Chatter January/February 2016

2016 JAN/FEB

Chatter the Chamber

The Member News & Information Resource

Providing Leadership and Opportunity for business

2016 GWCC Board Members

Providing Leadership and Opportunity for business

Officers Donna Urian, Chairman Fischer Cunnane & Associates, Ltd.

Marjorie Wentz, Treasurer Trinity Wealth Management, LLC

Robert Partridge, Chairman- Elect Cutanea Life Sciences

Chris Tolsdorf, Immediate Past Chairman Tolsdorf Oil Lube Express

Marc Ernest, Vice Chairman Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union

Board of Directors CHAMBER STAFF

Laura Aloisio DARE Dave’s Automotive Repair Service

Mark Yoder President

John J. Cunningham Lamb McErlane PC

Dave Fairman Director of Membership Bethany Kopp Event & Program Manager Libby Parks Marketing & Communications Manager

David Ehrhart West Chester Area School District

Liz Golding BB&T

Marisa Powell Pietro’s Prime

Quazi Khaled Mars Drinks North America, LLC

Donna Saul Donna Saul LLC, Assoc. Business Strategist & Consultant

Jeannie McGinn Fulton Bank Patrick M. McKenna Gawthrop Greenwood, PC

Debi Friedmann Blue Dog Printing & Design

Leigh Timberman Infiniti of West Chester

Michelle Patrick West Chester University

Thomas Gavin The Chester County Hospital

Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce 119 North High Street West Chester, PA 19380 tel 610.696.4046 fax 610.696.9110 www.greaterwestchester.com

1 Issue Chamber Chatter

(2 Months) Advertising Rates

Eighth Page/Business Card 3.625” (w) x 2.25” (h) Quarter Page 3.625” (w) x 4.75” (h) Half Page 7.5” (w) x 4.75” (h)

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3 Issue (6 Months) Save 10%

6 Issue (12 Months) Save 20%

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The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce took every precaution to ensure that all information is correct at the time of publishing. The opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and should not be considered as representative of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.

Design6˚ | connections count www.design6degrees.com

Space reservation is due by the 1st of the month prior to publication (i.e. March/April edition-reservation due by Feb. 1, and the ad itself is due Feb. 8).

The Chamber Chatter is a bi-monthly publication with a circulation of 1100.

It is free to members of the Chamber. Editorial Content and advertising is limited to Chamber members. Editorial coverage does not imply or indicate Chamber endorsement of members business, product or services.

The Chamber Welcomes New Members Baldwin’s Book Barn

Dragonboxepidemic

Simpers Agency / Nationwide

Ms. Carol Rauch 865 Lenape Road West Chester, PA 19382 610-696-0816; Fax 610-696-0672 info@bookbarn.com www.bookbarn.com Books

Mr. David Long 211 Pine Valley Drive Coatesville, PA 19320 484-321-1801 dragonboxepidemic@gmail.com www.dragonboxepidemic.com Electronic Retailer

Cafe of Life Chiropractic Center

JACO Juice and Taco

Mr. Bill McDougall 224 East Street Road Kennett Square, PA 19348 610-444-2610; Fax 610-444-9629 mcdouw3@nationwide.com http://agency.nationwide.com/agent/ tom-simpers-jrInsurance

Dr. Raj Sahijwani 105 A Westtown Road West Chester, PA 19382 610-344-0384 raj.sahijwani@gmail.com www.cafeoflifewc.com Chiropractor

Ms. Kimberly ODonnell 8 West Gay Street West Chester, PA 19380 610-436-4177 kodonnell@bacojuiceandtaco.com www.bacojuiceandtaco.com Restaurant/Cafe

Cleaning for Cures

Keystone Property Connections, LLC

Mr. Robert Schugler 555 Summit House West Chester, PA 19382 484-886-5804 cleaning4cures@gmail.com www.cleaningforcures.com Cleaning Services

Cmac’s Barber Shop Ms. Carolyn Maccariella 133 East Market Street West Chester, PA 19382 610-696-9336 Barber Shop

Coldwell Banker Preferred Mr. Bob Frame 390 Waterloo Boulevard, Suite 101 Exton, PA 19341 610-696-6000; Fax 215-609-1268 bframe@cbpref.com www.bobframe.com Real Estate

Curative Orthopedics Ms. Samantha Simmons 1002 Chambord Place West Chester, PA 19380 610-213-6983 ssimm@curepedic.com www.curepedic.com Medical Supplies/Equipment

Tan & Moore, A Day Spa Ms. Debrah Moore 704 West Nields Street Unit #8 West Chester, PA 19382 610-436-8267 tan.moorellc@gmail.com Beauty Services

TD Bank - Exton

Mr. Tom Severino 105 South High Street West Chester, PA 19382 484-459-3639 tom.severino@gmail.com www.pagreenrealty.com Real Estate

Ms. Melissa Terlizzi 100 Ironlake Boulevard Exton, PA 19341 484-354-6535 melissa.terlizzi@gmail.com Banking/Saving/Loans

Peace, Love & Protocol

Ms. Sarah Wolfe 1442 Pottstown Pike #249 West Chester, PA 19380 484-678-9269 treehouseyogaforchildren@gmail.com www.treehouseyogaforchildren.com Education/Training

Ms. Linda Ives 402 Allegiance Drive West Chester, PA 19382 484-639-3774 lindaives@peaceloveprotocol.com Consultant

The Prana House, Inc. Ms. Jacqueline Maldonado 109 North Church Street West Chester, PA 19380 610-436-1407 info@ThePranaHouse.com www.ThePranaHouse.com Retail

Treehouse Yoga for Children

Umbreit, Korengel & Associates, P.C. Ms. Kathleen Wileczek 203 West Chestnut Street, Suite 206 West Chester, PA 19380 610-444-3222; Fax 610-444-9341 kwileczek@ukacpa.com www.ukacpa.com Accountants

Chamber Chatter NEWS

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Thank you to our

Renewing Members in October & November Members for 20 - 29 years County Lines Magazine William S. Malany & Sons, Inc.

Our members are the foundation of our organization. To honor them we would like to congratulate and thank those who renewed their membership October & November 2015. Thank you for your ongoing support of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.

Dave Fairman Director of Membership

The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Chester County Green Mount Cemetery Association

Parisian Cleaners

Faunbrook Bed & Breakfast

Side Bar & Restaurant

J.E. Gasho & Associates, Inc.

Charles A. Melton Arts & Education Center

Nask Door, Inc. Matlack Florist, Inc. ABC Hearing Net

TnT Handling USA, Inc.

BackOffice Thinking

StanAb, LP

West Chester Computer Doctors

Peter R. Johnson & Company

10 - 19 years Chester County Cat Hospital, P.C. Hicks Property Management, LLC

State Senator Andrew Dinniman

Play-A-Round Golf

Sheraton Great Valley Hotel Cruisin’ Style LLC Ink Spot Printing & Copy Center, Inc. Henry Nace / State Farm Insurance Pro College Advisors Stratus Interactive

Employer Services Online LLC

Broad Run Golfer’s Club

The Arc of Chester County

Uptown! Entertainment Alliance

The RidgeView Group Wealth Management Donna Saul LLC, Business Strategist & Consultant

Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House

1 - 2 years Moody’s Analytics

AFJ Company

Trust Point Payroll

Underground Services, Inc.

RE/MAX Professional Realty, Inc. / D. Robins

Edward Jones Investments / E.Smith

Canine Design

Jason Fallon / Residential Mortgage Services, NMLS#1760

Optimal Massage

Phase 1 Electric, Inc.

Exton Senior Living

Chamber Chatter NEWS

WCHE

La Difference Salon & Day Spa

Krapf’s Coaches Inc.

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Treehouse World, Inc.

3 - 9 years

Buckley, Brion, McGuire, & Morris LLP

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BLINK

Pillar Real Estate Advisors

GWCC ANNUAL BANQUET Annual Banquet

Tuesday, February 2, 2016 | The Desmond Hotel Corporate Sponsorship – $1600 • Full page ad in program • Premium seating for 10 • Banner placement • Name recognition

Cocktails 5:30 pm | Dinner 6:45 pm One Liberty Boulevard, Malvern, PA

Executive Sponsorship – $1200 • Half page ad in program • Seating for 10 • Name recognition

2016 Outstanding Citizen of the Year

Robert Lukens, Ph.D.

