Chamber Chatter Jan./Feb. 2017

2017 JAn/feb

the Chamber

Chatter The Member News & Information Resource

Providing Leadership and Opportunity for business

The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce and its Board of Directors cordially invite you to the

a u l B n n a A n 7 q 1 u et 0 2 Tuesday, February 7, 2017 Cocktails 5:30pm - Dinner 6:45pm

Honoring 2016 Outstanding Citizen of the Year

Richard May

&

2016 Community Service Award

Brandywine Valley SPCA Executive Sponsorship

Chairman Sponsorship

Director Sponsorship

Full page ad in program Premium seating for 10 Banner placement Name recognition

Quarter page ad in program Seating for 6 Name recognition

Business card ad in program Seating for 4

1200

$

900

$

$

600

Individual Seat $ 95

To purchase your tickets, visit GreaterWestChester.com Purchase your tickets by January 30, 2017. Cancellations after January 31, 2017 may not be reimbursed.

CHAMBER

Staff

Inside this Issue

Mark Yoder President Dave Fairman Director of Membership

Providing Leadership and Opportunity for business

CHAMBER

Board

Bethany Kopp Event & Program Manager Jeff Zajac Marketing & Communications Manager

Marc Ernest, Chairman Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union

Kevin Rothwell, Secretary Rothwell Document Solutions

Marjorie Wentz, Vice Chairman Trinity Wealth Management, LLC

Robert Partridge, Immed. Past Chair Cutanea Life Sciences

Patrick McKenna, Treasurer Gawthrop Greenwood, PC Laura Aloisio DARE Dave’s Automotive Repair Service

Matt Holliday Chester County Prothonotary

Lauren Blake Krombolz Sheets Insurance

Tim Jefferis WSFS Bank

Mickey Hall Francis Hall Insurance Services

Michael G. Louis MacElree Harvey

David Ehrhart West Chester Area School District Jack Enright Fred Beans Ford Lincoln of West Chester Eric Fort West Chester Dental Arts

Jeannie McGinn SERVPRO of West Chester Brad Moore Moore Maguire Real Estate Group/ Keller Williams Matt Shea West Chester University

p.2

2016 Outstanding Citizen of the Year

By Dorothy Kennedy

p.4

The Chamber Welcomes New Members

p.6

New Year Events Calendar

p.7 2016 Adopt-A-Lamppost Program p.8

Mark Thompson Lamb McErlane Leigh Timberman Infiniti of West Chester Donna Urian Fischer Cunnane & Associates, Ltd. Theresa Woods Wells Fargo Daniel Zajac SimoneZajac Wealth Management Group, LLC

2016 Community Service Award

By Leigh Green

p.10 Current Employer Topics

for Starting the New Year

By Kathy Wileczek p.12 Needing Compassion & Care

during a Crisis

By Jeannie McGinn

Marisa Powell Pietro’s Prime

Debi Friedmann Mark Sammarone Blue Dog Printing & Design Arthur Hall Insurance

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

Chamber Chatter NEWS

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By: Dorothy Kennedy

2016 Outstanding Citizen of the Year

Outstanding Citizen Makes the Perfect Town Even Better Fresh out of the University of Michigan in 1973 with an MBA in Investments and Tax Accounting, Richard K. May returned to Bethesda, Maryland, the town where he had grown up, to manage real estate for his family’s company. Five years later he decided it was time to start his own business. Wanting to hang out his shingle in “small town America”, Richard launched an extensive search for the ideal place where he and his wife, Julie Caillouet May, could raise their family and be connected to and involved in the community.

That search brought the May Family to the Borough of West Chester in 1978. Two years later, Richard opened RKM Advisors, Inc. (initially Chester County Tax and Investment Advisory Service) and began volunteering with a host of community organizations.

For his multi-faceted, wide-ranging commitment to the West Chester community spanning nearly 40 years, the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce (GWCCC) named Richard K. May its 2016 Outstanding Citizen of the Year. The award will be presented during the GWCCC annual banquet on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at the Desmond Hotel, Malvern.

“Whether it was luck, destiny or a combination of the two, West Chester had what Richard May was looking for in the ideal small town,” said Mark Yoder, GWCC president. “And Richard, with his desire to be involved in his

2 Chamber Chatter NEWS

community, had exactly what West Chester needed. In his own quiet way, Richard has given his unique blend of talents to more than a dozen not-for-profit organizations including several he founded or co-founded. If West Chester was the perfect town in 1978, Richard’s vision, creativity, time and expertise have made it even better.

