Chamber Chatter January/February 2020

2020 JAN/FEB

Chatter the Chamber

THE MEMBER NEWS & INFORMATION RESOURCE

PROVIDING ADVOCACY, RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES

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• CHAMBER CHATTER

The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce John Serock Catering as the 2019 Business of the Year. The event caterer, led by founder John Serock, has shown a great impact and tremendous dedication to the greater West Chester region, and their generosity and entrepreneurial spirit will greatly benefit West Chester and the surrounding community for years to come.

John Serock always wanted to work; he had his first paper route at nine years old, and he began mowing lawns at the age of ten, passing out flyers to find more work. His first foray into cooking began at the age of 11, under the watchful eyes of his mother and grandmother. It began as a family affair, working alongside his mother, grandmother, uncles, and cousins at a sports bar with a banquet hall. In his eighth grade yearbook, he stated he already knew he wanted to be a chef, and by the age of 15, Serock took his first job cooking outside of the family at a restaurant down the shore called Andre’s.

Initially, he lied about his age and cooking experience to take the job – and he was found out pretty quickly.

“I’d just assumed that because I’d been working around food that I had experience,” Serock said of the experience. “I walked into the restaurant, was trained

2019 Business of the Year Local Caterer Gives Back to His Community

for two days, and on the third day one of the owners walked in, and he could just tell I had no idea what I was doing. He asked, ‘You’ve never done this before, have you?’ and I said, ‘No, but I really want to learn’. I ended up spending close to ten years on and off at Andre’s.”

After graduating high school, Serock attended culinary school at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, where he graduated with an associate’s degree in Culinary Arts and a bachelor’s degree in food service management.

His junior year, Serock became a teacher’s assistant on scholarship, where he was paid to work in universityrun hotel and restaurant kitchens while supervising other culinary students.

“Here I am at twenty years old, and I’m told ‘here are 15 18-year-olds, teach

them how to cook, and oh by the way you have 300 people sitting down for a gourmet lunch and a chef is going to watch you handle it all,’” said Serock.

“It was nerve-wracking, but I thought that set me up probably more than anything for life after school.”

After graduating culinary school, Serock began working at both a chain restaurant and a caterer. In May of 2000, he was approached by a friend to cater an event for his girlfriend’s father, and the rest is history. What was once a one-man show for three years is now a thriving business with over 120 fulland part-time employees with jobs spanning from Lancaster to Center City “There were opportunities where we could’ve grown more quickly, but I don’t think we would’ve had the same product,” said Serock.

“It wasn’t worth it to pump up my wallet or my ego.”

Serock first moved his business from Malvern to West Chester in 2012 after reaching out to Chuck Swope, broker of record and chairman at Swope Lees Commercial Real Estate, LLC. “Swope introduced me to some people involved in the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, and we realized we could buy the space instead of renting it, but we had national banks running us through the ringer. Swope reached out to one of the local banks, who I later learned is also a Chamber member, and within two hours we were approved.”

Once Serock moved his business to West Chester, Swope convinced him to join the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.

“I joined the Chamber,

and dedication is an understatement,” said Serock.

“Chamber members are so loyal, and the people always look out for each other and recommend each other. I always wanted to be part of a community like that. Everybody has that Chamber success story, and we are living it every single day. They are the best cheerleader for West Chester businesses.”

After experiencing the support and dedication of the community, Serock moved his family to West Chester in 2014, where he is now devoted to giving back to the community that helped him.

“Charity begins at home,” Serock says. “We can make a bigger impact when we’re putting our energy right here. We’re supporting communities already, but it is so great to support the community you actually live in.”

january/february

2020

In 2020, Serock looks forward to the opening of Loch Aerie Mansion, located on route 30 in Malvern, set to open this spring. The mansion is currently being renovated to be a wedding venue with an almost 5,000 square-foot ballroom. John Serock Catering will be the exclusive caterer at the venue. This year also marks 20 years in business as John Serock Catering, as well as a 13-year marriage to his wife, Amanda, with whom he has two children, Parker, 10, and Peyton, 8.

