Start Local

As we embrace the hustle-bustle of the holiday season, local retail shop owners are rushing to make the most of their busiest time of the year. We were lucky to connect with Kari Matthews, owner of Clean Slate Goods in Kennett Square. Kari unfolds how she built a purpose-driven retail boutique that connects local shoppers with makers from around the world. Kari shares the story behind her storefront, the values guiding her sourcing decisions, and why investing in artisans and ethical production matters deeply to her. We also talk about the in-person experience she creates for customers, the community partnerships that shape her business, and the impact of choosing gifts that truly change lives. OUR PARTNERSSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSClean Slate GoodsWebsite: cleanslategoods.comInstagram: instagram.com/cleanslategoodsFacebook: facebook.com/cleanslategoodsLocal NonprofitsKennett Area Community ServicesYoung MomsThe WardrobeFamily Promise of Southern Chester CountyKennett CollaborativeAdditional LinksBoutique HubWhizBang Retail TrainingRelated EpisodesKeeping Kennett Square Welcoming and Beautiful with Daniel EmbreeTRANSCRIPTThe full episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

The growth and vibrancy of Kennett Square and Southern Chester County is shaped by the places where the community gathers, works, and connects. In this episode, we sit down with Geoff Bosley, Vice President and CFO of LGB Properties, to explore how a family-run real estate company transforms buildings into community assets across the southern end of the county. Geoff shares the story behind the Market at Liberty Place – and walks us through the company’s approach to renovation, tenant partnerships, and supporting local businesses. We also discuss the challenges of running a boutique property firm, and Geoff’s years of service in local government.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSLGB Propertieslgbproperties.comGeoff Bosley on LinkedInProperty listings: lgbproperties.com/property-listingsLocal RestaurantsThe Market at Liberty Place (An LGB Properties venue)Mary Pat’s Provisions State Street Pizza & GrillKaboburritosLa VeronaThe Naked Olive Lily Sushi & Grill  Hangry BearBraeloch BrewingPortabellos of Kennett SquareFlowers CafeLocal NonprofitsKennett Collaborative The Mushroom FestivalMushroom Cap Half MarathonCamp Dreamcatcher  The Garage Community and Youth CenterRelated EpisodesNurturing Belonging and Celebrating Community with Children Impacted by HIV/AIDS with Patty HillkirkKeeping Kennett Square Welcoming and Beautiful with Daniel EmbreeTranscriptThe full transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

Despite the great wealth in Chester County, homelessness is a significant and persistent local issue. We sit down with Jessica Chappell, Executive Director of Safe Harbor of Chester County, to explore how her team provides shelter, meals, and compassionate support to adults experiencing homelessness. Jessica walks us through the realities facing the financially at risk population, the growing challenges around attainable housing, and the trauma-informed approach that guides the organization’s work. We discuss Safe Harbor’s partnerships, volunteer network, and the systemic pressures shaping homelessness in our county.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSSafe Harbor of Chester CountyWebsite: safeharborofcc.orgInstagram: instagram.com/safeharbor_ofchestercountyFacebook: facebook.com/safeharborofchestercountyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/safe-harbor-of-chester-county-inc/Givebutter (Donations/Events): givebutter.com/safe-harbor-of-chester-county-incLocal NonprofitsChester County Food BankWest Chester Food CupboardThe Melton Center – PA 211Act NowCamp DreamcatcherCrime Victims’ Center of Chester CountyAdditional LinksBetter Than Bacon ImprovUptown! Knauer Performing Arts CenterRelated EpisodesNurturing Belonging and Celebrating Community with Children Impacted by HIV/AIDS with Patty HillkirkSupporting Victims of Sexual Violence and Other Crimes with Christine ZaccarelliTranscriptThe full transcript will be posted on our site as soon as it is available.

