Chatter March/April 2016

2016

MARCH/APRIL

Chatter the Chamber

The Member News & Information Resource

Providing Leadership and Opportunity for business

Dear Members -

Providing Leadership and Opportunity for business

CHAMBER STAFF Mark Yoder President Dave Fairman Director of Membership Bethany Kopp Event & Program Manager Libby Parks Marketing & Communications Manager 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

I regularly note that there are nearly 675 area business members in the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. Every month the Chamber gains new members, and we also lose a few, as people retire or companies move or close.

Unfortunately I’ve also heard the contention that, “the Chamber can’t do a lot for my business.” I hope my message alters that type of thinking, and fosters a different measure of the Member-Chamber relationship.

The Chamber certainly does offer a wide array of unique educational luncheons, presentations, panel discussions and large annual events. All of that, along with community and B2B links through our directory, represents just the highlights of the many benefits that come with membership. But I contend that none of those factors should stand as the reason to be part of this local non-profit organization.

What you can do to help the Chamber foster an ever-improving community in which to live, work, and enjoy life with your families – I contend that ought to be the basis of your membership. The issue shouldn’t be what the Chamber can do for you, but rather what your participation in the Chamber can offer your neighbors - your experience, creativity, and networking - to amplify the value of the events, programs, networking opportunity and materials we provide. Your participation represents the spark and vitality of this Chamber’s contribution to our area in making it the envy of those around us.

I recently began an entirely new business venture in the prescription dermatology arena of the pharmaceutical industry. But the day I moved into our new offices in Chesterbrook, Chester County, I made joining the Chamber a priority for my company, Cutanea Life Sciences. Because the community in which I live, your community – our community – is the core and essence of the quality of life we all hope to perpetuate. I felt an obligation to continue doing what I could in the way of financial support, committee participation, and lending a hand with the many Chamber events that help frame the best of what West Chester has to offer.

I ask that every one of you reading this note think about the Chamber relationship in that same way. When you lend your efforts to our Chamber, you are in fact enhancing your home community. What you and your employees can do for the Chamber, ultimately, is far more important than anything the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce can do for you. Simply put, by being a part of this organization it is you playing a lead role in making the entire West Chester Area Greater!

Rob Partridge, 2016 Chairman

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

The 2016

Becky Lukens, Abbie Lukens, Mayor Carolyn Comitta

Annual Banquet Highlights

Tim Jefferis, Penn Liberty Bank; Patrick McKenna, Gawthrop Greenwood, PC; Marc Ernest, Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union; Scott Mayes, Comcast Spotlight

Chester County Dignitaries Honor Outstanding Jr. Citizen, Emily Kelly

Guests enjoy cocktail hour at Desmond Hotel

Shaw Strings adds musical note to the evening

Susan Mostek, Chester County Fund for Women and Girls with Senator Andrew Dinniman

Chamber Chatter NEWS

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GREATER WEST CHESTER CHAMBER

FIRST FRIDAY

MAY 6 5 –9 PM

PM

Art shows throughout Downtown West Chester.

Bring friends and make an evening of it!

MINI SUNSET HILL FINE ARTS GALLERY

GREATERWESTCHESTER.COM 3

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Chamber Chatter NEWS

p? the ma n o t e g an Wanna t Dave Fairm Contac 696-4046 610-

CHAT AROUND THE CHAMBER What’s your favorite Chamber event this time of year?

The 10 Grand Club! This event is the most unique event that the Greater WC Chamber puts on. Colleagues, friends and prospective clients can truly enjoy themselves in an exciting and fun Tim Jefferis Penn Liberty Bank

environment. Every year the Chamber ups the ante. There’s no such thing as “losers” at 10 Grand anymore…everyone in attendance leaves with a prize. What’s even better is that a portion of the proceeds benefit the Chamber’s Education Fund, which provides scholarships to local students every year. If you only make one event this spring, 10 Grand Club should be it.”

