200 Block of Main Street Parkesburg parkesburg.myshopify.com/
September 28, 2024
West Nantmeal Community Day
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
455 N. Manor Road, Elverson PA www.westnantmeal.com/event/ community-day-3/
September 28, 2024
Atglen Community Day 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. www.facebook.com/atglencommunityday
September 28, 2024
Moo & Brew and Grapes Too!
5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Brooklawn Estate
Brandywine Valley Active Aging Premier Fundraiser mooandbrewchesco.org
October 4, 2024
Coatesville First Friday: Fall Farewell 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Downtown Coatesville www.coatesville.org/ calendar-and-events/
October 4, 2024
Sounds of Summer: Music Series 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Gateway Park www.coatesville.org/ calendar-and-events/
October 5, 2024
Chester County Day House Tour 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. chestercountyday.com
October 19-20, 2024
Chester County American Indian Cultural Festival
Romano 4-H Center, Honey Brook chescoamericanindianculturalfest.com/
October 19, 2024
Annual Bonfire & Brew to benefit Sadsburyville and Keystone Fire Departments
4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Located at Suburban in Sadsburyville Beer Garden (behind Penn Rise Advisors)
October 25, 2024
Parkesburg Final Friday: Harvest Moon
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
200 Block of Main Street Parkesburg parkesburg.myshopify.com
December 7, 2024
Parkesburg Final Friday: Christmas on Main 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
200 Block of Main Street Parkesburg parkesburg.myshopify.com
December 2024
Coatesville Christmas Parade
Coatesvillechristmasparade.com
December 2024
National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum Holiday Open House Steelmuseum.org
December 31, 2024
Parkesburg New Years Eve Duck Drop VFW Memorial Monument https://parkesburg.org/
Letter from Mikaila Szkil - the 2024 Chamber Board President
As we move through the summer season and into fall, it amazes me how quickly 2024 is flying by in ChescoWest. As our community has continued to grow and prosper throughout the year, so does the chamber.
This year, the chamber has celebrated ribbon cuttings at The Stems End, Grocery Outlet and Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy and hosted networking events at Stargazers Vineyard, Penn Rise Advisors, Locust Lane Riding Center, Freedom Village, and Homestead Studios with many more come through the rest of 2024.
Signature events like Gala on the Greene, Member Extravaganza, and our legislative events were just as popular this year as they have been in the past. These events continue to provide a great way for various business professionals across all industries to meet and connect with each other. The chamber also added some new events to the calendar for 2024, including the bi-monthly Young Professionals Network Roundtable meetings and the Chester County Home and Lifestyle Show in March. For legislative events, the chamber provided platforms for our businesses and elected officials to come together and discuss the growth and challenges occurring in ChescoWest through our Breakfast with the Commissioners and Legislative Roundtable events that welcomed hundreds of local business professionals and community members. It’s incredible to see how these events have grown as attendance increases each year. In February, we hosted the Member Extravaganza at a new location, Coatesville Country Club. At the event, the chamber awarded Doe Run Catering with the Western Chester County Small Business of the Year award for their dedication to serving the community. Doe Run Catering, a branch of Triple Fresh Market, is an upscale catering business that has grown significantly over the past few years, while their commitment to their community has remained steadfast. The team has con-
tinued to grow their business and has dedicated tireless efforts to support the ChescoWest community through fundraising events, creating local jobs, and providing delicious food.
At the Gala on the Greene, we presented our 2024 Corporate Citizenship Recognition. This award was created by WCCCC to recognize non-profit organizations and the for-profit business that have supported them, thus highlighting the partnership between the two organizations. The 2024 Corporate Citizenship Recognition was awarded to Arts Holding Hands & Hearts, Inc. (AHHAH), supported by Breuninger Insurance. Through mindfulness tools, artistic initiatives, and professional development training for staff, Arts Holding Hands & Hearts programs increase resiliency and create positive pathways towards productive and fulfilling futures for youth.
Recently, we also hosted the Taste of the Farm event, partnered with the Chester County 4-H Fair, to celebrate the agriculture industry in the ChescoWest region.
I have been incredibly impressed with the work that Rachel Cathell, Ashley Pierce, and Morgan Swindler have put into this past year for the chamber. Their hard work and dedication to the community is inspiring and I am lucky to be able to learn from each of them.
It’s been a pleasure seeing everyone at the events recently and I look forward to seeing existing and new members at the events coming up later in the fall and winter. Thank you to everyone who has supported the chamber throughout the years, because of you the chamber continues to grow. It takes a village to raise a business, and ChescoWest has continued to be that village!
Sincerely,
Mikaila Szkil Citadel Credit Union
Mikaila Szkil
Chamber Events
Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce hosts 40+ events a year, including networking opportunities, educational seminars, grand openings and business and community celebrations.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED FOR EVENTS
Visit westernchestercounty.com for further details and to register.
August 6th
Taste of the Farm, Farmers Market + 4-H Fair - 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Celebrate AG at the Romano 4-H Center in Honey Brook.
August 13th
Young Professionals Network Roundtable at Athena’s Kafenio 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Exploring solutions to work / life balance.
August 20th
Chamber Golf Outing supporting the Academic & Trades Scholarship Program | 8:00 a.m. Shotgun start at Honeybrook Golf Club
September TBA
Chamber Night at the Brandywine Polo Club
September 26th
Make Connections at the Made in Coatesville Small Business Incubator
Business Professional Networking
4:40 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Free to attend October 9th
Annual Chamber Dinner | Dine with western Chester County business professionals, meet new people and enjoy an evening out with ChescoWest. 5:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.
The Annual Dinner is the BIG night that we gather to celebrate the growth of our business community in 2024.
October 15th
Young Professionals Roundtable, Discussion TopicEstablishing a Mentor | Poured Out Café Parkesburg - 8:30 a.m.
November 8th
Municipal Update- Discover news, development projects, real estate opportunities and future plans within the municipalities that make up ChescoWest.
11:00 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. | 210 Waverly Boulevard
January 2025
Breakfast with the Commissioners + County Government Updates
February 2025
Member Extravaganza and the Small Business of the Year Award Celebration
March 2025
Legislative Roundtable Breakfast, the Policy Forum for local businesses.
Find all of the Chamber’s events including the monthly networking happy hours at Westernchestercounty.com
Western Chester County Life|
Western Chester County Life|
The Chester County Food Bank: Supporting residents in times of need
By: JP Phillips Contributing Writer
Based on household income, personal investments, and housing values, Chester County is the considered the wealthiest county in Pennsylvania. Despite this, the 2020 Census reports that over 30,000 county residents live at or below the poverty line. Additionally, because of our high cost of living, many more people struggle to put food on the table.
The 2024 cost of living calculator developed by MIT (livingwage.mit.edu) states that an annual salary of $102,000 is necessary for a family of four to live comfortably in Chester County. If childcare for two is included, that climbs to almost $140,000 per year. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are only available to those families of four who earn less than $60,000 per year, and other programs cut off after $55,000 in annual earnings—regardless of local factors. The Chester County Food Bank helps residents who receive government assistance and also those that earn over the qualifying threshold, but not enough to thrive due to the county’s high cost of living. Established in 2009, the Chester County Food Bank
supports 160 locally-run organizations in the county that provide food. These non-profits include food cupboards, hot meal sites, churches, and shelters. While most of these sites do some food collections and fundraising, they count on the Food Bank for weekly deliveries of prepackaged full meals and any items where they come up short.