Homelessness and housing insecurity affect people in every community – including here in Chester County. We sit down with Kelly Faust, Community Engagement Coordinator at Good Samaritan Services, to learn how the organization supports individuals and families on their journey from crisis to stability. Kelly explains Good Sam’s personalized, relationship-based approach, its housing programs, and the wraparound services that include mentorship, counseling, and microloans. We also talk about the community partnerships that make their work possible – and the local events and fundraisers that make their work possible.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSGood Samaritan Services – Good SamWebsite: goodsamservices.orgLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/good-samaritan-servicesInstagram: instagram.com/goodsamservFacebook: facebook.com/GoodSamServKelly Faust on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kelly-faust-477b9a2b3Additional OrganizationsAnne’s HeartPhoenixville Women’s OutreachPhoenixville Free ClinicUnion Community CarePA CareerLinkOrion CommunitiesOpen Hearth, Inc.Citizen Advocacy of Chester CountyUnited Way of Chester CountyNew Story ChurchHopewell United Methodist ChurchTranscriptThe full transcript will be posted as soon as it is available.

Electricity powers nearly every part of our lives – and the infrastructure behind it keeps our communities running. In this episode, we talk with Jim O’Farrell, Director of High Voltage Operations at the Tri-M Group, based in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Jim walks us through how Tri-M delivers electrical construction, high-voltage services, building automation, and energy analytics across the region – and beyond. We also discuss Tri-M’s employee-ownership model, its accredited apprenticeship program, and the company’s commitment to workforce development and focus on supporting the local community.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSTri-M GroupWebsite: tri-mgroup.comCareers: tri-mgroup.com/careersTri-M Group’s Apprenticeship ProgramInstagram: instagram.com/tri_mgroupFacebook: facebook.com/TheTriMGroupLLCJim O'Farrell on LinkedInAdditional LinksPenn Medicine Kennett Library YMCA of Greater Brandywine KACS (Kennett Area Community Service) Camp Dreamcatcher Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) KAU Little League (Kennett-Unionville) Related EpisodesNurturing Belonging and Celebrating Community with Children Impacted by HIV/AIDS with Patty HillkirkTranscriptThe full transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

History lives all around us in Chester County – in our buildings, our landscapes, and our communities. In this episode, we sit down with Conor Hepp, President of the Chester County History Center, to explore how one of our region’s oldest cultural institutions continues to preserve and share the stories that shape us. Conor walks us through the Center’s extensive collection, the creative ways the organization adapted during the pandemic, and how new technologies and community programs are helping expand its reach to audiences near and far. We also hear how the Center is honoring local legacies through exhibits, walking tours, and partnerships, and why history – even when difficult – must be told truthfully.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSChester County History CenterWebsite: mycchc.orgFacebook: facebook.com/ChesterCountyHistoryInstagram: instagram.com/ChesterCountyHistoryLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/chestercountyhistorycenterConor Hepp on LinkedInAdditional Local OrganizationsThe Colonial TheatreChester County Art AssociationHistoric Yellow SpringsNorth Star of Chester CountyHome of the SparrowCrime Victims’ Center of Chester CountyNAACP Coatesville Area BranchPunk/Rock BandsBad ReligionPennywiseRage Against the MachineRelated EpisodesBuilding a Thriving Theater to Benefit the Local Community with Jennifer CarlsonSupporting Victims of Sexual Violence and Other Crimes with Christine ZaccarelliTranscriptThe full transcript will be posted on our website as soon it is available.

Few topics matter more to parents than the medical well-being of their children. We sit down with Brad Myer, MD, to learn from his decades of experience as a leading local pediatrician. The founder of All Star Pediatrics, in Exton, Pennsylvania, Brad spent almost two decades growing an independent medical group. In our conversation, Brad talks us through the buying the practice from Penn Medicine and growing it to serve thousands of families, while navigating the world of health insurance, and recruiting and retaining a top team around him. Now with the management of the practice behind him, Brad walks us through how he gives back to his local community through board leadership and volunteerism with a number of local organizations.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSAll Star PediatricsWebsite: allstarpediatrics.comBrad Dyer on LinkedInAdditional OrganizationsChester County Food BankBetter Days AheadWest Chester Food CupboardPhoenixville Area Community Services (PACS)Community Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM)Phoenixville Free Clinic (Phoenixville Free Medical Clinic)Area HospitalsChildren’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)Nemours Children’s HealthPenn MedicineRelated EpisodesFighting Food Insecurity Locally with Andrea YoundtTranscriptThe full transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