Director Sponsorship – $550 • Business Card ad in program • Seating for 4

Individual Seat – $95

J. Dewees Mosteller Community Service Award Recipient

Chester County Fund for Women and Girls To purchase tickets, visit www.GreaterWestChester.com

Sponsored by

11 TH ANNIVERSARY

10 GRAND CLUB Save The Date – Tickets on Sale Now Friday, April 1, 2016 7:00pm – 10:00pm Penn Oaks Golf Club

GRAND PRIZE OF $10,000

Join us for the 11th anniversary of the biggest night in West Chester featuring food, fun and chances! This year we’ll be giving away TVs, gift cards and more! Unlike previous years, everyone will walk away as a winner. $200 per ticket (only 200 available) $50 Guest Ticket (limit 1 per $200 ticket)

Buy your ticket now for your best chance to get your lucky number.

Call Us Today to Reserve a Ticket at 610-696-4046! *You do not have to be present to win.

A portion of the proceeds support the Education Foundation Scholarships.

Chamber Chatter NEWS

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Citizen of t h e Y ea r

By Dorothy Kennedy

Outstanding Citizen Led with Energy and Enthusiasm During the four short years he served as president of the Chester County Historical Society (CCHS), Robert Lukens, Ph.D. left his unique mark on the institution and the community he loved thanks to the energy, passion and enthusiasm he brought to everything he did. His passing in August, after a two-year battle with cancer, has been felt ever since by his family, friends and colleagues.

A native of Wynnewood, Rob was a resident of West Chester, where he and Rebecca lived with their daughter, Abbie, and son, Finn.

After graduating from Delaware County Christian School, Rob earned his bachelor’s degree at Temple University. He received a master’s degree in American history from the University of Tennessee and later returned to Temple where he earned a doctorate in history.

To honor the invaluable contribution and commitment Rob made to CCHS and the community at large, the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce (GWCC) named Robert Lukens, Ph.D. its 2015 Outstanding Citizen of the Year. Rebecca Lukens, Rob’s widow, will accept the award during the GWCC annual banquet at The Desmond Hotel on Tuesday, February 2, 2016.

Rob was a CCHS volunteer and intern while in college and served as its collections manager from 1998 to 2003. Prior to becoming CCHS president, Rob was at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center (CVC), where he was exhibits and education director starting in 2009. He previously served as chief curator, and later head of collections, at the Chemical Heritage Foundation, Philadelphia, and as executive director of Historic Yellow Springs.

“I know Rob would have been truly honored and humbled by this award and we are all so proud to know he was so well-respected and thought of by so many in the community,” Rebecca said. “It goes without saying that I wish he was here to accept this award so he could have known what an impact he had made in West Chester.”

“We are all the better for having known and worked with Rob while he was at CCHS,” said Mark Yoder, GWCC president. “This award is an opportunity to recognize his many contributions and to publicly thank him. Needless to say, Rob is and will be sorely missed.”

While Rob focused, in large part, on finances and renovations during his tenure as CCHS president, he greatly expanded the non-profit organization’s visibility. He initiated a weekly column on local history and events in the Daily Local News, a weekly radio show on WCHEAM, and began giving History on Tap presentations at local pubs.

“Rob was a passionate and inspirational leader for CCHS,” said George Zumbano, president of the CCHS Board of Trustees. “He was articulate, thoughtful and had a great vision. Rob had a genuine love of people that endeared him to our staff, volunteers and supporters.

Because of his leadership we are closing in on our goal to completely renovate our permanent gallery areas and have raised nearly $2.8 million of our $3.5 million goal.”

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During a 2009 interview shortly after returning to CCHS, Rob said he was “honored” to have been chosen to lead CCHS and felt it was the “opportunity of a lifetime.”

“I have a deep passion for preserving, interpreting, and promoting Chester County’s past,” he said. “That’s an essential part of who I am as an individual and professional, and being away from the county for a couple of years has made that even more evident for me. That love for the county’s heritage is the fuel that will keep me going during the good times and tough challenges ahead.”

Although CCHS and the community benefited from Rob’s energy and expertise, his family was always his first priority. “He loved sharing his passion of history with the kids,” Rebecca explained. “He would always give them little history lessons when we would go on walks through (West Chester) and point out different architectural features on houses and have the kids count out all the boot scrapers and other things along the way.”

