Delmarva Veteran Builders Hired to Renovate Ashley Furniture Store in Delmar

SALISBURY, Md. – July 5, 2017 – Delmarva Veteran Builders, the region’s only commercial construction firm dedicated to bringing employment to U.S. Armed Forces Veterans, announced interior renovations are underway on the Ashley Furniture Store at 3 Gerald Ct. in Delmar, Delaware. The renovations are being made for the store to continue to maintain corporate brand standards. 

“This is an exciting project for us,” said Chris Eccleston, Delmarva Veteran Builders. “Our client totally understands the importance of customer experience, a value that keeps us in business. We are pleased to have the opportunity to help Ashley Furniture provide enhanced in-store experiences for their customers through these interior renovations.” 

Delmarva Veteran Builders is working on projects to integrate interactive technology for customers, installing a monument wall and a 34 slot mattress sleep spa. The customer service are will be equipped with a virtual reality show room, touch screen catalogs and four different walls with unique technology to provide customers with enhanced interaction. Work is scheduled to be complete by August. 

“I was so impressed when I saw how the team from Delmarva Veteran Builders maintained the showroom,” said Justin Barnes, owner. “They are working at night because we need to operate during the day. The first day and every day since when I walk in the door, everything is neat and there are dust coverings and protective matting to protect our inventory. We have a great partnership with DVB and are thrilled to have their deuce parked in front of our store.” 

For more information about the project, visit www.delmarvaveteranbuilders.com.

Chris Eccleston of Delmarva Veteran Builders Awarded Bright Lights Award by Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot

SALISBURY, Md. – April 20, 2017 – Delmarva Veteran Builders, the region’s only commercial construction firm dedicated to bringing employment to U.S. Armed Forces Veterans, announced president Chris Eccleston has received the Bright Lights Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot.

“I accept this award on behalf of the entire DVB family,” said Chris Eccleston, Delmarva Veteran Builders, president. “If it weren’t for them, their work ethic and commitment to our mission, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

Chris was joined by family members, friends, business colleagues and local dignitaries on April 20, 2017 to receive the award. The event was held at Salisbury’s newest Your Doc’s In job site on Business Rt. 13 (formerly Horner Honda), across from Salisbury University. 

More about the Bright Lights Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship 

The Bright Lights Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, established in 2017 by Comptroller Peter Franchot, recognizes and celebrates innovation in the private and nonprofit sectors that strengthens Maryland’s economy, generates jobs and tax revenue and develops new ideas that more effectively deliver services and products within the marketplace. One winner will be selected from Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City.

Delmarva Veteran Builders Completes Renovation for the Patient Connection in Salisbury

SALISBURY, Md. – January 5, 2017 – Delmarva Veteran Builders, the region’s only commercial construction firm dedicated to bringing employment to U.S. Armed Forces Veterans, announced it has completed renovations for The Patient Connection at 105 Pine Bluff Road in Salisbury, Maryland. The 2,400 square foot medical office renovation included a complete gut and remodel with the addition of five patient exam rooms and a conference room. The Patient Connection is a healthcare treatment center providing an appropriate setting for healthcare professionals (specialists) from other parts of the area to treat patients closer to home. 

“Having the opportunity to work on a project that is making healthcare more accessible to our community is a great way to kick off the New Year,” said Chris Eccleston, Delmarva Veteran Builders. “This fully functioning medical office is another example of how healthcare is moving closer to patients and we are proud to be a part of the process.” 

“We chose Delmarva Veteran Builders because of the company’s veteran status,” said Melissa Graves, business manager, The Patient Connection. “One of our owners is a Veteran and it means a lot to him to be able to contribute to the veteran workforce. The team did a great job and met all unexpected challenges head on.” 

Delmarva Veteran Builders project manager, Daniel Mills reported the project was completed on time and is now open for business. 

For more information, visit www.delmarvaveteranbuilders.com.

Delmarva Veteran Builders Hired to Build New William E. Morgan Conservation Center

SALISBURY, Md. – September 30, 2016 – Delmarva Veteran Builders, the region’s only commercial construction firm dedicated to bringing employment to U.S. Armed Forces Veterans, announced it has been hired build the new William E. Morgan Conservation Center at the Salisbury Zoo. 

The 1,300 square foot building will include a customized fiberglass enclosed reptile exhibit and outside space for zoo docents and classroom activities. The interior will provide storage and food prep space for zoo animals. The structure’s second floor will also be equipped with additional storage space. 

“We are excited the Zoo has confidence in Delmarva Veteran Builders to rebuild what is an iconic structure in our community,” said Chris Eccleston, Delmarva Veteran Builders. “We are excited to be working with a team of architects from Becker Morgan who have designed the building to accommodate zoo attendance and provide an area for zoo staff to better serve the animals.” 

“When people come to the zoo they want to see reptiles,” said Ralph Piland, Salisbury Zoo director. “The building will fulfill that expectation. And one of the best parts is that it will not cost taxpayers or the city anything.” 

“We have worked with DVB before and found the team to be very accommodating,” said Ron Alessi, Salisbury Zoo Commission member. “They offered in-kind services and did a great job on all past projects. They understand the process and what we need. They are good people and it just seemed like the right fit.” 

