Protecting Your Business Legacy with Cerebrum Strategic Advisors
|
CCCBI was thrilled to partner with Cerebrum Strategic Advisors for a special Speaker Series on Protecting Your Business Legacy: Succession, Continuity & Valuation Planning!
Guest speakers Christopher Glover, Managing Partner at Cerebrum Strategic Advisors and Dustin Simmerman, National Vice President - Business Solutions at Principal provided some much-needed industry expertise for our attending business owners and decision makers.
This session explored how a comprehensive succession strategy addresses both planned transitions—such as retirement or sale—and unexpected events like the disability or death of an owner or key employee. Participants discovered how Principal’s unique approach to the business market helps protect organizations from the loss of key individuals while creating strategies to reward and retain top talent.
When done correctly, succession, continuity, and valuation planning transform risk into opportunity—allowing business owners to preserve enterprise value and create a clear path for the next generation of leadership with clarity and confidence.
Thank you to our attendees, our speakers and our Member, Alessandra H. Nicolas, Partner at Cerebrum Strategic Advisors for bringing this event to life!
|
Celebrating Women's History Month
|
CCCBI is proud to recognize some of the amazing women and woman-owned businesses that shine in our Membership throughout Women's History Month! Stay tuned this March to learn about and celebrate the women of our Chamber.
This week, we'd like to honor Tara McAllister, Founder of Coastal Health Connections and Amanda Blevins, Owner of Blevins Sommelier Services!
|
We asked Tara about her business, what she loves about our Chamber's active Women Influencing Business Network and who inspires her. Here's what she had to say:
Tara McAllister is the founder of Coastal Health Connections, where she focuses on helping people receive the care and support they need in the comfort of their own homes.
|
Through her work in home care and home health services, she is passionate about improving clients' quality of life and supporting families through compassionate, personalized care.
“I love being part of CCCBI and WIB because they create welcoming spaces for collaboration, mentorship, and the kind of authentic connections that help women and businesses grow together. One woman who deeply influenced my journey is my college professor, Suzanne K. Murphy, PhD—her rare combination of empathy, encouragement, and confidence in me helped shape the drive and purpose I carry into my work today. She remains an important part of my life, and her influence continues as she inspires and supports my children's academic and career journeys as well."
|
We asked Amanda about her business, what she loves about our Chamber's active Women Influencing Business Network and who inspires her. Here's what she had to say:
Amanda Blevins, owner of Blevins Sommelier Services, is a WSET 3 Sommelier and Bourbon Professional with the Council of Whiskey Masters. She presents private wine and whiskey tastings and is a wine and spirits instructor at Main Line School Night.
|
"As a member of the CCCBI, I feel truly supported. I appreciate building authentic relationships at events and the insight members share to help my business grow. As a woman in the world of whiskey, I felt instantly at home with the Bourbon Women’s Association. I have been inspired getting to know other women in bourbon and founder Peggy Noe, who is truly a champion of women in the spirits industry."
Special thanks to Tara and Amanda for their continued support and involvement with CCCBI!
|
Youth Leadership Program Visits DFT Inc.
|
Early this week, the Chester County Chamber Foundation's Youth Leadership Program visited DFT, Inc. in Exton!
DFT, a longtime Chamber Member and pillar of the community, hosted thirty of our students for a full day of education, connection and opportunity. Leadership from multiple departments within DFT took time out of their day to dive deep into their perspective fields.
From Engineering and Operations to Marketing and Accounting, DFT's experts helped educate our students about all the different fields and career paths that make the business run.
|
Following the interactive presentations, the students got an exclusive tour of DFT's production floor and facility to see their work in action, something that has led to multiple YLP students going on to work at DFT as interns throughout their high school and college careers.
YLP also welcomed two guest speakers for the afternoon. Kyle Mittelstadt, Financial Planner at Creative Financial Group offered insights into the power of LinkedIn for students to build their networks and market themselves. Natanya Sortland from the Fighting Back Scholarship Program also spoke to the students.
Thank you to David Moser and the inspiring staff at DFT who curated one of the most memorable days of the year!
|
Workforce Development Highlighted During Pennsylvania Budget Hearing
|
On March 4th, the Pennsylvania Senate Appropriations Committee convened a budget hearing to discuss workforce development and job training initiatives with representatives from the Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) and the Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED).
Committee Chair Scott Martin (R-Lancaster) stressed the importance of getting workforce development “right” in order to address pressing long-term challenges, including demographic shifts such as an aging population and economic issues like the rise of job automation. By drawing attention to these factors, Martin highlighted why strategic workforce planning is critical for Pennsylvania’s future.
Labor and Industry Secretary Nancy Walker highlighted vocational rehab, apprenticeships, and stated that retaining young workers was a recurring concern. Sec. Walker also reviewed Governor Josh Shapiro’s annual budget proposal, requesting an additional $3.5M for the Schools‑to‑Work Program (STWP), $3.5M for Industry Partnerships, and $2M for Career Connect.
Department of Community and Economic Development Sec. Rick Siger detailed three main workforce-focused programs and a fourth allowing for workforce training costs, such as $12.5 million for Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania (WEDnetPA), an additional $2 million for Career Connect and a budget of $4.7 million for training. Sec. Siger added that DCED also provides grants through the Pennsylvania First (PA First) for job training.
|
Limoncello Ristorante and Caterers
|
Limoncello Ristorante and Caterers is a family owned business based in West Chester and Chester Springs, PA specializing in authentic Italian Cuisine. Operating since 2006, Maria and Giuseppe Mingrino, along with their children, Paul, Frank, and Dina have put their heart and soul into creating a restaurant that features their Sicilian roots and family traditions.
Limoncello is not just a restaurant, but a beloved comfort spot where friends and families can come to unwind and enjoy their dining experience. Whether it be a quick lunch break, a happy hour unwind, or a birthday dinner celebration, Limoncello and their hardworking staff makes every visit feel special.
|
Along with being a trusted restaurant, they also specialize in hosting private parties for all of life’s celebrations. From baby/bridal showers, graduation parties, and bereavement luncheons, to corporate events, Limoncello has the perfect variety of spaces to bring your vision to life. Their dedicated team is always eager to help every step of the way!
For 20 years, the Mingrino family has been making a huge impact on our community. They have had the largest Toys for Tots toy drive in the Chester County Area for years. They also created The Limoncello Foundation in 2025 and their first charity golf outing helped raise $100,000 for the Chester County Hospital NICU. The Mingrinos realize the importance of giving back to their community that keeps them afloat and are forever grateful for their supporters.
|
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
|
|
