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Chamber News |
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Welcome New Members |
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CCCBI Announces 2024 Speaker Series |
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CCCBI is proud to present our 2024 Speaker Series! |
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2024 VISTA Millennial Superstars Nominations Are Open |
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The Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry (CCCBI) is proud to support the 2024 VISTA Millennial Superstars!
As VISTA Today heads into its 5th year of honoring Chester County’s professionals under the age of 40 with the VISTA Millennial Superstars, the nomination window has officially opened!
With the help of Penn State Great Valley, VISTA Today is looking for young professionals under the age of 40 who are breaking down walls, shattering expectations, and doing remarkable work in their profession or community. CCCBI’s President & CEO, Laura Manion, was a member of the inaugural class in 2020!
Honorees must:
A portion of the proceeds will benefit Home of the Sparrow, an Exton-based nonprofit and CCCBI’s 2023 Nonprofit of the Year, that partners with women facing homelessness to secure housing, achieve long-term stability, and chart new paths for their futures. |
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An Important Legislative Update |
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Harrisburg Impasse Thaws With Look Towards 2024 |
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The House and Senate returned the week of December 11th to finalize several unfinished state budget issues. Indeed, Governor Josh Shapiro signed the school and fiscal code, as well as several other bills into law just this past evening. The package funds student mental health, environmental repairs in schools, 9-1-1 emergency dispatch, and expands the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit Program which has been available to working families for the last two years.
Governor Shapiro stated, “I ran for Governor to deliver real, tangible solutions to the most pressing issues folks are facing every day, and the bipartisan bills I am signing tonight include more big wins for Pennsylvania.” Shapiro continued, “I’m proud to stand here with leaders from both Chambers and both parties to celebrate the investments we’re making together in repairs to school buildings, mental health resources for students, childcare, the first-ever statewide funding for indigent defense, and more. Today, we’re showing that when we come together, we can get stuff done for the good people of Pennsylvania.”
The budget, including pieces that were passed earlier this year, include:
While we are disappointed that the General Assembly did not reach a deal on regulatory reform and other tax packages, namely the accelerated decrease of the Corporate Net Income Tax and changes to Net Operating loss, we would like to thank them for finalizing this year’s state budget.
We look forward to collaborating further with the Governor and General Assembly to advance other employers priorities for 2024, such as the aforementioned tax and regulatory reform, as well as other workforce development policies like housing and transportation infrastructure. |
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Guest Columnist |
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Building Futures Together: CCIU and CCCBI's Dynamic Partnership in Shaping Education & Industry |
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By: Dr. George F. Fiore, CCIU Executive Director
I am pleased to share exciting news about the tremendous growth we have experienced at the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU), particularly in two crucial areas – the expansion of our Technical College High School enrollment and the enhancement of our special education programming. These developments not only signify progress in education but also present numerous opportunities for collaboration between the business community and our educational organization.
Technical College High School: Nurturing Tomorrow's Workforce The Technical College High School (TCHS) has been a cornerstone of educational excellence in our community, and we are proud to witness a significant uptick in our enrollment. This growth reflects the increasing recognition of the value of technical education and hands-on training, preparing our students for the dynamic demands of the modern workforce.
Between our three campuses located in Downingtown, Phoenixville, and West Grove, TCHS offers 31 career and technical programs ranging from Allied Health and Early Childhood Care & Education to Carpentry and Automotive Service Technology. Serving students from the 12 Chester County school districts and 15 out-of-county school districts, the total TCHS enrollment is 2,644, which is up 20% over the past few years.
Opportunities for Collaboration: Co-ops, Internships, and Volunteering The Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry (CCCBI) is a pivotal partner in fostering this growth. There exists a tremendous opportunity for CCCBI members to engage with TCHS through co-ops and internships. By offering students real-world opportunities, businesses can play an active role in shaping the next generation of professionals while simultaneously benefiting from the enthusiasm, dedication, and fresh ideas of young minds.
