Pam Sawyer and Clint Eastwood have a driving philosophy in common.
They believe you get out of something what you put into it. For Eastwood, the comment was about life. For Sawyer, it was about UBCC membership. “Chamber membership requires engagement. You get out of it what you put into it… It’s also a great way to promote your business,” Sawyer said. An account executive for Comcast Spotlight in North Wales, Sawyer is active on the membership committee and recognizes the long-term value of engagement in her business dealings partnered with chamber membership. While Eastwood (sadly!!) isn’t a UBCC member, his career is an example of going the distance, being invested and fully engaged. After all, his is a household name. The same philosophy carries over to every facet of life: Work, education, hobbies and special interests, family and business relationships, friendships and community involvement – whether that’s on a ball field, inside a boardroom or as a member of a professional organization. Imagine being on a ball team where both competitors sit on the sidelines, sadly staring at each other. It wouldn’t be much of a game. Same holds true for leadership: A board that isn’t engaged and working together toward a common purpose isn’t getting much done. Think of membership as your passport to engagement. We set the table, provide the feast, and set up the seats. You come to the table. Looking for your way in? Maybe you enjoy networking - we’ve got both evening and early morning card exchanges where different members host a cocktail and refreshment time at the end of the work day or coffee and light faire before starting, usually at their business location or an area eatery. “This Chamber [provides]…opportunities to meet and network with new people,” Sawyer said. What’s more, you can promote your business in a friendly relaxed, environment. Networking events are free with your membership. At the non-member price of $25, count the cost. Go to eight events: that’s $200 of value, for a few evenings to network, enjoy a drink and meet new people. “The chamber is a place to get to know the Who’s Who of local business leaders on a more personal level, and that is what helps bring about a sense of community," said John M. Olson, vice president of wealth management for Janney Montgomery Scott in Allentown. What about education? The chamber offers both virtual and face-to-face training opportunities. In fact, up to 10 sessions of web-based education is included with membership. Anyone in your company can take advantage of that training. That’s right, anyone. From HR to safety, business management or social media, there are thousands of titles from which to choose. What’s more, web-based learning is compatible with most devices and it’s self-paced, so you choose the time the bell rings and class begins. Do you prefer a more tangible setting, with a live presenter and peers at the table? Attend a breakfast or lunch workshop or seminar at the chamber’s Quakertown office - Not only will you learn something new or grow existing skills, breakfast (or lunch) is on us. Think about it: How much would professional development cost, if you hired an expert, took time out of the workday to organize the event and hosted it yourself? Probably more than the cost of your annual membership. What about help with marketing your business? “The first decision we made was to join the chamber and it turns out to be our best decision. Any questions or issues…are usually answered by the statement 'call Tara or Tracy, they'll know,’” said Mike McGrory, co-owner of SERVPRO Upper Bucks in Perkasie. How much would you pay for a professional mentor or coach? Probably thousands. Who couldn’t use some help along the way- either to grow existing skills or tackle new business frontiers. UBCC helps make that connection. The chamber’s partnership with SCORE, a nationwide organization dedicated to the advancement of small business, is staffed with executives who want to share what they’ve learned along the way and help guide your success. Don’t forget to pay it forward- Volunteer!! The chamber’s various committees are the organization’s lifeblood. From the golf outing in June to our wildly popular Foodie event in October, we bring the community together in fun ways. It’s also a great service opportunity, too. “Join a committee, go to events and get involved, that’s when you will really see the benefits of your chamber membership,” Sawyer said. Some groups meet monthly throughout the year, while others need a burst of organizational activity for a brief period to get the job done. Many hands make light work. Vicky McClatchy, a mortgage loan originator with Supreme Lending is a membership committee member. When McClatchy joined, her excitement was contagious and she embraced committee work with zest. “I’d been to other chambers, but I had no idea before coming to (and joining) UBCC, what a chamber could be like,” McClatchy said. Do you need a plumber, painter or special occasion photographer? Home improvement supplies, a doctor, dentist, financial advisor, a mortgage or business start-up loan maker, breakfast, lunch, dinner or seasonal outdoor dining? How about seasonal produce, festivals and farmers markets? A place to celebrate your 25th wedding anniversary, or your 1st, or 50th? Realtors who have your back, a stunning wedding cake or personal advice and a proper tuxedo rental fitting? Look for the sailboat on a field of dappled blue water. It’s ambling across the page and toward the unseen horizon. It leads you to the title of this year’s