Tim is a Senior Vice President/Commercial lender with Penn Liberty Bank and has been lending in the West Chester area for over 20 years.

2016 GWCC Board Members Officers

Board of Directors

Robert Partridge, Chairman Cutanea Life Sciences

Laura Aloisio Dave’s Automotive Repair Service

Thomas Gavin The Chester County Hospital

Marc Ernest, Vice Chairman Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union

Mickey Broyles-Hall Francis Hall Insurance Services

Liz Golding BB&T

Marjorie Wentz, Treasurer Trinity Wealth Management, LLC Patrick McKenna, Secretary Gawthrop Greenwood, PC Donna Urian, Immed. Past Chairman Fischer Cunnane & Associates, Ltd.

John J. Cunningham Lamb McErlane PC

Matt Holliday Chester County Prothonotary

David Ehrhart West Chester Area School District

Quazi Khaled Mars Drinks North America, LLC

Jack Enright Fred Beans Ford Lincoln of West Chester

Michael G. Louis MacElree Harvey

Debi Friedmann Blue Dog Printing & Design

Jeannie McGinn Fulton Bank

Michelle Patrick West Chester University Marisa Powell Pietro’s Prime Kevin Rothwell Rothwell Document Solutions Donna Saul Donna Saul LLC, Assoc. Business Strategist & Consultant Leigh Timberman Infiniti of West Chester Daniel Zajac SimoneZajac Wealth Management Group, LLC

Brad Moore Moore Maguire Real Estate Group/Keller Williams

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The Chamber Welcomes New Members 2L Race Services, LLC Mr. Lowell Ladd 1144 Cotswold Lane West Chester, PA 19380 866-329-9382; Fax 888-367-4582 Lowell@2LRaceServices.com www.2LRaceServices.com Event Planning & Services

Allstate Insurance Ms. Geetu Mistry 654 Wharton Boulevard Exton, PA 19341 484-872-2440; Fax 610-458-0113 geetumistry@allstate.com www.allstateagencies.com/geetumistry Insurance

B&W Holding, LLC Mr. Bryan Hall 250 South Franklin Street West Chester, PA 19380 610-908-9933 stlgtr@gmail.com Real Estate

BLOCK Advisors Ms. Maryann Thomstatter 1105 West Chester Pike West Chester, PA 19382 610-344-4990 mthomstatter@hrblock.com hrblock.com Accountants

Brandywine Safety Solutions, LLC Mr. Daniel Stabilito 1299 Hall Road West Chester, PA 19380 610-636-1257 dstabilito@brandywinesafety.solutions www.brandywinesafety.solutions Property ManaGement/ Rental

Callaghan Electrical Construction, LLC

The Downingtown Country Club

Mr. James Callaghan 829 Lincoln Avenue, Unit 14 West Chester, PA 19380 610-344-7770 callaghanelectric@verizon.net www.callaghanelectric.com Electrical Contractors

Ms. Bridget Clark 93 Country Club Drive Downingtown, PA 19335 610-873-0800 bridget.clark@golfdowningtown.com www.golfdowningtown.com Country/Golf Club

Carmen B’s Honey LLC

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Mr. Carmen Battavio 1607 Williams Way West Chester, PA 19380 610-331-6279 carmenrbattavio@aol.com carmenbshoney.com Gardening

Mr. Steve Canan 707 East Market Street West Chester, PA 19382 610-696-5500; Fax 610-696-1966 Steven.D.Canan@ehi.com www.enterprise.com Automotive-Rental

Chambers Enterprises

Finnerty LLC

Mr. Paul Chambers 45 Maffet Lane Coatesville, PA 19320 484-467-9671 pachambers@comcast.net Cleaning Services

Mr. Tom Finnerty 510 East Barnard Street, Unit 17 West Chester, PA 19382 610-344-0794; Fax 484-266-0916 tfinnerty@finnertyllc.com www.finnertyllc.com Landscape Architecture

