Businesses supporting military and veteran talent to be honored Feb. 20

The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce Joint Military Affairs Committee announced this year’s Warrior Friendly Business Award winners are Dover Federal Credit Union and Chesapeake Utilities.

This honor recognizes businesses’ efforts to support service members, veterans and their family members through workplace initiatives.

They will be recognized at the annual State of the Guard Address private event to be held Thursday, Feb. 20, in New Castle. 

Dover Federal Credit Union serves a membership that includes U.S. military personnel, Delaware National Guard members, civilian employees at Dover Air Force Base, their families, and members of affiliated organizations like Friends of Bombay Hook. The credit union supports service members, veterans and their families through targeted hiring initiatives, including recruitment at military job fairs, collaboration with the Veterans Multi-Services Center, and hiring veterans for its retail department.

In addition to hiring efforts, DFCU offers financial literacy programs and community outreach. It hosts monthly financial literacy classes at Warriors Helping Warriors, and supports veteran-focused events like career fairs, family days and the First State Air Show. The credit union also contributes to the Delaware National Guard Youth Foundation and supports organizations like USO Delaware and local veterans’ shelters, staying true to its roots as a credit union established to serve the military community.

“Members of the military community, from active duty to veterans and their families, are such an influential part of our credit union’s rich history,” said Deb Jewell, DFCU assistant vice president  of marketing. “While we were founded in 1958 by Dover Air Force Base and civilian members, Dover Federal Credit Union has remained committed to serving our military community, including their spouses and children, by providing financial stability and empowerment. This award reflects the conscientious efforts that our credit union takes to create employment opportunities, provide financial education and resources, and offer equitable access to financial products and services for those who have sacrificed the most for our country.”

Chesapeake Utilities Corporation is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity and resilience of the communities it serves. Recognizing the value veterans bring, the company actively recruits service members and supports their transition into civilian careers. In 2024, Chesapeake Utilities partnered with more than 130 veteran service organizations, leading to the hiring of 12 veterans and bringing the total number of veterans in its workforce to 102.

Chesapeake Utilities further extends support through its Veterans Employee Resource Group, which fosters camaraderie, provides mentorship for navigating civilian careers and promotes career development while raising awareness of veterans' strengths. Employees are also encouraged to participate in outreach efforts, including volunteering for Wreaths Across America, escorting veterans through the Honor Flight Network, and distributing Christmas trees to active military members through Trees for Troops. Chesapeake Utilities also promotes veteran employment beyond the company by hosting hiring fairs, partnering with the Delaware Joint Military Affairs Committee and engaging with service members at career fairs like the Dover Air Force Base Career-a-thon.

"Veterans bring leadership, teamwork, adaptability and technical expertise to Chesapeake Utilities," said Michael Cassel, vice president of governmental and regulatory affairs at Chesapeake Utilities. "Through veteran recruiting, our employee resource group, volunteering and partnerships, we honor veterans, military families and reservists. Being named a Warrior Friendly Business highlights our commitment to diversity, inclusion and supporting those who serve."