Chester County Press
In the Spotlight
Section
B
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2023
Pa. Lt. Gov. Austin A. Davis delivers keynote address to Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce Pennsylvania’s Lt. Gov. Austin A. Davis delivered the keynote address to the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce during the chamber’s signature annual luncheon on Oct. 17. Chamber members and guests from across the greater Philadelphia region, including nearby states of Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey, gathered at the Mendenhall Inn & Conference Center to hear an important message from Davis. He is the youngest person to serve as lieutenant governor in the U.S. and the first African American to hold the office in Pennsylvania’s history. As a young boy, he grew up watching his parents juggle raising a family and putting food on the table. At the age of 16, while living in McKeesport, Pa., gun violence came to his doorstep and became pivotal in guiding his career choice. Davis got involved in his community, starting a youth advisory council with the mayor and a youth gun violence prevention program at his high school. Davis went on to study political science at the University of Pittsburgh, becoming a firstgeneration college graduate
pursuing a career in public service. During his remarks, Davis touched on his recent achievements and challenges impacting the Commonwealth. He also answered a moderated question-and-answer session featuring a diverse range of topics including the gas tax, permitting reform, infrastructure, childcare, early education, affordable housing, small business growth, healthcare, higher education and freedom. “Through his thoughtful remarks and direct responses to a host of questions, the Lieutenant Governor brought a level of awareness and realism to the room that was needed and appreciated,” said Cheryl Kuhn, president of the chamber. “As we face incredibly challenging times in our country, leaders like Austin are necessary to serve our Commonwealth and its people.” Davis said the young people of Pennsylvania keep him motivated. “Every time I engage with young Pennsylvanians, I see how thoughtful and passionate they are,” he said. “As a new father, I am excited to see what my daughter’s
Courtesy photos
Chairman-elect James E. Turner, Chester Water Authority, chairman of the board, Doug Doerfler, WSFS Bank, Keynote Speaker Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, Michele Berardi, and Quiana Pettiford from presenting sponsor Kendal~Crosslands Communities are pictured at the annual luncheon.
generation will do to make our Commonwealth a better place. “Pennsylvania kids deserve a high-quality education, which includes art and music education, no matter what they look like or what zip code they live in. These subjects are not merely enrichment; they are essential for preparing our kids to be well-rounded citizens of our Commonwealth and the world.” During his remarks to a full house of local business and community leaders, Davis said he and Gov. Josh Shapiro truly believe that government can be a force for good, “if we put aside
our partisan differences and work together,” he said. Both Davis and Shapiro are serving their first terms in office after winning elections for the respective roles of lieutenant governor and governor last November. “Our Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the longstanding signature annual luncheon,” said Kuhn. “Through the years the business community across the Philadelphia region has been inspired by remarks from international leaders. We are honored to include Lieutenant Governor Davis on this prestigious list.” Many businesses and community leaders supported
Chamber members and guests from across the greater Philadelphia region, including nearby states of Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey, gathered at the Mendenhall Inn & Conference Center to hear an important message from Davis.
The Mendenhall Inn played host to a diverse and vibrant group of local businesses and community leaders from the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce.
the annual luncheon through sponsorships. The presenting sponsor this year was KendalCrosslands Communities, the reception sponsor was Bumpers & Company, CPAs,
and the keynote champion was Constellation Energy. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Cheryl Kuhn at ckuhn@scccc.com or (610) 444-0774.
