2016 Annual Membership Luncheon

 

[Springfield, PA]— On Wednesday, June 15 the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will host its Annual Membership Luncheon at the Springfield Country Club. During the event fellow Chamber members will join to reflect on the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce 2015-2016 Year in Review. An array of sponsors for the event include: Destination Delco, LPL Financial, Main Line Today, Steger, Gowie & Co., Inc., WSFS Bank, AmeriHealth Caritas, Brinker, Simpson & Company, LLC, Crozer-Keystone Health System, DNB First, Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union, and Streamline Payroll, LLC who will help support and celebrate another successful year for the Chamber of Commerce.

 

Listen to District Attorney, Jack Whelan's keynote address after recognizing the Business Leadership Academy Class of 2016. Also help recognize the outgoing and incoming Chamber board members for the upcoming fiscal year.

 

Finally help honor this year’s 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Tore Fiore from Destination Delco. Tore has held many positions and is actively involved in many groups and organizations through the county such as: Chairman of Philadelphia & The Countryside, member of the Government Affairs Committee for the Pennsylvania Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus, member of the Public Relations Committee for the Pennsylvania Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus, Managing Director for Track Pack Pa, Executive Producer for Riverfront Ramble, Executive Producer for Walk for the Wounded, and is part of the Executive Committee for Forever Independent.

 

If interested in attending, you can register for the event at www.delcochamber.org. Event prices will be $45 for members and $60 for non-members.

 

About the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce:

 

Founded in 1887, the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce represents businesses' interests and issues affecting the community. We help Chamber members succeed through proactive outreach and partnering with all levels of government and community organizations through education, networking and collaboration to achieve a healthy economy to drive business forward. For more information on membership and how you can get involved, visit www.delcochamber.org





Delaware County Partnership for Public Safety Holds Program about Planning and Preparing for an Active Shooter

 

Delaware County Council, the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, and Neumann University discuss strategies on protecting business and employees from an active shooter situation

DELAWARE COUNTY- The Delaware County Partnership for Public Safety will hold a special public program about planning and preparing for an active shooter on Thursday, May 19 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at Neumann University.

The program will provide public safety leaders, business owners and executives, and the general public with current information on the potential threat of an active shooter in the workplace and other public venues. Representatives from the Delaware County District Attorney's Office, Haverford and Radnor Township Police Department, and Allied Barton will be speaking during the program. The speakers will explain how to define a problem, preparation and prevention, situational awareness, and response.

“This new program will provide an opportunity to share the experience, expertise, resources and talents of our County’s public safety agencies, our business community, workforce, government and academia in a forum that can be used by the public and larger community to promote safety and security,” said Mario Civera, Jr., Chairman of Delaware County Council. 

 

Public safety leaders from the public and private sector-those that are tasked with preventing, preparing for, and responding to incidents involving an active shooter-will share how they mitigate risk and the importance of maintaining situational awareness during events. Participants will also learn about the resources available from local, county, state and federal public safety partners.

 

“Neumann University and our Center for Leadership Development are thrilled to play the role of administering and coordinating the efforts of the Delaware County Partnership for Public Safety,” said Dr. Rosalie M. Mirenda, President of Neumann University.  “We look forward to hosting this upcoming program, along with a number of future educational summits for the public and community leaders that will identify threats, promote best practices, educate the community, and improve collaboration.”

 

Registration is free and open to the public, however space is limited to the first 300 registrants. There is no charge to attend the event and a light breakfast will be provided during check-in from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Advanced registration is required and can be completed online on the Partnership for Public Safety website at http://www.neumannpublicsafety.com/.

 

About the Delaware County Partnership for Public Safety

The partnership is a new collaboration between Neumann University, Delaware County Council, the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office and the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce to promote, support and sustain a culture of safety and security in Delaware County for businesses, institutions and community organizations. Over the course of the next year, the Delaware County Partnership for Public Safety envisions hosting four public educational summits to identify threats, promote best practices and improve collaboration among interested partners to educate the community on a variety of issues related to the safety of Delaware County residents.

