The theme of the fourth annual TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce REACH Conference, aptly describes the work of the chamber program that’s designed to bring together professional women from across the tri-county region.
The chamber, headquartered in Pottstown, represents businesses in southeastern Berks, western Montgomery, and northern Chester counties, as well as those along the Route 422 Corridor.
“We kept it basic this year with a theme of ‘We REACH,’” Eileen Dautrich, president of the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce, said of the Sept. 26 event. “That’s really the statement behind this program and what we continue to try to do.”
Held at RiverCrest Golf Club & Preserve in Upper Providence Township, Montgomery County, the event drew more than 150 attendees.
REACH is not an acronym, Dautrich explained, but a philosophy expressing the importance of connection between women with different backgrounds and experience.
“REACH isn’t just a bunch of letters, it’s a verb,” she said. “It’s what we strongly encourage our members to do.”
Jessica Zeigler-Cihlar, who during the conference was recognized with the 2024 Woman of Influence Award, said REACH has opened her eyes to some needs of the community and how she can help to fill those needs.
Founder and principal architect of Elverson-based Village Architecture & Preservation, Zeigler-Cihlar believes there’s power in reaching out with small acts.
“You can make a difference just by holding the door for someone and giving a kind smile,” she said.
Other award recipients were:
• Dana Inc. was recognized with the 2024 Business of Influence and Empowerment award.
• Kristen Groff of Community Health & Dental Care received the 2024 Outstanding Young Professional award.
• Stephanie Ziegler of Diamond Credit Union was given the chamber’s annual surprise recognition, The Master of the REACH Award.
All the awards recognize recipients for their dedication to the community and their careers, along with their efforts to support other women.
Holly Phillips, plant manager at Dana’s Pottstown facility, noted that the company encourages employee participation in educational events, such as hosting high school engineering students.
“Dana is dedicated to a variety of professional development and growth opportunities with a focus on supporting women in technology and manufacturing,” Phillips wrote in an email.
Dautrich praised Dana for its commitment to advancing women within its ranks.
“It’s part of the company’s culture to advance women within the organization,” she said.
Ziegler said she was shocked to have been honored with the Master of the REACH Award, noting that her initial thought regarding the recognition was “this is just what I do every day.”
Dautrich, however, said she and other award recipients are most deserving.
“They’re constantly working to advance women within their organizations,” she said.
The REACH conference featured three speakers, including a keynote presentation from Jen Croneberger, founder and chief inspiration officer of Downington-based Jlynn Consulting Group.
Croneberger, who also founded and leads the HUMAN Leadership Institute, focuses on B.R.A.V.E. (Belonging, Resilience, Authenticity and Empathy) Human Leadership.
Other speakers were Dr. JoElle Mogerman, the first female president and CEO of the Philadelphia Zoo, and Dr. Radha Pyati, who was named chancellor and dean of Penn State Berks in April 2023.
For the second consecutive year, conference attendees donated items for women experiencing period poverty, which is the inability to afford products such as pads and tampons. Forty million women around the world are thought to be affected by the lack of supplies.
Anyone interested in joining or participating in REACH events can get more information on the chamber’s website at www.tricountyareachamber.com. In addition to its annual conference, REACH offers quarterly luncheons and social and networking events for members.
