The Board of Directors of the Willow Grove Chamber of Commerce would like to extend happy holiday wishes to all.  Please have a safe and joyous holiday season and a wonderful new year.

The goal of the new Board of Directors of the Willow Grove Chamber of Commerce is to have total and open communication with our residents, businesses and civic leaders. This communication will be the key to our success in years ahead. As your new president I have many ideas that I hope will strengthen our community.

Our card exchanges will now be called “business networking events” and will include gifts, prizes and raffles along with our usual refreshments. Sign up for a date and show off your business. This is your privilege as a member of the Chamber. Just call the office for details.

The “Taste of Willow Grove” which was held on Sunday, December 4 at Kremp’s Florist was a huge success.  Close to 300 people including our commissioners, elected officials, businesses and residents were in attendance.  Twenty restaurants presented their signature dishes to the delight of all in attendance.  Area newcomers Bravo Cucina, Mad Mex and Miller Ale House participated in the event along with other staple restaurants in our area.  It was great to see Bravo Cucina and Mad Mex attend and a special treat to have Miller Ale House there since they aren’t even expected to open until Spring of 2012.  Put this one on your calendar next year for Sunday December 2nd.  Make it a great way to kick off your holiday season.

New events and perks for our members are already in the works.  Current members were treated to lunches and dinners for the soft openings of both Mad Mex and Bravo Cucina.  Now there’s a little bang for your membership dollar right there.  Look for Chamber events to potentially include dinners, theater and group sporting events.  Hey, who wants to go see the Phillies in 2012 or maybe even the Iron Pigs?

The Chamber has reintroduced our “Welcome Basket” program and our first delivery was made in November.  Thirty four new households were treated to a basket of vendor gifts, coupons, goodies and a beautiful plant from Kremp’s Florist.  If you have a new neighbor or know of someone who will be moving in shortly, please let the office know.  This is a great opportunity for all business members of the chamber to advertise to the newcomers.  Did I mention that it is free to all members?

Plans are currently being drawn up the Redevelopment and Revitalization taskforce committees for submission to local, and county, authorities.  The task forces are hard at work on these plans.  Two public meetings were already held by taskforce chairlady Karen Houck and her committee members.  Look for more details in February and March of 2012.  Real progress is being
made here.

Please save www.ewillowgrove.com to your favorites and visit it at least weekly.  The Chamber expects to be the central communications point for our community.  We have links to all of our community emergency services, schools, library, politicians and businesses along with notifications of special events.  If you can’t find it on our site, let us know and we will get it there.

Regards,

John L. DiMarzio
President
Willow Grove Chamber of Commerce