Our Vision: A thriving region that is well connected, innovative & accessible for community & business growth.

WesternBuild a better business with us.

May / June 2015

Our Mission: Connecting our members to new ideas, resources, and relationships to achieve their goals.

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Chamber Historic LibraryGetting ready to Celebrate 100 years in 2016

Then and Now with the Wright FamilyBy Judith Lee

They say, “The more things change, the more they stay the same,” and it couldn’t be more true – in a good way – for the Wright family and the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce. Some 50 years ago, the late Malcolm Wright led the WCCCC as President, and in 2014, his grandson Jonathan Wright assumed the same office.

“My grandfather was a great supporter of the community. He liked to meet people and network, and I would say we share that,” said Jonathan, who is owner with other family members of the Wright Agency in Downingtown.

In his day, Malcolm Wright was a successful business owner in another field. He founded and owned Malcolm Wright Buick Oldsmobile GMC of Coatesville, and later, Thorndale.

Chester County Food BankA Fresh Approach The Chester County Food Bank is a non-profit organization that collects, grows, purchases, processes, stores and distributes food to those who serve the hungry of Chester County. They are the central location for local agencies, like food cupboards, that service to individuals in need.

More than food drives — that put cans on the shelves of local food cupboards — CCFB is intricately involved with community partners, local businesses and many dedicated volunteers to help feed our neighbors here in Chester County. Last year, the Food Bank distributed 2.5 million pounds of food with over 800,000 pounds being fresh food.

Can you guess which local Chamber business is located in this building today?

Malcolm Wright

Jonathan Wright

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May / June 2015 2

NEW MEMBERS Adelfi Promotions

Michael MillardPO Box 552West Chester, PA 19381484-883-3135mmillard@adelfipromo.comwww.adelfipromo.comPromotional Products/Graphic Design

Focused on developing solutions to meet our client’s needs, we work closely with our clients in order to narrow the search and offer thoughtful and simple options.

Referred by: Jonathan Wright, The Wright Agency

Belle Vie SalonKelly Hook137 E. Lancaster AveDowningtown, PA 19335484-237-8417kelmccomsey@gmail.comwww.belleviesalon.comSalons/Barbers

Full service hair salon for men, women, and children.

Referred by: Jonathan Wright, The Wright Agency

Entire Tech GroupDom Saccone1224 W. Lincoln Valley Township, PA 19320610-500-5231sales@etech4it.comwww.entiretechgroup.comProfessional IT ServicesReferred by: Karl Klingmann II, Penn Rise Benefits

Ground Up Home InspectionsKevin Kerr363 Hill RoadHoney Brook, PA 19344610-324-3064ks-kerr@hotmail.comwww.grounduphomeinspections.comHome Inspections

I am an ASHI certified home inspector specializing in pre-sale home inspections. I provide an assortment of services including radon, termite, septic, well and water tests all included in a detailed written report.

Referred by: Matt Gorham, RealtorThe Matt Gorham Group Keller Williams Real Estate

Kimberton Whole FoodsTerry BrettPO Box 760Kimberton, PA 19460610-935-1444terry@kimbertonwholefoods.comwww.kimbertonwholefoods.comRetail Natural Grocery

Retail, Natural Grocery, Produce, Supplements, and Gifts.

Lincoln UniversitySeitu Stephens351 Kersey StreetCoatesville, PA 19320484-365-7754sstephens@lincoln.eduwww.lincoln.eduColleges/Community Colleges/Universities

The Lincoln University offers a variety of degree programs designed to help you succeed with your career goals. Whether you are seeking your bachelor’s or master’s degree, or simply looking to enhance your skills with a few choice courses, at Lincoln students will acquire the education and skills necessary to be competitive in today’s global society.

Mr. E’s Tavern & Fine FoodBeth Perdue313 W. Kings HwyCoatesville, PA 19320610-384-4356mrestavern@verizon.netwww.mrestavern.bizRestaurants, Banquet Facilities, Bars, Caterers

We are a small country tavern serving delicious food to our community. Lunches and dinners everyday from 10am until late. Full service bar including take out beer.