“To be recognized among all these businesses means a lot,” Serock said of winning the 2019 Business of the Year Award. “I’ve got a great team behind me, and we’ve been fortunate enough to win a lot of awards over the last couple years. I’m really proud to live in a community of businesses that all support each other, and I love the competition because it keeps you on your game. As I always tell my staff, you’re only as good as your last event.”

When asked what he enjoys most about catering, Serock replied, “Being able to share food is a gift. It’s not easy. Everybody wants to be a celebrity chef. As a caterer, you don’t get that notoriety, but you love seeing people’s faces, smiling, taking their first bite, passing food to each other, and it’s really great to get that reaction out of people.”

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CHAMBER CHATTER • 3

2020

2019 Outstanding Citizen Brings Knowledge, Energy and Enthusiasm

By Dorothy Kennedy

The Hon. Carolyn T. Comitta The Hon. Carolyn T. Comitta already had a deep understanding of public policy and governance when she arrived in Harrisburg in 2017 to begin serving as State Representative for the 156th Legislative District. Carolyn continues to draw on that knowledge, gleaned from decades of participation in local, state, and national and international organizations, to benefit members of her District, which includes East Goshen, Birmingham, Thornbury, Westtown, East Bradford and parts of West Goshen Townships.

For her ongoing commitment to the community, the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce (GWCC) is proud to name the Hon. Carolyn T. Comitta its 2019 Outstanding Citizen of the Year. The award, given annually since 1948, will be presented during the Chamber’s Annual Banquet, sponsored

by Arthur Hall Insurance, held Thursday, February 6, at 5:30 PM at the Desmond Hotel & Conference Center, Malvern.

“Carolyn Comitta is, in a word, phenomenal,” said Mark Yoder, president and CEO of GWCC. “Her knowledge, energy, and enthusiasm are astounding.

She is always ready to roll up her sleeves and pitch in to help, no matter what the job. Members of the West

Chester community are fortunate to have her representing them in Harrisburg. The Chamber is truly honored to name her its 2019 Outstanding Citizen of the Year.”

A native of Buffalo, NY, Comitta moved to West Chester with her family in 1955 when her father, Paul Turner, then an independent contractor/mechanical engineer, was transferred by Dupont. She quickly took root in West Chester and Downingtown. She graduated from Downingtown High School in 1970 and earned a B.S. in Education from West Chester State College, now West Chester University (WCU) in 1974. In 1989, she received her M. S. in Education from Widener University. She continues to serve as a mentor to students, and since 1992, she has organized the attendance of over 2,500 local students at the annual Health and Environment Conference at the United Nations.

“I have been a public servant all my adult life: teacher, Girl Scout leader, PTO president, volunteer with non-profit educational NGO at the United Nations, mayor of West Chester, Borough Council member, and state representative,” she said. “I love every opportunity to serve. Best of all are the wonderful people I meet and work with to improve our communities.”

When she learned of the award, Comitta said she was “humbled and honored to be named the Chamber’s Citizen of the Year. It is a joy and a privilege to be an (almost) lifetime citizen of our very generous and talented community of West Chester.”

After serving on West Chester Borough Council (2006 – 2010), Comitta was elected Mayor of West Chester for two terms (2010 – 2017). She was the first woman elected mayor and the first candidate to win both the Republican and Democratic primaries.

She also lends her many talents to a host of county, state, and national and international organizations.

In addition to her public service, Comitta is vice president and chief financial officer of Thomas Comitta Associates, Inc. (TCA, Inc.), the town planning and landscape architecture firm founded by her husband, Tom Comitta. At TCH, Inc. Carolyn works to provide experienced leadership based on a strong commitment to the planning and design field, environmental sustainability, education, and public health.

She serves on the following PA House of Representatives Committees: Aging & Older Adult Services, Environmental Resources & Energy, and Appropriations.

Carolyn has also been appointed to the PA Joint Legislative Air & Water Pollution Control & Conservation Committee. She was appointed by Gov. Tom Wolf to serve on the Pennsylvania Commission for Women.

