Start Local

Joe Casabona, Erik Gudmundson, and Liam Dempsey
  • 5.0 (4)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
Start Local

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. MAR 21

    Serving and Supporting the Local Community with Pauline Garcia-Allen

    Located in southern Chester County, Oxford, Pennsylvania, is a charming small town that is rich in history and poised for revitalization and growth. We sit down with Pauline Garcia-Allen, the Borough Manager of Oxford, to explore what makes this town so special. From its diverse community to its evolving downtown and economic development efforts, Pauline shares how she and other local leaders are working to support residents, attract businesses, and navigate a complexity of challenges, including the expansion of the Route 1 corridor. Tune in for an inside look at Oxford’s transformation and why now is the time to keep an eye on this up-and-coming gem. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS The Borough of Oxford Borough website: oxfordboro.orgCareers: oxfordboro.org/jobsFacebook: facebook.com/oxfordboroughpaInstagram: instagram.com/theboroughofoxfordAdditional Links Neuchatel ChocolatesOctoraro Hotel and TavernOxford MainstreetSILOThe Creamery of Kennett SquareLincoln UniversityOxford Neighborhood Services CenterOxford Arts AllianceOxford Area Historical AssociationHerr'sPillar Real Estate AdvisorsRelated Start Local Episodes Running a Commercial Real Estate Firm with Eric KuhnTRANSCRIPT The episode transcript will be posted on our website as soon as it available.

    38 min

  2. MAR 7

    Protecting Land, Birds, Watersheds, and Local Habitats with Kate Etherington

    While Chester County is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and open spaces, preserving that natural beauty – and the wildlife that thrives within it – requires constant effort. We speak with Kate Etherington, President and Executive Director of Willistown Conservation Trust, about the dedication and strategy behind this vital work. This local land trust leads initiatives in land protection, bird conservation, watershed stewardship, habitat restoration, and sustainable farming. In our conversation, Kate shares insights into these efforts and how people of all ages can get involved, learn, and contribute to the Trust’s mission. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Willistown Conservation Trust Website: wctrust.orgEvents: wctrust.org/calendarNewsletters: wctrust.org/connectFacebook: facebook.com/wctrust.orgInstagram: instagram.com/wctrustLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/willistown-conservation-trustYouTube: youtube.com/user/WillistownCTBird-friendly coffee programAdditional Links Stroud Water Research CenterWest Chester Food CupboardMalvern ButteryThorncroftPennsylvania Department of Conversation and Natural Resources (PADCNR)Gryphon Coffee CoRelated Start Local Episodes Fighting Food Insecurity Locally with Andrea YoundtConducting World-Leading, Innovative Fresh Water Research with John JacksonTRANSCRIPT The full transcript will be posted as soon as it is available.

    48 min

  3. FEB 21

    Building a Thriving Theater to Benefit the Local Community with Jennifer Carlson

    There’s something special about the glow of a historic theater marquee, the scent of fresh popcorn, and the magic of a film flickering on the screen in a century-old venue. But keeping The Colonial Theatre thriving takes more than nostalgia – it demands passion, strategy, and dedication. Executive Director Jennifer Carlson takes us behind the scenes of running this iconic venue. Whether you’re a film buff, a live music fan, or just love a good comeback story, this episode shines a spotlight on the power of community, creativity, and a really great theater. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS The Colonial Theatre Website: thecolonialtheatre.comFacebook: facebook.com/thecolonialtheatreInstagram: instagram.com/thecolonialtheatreYouTube: youtube.com/user/thecolonialtheatreSuggest films: film@thecolonialtheatre.comNew York Times article about Blob Fest (16-Jul-2024)Area Theaters and Organizations Phoenixville Film FestivalAmbler TheaterBryn Mawr Film InstituteWalnut Street TheaterTheater Organ Society of Delaware ValleyAdditional Links Rising Sun PresentsOrion CommunitiesPeople’s Light and TheaterWyck Historic House, Garden, and FarmConnecticut River MuseumTranscript The full transcript will be posted as soon as it is available.

    46 min

  4. FEB 7

    Running the Business and Keeping the Books Accurate with Paula Paisley

    Managing finances can be a major challenge for business owners and nonprofit leaders, and having accurate and up to date bookkeeping can make all the difference. We talk with Paula Paisley, founder and president of Paisley Solutions, a bookkeeping service in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Paula shares how she transitioned from working at a CPA firm to running her own company. We discuss the role of technology in bookkeeping and why financial clarity is essential for business success. Whether you are a business owner or a nonprofit leader, Paula’s insights provide real value. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Paisley Solutions Website: https://paisleysolutions.comFacebook: facebook.com/PaisleySolutionsLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/paisley-solutionsChambers of Commerce Southern Chester County Chamber of CommerceOxford Area Chamber of CommerceWestern Chester County Chamber of CommercePhoenixville Regional Chamber of CommerceWomen’s Business Connection of Chester CountyAdditional Links Author: Nevada BarrAuthor: C.J. BoxBuilding Capacity and Community with Chris MannaChester County LibrarySCOREManaging a Local Accountancy Firm with Kathy WileczekUmbreit, Wileczek & AssociatesTRANSCRIPT The full transcript will be posted as soon as it is available.

    44 min

  5. JAN 24

    Conducting World-Leading, Innovative Fresh Water Research with John Jackson

    With fresh, clean water a critical resource for life on earth, balanced ecosystems are essential for keeping our communities healthy and safe. We spend time with John Jackson, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist with the Stroud Water Research Center in Avondale, Pennsylvania. We speak at length about the challenges that winter road salt poses to our local ecosystems. We hear of a number of the in-depth research projects going on at the Stroud Center and learn how John and his colleagues are engaging with their local communities to educate and inform about important water issues affecting our region. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Stroud Water Research Center Website: stroudcenter.orgResearch Team: stroudcenter.org/researchEducation Team: stroudcenter.org/educationRestoration Team: stroudcenter.org/restorationFacebook: facebook.com/stroudcenterInstagram: instagram.com/stroudcenterYouTube: youtube.com/stroudcenterCareers: stroudcenter.org/jobsNewsletter sign-upJohn Jackson, Ph. D. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/john-jackson-a78190b9Stroud Center website: stroudcenter.org/people/jacksonJohn’s publications on Google ScholarLocal Nonprofits Brandywine Conservancy: brandywine.orgBrandywine Red Clay Alliance: brandywineredclay.orgNatural Lands: natlands.orgThe Nature Conservancy: nature.orgWillistown Conservation Trust: wctrust.orgBerks Nature: berksnature.orgGreen Valleys Watershed Association: greenvalleys.orgPerkiomen Watershed Conservancy: perkiomenwatershed.orgValley Forge Trout Unlimited: valleyforgetu.orgLocal Universities West Chester University: wcupa.eduMillersville University: millersville.eduUniversity of Delaware: udel.eduAdditional Links Willowdale SteeplechasePennVet New Bolton CenterTranscript The full transcript for this episode will be posted as soon as it is available.

    52 min

  6. JAN 10

    Leading a Growing Credit Union with Gary Golden

    Businesses, nonprofits, and individuals have more banking options than ever before. To help local leaders understand some of their options, we sit down with Gary Golden of Propell Credit Union to chat through how a credit union can help with financial services. We cover the history and growth of the community-chartered credit union, learning about its local connection to the helicopter industry. We hear how Propell is expanding its brick and mortar footprint, having recently opened a new branch in Chester County, Pennsylvania. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Propell Credit Union Website: propellcu.orgFacebook: facebook.com/propellcuInstagram: instagram.com/propellcuLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/propellcuKids Foundation Kids Foundation: propellcu.org/kids-foundationRestaurants Fava: favaglenmills.comTaste & Sea: tastesea.comBrick & Brew: bricknbrewpub.comAdditional Links Mindspan Systems podcast episode with Gary GoldenTranscript The full transcript will be posted as soon as it is available.

    52 min

  7. 12/27/2024

    Managing a Local Accountancy Firm with Kathy Wileczek

    The value that trusted accountants bring to businesses and nonprofits of all sizes cannot be overstated. Changes to federal and state filing rules, new tax regulations, and any flux in the economy see many business leaders turning to their accountants for guidance. We talk with Kathy Wileczek, shareholder with Umbreit, Wileczek & Associates, to learn about how she leads a small, highly-respected accountancy firm based in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. We explore the challenges Kathy faces and the joy she experiences in running her firm, including balancing business management, client work, and other life priorities. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Umbreit, Wileczek & Associates Umbreit, Wileczek & Associates: uwacpa.comUmbreit, Wileczek & Associates on Facebook: facebook.com/uwacpaKathy Wileczek on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kathleenwileczekChambers of Commerce Southern Chester County Chamber of CommerceGreater West Chester Chamber of CommerceAdditional Links Camp DreamcatcherTranscript The full transcript will be posted as soon as it is available.

    37 min

  8. 12/13/2024

    Producing Local Farmers and Crafts Markets and Community Events with Christy Campli

    Farmers markets and craft and artisanal markets are popping up in more and more communities across Chester County, Pennsylvania, as farm-to-table and shop local grow in popularity with consumers. We sat down with Christy Campli of Growing Roots to learn more about how she delivers and produces a series of markets and community events across the region. We speak with her about supporting local farmers, producers, artists, and makers – all while working to build community. OUR PARTNER Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce LINKS Growing Roots Website: growingrootspartners.comNewsletter sign-up: growingrootspartners.com/newsletter-signupsFarmers Markets Downingtown: growingrootspartners.com/downingtownEagleview: growingrootspartners.com/eagleviewMalvern: growingrootspartners.com/malvernInstagram: instagram.com/growingrootsfarmersmarketsCrafts & Mercantile Instagram: instagram.com/craftandmercantileNewsletter sign-up: growingrootspartners.com/craft-mercantile-newsletterGood Food Fest Website: goodfarmsgoodfood.comInstagram: instagram.com/goodfarmsgoodfoodAdditional Links Sundry Mornings Spice Co.Seoul Mates Korean KitchenChester County Food BankFighting Food Insecurity Locally with Andi YoundtKimberton Whole FoodsJoe Casabona’s podcast: Streamlined SolopreneurTRANSCRIPTThe full transcript will be published here as soon as it is available.

    47 min
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5
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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
    Joe Casabona, Erik Gudmundson, and Liam Dempsey
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Start Local
  • Show Website
    Start Local

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