The Paoli Business and Professional Association (PBPA) remains dedicated to its mission of cultivating economic and cultural vitality in the greater Paoli community and beyond our borders. The PBPA was proactive in promoting social distancing even prior to the stay-at-home directive issued by Governor Tom Wolf, cancelling some beloved events and transitioning from in-person workshops to virtual “Lunch & Learns.”
“The health and well-being of our community is our highest priority. While we miss the everyday face-to-face activities, we are glad to be able to continue to interact with the community in helpful, meaningful and even fun ways. We look forward to the day we can all celebrate a successful end to this pandemic.”
~Lex Mellon, President, Paoli Business & Professional Association
Early in this crisis, the PBPA recognized the potential dangers and cancelled the beloved Easter Bunny visiting the Paoli Toy & Hardware Center on a Paoli Fire Company truck as well as the “Lunch with our Legislators” annual meet-and-greet with local elected officials.
Further Coronavirus crisis changes have included transitioning the popular “Lunch & Learn with SCORE” to virtual Lunch & Learn webinars – complete with a discount to Primo Hoagies for attendees to have their lunch while attending. (The next virtual Lunch & Learn is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13. Register here.)
“We are proud of the activities and initiatives we have undertaken to help ease the COVID-19 burdens on our neighbors and community.”
~Andy Wilson, Past President, Paoli Business & Professional Association
The PBPA supports and promotes the following initiatives, among others:
- Local Food Banks & Pantries – The PBPA donated $1000 to the Chester County Food Bank. Other local foodbanks can be found on www.paolibusiness.com.
- Paoli Fire Company COVID-19 19-Day Donation Challenge – With Fyzical Paoli & Primo Hoagies of Paoli, the PBPA has asked the community to donate gloves, masks and non-perishable food to the First Responders. Primo Hoagies has provided weekly lunch trays to the Company.
- Friends of Corsica – PBPA continues to support Corsica, with whom Paoli has a long history, by creating and donating to “Friends of Corsica,” care of Malvern Bank, 34 East Lancaster Avenue, Paoli, PA.
- Food! Glorious food! Initiative – PBPA has listed all Paoli restaurants open during the crisis and asks the community to enjoy an “out-to-dinner IN” night weekly to support Paoli’s local foodworkers.
A bit about the PBPA:
The mission of PBPA is to bring value to Paoli businesses and to promote the safety and beautification of the Paoli community. The PBPA membership serves a diverse audience of citizens, including community leaders, entrepreneurs, business executives, employees and educators. It provides leadership and resources to local businesses and organizations and acts as a catalyst for providing information and activities for our members and the region. The PBPA teams up with similar organizations on the Main Line in a networking alliance. Each year this group sponsors a series of social get-togethers for members to meet and network with others from our partner organizations. Take a tour of our website to learn more about our organization!