Growing up in the tightly–knit community of Malvern, James E. McErlane learned early that getting involved was a way of life. His parents were active in church and community organizations. His mother, the daughter of Italian immigrants, used her fluency in the language to help Italian newcomers to the area. His father was a member of Malvern Borough Council and served on the local Boy Scout Troop 7 Committee.

No surprise then that Jim has made a habit of service to a multitude of organizations in the Greater West Chester area and beyond. From the small to the sprawling, from the recently-launched to the long-established, he has given his time and

talent to health, education and business organizations including Community Volunteers in Medicine, the West Chester University Foundation, Paoli Hospital, Malvern Preparatory School and, most recently, the Chester County Food Bank.
For his ongoing, exemplary service to the community-at-large, the Greater West Chester Chamber (GWCC) is proud to name Jim McErlane its 2011 Citizen of the Year. The award, given annually since 1948, will be presented on Feb. 7, 2012 at the Mendenhall Inn.
“Jim was our unanimous choice for Citizen of the Year,” said Katie L. Doherty, GWCC president. “It’s amazing when you look at the number of organizations he has supported in Greater West Chester, including this Chamber, as well as in Chester County and the region. Jim’s considerable time, energy and expertise have been well-spent in making our community a better place to live. We are delighted to recognize his efforts with this award.”

A senior partner with the law firm Lamb McErlane, Jim, 69, practices in the areas of banking and finance, real estate, municipal law and governmental regulations. He has been named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer for General Business Law and was appointed to the Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

Given Chester County’s standing as one of the most affluent counties in the state, it’s often hard to believe hunger exists within its boundaries. The reality is, however, that some 70,000 residents struggle daily to have enough food to eat.
The Chester County Food Bank was established in 2009 to help provide food for those in need in Chester County and to focus on hunger’s role in poverty, health and education.
Since its inception, the Food Bank has distributed over 1,200,000 pounds of food each year. The food is donated to over 65 organizations including food cupboards, meal sites and other non-profits that help feed the hungry and/or distribute the food items.

In recognition of this outstanding work, the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce is proud to honor the Chester County Food Bank as its 2011 Mosteller Community Service Award winner. The award will be presented Feb. 7, 2012 at the Mendenhall Inn.
“We are honoring the Chester County Food Bank for its tireless, ongoing effort to feed the over 40,000 local households that don’t have enough food in Chester County,” said Katie L. Doherty, president of the Chamber. “Distributing food to so many people on a day-to-day basis is no small job. But in a short time the Food Bank has risen to the task. We salute the Board, staff and all the volunteers who make it happen.”
According to Larry Welsch, the Food Bank’s executive director, the need in the county continues to rise. The organization has been able to keep up with the demand thanks to donations of time, food and money. With only six employees, the non-profit relies heavily on volunteers including approximately 1,200 volunteers who help with the Summer Harvest Program and over 800 volunteers who work in its warehouse.
Welsch expressed his sincere appreciation to the Chamber for the award and applauded those who work behind the scenes to further the Food Bank’s mission.
“It is wonderful to be recognized with this award, knowing how hard our Board of Directors, volunteers and staff have worked to help the hungry in Chester County,” said Welsch. “The Food Bank has accomplished a great deal in a short period of time because of the commitment and generosity of many. We are very honored to be recognized.”

Join us on February 7, 2012 at the Mendenhall Inn to honor and recognize the CC Food Bank.

Brian McFadden, President of McFadden Group, Inc is currently developing Hotel Warner a 77 room upscale hotel in downtown West Chester on the former site of the Warner Theater.  Situated at the rear of Iron Hill Brewery and behind the store fronts along North High Street (120 N. High Street) the hotel is on the former site of the Warner Theater. Flying the flag of “Centerstone Hotels and Inns”, the hotel will include 77 guest rooms, indoor pool, fitness center, and a meeting and event space for up to 100 people. Onsite parking and easy access to the new Chestnut Street garage will serve the hotel’s parking needs.

Geothermal heating and cooling coupled with rooftop solar panels enhance the hotel’s commitment to “green” construction. Summer 2012 is the anticipated opening . WWW.HotelWarner.com has additional details and pics.

The company has also developed Darlington Commons a 36,000 square foot building located on the corner of West Gay and Darlington Streets. Current tenants include Landmark Americana and a number of office tenants.

