Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Chamber honors 2 for community service
Recipients helped community and organization
The Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce recently presented its highest awards at its annual dinner.
Robert Beggs received the Joseph G. Filoromo Jr. Community Service Award. Beggs has served Good Works as its executive director since 2014 and as a volunteer Operations Director for more than 26 years.
“Coatesville is a strong community,” Beggs said. “It was built to last and from my perspective, it feels like this city is on the brink of revival. A revival that hinges on three facets: urban revival, economic revival, and spiritual revival. You are all the engine for revival in Coatesville, you make Coatesville great. Thank you for everything you do.”
Good Works, a Christian nonprofit organization, has repaired homes for low-income families for over a quarter of a century. Since Beggs assumed the helm, Good Works has grown its territory with plans to soon expand beyond Chester County. Beggs attributes the growth to the staff and volunteers on the frontlines and recognized Repair Supervisor Joe Lisowski as an integral contributor “for restoring hope for 200 families in the community.”
A surprise turn to the night at the Coatesville County Club was the announcement of the Elliott R. Jones Award winner. The award is granted to a candidate who has contributed services in making WCCCC a viable organization. Bill Shaw, WCCCC treasurer and executive director of Life Transforming Ministries, was the recipient.
Shaw expressed his gratitude through a recollection of his experiences.
“This region is where I was raised, and where I continue to work,” Shaw said. “Through the WCCCC I have seen so many businesses and people who put their lives, their purpose, and their calling into their work.”