When folks think of Italian restaurants in Chester County, Pa, Limoncello pops to the top of the list for many locals. We caught up with Dina Mingrino Barbone to learn about running the two restaurants that she owns with her two brothers, Paul and Frank. Dina talks about growing up in the restaurant that her mother started, the community that has embraced the restaurant, and what it is like running two highly acclaimed and commercially successful restaurants.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSLimoncelloRestaurant website: limoncellorestaurant.comCareers with Limoncello: limoncellorestaurant.com/careersInstagram: @ristorantelimoncelloWest Chester Facebook: facebook.com/LimoncelloWCChester Springs Facebook: facebook.com/LimoncelloWCAdditional LinksToys for TotsJean-Gorges PhiladelphiaNOTE: The episode artwork is the Mingrino Family, from left to right: Frank, Giuseppe, Maria, Paul, and Dino MingrinoTRANSCRIPTThe episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

We spend time in conversation with Bob Beggs, Executive Director of Good Works, Inc. Good Works is a Christian nonprofit organization working to transform lives by repairing homes for low-income families and sharing the hope that Bob, his colleagues, and teams of volunteers have found in Jesus Christ. We talk about the housing challenges that low-income families face in Chester County – and how Good Works aims to address those challenges by interweaving care for homes with care for people.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSGood Works, Inc.goodworksinc.orgVolunteer for Good Works: goodworksinc.org/volunteerAdditional LinksGood Neighbors Home RepairHabitat for Humanity of Chester CountyAmerican Helicopter MuseumFreya SystemsOpen HearthPhoenixville Community Health FoundationALICE Report from the United Way of Chester CountyEpisode 41: Connecting People that Can Help with People that Need Help with Chris SaelloWhen Helping Hurts: : How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself by Steve Corbett and Brian FikkertNOTE: The Help Book mentioned in this episode is no longer being produced.TranscriptThe episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

We step into the podcast studio with Bill Ronayne, the founder and owner of Brandywine Valley Heating & Air Conditioning. Founded in 1993, BVHVAC has grown to more than 60 employees, serving both residential and commercial customers from its base in West Chester, Pennsylvania. We speak with Bill about running and growing his community-focused business for more than thirty years.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSBrandywine Valley Heating and Air ConditioningWebsite: bvhvac.comCareers with BVHVAC: bvhvac.com/employmentLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/brandywine-valley-heating-&-acFacebook: facebook.com/BVHVACCommunity involvement: bvhvac.com/community-involvementOther LinksMichael Gidlewski + Achievement Unlimited: achievable.comBDR (Business Development Resources): bdrco.comVolunteer OrganizationsChester County History CenterKennett SymphonyWest Chester Fire DepartmentGood Neighbor Day in DowningtownEducational InstitutionsThaddeus Stevens CollegeChester County Intermediate UnitTranscriptThe episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

We sit down in the podcast studio with Christine Zaccarelli, Chief Executive Officer of The Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County to talk about how victims of sexual violence and others crimes can access the support they need. Chris walks us through the work that she and her colleagues at CVC are doing in the areas of victim advocacy, counseling, and prevention education. OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSThe Crime Victims’ Center of Chester CountyWebsite: cvcofcc.orgInstagram: instagram.com/crime_victims_centerFacebook: facebook.com/cvcofccLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-crime-victims’-center-of-chester-county-inc-/Volunteer opportunities: cvcofcc.org/get-involvedOn LinkedIn: A Day in the Life of An AdvocateSexual Assault Awareness Month EventsFor more details about any of these launch events or the walk, please visit CVC’s Facebook page.April 01: West ChesterApril 02: Kennett Square April 02: PhoenixvilleApril 03: CoatesvilleApril 13: Walk a Mile in Her Shoes in PhoenixvilleAdditional ResourcesVictims of Crime Act (VOCA)Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect (PCAR)Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)Telemedicine platform: doxy.meOther OrganizationsChester County Food BankHome of the SparrowOpen HearthUnited Way of Southern Chester CountyFund for Women and GirlsPhoenixville Community Health FoundationThe Alliance for Health EquityTranscriptThe episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it is available.

The focus on STEM education and STEM careers in recent decades has us meeting with Richard Roberts, III, to talk about supporting economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented youth to become the next generation of leaders. Rick is the founder and President of Young Men and Women in Charge, headquartered in West Chester, Pa. In a well-rounded conversation, we talk about how a village of support enables local young people to excel.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSYoung Men and Women in Charge FoundationWebsite: ymwicfoundation.orgFacebook: facebook.com/YMICFoundationIncInstagram: instagram.com/ymwicscholarsTwitter: twitter.com/ymwicfoundationVimeoAdditional LinksBuilding Teams in Manufacturing and Engineering with Doug ThompsonTrellis: trellis4tomorrow.orgChester County Community Foundation: chescocf.orgChester County Workforce Development BoardChester County Economic Development Council: ccedcapa.com

With a growing local population and much upheaval in recent years in how and when people commute to and from work, the transportation needs and goals of Chester County are an important topic for discussion. We meet with Tim Phelps, Executive Director of the Transportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC), to talk about advocating and collaborating for sustainable transportation practices. We discuss the many travel planning initiatives happening across the region, and explore how locals can get involved with travel programs and initiatives in their specific regions.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSTMACCWebsite: tmacc.orgCommunity magazine: tmacc.org/chesgoLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/1524399Facebook: facebook.com/ChesCoTMATransportation Organizations and SitesChester County Planning: chescoplanning.orgChester County Parks: chesco.org/4520/Parks-TrailsDVRPC: https://dvrpc.org/PennDOT D6: penndot.pa.gov/RegionalOffices/district-6/Pages/default.aspxD6 Traffic Bulletin: penndot.pa.gov/RegionalOffices/district-6/Pages/Philly-Regional-Traffic-Bulletin.aspxBonus: 511pa.comAdditional LinksChester County Food Bank: chestercountyfoodbank.orgLHC (formerly La Communidad): lchcommunityhealth.orgTranscriptThe transcript for this episode will be posted as it becomes available.

With so much happening in the local residential property market in recent years, we meet with David Graham and Bela Vora to discuss the topic. Based in Kennett Square, David Graham is a mortgage specialist with Rapid Mortgage. Bela Vora is a realtor in Exton, with Coldwell Banker Realty. We cover what steps to take before applying for a mortgage, how to to prepare for buying a first home or buying a home for the first time in a long time, and trends in the Chester County property market – and more.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSLinks for David GrahamFacebook: facebook.com/DavidGrahamMortgageSpecialistLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davidgrahammortgagespecialist/Instagram: @davidrgrahammortgagespecialistWebsite: rapidmortgage.com/kennettsquarebranch/loan-officers/david-graham/Links for Bela VoraWebsite belavorahomes.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/belavora/Youtube: youtube.com/channel/UCZZp377QGuzUNnl1OK2tYgQFacebook: facebook.com/PhillySuburbsRealtorInstagram: instagram.com/philly_suburbs_realtor/Contact Bela: belavorahomes.com/contact-meAdditional LinksSafe Harbor of Chester CountyHabitat for Humanity of Chester CountyChester County Food BankAddressing food insecurity in Chester County: Start Local Podcast episode with Andi Youndt, CEO, Chester County Food BankCommercial real estate market in Chester County: Start Local Podcast episode with Eric Kuhn, Pillar Real Estate Advisors

We jump into the local manufacturing sector with Doug Thompson, Manager of Manufacturing at R-V Industries, Inc.. We learn about how R-V Industries, celebrating fifty years in business this year, has grown and expanded to include facilities and operations in multiple sites in Pennsylvania, and in New Jersey and Illinois. Doug talks about building and supporting manufacturing and engineering teams and more at R-V Industries, while highlighting the opportunity for young people to build a career in manufacturing. This is a great exploration of local manufacturing in Chester County.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSR-V IndustriesWebsite: www.rvii.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/r-vindustriesFacebook: facebook.com/RVIndustriesIncCareers with R-V: www.rvii.com/careers/Additional LinksUniversal Technical Institute (UTI)Thaddeus Stephens CollegePennsylvania College of TechnologyManufacturing Alliance of Chester County and Delaware County (MACCDC)CMMC Demystified (by our friends at Pegasus Technologies): pegasustechnologies.com/cmmc-demystifiedLocal Food PantriesHoney Brook Food PantryTwin Valley Food Pantry

