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CCCBI Will Be Out of the Office Next Week |
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CCCBI staff will be out of the office to celebrate the 4th of July!
The office will be closed on July 3rd and 4th. We will be available remotely on July 5th, 6th, and 7th and back in the office for normal business hours July 10th.
Thank you from our staff! Abby Wolfe, Marianne Martelli, Laura Manion, Julie Varga, and Laura Ellis
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CCCBI Civics Bee Winners Triumph at State Level Competition |
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We are happy to congratulate three local students who competed in the Pennsylvania State Civics Bee!
The National Civics Bee is an annual competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Participating 6th, 7th and 8th grade students flex their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes.
On April 15th, 2023, CCCBI hosted the inaugural Chester County Regional Civics Bee. The three winners advanced to the state competition on June 15th. All three students made it to the final round of questions and speeches, with two Charles F. Patton Middle School graduates placing in the top three, taking home the first and third place prizes of $1000 and $500!
CCCBI is also happy to announce that our planning has begun for the Chester County Regional Civics Bee 2024 competition. Stay tuned as we release applications and deadlines in the fall! |
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CCCI is Seeking Member-to-Member Discount Participants |
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One benefit to CCCBI Membership is access to our Member-to-Member Discount Program, a service designed to promote member-to-member buying, increase sales for our members, and broaden member visibility!
With this exclusive program, businesses and employees alike can boost profits and save money by conducting and encouraging business with other Chamber members.
Help us expand our Member-to-Member Discount Program by contacting our Director of membership, Laura Ellis. Find out how to start offering and receiving these great savings today! |
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Legislative Update |
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Budget Negotiations Finally Start in Earnest |
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With the June 30th deadline looming, a state budget deal seems to be formulating with several, but maybe not all, of the negotiating parties agreeing at least on an undetermined spend amount for the next fiscal year. This amount is expected to be slightly lower than what was proposed by Governor Shapiro in his budget address, though the state has approximately $13billion in reserves.
However, a deal that included a Lifeline school scholarship program has apparently been scuttled. The proposed program uses taxpayer funds for children to attend private schools. The amount of funding for public schools is also being negotiated due to a decision within the courts that found current school funding unconstitutional. Several other items could still be part of a final deal, including job recruitment initiatives, cell-phone taxes, permitting reform, voter ID, child care tax credit, lowering of the corporate net income tax, changes to net operating losses and an increase to the minimum wage.
Indeed, the House of Representatives voted to increase the minimum wage. The legislation will increase the rate to $11.00 per hour effective January 1, 2024, $13.00 per by January 1, 2025 and $15.00 per hour effective January 1, 2026, but permanently index it to inflation thereafter. It also increases tipped wages to 60% of the minimum wage. After some heated debate, the bill was passed by only 103-100 before heading to the Senate.
As the General Assembly and Administration continues to deliberate and vote on key issues, CCCBI staff have been continuing to advocate for pro-business policies such as:
• Economic Growth • Improving Business Tax Structure • Regulatory Reform • Energy • Promoting Tourism • Modern, Safe and Reliable Infrastructure • Responsible Development • Research and Development • Workforce, Employment and Education |
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Member Spotlight |
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PlanForTechnology |
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PlanForTechnology is a minority-owned Managed Service provider servicing the Delaware Valley.
Founded in 2003, PlanForTechnology has 3 simple core principles: Make IT Easy, Make IT Secure and make IT accessible. Their motto from the beginning has been "The piece you've been missing is peace of Mind" and they hold to that with every client!
Their business is more than just making sure your computers are running. The main focus is on making your business function efficiently and securely by combining three pillars of service: Technology - The devices and software, Process - how businesses use technology, and Compliance & Security: how businesses stay safe and comply with government regulations.
The number one goal is to take the burden of technology off of you and show you how an investment in IT can benefit your business. The world of technology is changing faster than most people can keep up with - from where your employees work to what you need to keep your business safe. Just ten years ago nobody thought they needed Cyber liability insurance, but today, that is the number one reason people call PlanForTechnology.
When insurance companies send out forms that companies don’t understand and can’t fill out, when you are in need of Managed Services, Cybersecurity Audits, VoIP services and more, PlanForTechnology is here to help! |
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Upcoming Events |
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Email your news to abby@chescochamber.org |
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