The summer camp experience affords such a meaningful experience for so many children. Camp Dreamcatcher creates a fantastic camp week specifically for children infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS. We sit down with Patty Hillkirk, the camp’s Founder and Executive Director, to learn about how she is spearheading efforts to organize and run the weeklong camp, held in August every year. We talk about how the camp is run, partnering with other local organizations, and supporting young people and empowering them to lead. Patty walks us through how Camp Dreamcatcher has delivered such a lasting and valuable effect on the lives of so many young people for 30 years.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSCamp DreamcatcherWebsite: campdreamcatcher.orgLinkedIn: inkedin.com/company/camp-dreamcatcherInstagram: instagram.com/campdreamcatcherFacebook: facebook.com/therapeuticcampPatty Hillkirk on LinkedInOver the Edge fundraiserVolunteer with Camp Dreamcatcher: campdreamcatcher.org/get-involved/volunteerCamp Dreamcatcher VideosVideo library on the Camp Dreamcatcher website: campdreamcatcher.org/about/video-picturesThe story behind the founding of Camp Dreamcatcher as shared in Patty's TEDx TalkHear about the Wish Log ceremony from two campers (jump to 1:14)HIV/AIDS ResourcesHIV/AIDS information on the Cleveland Clinic websiteHIV/AIDS information on the May Clinic websiteHIV and AIDS information on the John Hopkins Medicine websiteHIV/AIDS information on the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) websiteSupporting OrganizationsLongwood Rotary ClubLenape Nation of PennsylvaniaLincoln UniversityPhiladelphia School of Massage & BodyworkAHHAH (Arts Holding Hands and Hearts)Avon Grove High SchoolKennett Lions ClubWest Grove Fire Company (EMTs in West Grove)PayPalMorning Star FoundationChildren’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)St. Christopher’s Hospital for ChildrenPhiladelphia AvengersJohns Hopkins MedicineAdditional OrganizationsPennsylvania Gestalt CenterCenter for Relational PracticesFriendship BenchFamily Promise of Southern Chester CountyDeafCAN! of PennsylvaniaKennett Area Community Service (KACS)Related EpisodesManaging a Local Accountancy Firm with Kathy WileczekTRANSCRIPTA full episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

Entrepreneurship isn’t always glamorous, but it can be deeply fulfilling and rewarding. Jason Feller, owner of Crystal Clean Canz, joins us to discuss his journey from managing country clubs to growing a business centered on cleanliness and customer service. We talk about the surprises he encountered as a first-time business owner, how he diversified his services, refined his service area, and works to grow his recurring revenue. Jason also shares why he values his role as chair of the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce. Jason’s story is a candid look at the risks, rewards, and realities of building a small business.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSCrystal Clean CanzWebsite: crystalcleancanz.comInstagram: instagram.com/crystalcleancanzFacebook: facebook.com/CrystalCleanCanzEmail: info@crystalcleancanz.comAdditional LinksSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceNew London ConsultingThis Sober VetUnivestLBDesignRelated EpisodesNetworking, Local Community, and Business Connections with Tony PoluchTranscriptA full transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

Networking offers avenues to opportunities, collaborations, and growth, especially in business. In this episode, we sit down with Tony Poluch, Senior Vice President and Senior Business Development Officer at Univest Bank & Trust Company, to explore how meaningful conversations with local professionals can produce business success, further a career, and forge strong local connections. Tony shares his insights on cultivating authentic relationships and the value of curiosity in business. We explore Tony’s lengthy career in commercial banking and ask about the location business environment. Whether you consider yourself a networking pro, or are struggling in that area, this conversation offers spot-on guidance on making the most of business conversations.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSTony Poluch / Univest BankTony Poluch on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tony-poluch-a50b544/Univest website: univest.netUnivest on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/univestUnivest on Facebook: facebook.com/univestfinancialUnivest on Instagram: instagram.com/univest_financialChester County Chambers of CommerceSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceGreater West Chester Chamber of CommerceChester County Chamber of Business and IndustryExton Chamber of CommerceWestern Chester County Chamber of CommerceAdditional LinksThe Gables at Chadds FordChester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC)Delaware Contractors AssociationLocal NonprofitsHome of the SparrowOpen HearthChester County Art AssociationKennett LibraryUrban Affairs CoalitionTRANSCRIPTThe full transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