Additionally, the Food Bank manages acreage on two produce farms, a traveling produce market truck, and a food service industry job training program.
They do all this with a 35,000-square-foot and newly renovated warehouse located just east of Marsh Creek State Park in Uwchlan Township, 35 employees, and a mountain of volunteers. Government funding covers around 20 percent of annual costs. The balance is obtained through grants, food collections, and $5 million in donations. Fundraising is a continuing challenge for the Food Bank as eligibility for most government funds as well as grants remain linked to the national poverty income level—not what it really costs to live in Chester County.
Jeffrey Howard, the director of development and marketing, said that the Food Bank distributed over 4.6 million pounds of food during their last fiscal year.
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The Chester County Food Bank
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They are especially proud that around 70 percent of what they distribute is fresh food such as dairy, vegetables, and fruit.
Carey Snow, the senior director of culinary operations and workforce development, runs the Community Kitchen. This is where meals are prepared for distribution to individuals as well as the 160 partners.
“We’re doing about 2,000 meals a week in this space,” Snow said. Between 1,200 and 1,500 meals are frozen and shipped to partner agencies for distribution to those in need. Meals on Wheels volunteers pick up hot meals daily and deliver them on four
routes. The Food Bank also runs their own home delivery program that provides a week’s worth of frozen meals.
“Instead of one hot meal a day delivered to folks (like Meals on Wheels), we have a part-time delivery driver who goes out and sees about 110 (seniors) country-wide,” Snow said about their Simple Suppers program. “They can either put them in the fridge or put them in the freezer, whichever. And that comes with the beverage. So, it’s milk, a slice of bread with each meal and a fruit cup with each meal.” Snow said that nutritionally-dense
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Photo by JP Phillips Carey Snow and Jeffrey Howard in the Community Kitchen.
The Chester County Food Bank
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food is their goal, and the pre-packaged meals all meet Pennsylvania Department of Aging guidelines.
The Food Bank fills the seasonal gap for children who qualify for free or reduced meals during the school year.
“Those agencies that serve children and families have the opportunity to order those meals,” Snow said, noting that this enables children to receive free lunches all summer. She estimates that they will ship 12,000 to 16,000 children’s meals this summer. For the holiday season, they prepare full turkey and ham meals and distribute them out to the partner agencies, which can order as many as they need.
The Fresh to You Mobile Market is where the bulk of the fresh vegetables and fruits are distributed. Most are grown on two farms--Springton Manor Farm in Glenmoore and Two Gander farm in Downingtown— where the Food Bank manages a total of nearly three acres. Jade Menow, the community food access manager, said that they distribute approximately 80,000 pounds through the Mobile Market alone. The truck
travels throughout Chester County with pre-arranged stops in downtown areas so residents can buy fresh produce without traveling. “Grocery stores, especially in Chester County, are not easily traversed by foot,” Howard said. The market is open to everyone and products can be purchased with cash, SNAP benefits, or with a Fruit and Vegetable Prescription. Howard explained that the prescription plan is ordered by a health care provider.
“If they notice an individual is food insecure, they can basically write them a prescription,” Howard said. “They can use those all at once, or they can come on a weekly basis and get basically free food in conjunction with their SNAP benefits should they be on them as well.” The Mobile Market offers matches in “Veggie Bucks” that can be used on repeat visits, doubling the value of benefit dollars.
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Photo by JP Phillips
Jade Menow in front of the Fresh to You Mobile Market.
The Chester County Food Bank
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The Food Bank also conducts culinary job training. “Three times a year we try and enroll six to eight folks who are experiencing barriers to employment—-whatever that is,” Snow said. “It could be re-entry from the justice system. It could be sober living after years of addiction.”
The program lasts for ten weeks. Snow explained, “They learn everything from basic food handling and safety all the way up to plated dishes. We’re a National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation restaurant-ready partner. Upon completion of the program, if they pass their serve safe manager, which is the highest level of food handler, they come away with six certificates from us.”
The Food Banks helps graduates with their resumes and arranges an on-site job fair to help with placements. “Post-graduation, we are with folks for up to two years,” Snow said. “We offer wrap-around services. We have different check-ins throughout those two years, but also, they can call us at any time if they need help.
Rental assistance or their SNAP benefits (may) get cut off because they’re making too much money. We can kind of help navigate through all of that.”
Howard explained that food insecurity in this area does not look the same as it does in large cities. Here, people have jobs, but do not earn enough to cover this area’s high costs—especially for housing and childcare.
“One major financial setback here could have put a family in disarray and in need for the first time,” he said.
And it is not necessarily a major setback that puts people over the edge, like a medical emergency or a lost job. “Somebody has a car accident. They pop a couple tires,” he said. “The people are living month to month here. That’s very apparent. Many people are just getting by paycheck to paycheck, unfortunately. One financial setback is going to cause them to go somewhere where they never expected.”
And, if that happens, The Chester County Food Bank is here to help.
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The Chester County Food Bank
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The Chester County Food Bank is located at 650 Pennsylvania Drive in Exton, where residents can drive up with their food donations. The food bank also welcomes volunteers and monetary contributions (Tax Exempt #27-0887311). The organization spends 84 percent on programs, and earns four stars (98 percent) from Charity Navigator. The website is www. chestercountyfoodbank.org.
Grocery Outlet Provides Bargain Bliss in Parkesburg
By: Marcella Peyre-Ferry Contributing Writer
Shoppers in the Parkesburg area have a new option for food shopping now that the Grocery Outlet Parkesburg is open in a building at 101 W. First Ave. Opening day for the new business was in the spring of 2024, in a location that was previously a pharmacy. The Grocery Outlet filled a need in the community, and received a warm reception.
“It’s been going beautifully. The support from the community is absolutely astonishing,” said Valarie Baker. She and her husband Mark are independent owners of the new business under the Grocery Outlet name.
“A lot of people think it’s a franchise. It is independently owned. Grocery Outlet ends up being our partners,” Valerie explained. “Grocery Outlet puts you through a training orientation. After that, you apply for locations that you are interested in. They provide you with a loan, and you have everything you need to get your business started. Inside these doors, we run everything the way we see fit.”
This business model lets the Bakers outfit their store to the needs of Parkesburg. “One of the beautiful things about the model is we can tailor our product selection to our community,” Valerie explained.
The Bakers have outfitted the Grocery Outlet with fresh produce, meat and deli departments along with canned goods, staples and frozen foods. To be able to offer low prices, the store selects items that sometimes are from outside the area so the brands on the label may be unfamiliar. They also offer off-season items, overstock from other stores, and short dated items which allows them to pass the low cost of those items to the shoppers.
“It’s a way to help eliminate food waste. This food is still good. Nothing we sell is ever out of date,” Valerie said. She added that the store offers a lot of NOSH items –Natural, Organic, Specialty, and Healthy. You can find gluten-free, dairy-free, plant proteins and meat alternatives. Products come in a full range of sizes.
