Chairman Elect, James E. Turner, Chester Water Authority; Chairman of the Board, Doug Doerfler, WSFS Bank; Keynote Speaker, Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis; Michele Berardi & Quiana Pettiford, Presenting Sponsor Kendal~Crosslands Communities
Chamber members and guests from across the Greater Philadelphia Region, including nearby states of Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey, gathered at the Mendenhall Inn & Conference Center, to hear an important message from Keynote Speaker Lt. Gov. Austin A. Davis.
Lt. Governor Davis is the youngest person to serve as lieutenant governor in America and the first African American to hold the office in Commonwealth history. As a young boy, he grew up watching his parents juggle raising a family and putting food on the table; at the age of 16, while living in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, gun violence came to his doorstep and became pivotal in guiding his career choice. Davis got involved in his community, starting a youth advisory council with the mayor and a youth gun violence prevention program at his high school. Davis went on to study political science at the University of Pittsburgh, becoming a first-generation college graduate pursuing a career in public service.
During his remarks, Lt. Governor Davis touched on his recent achievements and challenges impacting the Commonwealth. He also answered a moderated question-and-answer session featuring a diverse range of topics including gas tax, permitting reform, infrastructure, childcare, early education, affordable housing, small business growth, healthcare, higher education and freedom.
“Through his thoughtful remarks and direct responses to a host of questions, the Lt. Governor brought a level of awareness and realism to the room that was needed and appreciated. As we face incredibly challenging times in our country, leaders like Austin are necessary to serve our Commonwealth and its people,” said Cheryl Kuhn, president of the chamber.
Davis said the young people of Pennsylvania keep him motivated. “Every time I engage with young Pennsylvanians, I see how thoughtful and passionate they are. As a new father, I am excited to see what my daughter’s generation will do to make our Commonwealth a better place,” he said.
“Pennsylvania kids deserve a high-quality education, which includes art and music education no matter what they look like or what zip code they live in. These subjects are not merely enrichment; they are essential for preparing our kids to be well-rounded citizens of our Commonwealth and the world.”
During his remarks to a full-house of vibrant local businesses and community leaders, Davis said he and Governor Shapiro truly believe that government can be a force for good “if we put aside our partisan differences and work together.”
Both Davis and Shapiro are serving their first terms in office after winning elections for the respective roles of lieutenant governor and governor last November.
“Our Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the longstanding signature Annual Luncheon. Through the years the business community across the Philadelphia region has been inspired by remarks from international leaders. We are honored to include Lieutenant Governor Davis on this prestigious list”, said Kuhn.
*To learn more about the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce and the effort to support #OxfordStrong through the purchase of a Golden Ticket (and your 1/300 chance to win $10,000), visit www.scccc.com
Event Sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor
Kendal-Crosslands Communities
Reception Sponsor
Bumpers & Company, CPAs
Keynote Champion
Constellation Energy
Community Leaders
COMCAST, Pegasus Technologies, LLC, Riley Riper Hollin & Colagreco Attorneys at Law, The Tri-M Group, LLC, TRUIST
Partner Sponsors
ALLSTATE-The Kennett Square Agency, ChristianaCare, Fenstermacher & Company, PC, Fulton Bank Brandywine Division, Jackson ImmunoResearch Laboratories, Inc., Longwood Gardens, Paisley Solutions, SERVPRO of Kennett Square / Oxford, Taylor Oil & Propane Inc., UNIVEST Financial Corporation, WSFS Bank
Supporting Sponsors
American Mushroom Institute, Christine Gordon Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, First Citizens Community Bank, Hilton Garden Inn Kennett Square/Longwood, KUZO Funeral Home, Inc., Meridian Bank, Mother Nature’s Sun
Visionary Tables
Chescobus, YMCA of Greater Brandywine
For Sponsorship Opportunities, Contact Cheryl Kuhn – ckuhn@scccc.com – 610-444-0774
