Progress 2016 by Ad Pro Inc.

PROGRESS

Business to Business Buyers’ Guide

A Chester County Press Publication • 2016 Complimentary Copy

2 PROGRESS - CHESTER COUNTY PRESS - WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016

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Table of Contents 10

All along the Corridor: Route 1 Economic Development Initiative continues to make progress

3D Auto Body & Collision Centers receive prestigious 2016 Small Business of the Year Award

After a year of big projects, Kennett Square looks to the future

Water Scale 101 Electric Hot Water Heaters and Scale

Bringing it all together: Chambers of Commerce help businesses help themselves

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 - CHESTER COUNTY PRESS - PROGRESS 7

Letter from the Editor Welcome to the 2016 issue of Progress, our annual business and industry review that looks at the latest business news throughout the area. This year, our staff reports on the Route 1 Economic Development Initiative, which combines the efforts of local and county officials to promote the Route 1 corridor as a natural place for commercial growth. We report about all the commercial and residential growth that is taking place in the Kennett Square area. After a year of big projects, Kennett Square officials are busy planning for the future.

We also look at the work that the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce and Oxford Chamber of Commerce are doing to showcase the best of southern Chester County and to attract new businesses to the region. Also in this issue we have a new feature of Progress, a Business-to-Business Buyersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Guide. We hope that you find this issue to be a reference guide for the year ahead. Steven Hoffman, Editor Chester County Press

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 - CHESTER COUNTY PRESS - PROGRESS 9

ALL ALONG THE CORRIDOR: Route 1 Economic Development Initiative continues to make progress

Courtesy photo

By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer More than 100 elected officials, conservation experts, and representatives of townships, municipalities and schools in southern Chester County gathered at the Route 1 Economic Development Partners Initiative presentation in West Grove last fall, to talk about a transportation tributary that mean-

ders across four boroughs and 12 townships in the southern region of the county. Some would call them stakeholders -- others would call them cheerleaders -- but they were there to confirm that the initiatives of what may ultimately shine a light of smart growth, economic development and conservation along Route 1 have gone well beyond the spitball stage that began the Initia-

tive in 2011, to a firm coalition of ideas. Chester County -- in particular, the southern portion of the county which Route 1 passes directly through -- is the fastest growing county in the Commonwealth, and while these initiatives are being developed at a crucial time, what happens when you combine three million square feet of land, splayed like a tabula rasa of potential from

Kennett Square to West Nottingham, and a group of business and community leaders with great ideas? You end up with a generous amount of overlap, so in 2014, a steering committee was formed, to foster open dialogue between the seven subcommittees of the Initiative. Representatives from each of the subcommittees gave brief presentations.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 - CHESTER COUNTY PRESS - PROGRESS 11

Economic development begins not by being the first to stick a shovel in the ground, but by listening. Members of the Land Development and Municipal Coordination Com Committee ommittee are conducting a non-stop tour of local townships and municipalities, in order to get a feel for what each was thinking in terms of their individual plans for development along the Route 1 Corridor. They visited Avondale

Borough, East Nottingham Borough, Kennett Township, Kennett Borough, London Grove Township, New Garden Township, Oxford Borough and Penn Township. Working with a questionnaire sent to municipal leaders, “We asked what types of economic development they wanted in their township,” said Committee chair Dennis Melton, a Kennett Square architect. “Their answers were ‘Light Indus-

trial,’ ‘Medical’ and ‘Commercial.’ We then asked what kind of economic development they would least like to see, and several leaders who respon responded said that they would not like to see residential development.” The Economic Development Subcommittee is introducing in the most likely developm development models anticipated to locate along the Route 1 Corridor over the next several years, to give ttownships and municipalities a sn snapshot of projected growth. The m most likely scenarios are a) affordab affordable housing, specifically, 200-unit 200-unit, multifamily, garapartm den-like apartment complexes that rent between $ $875 and $1,500 a month, and are walkable to town centers; b) the creation of facilities to be used for light industrial business that are between 20,000 aand 30,000 square fe feet, provide betwe 40 to 50 parking tween space spaces, and can be used by either ei a single tenant or a number of tenants; and c) the establishment of larger-scale manufacturing or warehouse-type fac facilities that are about 100,00 square feet in 100,000 size, and offer between 100 park and 150 parking spaces. The Infrastructure Infras Subcomid mittee has identifi ed certain locations along the corridor for potential de development, while Transpor the Transportation Subcommittee has met with members of el PennDOT, elected officials, the Photo by Richard L. Gaw

Peter Kjellerup of the Route 1 Economic Development’s Preservation and Open Space Committee was one of several speakers during the presentation.

