While two companies with headquarters in Delaware received recognition from U.S. News & World Report in the “Best Companies to Work For” rankings, only one made the overall 300 best list, released earlier this month.

Sallie Mae, based in Stanton, was honored among the top 300 with additional recognition as “best in financial services” and “best companies in the South.”

In the financial services business, Sallie Mae describes itself as “the nation’s saving, planning and paying for college company.” Founded in 1972, the business has about 1,740 employees in the U.S., with headquarters in Stanton and offices near New Castle and in Sterling, Virginia; Newton, Massachusetts; Indianapolis; and Salt Lake City.

Employees at the Stanton headquarters, the largest of Sallie Mae’s offices, work in credit, collections, risk, customer experience, product marketing, corporate marketing and human resources, according to the company’s website.

At the New Castle-area office, the company has its operations teams, including servicing, school assist, collections, underwriting, fraud, office of the customer advocate and customer communications.

See when company opened second office: New Sallie Mae office brings new jobs to Delaware

Here’s how Sallie Mae ranked in the six categories that U.S. News & World Report used to compile the rankings, with 1 being the lowest and 5 the highest:

• Sense of belonging, 5
• Quality of pay, 4
• Stability, 4
• Comfort, 4
• Professional development, 4
• Work life balance, 3

Chemours gets U.S. News & World Report nod

While not listed among the top 300, one other company with headquarters in Delaware received recognition in the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Companies to Work For” list.

In the listings by industry and region, Chemours, headquartered in Wilmington, was honored as “Best in Chemicals.”

Meanwhile, Evolent Health, which is registered in Delaware but has its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, was honored as “Best in Health Services” and “Best Companies in the South.”

More business news: Plans revived for a Newark Wawa. Where else is Wawa coming in Delaware?

How did U.S. News & World Report select Best Companies?

In compiling the rankings, U.S. News & World Report looked at businesses with publicly traded stock in the Russell 3000 index of largest companies as of June 2023. The businesses also needed to have a minimum of 75 U.S.-based Glassdoor reviews between 2020 and 2023. Companies were grouped into various categories using a combination of industry classification benchmark standards and U.S. News’ editorial judgment.

Here are the six metrics that determined the best companies to work for, according to U.S. News & World Report:

• Quality of pay and benefits, “whether employees feel adequately compensated for their work, as well as living wage data and a company’s compensation vs. its competitors.”
• Work/life balance and flexibility, based on flexible work policies and “employee perception of opportunities for work/life balance and flexibility.” 
• Job and company stability, using data on “corporate governance quality and the attrition rate of a company’s senior leadership….”
• Physical and psychological comfort, “defined as a safe work environment.” 
• Sense of belonging and esteem, “whether employees feel connected to the organization and appreciated for their contributions.” 
• Career opportunities and professional development, considering “factors like mobility rates within a company and opportunities for benefits like tuition assistance, as well as growth opportunities perceived by employees.”

Reporter Ben Mace covers business, development and real estate news. Reach him at rmace@gannett.com.

The Delaware State Police are investigating a New Castle area Sunoco gas station armed carjacking that occurred last night.

On June 28, 2024, at approximately 10:07 p.m., troopers responded to a report of a carjacking that occurred at the Sunoco located at 285 Christiana Road in New Castle. Upon arriving, troopers learned that the 24-year-old victim was at the gas pumps in a Chevrolet Malibu when he was approached by a masked black male suspect who made unknown demands while threatening the victim with a firearm. The victim complied as the suspect stole the victim’s cell phone and car keys. The suspect then fled northbound on Airport Road in the victim’s car. The victim was not injured.

The suspect is described as an unknown masked black male. Surveillance video and images are not yet available.

The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Criminal Investigations Unit is still investigating this. Detectives are asking anyone with information about this case to contact Detective R. Strecker by calling (302) 365-8413. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

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ALDAN

For over a century, the residents of Aldan have been organizing annual parades and festivities celebrating our nation’s Independence Day and on Thursday, July 4, the tradition will continue.

