Western

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May / June 2015

Chamber Historic Library

Getting ready to Celebrate 100 years in 2016

Then and Now with

the Wright Family
By Judith Lee

They say, The more

things change, the more
they stay the same,
and it couldnt 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.

Can you guess which local Chamber business is located

in this building today?

Chester County Food Bank

A 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.
3

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.

Malcolm Wright

Jonathan Wright

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.
6

Our Mission:

Our Vision:

Connecting our members to new ideas, resources,

and relationships to achieve their goals.

A thriving region that is well connected, innovative &

accessible for community & business growth.

NEW MEMBERS
Adelfi Promotions

Kimberton Whole Foods

Michael Millard
PO Box 552
West Chester, PA 19381
484-883-3135
mmillard@adelfipromo.com
www.adelfipromo.com
Promotional Products/Graphic Design
Focused on developing solutions to meet
our clients 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 Salon

Kelly Hook
137 E. Lancaster Ave
Downingtown, PA 19335
484-237-8417
kelmccomsey@gmail.com
www.belleviesalon.com
Salons/Barbers
Full service hair salon for men, women,
and children.
Referred by: Jonathan Wright,
The Wright Agency

Entire Tech Group

Lincoln University
Seitu Stephens
351 Kersey Street
Coatesville, PA 19320
484-365-7754
sstephens@lincoln.edu
www.lincoln.edu
Colleges/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 bachelors or
masters 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 todays global society.

Mr. Es Tavern & Fine Food

Dom Saccone
1224 W. Lincoln
Valley Township, PA 19320
610-500-5231
sales@etech4it.com
www.entiretechgroup.com
Professional IT Services
Referred by: Karl Klingmann II,
Penn Rise Benefits

Ground Up Home Inspections

Kevin Kerr
363 Hill Road
Honey Brook, PA 19344
610-324-3064
ks-kerr@hotmail.com
www.grounduphomeinspections.com
Home 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, Realtor
The Matt Gorham Group
Keller Williams Real Estate

Terry Brett
PO Box 760
Kimberton, PA 19460
610-935-1444
terry@kimbertonwholefoods.com
www.kimbertonwholefoods.com
Retail Natural Grocery
Retail, Natural Grocery, Produce,
Supplements, and Gifts.

Beth Perdue
313 W. Kings Hwy
Coatesville, PA 19320
610-384-4356
mrestavern@verizon.net
www.mrestavern.biz
Restaurants, 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 Bank

Jerry Calone
1201 E. Lancaster Hwy
Downingtown, PA 19335
610-535-6821
gcalone@pennlibertybank.com
www.pennlibertybank.com
Banks, 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.com

RENEWING MEMBERS
20+ YEARS
Rotary Club of Coatesville
WC Adams

10+ YEARS
Art Partners Studio
Theresa Salinas

Freedom Village at Brandywine

Gina MacDonald

Habitat for Humanity of Chester County

Chip Huston

Paulsonbilt
Pamela Barranco

RAS Industries
Dick Saha

Siana, Bellwoar & McAndrew LLP

Eric Brown, Esq.

5+ YEARS
Brian Hoskins Ford
Ed Kovatch

DiMatteo Insurance
Al DiMatteo

Envera
Michael Matheny

Fairways Apartments & Townhomes

Kristin Undercuffler

Holiday Inn Morgantown

Arthur Yui

Honey Brook Pharmacy

Tony Scalies

Image Ink
Janet Petsko

Matt Gorham, Realtor

The Matt Gorham Group

Keller Williams Real Estate

Payroll & Accounting 4 You, Inc.

Laura Vattilana

PECO Energy Company

Greg Carey

Provident Homes Corporation

Matt Bedwell

Signal 88 Security of Octorara

Pete Mango

The Lukens Band

Mike Givler

The OMeara Law Firm

Anita OMeara

The UPS Store-Parkesburg

Richard Jenkins

Design: GK Productions, Inc. Printing: Thorndale Press, Inc.

