TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce Hosts Record-Breaking 6th Annual REACH Conference
TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce Hosts Record-Breaking 6th Annual REACH Conference
The Audacity That Builds You: A Day of Connection, Empowerment, and Inspiration at RiverCrest Golf Club & Preserve
Pottstown, PA – September 8, 2026 – The TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted its 6th Annual REACH Conference on Wednesday, September 2, at RiverCrest Golf Club & Preserve in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, bringing together a record-breaking 160 attendees for an afternoon focused on connection, leadership, personal growth, and empowerment.
The annual conference, designed to inspire, connect, and empower women across the region, featured a full afternoon of engaging programming, meaningful networking, interactive discussions, awards, and opportunities for attendees to learn and grow alongside fellow professionals.
This year’s theme, “The Audacity That Builds You,” encouraged attendees to embrace resilience, intentional growth, courage, and the experiences that shape them both personally and professionally.
The REACH Conference is part of REACH Programming under the TCACC Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to fostering community development and leadership. REACH Programming is designed by an active committee of professional women and focuses on bringing together professionals throughout the tri-county region to network, build relationships, and access professional development and educational opportunities designed to empower and inspire.
A Day Filled with Inspiration and Connection
The conference featured three impactful experiences designed to encourage attendees to reflect, connect, and take action in their personal and professional lives.
The afternoon began with the Panel Discussion: “Real Conversations. Real Impact.”, featuring four accomplished women leaders:
- Karen Norheim, CEO, American Crane & Equipment Corp.
- Heather Chandler, President, Sealstrip Corporation
- Kristi Gage-Linderman, CEO, Gage Talent & Business Solutions
- Margo McDonnell, President, 1031 Corp.
The panel was facilitated by Wendy Moyer-Drabick of Moyer-Drabick & Associates, Ltd., and provided attendees with authentic conversations surrounding leadership growth, navigating challenges, and empowering others within their organizations and communities.
Attendees then participated in interactive roundtable discussions led by Michelle Govan, a dynamic speaker, certified life coach, and co-founder of The Govan Group, LLC. The intimate discussions created an organic environment for attendees to share experiences, build relationships, and connect with one another on a deeper level.
The conference concluded with the keynote, “The Audacity That Builds You,” presented by Erika Rothenberger, a nationally recognized keynote speaker, bestselling author, media personality, and thought leader on audacity, resilience, and bold leadership. Each attendee received a copy of her new book, Audacious Expansion.
Celebrating Women and Organizations Making an Impact
The REACH Conference also celebrated outstanding individuals and organizations throughout the community with its annual REACH Awards, recognizing women and businesses that demonstrate influence, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference.
Congratulations to this year’s award recipients:
- Business of Influence: American Crane & Equipment Corp. – for its outstanding commitment to empowering women, fostering leadership, and creating meaningful opportunities both within its workforce and throughout the community.
- Woman of Influence: Kimyetta Lewis, Better Tomorrows – for her dedication to strengthening the Pottstown community and empowering those around her.
- Young Professional of Influence: Dr. Stephanie Freed, Golden Years Veterinary Services – for her compassion, innovation, and commitment to serving both animals and their families.
- Master of the REACH: Pamela Mann, Help at Home with Pam – for her outstanding dedication to connecting, supporting, and empowering women through meaningful relationships.
These awards recognize the individuals and organizations whose leadership and contributions make a meaningful impact throughout the community.
Giving Back Through the REACH Mission
Giving back remains an important part of the REACH Conference, and this year’s attendees once again demonstrated their generosity.
As part of the REACH Mission, attendees were encouraged to bring donations of menstrual and personal care products to support local women and girls experiencing period poverty. Thanks to the generosity of conference attendees and the leadership of REACH Mission Sponsor Ambler Savings Bank, the conference collected a record number of period poverty donations to benefit the YWCA.
The mission reflects the heart of REACH: extending support to others, seeking guidance when needed, sharing talents, and pursuing opportunities for professional and personal development.
A Record-Breaking Year
The 6th Annual REACH Conference marked a significant milestone for the program, achieving record attendance, a record number of sponsors, and a record number of period poverty donations.
The Chamber extends its sincere appreciation to the businesses and organizations whose sponsorship and support helped make the conference possible:
Empowerment Sponsors:
American Crane & Equipment Corp.; Cherry Bekaert; Lehigh Valley Health Network
Award Sponsor:
Diamond Credit Union
Beverage Station Sponsor:
Maillie LLP
Dessert Buffet Sponsor:
Tompkins
NextGEN Sponsor:
Pottstown Hospital – Tower Health
Photobooth Sponsor:
Constellation
REACH Mission Sponsor:
Ambler Savings Bank
Photography Sponsor:
Nihart Photography
Be Authentic Sponsors:
1031 CORP.; Cedarville Engineering Group, LLC; TriCounty Health Plans; Edward Jones – Jennifer Staudenmayer; Gage Talent & Business Solutions; Hobart’s Run; O’Donnell, Weiss & Mattei, P.C.; Penn State Berks; RiverCrest Golf Club & Preserve; Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board
The Chamber also extends its appreciation to the many Table Host Sponsors who helped create the unique and engaging atmosphere throughout the ballroom.
Looking Ahead
With the success of the 6th Annual REACH Conference, the REACH Committee is already looking toward the future. The committee has begun planning for next year’s conference and is excited to continue building upon the momentum created by this year’s record-breaking event.
The REACH Conference continues to grow as a signature professional development and networking opportunity for women throughout the region, providing a space where women can meet, mingle, grow, empower one another, and be empowered.
The TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce thanks all 160 attendees, sponsors, speakers, award recipients, committee members, volunteers, and supporters who contributed to making the 6th Annual REACH Conference such a tremendous success.
For more information about REACH Programming, the REACH Conference, or the TCACC Foundation, Inc., please visit www.tricountyareachamber.com.
