Maria Murphy Receives Financial Award of Excellence from the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual DisAbility Services
Maria Murphy Receives Financial Award of Excellence from the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual DisAbility Services Murphy Was Nominated for Her Work and Commitment to One of American Heritage Credit Union’s Workplace Partners, Special People In the Northeast (SPIN) PHILADELPHIA– April 14, 2026 – Maria Murphy, Assistant Vice President of Commercial Operations for American Heritage Credit Union (“American Heritage”), has been awarded the Financial Award of Excellence from
Strong Customer Relationships Drive Growth for Tri-County Small Businesses
Building lasting customer loyalty starts with one foundational truth: engagement is a habit, not a campaign. For small businesses across Montgomery, Chester, and Berks counties, this matters even more — in tight-knit regional communities, a customer's experience travels quickly through neighborhood conversations, local social groups, and chamber networks. The strategies below are practical, scalable, and designed to work whether you're a Main Street retailer in Pottstown or a service provider operating
MCCC Earns 2026-2027 Military Friendly Schools® Designation
MCCC Earns 2026-2027 Military Friendly Schools® Designation 04/13/2026, Blue Bell/Pottstown, Pa.— Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) announced recently that it has earned the 2026-2027 Military Friendly® Schools Designation recognized as a 2026-2027 Top 10 Military Friendly® School. Institutions earning the Military Friendly Schools® designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 3,200 companies participated in the Military Friendly®
American Heritage Credit Union Honored with Two Diamond Awards from America’s Credit Unions
American Heritage Credit Union Honored with Two Diamond Awards from America’s Credit UnionsAmerican Heritage was recognized for its 2025 marketing efforts with Brand Awareness and Content Marketing PHILADELPHIA – April 13, 2026 – American Heritage Credit Union (“American Heritage”) was among more than 180 credit unions nationwide named as a winner of the prestigious Diamond Award. These awards are America’s Credit Unions Marketing, PR & Development Council’s annual competition which spotlights
MCCC to host inaugural Pedal for the Future Community Festival April 18
MCCC to host inaugural Pedal for the Future Community Festival April 18April 6, 2026, Pottstown, Pa. — Come and enjoy a spring day of fun at Montgomery County Community College’s Pedal for the Future Community Festival on Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its Pottstown Campus, South Hall, 101 College Drive in Pottstown. The event is free and will be held rain or shine.“All members of the community are invited to join us for a day of games, wellness and fun,” said Amy Auwaerter, Senior Director
Climate Change and Resilience Attitudes and Perceptions Survey
Climate Change and Resilience Attitudes and Perceptions SurveyWe are seeking input from those who live, work, and spend time in Chester County to better understand their priorities, concerns, and ideas related to climate change and sustainability. We’ve launched a public survey to help guide countywide policies and actions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas and carbon emissions, preparing for climate impacts, and building a more sustainable community for current and future generations. The results of the
American Heritage Credit Union Continues to Offer First-Time Homebuyer Programs & Grants for 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE American Heritage Credit Union Continues to Offer First-Time Homebuyer Programs & Grants for 2026 First-Time Homebuyers Can Receive up to $15,000 through First Front Door Grant; My CU Home Connection™ Offers Bundled Homebuying Services PHILADELPHIA – April 2, 2026 – American Heritage Credit Union (“American Heritage”) is partnering with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (“FHLBank of Pittsburgh”) to offer first-time homebuyer programs to help members afford and better
Chamber Member Anniversaries
Chamber Member Anniversaries Happy anniversary to the following Members for their consecutive years of Chamber membership:48+ Years The Hill School46 Years Pottstown Area Rapid Transit, Inc. (PART)41 Years Martin Stone Quarries, Inc.28 Years Sanatoga Animal Hospital Spring Ford Country Club Wolf, Badlwin & Associates, PC Berks County Abstract Company10 years Translogistics, Inc.4 years Steadfast Paper Inc. Children First Nihart Photography
Member Renewals and Voluntary Contributors!
Member Renewals and Voluntary Contributors! Thank you to the following Members who recently renewed their commitment to the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce:**Advanced Comfort SpecialistsAllegheny East Conference of Seventh-day Adventists**American Heritage Credit Union**Avanti Plumbing and Drains IncBerks County Abstract CompanyBoyertown Museum of Historic VehiclesCanteen Berks CountyCrystal Cave Company, Inc.Department of Community + Economic Development - Berks County**Edward Jones - Bonnie L.
VFC is offering scholarships to graduating seniors from Phoenixville and OJR
Boyertown Area Progress Dinner Celebrates Community Growth and Honors Local Leadership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEBoyertown Area Progress Dinner Celebrates Community Growth and Honors Local LeadershipBOYERTOWN, PA — The TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce (TCACC) proudly hosted the 2026 Boyertown Area Progress Dinner on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at La Massaria at Bella Vista. The annual event brought together business leaders, community members, and local organizations to celebrate the continued growth, investment, and success of the Boyertown area. The evening began with a cocktail hour and
SPRING ALLERGY SEASON IS COMING
SPRING ALLERGY SEASON IS COMINGTake steps to reduce the symptoms As winter winds down, do you find yourself dreading the approach of allergy season? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. “Seasonal allergies are very common for this time of year, and it is important to know the symptoms, the steps to reduce allergy symptoms, and when to seek urgent care for allergies,” says Dr. Heather Osher, a staff physician with Patient First. Here are some helpful tips and information on allergies and how to prevent
One in Four Businesses Don't Reopen After a Disaster — Is Yours Ready?