Chester County Prothonotary Mr. Matt Holliday 201 W. Market Street, Suite 1425 West Chester, PA 19380 610-344-6300; Fax 610-344-5903 mholliday@chesco.org www.chesco.org/173/Prothonotary Government

Citizens Bank Ms. Denise Murphy West Goshen Acme 907 Paoli Pike West Chester, PA 19380 610-701-5410 denise.murphy@citizensbank.com www.CitizensBank.com Banking/Saving/Loans

Clarion Law, LLC Mr. A. Duie Latta 105 East Evans Street, Suite C West Chester, PA 19380 484-948-1434 dlatta@clarionlaw.net clarionlaw.net Legal Services

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Chamber Chatter NEWS

J.B. Funk Construction Inc. Mr. Joseph B. Funk Lincoln Independence Park 833 Lincoln Avenue, Unit E4 West Chester, PA 19380 610-430-2100; Fax 610-431-9078 jbfunkinc@verizon.net www.jbfunkconstruction.com Builders

Great Valley Moving & Storage, Inc Mr. Benjamin Kane 1313 Dunsinane Drive West Chester, PA 19380 484-887-0693 info@greatvalleymoving.com www.greatvalleymoving.com Transportation

JS Digital Productions, Inc.

Pegasus Technologies

Swarthmore Financial Services

Mr. Jim Gerakaris 1050 Airport Road, Unit 1202 West Chester, PA 19380 760-494-0471 contact@jsdigitalproductions.com www.jsdigitalproductions.com Computers/Software Development

Mr. Matthew Tucker 425 McFarlan Road, Suite 201 Kennett Square, PA 19348 610-444-8256; Fax 425-790-6644 bbolton@pegtec.com www.pegasustechnologies.com Computers/IT Services

Mr. Mark Roseman 15 Reads Way, Suite 210 New Castle, DE 19720 302-325-0700 x. 139; Fax 302-325-3569 mroseman@financialguide.com www.swarthmorefinancial.com Financial Services

Lewis Automotive, Inc

Pillar to Post Home Inspectors Mr. Aaron Cunningham 1 Howe Court Glen Mills, PA 19342 610-322-6130 Aaron.Cunningham@pillartopost.com acunningham.pillartopost.com/home Home Inspection

Technical College High SchoolBrandywine Campus

Mr. Glenn Lewis 633 South Bolmar Street West Chester, PA 19382 610-696-3263 Lewis.Glenn@verizon.net www.LewisAutomotive.net Automotive Services

Magical Moments Vacations Ms. Dana Zificsak P.O. Box 705 Downingtown, PA 19335 484-237-8450 danaz@mmvagent.com www.facebook.com/mmvdana Travel Agencies

PPM Services Inc. Mr. Hugh J. III Purnell 21 Wilson Avenue West Chester, PA 19380 484-716-6337 hugh_purnell@hotmail.com www.ppmsvcs.com Home Improvements & Repair

Main Line Gymnastics

Ross Landscape & Paving Services, Inc.

Ms. Chelsea Maselli 540 East Union Street, Suite E West Chester, PA 19382 610-344-9044 office@mainlinegymnastics.com www.mainlinegymnastics.com Sports

Mr. Richard Ross 102 Ridge Road West Chester, PA 19382 610-701-0317; Fax 610-430-6261 info@rosslandscape.com www.RossLandscape.com Landscaping/Gardening

McDay LLC

Sabrina Ann Couture

Ms. Susan Stipa 1515 Market Street, Suite 1200 Philadelphia, PA 19102 484-883-8808 susanstipa@mc-day.com www.mc-day.com Marketing/ Public Relations

Ms. Sabrina Sigler 128 North High Street West Chester, PA 19380 484-999-8326 sabrina@sabrinaann.com www.sabrinaann.com Retail

SOLitude Lake Management Mr. John Phelps 654 Sligo Road Avondale, PA 19311 610-425-2349; Fax 888-358-0088 jphelps@solitudelake.com www.solitudelakemanagement.com Environmental Services