“They call it a treasure hunt because you never know what’s going to come in. We say, when you see something, get it. You don’t know when it’s going to come back,” Valerie said. She makes a point to try to balance single serve or small size packaging with larger sizes for big families that need groceries in bulk.
The Bakers want to do their best for the community, so they are happy to receive comments from customers.
“Reach out about your experience. Tell me the things you’re looking for or how we can make the experience better,” Valerie said.
One feature that customers seem to appreciate is the fact that there are no self-checkout stations. You always check out with a cashier and there is always staff on the floor available for any questions or concerns during your shopping trip.
Still living in Glenolden in Delaware County, the Bakers hope to move to the Parkesburg area by the end of summer.
The Bakers are already giving back to the community by working with the Independence From Hunger program in support of the local food bank. The store raised $2,000 in donations in just the first two weeks of the effort, and they are continuing it.
“We got out start in a food co-op. It was instilled in us very early that community is the key to success. If you can support your neighbors and the people around you, your business will be successful,” Valerie said. “When you can bring in smaller vendors, you can change somebody’s life for the better and not just provide people with food but with food that they actually want and they’re excited about at a decent price. This whole model is what we’re all about. We back it 100 percent and I’m just so grateful to be in this community that is so welcoming. It’s the best experience we could imagine.”
Grocery Outlet is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.
Richie’s Water Ice Serves Up Seasonal Goodness in Every Crave-Worthy Scoop
By: Ashley Pierce, WCCCC
There’s nothing quite as refreshing as a spoonful of delicious ice cream or water ice on a sweltering summer day. Treats like ice cream and water ice are quintessential to summertime and Richie Vliese knows that. That is why he opened Richie’s Water Ice in Downtown Coatesville in 2023.
Richie is well-traveled. He was born in Amsterdam, shortly before moving back to his parent’s homeland of Ghana in West Africa. Richie spent his childhood in Ghana and moved to the United Kingdom when he was eighteen years old to pursue a college education.
“My mother wanted all her children to have a better education, so as we each turned eighteen, we moved to the U.K. by ourselves.” Richie explained. There, Richie earned a bachelor’s degree in IT with Business and a master’s degree in strategic marketing. After graduation, Richie began a career in the car rental industry.
In 2016, Richie moved to the United States, where his wife, Naa K. lived in Philadelphia. Early in their marriage, they settled in Delaware County, but as they expanded their family and their children grew, they wanted better school districts, a bigger home, and more room for their growing family. The Vliese family moved to Chester County in 2021.
Upon arriving in Chester County, Richie realized there was not an ice cream shop for the local kids to enjoy during the season.
“I realized there’s nothing like Richie’s around here,” he said. “We always had to drive a little bit further out every time our kids wanted ice cream or water ice. So, I thought, ‘What do the kids in Coatesville do?’” Richie realized the Coatesville youth didn’t have a fun summer spot to grab a treat from; something every child deserves.
“Essentially, I took the plunge,” Richie continued. “Not all
of the kids here have access to cars, and they can’t afford to drive to Downingtown.” Richie’s Water Ice is within walking distance for the city kids. “It means a lot to me, to be able to bring this to the community.”
Richie’s Water Ice has everything, including over twenty flavors of water ice, ice cream (with sugar-free and vegan flavor options), hot dogs, hot sausage, funnel cakes, milkshakes, sundaes, banana boats, soft serve, and gelati. “We have everything you see at a traditional ice cream shop and more!” Richie said. Richie’s also has a variety of toppings, such as fruits, nuts, sprinkles, gummy bears, and so on. The three most popular water ice flavors are mango, strawberry lemonade, and blue raspberry.
His family has been in the industry for decades, with his brother owning a few shops throughout Philadelphia and
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Richie’s Water Ice
Western Chester County Life|
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his sister running a shop in Baltimore. The three siblings can share ideas amongst their businesses, helping each other and supplying unique offerings to their customers. “It’s a small group of close-knit family that works together across the businesses.” Richie added.
“My sister Tia, who owns Tia’s Italian Ice in Baltimore, and I realized eating just one flavor, like a large mango or cherry, you can get a little tired of it after a while, so we thought about coming up with some combinations.” Richie said. Combinations are multiple flavors of water ice, layered on top of each other in one order to create a tasty flavor profile. The most popular combination is the Richie’s Special, which is mango, strawberry lemonade, and passionfruit. Other popular combos are Summer Vibes (watermelon, peach, and strawberry) and Juneteenth (cherry, mango, and sour apple). If you can’t decide on a flavor when ordering, try a combination!
Richie’s Water Ice is also different than other chains in the type of water ice they serve. Richie’s serves Philadelphia-style water ice, which has a difference in texture. It is smooth and creamy. Other styles of water ice tend to be chunky and icy.
Another aspect of the business that was important to Richie was inclusivity. He has made sure to offer products that people with dietary restrictions can enjoy, such as gluten-free, sugar-free, and vegan.
“In this day and age, everyone cares about their health and everyone’s leaning towards something,”
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Richie’s Water Ice
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Richie explained. “In business, you have to go with it.”
When Richie first opened his business in Downtown Coatesville, he realized there was an older community here, and many were diabetic. Another customer had inquired about vegan options. Just like that, Richie decided to offer six sugar-free ice cream flavors and a vegan vanilla, on top of all his water ice flavors being gluten-free.
“As a business owner, you have to move with the times and if you don’t, you won’t survive. You have to care about what your customers care about.” Richie said.
As a family-owned and operated business, Richie’s Water Ice has a passion behind it that may be lacking in larger chains. With Richie, it’s about his personal relationships with his customers.
“I care. It’s my own people, my own community, so I care more.” Richie said. “I know their names, their families, their issues. I try to help them when I can.” Every day, when Richie opens his shop, it’s about more than the money he makes. It’s about the community he uplifts, the people he meets, and the love he pours into his hand-made products.
Richie’s family and culture has played a vital role in who he is as a business owner. “My culture has made me very good with customer service,” Richie said. “The way I was raised, I treat my customers like my family.”
As his business grew, Richie decided to invest in a van to take Richie’s Water Ice on the road. “I started to do a lot of events and it was a ton of work to carry a freezer in and out, load and unload the products. With the new van, everything’s included.”
His calendar is already filling up with birthday parties, family reunions, company outings, and community events. Richie encourages anyone who’s interested to schedule with him now, as he’s booking out rapidly. Richie can take up to ten flavors of water ice and ice cream out on the road, which the customer can pick out.
With ample side and street parking, a large waiting area for guests, and several scrumptious treats to decide from, come out to Richie’s for your next summertime dessert!
Richie’s Water Ice is open seven days a week until November, 12p-9p Monday-Saturday, and 12p-8p on Sundays.
Suburban Brewing Company’s Community Focus: Seasonal Beer Garden in Sadsburyville
By: HaLeigh Abbott Contributing Writer
For Corey Ross and Eric Yost, a driveway, a brew kettle, and a bunch of beers set the scene for two strangers to create Suburban Brewing Company, which is now located at 3041 Horseshoe Pike in Honey Brook.