Other recent projects include the construction of Perfect Self Storage on Paoli Pike just east of town; the complete renovation of the former site of the Chester County Domestic Relations offices on West Gay Street, renamed “Gay Street Commons”; as well as the extensive renovation of the former Antonio’s Motel and Restaurant on Route 202, four miles south of town which is now the Dilworthtown Motel.

Brian McFadden (brian@115group.com)

McFadden Group, 115 W. Miner St., West Chester PA 610-692-6900

www.115group.com

When Mac Neilon made the decision to open Penn Office Products in 1987 there were no mega stores, no internet, few fax machines, and a big seller was typewriter ribbons. His model was to provide expert product knowledge, fast friendly service, free delivery and competitive prices to the Chester County business community. A lot has changed in 24 years but Mac’s business model hasn’t, creating a brand and customer loyalty that has sustained Penn Office Products through the current and previous economic downturns.

Penn Office Products is a full line commercial office products dealer, offering 25,000 items on a next day, free delivery basis. Their product mix can be viewed on-line at the web address below.

Even with the advancement in technology, the commercial office products customer still needs that personal connection to help run their business. Larger companies create a distance between themselves and their customers. At Penn Office Products, they close that gap and allow clients to be part of each step of the process. There are no automated answering systems, no complex return policies, and no grief, just good old fashioned customer service right in your office. For that personal connection call 610-431-0140.

Mac has been very involved in the community, Mac served on the Chamber of Commerce of Greater West Chester Board of Directors for 8 years, serving as the Chairman in 2001. Mac was awarded the Chambers Volunteer of the Year award in 2005. He also has been on the Iron Twilight Criterium board of directors from its inception, serving as the Board President for its first 5 years. Mac is also very active with the Rotary Club of West Chester.

Mac resides in West Goshen with his wife Margaret and two children; Colin(18) and Alison(15).

(Penn Office Products, Inc. West Chester, PA. 610-431-0140. Mac@pennofficeproducts.com. www.pennofficeproducts.com)

The Awards Ceremony is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of Greater West Chester, The West Chester Downtown Foundation, and the West Chester Business Improvement District.

Click Here for a Nomination Form.

RSVP to:
Jane E. Dorchester, Architectural Historian
Historic Preservation Consultant
19 S. Church St.
West Chester, Pa. 19382
P:  610-431-3737
jeditorhspv@verizon.net

                                                    As executive assistant to Bill Ronayne, president of Brandywine Valley Heating & Air Conditioning, Megan McGinn plays a strong, supporting role in positioning the company as a dedicated community partner. Her work behind the scenes enables Brandywine Valley’s executive and employees to take an active role in supporting the local community by participating in numerous organizations including the Greater West Chester Chamber, The Rotary Club of West Chester, The Greater West Chester Sunrise Rotary Club, West Chester Area Senior Center and Chester County Leadership Connection.
     “It has been very exciting working for Brandywine with the wide range of products and services and wealth of experience we bring to the customer,” she said. “I am excited about using my abilities and experience to help Brandywine Valley continue to grow as a company and as a strong community partner.”
      With nearly 20 years experience in sales and recruiting, Megan is well-versed in the world of networking and marketing. Since joining the staff of Brandywine Valley, she’s also become knowledgeable about the world of HVAC equipment and services. 
    “Brandywine Valley takes pride in being on the cutting edge of new technologies,” said Megan. “I have been in this position for a year and I feel I have learned a great deal, not only about our industry but also about the local business climate.”
     As an example of new technologies, Megan cites the geothermal systems that have become so popular especially with the 30% tax credit. Brandywine Valley Heating & Air Conditioning has been installing and servicing them for nearly 30 years!
     Among the things Megan enjoys about working at Brandywine Valley is the “uncommonly high level of mutual respect” among her coworkers.
     “Everyone, no matter what their role, is committed to the highest standards of integrity, workmanship and customer service,” she said. “Brandywine Valley Heating & Air Conditioning commits a great deal of time, energy and money to training its people. It is imperative in this rapidly changing, highly competitive industry that we stay ahead of the curve to provide our customers with the best solutions to their comfort needs.”
     (Brandywine Valley Heating & AC is located at 917 Old Fern Hill Road, Ste. 300, West Chester, PA 19380. For more information call 610-692-3900 or visit www.bvhvac.com)  

Opportunities Abound To Showcase Your Business To The Greater West Chester Membership Base…  

JOIN THE GREATER WEST CHEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

— Share your enthusiasm about your business by attending luncheons,

breakfast meetings and after-hours business card exchanges.

