Start Local

Liam Dempsey, Erik Gudmundson, and Joe Casabona

Start Local is focused on helping businesses and non-profits in and around Chester County, Pennsylvania, connect and grow together. Our aim is to bring together the many folks that make up our wonderful community in greater Philadelphia to share and learn from each other.

  1. 4d ago

    Supporting and Connecting Students to Help Them Succeed with Katie Duffus

    Students from under-resourced communities face hurdles that can block or limit their educational opportunities. We speak with Katie Duffus, Executive Director, Chester County Futures, to learn how she and her colleagues support students, connecting them to resources and networks, to enable those young people to flourish in school and life. As Chester County Futures celebrates its 30th anniversary, Katie explains how her team walks with students from middle school through college graduation and beyond. She spells out their programs and explains how students can engage with this program across Chester County. Katie also shares her insight as a nonprofit leader, including skills garnered as a two-sport college athlete. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Chester County Futures Website: ccfutures.orgInstagram: instagram.com/chestercountyfuturesFacebook: facebook.com/chestercountyfuturesLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/chester-county-futuresLocal Organization Spotlight First Resource BankCoatesville Area School DistrictAdditional Links Smedley County ParkRidley Creek State ParkRelated Episodes Fighting Food Insecurity Locally with Andrea YoundtSteering a Large Local Nonprofit with Bertram L. Lawson IIADVERTISEMENT Need legal help? The Chester County Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service connects community members with local attorneys for a $25, 30-minute consultation. Start local—and find a path forward. Get legal help

  2. Oct 2

    Providing Affordable Counseling and Mental Health Support with Katie Bowman

    Finding quality mental health and well-being support can make the difference between struggling and flourishing. We sit down with Katie Bowman, Executive Director with New London Counseling Center, about how her team of therapists works to meet the needs of communities in southern Chester County. Katie explains how as a nonprofit, the organization provides counseling, group education, and workshops for local adults and young people. She guides us through the different avenues that her therapists work with and support their neighbors. Katie helps us understand how they partner with schools and other nonprofits to support young people. Importantly, Katie also dispels some myths around people seeking help - making it clear that seeking help is a sign of strength. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS New London Counseling Center Website: newlondoncounselingcenter.comInstagram: instagram.com/newlondoncounselingcenter/Facebook: facebook.com/NewLondonCounselingCenter/YouTube: youtube.com/@newlondoncounselingcenter3362LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/new-london-counseling-center-pa/Katie Bowman on LinkedInLocal Business Spotlight Lola’sJackson & Haines (on Instagram)Brookside Greenhouse (on Facebook)Maple Shade GreenhouseADVERTISEMENT Need legal help? The Chester County Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service connects community members with local attorneys for a $25, 30-minute consultation. Start local—and find a path forward. Get legal help

  3. Sep 18

    Pressing Vinyl Records with Phil Nicolo and Ashley Nicolo

    Long abandoned by the music industry, vinyl records have made a strong return to the marketplace in recent years, as music lovers of all generations embrace this historically significant medium. We speak at length with rock music legend Phil Nicolo and his daughter-in-law, Ashley Nicolo, about running Studio4Vinyl, a world-class record pressing plant in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. As owner, Phil, and Chief Operating Officer, Ashley, walk us around their factory floor, they teach us about the complex and unpredictable process of pressing vinyl records. We learn about industry trends and hear about Studio4Vinyl’s cutting edge process for producing the best sounding records. Of course, we throw in a question or two about Phil’s storied career in music production, mixing, and mastering. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Studio 4 Vinyl Website: studio4vinyl.comInstagram: instagram.com/studio4vinylTwitch: twitch.tv/studio4vinylNew promotional video from Studio4VinylStudio4 Recording Studio (on Facebook)Musicians/Artists Saturation by Urge Overkill$uicideboy$Ice-TTaj Mahal – Like Never Before (1991 album)Urge Overkill – Saturation (1994 album)Todd Rundgren – Something/Anything? (1972 album)Couldn’t I Just Tell You by Todd RundgrenTurnstileLocal Business Spotlight Jack’s Pizza and PastaDouble D DinerAdditional Links Women in VinylChester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC)SeedcopaThird Man PressingRIAA Curve (Wikipedia entry)Memory Music StudiosADVERTISEMENT Need legal help? The Chester County Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service connects community members with local attorneys for a $25, 30-minute consultation. Start local—and find a path forward. Get legal help

  4. Sep 4

    Advocating for Abused and Neglected Children with Leigh Anne McKelvey

    Children in the midst of proceedings in Dependency Court face countless questions, fears, and uncertainties. To understand more, we speak with Leigh Anne McKelvey, Executive Director of CASA Youth Advocates, which serves Delaware and Chester Counties as part of a national nonprofit network. A social worker first, Leigh Anne guides us through the challenges confronting children who have experienced abuse and neglect – and explains how CASA’s staff and volunteers advocate for those children. She unpacks how CASA’s volunteers are screened and trained to support children navigating instability in many areas of their lives. Leigh Anne also shares her passion for teaching graduate-level social work students and reveals how she likes to unwind amidst the pressures of leading CASA, teaching courses, and raising a young family.OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKSCASA Youth Advocates Serving Delaware and Chester Counties Website: chescocasa.orgInstagram: instagram.com/casayouthadvocatesFacebook: facebook.com/CASAYouthAdvocatesCASA on YouTubeCareers with CASA: delcocasa.org/jobs-casaLeigh Anne McKelvey on LinkedInLocal Business Spotlight TLC Rescue (To Love a Canine)ADVERTISEMENT Need legal help? The Chester County Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service connects community members with local attorneys for a $25, 30-minute consultation. Start local—and find a path forward. Get legal help