focused Upper Bucks County, the chamber’s 2018 community profile and membership directory, and a treasure trove packed inside. Directories are in the house and this year’s cover, beautifully rendered by Quakertown Artist Jim Lukens, is an open invitation to sit by the fire and take a closer look at the place we all love and call home. The 2018 focused Upper Bucks County community profile and membership directory is one of a kind – you cannot and will not find a reference source like it anywhere else in Bucks County. What’s more, there is no better place to look for professional services, goods, education, entertainment, local government, trends and all things Upper Bucks County, as our advertisers are some of the best names in their businesses. With the entire region at your fingertips turn the pages, browse and get to know where home is. Providing a complete resource and reference tool for residents, visitors, business members and consumers, we need your help – ALL of your help – to share it with Upper Bucks County and beyond. Take pride in your history and culture, and learn something new. Whether you’re a newcomer or the fourth generation to call Quakertown, Perkasie, Dublin, Riegelsville or Ottsville home, this year’s directory is packed with places, people, things and resources, some down the street, others a short drive away. Better understand our growing markets from health care and manufacturing to transportation and education, shopping, dining and recreation. Learn a little bit about Bridgeton’s history, Tinicum’s river mystique or West Rockhill Township’s scenic landscape. Highlighting something unique about all 21 Upper Bucks municipalities the directory offers an armchair pass to take a moment and visit these places without setting foot beyond your front door. Make a plan and explore Upper Bucks. Spring is coming and the perfect excuse to pack a picnic, scout out a new shopping destination, visit a winery or brewpub or enjoy a lazy Sunday drive as the grass greens up and the maple sap and temperatures rise. Stop by. If you’ve advertised, please help us out by taking a case or two of the books with you to share with customers, clients, friends and colleagues. And if you haven’t advertised this year, consider getting your word out to the region and beyond, with an ad in next year’s 2019 focused Upper Bucks County directory. You’ll be glad you did! If you’re a business currently hiring or expect to be hiring soon, don’t miss the upcoming Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce redesigned business EXPO.
This year’s Growing Upper Bucks EXPOtential Career Fair and Biz Expo is different. We’ve added a job and career component to our annual business showcase with the intention of reaching a broader audience, and helping match-up a variety of Upper Bucks employers with prospective job seekers. “We’re also frequently looking for skilled employees, and the career fair provides another important avenue to connect directly with prospective new hires,” said Carol Obando-Derstine, regional affairs director for PPL Electric Utilities in Allentown. Mark your calendar now and plan to stop at the region’s premiere business event. Or if you haven’t reserved a booth yet, stop by or give the Chamber a call at 215.536.3211. A series of seminars tailored to address 21st century job search skills, like effective resume writing and how to use LinkedIn, are part of the event. “We’ve responded to what our members have asked for, with a career fair to bring in candidates and talent looking for jobs,” said Tara King, executive director for Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce. Rodney Altemose, executive director of Bucks County Community College Upper Bucks Campus in Perkasie, said adding a job fair to this year’s EXPO was a smart, timely move. “It now affords the community an opportunity to not only network and know the businesses in the area, but it’s also an opportunity to explore career options in their backyard,” Altemose said. Altemose added the slightly later new time - from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. “seems to make better sense for all those who want to take part in the event.” EXPO benefits our exhibitors by providing space that can be customized to best meet your needs. And if you’re looking to hire, nothing beats on the spot face time with applicants. See first-hand the person behind the resume. Private interview spaces will be available. “The UBCC Career Fair & Business EXPO gives us a valuable opportunity to connect with residents and other businesses in the Upper Bucks area,” Obando-Derstine said. Brian Schaffer, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for EXPO sponsor QNB said “awareness” was one of the top benefits the event provides. Creating a job fair component – something the region has lacked for many years – is a timely move. Schaffer said while QNB is always looking to fill front line positions in its locations, the process typically comes from a regular stream of job applications. “It’s great they are adding the job career component. Bringing everyone together in one place,” EXPO has the potential to become a hub, Schaffer said. If you go: What: Growing Upper Bucks EXPOtential Career Fair & Biz Expo When: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 14 Where: Bucks County Community College Upper Bucks Campus, One Hillendale Road, Perkasie Visit www.ubcc.org/expo. A successful pilot class launching in Upper Bucks aims to meet employment needs and address a growing skilled labor shortage in regional manufacturing.