Decorated, wagons, strollers, floats, bikes, and scooters, as well as community groups, fancy and classic cars, individuals in patriotic costumes and more are invited to participate. Sign up to participate at www.aldanpa.gov/home/news/sign-july-4th. There will also be a Baby Parade in which all participants will receive a prize.

Residents and friends can help defray the cost of the parade and festivities by making a donation of $5 and in return, receive a coupon redeemable between 1 and 2 p.m. at the snack bar on July 4 to receive an American flag and ice cream.

Checks can be made to “Aldan 4th of July Association” and brought or mailed to the Aldan Municipal Building, 1 W. Providence Road.

ASTON TOWNSHIP

Aston Township will begin its Fourth of July celebration at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 4 at the amphitheater in the rear of the Aston Community Center, 3270 Concord Road with music by The Greaseband from 7 to 9 p.m.

The township’s annual fireworks display will take place 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 4 at Sun Valley High School, 2881 Pancoast Ave.

BETHEL TOWNSHIP

Bethel Township will host its annual fireworks display on Wednesday, July 3 at Bethel Springs Elementary School, 1498 Deer Meadow Lane, Garnet Valley.

The show will start at dusk, around 8:45 p.m. Attendees can bring their own blankets, lawn chairs and snacks. Mr. Softee will be available for purchase.

For more information, see the Bethel Parks and Rec website at https://tinyurl.com/3hxznxmz.

CLIFTON HEIGHTS

The annual Clifton Heights Fourth of July parade will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 4. Awards will be given for best appearing bikes, mini-bikes, walkers, strollers, wagons, floats, antique cars and group walkers. Parade staging begins at 9:30 a.m.

The borough will have its annual fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 6. However, due to construction of the new middle school, the fireworks will only be viewable from individuals’ homes in the borough.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/CHJuly4thAssoc.

EDGMONT TOWNSHIP

The public is invited to celebrate the nation’s birthday at the Pennsylvania Colonial Plantation in Edgmont on Thursday, July 4.

Attendees can join the debate among patriots, loyalists and Quakers as they all confront independence and help decide the true loyalty of the farm.

Guests can meet Martha Washington, make a demonstration against the king, hear a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and show their loyalty by signing the Declaration.

Ongoing activities at the farm include hearth cooking, quill writing, garden, textiles, meet the animals and more. The farm is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with last admission at 3 p.m. Cost is $12 for adults, $8 for children and adults over 65, and $5 for members. Visitors are welcome to bring a lawn chair and water bottles.

For a full schedule or directions, visit http://colonialplantation.org, email office@colonialplantation.org or call 610-566-1725.

GLENOLDEN

Glenolden will have its annual parade and festival on Thursday, July 4.

The day will include the Fourth of July parade, moon bounces, face painting, food, music, and other activities for the whole family, along with the brand new Glenolden Golden Golf pop-up mini golf course supporting local independent businesses and organizations.

For more information and times, go to https://www.facebook.com/glenolden4th for updates.

HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP

• The Paddock Farms Civic Association will present the annual Fourth of July celebration in Paddock Park from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 4.

Everyone is invited to decorate bikes, scooters and strollers and meet at 10:30 a.m. at Merrybrook Circle to parade into the park, led by Oakmont Fire Company. Prizes will be awarded for best decorations.

The festivities will begin in the park at 11 a.m., and will include an inflatable slide, games, face painting, a dunk tank and more. To nominate someone to be in the dunk tank, email paddockfarms@gmail.com or text 610-202-9284.

Food trucks on-site will include Savannah’s Southern Cuisine and Owl Water Ice and Treats. Cash and Venmo will be accepted by vendors.

Attendees are encouraged to stop by the association table for a fun kids’ giveaway and to purchase 50/50 raffle tickets. Guests will be able to cool down before leaving with a “hose down,” compliments of Oakmont Fire Company.