The Greater West Chester Chamber is proud to name him its Outstanding Citizen for 2016.”

A native of Washington, D. C., Richard, ever affable, down-to-earth and gifted with a wry sense of humor, graduated from Sidwell Friends School in 1964 and went on to Princeton University where he earned an AB in Economics in 1968. He and Julie, also a D.C. native, married in 1969 while Richard was serving in the U.S. Army.

Although the couple returned to Bethesda in 1973, they realized after five years it “had grown far beyond the

sleepy, southern town in which we both grew up.” They based their search for the ideal town on a list of criteria including good schools, good hospitals, and housing that was ‘vintage’ and affordable. The ideal place would be a county seat and a university town where they could find “interesting people and activities”. The town would also be within a three hour drive to D.C., convenient to public transportation to D.C., and not far from a major city.

“West Chester was reminiscent of Georgetown, especially the SW quadrant of town,” Richard said. “Being near both Philadelphia and Wilmington was a plus.”

After opening RKM Advisors, a fee-only financial services firm now at 121 N. Walnut St., West Chester, Richard began getting involved in the community. From the 1980s to the early 1990s, he served in various positions on the boards of diverse not-for-profits including the GWCCC, West Chester Lion’s Club, West Chester Civil Service Commission, West Chester Recreation Commission and West Chester Vacancy Board. He took time off from community service during the 1990s to focus on growing RKM

Advisors and raising his and Julie’s children, Angeline S. May (1974), and William L. May (1978-1997).

Since 2000, Richard has helped numerous organizations including West Chester Downtown Foundation and West Chester Business Improvement District. In addition, he served as Treasurer of the Board of the West Chester Public Library during its $2.7 million renovation and expansion project and founded West Chester Library, Labor & Capital, LLC to provide the project with $400,000 in initial funding. He also co-founded the Uptown Entertainment Alliance to bring a new theater to West Chester and founded Uptown Bravo Theatre, LLC which raised $1.5 million in capital for The Knauer Performing Arts Center.

Although his ongoing, wide-ranging contributions to West Chester make him the obvious choice for Outstanding Citizen, Richard was nevertheless shocked when told of the award.

“To use a British expression, I was gobsmacked,” he said.

◆

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Chamber Chatter NEWS

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The Chamber Welcomes NEW MEMBERS Bates Motel eSCAPE rOOMS

Heartland Payment Systems

Saint Agnes Parish

Randy Bates 540 E. Union St., Suite I West Chester, PA 19382 610-656-0980 rbateshh@comcast.net www.bateser.com Entertainment

Zach Mauger 1131 Wilnor Drive West Chester, PA 19382 484-354-6614 zachary.mauger@e-hps.com www.heartlandpaymentsystems.com Business Services

Reverand William Donovan 233 West Gay Street West Chester, PA 19380 610-692-2990; Fax 610-692-9623 pastor@saintagnesparish.org www.saintagnesparish.org Churches

Beardsley Agency

Levante Brewing Company

Sleep Number Beds

John Beardsley 845 West Chester Pike, Suite 20 West Chester, PA 19382 484-200-7511; Fax 484-786-4800 jbeardsley@farmersagent.com www.farmers.com/jbeardsley Insurance

Eric Santostefano 208 Carter Drive, Suite 2 West Chester, PA 19382 484-999-8761 info@levantebrewing.com www.levantebrewing.com Restaurant/Cafe

Jack Cannon 1731 Wilmington Pike, Ex-A Glen Mills, PA 19342 610-358-1921; Fax 888-835-1150 SleepNumberGlenMills@sleepnumber.com www.Sleepnumberless.com Retail

CertaPro Painters of West Chester Cindy Mastronardo 1554 Paoli Pike, #298 West Chester, PA 19380 484-329-7976 greatvalley@certapro.com www.west-chester-pa.certapro.com Paints, Painter or Paperhanger

4 Chamber Chatter NEWS

GREATER WEST CHESTER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Celebrating

WELCOMES DISNEY INSTITUTE TO Malvern, PA

Chamber Membership ANNIVERSARIES Please help us congratulate these businesses celebrating milestone anniversaries who renewed their membership with the Greater West Chester Chamber in October and November 2016.

25 Year Anniversary FAIRMAN'S Skate Shop

The Desmond Hotel

September 25, 2017 • 610-696-4046

Are you ready to enhance your business? Throughout this course, you will gain insight into the strategies that drive the Disney organization in the areas of leadership, culture, quality service, brand loyalty and innovation. With Disney Institute, you can learn to think differently. Are you ready?