As vice chair of the Pennsylvania Climate Caucus, the long-term environmental champion joins with representatives from around the state to urge Gov. Tom Wolf to act forcefully on climate, as families and communities in the commonwealth experience the increasingly harmful impacts of global warming.

Carolyn is committed to common-sense gun violence prevention, combating the drug epidemic and making sure schools receive their fair share of funding.

Among the select projects she has participated in are the UN Conference on Human Settlements, Istanbul, 1996; the UN Conference on Population and Development, Cairo, 1994; and the Health & Environment Conference, United Nations Conference Organizer/Student Facilitator, 1992 – present.

In addition to being a member of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, she enjoys participating in a host of organizations including: the Rotary Club of West Chester; the League of Women Voters; the American Association of University Women; and serving on the West Chester Film Festival Advisory Board.

She has received many awards including: West Chester Henderson High School’s Black Student Union Dr. John H. Hewlett Award for Community Service, 2017; Chester County March of Dimes, Women of Achievement Award, 2015; and West Chester University, Distinguished Alumni Award, 2011.

In her spare time she enjoys reading, writing, dancing, gardening and all things outdoors, including walking, hiking, mountain climbing, kayaking and canoeing. In her late 20s, the ever-fearless adventurer rappelled in the Cascade Mountains in Washington state as part of an Outward Bound (OB) expedition. More recently, she rappelled down a Philadelphia skyscraper as part of the PHL OB “Building Adventure” program to raise funds for need-based scholarships for young people to attend PHL’s OB programs.

Carolyn and Tom have been married for 36 years.

They have a son, Tom IV, daughter-in-law, Medaya; and a daughter, Anne, son-in-law, Gary, granddaughter, Lia, age 14 months.

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• CHAMBER CHATTER

january/february

Service Award Recipient Celebrates the Arts and the Community

2020

By Dorothy Kennedy

“Live entertainment is meant to be shared with friends, family, neighbors, and like-minded strangers.” The statement aptly describes one of the organization’s strategic goals: serving as the civic and cultural hub for the region.

What was once a National Guard armory dating back to 1916 is now a cultural nexus right in the heart of Chester County. After the troops were moved to another facility in 2013, state legislature allowed Uptown! Entertainment Alliance to transform the space into a 10,900 square-foot theater.

However, the space itself looked like a war zone and required updating and rehabilitation to meet the vision the alliance had in mind. Uptown! Entertainment Alliance purchased the space for close to $800,000, which would not cover the cost of restoring the building. Through state grants championed by local senator Andy Dinniman, as well as generous donations and private fundraising, over $4 million was raised to renovate and repurpose the building to what is now known as Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center.

Founded by Tom McEvoy and his wife Connie, Uptown!

Knauer Performing Arts Center (Uptown!) currently houses three performance venues, including the 327-seat Bravo Mainstage Theater and the 124-seat Univest Room. The venue also offers state-of-theart sound and light systems.

Given the varied mix of spaces, Uptown! can accommodate social gatherings, meetings, and training sessions. Conveniently located in historic downtown West Chester, close to parking, it’s the perfect setting for a wide variety of events.

Since opening its doors in

December 2016, Uptown! has become a special gathering place in the West Chester community and the region, reflecting the area’s demographic and cultural diversity. The opening was a transformational moment for West Chester; the creation of a cultural hub right in the downtown historic district, walking distance from local neighborhoods and schools, as well as restaurants and shopping, makes the theater – and downtown West Chester – a prime destination for individuals and families from across the region.

It is the cultural cornerstone of the community.

For its exemplary community service and its positive impact on the West Chester community and the region, the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce (GWCC) is proud to name Uptown! its 2019 Mosteller Community Service Award recipient. The award, given annually since 1968, will be presented during the Chamber’s annual banquet on February 6, at 5:30pm at the Desmond Hotel & Conference Center in Malvern.

