Helping businesses prepare for everything

We really have some great resources to help our business and nonprofit communities around here.

The Delaware Small Business Development Center, in conjunction with the University of Delaware and the Small Business Administration, is hosting a Delaware Resiliency Summit, free of charge and open to all Delaware businesses, nonprofit organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions and the general public.

The 2016 Delaware Resiliency Summit will cover how to protect your business through disruptions - whether from a storm, cybersecurity breach or supply chain interruption. 
The summit will include breakfast and lunch. Participants will receive a free business continuity guide and other giveaways.

April 6 Summit

Time: 8 a.m. until 1:15 p.m.
Location: at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington

Click Here to Register for this FREE event.

I encourage all businesses and non-profits in the area to take advantage of this great opportunity.

Marty

Idea Challenge In Wilmington

The Technology Forum of Delaware, 1313 Innovation, and Downtown Visions held the 2016 Idea Challenge last week - inviting teams to propose ideas about how to use technology to improve our city.

Our friend Ivan Thomas with DETV captured the evening in this video:

I've said it before, we are so fortunate to have so many smart, talented, and insightful people involved with our Downtown Wilmington.

Marty

Downtown Delaware Revitalize Conference

There is nothing like a gathering of professionals involved with the development of downtown districts. On March 16, Downtown Visions was honored to host such a gathering of professionals from Seaford, Milford, Dover, Newark, Middletown, New Castle, and more great cities throughout the First State.

Throughout the day, we heard from Governor Jack Markell, Delaware Economic Development Director Bernice Whaley, Mayor Dennis Williams, City Councilwoman Hanifa Shabazz, Hal Real, Dr. Carrie Grey, Mike Hare, and many others sharing about experiences and visions for our downtown districts.

There is no doubt that we are seeing a real revitalization of our downtowns throughout the country as more people want to enjoy living, working, and enjoying life in a walkable area.

We were happy to be able to show off our Downtown area to our friends from around the state. They got to experience World Cafe Live at the Queen, the baby Grand, and dozens of our great restaurants.

I am proud to work with so many people who are committed to making life better for all who love, work, and play downtown.

Marty

Come Together To Support Our Friends

I have written before about how fortunate we are to have artists like Richard Raw in our community.

Now, we have an opportunity to help out Richard and his wife, Shah Janelle.

It is important for all of us to come together and support our own.

Click Here to learn more and order your tickets.

I want to thank those who have already stepped up to be a part of this event:

World Cafe Live at the Queen is donating the space for the event.

Parcels Inc is covering the printing costs.

I hope to see you on the 26th as we show our friends how much we appreciate and support them.

Marty

Great Entertainment Coming To The Playhouse

The Playhouse on Rodney Square just announced its 2016-2017 season. Let's hear from Mark Fields about the upcoming shows:

Here's more details on the season:

Broadway In Wilmington 2016-2017 Season

RENT

October 28-30, 2016

The Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning masterpiece returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th anniversary touring production. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this timeless celebration of friendship and creativity reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters – love.

Playhouse Premiere!

A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER

November 15-20, 2016

Getting away with murder can be so much fun… and there’s no better proof than the hilarious hit show that won the 2014 Tony Award® for Best Musical. As one gentlemanly NPR critic put it, “I’VE NEVER LAUGHED SO HARD AT A BROADWAY SHOW!”

Playhouse Premiere!

BROADWAY CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND

November 25-27, 2016

With glittering costumes, a dazzling cast, and the highest kicking chorus girls this side of the North Pole, this is a holiday show the whole family will enjoy.

Playhouse Premiere!

KINKY BOOTS

December 13-18, 2016

Broadway’s Tony® winning, huge-hearted, high-heeled hit! With songs by Grammy® and Tony® winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this joyous musical celebration is about the friendships we discover and the belief that you can change the world when you change your mind.

Playhouse Premiere!

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA

February 7-12, 2017

Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s most beloved songs in this hilarious and romantic Broadway experience for anyone who’s ever had a wish, a dream… or a really great pair of shoes.

RIVERDANCE – The 20th Anniversary World Tour

February 21-26, 2017

A brand-new production of the international Irish dance phenomenon is back by popular demand, capturing the imagination of audiences of all ages and cultures in an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music, and song.

Playhouse Premiere of New Production!

PIPPIN

March 7-12, 2017

This unforgettable new production is a high-flying, death-defying hit full of extraordinary acrobatics, wondrous magical feats, and soaring songs that will lift you up and leave you smiling.

Playhouse Premiere!

ONCE

March 31-April 2, 2017

A truly original Broadway experience featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage. Emotionally captivating and theatrically breathtaking, ONCE draws you in from the very first note and never lets go.

For more on The Playhouse and to get tickets for upcoming shows, click here.

I hope you'll join me at these incredible shows!

Marty