Our Business Briefs keep you informed with concise stories about what’s going on in the Chester County business Community. This Morning:

Delaware County Community College Offers New Plumbing Technology Certificate

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for plumbers is accelerating, and Delaware County Community College has responded by launching its new Certificate of Competency Program in Plumbing Technology this fall.

The 28-credit program will prepare students for a career in plumbing, a sector expected to grow by 21 percent by 2022, and can also be applied to the College’s associate degree in Skilled Trades.

The program teaches students the knowledge and skills to utilize the tools and equipment needed to properly install, repair and maintain pipes in accordance with local and international plumbing codes, and to install essential items such as faucets and appliances. They will also learn how to design and install water and waste systems and gain an understanding of public versus private water and sewage disposal options.

For more information call 610-359-7156 or visit www.dccc.edu/plumbing.

Rep. Chris Ross Holds a Meeting on Liquor Privatization

Chris Ross, the Chairman of the House Liquor Control Committee, held an informational public meeting at the state Capitol to take a closer look at Pennsylvania’s wine and spirits wholesale and distribution systems.

During the meeting, the Committee heard testimony from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB), the wine and spirits industry stakeholders, and members of Pennsylvania’s Restaurant and Lodging Association.

Among the key complaints was that restaurants pay even more than retail customers do on a number of items, that Pennsylvania licensees are subject to double taxation by the PLCB, and that the five levels of markups makes Pennsylvania uncompetitive with other states.

“Restaurants are small businesses that employ thousands of Pennsylvanians” noted Ross after the meeting.  “The current liquor system interferes with these businesses and increases their costs.  This means higher prices for consumers and fewer jobs for Pennsylvania citizens.”  

Brandywine YMCA Receives a $10,000 Donation from Susquehanna Bank

Greater Brandywine YMCA has received a generous donation of $10,000 from its community partner, Susquehanna Bank.

The donation provided by the Lancaster-based bank will be used to support youth health and fitness programs at the Oscar Lasko Youth Program Center on Chestnut Street in West Chester and the Brandywine YMCA branch in Coatesville.

In the spirit of the YMCA, they have been working together for the good of the local Chester County community since 2003, making this donation possible as a result of their ‘Spring Into Action’ campaign held in April and May this year, where donations were made by the bank for every social media interaction relating to the campaign.

“We wanted to enforce the message of living a healthy lifestyle and help local nonprofits that carry out that mission every day,” said bank president and CEO Gregory A. Duncan.

Mental Floss Magazine Reveals Unusual Facts About QVC

Mental Floss, the popular magazine for thinkers has published an article reporting 14 unusual facts West Chester-based Quality, Value, and Convenience (QVC) network.

The somewhat tongue in cheek but factually accurate article takes a look at the different tactics that QVC has used over the years to draw in customers and compete with the Home Shopping Network.

Founded in 1986 by Franklin Mint founder Joe Segel in 1986, QVC has turned the concept of “theatrical retailing” into $9 billion a year business.

Along the way events such as Marlon Brando applying for a job when he was in financial crisis, to the first product ever touted on the network, a shower radio, are just some of the interesting and entertaining facts included in the ‘expose’. Read more here

Karen Marshall Talks about Chester County’s Heritage’s Town Tours and Village Walks

Karen Marshall, the Heritage Preservation Coordinator for the Chester County Planning Commission talked to County Lines Magazine about the 21year long tradition of strolling through Chester County’s towns and villages

Started in 1994, the tours have become have become a very pleasant way to spend an afternoon learning about local history with guides, who can be township managers, historians, scout troops, family members or enthusiastic residents, bringing history to life.

With only a few tours left in this year’s theme of the Underground Railroad, Karen wanted to share information on the remaining walks. The final event on August 20th will be very special as it celebrates East and West Whiteland’s 250th anniversary.

The tours are always a unique experience and as Karen points out ‘anything can happen’. Each Thursday tour is free, starting around 5:30 p.m and runs until 7 p.m.

For the full interview and information about the remaining tours see here.