Women Influencing Business Committee Announces Female Business Leader of the Year and Female Rising Star of the Year
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The Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry (CCCBI) is pleased to announce the 2023 honorees for the Women Influencing Business Committee’s Annual Dinner set to take place on Wednesday, September 13th at White Manor Country Club. Andrea Youndt, CEO of the Chester County Food Bank, will be honored as the Female Business Leader of the Year and Alaina Kearney of Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz as the Rising Star of the Year. The dinner will also feature a special recognition for Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline after nine years of service. A Keynote Speaker will be announced at a later date.
"Andrea Youndt has dedicated over 30 years of service to the Chester County community. Her unwavering commitment has cemented her position as a Female Business Leader of the Year, and CCCBI is honored to recognize Andrea as a friend, leader, and advocate for women in business. Alaina Kearney has risen in her position as Director of Marketing at Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz to create new connections for her personal and professional networks. Her commitment to strengthening CCCBI's community through connection and education has proven her to be a true Rising Star, and one to watch in her future endeavors. Both of these women have positively impacted their businesses and local communities in alignment with CCCBI's mission and that of our WIB Committee,” said Laura Manion, president of CCCBI.
The Annual Women Influencing Business Awards Dinner will take place on Wednesday, September 13th, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the White Manor Country Club.
All are welcome!
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CCCBI's Board of Directors represents a diverse array of businesses, small and large, across Chester County. Follow us on social media to meet four new board members every Monday. If you're not on social media, come meet our Board at next month's Business After Hours at General Warren on Thursday, August 17th!
This week, meet
Bill Adams - President & Asst. Business Manager for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 654 (IBEW 654)
Carlo Ferri - CPA, Tax Director for Kreischer Miller
Charles Boruchowitz - Government Relations Manager for Bentley Systems
and
Cassie Woleschok - Assistant Vice President, Marketing for Meridian Bank!
Read about who they are, the value they get out of their Membership, and what they are looking forward to doing this summer!
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Laura Manion Participates in ACE Forum Panel Discussion
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CCBI President & CEO, Laura Manion, participated in the first Annual Coatesville Area Economic Forum (ACE) as a discussion panelist on Small Business Owners, Markets and Trends alongside Rachel Cathell (Executive Director - Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce) and Darlene Jenkins-Walls (Entrepreneurship Support Manager for the Chester County Economic Development Council).
Manion discussed the interplay between small businesses and larger industries in shaping the economic landscape, how emerging sectors in Chester County present new opportunities for small businesses, and what CCCBI is doing to ensure that small businesses are equipped to adapt to changing market trends and demands.
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Cannabis Legalization in Pennsylvania
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Act 16 of 2016 legalized cannabis for medical use in Pennsylvania. Since then, almost a million Pennsylvanians have benefitted from medical marijuana.
Pennsylvanian's Medical Marijuana Act underwent a modernization in the summer of 2021 when the General Assembly passed Act 44, but the Commonwealth has not kept pace with our neighbors. New York, New Jersey and, most recently Maryland, have legalized cannabis for use by adults over the age of twenty-one. These states are protecting consumers by creating access to safe, regulated cannabis while reducing the illicit market and generating revenue for state coffers.
What's the hold up in Pennsylvania?
Despite overwhelming public support and even support from the Wolf Administration, the 2021-2022 Republican Controlled Legislature did not prioritize cannabis legalization. Fast forward to today where the Democrats control the State House and Governor Shapiro projected cannabis revenue for the state budget beginning January 1, 2025. With the introduction of a comprehensive bipartisan adult use bill by Senators Street (D-Philadelphia) and Laughlin (R - Erie), the Commonwealth is closer than ever to providing safe access to cannabis for consumers and tapping a new revenue stream.
CCCBI will host a Lunch & Learn to analyze the timeline for cannabis legalization, what this means for employers and employees, and how to prepare your business with guest speakers, Meredith Buettner - Executive Director of Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition, and Linda B. Hollinshead - Partner at Duane Morris LLP. Join us on Thursday, August 24th from 12:00pm to 1:00pm at the CCCBI Office.
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Greencastle Consulting is a Greencastle Associates Consulting is a 100% veteran-owned and entirely veteran-operated implementation consulting firm that tackles critical projects with a unique, military-precision approach. Whether you need support with project management, change management, process improvement, or business intelligence, Greencastle Consulting will help you win.
Among their numerous accomplishments, like making The Philadelphia Business Journal's Best Places to Work List, Chief Financial Officer, Eric Diamond, was recently named a 2023 Philadelphia Titan 100 and a 2023 CFO of the Year.
Eric is a seasoned leader with a diverse background in business, military service, and the energy industry. A graduate of Bucknell University, his career spans roles as a helicopter pilot in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, co-founder and CFO of MainLine Solar, and roles at Tesla and the Department of Defense. Previously, as a consultant at Greencastle, Eric managed hundreds of millions of dollars of investments on behalf of clients and has grown new service offerings for the company. Now as CFO, Eric focuses on supporting the team through effective programs and processes to ensure consistent success for Greencastle clients and consultants alike. Recently, he helped establish the nonprofit foundation "Stronghold Leadership," where he now serves on the board of directors as well.
Next month Greencastle will be hosting their famous VetFest 2023! Don't miss out on this great opportunity to support Veteran-owned and operated businesses and organizations with family and friends on Saturday, September 16th from 11:00am to 4:00pm!
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Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) is a legislated public/private partnership which creates a new financing option for your capital stack. Your construction budget can use our private capital funding for costs which impact energy & water spend, renewable improvements or seismic strengthening (select states). The repayment of our capital is made through a long-term special tax assessment on the property.
PACE Equity now offers a low carbon option called CIRRUS™ Low Carbon financing which combines C-PACE financing with a low carbon verification by a third party. The program provides financial benefits, including a reduced rate, for pursuing enhanced energy efficiency.
Join us for this informative Coffee & Conversations to learn what PACE is, their process, and specifically how they can complete a capital stack – especially in this challenging banking environment!
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We’d love to hear from and highlight your business! We are seeking member spotlight stories to include in our weekly newsletter!
Email your news to abby@chescochamber.org
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