•Align your values and vision.

•Create a culture by design.

20 Year Anniversary ShopRite of West Chester

•Become the service differentiation.

•Develop long-lasting customer relationships.

•Foster creative potential.

15 Year Anniversary Optimal Massage

DISNEY’S APPROACH TO

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE

10 Year Anniversary BackOffice Thinking

5 Year Anniversary The Painted Plate Chamberlain Chiropractic & Wellness Susanin, Widman & Brennan, P.C. Cruisin' Style LLC Pettine Law Offices, LLC Henry Nace / State Farm Insurance

Register Today! Space is Limited.

Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce is proud to be a selected sponsor of Disney’s Approach to Business Excellence

As to Disney artwork/properties: © Disney

Chamber Members $299 (now until 3/31) $319 (4/1 - 7/1) $339 (7/2 - 9/26)

Alliance Members $319 (now until 3/31) $339 (4/1 - 7/1) $359 (7/2 - 9/26)

Non-Members $359 (now until 3/31) $379 (4/1 - 7/1) $399 (7/2 - 9/26)

Chamber Chatter NEWS

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New Year EVENTS CALENDAR See full details of Chamber events at GreaterWestChester.com

Wednesday, January 11 • 9:00am – 11:00am

Crush your goal in 2017 Join Robert W. Sinton, President, Sandler Training, hosts a workshop for presidents, owners and entrepreneurs seeking solutions to the business obstacles they face when trying to sell, manage a sales team, and grow business.

Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, Downstairs Conference Room 119 North High Street, West Chester Free to attend RSVP is appreciated

Tuesday, January 24 • 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Networking by the Fireplace

at Hotel Warner’s Marquee Bar and Lounge The Hotel Warner and John Serock Catering will be host partners for this networking event. Enjoy some amazing food and beverages while you get warm by the fireplace. Enter to win a complimentary overnight stay at the Hotel Warner!

Hotel Warner’s Marquee Bar and Lounge 120 North High Street, West Chester Free for Members | $10 for Non-Members RSVP is appreciated

Wednesday, January 25 • 5:30pm – 8:00pm

Women’s Executive Round Table

"Thriving Survivor Empowers Women"

Nancy Hornback, a QVC program host, working mom and breast cancer survivor brings motivational experience in leadership, empowering women and reinventing yourself.

Sponsored by

Pietro's Prime 125 West Market Street, West Chester Dinner and Wine Pairing $55 for Members | $65 for Non-Members RSVP is required

6 Chamber Chatter NEWS

Tuesday, January 31 • 8:00am – 9:00am

Chamber Board of Directors Meeting

OPEN to Chamber Members

Spellman Administration Building 829 Paoli Pike, West Chester Free to attend

Tuesday, February 7 • 5:30pm – 8:00pm

GWCC Annual Banquet

at The Desmond Hotel

See Inside Front Cover for more details

Wednesday, February 8 • 9:00am – 11:00am

Learn How to Sell more and Sell more easily Join Robert W. Sinton, President, Sandler Training, during a special session on ‘How To Avoid Unpaid Consulting’.

Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, Downstairs Conference Room 119 North High Street, West Chester Free to attend RSVP is appreciated

Wednesday, February 22 • 7:45am – 9:00am

Morning Networking with Treats

at The Master’s Baker

Over 40 years in the business, the Master's Baker, new to West Chester, invites you to meet the crew and taste their sweets!

The Master’s Baker 319 West Gay Street, West Chester Free for Members | $10 for Non-Members RSVP is appreciated

Adopt-A-Lamppost Program 2016 The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the following companies and individuals for their generous support of adopting the wreaths lining the streets of downtown West Chester for the holiday season. Thanks to Todd Marcocci of Under the Sun Productions for meticulously cleaning and installing brand new twinkle lights and bows on every wreath.

