Delaware state chamber launches nonprofit research arm

The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce has renamed and repositioned its 501(c)(3) affiliate, formerly known as The Partnership Inc., to the Delaware State Chamber Foundation. The change reflects the affiliate’s broadened mission to support research, programs and initiatives that advance Delaware’s economic climate and the prosperity of all Delawareans.

Founded in 1999, The Partnership has been a trusted leader in workforce development, driving initiatives such as Intern Delaware, the Navigating Delaware Pathways Summit, the Superstars in Education & Training awards program, the Delaware Young Professionals Network and the Delaware Principal for a Day program.

Building on this legacy, the Delaware State Chamber Foundation will take on a broader role. Through nonpartisan research, data-driven analysis and thoughtful collaboration, the foundation will address the most pressing challenges facing the business community, track Delaware’s competitiveness over time and contribute to turning insights into actionable policy changes. The work produced by the foundation will contribute by providing the tools and insights needed to strengthen the state’s long-term economic health.

“Delaware’s business community is looking for leadership in tackling the state’s most urgent challenges — from workforce development to regulations, healthcare and the cost of doing business,” said Michael J. Quaranta, DSCC president. “The [foundation] will be that space for collaboration, research and action — where good ideas become lasting solutions.”

Quaranta emphasized that this work will be accomplished in partnership with its member organizations and other stakeholders across the state, including the Delaware Business Roundtable and Delaware Prosperity Partnership. The foundation will serve as a unifier, aligning stakeholders around a shared vision to strengthen job growth, improve competitiveness and quality of life, and create economic opportunities statewide.

“It is not our goal to repeat or re-create work that’s already been done. There are many great studies and ideas in existence, and we know many of Delaware’s challenges already,” said Quaranta. “The key is to dig deeper into those issues, bring all parties to the table to understand the root of the problem, identify the most actionable steps and drive those ideas across the finish line to deliver real change for Delaware.”

Intern Delaware was recently handed off to Leadership Delaware, and moving forward, Junior Achievement will champion the Delaware Principal for a Day program. The Delaware Young Professionals Network will stay under the state chamber’s umbrella while the Navigating Delaware Pathways Summit and Superstars in Education & Training awards will remain within the foundation.

“Renaming The Partnership and expanding its mission is a reflection of how we, as an organization, are continuing to evolve to meet the needs of Delaware’s business community,” said Kelly Basile, DSCC chief operating officer. “Innovation requires deviation, and this step ensures we go beyond simply sharing ideas to delivering measurable results.”

To learn more, go to dscc.com/foundation.