“It’s wonderful to see how, in just a few years, Uptown! has become the premier place for world class performing arts in West Chester and the region,”

highest caliber team of board speakers, as well as award-win- families to engage in film and members, committee members, ning performing arts educalectures as well as music, art, and staff, including current tion classes, and workshops drama, and live performance. All executive director, Catherine for children and adults. West programs are designed to convey Friedman, and President Holly Chester Studio for the Perform- an inviting ambiance where parBrown. At present, with fewer ing Arts is the theater school for ticipants feel accepted and part than 10 staff members, the adults and students from pre-K of an inclusive, inviting comorganization relies heavily on through 12th grade. The teach- munity. In addition, Uptown! is volunteers to help before, dur- ers are talented professionals expanding resident companies ing, and after performances. with exceptional teaching skills by acting as a regional resource A non-profit arts organiza- who foster a relaxed, nurturing and developing a supportive tion, Uptown! strives to serve environment on stage at the volunteer component. as the civic and cultural hub class performances and shows.

To achieve its mission of for the region, ensuring artistic Uptown! also hosts people uniting the arts with the comexcellence, diverse programcoming into the theater for events munity, Uptown! is dedicated ming, and sustainability. held by groups that rent space, to serving children, families, said Mark Yoder, GWCC Through its programming and including the Chester County and members of the commupresident and CEO. “We are outreach, the theater reflects Community Foundation, the nity who are facing economic honored to recognize Uptown! the demographic and cultural Chester County Hospital, and hardship. A limited number as the 2019 Mosteller Commu- diversity of the region. the Brandywine River Museum. of scholarships are available nity Service Award recipient.”

Uptown! offers BroadwayUptown! has become the for West Chester Studio “Uptown! is an of the people, style theater, opera, jazz, com- center for the arts through its participants thanks to the by the people and for the people edy, classical and contemporary high level of programming op- generous support of donors kind of place,” said Catherine music, film, and renowned portunities for individuals and and foundations.

Friedman, executive director of Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center. “Thankfully West The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce Chester and the community and its Board of Directors cordially invite you to the at large have welcomed us and supported, attending shows, taking classes, making memories— which is so exciting that, in an era of high-tech everything, our community continSponsored by ues to embrace high quality, live entertainment together.”

Thursday, February 6, 2019 According to its mission, The Desmond Hotel | Cocktails 5:30pm - Dinner 6:45pm Uptown! Entertainment Alliance operates the Uptown!

Honoring Knauer Performing Arts Center 2019 Business of the Year 2019 Citizen of the Year as a home for live performance, John Serock Catering Carolyn Comitta film, education, and the life of the community.

2019 Community Service Award Recipient The culture is all about inUptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center novation; community engagement and partnerships; program excellence; and supporting a high-performing and satisfied Community Service Award Sponsor staff team. The organization Junior Citizen of the Year Sponsor plans and executes for the long Business of the Year Sponsor term keeping things simple and A dditionAl SponSorShip opportunitieS AvAilAble . transparent, connecting everything to the local community.

For tickets and more information, visit GreaterWestChester.com In keeping with its mission, Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, 137 N. High Street, West Chester, PA 19380 Uptown! seeks to attract the 610-696-4046 | info@gwcc.org

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CHAMBER CHATTER • 5

2020

THE SINGLE PAYER HEALTHCARE SYSTEM As we ramp up for another presidential election cycle, you may hear the phrase “single payer healthcare system” or “Medicare for all” spoken by some of the candidates. But just what is this type of system?

Basically, a single payer healthcare system is a model whereby the government of a country provides access to essential care to all citizens during their lifetime. Many Americans are aware that Canada has such a system in place, but so does Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia, Norway, Denmark and Sweden. Funded by taxes, the systems generally achieve their similar goals in a unique way.

Single Payer Systems do not necessarily cover all a person’s medical needs. Depending on how the system is structured, non-covered costs may include deductibles, copays, limits, restrictions and even exclusion of certain services. Coverage for services like dental and vision care, as an example, may be excluded.

Many people debate the advantages and disadvantages of a single payer system. Those who are against the system refer to long waits for access to care in countries that have such a system in place,

the additional taxes to pay for the system, the inefficiencies of governmental oversight, among other things. Those who are for the system speak of the savings that arise from a single, large entity (the government) negotiating fees with providers, the portability of coverage, lower administrative costs and the large-scale discounts of things like prescription drugs. But to properly entertain a discussion of the pros and cons of such a system would require knowledge of specific details of the system, which few candidates have yet to reveal.

