More than 200 business leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, policymakers, and economic development professionals gathered Wednesday at West Chester University’s Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall for Executive Insights 2026: A Panel of Visionary CEOs, a dynamic and candid conversation featuring four of Southeastern Pennsylvania’s most influential business leaders.  

Presented for the second consecutive year by the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry (CCCBI), Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC), Transportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC), and West Chester University, the event built on the momentum of its successful inaugural 2025 program and once again delivered timely insights on the trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping the future of Southeastern Pennsylvania’s economy.  

Moderated by 6ABC’s Tamala Edwards, the panel featured:  

• Nick Bayer, Founder & CEO, Saxbys  
• Greg Deavens, Former CEO, Independence Blue Cross  
• Chris Franklin, Chairman & CEO, Essential Utilities  
• Dan Hilferty, Chairman & CEO, Comcast Spectacor and Governor of the Philadelphia Flyers  

The discussion explored critical topics including regional economic competitiveness, workforce development, experiential learning and higher education partnerships, leadership and culture, technological innovation, America 250, corporate civic engagement, and positioning Southeastern Pennsylvania for long-term success on the national stage.  

“This event continues to demonstrate what is possible when Chester County’s leading institutions come together to create space for thoughtful, honest dialogue about the future of our region,” said Laura Manion, President and CEO of the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry. “The willingness of these extraordinary leaders to share candid insights, lessons learned, and their vision for what lies ahead provided invaluable perspective for everyone in attendance.”  

“Our panelists were refreshingly candid and incredibly insightful. Their commitment to Greater Philadelphia, belief in collaboration, and enthusiasm for our future stood out to me.  I left the auditorium feeling inspired and excited to build on the partnerships and collaboration that have been so key to our success over the years,” said Mike Grigalonis, President and COO of the Chester County Economic Development Council.  

Dr. Laurie Bernotsky, President of West Chester University, added, “West Chester University is honored to have been asked for the second time to host an impactful event that draws so many of our region’s most influential leaders and thinkers.” The university is truly grateful for its longstanding partnerships with CCCBI, CCEDC and TMACC. Working together, experiential learning, in all its forms, not just internships, becomes a reality for our students and allows them to be ‘career ready’ in the workplace. Investments in people continue to make a lasting impact on our community and help the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania thrive.” 

Throughout the discussion, panelists offered perspectives on the evolving nature of leadership and the role business plays in driving community and economic transformation.  

“Today’s conversation reinforced what I’ve always believed — that Southeastern Pennsylvania’s has the visionary leadership, talent and grit necessary to drive sustainable economic mobility for generations to come. I’m grateful to CCCBI, CCEDC and West Chester University for creating a forum where bold ideas and leadership lessons can be shared to drive real economic progress for our region,” said Greg Deavens, former CEO of Independence Health Group. 

Nick Bayer, founder and CEO of Saxbys commented, “What we’ve learned over a decade of running the Experiential Learning Platform is that the skills that matter most, what we call power skills: critical thinking, emotional intelligence, resilience, the ability to lead people through uncertainty, aren’t transferred through a lecture. They’re developed through doing. Through managing a team of 30 people. Through owning a P&L. Through making real decisions with real consequences. The students coming out of the Saxbys cafe at West Chester University and across our system don’t just have a line on their resume. They have tangible stories of leadership and decision-making that prove to future employers what they’re capable of.”   

“Strong communities and economies depend on reliable infrastructure, forward-looking leadership and meaningful collaboration,” said Chris Franklin, chairman and CEO of Essential Utilities. “I’m honored to join this year’s Executive Insights panel at West Chester University to discuss how business and civic leaders can work together to strengthen Southeastern Pennsylvania’s competitiveness and create lasting opportunities across the region.”  

“Our region is at a defining moment. With events like America 250 and the FIFA World Cup 2026 paired with unprecedented investment across Greater Philadelphia, we have a major opportunity to showcase our strengths to the world and create lasting momentum for the future,” said Dan Hilferty, Chairman & CEO, Comcast Spectacor and Governor of the Philadelphia Flyers. “Business leaders have a responsibility not only to drive economic growth, but to work together to build vibrant communities, attract talent and innovation, and ensure this moment leaves a lasting legacy for our region.”  

Among the key themes discussed:  

• The Philadelphia Region in 2026: Identifying opportunities and challenges shaping economic competitiveness  
• America 250 and Regional Opportunity: Leveraging a historic moment to elevate Southeastern Pennsylvania’s national profile  
• Leadership and Culture: Building resilient, high-performing teams  
• Technology and Innovation: Driving transformation across industries  
• Corporate Civic Engagement: Expanding the role of business in strengthening communities  
• The Workforce of the Future: Attracting, nurturing, and retaining top talent through education and experiential learning  
• Regional Identity and Influence: Positioning Southeastern Pennsylvania as a premier center for innovation and opportunity  

Returning as moderator following her standout leadership of the 2025 event, Tamala Edwards once again guided an engaging and authentic discussion that resonated with attendees and sparked meaningful conversation across industries.  

Learn more about the Executive Insights 2026: A Panel of Visionary CEOs at Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry.