Insightful First Installment of the New Nonprofit Thought Leadership Series
|
Yesterday, CCCBI brought together just over 30 engaged attendees for the successful and informative launch of its newest Nonprofit Thought Leadership program!
This event marked the beginning of what is expected to become a recurring opportunity for connection, learning, and collaboration within the nonprofit industry.
Social Media Manager for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation Lemonade Stand Foundation, Hannah Jay, delivered an insightful talk, drawing from over 10 years of experience, in social media and video production. She offered valuable insights on creating compelling photo and video content, paired with sharp copywriting, to engage audiences in a crowded social media feed.
Attendees also gained a deeper understanding of how to leverage various social platforms and their unique advantages, explored networking and collaboration best practices, and learned basic SEO techniques. This session provided the tools and strategies to help nonprofits elevate their social media presence in 2025 and beyond, inspiring stronger connections with followers and potential supporters.
The quick enthusiasm and feedback among attendees set a promising tone for the growth and impact of the Nonprofit Thought Leadership series. We look forward to future gatherings and continued collaboration, thanks to the support of OneDigital!
|
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Celebrating HTA Insurance Services
|
Yesterday, CCCBI visited HTA Insurance Services' brand new location in Exton for a special ribbon cutting ceremony!
HTA Insurance Services has a long history of providing high quality insurance products and education, both locally and nationally, for over 25 years. After just one stop in their office, it's clear how they earned that shining reputation.
Tracy Russo-Keesey, President & CEO of HTA Insurance Services, has cultivated a culture of support, positivity and care for her team and their clients. The bright, open floor plan welcomed the crowd of CCCBI Members, HTA clients and community friends for this open house and celebration.
“At HTA, we’re proud to partner with the Chamber to connect small business owners and create a positive impact in the community,” said Tracy.
Please join us in congratulating HTA Insurance Services and click the button below to learn more about them!
|
Maximizing Our Memberships
|
This morning, CCCBI hosted its Maximize Your Membership session, designed to help members make the most of their Chamber benefits. Led by Laura Ellis, Director of Member Engagement, the interactive event gave attendees an in-depth look at the tools, events, and resources available to them.
The chamber is all about networking and relationship building, so we kicked it off with brief intros from the members. The session highlighted various opportunities for visibility and connection, including the Member Calendar, networking events like Business After Hours and Morning Buzz, and major annual events such as the Foundation Summer Solstice that raises money for our Youth Leadership Program (held at Loch Aerie Mansion June 18th).
Attendees were introduced to new initiatives like Chamber Bucks, a referral program that rewards members with credits toward future events. Other key topics included:
- Marketing & Advertising: Promotion through Chamber channels, ribbon cuttings, and sponsorships
- Business Credibility: Leveraging CCCBI membership and branding for reputation
- Advocacy: Government affairs initiatives and community influence
- Education: Quarterly Speaker and Non-Profit Series
- Discounts: Member-to-member deals promoted through Chamber platforms
- Business Resources: Support services including Certificates of Origin
The event concluded with an open networking session, giving members the chance to connect and explore collaborative opportunities.
|
We're proud to introduce our intern, Coleman Miller, who just started working with CCCBI! Coleman's excitement for marketing and connections is already making him a valuable member of our team.
Coleman is a graduate of West Chester University with a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition - Dietetics. With a strong foundation in health and wellness, Coleman brings both technical knowledge and a personable approach to every professional interaction.
|
His background in nutrition has fueled his interest in helping others make informed choices, an asset he carries into his passion for sales and client engagement.
Outside of work, Coleman is an avid golfer and fly fisherman. Known for his passion to learn, work ethic, and ability to connect with people, Coleman is eager to continue growing in a sales-focused role where he can combine relationship-building with meaningful impact.
Please join us in congratulating Coleman on his accomplishments with the Chamber and the completion of his education with CCCBI Member, WCU!
|
Get Your Hole Sign for the Chester County Chamber Classic
|
On Tuesday, August 19th, CCCBI will hold its Annual Golf Outing at Applebrook Golf Club.
A hole sign along the course is the perfect opportunity to gain exposure for your business at one of our signature events!
Email our Vice President - Operations & Events, Nicole Stephenson, for more information about purchasing a hole sign and stay tuned as we announce when dinner tickets become available!
|
90-Day Tariff Pause Offers Temporary Relief
|
On May 12, 2025, the United States and China met in Switzerland to agree on a 90-day pause in tariffs, signaling a potential halt to the trade war. The U.S. dropped tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, while China agreed to cut tariffs on American goods from 125% to 10%. This announcement caused stock markets worldwide to surge, with major indexes such as the Dow and Nasdaq rising significantly. The Dow soared over 1,000 points, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq rose by 3% and 4%, respectively.
The consensus increased the stock prices of major companies, such as Amazon, Apple, and some car manufacturers, due to speculation about further tariff rollbacks, as they all primarily rely on Chinese manufacturing. Small and mid-sized businesses also benefited through lowered import costs, stabilized supply chains, and improved consumer confidence. However, it's essential to note that this is a 90-day measure, beyond which the outcome is undetermined.
At the same time, President Trump has issued an executive order reducing the national prescription rate to 90%, leading to sharp declines for pharmaceutical companies, such as Pfizer. While this could help consumers and smaller healthcare providers, large drug companies face stock losses and legal litigation.
While many feared rising inflation due to Trump's tariff policy, inflation remained low in April. Prices rose 2.3%, the smallest inflation increase since 2021. The cost of eggs and gas decreased. While these recent tariff rollbacks keep inflation at a minimum for now, economists still predict that prices will increase later in the year.
The Trump administration also reduced "de minimis" levies, allowing duty-free entry for small-value imports, aimed at increasing trade, which has positively impacted large Chinese companies such as Shein and Temu. Duties on such shipments dropped to 54% from 120%, and a planned increase to a $200 flat fee was canceled. Despite this, most U.S. tariffs—including the blanket 10% duty on imports and higher sector-specific rates—remain intact, reflecting the administration's strategy to rebuild U.S. manufacturing.
Economists remain on edge. Chair of the Federal Reserve Jerome Powell warned that there is a possibility of increased inflation if high tariffs persist, and the risk of stagflation and slow, persistent inflation growth remains a potential threat on the horizon.
While the tariff war has temporarily ceased, allowing for a decline in economic tension and a stable market, the situation remains shaky as further disruptions are possible if a lasting agreement is not reached.
In short, this 90-day trade truce is good news for businesses and consumers in the short term. However, the situation remains fluid, and further negotiations are necessary to prevent future disruptions.
|
Bowers R&D Associates is a specialist tax credit firm that helps innovative companies unlock the full value of their research and development tax credits. Based in Exton, this small firm has been saving businesses thousands of dollars every year for nearly a decade.
Whether you're working in manufacturing, life sciences, or any R&D heavy space, our firm can find you savings for the work you’ve already done. Unlike big payroll companies, we focus exclusively on federal and state R&D credits. Our firm is also passionate about supporting PA companies — starting right here in Chester County.
As active members of CCCBI, we enjoy taking advantage of opportunities to engage with students at West Chester University, staying abreast of the political sphere via the chamber’s Government Affairs Committee and enjoying a beer at one of the many Business After Hours events.
As a dedicated member of the Chester County community, we look forward to growing relationships within the chamber and helping more companies reach their potential.
With no hidden fees and a laser focus on maximizing your R&D tax credit, the Bowers R&D Associates team can save your business thousands of dollars. Whether you’re a manufacturer, a software developer, or a coffee roaster, Bowers R&D Associates works to secure you the federal and state R&D tax credits you deserve.
|
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
|
|
