The Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry (CCCBI) held its 2024 Small Business Awards Breakfast at the Desmond Hotel to honor three instrumental organizations in the community, Penn Oaks Golf Club, Bournelyf Special Camp and VISTA Today as the Small Business, Nonprofit, and Community Partner of the Year.

Professionals from businesses of all size across the region gathered to network before Keynote Speaker, Tom Sullivan, Vice President of Small Business Policy at the U.S. Chamber, took the stage. Working with the U.S. Chamber’s nationwide network, Sullivan harnesses the views of small businesses and translates that grassroots power into federal policies that bolster free enterprise and reward entrepreneurship. He also runs the U.S. Chamber’s Small Business Council, engaging the exclusive group of 100 Chamber members on a regular basis to increase small business input and involvement in Chamber activities.

Sullivan shared the MetLife & U.S. Chamber Small Business Index, how inflation has affected small businesses and the current state of the small business community across the nation.

“At the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, we are bullish on small business in 2024. With three years of record-high numbers of new business applications filed, technology enabling small businesses and entrepreneurs to compete globally, and consumer spending strong, the outlook for Main Street employers looks good. The Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry is a strong partner of ours and it is a pleasure to join them in honoring community and non-profit leadership as well as the small business of the year, Penn Oaks Golf Club,” said Sullivan, “From childcare as an important workforce issue to pro-growth tax policies considered by Congress, the U.S. Chamber is proud of our partnership with the Chester County Chamber of Commerce of Business & Industry.”

The award ceremony then kicked off with CCCBI’s Nonprofit of the Year, Bournelyf Special Camp. Executive Director, Courtney Zimmerman accepted the award, expressing her gratitude and the impact of Bournelyf Special Camp.

Chris Saello, President & CEO of United Way of Chester County, introduced the Small Business of the Year, Penn Oaks Golf Club, recounting his admiration and respect for his colleague and friend, Steve DiMarco, the Managing Director of Penn Oaks Golf Club.

Founder and Publisher of American Community Journals, Ken Knickerbocker, accepted the Community Partner of the Year award for VISTA Today, CCCBI’s trusted media outlet and a true beacon of positivity in Chester County.

“The small businesses of Chester County drive our economy and the Chamber’s membership,” said Laura Manion, President & CEO of CCCBI. “It is a privilege to recognize and celebrate the success of this year’s honorees.”

Learn more at Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry.