Last Thursday, CCCBI partnered with the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce to present a Galentine's Day celebration for the second year in a row.
Nearly 200 women from Chester and Delaware Counties visited the Ivy at Ellis Preserve to network, connect, and shop with local vendors.
It was such a pleasure to work alongside our friends at DCCC and bring together such a large group of professionals.
|
Special thanks to our Sponsors & Vendors!
Presenting Sponsor: Bowers R&D
Sweetheart Sponsor: Penns Woods Winery
Feast Your Eyes Catering
Girls Spark
Paris Med Spa & Boutique
Amy Johnson, Author
Realm Fine & Fashion Jewelry
Cocoon
|
A Special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
|
On Wednesday, February 19th, we celebrated the fantastic partnership between two great chamber members! Ocean City Coffee Company opened a store in Neumann University’s Bachmann Building. This location, in addition to their Media location, is the second opening for Partners Russ Watkins, and Lauri and Corey Watkins.
The ribbon cutting was a collaboration with the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and the crowd had Neumann staff, as well as supportive members from both chambers! Welcome speeches were given by Laura Ellis, the Director of Member Engagement for CCCBI and Trish McFarland, President of DCCC. The President of Neumann University, Dr. Chris Domes shared his excitement of having a locally owned coffee shop right at the University – that is also open to the public! There are even designated parking spots for people to park and run in and grab cup Joe to go!
We’re excited to watch OC Coffee thrive in this location and love the support of Neumann University!
|
This morning, CCCBI hosted our first Signature Event of 2025, the State of the County breakfast with nearly 250 business leaders, public officials and community partners.
We opened our event with the awards ceremony, honoring Brian O'Leary with the J. Larry Boling Award, and Joseph E. (Skip) Brion with the Earl M. Baker Lifetime Achievement Award. Their lasting impact on Chester County and our business community was evident by the support from our attendees.
After the awards and breakfast, we welcomed our three Chester County Commissioners, Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz and Eric Roe, to the stage for a panel discussion moderated by 6ABC news anchor, Tamala Edwards. The Commissioners addressed a range of topics including, tax increases, DOGE, housing, healthcare and hospitals, transportation and more.
The Commissioners also shared an exclusive first look at a video addressing the their goals and priorities over the next year. They will be sharing that video with our attendees and the CCCBI Membership next week.
Thank you to our Honorees and their families, our Commissioners, Tamala Edwards, CCCBI's Board of Directors, our hosts at Penn Oaks Golf Club, and all of our attendees, including our generous sponsors!
Presenting Sponsors:
Aqua, Lamb McErlane PC, Bentley Systems, Buckley, Brion, McGuire & Morris LLP and Constellation
Commissioner Sponsor:
Piazza Management Corporation
Award Sponsors:
Comcast, Cozen O'Connor, E. Kahn Development Corporation, Hankin Group, Meridian Bank and Pennsylvania American Water
Advocacy Sponsors:
Brumbaugh Wealth Management, LLC, Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc., Independence Blue Cross, Kreischer Miller, S&T Bank and Wawa, Inc.
Friends of the Chamber:
Brandywine Valley Heating & AC, Chester County Food Bank
DFT Inc., JPOrleans, Riley Riper Hollin & Colagreco, Stephano Slack LLC, Transportation Management Association of Chester County
and West Chester University of Pennsylvania
|
It's Time to Get Registered!
|
This month alone, CCCBI had three different events SELL OUT in the weeks leading up to the event date.
This year is absolutely filled with exciting, informative and intentional events to support our Members and Community Partners. We are encouraging everyone, Members and Non-Members alike, to register early for our upcoming events.
Don't wait! Visit our Event Calendar at www.chescochamber.org to save the date for our signature events, monthly networking events and more throughout the year.
Please contact nicole@chescochamber.org for assistance registering or to learn more about our event lineup.
|
Governor Shapiro Reintroduces Energy Plan
|
Governor Josh Shapiro recently reintroduced a new energy proposal, named the "Lightning Plan.” The plan is a six-part package of legislation that attempts to “collectively cut carbon pollution, grow energy jobs, diversify Pennsylvania’s energy portfolio, and reduce costs on residents’ utility bills.” The six pieces include:
1. Reintroduction of the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standards Act (“PRESS”) which updated the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards to incentivize innovation in nuclear and renewable energy, including battery storage.
