ARTICLE
The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce presented the Honorable Joseph G. DiPinto award with the esteemed Dick DiSabatino Award on Monday, January 7, at its 182nd Annual Dinner. The event, held at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, was attended by nearly 1,000 elected officials and business and community leaders. The Dick DiSabatino Award, named for former DSCC Chairman Richard DiSabatino Sr., was established in the mid-90s to recognize significant contributions to shape opinion and public policy in the state of Delaware. The rarely given honor was last presented in 2013 to John H. Taylor Jr., Executive Director of the Delaware Public Policy Institute (DPPI). Mr. DiPinto served for 20 years as a Delaware State Representative. He chaired the Housing and Community Affairs, Appropriation Committees and was the co-chair of the Joint Finance Committee for eight years. Prior to that, he was on the Wilmington City Council for over a decade. He was appointed Director of Wilmington’s Office of Economic Development by Mayor James M. Baker in 2006. Former Delaware Representative Roger Roy presented the award. “The winner is a man with a strong intellect and a healthy sense of humor. He is a Republican that didn't just talk about bi-partisan cooperation, he lived it. He was never shy about expressing his own ideas and opinions, but he was always open to the ideas and opinions of others as well. He always looked for ways to work toward a cooperative solution,” said Roy. A Delaware native, DiPinto was employed by the DuPont Company for 36 years after earning his Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from University of Notre Dame. He is involved with many community and nonprofit organizations, including but not limited to, Delaware Commission on Italian Heritage and Culture, Riverfront Development Commission, Delaware Science and Technology Commission, St. Francis Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Ministry of Caring and WHYY. Mark Vergnano, President & CEO of The Chemours Company—a world leader in titanium technologies, fluoroproducts, and chemical solutions—addressed guests as the keynote speaker. He highlighted the company’s journey and his vision for the future of both Chemours and Wilmington. “Chemours’ success is inextricably linked with that of Wilmington, Delaware,” said Vergnano. “Although Chemours has transformed itself and is poised for growth, we know increased collaboration between businesses, government, and surrounding communities is needed to produce the greatest economic and social impact for the city and state. Chemours is committed to realizing the full potential of our shared future, and invites others to follow our lead.” Vergnano brings over 38 years of experience in the chemical industry and an enviable legacy of thoughtful and results-driven leadership. Immediately following Chemours’ launch, Vergnano implemented an ambitious five-point transformation plan that delivered fiscal stability and strong financial performance. Now he is focused on delivering the company’s three-year growth plan, executing its Corporate Responsibility Commitment, strengthening relationships with local communities, and cementing the organization’s values-driven culture.