January 1, 2022
Dear Members and Friends,
Welcome to 2022! As we enter the New Year, the Southern Chester County Chamber is hitting the ground running.
Our Board of Directors is leading the way to implement goals and objectives from our annual retreat and focus group sessions; we continue to expand and enhance opportunities for members to collaborate, connect and grow; we’re doing our part to support local youth through scholarships, and career and training opportunities with our local high schools; we are expanding work with local municipalities, and we continue to work alongside our elected officials in support of a pro-business agenda.
For 2022, our focus is on recovery as it was in 2020 and 2021 on navigating our way through the pandemic. Here are just a few of our accomplishments from that time:
- Partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce & PA Chamber of Business and Industry bringing critical support, resources, and information to business and non-profits.
- Fielded hundreds of questions, provided leadership and support whether or not the business was a Chamber member.
- Created weekly electronic communications that included much needed and valuable information, links, and contacts.
- Hosted informative webinars and town halls, and offered viable options for every challenge facing our communities.
- Conducted virtual events and meetings to bring people together through the most difficult and challenging times of the pandemic.
- Worked alongside federal, state, and local elected officials to be sure the Governor’s office and the White House heard us¾we were available 24/7 for anyone who needed assistance.
- Distributed nearly 200 PPE kits in 10 hours thanks to the Chester County Commissioners.
- Partnered with local main street organizations including Kennett Collaborative, Oxford Mainstreet and Chadds Ford Business Association and offered our resources and support to their members.
- Participated on the Chester County Commissioners’ Business Task Force, ultimately bringing “Restore Chester County” to all who needed it.
- Supported the devastated restaurant industry with, among other things, a “Tip Jar”, “Open Restaurant List”, and “Support Local. Love Local” campaigns.
- Organized a “Community Caravan” to Oxford led by the Oxford Police and Fire Departments. More than 28 cars caravanned through town, parked in the garage, and spent the day eating, drinking and spending money in support of Oxford merchants and restaurants.
- Developed and executed “Support Local. Love Local” campaigns – in support of local merchants – retail, restaurants, pubs and wineries.
- Created a popular “Good News” weekly e-blast sharing the incredible things people were doing to help others.
The global pandemic impacted the lives and livelihoods of businesses and organizations across the world, nation, and our region, and so, recovery is not a foregone conclusion. Inclusive recovery and regrowth is necessary and the only way for all of us to succeed. This will require frequent dialogue between elected officials and business and organization leaders. In this regard, look for information about how you can lend your voice, and, feel free to reach out to me directly with your thoughts – ckuhn@scccc.com – 610-444-0774.
In the months ahead, take advantage of what we have to offer. You will be more successful than you expected by being active / getting involved – and participating. We are here for you.
As president and CEO of this magnificent organization, I want to thank you, our Membership, for the extraordinary ways you help make our region, county, Commonwealth, and country better each and every day. You make a real difference in the lives of so many and for that, I am truly grateful.
Sincerely,
Cheryl B. Kuhn, IOM
President & CEO