Bucks County Community College will launch the first Metalworking Training Program Feb. 26, with the goal of duplicating its successful 12-week program located at the Bristol campus. In partnership with Upper Bucks County Technical School, in Bedminster Township, hands on practical training will take place at the career and technical school campus. The Metalwork Training Program includes theory and hands on skills assessment, and introduces participants to the fundamental concepts and skills required to be a machinist in the field of advanced manufacturing. A participant can earn eight stackable credentials in 12 weeks to prepare for entry-level positions in manufacturing and will receive a certificate of completion, plus OSHA10 and Forklift Safety Training certification, and sit for the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) exam for Measurement, Materials, and Safety Certification. “This is also aimed to compliment the Upper Bucks County Technical Schools newly launched adult education programs. These are great jobs for anyone,” said Tara King, Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce executive director. “The program will prepare participants for jobs in metal fabrication, machine and CNC operation, welding and assembling positions,” said Susan Herring, interim executive director for the Center for Workforce Development at BCCC in Newtown. According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, there were 264,000 new job openings in manufacturing in 2014, and the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported over $5.4 trillion in goods and products were manufactured in the U.S. in 2016. The Pew Research Center report cited dollars based on the value of the dollar in 2009 and said food, beverages tobacco, chemical products and automotive made up the bulk of the manufactured output. Herring said the college’s Bristol program launched in 2014, had a 92 percent job placement rate for those who completed it. She hopes the Perkasie program will become just as successful. “The goal for the launch is to increase awareness to the region, (for) Upper Bucks and Lehigh Valley employers,” said John Flanagan, director of Bucks County Workforce Development Board, Inc., in Bristol. Manufacturing in the Greater Lehigh Valley continues to grow and Upper Bucks County’s contribution, along with major arterial highways for transportation and distribution to Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York, places it front and center stage. “Similar to most areas there is a skilled labor shortage, especially in STEM based professions such as metalworking and industrial maintenance,” Flanagan said. Both Herring and Flanagan said opportunities have been created since the largely- baby boom aged manufacturing workforce began retiring, and filling those jobs has not kept pace. “The average age of the manufacturing workforce is more than 55 years old,” Flanagan explained. He said proactive employers are seeking talent to train and replace those outgoing positions to make sure workflows aren’t interrupted. What’s more, manufacturing employers want to educate middle and high school students and their families about lucrative trade positions to attract and retain fresh talent. “First and foremost, we are listening to employer needs,” Flanagan said. He said aligning employer needs with training helps drive appropriate curriculum and increase the skilled talent pool. For more information about career training development in technical careers, visit www.ubtech.org and select the Programs tab. For more information about the program at BCCC, Perkasie Campus CLICK HERE. In the spirit of the season, we’ve been counting our blessings.
