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Chamber News |
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Welcome New Members |
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Summer Speed Networking with the Chamber Alliance of Chester County |
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Photo Credit: Gary Altoonian Photography |
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CCCBI spent Tuesday afternoon Speed Networking with Chamber Alliance of Chester County!
The best part about this event isn't just the connections, but our community coming together to support those in need! We collected over 80lbs of food donations for the Chester County Food Bank thanks to the incredible members of all right chambers.
Lastly, thank you to all of our members who joined us! |
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Photo Credit: Gary Altoonian Photography |
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Team Bonding with Handi-Crafters |
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The CCCBI team recently visited Handi-Crafters for an impactful morning of service.
Handi-Crafters provides people with various disabilities vocational job training, socialization, and the opportunity for competitive employment. Laura, Marianne, Abby, Carrie, Jarrod and Jamie volunteered alongside several Handi-Crafters employees advancing their mission through production contributions and lasting connections.
"Volunteering at Handi-Crafters with our team was a truly rewarding experience, said Carrie Bierlein, our Sales Director. "Handi-Crafters creates opportunities for individuals with disabilities to learn, work, build confidence, and participate more fully in the community, and it was a gift to see the positive impact up close and personal. Serving for a non-profit is a meaningful reminder that even small contributions make a huge difference that goes far beyond the physical work; a smile, a chance to listen and learn and make lifelong connections in the community. I left the day feeling inspired and will look forward to going back and seeing some new friends!"
Throughout the day, we each spent intentional time with program participants—empowering each individual through meaningful projects and conversations.
Special thanks to Handi-Crafters for creating such a memorable day for our staff! |
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Shared Interest Group - Healthcare & Wellness |
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This morning, the Chamber convened our Healthcare & Wellness Shared Interest Group (SIG), bringing together representatives from our region's leading health systems, including our moderator Michael Staiber from Mercy LIFE Chester County, Penn Medicine and Main Line Health, LCH Health and Community Services, along with other care provider organizations serving the healthcare sector.
The conversation was candid, collaborative, and focused on the most pressing challenges facing healthcare in our region. Topics included the impact of Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement rates, the lasting impact of hospital closures in the region, and the resulting strain on our remaining healthcare systems, many of which are operating at or near capacity.
Workforce development was another major area of discussion. Participants explored opportunities to strengthen the pipeline of healthcare professionals by connecting health systems with local colleges and universities, the Chester County Intermediate Unit, and skilled trades programs to address workforce needs across a variety of clinical and support roles.
The group also discussed the rising cost of healthcare, including increasing insurance premiums and the financial pressures facing both insured and uninsured patients. Additional conversations focused on the growing demand for elder care services, the affordability of long-term care, and the continued need to expand access to mental health resources.
These Shared Interest Groups are designed to provide Chamber members with a trusted forum to discuss industry-specific challenges, exchange ideas, identify opportunities for collaboration, and help shape future programming and chamber advocacy on behalf of our member employers. We appreciate the willingness of our members to engage in thoughtful, honest dialogue and look forward to continuing these important conversations at future SIG meetings. |
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Meet Your Ambassadors |
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Your Chamber Membership comes with a built-in support network, and our Ambassadors are at the heart of it! |
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Meet Jenn Christensen Sales Consultant, Personal Investor Department Vanguard
As a power connector for CCCBI, Jenn serves as an Ambassador that thrives to collaborate and connect colleagues for business success via networking events, warm introductions, and in building authentic, long-lasting relationships that make an impactful difference in the community. As a Vanguard Crew member, Mom of 4, and a Veteran Concierge Board Member for Ambassador Affairs, Jenn thrives on building partnerships that endure beyond business. Affectionately known as “Lead Jenn” for her gift of connecting people, businesses, and community partners, Jenn makes it her mission to make everyone feel supported as an integral and valued member of the chamber community.
What's one business tool you can't live without? LinkedIn is the power business tool of choice for Jenn with respect to connections, collaborations and targeting the right sources for success in business and in building partnerships.
What’s your go-to morning beverage and where is it from? Her “go-to” morning ritual is a Venti Starbucks Cold Brew “black” that provides the first (and often not the last) peppy perk for the day!
