The Reporter is a pro-business e-publication developed by the Community and Government Relations Committee (CGRC) of the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce (SCCCC). The CGRC collaborates with business leaders, industry professionals and government officials on relevant topics that are important to our members' bottom line, serve to keep members informed on emerging issues at the local, state and federal levels, and benefit the broader business community. All information contained in this e-publication is being provided to Chamber membership and the business community for information purposes only and the CGRC and/or the SCCCC does not necessarily endorse or recommend any of the opinions or positions expressed therein.
Although every reasonable effort is made to present current and accurate information, the CGRC and the SCCCC makes no guarantees of any kind with respect to the information provided. We look forward to providing newsworthy and timely pro-business facts, figures and information to our readers. Questions can be directed to the Chamber at 610-444-0774 or CGRC Chairman, Doug Doerfler (Genesis).
A Letter from the Community and Government Relations Committee Chairman
Dear Members and Friends,
Back in February, I was thrilled to be able to once again chair the Chamber's Community and Government Relations Committee. I was looking forward to a world of possibility for this committee and eager to work with the group to set goals and priorities for the year. Then, the world changed. Our community, along with others around the world, were now faced with a new enemy that impacted every single one of us. Priorities changed immediately, uncertainty became an instant norm to daily operations, and answers were not available for so many of the questions that were asked. We had no playbook for what hit us, and it is hard to forecast the long-term impact of the last three months.
It's clear the landscape of what we once knew has changed. Individuals have lost jobs, businesses ceased operations, and in-person meetings were shifted to virtual meetings. The connectedness we all shared every day took a complete shift as w e lost face-to-face contact with co-workers, friends and families. Many of us have known individuals who contracted COVID, and even some whose lives were lost, and I want to acknowledge all those impacted directly by the virus. Genesis said goodbye to its founder, Mike Walker, who not only dedicated his life to serving the needs of the elderly, but was so instrumental for the revitalization of Kennett Square in the 1990s. It has taken a toll on us, and I think it's important to acknowledge what we have gone through. MICHAEL R. WALKER OBITUARY
It's also important to recognize the moments of strength and resilience we have witnessed as well. Thank you to all our workers on the front lines. Thank you, Jim Turner and Cheryl Kuhn, for your leadership in this time. The Chamber communicated to members daily, advocated at all levels of government to promote the needs of the business community, and provided support in as many ways as possible to help us navigate this time of uncertainty. I saw creativity from many of our business owners in order to try new ways of doing things, community organizations try unique on-line and virtual fundraising efforts to continue to meet the needs of so many. I saw the reestablished value of a face-to-face conversation or sharing a smile. In short, I saw what will bring us through one of the most challenging times in recent history.
So, as we embark on the next chapter of our collective story, know that the Chamber and the Community and Government Relations Committee are here to serve you. We will be establishing new goals and priorities as a committee, so let us know how your needs, both those that have remained, and those that are now necessary, can help us shape our Vision. Don't hesitate to reach out to the Chamber at 610-444-0774 or to me directly at 610-925-4206 if you have questions or comments.
Together in Community,
Doug Doerfler, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Committee Chairman Community & Government Relations Committee Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce