Youth Leadership Program Visits the City of Coatesville
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On February 11th, Coatesville City Manager, James Logan, hosted our Foundation's Youth Leadership Program Students for a full day exploring Government in Action at Coatesville City Hall.
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Mr. Logan graciously welcomed the student and kicked off the day by introducing himself and explaining his position and detailing his responsibilities. He then treated the students to a day full of inspiring government servants.
First on the agenda the students heard from Anthony Luker, Southeast Regional Director, Office of Governor Josh Shapiro. Mr. Luker gave an inspirational talk to the students encouraging them to get involved and enjoyed, to give back to their communities and to always strive to make good choices. He then opened up the floor to a very lively Q&A discussion. The students embraced the opportunity to ask Mr. Luker all about his career journey. They were also very interested in internship opportunities in government service.
The students then heard from: Coatesville Fire Chief Peter Hum, Police Lieutenant Rodger Ollis, Jr., Coatesville Assistant City Manager Roberta Cosentino, and State Representative Dan Williams.
Pennsylvania American Water host the YLP and John Keleman came to speak to the students. Mr. Keleman spoke about his organization and told the students why they value the relationship between PAAW and YLP.
The Honorable Gregory Hines, judge in Coatesville District Court invited the students into his courtroom to share his career with them. There were lots of questions and Judge Hines willingly shared with the students. Judge Hines adjourned the meeting with a pound of his gavel.
The City Council of Coatesville is a dedicated committed group of individuals lead by two impressive and powerful women: President Linda Lavender Norris and VP Carmen Green.
Madame President Norris and VP Green conducted a mock city council hearing on the possibility of opening a gaming facility in a neighborhood in Coatesville. Students took either a pro or con side of the debate and presented their positions. A lively and entertaining debate ensued.
Overall, the YLP students left with an enhance understanding of municipal government. The students were thrilled with the education they received and especially by the connections they made.
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A Sold Out Success at Galentine's Day with Delco Chamber
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Last week, CCCBI partnered with the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce for our third annual Galentine's Day celebration. Over 150 ladies from across the region visited Triple Crown Radnor for an evening of laughter, meaningful conversations, and positivity.
From new connections to longtime friendships, the room was buzzing with energy!
As each attendee arrived, they were greeted with a complimentary glass of wine from our generous sponsor, Penns Woods Winery. Our guests also enjoyed a delicious spread of food, passed hors d'oeuvres and beautifully prepared desserts from our hosts at Triple Crown.
Throughout the evening, the ladies of Chester and Delaware Counties mingled, connected and shopped with nearly twenty local vendors!
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Salt Works Himalayan Salt Cave, Dayfox llc, Comparion Insurance Agency, Little Miss Moffitt, Flynn-Henry Law, LLC, Lunaverse, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Royal Blush Bar, Permanently Stacked Jewelry, Medi-Weightloss, Home Away from Home Adult Day Center, Punctuate Your Style, The D3LCO Effect, Reidenbach, Rose's Little Donuts, Cork and Charm, Minuteman Press, Caroline McGinn and Advance Practice Providers.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for such a memorable evening!
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Annual State of the County Breakfast
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The Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry (CCCBI) hosted the 2026 State of the County breakfast, presented by Aqua, Bentley Systems and Lamb McErlane PC with nearly 250 chamber members, community partners and elected officials. This year, CCCBI honored James Logan, City Manager of the City of Coatesville with the J. Larry Boling Award for Excellence in Local Government and Becky Brain, Communications Director of the Chester County Commissioners’ Office, with the inaugural Distinguished Service to Chester County Award.
Action News Co-Anchor Matt O’Donnell moderated the lively discussion, sponsored by Cozen O’Connor, with Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe, answering questions on various economic, business and community topics related to Chester County.
Topics ranged from the county’s decision not to increase taxes compared to neighboring regions, public trust in the election system to their collaboration with state and federal officials. The conversation was candid, honest, and an important one for our business community and Chester County residents to hear.
“The Chamber is always pleased to facilitate thoughtful and substantive dialogue between our elected officials and the business community regarding the state of our county,” said Laura Manion, President and CEO of CCCBI. “Having bipartisan and honest conversations such as this is an important step in ensuring Chester County remains one of the best places to live, work, start a business, raise a family, and retire. Our goal is to create a space where business and government can engage constructively, ask meaningful questions, and work together toward shared solutions,” Manion added. “Strong communities are built on transparency, partnership, and a clear vision for the future, and I thank our Commissioners for participating in that dialogue. It was a wonderful program, honoring Becky Brain and James Logan for their service to our county. Both honorees exemplify the leadership, collaboration, and commitment to public service that strengthen our region.”
The J. Larry Boling Award for Excellence in Local Government, sponsored by Howell Engineering, honors a professional in the local government public sector of Chester County who has established excellence in their jurisdiction in the administration of government through economy, efficiency, introduction of sound business practices, and projects or initiatives that demonstrate innovation. James Logan’s dedicated efforts in service to the City of Coatesville over the past seven years have solidified his presence as a community advocate.
“Being connected to the legacy of J. Larry Boling is incredibly humbling because it challenges me to keep leading with compassion, understanding, and integrity,” said James Logan, City Manager, The City of Coatesville. “I will never forget that real impact is measured not by titles or accolades, but by how many lives you touch along the way. I am truly thankful for this distinguished recognition, and grateful to CCCBI for bestowing this wonderful award on me and the greater community I serve.”
For nineteen years, Becky Brain has served Chester County in public information and communications roles, retiring as Communications Director in January 2026. Her tenure in Chester County’s government has built new foundations and fostered connections for residents, businesses and officials alike. There is no greater recipient for CCCBI’s inaugural Distinguished Service to Chester County Award, sponsored by CTDI, than Becky.