Ms. Dawn Dietrich 443 Boot Road Downingtown, PA 19335 484-593-5100 dawnd@cciu.org www.cciu.org/tchsbrandywine Schools/Colleges/ Universities

Tesoro Design Ms. Emily Pisano 21 South High Street West Chester, PA 19382 484-237-8106 emily@tesoro.design www.tesoro.design Retail

Timothy Off Heating & Air Conditioning Mr. Timothy Off 835 Lincoln Avenue, Unit A1 West Chester, PA 19380 610-314-7030 tim@timothyoffheating.com www.timothyoffheating.com Heating/Air Conditioning

West Chester Orthodontics Dr. Christine Ferrell 440 East Marshall Street, Suite #301 West Chester, PA 19380 610-918-3200; Fax 610-918-2662 info@wcbraces.com wcbraces.com Dentistry Correction: the January / February edition of the Chamber Chatter included an incorrect telephone number for one of our new members. The correct number for Cleaning for Cures is 484-886-8504.

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Chamber Membership Anniversaries Please help us congratulate these businesses celebrating milestone anniversaries with the Greater West Chester Chamber in the months December 2015, January and February 2016.

5 Year Anniversary

10 Year Anniversary

15 Year Anniversary

Adventures in Advertising

Nancy Ellis State Farm Insurance

Canine Design

BlueEdge Consulting, LLC

Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union

Hilltop Enterprises, Inc.

Cakes and Candies by Maryellen The Church Farm School

Fulton Bank Kritter Cleaner Mobile Pet Grooming

Kinetic Physical Therapy Bruce A. Kraig Associates West Chester Christian School

Mauger & Co., Inc.

West Chester Psychiatric Associates

20 Year Anniversary Ferullo Insurance Agency

It’s

T H G I L I TW Time August 20, 2016

WEST CHESTER PRESENTED BY GREATER WEST CHESTER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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Chamber Chatter NEWS

Greaterwestchester.com

GWCC’s Golf Outing Returns to Radley Run Country Club!

Monday, May 16

1100 Country Club Rd, West Chester / 10:30AM Individual - $195 / Early Bird - $175 Foursome - $780 / Early Bird - $700 Early Bird Registration required by May 2

Get Lucky

All Players Receive: Stocked Swag Bag Lunch, Dinner, & Cocktail Hour Chance to Win Awards/Prizes!

Show Your Brand

Lunch Sponsor ($1,000**) Golf Foursome, Hole Sponsor, Logo in Program, Representative to Speak, Banner Placement at Lunch, Branded Item in Swag Bag Corporate Sponsor ($800) Golf Foursome, Hole Sponsor, Logo in Program, Branded Item in Swag Bag Closest to Pin ($450**) Golf Twosome,Tee recognition at hole Longest Drive ($450**) Golf Twosome,Tee recognition at hole Driving Range Sponsor ($450**) Tee recognition at range Tee Sponsor ($75) Tee sign at one hole **Add a Twosome ($300)

2016 Quest for the Chamber Cup

Golf Outing Proceeds Benefit the Chamber’s Education Foundation Scholarship Program

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10

Grand Club

fit ene B s d cee Pro WCC’s d G Fun n o cati Edu

1 in 200 Chance to Win $10,000 Plus Dinner & Drinks

Friday, April 1 7-10pm Penn Oaks Golf Club

Money isn’t everything...

1 in 3 Tickets Wins Great Prizes!

Even “Losers” are “Winners”

Single Ticket: $200 / Guest Ticket: $75 Guest Tickets Available Only with Purchase of $200 Ticket.

Presence Not Required To Win.

Penns Woods Winery will have staff present to share wine tastings and bottles with losers.

For details, call 610-696-4046.

GreaterWestChester.com 9

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Chamber Chatter NEWS

By: Daniel R. Zajac

Will My Social Security Income Be Taxed In Retirement?