In a first for our show, we are are excited to feature a guest who is both a business and nonprofit leader. It was a privilege to walk a full round with Christopher Everett, Senior Vice President at Truist Bank and the Founder and Board President of the RLE Go Fore It! Foundation. Christopher guides us through his career in banking – a journey of almost 25 years. He explains what led him to create a nonprofit that empowers young people through business education, mentorship, and exposure to new possibilities – all through the game of golf. He shares some tough lessons he learned in his younger days, and what connecting people and opening doors for the next generation means to him. OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSTruistWebsite: truist.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/truistfinancialcorporationFacebook: facebook.com/truistInstagram: instagram.com/truistChristopher on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/christophereverett26Careers with Truist: careers.truist.com/us/enRLE Go Fore It! FoundationWebsite: goforeitusa.comBook: Go Fore It!: A Family and Golf Story by Christopher EverettFacebook: facebook.com/goforeitusaInstagram: instagram.com/goforeitusaGolf/Sports Organizations and BooksCarter’s Spectrum GolfBook: Swinging Beyond the Spectrum: How Autism Became My Superpower On And Off The Golf Course! by Carter BonasBook: Playing from the Rough by Jimmie JamesBook: Dear Black Girls: How to Be True to You by A’Ja WilsonAdditional LinksSow Good NowChester County Community FoundationNorth Carolina Central UniversityLocal RestaurantsBlack Lab BistroSedona TaphouseSavannah BistroThe Naked OliveTranscriptThe full transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

What makes a town truly welcoming? We head to southern Chester County to meet with Daniel Embree, Executive Director of Kennett Collaborative, to explore how placemaking, events, and people shape a stronger, more inclusive community in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Daniel shares the organization’s mission and why collaboration is at the heart of their work. We discuss Daniel’s own journey from artist to nonprofit leader, and the value of telling personal stories in public spaces. From Kennett Brewfest, Daniel paints a beautiful picture of his corner of our community.Our PartnerSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSKennett CollaborativeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kennettcollaborative/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennett.collaborativeVolunteer: kennettcollaborative.org/volunteerDonate: kennettcollaborative.org/supportBrewfest Tickets: https://www.kennettbrewfest.com/Unicorn Across the Street: https://kennettcollaborative.org/stories/the-unicorn-across-the-street/Daniel Embree on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielembree/Local Shops and OrganizationsGreat places to eat and shop (Business Directory): kennettcollaborative.org/exploreKSQ Farmers Market: https://www.ksqfarmersmarket.com/Shoppe Marché: https://www.instagram.com/shoppemarcheCamp Dreamcatcher: https://campdreamcatcher.org/Kennett Area Community Service: https://kacsimpact.orgThe Garage Community and Youth Center: https://www.garageyouthcenter.orgYoungMoms: https://www.youngmomschestercounty.orgRelated EpisodesSpearheading the Organization of a Community Brewfest with Jeff NormanNote: The photo of Daniel used in the episode artwork is by Dylan Francis.TranscriptThe full transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

For many, music is as much a part of life as breathing. We drop the needle on a conversation with Shawn Cephas, owner of Forever Changes, a record store in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. Shawn shares how his deep love for and expansive knowledge of music has driven him to open a shop that is as much a space to learn about music as to buy records. We explore the intimate connection that Shawn’s family has with music. Through our conversation, Shawn offers a lesson in music history as we journey through genres. Whether you’re a lifelong collector or just getting into the groove, this episode strikes a chord.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSForever ChangesWebsite: foreverchangesrecords.comInstagram: instagram.com/forever.changesForever Changes on FacebookBluesky: @foreverchangespxv.bsky.socialAdditional LinksWXPNSteel City CaféPhoenixville Area Community Services (PACS)Ann’s HeartKit’s ClosetLocal Music VenuesThe Fenix Bar & LoungeSoulJoel’s (at SunnyBrook, Pottstown)SunnyBrook BallroomThe GemBands and Artists MentionedWe linked to the Wikipedia page for all the artists below. We invite you to check out their music wherever you listen.Hüsker DüBlack FlagMinor ThreatRites of SpringMetallicaSlayerAnthraxDeathBig StarThe ClashThe JamThe SmithsR.E.M.Talking HeadsRamonesDepeche ModeThe CureBad BrainsMy Morning JacketBelle and SebastianChappell RoanDeath Cab for CutieThe Postal ServiceCat PowerMannequin PussySoccer MommyBlondshellBullyFlorence + The MachineGreta Van FleetMadonnaDuran DuranTaylor SwiftRay CharlesLuther VandrossPocoBuffalo SpringfieldJethro TullJapanese BreakfastBlack PumasMaya DelilahAdeleLordeCulture ClubCharlie ParkerDuke EllingtonDizzy GillespieBill EvansPaul MotianScott LaFaroMac MillerSuki WaterhouseSteve LacyN.W.A.Dr. DreIce CubePrinceJimi HendrixMovie: High FidelityRecord LabelsBlue Note RecordsOriginal Jazz Composers (OJC)Riverside RecordsTranscriptThe transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