“Leading communications for Chester County has been an incredible journey—one I wouldn’t change for anything,” said Becky Brain, Communications Director for the Chester County Commissioners’ Office. “Over nearly 20 years, I’ve seen leadership evolve, technology advance, and the role of media transform. Through it all, one thing has remained constant: the deep commitment of our County Commissioners, leadership, and staff to serving residents. It has been a privilege to be part of this work and to serve as the messenger. To do what I love—and to be recognized for it in this way—is an even greater honor.”
The Chamber would like to thank our generous presenting sponsors, Aqua, Bentley Systems and Lamb McErlane PC, in addition to all of our wonderful sponsors who supported this event.
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Vote for Your Fellow Members as the Best of the Main Line!
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Main Line Today's Best of the Main Line is almost here, and it's time to vote for your favorites!
Several CCCBI Members were nominated and now they need your votes!
Check out the different categories below and support these amazing businesses!
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Arts & Entertainment:
The Colonial Theatre
Chester County History Center
Unite for Her 5k
The Preppy Podcast
Patricia Mae Olsen
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Health & Wellness:
Jenkins Arboretum and Gardens
YMCA of Greater Brandywine
The Clubhouse Wellness Center
Limoncello
Penns Woods Winery
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Food & Drink:
Limoncello
Victory Brewing
John Serock Catering
ANEU Kitchens
Turks Head Wines
Twin Valley Coffee
Blue Bird Distilling
Madi's on a Roll
Bella Vita Coffee & Cream
Barnaby's of West Chester
Penns Woods Winery
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Goods & Services:
The Clubhouse Wellness Center
Main Line Armory
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Weddings:
Limoncello
The Desmond Hotel Malvern
Longwood Gardens
Penns Woods Winery
Drexelbrook Catering
Hotel Indigo
John Serock Catering
Matlack Florist
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Governor Shapiro Announces New Housing Action Plan
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Last week, Governor Shapiro announced the state’s first-ever 10-year Housing Action Plan, detailing a statewide strategy to combat growing barriers to home ownership. It aims to address 5 core areas of focus: increase and preserve housing stock, expand housing access and opportunity, strengthen pathways to housing stability, lower costs and speed up development, and improve coordination and accountability. It also calls for the creation of a Deputy Secretary of Housing and the establishment of a Critical Infrastructure Development Fund– capitalized through a $1 billion bond offering– to aid in the construction and rehabilitation of homes.
Currently, Pennsylvania home prices are 21% lower than the national median, but the state’s housing stock is among the oldest in the nation. The housing plan projects a statewide demand of 450,000 new homes by 2035, with 45% of that demand (206,839 homes) centered in the southeastern counties. To facilitate the state’s ability to meet this demand, the plan calls for the development of model ordinances to be used by local officials and a reduction in local regulations to expand housing options. Legislation aimed addressing aspects of the plan is already pending in the General Assembly.
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Help Us Spotlight a Business Like YOURS at the Business Excellence Awards Lunch!
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We need YOU to nominate the businesses and the people that make Chester County so special.
CCCBI is thrilled to host our second annual Business Excellence Awards Luncheon this spring. But first, we need your nominations!
Tell us about the trailblazers, leaders and changemakers at your company. We need to know who is making a difference in our community. Let us hear the uplifting stories that inspired you at a recent event.
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This signature event will be the celebration of the year, and we cannot wait to honor the very best of our Membership. Please take this opportunity to nominate yourself, your business and your fellow Chamber Members!
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- Entrepreneur of the Year
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Must be a member in good standing with the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry
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Must be the founder, owner, or primary decision-maker of the business
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Demonstrates innovation, risk-taking, and sustained business growth
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Shows commitment to the community and Chamber involvement
- Family Business of the Year
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Must be a member in good standing with the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry
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Business must be family-owned and operated
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Must have been in operation for a minimum of three years
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Demonstrates business growth and involvement across generations
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Shows strong community and Chamber involvement
- Female Business Leader of the Year
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Must be a member in good standing with the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry
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Must be a woman in a corporate leadership role or business ownership role
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Demonstrates leadership, innovation and professional success
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Actively contributes to the community and Chamber initiatives
- Minority-Owned Business of the Year
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Must be a member in good standing with the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry
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Business must have at least 51% ownership by a minority, including black-owned, woman-owned, LGBTQ+ owned and other minorities
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Must have been in operation for a minimum of one year
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Demonstrates business growth, innovation and commitment to diversity
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Shows strong community and Chamber involvement
- Nonprofit of the Year
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Must be a member in good standing with the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry
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Must be an active 501(c)(3) organization
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Must have been in operation for a minimum of three years
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Demonstrates mission impact, innovation and strong leadership
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Shows collaboration with the business community and the Chamber
- Rising Star of the Year
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Must be a member in good standing with the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry
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Must be approximately 40 years old or younger
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Demonstrates leadership, initiative, and professional achievement
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Actively involved in the community and/or Chamber
- Small Business of the Year
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Must be a member in good standing with the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry
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Must employ fewer than 75 employees
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Must have been in operation for a minimum of three years
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Demonstrates business growth and innovation
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Shows strong community and Chamber involvement
- Veteran-Owned Business of the Year
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Must be a member in good standing with the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry
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Business must have at least 51% ownership by a veteran
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Must have been in operation for a minimum of three years
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Demonstrates business performance and leadership
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Shows strong involvement with the community and Chamber
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Not sure which category your business/nominee falls under? Please email abby@chescochamber.org with any questions!
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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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