What’s your favorite Chamber Benefit? The “Foundation Summer Solstice” event for which the Youth Leadership Program is honored and celebrated with the chamber community! |
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Meet Timothy Kleczka Director of Business Development SERVPRO of the Main Line
Timothy is a global business executive with more than 30 years of experience leading. business development, international expansion, and franchise operations across technology, education, and SaaS industries, driving strategic partnerships and multimillion-dollar growth worldwide. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Board Member of Veteran Concierge, he has lived in 11 countries, conducted business in more than 60 countries, and leverages his global leadership experience to support veterans, families, and community outreach initiatives.
What's one business tool you can't live without? Salesforce
What’s your go-to morning beverage and where is it from? Folgers Black Silk Coffee with half and half from my coffee pot.
What’s your favorite Chamber Benefit? Networking Events |
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Stay tuned to help us recognize all of our amazing Ambassadors this month. We appreciate you Jenn & Timothy! |
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Legislative Update |
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Housing Update - Q2 2026 |
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Housing affordability continues to be one of the most significant challenges facing Chester County's workforce and employers.
According to the Q2 2026 Chester County Real Estate Market Report, the median sale price increased from $535,625 to $585,000 in just one quarter—an increase of nearly $50,000. The average home sale price has now reached $689,910, up 4% from one year ago, while the number of homes available for sale has declined 7% over the same period.
These trends reinforce what we continue to hear from employers across every industry: the cost of housing is making it increasingly difficult to attract and retain employees. Many workers simply cannot afford to live in the communities where they work, creating longer commutes, workforce shortages, and added pressure on businesses already struggling to fill positions.
To put today's market into perspective, a buyer purchasing the average-priced Chester County home at approximately $690,000 faces substantial upfront and ongoing costs. Based on mortgage estimates prepared for a conventional 30-year loan at 6.5% interest, a buyer putting 20% down would need approximately $165,000 in cash to close and would face an estimated monthly housing payment of about $4,322, assuming $8,000 in annual property taxes.
For buyers able to put down only 10%, the upfront cash requirement remains nearly $100,000, while the estimated monthly housing payment increases to approximately $5,029 when annual property taxes are $10,000 and mortgage insurance is required.
For many young professionals, first-time homebuyers, teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, and skilled tradespeople, these financial barriers place homeownership well beyond reach. As home prices continue to rise and inventory remains constrained, expanding housing opportunities across a range of price points must remain a priority if Chester County is to sustain a strong workforce and competitive economy. |
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Additionally, passed with wide bipartisan support (85-5 in the Senate, 358-32 in the House), the 21st Century Road to Housing Act became law on July 11th. Focused on housing affordability, the Act contains provisions to increase the housing supply, ease requirements for manufactured and modular houses, promotes homeownership and lending access, and restricts institutional investors from purchasing more homes, among others. Key programs include:
The Act comes as the national median home costs reached $446,000 in June and average 30-year fixed mortgage rates hover at 6.5%
In Pennsylvania, two bills— SB1346, sponsored by Sen. Greg Rothman (R-Cumberland) and HB2186, sponsored by Rep. John Inglis (D-Allegheny)— would give individuals the right to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in an area zoned for single family homes. Rep. Inglis said "Accessory dwelling units are a proven way to increase housing supply without changing the character of existing neighborhoods. Whether it's a garage apartment, a backyard cottage, or a converted basement, these homes can provide affordable housing opportunities while giving homeowners more flexibility."
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Member Spotlight |
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Chester County Library & District Center |
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The Chester County Library & District Center has long been a supporter of small businesses and entrepreneurs in our community. Through the Library’s Business Center, you can access a wealth of resources and services to support your business for free.
Whether you’re at the beginning of your entrepreneurial career, looking to grow your business, or seeking resources for selling/retiring, please reach out to the Business Center for direct research assistance and resource referral. |
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Join the Business & Career Librarian, Mikaila Strano, as the Business Center launches new resources, services, and programs this summer.
Our latest program series, Business After Noon, is a weekly lunch and learn series designed to familiarize business owners and entrepreneurs with the digital databases available at the library; these resources are FREE and can help businesses find market, industry, and consumer data. You can register for this series through the library’s event calendar. |
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Consider also partnering with the library to provide business programming to our community. Share your expertise, knowledge, and experience with other business professionals in areas such as, business start-up, marketing and your personal brand, financial literacy, and so much more!
For more information, please submit a program proposal form or contact Mikaila at: mstrano@ccls.org, 610-344-5947. |
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Upcoming Events |
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Member 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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