  5. Aug 21

    Making the Finest Chocolates with Albert Lauber

    For many people, few culinary pleasures compare with fine Swiss chocolate. Indulging our own dreams, we joined Albert Lauber, Owner and Chocolatier at Neuchatel Chocolates, on his factory floor in Oxford, Pennsylvania. Surrounded by the irresistible sights and aromas of chocolate being made, we spoke with Albert about the craft and business behind it all. He explained how he transforms Swiss chocolate into delicious truffles – and how he makes his own chocolate from Philippine cocoa beans. We also explored industry trends, the challenges of managing a factory, and his approach to sourcing ingredients from local farmers and producers. If you have even a hint of a sweet tooth, this delicious episode is not to be missed. OUR PARTNERSouthern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Neuchatel Chocolates neuchatelchocolates.comswisschips.comFacebook: facebook.com/NeuchatelChocolatesInstagram: instagram.com/neuchatel_swiss_chocolatesChocoEve Website: chocoeve.comLocal Business Spotlight SILOAdditional Links Extract and BoxMaplehofe DiaryThe Market at Liberty PlaceRelated Episodes Buying, Renovating, and Renting Properties with Geoff BosleyADVERTISEMENT Need legal help? The Chester County Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service connects community members with local attorneys for a $25, 30-minute consultation. Start local—and find a path forward. Get legal help

  6. Aug 7

    Creating Safe Places and Finding Forever Homes for Cats with Kristine Baney

    Cats, cats – here, there and everywhere! Surrounded by felines, we meet with Kristine Baney, Executive Director at Treetops Kitty Cafe. More of a lounge than a cafe, Treetops Kitty Cafe is a cat rescue located in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. At Treetops, the cats play, nap, and cause chaos wherever they want as they roam freely throughout the entire facility. Kristine walks us through the running of the rescue shelter, its adoption service, and caring for the cats that call the cafe home, even if only for a short while. We talk about board recruitment and strategies for raising awareness about the nonprofit, ensuring that a growing number of local residents know about and support the cafe. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Treetops Kitty Cafe Website: treetopskittycafe.comFacebook: facebook.com/TreetopsKittyCafeRescueInstagram: instagram.com/treetopskittycafeTikTok: tiktok.com/@treetopskittycafeLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/treetops-kitty-cafe-animal-rescueKristine Baney on LinkedInBoard involvement note on the Treetops Kitty Cafe websiteVolunteer with Treetops Kitty CafeAdditional Links ACCT PhillyPocopson Veterinary StationCherry Blossom VacationsForage BooksThe Mushroom FestivalLongwood GardensTRANSCRIPT

  7. Jul 24

    Supporting and Serving Children in Under Resourced Communities with Jan Michener

    Learning to read at a young age can prove so critical to how well a child flourishes as they grow. We meet with Jan Michener, Founder and Executive Director of Arts Holding Hands & Hearts (AHHAH). Based in Kennett Square, AHHAH supports young people in under resourced communities across Chester County. The organizations runs a range of arts and literacy programs in communities, schools, and the youth detention center – all focused on enabling those young people to thrive, rather than merely service. With deep commitment to helping children read at grade level from an early age, Jan walks us through several of AHHAH’s program and initiatives. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Arts Holding Hands and Hearts (AHHAH) Website: ahhah.orgInstagram: instagram.com/artsholdinghandsandheartsFacebook: facebook.com/ArtsHoldingHandsAndHeartsIncJan Michener on LinkedInAdditional Links Chester County FuturesKennett Ability Network (KAN)Good WorksCamp DreamcatcherKennett LibraryJustamere FoundationChester County Intermediate UnitChester County Youth CenterDolly Parton’s Imagination LibraryThe Alliance for Health EquityChester County Opportunities Industrialization Center (CCOIC)Other Interviews with Jan Michener Jan Michener on Great DamesJan Michener on The Art of Volunteering PodcastRelated Episodes Repairing Homes and Building Relationships with Bob BeggsNurturing Belonging and Celebrating Community with Children Impacted by HIV/AIDS with Patty HillkirkBuilding Community and Capacity with Chris MannaTRANSCRIPT The full transcript for this episode will be published on our website as soon as it is available.

  8. Jul 10

    Designing, Fabricating, and Servicing Industrial Construction with Scott Dolor

    Industrial fabrication and construction underpins much of the infrastructure and manufacturing that keeps our economy moving. In this episode, we sit down with Scott Dolor, Vice President of Operations at M. Davis & Sons, to explore how the Kennett Square company designs, fabricates, installs, and maintains complex industrial systems. Scott walks us through the evolution of the family-owned business, its focus on investing on its people, and how the company attracts and develops the next generation of craftspeople. We also discuss the many facets of M. Davis’s business, fostering a strong workplace culture, and how the company is eager to engage with and supporting its local community. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS M. Davis & Sons Website: mdavisinc.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/m-davis-&-sonsFacebook: facebook.com/MDavisSonsIncScott Dolor on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scott-dolor-mba-62134a13Additional Links The Garage Community & Youth CenterSILOChester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU)Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)

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About

Start Local is focused on helping businesses and non-profits in and around Chester County, Pennsylvania, connect and grow together. Our aim is to bring together the many folks that make up our wonderful community in greater Philadelphia to share and learn from each other.

Information

  • Creator
    Liam Dempsey, Erik Gudmundson, and Joe Casabona
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    107
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Start Local
  • Show Website
    Start Local