The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce hosts a Coffee Connection event on Oct. 1, from 8 to 10 AM, at Sharon Bank, 153 Saxer Ave. in Springfield.
This event is free to members and $25 for prospective members.
For over 150 years, Sharon Bank has been more than just a bank–it’s been a neighbor, a partner, and a trusted resource in Delaware County. With a legacy of community-first service and a commitment to helping individuals and businesses thrive, Sharon Bank continues to prove why they’ve Been Here, Still Here, and always here for you.
Sharon Bank has served Delaware County since 1873 with deep local roots and a steadfast commitment to personal service.
It operates five convenient branches.
All About Propane & Energy Reliability
Come hear the future of energy from industry leaders, labor representatives, and policy influencers at a presentation Thursday, Oct. 2, from Energy Transfer with registration and breakfast at 8:30 AM, and the presentation at 9 AM.
With a special focus on propane, butane, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the East Coast, learn how it relates to infrastructure and economic development in the Delaware County region. Enjoy breakfast and network with key people in corresponding industries and businesses.
Cost is $40.
Speakers & Key Topics
Moderator: George Stark
Energy:
- Tucker Perkins, President & CEO, Propane Education & Research Council
Discussion on propane’s role in the clean energy transition, education initiatives, and the importance of propane exports to both domestic resilience and global energy markets. - Luke Bernstein, President, Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce
- Joe McGinn, Vice President of Public Affairs, Energy Transfer
Presentation on propane infrastructure and current exporting capabilities. - Bill desRosiers, Manager of External Affairs,Coterra Energy Inc
Focus on LNG export operations from Cove Point, MD. Discussion will center around logistics, terminal capacity, and market growth potential.
Labor:
- Bill Adams, President & Asst. Business Manager, IBEW Local 654
Insight on labor opportunities tied to energy export expansion. - Jim Snell, Business Manager, Steamfitters Local 420
Overview of workforce readiness and pipeline infrastructure needs. - Jim Welty, President, Marcellus Shale Coalition
Exploration of East Coast energy export growth, leveraging regional natural gas resources. - Trish McFarland, President, Delaware County Chamber of Commerce
Closing remarks on what these developments mean for the local economy and regional competitiveness.
Regional Implications
- Economic Development: Expansion in propane, butane domestically, and LNG exports positions Delaware County and the surrounding regions as a pivotal energy hub, potentially attracting new employers and spurring business growth.
- Job Creation: Significant opportunities for union labor, particularly electricians, steamfitters, and other skilled trades tied to construction and maintenance of energy infrastructure.
- Energy Logistics: Increased export capacity can enhance the East Coast’s role in global energy markets, especially through existing assets like Marcus Hook and Cove Point.
- Environmental Considerations: Potential for increased regulatory scrutiny and community engagement on environmental impacts of expanded fossil fuel exports.
- Policy & Strategy: Event aligns with national objectives around energy independence and export growth, reinforcing the strategic role of Pennsylvania’s energy resources.
Restaurant Round Table
This free round table discussion on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 9:30 to 10:30 AM, will bring together food service business owners and operators for candid conversations about the everyday challenges in this industry.
From staffing shortages and rising food costs to managing slow seasons and off-site events, this is a chance to exchange insights and practical strategies. Whether you’ve found a reliable supplier, streamlined your hiring process, or implemented a cost-saving measure, your experience could support others—and theirs could support you.
This meeting will take place in Ridley. The actual location will be shared a week prior to the meeting.
Ribbon Cuttings
The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the grand reopening of the Ivybrook Academy half-day preschool at 261 Brinton Lake Road in Glen Mills with a ribbon-cutting, Wednesday, Oct. 8, at Noon.
Ivybrook Academy Glen Mills offers a half-day preschool program for children 18 months to 5 years old, blending Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Discovery Method philosophies. Through small-group collaboration, hands-on exploration, and individualized learning plans, children develop creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning in a nurturing environment.
The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the grand reopening of Total Team Solutions with a ribbon-cutting, Wednesday, Oct. 11, 5 PM, at 4221 Edgmont Ave. in Brookhaven.
Total Team Solutions evolved from E Footwear and is a full-service provider of team uniforms, business apparel, equipment, promotional products, and footwear.
Athena Luncheon
Join the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce for a prestigious afternoon recognizing its 2025 ATHENA Award recipient—a leader who exemplifies the eight guiding principles of the ATHENA model: living authentically, learning constantly, building relationships, fostering collaboration, acting courageously, advocating fiercely, giving back, and celebrating others.
This distinguished luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 9, 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, at the Springfield Country Club features an engaging fireside chat with the 2025 recipient, Marcia Zaruba-O’Connor — offering a rare opportunity to hear her personal journey and insights.
Zaruba-O’Connor is the president and founder of The O’Connor Group, an HR, Outsourcing, and Recruitment-as-a-Service company.
Deadline for tickets is Oct. 3. Chamber member tickets are $75. Non-member tickets are $100, and past ATHENA recipient tickets are $60.
A table of eight can be purchased for $550, and a table of 10 can be purchased for $700.
Learn more about sponsorship opportunities that are also available. Sponsorships should be submitted by Sept. 26 to guarantee program book submission.
The ATHENA Award is a community award given locally, nationally, and internationally in partnership with ATHENA International.
