February 4, 2010

Markell Overseas Economic Development Trip Focuses On Major DE Employers

Governor to Make Delaware’s Case in Germany and England Next Week

Wilmington, DE – Governor Markell’s upcoming overseas economic development trip will focus on strengthening connections between the state and some of its largest employers and recruiting European companies to become new employers in the First State.  Markell will spend the workweek of February 8th in Germany and England, arriving back in Delaware on Friday afternoon.

“So many Delawareans work for companies whose international headquarters need to know how committed our state is being a great partner for new jobs and economic growth,” Markell said. “We have an incredible workforce, increasingly good schools, a great quality of life and the ability to react quickly to seize economic opportunities when they arise. As Henrik Fisker said when he decided to locate here – Delaware can get the right people in a room faster than some can get their family of four out to dinner.”

Markell’s meetings with major Delaware employers will include a series of discussions with senior executives at the Fraunhofer Institute, AstraZeneca, Barclays Bank and HSBC. AstraZeneca and Barclays recently announced they are each laying off thousands of employees worldwide.

“Delaware has a great story to tell and we need to tell it. I am looking forward to sharing the stories of our state’s workers and finding ways to connect our legacy of innovation with these global leaders’ visions for the future and the jobs they can bring,” Markell said.

While the focus will be on connecting with existing employers, the Governor will also be meeting with companies who might be interested in calling Delaware their North American home.

“We can and should be the best place in the country to start and grow a business. In looking for places to launch a product line or business unit, Delaware may not yet be the first place companies think to locate, but it should be,” Markell said.