The Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance and the Chester County Industrial Development Authority bestowed the second annual Tammy Cansler-Miles Excellence in Economic and Community Development Award to Joe DiSciullo, Chairman of the Coatesville Redevelopment Authority at the Alliance’s Partner Appreciation event on Tuesday, Nov. 15. 

Tamara Cansler-Miles passed away in May 2021. A long-standing board member of the Chester County Industrial Development Authority (CCIDA) and founding member of the 2nd Century Alliance, the two organizations came together and created the award to honor her memory and celebrate her legacy in the Coatesville community.  

The award recognizes an individual, agency, or company that has demonstrated a dedication to economic growth in the City of Coatesville through catalytic real estate development, effective programmatic enhancements, and/or inspiring social impact. 

She leaves a legacy of developing high-quality real estate as founder of Cansler Investment Group, including social support for low-to-moderate income senior citizens. Her impact on the Coatesville community includes the construction of more than 100 new housing units for senior citizens, an accomplishment that was recognized by the Huston Foundation with the Rebecca Lukens Award. 

Dan Miles, Cansler-Miles’ husband, reflects on the award. “Tammy loved Coatesville. I always saw a twinkle in her eye when she talked about the city. I’m so pleased that this award will continue to honor her memory for years to come.” 

The 2nd Century Alliance and the CCIDA boards considered numerous candidates and unanimously chose Joe DiSciullo as the recipient of this year’s award. 

Born and raised in Coatesville, he took over managing his father’s gas station in his early 20’s. In the early 1980’s, he expanded the business to include the delivery of fuel oil, and later added adding Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning service and installation to the company’s offerings.  

A true entrepreneur long before it was considered a professional buzz word, he bought a concrete company, built two convenience stores, and opened four additional small service businesses, all in the city.   

In 2005, he joined the Coatesville Redevelopment Authority and has been serving the board and the city ever since.  He became vice chair in 2006, and chairman of the board in 2008.   

DiSciullo has led the Authority through many significant development projects like the Coatesville Courtyard Marriott and the nth Innovation Center at 190 West Lincoln Highway.  

He has, along with the board, shepherded the Coatesville Train Station project from its early planning stages in 2010 through to groundbreaking in October of 2021, and now is managing the Authority’s role in the development of a National Sports and Event Center on the Flats.  

“The economic impact Joe has had on the City of Coatesville cannot readily be measured,” said Sonia Huntzinger, executive director of the Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance. “From the businesses he’s operated in the city for more than forty years, to the seventeen years of volunteer service on the Redevelopment Authority Board, he is most deserving of the Tammy Cansler-Miles award for Excellence in Economic Development in the City of Coatesville.” 

“I couldn’t be more honored to receive this award,” said DiSciullo. “I accept it on behalf of the entire board of the Redevelopment Authority. We’re all excited to be part of the revitalization efforts in Coatesville and it’s a privilege serve and to be recognized for our work.” 

In addition to the award, the CCIDA has committed to donating $500 to the charity of the recipient’s choice. Susan Springsteen, vice-chair of the CCIDA was on hand to present a check to the Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce on DiSciullo’s behalf.