Gold Bow Sponsor

Green Bow Sponsor

Kildare's Lamb McErlane, PC - Attorneys at Law Lorenzo and Son's Pizza Meridian Bank Rob & the Partridge Family Side Bar & Restaurant Tolsdorf Oil Lube Express

A. Roy Smith ABC Hearing Net Barnaby's West Chester Beth Trapani & Dr. Jim Scanlon Clarke, Nicolini & Associates, Ltd. Cobblestone Realty DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. Edward Jones Investments Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union Grabill Family Dentistry Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant Jane Chalfant/Kiki Boutique John Serock Catering Kelly's Sports, Ltd KMRD Partners Lady's Choice Accounting Landmark Americana Law Offices of David M. Melchiorre, LLC Market Street Print Moore Maguire Real Estate Group Penn Office Products, Inc. Radley Run Country Club

(Adopting 6 or more wreaths)

Red Bow Sponsor (Adopting 3-5 wreaths)

Arthur Hall Insurance Brandywine Valley Heating & A/C Brickhouse Environmental Chester County Cat Hospital Chestnut Square First Resource Bank Fulton Bank M&T Bank and Wilmington Trust, N.A. MacElree Harvey Saints Peter & Paul School SERVPRO of West Chester Susan Suponcic & Mac Cotter The Chester County Hospital Unruh, Turner, Burke & Frees, P.C.

(Adopting 1-2 wreaths)

Rams Head Bar & Grill Richard C. Nelson, DDS Rothwell Document Solutions Saint Agnes School State Farm Insurance - Lara Ross Agency Swope Lees Commercial Real Estate, LLC Taylor's Music Store The Hickman The metropolitan east goshen The metropolitan west chester The metropolitan west goshen Thomas Comitta Associates, Inc. Villa Maria Academy Weed Man Lawn Care William S. Malany & Sons, Inc. Yori's Church Street Bakery

◆

The GWCC hangs pine roping and red bows on nearly 100 businesses throughout the borough. This project requires an army of helpers and a crazy number of ladders. Thanks to West Chester University Fraternities and Sororities, the Friars’ Society, the Abbé Society and West Chester Area School District High School Students for providing an extraordinary number of volunteers. Additional thanks go to the following Chamber member businesses who so kindly loaned their nearly 40 ladders to the cause!

West Chester Business Improvement District Brandywine ACE Pet & Farm Brandywine Valley Heating & Air Conditioning College Hunks Hauling Junk FAIRMAN’S Skate Shop McFadden Custom Painting

MoreVent Heating Cooling Plumbing Optimodal, Inc. The Party Center – Phoenixville Phase 1 Electric Restaurant 51 ServPro of West Chester

We would like to also give a special thanks to two tireless and dedicated veteran volunteers, Fred Gusz and Roy Smith who so generously donate their time, expertise and vast knowledge of every nook and cranny of the borough!

Chamber Chatter NEWS

7

2016 Community Service Award

By: Leigh Green

Brandywine Valley SPCA Makes Great Strides with Innovative Community Partnerships

Founded in 1929, the Brandywine Valley SPCA serves as a longstanding ally to animals across the country and as a leader in community partnerships and education on their behalf.

The Brandywine Valley SPCA is the first open admission animal shelter to achieve no-kill status in the state of Pennsylvania and has found homes for well over 8,000 cats and dogs in 2016 alone. Its newly relocated Animal Health Center and Muhly Spay/Neuter Clinic in Malvern, PA will mark its first full year of operation in December 2016, making basic animal wellness services vastly more accessible and affordable to the local community.

relentlessly improved upon the Brandywine Valley SPCA’s solid foundation. Lamb chose Micaela Malloy, who has extensive experience in shelter work and animal protective services in Chester County as Director of Operations. Malloy sees Lamb’s set of prior experiences, particularly his own work in operations, as major assets to the organization. She explains, “We have leadership who understands what’s going on at the ground level.”

For its pioneering efforts in community service, exemplary leadership, and tremendous positive impact on the community as a whole, The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce has selected the Brandywine Valley SPCA as recipient of the 2016 Community Service Award.

Perhaps most transformative for the Brandywine Valley SPCA has been the recent implementation of Safety Net, a set of programs aimed at providing alternatives to pet relinquishment. In the past, unwanted pets were dropped off at the Brandywine Valley SPCA, “no questions asked,” Lamb says. Now, Animal Admissions, which moved to Malvern in 2015, provides a set of intake intervention services, offering each owner and animal with individualized options for low cost veterinary care, behavior counseling and food assistance. Of Safety Net Lamb says, “Our approach with intake has changed everything. Before, no one was given an opportunity to be part of the solution. Our services were hidden. Now we’re very much a part of the community.”

“It is truly an honor for us to recognize an organization so devoted to uplifting our community and transforming the way we care for our animals,” said Mark Yoder, GWCC president. “The scope of their services and the innovation behind their programs are nothing short of staggering. We commend them on the extraordinary impact they’ve had on the West Chester, Chester County and Brandywine Valley communities.”