Western Chester County Chamber recognizes community advocates that help region thrive “Tonight, I pledge to keep giving back my energy and my time to our community to achieve higher highs, to infuse new ideas, and to always use fresh thinking.” That’s what John H. Lymberis said as he stood at the podium of the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner on Oct. 5. Lymberis is the owner of Harry’s the Neighborhood Place, Athena’s Kafenio, and ZING Sushi. He also has completed multiple development projects in the area, including Quarry Ridge, Sadsbury Self Storage, and Lafayette Square Apartments. The Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce honored Lymberis with the Joseph G. Filoromo, Jr. Community Service Award during the event at the Gardens at Applecross. Every year, this award is bestowed upon a group or individual who has shown great commitment in serving their community in western Chester County. Both Alissa Steele-Griffith, of Quik-Stop Pharmacy and Greg Vietri, of G.A. Vietri, Inc. had the honor of presenting John H. Lymberis with the award. Lymberis said, “Most importantly, I always want to cherish the history, the legacy, and the memory of the people who got us here, like Mr. Filoromo and like my father. I want to aspire to be like them and to have my children watch what we do and have them do it, just as we all have.” Greg Vietri spoke about the history of Joseph G. Filoromo. “The Joseph G. Filoromo Community Service Award
was established in 1979 by the chamber to honor Mr. Filoromo, who was a legend in the community,” he said. The Filoromo family history spans back eight decades in western Chester County as they operated the Coatesville Coca-Cola Bottling Company. In addition to his successful business operations, his community service impacted his neighbors greatly and in result the award named for him continues to honor business owners with the same mission. Steele-Griffith spoke about Lymberis’ impact in the community. “The story of John is one of family and community,” she said. Lymberis’ parents Athena and Harry emigrated from Greece in the sixties. Athena and Harry purchased the property now known as Harry’s the Neighborhood Place. Lymberis, after finishing a college degree in architecture, came back home and helped to remodel and rebrand Harry’s. After Lymberis’ renovations, he made Harry’s a destination in the community, one that is revered by generations of patrons. “John not only provides dining opportunities to the area, but is also responsible for the infrastructure. He was a leader in bringing the streetscapes and sidewalks to Sadsburyville,” SteeleGriffith said. Through Lymberis’ work, he helped create a smalltown community, where people can walk the neighborhood and feel truly at home. He gives back to his community in many ways. When Harry’s celebrated their 50th anniversary this
Courtesy photos
Award recipient Michael Guyer, 2023 Board President Brenda McNeil, and award recipient John H. Lymberis at the awards presentation.
past May, the whole month was dedicated to giving back proceeds to different nonprofits and organizations in the area. Following the presentation of the Community Service Award, Rachel Cathell, executive director of the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce, presented the Elliott R. Jones Award to Michael Guyer of Mid Penn Bank. This award is given each year to an individual that has enlisted dedication and volunteerism that has uplifted and strengthened the Chamber of Commerce and the businesses within. Rachel said, “Michael has served as the treasurer of our chamber for the last five years. His methods are strategic and his razor-sharp financial insight has provided our organization with capabilities we didn’t think possible ten years ago. “With Guyer’s guidance, the chamber has created a new opportunity fund to provide additional services to members, strengthened their financial core to record health, and hired on a third employee.” While accepting the award, Guyer said, “I’ve been a part of this chamber for a long time and it’s such a special
place. It brings all of us together. I couldn’t do this without the help of everyone. I help with the financial side and I see how much this chamber has grown. I feel like I’ve added some value, but I’ve gotten so much more back.” Both State Representative Dan Williams and Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell were in attendance and presented Lymberis and Guyer with citations for their hard work and contribution to the community. The annual dinner, with presenting sponsor Presence Bank, was led by Brenda McNeil, the 2023 Board president of the Chamber. She spoke about the progress the chamber has made this year and the accomplishments they continue to reach for. “The Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce, or ChescoWest, is a truly special place to be,” she said. “We are collaborative, supportive, and dedicated to all of those who live and work here.” Looking forward to the Chamber’s future, she said, “We’re rolling out a Small Business Growth Grant in 2024. This Chamber is in a place where we can give back to our businesses, who
Greg Vietri with award recipient John H. Lymberis, John Filoromo, Alissa Griffith, and Lou Teti.
John H. Lymberis with State Rep. Dan Wiilliams and Brenda McNeil.
we support and who have supported us right back.” Also at the event, the chamber introduced the 2024 incoming President, Mikaila Szkil of Citadel Federal Credit Union. She said, “Each person I’ve met here has had the chamber’s mission shine through them. My goal is to continue to provide the support that I’ve been given. I believe one of the most important aspects of the chamber is offering a sense of community and I plan to commit to show members that this is an aspect that ChescoWest has always had. We often hear the saying, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ but I feel we can say that it takes a village to raise a business. ChescoWest is that village.” Since 1916, the Western
Chester County Chamber of Commerce has been representing business owners’ best interests. The chamber is a member-based organization made up of businesses and organizations of all sizes and across a diverse span of industries. The chamber is guided by business leaders, working to improve western Chester County’s economic climate to create a region that is well-connected, innovative and accessible for business and community growth. Chamber members engage in programs that provide them with tools such as networking, visibility, business education and advocacy to grow their operations in western Chester County. Visit the chamber’s website at westernchestercounty. com.