First off, 2017 has been a banner year for Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce. We believe 2018 holds promise to be an even bigger and better year for the Upper Bucks communities we serve. In this season of giving, we’d like to share some of the things we’ve received as the area’s professional business community organization. “I’m grateful to our members for the growth in participating in the Just One campaign,” said UBCC Board President Jason Wehrung. Wehrung said new ideas have been shared, which help guide the chamber’s direction and success. “I’m also grateful for the many friends and business associates I have met and used (for professional support) this past year,” Wehrung said. We’re grateful for involvement - of time, talent and treasure- by the scores of members who regularly and consistently carry our mission forward. In this season of wonder, we’re grateful you believe in us. From those business owners who host chamber mixers to the volunteers who sit on committees – all on their own time – to those involved with growing our membership, a humble and heartfelt thank you. We’re grateful for your support. Our 2018 focused Upper Bucks County business directory and community profile is set to deliver fresh off the presses in mid-January. It promises to be our best directory ever! The directory sets sail with cover art from Quakertown’s own Fine Artist and 2017 member Jim Lukens, and we hit a record advertising revenue marker that can only grow. Thanks to our advertisers and supporters - we couldn’t do this good work without you. Partnering with the business community is our stock-in-trade, and we want to listen. “Tell us your business challenges. Help us gain insights into your needs, so we can better serve you. We want to know your stories,” said Tara King, UBCC Executive Director. When area manufacturers and skilled trades employers came to the chamber earlier this year with concerns about a hiring shortage, we responded. What began with those casual conversations is now an Upper Bucks Skilled Workforce Initiative partnership between the chamber, Bucks County Community College and Upper Bucks County Technical School. Coupled with newly launched training programs available at the technical school, we’re poised to energize area manufacturing by attracting and retaining the next wave of qualified workers. We’re grateful for partnerships - large and small, formal and informal - because relationships build partnerships. “We’re grateful when a member tells someone new, and that new person becomes a member,” King said, a hallmark of the Just One campaign. New in 2017, the Just One initiative’s ambitious goal is to grow UBCC to 1,000 members, while maintaining our close-knit “everyone knows your name” mission. “There is strength in numbers, and there is clout. We can connect with bigger agencies, for advocacy and for change. As a bigger voice, we can get better buying power for our members – for health care and other essentials our businesses need,” King said. And with a larger voice, UBCC can attract even bigger players – from Fortune 200 companies to state and federal legislators like Bob Casey Jr. and Brian Fitzpatrick (both were 2017 legislative breakfast speakers) to come to the table and lend their support to all our businesses – large and small – with a 2018 goal of smart, stable growth and meaningful success. When was the last time you went to a business networking event and left with a handful of business cards, or passed out lots of your own?
Learned something new over a lunch break that could shift your business perspective, or change how you do business? Stepped up to shape legislative public policy and make business better for yourself and others? People want to do business with those they like, know and trust. “Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce provides a great platform for business owners to meet and get to know each other. We provide the space for this,” said Tara King, UBCC executive director. There really is a free lunch. A recent UBCC Lunch and Learn program guided about 15 participants in getting more from Linked In by upping their profile pages, creating engagement and exposure by commenting, liking and publishing content on the business social media platform, known for its broad reach and professionalism. Lunch and Learn programs are open to members and their employees and lunch is free of charge, thanks to generous support by Quakertown Chick- fil-A. “I’d been to other chambers, but I had no idea before coming to (and joining) UBCC what a chamber could be like,” said Victoria McClatchy, mortgage loan originator with First Choice Loan Services, Inc., in Southampton. New to the Upper Bucks business community? UBCC is a SCORE hub. Our members can tap into and find mentoring from business pros with years of experience providing one-on-one sessions and support with marketing and business promotion, and its free. The Small Business Development Center at Lehigh University also offers free resources and staff. They also host Lunch and Learn programs designed, to help new and established tackle issues that may stymie company growth. “We love UBCC,” said Rob Mineo, SBDC financing assistance program director. Considering doing business overseas? UBCC provides unlimited Certificates of Origin, and they’re free. Visit the website for a summary listing of member benefits at http://www.ubcc.org/member-benefits.html Like a gym membership, magazine subscription, Netflix or any pay service, to be worthwhile upfront cash is the initial investment, but use puts those wheels on the bus. “Chamber membership requires engagement. You get out of it what you put into it,” said Pam Sawyer, account executive for Comcast Spotlight in North Wales. An active part of the chamber’s Membership Committee, Sawyer understands relationship building takes time and persistence. “Join a committee, go to events and get involved, that’s when you will really see the benefits of your chamber membership,” Sawyer said. UBCC is the go-to source for member opportunities. Make use of our networking events. Advertise! Connect with service opportunities, education or volunteer during events. Be a mentor. Provide the next generation business summer or college break internships. Shape business legislative public policy by attending events or serving on the committee. Member volunteers drive and staff events like Foodie and our first Clay Shoot, June Golf Outing and a re-energized Expo and Career Fair, coming in March 2018. While chambers can sometimes feel intimidating, long-time members, newcomers and guests are quickly made to feel at home at UBCC. Describing UBCC as the friendliest chamber he’s ever been involved with, Steve Gortvay may have just said it best. "The reason I’m here (at a membership committee meeting) is because of the warm welcome I’ve received, which has been a hallmark of this chamber and every event I’ve attended,” said Gortvay, long-time regional advertising sales executive, of Macungie. Pride of Quakertown, or POQ as its more commonly known, steps up when cash strapped families can’t.