Under the spearheading leadership of executive director Adam Lamb, the Brandywine Valley SPCA has initiated many powerful new programs and revamped former practices. Lamb’s experience in the field began early with a high school job as a veterinary technician before roles in progressive non-profit work and ultimately work as Director of Operations at an SPCA in Florida. In September of 2014 he took on his current role in West Chester and has

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Other new and thriving community-oriented initiatives of the Brandywine Valley SPCA include the Community Cat Program and Animal Protective Services. The Community Cat Program, funded by generous grants from the Petco Foundation, takes aim at reducing populations of freeroaming cats while allowing them to live out their lives where they’re comfortable. These feline populations have traditionally been overlooked and at great risk. Lamb says, “they were almost seen as disposable pets,” and they were

frequently euthanized. Now, the Brandywine Valley SPCA traps, spays, neuters, tags and re-releases them into supported and educated communities who collaboratively feed and watch over them.

Similarly, the Brandywine Valley SPCA’s immense strides in Animal Protective Services has been augmented by community participation. The Brandywine Valley SPCA has taken over Animal Protective Services in the state of Delaware as well as most townships in Chester County and twenty in Delaware County. Community education has led to fundamental changes in the process, turning what was once a primarily enforcement and citations-based program into a responsibility the entire community shares with 24 hour access for reports and rescues.

The Brandywine Valley SPCA relies heavily on its incredible volunteer and foster home base within the community. Over 250 volunteers provide the animals with regular attention and affection and lend invaluable help during fundraising events.

The well-oiled Foster Program provides essential and immediate relief to the shelter’s intake level by offering safe and nurturing homes to the neediest, most vulnerable animals.

Fundraising and adoption events allow the Brandywine Valley SPCA to highlight budgetary needs and showcase their adoptable animals. Annually, the two signature events are the family-friendly Walk for Paws race in April and the Forget Me Not black tie gala in June. The Petco Foundation will sponsor two mega adoption events in 2017, following the success of December’s Mega Adoption event in Philadelphia, which saw over 800 animals adopted in a single weekend.

As for the future, Adam Lamb has his sights set on the next generation. The SPCA’s strategic plan involves growth of its already burgeoning youth education program, which currently includes children’s birthday parties and Critter Camp for 8 - 12 year olds in the summer. Lamb would also like to find ways for the SPCA to partner with the school system in order to get young members of the community involved in the great responsibility of animal welfare. A father himself, Lamb sees great value in educating children about basic ownership of pets as well as skills for interacting with animals in their community.

Being recognized for their innovation and efforts means a great deal to Lamb and the Brandywine Valley SPCA staff.

He says, “We are honored and thrilled to receive this year’s Community Service Award.”

The Brandywine Valley SPCA’s stated mission is “to put the ‘human’ back in humane animal treatment and advocate on their behalf.” Through its steadfast commitment to principled programs and accessible partnerships, this mission has become a clear reality. As an innovative leader and educator, a tireless champion of ethical treatment, and a model of civilian responsibility, the Brandywine Valley SPCA stands as a paradigm of community service in the greater West Chester area.

◆

Leigh Green is a freelance writer and owner of Leigh Green Copywriting.

Her focus is providing content for small business owners.

www.LeighGreenCopywriting.com 610.739.5855 | LeighCGreen@gmail.com

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The Chamber Chatter is a bi-monthly publication with a circulation of 1,100. 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.

Chamber Chatter NEWS

9

By: Kathy Wileczek

Current Employer Topics for Starting the New Year

2016 has been a year of many changes for employers. The topics below are of general interest to small businesses and non-profits.

You should contact your accountant or benefits advisor to clarify how these laws may affect your operations.

Healthcare Compliance Relief for Small Employers

was suspended. Employers are now faced with what do with plans already made.

The 21st Century Cures Act has provided substantial relief to businesses with less than fifty employees. As of January 1, 2017, these small employers without a group health insurance policy will be allowed to reimburse employees for costs related to individual health insurance plans. The reimbursement is limited to $4,950 for individuals and $10,000 for family coverage. The reimbursement must be offered on the same terms to all employees. The employer will receive a tax deduction for the expense and the employee will not be required to report the contribution as income. Under the original Affordable Care Act, employers were subject to a daily fine for providing noncompliant plans. The Act also provides transition relief for employers with non-compliant plans. They will not be penalized under the prior law.

Employers should consider that there are many laws that cover compensation of employees and correct classification is only one of them. Good business practices suggest that your compensation practices should be consistent within your business and in your market if you are going to keep and develop loyal and competent employees.

