By: Ashley Pierce, WCCCC
It was another spectacular year at the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gala on the Greene. The event welcomed business professionals and community leaders to the grounds of the historic Graystone Mansion for an evening of delicious food and drink, live entertainment by Joey Knouse, and excellent networking opportunities.
Each year, WCCCC honors both a nonprofit organization and a for-profit business with the Corporate Citizenship Recognition Award. This award celebrates partnerships that strengthen the region, showcasing collaborative efforts between organizations and the broader ChescoWest community.
This year, the Chamber was proud to recognize the Transportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC) and Bowman Consulting as the 2025 Corporate Citizenship Award recipients for their steadfast commitment to advancing equitable, safe, and sustainable multimodal transportation solutions throughout the county.
“We try to promote places like the bus service, which we do with the ChescoBus and the LINK service. We work very closely with AMTRAK and SEPTA — an amenity and asset for the community at large — so people can commute to and from,” said Tim Phelps, executive director of TMACC.
Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell attended the event and presented TMACC with a citation for their vital contributions to the area.
“TMACC came up with the Safe Streets program, where they got local municipalities to pass ordinances to make all roads in Chester County safe for people to walk, ride their bikes, and drive their cars. So, thanks to TMACC, there’s a safe way to connect our open spaces,” said Commissioner Maxwell.
Founded in 1992, TMACC represents more than 20,000 commuters, keeping Chester County moving forward. Bowman Consulting, a trusted multi-disciplinary firm, provides a broad range of real estate, energy, infrastructure, and environmental management solutions to both public and private sector clients.
“If we’re honest, I think we would agree that we all often take our transportation access for granted,” said Chris Williams of Bowman. “For many of us, it’s simply getting in our vehicles and driving on roads and bridges. But for many Chester County residents and employees, access to transportation is not easy.”
WCCCC also proudly recognized Elijah Okurmura as the 2025 Academic Scholarship winner. Elijah, a Coatesville High School senior, will study engineering at a four-year university.
“Elijah is an AP student ranked second in his class. He’s an avid soccer and lacrosse player, a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Bible Club, and volunteers his time at The Bridge Academy,” said Alissa Steele-Griffith, chair of the WCCCC Scholarship Committee.
The Gala was elevated by support from outstanding local vendors and sponsors, including Harry’s the Neighborhood Place, ZING Sushi, Philadelphia Mead Company, Richie’s Water Ice, Doe Run Catering, The Butter Pecan Cafe, Alexander Catering, Hope & Coffee Coatesville, Johnson’s Charcuterie Artistry, Freedom Village at Brandywine, Sly Tom’s Take Out Beer, Fling’s Towing, J-S All Things Plumbing, Meridian Bank, Comcast Business, Warfel Construction, Breuninger Insurance, Cleveland-Cliffs, Cosaint Insurance Advisors, Coventry Environmental, Quik-Stop Pharmacy, Wentz Funeral Home, Valley Creek Productions, and The Stem’s End.