Emergency planning gives small businesses a concrete path to recover from fires, floods, power outages, and other disruptions before those events happen. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, 25% of businesses never reopen after a disaster, making a tailored emergency response plan essential for every small business owner. For TriCounty businesses across Montgomery, Chester, and Berks Counties, that number is a planning deadline, not a statistic.It's Not Optional — OSHA Already Set the
Bruce K. Foulke Recognized for Humanitarian Efforts with Ukraine by Via Stella Foundation
Bruce K. Foulke Recognized for Humanitarian Efforts with Ukraine by Via Stella Foundation Foulke Has Contributed Funds and Delivered Medical Supplies to Victims Amidst the Russia-Ukraine War PHILADELPHIA– March 25, 2026 – Bruce K. Foulke, President & CEO of American Heritage Credit Union (“American Heritage”), has been recognized by the Via Stella Foundation for his ongoing humanitarian efforts supporting Ukraine amidst the Russia-Ukraine War. Foulke was presented with a plaque and was honored
Tompkins Community Bank Names Phil Quintana President-Elect; Quintana succeeds John McKenna, who will retire in July 2026
Tompkins Community Bank Names Phil Quintana President-Elect; Quintana succeeds John McKenna, who will retire in July 2026ITHACA, NY - Tompkins Financial Corporation (NYSE American: TMP)Tompkins Financial Corp. today announced that Phillip M. Quintana has been appointed President-Elect of Tompkins Community Bank, effective immediately. He will succeed John McKenna, who will retire as President of Tompkins Community Bank in July 2026 after seventeen years of service. Quintana brings more than 27 years of
Before the Reporter Calls: Building a Media Kit That Gets TriCounty Businesses Covered
A media kit — sometimes called a press kit — is a ready-made package of information journalists, investors, and community partners can access without having to track you down. Despite the rise of social media, 72% of journalists still cite press releases as the most useful resource PR teams can offer, according to Cision's 2025 State of the Media Report — which means a well-organized kit is far from obsolete. For businesses across Montgomery, Chester, and Berks counties, having one ready can determine
How Public Speaking Fuels Small Business Growth in the TriCounty Area
Small business owners in the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce know that growth doesn’t just happen in back offices—it happens in rooms. At ribbon cuttings, council meetings, industry panels, and networking breakfasts, the way an owner speaks shapes how the business is perceived. Public speaking is no longer a “nice-to-have” skill; it’s a growth engine. When local entrepreneurs strengthen their speaking skills, they build trust faster, clarify their value more effectively, and create new opportunities
The Strategic Value of a Media Kit for Today’s Businesses
For many TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce members, visibility is no longer just a marketing goal—it's a necessity for building trust, winning coverage, and accelerating growth. A clear, well-organized media kit gives journalists, partners, and community stakeholders the information they need to represent your business accurately and confidently. It also reduces friction when reporters are on deadline and amplifies the narrative you want others to tell about you. Learn below: What a media kit contains
Click, File, Done: How Technology Took the Panic Out of Business Taxes
For decades, tax season meant shoeboxes of receipts, long nights hunched over spreadsheets, and fingers crossed that nothing slipped through the cracks. For entrepreneurs and small business owners, the process wasn’t just stressful—it was disruptive. Taxes could hijack entire weeks, stealing time from product development, client outreach, and daily operations. Now, though, a quiet shift has taken place. A wave of software innovation and cloud-based tools has turned tax prep into a background
Visual Storytelling: Turning Moments Into Customers Without Saying a Word
There’s a reason people slow down at street murals, skim less when there’s a photo involved, and pause longer on posts with strong design. You live in a world shaped by visuals—moving, still, branded, and raw. For small business owners trying to cut through the noise, mastering the art of visual storytelling isn’t just a nice touch; it’s oxygen. It builds trust faster than a slogan and lingers longer than a clever ad ever could. Show, Don’t Just Tell When you’re running a small business, there’s often
More than the 401(k): How Employers Are Reinventing Benefits to Keep You Happy
For decades, employee benefits were a predictable package: health insurance, a 401(k) match, maybe a gym discount if your company was feeling generous. But in today’s job market, where talent can walk with the click of a LinkedIn notification, companies are realizing that benefits need to do more than tick boxes—they need to surprise, delight, and actually improve people’s lives. The result? A new wave of perks that go far beyond the usual offerings, aiming to not just keep employees from quitting, but to
Tips for Thriving as an Aspiring Consumer Electronics Entrepreneur
Breaking into the consumer electronics space as an entrepreneur isn’t for the faint of heart. You’re stepping into an arena where technology evolves faster than trends on social media, and customer expectations shift just as quickly. Yet, if you manage to plant your flag in this ever-shifting landscape, the rewards can be substantial — both creatively and financially. Thriving here isn’t just about having a killer product idea; it’s about understanding the rhythm of the industry, staying nimble, and
What Reading, PA SBOs Should Know Now Regarding The CTA, BOI and FinCEN
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes. While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties. However, filing your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report will help you avoid fines
How Resilient Branding Drives Small Business Success
Building a small business demands a careful blend of creativity and strategy to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. A compelling brand identity conveys the essence of your business’s values, creating an emotional resonance with customers. More than visuals or slogans, it’s a cohesive expression of what your business stands for, shaping how it is perceived. Consistency across all touchpoints strengthens trust and distinguishes your offering in a competitive landscape. Thoughtful engagement with
Locally Owned Swipez Processing Earns Approval to Process with Clover POS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Swipez Processing Earns Approval as a Recognized Processor for Clover POS [Pottstown, PA] — Swipez Processing, a locally owned payment processing company, is proud to announce its official approval as a recognized processor for Clover Point-of-Sale (POS) systems. In a strategic move to enhance our suite of services, Swipez Processing has successfully been approved by Clover POS, a renowned solution in the dynamic world of point-of-sale technology in hopes of further expansion into
