Chamber Executive Director Jo Schmeiser reflects on 2024, looks ahead at 2025

Jo Schmeiser

Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford (CCGM) Executive Director Jo Schmeiser once described her job to Delaware Today as an “event planner, salesperson, customer service representative, marketing director, friend, psychiatrist and often mentor.”

She took time late in the year to reflect on 2024 and look ahead to 2025.

Looking back at 2024

What do you consider the most significant development or change in Milford during 2024 as it relates to economic development? It’s been really great to see how many more culinary options are available in Milford, and still coming. This year, we had three new eateries represented at the Holiday Auction & Tastes of Milford, including Chaiyo Sushi & Thai, The Twist Indian Grill, and The Cured Plate. Because Milford already offers so many and such diverse culinary options, the chamber will be hosting (along with the Delmarva Retreads Motorcycle Club, the DE Brain Injury Association, the Dover Federal Credit Union, the Milford Wellness Village, and PACE Your Life) the inaugural Feed Your Brain Motorcycle Show & Foodie Poker Run to provide marketing, exposure and hopefully a lot of new customers to local eateries. That event is set for Saturday, November 1, 2025.

Which area of economic development in 2024 deserved more attention, and why was it significant for Milford residents? The Southern Delaware Golf Club’s opening was a significant development for Milford. Not only does Milford now have an 18-hole golf course, but along with it came pickleball courts, a playground, and another new restaurant, Big Oyster, with indoor and outdoor seating. The chamber was excited to have a local golf course open again to hold our annual Golf Classic. The response was amazing, as we had one of the most successful & fun golf tournaments ever. Having these opportunities is great for folks who live on the south side of Milford, as well as all locals and visitors alike. The golf course and restaurant have definitely helped the economy in Milford over the last year.

What was the most positive change or development you observed in our community in 2024? The redevelopment project of the Milford Middle School was a great thing to see happening in 2024. As more housing developments are being built in Milford, and we’re seeing families with school-age children moving here, having another school is vital for the educational growth in the community.

How did Milford’s business character or community dynamic shift in 2024, if at all? A lot happened in the governmental area in Milford in 2024. Thirty-plus year City Clerk Terri Hudson retired; in April, a new mayor and new council people were elected; City Manager Mark Whitfield announced his retirement plans for 2025; and a new economic development and community engagement administrator (Lauren Swain) was hired in the fall. They are all finding their way and working together to continue making Milford a great place to live, work, and play.

What local achievement or milestone from 2024 makes you most proud of our community? With the continued need for Affordable Housing, the chamber hosted our first Affordable Housing Resource Fair in October. Close to 30 vendors and more than 100 attendees were at the event. The chamber is looking to expand this event, so in 2025, we’ll host our annual Community Expo AND the Affordable Housing Resource Fair on Thursday, March 27, at the Greater Milford Boys & Girls Club from 5 to 7 pm. It will be FREE to attend, and we hope to have more than 50 businesses and organizations on hand to help people with their personal and business needs.

Looking ahead at 2025:

Which existing community strength could be better leveraged to improve the business climate in Milford? I believe we do a good job with business and organizational collaborations, however like everything there’s room for improvement. The more businesses/organizations work together, the more exposure and growth will happen for everyone.

What specific business development or trend should Milford residents pay close attention to in 2025? AI will remain on the top of the list for business development and trends. Also on the list for 2025 include cybersecurity measures, personalized customer experiences, and diversity & inclusion.

What gives you the most hope for Milford’s economic future? I’ve been working in the Greater Milford area for more than 30 years and if the growth continues like it was in 2024, the economic future of Milford is very bright.

Which area of Milford life (e.g., infrastructure, education, business, healthcare, culture) needs the most attention in 2025? Like many cities in the US, homelessness has become an issue in Milford that needs the most attention. We need to find solutions for the homeless as it affects all ages, and the worst is knowing we have senior citizens and children living in extremely poor conditions. Having the new Food Bank open in 2024 in Milford has been a huge help for these folks; however, more has to be done to get people off the streets.

What’s one bold prediction you have for Milford in 2025? The chamber is celebrating our 25th Riverwalk Freedom Festival on Saturday, September 20, so I predict it’s going to be the biggest and best event Milford has ever seen!