Chamber Chatter - September/October 2020

2020

SEPT/OCT

Chatter the Chamber

THE MEMBER NEWS & INFORMATION RESOURCE

PROVIDING ADVOCACY, RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES

2

• CHAMBER CHATTER

GWCC’s Gallery Walk series presented

by Sunset Hill Jewelers & Fine Arts Gallery Postponed until May 2021

September/October 2020

New Members:

ACN Telecommunications www.KristinFitzsimmons.acnibo.com BNB Transportation LLC Transportation Del Vacchio Landscapes & Christmas Décor Landscaping/Gardening - www.delvaccio.com Elevate Body Mind Yoga Fitness www.elevatebodymindyoga.com First State Building & Design Construction www.FSBD.com Gohn & Company Real Estate - www.JustinGohn.com Marketing Muscle, LLC Marketing/Public Relations www.MarketingMuscleLLC.com Pancoast Construction Construction www.PancoastConstruction.net R&R Marketing Solutions Direct Mail www.RRMarketingSolutions.com Realty ONE Group Advisors Real Estate www.RealityOneGroupAdvisors.com S&T Bank Banking/Savings/Loans - www.STBank.com Siepser Laser Eye Care Optometrist/Ophthalmologist www.SiepserVision.com Spotts, Stevens and McCoy Engineers - www.SSMGroup.com Stove & Tap Restaurant/Café - www.StoveAndTap.com Supporting Strategies | Brandywine Valley Bookkeeping www.SupportingStrategies.com The Allele Group Consultant - www.TheAlleleGroup.com Thistle Be Perfect Retail - www.ThistleBePerfect.com

The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce (GWCC) has announced the cancellation of the 2020 Autumn Gallery Walk presented by Sunset Hill Jewelers & Fine Arts Gallery Originally slated for Friday, October 2, 2020, the Autumn Gallery Walk presented by Sunset Hill Jewelers & Fine Arts Gallery remains one of Chester County’s most anticipated perennial events. Guests enjoy the work of local, national, and international artists in a variety of styles and mediums as they stroll along West Chester’s historic streets while taking in several prominent galleries and dozens of additional one-night-only shows.

“The Chamber made the decision to forgo this year’s Gallery Walks for the safety of our citizens and the West Chester community,” said Dave Fairman, Interim President of GWCC. “The bi- annual Gallery Walks are always super popular with both residents and downtown West Chester businesses that serve as hosts. We look forward to reenergizing our Gallery Walk series next year.”

The Gallery Walk series will now enter the planning phase for the 2021 events, which promise to be more dazzling than ever before.

“We are excited to return as the presenting sponsor for the Chamber’s Gallery Walks series for 2021,” said Sandy Riper, owner of Sunset Hill Jewelers & Fine Arts Gallery. “While we will miss the 2020 Gallery Walks, we are already planning for a spectacular launch next year.”

For more information on the 2021 Gallery Walks presented by Sunset Hill Jewelers & Fine Arts Gallery, please visit www.GreaterWestChester.com.

West Chester Tours, LLC Entertainment www.WestChesterTour.com

Anniversaries:

30 Years William M. Dunleavy and Company, Inc. Unruh, Turner, Burke & Frees, P.C. 25 Years RE/Max Main Line – Karen Galese 20 Years Brandywine Valley Insurance Group Main Line Today Magazine 15 Years Fischer Cunnane & Associates, Ltd. 10 Years Mas Mexicali Cantina KIVA Home of the Sparrow 5 Years Rose Valley Restorations Phoenix Rehabilitation & Health Services, Inc. Benchmark Federal Credit Union Right Touch Trophies & Awards Split Rail Tavern Rothman Institute Kona Ice of Southern Chester County Saloon 151 Old Soul Decor

CHAMBER CHATTER • 3

September/October 2020

GWCC’s 10 Grand Club Winners Win Big

Friday, August 14th marked the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce’s annual 10 Grand Club event, where participants had a chance to take home a grand prize of $10,000. The virtual event’s success benefitted not only the prize winners, but also the non-profit organization itself and local entrepreneurial high school students.

The 10 Grand Club event is an important fundraising event for the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce (GWCC), a non-profit organization whose 501(c) (6) status has prevented it from receiving support from any government coronavirus stimulus packages to date. Similar to a lottery game, attendees purchase 1 of just 200 playing tickets, each with a corresponding ping pong ball. All 200 balls enter the lottery machine, with the goal of the player’s ball being drawn as one of the five finalists in the running for the $10,000 grand prize, though there are many additional gifts, donated by local businesses, to win throughout the evening. The five finalists have the choice to split the grand prize or to keep playing for a chance at taking home the full $10,000. A portion of the event’s proceeds supports Chamber scholarships for entrepreneurial high school students participating in West Chester University’s Business Idea Competition.