“The Delmarva Zoological Society (DZS) is thrilled to see the money raised as part of our capital campaign efforts, be put to good use,” said Ashley Bosche, DZS president. “From the Wallaby exhibit to the Animal Health Clinic and now a new conservation/visitor’s center, our community should be proud of being a part of Renewing the Salisbury Zoo.” 

A Little History behind the Building 

In the 1970’s the original A frame structure was a baby animal barn. The doors opened to the outdoors with pens for the baby animals and a viewing area for zoo visitors. At one time the baby animal barn was home to “Ollie,” a baby elephant from Thailand. In 1980 the building was remodeled into the William Morgan Visitor’s Center with a gift shop, meeting room and space for educational programs. 

For more information, visit www.delmarvaveteranbuilders.com.

Delmarva Veteran Builders Hired to Build New Sussex County EMS Station

SALISBURY, Md. – September 20, 2016 – Delmarva Veteran Builders, the region’s only commercial construction firm dedicated to bringing employment to U.S. Armed Forces Veterans, announced it has been hired to build the new Sussex County Medic Unit 104/EMS 100 Station at 19255 Plantation Road in Rehoboth, Delaware. The 5,000 square foot building will include 2,000 square feet for office and living space and an additional 3,000 square feet for ambulance bays. The facility will serve as an office for the Eastern District Supervisor. 

“Every time Delmarva Veteran Builders has the opportunity to build something for first responders, we take pride in the job and the mission at hand,” said Chris Eccleston, Delmarva Veteran Builders. “We fully support the dedication and commitment the Sussex County EMS team delivers to ensure the safety and well-being of our local community.” 

The combined station will house two EMS trucks, two duplicate trucks and will serve as the main EMS training station in Sussex County. Crews will respond to the Lewes, Rehoboth, Dewey and Milton communities. This is the first EMS station with drive-thru bays and will be the first one the county invested in an architectural plan and hired an engineering firm prior to the construction phase. 

“We had the opportunity to sit down and say, here’s what we want which meant we got better pricing and the end result will be more specific to our needs,” said Bobby Schoonover, division manager, Sussex County EMS. “We are located on Rt. 1 where it is very congested. The location of the new station will give us back access to Lewes and then direct on Rt. 1 to Rehoboth and Dewey. The lot of land is three acres in size which allows for more room to grow.” 

The $1 Million project will get underway in October, 2016 and has a completion date of April, 2017. For more information, visit www.delmarvaveteranbuilders.com. 

Delmarva Veteran Builders Receives Employer Support Freedom Award from the Secretary of Defense at Pentagon Ceremony.

SALISBURY, MD – Delmarva Veteran Builders, the region’s only commercial construction firm dedicated to bringing employment to U.S. Armed Forces Veterans, announced it received the 2016 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest honor the Department of Defense gives to employers for support of National Guard and Reserve employees. DVB was one of fifteen employers selected from 2,424 nominated, and honored at an annual ceremony in Washington DC. The event was held at the Pentagon with awards presented by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter.

“These fifteen employers have distinguished themselves through their outstanding support of our Guard and Reserve members and their families," said Defense Secretary Ash Carter. “Without the unfaltering support of employers like them, the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve would not be able to fulfill their vital roles in our National Security Strategy. It is a great honor for me to recognize these employers, and I congratulate them on their receipt of the Employer Support Freedom Award.”

“This is exciting news for Salisbury and the Eastern Shore of Maryland,” said Chris Eccleston, Delmarva Veteran Builders, president. “We are honored and humbled to be one of the 2016 recipients of this highly esteemed award. Our community greatly values the sacrifices of our Guard and Reserve members. As a veteran employer it is Delmarva Veteran Builder’s duty to not only provide job opportunities for our Guardsmen but also build a support system for them that enables them to thrive in our community. We don’t differentiate between the Guard, Reserves or Veterans. There is no difference to us whether they are currently serving or served in the past. We treat every member of our team the same.” 

“I actually filled out the application for the award before I accepted the job and moved to Maryland,” said Daniel Mills, Delmarva Veteran Builders. “I met Chris and Lee and saw the vision immediately, went back to Kansas, where I was living at the time and started filling out the application. The reason for the nomination was because I witnessed from the top to the bottom, the company has served and every single employee knows what it’s like to strap on their boots and be a part of the less than 1% of individuals who serve our country. Delmarva Veteran Builders was founded on this understanding and makes every effort to take care of our warriors and veterans.”

“I am proud to see a local colleague and friend of mine come back to Salisbury, become an entrepreneur and start a local business dedicated to giving veterans jobs,” said Jake Day, City of Salisbury Mayor. “Chris Eccleston brought our community an unbelievable trifecta of services and an exceptional story you don’t hear of often. This award validates DVB’s success and just how amazing the team’s mission is.”

