Chamber Chatter October 2011

The Chamber

Chatter

Member News & Information October 2011

Providing Leadership and Opportunity for business

2011 Officers Michael Brown, Chairman General InsurCorp. Inc.

Scott Mayes, Chairman-Elect Comcast Spotlight

Timothy R. Jefferis, Vice Chairman TD Bank

Chris Tolsdorf, Secretary Tolsdorf Oil Lube Express

Donna Urian, Treasurer Fischer Cunnane & Associates, Ltd.

Jeff Kitchen, Past Chairman Edward Jones Investments

Board of Directors Bryan Brockson EDiS Construction & Development

Thomas Ciccarone Parkway Dry Cleaners

John J. Cunningham, IV Lamb McErlane PC

Ronald K. DellaVecchia DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc.

Guy T. Dunn 1-800-905-GEEK / Geeks on Call

Mark Ernest Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union

Thomas Gavin The Chester County Hospital

Liz Golding 1N Bank

Nicole Grebloskie Arthur Hall Insurance

Bruce Griffin YMCA – West Chester Area

Frank Jacquette Jacquette Consulting, Inc.

Mell Josephs Student Services, Inc. West Chester University

Jeannie McGinn McGinn Marketing Works

Arlene McGranaghan Daily Local News

Brian Miller Mars Drinks North America, LLC

Rob Partridge WC Area School District

Jeffrey Sommer, Esq. Buckley, Brion, McGuire, Morris & Sommer LLP

www.greaterwestchester.com

Four Generations of Commitment to the Community In light of the Parkway 19 at Penn Oaks Golf Club.

Cleaners ongoing comParkway’s rich hismitment to giving tory began in 1915 back to the comwhen John munity and proCiccarone, Sr., who migrated from Italy, viding its opened “On Time customers with the Cleaners" in a small highest quality servself-contained 1500 ice, the Greater West square foot plant in West Chester Chamber of 2011 Business of the Year Chester. Since then Commerce is proud to Parkway Cleaners Parkway Cleaners, announce Parkway opened and named in 1953

by John Cleaners as the 2011 Business of the Ciccarone and brother Frannie Year. The award will be presented durCiccarone, has continued to be open ing the Annual Business & Volunteer of minded as their industry, community, the Year Luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. continued to page 20

2011 Volunteer of the Year - David Kimball David became a professional photographer in 1980 working part time for Ace Hoffman and Paramount Studios in Wilkes Barre, PA He moved to Malvern in 1982 when Bell of Pennsylvania transferred him to their Philadelphia Headquarters building.

Continued doing photography, working for studios in the Chester County area.

In 1990 studied photography at the Art Institute of Philadelphia’s evening program.

Retired from Bell Atlantic in 1992 and Purchased Briar Photography. Joined the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce in 1992 and volunteered to do photography for the Chamber.

Today he is still a Chamber member and continue to enjoy providing photography services for the Chamber.

Celebrating 35 Years!

Years! e

301 S. S. Bolmar Street West West Chester, Chester, PA PA 19382 Tel: Tel: e 610-696-7153 Fax: Fax: 610-696-0805

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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS America’s Pie

WC Dish LLC

Mr. Mike Cerenzia 323 E. Gay Street West Chester, PA 19380 484-947-5115; Fax 484-947-5113 tryamericaspie@gmail.com www.pizzaforthepeople.com Restaurant/Cafe

Ms. Mary Bigham 361 E. Biddle Street West Chester, PA 19380 484-343-3305; wcdish@gmail.com westchesterdish.com Publishers (Print or Online)

The Broker Network, Inc. Mr. Gerry Dugan 445 W. Deer Pointe Road West Chester, PA 19382 800-555-6396; Fax 866-497-1371 gdugan@bninc.net www.bninc.net Employee Benefits

Catalyst Outdoor Advertising Ms. Crystal Crawford 237 W. Lancaster Ave., Ste. 120 Devon, PA 19333 610-975-9390; Fax 866-710-1953 crystal@catalystoutdoor.com www.catalystoutdoor.com Advertising

Hershey's Mill Golf Club Mr. Scott Martin 401 Chandler Drive West Chester, PA 19380 610-431-1600; Fax 610-429-0929 smartin@hersheysmill.com www.hersheysmillgolfclub.com Country/Golf Club

