On Tuesday afternoon, CCCBI welcomed almost 40 new members to the Chamber!
Our New Member Lunches are the perfect opportunity to meet the staff, network with fellow members and ambassadors, and learn how to kickstart the benefits of membership.
This one was particularly special thanks to our sponsor, PEECO - Philadelphia Electrical Equipment Co., who utilized one of our newest members, Limoncello Ristorante for lunch!
We are so excited to see such growth and engagement heading into the summer. Ready to meet these new members? Join us at one of our upcoming events! Our calendar is full of opportunities to learn something new, build your business and connect with the community.
|
An Impactful Discussion with Dr. Mark Zandi
|
Early yesterday morning, CCCBI partnered with the Chester County Commissioners and the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) to host Economic Crossroads: Where We Are and Where We’re Headed, featuring guest speaker Dr. Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody’s Analytics.
|
The event brought together over 100 regional leaders, business owners, and policymakers from the CCCBI Membership and beyond for a discussion about the evolving local, national, and global economic landscape.
Dr. Zandi offered his expert insights into the critical issues currently shaping the economy, including the lasting impacts of global trade tensions, the future of tariffs in a shifting geopolitical climate, and the trends business leaders need to watch – from interest rates and inflation to labor markets and the risk of a recession. The recent downgrade of the U.S. government’s credit rating by Moody’s made this economic forum especially timely for business leaders, investors, and consumers.
|
“We were honored to welcome Dr. Zandi for a thoughtful and timely discussion on the state of the economy,” said CCCBI President Laura Manion. “With trade policy, tariffs, and interest rates top of mind for so many of our businesses, his insights offered clarity and perspective at a critical moment. We’re grateful to the Chester County Commissioners and the CCEDC for partnering with us to bring over 100 business and community leaders together for this important conversation.”
Chester County Commissioner and Board Chairman Josh Maxwell said, “Dr. Zandi’s advice and wisdom comes at a crucial time, as we reflect on where our economy is headed. It’s worth taking a thoughtful look at the impacts of recent trade policies – particularly tariffs – which have introduced uncertainty for Chester County businesses and contributed to rising costs for local families. While the intention may be to strengthen domestic production, we need to ensure that our nation’s economic approach supports sustainable growth, stable markets, and agricultural production – particularly important considerations here in Chester County.”
Mike Grigalonis, President and Chief Operating Officer of the CCEDC, said, “This event with Dr. Zandi is precisely the kind of urgent conversation our community needs right now. As a Chester County native and an esteemed economist, Dr. Zandi is uniquely qualified to lead this dialogue. It’s also a fitting collaboration among Chester County Government, the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry, and the Chester County Economic Development Council – demonstrating the power of partnership in bringing vital conversations to our business community. By thoughtfully examining the current state of our economy, we lay the groundwork for informed planning and better economic outcomes for Chester County and beyond.”
Some of the highlights of Dr. Zandi’s presentation included how global trade realignments are reshaping supply chains, markets, and regional competitiveness; the new role of tariffs in U.S. economic policy, what’s on the horizon, and how local businesses may be affected; what the GDP growth, inflation, labor markets, and interest rate forecasts mean for southeastern Pennsylvania and Chester County; and what’s ahead for businesses regarding political uncertainty, global instability, and technological disruptions.
Special thanks to Dr. Zandi, our partners and all of our attendees who made the morning a success!
|
A Brilliant Business After Hours
|
This month's Business After Hours was a fantastic event, bringing together nearly 60 members and prospective members for an evening of conversation and connection!
Limoncello provided a beautiful venue and an amazing spread of food, offering the perfect atmosphere for such an enjoyable evening.
We were thrilled to have multiple Citadel members in attendance, and we're so lucky to have connected with them to make this BAH happen. Their support helped bring this event to life.
We are so grateful to both Citadel and Limoncello for such a wonderful night, and It couldn't have turned out any better!
|
CCCBI Advocates for Businesses Impacted by Route 29 Closures
|
The Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry is actively advocating on behalf of several member businesses in East Whiteland Township who have been significantly impacted by repeated and prolonged closures along Route 29—closures that have now stretched across multiple seasons and are expected to continue through the remainder of 2025.
|
We are working directly with Paul and Julie, the owners of Farm Boy BBQ, whose business has seen a nearly 50% drop in sales due to road access issues, visibility challenges, and a sharp decline in foot traffic. They are not alone. Neighboring businesses in the same complex, including Avola Kitchen & Bar, Dunkin Donuts, Abel Brothers Towing, Sweet Zen Bakery, Graphic Impressions, and the Desmond Hotel, have signed onto a formal letter sent by CCCBI to PennDOT, outlining the devastating economic impact caused by these repeated closures.
Paul, Julie, and Chamber staff have engaged Senator Katie Muth and Representative Kristine Howard’s offices, who have reached out to PennDOT and DCED. We are grateful for their swift responsiveness and continued support. We are also coordinating with East Whiteland Township, where the business owners plan to share their concerns at an upcoming township meeting.
We are also mobilizing grassroots support, including social media outreach and additional Letters to the Editor, to raise visibility and ensure the local community understands what is at stake for these businesses.
As always, CCCBI remains committed to advocating for our members—regardless of industry, size, or zip code. This is a clear example of how we step up when small businesses need a strong voice, working across government, community, and media channels to drive attention and seek solutions.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you would like to lend your voice or learn more about how to support this effort.
|
At the Chester County Food Bank (CCFB), our mission is to mobilize and educate the community to ensure access to nutritious and familiar food.
|
Food insecurity affects thousands of individuals and families across our county, and we are committed to making a lasting impact. Through strong partnerships and dedicated initiatives, we provide relief and create opportunities for a healthier future.
Each year, we distribute nearly 6 million pounds of food to more than 100 partner agencies, including food pantries, shelters, and meal sites, collectively serving 45,000 neighbors in Chester County. We prioritize nutritious, fresh food, ensuring that more than 70% of all distributed food is fresh produce, dairy, proteins, and other healthy items. Our goal isn’t just to alleviate hunger but to promote wellness and stability for those we serve.
Beyond food distribution, CCFB takes a holistic approach to addressing food insecurity. We have operations at two farms to supply fresh produce, run a culinary job training program to create career pathways, and support a fruit and vegetable prescription program that connects people with healthy food as part of medical care. Our Fresh2You Mobile Market travels throughout the county, bringing fresh food directly to communities that need it.
As a member of the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry (CCCBI), we actively engage with the business community to spread awareness and advocate for food security. We serve on the Government Affairs Committee to promote food access policies, attend networking events to educate and collaborate, and deeply appreciate the Chamber’s support in organizing food collection drives and rallying local businesses to join our mission.
Together, through strong partnerships and community action, we are building a healthier, hunger-free Chester County. Join us in the fight against food insecurity.
|
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
|
|
