Pottstown investor conference returns
Event will focus on social justice and equity in business and the resilience of Pottstown entrepreneurs
Event will focus on social justice and inequity in business along with the resilience of Pottstown entrepreneurs.
POTTSTOWN » The Pottstown Investors Conference is returning for its fourth year — after being cancelled last year due to the spreading coronavirus pandemic.
The event is scheduled for Friday, April 16 from 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and will be held virtually. Sponsored by Hobart’s Run, The Hill School, Pottstown Area Industrial Development, Inc. (PAID Inc.), the conference will highlight social justice and equity in business and the resilience of Pottstown entrepreneurs.
Participants will also hear timely Pottstown investment opportunity news and hear from two nationally noted speakers — Don Chen and Sulaiman Rahman.
The Pottstown Investors Conference is open to anyone interested in supporting Pottstown’s revitalization — including current businesspeople, entrepreneurs considering establishing a business in the Borough, and nonprofit leaders who want to see the town continue its positive growth and enhanced overall community health.
“We (the Borough, PAID, Hobart’s Run, and Hill) are especially eager to welcome new businesses that will be not only investing in Pottstown, but invested in Pottstown,” said Cathy Skitko, director of Hobart’s Run Communications and Community Relations.
“In other words, we’d love to see more people not only open businesses here, but live here, volunteer here, socialize here, and support other Pottstown Borough businesses. We have such a great community; our hope is to attract even more businesspeople whose vision includes truly contributing to the Borough and its quality of life,” Skitko said.
The event is free, and participants can register by visiting https://www.thehill.org/aboutus/about-pottstown/virtual-investors-conference. Once registered, participants will be provided with a Zoom link.
Keynote speaker for the event is Don Chen, president and CEO of the New York City-based Surdna Foundation, an organization focused on social justice. Prior to his appointment at Surdna, Chen was the director of the Cities and States Program at the Ford Foundation, where his work supported urban development initiatives.
“Don’s presentation is sure to provide food for thought to investors, potential investors, and other stakeholders as we work together to make Pottstown the strongest, most equitable, and most sustainable
“PAID is proud to be partnering with Hobart’s Run, The Hill School, and The Borough of Pottstown on a program that is relevant to current and future economic development growth in Pottstown. As we prepare to leave one of the most challenging years in our history behind, we must continue to innovate and create equitable opportunities throughout the business community. This conference is an important piece in that effort.” Peggy Lee-Clark, executive director, Pottstown Area Industrial Development Inc. (PAID Inc.)
community it can be in all respects,” Twila Fisher, director of community and economic development for Hobart’s Run, said in a press release.
Sulaiman Rahman is the CEO at DiverseForce, Philadelphia, a human capital solutions firm that specializes in recruitment, retention, and development of top diverse talent in the workplace as well as on governing boards. His remarks and Q&A session will help Pottstown Investors Conference participants address questions about how to attract and sustain more local businesses owned and operated by people of color, according to event organizers.
This year’s conference will also feature personal stories from a few Pottstown small business owners who have shown resilience during the pandemic, including Kristen Sirbak, Beverly’s Pastry Shop; and Zahmere Trott, Uptown Flavors Kitchen.
Skitko added that participants will leave the event with “useful information” about how PAID, Inc., Pottstown Borough, and Hobart’s Run are working to support business development.
“We also were purposeful in creating a schedule that highlights the social impact of businesses and encourages people of color to join Pottstown’s business community and feel supported here,” Skitko added.
The event will include updates about Pottstown business and real estate opportunities, shared by Peggy Lee-Clark, executive director of PAID, Inc.
“PAID is proud to be partnering with Hobart’s Run, The Hill School, and The Borough of Pottstown on a program that is relevant to current and future economic development growth in Pottstown,” Lee-Clark said in the release. “As we prepare to leave one of the most challenging years in our history behind, we must continue to innovate and create equitable opportunities throughout the business community. This conference is an important piece in that effort.”
The conference will conclude with an opportunity for networking via the Zoom conferencing app.
The Pottstown Investors Conference was first held in 2017, and has attracted at least 200 participants each year. Organizers are hoping this year’s virtual format will attract even more participants who are interested in Pottstown’s ongoing revitalization.
“Given the pandemic and the tumult of this past year, we want to make sure this year’s conference offers notably inspirational, optimistic messages. We hope this year’s content reflects our spirit of collaboration, unity, and breaking down barriers as we all support Pottstown’s revitalization,” Skitko added.
Previous Pottstown Investors Conferences have included a “Taste of Pottstown” lunch, provided as part of the conference. This year, organizers are encouraging participants to “take it downtown” when the conference ends at 12:30 p.m. to enjoy an inperson or take-out lunch from one of Pottstown’s restaurants.
Registration information as well as speakers’ bios can be viewed by visiting hobartsrunpottstown.org/news-events (second story from the top). Participants can register by visiting https://www.thehill.org/aboutus/about-pottstown/virtual-investors-conference.