Exton Region Chamber of Commerce Promotes Social Capital

“We are all interconnected, and more similar than we are different.” These were the repeated themes of the Tuesday June 7, 2016 Monthly Nonprofit Luncheon hosted by the Exton Region Chamber of Commerce. The event attracted more than 50 participants in the nonprofit and for-profit business communities located in and around the Exton region.

The Nonprofit Council of Exton Region Chamber of Commerce has been recently re-established and is developing a significant momentum thanks to the leadership of recently hired President, Laurie Kerkering, Deborah Beach (Assistant to the President), and a team of committee volunteers. “It is only through the commitment and work of the chamber members that we able to pull off such amazing events like the Nonprofit Luncheon,” says Kerkering. The luncheon was held at the Hilton Garden Inn Exton/West Chester and was supported by sponsors Thrivent Financial and USI Affinity.

The luncheon provided the opportunity for networking over lunch and for each of the participating nonprofits to provide their one minute “elevator pitch.” This was followed by a keynote presentation by M. Christopher Tabakin, President and CEO of iHi International, entitled "Social Capital Check-Up: Is Your Organization Healthy, or in Need of a Booster Shot?” Chris explored emerging trends in social responsibility, social capital and social entrepreneurship to evaluate if organizations are maximizing impact and opportunity. By utilizing personal experience in working internationally with VIPs (Vulnerable International People), sharing engaging stories from his experience and life, as well as incorporating data and trends he made a motivating case for the importance of networking and collaboration across the for-profit and non-profit sectors. “Collaboration and reciprocal relationships are a must to develop meaningful social capital. Employees, customers, and upcoming generations expect and demand it” Chris explained. Participants left encouraged, energized and motivated to maximize the realty that we are all more similar than we are different in this global society. For more information on VIPs, visit www.iHiInternational.org.

The Exton Region Chamber of Commerce is a private, voluntary, not-for-profit 501(C)(6) business organization dedicated to improving the economic environment of our community, fostering the development of business growth and prosperity, advocating for sound public policy, and providing our members with outstanding programs and benefits. The Chamber is conveniently located in the Exton Square Mall. For more information about the chamber, and to join visit www.ercc.net.

Photos include the event, with featured speaker M. Christopher Tabakin, President and CEO of iHi International, as well as photos included as part of the presentation of Mr. Tabakin's work with VIPs.