Sussex Economic Development Action Committee - SEDAC

From Dr Bill Provine
Innovation is often associated with universities, startups, and technology hubs.

But for communities everywhere, the bigger question is whether innovation creates jobs, attracts investment, supports local businesses, and improves quality of life.

I’ve been thinking about the connection between innovation and economic development and how regions can build long-term prosperity in an increasingly competitive world.

I thought members of SEDAC might find this perspective interesting and would welcome your thoughts.

America Is Evolving How It Builds Innovation Economies Much of America’s economic growth over the past several decades has been tied to successive waves of innovation — information technology, biotechnology and life sciences, advanced communications, digital platforms, and now artificial intelligence. When Innovation Became More Concentrated Innovat...

GETTING A GRIP ON GROWTH: Sussex County adopts first in series of ordinances to address affordable housing, other development concerns. https://ow.ly/fLyx50Z9A4q

Congratulations Gov Matthew Meyer and Dr. Neil Hockstein for your selection of The Delaware Medical School Coalition, led by Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University is association with Beebe Healthcare and many others, to establish Delaware's first Medical school. The Sussex Economic Development Action Committee has been working on this issue since 2022 and we're grateful to see this work paying off for our friends and neighbors throughout Delaware. Well done. Thank you.
Thanks to SEDAC’s & for ALL their efforts!!

Sussex County will be working with a consultant to revise a 20-year-old affordable homeownership program that has drawn no interest and to draft rules for tiny house developments. Brandy Nauman, director of the county’s Community Development & Housing Department, explained the plans at the April 21 Sussex County Council meeting.

The Delaware State Housing Authority in October approved the county’s request to participate in a pilot program in which the state funds a consultant to help create local zoning reforms, Nauman said. Sussex County is among the first nine participants.

What a packed house today at the SEDAC monthly meeting, could it be our speaker, Andrew Harton, Sussex County Economic Development Director? Well that was a part of it! Andrew has been making the rounds and telling his story & the great things Sussex County ED is doing - a GREAT job!! We also heard from our towns (Millsboro, Georgetown, Laurel), our Chambers (Millsboro, Georgetown, Milford & Rehoboth Dewey) + ALL the great work our committees are doing (healthcare, advocacy, housing, advocacy, marketing & infrastructure ++). The most exciting thing is 6 new members!! Let me know if you would like to learn more - [email protected]

⭐ Affordable Housing ⭐
Senate Joint Resolution 8

At a time where there is a crucial need for affordable housing, we must take an all-hands approach and utilize the best practices at our disposal. In Sussex County, that rings especially true as we experience rapid growth that demands proactive planning.

Through SJR 8, jurisdictions could apply for free technical assistance to modernize their municipal zoning and land-use policies with a goal to bolster their affordable housing stock. I'm proud to acknowledge that several jurisdictions in our county were awarded that assistance through the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA)'s pilot program: Bridgeville, Georgetown, Laurel, Lewes, Milford, Rehoboth Beach, and Sussex County.

✨️Women in Business Spotlight ✨️
Kate Gemma
Strategic Planning and Development Manager, Carl M. Freeman Companies

Kate Gemma’s path to business leadership was unexpected. Originally preparing for a career in medicine, she pivoted after college and discovered her passion for business and community development. She has always been devoted to the well-being of her community, and her dissertation explored the relationship between perceptions of the built environment and social sustainability in Sussex County.

Driven by curiosity and purpose, Gemma continues to help shape communities that will thrive for generations to come. She leads strategic planning and development initiatives at Carl M. Freeman Companies, where she combines data-driven insight with a passion for building vibrant, sustainable communities.

🔗Read more about this inspiring businesswoman and see all 35 Women in Business in 2025: https://delawaretoday.com/life-style/delawares-women-business/

This past Friday we had the privilege of welcoming U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester and Lieutenant Governor Kyle Evans Gay to our SEDAC monthly meeting. It was a full house as we heard about the committees the Senator is assigned to & indicated what she has helped with in Sussex County. From the Lt Governor it was clear her top priorities are in education & healthcare. She is also focused on learning more about the communities throughout DE, including right here in Sussex, touring several towns including Georgetown. We also heard from our key committees - healthcare, housing, marketing & advocacy. These committees are working hard to change perceptions & do the hard work to make Sussex better. SEDAC thanks the Senator & Lt Governor for taking the time to share their thoughts & passions!

Congratulations graduates!! Thanks Lillian Harrison for spearheading this group!