Referred by: Sam Slokom, Brandywine Business Systems

Penn Liberty BankJerry Calone1201 E. Lancaster HwyDowningtown, PA 19335610-535-6821gcalone@pennlibertybank.comwww.pennlibertybank.comBanks, Credit Unions, Financial Services

Penn Liberty Bank is a locally owned and managed community bank, priding itself on offering exceptional personalized service and commitment to the community. Penn Liberty Bank offers products and services in the areas of Commercial, Personal, and Not for Profit Banking, as well as Wealthy Advisory.

Western View is a publication of the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce 50 South First Avenue, Coatesville, PA 19320 • 610-384-9550

Chamber@WesternChesterCounty.comDesign: GK Productions, Inc. • Printing: Thorndale Press, Inc.

© 2015 Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce All Rights Reserved.

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RENEWING MEMBERS

20+ YEARSRotary Club of Coatesville

WC Adams

10+ YEARSArt Partners Studio

Theresa SalinasFreedom Village at Brandywine

Gina MacDonaldHabitat for Humanity of Chester County

Chip HustonPaulsonbilt

Pamela BarrancoRAS Industries

Dick SahaSiana, Bellwoar & McAndrew LLP

Eric Brown, Esq.

5+ YEARSBrian Hoskins Ford

Ed KovatchDiMatteo Insurance

Al DiMatteoEnvera

Michael MathenyFairways Apartments & Townhomes

Kristin UndercufflerHoliday Inn Morgantown

Arthur YuiHoney Brook Pharmacy

Tony ScaliesImage Ink

Janet PetskoMatt Gorham, Realtor

The Matt Gorham Group Keller Williams Real Estate

Payroll & Accounting 4 You, Inc.Laura Vattilana

PECO Energy CompanyGreg Carey

Provident Homes CorporationMatt Bedwell

Signal 88 Security of OctoraraPete Mango

The Lukens BandMike Givler

The O’Meara Law FirmAnita O’Meara

The UPS Store-ParkesburgRichard Jenkins

3 May / June 2015

Atglen BoroughCaren Andrews

Economy Self StorageEileen Rowan

LegalShieldAmber Little

Mikel MailingsMike Schnitzius

Novak Strategic AdvisorsAlan Novak

Opera House DentalDirk Hagen, DDS

Pope John Paul II Regional Catholic Elementary School

Maria SamsonSnap Fitness

Ty BlockerVanDyne Insurance Agency

Donna VanDyneWalgreens

Thomas HobsonZakback Inc.

Bruce Korn

2 RENEWING MEMBERS Education SummitApril 10, 2015

WCCCC recently held an Education Summit at the Chester County Public Safety Training Facility. John Lymberis, President Elect welcomed over 45 guests to the event and introduced Dr. Cathy Tashner, superintendent of the Coatesville Area School District and Lisa McNamara, K-12 Program Administrator

from the Octorara School District.

Dr. Taschner presented the Promise of Schools and the importance of the partnership between school and business and how it helps to give students and teachers a realistic picture of the business world. She discussed the benefits for both the business and community by improving school programs, providing real life experiences for students and teachers and involvement in the education of the community youth. It also benefits the school by providing adult role models with expertise that otherwise may not be available in the classroom.

Lisa McNamara presented a similar message and shared with the attendees Octorara’s initiative of “Maximizing Opportunities for Success” for preparing students for the new economy. By partnering with local businesses, Octorara Area School District has implemented programs such as Career Pathways and ten (10) in-house Career and Technical Educational Programs. Octorara

continues to work towards renewing a K-12 Career Development Curriculum and opening their Career & Technical Education Programs, such as Agriculture Production Operations, Agriculture Mechanics, Accounting, Business Marketing, Drafting and Design Technology, Woodworking, Graphic Design & Illustration, Culinary Arts, Child Care Education, and Homeland Security & Protective Services to other districts and building more industry partnerships.