GWCC Interim President Dave Fairman hosted the event alongside QVC on-air host Kerstin Lindquist. All five finalists chose to split the winnings and walk away with $2,000 each. The five finalist balls, as well as the grand prize announcement were sponsored by Benchmark Federal Credit Union, who also donated $2,400 worth of tickets to four local nonprofits – The Arc of Chester County, Family Lives On, Family Service of Chester County, and Friends Association – for the chance at the $10,000 grand prize.

“The Chamber staff and 10 Grand planning committee worked hard to reimagine this event as a virtual program amidst the pandemic,” said Dave Fairman, Interim President at GWCC. “This success is the first step in transitioning our larger social events to online platforms. We couldn’t have done it without our generous sponsors, including Benchmark Federal Credit Union, Fox Rothschild, My Benefit Advisor and Infinti of West Chester.”

For more information on the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce’s 10 Grand Club event, please visit GreaterWestChester.com.

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Serving Chester County since 1880

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4

• CHAMBER CHATTER

September/October 2020

CHAMBER STAFF Dave Fairman, Interim President Lisa Leone, Operations & Events Specialist Dani Anderson, Marketing & Communications Specialist

CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mark Sammarone, Chairman

Eric Fort

Lauren Blake

Matt Shea

Arthur Hall Insurance

Miles Financial Management, Inc.

Pattie Campbell YMCA of Greater Brandywine Valley

Randy Christy

DNB First

Christy Enoches Cosgrove

La Difference Salon & Day Spa

Robert Croll

Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union

Jack Enright

Fred Beans Ford of West Chester

Jackie Felicetti

West Chester Dental Arts

Mark Thompson Lamb McErlane PC

West Chester University

Susan Hamley

Kevin Rothwell

Chester County Conference & Visitor’s Bureau

Rothwell Document Solutions

Matt Holliday

Fox Rothschild, LLP

Chester County Bar Association

Michael G. Louis

MacElree Harvey, Ltd.

Arlene McGranaghan Daily Local News/Ad Taxi

Sara Missett

West Chester Area School District

Chester County Hospital

Jacqueline Segal Leigh Timberman Infiniti of West Chester

Marjorie Wentz

Trinity Wealth Management, LLC

Bruce Williamson Lavazza Professional

Rebecca Worthington

Benchmark Federal Credit Union

Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, 137 North High Street, West Chester, PA 19380 610.696.4046 | info@gwcc.org | GreaterWestChester.com

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CHAMBER CHATTER • 5

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Post-Pandemic Business Planning

While the COVID-19 pandemic has caused most businesses a great deal of pain in recent months, it has also produced changes that, if incorporated into business planning, could provide opportunities for enhanced growth and success. Employers and their benefit consultants may want to develop strategies moving forward emphasizing: • Health and Safety Whether it involves taking employees’ temperatures, requiring masks, sanitizing the workplace, re-orienting employee workspaces, rotating when employees can work from the office or other physical means of in-office separation, the health and safety of employees should be a top concern of employers in the remodeled workplace.

• Flexibility and Adaptability While most would agree the nature of business has changed drastically as a result of the pandemic, few can state with certainty exactly what the workplace will look like as we move forward. As a result, any sound business planning needs to have mechanisms Investing is about more than money. in place to allow for flexibility as new ideas and trends emerge. Company leadership At Edward Jones, we stop to ask youshould the question: “What’s be open and prepared to adapt to new corporate, economic and health developimportant to you?” Without that insight and a real understanding ments in order to succeed and flourish. of your goals, investing holds little meaning.

• Technology and Innovation Companies that invest in technology and place a value on innovation have historiContact your Edward Jones financial advisor for a one-on-one cally demonstrated greater success than their peers. This crisis has proved no different. appointment to discuss what’s really important: your goals.

Increased investment in cloud computing and cybersecurity have become necessary to Investing is about more than money. facilitate the shift of employees working from home. Similarly, this new business “normal” has also pushed employers to step outside the box and create new and innovative At Edward Jones, we stop to ask you the question: “What’s Jeff Kitchen, AAMS® www.edwardjones.com methods for continuing their business operations through adjusted workflows, adaptive important to you?” Without that insight and a real understanding Member SIPC ® Financial Advisor Investing is about more than Kitchen, AAMS Brad Abel customer servicemoney. methodologies and reconfiguration of business resources. of your goals, investing holds littleJeff meaning. .

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ees have relied onPA company West Chester, PA 19382 West Chester, 19382leaders to direct them and provide guidance. As companies continue to reopen and re-establish operations, those same leaders will be critical in 610-430-1320 Contact your Edward Jones financial610-696-0210 advisor for a one-on-one formulating and creating safe and effective means of conducting business. Employers should also be aware of any non-management employees who show strong leadership qualities.