By footing the costs for instrument or music lessons so kids can join band, gymnastics and team sports fees like basketball, swimming, classes at the YMCA or even Tae Kwon Do, POQ makes a difference in the lives of Quakertown Community School District children. “POQ has helped my students by offering them scholarships for extra-curricular activities such as basketball, art (or) music classes, horseback riding, and karate,” said Eileen Bruchak, Quakertown Elementary School counselor. Bruchak works with students in Grades K-5. Giving back to the community by providing opportunities to disadvantaged youngsters is at the heart of Pride of Quakertown. “Our focus has been the community and its children by helping them to (engage) and keeping them involved in positive activities,” said Pride of Quakertown Co-Founder Jen Reich. The non-profit organization founded by Jen Reich and her brother-in-law Kevin Reich in 2010 offers financial assistance to Quakertown youth to help them become athletes, musicians, or artists. “Many of these students would not have the opportunity to do an after school activity without a POQ scholarship,” Bruchak said. Fueled by volunteer time and commitment and funded by various events, and private and corporate donations and sponsorships, POQ continues to grow. “As a community bank, we (QNB) want to do things in the community and to see kids who want to do extra-curricular activities and can’t afford them, (get the chance) that is where we can help,” said Dave Freeman, President and CEO of QNB in Quakertown. Freeman said while some employees may volunteer to work tables at events, QNB’s primary role is financial sponsorship. “By funding this organization” QNB becomes a partner in providing benefits to help children, according to Freeman. Participating in group sports or other team activities youngsters learn about teamwork and how to get along with others, valuable skills on the road success in adulthood, Freeman said. Reich said over the past six years more than $180,000 had been provided to as many as 90 children in Grades K-12 to support extra-curricular participation. Last year, youngsters participated in roughly 7,000 hours of activities because of the financial support provided by POQ. While many youth are sponsored at the primary level, Reich stressed support was available up to high school graduation. Donations can be general or specific to an activity. “My life was changed and influenced by being part of a team. To be able to forward that to local children continues to drive what we do,” Reich said. POQ continues to address the needs of vulnerable youth who might not otherwise have a chance to learn how to swing a bat, dribble a basketball, play the C-major scale on a trumpet or enjoy the majesty of a horseback ride. “There are tremendous social and emotional benefits for students participating in extra-curricular activities. The students really enjoy their experiences,” Bruchak said. To find out more: Sponsorships and donations are welcome year-round. To be a sponsor or volunteer at a fundraising event or for more information about youth eligibility, visit www.prideofquakertown.org. These days, it takes a village to educate the next generation. From parents and teachers to principals, lunch servers, custodians and even those who drive a big bright yellow school bus. For 15 years, Bona Gerhart of Trumbauersville has taken an active role in public education as a school bus driver for Levy School Bus Company.
