NEWS RELEASE
Markell Administration Reorganizes Economic Development Office to Improve Efforts to Help Businesses Grow and Create Jobs
Dover, Del. (08/06/09) - Gov. Jack Markell and Economic Development Director Alan Levin announced Thursday their plans to implement a strategic reorganization of DEDO to better meet needs of today's businesses.
The new design will eliminate the "cluster" models of the past and create a business structure that positions Delaware for greater economic growth and vitality. While the former cluster focused economic development structure served Delaware well, today the emphasis is on being less specialized and more adept at servicing all businesses.
"My administration is working hard every day to help businesses create jobs and get our economy moving again," Markell said. "DEDO's new alignment will make the office more responsive to businesses' needs. This change is part of my administration's strategy to use Delaware's size to our advantage and make our state the best place to start a business and raise a family."
The new Business Development Division continues to support the state's leading industries while identifying and supporting sectors of growth. While the department is always looking for new opportunities, DEDO's primary focus remains the retention and growth of Delaware businesses. To accomplish this, the Business Development Division will continue to assist entrepreneurs and minority-owned businesses and coordinate "Downtown Delaware." In addition, the division will have business leaders designated to work within each county to support business outreach and expansion efforts.
Recognizing the economic impact of Delaware's tourism industry, DEDO will place a greater emphasis on the self-funding tourism division. Tourism development leaders will concentrate on sales in the areas of group tours, sports marketing, meetings and conventions.
"DEDO's restructuring comes at a time when entrepreneurs and businesses need support the most. The department has always been focused on Delaware's business needs; however, today's economic climate has forced us to reevaluate the services we offer and how they are delivered," states Delaware Economic Development Director Alan Levin. "I am excited about the team we have put in place and even more excited about the improvements we have made."
"In an effort to best use our resources, we have chosen the option of reviewing and reassigning staff and job responsibilities as opposed to adding additional staff. Most of the staff realignments and changes in job responsibilities will be completed by early August," adds Levin.