Providing all citizens access to medical care is a great concept, but whether a single payer healthcare system is the method to achieve this objective will continue to be debated in the next several years. As new developments occur in health care and potential reform, the experts at My Benefit Advisor (MBA) are here to guide you through any potential requirements and ways to save on your premium.

The MBA program is available to all members of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, for more information visit MBA online at gwcc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Christopher Sloane at (610) 537-1429.

Investing is about more than money.

CHAMBER STAFF

At Edward Jones, we stop to ask you the question: “What’s important to you?” Without that insight and a real understanding of your goals, investing holds little meaning.

Mark Yoder, President & CEO Dave Fairman, Director of Membership Lisa Leone, Events & Operations Specialist Dani Anderson, Marketing & Communications Specialist

Contact your Edward Jones financial advisor for a one-on-one appointment to discuss what’s really important: your goals.

CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mark Sammarone, Chairman

Eric Fort

Mark Thompson

Lauren Blake

Matt Shea

Lamb McErlane PC – Attorneys at Law

Arthur Hall Insurance

Miles Financial Management, Inc.

West Chester Dental Arts West Chester University

Jeff Kitchen, AAMS®

Brendan Murphy, AAMS® Brad Abel

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

Financial Advisor 704 West Nields Street, 206 West Miner StreetSuite G 105 SouthPA High Street West Chester, 19382 West Chester, PA 19382 West Chester, PA 19382 610-436-4101 610-696-0210

Financial Advisor Patti Campbell

Matt Holliday

Leigh Timberman

Randy Christy

Michael G. Louis

Marjorie Wentz

Christy Enoches Cosgrove

Arlene McGranaghan

Rebecca Worthington

Jack Enright

Sara Missett

DNB First

La Difference Salon & Day Spa

Fred Beans Ford Lincoln of West Chester

Jackie Felicetti Chester County Hospital

Chester County Bar Association MacElree Harvey, Ltd.

Daily Local News/Ad Taxi

Infiniti of West Chester

Trinity Wealth Management, LLC

Financial Advisor

West Chester Area School District

Financial Advisor West Nields Street,

Kevin Rothwell

704 Suite G 105 SouthPA High Street West Chester, 19382 West Chester, PA 19382 610-436-4101 .

Rothwell Document Solutions

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

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610-430-1320

Eric S. Smith, CFP®, AAMS®

Benchmark Federal Credit Union

MKD-8652A-A

YMCA of Greater Brandywine Valley

Financial Advisor Financial Advisor

610-430-1320

www.edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

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• CHAMBER CHATTER

january/february

2020

The Chamber Welcomes NEW MEMBERS Be Balanced of West Chester www.BeBalancedCenters.com Nutrition & Weight Loss

Bellingham Retirement Living www.SeniorLifestyle.com Retirement Communities

Bryn Mawr Running Company West Chester www.BrynMawrRunningCo.com/west-chester Retail

Gryphon Café West Chester

Sprioc, LLC

www.gryphoncoffee.com Restaurant/Cafe

www.sprioc.net Human Resources

Janney Montgomery Scott / Mike Reynolds

Sprout Music Collective

https://advisor.janney.com/wcwealthadvisors/ Financial Services

www.sproutmusic.org Music

Keller Williams / Kimberly Stewart-Seaman

SRI Security & Audio / Video

www.KimSeaman.com Real Estate

www.structuredresources.com Electronic Retailer

www.chemtech-us.com Manufacturers’ Representative

www.lab-graphics.com Signs

LAB Graphics

Stumpy’s Hatchet House

Colley, Ink.

LAVAZZA Professional

Sycamore International, Inc.

Edward Jones Investments / Joe Kincinski, Jr.

P.S. Strategic Marketing Consultants, Inc.

The United Methodist Church of West Chester

Five Star Home Foods

Paradigm Insurance Agency

To Love a Canine Rescue, Inc.