Reflecting on Rob’s dedication to CCHS and the community-at-large, Mark said it was a privilege for the GWCC to name him its 2015 Outstanding Citizen.

“Clearly, Rob’s passion and love for this community led him to accomplish a great deal in a short time,” he remarked.

“His achievements and our memories of him will be with us for a long time.”

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Meeting on your schedule, not ours.

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How did Edward Jones become one of the biggest financial services companies in the country? By not acting like one.

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

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Financial Advisor

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

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

MKT-8275-A-AD 息 2013 EDWARD JONES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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Are you ready to bring clarity to your business challenges? Are you ready to inspire new ways of thinking about organizational effectiveness? Then, you’re ready to D’Think…

GWCC Welcomes Disney Institute Disney’s Approach to Quality Service This immersive benchmarking experience will engage you in the time-tested best practices, sound methodologies, and real life business lessons that sustained the global success of Disney for over 85 years. The result? Relevant tools and actionable strategies that can be adapted to achieve your transformation goals.

Monday, September 19, 2016 8:00am – 4:00pm The Desmond Hotel, Malvern

Chamber Member Pricing: $299 (now until April 1); $319 (April 2 until July 1) $339 (July 2-until the event) Alliance Member Pricing (Other Chambers in Chester Co.): $319 (now until April 1); $339 (April 2 until July 1); $359 (July 2-until the event) Non-Member Pricing: $359 (now until April 1); $379 (April 2 until July 1) $399 (July 2-until the event)

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To learn more and to register for this powerful event, visit: GreaterWestChester.com

As to Disney artwork/properties: © Disney

New Year’s Resolution: Get Your Affairs In Order

By: Jennifer Walker

Happy New Year!! For many of us, January is a time of planning and resolutions – start exercising, stop smoking, finally clean out the basement, etc. The start of a new year is also a great time to make a plan to get your personal, legal and financial affairs in order.

company, pension plan administrator, insurance company, etc.), as well as contact information for your professional advisors: attorney, accountant, financial advisors, etc. You should also gather together in one place (or list the locations of) your key legal and financial documents such as birth certificates, divorce papers, military papers, etc. You can find sample organizers to use online, or just contact us at info@peaklegalgroup.com and we’ll email you a complimentary organizer you can use.

But like any other plan, the thought of “organizing your affairs” can seem intimidating or even overwhelming if you try to do everything at once. So it’s best to start small and build momentum with every task you complete. Once you’ve taken care of some of the basics, you’ll have the confidence and the motivation to keep going.

3. REVIEW AND UPDATE YOUR BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS.

Here are a few simple steps you can take on your own to get started: 1. IDENTIFY YOUR EMERGENCY CONTACTS. If you were injured (in car accident, for example), would first responders know how to contact your loved ones? Many of us keep contact information on our phones, but standard phone contacts are only useful if they can be accessed when they’re needed. If your phone has a security or login code, your standard phone contacts will be inaccessible without the code. That’s why it’s important to program your emergency contacts into the “Emergency” or “Medical ID” areas on your smartphone. These can be accessed from the login screen without your security code. If you don’t have a smartphone, simply carry a card in your purse or wallet with your emergency contact names and phone numbers.

Many types of assets such as insurance policies, retirement accounts, investments and even bank accounts allow you to name beneficiaries who will inherit the accounts automatically after you’re gone. Sometimes, folks forget or don’t think to update them in response to changes in their lives such as death, divorce or remarriage. When that happens, the wrong beneficiary could end up inheriting. If you haven’t checked your beneficiary designations lately, the New Year is a great time to confirm that they’re up-todate and to make any necessary changes before it’s too late.

Once you’ve gotten the ball rolling, you’ll be ready to sit down and talk with an experienced Estate Planning Attorney to learn about other steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

This conversation should include a review of any planning steps you may have taken already and the planning options that would make sense for you and your family. At Peak Legal Group, we will be happy to meet with you to discuss your needs and review your options; just give us a call and mention this article for a complimentary consultation!

2. MAKE A LIST OF YOUR ACCOUNTS AND KEY DOCUMENTS. One of the simplest and yet most impactful things you can do for your loved ones is to create a “road map” to guide them if they ever need to handle your affairs. This should include a list of all of all of the institutions with whom you do business (banks, mortgage

Jennifer H. Walker is the founder of Peak Legal Group Ltd., an Estate Planning and Probate law firm in West Chester.