2015 Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce All Rights Reserved.

May / June 2015

RENEWING MEMBERS

<5 YEARS
Atglen Borough
Caren Andrews

Economy Self Storage

Eileen Rowan

LegalShield
Amber Little

Mikel Mailings
Mike Schnitzius

Novak Strategic Advisors

Alan Novak

Opera House Dental

Pope John Paul II Regional

Catholic Elementary School

Education Summit
April 10, 2015

Maria Samson

Snap Fitness
Ty Blocker

VanDyne Insurance Agency

Donna VanDyne

Walgreens
Thomas Hobson

Zakback Inc.
Bruce Korn

Dirk Hagen, DDS

Chester County Food Bank

CCFB endeavors to connect with our countys 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 Banks
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
programs 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 Banks kitchen and
warehouse located in Exton in the Eagleview Corporate Center.
To get involved visit chestercountyfoodbank.org. Get involved!

M.CynthiaQuinn
C ERTIFIED P UBLIC A CCOUNTANT
7 RED OAK DRIVE
COATESVILLE, PA 19320
TEL (610) 380-1040
FAX (610) 384-6886

Dr. Cathy Tashner

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 Octoraras
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
Lisa McNamara
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.

May / June 2015

Business

in the News
Municipal Update

Before our Municipal Luncheon, we paid our respects to a

special municipal official, Frank Haas from West Sadsbury
Township, who recently passed away. Franks most notable
contributions to his community were the Victory Brewing
Company project moving into his township, the consolidation
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.

May / June 2015

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 Twps formulation of the Keystone Valley Regional
Fire District via an Intergovernmental Agreement.
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.
5

Christmas in July!
Your Business Will
Hit a Homerun . . .
if you sponsor

Western Chester County

Chamber Night at the
Reading Fightin Phils
July 16th, 7:05 pm with Fireworks after the Game
All Chamber members will be given 10 tickets to the game
It is our way of thanking you for all your support throughout the year.
WCCCC has purchased 5,000 tickets to fill the stadium with members, friends and
family. Sounds like a great event, doesnt it? Think of the opportunity to have your
business name attached to this event . . .

Your Name or Logo on all 5000 Tickets!

Limited time offeruntil May 31st

$500 Sponsorship gets your logo on all 5,000 tickets

$250 Sponsorship gets your name listed on all 5000 tickets
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
Our Platinum Sponsors:

WCCC
Night at the
Reading Fightin
Phils
g
with
after the Game!

Learn more at LGHealth.org/Parkesburg

or call 610-857-6616.

REAL

ESTATE

Noel Bernard
Realtor, ABR, ASR

950 S. Octorara Trail | Parkesburg

610-363-4300

Direct 610-363-4399

Choose well. Be well.

"Service with a Smile & Dedication"

May / June 2015

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 Townships 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 townships park.
This is a series of interactive games for preschoolers and their
caregivers. A Little Free Library is one of the trails features.

Western Chester County Municipal Leaders

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.

May / June 2015

Then and Now continued

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.

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.

He noted that his Pup-pup loved progress and

development, and embraced new technology as a way to
improve peoples everyday lives.

Jonathan characterized his experience as President of WCCCC

as eye-opening.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FULTON BANK DOES SO MUCH

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May / June 2015

VISTA Today

Golf Winners

The Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce is

pleased to announce a partnership with VISTA Today, a
new online Chester County business journal.

Thanks to our host

VISTA Today, developed by Parkesburg resident and WCCCC

member Ken Knickerbocker, is a new community-driven
online business journal telling Chester Countys business
story as those stories unfold every day. With professionally
written posts and attractive photographs, the site gives a
daily snapshot of the countys 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.

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

If you havent done so already, consider subscribing to

VISTA Today, like today. Subscribing is free and ensures
youll be in the know on the latest Chester County business
news.
2nd Place Winners Matt Gorham,
Matt Schmidt, Ed Kovatch,
John Sears.