FPA Wealth Management

Revelations Video, LLC

West Chester Chiropractic Center

Chemtech International

www.colleyink.com Marketing/Public Relations www.edwardjones.com/joe-kincinski Financial Services www.FiveStarHomeFoods.com Food Services www.fpawealthmgmt.com Financial Services

www.LavazzaPro.com Manufacturing

www.stumpyswc.com Entertainment

www.SycamoreInternational.com Computer Services

www.PSMarketingStrategy.com Marketing/Public Relations www.pfgiusa.com Insurance

www.revelationsvideo.com Video/Audio Production

www.umcwc.org Churches

www.TLCRescuePA.com Pet Services or Retail

www.ChiropracticWestChesterPA.com Chiropractor

Chamber Membership ANNIVERSARIES Please help us congratulate these businesses celebrating milestone anniversaries who renewed their membership with the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.

30 Years

ACAC Fitness & Wellness Center William S. Malany & Sons, Inc. Stalnaker Control Systems Robert S. Supplee Westtown Dental Associates

25 Years

20 Years

Tom Mohr Law Office, P.C.

15 Years Meridian Bank

West Chester Public Library

Discover What the Chamber Can Do for You.

10 Years

SpeedPro Imaging Cobblestone Realty, Ltd.

5 Years

Cutanea Life Sciences Trust Point Payroll RE/MAX Direct – D. Robins Sandler Training

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

january/february

CHAMBER CHATTER • 7

2020

HIT A HOMERUN

with Benchmark’s VISA® Platinum Triple riple Play! lay!

2020 1940 Proudly Serving

ster County, PA Che

Contact us at (610) 429-1600 or visit our web site (www.benchmarkfcu.org) to apply!

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rate subject to change & based on individual’s credit history. 0% Intro Rate is valid for purchases & balance transfer from other institutions within 90 days from card opening. The 0% rate will be in effect for 12 months from first qualifying transaction within the 90 day period & after 12 months the rate on all unpaid balances will convert to the rate member qualified for at card opening. Triple Play Promotion is only valid on new VISA® Platinum Cards & subject to expire without prior notice.

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• CHAMBER CHATTER

january/february

2020

Christmas Cheer Abound at 40th Annual QVC West Chester Christmas Parade The 40th Annual QVC West Chester Christmas Parade, which took place this past Friday, December 6, 2019, heralded in the holiday season with fun and flare to be remembered for years to come.

Hosted by the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, the parade delivered a seasonal mix of traditional elements with a modern twist – local schools, businesses, volunteer fire companies, and other service organizations joined the scores of marching bands, floats, and performance groups, cementing themselves as mainstays at the QVC West Chester Christmas Parade experience.

Prior to parade kick-off, attendees took the chance to donate to the second annual Fill The Stocking campaign, where volunteers collected donations benefitting West Chester’s local first responders. Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce collected over $3,000 for local police, EMTs, and firefighters.

During the parade, organized by Under the Sun Production, QVC’s Dan Hughes and Carolyn Gracie and 6abc’s Adam Joseph introduced speakers, entertainers, and marching bands for the crowd. Easton Area High School band took home the Grand Champion title and $1,200 at the band competition, Sponsor and vendor tents lined High Street co-sponsored by La Difference Salon & Day Spa and CTDI, based on their music execuduring the Key Financial Holiday Village, tion and general effect, marching style and packed with free photo opportunities like the Giant Inflatable Snow Globe provided by presentation, and the use of color in their ServPro of West Chester, the Berenstain Bears performance. provided by Franklin Mint Federal Credit Approximately 40,000 people attended Union, and a Giant Frosty Chair provided this year’s parade, bringing booming business

by My Benefit Advisor. Children lined up to to many local businesses and organizations race BERG Toys’ pedal-carts and jump on throughout downtown West Chester. their Champion Trampoline, and 95.7BenFM “While we love throwing West Chester perfected the holiday feel with their classic this big Christmas parade every year, it really holiday tunes. is about getting more people in to see West

The QVC West Chester Christmas Parade was brought to you by the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. For those who attended the parade, we hope that the event added a little extra cheer to your holiday season. The West Chester Christmas weekend of activities relied immensely on the efforts and support of local businesses. Thank them by shopping local now and forever. Special thanks to the hundreds of volunteers, residents, area businesses, sponsors, supporters, Emergency Medical Services, Borough of West Chester organizations (Public Works, West Chester Borough Police Department and Parking Authority) and West Chester Fire Police, without whom the events of the weekend wouldn’t be possible. Generous thanks to the Parade Producer, Under the Sun Productions, Inc. and their amazing staff including West Chester Christmas Parade Committee Volunteers Todd Marcocci & Amy Walp, Parade Directors.

