A huge THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for our inaugural Business Excellence Awards luncheon!

Special thanks to our friends at Kamelot Productions for creating this beautiful video that captures the energy and excitement from this memorable day!

Hosted at the Desmond Hotel, we celebrated six incredible honorees and over 150 Member Milestones:

Meridith Coyle of ANEU Kitchens – Female Business Leader of the Year

Pennsylvania American Water – Community Partner of the Year

OYL Consulting – Minority-Owned Business of the Year

Handi-Crafters Opportunity Center – Nonprofit of the Year

Katie LaDow of Lamb McErlane PC – Rising Star of the Year

Valley Creek Productions – Small Business of the Year

The Business Excellence Awards, presented by Bentley Systems and Comcast, stemmed from the combination of two of our most popular and meaningful events—our Small Business Awards and our Women Influencing Business Awards—into one powerful celebration of business excellence.

“The result was truly a bigger, bolder, more unified event that reflects the full strength, diversity, and spirit of our business community,” - Laura Manion, CCCBI President & CEO

We are proud to unite our business community and recognize the leadership, impact, and excellence that define CCCBI.

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Women Influencing Business: Polish Your Presence, Look Great & Feel Great

Yesterday's Polish Your Presence, Look Great & Feel Great workshop White Manor Country Club had an incredible turnout, and it couldn't have been more empowering!

Being body positive is about cultivating respect, dignity, and acceptance for all bodies—starting with your own. And it's hard to be body positive when you aren't confident in how you look.

A limited engagement of 50 WIB members participated in a fun and uplifting workshop with style coaches Kristin Argento & Kristen Campbell, founders of Threads of Hershey and authors of Threads Method: Styled for Life. This proven method has helped hundreds of women simplify their wardrobes and take control of their personal style!

Thank you to all of the attendees that brought items for West Chester University of Pennsylvania's Career Closet! And special thanks to vendors Macy's for a great raffle prize and J.Hilburn's Eileen Kevany for providing some inspirational ideas for menswear.

Pennsylvania's ongoing involvement in RGGI, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a multi-state program to reduce power plants' carbon pollution, is currently at a standstill due to current litigation.

RGGI requires these power plants to purchase credits for each ton of carbon dioxide emitted. The revenue generated would be used for further investments in clean energy programs and consumer benefits. In 2019, Tom Wolf issued an "executive order" bypassing the legislature, which sparked the lawsuit due to questions of its constitutionality.

On Tuesday, May 13th of this year, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court heard arguments in the case. The core issue is whether joining RGGI without approval from the General Assembly violates the Pennsylvania Constitution.

Supporters of RGGI argue it would help cut emissions and reinvest millions into energy efficiency and environmental programs. Opponents warn it would raise electricity costs and hurt Pennsylvania's energy industry—especially since the state is one of the nation's top energy producers and exporters of natural gas.

Supreme Court justices raised concerns about the DEP's existing authority, if any, and whether the agency can establish a system that generates revenue by selling carbon credits. The DEP's legal team shot back, noting the program is sanctioned under Pennsylvania's Air Pollution Control Act, which empowers the agency to regulate and reduce pollution. However, in 2023, the Commonwealth Court ruled that RGGI is a tax and only the legislature can enact taxes. Governor Shapiro appealed that decision, leading to this week's hearings.

Legislators are currently split on the issue. Senate Republicans, including Majority Leader Joe Pittman, felt that RGGI was unconstitutional and would lead to increased electricity prices, decreased job opportunities, and the shutdown of gas and coal plants. Other legislators, including leaders of the Democrat-controlled House, support RGGI, emphasizing the program's potential ability to cut down on carbon emissions and fuel the innovation of more clean energy.

Governor Josh Shapiro has also outlined a separate plan, PACER, the Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction Act, to achieve a similar environmental and renewable energy goal through a Pennsylvania-specific program. Shapiro's plan also includes changes to the Commonwealth's energy goals, named PRESS, the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard. PRESS calls for the state to get 50% of its electricity from clean sources like solar, wind, small nuclear, and battery storage by 2035.

The Supreme Court has not indicated when it will rule on the case, but the decision will shape Pennsylvania's climate and energy policies for years. Until then, Pennsylvania's participation in RGGI will remain at a standstill.

Why It Matters to Chamber Members:
For Chester County businesses—particularly manufacturers, energy consumers, and environmental innovators—the outcome of this case could have a direct impact on operational costs, regulatory compliance, and investment opportunities. A move toward cleaner energy may bring new incentives and markets, while concerns over increased electricity rates or regulatory burdens could affect the bottom line. Understanding where this case is headed can help business leaders plan for potential shifts in Pennsylvania’s energy landscape and make informed decisions for future growth.

Founded in November 2023, OYL Consulting (Organicize Your Life) is a purpose-driven coaching and consulting company committed to enhancing emotional wellness, mindset transformation, and leadership development. Through evidence-based practices and authentic guidance, OYL empowers individuals and organizations to thrive with clarity, resilience, and purpose.

OYL works with businesses, schools, and community groups to deliver impactful programs that strengthen emotional intelligence and cultivate sustainable success. From wellness workshops to leadership training, founder Navixha Bagga’s 25-year background in corporate IT, coaching, and leadership informs a deeply holistic approach to professional and personal growth.

Since joining the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry, OYL has embraced opportunities for connection and collaboration within the Chamber network. “The CCCBI community is a vibrant source of inspiration and growth,” Navixha shares. “The relationships, support, and mentorship—especially from leaders like Andrew Braun—have been invaluable.”

OYL’s community contributions include wellness workshops for local businesses such as VRA Realty, and partnership-driven initiatives like the screening of Show Her the Money, sponsored by Lavazza Group. These efforts highlight OYL’s commitment to driving positive change and meaningful impact throughout the region.

OYL Consulting looks forward to continued engagement with CCCBI and supporting local professionals and organizations on their journey to success and well-being.