The watering hole and eatery caters to all diners, offering small-scale craft beer and an extensive menu of locally sourced food, including options for kids. The newer and bigger location offers two floors of seating and an outdoor patio to enjoy a brew, all while housing a 10bbl brewing unit for their ever-changing beer menu.
Prior to Suburban’s opening in 2018, Erik reached out to Corey, then owner of Fancy Camper Home Brew Supply, to buy brewing equipment when the concept of opening the brewery was formed.
“There wasn’t much of a brewery scene in Western Chester County at the time, and we decided to start small and crafty as somewhat of a proof-of-concept for a brewery in the Honey Book area,” explained Corey. As many good stories start, a few beers later and the guys began developing a plan to bring small craft brews to rural Pennsylvania.
After the success of their first location, Corey and Erik were able to move their home base five miles east in
June of 2021. Upgrading from a 1bbl system to a 10bbl system increased production, allowing Suburban to feature between 14 and 16 draft beers on rotation. And they’re always experimenting with new recipes and styles while having canned options available to bring home. The Honey Brook Lager and 322 Pale Ale are aptly named in homage to the local fanfare, while guest taps and cans from other local brewing companies are also available on rotating availability.
The goal for Suburban Brewing Company has always been to offer an inviting taproom, and provide great food and local brews for the Western Chester County community. Corey explained, “Often times people come in for the first time and end up talking to other customers and employees and making friends and coming back to enjoy the company of people (and the vibe) of the taproom. That’s definitely one thing that helps us stand out and it’s also something that has grown organically.
He added that they are thankful for the warm reception the business has received. Partnering with various organizations such as the Western Chester County Chamber
of Commerce, Habitat for Humanity, Honey Brook Food Pantry, Honey Brook Community Partnership, and the Community Library has offered them the ability to give back to the community and its residents. Suburban Brewing Company is even hosting an Olympic Watch Party to celebrate local Olympians, including Kelee Lepage representing the United States Field Hockey Team.
Suburban also has a seasonal beer garden in Sadsburyville at 3000 Lincoln Highway in Parkesburg. The beer garden is open each Friday through Sunday through Oct. 27. The Suburban Beer Trailer is on-site with draft and canned beer, and food available by the Wicked Good Food Trailer. The Suburban Food & Beer truck is also available for booking in Chester County and surrounding areas, offering a chance to bring delicious food and drink to your private event. And if you’re in the Exton area, you can visit their location at 570 Wellington Square for brunch, lunch or dinner.
The future is bright for Suburban Brewing Company as they look to create innovative and high-quality beer and menu items with a fun, friendly, and inviting place to hang at all of their locations and pop-ups. Find out more by visiting them on the web at suburbanbrewingco.com, or on Facebook or Instagram.
Building Strength Together
Citadel is a not-for-profit credit union that exists to serve the people, businesses, and neighborhoods of Greater Philadelphia, so they can prosper. We provide our members with all things banking, plus the guidance to build and maintain financial security.
Driving Economic Growth and Community Resilience
The Mission of Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance
By: Amber Little-Turner, Executive Director
In the heart of Chester County, the Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance stands as a beacon of hope and progress, dedicated to revitalizing the City of Coatesville and empowering its community to thrive. As a non-profit organization, our mission is rooted in fostering economic development, enhancing the quality of life, and building a resilient and vibrant city. Supported by a coalition of committed partners, including the City of Coatesville and the Chester County Commissioners, we are transforming visions into reality and paving the way for a prosperous future.
Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance is driven by a singular mission: to drive economic development in Coatesville and enable the community to flourish. We envision a city where businesses thrive, residents enjoy a high quality of life, and the community is resilient and forward-looking. Our efforts are focused on creating a sustainable economic environment that attracts investment, fosters entrepreneurship, and generates employment opportunities for Coatesville’s residents.
Our work is multi-faceted and encompasses a range of initiatives designed to stimulate economic growth and community development. One of our standout initiatives is
the Growing Great Neighborhoods Revitalization Initiative, made possible by a Planning and Implementation Grant from The Regional Foundation. Spearheaded by Shakira Davis, this project involves working closely with local residents to determine how they would like to improve their neighborhoods. This resident-driven approach includes grant opportunities for community members to host their own block parties, organize cleanups, provide educational workshops, and more.
We actively work to attract new businesses to Coatesville while supporting the growth and success of existing enterprises. Through various programs, we provide resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to local entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of starting and running a business. One of our most successful programs is the Made in Coatesville Small Business Incubator Market, which has provided a platform for budding entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products. Building on this success, we are expanding the project to support more culinary entrepreneurs with a shared kitchen and marketplace, offering them the tools and space needed to grow their businesses.
A thriving community is at the heart of our efforts. We engage with residents, community leaders, and organizations to ensure that our initiatives are inclusive and address the needs and aspirations of Coatesville’s diverse population. From organizing community events to facilitating dialogues on important local issues, we strive to build a connected and empowered community. Enhancing the city’s infrastructure and public spaces is crucial to creating an attractive and functional urban environment. We collaborate with city officials and other stakeholders to develop and implement projects that improve transportation, public safety, and recreational facilities, making Coatesville a better place to live, work, and play.
Our success is built on strong partnerships with various organizations, including the City of Coatesville and the Chester County Commissioners. These collaborations enable us to leverage resources, expertise, and support, amplifying the impact of our initiatives and ensuring their sustainability.
As a non-profit organization, the Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance relies on the generosity and support of our partners and the broader community. Our work is made possible through funding from government entities, private organizations, and individual donors who share our commitment to Coatesville’s future. The support from the City of Coatesville and the Chester County Commissioners has been instrumental in driving our initiatives forward, allowing us to make a tangible difference in the lives of Coatesville’s residents.
The future of Coatesville is bright, and the Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance is proud to be at the forefront of this transformative journey. We remain steadfast in our mission to drive economic growth and build a resilient community, knowing that the collective efforts of our partners, supporters, and residents will create a legacy of prosperity for generations to come.
For more information about our work or to get involved, please visit our website https://2ndcenturyalliance.org or contact us directly. Together, we can continue to make Coatesville a place where dreams are realized and opportunities abound.
About Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance
Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to driving economic development and community growth in the City of Coatesville. Supported by the City of Coatesville, Chester County Commissioners, and various other partners, we work to create a vibrant, resilient, and prosperous community.
Made From Scratch: Catering by John Lowe Elevates Event Cuisine with a Personalized Touch
By: Marcella Peyre-Ferry, Contributing Writer
Catering by John Lowe is based in Berks County, but is also available to serve venues in Chester, and Lancaster counties, as well as parts of Montgomery, Bucks, Lehigh, and Philadelphia.
Catering by John Lowe is truly a family owned and operated business, with John and his wife Susan at the helm. Daughter Ann serves as director of food and beverage and handles the daily operations, while daughter Jennifer heads the sales department where she collects all the client information and is the first point of contact with all the brides and grooms.
Weddings account for about 90 percent of the catering company’s business and they are also available for corporate gatherings, galas and charitable events.