Regardless of your taxable income, the maximum current amount of Social Security that can be taxable is 85%.

investment accounts. How you manage these distributions in retirement should be a critical aspect of your financial plan.

To understand just how much above this 85% of your Social Security could be taxable, we need to dig in a little deeper. The taxable amount is directly related to how much taxable income you have.

In order to effectively control how much Social Security income is taxable in retirement, you would need to identify what types of income will increase your combined income. Some of these incomes include:

Taxability is Based on Your Combined Income

• Pension Income • Capital Gain Income (both short term and long term) • IRA distribution income • Income from a ROTH conversion • Income distributions from growth in a non-IRA annuity • Municipal bond interest

The taxable amount of Social Security is based on your “combined income”. Combined income is calculated by adding the following figures: • Your Adjusted Gross Income • PLUS your non-taxable interest • PLUS half of your Social Security Benefit

Your Filing Status Matters Too Once we have established your combined income, we can determine how much of your Social Security benefit will be taxable. The rules regarding the taxable amount are dependent on your filing status. Two of the more common filing statuses are “Individual” and “Married Filing Jointly”.

For an individual, the 2015 key numbers are as follows: • If your “combined income” is less than $25,000, then you will not be taxed on your Social Security • If your “combined income” is between $25,000 and $34,000, then you may be taxed on up to 50% of your Social Security benefit.

• If your “combined income” is above $34,000, then you may be taxed on up to 85% of your Social Security benefit.

For “Married Filing Jointly”, the 2015 key numbers are as follows: • If your “combined income” is less than $32,000, then you will not be taxed on your Social Security • If your “combined income” is between $32,000 and $44,000, then you may be taxed on up to 50% of your Social Security benefit.

• If your “combined income” is above $44,000, then you may be taxed on up to 85% of your Social Security benefit.

How to Control your Combined Income in Retirement When you retire, it’s important to know where your income is coming from. Often, your income will come from a combination of places, including Social Security, a pension and/or distributions from your

These income sources will increase your adjusted gross income, thereby potentially increasing the amount of your Social Security that is taxable.

In addition to knowing what will increase your combined income, you would also want to know what will not. Some of these include: • ROTH IRA/401(k) distributions • The sale of non-IRA assets with no gain or loss • The return of contributions to a non-IRA annuity • Distributions from a permanent insurance policy (loan or withdrawal of contributions)

What Does this Look Like in Practice?

In practice, controlling the taxability of Social Security can be difficult.

It takes a combination of tax planning, investment planning and income planning. It may require delaying the start date of certain income sources and/or reallocating existing investments from mutual funds into something else.

Moreover, while paying less in tax is often a goal, it may not be the only goal. Controlling your income taxes should be a singular consideration amongst many other factors in a comprehensive retirement plan.

Tax services are not offered through, or supervised by, Capital Analysts or Lincoln Investment.

Consult your tax advisor for information concerning your individual situation.

Advisory services offered through Capital Analysts or Lincoln Investment, Registered Investment Advisors. Securities offered through Lincoln Investment, Broker Dealer, Member FINRA/ SIPC. www.lincolninvestment.com Simone Zajac Wealth Management Group, LLC and the above firms are independent, non-affiliated entities.

Daniel R. Zajac, CFP®, AIF®, CLU® is a partner with Simone Zajac Wealth Management Group.

You can learn more about Daniel and read his thoughts on financial planning at www.financeandflipflops.com.

daniel@simonezajac.com | 610.363.1344 | www.simonezajac.com

Chamber Chatter NEWS

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Me mbe r Spotlight There are very few local businesses that have seen the town of West Chester grow into the bustling region that it is today. We are lucky to have Chamber members that are so deeply rooted in the West Chester community-and Dave’s Automotive Repair Enterprises (DARE) is one of them!

