skills Development and Quality of Life.

“The Greater Kent Committee is committed to assisting with Economic Development in Central Delaware Region. The newly formed groups will allow us to position the area for future growth, “said Esposito.

The Education and Skills Development Group will be led by Tony Allen, provost of Delaware State University; other members of the group will be Dr. Daniel Shelton, superintendent, Capital School District; Dr. Clint Robertson, assistant dean,  College of Business, Wilmington University; Cornelia Johnson, campus director, Delaware Technical Community College; Dr. Robert Clark, president, Wesley College; Jeremy McEntire, asst.dean Adult Education, Polytech High School; Stephanie Preece, CDC; Michelle Taylor, CEO, United Way; Fatima Edwards, student, DSU; Kevin Fitzgerald, superintendent, Caesar Rodney School District; Mark Dunkle, attorney, PGS.

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“This Education and Skills Development Group represents an important concentration of the area’s intellectual capital from many different institutions working together toward a common goal,” said Allen, who has been appointed as chairperson for the group. “We will be  applying our shared expertise to create an atmosphere of innovation, opportunity, and equity for everyone who wants to make a life and a career in Kent County.”

The Quality of Life Group will be led by Scott Becker, owner, Coastal Car Wash, other members of the group are Mike Rasmussen, co-owner Painted Stave Distillery; Michael Utley, principal project manager Exelon Generation; Bryan Shupe, Milford Live; Stephanie Tatman, co-owner Dolce Bakery and Coffee Shop; Jeremy Kalmbacher, P.E., principal at Three Chord Engineering; Jeri Sheats, Realtor/owner of First State Homes brokered by EXP Realty; David Hugg, city planner, City of Dover; Evan Park, asst. director of Government Affairs, University of Delaware; Rachel Bowden, plant controller, Kraft Heinz Corporation; Laura Chupp, community member.

The Greater Kent Committee a non-profit organization to help support and expand business interests throughout central Delaware. The GKC is supported by a  team of business leaders from Kent County, whose mission is to create a business environment supportive of the entrepreneurial spirit – benefitting businesses and residents alike.

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