Young Professionals Meeting
Join the Chamber’s Young Professionals on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 10:30 to 11:30 AM on Zoom to hear from a professional in the nonprofit field.
These free meetings are a great opportunity to network with fellow young professionals across industries while gaining insight into different career paths from someone well-established in their profession.
Ask questions, learn from their experiences, and walk away with the reminder that the path to success isn’t always linear. All are welcome!
January Guest Speaker: Colleen Duran, Executive Director at Delco Literacy
Colleen Duran, MPA, CVA, assumed the role of Executive Director at the Delaware County Literacy Council in the summer of 2023, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to literacy and education.
A native of Pittsburgh, Colleen began her career in education, teaching elementary school. Her journey into the realm of adult education commenced with a year of service as a literacy tutor with AmeriCorps, a pivotal moment that steered her towards a prolonged period managing programs at Literacy Pittsburgh.
This dedication to literacy deepened during her two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Republic of Moldova, an experience she describes as “one of the best things I’ve ever done.”
Colleen’s career path further evolved within nonprofit organizations, where she honed her skills in strategic leadership, program management, and volunteer engagement.
In 2018, she achieved Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA) status and culminated her academic pursuits with an Executive Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Rutgers University in Camden, New Jersey, in 2021.
Most recently, Colleen served as the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Education at Association Headquarters, specializing in aiding nonprofit organizations to achieve their mission and advance their causes.
Her extensive background in service and volunteerism positions her as a valuable leader, dedicated to empowering and respecting adult learners.
“I’m excited to be at Delco Literacy. Having started my career in adult education 20 years ago, coming to Delco Literacy feels like coming home.”
Delco Literacy, a pivotal force in adult education for over 40 years, welcomed Colleen Duran as its Executive Director at the commencement of the 2023-2024 program year, following the retirement of Patrick Gunnin. Colleen’s blend of expertise in education, volunteerism, and nonprofit management makes her a perfect fit to continue Delco Literacy’s mission of creating a community of lifelong learners.
Government Affairs Committee Meeting
The Government Affairs Committee of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will meet on Zoom on Friday, Jan. 9, from 9 to 10 AM.
The advocacy mission of the Delaware County Chamber is to promote the growth and development of the regional business community through: the advocacy of positive and permanent business-friendly government laws and regulations; effective communication with our elected officials; and the development of strategic partnerships to accomplish these objectives.
Register now for this free meeting.
Restaurant Roundtable
This gathering on Tuesday, Jan. 13, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM in Media brings 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.
January Focus:
- Energy Costs: Bring your energy bill and meet with an expert who will walk you through simple ways to make your PECO costs work smarter for you. No gimmicks. No hard sell. Just clarity and real solutions.
- Downtime: What are some efforts you make during your downtime/slow periods to either prepare for your busier times or gain some traction?
This free meeting will take place in Media. An actual location will be shared the week of the meeting.
Cultivating Synergies: Is Your Business Ready for an Intern?
Industry leaders, employers, and community partners are invited to join the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Jan. 14, from 8:30 to 10:30 AM at Neumann University, for a program on strengthening the connection between higher education and the workforce.
Cost is $20. Register now.
Cultivating Synergies brings together business, education, and community leaders to explore how collaboration can better align talent development with employer needs and prepare Delaware County for the future of work.
The program features intentional networking, a keynote address, and a facilitated panel discussion, along with practical takeaways for employers interested in engaging with students through internships, projects, and hiring partnerships.
Hosted in partnership with Delaware County Economic Development, Delaware County Workforce Development, and the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, this convening is designed to spark conversation, share insight, and create actionable pathways for collaboration between employers and higher education institutions across the region.
Agenda
- 8:30 AM – Registration, Networking & Breakfast
- 8:45 AM – Welcoming Remarks & Keynote Presentation
- 9:15 AM – Panel Discussion
- 10:00 AM – Closing Remarks & Networking
Keynote Presentation
AI for the Future of Work: A Call to Action for Business, Higher Education, and Community Leaders
Speaker: Dr. Najiba Benabess, Dean of Business, Neumann University
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the workplace, this keynote will explore how employers, educators, and community leaders can work together to drive innovation, expand opportunity, and ensure workforce readiness in a rapidly evolving economy.
Panel Discussion
AI From Higher Education to Employer
Anticipated panelists include representatives from higher education, industry, and students, with moderation by Meredith Okenquist of Villanova University.
This moderated panel will examine how artificial intelligence is influencing curriculum, skills development, and employer expectations, and how institutions and businesses can better collaborate to prepare students for real-world application.
Networking & Resources Connections
Participants will have the opportunity to connect directly with campus contacts and community partners. Employers are encouraged to pick up the one-sheet resource, A Student Can Help, highlighting opportunities for internships, project-based learning, and hiring partnerships.
Higher Education Institutions Represented
- Villanova University
- Cheyney University
- Neumann University
- Delaware County Community College
- Widener University
- Penn State Brandywine
- Williamson College of the Trades
- Eastern University
- Pennsylvania Institute of Technology
Who Should Attend
- Business and industry leaders
- Human resources and workforce professionals
- Economic development partners
- Community and education leaders
Business Owners Group
The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce Business Owners Group will meet via Zoom on Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 9 to 10 AM.
January Focus: Goal Setting For Business
- Roundrobin Introductions
- How to set an annual goal, and ways to break the goals down to smaller, more manageable tasks
About the Business Owners Group (BOG): BOG is a community of small business owners committed to supporting one another. It recognizes that running a business can be challenging and isolating, and the BOG exists to create a space where owners can connect, learn, and grow together.
With a special focus on new businesses and solo entrepreneurs, each meeting comes with shared experience, resources, and encouragement to help every member thrive.
