Confederate Battle Flag Losing Manufacturer’s Support 

After being linked to last week’s church massacre in Charleston, S.C., which took 9 innocent lives, the Confederate Battle Flag has been removed from several state houses and monuments, and many large retailers such as Walmart and Amazon have stopped selling it.

— Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) June 23, 2015

The flag which, to many represents a symbol of racism and the institution of slavery, might also lose some manufacturers as well. The Flag Manufacturers Association of America in Wayne, PA, that represents about 38 flag manufacturers and retailers is having a serious discussion about whether they should continue to produce it.

Reggie Vanden Bosch, president of the association said of the controversy, “We don’t want to cause someone continued pain because of what it represents. We’ll definitely spend time as an industry group discussing that.”

Many prominent politicians are also taking a stand on the flag, among them Mitt Romney who tweeted “Take down the #ConfederateFlag at the SC Capitol,” and President Obama then re-tweeted his message.

Army Vet Announces Candidacy for 6th District House Seat

Malvern businessman and Chester County Democrats executive committee member Mike Parrish announced on June 23 that he is making a second run for the Pennsylvania 6th District House seat currently held by Republican Representative Ryan A. Costello.

A West Point graduate, former Army aviator and current Army Reserve colonel, Parrish is the first Democrat to announce entry in the race. A Republican-turned-Democrat, Parrish switched his party’s in December 2013 stating that the GOP no longer reflected his values.

He earned the support of fellow Democrats in 2014, where Philadelphia Democratic Party Chairman Representative Robert A. Brady endorsed him and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi held a fundraiser for him. “Congress is AWOL when it comes to caring for our veterans,” Parrish said of his candidacy. “America needs leaders who value their constituents more than party alliances.”

Two Chester County-based Universities Announce Collaboration

Cheyney University President, Frank Pogue and West Chester University President, Greg Weisenstein, have announced a new collaboration between the two universities in a letter addressed to the students, faculty, staff and alumni.

The letter stated that Cheyney University, nation’s first historically black college, and West Chester University, one of the nation’s premier comprehensive, regional universities are entering a new level of cooperation that will enhance both universities well into the future.

Located just six miles apart, both universities are members of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education and provide academic programs that can complement each other. Frank T. Brogan, the Chancellor of the PA State Department of Higher Education Chancellor, stated “As neighbors, Cheyney and West Chester universities are natural partners. I commend the presidents of both institutions as they look for additional ways to share their resources on behalf of students and the Commonwealth“.

Bracket Global and Clintara to Merge

Clintara, a privately-held clinical service and technology company from Boston, MA, and Bracket, the technology firm for clinical trials based in Wayne, PA, have agreed to combine.

The merger, announced on June 22, will allow Bracket to integrate its Clintara platform of surveillance strategies developed for clinical trials within Bracket’s proprietary electronic platform for Clinical Outcome Assessments (eCOA). The integration will include Clintara’s innovative C-VISA Subject Eligibility Validation program designed to ensure that the appropriate patients are enrolled in clinical trials.

Bracket’s CEO, Jeff Kinell said “I am impressed by the culture, business practices, and scientific innovation reflected in Clintara’s steady growth and impact on our industry“. To cement the merger and help develop further innovative clinical trial solutions, Clintara leadership will assume expanded roles within Bracket.

$4 Million Redevelopment of Sheraton Great Valley Hotel Completed

Sheraton Great Valley Hotel, located in the Malvern area of Chester County, has completed its $4 million redevelopment and has opened its doors again to business and leisure travellers, local guests and patrons.

The renovations include revamping all of the 193 guest rooms and newly refreshed meeting and executive board rooms. In addition to the physical renovations, the attached White Horse Tavern and Wine Bar has also redone its menu to support local farmers and provide fresh, farm-to-table meals using local Chester County products.

GF Management purchased the Sheraton Great Valley Hotel in June last year. Stan Glander, Chief Operating Officer for GF Management spoke about the change “This extensive renovation has demonstrated our valued partnership with Starwood through our commitment to quality capital reinvestment.