It was another spectacular year at the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gala on the Greene The event welcomed business professionals and community leaders to the grounds of the historic Graystone Mansion for an evening of delicious food and drink, live entertainment by Joey Knouse, and excellent networking opportunities.
Continued on page 6.
FUTURE FOCUS
The Future Focus Breakfast, powered by Meridian Bank, was all about connecting our members to the regional and business updates that are changing the dynamic and environment of commerce and community in western Chester County.
The presenters dove into new development in ChescoWest.
Continued on page 7.
Pharmacy
Partner
Business
Member
A publication of Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
John H. Lymberis | President | Harry’s Neighborhood Place
Mikaila Szkil | Past President | Citadel Federal Credit Union
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Joe Boldaz | Hydraterra Professionals
Vincent Carosella, Esq | Carosella & Associates, P C
Justin Chan | Valley Creek Productions
Brian Chenger | Coatesville Area School District
Amber Little-Turner | Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance
Diana Mattingly | First Resource Bank
Donna McCorkle | Keller Williams
Claudia Muntean | Clarel Maintenance
Mark Peticca | Octorara Area School District
Sarah Petro | Triple Fresh & Doe Run Catering
Joseph Regenski | Breuninger Insurance
Jessica Rigo | The Golf Zone
Patti Shores | Home2Suites by Hilton
Matthew Siter | Forrest Hardscape & Landscape
John Sly | Sly Tom’s Take Out
Greg Vietri | G.A. Vietri, Inc.
Debi Weed | JGM Fabricators
Kirstin Wentz McElroy | Wentz Funeral Home
Evan Witmer | Meridian Bank
STAFF
Rachel Cathell | Executive Director
Rachel@westernchestercounty com
Ashley Pierce | Communications + Membership
Ashley@westernchestercounty com
Morgan Swindler | Program Development
Morgan@westernchestercounty.com
Our mission is to connect members to new ideas, resources, and relationships to achieve their goals.
Our vision is to create a thriving region that is well-connected, innovative, and accessible for community and business growth.
Our goals are to promote the Chamber as the leading resource for businesses and organizations in our community, to build regional cooperation to strengthen business retention, growth, and revitalization, and to enhance value for members through education and events.
NEW MEMBERS
Coatesville Area Public Library
Amber Timlin | (610) 384-4115
The Coatesville Area Public Library provides information, programming and technology to the residents of the Coatesville area that promote literacy, build community and enrich lives.
Jahaco
Amy Burke | (484) 459-3069
Jahaco's durable, eco-friendly benches are crafted from recycled plasics. Perfect for parks, schools, and public spaces seeking sustainable solutions!
NEW MEMBERS (CONT.)
Your Benefits Pros
Ken Seewald | (484) 787-1243
Your Benefits Pros serves small businesses, non-profits and governmental employers by delivering better benefits at affordable rates. These customized solutions can be employerpaid or employee paid.
CityWell Church
DJ Grick | (610) 590-8550
An outreach-focused community gathering on Saturdays and in micro-churches throughout the week — living out faith together and sharing Jesus in everyday life.
Six Gricks Solutions
DJ Grick | (484) 876-1565
Every small business has a story — but too often, that story stays hidden. Six Gricks Solutions exists to help you get seen, heard, and remembered. Specializing in drone photography and videography, video production, social media, and more.
Brighter Future Early Learning Center
Jarrell Brazzle | (484) 459-4977
Brighter Future Early Learning Center is a childcare center that offer childcare, Pre-K, and Before and After Care.
Elizabeth
Licitra Photography
Elizabeth Licitra | (484) 709-6045
Elizabeth Licitra Photography offers wedding, family, event, corporate, and brand photography services, providing authentic, vibrant imagery and customdesigned albums to capture lasting memories.
New London Electric
Jessica Bingham | (610) 869-7325
New London Electric, Inc. is a family run business that specializes in residential and commercial electrical installation, maintenance, repair work, and generators.