Many of the firm’s wedding clients come to them by recommendation from the wedding venue. Every good venue wants to be remembered as the site of a great event and they know that the award winning Catering by John Lowe will represent them in the best possible light.
Other clients come to the firm because they have already experienced the wonderful food and service as a guest at another wedding.
“It’s all about our brides and the guests,” Susan said.
Susan knows there is a lot of pressure to make sure things go perfectly at every wedding reception. “There’s such an emotional involvement at weddings. It’s a high-stakes game,” she explained.
With Catering by John Lowe, a bride can have the recep-
tion her way. They provide table settings, servers, set up and breakdown. Service style can be plated, buffet, stations or family style to fit the size and preferences of the event. It all begins with the bride and groom coming in for a tasting. “We encourage them to make the event something that represents them,” John said. “Every single couple that comes in for a tasting almost always tweaks the menu. Our speciality is that we can customize anything because everything is made 100% from scratch.”
This also lets the wedding couple meet specialized food needs of the guests such as vegetarian, vegan or glutenfree diets. It could be something just for a particular guest, something for the wedding couple’s table or for the entire reception depending on the need.
“There aren’t many options on the menu that are glutenfree but because we make everything from scratch, it can be customized,” John said. “There are literally no limitations.”
John has been a chef for more than 45 years. He loves to try new dishes as well as customize something for clients. “I’m going to look at what their tastes are, at the time of year, and pick some seasonal dishes as options for them to see and taste,” he said. “My hope and the goal is that when they leave we will leave them with the confidence that they can choose anything off the menu and it would all be prepared in that style. They can go home and take a brand new look at their menu options and feel confident with what they choose.”
Unusual services that are a part of the firm’s offering include speciality drink stations. In cold weather that could
be spicy hot butter rum or cooling summer sweet strawberry mango lemonade. All drinks are non-alcoholic unless the client provides it. There might also be a charming mini-pastry platter at each table served on living wood with a fairy light. Another popular feature is late night service by a “wan-
derer” where a server goes throughout the venue in the later stages of the event with a particular menu item offered to guests wherever they may be.
Catering by John Lowe serves about 100 weddings a year, and these events range from about 75 guests to those as large as a reception of about 275 people. For corporate events, they have served as many as 6,500 people. The number of weddings is limited to no more than three per day because one of the Lowes - John, Susan or Ann – will be at the event.
“We need to be there because it’s our name,” Susan said. “The promises we make to the bride and groom, we’re there to make sure all those things happen,” John added.
Western Chester County Life|
Get to the Tavern: Phil Ferro Solidifies His Restaurant Legacy in Chester County
The Ferro team owns King’s Tavern, Chadds Ford Tavern, and Main Line Tavern –with three new restaurants on the horizon.
By: Ashley Pierce, WCCCC
From humble beginnings to owning multiple successful restaurant properties, Phil Ferro has had quite the journey. His culinary career started in high school, where he participated in a culinary program at a vocational school in Delaware County. At age fourteen, Phil was working as a busboy, before moving on to manage the Drexeline Supermarket food court at sixteen years old.
“That’s where I learned a lot of the fundamentals in the culinary industry.” Phil said. He decided to leave school in 11th grade to pursue a full-time career as a chef. From age eighteen to around twenty-eight, Phil was the head chef at a restaurant called Anthony’s, spending an invaluable ten years there.
“I learned how to run a kitchen, manage payroll, how to do the ordering,” he said. As he moved from kitchen to kitchen, he came across a small storefront in Havertown. “I peeked in the window, saw the hood hanging, and about fifteen years ago, that was the biggest cost for a restaurant.” It was pricey to install the kind of infrastruc-
ture that was needed to turn a building into a functioning restaurant, and as the building was an old deli, it seemed like the perfect opportunity.
“I cleaned it up, painted it, and opened the restaurant as Edgewood Cafe.” Phil said. Edgewood Cafe was the first restaurant he owned, opening in 2014 as a BYOB. The cafe became so popular that Phil was turning people away. To combat this, he opened another restaurant down the street.
“I was turning people away because it was only a 50-seat restaurant. I hated the fact that I was turning people away, so I liked that I could send them up the road to my other restaurant.” Phil said. He then opened Vida Taqueria, also in Havertown.
After about four years of running those two restaurants, Phil received a phone call. “It was from my U.S. food supplier, telling me there was a big-time hotel owner that needed an operator for the hotel’s restaurant. We renovated the space in Springfield, called it Red Iron American Pub.” The hotel owner and Phil are still partners to this
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Get to the Tavern
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day. Through that process and connection, Phil learned that Chadds Ford Tavern was for sale.
“I liked the older building style – that’s usually how I fall in love with properties.” Phil said.
Coatesville offers plenty of historic architecture that Phil loves. He spent six or seven years looking at the old bank building on East Lincoln Highway, before partnering with Crosby Wood, of New Heritage Properties, to purchase and renovate the building to turn it into a steakhouse, called 30Prime.
As he spent time in the bank building, he met Mark Milanese, of Milanese Remodeling. Milanese owns the old YMCA building in Downtown Coatesville. Milanese has plans to open Steel City Brewing and has partnered with Phil, who will run the kitchen of the brewery.
old restaurant was for sale. “I loved the building because it was in the middle of Chester County. It was a nice standalone building, with a nice parking lot, which is an excellent feature.” Phil saw the potential the building had and didn’t want to let it go under the ground, so he bought it. After a little TLC, Phil revived the building and opened it as King’s Tavern.
As of today, Phil Ferro’s restaurants include Chadds Ford Tavern, King’s Tavern, and Main Line Tavern (which just opened three months ago). He just purchased the Augustine Inn in Delaware, which will reopen as Augustine Tavern. Also on the horizon are Steel City Brewing and 30 Prime, both in Downtown Coatesville.
For most of his restaurants, Phil likes to stick to a certain vibe. “In each room, I wanted an accent piece, like the lantern wall in the Queen’s dining room, the wagon wheel chandelier,” he said. “I wanted a leather granite finish on the bar, like a medieval touch. I love my star wall; I have that at Chadds Ford Tavern too.” King’s Tavern could
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CABINETRY & DESIGN
Through his partnerships in the City of Coatesville, Phil stumbled across what used to be known as Mr. E.’s Tavern. “Someone mentioned that there was a restaurant up the road that had failed a while ago.” After looking up the property and doing some research, Phil discovered the As an Amish manufacturer of
Get to the Tavern
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undergo some expansion plans in the near future. “When we bought the property, we acquired an acre next to it. Once we get the public sewer set up, the township has approved an addition the size of King’s Tavern – banquet hall on the bottom floor and a kitchen on the top floor.”
Food style and menu concept are important aspects to any successful restaurant. Phil has mastered this. There’s something for everyone on his menus, on any occasion, whether it’s a date night, family meal, or casual lunch. “If mom wants crab cakes, dad wants a Tomahawk, and the kids want macaroni and cheese or a burger, it’s all right there for them.” For an anniversary dinner, guests could opt for their Chilean sea bass or a strip steak. As for the casual lunch-goers, a refreshing salad or hearty sandwich might do the job. “The menu is very diversified, and we run the same menu all day. We like to streamline it for our customers.” said Phil. It’s comfort food, simple and straightforward, yet delicious and approachable.
