The Chamber has been very helpful in providing networking and educational opportunities to help me recognize the skills that I already have to run a successful Non-Profit.

I approached SCORE in 2013, my main concern was that we are suffering from a lack of volunteer firefighters in Schuylkill County. We wanted to find a method to ensure that the volunteer fire services would continue serving the community and residents of our county for years to come. The mentors from SCORE felt it would be beneficial to meet with a group of fire chiefs to get a full understanding of the issues. Over a series of months, we sat down in a group and worked on a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to ensure that we knew where we were and were we able to have a path to where we must go to address this serious problem. The interaction has been a great benefit to us. We are grateful for the assistance from the SCORE mentors and continue to interface with them on a regular basis.

I just wanted to take a few moments to thank you and everyone at the Schuylkill Chamber for making my student membership such a rewarding experience. Being a student member of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce led to many opportunities that I would not have otherwise had. It was through connections at the Chamber that I was able to apply for my first internship at Ashland Technologies. I was also able to utilize connections from the Chamber to complete course projects while working toward my degree from Temple University. Most importantly, I was able to learn to network and establish relationships, which will be key to my future career growth. Unfortunately, I was unable to renew my membership this year as I am no longer a student, but I would recommend a student membership to any college student in the Schuylkill County area. I look forward to working with the Chamber in the future, should my career bring me back to Schuylkill County.

Thank you for the hospitality last evening at the mixer. It is easy to see why you have a successful Chamber. From the moment that I arrived straight through the entire evening your team and the ambassadors made my first visit very comfortable. I know that we will see much more of each other as I plan to attend as many of the events that my schedule will allow. I also wanted to thank you on behalf of Berks Fire Water Restorations for the kind words about our team, I spoke to Lisa and we will put together a suggested program for you to plug into the schedule sometime in the near future. Thank you again and I look forward to seeing you soon.

While recently attending a Chamber/ Affiliate meeting, it was recommended that I take advantage of the FREE advertising provided by Schuylkill Chamber each Friday in the Weekend Update.  I posted an invitation for my upcoming Doncaster Seasonal Trunk Show and offered a discount.  By noon on the day the e-mail was released, I received a call from a perspective new client who scheduled her appointment to see the Spring and Summer Collection and to learn more about “Your One-Stop Shopping Experience.”Thanks SCC for the Free Advertising – It works!

Being a member of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce has really benefitted Hawk Mountain Council, Boy Scouts of America. Not only do they conduct very professional events, the Chamber has provided and continues to provide networking and educational programs that are informative as well as instructive. The Chamber staff is very supportive to our organization. At times, we have relied upon the Chamber and its exceptional facilities and hospitality to conduct our own executive programs. The leadership and counsel the Chamber staff provides is always helpful and intuitive. We look forward to our continued partnering with the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce in the years to come.

The Pottsville Campus of McCann School of Business & Technology was honored to be able to host a Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Breakfast which provided a platform for us to showcase our facility and services to the leaders of well over 50 community businesses.  Not only was the turnout for the event impressive, but the media coverage from the event was priceless.  In addition, the Chamber Staff took care of absolutely every detail making for a very smooth and successful endeavor. I would highly recommend hosting a Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce event at your business.

This morning at the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Breakfast at Carmelo’s Roman Delight, Michael W. Rebert, P.E., the District Executive, for PennDOT Engineering District 5-0 publically announced that the Orwigsburg ADA Ramps on Market Street, (SR 443), will go out to bid. Thank you to the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce & Executive Director Bob Carl, the Chamber’s Transportation Committee and Chairman Tom Yashinsky for their continuing, deliberate and constant follow-up lobbying efforts to keep this project front & center with PennDOT in our efforts to acquire a construction bid date. There are currently more county road projects then commonwealth dollars competing with very limited resources. The total team effort of all concerned is very much appreciated.

The non-profit lunch and lunch was a valuable learning experience. The SCORE presentation helped to remind me that mission statements, by-laws and policy and procedure practices need to be reviewed regularly for a non-profit to really thrive. The presence from both Schuylkill County’s newest and oldest non-profits provided a balanced perspective of the deep non-profit traditions in Schuylkill County as well as what the future holds for the emerging non-profits just beginning to spread their roots. I look forward to remaining engaged in the non-profit conversations at the Chamber.

One of the benefits of Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce membership is the opportunity to meet other Chamber members and build relationships and grow business. Recently Edwards Business Systems’ Mike Keeney called on Barry Newswanger of Newhurst Inc. Barry’s company is a provider of transportation services in the Pine Grove Area. Newhurst’s copier lease was coming to an end and Barry asked Edwards Business toprovide a quotation for the replacement. In conversation, Barry mentioned that his present supplier was from outside of the area, but that he really didn’t have any serious issues with them. When reviewing Edwards Business Systems’ proposal ( which was very competitive!), Mike pointed out that Edwards is a fellow Chamber member. Barry’s response was with all things being equal he would prefer to do business with a fellow Chamber member! As a result, Barry was able to upgrade his equipment at a savings, improved response time when service is needed and receive better customer service. The result was that Edwards Business gained a new customer. Chamber membership created a win-win for both companies.

Leadership is an excellent opportunity to get outside of our little boxes and experience all of what Schuylkill county has to offer. It always amazes me how when I run into one of my fellow 2014 classmates, I immediately feel a certain connection with them. To me, that’s what leadership is about. Making a connection that last a lifetime.

I cannot thank you enough for everything you have done for PENSKE, and to help us get our name out there more in the Schuylkill Community.