More about the Freedom Award
The 2016 recipients were selected from 2,424 nominations received from Guardsmen and Reservists in all 50 states, Guam-CNMI, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia. The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of ESGR to recognize exceptional support from the employer community. In the years since, 220 employers have been honored with the award.
Almost half of the U.S. military is made up of National Guard and Reserve members, many of whom also hold jobs with civilian employers. The Freedom Award recognizes those employers that provide the most outstanding support for these Citizen Warriors. 

For more information on the 2016 Freedom Award program, contact Maj. S.J. Brown at (571) 372-0692 or visit www.freedomaward.mil. For more information on ESGR, visit www.esgr.mil.

Delmarva Veteran Builders Selected as Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award Recipient

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced today that Delmarva Veteran Builders has been named as a recipient of the 2016 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest honor the department gives to employers for support of National Guard and Reserve employees. Fifteen employers were selected for the 2016 award. 

“These 15 employers have distinguished themselves through their outstanding support of our Guard and Reserve members and their families," said Defense Secretary Ash Carter. “Without the unfaltering support of employers like them, the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve would not be able to fulfill their vital roles in our National Security Strategy. It is a great honor for me to recognize these employers, and I congratulate them on their receipt of the Employer Support Freedom Award.” 

The 2016 recipients were selected from 2,424 nominations received from Guardsmen and Reservists in all 50 states, Guam-CNMI, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia. The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of ESGR to recognize exceptional support from the employer community. In the years since, 220 employers have been honored with the award. 

Almost half of the U.S. military is made up of National Guard and Reserve members, many of whom also hold jobs with civilian employers. The Freedom Award recognizes those employers that provide the most outstanding support for these Citizen Warriors. This year’s recipients will be honored at the Pentagon in an official ceremony on August 26. 

For more information on the 2016 Freedom Award program, contact Maj. S.J. Brown at (571) 372-0692 or visit www.freedomaward.mil. For more information on ESGR, visit www.esgr.mil.

Delmarva Veteran Builders receives Department of Defense Pro Patria Award for exceptional support

Delmarva Veteran Builders receives Department of Defense Pro Patria Award for exceptional support 

DATELINE: ANNAPOLIS, Md 

LEAD: Maryland Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense (DoD) office, announced today Delmarva Veteran Builders was honored with a Pro Patria Award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. 

ESGR’s Pro Patria Award is presented annually by each ESGR State Committee to one small, one large and one public sector employer in their state or territory. Recipients have demonstrated the greatest support to Guard and Reserve employees through their leadership and practices, including adopting personnel policies that make it easier for employees to participate 

in the National Guard and Reserve. This is the highest level award that may be bestowed by a state ESGR committee. 

Delmarva Veteran Builders has been selected as a finalist for the 2016 Secretary of Defense Freedom Award, the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their support of their employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. 

“Delmarva Veteran Builders hires National Guard and Reserve members because they are trained to win, operate as a team, and will not fail,” Delmarva Veteran Builders President Chris Eccleston said. “They are the best trained workforce in America thanks to the United States military.” 

ESGR, a DoD office, seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. ESGR facilitates and promotes a cooperative culture of employer support for National Guard and Reserve service by developing and advocating mutually beneficial initiatives, recognizing outstanding employer support, increasing awareness of applicable laws and policies, resolving potential conflicts between employers and their service members, and acting as the employers’ principal advocate within DoD. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce. 

For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call 1-800-336- 4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.

Delmarva Veteran Builders Selected as Finalist for Department of Defense Top Employer Award

Delmarva Veteran Builders selected as a finalist from 2,424 nominations 

SALISBURY, Md. – March 17, 2016 – Delmarva Veteran Builders, the region’s only commercial construction firm dedicated to bringing employment to U.S. Armed Forces Veterans, announced it has been selected as a finalist for the 2016 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, commonly referred to as the “Freedom Award.” The three Maryland employers of Guard and Reserve employees are among 139 semifinalists broken down into 48 large employers, 46 small employers, and 45 public sector employers. 

The Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the DoD to employers for their support of National Guard and Reserve members. On behalf of the Secretary of Defense, ESGR organizes the annual award program, which has presented the honor to 220 employers since 1996. Each year, up to 15 awards are presented to employers in three categories – large (500 or more employees), small (fewer than 500 employees), and public sector. 

“Serving and supporting our Veterans by providing employment opportunities is our mission,” said Chris Eccleston, Delmarva Veteran Builders. “We are honored to be included in the list of semifinalists and acknowledge all other businesses for their dedication and support to our U.S. Armed Forces Veterans.” 

This year’s finalist group is comprised of 11 large employers, 10 small employers, and 9 public sector employers. 

"The 2016 Freedom Award finalists reflect the diversity in size and location of employers that provide outstanding support for Guard and Reserve members," said ESGR Executive Director Alex Baird. "These 30 finalists span the diversity of America's workforce and prove every employer, whether large, small, public, or private, can go above and beyond for our Citizen Warriors." 

ESGR received 2,424 nominations for employers in all 50 states, Guam-CNMI, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia. This year’s 30 finalists are expected to be announced in April, with the recipients being announced in late June. Updates, press releases and a complete list of the 2,424 nominees can be found
at http://tinyurl.com/zuss7jj. 

For more information, visit www.delmarvaveteranbuilders.com.