2014
SEPT/OCT
Chatter the Chamber
The Member News & Information Resource
Providing Leadership and Opportunity for business
FAREWELL, MAGGIE! Providing Leadership and Opportunity for business
After 18 years Maggie O’Neill has decided to retire from the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. Maggie has worked with seven Presidents (as they are called now) and 18 Chairmen. She was here to see the first Iron Hill Twilight Criterium and helped that event to grow into what it is today. She saw the growth of the Old-Fashioned Christmas parade to an event that has had over 35,000 attendees and the addition of a title sponsor in Mars Drinks and now a presenting sponsor in QVC plus the myriad of other sponsors that help both of these events flourish in West Chester. However, what is most important is how much Maggie cared for this organization. She truly put her heart and soul into making sure we took care of our members. She was known to still be working at 8pm when things needed to get done for an event, or to take ribbon home in order to create new bows for the “Hanging of the Greens” or give me a hard time when I was trying to do something “that had been tried 3 times before”.
CHAMBER STAFF
Maggie will be missed by our members, our Board of Directors, our staff and especially by me! I knew I could count on her to remember the little things that needed to get done or to take on things that I didn’t even know she was working on. In many ways she was the glue that held the Chamber together and she will be missed!
Mark Yoder President
Maggie claimed retirement was so she could spend more time with her husband Joe but I think it was more about spending time with her grandchild and soon to be grandchildren.
Dave Fairman Director of Membership
We aren’t going to let her go that easily as I know several people who want to make sure she volunteers for several events throughout the year! Maggie - enjoy your retirement but know your Chamber family will always love you!
Maggie O’Neill Office Operations Director
Mark Yoder
Bethany Kopp Member Service Coordinator 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
President Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce
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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.
The Chamber Welcomes New Members A.C. Moore Mr. Alban Laco 1115 West Chester Pike West Chester, PA 19382 610-241-3656; Fax 610-430-7603 spc0166@acmoore.com www.acmoore.com Arts & Crafts
American Bank, FSB Ms. Jessica Azarelo 1646 West Chester Pike, Suite 15 West Chester, PA 19382 484-881-3262; Fax 614-559-6509 jazarelo@americanfsb.com www.americanfsbmortgage.com Mortgage Companies
BHHS Fox & Roach Realtors C. O’Donnell Ms. Cheryl Lee O’Donnell 1598 Baltimore Pike Chadds Ford, PA 19317 610-388-3331; Fax 610-361-1210 cheryl.odonnell@foxroach.com Real Estate
Brandywine Consulting Group, Inc. Mr. Benjamin Ventresca 101 Lindenwood Drive, Suite 225 Malvern, PA 19355 610-696-5872 bjventresca@brandywineconsulting.com www.brandywineconsulting.com Management Consulting
Canterbury Arts Ms. Karen George 215 Westerly Way West Chester, PA 19382 610-738-4304 Sales@CanterburyArts.com www.CanterburyArts.com Awards & Engraving
Christopher Sniscak / Nationwide Insurance Mr. Chris Sniscak 117 West Gay Street, Suite 132 West Chester, PA 19380 610-696-5130; Fax 610-441-7568 sniscac1@nationwide.com www.nationwide.com ChrisSniscak Insurance
Core de Roma Trattoria Mr. Luigi Pinti 327 East Gay Street West Chester, PA 19380 610-701-8485 www.corederoma.us Restaurant/Cafe
Country Bagel & Bakery Ms. Haidee Farrell 145 East Gay Street West Chester, PA 19380 610-696-8890; Fax 610-696-8939 hfarrell72@yahoo.com www.countrybagel.com Restaurant/Cafe
Cox & Bishey, LLP Kimbery Cox, Esq., Rami Bishay, Esq. 120 North Church Street Suite 201 West Chester, PA 19380 610-344-0300; Fax 610-692-8084 ChesCoFamilyLaw@aol.com BishayLaw5@yahoo.com www.coxbishay.com Legal Services
DeBaptiste Funeral Homes, Inc. Ms. Lillian L. DeBaptiste 25 South Worthington Street West Chester, PA 19382 610-696-4812; Fax 610-429-1422 info@debaptiste.com Funeral Homes/Directors
East Coast Float Spa Mr. Matt Kay 569 East Gay Street West Chester, PA 19380 484-881-3413 hello@eastcoastfloatspa.com www.eastcoastfloatspa.com Health Services & Products
Employment Management Group, LLC Ms. Elvira Berry 29 South Darlington Street West Chester, PA 19382 484-746-0064; Fax 484-771-0063 elvira.berry@employmgmt.com www.employmgmt.com Human Resources
Farrell Videography, LLC Mr. Brendan Farrell 302 Worthington Drive Exton, PA 19341 484-888-5338 farrellvideography@gmail.com www.farrellvideography.com Video/AudioProduction
Fit Ryde Ms. Erica Burns 1572 Wilmington Pike West Chester, PA 19382 516-425-3289 erica@fitryde.com www.fitryde.com Fitness
Horizon Services Ms. Tara Brown 900 Adams Avenue Audubon, PA 19403 610-644-1025; Fax 610-728-6325 WebMaster@HorizonServicesInc.com www.HorizonServices.com Heating/Air Conditioning
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New Chamber Members continued KinderCare -Westtown
Pet Memorial Services