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• The Human Needs of Employees Employees may be struggling financially, stressed over the health of loved ones, balMember SIPC ancing childcare issues with work or battling anxiety over their own ability to cope with issues in the post-pandemic world. Company leaders need to balance a demonstration of strength and decisiveness in their actions but show compassion, care, vulnerability 610-430-1320 appointment to discuss what’s really important: your goals. and empathy toward the plight of each employee.

The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My ® ® Eric S. Smith, CFP , AAMS Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For Financial Advisor Investing is about more than money. more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at gwcc.mybenefitadviJeff Kitchen, AAMS® www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC At Edward Jones, we stop to ask you the question: “What’s sor.com or contact Christopher Sloane at (610) 537- 1429.

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6

• CHAMBER CHATTER

“FOOD FOR THOUGHT” BOARD TRUSTEE EDITION GOES DIGITAL THIS SEPTEMBER

“Back to School” for nonprofit board and staff on Zoom This fall, the Chester County Community Foundation is proud to invite nonprofit board and staff members “Back to School” to join Food For Thought: Board Trustee Edition. The program, formerly held in person and known as the Board Trustee Institute, will take place weekly on Zoom, Tuesdays at 4:00 pm from September 15th – October 22nd.

Developing an effective board is essential for the success of any nonprofit organization. It is vital to cultivate board members’ understanding of all aspects of nonprofit leadership. By doing this, board members can direct their nonprofit to achieve their mission. Food for Thought: Board Trustee Edition is designed for nonprofit board members and will explore a variety of topics geared towards helping nonprofits grow and thrive during these troubling times.

Sessions will be every Tuesday at 4:00pm and cover the following topics: “Some Novel Advice: Recalibrating & Recovery” on 9/15 led by Karen Simmons and Michael DeHaven CPA; “Corporate and Foundation Funding: Taking the Temperature as We Look Ahead” on 9/22 led by Beth Harper Briglia CPA CAP and Chris Saello of United Way Chesco; “Individual Donor Fundraising: Lean into the Trends” on 9/29 led by Connie Carter, Krys Sipple, and Corrine Sylvia; “Making Your Virtual Event Special” on 10/6 led by Beth Krallis and Jamison Ludgate; “Financial Leadership in the Face of Impossible Choices” on 10/13 led by Bob Ferguson and Kathy Wileczek CPA; “Ask an Attorney: Avoiding Legal Pitfalls” on 10/20 led by L. Peter Temple, Esq., Donald B. Lynn, Esq., and Emily Temple Able, Esq.; and “Strategy, Change, and Improved NPO Achievement” on 10/27 led by Pamela Leland, Ph.D., and Sonia Stamm.

Registration is free. To register or for more information on agenda, speakers or topics, please visit www.chescocf.org, or call (610) 696-8211.

GWCC’s Response to COVID-19:

September/October 2020

Keeping the Greater West Chester Region Connected During Crisis

With the COVID-19 outbreak leaving an enormous impact on daily lives across the region, the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce (GWCC) looks back on everything it’s done, and will continue to do, to support their members and community during this crisis.

In the first days of the county-wide shutdown, GWCC added a COVID-19 page to their website. This page houses business resources and coronavirus information at local, state, and federal levels and is updated daily as news and changes occur. The Chamber also created the Virtual Tip Jar to support local service industry employees, who earn their living on gratuities – one of the most heavily impacted industries during the shutdown. Nearly 500 people participated.

Just a few weeks into the shutdown, GWCC recognized the need for a morale boost within the greater West Chester region and launched the “Closed But Still Awesome” sign program. The signs were designed for local businesses, forced to close due to the pandemic, to let their customers know that they were closed, but they would be back soon. The campaign was even featured on NBC10, and several West Chester storefronts were prominently displayed in the segment.

GWCC moved its events online to keep the community educated and connected.

Relevant topics ranged from smart marketing strategies for businesses during the pandemic to solutions for companies to apply for the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). A “State of the Education” presentation breakfast included superintendents from both West Chester and Downingtown Area School Districts, as well as West Chester University’s president as guest speakers.

The Chamber also developed Virtual Office Hours, assembling a team of local experts ranging from lawyers and CPAs to HR Professionals to help Chamber members navigate the crisis’s frequent policy changes. The organization also sent a letter to Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf advocating to move Chester County to the yellow phase.

Most recently, GWCC teamed up with two of its members, Lavazza Professional and ServPro of West Chester, to provide complimentary “Revival Survival Kits” to small and mid-sized businesses in Chester County. Designed to make it easier to safely reopen, each kit includes 100 disposable face masks, 100 pairs of disposable gloves, a ½-gallon of hand sanitizer, a FLAVIA® beverage machine with a few months’ supply of hot beverages courtesy of Lavazza Professional, and swag bags courtesy of ServPro of West Chester.

“The Chamber staff and board of directors have been working tirelessly to support the greater West Chester region in these challenging times,” said Dave Fairman, Interim President of GWCC. “We will continue to provide the resources and advocacy that our businesses and organizations need to weather the pandemic.”

For more information on what the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce is doing for the region, please contact the Chamber at 610-696-4046 or info@gwcc.org, or visit GreaterWestChester.com.

CHAMBER CHATTER • 7

September/October 2020

QVC West Chester Christmas Parade Proactively Postponed Until 2021

The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce (GWCC) has announced the cancellation of the 2020 QVC West Chester Christmas Parade to protect the health of spectators who gather for one of Chester County’s most popular events.

“We realize the most important thing we can do right now is keep our citizens safe.

The Chamber’s Board of Directors has made the difficult but necessary decision to cancel this year’s parade,” said Dave Fairman, Interim President of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, the host of the annual event in its 41st year. “We’re proud of this world class event that attracts tens of thousands of guests to downtown West Chester every year, shining a positive light on the entire region and jumpstarting the holiday season.”

Originally slated for Friday, December 4, 2020, the QVC West Chester Christmas Pa- Photo courtesy of Revelations Video, LLC. rade will now enter the planning phase for the 2021 event, which promises to be more Advertising Rates & specificAtions spectacular than ever before. mber the Cha “We understand and support the Chamber’s decision to cancel this year’s parade and Chatter share the aim to help ensure the health and safety of our community, its residents and potential visitors,” said Dr. Christopher Fiorentino, President of West Chester University. “We look forward to continuing the parade tradition next holiday season with enthusiasm.”

1 issue 3 issues 6 issues The QVC West Chester Christmas Parade consistently delivers more than 100 tra(2 Months) (6 Months) (12 Months) Save 10% Save 20% ditional parade elements with a modern twist. Schools, businesses, fire companies and Quarter page Ad other service organizations join dozens of marching bands, character balloons, profes4.89” (w) x 4.75” (h) color. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$300.00. . . . . . . . . . . . . $810.00. . . . . . . . . . . . $1,440.00 sional performance groups, antique vehicles and more. The 2019 parade included fesHalf page verticAL Ad tive floats sponsored by West Chester University, First Bank, Benchmark Federal Credit 4.89” (w) x 9.6” (h) color. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $330.00. . . . . . . . . . . . .$890.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,584.00 Union, BB&T and Wells Fargo.

Half page HoriZontAL Ad “While the decision to cancel the 2020 QVC West Chester Christmas Parade was 9.89” (w) x 4.75” (h) color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $330.00 . . . . . . . . . . . .$890.00 . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,584.00 heartbreaking knowing that the parade spreads cheer to those young and old, we know full page Ad we must do what is best to keep our community safe,” said Todd Marcocci, owner of 9.89” (w) x 9.6” (h) color. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $380.00 . . . . . . . . . . . $1,026.00 . . . . . . . . . . . $1,824.00 Under the Sun Productions, the parade’s producer. “We must still share peace, love and Rates listed above include: light through different means this holiday season.” ◆ The Chamber Chatter print edition (circulation 17,500) Ad Materials ◆ Digital flip book on DailyLocal.com and GreaterWestChester.com “We’re fortunate to have steadfast support from the borough and the community. iSSUE DEADLiNE We’re currently exploring creative, alternative ideas to bring a new socially-distant ◆ Jan/Feb issue . . . . . . . . . .DEC. 15 Advertising: ◆ Mar/Apr issue . . . . . . . . . . FEB. 15 holiday celebration to West Chester, so be sure to keep an eye on the Chamber’s website contact Arlene at daily Local news ◆ May/Jun issue . . . . . . . . . . APR. 15 610-235-2634 | amcgranaghan@dailylocal.com and social media posts for an announcement!” added Fairman. ◆ Jul/Aug issue . . . . . . . . . . . JUN. 15 ◆ Sep/oct issue . . . . . . . . . .AUG. 15 EDitoRiAL: For more information on the QVC West Chester Christmas Parade, please visit www. ◆ Nov/Dec issue . . . . . . . . .oCt. 15 Contact the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce GreaterWestChester.com.

610-696-4046 | info@gwcc.org 7 201FEB JAN/

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The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, located in the heart of Chester County, PA is a membership based not-for-profit organization providing resources, advocacy and educational opportunities to help local businesses and entrepreneurs build relationships, promote their business, grow their network, address their most serious business challenges and become an integral part of the community.

8

• CHAMBER CHATTER

September/October 2020

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