Chester County Planning Commission, and other advocacy associations and business leaders to find out what the key transportation needs are along Route 1. One of the goals of the Workforce Housing Subcommittee is to provide for diverse, affordable housing options, consistent with principles for smart growth and sustainability, to meet the needs for all households. Currently, the group is creating an inventory of suitable sites for affordable housing along the corridor; identifying designed growth areas and suitable infrastructure; and identifying properties that had been considered undesirable, that can be turned around through the establishment of public and private partnerships. Ask nearly every Chester County resident to list off what he or she loves most about the county, and you are likely to receive the same answer to the question, ‘What is the most critical issue affecting the county in the future?’ It’s the preservation of open space. As part of the Initiative, the Preservation and Open Space Subcommittee is identifying environmentally-sensitive areas along the corridor, in an effort to ensure that they remain preserved as open spaces. Another goal of the committee will be to work with several local conservation groups, to help connect these identified areas to trail systems, in order to provide opportunities for residents to connect with nature. Towns and municipalities along the Corridor are the beneficiaries of an economic leg-up offered by Chester County’s Community Revitalization Program. Begun in 2002, the Program has awarded a total of $17.8 million in infrastructure support to Avondale [$4.2M], Kennett Square [$3.8M], Oxford [$4.5M] and West Grove [$5.2M], in order to support urban revitalization in these towns. Continued on Page 12

12 PROGRESS - CHESTER COUNTY PRESS - WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016

Route 1...

Continued from Page 11

Photo by Richard L. Gaw

More than 100 local leaders of business, government, conservation and education attended the Route 1 Economic Development update presentation, held last October at the Technical College High School in West Grove.

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In addition, the county recently provided Oxford with $575,000 for the Wheeler Boulevard street improvement; and $400,000 to West Grove Borough for the reconstruction of Hillside Avenue. The county is also supporting the Kennett Area Community Service facilities, as well as the start of a better housing alliance project in Oxford. A new website, currently being developed by students at the Technical College High School in West Grove, will market the Route 1 Corridor and will list all of the properties currently zoned for commercial development along the Corridor; and supply information about zoning, key contacts from municipalities along the Corridor, news articles about what’s hap-

pening in the area, the advantages of developing a business in the area; and reasons why the county is a great place to live, work and play. For the last 30 years, Bob Grabus, of the Economic Development Partners Initiative, has driven from his house in West Pikeland down through Bear and Middletown, Del., to a property in Virginia. Each time he makes the trip, he drives through a contiguous strip of commercial retail that has sacrificed the aesthet-

ics of a once rural area, in favor of the quick buck. Passing the neon signs, Grabus compares what he sees with what he and others are trying to do along the Route 1 Corridor, which is to strike a proper – and delicate – balance between economy, community, preservation and development. “We’re not looking to do any retail development at all,” Grabus said. “We’re looking to generate high-paying, generational jobs, in

a sustainable way that respects the environment. Our entire mission is to expedite the process of linking townships and municipalities with business leaders. We tell prospective investors, ‘Let us help you identify those communities who are ready, willing and able to assist you with the location of your own ideas for growth.’ “We’re helping townships to achieve their vision, not our vision,” Grabus added. “We want them to make well-informed decisions about their future, and anything we can do to assist in that vision, we will do.” To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, e-mail rgaw@chestercounty. com.

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18 PROGRESS - CHESTER COUNTY PRESS - WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016

3D Auto Body & Collision Centers receive prestigious 2016 Small Business of the Year Award 3D Auto Body & Collision Centers recently received the 2016 Small Business of the Year Award, according to company president Dave Niestroy. The award was presented by the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry. Each year, the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry honors a member business with the Small Business of the Year Award, which is granted to a company that epitomizes the true meaning of entrepreneurship, leadership and success. It is a company that took significant risk, yet achieved substantial commercial success while remaining active in community service. The Chamber also honors a nonprofit organization, and in 2016 that was the United Way. “I want to thank my parents for allowing me to use their garage, starting in 1977, to paint everything from bicycles to lawn mowers to eventually cars,” said Ni-

