July 15, 2026

Dear Stakeholders,

I hope you had a wonderful Fourth of July with family and friends and have been able to participate in some of the America 250 celebrations happening throughout Chester County and our region. We’ve joined many of our partners and colleagues in raising an America 250 flag outside our building. There are still plenty of America 250 activities planned right through 2027 so be sure to check out the full slate!

In CCEDC news, we recently released a comprehensive 2024 GDP report that includes comparative data going back 10 years. I encourage you to take a look at the report using the link below. There are some positives but also some emerging trends we need to monitor.  

I also want to recognize the outstanding work of AgConnect. The just released 2026 Farm Guide is fantastic as always and they have done amazing work on modernizing key Ag lending programs. Watch for some big news in the coming days!

It’s been a great first few weeks in my new role and I’m grateful for all of the positive support I have received already. I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer and look forward to seeing many of you at our 23^rd golf outing on August 31.

Warm regards,

Mike

CCEDC Facilitates Reuse of Kennett Square Buildings

Through the efforts of our Redevelopment Committee, CCEDC was engaged to work with corporate and community stakeholders to facilitate an appropriate reuse for the two Genesis Health buildings that are so important to the downtown of Kennett Square. CCEDC provided strategic, collaborative and results-oriented support working with county and local government to identify potential buyers and solicit offers aimed at downtown revitalization. The buyer ended up being Delaware based 9SDC. Learn more about the vision for this exciting adaptive reuse.

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan Visits CCEDC

US Representative Chrissy Houlahan and members of her team recently visited CCEDC's offices. Our team briefed her on key business expansion projects in our region and discussed ways her office could provide support to our efforts.

AgConnect Releases Chester County Farm Guide

CCEDC and the Chester County Government, through their partnership in AgConnect, are proud to introduce the 2026 Chester County Farm Guide.

This special America250 edition honors Chester County’s farming legacy and agricultural journey while featuring over 125 local farms, markets, and agribusinesses. The guide serves as a comprehensive resource for those looking to connect with agriculture in our local communities! This year’s edition features inspiring stories celebrating the history and traditions that have shaped, transformed, and defined ChesCo agriculture.

CCEDC Produces Chester County GDP Report

CCEDC contracted with its partners at EDC Lancaster to produce the Chester County GDP report.

Funding Awarded for Weather Education Program

The Chester County Economic Development Foundation (CCEDF) is launching The Climate Connect: PA’s Weather & Air Quality Explorers, a statewide educational initiative designed to support schools and libraries in delivering engaging, hands-on STEM and environmental learning for students in grades K–8. The program provides participating sites with access to portable weather and air-quality monitoring stations, standards-aligned instructional resources, and real-time data tools that bring science learning to life.

CCEDC Partners with CCCBI, TMACC, and WCU on Second CEO Panel Event

More than 200 business leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, policymakers, and economic development professionals gathered for Executive Insights 2026: A Panel of Visionary CEOs, a dynamic and candid conversation featuring four of Southeastern Pennsylvania’s most influential business leaders.

Seedcopa Hosts SBA Administrator

Seedcopa recently hosted Jim Spencer, the Regional Administrator for the SBA’s Mid-Atlantic Region (Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia). It was a great opportunity to discuss the recent improvements to SBA and share the changes we might like to see into the future. 

Global Business Advisors Celebrate Longtime Chair

The Pennsylvania Global Business Advisors (GBA) recently celebrated and honored outgoing board chair, Bill Bogle. A few memorable toasts (and some well-earned jokes!) made the tribute even more special. His leadership, guidance, and commitment over the past several decades have made a lasting impact on international business in the region. GBA welcomes Amy Sahm of Fulton Bank as the new chair.

LionCage Event at Ben Franklin Technology Partners

More than 70 guests attended i2n's Road to LionCage pitch competition at Ben Franklin Technology Partners to cheer on our nine entrepreneurs who each competed for $500 and an automatic entry to the main LionCage event this November at Penn State Great Valley. Congratulations to Chester County-based Breadcrumbs.ai for taking home the top prize and to Philadelphia County entrepreneur Haven Mutual for being selected by our panel of judges as our runner-up!  

SEI Supports Heat Pump Training through PA DEP

SEI has partnered with the PA Department of Environmental Protection to help launch their free Penn Heat Pump Pathways program that expands access to high-quality heat pump training. The program supports both new and existing workers while helping employers meet growing demand for skilled heat pump installers.

Learn more about the Penn Heat Pump Pathways program.

Chester County's America 250 Celebrations

We may have just celebrated America's 250^th birthday but there are still tons of great festivities happening throughout our area.

Check out the events calendar or sign up to become volunteer.