“Silver Linings” in State of the County

Posted by Press Release on April 10, 2013

Delaware County Council Chairman Tom McGarrigle highlighted economic success stories and presented an update on the Local Economic Development strategy for the future when he presented the 2013 State of the County address Tuesday, April 9, at a Delaware County Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Towne House Restaurant, Media.

Borrowing from the Academy Award-winning movie filmed in Delaware County, Chairman McGarrigle listed many economic “Silver Linings” in Delaware County including redevelopment of the refineries, new retail stores in Upper Darby, the Quarry Development in Haverford, new hotels coming to Springfield, Tinicum and Ridley, and the U.S. Open coming to Merion Golf Club in Haverford.

“I’ll be the first to admit that 2012 was a tough year for all of us. We were dealt a tough blow when our two major refineries closed. We were soaked by Hurricane Sandy. And we were all nervous about hurtling over the ‘fiscal cliff,’” Chairman McGarrigle said. “Well I stand here before you today more confident than ever before. I believe the future of Delaware County is bright, we’ve tackled and turned around some major challenges, and the State of our County is resilient, robust and positioned for success.”

McGarrigle detailed how Monroe Energy took over the shuttered ConocoPhillips refinery and is now producing jet fuel for Delta Airlines. Adam Gattuso, director of government affairs for Monroe Energy, attended the State of the County event.

McGarrigle also talked about Braskem America and its use of the Marcus Hook refinery to produce polypropylene which is used in plastic products, and how the Mariner East Project is expected to bring Marcellus Shale natural gas to Marcus Hook.

The business representatives saw a video on the county’s development of a 10-year Local Economic Development (LED) strategy that provides a blueprint for business and job growth. The final LED is expected to be presented to County Council in June.

The Council Chairman gave highlights of new development across the county including the Quarry Development in Haverford, Burlington Coat Factory opening in Upper Darby, the new FedEx facility in Tinicum, continued production of helicopters at Boeing Company, and expansion at many of our educational institutions.

He also said that PPL Park continues to draw crowds to the soccer stadium in Chester, four new hotels are being built in the county and Haverford Township will welcome the U.S. Open in June.

In addition to “Silver Linings Playbook” being filmed in Delaware County, two new feature films were produced at the Sun Center Studios in Chester Township. They are “After Earth,” a sci-fi adventure starring Will Smith, and “Paranoia,” a thriller starring Harrison Ford.

McGarrigle invited businesses to sign up for the County’s e-newsletter that updates all residents on county government news.