• The Llanerch Civic Association and the Llanerch Fire Company will present the annual Fourth of July Parade from 9:45 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 4.

Children, accompanied by adults, are welcome to get their bikes, scooters, wagons and strollers and even dogs, ready to parade through the neighborhood.

The parade will line up and leave from the Llanerch Fire House parking lot, 107 West Chester Pike, Havertown, at 10 a.m. Parade participants should arrive at the firehouse at 9:45 a.m.

The parade will end at Llanerch Park where there will be light refreshments.

LANSDOWNE

Register a decorated car, motorcycle, truck, float or organization for this year’s Lansdowne Borough Fourth of July Parade, to be held on Thursday, July 4.

The parade will begin on East Greenwood Avenue, turn on Wycombe Avenue then onto Stewart Avenue to Lansdowne Avenue. The parade will continue north on Lansdowne Avenue and right onto Essex Avenue to the Penn Wood High School Football Field.

Parade lineup begins at 8:30 a.m. on East Greenwood and all community groups are encouraged to sign up to join in the parade. The parade will be followed by a short ceremony at the Penn Wood football field at approximately 10 a.m.

To register to participate, go to https://bit.ly/3xbJlTX/. Registration closes on Tuesday, July 2.

MARPLE TOWNSHIP

The Annual Marple Newtown Fourth of July Parade will begin with a bang at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 4, setting off from St. Albans Circle in Newtown Square and going east on West Chester Pike, ending at the Broomall Firehouse on Malin Road in Marple Township.

All are invited to watch the best of Marple Newtown, including veterans, musical groups from all over, floats, marchers, classic and antique cars, first responders, decorated bikes and strollers, community groups and much more.

MEDIA

The Media Recreation Board will present its annual day of patriotic family fun on Thursday, July 4 from 10 a.m. to noon at Barrall Field on State Street.

The event will include water slides, wagon rides, a bike-decorating contest, yard games, face painting, music and treats.

To reduce plastic waste, attendees are asked to bring their own water in reusable bottles to drink. Registration is not required, but appreciated at https://tinyurl.com/ywvbh4h6.

PHILADELPHIA

A partnership of cultural and historical institutions and Old City businesses, the Philadelphia Historic District has created a new event for 2024 and beyond — the Red, White, & Blue To-Do — to take place on Tuesday, July 2.

John Adams declared that July 2 should be a day of “pomp and parade” from one end of the continent to the other.

Philadelphia’s Historic District will welcome the world to celebrate in the place where it all began. The Red, White, & Blue To-Do will take place throughout America’s most historic square mile with the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade, festooned decor, concerts, games, extended visitation hours at area historic attractions, restaurant specials, and much more.

The Red, White, & Blue To-Do will debut on July 2, continuing to get bigger and more joyful each July 2 through 2026 and beyond, creating memories for residents and visitors.

The inaugural Red, White, & Blue To-Do will feature 20 cultural institutions and historic attractions, along with Old City restaurants, with the old-fashioned Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade, free musical entertainment, and special happenings across Historic Philadelphia all day and evening.

Anyone can sign up to walk in the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade and anyone can decorate one of the red wagon floats at the National Constitution Center in the days leading up to July 2.

For more information, including a list of participating institutions and businesses, visit http://phlvisitorcenter.com/red-white-blue-to-do-philadelphia-pa.

PROSPECT PARK

Prospect Park will hold its annual Fourth of July Parade at 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 4.

The 2024 parade assembles on Baltimore Avenue at Amosland Road, parallel to the railroad tracks.

The parade route will travel down Baltimore to a left onto Holmes Avenue, to a right onto 17th Avenue, going left onto Yagle Avenue to a right onto 16th Avenue to a left onto Pennsylvania Avenue to a right onto 13th Avenue to a left onto Lincoln Avenue to 11th Avenue.

