Laura Manion is the President & CEO of the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry, the region's premier business advocacy organization representing a diverse membership of 600 businesses — from small enterprises to multinational corporations — across 155 zip codes in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As the voice of the business community, Laura advocates for pro-business policies at the local, state, and federal levels through a range of initiatives including hosting elected officials, convening roundtable policy discussions with community partners, and authoring sign-on letters and letters of support for members seeking government funding. She drives strategic efforts focused on economic growth, workforce development, and public policy engagement, while leading the Chamber's work to attract and retain member businesses through value-driven engagement and impactful networking opportunities. Laura oversees the Chamber's $800,000+ budget, revenue streams, and day-to-day operations with a focus on long-term sustainability and organizational excellence. Under her leadership, the Chamber produces 50+ annual events spanning high-profile convenings, leadership programs, and economic initiatives that support business leaders and advance workforce development. Her impact is reflected in the numbers: from 2022 to 2023, event attendance grew 105% and new membership increased 106% — momentum that carried into 2024 with 150 new members welcomed to the organization. Manion most recently served as a Manager for the Great Lakes Regional Office for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In this role, she cultivated legislative, political, media, and grassroots resources throughout Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania to further the chamber’s public policy goals. She also helped lead the chamber’s efforts to strengthen its relationships with members of Congress through member businesses, associations, and local and state chambers of commerce across the region. Her policy portfolio at the U.S. Chamber focused on small business, workforce, and education. Prior to joining the U.S. Chamber, Manion was the Assistant Director of Government Affairs and Community Relations at Villanova University. She handled all local matters pertaining to the university, working closely with county and township officials and business associations and chambers, as well as the university’s neighbors. Manion hopes that she can take experience from the different roles in her career to strengthen her connections within the community and further the mission of the chamber. “The pandemic showed the vital role that chambers of commerce play in their community,” she said. “We are a resource, rich with information and connections to benefit our member businesses. I look forward to working with the chamber’s board, volunteers, staff, and members to continue to grow and expand the organization. As a lifelong Chester County resident, it’s humbling and exciting to be tapped for this position.” Manion graduated from Franklin & Marshall College in 2013 with a degree in Government and holds an MPA from West Chester University. In 2018, City & State PA presented her with its Above and Beyond Award, which recognizes 25 exceptional women from Pennsylvania for their accomplishments across various sectors, including politics, healthcare, education, and nonprofits.