610-580-4689 | www.peaklegalgroup.com

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Empowering Women & Girls Through Philanthropy & Advocacy Since its inception in 1996, the Chester County Fund for Women and Girls (CCFWG) has been responding to the needs and challenges confronting women, girls and their families in Chester County.

In 2015, challenged by its supporters to be “bold” and “innovative”, CCFWG implemented a 3-year strategic plan, granted $255,000 and adopted a new mission to lead and unite the community through philanthropy and advocacy to ensure women and girls have resources and opportunities to thrive.

By Dorothy Kennedy

As we work with so many and strive to provide resources and opportunities for women and girls to succeed, this award truly is an honor for the Fund.”

During the nearly 20 years since its founding, CCFWG has awarded $2.25 million in grants to over 65 organizations. The objective of the grants is to create positive impact in four areas: • Meet the core needs of women and girls

For its long term commitment to meeting the challenges confronting women and girls and its ongoing dedication to identifying and addressing those needs, the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce (GWCC) named CCFWG its 2015 Mosteller Community Service Award winner. The award will be presented during the GWCC annual banquet at The Desmond Hotel on Tuesday, February 2, 2016.

• Improve access to economic opportunities for women and girls

“The GWCC is honored to recognize the Fund for its longevity and creativity and for its expertise in collaborating with organizations and individuals toward a common goal,” said GWCC President Mark Yoder. “The Fund’s board, staff and volunteers are raising funds, designing and presenting programs, and raising awareness… and doing it all successfully. We are truly inspired by their spirit and delighted to present the Fund with the 2015 Mosteller Community Service Award.”

Services provided by the organizations supported by The Fund include the following:

Speaking on behalf of the CCFWG board, staff and supporters, Susan Mostek, executive director since November, 2013, said she and her colleagues are “thrilled” to receive the award from the Chamber.

“It means so much to be recognized by an organization that does such great work throughout our area,” Mostek said. “No one stands alone in improving the community.

• Promote health and wellness by addressing needs specifically related to the health of women and girls • Invest in systems and sustainable change efforts to challenge gender inequality

• Vocational training and workforce preparation • Case management for teenage mothers • Domestic violence services • Housing and homelessness prevention The goal of the Fund is not only to provide financial support but also to raise awareness of the struggles facing women in order to empower women and ultimately build a better, heathier community.

“Financial independence, freedom from domestic violence, and access to medical care are just some of the things that allow women to thrive and as such allow our communities to thrive,” Mostek explained. “It is not enough to fund programs that help women. We must also work to end the causes of inequity that women face even in 2016.”

The Chester County Fund for Women and Girls (CCFWG) has been responding to the needs and challenges confronting women, girls and their families in Chester County since 1996.

484-356-0940 | www.ccfwg.org

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Chamber Chatter NEWS

Running a business is better without fees.

Just a $1,500 minimum daily balance to avoid a monthly maintenance fee.

Stop by one of our convenient locations, visit us at tdbank.com/smallbusiness or call 1-888-751-9000.

TD Bank, N.A.

370617.2-LM-S-NJ15-QB24434_ChamberCommerce_GrWestChester_3.625x4.75_BW.indd 1

6/4/15 1:03 PM

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January Events Calendar Tuesday, January 12

Wednesday, January 13

The Exchange

Coffee Connection

Commissioner Terence Farrell

State Farm Insurance & The Hickman

Stephen J. DiOrio, CLU®, ChFC® Agency, State Farm

Tuesday, January 12

Wednesday, January 13

Iron Hill Brewery 3 West Gay Street 5:30pm – 7:30pm $55 for members | $65 for non-members RSVP is required

400 North Walnut Street, West Chester 7:45am – 9:00am Free for members | $10 for non-members RSVP is appreciated

Tuesday, January 19

Wednesday, January 27

Membership Luncheon

Women’s Executive Round Table

Board Member 101: The value of being on a Board

“New Year – New You” Sheri Cowan & Jenn Marion, Calista Image

Presented by

Sponsored by

Tuesday, January 19

Wednesday, January 27

Chester County Hospital – Mira Room 701 East Marshall Street, West Chester 11:45am – 1:00pm $10 for members | $20 for non-members RSVP is required

