Economic development will be focus of TriCounty chamber luncheon
POTTSTOWN » The TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce will host its largest networking event of the year Nov. 30 at Sunnybrook Ballroom — its annual Economic Development Luncheon.
“Although we may not be solely responsible for economic development, as a business organization we play a role as a resource for those entities that might have a greater focus on economic development,” said Eileen Dautrich, president of the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce. “Economic Development really affects everyone. As more businesses come in to our communities, there are more customers for our small businesses — there’s more need for services.”
In addition to networking, Dautrich said the event is an educational event.
“We want to give people information that could help impact decisions made in municipalities or other organizations based on what they hear at this event,” she added. “We try to keep the program as timely and relevant as possible.”
The keynote speaker for this year’s event is J.D. Harrison, senior director of strategic communications at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, who will share information about a newly released study — “Innovation that Matters.”
The study looked at the health of start-up communities in 25 American cities in terms of business attraction, Dautrich said.
“This study is interesting research and provides examples on what communities can look at doing to prepare for and make themselves attractive. And also to be innovative — to have the resources there for them to grow their communities,” she said.
Dautrich added that while the study focused on larger cities, the information is relevant to the tricounty region.
“We are lacking some resources, but as prepared as some of these larger cities
are, even they are still missing the boat in some areas,” she said. “It’s about putting the things together that people might need — is ev-
eryone collaborating or are we putting up roadblocks. How do we make sure the conversations are happening.”
In addition to the keynote address, the chamber will also present several awards during the luncheon.
The Economic Development Award is being presented to Lomax Carpet & Tile Mart; Economic Impact Awards are being presented to Carousel at Pottstown and Genesis Housing Corp. and the Legislator of the Year Award is being presented to state Rep. Marcy Toepel (R-147th Dist.).
In addition, two organizations will be recognized for completing the chamber’s Worksite Wellness Program: Boyertown Lions First Responders and Translogistics Inc.
The luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Sunnybrook Ballroom, 50 Sunnybrook Road, Lower Pottsgrove. To register for the event visit https://tricountyareachamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/848788 or email Kitty Papp at kitty@ tricountyareachamber.com. Online registration for the event closes on Nov. 27.