South New Castle News

CHAMBER LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST WITH FRED SEARS

Date:

Wednesday, November 30, 2022 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM EST

Location:

Wilmington Country Club4825 Kennett Pike Wilmington, DE 19807

"I like to be involved in the community because it still requires change." – Fred Sears, 2015 interview with Delaware Online

A Delaware native, Fred Sears is a community leader and passionate advocate for improving the state. Giving back to the community around him has always been at the core of his mission.

Sears spent nearly 40 years in the banking industry with ties to Delaware Trust Co., Wilmington Trust, Beneficial National Bank, Applied Bank, TD Bank, and most notably, Commerce Bank Delaware of which he was instrumental in bringing to the state and served as its president. Early in his banking career, Fred took time out to serve as finance director and economic development director for the City of Wilmington and director of the Port of Wilmington—where he is credited with signing the port’s first banana contract with Dole Fresh Fruit, now one of the port’s largest customers. Politically, he was elected to Wilmington City Council from 1976 through 1984 and has continued to be active over the years by serving on the transition team for Mayor James Sills Jr., co-chairing transition teams for Governor Ruth Ann Minner and then New Castle County Executive Chris Coons, and chairing the Budget and Finance subcommittee for Governor Jack Markell. Sears also chaired the Wilmington Economic and Financial Advisory Council.

Sears also served as president and CEO of the Delaware Community Foundation from 2002 until his retirement in 2015. Through his work with the Foundation, he encouraged individuals, businesses, and organizations to engage in long-term charitable giving to improve the statewide community, now and in the future. During his tenure, he was credited with tripling the Foundation’s long-term charitable funds, building its assets to $285 million, and creating The Next Generation board to inspire the future leaders to become involved in the community.

Sears has been a member of the board of directors of more than 40 community nonprofit organizations, including the Beau Biden Foundation, ChristianaCare, Delaware Alliance of Nonprofit Advancement, Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, Diamond State Port Corporation, Leadership Delaware, REACH Riverside, Rodel, Wilmington Housing Partnership, and the United Way of Delaware, to name a few. Fred has also served as a committee member on numerous fundraising activities for more than 25 different nonprofit organizations throughout Delaware.

In 2022, Sears was honored by the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce with the state's highest business honor, the Josiah Marvel Cup. 

AGENDA
7:30 a.m.        Registration and networking
8:00 a.m.        Welcome remarks
8:05 a.m.        Breakfast served
8:30 a.m.        Keynote speaker, followed by Q&A
9:00 a.m.        Adjourn 

Original source can be found here.