Each role is important to the success, growth and learning of the next generation. Gerhart takes an active interest in her students and gets to know them well over time. She discovers their moods, learns their temperaments and feels she plays a big a part in the success of their daily life. “If they start off crying on the bus, they probably won’t have a good day,” Gerhart said. She doesn’t think twice about stepping in when needed to console students and may even call ahead to notify building staff and guidance counselors so they can meet a distraught child and provide comfort or intervention. “I enjoy the children, and I enjoy driving and being part of the educational system,” Gerhart said of her long-time job with Levy. For 90 years, Levy School Bus Company has worked hand in hand with the Quakertown Community School District as the area’s faithful steward. The Trumbauersville-based company transports more than 5,000 students a day to Quakertown schools from the Haycock, Milford, Richlandtown, Richland Township, Trumbauersville and Quakertown area. “It’s a long-standing special relationship where Levy School Bus Company has transported Quakertown students and kept them safe,” said Superintendent William “Bill” Harner of the Quakertown Community School District. Warren “Jr.” Levy, great grandson of Founder Warren B. Levy, said his family business started in 1927 with only two buses. He reflected on the family’s business past and how it’s grown from primarily serving an agricultural community, transporting farmers to town for banking and other necessities, to providing transportation to children of all ages. “For several generations, Quakertown Community School District has been served by the Levy family,” Harner said. “Throughout the school year, their buses are seen all over the region transporting our community's most precious resource - our children - to and from school, sporting events and other extracurricular activities. We are blessed,” Harner said. For Warren Levy, being part of the fabric of the greater Quakertown community continues to delight him. “The interactions I see between parents, students and our drivers always puts a big smile on my face. I appreciate the relationships we’ve made throughout the years,” he said. Levy’s transportation services extends beyond just regular school bussing. He also owns and operates Lazer Limousine, which provides wedding, airport and other various limousine services throughout the greater Philadelphia and surrounding area. Today’s challenges for Levy School Bus Company however, revolve around hiring drivers. Much of the company’s driver pool over the years came from within the area’s tight-knit community and included multiple family members, sisters, husband and wife teams to even the children of parents who are drivers. In an ever-changing industry, new advertising and training strategies attract people from all walks of life come to work for Levy nowadays. The advantages of choosing to work as a school bus driver are endless and can be highly rewarding. For Gerhart, she enjoys watching youngsters grow up and become successful. “It’s neat when you see a student down the road,” she said. For more information on Levy School Bus Company call 215.536.4567 or log onto www.levybus.com. Back in the day, maybe you went to the shoe store and paused before racks of beautifully showcased shoes: black patent or nubuck leathers, or buttery soft suede.
If you were lucky, both stylish and practical pairs were tastefully displayed on round tables. You were greeted by a sales person and your feet (both of them!) got measured. Shoe shopping was an event to be savored. At Moyer’s Shoes in downtown Quakertown, it can still be 1952. Moyer’s Shoes has a mission to help customers find the right fit and best shoes for daily living and special occasions. “A lot of people come to us because their feet hurt. We have a nice reputation and we get referrals from foot doctors,” said Ralph Moyer III. The Moyers are in their third generation of operating the family retail business, since Ralph Moyer Sr. founded it. James R. Smith DPM, a podiatrist with Quakertown Foot Care Center, Inc., said he refers patients to Moyers because they’re one of the “very few shoe stores who know how to fit shoes anymore.” To prevent foot pain and problems and to keep your feet running properly, shoes need to fit. “You need support for your foot so it functions properly and that means a structurally sound shoe,” Smith said. And while the shoe industry has changed in nearly seven decades – back then flip flops weren’t considered casual attire - people’s feet come in all shapes and sizes, so finding the right shoes with a great fit isn’t easy. “You’ve got to have a go-to pair of shoes,” Moyer said. That’s what Jim Haigh discovered more than two decades ago. HaigH is membership development and public policy contact for UBCC, discovered. “I'm a loyal customer for (25 years and) for my own hard-to-fit wide feet, for my wife and nephew,” Haigh said. He’s had snow boots from mid 1990s that are still going strong and, “…look and are good as new,” Haigh said. Jane Birks of Macungie, Lehigh County has been a loyal Moyer’s customer for more than 40 years. She values the time and attention she gets at Moyer’s, and she understands how important it is to take care of her feet. “They keep records of all visits and purchases so they can look back and see what size and style shoe(s) you purchased previously, and nothing is ever too difficult for them,” Birks said. Moyer said during the 1950s and 1960s several independent shops operated in Quakertown, and patrons would go from shop to shop for shoes, hats, or whatever they needed. Then came strip malls and big box stores in the 1970s and beyond. “If you are looking for a family service shoe store (instead of a big box store) that truly cares about your family's feet, go to Moyer's Shoe Store located on West Broad Street in down town Quakertown. I can't say enough good things about them,” Birks said. For more information on Moyer's Shoes call 215.536.6378 or log onto their website at www.moyersshoes.com. Smashing attendance records and welcoming autumn in style with food and drink, The 12th Annual Upper Bucks Foodie…A Culinary Adventure, brings the community together to celebrate the harvest as it delights the senses and intrigues taste buds.
