Chamber Historic Library Then and Now with the Wright Family

Western
Build a better business with us.
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 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.
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.
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“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.
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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
[email protected]
www.adelfipromo.com
Promotional 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 Salon
Kelly Hook
137 E. Lancaster Ave
Downingtown, PA 19335
484-237-8417
[email protected]
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
[email protected]
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 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 Food
Dom Saccone
1224 W. Lincoln
Valley Township, PA 19320
610-500-5231
[email protected]
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
[email protected]
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
[email protected]
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
[email protected]
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
[email protected]
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
[email protected]
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 O’Meara Law Firm
Anita O’Meara
The UPS Store-Parkesburg
Richard Jenkins
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Design: GK Productions, Inc. • Printing: Thorndale Press, Inc.
© 2015 Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce All Rights Reserved.
May / June 2015
2
RENEWING MEMBERS
2
<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
1
Chester County Food Bank
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!
M.CynthiaQuinn
C ERTIFIED P UBLIC A CCOUNTANT
7 RED OAK DRIVE
COATESVILLE, PA 19320
TEL (610) 380-1040
FAX (610) 384-6886
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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 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
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. Frank’s 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 Twp’s 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
4
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, doesn’t it? Think of the opportunity to have your
business name attached to this event . . .
Your Name or Logo on all 5000 Tickets!
Limited time offer…until 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
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.
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.
◊
◊
◊
◊
◊
5
May / June 2015
1
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 people’s 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.
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May / June 2015
6
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 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.
Coatesville
Country Club
1st Place Winners Todd
Darlington, Kevin Morgan,
Brad Miles, Dr. Sean Early.
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.
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
[email protected]
Business Gifts, Inc.
Thousands of Items with Your Custom Imprint
Greg Krajewski
[email protected]
610.857.5506
Call for your Free Catalog or Visit paragonbusinessgifts.com
7
May / June 2015
50 South First Avenue, Coatesville, PA 19320
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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. E’s 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
Harry’s 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