Sterling Optical
Ms. Jenna Weisman 400 Skiles Boulevard West Chester, PA 19382 610-399-9535; Fax 610-399-0310 301615@klcorp.com www.kindercare.com/our-centers/ west-chester/pa/301 Day Care / Preschool Services
Ms. Margaret Houtman 126 Turner Lane West Chester, PA 19380 610-430-7978; Fax 610-430-8490 info@petmemorialservices.com www.petmemorialservices.com Pet Services or Retail
Mr. John Lawless 40 East Gay Street West Chester, PA 19380 610-692-9289; Fax 610-692-9827 team2020r@aol.com www.sterlingoptical.com Opticians
Popcorn Obsession
The Ram Shop of West Chester University
Ms. Jennifer Corbett 118 Painters Crossing West Chester, PA 19382 484-840-8475 info@popcornobsession.com popcornobsession.com Food & Beverages
Ms. Kathleen Vaughan 134 North High Street West Chester, PA 19382 484-887-8111 www.WCURamShop.com Apparel
Providence Church
Mr. Donnie Moore 29 East Gay Street West Chester, PA 19380 610-738-3948 thesocialloungewc@gmail.com www.thesocialwc.com Restaurant/Cafe
Levin Management Corporation Ms. Marcia Minton 975 US Hwy 22 W North Plainfield, NJ 7060 800-488-0768 x246 msievwright@levinmgt.com www.levinmgt.com Leasing
McCool Properties, LLC Mr. Andrew McCool 227 South High Street West Chester, PA 19382 610-692-7010; Fax 610-692-0708 www.mccoolproperties.com Property Management/ Rental
Moore Maguire Real Estate Group / Keller Williams Mr. Brad Moore 999 West Chester Pike, Suite 102 West Chester, PA 19382 610-721-0226 brad@mooremaguiregroup.com www.mooremaguiregroup.com Real Estate
People’s Light & Theatre Co. Ms. Abigail Adams 39 Conestoga Road Malvern, PA 19355 610-647-1900; Fax 610-640-9521 adams@peopleslight.org www.peopleslight.org Not-For-Profit Organization
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Chare Pishock 430 Hannum Avenue West Chester, PA 19380 610-431-9378 admin@providencewc.org www.providencewc.org Churches
RC Taylor Group Mr. Stuart Brooks PO Box 4 Westtown, PA 19395 610-399-8100; Fax 484-842-1707 sbrooks@rctaylor.com www.rctaylor.com Management Consulting
Remedi Day Spa LLC Ms. Victona Piotrowski 16 South Church Street West Chester, PA 19382 610-436-7546 info@remedidayspa.com www.remedidayspa.com Beauty Services
The Social Lounge
TurboQB LLC Betsy Rettew 654 Summit House West Chester, PA 19382 484-947-8203 info@turboqb.com www.turboqb.com Accountants
West Bradford Fire Company Mr. Michael Kiesel 1305 West Strasburg Road West Chester, PA 19382 610-696-8409 treasurer@WBFC.org WestBradfordFireCompany.com Not-For-Profit Organization
Wyndham Garden Exton Valley Forge Alecia Stephens 815 North Pottstown Pike Exton, PA 19341 610-363-1100; Fax 610-524-0639 astephens@wyndhamexton.com Conference/Retreat/ Reception Center
GOLF MEMBERSHIP WINNERS The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with Applecross Country Club to offer renewing members an opportunity to win a Casual Golf Membership at Talamore and Applecross Country Clubs. All current members are eligible to win during the month they renew their membership. The drawings will continue each month through December 2014.
Ms. Francesca J. Crane Bridge of Hope / Lancaster & Chester Co.
Mr. Leo J. Sam Land Rover Jaguar West Chester
Ms. Maryellen Bowers Cakes and Candies by Maryellen
Mr. Marty Gruszka Legacy Wealth Management
Mr. Kevin Looby Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
Mr. Kerry Greco Market Street Grill
Mr. Chris Baldwin Days Hotel West Chester
Mr. Mac Neilon Penn Office Products, Inc.
Mr. Ronald K. DellaVecchia DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc.
Mr. Anthony Marion Penn’s Table Restaurant
Ms. Donna Urian Fischer Cunnane & Associates, Ltd. Mr. Jim Crane Goshen Beverage Center
Congratulations to these businesses who were picked in a lottery drawing of Chamber businesses that renewed their memberships in June and July 2014:
Mr. Mike Demos Harley-Davidson of Chester Springs Mr. Leigh Timberman Infiniti of West Chester Dr. Deron Jester Jester Family Chiropractic, P.C.
Mr. Robert Gillman The Pita Pit Ms. Karen Galese, GRI, ABR,CRB RE/MAX Main Line / K. Galese Mr. Joshua Coyne Robot Mouse, LLC Ms. Jillian Skrocki Jillian Skrocki / Liberty Mutual Ms. Katie Connor Tague Design Showroom
2014 GWCC Board Members officers
Board of DirecTORS
Chris Tolsdorf, Chairman Tolsdorf Oil Lube Express
Mary Bigham Town Dish, LLC
Donna L. Urian, Chairman-Elect Fischer Cunnane and Associates, Ltd.
Bryan Brockson EDiS Construction & Development
Debi Wright Friedmann Blue Dog Printing & Design
Thomas Ciccarone Parkway Dry Cleaners, Inc.
Thomas Gavin The Chester County Hospital
John J. Cunningham Lamb McErlane PC
Liz Golding Susquehanna Bank
Ronald K. DellaVecchia DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc.
Nicole Grebloskie Arthur Hall Insurance
Rob Partridge, Vice Chairman West Chester Area School District Marc Ernest, Treasurer Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union Marjorie Wentz, Secretary Trinity Wealth Management Tim Jefferis, Immediate Past Chairman Penn Liberty Bank
Guy T. Dunn 1-800-905 Geek / Geeks On Call
Helen Flanders YMCA Oscar Lasko Youth Program Center
Mell Josephs Student Services, Inc.
