Spotlight On: Laura Manion, President and CEO, Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry

April 2025 — Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry’s President and CEO, Laura Manion, talked with Invest: about the chamber’s efforts to support its local business community and how partnerships serve to foster the greater Philadelphia economy as a whole, through capitalizing on the county’s assets.

How has the Chamber continued to strengthen its role in supporting and connecting the local business community over the past year?
Over the past year, the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry has experienced tremendous growth, reinforcing our value and impact within the business community. Our membership has expanded significantly over the past two years, reflecting the strength of our network and the vital role we play in connecting and advocating for businesses of all sizes.

Our events continue to thrive, with all four of our 2025 events selling out — a testament to the demand for high-quality programming and engagement opportunities, while demonstrating the Chamber’s ability to convene influential voices and foster meaningful discussions. CCCBI recently partnered with key community stakeholders to host an unprecedented event featuring four regional CEOs from CHOP, CTDI, Vanguard, and Wawa — a first for Chester County.

Beyond events, our advocacy efforts remain a cornerstone of our mission. We continue to champion policies that support economic growth, workforce development, and business-friendly legislation, ensuring our members’ voices are heard at the local, state, and federal levels. Our commitment to elevating the business climate in Chester County remains unwavering, and the success of the past year positions us for even greater impact in the future.

How would you describe the current business climate in the county, and what are some of the key trends shaping the region’s industries?

Chester County’s business climate is thriving and full of opportunity. As the wealthiest and one of the most educated counties in Pennsylvania, our region attracts top talent, making it an ideal location for businesses of all sizes to grow and succeed. The county’s diverse and dynamic economy spans multiple industries, from large corporations to small businesses and sole proprietors, all contributing to a vibrant business ecosystem.

One of the most defining characteristics of Chester County’s business environment is its strong sense of collaboration through nonprofits and community engagement. This collective approach to economic success is unique and sets Chester County apart as a place where businesses and communities thrive together.

Key trends shaping the region include:

• Workforce and Talent Attraction – With a highly educated population and strong local industries, Chester County continues to be a destination for skilled professionals.
• Entrepreneurial Growth – The county is seeing a rise in new business creation, with a growing number of sole proprietors and startups choosing to establish themselves here.
• Regional Influence – The Chamber’s reach extends beyond Chester County into greater Philadelphia, fostering connections and advocacy for businesses of all sizes and sectors.
• Community Engagement & Corporate Responsibility – Businesses here recognize the importance of giving back and actively invest in local initiatives that support long-term regional success.

Overall, Chester County remains a premier destination for businesses looking to start, grow, and innovate while benefiting from a strong, collaborative, and opportunity-rich environment.

What initiatives have been most effective in addressing labor shortages and talent retention?

The Chamber is tackling labor shortages and talent retention through workforce development, business engagement, and advocacy.

Our yearly Youth Leadership Program connects over 50 students from 15 school districts with local businesses and nonprofits, exposing them to diverse career paths and addressing the “PA Brain Drain” by showcasing opportunities in Chester County. We also partner with schools, institutions of higher education, the trades, and the Chester County Intermediate Unit to create internships and networking opportunities that strengthen the local talent pipeline.

Beyond workforce programs, the Chamber advocates for housing, childcare, and transportation solutions to help employees thrive. A key win was securing an expansion to the PA Childcare and Dependent Tax credit, enacted in 2023, to ease financial burdens for working families.

These efforts are already making an impact—one student recently had the chance to visit Wawa’s corporate office and meet its CEO, an opportunity that could shape their career. Through education, connections, and policy work, we are ensuring a strong future workforce for Chester County.

What are some of the biggest challenges being faced by businesses in the region today, and how is the chamber helping to navigate potential headwinds?

Businesses in Chester County face several key challenges, including workforce shortages and economic pressures. The Chamber is actively working to address these issues through advocacy, investment, and member support. In an increasingly polarized political environment, the Chamber maintains strong bipartisan relationships with elected officials, ensuring members’ voices are heard. We also support business-led advocacy initiatives, working alongside members to advance their priorities. 

We continually advocate for the lowering of the Corporate Net Income Tax, as well as comprehensive reform of the state’s overall tax structure to stimulate economic growth, grow our population, and retain businesses in the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania is also in dire need of regulatory reform. Current processes obstruct growth, increase costs, and frustrate employers. CCCBI advocates for more transparency in the permitting process, decreasing the amount of time spent approving submitted permits, and achieving more consistent results.

Other areas of advocacy include infrastructure investments, promoting tourism, access to healthcare, the responsible development of all American energy, research and development investments, among others.

By focusing on our legislative priorities, the Chamber helps businesses navigate challenges and drive sustainable growth in the region.

What role does tourism play in Chester County, and what steps are needed to enhance it?

Tourism is a vital part of Chester County’s economy, employing approximately 25,000 workers and supporting local businesses. While the region boasts world-renowned Longwood Gardens, Valley Forge National Historical Park, wineries, rich agricultural experiences, and top-tier restaurants, its full potential remains untapped due to Pennsylvania having one of the lowest tourism budgets in the country.

The Chamber collaborates with the tourism board to promote these attractions, but increased funding and improved public transportation are essential to expanding accessibility and attracting more visitors. 

Additionally, recognizing the economic link between the city and suburbs, the Chamber actively engages with the Philly Chamber, the Mayor’s office, and other regional partners to ensure a coordinated tourism strategy that benefits the entire area.

By advocating for greater investment, infrastructure improvements, and regional cooperation, the Chamber is working to strengthen Chester County’s tourism sector and its impact on the local economy.

What are your top priorities for the chamber over the next couple of years?

Over the next few years, the Chamber’s top priorities will center on advocacy, economic growth, and strategic investments that strengthen Chester County’s business community.

We will continue to be a strong voice for businesses, ensuring that regulations and policies support growth and innovation. With Chester County’s status as an employment hub, we will focus on workforce development and industry sustainability. While the county offers competitive wages, affordability remains a challenge. We will advocate for smart infrastructure investments and policies that support a sustainable cost of living while maintaining Chester County’s economic strength. 

The Chamber takes a holistic approach to these challenges, working closely with businesses, policymakers, and community organizations to drive solutions that balance economic success with community well-being. By focusing on these priorities, we aim to foster a thriving, competitive, and accessible business environment for years to come.

Do you expect trade tensions with Canada and Mexico to impact your members, and how is the Chamber helping them respond?

Yes, we do expect trade tensions with Canada and Mexico to impact some of our members, particularly in manufacturing, where tariffs could lead to higher costs and pricing challenges. Several companies have already expressed concerns about how these policies will affect their operations.

Our role is to advocate for our members, ensuring policymakers understand the real-world impact of these trade policies. We do this by sharing firsthand stories with legislators and working to amplify the voices of affected businesses—an approach we’ve successfully used in response to past legislation.

Beyond advocacy, we also facilitate connections among businesses, helping them navigate these challenges collectively and explore potential solutions to mitigate disruptions. By keeping communication open between businesses and policymakers, the Chamber is committed to supporting its members through these evolving trade dynamics.

For more information, please visit:

https://www.chescochamber.com/