Penn Liberty Bank Mr. Randy Mintz 1301 Paoli Pike West Chester, PA 19380 610-535-4851; Fax 610-535-4847 rmintz@pennlibertybank.com www.pennlibertybank.com Banking/Saving/Loans

Sandler Training Mr. Eric Wyrosdic 119 Cherry Lane Berwyn, PA 19312 610-400-8328; Fax 610-400-1263 ewyrosdic@sandler.com www.wyrosdicsandler.com Management Consulting Octoberr 2011

Chamber Staff Katie Doherty President Mark J. Yoder Executive Vice President Maggie O’Neill Office Manager Bethany Henry Member Relations Coordinator Chamber of Commerce of Greater West Chester 119 North High Street West Chester, PA 19380 t: 610.696.4046 f: 610.696.9110 www.greaterwestchester.com www.greaterwestchester.com

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2011 Back to School Supply Drive Sponsors The Chamber sincerely thanks everyone who supported our 7th annual “Back to School Supply Drive.” We exceeded our goal of 200 boxes thanks to our many generous Chamber members. A “BIG” thank you to the staff at Penn Office Products (Mac Neilon and his daughter, Alison) who assembled and delivered all of the boxes to the school district. A special thank you to ShopRite of West Chester for supplying reusable tote bags; The Rotary Club of West Chester for donating $1,000 that enabled us to purchase 200 backpacks for the first time ever.

20 or More School Boxes Arthur Hall Insurance & Staff, Nicole Grebloskie Schramm Inc., Ed & Julie Breiner Rainer & Company, Michael DeHaven

10 – 19 School Boxes Thoughts Embellished, Jack Bramley VIST Financial, Joe Calabro Clear Sound Inc., Suzanne Cody La Difference Salon & Day Spa, Mary Lou Enoches Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, Kevin Finn Larry & Darcie Goldberg Let Freedom Ring, Colin Hanna Jacquette Consulting Inc., Frank & Marcia Jacquette Cmedia & Staff, MaryAnn King Lamb McErlane PC William S. Malany & Sons, Inc., Terry Malany QVC, Suzanne Quigley Republican Committee of Chester County David G. Rogers, CPA, David Rogers MacElree Harvey, Jane M. Shields Tolsdorf Oil Lube Express, Chris Tolsdorf Representative Dan Truitt, Dan & Michele Truitt

5 – 9 School Boxes

Fischer, Cunnane & Associates, Donna Urian Harold & Maureen Zuber

1 – 4 School Boxes

Battavio Plumbing Heating & Cooling, Carmen Battavio Village Profile, Gayle Bohman Robert & Rachel Brooks Steven Dickter, M.D. Scott Drap Fulton Bank, Holly Graver Tom Griffith Cobblestone Realty, Fred Gusz West Chester University, Dr. Linda Lamwers Lorgus Music, Linda Lorgus Rick Loughery Francis & Felice McElwaine McGinn Marketing Works, Jeannie McGinn Vincent Murphy MacElree Harvey, Brian Nagle James & Mimi Sack Creative Properties, Steve Scebelo Patricia Schultz Enterprises, Inc., Patricia Schultz Prudential, Fox & Roach Realtors, Anthony Scimone Fulton Bank, Michelle Venema Wiley’s Car Care, Dawn Wiley Drew & Wendy Young Arthur Zadrozny

Abel Brothers Towing Dave’s Automotive, Dave Aloisio General InsurCorp. Inc., Michael Brown Buckley, Brion, McGuire, Morris & Sommer LLP, Kristin Camp Wells Fargo Bank, Randy Christy Thomas Comitta Associates, Mayor Carolyn Comitta Commissioner Ryan Costello ABC Hearing, Dr. Judith Curtin Charles A. Dulin, Inc., Frank Dulin Commissioner Terence Farrell Three Little Pigs, Sheila Frech Genuine Healthcare Resources LLC Thomas Hogan Keller Williams Brandywine Valley Realtors, Maureen Hughes Comcast Spotlight, Scott Mayes Keystone Federal Credit Union, Michelle Merkley Richard C. Nelson, DDS West Chester Off-Campus Housing, Linda & John O’Connell PA Restaurant Assoc.- Brandywine Chapter, Dee Rogevich West Chester Dental Arts, Eric Shelly Mauger & Co., Ron Smith A. Roy Smith From left to right, Alison Neilon & Mac Neilon, Penn Office Products; Katie Doherty, Chamber; Mark Sammarone, Rotary Club of West Chester; Mark & Judith Tunnell Maggie O’Neill, Chamber; Dr. Jim Scanlon, Sara Missett & Rob Partridge, WCASD

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October 2011

Halos, IPODs and the Quantum Leap

By Steve Coscia The Halo Effect is a powerful business force and examples of its impact on market dominance, sales momentum, and customer acceptance make robust business case studies. The Apple iPod MP3 player and its meteoric rise and acceptance among consumers was due to the halo effect.

