Wilmington, DE – Governor Jack Markell is this year’s honoree of the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation’s King Neptune Award. The award was established to recognize a leader in the Delaware community who promotes the vision and mission of the foundation. 

 “This year, we honor Governor Jack Markell, who has pursued an aggressive education platform since taking office in 2009 and who is committed to pursuing economic development opportunities throughout the State of Delaware,” according to Catherine Parsells, Executive Director of the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation.  This year’s event also celebrates the outstanding redevelopment of Wilmington’s Riverfront to which so many have contributed.

 The Kalmar Nyckel has a strong commitment to education.  The Ship serves as a floating classroom, an outreach platform for the State of Delaware, and a catalyst for social and economic development.  The Kalmar Nyckel travels along the East Coast visiting ports of interest and shares with visitors information about the Great State of Delaware.   

 Governor Markell will receive the honor at the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation’s Annual King Neptune Gala on Saturday, June 26, 2010 beginning at 6:00 p.m. with a dockside cocktail reception at the Dravo Plaza Dock on Wilmington’s riverfront. The event will continue with a 7:00 p.m. dinner at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington, Delaware.

  Past King Neptune recipients include Richard J. Julian, Governor Russell W. Peterson and Senator Thomas R. Carper.

 Call the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation at 429-7447 for reservations and more information. 

Here’s the synopsis:

 The 4th annual King Neptune Gala presented by the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation will take place Saturday June 26,  2010.  This year’s honoree will be Governor Jack Markell, who is being recognized for his strong education platform and focus on economic development for the state of Delaware.  The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a dockside cocktail reception at the Dravo Plaza Dock on Wilmington’s riverfront. The event will continue with a 7:00 p.m. dinner at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington, Delaware.  Tickets are $125/ per person.  Please call the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation at 429-7447 for reservations.