The team behind Phil is essential to the success of the day-to-day restaurant duties. His wife, Kate Ferro, is the operator of their company, Five Star Restaurant Group. “She handles all the staff, managers, payroll, and 90% of the daily operations,” Phil explained. Meanwhile, Phil goes around to each of their restaurants every morning, making sure they are all running smoothly, fixing
equipment, ordering inventory, and finding new talent to bring into the restaurant family. “My staff knows they can come to me with anything they need, which creates
a family quality to the restaurants and staffs. It makes for a harmonious team that gets the job done.”
Phil’s restaurants are consistent, both with food and drink and with their highly trained staff. Kate batches all the cocktails, sangrias, and manages the seasonal menu to keep everything cohesive across the many restaurants. All the staff is trained the same way, from the servers to the kitchen staff to the bartenders.
The support for King’s Tavern has been overwhelming, and Phil and his team have given back to the Coatesville community; something he’s passionate about.
“We offer happy hours for those who are on a budget, they can come out and get half-priced drinks and cheap appetizers. They don’t have to spend a bunch of money to enjoy King’s Tavern.” Phil said. King’s Tavern – and Phil’s other restaurants – host fundraisers for local community organizations and businesses. “Whoever comes in the door, whatever they need, we’ll try to help them,
whether it’s gift cards for raffles or sponsoring jerseys for a sports team.”
Independently owned restaurants, like Phil Ferro’s ventures, uplift communities. It’s a domino effect, local restaurant owners bring in friends, workers, and other investors, lighting up a town or city, making it the place to be. “People are shying away from chain restaurants, I think because people want to support mom and pop shops, support their local community, and get quality and delicious homecooked meals.” Phil said.
As for Phil’s upcoming ventures, 30 Prime will have a parking lot with ample space and 70 spots are said to go in behind Steel City Brewing, on MLK Blvd. Stay tuned for more updates!
Both King’s Tavern and Main Line Tavern are open 12-9 p.m. Sun-Thurs and 12-10 p.m. Fri-Sat.
Chadds Ford Tavern is open 12-10 p.m. Sun-Thurs and 12p-12a Fri-Sat.
Honey Brook Community Library Breaks Ground on Expansion Project
The team at Honey Brook Community Library, Honey Brook Township officials, State Senator Katie Muth, State Representative Dan Williams and the community gathered this spring in excitement for a groundbreaking ceremony. The ceremony marks the start of the expansion project of the Honey Brook Community Library.
The Honey Brook Community Library expansion project, funded in part by a $1.14 million state grant announced in October 2022 by Senator Muth, will nearly double the size of the current library.
“Libraries are such an integral part of our communities. The Honey Brook Community Library expansion project will allow for enhanced programs for all community mem-
bers and families,” Muth said. “It’s very exciting to see construction starting and I cannot wait to come back to see the final product.”
The project will add more programming and community space, improve ventilation, and add additional dedicated learning space for children, teens, and adults.
“It is an exciting day for our Board of Directors, staff, and community as we begin our library expansion project,”
Jennifer Spade, Library Director, Honey Brook Community Library, said. “I want to thank everyone who helped us get to this point. Those who donated their time or money and believed this expansion of our little library could happen. It’s a great day for the Honey Brook community.”
Library officials indicated that construction began in April and it is expected to be completed this fall. Furnishing, shelving, and other interior work will be completed through Winter 2024/Spring 2025.
“Libraries are the heartbeats of our neighborhoods, serving as hubs of knowledge, inspiration, and connection. With this expansion of HBCL, we not only increase its physical space but also amplify the impact and reach of our library’s resources and services to include: a dedicated and large Community Wing, an expansive Children’s Wing and a Wing to support our Adult patrons as well as other improvements,” Rocky Avvento, President, Honey Brook Community Library Board, said.
Stop in to visit the Honey Brook Library and check out their new Capital Campaign Donor tree!
Bond Between Brothers: How Philadelphia Mead Company is Reviving an Ancient Tradition
By: Ashley Pierce, WCCCC
Two brothers, Rich and Stephen (Steve) Kassabian, are on a mission to revive the mead industry, an ancient tradition that has been relatively unknown in today’s world. This mission led them to opening Philadelphia Mead Company in 2021, with hopes of introducing this delicious and historical alcoholic beverage to the next generation.
The Kassabian brothers always had a desire to work and build something together, and after the pandemic, the time was right. As a hobbyist, Steve has always enjoyed making things, such as cured meats and cheeses, as well as beer, wine, sake, and of course, mead! After Rich graduated from his master’s program, finding a job proved difficult. Together, the brothers decided to venture into business together, wanting to utilize some of Steve’s talents. Due to the high prices in Philadelphia, Phila Mead Co. decided to set up the business in the old Black Walnut Winery, now owned by Penn Rise Advisors.
“We found mead to be an underrepresented market and a genre that is incredible in its versatility and quality, but one that many people know very little about. Thus, it is an opportunity to reintroduce this age-old tradition to the public and show them a genre that is proving to be many people’s new favorite.” Rich said.
Mead is a honey wine, whereas traditional wine is fermented with grape juice, mead uses honey. Philadelphia Mead Company’s mead tends to be drier than most;
flavorful but also light and smooth. It can be enjoyed chilled or at cellar temperature.
“Mead is the oldest known alcohol and fermented beverage in the world, with archaeological examples of purposeful ferments as early as 7000 B.C.E. in China.” Steve said. “It’s been globally popular over the ages, in many different lands and dynasties, and in written references, including the Rigveda, Beowulf, and Sir Kenelm Digby.”
Philadelphia Mead Company has both year-round and seasonal selections of mead. All year-round, customers can purchase Traditional Honey Wine, made from Orange Blossom Honey and Plum Honey Wine, made with Wildflower Honey. Their summer selections are Guava, Key Lime Pie, Pineapple Coconut, and Blackberry Habanero. Stay tuned for their fall and winter varieties!
While both mead brothers spend time brewing and fermenting, Steve spends most of his time in the meadery, while Rich maintains the business side. Steve is the creative, producing selection ideas and designs the meads. Rich handles the reporting, pricing, and sales. He tends to be the ‘face’ of the business, booking events and developing sales strategies.
Rich and Steve were always close growing up, being only two years apart. They have found their brotherly bond only growing stronger through their business.
Steve, the older of the two, said, “I think it’s great that we have different collaborative strengths to bring to the table, and that we know and trust each other very much to get it all done.” Rich added, “Being business owners has tested us, but it truly only has made our bond stronger.”
Philadelphia Mead Company has fully immersed itself in the western Chester County community, participating in fundraising events and giving charitable donations. Their relationship with their community and customers is special. “I think our relationship with our customers is really great!
They’re not afraid to tell us what’s working and what isn’t, and we have to be here to listen.” Steve said.
To stay on top of their game and give customers what they’re looking for, Phila Mead Co. Is always focused on creating polished and innovative meads that, at the same time, seem approachable to new tasters.
“We are a meadery who wants this genre to feel and be attainable for as many people as possible. From a product standpoint, our meads tend to be a lot drier and more drinkable than traditional mead recipes, bridging the gap between country wines and ciders.” Rich said.