Most mainstream customers assume that Apple invented the MP3 player—this is not true. The first Apple iPod appeared in retail stores on November 10, 2001, more than a year after the first mass storage MP3 player hit the market.

sulted in a halo effect among mainstream customers.

The positive vibe was based on coolness, even though the iPod was made from similar components as its competitors. Customers assumed the iPod was new technology based on feelings, not facts.

Within three years, the iPod’s popularity and exponential sales resulted in a 90 percent market share of the hard-drive based MP3 players. It was the halo effect that catapulted the iPod to mass acceptance.

Most customers make buying decisions based on their feelings. The halo effect is powerful indeed.

Steve Coscia (steve@coscia.com) of Coscia Communications writes, speaks and consults about customer service. His books, tapes and television appearances have helped thousands of business professionals.

Historically, a mass storage MP3 player was the inception of a Singapore company called Creative Technologies Limited, a leader in the digital audio field. In April 1999, Creative Technologies launched the NOMAD line of digital audio players, which included an MP3 player with a 6 MB hard drive. It was called the Jukebox. By the late 1990s the miniaturization of nonproprietary hard drives, flat-panel displays, and integrated circuits paved the way for the MP3 player. Using nonproprietary off-the-shelf parts, Creative Technologies introduced the first mass storage MP3 player to the consumer electronics market. The idea of having your entire CD collection loaded onto one device was radical—a quantum leap.

Early innovators of radical ideas suffer from the daunting task of breaking through the old paradigm, creating awareness, and overcoming customer confusion and skepticism about a quantum leap in technology. Creative Technologies’ attempt to break new ground and overcome confusion was accomplished by designing their NOMAD Jukebox to resemble its forerunner, a portable CD player.

Among audio enthusiast geeks, the NOMAD Jukebox was a breakthrough product. Apple, looking to break the old paradigm introduced its iPod with a milky white design, rectangular in shape and a matching white audio cable.

Apple’s simple yet elegant design had no resemblance or relevance to a portable CD player, which reOctoberr 2011

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October 2011

Networking Etiquette …reversed thinking

By Joan Stokely Networking for some is fun yet for others, it is a true stretch in comfort levels. Just to maintain a business, it is essential to constantly cultivate new relationships while continuing to foster the growth of existing connections. This is a very time intensive task and if you want to grow your business, building relationships is essential.

Networking is often introduced as a system of meeting people to increase your business contacts which will ultimately lead to a business relationship. So what happens is people go to these events and it feels awkward because it is obvious that they are there looking for business.

There is another option in networking. Enter the room with a reversed intention; the intention to help others with their businesses. You will listen to your new contact differently and they will immediately notice the difference in your encounter. Make sure you offer a follow up call, just to stay in touch. Keep the communications open and if you can introduce your new acquaintance to another business associate, that is a very good thing.

Networkers need the tools of the trade – this primarily consists of business cards.

Business cards are an essential item of any networking event. When you purchase your business cards, buy the best quality card stock. It makes a difference in the impact when someone receives your card. Always carry plenty of cards when you go to an event. Keep them tucked away and make sure they are crisp, clean and have all four corners intact. Keep your cards updated. It does not make a good impression to offer someone a card with scribbled-on information.

Before you enter the networking event area, make sure you are prepared. Your accessories should blend in to your wardrobe, they should not be distracting.

You should not have a telephone in your hand. You should be totally focused on the task at hand…to meet new people and to rekindle relationships that are already formed.

Octoberr 2011

When you enter the room, go to groups of 3 or more.

You may also choose to introduce yourself to an individual. A firm handshake accompanied by good eye contact is key in making a good first impression. When you receive a business card, look at it first and then put it away. Do not just push it into your pocket or purse. Treat the card with respect – it reflects good on you. When you offer your card, make sure it is face up with the lettering positioned for the recipient to view.