Suspension of Department of Labor Overtime Law Many employers spent the summer preparing for a major change in how to manage employee exempt or non-exempt status. The Department of Labor law provides definitions of various occupations and duties of employees to distinguish those that are exempt from overtime rules (salaried) and non-exempt employees (hourly). The law also provides protection to employees by establishing a salary floor for an exempt classification. That salary floor was scheduled to increase from $23,660 to $47,476 effective December 1, 2016. That law was appealed by 21 states and the effective date

Treatment of Sub-contractors Under provisions of the Affordable Care Act, fines have been increased for not preparing and filing 1099’s for payments to qualified sub-contractors. Be sure to get a signed W-9 before paying a vendor who is not incorporated. Those 1099’s must be provided to contractors by January 31, 2017.

If a person is providing services to your organization as a non-employee, a contract for services and proof of insurance is the best way to be sure that the vendor is not subsequently classified as an employee. Publication 1779 is available from the IRS to assist with the determination.

Pennsylvania Unemployment has stepped up auditing of employer accounts. These examinations require disclosure of payments to all persons regardless of employment status. Under Pennsylvania employment law unemployment taxes can be assessed against payments to sub-contractors even if they clearly meet IRS guidelines for receiving a 1099-Misc.

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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

10 Chamber Chatter NEWS

Chamber Chatter NEWS 11

Needing Compassion & Care during a Crisis

By: Jeannie McGinn

The circle of life brings the joy of birth and the sadness of a life ending. I write this article this month for all the grieving family members, caring neighbors and business associates that may be called upon to help make arrangements for a family, client or colleague that needs a clean-up from a death in the family or violence in the home. These situations can occur from a crime scene, natural death, suicide, or accident. This is such a difficult and emotional time for the bereaved family that helping them make clean-up arrangements would be a tremendous blessing. The goal is to have their home, office, workspace or even car appropriately sanitized, cleaned and returned to its prior status as soon as possible.

Ways to Help 1. Contact their insurance agent to see if under their homeowners or renters policy, bio-hazard cleanup is covered or if this will be a self-pay situation.

This ensures full transparency, so no assumptions will be made that might prolong this process.

The remediation company’s customer service representative will assist a family in the claims process and work directly with the insurance carriers whenever possible, supplying the needed paperwork to move the process forward in a timely manner.

2. Deceased bodies can contain potentially harmful pathogens, so it is best to call your local bioremediation and death cleaning company to clean, disinfect, and restore the site in a professional and compassionate manner. If the cause of death was messy, anyone visiting or living in the home could potentially be exposed to diseases. This is more likely if there was a murder, suicide, unattended death, or it takes an extended period of time for the loved one’s body to be discovered. Biohazards in death, crime and trauma scenes can exist anywhere human body fluids are present. Traces of blood, feces, urine and

vomit and other body fluids can seep into subflooring and other porous materials, and thus remain on the scene although invisible to the human eye. It’s important to be sure all traces have been removed.

3. The remediation process begins as soon as the loved one’s body has been removed. A qualified remediation team will have their technicians wearing the appropriate protective gear as they remove/dispose of any bio-hazardous material. Then a rigorous cleaning process begins that looks at all surfaces, upholstery, drapes, rugs etc. The cleaning team’s priority is to ensure the safety of current and future tenants.

4. Sometimes structural damage can occur to buildings in several ways. A crime scene may leave behind punctured drywall or shattered glass. Chemicals, blood, and other body fluids from a decomposing body can also impact the subflooring and other porous materials.

A dead body can affect a site within minutes of death.

A reputable bio-hazard clean-up team will also handle any repair needs to minimize the impact on the family.

Be sure to ask if they will provide this service also.

Jeannie McGinn is the Director of Sales & Marketing for SERVPRO of West Chester. SERVPRO of West Chester is certified in handling bio-hazardous clean-ups, crimes and death scenes. We work closely with the township police departments. Count on us to treat these delicate situations with compassion, integrity and efficiency. SERVPRO of West Chester also specializes in the cleanup and restoration of anything messy or stinky for residential and commercial properties. Reach us 24/7 at 610-692-8444 or at jeannie@servprowestchester.com or www.SERVPROWestChesterPa.com. jeannie@servprowestchester.com | 610.692.8884 | www.servprowestchesterpa.com

12 Chamber Chatter NEWS

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Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce 119 North High Street West Chester, PA 19380

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West Chester, PA Permit #200