Continuing our run of conversations with local producers, we sit down with Olga and Brian Dressler, the owners and cider makers at Dressler Estate. We learn about their branch to bottle approach to making local cider. We hear about their recently opened tasting room in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, and their vision for this new home. We talk cider production, label making, and the business of a running a cidery. Pour yourself a glass of their finest and tune in for a great conversation.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSDressler EstateWebsite: dresslerestate.comInstagram: instagram.com/dresslerestateFacebook: facebook.com/DresslerEstateAdditional LinksEast Branch BrewingStation TaproomBottleroomRosie’s KettlecornDowningtown Main Street AssociationDowningtown Farmers’ MarketChestnut Hill Farmers’ MarketRittenhouse Farmers’ MarketRelated Start Local EpisodesFarming Grapes and Making Local Wine with Anthony VietriSpearheading the Organization of a Community Brewfest with Jeff NormanTRANSCRIPTThe transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

Southeastern Pennsylvania is not typically at the top of the list of renowned wine regions of the world. Yet that is exactly why we stopped into the tasting room at Va La Family Vineyard. We sat down Anthony Vietri, farmer and wine maker, to learn how his family has been farming the land in Avondale, Pennsylvania for almost one hundred years. We talk about his approach to farming grapes and crafting unique and complex wines flowing from the local terroir. If you're into wine and looking for a wonderfully different and refreshing discussion about wine and the business of wine, this is a conversation to savor.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSVa La Family VineyardWebsite: valavineyards.comInstagram: instagram.com/valavineyardsFacebook: facebook.com/VaLaVineyardsAdditional LinksShellbark Hallow FarmCanine Partners for LifeStroud Water Research CenterRelated Start Local EpisodesTraining Service and Companion Dogs with Kirstin DownieConducting World-Leading Fresh Water Research with John JacksonTranscriptThe transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

In times of uncertainty, the desire for financial security is universal. In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk with Patti Brennan, founder and CEO of Key Financial, a wealth management firm based in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Patti shares practical ideas for navigating turbulent markets. We explore her unique career path from ICU nurse to nationally recognized financial advisor. We dig into her people-first leadership style, and the values that shape her firm – now managing $2.5 billion in assets. We also dive into her new book, Am I Going to Be Okay?, published by Forbes.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSKey FinancialWebsite: keyfinancialinc.comFacebook: facebook.com/KeyFinancialIncLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/key-financial-incPatti Brennan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/keyfinancialincPatti’s Book: Am I Going to Be Okay?Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC)Chester County Economic Development CouncilSeedcopaHire OneITAGSupporting the Local Business Community with Michael GrigalonisAdditional LinksPenn Medicine Chester County HospitalTop-Rated Health Care and Well-Supported Staff with Karen Pinsky, MD and Ed CallahanTranscriptThe transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