Patrick M. McKenna Gawthrop Greenwood, PC Andrew McMenamin DNB First Brian Miller Mars Drinks North America, LLC Marisa Powell Pietro’s Prime Donna Saul Business Coaching & Consulting Brian Stephenson Wells Fargo Advisors
Jeannie McGinn Fulton Bank
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Thank you to our
Renewing Members in June & July 2014 Members for 30 years or more Visual Expansion Gallery West Chester University Bliss & Company, Ltd., CPA’s Our members are the foundation of our organization. To honor them we would like to congratulate and thank those who renewed their membership in June and July 2014. Thank you for your ongoing support of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. Dave Fairman Director of Membership
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20 - 29 years Sir Speedy Printing Center DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. National Penn Bank William M. Dunleavy and Company Inc. Harvey’s Auto Repair Days Hotel West Chester Barclay Friends Radley Run Country Club 10 - 19 years Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites West Chester RE/MAX Main Line / K. Galese Faulkner Buick GMC West Chester ABC Paper & Chemical Co., Inc. Harley-Davidson of Chester Springs TQ Consultants, LLC Land Rover Jaguar West Chester Christian Science Reading Room Cape May Creations Delaware County Community College Maulo & Company, Ltd., CPA’s The Hickman DNB First Brandywine Valley Heating & A/C Ogorek & Company, Inc. SP&O Govan Consulting, LLC Fred Beans Ford Lincoln Mercury of West Chester
Ryan’s Pub Chester County Community Foundation Rose Tree Accounting Jester & Saldivar Associates TheraMar Group L.L.C. Brandywine Ballet Company Equine Medical & Surgical Associates, Inc. Comcast Spotlight Market Street Grill
3 - 9 years Jester Family Chiropractic, P.C. Village Profile Aquaterra Technologies, Inc. Mendenhall Inn Penn’s Table Restaurant Fischer Cunnane & Associates, Ltd. Chester County Running Store H.J. Purnell, Jr., CPA Stephen J. Devine, Esq., LLC Fox Chase Bank The Pita Pit Joya Boutique Anjum Irfan, M.D., Mind Body Institute of Ches. Co. Barnaby’s West Chester Carlino’s Market AVE Downingtown The Water Guy Law Offices of David M. Melchiorre, LLC Sharples Works Apartments Jones Termite & Pest Control, Inc. I.M. Contracting Ltd. Infiniti of West Chester John S. Clayton, D.O. First Liberty Partners, LLC Specialty Metals Welding & Fabrication Inc.
Electrical Technical Services, LLC Tague Design Showroom Lehman Pastino Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop Concord Country Club Cakes and Candies by Maryellen BlueEdge Consulting, LLC i-Pasta Housing Authority of the County of Chester Delightful Desserts & Culinary Creations Inc. D’Ascenzo’s Gelato Legacy Wealth Management Bridge of Hope / Lancaster & Chester Co.
1 - 2 years Robot Mouse, LLC The Keilin Group Jay Gundel & Associates, Inc. Hotel Warner Delaware Valley Business Referral Group Ballroom at the Westside SaladWorks Jillian Skrocki / Liberty Mutual UDrive Automobiles, LLC Saint Agnes School Camp K-9 Paradise for Paws Goshen Beverage Center TPL Photography ADP Mosquito Shield BONBIDS, fundraising penny auctions MSB, Inc. - Making Stuff Better
Thanks to our Participants Signature Sponsors
Stroll through downtown West Chester for an evening of art, dining and shopping. The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce will host its Autumn Gallery Walk on Friday, October 3, 2014 from 5:00pm – 9:00pm. This marks the Chamber’s 24th year celebrating the thriving community of artists and galleries that make West Chester their home.
Scott Honda Sunset Hill Jewelers & Fine Arts Gallery The West Chester Business Improvement District (BID)
GALLERIES The 5 Senses Visual Expansion Gallery The Art Trust Gallery at Meridian Bank Church Street Gallery
One of West Chester’s most popular perennial events, Gallery Walk provides the
ONE NIGHT ONLY ART SHOWS
perfect opportunity to experience the historic borough’s intriguing blend of urban
Chester County Cat Hospital
sophistication and small town ambience. Discover downtown West Chester as the
DNB First Bank
home to a diverse mix of galleries featuring a wide range of artists and styles.
Fairman’s Skate Shop
Enjoy the work of local, national and international artists featuring styles from traditional to contemporary and everything in between. Exhibits will include paintings in watercolor, acrylic and oil as well as sculpture, photography, jewelry, ceramics, textiles and more.
Fox Chase Bank Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union The Hickman Hotel Warner Kreutz Creek Winery
Five prominent galleries will combine with more than a dozen “one night only”
St. Agnes School
show hosts throughout the downtown business area. Brochures with walking
Tish Boutique
maps will direct visitors to show locations. Look for signs that designate
WCU Ram Shop
official Gallery Walk hosts and their status as Chamber members.
Wells Fargo Bank
Returning as title sponsors are The West Chester Business Improvement District (BID) and Sunset Hill Jewelers & Fine Arts Gallery, one of the original creators and longest running participant of Gallery Walk. The Chamber is also pleased to welcome Scott Honda, one of West Chester’s premier family businesses as the newest signature sponsor.
C o ntact: Dave Fairman, Director of Membership
“Make an evening of it” and bring together a group of friends to experience Gallery
Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce
Walk. Dine, shop and explore everything downtown West Chester has to offer.
