Jo Schmeiser, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford shared her thoughts on the economic factors that impacted Milford during 2025.
“The thing I feel is the most significant development in Milford during 2025 was in March when the groundbreaking for the new Milford Corporate Center Industrial Park took place,” Schmeiser said. “Having up to around 30 businesses and creating, 1,300 jobs in the Corporate Center once completed is awesome for the economic development in Milford.”
The most positive change Schmeiser saw in 2025 was Bayhealth’s Sussex Campus’ dedication of the. Ann I. Burton Center for Children. The center is a new employee childcare facility that Schmeiser feels is a positive development in Milford.
“Ann Burton was an amazing woman who was the matriarch of the Burton family who founded the I.G. Burton Auto Group,” Schmeiser said. “The purpose of the facility is to provide childcare for over 100 Bayhealth employees which will help with employee retention.”
The chamber hired Jasmine Castaneda in October. Schmeiser is excited to have someone at the Chamber who is not only of the “next generation,” but is also bilingual.
“As Milford continues to grow as a diversified community, it is important for the chamber to be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with many demographics and cultures,” Schmeiser said. “Jasmine will help take the Chamber to the next level.”
One thing that Schmeiser is most proud of this past year is the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Riverwalk Freedom Festival.
“This event could not have survived and grown to the size that it has if it were not for the support of the community,” Schmeiser said. “Volunteers from Chamber members, retirees and the Milford High School are at the event from 5:30 AM until close to 10 PM and many of them return year-after-year. It makes me proud to know people of all ages are willing to help out as needed.”
