Your Weekly Newsletter!

WHAT'S NEW AT THE CHAMBER

Wednesday night, CCCBI hosted State Senator Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster) and House Minority Leader Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) for a small dinner with members of the board and Government Affairs Committee.

Each member gave an update, fielded questions from guests, and gave their own election predictions. The bipartisan discussion focused on tax incentives to keep businesses in PA, higher education, crime and law enforcement, and fair elections. CCCBI is looking forward to hosting more bipartisan discussions with republicans and democrats in 2023.

Looking to get involved in our Government Affairs Committee?

Email laura@chescochamber.org

Calling All Emerging Leaders

We are currently seeking more young professionals to get involved with our Government Affairs Committee and our Board. This is a prestigious opportunity for you to expand your professional network!

If you are interested in getting involved and would like more information, please contact the Chamber at 610-725-9100.

Member Perspective: Changes in Today's Workplace

Dina Jenney, Owner of A Place At Home, discusses the importance of employers investing in company culture.

Dina offers advice on how to avoid toxic work culture and ways that you can improve the culture at your place of business.

Investing in creating a positive work environment and showing appreciation for employees, helps increase employee retention.

"Businesses have to begin to appreciate their employees more in order to retain them and keep them growing right along with you! The best thing you can invest in is CULTURE."

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Seeking Member Perspectives to Support Business

We are seeking more members who would like to share perspective on ways to support your business, to feature in our upcoming newsletters for our readers.

If you are interested in sharing subject matter expertise focused on improving the workplace, uplifting neighborhoods in our region, and issues relevant to the changing needs of our business community please email Marguerite DeGrassa, at Marguerite@chescochamber.org

Congratulations on Retirement, Pete!

Farmer Pete Flynn, owner of Pete's Produce Farm in West Chester, officially announced his retirement. Pete has dedicated more than 30 years of service to our local community.

Pete is an exemplary story of passion and kindness driving success. He has grown his farm business from once operating out of a pickup truck, into the bustling enterprise it is today, including over 300 employees. He has done this through a commitment to community, family and an unwavering desire to provide the freshest food products in the area.

Chester County Food Bank has been part of Pete's Produce's mission from the very beginning. They're one of the few food banks in the country that actually cultivates fresh produce for their clientele. Pete, who is an active member of the Chester County Food Bank, designated over 5 acres of land to grow for the less fortunate members of our community.

Pete recently wrote a farewell Letter of Gratitude to the community. Read it here.

CCCBI thanks you, Pete, for your kindness, dedication, and contribution to the Chester County Community. We wish you all the best in retirement!

National Veterans Small Business Week

National Veterans Small Business Week honors nearly two million veteran entrepreneurs who have answered our nation’s call to serve and protect us and are now making a difference every day for local communities and our nation’s economy. Learn more about National Veterans Small Business Week here.

SBA offers support for veterans as they enter the world of business ownership. Look for funding programs, training, and federal contracting opportunities. Click here to learn more about the resources SBA offers.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

November’s Government Affairs Committee Meeting has been pushed to November 28th. On November 28th we will have an exceptional panel regarding transportation in Chester County and the region. Our panel will be comprised with PA Secretary of Transportation Yassmin Gramian, PE; RETTEW Engineering; and SEPTA. The discussion will be moderated by HRG Engineering.

We hope you can join us at 8am at the Desmond for networking, breakfast, and discussion.

4 Days until Election Day – Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Please visit the County website for information on locations and process for returning Mail-In and Absentee Ballots: Mail-In and Absentee Ballot Drop Off Locations | Chester County, PA - Official Website.

For further information on Election Day – including results – please visit : Voter Services | Chester County, PA - Official Website

House Bill 2398, introduced by Representative Oberlander, was signed into law today, November 3, 2022. Act 130 of 2022 is legislation authorizing Highly Automated Vehicles (HAV). Nolan Richie, Executive Director, Senate Transportation Committee, stated “Act 130 strikes a balance between safety and driverless operations, and creates a comprehensive robotics ecosystem for HAV invention and growth”. An exciting piece of legislation to see before our Transportation event later this month.

Earlier this week, the PA State Supreme Court ruled anyone casting a mail in ballot must sign and date the declaration on the outer envelope. This ruling followed the US Supreme Court ruling which stated the same. If you choose not to fill out a requested mail in ballot, make sure you bring it to your polling location – with all pieces accounted for – so you can vote in person.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

WSFS bank

WSFS bank's mission and brand, is" We Stand For Service." WSFS associates step up every day to serve their customers, communities, and each other. Their core values are service, truth, and respect, which are the foundation of their company culture. WSFS bank's values are the fuel that ignites their virtuous cycle: "when we do well, our community does well and when our community does well, we do well."

WSFS has remained committed to providing vital support to its communities, with the annual Food Drive and sponsorship of Camp Out for Hunger serving as just a few examples.

For nearly 20 years WSFS has hosted an annual Food Drive, with the generosity of its Associates, Customers and Communities helping to fight food insecurity across the region.

After raising more than 66,000 pounds of food to donate to six community organizations in 2021, the annual Food Drive has returned for 2022, with WSFS partnering with Sharing Excess and Sunday Breakfast Mission this year to fight hunger.

Find your nearest WSFS bank location to donate your nonperishable food items at now through December 31, 2022.

In addition to the annual Food Drive, WSFS is sponsoring Preston & Steve’s Camp Out for Hunger for the fifth consecutive year to support Philabundance in their mission to drive hunger from our communities. The 25th annual Camp Out for Hunger will take place from November 7-11 at Xfinity Live! in Philadelphia.

The Chester County Chamber greatly appreciates WSFS bank for their Chamber membership and involvement in our community. Also, a special thank you to Pat Ward, of WSFS bank, for his support on our Board.