610-696-4046 | dave@gwcc.org
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Volunteer Of The Year Education Committee Sparked by Creativity Members of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce (GWCC) Education Committee didn’t waste any time getting to work once the committee was formed in early 2013. Mary Bigham (The Town Dish), Thomas Gavin (Chester County Hospital Foundation) and Marjorie Wentz (Trinity Wealth Management) quickly instituted new events and revamped existing programs to appeal to a wide cross-section of Chamber members. For its ongoing dedication, commitment and creativity in designing new and unique offerings for the GWCC, the Education Committee has been named Volunteer of the Year for 2014. The award will be presented at a luncheon on October15th at Penn Oaks Golf Club.
“This group truly took the bull by the horns and formed a working committee responsible not only for creating content but delivering this content to our members,” said Mark Yoder, GWCC President. “They really thought outside the box. I couldn’t be more proud of the work this committee is doing.” According to the GWCC website, the Education Committee strives “to be a first-class resource for like-minded professionals to learn, teach and connect while providing tools to do better business in the greater West Chester area.” To that end the Committee offers “an impressive portfolio of offerings to accommodate our member’s needs, interests and availability.” Programs include panel discussions, workshops, leadership series, and executive round tables. Among the existing programs that have been redesigned is the Speakers’ Series. Instead of hearing from an individual, audiences are offered a panel of speakers, a format that attracts a broader audience.
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By Dorothy Kennedy
One of the new offerings is the Women’s Executive Round Table. Held monthly, these inside discussions on leadership with well-known community leaders offer female executives, CEOs, business owners and upper level management staff the opportunity to gather and learn over dinner. “The Women’s Roundtables provide a comfortable environment for women executives to discuss topics that apply to everyone,” explained Wentz, wealth advisor at Trinity Wealth Management. “There is lively interaction and sharing of ideas. The roundtables have been going on for about 18 months now and we have been able to offer a wide variety of topics, always with a local woman executive leading the discussion. The award comes as a surprise and an honor to members of the Education Committee which, in addition to Gavin, Bigham and Wentz, now includes Spencer Deane (The Alternative Board, TAB) and Denise Werkley (Unruh, Turner, Burke & Frees, P.C.). As a Board member and founding member of the Committee, Gavin said it’s been a privilege to volunteer with GWCC and thanked Chester County Hospital for giving him the time and resources to do it. “It’s an honor to be recognized by the Chamber for work I enjoy doing and with people whom I respect for their creativity, generosity and dedication to the community,” said Gavin, Director, Event & Volunteer Fundraising for Chester County Hospital Foundation. “We are dedicated to providing education to our members to help their businesses and their careers grow in the Greater West Chester area and to help make Greater West Chester a better place to work and live.” Echoing Gavin’s sentiments, Bigham said she is grateful the Education Committee is receiving recognition and would gladly invite others to join GWCC and “see the value for themselves.” “As a Board member, I’m honored to be part of creating the greatest possible return on membership value for our members,” she said. “It’s’ truly been a pleasure working alongside fellow Board members to create such outstanding programming for our professional community.”
By: Donna Saul
Managing Sales Conversations: What to Do When You Hit the Wall It happens to everyone at least once. You’re at a networking or other event and the conversation with a potential prospect is flowing along smoothly—until it’s not—and you’re stuck for something to say without knowing how to transition the conversation smoothly from friendly social talk into meaningful sales talk. The good news is that this should happen to you only once (because who wants to live through it twice?), and, these turns in conversation are not generally a process people come to naturally. The first rule of navigation casual conversation is to go with the flow… or maybe that’s just my first rule. Regardless, if you’re fully invested in a conversation with another person, rather than distracted by what you’re going to say next or by others in the room, you’ll see and hear the moment of transition approaching. You can spot it these ways (to name just a few): - It’s that pause between sentences, or the dragging on of a conversation that should have died five sentences ago. - It’s that moment when the small talk is running out of steam— words are slowing and interest is waning. - It’s when you hear a need or desire you know you can help solve. One of the biggest fallacies… well, ever… is that you have to ‘pitch’ your product or service, which couldn’t be farther from the truth, and it’s especially awkward in the scenario above. Real sales ability is about engaging in meaningful conversations beyond what you can do for a person, what you have to sell or how they can help you. It’s about investing your time and devoting your attention fully and completely to the conversation at hand. Sometimes, the best way to sell is not to sell at all, but to establish a relationship you can revisit down the line. Simply engage in conversations that matter to you, and that allow you to demonstrate in an authentic way who you are and what you are capable of doing. Sometimes… the best way to sell is to be seen as an asset or resource for that other person. Then, when the time is right, broach a sales conversation, or better yet, they will do that for you. Too often, too many people think that the first meeting is the last opportunity to introduce the benefits of your product or service to another person, when that’s not the case, and more often than not, even appropriate. (I’m not talking about a sales appointment, but
rather those casual networking or other opportunities each of us have every day, week and month of the year.) But if your sales quota or personal disposition doesn’t allow for time or relationship building, then try this: When the moment of transition arrives in any conversation, simply share your observations about what the other person has said, or what they said they need, or what you happen to be very good at. Ask them how you can be of service to them—and mean it! Insincerity has no place in sales, because as good as you think you are at faking it, sooner or later, someone very important will notice, and will sink your credibility. So next time you’re at an event, or engaged in a conversation and hit a wall where you feel pressure to “sell” or promote your product or service, take a breath and consider any of the following as a transition:
1. Synthesize, don’t summarize. Summaries are boring and the other person already heard what they said. Synthesizing is going a step further by creating new combinations of thoughts and ideas that show you’re not only listening, but thinking too. 2. Disclosure is good. This is not to be confused with over-sharing of the too much too soon, or TMI variety, but a respectful, mutual sharing of experiences that can lead to empathy and understanding— and that level of conversation beats “So, how about those Phillies?” any day of the week. 3. Ask questions. Open ended questions yield more interesting answers—ex. “What would it take for you to feel comfortable with (fill in the blank)?” Provocative questions pique interest—ex. “What happens if you fail?” Questions about the past, present, future, feelings, conclusions, questions about the question—all are valuable and can be used effectively as transitions from social to sales conversations, or even better, when you’re truly interested in developing a relationship with the other person. Not all of these suggestions will work for everyone, but hopefully it’s a good cross section of tips and techniques to fit most needs. At least that’s my hope.
