WIB Committee Hosts Dynamic Panel
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On Wednesday, November 29th, CCCBI's Women Influencing Business (WIB) Committee held their last event of 2023, You Are Not A Superhero.
With nearly 50 women in attendance, CCCBI President & CEO, Laura Manion, moderated a candid discussion about the expectations and challenges women frequently face both in the workplace and at home.
Three dynamic panelists, Meridith Coyle of Aneu Catering, Bettsy McKlaine of Neumann University, and Carley Razzi of Penns Woods Winery, shared their experiences with everything from getting started in male-dominated fields and trying to find a balance in life to the importance of mentorship.
Thank you to all of our attendees and panelists for joining us for this honest and inspiring conversation.
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CCCBI Debuts Annual Awards Video
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CCCBI is proud to debut the behind the scenes video for the 2023 Annual Awards Video!
Thanks to our friends at Valley Creek Productions, we were able to fully capture the magic of the evening with quotes from our speakers, honorees, attendees, and fireside chat participants.
We are grateful for the overwhelming support we have received from our Membership and Community Partners, and we look forward to next year!
To read more about the evening, click the button below for our exclusive story with VISTA. Today.
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CCCBI Regional Civics Bee Now Open for Submissions!
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CCCBI is set to host our second Regional Civics Bee in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Chester County Intermediate Unit, and the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge.
The essay portion of the competition is officially underway! Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth grade students are encouraged to write an essay identifying a problem in their community, and how they can contribute to its improvement based on founding principles and civic virtues.
All essays are due on Monday, January 8th.
The Regional competition will take place on Tuesday, February 20th.
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Join CCCBI's Member-to-Member Discount Program
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As we head into the new year, CCCBI is looking for member businesses who would like to participate in our Member-to-Member Discounts program!
This is an opportunity for you to offer a special incentive to chamber members and attract new customers! These Discounts can be anything from 10% off a service, exclusive rates just for members, or a free appraisal. What you'd like to offer is up to you.
Contact our Director of Membership, Laura Ellis, for more information on what to offer and how to get started.
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An Important Legislative Update
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Gridlock Continues With A Look Towards 2024
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Both the House and the Senate are expected to return December 11, 2023, working to finalize several legislative issues, namely the unfinished Budget Code Bills.
The continued impasse has impacted Community Colleges and Libraries, as well as tax programs, including the Corporate Net Income Tax reduction/acceleration, changes to Combined Reporting and Childcare and Film Production Tax credits. In addition, due to the resignation of Rep John Galloway (D-Bucks) effective December 15th, the House will also see a return to an even amount of Republican and Democrats until the seat is filled via a special election in early 2024.
Despite this gridlock, Governor Josh Shapiro seemingly has an aggressive agenda going into 2024. During a recent speech to the PA Press Club, he said unfinished business from his first year in office includes increasing the minimum wage, increasing school funding, private school voucher program and statute of limitation reform for adult victims of childhood sexual abuse. During the same speech, Shapiro also highlighted the Commonwealth’s investment into the economy such as permitting reform, broadband access, agriculture, and energy infrastructure around hydrogen hubs.
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Recreational Use of Marijuana Benefit to Economy?
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Due to most of the surrounding states legalizing recreational use of marijuana, the PA General Assembly will likely discuss this topic in 2024.
Indeed, State Senators Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) and Sharif Street (D-Phila) have introduced SB 846, a Bipartisan and Regulated Approach to Adult Use Marijuana Legalization in Pennsylvania. The co-sponsor memo specifically points out how it is the General Assembly’s “duty to taxpayers to seize the initiative and legalize marijuana concurrently with bordering states. Failure to do so risks permanently ceding hundreds of millions of dollars of new tax revenue as well as thousands of jobs at a time when taxpayers can least afford it.”
Projected estimates are that the legalization of marijuana for adult use will generate $400 million to $1 billion in new tax revenue for the Commonwealth. Some other states, including surrounding Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey have earmarked revenue from recreational use towards community reinvestment, workforce development, and financial assistance to individuals to promote economic opportunities.
Also of interest to the business community, is how the bill will potentially provide workplace requirements regarding marijuana use. There has been an increase of marijuana use across the nation that has led to some employers struggling on how to handle use by employees.
Several states, including Maine and Nevada, have enacted laws protecting employees who use marijuana if they are not impaired on the job. Despite recreational use passing in Ohio this past election, their statewide Chamber of Commerce opposed the initiative stating, “Data has shown that states that have legalized recreational use of marijuana experience increased absenteeism and workplace injuries. At a time when Ohio companies are struggling to fill open positions, the legalization of recreational marijuana would exacerbate our current workforce shortages.”
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Tic Tac Toe Consulting, LLC
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Is your business performing the way you want?
That’s a question that Ann Colby-Cummings, founder Tic Tac Toe Consulting, often asks business leaders she meets. As the leader of a management consulting firm, she uses her business leadership and consulting background to help clients get the results they want.
A new member, she is excited about the conversations she’s having with Chamber members and staff. “My passion is helping others achieve their goals. Chamber events are helping me learn about my colleagues and see how I can support them.”
Although just joining a few weeks ago, Ann has already attended the November Business After Hours and the Women Influencing Business Committee's, “You Are Not a Superhero!” event.
“The WIB event was a unique and wonderful. Hearing women of several generations speak to juggling careers and personal lives gave me a good understanding of what has changed over time and what issues remain.”
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Colby-Cummings is confident she made a good decision to join. “I’ve already benefitted from my membership. Now, I want use my planning, leadership, and human resources skills to help the Chamber and fellow members. Thanks for the warm welcome!”
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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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