​Delaware has no shortage of ideas when it comes to strengthening our economy, but turning those ideas into real solutions can be a challenge. At a time when the state stands at a crossroads, the biggest risk isn’t a lack of vision — it’s the status quo. In this episode, Kelly sits down with Mark Hutton, head of Business Banking and Delaware regional president of M&T Bank and a founding trustee of the Delaware State Chamber Foundation. They explore why the Foundation was created, the role it plays as a convener, how it’s working to move from conversation to action, and a bonus chocolate chip cookie tasting!

ILC Dover has been part of Delaware’s manufacturing story for decades, supporting missions that reach far beyond the First State. In this minisode, Rob Reed, president of aerospace and defense solutions at ILC Dover, shares the company’s Delaware roots, its work supporting aerospace and defense missions, and how the company is building a skilled workforce while strengthening ties to veterans, military families, and the local community.

Canada is Delaware’s top export market, making the economic relationship between the First State and our northern neighbor deeper than many people realize. From chemicals to agriculture and financial services, Delaware businesses rely on Canada as a major destination for their goods and services, while Canadian companies operate across the state, supporting jobs and strengthening key supply chains. In this episode, Kelly sits down with Canada’s Consul General in New York, Tom Clark, to discuss the growing importance of state-level relationships, the role of the Consul General, and how the Canada-Delaware partnership supports economic growth, trade, and opportunity on both sides of the border.