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Chamber News |
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Meet Your Ambassadors |
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Our ambassadors play a key role in connecting new Members with the CCCBI community and growing the excitement behind everything we do! Stay tuned this summer to meet all of our Ambassadors and celebrate their dedication to their fellow Members! |
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Timothy J. Gemmell The General Warren |
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A long time professional in the hospitality industry, Timothy is currently the manger –partner and events coordinator at General Warren, who specializes in custom weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate and private parties in addition to a fine dining experience. |
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As a long time member of CCCBI, Timothy has seen firsthand the value that this chamber brings to the business. As a member of the ambassador committee his hope is to share that value with new members and help the chamber grow. |
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Monica Ferguson IT Edge |
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Monica holds a Bachelor's in Marketing and is currently pursuing her MBA. Through her marketing professions, she specializes in partner relations, business development, and content strategy across digital platforms. |
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She is passionate about supporting local growth and fostering meaningful community connections throughout Chester County.
Thanks for all you do Timothy and Monica! |
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Legislative Update |
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Prioritizing Investments in Social Infrastructure and Supporting 211 Funding A Letter of Support written to the Senate and House Appropriations Committee |
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As the collective Chambers of Commerce serving the Pennsylvania 211 East Region, we write to express our support for strategic investments that reinforce Pennsylvania’s workforce and long-term economic competitiveness. Chief among these is continued and increased funding for the state’s 211 system, which is a critical resource connecting residents in South-Central PA with essential health and human services.
As you continue to negotiate the FY2026 budget, we ask you to consider the financial pressures many of our residents face. Currently, 28% of Pennsylvanians fall within the ALICE threshold – Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed. These are working individuals and families who earn above the federal poverty level but still do not earn enough to meet basic household needs. When combined with households living below the poverty line, approximately 40% of Pennsylvania families are navigating persistent financial instability.
These financial pressures do not exist in isolation. They directly affect our regional labor force and the overall strength of our local economies. When individuals lack access to stable housing, childcare, transportation, or healthcare, they are less able to participate consistently and productively in the workforce. This challenge is frequently reported by employers across our region, particularly by small businesses, who are most affected by employee turnover, absenteeism, and recruitment difficulties.
Pennsylvania’s 211 system plays a vital role in helping residents navigate these challenges. This free, confidential, and 24/7 helpline connects individuals to trained resource navigators who guide them to local services such as housing assistance, mental health support, and utility relief. In our region in 2024, 211 served 40,613 neighbors, with more than 42% of those callers utilizing services while making an income of at least $1250 - $5750 per month.
We believe that maintaining and strengthening systems like 211 is a prudent investment in Pennsylvania’s economic infrastructure. When workers have access to the support they need to remain employed and self-sufficient, businesses benefit from a more reliable and productive workforce. This is fundamental to retaining and attracting talent, especially in a competitive labor market.
For this reason, we respectfully urge you to increase the state’s line item for Pennsylvania 211 from $750,000 to $2.5 million. This investment will help ensure the continued availability and reliability of a service that plays a meaningful role in workforce stability and economic resilience.
Thank you for your continued service to the Commonwealth and for your thoughtful consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
The Chambers of Commerce of South-Central Pennsylvania |
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Trump Administration Domestic Agenda Signed Into Law |
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Budget reconciliation legislation, or the “Big Beautiful Bill” as named by President Trump, was signed into law by him on July 4th after earlier passing the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 216–214 on July 3rd. The measure was approved by the Senate on July 1st by 51-50, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote, following a 24-hour vote-a-rama during a budget reconciliation process that allowed passage with a simple majority. Republican Senators Susan Collins (ME), Thom Tillis (NC), and Rand Paul (KY) joined all Democrats in voting against the bill, citing concerns over Medicaid cuts, clean energy provisions, and the $5 trillion debt ceiling increase, respectively. The Senate's version, shaped by Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo (R-ID), made significant changes to the House-passed bill, including permanent business tax cuts, deeper Medicaid reductions, and accelerated phaseouts of clean energy tax credits.
The passage was marked by intense negotiations, particularly to secure the vote of Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), a key swing vote. Murkowski, after extensive discussions with Thune and Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-WY), secured concessions such as expanded SNAP exemptions for Alaska, clean energy tax credit adjustments, and a unique tax break for bowhead whaling boat captains, increasing deductions from $10,000 to $50,000. The vote-a-rama saw several amendments, including the Graham substitute amendment #2360, which incorporated a final "wraparound" amendment addressing Medicaid and clean energy provisions, adopted by a vote of 51-50. The Klobuchar amendment #2849, aiming to strike a SNAP cost-share provision, failed 45-55, with some Democrats from high-error-rate states joining Republicans to preserve exemptions.
Recap of Previous Legislative Actions: The legislative journey of H.R. 1 began in the House, where it was introduced as a budget reconciliation bill to advance President Trump's domestic agenda. The House Budget Committee compiled contributions from multiple committees, including Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Agriculture, in April 2025. The bill, with $3.8 trillion in tax cuts and $1.5 trillion in spending cuts, passed the House on May 15, 2025, by a narrow margin of 218-212, reflecting the GOP's slim majority. The House version included a compromise on Medicaid provider taxes and retained certain clean energy tax credits, expecting Senate moderation.
In the Senate, the Budget Committee reviewed H.R. 1 in June 2025, with Finance Committee Republicans, led by Crapo, prioritizing permanent business tax cuts. The Senate process culminated in a vote-a-rama that began on June 30, 2025, during which amendments were debated, and the bill was significantly altered before its passage on July 1, 2025. Senate rules, enforced by Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough, led to the removal of $200-$300 billion in House-proposed spending cuts, contributing to the bill's $651 billion deficit increase, as noted by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).
CCCBI will continue to provide updates for our Membership. To receive more in-depth emails and invitations to our monthly Government Affairs Committee meeting, please email abby@chescochamber.org for additional information. |
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Member Spotlight |
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Olive & Meadow |
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Founded by Ariel LeVasseur, Olive & Meadow is a boutique grazing and charcuterie brand specializing in elevated entertaining experiences.
Known for its visually stunning grazing tables, thoughtfully curated boards, and attention to detail, Olive & Meadow has quickly become a trusted name in the art of modern hosting. |
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What began as Ariel’s personal passion for design, food, and gathering evolved into a full-scale business rooted in creativity, hospitality, and style. With a focus on both flavor and presentation, Olive & Meadow transforms events of all sizes into memorable, immersive experiences through beautifully arranged, high-quality offerings. |
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Whether it’s a corporate celebration, intimate gathering, or large-scale event, Olive & Meadow provides clients with more than just catering, it offers a one-of-a-kind culinary centerpiece that brings people together. They are currently located out of the Artisan Exchange at 208 Carter Drive, Unit 13B, West Chester, PA 19382.
Olive & Meadow is opening up a Brick & Mortar! Find them at their new location at the historic Dilworthtown Inn. Coming Fall 2025!
The new charcuterie boutique will be your go to
New Shop Address: |
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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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