Central Bucks Chamber offers a full schedule of events

It may have seemed that the world of business had come to a standstill back in March when Pennsylvania shut down Main Street in every local town but like a living, breathing organism, commerce has resurfaced.

 

Not the way it used to be but in virtual patterns like Zoom meetings that have caught on. And the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce has been one of the most active organizations – it’s here to help businesses survive and thrive, after all.

 

“There’s extraordinary energy here,” said Vail Garvin, chamber president. She’s a whirlwind under ordinary circumstances. The pandemic might have slowed her down for a couple of months last spring but she is back now with her usual enthusiasm, planning events as far ahead as 2021 and hoping for the day crowds can gather under one roof.

 

The next big event is the Virtual Annual Business Conference, two days of talks and exhibits that start at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22 with videos of the exhibitors. Members have an opportunity to showcase their business with videos that will be saved in the chamber’s online library.

 

Breakout Zoom sessions include cyber security, marketing using Blue Ocen Strategies, talent acquisitions and use of virtual platforms for business success.

 

The next day will open again with a video showcase and be followed by a speed networking session. The keynote speaker is Kevin Mahoney, chief executive officer of the University of Pennsylvania Health System. He will speak on the future of health care.

 

The afternoon is reserved for meeting top business leaders and elected officials.

 

Dr. Garvin talked about other events – the Bucks Fever Excellence in Design Virtual Tour, running 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20. The highlight is the Oscar Martin 2014 Tour, Revisited. This walking tour in Doylestown celebrated the work of prolific and highly regarded local architect Adam Oscar Martin – whose buildings populate the downtown area. from his own home and other residences to commercial buildings, from the late 19th century into the 1940s. Architectural & Environmental Committee Co-Chair Scott Little has created this glimpse of Oscar’s legacy in his brief overview of the hometown boy’s legacy. No charge to download or view this video and “tour-goers” get a virtual handcrafted commemorative ceramic tile from the 2014 tour.

 

Next month there’s a virtual “State of the County” presentation by the county commissioners Oct. 2. The Bucks Filmfest weekend starts Oct. 10 and features a reception, film viewing and honoring local filmmakers.

 

“On top of everything else we are organizing the Congressional Debate on Oct. 12 at 8 a.m., at Doylestown Township Municipal Building,” Dr. Garvin said. “We will live stream it through Pennsylvania Cable Network and the chamber’s Facebook page.” The event is sponsored the League of Women Voters and the Bucks County Chambers of Commerce.

 

With only 25 people allowed in the room, live attendance is limited to reporters and authorized officials and League members. Send questions to vail@centralbuckschamber.com or amanda@centralbuckschamber.com and then watch the live broadcast.

 

Tuesdays once a month are for Link at Lunch held at Villa Barolo in Warrington. The next networking lunch is Oct. 13 at noon and they are planned through December.

 

This year’s Emergency Service Awards will take place virtually from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25. Awards will be given to 18 local heroes and companies.

 

The Bucks Fever Artists’ Studio Tour is set for Nov. 7 and 8. It’s a free self-driving tour of artists’ studios throughout Bucks County. Reserve tickets and maps at centralbuckschamber.com.

 

The 34th Annual Art Exhibition & Sculpture Show reception is 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 12 at The Bridges at Warwick, 1600 Almshouse Road, Jamison. The event features live entertainment from the Delaware Valley Saxophone Quartet. The exhibition runs through Nov. 19.

 

These are just a few of the events the Central Bucks Chamber holds. Global Executive Briefings present CEOs of major pharmaceutical companies and other ventures. They take place outdoors, at least through October, at the Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm in Holicong. And there’s the Chairman’s Circle, a limited membership group that features major speakers.

Vail Garvin has begun a series of online Chamber Chats, informal interviews with community leaders, highlighting business and culture.

 

And, fulfilling its mission of helping businesses, the Chamber has activated its nonprofit arm, Business Cares, to support members in need – and there are plenty.