Upper Bucks Chamber WELCOMES Pennridge area businesses!

BY MELINDA RIZZO

With many businesses upended and rethinking sales and growth strategies because of the coronavirus pandemic and its impact, the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce a complimentary year-long membership to former Pennridge Chamber of Commerce members, available for the asking through July 31.  
 
A regional approach to business could be a successful first step to going global, according to a recent Harvard Business Review report https://hbr.org/2005/12/regional-strategies-for-global-leadership.
 
“Business has changed dramatically. Regions are competing on a global scale with the advent of ecommerce. To have [the entirety] Upper Bucks represented regionally makes the most sense,” said Steven Noll, former Pennridge Chamber of Commerce chairman.
 
Noll is executive director of Transportation Management Association, in Trevose, serving all of Bucks County.
 
He said the coronavirus pandemic had been a hyper-accelerator in changing much of the business landscape - now and in the future.
 
Noll said approaching business on a regional level in the wake of Covid-19 made sense, especially for businesses that either already operate, or want to participate, on the global commerce stage.
 
“UBCC is thrilled to have a chance to promote and be a more active part of the identity the Pennridge business community has crafted. I can't wait to get started!” said Danielle Bodnar, UBCC executive director.
 
The Pennridge Chamber of Commerce recently announced after more than 60 years it would no longer provide business community services to members.
 
The membership transition to UBCC is not a merger, Noll said.
 
The move could add 75 Pennridge area businesses to UBCC’s roster of 400 business members, resulting in a roughly 15% membership increase.
 
SERVPRO of Upper Bucks will host a “Welcome to the Chamber Family” event with an official transition ceremony of the former Pennridge Chamber of Commerce on June 17, 2021. UBCC continues to serves the Palisades, Pennridge and Quakertown Community school districts.
 
“It doesn’t matter if you’re in Dublin, Quakertown or Ottsville – pick a place on the map in Upper Bucks! I’m looking forward to that camaraderie and to have everyone united,” Noll said.
 
“Growing up in Sellersville and Perkasie, the Pennridge Chamber of Commerce transition is a homecoming. I understand and embrace the unique traditions and values creating this special and unique place,” Bodnar said.
 
Vickie McClatchy, a long-time Pennridge resident and first vice president of the UBCC board of directors said the transition is a “win/win for everybody.”
 
“It’s an opportunity for all the businesses to come together. To encompass all of Upper Bucks and make us all one big group to participate in many activities,” McClatchy said.
 
From UBCC’s popular golf outing, clay shoot, regular business mixers and annual Foodie, she said board members were already in discussion about how to incorporate popular Pennridge Chamber events like it’s March Celtic Fest, Fishing Derby on the opening day of trout season, and the Pennridge Community Day.
 
“When you think of Bucks County, there's no doubt the geography naturally creates regions - from Lower, Central and Upper Bucks. We're proud to be the entry-point for the previous Pennridge Chamber members to take advantage of the regional approach to business, community, promotion and engagement that position us all for greater success,” said Chuck Hotter, owner Hotter Painting and president of the UBCC board of directors.
 
 Todd Hurley, chief relationship officer of Penn Community Bank and a UBCC board member said members of the former Pennridge and UBCC already had crossed paths so this is a great way for people to work together.
 
“Former Pennridge chamber members can expect really thoughtful and communicative leadership from Danielle,” Hurley said.
 
“Danielle’s energy is infectious and engaging and she wants to hear what all of the members have to say, including the new members who will come from Perkasie,” he said.
 
Former Pennridge Chamber of Commerce members will need to complete a UBCC application and return it to the chamber by July 31, 2021 to receive a complimentary one year membership to UBCC.  For information about how to sign up, call UBCC at 215.536.3211 or email Danielle Bodnar at dbodnar@ubcc.org.

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