WHAT'S NEW AT THE CHAMBER

Welcome New Members! 

Annual BBQ and Annual Meeting

Join us at our upcoming Annual Summer BBQ at the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry on July 19th (RAIN DATE is July 26, 2022). The BBQ is also our Annual Meeting. 

Enjoy delicious BBQ, drinks, and good company! This is the perfect opportunity to all come out to the Chamber, enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, and reconnect with one another post- pandemic!  

Get ready for a BBQ spread by Big Boize Bbq Sauce, local beer courtesy of Locust Lane Craft Brewery, and wine courtesy of Brite Realty Services Inc. .

Anyone can attend... Member Cost: $20.00, Non-Member Cost: $30.00 

Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry

1600 Paoli Pike 

Malvern, PA 19355

For more information or questions, email Julie Fox.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

A Budget Update

Pennsylvania’s 2022-2023 fiscal year began last Friday, but Governor Wolf and state lawmakers have yet to agree to a new spending plan. Both Republicans and Democrats appear hopeful a deal will be finalized this week, but both parties have said final elements are still being worked out.

Discussions about what is expected to be a roughly $42 billion spending plan have centered on a proposal for additional outlays for public schools that is backed by Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf.

Here’s what we know about the budget so far:

• House Republican budget makers said a $3.5 billion dollar increase in overall spending could be coming. They say much of it will likely be propped up by the state’s more-than $2 billion in leftover federal American Rescue Plan money. Governor Wolf has called for spending $1.9 billion of it in the new budget. Republicans have not yet shared their preferred number.

• Some of the increased spending would allow the state to pony up more for its Medicaid insurance program, according to the House GOP. The federal government has been reimbursing more of the commonwealth’s healthcare costs during the COVID-19 pandemic, but may wind it down later this year.

• House Republican Appropriations Chair Stan Saylor has said environmental efforts will receive significantly more funding, such as state parks, clean-up projects, and water quality efforts. Known as Growing Greener III and the Clean Streams fund proposal, these efforts would use a combined $750 million of American Rescue Plan money.

• The state’s nearly 10% Corporate Net Income Tax will likely be cut. By how much isn’t clear, but one Republican-backed plan under consideration calls for slashing it to around 7% within five years. Another proposes to drop the rate to nearly 6% within four years.

• Republicans have repeatedly signaled K-12 public schools will be receiving more money than last year. GOP negotiators have shown willingness to agree to a figure closer to Governor Tom Wolf’s more-than $1.5 billion proposal, but have so far ruled out any plan that would meet that number.

• Other possible features of a deal include more money for nursing homes, county-administered mental health counseling programs, child care subsidies and property tax or rent subsidies for the elderly and disabled.

“It is our plan to work with our Republican colleagues and get this done as soon as possible,” House Democratic Appropriations Chair Rep. Matt Bradford (D-Montgomery) said.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Handi-Crafters

Handi-Crafters has been impacting the lives of people with special needs since 1961 through employing them with meaningful and engaging employment opportunities. Their vision began when a group of parents looked to discover a purpose for their differently-abled children after they left high school. Since its founding in 1961 at Downingtown PA, Handi-Crafters has used its Skill Development Center to help approximately 400 employees annually. While working for Handi-Crafters, its employees develop work-related skills that can be used for the rest of their lives. In addition, Handi-Crafters provides a series of relief programs for its workers including its Independent Living Solutions Program and After Work Program. For more information on their programs and services click here.

In addition to developing and caring for its employees, Handi-Crafters creates partnerships with employers and acquires work contracts with great businesses across Chester County. Their work consists of meeting their partner’s production, assembly, kitting and packaging needs. Using their Integrated Warehouse Systems and Quality Control Procedures they are able to provide fast moving and high quality packaging and assembly services. Not only are they providing much needed job experience to their employees, but they also provide valuable packing and assembly services to our local community and businesses. 

For companies looking for efficient and reliable packing and assembly services, look no further than Handi-Crafters. A business who’s bottom line is helping people and businesses across Chester County and Pennsylvania reach their full potential.

Visit their website today. 

The Chester County Chamber greatly appreciates Handi-Crafter's commitment to our community and for their membership and involvement with the Chamber!

MORE UPCOMING EVENTS

Check out our website for more upcoming events!

CHESTER COUNTY CHAMBER OF BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

WWW.CHESCOCHAMBER.ORG