301 S. Bolmar Street West Chester, PA 19382 610-696-7153 dareauto.com

Since 1976, DARE Auto (located on 301 S. Bolmar Street) has been the one-stop-shop for all of West Chester’s auto needs. Dave Aloisio first opened his one-man automotive repair shop on Gay Street, then quickly grew to the point of seeking out a larger space (and staff). More than 35 years later, Dave’s children Laura and Jon are leading strong with a team of eight full-time employees that service over 550 cars a month. With a family of employees that have been on board for an average 15-20 years, DARE is doing something right.

Besides decades of top-quality service, the DARE team sponsors numerous local school sports. Not only do they support young athletes, but their commitment to educating aspiring auto technicians is astounding. The DARE crew allows students to shadow their mechanics for a day, giving them a real-life peek at the shop life. Clearly, they understand how important it is to invest in their community-and they’re happy to do it. This commitment has led the team to continuously build their “family.” The Aloisio family is outwardly thankful for growing an enormous extended-family through their customer base and community participation.

From the second you walk in the door, the DARE staff greets you with a smile (or if they REALLY like you, a joke). They’ll walk you through the stages of any car issue, from beginning to end.

From state inspections to auto body work and collision, to detailing or even buying a new car, DARE has it all (and they’ve got a brand new website, to boot!).

The Greater West Chester Chamber is very lucky to have such active members, such as Dave’s Automotive Repair Enterprises. We cannot thank the Aloisio family enough for their demonstration of local advocacy. We are proud to be a key partner in helping members, such as DARE, catapult into their next level of business success.

Laura and Jon Aloisio are servicing over 550 cars a month with a team of eight full-time employees

11 | Chamber Chatter NEWS

2015 Iron Hill Twilight Race Series Trike Challenge Winners

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March & APRIL

Events Calendar

Monday, March 14

Friday, April 1

Business Card Exchange

Zukin Realty/Optimal Massage

Friday, April 1

Monday, March 14

Penn Oaks Golf Club 150 Penn Oaks Drive, West Chester 7:00pm – 10:00pm

121 East Gay Street, West Chester 5:30pm – 7:30pm Free for members | $10 for non-members RSVP is appreciated

Thursday, April 14

Business Card Exchange Pillar Real Estate

Call 610.696.4046 for tickets See page 9 for details

Wednesday, April 27

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Grand Club Protecting Your Business: fit ene ds B cee C’s C GW un d on F cati Edu

Pro

Cyber Security and Understanding Plus Dinner & Drinks Today’s Threat Landscape Friday, April 1

1 in 200 Chance to Win $10,000

7-10pm PennDinner, Oaks Golf Club Drinks, and Networking

Money isn’tPresented everything...

by CSRI, Inc.

1 in 3 Tickets Wins Great Prizes!

Even “Losers” are “Winners”

Single Ticket: $200 / Guest Ticket: $75 Guest Tickets Available Only with Purchase of $200 Ticket.

Presence Not Required To Win.

Penns Woods Winery will have staff present to share wine tastings and bottles with losers.

Thursday, April 14 433 West Market Street, West Chester 5:30pm – 7:30pm Free for members | $10 for non-members RSVP is appreciated

For details, call 610-696-4046.

Wednesday, April 27

GreaterWestChester.com

Carriage House and Restaurant 943 South High Street, West Chester 5:30pm – 7:30pm Free for all | RSVP is appreciated

Chamber Chatter NEWS

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By: Paul Dolnick

From Whom You Buy Matters Of course it matters where you buy your next PC. Unless you believe that the helpful 20-something at the box-retailer or office supply store is a computer expert, it matters.

Could they possibly begin to understand; your business, your budgetary constraints, your long-term strategies or the impact of a poorly-made decision?

No doubt they mean well; and undeniably want to offer the best fit based upon the information that you share. There are circumstances of buying at these outlets though that contribute to inherently reduced value, at no fault of the salesperson.

There are distinctions between consumer and business grade machines; and yes, the two classifications exist. Each is manufactured to provide the purchaser with an approximate five-year lifecycle, under expected use-parameters.

