VISTA Today Business Briefs are concise stories connecting you with what’s happening around the county. This morning:

Chester County Commissioners Take Part in Testing of the New Public Safety Communication System

The Chester County Commissioners recently visited the Embreeville voice radio tower where they participated in the first of 25 field acceptance tests for the county’s new emergency public safety communication system.

Testing is also taking place at two additional locations, the main 9-1-1 Center in West Chester and the alternate 9-1-1 Center in South Coatesville. All components of the Harris Voice Radio System, housed alongside emergency towers throughout the county, are being reviewed during the testing.

Chester County’s Department of Emergency Services will also be conducting radio coverage testing throughout September to confirm that the public radio service is accessible by all police, fire and emergency medical services first responders throughout the county. When the system undergoes the final acceptance process in April next year, it will ensure 97 percent radio coverage for first responders.

West Whiteland Expanding Development Along Two Corridors

Last week, officials in the West Whiteland Township voted to expand development along the Lincoln Highway and Whitford Road, two of the major corridors for the Chester County community.

The changes were recommended by the township’s land-use plan which was adopted in March, as the town kept receiving proposals for mixed-use and residential developments excluded under its existing zoning designations.

The vote on the changes was postponed for two weeks on August 26, until the township officials were able to meet with owners of properties likely to  be affected by the new zoning districts and resolve any issues over the new designations.

“This really was a communitywide project,” said Steve Soles, chairman of the Board of Supervisors thanking residents for their feedback, it is “something the residents can be proud of and something to move this township forward.”

Exton Region Chamber of Commerce Gives Three Awards at its Annual Dinner

Three people were recognized with annual awards by the Exton Region Chamber of Commerce, and all attendees were treated to some sage words of advice from the St. Joseph’s basketball coach Phil Martelli at the chamber’s annual dinner held last week.

The recipients of the awards were Chester County Commissioners’ Chairman Terence Farrell, who won the Sen. Robert J. Thompson Public Service Award, Gary W. Smith, president and CEO of the Chester County Economic Development Council, received the Harold Martin Business Leadership Award, and Nancy Tuttle, was the proud recipient of this year’s Small Business Person of the Year Award.

“Twenty-three years ago, if you had told me I would have my own business and would get an award from the Exton Chamber of Commerce, I never would have believed it,” said Tuttle “I owe it, or blame it, all on my husband.”

Bethany Mota’s Digital Empire Joins QVC

Bethany Mota, a YouTube sensation, with over 9 million subscribers, will bring her fashion-forward style into the homes of QVC shoppers through the launch of her the newest collection from her apparel line for teens on October 5th at 5 p.m.

Mota launched the first of her many collections for her apparel brand Aéropostale two years ago. The latest one will be launching on West Chester based QVC just in time for the holidays, and three weeks before it is available in Aéropostale stores.  

“Bethany’s rise to fame is a result of her entrepreneurial spirit, hard work and keen eye for design,” stated Rachel Ungaro, Vice President of Fashion and Beauty Merchandising at QVC. “Her compelling and inspirational story will resonate with QVC customers and her whimsical collection of apparel and accessories will be sure to grab their attention.