Julia Sherwin PR
Julia Sherwin | (484) 557-1472
A boutique-style PR firm specializing in media relations, executive positioning, event management, and social media strategy to amplify brand voice and build stakeholder engagement.
KeyBank
Howard Becker | (610) 832-2329
KeyBank is a full-service commercial bank that is committed to the communities they serve. Services include personal and business banking, debt consolidation, loans and lines of credit, and more.
Community Youth and Women’s Alliance
Samira Regag | (610) 384-9591
CYWA is committed to helping everyone who seeks assistance, regardless of obstacles. The nonprofit organization provides compassionate care to empower families and individuals
Pharmacy Closures: A Healthcare Crisis on Our Doorstep
By: Alissa Steele-Griffith, Quik-Stop Pharmacy
It's a tough pill to swallow, but our communities are facing a serious healthcare challenge By the end of summer 2025, Rite Aid is set to close approximately 300 stores in Pennsylvania. This comes on top of the more than 200 pharmacies that have already shut their doors. Think about that: we've lost roughly one-quarter of all pharmacies in our state!
So, what's behind this alarming trend? It largely boils down to something called Pharmacy Benefit Managers, or PBMs. These are the middlemen in the prescription drug world, and their business practices have become, quite frankly, predatory. They're making it incredibly difficult for local pharmacies to stay open, pushing them to the brink and forcing many to close their doors for good.
The impact of these closures is huge. We're seeing more and more "pharmacy deserts" emerge, meaning entire neighborhoods are left without easy access to the medications and professional advice they need This isn't just an inconvenience; it's a dangerous shortage in essential healthcare. When people can't get their prescriptions filled or talk to a pharmacist, their health, and even their lives, are at risk.
This isn't a problem we can ignore. Our ability to access vital healthcare is being threatened, and it's time to act. We need to make our voices heard. If you're concerned about losing your local pharmacy and the impact on our communities' health, please visit the website below, Facebook or Instagram and you can contact your legislators for an impactful change
https://stophealthcaregreed.org/
Feel free to reach out to Alissa Steele-Griffith with questions or comments.
RENEWING MEMBERS - 1ST QUARTER
Below is a list of businesses and organizations who have recently renewed their membership in the 1st quarter of 2025.
16+ years
Coatesville Flower Shop
Harris Mountain Funeral Home
C. Kenneth Grant Insurance
Rotary Club of Coatesville
United Way of Chester County
Citadel
Milanese Remodeling
Harry’s the Neighborhood Place
Rhoads Energy
Brandywine Valley Active Aging
Transfers of Learning
Life Transforming Ministries
Pennsylvania American Water
Paulsonbilt
Octorara Area School District
Chester County Technical College High School
Good Samaritan Services
Coatesville Country Club
Blue Moon Florist
Kauffman Gas
Honey Brook Golf Club
Breuninger Insurance
Matt Gorham Real Estate Team
10 - 15 years
Hatt’s Industrial Supplies & True Value
Graber Supply
Unruh Turner Burke Frees
Harrison House of Chester County
Habitat for Humanity
CompNet, Inc.
Pacer Industries, Inc.
Chester & Associates
Applecross Country Club
APA Tax Accounting
5 - 10 years
Clarel Janitorial/Maintenance Services
Blue Dog Printing & Design
Good Works, Inc.
Chester County Futures
Quik-Stop Pharmacy
The UPS Print Shop
Cigas Machine Shop
Armstrong Engineering Associates
Certapro Painters of Chester County
Bowman
John Serock Catering, Inc
Fling’s Towing
Mid Penn Bank
Elverson - Honey Brook Area EMS
French Creek Golf Club
Witmer Public Safety Group
RENEWING MEMBERS - 1ST QUARTER
Below is a list of businesses and organizations who have recently renewed their membership in the 1st quarter of 2025.
> 5 years
White Horse Construction
Mary’s Gourmet Donut Shoppe
Wentz Funeral Home
Roberts Filter Group
Padula Engineering Company
Commercial Maintenance & Management
Delaware Valley Concrete Co.
All County Partnership
Sarah York, Holistic Health Coach
Two Dudes Painting Company
Looker Books
IT Edge, Inc.
King’s Tavern
Home2Suites by Hilton Downingtown
Comcast
CA Engineering
J.D. Eckman, Inc.
Everybody Yoga & Wellness
Lafayette Square Apartments
Friends Associations
Graphics on the Move
Herbert E. MacCombie
The Arches
Stargazers Vineyard
Hughes & Hughes Family Dentistry
DiBiase Heating & Cooling
Have you renewed your membership for this year yet? To check your membership status, login to the member portal or reach out to Ashley@westernchestercounty.com
GALA ON THE GREENE
Moving Forward Together, WCCCC Honors Leaders in Transportation at Gala on the
Greene
Continued from front page...
Each year, WCCCC honors both a nonprofit organization and a for-profit business with the Corporate Citizenship Recognition Award. This award celebrates partnerships that strengthen the region, showcasing collaborative efforts between organizations and the broader ChescoWest community
This year, the Chamber was proud to recognize the Transportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC) and Bowman Consulting as the 2025 Corporate Citizenship Award recipients for their steadfast commitment to advancing equitable, safe, and sustainable multimodal transportation solutions throughout the county.
“We try to promote places like the bus service, which we do with the ChescoBus and the LINK service. We work very closely with AMTRAK and SEPTA an amenity and asset for the community at large so people can commute to and from,” said Tim Phelps, executive director of TMACC
Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell attended the event and presented TMACC with a citation for their vital contributions to the area.
“TMACC came up with the Safe Streets program, where they got local municipalities to pass ordinances to make all roads in Chester County safe for people to walk, ride their bikes, and drive their cars. So, thanks to TMACC, there’s a safe way to connect our open spaces,” said Commissioner Maxwell
Founded in 1992, TMACC represents more than 20,000 commuters, keeping Chester County moving forward. Bowman Consulting, a trusted multi-disciplinary firm, provides a broad range of real estate, energy, infrastructure, and environmental management solutions to both public and private sector clients.
“If we’re honest, I think we would agree that we all often take our transportation access for granted,” said Chris Williams of Bowman. “For many of us, it’s simply getting in our vehicles and driving on roads and bridges. But for many Chester County residents and employees, access to transportation is not easy.”
WCCCC also proudly recognized Elijah Okurmura as the 2025 Academic Scholarship winner. Elijah, a Coatesville High School senior, will study engineering at a four-year university.
“Elijah is an AP student ranked second in his class. He’s an avid soccer and lacrosse player, a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Bible Club, and volunteers his time at The Bridge Academy,” said Alissa SteeleGriffith, chair of the WCCCC Scholarship Committee
FUTURE FOCUS (CONT.)
Future Focus
Continued from front page...
Including the Shoppes of Sadsbury home to the 130,000 sq ft Target and Giant alongside anchor and retail pad sites. EDLON Fluoropolymers told their story of business growth in cutting-edge manufacturing in the pharmaceutical, chemical, semiconductor and electronics industry; this growth meant needing a new state of the art 90,000+ sq ft facility in Valley View Business Park. The Golf Zone Family Fun Center showcased how they're using robotics within their golf operation at their newly redeveloped campus that serves as a full service entertainment destination and VK Brewing restaurant on Horse Shoe Pike.
Businesses raised questions on navigating development challenges, evaluating the infrastructure surrounding new development and what we as a business community can do to cultivate local workforce within new industries coming to or expanding in ChescoWest.
CHESCOWEST FARMFEST
Introducing FarmFest! Discover the tradition and power of agriculture in Chester County.
This summer event is a fun-filled, family-friendly celebration of agriculture, community, and youth; held alongside the beloved Romano 4-H Fair!
Get to know the farmers who grow your food, explore the heart of local ag, and enjoy a day packed with hands-on experiences:
- Shop local with a variety of Chester County vendors
- Discover and support the region’s farm-fresh products
- Dive into 4-H youth exhibits and animal shows
- Let the little ones explore the Kid’s Immersive Corner
- Catch live Ag Demonstrations (5:30 PM)
- Don’t miss the Market Hog Show (6:00 PM)
Experience where farming meets fun at the ChescoWest FarmFest!
Interested in becoming a FarmFest vendor? Contact Morgan@westernchestercounty.com.
*Agriculture-related businesses vend for free!
FIRELIGHT & FUTURES: A RISING STAR REVEAL
An Evening Under the Stars with the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce...
Join us for Firelight & Futures, a lively evening celebrating the next generation of business leaders. Held on the grounds of Penn Rise Advisors, this brand-new event brings together members of the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce and community supporters for an unforgettable night of connection and recognition.
The evening will feature the presentation of the Rising Star Award, honoring a standout individua under 40 who exemplifies excellence and promise in their field. Nominees for this award fulfill one or more of the following criteria:
- Growth and Potential: Demonstrated significant development in their industry
- Community Impact: Made meaningful contributions to the business community
- Creativity and Innovation: Displays original thinking and forward momentum in their work
- Entrepreneurial Mindset: Shows a clear drive for business growth and leadership
- Celebrate with us as we spotlight the future of our region: brilliant, bold, and full of promise
Nominate a Rising Star here.
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Rhoads Energy, a multigenerational business, is a 2025 Gold Partner for WCCCC.
Rhoads Energy – an employee owned company was founded in 1917, when Jerome H. Rhoads began selling kerosene from the back of a rail car in Lancaster PA. As times changed, so did their products and services. Rhoads is now a full service company that can meet all of your heating and air conditioning needs: from heating oil, natural gas, and propane, to equipment installation and commercial fueling.
Since their founding, the Rhoads Energy Family of Companies has been in continuous operation as a family-owned, locally-based provider of heating and cooling services.
Rhoads Energy has decades of heating and cooling experience, comprehensive services, and hometown values. It’s why Rhoads Energy has become the trusted heating and cooling resource for thousands of customers – from Lititz to Quarryville and Lebanon to Coatesville, the Main Line, and everywhere in between.
Some of their services include:
HVAC Services
Propane Delivery
Home Heating Oil Delivery
Learn more at: www.rhoadsenergy.com
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
Meridian Bank was the proud Presenting Sponsor of Future Focus.
Since Meridian Bank was founded in 2004, they continue to attract the best and brightest bankers, people who desire to use their hard-earned knowledge, and experience to help you succeed.
Headquartered in Malvern, PA, Meridian Bank focused on customer growth and building the economics of the markets they serve. Meridian specializes in business and industrial lending, retail and commercial real estate lending, along with a broad menu of high-yielding depository products.
Unlike traditional banks with branches on every corner, Meridian’s strategically-placed branch network keeps overhead costs low This allows the bank to pass efficiencies and savings onto you in the form of better rates and robust digital access with sophisticated security and fraud prevention.
Now in their 3rd decade, Meridian Bank has helped thousands of business owners, homebuyers, and residents in the communities we serve to achieve their financial goals
Meridian’s success is built on partnering in the vitality of those places where employees live and work, and they’ve donated millions of dollars to worthy local institutions and organizations.
Learn more at: www.meridianbanker.com
CHAMBER EXPERIENCE
WCCCC hosted the Legislative Roundtable in late March.
Chamber members network at
Another year, another spectacular Gala on the Greene!
Morgan Swindlers checks in with the team of J-S All Things Plumbing.
Realtor Chris Anderson chats with attendees at the Chester County Home & Lifestyle Show.
Ashley Pierce checks in with Ken Seewald, Your Benefits Pros.
Rachel Cathell visits the grand reopening of The Golf Zone.
Athena’s Kafenio.
Why Pennsylvania cannot afford to undervalue public transportation
By: Tim Phelps, TMACC
In Pennsylvania, public transportation is too often treated as a line item to be trimmed when budgets get tight or pushed to the final debate. But cutting or sidelining transit funding isn’t just a bad economic decision, it threatens public safety, limits access to jobs and puts the future of our state’s economy at risk.