The snack business is competitive to say the very least. It may even be cut-throat. Creating a snack that people want is hard enough, but getting it into the market and on store shelves takes even more grit. We chased down Brendan Cawley, founder and CEO of Righteous Felon, a meat snack company with deep roots in Chester County. We interrogate Brendan about jerky, biltong, and meat sticks, exploring their R&D, manufacturing, and distribution processes. We talk about online sales, and of course, how the company was an outgrowth of a side hustle for a bunch of middle schoolers in Downingtown.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSRighteous FelonWebsite: righteousfelon.comInstagram: @righteousfelonFacebook: facebook.com/RighteousFelonTiktok: @righteousfelonLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/righteous-felonLocal Beer DistributorsExton BeverageBeermillLou BeverageWaywood BeverageVictory BrewingLocal Restaurants and StoresLeone’s PizzaCrop’s Fresh MarketplaceKimberton Whole FoodsFarm and Meat ProcessorsStoney Point SnacksRoseda Black Angus Farm44 FarmsCertified PeidmonteseAdditional LinksNatural LandsDowningtown Main StreetTranscriptA full transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

Enticed by her delicious ice cream and kitchens creations, we had to talk with Melinda Shaw, founder and owner of Hangry Bear Creamery in Kennett Square. Melinda shares how her love of food and background in hospitality led her to open a unique ice cream studio that goes far beyond scoops and cones. We dip into the science behind real ice cream, the importance of using local ingredients, and how community partnerships have shaped her business. From boozy shakes to a wonderfully eclectic yet family-friendly meals, Melinda offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a creative and community-focused creamery.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSHangry Bear CreameryWebsite: hangrybearcreamery.comInstagram: instagram.com/hangrybearcreameryFacebook: facebook.com/hangrybearcreameryTikTok: tiktok.com/@hangrybearcreameryLocal Food and Drinks Companies and OrganizationOld Stone CiderCreekside Coffee Roasting Co.UDairy Creamery (University of Delaware Creamery)Berkey Creamery (Penn State Creamery)LC Farms (Oxford, PA)Additional LinksSCORE (Chester & Delaware Counties)Calabrese Performing ArtsFulton BankWMMR (Radio Station)Centered Clay StudioTRANSCRIPTThe transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

Located in southern Chester County, Oxford, Pennsylvania, is a charming small town that is rich in history and poised for revitalization and growth. We sit down with Pauline Garcia-Allen, the Borough Manager of Oxford, to explore what makes this town so special. From its diverse community to its evolving downtown and economic development efforts, Pauline shares how she and other local leaders are working to support residents, attract businesses, and navigate a complexity of challenges, including the expansion of the Route 1 corridor. Tune in for an inside look at Oxford’s transformation and why now is the time to keep an eye on this up-and-coming gem.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSThe Borough of OxfordBorough website: oxfordboro.orgCareers: oxfordboro.org/jobsFacebook: facebook.com/oxfordboroughpaInstagram: instagram.com/theboroughofoxfordAdditional LinksNeuchatel ChocolatesOctoraro Hotel and TavernOxford MainstreetSILOThe Creamery of Kennett SquareLincoln UniversityOxford Neighborhood Services CenterOxford Arts AllianceOxford Area Historical AssociationHerr'sPillar Real Estate AdvisorsRelated Start Local EpisodesRunning a Commercial Real Estate Firm with Eric KuhnTRANSCRIPTThe episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it available.

While Chester County is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and open spaces, preserving that natural beauty – and the wildlife that thrives within it – requires constant effort. We speak with Kate Etherington, President and Executive Director of Willistown Conservation Trust, about the dedication and strategy behind this vital work. This local land trust leads initiatives in land protection, bird conservation, watershed stewardship, habitat restoration, and sustainable farming. In our conversation, Kate shares insights into these efforts and how people of all ages can get involved, learn, and contribute to the Trust’s mission.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSWillistown Conservation TrustWebsite: wctrust.orgEvents: wctrust.org/calendarNewsletters: wctrust.org/connectFacebook: facebook.com/wctrust.orgInstagram: instagram.com/wctrustLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/willistown-conservation-trustYouTube: youtube.com/user/WillistownCTBird-friendly coffee programAdditional LinksStroud Water Research CenterWest Chester Food CupboardMalvern ButteryThorncroftPennsylvania Department of Conversation and Natural Resources (PADCNR)Gryphon Coffee CoRelated Start Local EpisodesFighting Food Insecurity Locally with Andrea YoundtConducting World-Leading, Innovative Fresh Water Research with John JacksonTRANSCRIPTThe full transcript will be posted as soon as it is available.