Closest to the Pin Diane

Fasnacht.

Longest Drive Caren Andrews.

Longest Drive Jonathan Sears.

Jones J-S Sparr

All Things Plumbing

610.500.4373
atplumbing@verizon.net

Business Gifts, Inc.

Thousands of Items with Your Custom Imprint

Greg Krajewski
greg-paragon@comcast.net

610.857.5506
Call for your Free Catalog or Visit paragonbusinessgifts.com

May / June 2015

50 South First Avenue, Coatesville, PA 19320

t
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Our 2015 Platinum Sponsors

Energy Independence Day

May 17, 1 6pm, Waste Oil Recyclers MOGREENA
wasteoilrecyclers.com

May 13, 7:30 9am

Corporate Citizenship
presented by Jeff March, Citadel President & CEO
Chester County Food Bank, 650 Pennsylvania Dr., Exton

May 14, 5 7pm

Making Connections Happy Hour

May 20, 12 4pm, Lincoln University Coatesville

Coatesvilleaction.org

OABest Expo

The Craft House, 300 N. Bailey Rd., Thorndale

June 9, 7am 4pm

Chamber Day in Harrisburg
Join members from Chambers all across Pennsylvania for informational
sessions on business related topics

Upcoming Events

Coatesville ACTION Career & Training Expo

June 11, 5 7pm

Making Connections Happy Hour
Mr. Es Tavern & Fine Food, 313 W. Kings Highway, Coatesville

June 22, 5-7pm

Longaberger & Vear Bradley Basket Bingo
Freedom Village Brandywine, 15 Freedom Blvd., West Brandywine
July 9, 5-7pm or come early at 3 pm to golf 9 holes

Joint Golf Mixer with Downingtown-Thorndale

Regional Chamber

May 30, 10 2pm, Octorara High School

Octorara.k12.pa.us

Coatesville Senior Center Golf Outing

June 22, 11am 8pm, Coatesville Country Club
CoatesvilleSeniorCenter.org

TMACC Annual Luncheon

June 26 Chester Valley Golf Club
Keynote Speaker: Sarah Feinberg, Acting
Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration
tmacc.org

Ingleside Golf Club, 104 Horseshoe Dr. Thorndale

July 16, 7 10pm

WCCCC Chamber Night at the Reading Fightin Phils

Like us on Facebook

FirstEnergy Stadium, 1900 Centre Ave. /Rt 61 South, Reading

Fireworks and Christmas in July

NEW for 2015 Making Connections Happy Hour Every 2nd Thursday

Chamber Board of Directors

Executive Committee
Jonathan Wright

President

John H. Lymberis

President Elect

The Wright Agency

Harrys The Neighborhood Place /

The Attic Lounge

Greg Prowant

Vice President

Caln Township

Bill Shaw

Life Transforming Ministries

Adrienne MacKenzie
Citadel

Donna Siter
Amy Davis

Treasurer

Bernie Beegle

Advanced GeoServices

Erik Brecht

EMB Specialty, LLC

Francesca Crane

Bridge of Hope
Lancaster & Chester Counties

Todd Darlington
James Gable

Pennsylvania American Water

Past President

Matt Gorham

The Matt Gorham Group

Executive Director
Business Manager

Bob Grabus

Chester County
Economic Development Council

Mike Guyer

Fulton Bank

Shannon Maria Jones

Transportation Management Association

of Chester County

Karl Klingmann II

Penn Rise Benefits

Greg Lownes

Lownes Computer Service

Gina MacDonald
Freedom Village

Donna McCorkle

JetPay Payroll Services

Lisa McNamara

Octorara Area School District

Kimberly Nicolas

Marriott Courtyard Coatesville

Janet Petsko
Image Ink

Susan Salvo

Art & Architecture

Dr. Cathy Taschner

Coatesville Area School District

Doug Thompson
Citadel