Linda Paoli, Vice President of Marketing for The Elite Group will serve as the chamber’s new Chair for a two year term beginning 2008 and ending in 2010. Serving as the chamber’s new Vice Chair is Tina Martin, Vice President with Wyeth in Malvern. The position of Secretary was filled by Linda Smith, Vice President of Northlight Advertising and serving as the chamber’s Treasurer will be David R. Rau, Vice President with Sovereign Bank in Paoli. Also new to the board is Jason Arbacheski who will represent Paoli Hospital.

Malvern, Pa – January, 2008 – The Great Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce announced today that Brian O’Neill, Founder and President of the O’Neill Group will kick off its eighteenth annual Profile Awards Dinner as “reception speaker.” The annual event celebrates business and individuals in the Great Valley Region.

The Chamber’s annual reception, dinner and awards honor area business professionals and companies for their performance and outstanding contributions to the community – in the Great Valley Region, nationally and internationally.

To attend the Great Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce 18th Annual Profile Awards please call the Chamber at 610-889-2069 or visit the website at www.greatvalleyonline.com for additional information.

The 2008 award categories are Businessman and Businesswoman of the Year, Small Business of the Year, and Non-Profit Organization of the Year. Unique criteria are applied to each award, but all winners are selected based on outstanding achievement and involvement in the Great Valley community.

Jeff March, President and CEO of Citadel Federal Credit Union has been selected as Businessman of the Year. The Businesswoman of the Year Award will go to Judy Spires, President of Acme Markets.Key components of both of these awards are superior company growth and community involvement in Chester County.

The General Warren Inne , Malvern, will receive the Small Business of the Year Award. This award is given to a company that is comprised of 75 employees or less and demonstrates dynamic growth and community service.

Non- Profit Business of the Year isCommunity Volunteers in Medicine.. This award is presented to a non-profit organization that works directly with the Great Valley and surrounding communities through programs, information resources, employment or other partnerships.

The Chamber is pleased to announce that The Elite Group of Exton will be the preferred provider for member health benefits .The Elite Group is an employee benefits consulting firm working with individuals, sole proprietors and business owners in the area of medical, prescription, dental, life short/long term disability and long term care insurance and HR outsourcing services. As a GVRCC member, you will have access to these specialists that can provide you and your company the best in benefits and administration.

The Elite Group will also guide you as you choose the right health benefit plan for you and your employees which will save you time and money. Chamber members now have the option of looking at and selecting from many different carriers and plans to choose which best suits their needs and of course their budgets.

To find out more about how The Elite Group might be able to assist you and your company contact Vince Dignazio at 610-280-3300 or email him at vdignazio@elitegrp.com.

The Chamber is pleased to announce that The SCORE Association (Service Corps of Retired Executives) has partnered with the GVRCC in an effort to provide members with free counseling to small business. SCORE serves as a free link between the experiences business person and the person who wants to start a small business or the business owner who needs advice. SCORE Chester County is sponsored b the Chester County Board of Commissioners and the Small Business Administration.

SCORE volunteers are men and women whose collective business experiences span the full range of American enterprise and are willing to share their knowledge and experience with start up and established companies.

The chamber and SCORE are currently planning a spring lunchtime seminar entitled “Managing Your Company’s Growth’ on April 30th. New Century Bank will be the title sponsor of the event. Look for additional details on this web site regarding location and time. For SCORE info go to www.scorechesco.org.

Mark your calendars for another great chamber golf outing at Waynesborough Country Club in Paoli on Monday May 19th. If you played last year you will more than likely want to play again! If you have never attended the chamber outing you won’t want to miss this outstanding annual event.

What’s included in the outing you might ask? A fantastic course you might not get to play except once a year… All on course amenities…..19th Hole Open Bar Cocktail Reception with Waynesborough Signature Raw Bar, Full Course Buffet Dinner and Dessert. Great Raffle Prizes and Auction and of course great fun. Individual Chamber Member-$275 Non member- $325 Great Sponsor Packages Available…sign up now!

Sponsors to date are:
VIP Sponsor: Allied Barton Security
Platinum Sponsors: Korman Communities, Citadel Federal Credit Union