Lisa McNamara

CCFB endeavors to connect with our county’s agricultural roots, by locally sourcing whenever feasible through our farm partnerships, local produce auctions and raised bed gardens. At four growing sites at Chester County farms, the Food Bank’s director of agriculture programs, manages and maintains along with hundreds of committed volunteers to grow a select harvest of vegetables to distribute to our agency partners.

The Food Bank will also purchase from local farms whether from the farmer directly or at produce auctions. The agriculture program’s primary goal is to grow food for neighbors in need, but it is also about education. Through their raised bed gardens and Outdoor Classroom at Springton Manor Farm the Food Bank is not only getting a community involved in harvesting for the hungry but is also able to educate about the importance of local fresh food and eating healthfully. The Food Bank has 125 raised bed garden sites located at a variety of locations including large corporations, churches, and 42 schools.

The Food Bank is taking a fresh approach to fighting hunger in our community. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities at farms, raised bed gardens and at the Food Bank’s kitchen and warehouse located in Exton in the Eagleview Corporate Center. To get involved visit chestercountyfoodbank.org. Get involved!

1 Chester County Food BankDr. Cathy Tashner

<5 YEARS

7 RED OAK DRIVECOATESVILLE, PA 19320TEL (610) 380-1040FAX (610) 384-6886

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT

M.CynthiaQuinn

May / June 2015 4

Business in the News

Before our Municipal Luncheon, we paid our respects to a special municipal official, Frank Haas from West Sadsbury Township, who recently passed away. Frank’s most notable contributions to his community were the Victory Brewing Company project moving into his township, the consolidation

of the Atglen, Pomeroy and Parkesburg fire companies into the Keystone Valley Fire Department, and the municipalities of West Sadsbury Twp, Parkesburg Boro, Sadsbury Twp and Highland Twp’s formulation of the Keystone Valley Regional Fire District via an Intergovernmental Agreement.

Chester County Commissioners◊ Commissioners Kathi Cozzone and Terence Farrell presented

updates on the county strategic plan, VISTA 2025, transportation and workforce development.

◊ They are planning a workforce summit this fall in partnership with the Workforce Investment Board (WIB) and United Way.

◊ The Chester County Public Safety Training Facility tactical village is almost completed.

South Coatesville Borough ~ Terry Bruno

◊ CNC Manufacturing has purchased additional property to increase their business expansion.

◊ Southview Homes has started their 4th phase of building Renovations on South 1st Avenue to include a new eatery opening.

◊ A grant from the county will allow sewer expansion in South Coatesville.

Western Chester County Council of Governments ~ Terry Bruno

◊ WCCCOG has a Facebook page and soon a website: www.wcccog.org. Meetings are open to the public and anyone can serve on committees.

◊ WCCCOG has received a Vision Partnership Inner Municipal Grant from the Chester County Planning Commisssion for the engineering study on a walk/bike/historical marker trail through South Coatesville, Coatesville, Modena Borough and Valley Township.

East Brandywine Township ~ Scott Piersol

◊ Pulte Homes discussing 91 unit townhome development adjacent to the Village of Guthriesville.

◊ New Trego restaurant to open in the Applecross Country Club.◊ Ryan Homes to construct 242 homes between Township Road

and Creek Road in the northern part of the Township.◊ Honey Brook Pharmacy opening 2nd location in the Village of

Guthriesville.◊ Learning Center proposing a daycare facility in the Village of

Guthriesville.◊ Township has formed a foundation to raise funds for municipal

open space and recreation projects.

Honey Brook Borough ~ Chris Mulhall

◊ Streetscape improvements: roads and sidewalks on three blocks center of town including old fashioned street lights.

◊ Harmony Days in September. ◊ Updating Comprehensive Plan with Honey Brook Township”.

City of Coatesville ~ Linda Lavender Norris

◊ Train Station moving forward including parking grants & 3rd Avenue streetscapes.

◊ Legend Properties purchased main street buildings for business recruitment.

◊ July 11 — Fireworks through a Unity Grant.◊ 100th Anniversary of Coatesville Celebration events continue

with Heritage Day Oct. 17.

Parkesburg Borough ~ Jim Thomas

◊ Housing projects: 7th Ave 32 units & 8th Ave has 8 lots left.◊ New revitalization plan for Parkesburg.◊ Community Day in Minch Park August 8.◊ State Representative Harry Lewis Jr. has established a branch

office in Parkesburg.

Atglen Borough ~ Brian Wenzka

◊ The Borough has taken action to be ready for smart growth. The newly enacted zoning ordinance encourages business development and the creation of neo-traditional neighborhoods.

◊ The Borough upgraded the Wastewater Treatment facility at a cost of $ 2.6 million. $1/2 million dollars was invested in the public water supply system to construct a new well.

◊ Grant funding financed infrastructure improvements, sidewalks, curbs, and a downtown streetscapes project with attractive pole lighting and tree plantings.

Municipal Update

5

It is our way of thanking you for all your support throughout the year.

Your Name or Logo on all 5000 Tickets!Your Name or Logo on all 5000 Tickets!

WCCCC has purchased 5,000 tickets to fill the stadium with members, friends and family. Sounds like a great event, doesn’t it? Think of the opportunity to have your

business name attached to this event . . .

Limited time offer…until May 31st

Add your name to these Early bird sponsors:

Fulton Bank

Thorndale Press

Penn Rise Benefits

The Wright Agency

Matt Gorham, Realtor

Fashay Consulting

Ingleside Golf Club

Sovereign Environmental

All Chamber members will be given 10 tickets to the game

• $500 Sponsorship gets your logo on all 5,000 tickets • $250 Sponsorship gets your name listed on all 5000 tickets

Christmas in July!Christmas in July!

Our Platinum Sponsors:

Your Business WillHit a Homerun . . .Your Business WillHit a Homerun . . .

if you sponsorWestern Chester County Chamber Night at the Reading Fightin’ Phils

if you sponsorWestern Chester County Chamber Night at the Reading Fightin’ Phils

WCCCNight at the

Reading Fightin’ Phils with

after the Game!

WCCCNight at the

Reading Fightin’ Phils with

after the Game!

ggggggg

July 16th, 7:05 pm with Fireworks after the Game

Noel Bernard

&"Service with a Smile Dedication"

Realtor®, ABR®, ASR®610-363-4300Direct 610-363-4399

R E A L E S T A T E

Choose well. Be well.®

Learn more at LGHealth.org/Parkesburg or call 610-857-6616.

950 S. Octorara Trail | Parkesburg

May / June 2015

5 May / June 2015

4

Highland Township ~ Bo Alexander

◊ Highland has 11,000 acres of which 6,500 are preserved agricultural land.

◊ Their Agricultural production includes vegetables, poultry, dairy and equine farms.

◊ Highland Township is grateful to the County for actively preserving land in Chester County.

Honey Brook Township ~ Kristy J. Deischer-Eddy

◊ The Park & Recreation Committee has many programs lined up for the summer. All details & registration forms are on the Township website: www.honeybrooktwp.com.

◊ The Land Preservation Committee has been instrumental in securing Agricultural Easements for 2,450 acres of farmland in the Township. 3,250 total acres are preserved, representing 19% of the Township’s total land.

◊ With assistance from the Honey Brook Lions Club, Chester County United Way, SABIC-Integrated Plastics, and CCRES, a Born Learning Trail has been installed at the township’s park. This is a series of interactive games for preschoolers and their caregivers. A Little Free Library is one of the trail’s features.

West Caln Township ~ Tammy Russell

◊ Their New website westcaln.org includes historical & agricultural articles.