Whether you’ve never had mead before, you’re a mead connoisseur, or anywhere in between, Philadelphia Mead Company is worth a try. Any bars or restaurants who are interested in adding mead to their drink line-up and elevating their cocktails can reach out to Philadelphia Mead Company for more information on partnership opportunities.
Philadelphia Mead Company ships to 41 states, including Pennsylvania. They are at the East Falls Farmers Market Saturday 10-1, Ambler Farmers Market Saturdays 9-12p, Media Farmers Market Sundays 10-1. Pickups are always available at their facility in Parkesburg.
Share-A-Ride: The Smart Choice for a Better Commute and Community
By: Tim Phelps, TMACC
Imagine a commute where the stress of traffic fades away, your wallet stays fuller, and your impact on the environment is significantly reduced. This dream can become a reality for residents of western Chester County with ShareA-Ride. “By choosing to share a ride, you’re contributing to a solution that benefits everyone in our community,” states Tim Phelps, Executive Director of Transportation Management Association of Chester County. “It’s a simple step with a significant impact.” Even sharing a ride one day a week can make a difference, and the benefits only grow if you do it more often.
Why Share a Ride?
Here is why you should consider sharing a ride:
1. Reduced Congestion: Fewer cars on the road means less traffic on the Route 30 bypass and Route 322, leading to smoother and quicker commutes.
2. Cost Savings: Splitting travel expenses like gas, tolls, and parking can save you a lot of money over time.
3. Environmental Impact: Carpooling reduces the number of vehicles on the road, lowering emissions and contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment.
4. Social Connections: Sharing a ride is a great way to meet new people and build community connections, turning your commute into a pleasant social experience.
5. Stress Reduction: With fewer cars on the road, your daily drive becomes less stressful, giving you more time to relax or catch up on work.
Getting Started with Share-A-Ride
Stacy Bartels at the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, who manages the region’s Share-A-Ride program, highlights, “Share-A-Ride isn’t just a transportation option; it’s a lifestyle choice that enhances your quality of life and supports a sustainable future.” The upgraded Share-A-Ride website, powered by AgileMile, offers more features and new incentives. “You can earn points toward rewards every time you record your shared commute,” states Bartels.
Brian O’Leary, Executive Director of the Chester County Planning Commission, notes, “Reducing single-occupancy vehicles not only eases congestion but also aligns with Chester County’s Landscape3 long-term sustainability goals.”
Employee Rideshare Programs
Employee rideshare programs use the fact that coworkers commute to the same destination, making them familiar and accountable to one another. These programs can be promoted through company websites, apps, social media, or informal meetings. Employers often encourage ride sharing by offering financial incentives, parking preferences, guaranteed rides home, or subsidized vanpools. Share-A-Ride, a DVRPC initiative, is more than a commute choice; it is a commitment to a greener future. Employers can help by finding matches for their employees, and participants can track CO2 savings and earn rewards. Ride matching systems find potential matches based on location and schedule, offering features like reviews, savings calculators, and backup ride options. Businesses and organizations can provide these services to coordinate broader regional commutes.
Take Action Today!
Consider the benefits for yourself and your community: start sharing the ride to work and enjoy a more economical, less stressful, and eco-friendly commute. For more information, visit Share-A-Ride (www.sharearide.agilemile.com/tmacc) or reach out to TMACC at www.tmacc. org to get involved today!
Western Chester County Life|
ZING Serves Up Western Che
Asian Flavors in ester County
By Nina Malone, Arbonne
Pizza and fast food dominated the landscape when ZING opened in 2015 in Sadsbury Township, taking its place across from its owners’ Harry’s Hotdogs and Harry’s Tap & Rec Room (previously The Attic Lounge). It brought muchneeded variety — and spice! — to that part of Chester County.
ZING is a boutique BYOB restaurant offering indoor dining, takeout, delivery and catering. It started hosting outdoor dining during the pandemic and, weather permitting, that’s a trend that will continue, according to John H. Lymberis, who co-owns both restaurants with Foti “Frank” Petropoulos.
“We transformed what used to be our convenience store, Harry’s Quick Stop, into a space that’s reminiscent of that little spot in Manhattan where you’d frequent to grab some great sushi and Asian cuisine,” Lymberis said.
Managing partner Bobby Chin added, “We offer sushi, Chinese, Malaysian and Japanese cuisine. Our most popular requests are General Tso’s Chicken, Pad Thai and, of course, sushi! We’re also happy to customize our dishes for those who are curious about Asian food — beginners! We can make your dish anything spice-wise from mild to ‘make you cry.’”
ZING chefs split the cooking responsibilities based on specialty: sushi, wok preparation, Japanese and pan-Asian recipes. Non-alcoholic beverages are
available to purchase, and customers may bring their own sake, wine, champagne or beer; there is no corkage fee.
ZING was born after five years of doing sushi nights twice a week at The Attic Lounge, a way of pairing contemporary cuisine with upscale cocktails. That success prompted Lymberis and Petropoulos to partner with Chin on a sushi restaurant. It also paved the way to refocus The Attic Lounge and rebrand it as Harry’s Tap & Rec Room.
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ZING’s enduring popularity has to do with not only the food, but also the Lymberis and Petropoulos families’ legacies as lifelong residents and business owners in this community.
“We believe that we really understand and know our customers,” Lymberis said. “And, we’re gaining new customers everyday as Western Chester County continues to be developed and become more popular. There aren’t a lot of food options out here, so we’re very happy to offer a sushi and pan-Asian menu. It really appeals to so many!”
So, why the name ZING? “I wanted a name that’s easy to say and remember. And, I didn’t want to hear a shortened version of our restaurant’s name, either,” Lymberis said. “Plus, ‘ZING’ literally means fresh, spicy, fast and flavorful.”
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Lymberis has been a long-time Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce member, board member, past-president and volunteer. He
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joined in 1999 to help businesses like his flourish and grow along with the anticipated growth of the region. He, along with a handful of others, helped revitalize the Chamber with a new vision so that it could thrive into what it is today. Lymberis still serves on the board of directors and remains involved. He says that watching the organization strengthen and grow to more than 400 members has been quite satisfying. “Our community is blessed to have some outstanding local business people who care about this area and employ so many local residents,” he added. “I
The Business Beat in ChescoWest
By: Rachel Cathell, Executive Director, Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce
The arrival of fall is ushered in with so many events across the ChescoWest region; Valley Day, Honey Brook Harmony Day, Parkesburg Fall Fest, Atglen’s Car Show, Caln Community Day, Coatesville’s First Fridays, The Chester County 4-H Fair, and I could go on and on. Each of these gatherings is a celebration of community.
Amongst the yells of face painted children and smells of mouthwatering food, attendees will browse vendor booths and walk past sponsor signs strung through the events. Behind those booths and behind those signs are local businesses. They are the lifeblood of our neighborhoods. Business owners are the residents, parents and community advocates.