2. Reintroduction of the Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction Act (“PACER”), which would establish a cap-and-invest program to set Pennsylvania’s carbon limit and invest in reducing electricity costs. Under PACER, 70 percent of the revenue generated would be returned to Pennsylvanians as rebates on their electric bills.
3. Establishing a new Reliable Energy Siting and Electric Transition (“RESET”) Board to bring Pennsylvania in line with the majority of other states that have some statewide entity with the authority to handle siting decisions for key energy projects.
4. Reforming Pennsylvania’s flagship energy efficiency law, Act 129, which was enacted back in 2008 and can be updated to maximize consumer savings in a changing energy landscape.
5. Reintroduction of reforms to the Economic Development for a Growing Economy (“EDGE”) tax credits, which includes:
-
- Reliable Energy Investment Credit Up to $100 million per facility for three years, focused on adding reliable energy sources to the grid.
- Regional Clean Hydrogen Tax Credit: Up to $49 million annually for regional hydrogen projects, with lower thresholds to qualify.
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Up to $15 million per year for a taxpayer who makes a $250 million capital investment and creates four hundred jobs at a facility to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), like the CNX and KeyState Energy collaboration at Pittsburgh International Airport.
6. Establishing a new “Community Energy” program that is modeled after an existing proposal to authorize Community Solar (a policy that has been debated in the General Assembly for many sessions now) while also providing for resources such as geothermal and anaerobic digesters.
The Cap and Invest portion of the plan faces a tough road in the PA Senate, but with federal energy and sustainability tax credits facing potential repeal in upcoming tax reform legislation, state-level tax credits could provide claimants with financial stability by helping offset the loss of federal savings. Additionally, if these policies produce real declines in the cost of energy, that will provide downstream cost savings in every industry, especially in the transportation in manufacturing sectors.
Governor Shapiro’s reintroduced Lightning Plan contains both opportunities and uncertainties for Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry members. The impact is yet to be determined and varies by area, while the long-term effects depend on pending legislation outcomes and industry adoption. CCCBI will continue to monitor this proposal and any effects on our business community.
|
The Desmond Malvern, a DoubleTree by Hilton
|
Looking back, the decision to transition from The Desmond to The Desmond Malvern, a DoubleTree by Hilton in 2018, was one of the best moves we could have made. It wasn’t just a name change - it was a strategic step forward that led to long-term success, enhanced guest experiences, and stronger business relationships.
Before becoming part of the Hilton family, The Desmond had everything going for it - an excellent location, 194 well-appointed rooms, and a reputation for outstanding dining and hospitality. However, one challenge kept it from reaching its full potential: the lack of a rewards program. In an era where loyalty points drive booking decisions, independent hotels like The Desmond struggled to compete with major chains.
That all changed when we partnered with Hilton. The transition gave us the best of both worlds: we maintained the signature service and character that had made The Desmond a beloved destination while gaining access to Hilton’s extensive Honors program.
Our investment in the Hilton brand ensured that guests enjoyed a top-tier experience. Our world-class conference center features a 109-seat amphitheater and versatile meeting spaces, making it the perfect destination for corporate events of any size. With five unique dining options and incredible event space suited for any occasion, we’ve created a destination that caters to every guest’s needs.
|
Throughout our years in Malvern, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to hospitality. As General Manager, Michael Chain, emphasized from the start, our partnership with Hilton has allowed us to grow while staying true to the core values that have defined us for decades.
A key player in our success has been the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry (CCCBI). Their dedication to fostering business connections and strengthening local partnerships has been invaluable. Thanks to CCCBI, we’ve built relationships that have propelled us forward, bringing in new customers and reinforcing our reputation as a premier hotel in the region.
Looking back, becoming a DoubleTree was not just a good decision - it was a great one. We’ve grown, thrived, and cemented our place as the go-to destination for business travelers, wedding guests, and local patrons alike.
For more information, please go to Hotel — The Desmond Malvern.
|
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
|
|