These appear to be little things, but they do differentiate you from others. Everything counts. Theses are the very actions that lead you to BE EXTRAORDINARY! Joan R. Stokely (jrs@thesocietyofdiplomacy.com) is the President of The Society of Diplomacy, Inc., a protocol and etiquette consulting firm. We offer extraordinary training programs for corporate professionals who desire greater success in their careers. Increase your knowledge of business protocol and etiquette, your corporate image, international intelligence and social skills by attending programs specifically designed for you.

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GOLF MEMBERSHIP WINNERS The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with Applecross Country Club to offer renewing members an opportunity to win a Casual Golf Membership at Talamore and Applecross Country Clubs.

All current members are eligible to win during the month they renew their membership. The drawings will continue each month through April 2012.

CONGRATULATIONS to the following businesses who were picked in a lottery drawing of Chamber businesses that renewed their memberships in August 2011:

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Mr. David Guggeis Cornerstone Concrete, Inc.

Mr. Dale Yeager National Penn Bank

Ms. Laura Aloisio Dave's Automotive Repair Ent.

Gern W. Jaeger, III Specialty Metals Welding & Fabrication Inc.

Mr. Chris Popper Encore Medical International Inc.

Mr. Steven Krug, AIA, PE Spiezle Architectural Group, Inc.

Mrs. Carole Kirkpatrick Kreutz Creek Winery

Mr. Ed Stillman Stillman Volvo

Mr Alan Burnfide Land Rover Jaguar West Chester

Ross A. Unruh, Esq. Unruh, Turner, Burke & Frees, P.C.

www.greaterwestchester.com

October 2011

States Enforcing Compliance to Increase Revenue

By Kathy Wileczek States have been under significant financial stress. The slowdown in the economy has caused revenue to decrease. The stimulus money provided by the federal government in previous years has been spent. Many state expenditures are fixed or defined by federal law. The demand for service by those in need has increased. With so many individuals and businesses struggling to balance their own budgets, raising taxes is a choice of last resort.

States are aggressively looking to collect taxes owed under existing laws and are using a variety of methods to identify and assess non-compliant taxpayers. Once a taxpayer is identified, the state benefits from the tax revenue plus years of accumulated interest and penalties.

•

Technology has enabled states to share and compare data bases within the state’s various taxing entities, the Internal Revenue Service and other states.

•

Expanded audit activity and cross referencing of vendor and customer files becomes a source of identification of non filers.

•

Physical observation at borders. New Jersey has been known to place revenue agents at the state line and physically detain business vehicles entering that were not registered to do business in New Jersey.

•

• •

Legal challenges to currently exempt practices such as collection of sales tax on internet purchases.

Hiring of private companies to identify non-filers an and collect delinquent taxes Offering limited amnesty periods so non-filers have the opportunity to self-declare with minimal penalties.

Business owners need to evaluate their business practices and determine their filing responsibilities.

The technology of “cloud” operations has made it even more difficult to determine where liabilities may exist.

You may have an open liability if any of the following ap-

ply to your business operation: •

Do you purchase items online or out of state and do not report and pay use tax?

•

Do your employees provide services in other states?

•

Does your employee work out of their homes in another state?

• Do you sell and deliver items to another state?

It can sometimes be difficult to determine if you have a filing responsibility and you should consult your accountant for guidance.

Kathy Wileczek, CPA (kwileczek@maillie.com) is a manager with Maillie, Falconiero & Company, LLP. We are one of the leading regional accounting, tax and advisory firms in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Our client service philosophy has helped forge an excellent working relationship with our diverse client base.

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West Goshen Shopping Center 923 Paoli Pk. West Chester 610-692-8300 Fairfield Center 119 E. Swedesford Rd. Exton 610-594-0800 Parkway Center 929 S. High St. West Chester 610-692-5019 Caln Village Shopping Center 3921 Lincoln Hwy. Downingtown 610-269-9595 The Shoppes at Longwood Village 841 E. Baltimore Pk. Kennett Square 610-444-5252

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October 2011

Thank You to Our Renewing Members in July 2011 Our members are the foundation of our organization. To honor them we would like to congratulate and thank those who renewed their membership in July 2011. Thank you for your ongoing support of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.