Forming and strengthening relationships in the community creates opportunity for businesses to be thought leaders and stakeholders where they work and live; and it ensures their own growth. Many times, it’s easier to think, someone else will do it. Someone else will coordinate and someone else will contribute. The reality is that may be true (or not) but the someone else may have a vision that isn’t necessarily inclusive to your business’s needs or that someone else may really appreciate your help in community efforts. Your business’s engagement matters and it can be transformational. The Chamber of Commerce is built off of this concept and is the reasoning behind why we bring businesses together across 24 municipalities; to serve
as the engine that drives forward environments of healthy commerce and community. The Chamber is a regional membership organization made up of 400+ businesses across western Chester County.
Closing gaps between businesses and local governance in a community fosters stronger communication channels and a better understanding of community priorities. The neighborhood’s economy relies on your business. What’s happening all around you, impacts your business. Be connected with the leaders of your municipality, borough or city (remember they change). Invite them to visit you so they can learn and understand your story and impact. Or meet them where they are, pop into a town hall meeting to ask what initiatives they’re focused on and express the ones
you’re focused on. Many members of local councils are business owners themselves; they just may not know your story and needs.
One of the roles of the Chamber of Commerce is just that, telling your business story and providing resources for your needs. We serve as the bridge between businesses, community groups and local officials. As a convener, it’s important to us to collect feedback from our businesses on things that are top of mind in their day-to-day operations. Throughout
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Chamber Update
the year we’re always asking the question, what do we need or what could we do better in western Chester County that can strengthen our economy and build upon the community assets we have? We encourage businesses of all sizes to come to the table with their ideas, challenges and concerns, and they do! The Chamber’s Regional Planning Committee and Advocacy & Policy Committee (made up of local businesses) collect this feedback all year. You can share yours with us through our advocacy portal located at westernchestercounty.com/advocacy/
So what’s the feedback? A recurring topic for businesses is having efficiency of infrastructure; such as congestion and safety mitigation on our roadways, reliable transportation and wireless and utility systems that match modern standards. The health of all of these networks allows businesses to have a better competitive and connected advantage. Also widely expressed from our businesses is the importance in enhancing infrastructure on a main street scale; such as sidewalks and streetscapes, lighting, signage and wayfinding. All of these appearance touches make a HUGE impact on commerce (not to mention character). They can be a financial lift for a municipality, but they should always be a top priority. Many local businesses contribute to maintaining these either by volunteering with beautification efforts or contributing or fundraising toward planning efforts that enhance downtowns and main streets.
A second topic identified this year as a top priority to the business community is labor-force preparedness; enhancing training and upskilling opportunities in our region to create the workforce of tomorrow. Local businesses are working on this by maintaining relationships with local schools. They’re participating on career and technical advisory boards at the high schools to help craft curriculum, they’re hosting site tours and career exploration events at their workplace, and they’re opening their business to mentorship, internship or apprenticeship opportunities. You can do this too. Reach out to Octorara, Coatesville or the Technical College Highschools to see what creative ways your business can engage.
The business community also expresses repeatedly the importance in maintaining an environment that encourages multi-municipal partnerships and inter-municipal actions to tackle economic challenges that spread across township lines. Pennsylvania gets the nickname of the home to many “little boxes”. Each of those boxes is shaped by a township, borough or city line. We love the unique characteristics of
all of our boxes! But the reality is that our businesses do business in many different boxes that border one another; and as residents we drive across many of those lines every day. What one municipality is doing, creates an influential effect on the municipality next door and the success of small businesses in any neighborhood is linked to the extent to which businesses are connected to their regional economy.
On November 8th, the Chamber will host the annual Municipal Update. This event is one of the few instances in the entire commonwealth where 20+ municipalities and 300 attendees come together in one room to share updates on business opportunities, development and news for each of the towns that make up ChescoWest. Many businesses have contributed to building this regional relationship for decades and the Chamber is very proud to facilitate this platform of private business and public governance coming together. We are able to provide this to our community thanks to our 400+ members and in partnership with the Western Chester County Council of Governments (COG), a group of 14 municipalities that meet monthly to share
resources across municipal lines. (Visit wcccog.com/ to learn more about the COG.) And join us on November 8th.
In addition to the Municipal Update, the Chamber offers 35 more events throughout the year for professionals to build their network and business. You can find them at westernchestercounty.com.
In addition to the Chamber, make sure you seek out your local community group in your municipality. Groups such as the Honey Brook Partnership, the Parkesburg Action Committee and the Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance are the movers and shakers to community development in their neighborhoods.
Your business is an investment in the community you’re in. Come check out the Chamber to discover ways you can expand on your investment.
The Iron Eagle on Lincoln Bar & Grille Takes Flight with Casual American Fare
By: Marcella Peyre-Ferry Contributing Writer
Casual dining with the best in American cuisine can be found in Coatesville at the The Iron Eagle on Lincoln Bar and Grille.
Jim and Mary DePetris are in the forefront of Coatesville’s revitalization, taking the historic building at the intersection of Route 82 and Lincoln Highway and giving it a new life.
“It seems that many customers are so impressed because it’s one of the first signs of the revitalization that has been planning for a long time,” Jim said. “We’re very proud of being part of the revitalization. What we’ve done is only the beginning. We look forward to expanding.”
The building includes a room with a stage area that Jim hopes to have open as early as the end of this year.
“Back in the day, people came to Coatesville for everything because Coatesville was the commercial hub,” Jim said. “We’re looking to reacquaint people with Coatesville.”
A first glance at the Iron Eagle may lead you to believe that it is a formal restaurant, but it is actually a casual, fun spot. “We appreciate everybody that comes in. We’re trying to make it a fun, easy, natural place to come and eat,” Mary explained. “It’s a casual, fun place to come and have dinner, and if you’re looking for fine dining or casual fare you can come in and enjoy yourself.”
Jim added, “We’re not trendy. We’re trying to offer a good meal. We have some wonderful things on the menu. The pork chops, people rave about – the short ribs are amazing.”
There are two main rooms, the bar with cocktail tables and an airy bistro feel, and the back room, which is a quieter restaurant setting for more intimate dining.
The Iron Eagle has specials that should appeal to everyone, including Wing Night Wednesdays and Thirsty Thursday Burger and Beer Night.
Come for happy-hour with half-price appetizers and chitchat or you may come in to find live music or the monthly trivia night for an evening of food and fun.
The Iron Eagle is also proving to be a hot spot for class reunions, birthday parties, networking parties and other events. Book the space and enjoy the great food and drink among friends.
Iron Eagle is a family-run business with manager Mary stepping in as a bartender or server if needed, and the couple’s four daughters helping as well. Mary makes it a point to greet customers and make sure they have a positive experience.
“We try to cater to the clientele, find out what they are looking for and make them happy,” she said. “That’s key, I think, just making sure everybody is happy.”
The Iron Eagle on Lincoln Bar and Grille at 143 Lincoln Highway East has been open for about a year, but there are still people who are just now discovering this dining gem. The Iron Eagle has been filling its commitment to the community by hiring employees from the local area. They are also helping the community by their involvement and support of local events in Coatesville.
The Eagle is open for dinner Wednesdays and Thursdays 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Large onsite parking is located behind the building, with access off Route 82. For more information and the full menu, visit the website at www.ironeagleonlincoln.com.
