An Important Legislative Update

Governor Shapiro joins CCCBI to Celebrate Expansion of Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit

Laura Manion, President of the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry (CCCBI) was joined today by Governor Josh Shapiro, Rep Melissa Shusterman, Senator Carolyn Comitta, House Leader Matt Bradford, over 10 other members of the PA General Assembly, Commissioner Josh Maxwell, Chamber Board Members, business & community leaders, working parents and children in the Upper Main Line YMCA daycare center to celebrate the passage of the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit (ACT 34). 

During the event, Laura Manion, President of the Chester County Chamber (CCCBI) described the importance of the tax credit to both working parents such as herself and employers represented by the Chamber of Commerce. “A recent statistic from NetCredit.com states that in more than half the states in this country, childcare costs more than in-state public college tuition. The cost of care is becoming unattainable for families across every tax bracket, with the average cost of infant care in Chester County toppling over $17,000 annually.” Laura explained. Manion continued, “This is of no fault to the providers; who themselves are dealing with rising costs of rent, utilities, food, and other necessary overhead that continues to be plagued by inflation. As a soon to be mom-of-two, and as Chamber President representing 500 employers and thousands of employees in Chester County, I am proud to stand with the PA Legislature and Governor Shapiro in celebration of the expansion of the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. This is a monumental win for employees and employers across Pennsylvania.”

Governor Josh Shapiro stated, “As a mom and as the President of the Chester County Chamber, Laura and her team at the Chamber have been unbelievably strong advocates for this childcare tax credit. And you might wonder, why is a Chamber of Commerce leader involving themselves in a childcare issue? Because it makes sense. You see, if we can address the childcare issue, that strengthens our businesses, that strengthens our workforce and Laura understands that incredibly well. When families can afford reliable childcare, parents get back to work, businesses don't lose out on great employees and kids get early learning opportunities.”

We’d like to thank Bertram L. Lawson II, President & CEO of YMCA of Greater Brandywine and his team for hosting the event.

Thank you again to our CCCBI Board Members who joined the event today, as well as all of our CCCBI members for feedback and direction on business and workforce issues! We look forward to continuing to advocate for issues that will strengthen not just Chester County, but our region and the Commonwealth.

Chamber News

Welcome New Members

• Drip Drap
• Ethan Allen
• First Up
• K9 Resorts
• Buchanan Public Relations
• Square Roots Collective
• Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

CCCBI Hosts First Installment of Speaker Series

Yesterday, CCCBI held it's first installment of the new 2024 Speaker Series. 

Guest panelists Ryan McGinn of McGinn Financial Services and Malcolm Weaver of Mid Penn Bank discussed a variety of topics related to personal finance, retirement, and resources available and considerations for small business lending.

Both speakers covered economic outlooks for 2024 with rate predictions, an extensive discussion of retirement savings and market volatility, and for the millennials in the crowd, that time is your greatest asset as an investor. 

Did you know?

• 1 in 6 retirees return to the workforce
• Since the Great Depression, the expansion to recession ratio is 84/16
• The total return for the S&P 500 from 1993 to 2023 has been +10.3%
• About half of all SBA loan applications are approved

You’ll learn these facts and more at our monthly Speaker Series in 2024!

We’ll see you next month at CCCBI Headquarters for Help! I Don't Have an HR Department: HR for Small Business on Thursday, February 1st. 

CCCBI to Host First Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of 2024

The Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry (CCCBI) is proud to support our members with ribbon cutting ceremonies to mark the opening of a brand-new business, newly renovated business, relocation, groundbreaking, anniversary, or other major milestones for a business.

Ethan Allen Design Centers across North America are hosting Grand Reopening events to showcase their reinvention as the Interior Design Destination.  Join us on Tuesday, January 9th, from 5:00 - 6:00pm at Old Ridge Village, Chadds Ford, PA 19317 for a celebration!

Member Spotlight

Bowers R&D Associates

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Email your news to abby@chescochamber.org