 

Written by:

Pete Peterson

Bellevue Communications Group

ppeterson@bellevuepr.com

Delaware County Chamber Hosts its 8th Annual Youth Leadership Academy

[Springfield, PA]— On Monday, May 9th the Foundation of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and the Workforce Development Board, Youth Council held its 8th annual Youth Leadership Academy at the Penn State-Brandywine Campus. The Youth Leadership Academy is a three day program that celebrates student achievements, supported by, Comcast, Delaware County Women's Commission, United Way of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey, Exelon Generation, Thunderbird Pizza, and Delaware County Office of Behavior Health, Division of Drug and Alcohol. Delaware County high school sophomores learn the power of leadership and are encouraged to become better prepared to take on future leadership opportunities. The program provided an outstanding opportunity for these 27 area 10th graders:

·         Olivia Andrisani (Academy of Notre Dame de Namur)

·         Suzanne Carpenter (Archbishop Carroll High School)

·         James Dougherty (Archbishop Carroll High School)

·         Stephen Swanick (Cardinal O'Hara High School)

·         Aliyah Brodie (Chester High School)

·         Jannelle Hartshorn (Chester High School)

·         Jasmine Hartshorn (Chester High School)

·         Melanie Hull-Dempsey (Chichester High School)

·         Adam P. Klein (Episcopal Academy)

·         Graham McAllister (Delaware County Technical High School)

·         Sindy Palma (Delaware County Technical High School)

·         Elena Taylor (Garnet Valley High School)

·         Emma Davies (Haverford High School)

·         Wyatt McDevitt (Interboro High School)

·         Katie Nunan (Marple-Newtown High School)

·         Savanna Urban (Merion Mercy Academy)

·         Maura Fee (Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast)

·         Neve Spellman (Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast)

·         Erica Williams (Sun Valley High School)

·         Francisca Mukova (Penn Wood High School)

·         Natalie Mantegna (Penncrest High School)

·         Dan Bullock (Radnor High School)

·         Ryan Kennedy (Ridley High School)

·         Rachel Gould (Springfield High School)

·         Sarah Jordan (Upper Darby High School)

·         Nicole Strasinski (Upper Darby High School)

·         Tommy Ricci (Upper Darby High School)

Throughout the Academy, interactive sessions were addressed with a variety of topics, including Business Leadership, Working with the Media, Government/Political, and Non-Profit Leadership. During the three days students also were able to meet and work with four different leadership panels. Panels were arranged with local area leaders in these four categories:

Government

·         Colleen P. Morrone (Delaware County Councilwoman)

·         Caitlin Ganley (District Director, Congressman Patrick Meehan)

·         Thomas J. Judge, Jr. (Chief Administrative Officer, Upper Darby Township)

·         Ed Kelly (Springfield Township Commissioner)

Business

·         Laura Kasper (President/CEO, Monarch Staffing)

·         Michael Simpson (CPA, CVA, Partner- Brinker, Simpson and Co. LLC)

·         Steve Landers (Owner, Thunderbird Pizza)

·         Lisa Luke (Axalta)

·         Jacqueline Gardner (Tomorrow Utilities)

Non-Profit

·         Doreen Storey (Executive Director, Delaware County United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey)

·         Mike Ranck (President and CEO, Community YMCA of Eastern Delaware County)

·         Clayton Fitch (Senior Grant Writer, Pathways PA)

·         Kelly Colvin (Associate Director, Center on Regional Politics, Temple University)

Media

·         Phil Heron (Editor, Delaware County Daily Times)

·         Jen Boyett (Government Affairs Manager, Comcast)

·         Bill Tyson (Penn State and Chair of Press Club)

·         Kathleen Carey (Business Writer, Delaware County Daily Times)

·         JB Braun (Publisher, Main Line Today)

Finally to cap off the program, a celebration was held the third night for the students and their families, along with an array of Delaware County leaders. The night allowed everyone to share in the success of the students and to recap the topics covered in the program. Also the students were divided into groups to give their own “Ignite Presentation” on the theme of leadership.

Overall the program was a major success helping promote leadership in Delaware County, and preparing the next generation of future leaders. Chamber president, Trish McFarland stated “Our future depends so much on the next generation of individuals who are willing to accept the challenge, that we must help nurture and support our young area leaders. The Delaware County Chamber is committed to recognizing the leaders of tomorrow, and promoting the success of our students.”

About the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce:

Founded in 1887, the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce represents businesses' interests and issues affecting the community. We help Chamber members succeed through proactive outreach and partnering with all levels of government and community organizations through education, networking and collaboration to achieve a healthy economy to drive business forward. For more information on membership and how you can get involved, visit www.delcochamber.org

5 Free Business Apps You Should Know About #FiveFriday

 

With Philly Tech Week just beginning its sixth annual week-long celebration of technology and innovation, it reminds us of the great strides made in these fields. With a consistently changing society, especially in technology and business, you need to continue to adapt and remain current with technology in order for your business to succeed. Applications are an easy and resourceful way to support you and your business. So check out these five recommended “apps” to help you in the business world. Also they won’t require you to pay a cent, and who doesn’t like FREE!