We spend time with Chris Saello, President & CEO of the United Way of Chester County. We explore how the United Way operates and how it supports our local community generally. Chris then walks us through the many exciting and impact-focused programs that the United Way is delivering to address a range of significant local needs. We also focus on the ALICE community and the work being done to support those in need there ... and more.OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of CommerceLINKSUnited Way of Chester CountyChris Saello on LinkedInWhat does United Way do?Next Generation United WaySocial Innovation LabALICEMobile Home Tax Reassessment ProgramWays to Get InvolvedFacebook: UWChesterCountyInstagram: UWChesterCountyTwitter: @UWChesterCountyAdditional LinksChester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC)i2N (a CCEDC Initiative)Great Valley LaunchboxCareerLink of Chester CountyChester County Workforce Development BoardChester County Non-ProfitsCrime Victim’s Center of Chester CountyAiden’s HeartLegal Aid of Southeastern PennsylvaniaGrandfamiliesHousing Partnership of Chester CountyYouth Mentoring PartnershipChester County Partnership to End HomelessnessRelated Start Local EpisodesInvesting in Your Local Community with Susan Springsteen of nth SolutionsFighting Food Insecurity Locally with Andrea Youndt of the Chester County FoodbankAdvocating for Local Businesses and Organizations with Laura Manion of the Chester County Chamber of Business & IndustryRunning a Data Analytics and Software Development Company with Chris MacNeel

We enjoy a wonderful conversation with Sue Miller, a local farmer and cheese maker. Together with her husband and their two sons, Sue owns and runs Birchrun Hills Farm in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania. We dive into cheese making and running a dairy farm where the cows produce milk that goes into the cheese. LinksBirchrun Hills FarmWebsite: birchrunhillsfarm.comFacebook: facebook.com/BirchrunHillsFarmInstagram: instagram.com/birchrunhills2023 Chester County Farmers of the YearAdditional LinksPennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA): pasafarming.orgPeter Dixon: dairyfoodsconsulting.comLe Garage WineryWhite Dog CaféValley Milk HouseThe Collective Creamery – a cheese Community Supported Agriculture sharesAmazing Acres Goat DairyPA Right to Farm Act (from Penn State Law)Pennsylvania Agricultural Security Areas

We cover a lot of ground with Laura Berry, an R&D Tax Credit Specialist with Bowers R&D Associates. We talk at length about how local-area businesses can secure tax credits for their research and development. We also talk about being the spouse of a veteran, playing and coaching rugby, creative writing, and more. If your business is currently doing R&D or you are thinking of getting into it, this is a must-listen conversation.LINKSLaura BerryLaura Berry on LinkedInLaura’s Books: indiesunited.net/laura-dinovis-berryBowers R&D Associates and TaxBowers R&D AssociatesBowers R&D Associates on LinkedInPA website for credits: revenue.pa.gov/IncentivesCreditsPrograms/Pages/default.aspxBlog Post on Keystone Innovation Zones (KIZ): bowersrd.com/what-is-the-keystone-innovation-zone-tax-credit-program/Additional LinksSafe Harbor of Chester CountyMilitary Spouse Advocacy NetworkConestoga Rugby Football ClubPhoenixville White Horse Rugby ClubRemark GlassTranscriptThe transcript for this episode will be posted as it becomes available.

We spend time with Chris MacNeel, the Chief Operating Officer of Freya Systems, a local area data analytics and software development company. Having met Chris at TECH360, we go right in AI and the many ways it is shaping our lives today. We talk about company culture and explore remote vs. in-person work environments. This is a wide-ranging listen and an important listen for any leader of a business or nonprofit.LinksFreya SystemsFreya Systems website: freyasystems.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/freya-systems-llcTwitter: @FreyaSystemsInstagram: instagram.com/freyasystemsYouTubeAdditional LinksEntrepreneurial Operating System (EOS): eosworldwide.comTECH360: tech360pa.comTranscriptThe transcript for this episode will be posted as it becomes available.

We meet with with Bertram L. Lawson II, the new President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine. With a long and distinguished career with the YMCA (garnered in leadership positions at several YMCA locations), Bertram shares his insight and experience of steering a large local nonprofit at a difficult and challenging time.LinksYMCA of Greater BrandywineBertram L. Lawson, II on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bertram-l-lawson-ii-4167a66YMCA of Greater Brandywine website: ymcagbw.orgYMCA of Greater Brandywine LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ymca-of-greater-brandywine/YMCA of Greater Brandywine Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YMCAofGreaterBrandywine/YMCA of Greater Brandywine Holiday Angels program: ymcagbw.org/holiday-supportChester County FoodbankChester County Foodbank website: chestercountyfoodbank.org/double-your-impact-thanks-to-bentley-family/Start Local episode with Andi Youndt, CEO of the Chester County FoodbankAdditional LinksLincoln University website: lincoln.eduSedona Taphouse: sedonataphouse.com/locations/west-chester-pa

We chat with Bob Cox, Managing Partner of BHHC, a local area consultancy focused on enabling companies and nonprofits to move towards greater success. We speak at length with Bob about how to support and empower high performing employees, especially in a difficult labor market.LinksBHHC website: buildandperform.comBob Cox on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/accountabilitybobGood to Great by Jim CollinsProject C.U.R.E.: projectcure.org/location/philadelphiaRise Against Hunger: riseagainsthunger.orgOrphan Grain Train: ogt.org/branches/mid-atlanticHabitat for Humanity of Chester County: hfhcc.org

We chat with Eric Kuhn, Managing Partner with Pillar Real Estate Advisors, LLC, a local area commercial real estate brokerage firm. We learn about the current state of the local commercial real estate economy. Eric shares his professional experience on what entrepreneurs should consider with respect to their workspace needs as their business grows. This wide-ranging conversation is an important listen for any business or nonprofit leader in or around Chester County, Pennsylvania.

We spend time with Laura Manion, the President and CEO of the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry. We speak with Laura about her advocacy work at the CCCBI and how she and her colleagues work on behalf of businesses and organizations in and around Chester County. We also go into detail about the challenges of affordable childcare and housing, particularly as they affect local employers and employees.

We spend time with Robert Jefferson, a private practice attorney, about his role as the City Solicitor for the City of Coatesville, Pa and his approach to serving the people of that community. We chat about the non-profit organizations that Rob supports through service on their boards. And we spent time chatting about changes to the legal sector. This was a fun, energetic conversation with an enthusiastic and articulate lawyer.

We explore how the Chester County Food Bank leads the local fight against food insecurity in a great conversation with the for impact organization's CEO, Andrea Youndt. Andrea shares how her career trajectory lead her to her current leadership position, and walks us through how the food bank partners with 150 local partners to address food insecurity and related challenges across Chester County.

We catch up again with West Chester-based marketing agency owner, Marty McDonald. The CEO and Co-Founder of Bad Rhino, Marty shares how every local business should have a podcast – and how that podcast could fill its marketing messaging needs in a easy-to-manage and compelling way.

We learn all about Camphill Village Kimberton Hills from Robert Martin, a retired academic and musician. We begin our conversation with Bob walking us through his storied life and professional trajectory, which saw him move to the Camphill Village in northern Chester County. He then goes into depth about the philosophy and purpose of the village – and its many activities and happenings. It was such a treat to learn about this wonderful, caring, and beautiful community. Any single sentence or two would be insufficient to describe Camphill Village Kimberton Hills in any meaningful way – so you will need to dig into the full episode.