Your CCCBI Weekly Newsletter

WHAT'S NEW AT THE CHAMBER

Membership Survey: We want to hear from you!

The Chamber is seeking the input of our members to learn more about how we can better serve you.

Many of our members are experiencing both challenges and successes as businesses return to the "new normal."

It is crucial that the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry understands which issues and programs are most important to you, our members, so that we can track member data, identify needs and concerns, and find out how we can best serve our business community.

Complete our survey and be entered into a drawing to win TWO FREE TICKETS to the Summer Solstice Celebration at The Inn at Grace Winery on June 21, 2022 5:00-8:00PM!

Take our Survey

Government Affairs Committee Breakfast

This morning, we hosted our June Government Affairs Breakfast to discuss the upcoming Pennsylvania budget season and the effect on local municipalities. Over thirty attendees gathered at the Desmond Hotel to hear from Robert Kagel, County Administrator for Chester County, Ernie Holling, Executive Director of the Chester County Association of Township Officials, James Logan, City Manager of Coatesville, and Dave Feidt, Political Consultant for McNees Strategic Solutions. Our Government Affairs Committee Chairman Jim Manser moderated the discussion.

Topics of discussion included:

The recent closures of Jennersville and Brandywine hospitals and the subsequent stress placed on our fire responders and health care workers
Workforce development, recruitment and retention in Coatesville and around the county
The need for more transportation (rail, bus, and parking) and infrastructure investments in our major roadways
Affordable housing for our workforce

In their comments, our panelists highlighted public-private partnerships and more communication between county government, municipalities, and businesses as keys to successful growth and long-term prosperity.

To ensure that Chester County continues to boast a skilled and inspired workforce and remain competitive, the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry is committed to advocating for our businesses at the local, state, and federal levels. We are the leading voice with our elected officials on the issues your business is facing today: inflation, labor shortages, supply chain issues, COVID, education, energy and more. We will continue to host these types of discussions and forums to keep you up-to-date and in-the-know on policy initiatives and issues that affect your business, your employees and your customers daily.

Thank you to our event sponsors, Pennsylvania American Water and Carroll Engineering.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Budget Update in Harrisburg

As the Pennsylvania State House and Senate return to Harrisburg for session this week, the legislature and Governor Wolf will look to negotiate a budget for the coming year, which must be completed by June 30, as per the state constitution. Prior to the legislature’s return to Harrisburg, Governor Wolf made public his push to increase education spending and reduce the Corporate Net Income Tax. Republican legislative leaders seem likely to share Governor Wolf’s view of the Corporate Net Income Tax, but have warned that using a temporary surplus, which is in large part due to federal coronavirus relief, to increase spending on social programs is a misguided approach that risks Pennsylvania falling off of the so-called fiscal cliff. Democrats in Harrisburg have called for raising the state’s $7.25 per hour minimum wage as part of the upcoming budget negotiations, though Republicans have pushed back, arguing that tight labor markets have already led to rising wages and that a minimum wage increase could hurt small businesses. The legislature will be back in session on Monday, June 13th. We will monitor these discussions and keep our members up-to-date as negotiations continue throughout June.

Take a Look at Governor Wolf's Budget Proposal

Upcoming Event on the Employee Retention Tax Credit

The federal Employee Retention Tax Credit was originally established by the CARES Act in March 2020. Now, eligible businesses can receive direct refund payments of up to $26,000 per W2 employee. Even if your business received PPP funds or didn’t experience a decline in revenue, you may still be eligible for ERTC. Check out the Pennsylvania Chamber’s free webinar, where VerusGP co-founders Mark Eveland and Michelle Benton will provide an overview of the current ERTC program and help you determine if your business qualifies.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

VISTA Today, which is read daily by nearly 40,000 Chester County residents and professionals, celebrates the county’s economic success and quality of place by delivering news and sharing stories which shape our wonderful community. Developed in partnership with the Chester County Economic Development Council, VISTA Today is not simply a traditional newspaper or online magazine, but Chester County’s story. Owned and operated by Exton-based American Community Journals, VISTA Today seeks to grow the businesses of its affiliate partners, strengthen the fabric of our Chester County community, and unite in celebration of our county’s many terrific qualities. VISTA Today only shares positive news stories, a lovely change of pace from our so often negative news environment.

Ken Knickerbocker, CEO and Publisher of VISTA Today is a valued Board Member of the Chester County Chamber of Commerce. We are thankful for all of the great work he does for our chamber, and for VISTA Today’s partnership promoting our events!

Check them Out!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Summer Solstice Celebration

Join the Chester County Chamber Foundation for fun under the sun at the Summer Solstice Celebration. This event will support the Foundation Youth Leadership Program.

Sip wine under the summer sun while overlooking the beautiful grounds of the Inn at Grace Winery.

The Summer Solstice Celebration is an opportunity for everyone to come together for a fun evening of Cabernet, cuisine, and camaraderie and to celebrate new beginnings!

Enjoy delicious bites and a special winery tour too.

Sponsorship opportunities are available here.

Click here to register for the event. Contact Lynn@ChescoChamber.org for questions or more information.

Chester County Chamber Annual Golf Classic

Join us for a one-of-a-kind golfing experience! Start the day off admiring the beautiful grounds of Applebrook Golf Club. This private golf club captures the classic elements of golf course architecture.

You don't want to miss this exclusive event!

Click here to register for the event. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.