Well, the calendar has officially changed, and it is time to take a look at all things new… new activities, new ideas, new perspectives, and a whole New Year. The Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, your essential resource for the development of businesses in Central Delaware, wants you to know that we are looking to the new year with wide eyes, hopeful hearts, and a great deal of anticipation. We are working diligently to bring you all the information and resources you need to grow your business in the coming year and make connections.

As we make plans for events and activities for the coming year, we are looking at new ideas and ways to refresh our activities. While we brainstorm and create new ways to deliver our events and activities, the constant goal is always to offer you, our members, as many opportunities as possible to meet people and gain qualified leads, new skills, pertinent information, and build relationships. In other words, we want you to have all the tools you need to move your business forward.

While several of our events are still in the early planning stages, there are a few that are set and ready… for now. On Jan. 25, from 4 – 7 p.m., we will be holding a CDCC Trifecta: Sunset Business Mixer, Member 2 Member Expo, and CDCC Showcase Event at the Delaware Agriculture Museum. This will be a great time to make connections, learn about member businesses, and invite prospective members to come and learn more about the CDCC.

On Jan. 31, brought to you by BIG Investment Services, we are excited to bring you our 9th Annual Economic Forecast Breakfast at Maple Dale Country Club from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. During this informational event we will hear from three experts in the field regarding the health of the economy at the national, state, and local levels – and the predicted impact that will have on our business community. David Boothe of BIG Investment Services will share his perspective on the national economy; Brenda Wise, director of policy and communications in the DE Office of Management and Budget will share from the state level; and Linda Parkowski of the Kent Economic Partnership will shed light on what is happening locally and share exciting plans for growth in Kent County. The cost to participate in this event is $27 for CDCC Members and $32 for Non-Members.

Next month, on Feb. 17 and 18, we will be holding our newly expanded Home & Garden Show in Harrington and the Delaware State Fairground’s Dover Building. This expo-style event will feature everything you need in the way of home improvements and upgrades to your lawn. This is the place where dreams about your upgraded living space can begin to be realized. Watch for more details to come and plan to join us. If you are a business that offers anything in the category of home and/or garden products and services, consider joining us as a vendor.

Early 2023 will also bring back the Legislative Luncheon, the 55+ Expo (April 4 at Bally’s Dover), and our annual CDCC Mini Masters Tournament at Tre Sorelle Dolce (April 26).

As plans come together on other events and activities, we will do our best to keep you informed. Please keep in touch with us as well as we enter this new year. Let us know how we can best serve you and your business as we begin 2023. For more information or to register for events, please contact the Chamber Office at 302-734-7513. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Upcoming Events:

Jan. 5: Kent County Open for Business, Kent County Levy Court – Room 220, 8:30 – 10 a.m.