For consumers, it is anticipated that they will use the device a few hours daily and potentially longer on weekends. Conversely, business users typically leave their computers on, period. The internal components are selected for heat-tolerances, and life expectancies, in keeping with these demand requirements.

In short, if you purchase a consumer class computer for your business, or use it at home, or home-office, as if it were a business grade machine you will prematurely exhaust its life.

To purchase a business caliber machine you should turn to a value-added reseller or IT professional.

Another difference is the operating system. Many business owners want the choice of having Window 7 and not Windows 8, 8.1 or 10; not an option at your local electronics or business supply store.

A true reseller will have the availability of familiar operating systems and further, will understand how to assure that your new machine will be able to join your business network.

Lastly, we must consider price. Everyone has a general idea of the price of a desktop, notebook or hybrid. The inherent value, is where the differences become illuminated.

Everyone likes to get something for nothing. Yet ask anyone and they will be quick to retort that you don’t get anything for free.

So why do you believe the free software is free?

There is a cost related to the software license, and because of it, the actual value of the device is less. The added production cost for the software can be $100-150, meaning a $550-650 device is only really worth $400-500. Few later use this software and it takes up space on your hard drive; why would you want it?

The last cost factor to be cognizant of, as you gain a better understanding of where, and with whom you should be discussing your needs, is the warranty. Most low-end machines come with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, then you are offered a third-party extended warranty. This warranty adds cost, typically $20/100, meaning a warranty on a $600 computer will cost approximately $120. A computer purchased through a value-added reseller typically comes with a manufacturer’s three-year onsite, Next Business Day, parts-and-labor warranty included.

All things considered, I suspect we agree. It does matter where, and from whom, you buy.

Paul Dolnick is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Computer Systems Resource, Inc. The West Chester based company is offering clients network installation, administration, multiple platform integration and disaster preparedness with prompt consistent service.

610.430.3308 | csri-qt.com

13 | Chamber Chatter NEWS

Sign Up Early & Save GWCC Welcomes Back Disney Institute Learn the secrets behind Disney’s Award-winning Customer Service, and how you can teach your employees these practices.

With more than 90 years of world-renowned customer service, no one understands this better than Disney.

Introducing An Exciting New Program: Disney’s Approach to Quality Service

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

For details and registration, visit GreaterWestChester.com

*Sign Up Early & Save!

Chamber Member Pricing: * $299 (now until 4/1) $319 (4/2 - 7/1) $339 (7/2 - 9/19)

Alliance Member Pricing (Chambers in Chester Co.): * $319 (now until 4/1) $339 (4/2 until 7/1) $359 (7/2 - 9/19) Non-Member Pricing: * $359 (now until 4/1) $379 (4/2 until 7/1) $399 (7/2 - 9/19)

Chamber Chatter NEWS

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www.edwardjones.com

Meeting on your schedule, not ours.

Face-to-face meetings. One-on-one relationships.

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

.

Jeff Kitchen, AAMS速

Eric S Smith, CFP速, AAMS速

Brad Abel

Financial Advisor

Financial Advisor

Financial Advisor

.

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

.

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

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

15 | Chamber Chatter NEWS

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

By: Brad Moore & Alison Maguire

Why You Need A Trusted Real Estate Agent In Your Corner Buying or selling a home is a major financial undertaking, requiring a credible, and capable, advocate to help you navigate through the real estate transaction. Here are a few reasons to place your real estate goals under the care of a knowledgeable and experienced real estate agent.

provide the best recommendations for financial professionals, contractors, and any other needed service providers.

newcomer to real estate, or a seasoned investor, hiring an expert real estate agent to guide you through the process, ensures an enjoyable and successful buying or selling experience.

4. Knowledge A real estate agent’s primary job is to know the real estate market inside and out. Searching for a home? An agent has insider knowledge on up-and-coming homes in your preferred area, giving you premium access to available homes. Selling your home?

