The “de-malling” of Granite Run Mall, upscale apartments in Media, a major Hollywood production in Chester Township, and new hotels coming to Upper Darby all point to a very positive economic outlook for Delaware County residents.

Delaware County Council partnered with the Chamber of Commerce to present an upbeat “State of the County” address Wednesday at the Drexelbrook Center in Upper Darby, where bulldozers worked outside to prepare for the construction of a Holiday Inn.

Council Chairman Mario J. Civera Jr. highlighted dozens of major projects that will improve the quality of life, economic opportunity, and growth prospects for the county.

“We are a small county, land-wise; we are a historic county with older neighborhoods and buildings, but we are at the forefront of so much modern growth and exciting developments and it’s just amazing,” Civera said. “Delco has it all – the workforce, the innovation, the partnerships, the location, and the people – to make it all work!”

Civera was joined by Vice Chair Colleen Morrone, John McBlain, Dave White, and Mike Culp in spotlighting various aspects of county government, including workforce development, open space preservation, criminal justice innovations, and Human Services programs for vulnerable residents.

“You have people like Michael Markman renovating Granite Run Mall,” Civera said. “You have not one, but two hotels coming to Upper Darby. One of our largest and most historic employers, Wawa, is building a state-of-the-art facility at its Red Roof headquarters in Chester Heights. Media is experiencing a boom in residential construction with apartments and townhouses in the West End and a Hampton Inn coming to the East End.”

“And Boeing, our largest employer, marked its 100th year of pioneering aviation, and its aircraft are still in high demand.”

Small businesses are also prospering. Folcroft’s Scrub Daddy won Shark Tank’s Most Successful Product award in February. Medical Solutions Supplier in Glen Mills was just named the Best Small Company to Work For by Philly.com. A family from Broomall is creating state-of-the-art medical devices at Basil Leaf Technologies. And Eddystone welcomed Aero Aggregates, the first U.S.-based company to produce lightweight aggregates from recycled glass.

“We have another major film wrapping up at Sun Center Studios in Chester Township, this one starring Bryan Cranston, Kevin Hart, and Nicole Kidman,” Civera said. “All of this innovation is happening right here in Delaware County.

“And why wouldn’t it? We’ve got great schools and universities, excellent healthcare systems, public transportation, wonderful neighborhoods and open space, parks and recreation. We’re within minutes of the airport, the city, and the riverfront. And we have the best, hardest-working residents.”

Morrone talked about efforts to develop a workforce that meets today’s demands, especially in the technology and energy sectors. She said the county Office of Workforce Development served 1,510 individuals last year and partnered with the chamber and local businesses to offer on-the-job training, plus an ex-offender job placement program.

Morrone also announced several initiatives to preserve open space in the county, including the opening of the Chester Creek Rail Trail in Middletown, preservation of 240 acres of Beaver Valley in Concord, and the expansion of the Darby Creek Trail in Upper Darby.

McBlain detailed initiatives in criminal justice, stressing that public safety is one of council’s top priorities. He told attendees about the work of the county’s Criminal Justice Advisory Board and talked about the success of special treatment courts for offenders who may suffer from addiction or mental illness. He also touted the county’s universities, which are all experiencing growth in enrollment and new buildings and programs on their campuses.

White listed the many ways that the county serves vulnerable residents through the Human Services Department, including at-risk children, people with intellectual disabilities, and elderly residents. White also updated the crowd on the critical work the Heroin Task Force is doing each day to battle the current opioid epidemic that is taking the lives of so many people.

Culp wrapped up with news from the small business community and gave an update on the Commerce Center’s economic development efforts that include an incubator for emerging entrepreneurs.

Click here to access the entire 2017 State of the County address.