Locally presented by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, the ATHENA Leadership Award recognizes accomplished individuals who actively support women in attaining professional excellence and leadership skills.
Chosen award-winners demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession, provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community, and actively assist women in achieving their full leadership potential.
This award highlights what recipients have accomplished in addition to the ways they have paved the path for future successes. The ATHENA Leadership Award inspires others to achieve excellence by honoring exceptional leaders.
The Delaware County Chamber has presented this award since 1989 to over 35 prestigious recipients.
With over 200 attendees, the Chamber will also pay tribute to past ATHENA recipients whose lives and work continue to uplift, connect, and inspire our community. Attend and network among these women, community leaders, and others who empower women.
Nonprofit Roundtable: Better Together
Nonprofits are the heart of the community — and the Chamber wants to make sure it is supporting you in the ways that matter most.
Join the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce on Zoom, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 8:30 to 9:30 AM, for a free open brainstorming session where local nonprofits can share challenges, ideas, and opportunities. Together, we’ll explore how the Chamber can better serve your needs and amplify your impact.
Nonprofit professionals, board members, and volunteers are welcome.
Young Professionals: Pour & Partner Networking Event
Meet us under the pavilion at Penns Woods Winery, 124 Beaver Valley Rd. in Chadds Ford, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 5 to 7 PM, for an evening of wine tasting and networking. Join the Young Professionals with a scenic vineyard view while making new connections.
Cost is $10 for Chamber members, $25 for non-members.
Ribbon Cutting
Join the Chamber for a free ribbon-cutting to celebrate 10 years of Keep Music Alive! Wednesday, Oct. 22, 8:30 to 10 AM, at Kelly Music for Life, Kelly Center, 4 E. Eagle Road, Havertown.
Keep Music Alive was founded by husband and wife team Vincent James and Joann Pierdomenico in the summer of 2014. They believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn how to play music, and every adult needs to be reminded that it’s never too late to start playing.
The Keep Music Alive mission is to promote the value of music. For children’s education, the many types of therapy music help with, and for, our overall happiness. An ultimate goal is to help more children (and adults) reap the educational, therapeutic, and social benefits of playing music.
To help support this mission, James and Pierdomenio founded Teach Music Week in March and Kids Music Day in October. Each year, they partner with hundreds of music schools, stores, and organizations around the world to offer free lessons to new students and hold special events that benefit and celebrate kids playing music. They host year-round musical instrument petting zoo events and run a free After-School Music Lessons program for under-resourced students.
Level Up: Young Professionals Toolbox for Tomorrow
Join the Delaware County Young Professionals on Monday, Oct. 27, 3 to 6 PM, at AC Hotels by Marriott Newtown Square, 200 Squire Drive in Newtown Square, for an energizing evening of learning, networking, and practical takeaways you can use right away.
This interactive event features a series of topic-focused roundtables you’ll rotate through, giving you the chance to connect with experts and peers in small, conversational settings.
Cost to attend is $10.
Agenda:
3 – 5 PM – Roundtables
5 – 6 PM – Happy Hour
Some Topics Include:
- Swipe Right on Home Ownership Navigate the home-buying process with confidence.
- Financial Wellness for Life Build a strong financial future, no matter where you’re starting.
- Indispensable at Work: Soft-Skill Hacks AI Can’t ReplaceHone the human skills that make you stand out.
- Score Big: Credit & Savings Strategies Boost your credit and grow your savings with smart moves.
- Find Your Voice Learn about public speaking and finding your in professional settings.
- The Language of Well-Being: Structuring your communication for health, wealth and happiness.
- Exploring options to build your education credentials/knowledge/skills to help advance your career.
- & more!
Whether you’re focused on your next career move, major life purchase, or financial game plan, you’ll walk away with actionable tips, fresh connections, and the motivation to make it happen.
Breaking Down the Big Beautiful Bill
Over breakfast, the Delaware & Chester County Chambers invite you to dive into the “Big Beautiful Bill” and discover how it’s transforming the way businesses approach taxes, incentives, and growth.
This event takes place on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 8:30 to 10 AM, at The Inn at Villanova, 601 County Line Road in Wayne.
Hear directly from top accountants in a candid conversation that breaks down what this legislation truly means for your business. Walk away with insights on where the opportunities are, how to stay compliant, and strategies to plan ahead with confidence.
- Get expert advice on maximizing tax credits, navigating new regulations, and planning for the future.
- Join local accountants for a practical breakdown of the IRA and what opportunities it creates for businesses like yours.
- From energy incentives to tax credits, learn how to take advantage of the bill everyone’s talking about.
Panelists:
- Hillary Alexander, Brinker Simpson & Company
- Katrina R. Samarin, Kreischer Miller
- Kevin McGinn, PKF O’Connor Davies
Moderator: Mike DeHaven, PKF O’Connor Davies
Cost is $35 for Chamber members, $45 for non-members and includes a full breakfast.
Sponsorships are available.
A gold sponsor for $2,500 receives 10 tickets, a full-page ad, and a logo display.
A silver sponsor for $1,500 receives eight tickets, a half-page ad, and a logo display.
A bronze sponsor for $500 receives four tickets, a half-page ad, and a logo display.
Find out more about sponsorship opportunities by reaching out to Jessica Hoffman at [email protected].