◊ They announced a new solicitor and engineer. ◊ A new baseball field has been installed at Layton Park. ◊ Layton Park has many events including Community yard sales.

Caln Township ~ Greg Prowant

◊ New comprehensive plan including new development of townhomes and apartments near Rt 322.

◊ New traffic patterns at Rt 30 & 340 and also at Rt 322.◊ Softmart is relocating and expanding with 200 new jobs. ◊ New zoning ordinances & Lerta has allowed business growth.

Sadsbury Township ~ Earl Taylor

◊ New restaurant ZING Sushi owned by John H. Lymberis.◊ CVS will be coming to intersection of Routes 10 & 30.◊ Park improvements are in the works.◊ Sadsbury Village enhancements including sidewalks will be out

for bid later this year.

Valley Township ~ Patrice Proctor

◊ Bottom Dollar store will be replaced with Aldi Food store.◊ Proposed new township building is looking to select architect.◊ Valley Day is August 8.◊ 300 new homes coming.◊ New businesses; Rainbow Dental, Flowers in Bloom and

several day cares.◊ Applied for an open space grant and working on zoning

changes.

Western Chester County Municipal Leaders

May / June 2015 6

“The auto business is challenging in any era, and I would think even more so to start a dealership from scratch back then when this was an underdeveloped part of the county,” Jonathan observed.

He noted that his “Pup-pup” loved progress and development, and embraced new technology as a way to improve people’s everyday lives.

“I remember the beginning of keyless entry, when you would push a button [on a fob] to lock the car. When it would ‘beep’ at you, my grandfather loved that!” Jonathan said.

Jonathan became active in the Chamber in 2007, and said he was a “regular member” for a few years. He attended events and networked with other members.

“No one knew who I was. A few people would mistake me for my dad (Jon Wright). Everyone seemed about 20 years older than me (although many younger professionals have joined since then). It was intimidating,” Jonathan remembered.

After about three years, Jonathan became Chair of the Chamber Golf Outing, a position he filled through 2013. He also served on the Membership Committee, and was elected to the Board of Directors.

“I learned what every active Chamber member knows. You get out of the Chamber what you put into it. The more you give of your time, the more you build personal connections and business relationships,” he said.

Jonathan characterized his experience as President of WCCCC as “eye-opening.”

“A ‘regular member’ can stand back and let things happen. But as you assume more leadership, you have more effect on the activities. When you are President, there is no one else to do it for you; you have to be ‘on’ all the time,” he said.

Jonathan noted that he now fully appreciates the work done by the Chamber staff, and how much Donna and Amy do to “make it all happen.”

If Malcolm Wright was still with us, Jonathan believes he would be pleased with how much growth there has been in Western Chester County and in WCCCC.

“He loved to see things move forward,” Jonathan said. “He would be impressed and proud to be part of it.”

1 Then and Now continued

FULTON BANK DOES SO MUCH MORE THAN YOU THINK.

For Your Business

fultonbank.comFulton Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. Member of Fulton Financial Family.

Come in to meet your local Relationship Manager today. We’re right next door:

100 W. First Ave.

7 May / June 2015

Golf WinnersVISTA TodayThe Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce a partnership with VISTA Today, a new online Chester County business journal.

VISTA Today, developed by Parkesburg resident and WCCCC member Ken Knickerbocker, is a new community-driven online business journal telling Chester County’s business story as those stories unfold every day. With professionally written posts and attractive photographs, the site gives a daily snapshot of the county’s diverse and unfolding economy.

VISTA Today also maintains a much-needed running calendar of events and hopes to add a employment hub linking qualified candidates with job openings across the county. Anyone who has visited the site can attest, VISTA Today is easy-to-read and packed with must-know local business news. The site is an essential business resource for anyone looking to grow their business or find a local investment opportunity.

If you haven’t done so already, consider subscribing to VISTA Today, like today. Subscribing is free and ensures you’ll be in the know on the latest Chester County business news.

Jones J-S Sparr

All Things Plumbing

610.500.4373 atplumbing@verizon.net

Call for your Free Catalog or Visit paragonbusinessgifts.com

610.857.5506

Greg Krajewskigreg-paragon@comcast.net

Business Gifts, Inc.Thousands of Items with Your Custom Imprint

1st Place Winners Todd Darlington, Kevin Morgan, Brad Miles, Dr. Sean Early.

Thanks to our host

Coatesville Country Club

Closest to the Pin Diane Fasnacht.

2nd Place Winners Matt Gorham, Matt Schmidt, Ed Kovatch,

John Sears.

Longest Drive Caren Andrews. Longest Drive Jonathan Sears.

50 South First Avenue, Coatesville, PA 19320

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Chamber Board of Directors

Executive CommitteeJonathan Wright President

The Wright Agency

John H. Lymberis President ElectHarry’s The Neighborhood Place / The Attic Lounge

Greg Prowant Vice PresidentCaln Township

Bill Shaw TreasurerLife Transforming Ministries

Adrienne MacKenzie Past PresidentCitadel

Donna Siter Executive DirectorAmy Davis Business Manager

Bernie BeegleAdvanced GeoServices

Erik BrechtEMB Specialty, LLC

Francesca CraneBridge of Hope Lancaster & Chester Counties

Todd Darlington

James GablePennsylvania American Water

Matt GorhamThe Matt Gorham Group

Bob GrabusChester County Economic Development Council

Mike GuyerFulton Bank

Shannon Maria JonesTransportation Management Association of Chester County

Karl Klingmann IIPenn Rise Benefits

Greg LownesLownes Computer Service

Gina MacDonaldFreedom Village

Donna McCorkleJetPay Payroll Services

Lisa McNamaraOctorara Area School District

Kimberly NicolasMarriott Courtyard Coatesville

Janet PetskoImage Ink

Susan SalvoArt & Architecture

Dr. Cathy TaschnerCoatesville Area School District

Doug ThompsonCitadel

Like us on Facebook

Our 2015 Platinum Sponsors

May 13, 7:30 – 9amCorporate Citizenship presented by Jeff March, Citadel President & CEOChester County Food Bank, 650 Pennsylvania Dr., Exton

May 14, 5 – 7pmMaking Connections Happy HourThe Craft House, 300 N. Bailey Rd., Thorndale

June 9, 7am – 4pmChamber Day in HarrisburgJoin members from Chambers all across Pennsylvania for informational sessions on business related topics

June 11, 5 – 7pmMaking Connections Happy HourMr. E’s Tavern & Fine Food, 313 W. Kings Highway, Coatesville

June 22, 5-7pmLongaberger & Vear Bradley Basket BingoFreedom Village Brandywine, 15 Freedom Blvd., West Brandywine

July 9, 5-7pm or come early at 3 pm to golf 9 holesJoint Golf Mixer with Downingtown-Thorndale Regional ChamberIngleside Golf Club, 104 Horseshoe Dr. Thorndale

July 16, 7 – 10pmWCCCC Chamber Night at the Reading Fightin’ PhilsFirstEnergy Stadium, 1900 Centre Ave. /Rt 61 South, Reading Fireworks and Christmas in July

NEW for 2015 — Making Connections Happy Hour Every 2nd Thursday

Energy Independence DayMay 17, 1 – 6pm, Waste Oil Recyclers MOGREENAwasteoilrecyclers.comCoatesville ACTION Career & Training ExpoMay 20, 12 – 4pm, Lincoln University CoatesvilleCoatesvilleaction.orgOABest ExpoMay 30, 10 – 2pm, Octorara High SchoolOctorara.k12.pa.usCoatesville Senior Center Golf OutingJune 22, 11am – 8pm, Coatesville Country ClubCoatesvilleSeniorCenter.orgTMACC Annual LuncheonJune 26 Chester Valley Golf ClubKeynote Speaker: Sarah Feinberg, Acting Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administrationtmacc.org

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