Georgetown, Del., Sept. 16, 2008: For Julie Wheatley, the popular phrase “taking care of business” is quite literally what her new job is all about.

Ms. Wheatley begins work today as Sussex County’s new Economic Development director, a job that will require her to promote Sussex County to potential new employers, as well as work with the established business community to build relationships and support continued economic growth.

A resident of Laurel, Del., Ms. Wheatley replaces former Sussex County Economic Development Director Stephen Masten, who retired last year.

Ms. Wheatley's primary responsibilities as director will be drawing new employers to Sussex County, with particular emphasis on attracting manufacturers that complement the already strong agriculture and tourism industries. Ms. Wheatley was introduced at today’s Sussex County Council meeting.

"I am excited to be joining Sussex County in this new chapter in my career, and I am looking forward to focusing my energies and skills on bringing new opportunities here to the people of Sussex County,” Ms. Wheatley said. “We have a good foundation here in Sussex County in our hard-working people. I'm hopeful my efforts can build on that."

Ms. Wheatley joins Sussex County after serving the past five years as marketing coordinator for a Salisbury, Md., architecture and engineering firm. In the 1990s, she served as an assistant in the Salibury-Wicomico County Economic Development Office.

Sussex County Administrator David B. Baker said Ms. Wheatley was selected from among a field of a dozen applicants, and brings with her the right skills and background necessary to work with the business community.

“Julie is a very approachable, outgoing person who has worked in both the private and public sectors, and we believe she understands what the business community's needs are and how best Sussex County can meet them," Mr. Baker said. "Her marketing background, specifically her design and advertising experience, will give Sussex County the edge it needs in promoting itself to new businesses in and around the region."

Mr. Baker said Sussex County in recent years has enjoyed relatively low unemployment, when compared to the national and state averages, thanks to strong agriculture, tourism and retail industries. Still, added growth in manufacturing, for instance, would buoy the local economy and further diversify it to keep Sussex from being too dependent on one trade.

Mr. Baker said the state and county’s low-tax environment, access to skilled labor and training, and proximity to metropolitan markets make Sussex County an ideal place to do business.

"We believe we need someone out there to spread that message," Mr. Baker said, "and we're looking to Julie Wheatley to do just that for us."

###