Donna Saul is a business strategist and consultant with a track record of success helping companies grow fast, increase sales and revenue, improve productivity and build a strong bottom line. ELEVATE YOUR BOTTOM LINE
donna@donnasaul.com | @donnasaul | linkedin.com/in/donnasaul | 610.889.0626
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A Baker Motivated by a Big Heart 2014 Business of the year
By Dorothy Kennedy
Whether it’s a 5-tier cake for the Jimmy Rollins Foundation or bite-sized cupcakes for a bridal shower, Maryellen Bowers, owner of Cakes & Candies by Maryellen, puts her heart and soul into every delectable dessert. In addition, she happily donates her time and talent to worthy causes large and small, whether it’s a major fundraiser for a nationally-known charity or a backyard barbecue for a child with a rare illness.
“ Every time I turn around, someone mentions how they are working with Maryellen on another charitable program. Not only does Maryellen support the Chamber and the community but her product and creativity are being recognized by news stations, magazines and even the Phillies. Maryellen has created a brand that I am proud to say is a member of our Chamber.’’ Mark Yoder GWCC President
For its outstanding achievement in the business community and ongoing dedication to the Chamber and the community-at-large, the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce (GWCC) named Cakes & Candies by Maryellen its 2014 Business of the Year. The award, given annually to a Chamber member, will be presented at a luncheon on October 15, 2014 at Penn Oaks Golf Club. GWCC President Mark Yoder focused on Bowers’ generosity, business acumen and involvement in Chamber events including 10 Grand, the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium and Old-Fashioned Christmas, in announcing her business as the award recipient. “Every time I turn around, someone mentions how they are working with Maryellen on another charitable program,” said GWCC President Mark Yoder. “Not only does Maryellen support the Chamber and the community but her product and creativity are being recognized by news stations, magazines and even the Phillies. Maryellen has created a brand that I am proud to say is a member of our Chamber.” A native of Delaware County and graduate of Marple Newtown High School, Maryellen came from a large family in which all the girls were basically raised to help out in the kitchen. She attended West Chester University in the mid-1990s, took classes in physical therapy and started catering on the side doing parties for family and friends. She eventually left school to focus on catering. By 2010, the business had grown to the point that Maryellen had to choose between catering and pastry. Cakes & Candies by Maryellen opened in March 2011 at 1332 West Chester Pike where Maryellen and five full-time employees are now busy six days-a-week making “culinary confections” for all occasions. The walls of the shop are lined with plaques and awards including Best of the Mainline by Main Line Today Magazine. Maryellen said she was “shocked” to be named the GWCC’s 2014 Business of the Year and attributed her willingness to give back to the community to her upbringing. “I was raised with a big heart,” she explained. “I want to see a smile on everyone’s face.” While she would one day love to get back to just hanging out with friends and family or traveling, something she and her husband, Michael, enjoyed doing, right now the West Goshen resident is devoting her time and energy to “doing what I can for others.”
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Need a Ride? There’s an App for That … but Should You Use It? Today’s technology presents consumers with a wide array of smartphone apps that can do almost anything. One of the latest apps gaining popularity helps people find transportation quickly and for less money than they might pay a traditional taxi cab. Simply call up a ride with apps such as Uber, Lyft or Sidecar and your ride appears within minutes ready to whisk you off to your destination. Drivers use their own cars and payment is transferred via the app as a “donation”. Drivers and passengers are connected easily with a simple swipe on their mobile device. But are you and your passengers covered in the case of an accident when using ride-sharing technology? Large cities across the country have seen an increase in private drivers operating as transportation services through smartphone applications and Pennsylvania is no exception. However, drivers need to be cautious before venturing into new Transportation Network Companies (TNC’s) services. According to Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner, Mike Consedine, consumers need to understand their personal auto insurance policies. These policies typically exclude coverage (public livery exclusion) while your vehicle is being used in a ride-sharing situation. And while some TNCs may purchase coverage for their network of drivers, this may not cover all costs or liabilities in case of an accident. If you consider driving for one of these new programs, take the following steps to protect yourself and your passengers from potential insurance coverage gaps. • Check your own auto policy and ask to see a copy of any commercial insurance policy held by the TNC to protect its drivers
By: Mark D. Sammarone
• Verify that the TNC’s commercial policy includes coverage required by law for medical benefits, bodily injury and property damage. Inquire about optional coverage for collision damage, or injuries caused by uninsured or underinsured motorists • Any coverage needed to address these gaps should include the period before, and during the times when you are designated to drive passengers • Understand which insurance policy (personal or TNC commercial) provides what coverage and when said coverage is triggered Currently, the issue of drivers and their ride-sharing companies continue to make headlines. Uber, the largest of the TNC’s, has been sparring with Lyft as to whether drivers may affiliate themselves with more than one company. In New York City, Lyft was forced to shut down for two weeks over conditions required for entering the marketplace. The state’s attorney general announced that Lyft may operate but using only already-licensed commercial drivers. While commercial drivers are plentiful in larger cities, Lyft may be forced to shut down in smaller locations where commercial drivers are not abundant. Insurance companies are also hesitating and questioning the actual use and licensing of cars and drivers who participate in ride-sharing ventures. Even though technology is moving fast and apps are fun and easy to use, the temptation to make or save a quick buck with ride-share is real, but caution should be used before partnering up for the ride.