The US Air Force Jingle Elf Run began around 6:30 p.m. and saw hundreds of participants race the parade route dressed in their best holiday and elf costumes. Franky Scandle, Rowan Shigeno, and Elisha Stigora placed first, second, and third respectively for the two-mile run. Jason Shoemaker, Samantha Shoemaker, and Brittany Beatty placed first, second, and third respectively for the one-mile walk. Turner Vosburgh, Alyssa Nichter, and AJ Marzzacco took home first, second, and third respectively for the kids’ one-mile race, and Maxwell Wawrzyniak, Nolan Leonhard, and Avery Miller placed first, second, and third respectively for the kids’ 200-meter dash.

Chester,” said Mark Yoder, president and CEO of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. “We’ve grown from a small community to a thriving downtown, and we want to show it off and encourage parade attendees to come back for more. The QVC West Chester Christmas Parade is just one of the many things that West Chester has to offer.”

For more information on the 40th Annual QVC West Chester Christmas Parade, please contact the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce at 610-696-4046 or visit GreaterWestChester.com.

january/february

CHAMBER CHATTER • 9

2020

NEW YEAR

EVENTS

NUAL EVEN N A 0 TS 2 0 2 Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce

Annual Banquet

Thursday, February 6, 2020

See full details of Chamber events at GreaterWestChester.com

An evening of celebration and community support

Disney Institute

FREE Business Counseling Service Available to GWCC Members

Monday, March 16, 2020

Are You Too Busy Working IN Your Business to Work ON Your Business?

SCORE can help! SCORE mentors have the expertise to: Evaluate business opportunities; develop or update your business plan; create an effective marketing strategy including social media; improve sales; expand your business; optimize use of the Internet and create a dynamic web presence; manage and control expenses; project future revenues and expenses and establish realistic profit goals.

Disney Institute professional development returns to Chester County

10 Grand Club

Friday, April 17, 2020

The Chamber’s social event of the year benefiting the Education Foundation

When: Where:

EVERY Monday in March and April, 8:00 a.m. OR 9:00 a.m.

Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce Vault, 137 N. High Street, West Chester Registration: Scheduling must be made directly with SCORE: 610-344-6910

Wednesday, January 8, 2020 7:30am – 9:30am Sandler Training – How to Avoid Unpaid Consulting Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce 137 N. High Street, West Chester RSVP online at GreaterWestChester.com Wednesday, January 15, 2020 11:45am – 1:00pm Business Owners in the Know sponsored by WCU Moody’s Analytics Economic Forecast Penn Oaks Golf Club 150 Penn Oaks Drive, West Chester Register online at GreaterWestChester.com Thursday, January 30, 2020 5:30pm – 7:30pm Women’s Roundtable sponsored by Miles Financial Management, Inc. Autograph Library, Philips Hall West Chester University, West Chester RSVP online at GreaterWestChester.com

Thursday, February 6, 2020 5:30pm – 8:30pm Annual Banquet The Desmond Hotel & Conference Center 1 Liberty Boulevard, Malvern Register online at GreaterWestChester.com Wednesday, February 12, 2020 7:30am – 9:30am Sandler Training – How to Sell More & Sell More Easily Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce 137 N. High Street, West Chester RSVP online at GreaterWestChester.com Monday, March 16, 2020 8:30am – 4:30pm Disney Institute – Disney’s Approach to Leadership Excellence The Desmond Hotel & Conference Center 1 Liberty Boulevard, Malvern Register online at GreaterWestChester.com