 

1.        Evernote

It’s surprising with the advances we made in technology and all the resources we have right at our fingertips, people still exchange business cards. But we still do, and it can be such a hassle to try and keep track of all the cards we exchange. Also it’s a very monotonous and time-consuming task to enter all the information from the cards to your contact list. This app helps speed the process and manages your contact list with one snap of a picture. This business card reader converts business card information by taking a picture of them and adding them to your contact list. It is an easy and painless way to keep your contact list up-to-date. Also this app will go the extra-mile from other “card reader” apps by using the business card information and add the person you met as a LinkedIn connection.

 

2.      Asana

 
If you’re tired of the countless e-mails back and forth to track who in your business has what assignment and if they have already completed certain projects; then this app is the lifeline you have been looking for. Founded in 2008 by Facebook Co-Founder Dustin Moskovitz, Asana is a shared task list and project management tool for your entire team. The app lets you see who on your team has what assignment, and what projects you have been assigned while you were out of the office. Besides just keeping up with tasks, you can attach files from Dropbox and attach images to projects. Also the app syncs in real time on your phone and on a web-based version as well. With this app you will never be left out of the loop no matter where you are.

 

3.      Blue Jeans

  
Anybody who is in the business field knows the struggle of conference calls. Whether it be trying to have everyone on the same line or having them all use the same platform, it can be a hassle. With so many platforms available for video conference calls, it can be a real challenge for everyone to use the same one. Maybe it’s because some won’t download correctly or they just prefer other types. Now with this app, you will no longer have to have everyone on the same platform for video conference calls. This service lets companies conduct video conference calls with everyone using different platforms like Google Hangouts, Microsoft Lync, and many more. And it gets even better. You do not even have to be at a computer to be a part of the call since the app can work right off your iPhone.

 

4.      FoxFi

 
 
How many times have you been traveling for work and need the internet but there are no wifi spots available? FoxFi has made the solution for dead-zones. The app works by turning your mobile device into a free wifi hotspot without a tether plan required. You might think that this sounds too good to be true, might damage the phone, or be at risk of revealing your information, but this highly secure app works without breaking into your phone’s software. Also the app can support multiple connections, and can work with any tablet as well.

 

5.      Square

 

Isn’t it just a pain when you need to collect a payment, but the person does not have cash and you can’t bring your credit card machine with you? Writing down the card information can be problematic. Square is an amazing tool. After downloading the app, the company will send you a free magstripe reader. It allows you to use your smartphone or tablet to accept all major credit cards and deposit into your bank account in one or two business days. With only a 2.75% per swipe fee, Square can really help advance your business and increase profits. The best part is with so much sensitive information being processed, Square makes protection and security their number one priority.

 

See how these apps can best help you and your company, and with no cost you can at least give it a try without losing anything. Be part of the technology movement and stay up-to-date with all business apps. With today being the start for Philly Tech Week in Delaware County, check out all of the upcoming events and see what sparks your interest and join the movement.

 

"Never before in history has innovation offered promise of so much to so many in so short a time." - Bill Gates

 

 

 

About the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce:

 

Founded in 1887, the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce represents businesses' interests and issues affecting the community. We help Chamber members succeed through proactive outreach and partnering with all levels of government and community organizations through education, networking and collaboration to achieve a healthy economy to drive business forward. For more information on membership and how you can get involved, visit www.delcochamber.org

 

 

Top 5 Beers at 2SP Brewery #FiveFriday

 

 

 

Since opening their doors in August 2015, 2SP Brewing Company has quickly become one of the most popular brewing companies in Delaware County and the Philadelphia area. Already having over 200 accounts where their beer is sold, this is truly a company on the rise. Owner, Michael Stiglitz, always had a passion for beer and while formerly working for Iron Hill Brewing Company, his passion only grew stronger. Working for Iron Hill, Stiglitz was introduced to craft beers and some very important connections which would lead to the 2SP Brewery today. Stiglitz convinced both Bob Barrar (Head Brewer) and Andrew “Ruby” Rubenstein (Head Cellarman) to join him in creating their own brewing company. But it was Barrar’s one condition to join with Stiglitz that lead to such quick success and recognition. Barrar ,who was born and raised in Glenolden, would only join if he was able to brew one particular beer and pay homage to the county he loved. That brew is known today as “Delco Lager.” This decision would quickly put the brewery on the map, and make them stand out among the competition.

