Celebrating Local Chamber of Commerce Month
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In an official proclamation on the 1st, Governor Josh Shapiro declared November 2024 to be Local Chamber of Commerce Month.
Local Chambers, including CCCBI, stand as trusted resources for businesses small and large.
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As a “chamber of influence” and the largest Chamber in Chester County, we serve as the voice for business on local, state and federal level issues that impact business. Developing our workforce and helping our businesses to succeed is at the heart of our organization.
In an effort to continue supporting our local business community, CCCBI is proud to share that we are NOT raising our Membership dues as we move into 2025.
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It is a privilege to serve our Members year round, but we're particularly grateful during Local Chamber of Commerce Month!
This November, help us tell our story by sharing yours. If you have a memory, story or experience with CCCBI, please email abby@chescochamber.org!
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November's Active Member Discounts
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CCCBI has FOUR active Member Discounts this month!
Our discount program is offered by Members, for Members. Build your network and support local businesses by offering or utilizing a Member Discount!
Right now you can take advantage of:
📌30 Minute Strategy Session with Ana Welsh Coaching LLC
📌20% Off Lighting Showroom Sale from Denney Electric Supply
📌$500 off Orthodontic Treatment from Phamily Orthodontics
📌1 Hour Strategic Session with David B. Fultz Jr., CPA, MBA of Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz, LLC to Maximize Your Tax Savings
Are you interested in offering a discount for your fellow members? Talk to our Director of Membership, Laura Ellis, to learn more and get started!
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From Asphalt to Opportunity: Transforming Communities through Parking Policy Reform
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On November 20, TMACC will host a half-day Parking Reform Summit at Penn State Great Valley, bringing together experts to tackle one of the most pressing urban planning issues of our time—reducing parking minimums.
This half-day summit will delve into the economic and environmental benefits of smarter parking policies and explore real solutions for both urban and suburban areas. Industry leaders will cover key topics such as zoning reform, Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies, and SMART parking technologies. As organizations like Transportation for America and Strong Towns highlight, communities that embrace parking reform can reduce development costs, make better use of land, and build more livable, walkable neighborhoods.
Whether you're a planner, developer, municipal leader, or commercial real estate broker, this is your chance to learn from successful case studies and position your community for the future. Let's rethink parking and unlock the potential for more vibrant, sustainable growth.
TMACC recently announced Edward Erfurt of Strong Towns as the Breakfast Keynote speaker to kick off the Parking Reform Summit.
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As a leader in community-based development and placemaking, Edward will set the stage for a day focused on forward-thinking Parking Reform and its potential for community growth. His keynote will inspire us to rethink our approaches to infrastructure and land use, reinforcing the critical connection between policy and vibrant, thriving communities.
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Edward Erfurt, Director of Community Action at Strong Towns, brings over 20 years of experience as a trained architect and urban designer, with a focus on creating places that reflect and enhance community identity. With a wealth of experience in both public and private sectors, Edward has led the design and implementation of development projects that support economic resilience and honor local character. His philosophy centers on community-driven planning that values diverse perspectives, equity, and the principles of traditional town planning, all contributing to sustainable, meaningful growth.
Strong Towns is a national movement committed to reshaping communities by promoting financially sound and resilient development practices. Through a focus on grassroots solutions and sustainable growth models, Strong Towns empowers local leaders to create lasting, adaptable spaces. Edward’s work with Strong Towns exemplifies these values, helping towns and cities across America embrace growth strategies that are both practical and rooted in community needs.
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Now that Election Day is over, please join us virtually next Wednesday, November 13th at 8:30am for CCCBI's Post Election Summit.
The event will analyze the election results, their impact on the next legislative sessions in D.C. and Harrisburg, and the impacts for the business community.
Many of our local incumbents in the General Assembly have won re-election; we look forward to working with them in the new Legislative Session to advance the goals of CCCBI and our Members.
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Read a more in-depth look into the article above in our Weekly Legislative Update publication every Friday. Please email abby@chescochamber.org to join our mailing list and stay up to date!
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Ann's Heart: A Community Hub of Compassion and Essential Services
Founded in 2014, Ann’s Heart is a secular nonprofit charity based in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, with a clear mission: to provide a place of welcome and human services for all people in the Phoenixville area.
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As the needs of our community evolve, Ann’s Heart remains committed to identifying gaps in services and stepping in to provide support to those most vulnerable. Over the years, we’ve grown from a grassroots effort into a vital resource hub, offering programs and services that directly address challenges related to homelessness, food insecurity, education, and community collaboration.
The Center for Emergency Resources at Ann's Heart (CERAH)
One of our cornerstone programs is the Center for Emergency Resources at Ann’s Heart (CERAH). It all started with the opening of one of Chester County’s first Code Blue Emergency Overnight Warming Centers in 2016, which provides low-barrier emergency shelter to individuals experiencing homelessness during the dangerous cold of winter. Guests receive a safe, warm place to sleep, as well as meals, snacks, and basic necessities. This program has grown to assist an average of 56 individuals each season, offering them refuge from the winter chill when they need it most.
CERAH’s services have since expanded to include the Code Red Emergency Cooling Center, which operates during periods of extreme heat, offering individuals a place to cool off during life-threatening weather conditions. CERAH also provides Supportive Services, offering access to showers, laundry facilities, meals, snacks, and personal care items. Beyond immediate shelter and physical care, we offer Professional Services such as advanced needs assessments, housing case management, and access to mental and behavioral health services. Our low-barrier approach ensures that anyone in need, regardless of their situation or background, has access to these essential resources. We’ve helped an additional 102 individuals through our housing case management program, assisting them in finding long-term solutions.
The Home of Education, Arts, Resources, and Technology (HEART)
Ann’s Heart is also home to the HEART, a comprehensive resource center that serves as a hub of education, collaboration, and community engagement. Located in a transformed former elementary school and church hall, the HEART provides office space for 10 local nonprofits and flexible meeting and programming space for an additional 15 nonprofits and 5 community groups. These organizations work together to provide critical services and support to the Phoenixville community. The space allows nonprofits to operate efficiently while creating opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and shared resources.
At the HEART, we’re also proud to offer our Adult GED Program, which is run by dedicated volunteers and supported by a partnership with the Phoenixville Area School District. This program empowers individuals to achieve their educational goals, opening doors to new employment opportunities and pathways for personal growth.
The HEART Kitchen is another integral part of our work at Ann’s Heart. This commercially licensed community kitchen is dedicated to tackling food insecurity in Phoenixville. Through the kitchen, we run various educational and support programs, including emergency meal preparation, free community meals, and a summer meal program for local students. On average, the HEART Kitchen produces 530 meals per week, which are distributed to those in need through partnerships with local organizations. Whether through hands-on cooking lessons or meal services, our kitchen is a lifeline for many struggling to put food on the table.
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In preparation for Thanksgiving, CCCBI is excited to partner with Ann's Heart for their Gobbler Gather food drive. Please sign up for an item to help stock their pantry so that Ann's Heart can once again provide FREE fully-prepared Thanksgiving meals made with love from the HEART Kitchen.
Don’t miss our Business After Hours event on Wednesday, Nov 13, from 4:30–6:00 PM at Jenkins Arboretum. Please bring your donations that day to support this important food drive and help Ann's Heart continue their work for the Phoenixville community.
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Commitment to Inclusivity and Accessibility
At Ann’s Heart, our core values center on providing low-barrier access to resources and services, ensuring that everyone—regardless of their background, identity, or immigration status—can find the help and support they need. We understand that people from all walks of life face difficult circumstances, and our mission is to welcome them with compassion and dignity. From those experiencing homelessness to families facing food insecurity or individuals looking to further their education, we aim to be a trusted source of support and empowerment.
A Place to Call Home
Ann’s Heart is more than just a provider of essential services—it’s a place where the Phoenixville community comes together to uplift its members. By fostering collaboration between local nonprofits, providing educational opportunities, and ensuring access to basic needs, we strive to make Phoenixville a better place for everyone. We are proud of the partnerships we have cultivated and the lives we have touched.
As we continue to grow and expand our services, Ann’s Heart remains committed to our founding vision: to be a place of welcome, compassion, and hope for all who need it. To learn more about our programs and how you can get involved, visit us at www.annsheart.org.
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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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