Volunteering is another avenue for engagement. CCCBI members can participate in career fairs, workshops, and mentorship programs, providing invaluable insights into various industries and career paths. This not only contributes to the educational development of our students but also strengthens the ties between the business community and the future workforce.
Special Education Programming: Nurturing Inclusivity and Diversity In addition to TCHS, the CCIU has been steadfast in expanding our special education programming. Recognizing the diverse needs of our students, we are committed to providing tailored educational experiences that empower every learner. Notably, the CCIU is building the Child & Career Development Center (CCDC) Great Valley Campus and renovating the Fred S. Engle building in the Avon Grove School District which will bring additional state-of-the-art space to serve children with special needs across Chester County. As we enhance our special education offerings, we invite CCCBI members to explore partnerships that support inclusivity and diversity in education.
The Power of Collaboration: Strengthening the Education-Industry Link The synergy between education and industry is undeniable. By collaborating with schools, businesses contribute to the development of a skilled, adaptable, and innovative workforce. This collaboration is a two-way street, fostering a dynamic exchange of knowledge, skills, and ideas.
CCCBI members have a unique opportunity to actively shape the future by investing in education. Whether through mentorship, internships, or volunteer initiatives, businesses can directly influence the development of a workforce that meets the evolving needs of our community.
The growth of TCHS enrollment and the expansion of our special education programming underscore the importance of forging strong bonds between education and industry. CCCBI is not just an observer; it is an essential partner in shaping the future of our community. Together, we can build a bridge that connects education and industry, fostering a collaborative environment where both students and businesses thrive. I look forward to witnessing the positive impact of our joint efforts.
For more information, please contact Dr. Joe Fullerton, Director of Career, Technical and Customized Education, JoeF@cciu.org. |
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CCCBI is looking for guest columnists in 2024! For more information, please contact Abby Wolfe: abby@chescochamber.org |
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Member Spotlight |
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Penns Woods Winery |
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A gem of the Brandywine Valley, Penns Woods Winery's charming 1800s farmhouse Tasting Room sits atop a hill overlooking their scenic vineyard. For over 20 years the winery has produced premium, Euro-style wines that highlight the depth & flavors unique to Pennsylvania soil, earning top awards & ratings on the competitive global stage.
Penns Woods was founded by Italian immigrant & USMC veteran Gino Razzi. Razzi spent decades as a wine importer, before trying his hand at winemaking himself in his home region of Abruzzo in the mid 1990s. After a series of successful & highly rated commercial releases under his belt, he turned his attention to the promising soils in his adopted home of Delaware County. After years of soil testing & research, he found the perfect site in an established vineyard in Chadds Ford with roughly 7 acres of vines planted there in the late 1970s & early 1980s by the previous owners.
Penns Woods has since expanded to over 40 acres of vines across three different sites in Southeastern Pennsylvania, cultivating 11 different varietals including Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Chardonnay, Traminette, Moscato Canelli, Moscato d'Amburgo, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Carmine, Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon. Blending tradition & innovation, Penns Woods Winery is an experienced leader of Pennsylvania viticulture, working closing with & donating a dollar of every bottle sold to Penn State viticulture & enology research to assist in developing & raising the profile of this relatively young wine region.
An outdoor enthusiasts paradise, Penns Woods Winery is one of only two wineries in the U.S. to sit on a national park! Access miles of First State National Historical Park hiking, biking & horseback riding trails right off the vineyard then loop back for a glass of wine afterwards. Penns Woods is open daily for Wine Tasting, you can also relax & enjoy wine by the glass & bottle on their outdoor lawn - they are family & dog friendly too!
Weekdays we are walk-in only & reservations are strongly recommended when visiting on the weekends. Penns Woods hosts live music every Saturday & Sunday (April-October) as well as a range of special events throughout the year including wine education classes & craft workshops in addition to their highly anticipated pairings (January-March), exciting Derby at the Vineyard horse show (May), collaborative classes with NPS Rangers & so much more!
Follow @pennswoodswine or check out their new website for more information & exciting updates! |
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Upcoming Events |
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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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