Please join PACP and the PA Chamber for one of the most exciting events for local chambers in Pennsylvania - the 2026 Chamber Day event:

Monday & Tuesday, June 1 & 2, 2026

Monday, June 1 - 6:00pm - Evening Reception on the River

Dukes Bar & Grille - 313 S. Front Street, Wormleysburg

Tuesday, June 2 - Chamber Day - Capitol and PA Chamber Offices

Your local chamber of commerce staff and volunteers are invited to join us for a day of networking with other chamber professionals and insightful meetings with key state lawmakers and legislative staff on the issues of importance to job creators and Pennsylvania's local communities. Previous Chamber Day speakers have included Governors, legislative leaders, and key committee chairs.

CLICK HERE for more information and to register!

This year, the PACP Board is launching something new—and we don’t want you to miss it!

We’re introducing PACP Member Check-In Meetings, casual but meaningful opportunities to connect with fellow members via Zoom. These sessions are designed to give you space to ask questions, share challenges, exchange best practices, and hear what others across our chamber community are experiencing. Think of it as time set aside for just you and your staff —no long presentations, just real conversations and peer connection. The Board is implementing these check-ins as part of our focus on strengthening communication and collaboration across PACP this year.

Below are two dates and Zoom registration links for these meetings:

Monday, February 23 – 10:00am

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/CSHEkO5vR0uo3W_sIWr2Mg

Monday, August 24 – 10:00am

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/_p5fNjeTRSa14RAvPJD98g

Be sure to click the link and complete the short registration form so that the system will share the actual Zoom meeting link with you. Each meeting will be scheduled for an hour.

Must‑Attend Events This Spring for Chamber Leaders and Your Members

The PA Chamber invites you and your members to take advantage of two important upcoming events designed for you and your members to learn, engage, and connect with the peers, experts, and leaders who shape Pennsylvania. Whether you’re strengthening your own expertise or identifying high-impact opportunities to improve your organization or boost your members’ bottom lines, the PA Chambers’ 2026 HR Conference and 2026 Women in Business Conference will both deliver timely and highly engaging content, statewide connections, and influential voices worth rallying around. CLICK HERE to learn more.

The Chamber is on the move! While our address is changing - to 120 S. Grant Avenue, Suite 2, Kittanning, PA 16201 - our services, coverage, and commitment to our members and community remain exactly the same.

The Chamber is pleased to introduce a new twice‑yearly magazine launching this year! This publication will spotlight the companies, leaders, and initiatives shaping our region’s economic landscape. Produced in partnership with Today Media Custom Communications, the magazine will offer high‑quality editorial, professional design, and targeted distribution to Chamber members, regional stakeholders, and business decision‑makers throughout Chester County.

The Chamber has announced the appointment of Tara Ewanits as its new Communication & Member Engagement Coordinator, strengthening the Chamber’s commitment to strategic storytelling, member engagement, and community-focused outreach. Ewanits brings more than 20 years of experience in communications, journalism, marketing, and digital media, with a career spanning editorial leadership, content strategy, graphic design, and eCommerce marketing. In her new role, she will oversee the Chamber’s communications and marketing efforts, including social media, website content, newsletters, press releases, and member engagement initiatives.

The Chamber will host a new State of the County event with Berks County Commissioners on Friday, March 20. This premier program will feature a data-driven presentation followed by a panel discussion with the Berks County Commissioners. Commissioners Christian Y. Leinbach, Michael Rivera and Dante Santoni, Jr. will examine county-level economic trends, priorities and opportunities. By leading with data and grounding it in real-world decision-making, the State of the County is designed to spark informed dialogue, shared understanding and forward-looking conversations about Berks County’s opportunities and challenges.

The Board of Directors of the Chamber recently announced that CEO / President Robert Garrett will retire effective March 31, 2026. The announcement marks the beginning of a deliberate, "New Era" succession plan designed to accelerate the Chamber’s 2-Pillar strategy: Legislative Advocacy and Workforce Development. The Board has launched an 11-week, regional search for an Entrepreneurial CEO to succeed Bob. This search, led by the Board Chair, will utilize a Strategic Alignment Matrix to benchmark candidates against the specific advocacy and talent-pipeline needs identified by the region’s top industry stakeholders. Click here for the press release.

The Chamber has relocated their offices. Their new address is 600 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA 15701.

On January 17, the heart of Pottsville came alive for Schuylkill Winterfest 2026. Organized by the Chamber, this year’s festival turned out to be one of the most successful yet drawing neighbors, families, and visitors alike for an unforgettable winter celebration. Hundreds of guests enjoyed crisp winter sunshine and cozy indoor spaces at Alvernia University Pottsville CollegeTowne, where the event showcased over 40 local vendors offering crafts, food, and artisan goods. The lively vendor area was a hub of shopping, discovery, and community pride, giving local entrepreneurs a spotlight and attendees plenty to enjoy. One of the crowd’s favorite moments was the spirited Mrs. T’s Pierogy Eating Contest, a deliciously entertaining competition that had both participants and onlookers cheering and laughing in equal measure. Whether you were rooting for speed-eating glory or just there for the fun, it was a highlight of the afternoon. The winner ate 25 pierogies in 3 minutes and 17 seconds. No winter fest would be complete without great local brews, and as always, Yuengling beer bar delivered! Festivalgoers relaxed with friends over refreshing pints, savoring one of Pennsylvania’s most beloved beers and soaking in the lively atmosphere, including live entertainment from the local band, The Zenith. Beyond food and drink, Winterfest featured live music, family-friendly activities, and plenty of chances to connect with neighbors. From kids laughing in the play area to folks browsing vendor booths, the energy was infectious a testament to how Schuylkill County comes together even in the chilliest months. The Chamber is honored to be the proud host and look forward to Winterfest 2027!

The Chamber is deeply saddened by the passing of Chad Amond, former President & CEO of the Chamber, who courageously stepped down from his role following his diagnosis of Primary Progressive Aphasia. Chad Amond was named President & CEO of the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce in 2011 and went on to lead the largest and most active business association in Westmoreland County, representing more than 1,000 member businesses across every industry sector. Under Chad’s leadership, the Chamber expanded its reach, strengthened its advocacy, and deepened its role as a driving force for responsible business development, leadership growth, and professional collaboration throughout the region. Chad was also the 2016 PACP Chair of the Board and our 2020 Keystone Award recipient. In Chad's memory, and in partnership with a local member, the Chamber provided this video to our members. Please click here for his obituary.

Save the Date - #ACCE26 Annual Convention has been set for July 20-22, 2026 in New Orleans, LA. Please click here for more information.

We are excited to announce that the scholarship application for 2026 Summer Sites Scholarship is open now! All students, both first-year and returning, are eligible to apply for Institute scholarship funds. If you plan to attend multiple summer sites in 2026 and wish to apply for scholarships at each site, please indicate this when prompted. All applicants will be notified of their application status before registration opens. The application will close at 11:45PM ET on February 8, 2026. Registration for each site will not open until February 25, 2026. CLICK HERE to apply!

IOM recently hosted a webinar featuring Hardy Smith on the topic of Success Tips for Working With Volunteers. CLICK HERE for the recording.