Reliable, safe public transit is a lifeline. It connects people to work, school, health care, and child care. It reduces traffic congestion, protects the environment and is essential to building stronger, safer communities. As the Brookings Institution notes, “The path to public safety requires economic opportunity.” Transit is one of the most effective ways to extend opportunity to every corner of the commonwealth
When people can’t reach jobs, training, or essential services, they can’t move up in life. In areas without strong transit, job growth stalls and poverty deepens. For Pennsylvanians who don’t own a car, young people, older adults, people with disabilities and members of working families, public transportation is not optional. It is essential.
This is especially true in southeastern Pennsylvania. In February alone, SEPTA supported more than 750,000 daily riders across its system. These are health care professionals, educational support staff, students, food service workers and retail employees all a part of the backbone of our regional economy. More than 70% of SEPTA riders rely on it to get to work, and the system connects people to major job centers like Great Valley, King of Prussia and University City.
According to Econsult Solutions, SEPTA contributes more than $3.76 billion annually to the region’s economy. But without stable, long-term funding, it faces a death spiral of service cuts, fare hikes and declining ridership. That would devastate not just Philadelphia, it would ripple across the entire commonwealth. Southeastern Pennsylvania drives more than 40% of the state’s economic activity. When SEPTA struggles, Pennsylvania struggles.
Transit also strengthens public safety. Brookings makes it clear: safer communities are those with better access to jobs, education, housing, and healthcare. Public transportation delivers those connections. The stronger the system, the more resilient and hopeful the community. Public transit isn’t just good policy, it’s good business. It attracts investment. It keeps towns competitive. It reduces congestion, improves air quality and offers affordable options for families who can’t or choose not to drive
This isn’t a partisan issue. Transit helps Republicans, Democrats, and independents. It helps rural towns and major cities. It supports veterans, seniors, students and working families. It makes Pennsylvania more connected, more productive and more just
The commonwealth has a choice: lead with vision or fall behind. Other states are investing in transit because they know it pays off. Now is the time for Pennsylvania to do the same. Let’s invest like our future depends on it, because it does.
Rettew/MediaNews Group
Photo Credit: Bill
Mid Penn Bank Launches
MPB Classroom, Financial Literacy Program
Mid Penn Bank (the “Bank”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mid Penn Bancorp, Inc. (“Mid Penn”) (NASDAQ: MPB), is pleased to announce the official launch of MPB Classroom, a comprehensive financial literacy education initiative designed to educate and empower students, families and community members across the Bank’s service area The formal announcement aligns with Financial Literacy Month and reinforces the Bank’s commitment to supporting long-term financial wellness through education “The importance of financial literacy education cannot be overstated,” Mid Penn Bank President and CEO Rory Ritrievi said. “We are excited to bring the MPB Classroom program to all of the communities we serve throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Educating all people, particularly those from underrepresented communities, on how to manage, save and invest money is a responsibility that we take seriously at Mid Penn Bank.”
MPB Classroom has been gradually introduced over the past several months and is now fully operational across the Bank’s footprint. The program provides free, unlimited access to statealigned financial education through a combination of inperson presentations, digital tools, and customized resources. The program is already active in schools, libraries, shelters and nonprofit organizations throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Lessons are tailored to all age levels and cover topics such as budgeting, saving, credit, retirement planning and more. The program also features personalized, co-branded online financial wellness centers that serve as educational hubs for partner organizations.
To lead this growing effort, the Bank has hired a full-time community educator dedicated to facilitating lessons,
supporting local educators and nonprofit leaders, and building partnerships that bring financial knowledge directly to where it is needed most.
The initiative arrives as demand for financial literacy grows across the country, with 25 states implementing new graduation requirements tied to financial education, including Pennsylvania, in 2026.
MPB Classroom helps schools meet these standards while also serving adult learners who wish to build stronger financial foundations.
Chester County Futures Celebrates Class of 2025 Graduation
Chester County Futures recently marked a significant milestone with the Graduation Celebration for the Class of 2025 on May 22nd at the Downingtown Country Club.
The event honored graduating high school seniors who have successfully completed CCF’s after-school Passport Program.
“This gathering is not merely a celebration of graduation; it’s a testament to the resilience and promise that our students embody,” said Katie Duffus, Executive Director of Chester County Futures. “Each graduate represents a narrative of perseverance one where challenges were met with courage and aspirations turned into tangible achievements.”
The ceremony brought together graduates’ families, CCF alumni and board members,
as well as sponsors and supporters from across the community. Among those celebrated were two Oxford High School students announced as recipients of the Rigg Family Scholarship to Elizabethtown College, a fullride scholarship offered to students who complete the CCF Passport Program.
“Our mission extends beyond academics; it’s about crafting pathways toward futures filled with possibilities,” said Duffus “Tonight serves not only as recognition but also as a launching pad for these young adults stepping boldly into their next chapters be it college, trade schools or other postsecondary pursuits.”
This is the impact you are making by investing in CCF… one student as a time.
PA Chamber Hosts
2025 Chamber Day at the Capitol
The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals (PACP), hosted local chamber leaders from across the Commonwealth
in Harrisburg for the 2025 Chamber Day at the Capitol an annual event focused on probusiness advocacy and legislative engagement.
The day’s agenda featured a series of high-level discussions at the Capitol and PA Chamber offices The day opened with welcome remarks from PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein, House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia), and Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland).
Attendees also heard directly from Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin (RLancaster) and House Appropriations Committee Chair Jordan Harris (D-Philadelphia) on the current state budget process. Additional sessions covered key business issues including energy policy, permitting and regulation, transportation infrastructure, and demographic trends impacting Pennsylvania’s workforce and economy.
Panels included representatives from the Marcellus Shale Coalition, Energy Association of Pennsylvania,
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Vista Corp., S&B USA Construction, Associated Pennsylvania Constructors, SEPTA, the Independent Fiscal Office, and the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. “Chamber Day brings together the full force of Pennsylvania’s chamber network to ensure the voices of job creators are heard in the state Capitol,” said PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein. “Pennsylvania has the potential to lead the nation in economic growth but that requires continued efforts to modernize permitting, improve our tax policy, and create a more competitive climate for attracting private-sector investment.” The event concluded with a joint policy forum hosted by the PA Chamber and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, underscoring shared federal and state priorities to strengthen the business environment.
MEMBER EVENTS
Wellness & Welcome Block Party AHE Brandywine Center | August 2 | 12 - 4 PM
Murder at Sea: A Titanic Murder Mystery
Beale Manor | August 2 | 3 - 9 PM
Dine & Donate at King’s Tavern Honey Brook Library | August 13 | 12 - 9 PM
Pickleball Saturday by Sow Good Now Glen Mills Recreation Center | September 13 | 8
AM - 12:30 PM
Moo & Brew | Brandywine Valley Active Aging
Keystone Valley Fire Dept. Golf Fundraiser Coatesville Country Club | September 15 | 8:30
AM Shotgun Start
Coatesville First Friday Downtown Coatesville | August 1 | 5 - 9 PM
Parkesburg Final Friday
Main Street | August 29 | 5 - 9 PM
MEMBER CONNECTIONS
Have you collaborated with a Chamber member? Send your member-to-member connections to Ashley Pierce, Ashley@westernchestercounty.com
Citadel sent out a group of volunteers to help out at the Chester County Food Bank!
Crop’s Fresh Marketplace held a food drive for Chester County Food Bank this month.
Chester County Food Bank
Valley Creek Productions
Crop‘s Fresh Marketplace
Valley Creek Productions worked with BVAA to provide video coverage to promote their capital campaign.
Everybody Yoga & Wellness
Everybody Yoga & Wellness and Kind Juice Bar often partner during events and sessions to provide healthy juices along with yoga.
Citadel Federal Credit Union
Graphics on the Move
Graphics on the Move partners with CASD to provide any and all graphics.
Coatesville Area School District
Members of the Chamber share resources, connect, and patronize one another to create a community network that drives economic growth.
