Downingtown Main Street Association

The Downingtown Main Street Association – a nonprofit with an interest in Downingtown’s growth, revitalization, and prosperity – has received a $108,870 state grant from the Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program for its Armor Alley Pocket Plaza Redevelopment project. DMSA is adding another $19,000 in matching funds.

The plaza is located in the 100 block of East Lancaster Avenue, and connects the business district with Milltown Square. The redevelopment includes demolition of existing concrete sidewalk and brick planter boxes. They will be replaced by a walkway of new pavers, landscaping, painting, benches, lighting, and fencing.

“We expect the project to go out to bid in the spring and work to begin in early summer,” said Becca Settle, Chair of DMSA. “The project should be completed by the end of this year. We thank state Senator Andy Dinniman and Representative Harry Lewis Jr. for their efforts to secure this grant for Downingtown.”

Fifth Annual Chester County Single Mothers Conference

The Fifth Annual Chester County Single Mothers Conference will be held at West Chester Henderson High School on Saturday, April 22. Doors will open at 9 AM, and the conference will begin at 10 AM. The event will last until 4 PM, and will include lunch, workshops, more than 70 exhibitors, free childcare, pampering, giveaways, and more.

The Single Mothers Conference empowers single mothers through encouragement, engagement, and education, while giving attendees a platform to share experiences and learn from one another. This year, the event is expanding to a conference and expo format with more resources, speakers, and vendors to help single mothers in and around Chester County.

Saint-Gobain

Malvern’s Saint-Gobain, one of the world’s largest building materials companies, has received the Top Employers Institute’s Top Employer North America Certification for the second consecutive year for its exceptional employee offerings.

The Top Employers Institute is an independent organization that certifies employers around the world for excellence in the work environments they create for their employees, and will honor Saint-Gobain at an award ceremony Thursday in Dallas.

“Creating an inclusive and optimal work environment for all employees is central to our company’s culture and values,” said Susan Nutson, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Saint-Gobain. “At Saint-Gobain, we aim to foster an environment that promotes employee growth and well-being, and it’s exciting to see that our continued efforts are being recognized by such a high-caliber organization.”

Rick Loughery, Laura Wagoner, and Daniel Arbucias

The Pennsylvania Young Republicans elected a new chairman, Phoenixville native and Coatesville resident Rick Loughery, to lead the organization with new energy and a new path forward. Loughery outlined a vision to build new chapters in counties across the state and to support the growth of existing chapters.

“With chapters all across the Commonwealth, this is the gateway organization for young professionals to get involved in Republican politics,” he said. “This is the ground floor for young activists and those who dream of serving in public office in the future. Our job is to recruit young people to get involved, build relationships within the party, and advocate for young Republicans across Pennsylvania.”

Chester County’s Laura Wagoner was elected National Committeewoman, and Daniel Arbucias was elected Director-At-Large.

AMETEK

Berwyn-based AMETEK, a global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices, has announced its financial results for the three-month and full-year periods ended Dec. 31, 2016.

AMETEK reported fourth-quarter sales of $973 million, down 1.5 percent from 2015’s fourth quarter. On a GAAP basis, fourth-quarter operating income in 2016 was $173.2 million and diluted earnings per share were $0.47. Excluding adjustments of $39.5 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, fourth-quarter operating income in 2016 was $212.7 million and diluted earnings per share were $0.58.

“I am very pleased with our team’s performance during 2016 in what was a challenging global macro environment,” said CEO David A. Zapico. “As we had anticipated, business conditions stabilized, and we delivered solid results in the fourth quarter that were in line with our expectations.”