Hall of Fame induction ceremony goes virtual
Co-founders of Victory Brewing being inducted June 10
UWCHLAN » The spread of coronavirus has led to a change in the way organizations have hosted events over the past several months.
Like so many events this spring — the Chester County Business Hall of Fame induction ceremony is going virtual this year. For the first time ever, the Chester County Economic Development Council is providing free access for all businesses to virtually attend its annual Business Achievement Award Ceremony scheduled for this Wednesday, June 10, from noon to 1 p.m.
The annual program recognizes outstanding achievements in Chester County. This year — Bill Covaleski and Ron Barchet, cofounders and brewmasters at Victory Brewing are being inducted into the Business Hall of Fame.
“This is our most high-profile business gathering of the year, and now more than ever, it is essential to provide opportunities for business leaders to interact, support one another, and share knowledge as we move into the yellow phase and beyond in Chester County,” Gary Smith, Chester County Economic Development Council president and CEO, said in a press release. “We are especially pleased in our 60th anniversary year to be able to share this experience with more businesses than ever.”
The event will be live streamed from Victory Brewing in Parkesburg starting at 12 p.m. on Wednesday. Attendees that register ahead will enjoy an intimate conversation with Covaleski and Barchet. The event was originally slated for April, then rescheduled to May due to social distancing regulations, before being rescheduled as a virtual event.
To register to participate, visit https://ccedcpa.com/. Once registered, a link will be emailed ahead of the event. A recording of the induction ceremony will also be made.
Also in attendance at Wednesday’s live stream event will be Marian Moskowitz, Chairwoman of the Chester County Economic Development Council and the Chester County Board of Commissioners, who will welcome business leaders and provide the latest update on COVID-19 as well as the phases of reopening.
The council will outline the shift in services it has provided to the business community since the onset of COVID-19, as well as four key areas where businesses can continue to benefit from guidance from the economic development council: finance, location, workforce development and innovation.
Victory Brewing Company required two of those critical resources — location and financing — when the Chester County Economic Development Council’s relationship began with the company in 1995, according to Smith. The council assisted Victory Brewing with securing its flagship brewery and restaurant in Downingtown. The council also facilitated a business loan to assist with equipment needs, according to the agency.
“We are joining a fantastic group of business leaders with this award, and it is an overwhelming honor to be considered amongst this group. It puts real perspective on our big dreams and incredible team effort on the part of all Victory Brewing Company team members over these 24 years,” Covaleski said in the release.
Barchet added that the award is an “acknowledgement of the importance of serving this incredible community.”
Covaleski and Barchet have been friends since 1973 when they met as fifth-graders. As adults they participated in friendly home brewing competitions before deciding to leave their corporate careers to study with the best in the brewing industry in the U.S. and Germany. Together they created Victory Brewing Company, which employs more than 300 people in Pennsylvania, including in
Downingtown, Parkesburg and Kennett Square.
Past inductees into the Chester County Business Hall of Fame include Michael L. Pia, director of South Mill Champs (2019); Claudia P. Hellebush, former CEO of United Way of Chester County (2018); Dr. Jerry Parker, president of Delaware County Community College (2017); W. Thomas Musser, chairman of The Tri-M Group, LLC (2016); John Bogle of The Vanguard Group; Greg Bentley of Bentley Systems; Oscar Lasko of Lasko Products Inc.; Jack Loew of J. Loew & Associates Inc.; Tom Fillippo of Devault Foods; Robert Hankin of Hankin Group; and Jerry Parsons of CTDI.
For more information about the Chester County Economic Development Council visit https://ccedcpa.com/.
For more information about Victory Brewing Company visit www.victorybeer.com.
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