10 – 19 years

1– 2 years

National Penn Bank

Three Little Pigs

Kaplans Fine Jewelry

Specialty Metals Welding & Fabrication Inc.

Unruh, Turner, Burke & Frees, P.C.

Tague Design Showroom

West Chester Capital Advisors Inc.

High Street Caffe

EP Visual Design

Miner Street Arts

Model Specialties Co.

Keller Williams Brandywine Valley

Comfort Inn & Suites of Brandywine Valley

Office Depot / West Chester

Stirling Property Management, Inc.

Stillman Volvo

Encore Medical International Inc.

The Dunmoore Group, LLC

West Chester Railroad Land Rover Jaguar West Chester Vivace Productions, Inc. H. L. Chalfant Antiques Cornerstone Concrete, Inc. B. Neil Gentry Excavating and Septic

3 – 9 years Strategy Arts Brandywine Springfield Waterproofing Neumann University

Chamber Chatter Radio Show Every Tuesday @ Noon Listen At: www.brandywineradio.com

1-800-905 Geek / Geeks On Call Kreutz Creek Winery Kathryn J. Smith / Massage Therapist Monarch Staffing, LLC Anjum Irfan, M.D., Mind Body Institute of Ches. Co. Sharples Works Apartments Francis Automotive Services Land Services USA, Inc. Miho Kahn Interiors LLC A. Steven Krug Dave's Automotive Repair Ent.

Chamber of Commerce of Greater West Chester President, Katie Walker and Executive Vice President, Mark J. Yoder.

Sponsored By:

www.employeemax.com Octoberr 2011

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West Chester Downtown Foundation’s First Annual West Chester Historic Preservation Awards Ceremony Come and join the Board of Directors of the West Chester Downtown Foundation for our First Annual West Chester Historic Preservation Awards Ceremony to be held on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 from 8:00 to 10:00 AM at the Chester County Historical Society. Award winners include A. Roy Smith for Preservationist of the Year, the West Chester Public Library, the Mercner-Woods Building (shown here), and the West Chester Preservation Plan. In all, seven awards will be presented.

Reservations need to be in by October 11, 2011.

For more information please visit DowntownWestChester.com.

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October 2011

September Events Founds Funeral Home Business Card Exchange

Guest Speaker: Denise Romanelli

Octoberr 2011

www.greaterwestchester.com

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THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF GREATER WEST CHESTER Invites you to an awards’ luncheon celebrating the

Business &Volunteer of the Year

Sponsored by:

Honoring 2011 Business of the Year - PARKWAY CLEANERS 2011 Volunteer of the Year - DAVID KIMBALL - OF BRIAR PHOTOGRAPHY Wednesday, October 19, 2011 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Penn Oaks Golf Club 150 Penn Oaks Drive, West Chester Doors open at 11:30 a.m. for networking / Lunch begins at 12:00 p.m.

Reservations Benefactor $500 Includes table for eight logo placement in program recognition at the luncheon

Individual Seats _______ $45 (Chamber Member) $55 (non-Chamber Member)

Name ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Company ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone _______________________________ # Attending ___________ Names of Additional Attendees____________________________________________________________________________ Total Cost ____________

Check (payable to Chamber of Commerce GWC)

American Express / Mastercard / Visa Card # ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Expiration ________ CVV Code (3 digits on back) _______ Name on Card ______________________________________ Card Billing Street Address & Zip (for verification) __________________________________________________________

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED BY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2011 PLEASE REMIT PAYMENT WITH RESERVATION. Return this form to the Chamber via fax: 610-696-9110 or mail to 119 North High Street, West Chester, PA 19380 For more information call 610-696-4046 Cancellations received after Monday, October 10th will be subject to the individual ticket cost.

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October 2011

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OCTOBER

October 27 (Thursday) F.L.O.W 5:30pm-7:30pm

October 4 (Tuesday) Coffee Connection 7:45am-9:00am

“Me in : 30” Networking Side Bar and Restaurant 10 E. Gay St., West Chester Free for F.L.O.W; $10 for Chamber members and general Reservations appreciated

Integrative Health and Chiropractic Center 1508 Paoli Pike, West Chester Goshen Village Shopping Center Free for members; $10 for general

NOVEMBER

October 7 (Friday) Gallery Walk 5:00pm-9:00pm Sponsors: Sillman Volvo, Wells Fargo, Side Bar and Resturant, Tableleaf Wines Downtown West Chester www.greaterwestchester.com

October 11 (Tuesday) Business Card Exchange 5:30pm-7:30pm West Chester University- Graduate Business Center 1160 McDermott Drive, West Chester Free for members; $10 for general

October TBD F.L.O.W Luncheon 11:45am-1:30pm

“Dining Etiquette” – Joan Stokely of The Society of Diplomacy Pietro’s Prime 125 W. Market St., West Chester $25 for F.L.O.W; $35 for Chamber members and general Reservations appreciated

October 19 (Wednesday) Business Person & Volunteer of the Year Luncheon 11:30am-1:30pm Sponsored by: WSFS Penn Oaks Golf Club 150 Penn Oaks Dr., West Chester $45 Members; $55 General Reservations Required see page 14 for details

November 3 (Thursday) Mega Mixer & Biz Expo 5:00pm-8:00pm Hosted by: Chamber Alliance of Chester County American Helicopter Museum 1220 America Blvd., West Chester FREE to attend

November 10 (Thursday) F.L.O.W Luncheon 11:45am-1:30pm “Tax Preparation” – Duane Davis, CPA Landmark Americana 158 W. Gay St., West Chester $25 for F.L.O.W; $35 for Chamber members and general

November 16 (Wednesday) Membership Luncheon 11:45am-1:00pm Sponsored by: Arthur Hall Insurance Economic Update – Eduardo Martinez (Moody’s Analytic) Penn Oaks Golf Club 150 Penn Oaks Dr., West Chester $25 for members; $35 general Reservations Required

November 17 (Thursday) Coffee Connection 7:45am- 9:00am MARS Drinks 1301 Wilson Blvd., West Chester Free for members; $10 for general

RESERVATIONS FOR EVENTS Register online at www.greaterwestchester.com email bethany@gwcc.org or call 610.696.4046 16

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October 2011

How Do You Know It’s Time?

By Rob Sparre, President of Dorset Connects I went to put on an old favorite pair of jeans the other day. You know the kind: worn out, frayed and very comfortable. I bought them several years ago, and have worn them repeatedly. An odd thing happened recently when I pulled them up around my waist: they no longer fit. Much to my dismay, I had outgrown these size 32s. This experience, while making my wife laugh, got me to thinking “what else have I outgrown?”

Take a typical office with computer equipment: 15 PCs, 5 printers, a fax machine, and a server that we bought about 6 years ago. We still have nightmares about writing out that check! The computers have become important parts of the company. We use them every day and try to treat them kindly in hopes that they will return the favor and not crash on us while processing payroll! Sure, as the HR manager will tell you, they are not as fast as they used to be; but they still work…kind of.

How do I know when they no longer fit? When is the right time to replace my technology with something newer? Thinking back to my jeans, it took me 6 months of constant use to get them to fit just right. I don’t want to have to start breaking in a new pair all over again. But, like my waist size, my business has grown over the past years. The technology that worked so well for us before may no longer be up to the challenge to move us forward.

After some thinking, I have come up with a list of signs that indicate that we have outgrown our business systems. I hope you find it useful: 1. You spend as much time waiting for a computer to boot up (or reboot) as actually working on it 2. The upgrades to your key business programs are not compatible with your old server’s hardware 3. Your staff complains about how slow the computers are and how long it takes to open files 4. You prefer using paper and pen 5. Your copier vendor installs an updated driver and then tells you that is not compatible with your PC’s operating system 6. You are unable to effectively communicate with your customers Octoberr 2011

7. You like your current IT provider but don’t quite understand what you’re paying for 8. You notice other companies and your competitors doing things you know you should be doing Like a newlywed couple eventually outgrows their 2 bedroom apartment once they have their two kids, a couple of dogs, a cat and a goldfish, as a business owner it is important to accept that there are some things in the business that we have outgrown as well.

What happens if we don’t keep up? There are examples all around us of companies changing their technologies to survive, and examples of those who did not who perished. Consider Netflix, the superstar in DVD rental that helped put video stores out of business.

They now see that DVD’s may go the way of the VHS tape and dinosaurs. They see that online streaming video content is a critical path to keeping their customers and they developed a new business model to satisfy and capitalize on that demand. Now Consider Borders, the bookstore giant that went bankrupt primarily because they did not embrace the online book store experience that customers were demanding.

