Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Regional Chamber presents awards
The Downingtown-Thorndale Regional Chamber of Commerce held its 71st annual dinner to present awards
The Downingtown-Thorndale Regional Chamber of Commerce presents awards to citizens and businesses.
EAST CALN >> The Downingtown-Thorndale Regional Chamber of Commerce presented awards Thursday for the 2016 citizen of the year, business of the year and a merit.
Victory Brewing Co. received the “business of the year award.” Hank Hamilton, chamber treasurer, presented the award to owner Bill Covaleski.
Hamilton noted that Victory is environmentally conscious with its solar panels and for protecting the Brandywine water shed. Victory was awarded the 2014 Sustainable Agriculture Business Leadership Award by the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture.
Covaleski said he and coowner Ron Barchet established Victory in Downingtown 21 years ago with the support of the community and to support the community. He said on behalf of the 420 Victory employees, they are honored to receive the award.
“This is what we do. We give people hope. We give people inspiration,” Covaleski said. “And we build a better community by doing those things.”
Chester County Commissioner Vice Chairwoman Kathi Cozzone thanked Covaleski and Victory employees for their willingness to host fundraising activities, making them one of the “shining examples of how we do things here.”
Downingtown Mayor Josh Maxwell, who presented Covaleski with a “Good Neighbor” award, said that Victory is a local resource to other small businesses.
Downingtown Councilman Phil Dague presented the “citizen of the year award” to his wife, Francine Dague.
“She does so much and yet she feels like it’s not enough,” Phil Dague said. “She has changed my life forever for the better. It looks very apparent to me that she’s gone beyond our household and is changing the community for the better forever as well.”
Francine Dague thanked the chamber for recognizing her fundraising efforts. She said that she began her journey in Downingtown six years ago and realized why Phil Dague loves the borough.
“It’s the people, it’s the community,” she said. “It’s truly the ‘Good Neighbor town.’”
Cozzone noted that Francine Dague helped fundraise nearly $400,000 for local organizations and causes that she is “passionate about and committed to.” Francine Dague helped to create inaugural events, including Readers on the Run 5K and Links for the Library, both to benefit the Downingtown Library, where she serves as a board member.
She also helps fundraise and create events while helping with the library, including the Downingtown Historical Society, Downingtown Good Neighbor Christmas parade, Chester County Friends of the Flag, Home of the Sparrow, Kenzie’s Kure, the Covenant House in Philadelphia and more.
Maxwell, who is running for state House in the 74th District, said that Downingtown is known for its community fundraisers. He thanked Dague for her contributions as a leader for
“We give people hope. We give people inspiration. And we build a better community by doing those things.” — Bill Covaleski, Victory Brewing Co. owner
nonprofit organizations.
Mark Kochanowsky received the merit award of recognition. Judy MacNeal, past president of the chamber, said the annual dinner, held at the Downingtown Country Club, grew when Kochanowsky helped since he joined as a member three years ago. She said he has taken the initiative to help. He also serves on the ambassador committee and the membership committee. In addition, he helps with the budget.
Kochanowsky thanked the chamber members for their help and support. He described them as “one big family to help each other out.”
“She has changed my life forever for the better. It looks very apparent to me that she’s gone beyond our household and is changing the community for the better forever as well.” — Phil Dague, Downingtown Borough councilman
Additionally citations were presented to the three awarded from U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello, R-6th of West Chester, state Sen. Andrew Dinniman, D-19th of West Whiteland, and state Rep. Harry Lewis, R74th of Caln.