GAC Presents: Workforce Support Resources
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Last Friday, CCCBI's Government Affairs Committee welcomed three guest speakers to their monthly meeting to present: Workforce Support Resources.
Ken Hutton kicked off the conversation with the realities of housing in Chester County. As of the 4th Quarter, the average cost of a home is $518,000 with potential buyers needing $155,000 household income. Despite the costs and the nationwide shortage, there is support for new residential development, meaning that housing attainability must become a priority to sustain Chester County and Pennsylvania's economy.
Another critical issue challenging the Chamber's membership is transportation concerns. Maureen Farrell shared how many residents seek alternative modes of transportation, such as shuttle systems, trains, carpooling as well as scooter and bike trails. GVFTMA is advocating for better roads and mass transit, as well as efforts to advance scooter sharing and even the improvement of pedestrian options, as recently seen in Phoenixville, who recently received a grant to improve sidewalks and crosswalks.
Childcare remains another area where both employees and employers are suffering. Elizabeth Farwell Ozer presented the economic impact that insufficient childcare is having on parents, employers and taxpayers. As 90% of programs are experiencing staffing shortages, childcare is becoming more scarce and more expensive, causing parents to leave jobs in order to save on childcare costs. This retreat from the workforce has led to a $6.6 billion economic loss in 2023.
Nearly 30 attendees joined the discussion with questions ranging from where Governor Shapiro's Recruitment & Retention Fund's money is coming from, to how housing costs can be lowered, to how developers can save on building costs.
The robust discussion prompted important insights into what our residents, workforce and business community are facing. Thank you to all who joined us!
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CCCBI is proud to honor six Member businesses & individuals at our inaugural Business Excellence Awards luncheon on May 7, 2025.
Click the links below before Wednesday, March 12th at 5:00pm to nominate yourself or a business that deserves to be recognized!
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Celebrating Women's History Month
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March is National Women's History Month and CCCBI is celebrating by spotlighting some of the women leading and supporting our Chamber and business community!
Meet Rebecca Lagravinese, Chair of CCCBI's Women Influencing Business Committee and Nicole Stephenson, CCCBI's Vice President - Operations & Events.
As the Director of Organizational Development, Rebecca spearheads initiatives that cultivate a culture of continuous growth and improvement within the organization. With over 10 years expertise in HR, in her current role, she leads culture transformation, learning, leadership development, talent development, and change management initiatives. She works closely with HR and business leaders to design and implement strategies that drive employee engagement, develop future leaders, and support business growth. With a strong background in leadership development and organizational effectiveness, Rebecca is passionate about creating impactful learning experiences and fostering a culture of continuous growth.
Beyond her corporate role, Rebecca is actively involved in community leadership, serving as the Chair of the Women Influencing Business Committee for the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry. Her passion for leadership extends to empowering others through mentorship, training, and advocacy, reinforcing her belief in the power of strong communities and social responsibility.
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Nicole Stephenson has over 15 years of experience leading and executing marketing, sales, and event responsibilities. Her passion has always been in helping others to overcome obstacles to achieve success.
Through her previous role leading the Society of Professional Women™(SPW) as Executive Director for The Main Line Chamber of Commerce’s largest program, she understands and values the impact of her work on future generations. Nicole is a Board Member and Programming Chair for Girls Spark, a nonprofit, providing teenage girls with a supportive, empowering environment where they can learn, collaborate and overcome adversity in facing today’s social issues. She has volunteered as an advisor to her sorority as an alumna, assisted in internship recruitment at her employers, and visits colleges and universities for career talks. Nicole is also a part-time Lecturer for the Wharton Communication Program at the University of Pennsylvania.
Nicole was most recently named one of Main Line Today Magazine’s 2024 Power Women. She received the Woman's Achievement Award from Delaware County Women's Commission in 2022. And in 2019, was awarded the Rebecca Gross Alumni Award from the Communications Department at her alma mater Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, and the 35 Under 35 Award from Sigma Kappa Sorority.
She is the mother of her daughter, Lilliana, which brings her passion for working towards a brighter inclusive future for all into focus.
Stay tuned this month as we continue to highlight women influencing business at CCCBI!
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CCCBI has three active Member Discounts this month!
Our discount program is offered by Members, for Members. Build your network and support local businesses by offering or utilizing a Member Discount!
Right now you can take advantage of:
- 10% Discount On Any Service with Nexus Diaries
- FREE Virtual Info Session with RevityRx's MedStew Services
- 20% Off Lighting Showroom Sale from Denney Electric Supply
Visit the button below to learn more about these fantastic opportunities and check out all of our active discounts!
If you are interested in offering a discount for your fellow members, talk to our Director of Membership, Laura Ellis, to learn more and get started!
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Real ID Deadline Approaching Pennsylvania
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After 20 years and multiple delays, Pennsylvanians will finally be required to comply with the REAL ID Act on May 7, 2025.
Governor Josh Shapiro, lawmakers, and the US Department of Homeland Security are reminding Pennsylvanians there will be no more extensions to comply with the REAL ID Act. And failure to have REAL ID means Pennsylvanians will not be able to board domestic flights or entering most federal facilities.
Non-compliance with REAL ID would be disruptive to Pennsylvanians, as well as employers who have staff members and customers traveling frequently to and from the Commonwealth. In 2023 approximately 20 million passengers boarded flights in Pennsylvania. While lack of REAL ID wouldn’t disrupt engagement with the Post Office, Social Security, or the IRS, it would prevent entering federal courthouses, visiting military bases or any facility that would requires photo ID. Currently, the Commonwealth is not requiring REAL ID for any purpose.
How prepared is Pennsylvania for REAL ID enforcement? The requirements of the REAL ID Act only apply to those 18 years and older. The Census Bureau estimates that there are about 10.4 million Pennsylvanians over 18. The Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles has only issued 2.5 million REAL ID products, which comes to 24%. However, because passports satisfy REAL ID requirements, this means an estimated 6.7 million, or 46%, of Pennsylvanians have REAL ID compliant documentation.
The REAL ID Act was enacted in 2005 in response to 9/11 terror attacks. The Act creates national standards for the physical production driver’s licenses and personal identification cards, as well as standards of evidence for proving the identity of individuals being issued those cards. There is now only 2 months left before enforcement.
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For nearly four decades, ServiceMaster Services, based in Exton, PA, has been a trusted provider of commercial cleaning solutions across Greater Philadelphia. Since 1986, the company has delivered exceptional cleaning and janitorial services to businesses spanning industries such as education, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.
With a comprehensive suite of services, ServiceMaster Services specializes in:
- Post-Construction Cleaning
- Carpet Cleaning
- Hard Surface Floor Refinishing
- Emergency Disinfection Services
- Emergency Property Damage Mitigation
- Ancillary Services
At ServiceMaster Clean, they believe in providing exceptional customer service and tailored cleaning solutions. They offer the perks of a locally owned and operated franchise that is backed by a national network.
Discover four ways their values translate into exceptional services:
- Customer Focus. Their custodial services aren't a “one-size-fits-all” approach. They tailor their services to meet exact client needs. Clients also have access to the ServiceLink® mobile app to make communication as easy as possible.
- Quality Assurance. They treat their clients' businesses as their own. Their documented systems ensure every job meets high standards. Their staff is thoroughly trained to stay up to date on the latest commercial cleaning best practices.
- Environmentally Responsible. They use environmentally friendly cleaning products and do their part to help protect the environment.
- Integrity and Ethics. They use electronic timekeeping systems to ensure buildings are cleaned on schedule and as efficiently as possible.
They also use the latest technology and equipment to make sure businesses are spotless and safe for staff and customers alike.
As part of the nationally recognized ServiceMaster Brands, the company upholds a commitment to excellence, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Their expert team ensures businesses maintain a clean, healthy, and professional environment, setting them apart in the commercial cleaning industry.
Proud Chamber members since early 2022, ServiceMaster Services has found great value in the networking, educational opportunities, and professional connections provided by the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry.
“I have found the Chamber’s speaker series, networking, and events programs to be both engaging and instructive,” says Mike Teti, ServiceMaster Services, Manager of Sales & Service. “The topics are up-to-date and pertinent to our clients, our company, and me personally. Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and tax planning are recent examples. The abundance of networking opportunities is enhanced by the caliber of those who participate. The individuals' willingness to help each other advance their careers is impressive.”
We are proud to have ServiceMaster Services as an active Chamber member and appreciate their continued dedication to supporting businesses in our community. If your company is in need of top-tier commercial cleaning services, ServiceMaster Services is the team to call!
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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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