By: Ashley Pierce, WCCCC
Rachel Cathell, Executive Director of the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce, presented the Elliot R. Jones Award to Michael Guyer of Mid-Penn Bank. This award is given each year to an individual that has enlisted dedication and volunteerism that has uplifted and strengthened the Chamber of Commerce and the businesses within.
Rachel said, “He’s always the one in the room to see what others do not. He’s always the one to ask why something is this way and pose the challenge of doing it better. He’s a major player in the growth of our organization.”
What Michael has given to this Chamber is time; so much time. While Michael is seen often at many Chamber events, what people don’t see is all of the behind-the-scenes volunteer support he does to help the Chamber of Commerce thrive. He spent his Board Presidency focusing on adding value to membership by offering intentional programs and being receptive to member’s needs. He was a front-runner in creating the Chester County Home Show, brought on the first Titanium partner, First Resource Bank, assisted in the debut of the Western Chester County Life magazine, lead a 20% increase in membership, and helped grow the Chamber staff.
Rachel added, “Michael has served as the Treasurer of our Chamber for the last five years. His methods are strategic; he knows exactly when to hold and exactly when to fold. Michael’s razor-sharp financial insight has given us capabilities we didn’t think possible ten years ago.” With Michael’s guidance, the Chamber has created their first opportunity fund, strengthened their financial core to record health, and hired a third employee.
Upon accepting the award, Michael said, “I’ve been a part of this Chamber for a long time and it’s such a special place; it brings all of us together. I couldn’t do this without the help of everyone. I try to help with the financial side and I see how much this Chamber has grown. I feel like I’ve added some value, but I’ve gotten so much more back. I appreciate the award and I won’t let anybody down.”
Both State Representative Dan Williams and Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell were in attendance and presented Michael Guyer with citations for his hard work and contribution to the community.
The Annual Dinner, with presenting sponsor Presence Bank, was led by Brenda McNeil, the 2023 Board President of the Chamber. She spoke about the progress the Chamber has made this year and the accomplishments the Chamber’s continuing to reach for. “The Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce, or ChescoWest, is a truly special place to be. We are collaborative, supportive, and dedicated to all of those who live and work here.” Upon looking forward to the Chamber’s future, she said, “We’re rolling out a Small Business Growth Grant in 2024. This Chamber is in a place where we can give back to our businesses, who we support and who have supported us right back.”
Also at the event, the Chamber introduced the 2024 incoming President, Mikaila Szkil, of Citadel Federal Credit Union. “Each person I’ve met here has had the Chamber’s mission shine through them. My goal is to continue to provide the support that I’ve been given. I believe one of the most important aspects of the Chamber is offering a sense of community and I plan to commit to showing members that this is an aspect that ChescoWest has always had. We often hear the saying, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ but I feel we can say that it takes a village to raise a business. ChescoWest is that village.”