Gallery Walk

Spring - Friday, May 1, 2020 Autumn - Friday, Oct. 2, 2020

Walking tour of dozens of one-night-only art shows in downtown West Chester

Quest for the Chamber Cup Golf Outing Presented by

Monday, June 1, 2020

Scramble golf tournament at Radley Run Country Club

Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic Saturday, August 8, 2020

A day of family fun and top professional cycling through the streets of downtown West Chester

2020 QVC West Chester Christmas Parade Friday, December 4, 2020 Chester County’s premier family event during the holidays

For more detailed information on all events and Professional Development programs, visit

GreaterWestChester.com Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce 137 North High Street, West Chester, PA 19380 610-696-4046 ◆ info@gwcc.org @GreaterWestChester

@GWCC_PA

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• CHAMBER CHATTER

january/february

2020

UNDERSTANDING in the

Workplace The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or “HIPAA”, as it is frequently called, is a law that establishes policies and regulations that ensure the health and personal data of individuals is protected.

As an employer, it is important to know that you can incur significant penalties for failure to comply with the aspects of this law.

HIPAA applies to any entity that handles the flow of patient and personal information. Accordingly, protected health information can include: • Any discussions concerning treatment involving the patient, doctors, nurses or other medical personnel • Any personal details of an individual including the patient’s full name, date of birth or social security number • Medical information, including details of treatment, diagnosis or health history It is critical that you and your employees understand that this sensitive information must always be kept safe. Precautions should be in place to protect

employee and dependent(s) personal data, health records and information acquired through employee physicals, workers’ compensation claims or as the result of a workplace injury covered by OSHA. Some of the important things every business should do to be HIPAA compliant are: • Establish policies and procedures for safe handling of sensitive data • Implement security awareness training for all employees • Perform an annual risk assessment • Assure that encryption is used for all methods of data transfer Although it can be a challenge for small businesses to be HIPAA compliant with their limited resources, the good news is that My Benefit Advisor (MBA) can be a valuable resource and can assist you in your efforts.

The MBA program is available to all members of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, for more information visit MBA online at gwcc. mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Christopher Sloane at (610) 537-1429.

january/february

CHAMBER CHATTER • 11

2020

GREATER WEST CHESTER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

WELCOMES DISNEY INSTITUTE TO Malvern, PA

Take advantage of GWCC’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program.

It’s easy for your business to receive generous state tax credits by participating in the Chamber’s Education Foundation EITC Program! Your company’s contribution will directly benefit students in need of financial assistance at seven Chamber member schools in the greater West Chester area.

Make this valuable investment in your community.

Contact the Chamber office today!

The Desmond Hotel

March 16, 2020 • 8:30am-4:30pm • 610-696-4046

Leadership is not defined by a title – it’s defined by behaviors.

At Disney, our leaders consistently align their behaviors with the Company’s values and vision, resulting in a motivated, productive workforce. This program provides insights into the leadership development strategies necessary to create an effective and aligned leadership vision. Think of this opportunity as the start of your personal leadership journey. Are you ready?

•Identify the values that drive you as a leader.

•Align your personal and organizational values.

•Immerse yourself in your leadership vision.

•Understand the importance of a leadership legacy that inspires others.

DISNEY’S APPROACH TO

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE

Register Today! Space is Limited. www.GreaterWestChester.com Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce is proud to be a selected sponsor of Disney’s Approach to Leadership Excellence

As to Disney artwork/properties: © Disney

12

• CHAMBER CHATTER

january/february

WEST CHESTER Come see why it’s BETTER at Fred Beans Ford Lincoln of West Chester!

Better Experience

Beans is committed to 100% customer satisfaction

Better Selection

Choose from 18 brands & over 5,000 vehicles

Better Prices

All backed by our Beans Best Price Guarantee

Better Trade Value

Get better value for your trade-in every day

✔

Better Peace of Mind

Thanks to our Pre-Owned 5-Day Return & 30-Day Exchange

Better Rewards

Thanks to our exclusive AutoRewards Program

1155 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA

855-303-6866 • fbwestchester.com See dealer for details.

2020