Pietro’s Prime 125 West Market Street, West Chester 5:30pm – 7:30pm $55 for members | $65 for non-members RSVP is required

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February Events Calendar Tuesday, February 2

Wednesday, February 24

Annual Banquet

Women’s Executive Round Table

Honoring 2015 Citizen of the Year Robert Lukens, Ph.D. & the J. Dewees Mosteller Community Service Award Recipient Chester County Fund for Women and Girls

Tuesday, February 2 The Desmond Hotel 1 Liberty Boulevard, Malvern 5:30pm

“Overcoming Gender Barriers in the Workplace” Donna Urian, Fischer Cunnane & Associates Sponsored by

Wednesday, February 24

See page 4 for details

Location TBD 5:30pm – 7:30pm $55 for members | $65 for non-members RSVP is required

Thursday, February 25

EVERY TuesDAY @ 1PM

Coffee Connection

Chamber Chatter Radio Show

Way Martial Arts & Right Touch Trophies and Awards

Listen Live

www.wche1520.com Thursday, February 25

Proudly Supported by:

1173 Wilmington Pike, West Chester 7:45am – 9:00am Free for members | $10 for non-members RSVP is appreciated

Chamber Chatter NEWS

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Keep it Separated A Key to Small Business Success

By: Kathy Wileczek

A business owner is never off the clock and for that reason, it can be difficult to keep personal and business transactions separate. I emphasize to my clients that they need to keep the business and personal transactions separate. The cost of mixing transactions can be tremendous both in time and money.

When business expenses are paid from personal accounts they can be easily missed at tax time. It is difficult to look at expenses at the end of the year and remember whether that Staples charge was for the kids’ school supplies or ink for the office printer. If you are audited, it is much more difficult to convince the IRS that your expenses are business related if the expenses are mixed between business and personal accounts.

• It can be difficult for small business to have a “corporate account”. Designate a personal credit card for business purposes.

Use it exclusively for business expenses. Pay the bill from your business account.

Business owners who mix expenses are never sure of their profit.

It is hard to know whether you can afford to hire an employee or buy a piece of equipment if your expenses are scattered between business and personal accounts. Many business owners who “didn’t pay themselves” during the year are stunned with a big tax bill because of personal expenses added back to profit at tax time.

• If you are purchasing business and personal items at the same time, make it two transactions. It won’t take that much more time.

Below are some simple ways to keep your record keeping on the right path.

• When trying to decide if the expense is business or personal, I tell people to think about whether they would be comfortable submitting the expense to their employer.

• Open a business checking account as soon as possible. If you need to spend money to get your business going before your entity exists, consider opening a second personal account to be used only for business expenses.

Successful businesses create routines and processes to operate.

Consistent segregation of expenses will streamline your accounting and allow you to make better financial decisions for your company.

• Never deposit business income directly into a personal account.

If you are audited and it is determined that you did this, you may then cause the auditor to look at all of your personal transactions.

• When you need to pay for incidental cash expenses, prepare an expense report and reimburse yourself out of the business account. This includes parking, mileage and tips. Some things have to be paid with cash.

• If your business requires personal funds to meet expenses, deposit a personal check to the account and pay the expenses from the business account.

Kathy Wileczek, CPA, is an associate at Umbreit, Korengel & Associates, P.C., a full-service certified public accounting firm, offering a complete range of financial consulting, planning and tax services that help you run and grow your company most efficiently.

kwileczek@ukacpa.com | 610-444-3222 | www.ukacpa.com

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Adopt-A-Lamppost Program – 2015 The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the following companies and individuals for their generous support of adopting one or more of the Christmas wreaths that decorate downtown West Chester for the holiday season: Gold Bow Sponsor

Red Bow Sponsor

(Adopting 6 or more wreaths)

(Adopting 3-5 wreaths)

Brickhouse Environmental

acac Fitness & Welness Centers

John Serock Catering

Arthur Hall Insurance

Lamb McErlane, PC Attorneys at Law

Beth Trapani & Dr. Jim Scanlon Bill & Linda Scott

James E. Yiaski, CPA

M&T Bank and Wilmington Trust, N.A.

Thomas Comitta Associates, Inc.

BlueEdge Consulting

Weed Man Lawn Care

Kelly’s Sports, Ltd

Meridian Bank

Brandywine Valley Heating & A/C

Keystone Federal Credit Union

Penn Liberty Bank

William S. Malany & Sons, Inc.

