Tri-County Chamber delays in-person events

The Annual Dinner and the Pottstown Progress Luncheon are postponed because of the pandemic.

POTTSTOWN >> The TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce has announced it is postponing two planned in-person events, due to the continuing coronavirus pandemic: The Annual Dinner scheduled for Sept. 23 and the Pottstown Progress Luncheon scheduled for Oct. 14.

Both events were canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a Thursday email to membership, Eileen Dautrich, chamber president said the hosting of chamber events “was an important agenda item” at a recent meeting of the executive committee of the chambers board of directors.

The committee made the decision last week to postpone larger in-person events, the email explained.

“The health and safety of our members and their guests is the most important thing for us to keep in mind. Due to the rise in COVID cases in our area, we are more comfortable waiting until a later date to hold these events,” Dautrich said in the email.

The chamber’s annual dinner recognizes local businesses, volunteers and the chamber’s volunteer of the year, and was scheduled to feature keynote speaker, former U.S. Olympian Johnny Quinn.

“We look forward to hosting these events as soon as we can and providing our members with an event worth waiting for. We will stay in touch with you as new plans are made,” Dautrich stated in the email. Those who have already purchased rickets or committed to a sponsorship will receive a separate communication from the chamber.

There was no announcement regarding any other future events.

In her email, Dautrich stated there will be additional communications to members over the next few weeks “to share opportunities for members to remain involved, continue to build relationships, and gain exposure for your business.”

The chamber isn’t the first organization to postpone or cancel an in-person event scheduled for this fall. On Aug. 27, the King of Prussia District announced it was canceling its Sept. 22 Networking Breakfast.

The event would have been the King of Prussia District’s first inperson networking event since 2019.

According to an email sent to members, the decision was made “in an abundance of caution,” as an increase in COVID cases continues to be reported.

The King of Prussia District event was scheduled to feature keynote speaker Stephen P. Mullin, principal, Econsult Solutions discussing the regional economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a panel discussion.

The organization said it is “still hopeful” a Dec. 16 event to mark the 10th anniversary of King of Prussia District will be held.

King of Prussia District works with public and private partners to “collaboratively improve” the economic environment in King of Prussia.