estroy during his speech to over 300 people in attendance at the Chamber’s awards dinner on Jan. 20. Niestroy, who is a Chester County native, started the business in 1981 by first renting a bay in West Chester at what is now his largest production shop. “This was a group effort and was well-earned,” said Craig Camacho, 3D’s VP of Marketing & Business Development. “Dave is very generous and does a lot for our different communities, but he is not the kind of guy to publicly pat himself on the back or to come up with a polished speech. Seeing him accept this award and speak with such passion was really nice.” Founded in 1981, the independently owned shop has some of the largest state-of-the-art facilities of their kind in the Northeast

region of the country. 3D offers its customers the highest-quality workmanship. Driven, dynamic, and dedicated are the “three D’s” that differentiate 3D from the competition. For additional information regarding 3D Auto Body & Collision Centers, please contact Camacho at 484-8852500 or CraigC@3DBodyWorks. com. The Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry represents a membership of nearly 800 businesses, ranging in size from some of the largest employers in Pennsylvania to small businesses and sole proprietorships. As a “Chamber of influence” and the largest Chamber in Chester County, the organization serves as the voice for business on local, state and federal level issues that impact the business climate, job creation and the quality of life in our region. To learn more, visit www.CCCBI.org.

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Photo by Steven Hoffman

The arrival of Victory Brewing and Magnolia Place marked a new era for Kennett Square.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 - CHESTER COUNTY PRESS - PROGRESS 23

After a year of big projects, Kennett Square looks to the future By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer The arrival of Victory Brewing and Magnolia Place marked a new era for Kennett Square, and the last year has been a busy one for officials as developers have offered plans for a number of large-scale projects. Russell Drumheller, the Codes Enforcement Officer for Kennett Square, said that commercial and residential projects totaling between $35 million and $40 million could be on the way to Kennett Square

within the next five years. Kennett Square’s revitalization efforts, which were already built on a strong foundation of robust, historic neighborhoods and a downtown filled with art galleries, restaurants, and unique boutiques, were solidified by Victory Brewing and Magnolia Place, and the large investments that they represent. Other developers take notice to large investments like that. “With Victory Brewing coming here and the way that the townhomes at Magnolia Place are selling, it’s a vote

of confidence—people want to be in Kennett Square,” explained Mary Hutchins, the executive director of Historic Kennett Square, which leads the revitalization efforts for Kennett Square Borough’s downtown. In 2015, Historic Kennett Square partnered with Kennett Square Borough, Kennett Township, Historic Kennett Square, Genesis HealthCare, and Longwood Gardens on an economic development study that focuses on seven areas for targeted commercial or residential growth. Todd Poole of 4Ward Planning and

Mark Keener of the RBA Group were hired to help lead the effort to complete the study. Hutchins said that the study will help officials set priorities for where and how the Kennett region grows. “What is it that we want Kennett to look like in five to ten years?” Hutchins said. Now is a good time to be planning for the future because a number of larger projects have already been proposed for Kennett Square and are in various stages of completion. Continued on Page 24

Kennett Development... Continued from Page 23

In April of 2015, StanAB, LP, a West-Chester based real estate development company, announced plans for a multi-million dollar mixed-use project that would include 175 luxury apartments in the 600 block of West State Street, as well as 8,700 square feet of retail space that would most likely be used for a pub or restaurant. StanAb was responsible for numerous high-end developments in the West Chester area, including the redevelopment of the former Woolworthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department Store site in downtown West Chester that featured a retail office strip center that was anchored by Iron Hill Brewery and office suites. Tony Stancato, a principal of StanAb, explained at the time that plans were introduced that the company viewed Kennett Square as a very dynamic area, and the revitalization of Kennett Square, in many ways, was reminiscent of what was happening in West Chester Borough at the time that the Iron Hill Brewery came to town. A project that is further along in the approval process is the Cannery Row development that will be situated on parcels in both Kennett Square Borough and Kennett Township. The Cannery Row development is slated to include retail space, office space, a restaurant, and luxury apartments. Drumheller said that this project is close to getting preliminary approvals in Kennett Square Borough. A groundbreaking on the project could take place in 2016. For many years, the largest parcel in Kennett Square Borough eligible to be redeveloped has been the 26acre NVF site near the intersection of Mulberry and Lafayette streets. The site, which was once owned by the National Vulcanized Fiber Company, is still zoned industrial. The Environmental Protection Agency started regulating the extensive clean-up of the site back in the 1990s. The Delaware Valley Redevelopment Corporation purchased the property about Continued on Page 26

Photo by Steven Hoffman

State Street is a hub of activity thanks to the large number of shops and restaurants that make Kennett Square a destination.

26 PROGRESS - CHESTER COUNTY PRESS - WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016

Kennett Development... Continued from Page 24

eight years ago and demolished several of the unsafe structures on the property. The land was prepared for the development process. Initially, a mixed-use project was being developed, but an all-residential development could also be under consideration. Drumheller said that 400 or more housing units could be in the pipeline over the next five years or so, and a significant portion of those could be on the NVF site if a redevelopment plan is approved. Additionally, a plan for approximately 20 townhouses was recently proposed for a parcel on Cope Road. New residents will discover what Photo by Steven Hoffman

The proposed Cannery Row development is making its way through the approval process.

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current residents already know: Kennett Square is a great place to live, in part because of the vibrant downtown which is the home to a nice assortment of restaurants and shops. Hutchins said that the demand for retail space has definitely increased since Victory Brewing and Magnolia Place arrived, but the downtown district has been a popular spot for merchants for years. “We have a lot of interest in Kennett Square,” Hutchins explained. “We field calls from people who are interested in opening businesses in town on a regular basis.” Overall, Hutchins said, there are only a few vacant buildings in the downtown, with the vacancy rate currently at just two or three percent. One of the current buildings available is the former home of Bove Jewelers, and there were entrepreneurs expressing interest in the building even before it was of-

ficially available. Sixteen years ago, when Hutchins started at Historic Kennett Square, the business district was just two blocks long. It has been expanded in all directions since then. “We just keep pushing the borders.” Hutchins explained. She said that one of the challenges for Kennett Square officials is finding creative uses for the spaces that are available. She would like to see some new ways to bolster the arts and culture in town. She is eager to see what findings result from the economic development study, and she said that Kennett Square leaders are committed to making sure that the economic development study leads to action. “A lot of plans sit on the shelf. We’re committed to not have that happen,” she said. “One of the positive things that I see is the working relationship between Kennett Town-

ship and the Borough. It’s wonderful the way that some of these plans have come together.” With its walkable downtown and a wide variety of amenities, Kennett Square is viewed as attractive to both older people who might be downsizing and younger people between the ages of 25 and 35 who might be delaying purchasing a home and want to rent instead. A market study by Lisa Price & Associates determined that Kennett Square is an underserved market when it comes to rental properties, which is a factor that helped StanAB, LP decide that Kennett Square was a viable option for luxury apartments. Kennett Square officials would like to have a good mix of housing options for its diverse population. That’s also the case for the commercial district as well, where Historic Kennett Square works to attract shops and restaurants that appeal to

a wide variety of people. “Our challenge is to try to offer something to everyone,” Hutchins said. “All of this has to be looked at closely to determine what is the best way to engage everyone in the community.” To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty. com.

PUBLISHED BY AD PRO., INC. Randall S. Lieberman, Publisher DISPLAY ADVERTISING 610.869.5553 ext. 22 Steven Hoffman..............................Managing Editor John Chambless.......................................Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw.........................................Staff Writer Brenda Butt.......................................Office Manager Tricia Hoadley..........................................Art Director Diane Blanche Stirrat..........................Graphic Artist Alan E. Turns..............................Advertising Director Christy Larry...............Assistant Advertising Director Teri Turns.................................Advertising Executive Helen E. Warren......................Advertising Executive Arlene McGoldrick..................................Copy Editor

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28 PROGRESS - CHESTER COUNTY PRESS - WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016

WATER SCALE 101 Electric Hot Water Heaters and Scale We now know that scale build up is a protective breeding ground for bacteria and we have looked at the application in respect to condensers, now let us take a look at how scaling increases maintenance costs on the home front.

cium build up, not only in the water lines, but also within the hot water heater. Within 20 days of install, the water heater was drained and the elements pulled. Here are the results after only 20 days of treatment:

Your electric hot water heater is your best friend when you open the tap and hot water flows as it should. On the contrary, when you turn on the tap for hot water and begin to hear your hot water heater clamoring and clanking and you find your hot water is no more than lukewarm, look no further than scale build up on the elements. At this point, most people either break down and purchase a new hot water heater or they take the time to drain the tank, flush out what they can, turn up the heat on the elements and cross their fingers that they will be able to get a few more months of hot water out of their water heater. If they were to pull the heating elements, they would find that they look like this:

After 45 days of treatment, the hot water heater was again drained and the elements pulled and this is what we see:

The scaling that you see not only impedes heat transfer to the water, but is also bacterial breeding grounds. Scaling as shown here, fouls the heating elements and causes hot water heaters to fail prematurely. Even if you have a conventional salt softener, you will still find scale accumulation on the heating elements as the high temperature of the elements would cause the calcium to precipitate out and adhere to the element. As you can see, the scale is building on these elements and will continue to build up even after the water heater has been flushed. For each 1/4” of scale build up, your water heater is using 40% more energy to heat the water. That is money wasted on energy as the elements work harder for less hot water. Turning up the heat to your elements will result in complete failure sooner as the scale is the problem with the heat transfer. Conversely, Scalewatcher products work specifically on scale and scale build up. When a Scalewatcher unit was installed before the hot water heater on the incoming water line, the Scalewatcher began to break down the cal-

Not only has the scale been broken down, but the elements are working properly and heating the water as they should without problems. No gurgling water heater, no need to turn up the temperature and most importantly, no more scale! If Scalewatcher can do help you give longer life to your water heater, why haven’t you tried it yet? It requires no plumbing, no special tools and can be installed in 20 minutes. Water feels and acts as if it has been run through a conventional salt system without that “slimy” feeling of salt conditioned water. You can save on cleaning products as your water will seem “wetter” and rinse more thoroughly. Isn’t it time to make the intelligent choice to Scalewatcher treated water? It’s easy! Simply contact us at sales@scalewatcher.com or call 800-5048577 and we will be happy to show you how our Scalewatcher products can help you save!

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Bringing it all together

Chambers of Commerce help businesses help themselves By John Chambless Staff Writer

hen it comes to initiating and maintaining the economic growth of a region, having a well-structured Chamber of Commerce as the hub is a critical component. The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce, now under president and CEO Cheryl B. Kuhn, has worked for the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s benefit for 86 years. This is what Kuhn had to say about that the Chamber does and how it reaches out to businesses in the community: How has the Chamber worked in tandem with growth in southern Chester County? In other words, did the Chamber exist to help the area grow, or did the area start growing, necessitating a Chamber? Kuhn: The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce, now in its 86th year, was in place and active long before the area starting growing as it has in the recent past. The Chamber grew through the years to support businesses and meet the needs of busi-

ness owners. Today, the growth of Southern Chester County and the Chamber continues to be a symbiotic and mutually beneficial relationship. Moreover, the Chamber is in the forefront of future preservation and progress with the creation of the Route 1 Economic Development Initiative, a partnership with the Chester County Economic Development Council. If you had to sum up what Chamber membership can do for a business owner in as few words

The Dansko retail outlet and corporate office in West Grove was designed by Bernardon, an architecture, interior design and landscape architecture firm with offices in Kennett Square and Wilmington, Del.

Courtesy photo

Cheryl Kuhn, the President and CEO of the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce.

as possible, what would you say? Business owners must study their business and target clientele, formulate a plan and execute it. Are they looking to build B2B relationships, or grow the business? If these are two top goals, then SCCCC is a good place for you. What benefits do longtime Chamber members say they get from the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities and networking opportunities? Through their membership, members can avail themselves of opportunities to grow their business, meet and learn from fellow members, learn business management skills from educational programs, build relationships in the community, support advocacy efforts, and enjoy socializing with people they might not otherwise get to meet. SCCCC offers an unusually large number of networking opportunities which serve two purposes: To introduce

business owners and/or their employees to other members and opportunities, and to promote mutual business relationships (and sales); To afford an environment where business owners and/or their employees can share ideas, help their peers make business connections, and generally feel accepted and understood. What have some of the biggest challenges been for the Chamber? Some challenges are similar to those faced by all chambers: To get members involved so that they experience the benefits of membership, which in turn will encourage them to retain their membership and support the organization by involvement and financially; and to connect members not able to be active on a regular basis so they continue to grow through referrals,

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and the free advertising and promotion received as part of their membership investment. What have been your biggest successes? Our successes are not measured by size. Big or small, the Chamber is successful based on the totality of our efforts, the support of the membership, and dedication of our staff, officers and directors. Everything we do is a success because each event, program or publication builds on the past and continuing efforts of the organization. The Chamber has had a significant impact on raising the visibility of Southern Chester County from a business and community standpoint, and promoting the area’s image as a superb place to live, work and play. This is accomplished in large part by connecting businesses together, working with a myriad of organizations across the county, and sharing the good news about our region. What hurts perceptions of a downtown or region the most – empty storefronts? Dirty streets? Lack of activities for residents? Or something else? If asked of 10 individuals, you’d probably receive 11 different responses. With that said, a perception that could hurt our region – any region -- is when there is no well-thoughtout and actively executed long-term plan for sustainable preservation and progress. When this exists, the entire re-

