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WHAT'S NEW AT THE CHAMBER

A Successful Women Influencing Business Professional Development Conference

The CCCBI Women Influencing Business Professional Development Conference at Chester County Council, Boy Scouts of America was a huge success! Everyone had a wonderful time and left feeling inspired and empowered.

A BIG thank you to our Women Influencing Business Committee, for all of your hard work and dedication in planning this terrific event. Thank you to our attendees and to our presenting sponsor, Pennsylvania American Water and breakfast sponsor, Stephano Slack. We greatly appreciate your support!

Thank you to Jessica Hildebrand, of The Preppy Yogi & YMCA of Greater Brandywine, for leading a guided morning meditation to help attendees get centered for the day ahead.

Thank you to our keynote speakers,

Morning keynote, Tricia Steege of Transformation Strategies

Afternoon Keynote, Cheryl Norton of American Water

and our breakout session speakers,

Robin Bond, Transition Strategies, LLC

Kim Brumbaugh, Brumbaugh Wealth Management, LLC

Laura Kasper, Monarch Staffing

Francesca Zampaglione, Dressed Smart, LLC

More photos of the Conference can be found here.

Chemalloy Company, LLC Ribbon Cutting

Congratulations to our member, Chemalloy Company, LLC on the opening of their new U.S. headquarters in King of Prussia, PA!

Last Friday, CCCBI attended a ribbon cutting at Chemalloy's new location, as they welcomed international employees and partners to see the beautiful new space and enjoy delicious fare.

With over 60 years of business experience, Chemalloy has now partnered with MPT, joining their metallurgical forces to become one source to serve every powder need, under Metal Powder Group. Paired with the promise of global presence and local accessibility, Metal Powder Group’s collected product offer cover valuable core solutions for the welding, hard-facing and steel industries as well as sought after customized alloys for other application areas. Learn more about Chemalloy Company LLC.

Member Perspective:

William J. Belknap, MBA

President, AEONRG, LLC

Bill shares his personal experience with Federal Government Contracting and how it has supported his business on the road to success.

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

Submit your Nominations for National Small Business Week 2023

U.S. Small Business Administration is gearing up for National Small Business Week 2023! If you know a small business owner with an inspiring story to tell, it’s time to submit a nomination!

A complete nomination package must be received electronically via BOX by December 8, 2022, 3pm ET. Your answers should be in detail on forms 3301 and 3315 – it’s very important when it comes to judging the business! SBA Resource Partners can help assist, at no-cost, in writing your BEST nomination. You can locate a Resource Partner at https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners.

Below is the list of requirements and forms, for your convenience:

Review the National guidelines and instructions
All nominees are required to complete SBA Background Form 3300.
Complete the Small Business Person of the Year Application Form 3301
A digital photo– at least 300 dpi is required
Review the District guidelines and instructions (this is where you will find the criteria for district awards)
Complete the District Office Award Application Form 3315 (identify the district award category)
Complete Release of Materials Form
Attach any other significant documentation (such as a nomination letter, letters of recommendation, etc.) not to exceed 10 pages
Upload everything to their BOX account

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Biden to pardon marijuana offenses, call for review of federal law

The Pennsylvania legislature only has a few remaining days left – 7 to be exact – in the 2021-22 legislative session, so we can expect a quiet last few weeks.

As we are sending this update, President Biden announced his intent to issue an executive order pardoning all people convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law. Earlier this year, the PA Chamber and the Chester County Chamber of Business and Advocacy held discussions with members and legislators to advocate for PA Senate Bill 749. This legislation intends to provide clarification and definitions for employers who are struggling to hire employees and may run into conflicts with marijuana use in an increasingly decriminalized environment.

While the PA legislature’s session is ending, we hope to see businesses and employers receive clarification from DC on this complicated issue. CCCBI hopes to continue the discussion as discussions unfold.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Downingtown Area School District

Set in the heart of Chester County, Downingtown Area School District is a twenty-first century district with the idealistic warmth and charm of a small town. As a close-knit yet diverse community of over 13,000 students, and as the seventh largest in PA, DASD students are challenged, engaged and inspired through a multitude of academic opportunities, passionate educators and innovative teaching methods. DASD values collaborative learning and critical thinking while remaining focused on student wellness and serving the whole child. Boasting some of the top schools in the state and nation, we are proud of our tradition of excellence.

Downingtown Area School District (DASD) proudly partners with local community vendors and organizations to promote and increase neurodivergence in the employment field while simultaneously improving vocational skills within our students. Students who are eligible through an evaluation process can participate in the DASD Work Experience Program.

The work program supports the DASD students in preparing and increasing students’ vocational skills to enter competitive work experiences post-secondary. Students receive direct, explicit teaching from a special education teacher in pre-vocational training classes. They then are asked to generalize their skills out into the local community while accompanied by a DASD employee known as a Job Coach.

Preparing individuals with disabilities for employment is critical and increases the likelihood of a successful transition to post-secondary employment options. DASD students have the ability to network, gain employment skills, and learn real, on-the-job training throughout their local community. The community continually opens their doors to DASD students and programs by offering both volunteer and paid experiences to the neurodivergent population.

Review community partners who support their students and initiatives for their work program.

The Chester County Chamber greatly appreciates Downingtown Area School District for their Chamber membership and involvement in our community.

Congratulations to United Way of Chester County on the grand opening of their new building yesterday! The new space is incredible, and we are looking forward to seeing United Way continue to help build better lives and a stronger Chester County community.