Malvern, PA –The Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry (CCCBI) is pleased to announce the 2023 honorees for the Women Influencing Business Committee’s Annual Dinner set to take place on Wednesday, September 13th at White Manor Country Club. Andrea Youndt, CEO of the Chester County Food Bank, will be honored as the Female Business Leader of the Year and Alaina Kearney of Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz as the Rising Star of the Year. The dinner will also feature a special recognition for Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline after nine years of service. A Keynote Speaker will be announced at a later date.

The Female Business Leader of the Year is a woman who has a strong presence in Chester County, has achieved significant professional success, gives back to the community, and stands as an advocate for other women. Andrea’s work at Chester County Food Bank has garnered recognition from board members, staff, and community members alike. Her innovation and strategic vision had led to significant operational improvement at the Food Bank and in our community. Under Andrea’s leadership, the Food Bank annually distributes $3 million meals, ships 3.5 million pounds of food to 160 partner agencies, and raised more than $6 million, all while inflation has caused the Food Bank’s expenses to increase more than $1 million since last year. Andrea Youndt’s significant achievements and contributions set her apart as a true Female Business Leader of the Year. 

The Female Rising Star of the Year Award recognizes a woman under forty years old with a strong presence in Chester County who has achieved professional success, gives back to the community, and stands as an advocate for other women. The nominee who stood out as an exemplary rising star is Alaina Kearny, Marketing Director for Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz LLC (BGA&F). Alaina’s talent as a moderator of connections has projected her to new roles at BGA&F and allowed her to create their new leadership podcast, “Follow Our Lead with Alaina Kearny.” Her insights into building a successful business, brand, team and reputation have been combined with those of other community leaders, including several women, to create substantial professional and personal relationships. In addition, she has spearheaded the firm’s efforts with the HEADstrong Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing financial, residential, and emotional support to families affected by cancer. 

"Andrea Youndt has dedicated over 30 years of service to the Chester County community. Her unwavering commitment has cemented her position as a Female Business Leader of the Year, and CCCBI is honored to recognize Andrea as a friend, leader, and advocate for women in business. Alaina Kearney has risen in her position as Director of Marketing at Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz to create new connections for her personal and professional networks. Her commitment to strengthening CCCBI's community through connection and education has proven her to be a true Rising Star, and one to watch in her future endeavors. Both of these women have positively impacted their businesses and local communities in alignment with CCCBI's mission and that of our WIB Committee,” said Laura Manion, president of CCCBI. 

CCCBI’s Women Influencing Business Committee (WIB) is dedicated to educating and inspiring women in order to enhance their business skills, develop their professional networks, and become effective and influential business leaders in the community. Throughout the year, the committee spearheads events with opportunities for both learning and networking. The Annual Women Influencing Business Dinner is the Committee’s premier event of the year, bringing together hundreds of professional women to honor a Female Business Leader of the Year and a Female Rising Star of the Year.  

Tickets and Sponsorships

The Women Influencing Business Committee’s Annual Awards Dinner will take place on Wednesday, September 13th, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the White Manor Country Club. Tickets are $125 for CCCBI Members, and $150 for Non-Members. 

Additional event details and ticket information can be found at www.chescochamber.org under the Events tab. 

For information about sponsorship opportunities, please email CCCBI Director of Events, Julie Varga, at julie@chescochamber.org.

Media Contacts

Please email CCCBI Director of Marketing & Communications, Abby Wolfe, at abby@chescochamber.org for more information.