GPSEG sponsors an Economic Impact Roundtable on Sept. 29 and invites attendees to react to economic strategies suggested in a report by the Delaware Business Roundtable.
The meeting, moderated by Sam Waltz, founding publisher of Delaware Business Times, a co-sponsor of the event, will discuss some of a consultant’s suggestions to enhance Delaware’s economy.
The Delaware Business Roundtable released The Delaware Growth Agenda, a framework for economic development and growth that includes public policy recommendations centered on three strategic goals to be implemented over the next five years.
- Building an entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem. This includes bolstering federal, state and private investment in higher education, and emphasizing the health care, science and technology fields, engineering and entrepreneurship programs. The framework calls for the creation of an “Innovation District” as a destination for entrepreneurs and startups, as well as for marketing Delaware to regional and national angel investors and risk capital networks.
- Pursuing a new approach to economic development. The framework calls for establishing a public-private economic development organization, crafting a new comprehensive statewide economic development strategic plan, and a marketing campaign that pursues new investment and jobs in key industries.
- Enhancing Delaware’s business climate. The Growth Agenda says the state must ensure Delaware’s infrastructure meets the needs of a 21st century economy, including updating the Coastal Zone Act to provide greater flexibility in redeveloping brownfield sites. The framework also calls for improving the state’s public education system.
The Delaware Growth Agenda is based on interviews and guidance from more than 100 Delawareans, including representatives from economic development organizations, higher education institutions, businesses, government, labor and nonprofit organizations.
Panelists include:
- Mark Turner, CEO, WSFS Bank, chairman of the Delaware Business Roundtable
- Ernie Dianastasis, CEO of The Precisionists Inc., chairman, First State Innovation
- Dr. John E. Stapleford, DeCon First LLC and Caesar Rodney Institute, Delaware business economist
- Lorri Grayson, president and co-Owner, GG+A Construction
The event starts at 5 p.m. Sept. 29 at the University and Whist Club in Wilmington. Check www.GPSEG.org for ticket availability.