 

With over 30 different styles of beer and growing, you might be unsure exactly where to start. No matter which one you choose, you will see why 2SP is the place to be. If you would like a road map, Mike Stiglitz will tell you his top five beers:

1.      Antonym

 

This springtime and summer grisette is the perfect way to cool off with the heat quickly approaching. With hints of melon this craft offers a crisp and refreshing taste. It is easy to drink and perfect to try if you are new to sampling craft beers. Though Stiglitz believes this to be there number one beer they have brewed, its beginnings make it a bit ironic and interesting. He believed that this French, hoppy, farmhouse ale was not marketable and refused to brew it. It was Ruby who decided to brew it since there was an empty fermenter tank and Stiglitz was gone for the weekend. When Stiglitz returned he was irritated with Ruby’s decision, but was amazed with its taste and it is now his favorite beer at 2SP.

 

2.      Patina

 

This is 2SP’s very own version of the Belgian favorite. The clean yet complex saison is ripe with fruit without being overbearing. At first sip, there are notes of light spice and herbs, but it’s the yeast that gives it a characteristic of fruitiness and aroma. Being neither super dry or too sweet, it is the perfect blend of finesse and strength. Also if you’re celebrating or want to feel a little more sophisticated, than this is the perfect alternative to “boring, old” champagne.

 

 

3.      Baby Bob 

 

This highly developed, precious American style stout takes after its father, Bob’s Russian Imperial Stout. Served with helpings of roasty and chocolate malts, and American hops, this bold and dry stout is semisweet with a hint of coffee notes. Also with it only being 6%, this is a stout Stiglitz says you can drink without it being overbearing or making you feel full. This stout does not “fall far from the tree” and can live up to dad’s expectations.

 

4.      Bellcracker

This is an ideally balanced Double IPA, without inhibition or prohibition for flavor. The bold, pushing hops and therapeutic malts offers a tropical fruit and dry flavor. Though this Double IPA strives for balance, it has a perplexing desire for American hops. Out of the 30+ beers brewed, this is one of those crafts that stood out, and from day one Stiglitz fell in love. Let this punishing brew punch you in the mouth, and show you why its “top dog.”

 

 

5.      Cold Cock

 

This English IPA offers a balance of roasts and citrus with a stiff earthy and floral flavor. Key notes of orange surround this notably less bitter IPA style. Originally, Stiglitz did not like the English IPA style, but it was Barrar’s creation that opened his eyes to this new style. With Cold Cock being Barrar’s favorite beer at 2SP, this is a must try with the Head Brewer giving his stamp of approval.

 

 

Come enjoy the experience of a true “Delco” Brewery. This is the perfect place to be with knowledgeable staff in a friendly environment. Also for you “foodies”, come try some amazing bites with different food trucks available Thursday through Saturday. And while you’re at it, why not check out an amazing classic car show with “Delco Cruisers” happening the 2^nd Friday of every month from April to October.


Try these five recommended and others to see why it is so difficult for Mike Stiglitz to only pick five. Also take home a growler of your favorite. If a growler isn’t enough, then I have some great news for you. Starting the second week of May, 2SP will be canning their beer offering cases to the public. They will be starting with these four beers: Delco Lager, ASAP, Bellcracker, and Cold Cock. Join the craze and try real Delco beer, brewed with 100% “wudder”.

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY 

 

 

 

 

About the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce:

Founded in 1887, the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce represents businesses' interests and issues affecting the community. We help Chamber members succeed through proactive outreach and partnering with all levels of government and community organizations through education, networking and collaboration to achieve a healthy economy to drive business forward. For more information on membership and how you can get involved, visit www.delcochamber.org

5 Slices to Grab in Delco #FiveFriday

 

 

“I want to be as famous as midnight… and as loved as pizza.”- Macy Gray (American R&B, jazz and soul singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, and actress)

Pizza is considered to be one of the most popular and beloved foods throughout the world. To be honest, who doesn’t enjoy grabbing a slice? Since the simpler times where you only had two choices: plain or pepperoni, pizza has adapted and become a staple in our culture. Many have attempted to leave there mark on the pizza culture with creative toppings or just becoming known as the local place to be. Now Delaware County has a wide variety of places to choose from for pizza, and it seems that everyone offers it as a menu item. So where do you go? More than likely you find a place you like and stick with it. You don’t want to take the chance and end up with a bad pie. But like Mel Brooks said, “Pizza is like sex. Even when it is bad it is good.” So let the Chamber steer you in the right direction to some must try slices in Delco, you won’t be disappointed!

