Western View Newsletter

WESTERN CHESTER COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

WESTERN VIEW NEWSLETTER

Western Chester County Chamber, the community connector, mediator and advocate.

Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce (WCCCC) is honored to be able to send you, a local resident, this publication twice a year. It is very important to us, to share the stories behind the businesses and families that make up our community. We want to make sure that our business owners and residents understand that the Chamber is a resource for businesses, non-profits and entrepreneurs of all shapes and sizes. Every day we get the question, what is a Chamber of Commerce? To us, that question has an expansive answer, because as you can imagine, different types of businesses have very different needs and challenges. The Chamber of Commerce works to fill those needs and help businesses grow. How we do that, we’ll get into below, but let’s start with this simple statement; the Chamber is a connector, a mediator or an advocate for your organization.

What is the framework of a Chamber of Commerce?

The Chamber is a non-profit organization (not connected to government) that operates as a member-driven group made up of business owners, community leaders and professionals that collectively work together to make western Chester County a better place. Members of the Chamber share resources, connect, patronize one another and create a community network that drives growth. With its members’ interest as a driving force, the Chamber addresses issues in the community that affect the business climate and engage in initiatives that strengthen our local economy and community. Donna Horvath of Honeybrook Golf Club puts it, “I am truly amazed by the intensity and commitment of all the members, we really get a lot of information and have made a lot of great connections.” Any size or type of business can join the Chamber of Commerce, whether they’re a small new start-up or a company with 100+ employees. Chamber Membership has annual dues that provide members the access to the many resources the Chamber offers.

Membership Perks

The answer of what can a membership with the Chamber of Commerce do for you, is entirely dependent on what your type of business needs. A retail store owner may not need the same things as a manufacturer, in the same way that a farmer is looking for resources much different than a dentist. WCC Chamber pushes up our sleeves and focuses on providing 5 branches of service to its members; education and resources, networking, advocacy and visibility.

Networking and building relationships are a popular avenue that members leverage when joining the Chamber. The relationships an individual can build through the Chamber’s network can lead to strong business or community partnerships. If your business ever runs into issues, you can tap into the Chamber network for guidance and insight. Matt Gorham Real Estate Team Keller Williams explains,“ WCCCC is authentic, you can build real relationships with real people. When I have a client moving to the area, I can call the local businesses around and really introduce them and show them the community through my Chamber connections.”

The Chamber hosts 35+ events a year where professionals can connect. We host smaller casual networking events and large signature networking events for members to attend. For those that prefer less social atmospheres, the Chamber staff welcomes them to reach out for one on one consultations to discover what connections and introductions they are looking for to build their business.

Our programming of events touch on many topics and sizes. In addition to networking events, WCCCC hosts educational seminars on relevant business topics that are taught by seasoned professionals. In April and December the Chamber spotlights and connects skilled trade businesses through our Time for the Trades Initiative and in August we celebrate the strength of agriculture businesses to our local economy at the Taste of the Farm event. In between we also host many ribbon cuttings and grand openings, our Golf Outing, Home Show and Annual Dinner to name a few.

We also provide platforms for business owners to stay up to date on civic and regional community updates (Municipal Update Luncheon November 4, 2022) and insights on action and future plans in the area (Future Focus May 2023) as well as legislative and municipal roundtables and panels (Legislative Roundtable March 2023) so businesses can voice their local concerns to elected officials.

With so much going on around town these days, a major factor for businesses is their visibility and marketing. Chamber membership allows a business to elevate its positive brand recognition. We share news and updates from our business members with our network through our quarterly newsletter, this bi-annual magazine, our Checks In Show that reaches thousands of online viewers monthly, sponsorship visibility at events and through our social media platforms. Businesses can leverage these marketing outlets with their Chamber Membership to heighten their visibility across the region.

When it’s all said and done, community truly stands as the Chamber’s foundation. WCCCC and its members focus intently on leaving a better tomorrow for ChescoWest. Our Regional Planning Committee meets monthly to discuss infrastructure and transportation, workforce and education, and many other sectors that have a direct impact on doing business here. This one of the many committees we have that members can join if they’d like to increase their community input and engagement. WCCCC maintains relationships with many community partners to make sure that our businesses are in the know and connected to all the resources and information available to them. Cliff Masscotte of SERVPRO of Kennett Square / Oxford says, “ We’ve been involved for 5 years now with the Chamber, we’re also annual gold partners with WCCCC and it has been a fantastic asset to be a part of.”

Where is WCCCC?

Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce’s office has been located in the City of Coatesville since 1916. We were created when three leaders, A. F. Huston (Lukens Steel), Harry I. Schotter (Electric Light Company), and F. W. Harris (Midvale Steel Plant) came together during the big industrialization of the area with a goal to fill the growing needs of the business community. Since then, WCCCC has forged paths for businesses through the great depression, Black Monday, our present-day global pandemic and the tough times and positive revitalizations our communities have experienced in the last 106 years. During that time, we have expanded our area to serve the 24 municipalities that make up the western region of Chester County, fondly known as ChescoWest. Today our service area includes:

Atglen Borough, Borough of Modena, Borough of Parkesburg, Borough of South Coatesville, Caln Township Christiana Borough, City of Coatesville, East Brandywine, East Nantmeal, East Fallowfield, Elverson Borough, Highland Township, Honeybrook Township, Honeybrook Borough, Sadsbury Township, Wallace Township, West Bradford, West Brandywine, West Caln, West Fallowfield, West Nantmeal, West Sadsbury, Valley Township

Join Us

I encourage all business owners to visit Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce, pop in to one of our events and reach out to discover what can be next for your business or organization. Visit Westernchestercounty.com for more information or contact the Chamber at 610-384-9550 | Chamber@westernchestercounty.com

See you soon,

Rachel Cathell

Executive Director

Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce

2ND QUARTER NEW MEMBERS

Mummert Construction

Allen Mummert (610) 842-6143

Led by a dedicated team of Design-Build experts with over 40 years of experience, Mummert Construction offers excellence at every stage of your commercial construction project.

Richie's Water Ice

Richie Vliese | (267) 474-4394

Richie's Water Ice is a family owned and operated business, located in Downtown Coatesville. They serve Philadelphia-style water ice, as well as ice cream and other yummy snacks. They even have vegan and dairy-free options!

Pizza Hut

Kelsey Gotsche | (910) 483-5364

The newest Pizza Hut in Coatesville PA is part of the largest Pizza Hut Franchisee, Hut American Group. Pizza Hut has pizza, wings, pasta, desserts, and more.

All Souls Cemetery

Herb Snyder | (484) 288-6140

All Souls Cemetery is a Catholic cemetery in Coatesville, PA. People who choose All Souls Cemetery as their final resting place do so because of its beautiful grounds and its respectful adherence to Catholic beliefs and values.

Spring Creek Design

Jenna Quindlen | (610) 273-9194

Spring Creek Design is an award-winning design/build remodeling firm. They couple thoughtful, innovative design with skilled craftsmanship and a lifetime warranty to enhance the quality and value of your home.

Housing Partnership of Chester County

Ken Hutton | (610) 518-1522

The Housing Partnership of Chester County is a charitable nonprofit offering a diverse array of programs and services related to housing and home ownership including financial literacy and credit counseling.

Shellbark Hollow Farm, LLC

Peter Demchur | (484) 401-6081

Shellbark Hollow Farm sits in Honey Brook, Pennsylvania and makes award-winning artisan goat cheeses from their own herd of purebred Nubian goats.

The Record Kitchen + Bar

Lane Udis | (215) 510-6399

The Record Kitchen + Bar is a new restaurant in Downtown Coatesville that features contemporary fare, wood fired pizzas, fresh baked sandwiches, craft cocktails, and local beer, all infused with Chef Arthur Cavaliere’s signature flavors and artistic style.

Garcia-Taylor Insurance Agency

Margarita Garcia-Taylor | (610) 384-2884

Garcia-Taylor Insurance Agency, Inc. has been serving the insurance needs of residents and small businesses in the Tri-State and surrounding areas since 2011. Garcia-Taylor Insurance is independently owned and locally operated. They will help you find the right combination of tailored, personalized insurance coverage at just the right price to fit your needs.

Triple Play Barn

Chad Naggy | (724) 689-8520

Triple Play Barn is a graphic design company that specializes in team uniforms, spirit wear, trophies, medals, logo designs, as well as equipment for sports, such as baseball, basketball, softball, soccer, and more!

Tao's Taiji Association

Shannon Luo | (302) 761-0858

Tao's Taiji Association provides educational information about the benefits of Taiji (Tai Chi). Classes are developed to help active individuals learn Taiji (Tai Chi) the right way to enhance mental and physical health, reduce stress, find their own inner peace, boost body's natural defense

CHAMBER EXPERIENCE

Chamber members attended the Pivot and Prosper event with Shawn Doyle.

The Chamber held the Time for the Trades event in April at Midway Arches.

Exec Beth Ruth (DLI Commercial), Holly Zehring (DLI Commercial), A.J. Thomas (SERVPRO of Kennett Sq./Oxford) and John Colyer (PFS Investments) networked at our Young Professionals happy hour.

Executive Director, Rachel Cathell, attended OA Best.

We cut the ribbon for a new business in Downtown Coatesville, Splitting Edge Axe Throwing!

The Chamber held a Downtown Coatesville Revitalization Tour, in combination with Downtown Coatesville's First Friday.

Meredith Nussbaumer (Breuninger Insurance), Brenda McNeil (Mahoney Environmental), Dana Looker (Looker Books), and Candice Klingmann (Penn Rise Advisors) at the Young Professionals happy hour at Penn Rise Advisors.

Rachel Cathell, Greg Vietri, Sonia Huntzinger, Amber Little-Turner, and Tom Taylor accepted their check from the Gala on the Greene's Corporate Citizenship.

Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance celebrated the opening of their Made in Coatesville Small Business Incubator.

The Chamber held our Annual Gala on the Greene on the grounds of the historic Graystone Mansion, where we honored the 2023 recipient of the Corporate Citizenship award.