Despite warnings, they did not take their online business seriously.

Our technology needs may not be as dramatic as Netflix or Borders, but the concept is the same. Maybe it’s time to ask the staff if they have any technology ideas or input into how things are going with the current systems. What you hear may surprise you.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I must run to get some size 34’s and a new belt.

Rob Sparre, President of Dorset Connects, robert.sparre@dorsetconnects.com. Dorset Connects offers complete IT and telecommunication management solutions that take the hassles out of managing and maintaining your critical IT systems. We’ll customize a support plan that is tailored to your environment and exceeds your support expectations. www.dorsetconnects.com

19 S. High St., West Chester, PA 19382 Fax: 610.436.0117 e:mrody@brandywineinsurance.com

www.greaterwestchester.com

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Join Comcast Spotlight, where all it takes is 30 seconds to make an impact with your advertising.

For info call Bob Latulippe: 610-240-0811

www.ComcastSpotlight.com

Business Card Exchange WCU - Graduate Business Center Tuesday, October 11, 2011 5:30pm-7:30pm West Chester University 1160 McDermott Drive Sponsored by: Student Services, Inc and New Street Catering/ Aramark

RSVP required to bethany@gwcc.org or call 610-696-4046 www.greaterwestchester.com

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www.greaterwestchester.com

October 2011

Discover The Energy Savings With A Geothermal System Geothermal Experts

24/7 Emergency Service Available

Radiant Heat Instalation

Voted Best HVAC Company by DLN Readers

Mr. Slim Ductless AC by Mitsubishi NATETM Certified Technicians TRANE Comfort Specialist Preventative Maintenance Agreements

610-692-3900

www.bvhvac.com

PA031124

Proudly Providing Legal Expertise In Chester County Since 1968 •Municipal •Zoning, Land Use & Environmental •Litigation •Business, Banking & Real Estate •Estate Planning, Administration, Wills & Trusts •Divorce & Family Law •Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice •Immigration & Naturalization •Veterans Affairs •Transactional Legal Matters 118 W. Market Street, Suite 300 West Chester, PA 19382-2928

610-436-4400 • buckleyllp.com Octoberr 2011

www.greaterwestchester.com

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Business of the Year continued page 1

Cuddle My Kids is hosting a Ladies Fall Fashion Show and Luncheon at Concord Country Club, 1601 Wilmington Pike, West Chester, on October 13, 2011 from 11:30-3PM.. Fashions will be featured by Jane Chalfant, Kiki Botique and Blink of West Chester. Kiki Comerford will be the event Master of Ceremonies and present some of this seasons latest fashion trends!

Come spend the day with your friends and get a head start on your holiday shopping with some of our popular vendors!

All proceeds will benefit Cuddle My Kids. Cuddle My Kids is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Cuddle My Kids mission is to serve as an IN-HOME, NO-COST resource for families with cancer. Their program supports children through creative play, arts and crafts and enrichment while at the same time offering respite for the sick parent. This provides them uninterrupted time to focus on their medical and healing options, increasing their quality of life during treatment. Cuddle My Kids also serves as a resource for educational and wellness information for parents and families with cancer.

For more information you can visit www.cuddlemykids.org or email info@cuddlemykids.org Event Details: $35 Per Ticket Sponsorships Available

and surroundings have changed over its four Generations.

Parkway, now owned and managed by Tommy Ciccarone Sr. and Jr., joined the Greater West Chester Chamber in 1989. In addition to supporting Chamber activities over the years, most notable the donation of 20 ft. Christmas Tree dedicated to the memory of Norma Ciccarone for the Old-Fashioned Christmas celebration, Parkway has committed itself to numerous other organizations and programs including: The West Chester Area YMCA, The Chester County Hospital’s Dash for Diabetes, the West Chester Area School District and West Goshen Police Department just to name a few.

“Parkway has gone above and beyond in supporting the Chamber and many other non-profit organizations in the area,” said Katie Doherty, Chamber president.

“When you combine its stellar reputation with its long history of giving back, it’s easy to see why the Chamber chose to honor Parkway as the 2011 Business of the Year.”

