Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce (WCCCC) hosted their first business panel of the year at the Breakfast with the Commissioner’s event, held at Gateway Church in Parkesburg.
Supported by Presenting Sponsor, Comcast Business
Event Sponsors: Howell Engineering, Transportation Management Association of Chester County and Rettew Engineering and Consulting.
At the Chamber we believe collaboration begins with a shared vision. Public forums like today’s event help to align priorities. When businesses understand government goals and government understands business realities, policies and investments become more targeted and effective in serving local needs.
The 2026 Chamber Board President, Alissa Griffith opened up the morning saying, “One of the major pillars at the Chamber is to provide the business community with these platforms of open communication to discuss topics that impact the way they operate their businesses each day.”
The County Commissioners reflected on the initiatives completed and/or started in 2025, including the new budget software and the county restructuring, which created a new direction for the overall operations, outreach and engagement of County Government.
The Commissioners expressed what the County’s role looks like in developing infrastructure to meet the needs of our region. They also talked about the importance of preserving our assets; such as the agriculture industry and generational farming, one of the largest economic drivers in the County.
The (always) hot topic of large site developments sparked the conversation on how the County contributes in planning and relations with municipalities and private stakeholders when big projects come down the pipeline that bring long term economic and community impacts. The Commissioners’ expressed that the Planning Commission is strategic on serving as an advisory body to guide local municipalities, development and land use. The Commission’s plans are designed to encourage long-term visions for economic vitality in alignment with resource preservation.
During the event, Chris Saello of the United Way of Chester County, sparked a conversation on how the county is using technology and AI to streamline internal processes. The Commissioners expressed that the County is focused on maintaining a culture of innovation by thinking ahead and evolving avenues where technology can increase efficiencies in operations. John H. Lymberis, Past Chamber President, followed up on the heightened need of assistance for municipalities on navigating data center proposals.
The future of western Chester’s County’s healthcare access and emergency service networks was brought into discussion. Coatesville City Manager, James Logan, raised the question on how this region will fund the growing capacity of emergency services to meet our population needs. Coatesville Fire Chief Peter Huff also expressed the challenges he see’s when responding to calls and how types of development pose different response challenges.
David James of the Coatesville Youth Initiative raised a concern on uncertainties in government funding and the process of grant distribution; and how recent changes in the process, impact local non-profits. James expressed the process for acquiring grant funding seems to have gone “from a four lane highway down to a one lane road” and asked the Commissioners how they’re adapting and managing their decisions in the on the local level, when funding flows change on state and federal levels.
Progress in western Chester County comes through intentional collaboration and shared responsibility. Government, private businesses, and non-profit organizations each play different and vital roles and when we can have open discussions like today’s Breakfast, the combined impact is much greater.
Find the next Chamber of Commerce event at Westernchestercounty.com