Coins of Chester County

Radley Run Country Club

Cutanea Life Sciences

Rob & the Partridge Family

Delightful Desserts & Culinary Creations

Sartomer Americas Side Bar & Restaurant

Faunbrook Bed & Breakfast

The metropolitan east goshen

H.J. Purnell, Jr., CPA

The metropolitan west chester

Henry Nace / State Farm Insurance

The metropolitan west goshen

First Presbyterian Church

Judi & Jon Ivins

KMRD Partners Kreutz Creek Winery

Green Bow Sponsor

Law Offices of David M. Melchiorre, LLC

(Adopting 1-2 wreaths)

Lewis, Hopkins & Williamson, Inc.

A. Roy Smith

Market Street Print

ABC Hearing Net

Penn Office Products, Inc.

AFC Urgent Care West Chester

Richard C. Nelson, DDS

Aquaterra Technologies, Inc.

Ryan’s Pub

National Penn Bank

Battavio Plumbing Heating & Cooling

Rams Head Bar & Grill

Safe Harbor of Chester County, Inc.

Cobblestone Realty

Rothwell Document Solutions

Saint Agnes School

Daily Local News

Saints Peter & Paul School

William Wood Company, LLC

Dorset Connects

Susquehanna Bank

Edward Jones Investments

Stillman Volvo

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

Tolsdorf Oil Lube Express

Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House

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

Fulton Bank

William M. Dunleavy and Company Inc.

MacElree Harvey

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Swope Lees Commercial Real Estate, LLC

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant

Advisor. Advocate. Agent.

610-696-2394 | www.arthurhall.com

 Open Evenings and Saturdays  Daily, weekly, monthly  Free Local Pickup and Delivery 610-696-4700

mbromley@fredbeans.com

Auto Rent is part of the Fred Beans Family of Dealerships which is a respected part of our community

GWCC’s EITC Program It’s easy for your business to participate!

EITC contributions enable the Chamber to distribute your company’s donation to a growing list of Chamber member schools in the greater West Chester area and give your company generous tax credits. EITC scholarships directly benefit students in need of financial assistance.

Invest in your community!

Please contact the Chamber office for more information.

Chamber Chatter NEWS

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By: Brad Moore

Is Winter a Good Time to Sell My House?

The winter real estate market remains a great time to sell your home, especially in today’s market.

There continues to be demand for housing and interest rates remain at historic lows.

Sellers often ask, “When is the best time to sell my house?” and really, the best time to sell your house is when you are ready to sell. If you are ready to sell during the winter months, the real estate market offers a great opportunity for you. With the winter housing market officially running from December 21 to March 20, there is a flurry of reasons why the colder months remain a perfect time to sell your home.

SERIOUS BUYERS The intent of buyers to purchase accelerates in the winter season, with fewer individuals who are simply “just looking.”

Many corporations transfer employees in the beginning of the year, creating highly motivated buyers and greater opportunities for winter sales.

There are also several new buyers entering the market due to the New Year, giving you a great opportunity to capture them as a buyer for your property, prior to the increase in inventory starting in the spring.

LESS COMPETITION Listing your home in the colder season means less competition from other homes with owners waiting to put their home on the market until the warmer months. With the decreased inventory of available properties, prospective buyers will be paying greater attention to your home currently on the market. The window of newer homes for sale also lessens, making winter an opportune time to sell your home.

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DEMAND REMAINS HIGH The recent Pending Homes Sales Report conducted by the National Association of Realtors predicts existing homes sales to finish the year at a rate of 5.3 million with the demand for housing remaining strong throughout the winter months. Downtrends in sales previously seen in December-March seasons show few signs of occurring. The current housing market in Chester County remains exceptionally active, with sales increasing more so than in previous years, and demand for homes in this area remains strong.

FOR SALE

As an owner of the Moore Maguire Real Estate Group of Keller Williams Greater West Chester, Brad takes a different approach to real estate - one that is built on personal touches, win-win deals and positive results, while helping clients fulfill their real estate dreams and goals.

brad@mooremaguiregroup.com | 484.266.7450 | www.mooremaguiregroup.com

17 | Chamber Chatter NEWS

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Chamber Chatter NEWS

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