An agent will examine the current market and home sales trends to make sure your home is competitively priced to sell within your specified timeframe.

2. Negotiate Among the skills professional agents bring to the

5. Advisor Many questions arise in a real estate transaction, with

1. Lead You Through the Process Whether you are a

table is the ability to negotiate a great deal for you. Whether buying or selling, an experienced professional will help you take the stress out of the transaction and will handle all the paperwork to clear a smooth path to the closing table.

3. Connections An agent’s network is a resource you should definitely tap into. With their experience in the field, an agent can

the industry terminology changing frequently and in a manner that is not always the most comprehensive to the general public.

An agent will be able to provide answers to all your questions and to advise you throughout your real estate transaction.

As owners of the Moore Maguire Real Estate Group of Keller Williams Greater West Chester, Brad & Alison take 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

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%

$75.00 . . . . . . . . . . $202.50 . . . . . . . . . $360.00

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$125.00. . . . . . . . . . . $337.50. . . . . . . . . . $600.00

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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.

Chamber Chatter NEWS

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Parents, Fix The Holes In Your Children’s “Safety Net” By Choosing Legal Guardians If you’re a parent, you spend a lot of time thinking about safety.

Your goal is to make sure your children are safe and protected, even – or perhaps especially – when you can’t be with them.

The protective measures you put in place and the life lessons you pass along to your children act as a “safety net” for those times when you’re not there to catch them: • Before your child begins to crawl, you “baby-proof” your house by installing electrical outlet covers, placing edge guards on table corners, securing utility cabinets, shortening window-blind cords, etc. Even if your child never does try to stick a fork in that electrical outlet, having the covers just in case gives you much-needed peace of mind.

• Before you leave your child with a babysitter, even for just a few hours, chances are you’ve done some background checking to make sure the sitter can be trusted with your precious little one. You’ve probably also prepared a list of instructions a bit more detailed than “Food and soda are in the fridge, don’t set the house on fire before we get home.”

• As your children grow, your focus on keeping them safe evolves and you transition to teaching them how to protect themselves out in the real world. You provide lessons on looking both ways before crossing the road, not talking to strangers, internet safety, and not texting while driving, to name a few.

Unfortunately, many parents leave huge holes in their children’s safety nets by not choosing legal guardians for the children. The same loving parents who provide detailed instructions when leaving their children with a sitter for a few hours often have little or no planning in place for what would happen if they never came home.

Like most parents, you probably find this scenario painful to think about. However, your children’s long-term safety and well-being is far too important to be left to chance (or a judge you’ve never met) just because you don’t want to think about it! It is YOUR responsibility as a parent to put the necessary plans in place, just in case.

Here are a few important points to keep in mind when choosing guardians for your children: 1. Where there’s a Will, there’s a way. Your Will should name the people you choose as your minor children’s permanent guardians in the event of your death. It is important that you formally document this! You also can (and should) name backup guardian(s) in case your first choice is unable to serve.

2. Plan for Incapacity. Many people name guardians in a Will, but the Will only goes into effect upon death. Because of this, you should also prepare a separate Nomination of Guardian document in the event your children need a permanent guardian due to your suffering a serious injury or illness.

3. Plan for Emergencies. PA law allows parents to name “Standby Guardians” who are authorized to take immediate and temporary custody of the children in an emergency. Naming “Standby Guardians” can protect your children from being taken into custody by authorities while the situation is figured out.

4. Leave Instructions. Would you leave your children with a friend or family member for 2 weeks without leaving any instructions at all??? Of course not. Take the time to write down (or record, or video) your thoughts on how you would want your children raised and cared for in your absence. What traditions do you hope they continue? What are your thoughts on education, money, religion? What lessons and values do you want passed on to your children? What should the Guardians know about each child? The more detail, the better. Just start slowly, do a little at a time, and update or edit as time goes by.

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

17 | Chamber Chatter NEWS

By: Jennifer Walker

Chamber Chatter NEWS

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