— Link your website with the Chamber’s website, and it will

also appear in the member directory.

— Host a networking event. The entire membership is invited

to your place of business for a monthly Chamber social.

— Join a Chamber committee and work closely with other members to

generate interesting and valuable programs for the Chamber.

— Purchase economical mailing labels for your direct-mail campaign.

Medical Benefits Are Closer Than You Think

Take advantage of our Chamber Association Medical Benefits

Program through our partnership with USI Affinity.

Stay in Touch

Be “in-the-know” about community and membership news by reading the

Chamber Chatter newsletter each month. Placing an ad in the Chatter is the most

economical business advertising outlet in Chester County.

Easy Information Gathering

Make one stop for Chamber information at GreaterWestChester.com

Elevate Your Advertising Impact

Showcase your business by placing an ad in the Chamber’s

widely-circulated Images of Greater West Chester magazine.

Feel Like The Chairman of the Board

The Chamber Board Room is available to all members by scheduling with the

Chamber office. It is comfortably appointed and can easily seat eight to 12.

Widen Your Sphere Of Influence

Our Chamber regularly participates — and often hosts —

Multi-Chamber networking events. Fellow Chambers come together

to offer a larger venue for their members to collectively meet and greet.

Keep Your Dollars in the Region

Support your fellow Chamber members by regularly using the

Membership Directory and Member-to-Member Discount Program.

Nestled in the rolling hills of beautiful Chester County, Pennsylvania, the vibrant and historic Borough of West Chester, along with the adjacent townships of Birmingham, East Bradford, East Goshen, Thornbury, West Goshen and Westtown, form the Greater West Chester Area.  With suburban conveniences and easy access to Philadelphia and Wilmington, Delaware, the area retains a significant rural feel.  As such, Greater West Chester is a thriving and diverse community for living and working where residents and visitors alike find substantial opportunities for cultural and recreational activities.

The Greater West Chester Area, located in southeastern Pennsylvania thirty miles west of Philadelphia and twenty miles north of Wilmington, Delaware, is older than the Nation itself.  Birmingham Township, for example, was the site of the Battle of the Brandywine, a key battle in the Revolutionary War.  During the Civil War, the Underground Railroad made numerous stops in the Greater West Chester Area.  The area continues to be proud of its connection to the very beginning of the Country.

West Chester Borough, at the heart of the region, is the hub for dining, entertainment, shopping, and cultural activities.  With its tree-lined streets and brick sidewalks, the neighborly historic downtown area welcomes visitors to enjoy its many galleries, shops, and restaurants catering to a wide variety of budgets and tastes.

As the governmental seat of Chester County, the Borough contains numerous buildings of historical and architectural significance.  A prime example is the splendid Courthouse, designed by architect Thomas U. Walter, designer of the U.S. Capitol dome.  The Borough and the adjacent townships provide numerous examples of different architectural styles from the 18^th, 19^th and 20^th centuries.

The Greater West Chester Area has a strong educational tradition.  In addition to the West Chester Area School District and the Unionville - Chadds Ford School District, both recognized for excellence at the state level, Westtown School, a nationally recognized college preparatory boarding school dating back to the 18th century, provides top-level education to students in the Greater West Chester Area.  West Chester University, located in West Chester Borough, is part of the Pennsylvania University System and provides challenging curricula to students in a wide range of disciplines.  The presence of the University adds significant seasoning to the melting pot that constitutes the Greater West Chester area.

Collaborative efforts between community leaders, government officials, businesses and West Chester University have all helped to establish the Greater West Chester Area as a premier place in which to live and work.  Community participation and commitment can be measured by the strong academic standards established by the two local school districts, the low crime rate, high individual participation in service groups and significant philanthropic support.  From high tech industry to retail, from financial and legal services to medicine and education, the Greater West Chester Area is replete with opportunity reflecting the rich diversity and strength of the region.