The Chamber's Board of Directors celebrated Executive Director, Rachel Cathell and our community members, Travis Geiser and Amber Little-Turner at the Vista Today's Millennial Superstar event.

John H. Lymberis spoke at the Gala on the Greene, as the Presenting Sponsor, with Harry's the Neighborhood Place.

BUSINESS NEWS + INSIGHT

Self-Employed Retirement Options

To the Self-Employed: Know your Retirement Options Beyond the Value of your Business. Your business provides income today but what is your plan for generating income during retirement? Planning now is important:...

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www.westernchestercounty.com

Make the Most of Your Website with IT Edge!

We've all been there - we have a simple website, maybe we built it ourselves using platforms like Wix, Weebly, or Squarespace. Maybe we took it a step further with e-commerce platforms like...

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www.westernchestercounty.com

MEMBER NEWS

C. Kenneth Grant, Inc. awarded Inner Circle honor for...

C. Kenneth Grant, Inc., Coatesville, Pennsylvania, T. Barry Norton, President, is one of just seven independent insurance agencies that has qualified for Mutual Benefit Group's...

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www.westernchestercounty.com

Comcast Completes Network Expansion in Chester County

Comcast today announced it has completed the expansion of its Xfinity 10G Network to hundreds of homes and businesses in Chester County's Honey Brook Borough and borough of Elverson...

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www.westernchestercounty.com

WCCCC awards Corporate Citizenship Recognition...

On May 24, 2023, the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce celebrated Coatesville 2 nd Century Alliance with the Corporate Citizenship Recognition at the annual Gala on the Greene. The Gala on the Greene was a...

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www.westernchestercounty.com

Harry's donates to the WCCCC Scholarship Fund

In May, Harry's the Neighborhood Place celebrated their 50 th anniversary! Throughout their month-long celebration, Harry's chose various non-profits in our community to give back to, one of them being the Western Chester ...

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www.westernchestercounty.com

MEMBER PERSPECTIVE

The Chamber aims to bring businesses together, forming relationships and connections across western Chester County that help our businesses and our region thrive. Kirstin Wentz McElroy, from Wentz Funeral Home, shared her member perspective with us.

Wentz Funeral Home

How long have you been a Chamber member?

Wentz Funeral Home has been a member of Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce for over 40 years, dating back to when my grandfather was still running the Funeral Home. I became more active in the Chamber in 2021 when I joined the Board, shortly after my third child was born.

What has the Chamber done for your business?

The Chamber has helped our business become more recognized in the community for the services we offer to families. We have been part of Western Chester County since my great-grandfather started the funeral home in 1894 in Atglen, and my grandparents moved to Coatesville in the late 1930s. Being part of the Chamber has helped more of the community learn that there is another generation here at Wentz Funeral Home who can help comfort and guide them in their time of need.

What is your favorite part of being a Chamber member?

My favorite part of being a Chamber member is learning about all the changes in the community. Western Chester County as a whole, but especially Coatesville has seen an influx of growth and redevelopment in the last few years, with more to come in the next few years. The Funeral Home is located right in the center of this revitalization, and being part of the Chamber helps me to be a part of the exciting changes coming to our community.

What advice do you have for new Chamber members to help them get more involved?

My advice for new members is the same for anything new that you join/try... the more effort you put in, the more you will get out of it. You can join in name only, but if you become an active member, and that could be "active" at whatever level works best for your life, you will see the benefits of being part of the business community.

WESTERN CHESTER COUNTY CHECKS IN

View all of our Checks In videos from the second quarter of 2023!

Electrical Plus: Ashley Pierce checks with Electrical Plus, a veteran-owned, residential and commercial electrical services company that has been serving Chester County since 2006!

Brandywine YMCA: Morgan Wallace checks in with Brandywine YMCA to learn about all they offer our community. The YMCA has a large variety of fitness classes, a training center, childcare and youth programs, and so much more.

(P.S. Morgan is okay after that graceful exit.)

The Record Kitchen + Bar : Ashley Pierce checked in with The Record Kitchen + Bar during their ribbon cutting ceremony. Chamber members gathered to celebrate this new restaurant in Downtown Coatesville! The Record Kitchen + Bar features contemporary fare, wood fired pizzas, fresh baked sandwiches, craft cocktails, and local beer, all infused with Chef Arthur Cavaliere’s signature flavors and artistic style.

Richie's Water Ice: Ashley Pierce checks in with Richie's Water Ice, a new business in Downtown Coatesville! Richie has a ton of delicious flavors of water ice, ice cream, and other yummy snacks.

Antique Brew Trucks: Morgan Wallace checks in with Antique Brew Trucks, a 1929 Model A Huckster that elevates your event to the next level. Antique Brew Trucks is available for weddings, corporate events, and any other celebration.

Gala on the Greene: The Chamber hosted our annual Gala on the Greene in May. During the event, WCCCC presented the annual Corporate Citizenship Recognition to Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance and G.A. Vietri Inc. This recognition is given to a local non-profit and local business that partner to make #ChescoWest a better place.