 

 

 

1.     Bruschetta Pizza (Bertucci’s Italian Restaurant, Glen Mills & Springfield)

 

 

 

 

Now everyone can agree the best style is the brick oven pizza, and Bertucci’s is the place to be. Spending 30 years perfecting the art of brick oven cooking, the Bruschetta Pizza will not disappoint. From that first bite, a blend of spices and flavors overwhelm you reminding what happens when you combine two Italian classics… “It can only get better.” When you reach the crust, don’t think the experience is over, in fact it has just begun. Their signature crust baked with basil, pesto, and fresh mozzarella is a treat all in its own. Come visit and let their staff treat you like part of the family and see what brick oven cooking is all about.

Ingredients include: basil, pesto, mozzarella, marinated tomatoes, and balsamic glaze




2.     Breakfast Pizza (Frankie’s on Fairview, Woodlyn)

There’s nothing better than having some cold pizza, from the night before, for breakfast. Actually in the United States 4% of pizza eaten by children is for breakfast. But don’t you wish you could have something more? Well, Frankie’s has the solution. This flat bread breakfast pizza is one of a kind from the fluffy scrambled eggs to the crispy sizzling bacon. This could be the best form of brunch ever. With Frankie’s only being a year old, they are already being recognized for their fabulous menu with the Delaware County Daily Times voting them “2015 Best of Delco” for best breakfast, catering, family dining, wings, vegetarian, and crab cakes.

Ingredients include: scrambled eggs, bacon, peppers, onion, tomato, and mozzarella



3.     Margherita Pizza (Little Anthony’s, Media)

With its roots tied so deeply back to Italy, Little Anthony’s is a must stop, especially in Media. The owner, Michael, moved to Media in 1999 from Monte di Procida, a small town outside Naples, and brought the true style of Italian cooking right here to Delco. Little Anthony’s prides itself on using top quality ingredients. The Margherita pizza has such a fresh taste you can see why they are so famous. They truly follow the theme of a family-style restaurant claiming they will never be a chain, reminding you quality is better than quantity.

Ingredients include: basil leaves, mozzarella, and dried oregano

4.      Calexico Pizza (MOD Pizza, Glen Mills & Wayne)

When you have a slice of pizza, is your first thought to go for the hot sauce? If it is, then this is the slice that will blow you away. This pie can pack a punch without the heat being overbearing or taking away from flavor. It is the perfect blend for a “buffalo chicken” style pizza. With MOD opening its doors in Seattle in 2008, the company has gown with over 90 locations across the country. Also for you Villanova fans, MOD will be giving away FREE Pizza Saturday, April 16 to celebrate our national champs. Fall in love with this slice and discover your favorite, and be part of the “MOD”ness.

Ingredients include: mozzarella, gorgonzola, chicken, jalapenos, hot buffalo sauce, and MOD red sauce

 

5.     Grilled Vegetable Pizza (Tavola Restaurant, Springfield)

 

Now Tavola’s definitely takes on the theme of high-end pizza, and for you vegetarian pizza lovers this will be an instant favorite. The classic white brick style pizza could make even the most stubborn meat lover sing a new tune. With such a multitude of vegetable toppings, this pie could go head to head with any meat lover’s pizza. Come visit and see why OpenTable named Tavola their 2016 Diners’ Choice. Pizza has never been so classy.

Ingredients include: garlic, broccoli, asparagus tips, grilled eggplant, squash, and roasted red and green peppers

 

Go break away from your typical pizza place and explore these five locations and sample these slices along with the rest of their menu. You know what they say, variety is the spice of life, but I’m pretty sure they meant mozzarella is. And remember in the words of the great Bill Murray, “Every pizza is a personal pizza if you try hard enough and believe in yourself.”

 

 

 

About the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce:

Founded in 1887, the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce represents businesses' interests and issues affecting the community. We help Chamber members succeed through proactive outreach and partnering with all levels of government and community organizations through education, networking and collaboration to achieve a healthy economy to drive business forward. For more information on membership and how you can get involved, visit www.delcochamber.org

http://www.bertuccis.com/