gion suffers, which then trickles down and throughout the area. What percentage of existing businesses are members of the Chamber? Is it half of all businesses in your area? Three-quarters? This specific question is being addressed by the Chamber’s Executive Committee. Although there is an idea of a number, we are determined to know the facts, and would be proud to share the information once it is in hand. Is the Chamber more than a cheer leading organization? In other words, how do you serve as a liaison between businesses, local government and the public to create practical, concrete results? Sid Friedman said, “If it is to be, it us up to me.” Businesses of all sizes, organizations large and small, and institutions are members of our Chamber of Commerce. They join for any or all of four reasons: To grow their business, for professional development programs, for the

Photo by Richard McFarland

Bill Covaleski, Ron Barchet and Matt Krueger of Victory Brewing Company, whose Kennett Square brewpub has become a focal point of the community.

betterment of the region, and in EDITORIAL support of business advocacy ef-

forts. Once on board, many get involved. It is these individuals, through the years, who have built our organization into what it is today – a platform that brings people together to share ideas and make a difference. The ideas turn into discussions, the discussions become change, and with change comes results.

If you could magically obtain something for your downtown or region, what would it be? Our region is overflowing with noble and worthy causes and people, responsible businesses and organizations that do the right thing and do it well, and individuals who want to take part. With that said, I would like to see our region advance in such a way that it preserves land and structures near and dear to our hearts, while developing viable communities so that economic success can be realized by all. The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce can be reached at their headquarters (217 W. State St., Kennett Square), by calling 610-4440774, or by visiting www.scccc.com. Continued on Page 35 Photo by John Chambless

The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce.

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Bringing it all together... Continued from Page 33

The Oxford area has a rich history and plenty of potential, with several organizations working to revitalize the downtown and bring new residents and businesses to the region. Janis Walker, the executive director of the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce, focused on what the region needs to spark future growth. She discussed the questions first with Jerome Rodio, the president of the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Board of Directors, as well as owner of an Oxford business and a resident of the borough. Here is how she responded: Continued on Page 36

Photo by John Chambless

Janis Walker, the executive director of the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Bringing it all together... Continued from Page 35

How has the Chamber worked in tandem with growth in southern Chester County? In other words, did the Chamber exist to help the area grow, or did the area start growing, necessitating a Chamber? Walker: The Chamber was organized in 1964 to support a growing business community in the area. If you had to sum up what Chamber membership can do for a business owner in as few words as possible, what would you say? The Chamber promotes membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; businesses as well as providing both social and formal occasions to discuss current problems and successes. Photo by John Chambless

Oxford Odds & Ends was rebuilt after a recent fire and is now a thriving antiques and collectibles business in Oxford.

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What benefits do longtime Chamber members say they get from the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities and networking opportunities? Members give solid support to community-based activities operated by the Chamber, such as the Scholarship Fund, the annual Community Awards Dinner, Movies in the Park in the summers, and the Halloween Parade each October. Businesses and organizations gain recognition for their public outreach to the community. What have some of the biggest challenges been for the Chamber? Providing the types of services and support that will keep members renewing each year and will attract new members. Continued on Page 38

Photo by John Chambless

Raelle Rivera, manager of the Sawmill Grill, a thriving restaurant in the heart of Oxford.

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Bringing it all together... Continued from Page 37

What have been your biggest successes? An increase in the number of members, especially over the past two years. Annual awarding of scholarships to high school students, as well as recognizing the Citizen of the Year and the Business/Organization of the Year at the annual Community Awards Dinner. What hurts perceptions of a downtown or region the most? Empty storefronts, especially those vacant for long periods, make people question the health of the downtown area’s business climate. There is also a perception of inadequate parking. What percentage of existing businesses are members of the Chamber? About 25 percent of the businesses located in Oxford are members, and that number is increasing. The percentage is about the same for the broader Oxford area.

Is the Chamber more than a cheerleading organization? In other words, how do you serve as a liaison between businesses, local government and the public to create practical, concrete results? The Chamber works actively with Oxford Mainstreet and the Borough to help solve problems and create new opportunities. If you could magically obtain something for your downtown or region, what would it be? A parking structure immediately, and extra funds to attract medium to large businesses to the area. The Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce can be reached at P.O. Box 4, 38-A South Third Street, Oxford, PA 19363. Call 610-932-0740 for more information or visit www.oxfordpa.org.

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