At that point, Youth on Parade will join the main parade. The parade will continue on Lincoln Avenue to a right onto 10th Avenue to a left onto West Park Square and follow around Park Square to the park entrance, where the parade will end.

RIDLEY PARK

Ridley Park will hold its annual Independence Day celebration on Saturday, July 6. Kids can register in advance for the bike parade, which will kick off the festivities at 10 a.m.

To register: https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSfkE7e77ZmLs4…/viewform.

Games will be held at 11 a.m., followed by the Patriots In The Park Car Show at noon in East Lake Park.

All makes and models of cars, trucks and motorcycles will be on display. Car owners can participate for a $15 registration fee. Registration begins at East Lake Park at 11 a.m.

The borough will hold its annual fireworks display at Ridley Lake at dusk.

ROSE VALLEY

Rose Valley residents who wish to participate in the annual Fourth of July Parade can meet at the Moylan-Rose Valley Train Station at 1:45 p.m. Thursday, July 4.

The parade will begin at 2 p.m. The parade welcomes decorated bikes, wagons, strollers and anything that people want to contribute to make the parade more festive.

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP

Springfield Township will hold its annual Fourth of July Parade on Thursday, July 4.

The parade will kick off at 9 a.m. and will end about noon at Veterans Memorial Park, 331 W. Springfield Road, with activities to follow.

For more information, email parades@springfielddelco.org.

SWARTHMORE

The annual Swarthmore Lions Independence Eve 8K (5 mile) and 2½ Mile Walk will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3.

This friendly, small town community race draws runners from all over the Delaware Valley.

This year, participants will run on a relatively flat 8K route through the tree-lined neighborhoods of the borough. The 2½ Mile Walk route follows the first loop of the 8K.

Proceeds from the race support Lions charities, which include organizations that assist the visually impaired, such as the Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Chester and the Delaware Valley Eye Bank.

Online registration is available at http://www.runsignup.com. The entry fee for both the race and the walk is $30 and $35 on race day.

Awards will be presented to the first three overall male and female runners and to the first three male and female runners in nine age groups: 10 and under, 11-13, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 and over. Refreshments will be served after the race.

Tech T-shirts are guaranteed to all pre-registered runners and walkers and while supplies last.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Jim Ryan at 610-909-3127 or jdryan17@gmail.com.

Thornbury Township

Thornbury Township residents are invited to get their bikes, floats and patriotic costumes out to participate in the township’s annual Fourth of July Parade at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 4. No off-road vehicles will be allowed.

The bikers and walkers in the parade will assemble at 9:30 a.m. at Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 4 Westtown Road, Thornton. Floats and antique cars will assemble at Nice Road and Blantyre Circle.

The most patriotic entries will win prizes. A grab bag of gift cards to local businesses will be awarded for best in show for the following categories: Most Patriotic Bike, Most Patriotic Dog, Most Patriotic Stroller, Best Antique Car and Most Creative Float. Parade participants must be Thornbury Delaware County residents to win.

Prizes will be awarded at 11 a.m. at the gazebo by the playground. Immediately following the parade, everyone is invited to games, hot dogs and water at Thornbury Park.

For any questions, call Susan Daudert, 610-399-8383, Ext. 109

UPPER CHICHESTER TOWNSHIP

Upper Chichester Township will hold its annual Independence Day celebration featuring food trucks, music, yard games, fireworks and more on Friday, July 5 at Furey Road Park, 8500 Furey Road. Fireworks begin at dusk.

Food trucks will be on-site at 6:30 p.m. Food trucks interested in being a part of the celebration, can email recreation@upperchitwp.org for details.

UPPER DARBY TOWNSHIP

Upper Darby Township will host a free Independence Day Fireworks Show at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3 at Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast High School, 403 N. Lansdowne Ave., Drexel Hill.

To be included in this listing, Delaware County’s boroughs and townships are welcome to send more July Fourth celebration information to Peg DeGrassa at pdegrassa@21st-centurymedia.com.