The 12th Annual Upper Bucks Foodie…A Culinary Adventure will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 12 at Sands Chrysler Jeep Dodge dealership located at 501 North West End Blvd., Quakertown. “Since its beginning in 2005, Foodie continues to blossom. We’re delighted the community has embraced this event, our signature night out, filled with food and drink samplings (and cigars!!),” said Tara King, executive director for UBCC. Jarod M. Sands, general manager of Sands Chrysler Jeep Dodge said the event keeps growing and praised the Chamber’s Foodie committee and its stewardship, helmed by Susan Dale (co-owner, of Spinnerstown Hotel). Sands have hosted the event since it began. “It’s a great local event with local people who own, run and manage local businesses. It’s really a networking opportunity for over 300 people with a fantastic benefit of local helping local,” Sands said. Dale said while Foodie began with the Chamber business members a dozen years ago, its appeal has grown to embrace the entire community. “Foodie events are here to stay. Ours appeals because there is something for everyone, and there is always something new,” Dale said. Sands said Foodie represented grassroots, face-to-face commerce, which is refreshing in the face of “big business and internet (based) businesses. That’s what the Chamber does really well. It makes a place for the local business community,” Sands said. He said every year is discovery, with a generous helping of surprise. “So many times at this event I hear someone say, ‘Did you try this? Where are those people from?’ I think they (the exhibitors) benefit from the exposure. It’s so great to rave about this little gem, who I didn’t know was even there,” Sands explained. Amy Recinos, pastry chef and owner of Amy’s Creative Cakes in Milford Township, said she has been a long-time supporter of Foodie, as a Chamber member and table exhibitor. “It is always fresh. You see new businesses there, and it keeps growing,” Recinos explained. Recinos has been known to test new flavors at the Foodie, like her butternut squash cupcakes. “They flew off the table,” Recinos said. Dale agreed Foodie is a platform to roll out and test new, or emerging dishes. Jim Jenks, owner and winemaker at Unami Ridge Winery in Milford Township, said the standout benefit for attendees is fellowship. “You get to see people you don’t normally see,” Jenks said. And Jan Hench, owner of McCoole’s At The Historic Red Lion Inn and McCoole’s Arts & Events Place, has been bringing her creative fare to the table since the beginning. Sands said Foodie is a way give back to the next generation of young business leaders and entrepreneurs. “Foodie is a trusted way to bring together the business community for an evening of great local food and drinks, while raising funds for PFEW, our future business leaders…we at McCoole’s look forward to both supporting and participating in this lively event,” Hench said. Proceeds from Foodie benefit Chamber educational programs including Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Foundation week, a summer program held in Erie Pennsylvania, offering rising high school juniors and seniors the entrepreneurial chance for hands on learning about what it takes to run a business. “It’s a great, local event,” Sands said. For more information on the 12th Annual Upper Bucks Foodie or to buy tickets log onto www.ubcc.org/foodie. |
Archives
November 2022
Categories |
Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce | ubcc BLOG |
Copyright Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.
21 N. Main Street | Quakertown, PA 18951 phone: 215.536.3211 | fax: 215.536.7767 | info@ubcc.org | sitemap |