Parkway also cares about its customers. Offering a wide variety of services, Parkway delivers on its mission to meet its customers’ needs with quality workmanship at a reasonable price. From tailoring and alterations to monogramming to quality dry cleaning, Parkway continues to innovate. In 2006, they introduced “Wash and Fold Service” where laundry is washed, folded and returned twice per week. In addition they offer FREE pick-up and delivery of dry cleaning to your home or business saving customers time and money.

When Arthur Hall Insurance nominated Parkway Cleaners for the award, Nicole C. Grebloskie, Personal Lines VP for Arthur Hall, said this is well deserved for Parkway.

“Four generations of the Ciccarone family have positively impacted Chester County by providing employment opportunities, excellent service and generous contributions to this area said Grebloskie.

Parkway Cleaners has made our community a better place to work and live. Congratulations!”

Lunch Sponsor $2500 (Includes 8 tickets, Signage at the event, Newsletter Recognition and Website Recognition) Table Sponsorship $350 (Includes table display and 8 tickets) Program Advertisements $25 Business Card, $50 Half Page Ad and $100 Full page Ad

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www.greaterwestchester.com

October 2011

Celebrating 100 years and still going strong...

In these difficult economic times it’s not often we see a business celebrating 100 years of service to the West Chester community - but Lorgus Flower Shop is the proud exception.

Rudolph Lorgus started in the flower business in West Chester as The Lorgus Company. He began with two greenhouses and The New Flower Shop on 20 North High St, located in one of the oldest buildings in West Chester, erected in 1793. The grand opening of the shop occurred on Thursday October 19th 1911. The papers praised the opening as “a sight that those attended will not soon forget”.

In 1947, the Lorgus Company changed its name to Lorgus Flower Shop and moved to its second location on the corner of Gay and Walnut Streets and years later moved to 10 W. Market Street.

In September of 1992 Christine Wildauer purchased the shop and enjoyed 13 years at the Market Street address.

In November of 2005 the shop was moved to its current location, 704 W. Nields Street at the East Bradford Shops off Route 52 and is owned and managed by Christine Wildauer now entering her 20th year as owner.

The shop has been a chamber member since 1992 and invites chamber members to stop by and help us celebrate our 100 anniversary by taking advantage of our 15% discount on all local orders for the next 12 months, excluding Valentine’s orders.

Lorgus Flower Shop 704 W. Nields Street West Chestser, PA 610-696-5080 www.lorgusflowers@gmail.com

JD Printwear Custom Screen Printing & Embroidery

T-shirts, Hoodies, Polos, Hats, Totes Friendly Customer Service

610-384-2389 Family Owned & Operated

web: jdprintwear.com

Octoberr 2011

www.greaterwestchester.com

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www.greaterwestchester.com

October 2011

Chamber Chatter ADVERTISING RATES

YOUR BUSINESS DESERVES

Eighth Page/Business Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$55

THE SAME RESPECT YOU GIVE YOUR CUSTOMERS.

3.75” (w) x 2.25” (h)

At Edward Jones, you’ll get more than respect. We’ll help your business gain a financial advantage. Together, we can design an individual program for your business, with the kinds of tools and options you’ll really use, such as:

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T Business Credit Card with Rewards

horizontal 7.5” (w) x 4.875” (h) vertical 3.75” (w) x 10” (h)

T 401(k)s and Other Retirement Plans

Full Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$275

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call for details

Call your local financial advisor today.

10% DISCOUNT* on ads running six consecutive months

Jeff Kitchen, AAMS®

*Advertising must be paid in full

Financial Advisor

Space reservation is due by the 1st of the month prior. Ads are due by the 8th of the month prior to publication.

105 South High Street West Chester, PA 19382 610-430-1320

Call the Chamber at 610-696-4046 or email maggie@gwcc.org for information.

Eric S Smith, AAMS®

The Chamber Chatter ©2010, a monthly publication with a circulation of 1200, is free to members of the Chamber of Commerce of Greater West Chester.

Editorial content and advertising is limited to Chamber members. Editorial coverage does not imply or indicate Chamber endorsement of members’ business, products or services.

.

Randall S Evans, AAMS® Financial Advisor .

105 South High Street West Chester, PA 19382 610-430-1320

www.edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

Financial Advisor .

704 West Nields Street Suite G West Chester, PA 19382 610-436-4101

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October 2011

www.greaterwestchester.com

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