The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce had a chance to review its accomplishments and honor its members at its annual membership luncheon.

The June 18 event at Drexelbrook Catering in Drexel Hill also recognized Frances Sheehan with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Sheehan is retiring from The Foundation for Delaware County in the fall.

The Chamber welcomed 153 new members in 2024-25, and its website had 42,000 views.

Its various committees and board members attended more than 110 meetings, and it celebrated

19 new and expanding businesses in Delaware County with ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

It also hosted its most successful golf outing ever, the Cinco de Mayo Delco Invitational.

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce tracked 250 pieces of legislation relevant to the business community and employees, focusing on improving Pennsylvania’s regulatory and tax structure, as well as access to healthcare, the need for reliable transportation, and workforce development options.

It also introduced a new strategic plan in November.

“It shows we are a central hub for information and resources in the county. We are all about connecting people, and this year we hosted 81 events with over 3,500 attendees,” said Chamber Chairwoman of the Board Deanna Doane.

Looking ahead, the Chamber hopes to remain a supportive partner, especially for those communities and businesses “facing economic headwinds and unique challenges,” Doane said.

A Tribute to Trish McFarland

The annual meeting included a tribute to the Chamber’s president, Trish McFarland, for her 10 years of leadership.

Under her watch, the Chamber became a major resource to help more than 2,000 businesses during the pandemic. 

McFarland expanded opportunities to get involved and created new programs and committees, including the Women’s Connections Committee, Peer Advisory Group, Inclusive Economic Alliance, Nonprofit Roundtables, Business Owners Group, and Veterans in Business Group.

She also encouraged partnerships that led to initiatives like the Holiday Village at the Festival of Lights at Rose Tree Park, the Black and Diverse Business Forum, and the Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Juneteenth Celebrations.

“She is Delco through and through, and you will not find anyone who works harder for this Chamber and this community,” Doane said.

McFarland thanked everyone for trusting her in the role of president and for believing in their shared vision and for the “countless ways we lift each other up.”

“I’m proud of what we accomplished together, and even more excited about what lies ahead,” she said.

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Chamber presented its 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award to Foundation President Frances Sheehan of Swarthmore, who is retiring after eight years leading the nonprofit.

She also received two proclamations from the State Senate and Delaware County Council.

Chamber Board member Grant Gegwich credited Sheehan’s leadership for much of the Foundation’s growth and success in less than 10 years.

“Over the past decade, Frances has played a pivotal role in championing high-impact initiatives, supporting public health programming, and empowering donors and nonprofit organizations to invest in a stronger Delaware County,“ he said.

The Foundation provides philanthropic services to donors who want to invest in Delaware County. It makes grants to launch new initiatives and support nonprofits serving Delaware County. 

It also runs public health programs, such as the Nurse Family Partnership, Healthy Start, and WIC.

Under Sheehan’s leadership, the Foundation helped launch the county’s first health department. They launched a fundraising initiative to help nonprofits and individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

They created Delco Gives, which this year raised over $2.2 million for nonprofits throughout Delaware County.

Before the Foundation, Sheehan was president and CEO of the Brandywine Health Foundation, now the Alliance for Health Equity, and led Planned Parenthood in Chester County.

“This is a tremendous honor for me. After more than 30 years working in Philadelphia and Chester County, I was so grateful to have the opportunity to come to my home community to lead this new foundation, because I’ve had the opportunity to work with really some wonderful community leaders,” she said.

She encouraged everyone to reach and engage with a local nonprofit, “to one that already touches your heart,” she said, “because when you get involved in a local nonprofit, you have the opportunity to see the very real needs they’re addressing, how hard they work every single day, and the challenges that they’re facing, especially now.”

And though she’s retiring, Sheehan plans to stay in Delco and stay engaged.

“So my parting words are, get involved, get engaged, give back. Your skills are needed, and the rewards are immeasurable.”

Star Awards

McFarland presented the Chamber’s Star Awards, implemented last year, recognizing individuals for their volunteerism, advocacy, membership, or behind-the-scenes support.

This year’s recipients were Ana Welsh with Ana Welsh Leadership, Clara Burke of Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union, Trung Nguyen of WSI World, Patrycja Hosbach of Cork & Charm, Duska Eder of J&J Concrete, Alaina Kearney of Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz, Michael Trimble of TD Bank, Aimee Kate Mooney of CCC Shines, and Bob Simpson of Brinker Simpson & Company.

Heartbeat Awards

McFarland also announced the Chamber Heartbeat Award winners, given to members who are not only active contributors but also the “emotional core and unwavering champions of our work.”

This year’s recipients are Dionne Douglas of Kimberly Clark, Mike Brady of LPL Financial, Grant Gegwich of Independence Blue Cross, Lisa Verzella of Monarch Staffing, Jacqueline Gardner of Tomorrow’s Utilities, and Mike Morgan, a community volunteer and coach.

Youth in Excellence awards

The Chamber presented its Youth in Excellence Awards. honoring students who demonstrate outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and a deep commitment to their community.

Honored were Rachel B. Ambrosio of Marple Newtown High School, founder and chair of Marple Township’s first youth-led sustainability committee. She created the Marple Civic Youth Children’s Memorial Rose Garden, a unique community space that fosters healing, education, and environmental stewardship.

Also recognized was Aidan Wright of Devon Preparatory School, a standout participant in this year’s Youth Leadership Academy and a proven leader both on the ice hockey rink and within his school community.

Official recognitions

The luncheon acknowledged the chamber’s board of directors and outgoing board members for their time and commitment, as well as new members coming in, and it recognized committee chairs for their volunteer leadership.

The luncheon also honored those serving on the Delaware County Chamber Foundation.

Forty-one participants in the Chamber’s nine-month Leadership Delaware County program for this year were also acknowledged.

Leadership Delaware County is a program to help develop better leaders in the business community.