Chamber Has a Solid Vision for the Future
With a solid vision for the future and a growth plan to match, the Chamber of Commerce of Greater West Chester (GWCC) is in the midst of an ambitious three-year expansion. Now nearly 800 members strong, the chamber is focused on expanding its programs and services while being responsive to the area’s business community, says Katie Walker, president.
“Building relationships is critical to being successful in any business,” Walker says. “It is the chamber’s goal to provide meaningful and diverse ways for our members to get to know each other and then encourage them to take advantage of those opportunities.”
Among GWCC’s successful new programs is Chamber LEAD-ers, a referral program used by members as part of their overall marketing and sales efforts. Currently, two groups meet on a biweekly basis to describe their ideal referrals, exchange ideas and give fellow members an in-depth look at what they do.
“The goal is for members to get to know each other so well that each person’s product or service becomes ‘top of mind’ when they come across a potential referral,” she says. “As a side benefit, the format encourages our members to shop locally which, during this tough economy, is a win-win for our members and for the community in general.”
In addition to the LEAD-ers groups, the chamber also established Future Leaders of West Chester, or F.L.O.W., for young professionals ages 23 to 40. According to Mark Yoder, GWCC’s executive vice president, the group’s mission is to facilitate and promote networking and professional development among Chester County’s young professionals by providing networking functions, educational seminars (in partnership with Cabrini College), direct interaction with local executives and volunteer opportunities.
“We are excited that the young professionals of GWCC saw the need to create F.L.O.W.,” Yoder says. “Their goal from the beginning was to create a group unique to their demographic that would provide professional development opportunities along with philanthropic endeavors and networking events presented in a unique way. We look forward to the impact FLOW will have on young professionals in and beyond our footprint.”
Making the most of its unique location in the historic and vibrant Borough of West Chester, GWCC proudly continues to attract visitors, residents and businesses throughout the year to its signature events, including a spring and fall Gallery Walk, the Iron Hill Twilight Criterium in July and The Flavia Old-Fashioned Christmas in December.
“Downtown West Chester, with its narrow streets and beautiful architecture, provides the perfect backdrop for bringing people together,” Walker says. “Our communitywide events now draw thousands of people from across the region. We are delighted to be able to showcase West Chester as a thriving place for those who want to visit for a day, relocate or open a business.”
