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The Delaware Racial Justice Collaborative (DRJC) today announced the launch of the Fusion Alliance, a partnership with the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Delaware to advance business growth in Delaware by offering government agencies and small and mid-sized businesses practical, effective, affordable ways to incorporate diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) strategies in their operations. Fusion Alliance participants will work with a DE&I consultant to define, develop and implement DE&I policies, practices and action plans that will help grow their operations and transform workplace cultures across Delaware. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, or “DE&I” as it is often referred to, broadly outlines the efforts an organization takes to create a more equitable environment for all employees, regardless of an employee’s race, gender, creed, skin color, sexual orientation, economic status and other factors. While most large corporations have codified DE&I policies and on-staff DE&I professionals who administer such policies, many government agencies and small and mid-sized businesses do not have these resources. The Fusion Alliance offers participants access to a suite of professional DE&I resources, including DE&I expert consultants, who will work as de facto staff to design, develop, implement, and administer customized DE&I policies and programs for each organization. Commenting on the Fusion Alliance, Delaware Racial Justice Collaborative (DRJC) Director Raina Allen, said, “Delaware’s workforce is increasingly diverse and multi-cultural, and the data suggest that this will only grow in the years ahead. That means that DE&I must be a strategic priority for every organization. In particular, governments and small and mid-size businesses are searching for affordable ways to incorporate DE&I principles and practices in their growth plans, but many lack the resources and infrastructure to do so. The Fusion Alliance is an innovative approach to offering these businesses all the resources and advantages of an in-house DE&I professional, on an outsourced basis.” Michelle Taylor, President & Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Delaware, which is the administrative and fiduciary home of the DRJC, said, “The immediate goal of the Fusion Alliance is to empower participants to build and sustain policies and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Over the long term, we expect the Fusion Alliance will foster a Delaware workforce that is more diverse, that helps Delaware businesses shape products and services to better meet the needs of our state’s and our nation’s increasingly diverse population, and that raises the DE&I bar for everyone’s benefit.” According to New Castle County Chamber President, Bob Chadwick, “We not only have a societal need to do this work, but developing diverse and inclusive teams will also be a key to future business success and profitability. So we are pleased to partner with the DRJC and United Way to provide small to medium sized businesses with the tools they need to accomplish this.” Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce President, Judy Diogo said, “We see this partnership and program as a way to provide information and resources to our members on diversity, equity and inclusion. We see knowledge as a critical component for success.” Working as the Fusion Alliance, and in partnership with the DRJC, the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, and United Way of Delaware are now reaching out to their stakeholders to explain the purpose and goals of the Fusion Alliance and to encourage participation. Organizations wishing to learn more about the Fusion Alliance should contact Jamee Boone at jboone@uwde.org