Local CEOs gathered at a panel at West Chester University to address the growing concerns of customers and employees due to economic uncertainty, writes Jeff Blumenthal for the Philadelphia Business Journal.
The panelists included Salim Ramji, CEO of Malvern-based Vanguard Group; Leo Parsons, CEO of West Chester’s CTDI; Wawa CEO Chris Gheysens; and Madeline Bell, CEO of CHOP. The Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry and the Chester County Economic Development Council organized the event, with Tamala Edwards of 6abc moderating.
During the discussion, Ramji noted that the motto he uses to steer the investment giant through difficult times comes directly from Vanguard’s founder, Jack Bogle. He explained that Bogle’s book Stay the Course serves as a perfect template for calming investors who have faced wild microeconomic swings throughout the company’s 50-year history.
“What we’re telling our clients, along with making sure that portfolios are balanced and they’ve got the right mix of stocks and bonds in their portfolios, is not to overreact to the latest news last month, this week, or next week,” he said.
Wawa CEO noted that customers have started dialing back their spending.
“What we’re doing within our stores now is really leaning into what people need, not just functionally but even emotionally,” said Gheysens.
Read more about local CEOs gathering at the panel in the Philadelphia Business Journal.
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