Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Chamber hosts update for region
As development increases, ongoing congestion concerns amplify
Business growth in the borough and its surrounding communities continues..
DOWNINGTOWN » Business growth in the borough and its surrounding communities continues.
“Our strengthening economy continues to drive new development. Many projects that were put on hold during the recession, are now back full steam ahead,” said P at tiMc Com sey, president of the Downing town T horn dale Regional Chamber of Commerce.
About 50 people gathered last week at the February chamber luncheon to celebrate this growth, whilst recognizing local business entrepreneurship, innovation and enterprise.
Congressional dignitaries at the chamber luncheon included state Sen. Andy Dinniman, D-19th, of West Whiteland, and state Rep. Dan Williams, D-74th, of Sadsbury. Both men shared happenings impacting their districts.
WSFS Bank sponsored the event, considered an annual regional municipal forum, held Feb. 18 at
Victory Brewing Co., which celebrated its 24th anniversary in Downingtown a few days prior.
At the municipal level, Councilman Phil Dague of Downingtown, Township Manager Kristen Denne of Caln Township and Township Manager Scott Piersol of East Brandywine delivered reports.
Representatives of West Bradford and East Caln townships were unavailable to attend.
McComsey said there multiple new housing developments in East Brandywine and new Dunkin Donuts and Taco Bell venues en route to Caln Township.
Commissioner Josh Maxwell presented on behalf of the Chester County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Michelle Kichline was also present.
A challenge Chester County faces, Maxwell said, is managing growth. He added that the Downingtown region is seeing the fastest growing population in the region.
Solutions include ensuring that the development occurs in the right areas, Maxwell said, including along urban corridors, and making sure that residents feel part of this process as residents of Chester County.
Maxwell was born and raised in Chester County and grew up in Downingtown. He made history a decade ago when he became the borough’s youngest mayor ever. He won his first bid to advance to the position of county commissioner in November.
“We set up a transition team,” Maxwell said. He added there will be a 90day review of county procedures and then provide recommendations, sometime in April, on how to improve county services and provide a better workplace for employees.
Maxwell has worked with fellow Chester County commissioners to launch a novel transition team, as previously reported in the Daily Local News. They established the team with the purpose of taking a fresh look at the way the county government operates its business.
Chester County has an operational budget of $473 million dollars for 2020, Maxwell said.
Maxwell told the Daily Local News that the county will have to take a leadership role regarding how new developments being approved at local levels impacts the region as a whole.
He cited congestion as a top concern of community residents in Downingtown.
The Downingtown Area Chamber of Commerce began meeting in 1945 and then incorporated in 1947.
“Our mission is to set the standard for excellence in member service by advancing the civic, economic and business interests of the Downingtown-Thorndale region by promoting commerce, education and employment,” said McComsey. Besides serving as chamber president, she is also the branch manager of the Citadel in Downingtown.
“Since our establishment in 1945, the chamber has strived to provide leadership to ensure the continuing economic prosperity of the region, and to complement and expand existing services that benefit the community and present programs that do not exist in other service organizations,” McComsey said.
“The chamber works to unify and support the business community so that every business in the area can become an active and supportive member of the Downingtown-Thorndale community,” she said.
In 2011, the organization’s name changed to the Downingtown-Thorndale Regional Chamber of Commerce to extend its service area to businesses in Caln Township and the Thorndale community.
There are 64 nonprofit organizations and 167 businesses chamber members. One key benefit for people to join is the opportunity to meet regional leaders in the community and build their networks, McComsey said.
Upcoming chamber events
Ahead in 2020, the chamber will host its 75th annual dinner and awards night at the Downingtown Country Club on April 20.
“Nominations are still being received,” McComsey said.
A 75th anniversary breakfast series is scheduled for May 19. The keynote speaker is Ron Jaworski, former NFL quarterback of Philadelphia Eagles acclaim. He owns the Downingtown Country Club.
“Awards presented will be our 2020 Citizen of the Year, Business of the Year and Community Organization of the Year,” McComsey said. “The goal of our breakfast series is to feature an individual or business that has positively impacted the Downing town T horn dale region .”