• Contact your insurance agent, broker or company to identify potential gaps in either your own policy or the TNC’s policy
Mark D. Sammarone, CIC,CISR is Vice President and partner of Arthur Hall Insurance. Arthur Hall Insurance offers a consultative approach to assessing and managing your exposures giving you the right solutions for business, professional and personal lines. Ranked in the top 25% of independent brokers nationwide, Arthur Hall Insurance is your Advisor, Advocate, Agent for all your insurance needs.
mds@arthurhall.com | 610-696-2394 | www. arthurhall.com
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Considering the Home Office Deduction Although the Federal tax law allows deductions for ordinary and reasonable expenses, some deductions can be more challenging or challenged than others. The home office deduction falls into both of those categories. The deduction can be difficult to correctly calculate and has historically been subject to scrutiny by the IRS due to its subjective nature. For these reasons, many business owners and tax preparers have avoided the deduction.
There are three rules for claiming the deduction:
• Conduct of Business - A home office is considered the taxpayer’s primary place in which he or she conducts trade or business. A home office is where the taxpayer will meet clients, customers or patients during the normal course of business. Those who perform outside services may qualify for the deduction if the space is used to perform paperwork activities such as invoicing, ordering and paying bills.
By: Kathy Wileczek
$1,500 (based on a maximum of 300 square feet). The IRS predicts it will reduce the annual paperwork and recordkeeping burden on small businesses by roughly 1.6 million hours nationwide It is the taxpayer’s responsibility to ensure good records proving the exclusive use of the home office are maintained to substantiate the claim. Be ready to prove to the IRS that you are entitled to take the home office deduction. Here are some steps you can take to help establish your legal right to deduct home office expenses: • Photograph your home office and draw a diagram showing the location of the office in your home. Keep this information in your tax folder. • Have your business mail sent to your home. • Use your home address on your business cards and stationery and in all business ads.
• Regular Use - There’s no specific definition of what constitutes regular use. If you use an otherwise empty room only occasionally and its use is incidental to your business, you’d fail this test, but if you work in the home office a few hours or so each day, you’d probably pass.
• Get a separate phone line for the business.
• Exclusive Use - The space must be exclusively used for your business (there are exceptions depending on the type of business). You may not conduct any personal activities in the “business space.”
With improvements in technology and the increased availability of flexible work arrangements, many employees are working out of their homes on a part or full time basis. Employees who wish to claim the home office deduction must meet all the above tests and the space must be used at the convenience of the employer. If the employer provides workspace elsewhere the employee will not be able to take the deduction.
Once the business qualifies for the deduction, it is necessary to determine what costs may be deducted and how they are calculated. Direct costs are costs that are exclusive to the space used. If the cost only exists because the business is in the home, that is a direct cost. Indirect costs for home office business deductions are based on the percentage of the home used for the business. Take the time to look at all expenses related to the home’s expenses and how they affect the operation of the business. Beginning in 2013, the IRS approved a simplified method for taking the home office deduction. Instead of going through the home office calculations and keeping receipts to support your tax return, the simplified home office rules will let you simply claim $5 per square foot of your home office, with a maximum write-off of
• Have clients or customers visit your home office - and keep a log of those visits. • Keep track of the time you spend working at home.
As a general rule, you should never shy away from taking a deduction you are legally entitled to claim. This holds true when it comes to the home office deduction. However, the home office deduction is highly scrutinized by the IRS. It is essential that you fully understand the rules and keep meticulous records of all claimed expenses. If you think you qualify for a home office deduction, it is best to consult your accountant regarding eligibility and the best way to identify and track qualified expenses.
Kathy Wileczek, CPA is a principal in the West Chester office of Maille LLP (formerly Maillie Falconiero & Company, LLP). Maille LLP offers broad accounting capabilities to track, analyze and manage every financial aspect of your business, agency or organization.
kwileczek@mallie.com | 610-696-4353 | www.maillie.com
11 | Chamber Chatter NEWS
The Five Ps of Effective Leadership for Business Owners Many business owners I work with are struggling to move their company forward. Often, they don’t know where to begin or where to focus their attention. I advise them to start with five simple areas, what I call the five “Ps” of business leadership. Each of these falls squarely on the shoulders of the owner, and focusing on them provides a manageable framework for helping you move toward your vision.
Passion
By: Spencer Deane
what success looks like, and ensure that the right things are being done to achieve it. As a business owner, you must provide focus on the right things, keep score, improve the team, take corrective action and correlate those efforts with improved performance. Business is all about results, and you cannot delegate the ultimate responsibility for achieving them.
Planning
Leadership starts with passion. If you aren’t absolutely and totally committed to achieving whatever your goal may be, then you can’t expect that your people will be either. Your job as a leader is to define and communicate that passion, and to make it a critical part of your organization’s culture. Without passion, you’re simply going through the motions, and you can expect your people to do the same. Passion is the catalyst for creating an environment in which ordinary people come to expect and learn to deliver extraordinary results.
A friend of mine likes to say that business presents a “target-rich environment.” If you shoot at every potential target, you’ll quickly deplete your ammunition and inevitably hit very few. To avoid this trap you must plan, and to plan effectively you’ll need a clear vision, a defined process, and regular recalibration against your critical priorities. At TAB we use the Strategic Business Leadership® process to chart a course, communicate goals and measure progress. Absent a consistent and effective planning process, it’s simply not reasonable to expect your company to achieve its potential.
People
Perseverance
Performance
Success usually doesn’t happen by accident. Use the Five Ps of Business Leadership to take the reins of your company and drive it the direction you want it to go.
Chances are you will need to leverage other people to help you achieve your business goals. But it’s important to have realistic expectations about what you can and should expect from one another. Most people thrive and over-achieve when they’re led properly, and most hunger for the success that comes from being part of an effective and cohesive team. Your people want to win, but you can rest assured that they look to you to show them how to do that. Your job as a leader is to pull those people through very predictable obstacles of existing organizational culture and resistance to change. As the business owner, you are the only person with the power and credibility to make this happen.
As a leader, you must prepare for setbacks – and for pushing past them. You should expect disappointing short-term outcomes. You can count on people making mistakes, and they may even lose sight of your ultimate goals. The challenges will be both internal and external, and they will appear without warning or obvious strategies for overcoming them. When this happens, success can depend on your ability to pull your company forward. It is then that you must refuse to accept failure or mediocrity. No one will press forward without you. You must lead from the front.
If you are not driving toward clearly articulated performance goals for which your team is accountable, you are simply hoping things work out. A leader must consistently identify and communicate
Spencer Deane is a Partner at The Alternative Board (TAB) – PA & Ohio Valley. TAB is an exclusive, membership-based organization that helps business owners achieve more – more profitability, productivity, and personal fulfillment. TAB brings together owners of privately held businesses to overcome challenges and seize new opportunities with a combination of peer advisory board settings and one-to-one business coaching sessions.
sdeane@tabpaohvalley.com | 610.517.0798 | www.tabpaohvalley.com
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What You Should Know About Saving and Investing The difference between savings and investing is simple! If you need it soon, save it! If you don’t you may want to consider an investment. So what is soon? Well there is no perfect answer to that. But as a guideline, if you need it in 5 years or less, it should be saved. If you don’t need it for 5-10 years or more, consider investing.
What is Savings? When you put money into savings, your first priority should be preserving the money! Your savings is short-term by nature. You want to put your money in places that are:
By: Daniel R. Zajac
What is Investing? Investing is used to help build wealth. Investing is long term. Investing exposes you to market volatility. When you invest in the market, you are assuming risk that the investment can go down in value. For that risk, you expect that you will earn a higher rate of interest. If all goes well, the rate of interest you earn may exceed that of the bank, inflation, and other similar investments. Investing is often appropriate after you have adequate savings. If you invest and lose money, you have sufficient savings to cover your needs. This should allow your investments to stay invested and hopefully recover any loss (and more!)
1. Easily accessible – you can get to it right away.
But say it out loud—INVESTMENTS TAKE TIME—No guarantees.
2. Guaranteed – not to lose money.
What do we invest for? We invest for a lot of things. Some more common than others. We invest for retirement, college, investing for investing.
3. Liquid – no penalties or surrender charges. Said another way, put it in the bank. BORING. I know! Considering you need this money safe, liquid, and accessible, you need to understand you will not be earning much interest. Low risk = low reward. But that’s OK. That’s what a savings account should be: a place where you don’t lose money.
What do we save for? Depending on our likes, interests, families, jobs, etc… our purpose for saving could be a lot of different things. I encourage my clients to save enough to have an emergency fund. Next, think things like a house, a car, or a vacation. Whatever it is, having adequate savings is critically important to the process. Consider savings the base of the financial planning pyramid.
What do investments look like? Your investment risk tolerance, your time horizon, your financial situation, and other factors will all play into how your investments will “look.” Some of the more common investment options include stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETF’s. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) noted and may or may not represent the views of Capital Analysts, Inc. or Lincoln Investment. The material presented is provided for informational purposes only. Nothing contained herein should be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell any securities. As with all investments, past performance is no guarantee of future results. No person or system can predict the market. All investments are subject to risk, including the risk of principal loss. Advisory services offered through Capital Analysts, Inc. 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 senior advisor with Simone Zajac Wealth Management Group. You can learn more about Daniel and read his thoughts on financial planning on his blog “Finance & Flip Flops.”
daniel@simonezajac.com | 610.363.1344 | www.simonezajac.com
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Join Us For A Day of Learning, Laughter, and Local Camaraderie Fellow Chamber member Stratus Interactive, the marketing agency responsible for our beautiful new website design—as well as our brand new app ThinkShopBuy…LOCAL—is hosting an event you won’t want to miss. On September 26, Stratus will be opening their doors at 144 East Market Street for a day of networking, marketing buzz, West Chester’s own Boxcar beer and contests for things like free advertising on the new app!
C hoose from 3 con v enient sessions : Breakfast Beermosas – 7:30-9:00am (yes you read that correctly...Beermosas) Liquid Lunch – 12:00-1:30pm (don’t worry, we’ll supply the grub as well!) Hoppy Hour – 3:30-5:00pm (get it...Hoppy Hour??) As a Chamber member themselves, Stratus understands and shares the needs of local businesses and is excited to share valuable information that can help your company or organization grow and exceed goals:
Finally, tie a string around your pinky or set a reminder on your smartphone, but don’t forget to enter our two exclusive contests:
The ThinkShopBuy...LOCAL contest to win FREE mobile app advertising The Chamber’s Success Story contest, where every business wins! Stop by for an opportunity to learn about a new and authentic way to connect with your current and prospective customers and clients and—did we mention there will be a lot of free beer? We can’t wait to see you there!
Date: September 26, 2014 Location: 144 East Market Street West Chester, PA 19382 Contact Bethany Kopp for more information or to RSVP! 610-696-4046
• Learn how you can attract more customers and close more leads with Inbound Marketing • Download the NEW ThinkShopBuy…LOCAL app and find out how your business can get involved • Discover how to promote the new app to maximize new business opportunities and attention from the Greater West Chester community
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September Events Calendar Thursday, September 4
Wednesday, September 24
Membership Breakfast
Women’s Executive Round Table
State Legislative Forum
Featuring Senator Dominic Pileggi (Senate Leader), Senator Andrew Dinniman and Representative Dan Truitt.
Thursday, September 4
What Every Woman Should Know About Personal & Business Investing with Marjorie Went – Trinity Wealth Management & Denise Wine – Connelly Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors Sponsored by
Wednesday, September 24
Concord Country Club 1601 Wilmington Pike West Chester, PA 19382 7:45am – 9:00am
Pietro’s Prime | 125 W. Market Street, West Chester 5:30pm – 8:00pm
$20 for members | $30 for non-members RSVP is required
$55 for members | Limited spots available RSVP is required
Thursday, September 25
Friday, September 26
Coffee Connection
Stratus Day
Dave’s Automotive & Repair Enterprises DARE_ad_chamber_011714.pdf
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Networking, marketing buzz,
beer, and contests
Family Owned Since 1976
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Thursday, September 25
Friday, September 26
301 S. Bolmar Street, West Chester 7:45am – 9:00am
144 E. Market St., West Chester, PA 19382 7:30am – 5:00pm
Free for members | $10 for non-members 610-696-7153 RSVP is appreciated dareauto.com
See page 21 for details
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Our Services Include: PA State & Emissions Inspection • Heating & Air Conditioning • Brakes & Tune-Ups Alignments • Oil, Lube & Filter Changes • Preventative Maintenance • Tire Services Foreign & Domestic Cars • Same Day Service Local Shuttle Service • Belts & Hoses
15 | Chamber Chatter NEWS
301 S. Bolmar Street, West Chester, PA 19382
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October Events Calendar Thursday, October 9
Tuesday, October 14
Business Card Exchange
The Exchange – Co-ed Roundtable
Solana Willistown
Strategic Planning with Kevin Finn, Founder/Owner – Iron Hill Brewery Sponsored by
Thursday, October 9
Tuesday, October 14
Solana Willistown 1713 West Chester Pike, Willistown 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Iron Hill Restaurant and Brewery 3 W. Gay Street, West Chester 5:30pm – 8:00pm
Free for members | $10 for non-members RSVP is appreciated
$55 for members | Limited spots available RSVP is required
Wednesday, October 15
Thursday, October 23
Membership Luncheon Business & Volunteer of the Year Luncheon
Coffee Connection
Baxter Properties / Harrison Hill Apartments
2013 Biz of the Year Cakes and Candies by Maryellen 2013 Volunteer(s) of the Year GWCC Education Committee
Wednesday, October 15
Thursday, October 23
Penn Oaks Golf Club 11:30am – 1:30pm
1015 Andrew Drive, West Chester 7:45am – 9:00am
$45 for members | $55 for non-members RSVP is required | Sponsorship opportunities available
Free for members | $10 for non-members RSVP is appreciated
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Our Services Include: PA State & Emissions Inspection • Heating & Air Conditioning • Brakes & Tune-Ups Alignments • Oil, Lube & Filter Changes • Preventative Maintenance • Tire Services Foreign & Domestic Cars • Same Day Service Local Shuttle Service • Belts & Hoses
301 S. Bolmar Street, West Chester, PA 19382 8:30-5:30 Monday-Friday • 8:30-4:00 Saturday 17 | Chamber Chatter NEWS
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® Financial Advisor .
105 South High Street West Chester, PA 19382 610-430-1320
Eric S Smith, CFP®, AAMS®
Randall S Evans, AAMS®
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Financial Advisor
Financial Advisor
704 West Nields Street Suite G West Chester, PA 19382 610-436-4101
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1339 West Chester Pike West Chester, PA 19382 610-399-5185
Brad Abel
Financial Advisor .
105 South High Street West Chester, PA 19382 610-430-1320
MKT-8275-A-AD © 2013 EDWARD JONES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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True value is more than sentimental.
Advisor. Advocate. Agent. www.arthurhall.com
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of Coeur d’Alene Idaho
A crowd pleasing favorite dance/ drill team joins the Old Fashioned Christmas Parade
The Blazen Divaz have been invited to entertain both locally and abroad, the synergy created by this awesome group of 50+ aged moms, grandmas and great grandmas combined with the latest in high tech sound and lighting, promises to dazzle. Combining the talents of seasoned dancers, a dedicated costume team, and the experienced technical talents of the “Diva Dudes”, this group is ready to Rock your parade events and celebrations with their winning combination of joy and enthusiasm. Dancing to the beats of current and vintage classic tunes, these seasoned veterans of events that include both national and international performances will share their fun and bring smiles to the happy faces of old and young alike. Formed in 2010, the Blazen Divaz maintains a very active and demanding parade; stage performance; and community service schedule throughout the year. They are all especially excited to travel to historic West Chester, Pennsylvania to perform in the West Chester Old Fashioned Christmas Parade.
GWCC’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) status renewed for 2014 - 2015 We are pleased to announce that the Chamber of Commerce of Greater West Chester Education Foundation is once again eligible to receive support as an approved scholarship organization through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. Why send it to the IRS? Invest in your community! The EITC program enables Pennsylvania-based businesses to receive generous tax credits by contributing to qualified organizations. This is the seventh consecutive year that GWCC has been awarded EITC eligibility. It’s easy for your business to benefit! EITC contributions enable the Chamber to distribute your company’s donation directly to several deserving schools in the greater West Chester area. Each year we celebrate our contributing businesses and recipient schools at our annual Education Foundation luncheon in May. Please contact Dave Fairman in the Chamber office for more information. 610.696.4046
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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 #177
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