The Exton Region Chamber of Commerce (ERCC) Veterans Taskforce had a full and productive year in 2025. Beginning in January, the Taskforce instituted a regular schedule of bi‑monthly meetings, convening on the second Thursday of January, March, May, September, and November. This consistent cadence helped focus our efforts, sustain momentum, and deepen our impact on the veterans we serve.
A Year of Impact: 2025 Highlights from the ERCC Veterans Taskforce
2025 was a busy, productive, and inspiring year for the Exton Region Chamber of Commerce (ERCC) Veterans Taskforce.
We continued to grow our network, deepen partnerships with veteran-serving organizations, and create meaningful opportunities for veterans, employers, and community members across Chester County.
Here’s a month-by-month recap of the year.
January: Kicking Off the Year & Realigning Our Mission
Date: Thursday, January 9
Location: VK Brewing, Exton
Our first meeting of 2025 focused on planning and strategic direction.
Key highlights:
- Reviewed the Taskforce’s transition from operating under the ERCC Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) Council to the ERCC Government Affairs Council, chaired by Damon Ireland
- Discussed how this shift would:
- Better align our work with regional policy and advocacy efforts
- Strengthen connections with local government, employers, and veteran-serving partners
- Outlined priorities and goals for the year, including education, outreach, and community events
This meeting set the tone for a year focused on collaboration, advocacy, and impact.
March: Spotlight on PA CareerLink – A “Best Kept Secret” for Veterans
Date: Thursday, March 13
Location: VK Brewing, Exton
We reconvened in March, again at VK Brewing, for a presentation from PA CareerLink, one of Pennsylvania’s comprehensive career centers and often called one of the “best kept secrets in Chester County” for the breadth of services it provides.
Presenters:
- Domenic DiLuigi, Career Advisor
- Nicolas Relacion, Career Advisor
Key takeaways:
- Overview of career and training resources available to:
- Veterans
- Job-seeking individuals
- Employers seeking talent
- Training providers looking to connect with the workforce
- Discussion of:
- Job search support and career counseling
- Training and upskilling opportunities
- How local employers can partner with PA CareerLink to connect with veteran talent
Nicolas emphasized that these resources are not just for veterans, but also for the broader community—making PA CareerLink a powerful connector across the region.
May: Healthcare, Benefits, and Our First Annual “Salute & Celebrate Veterans on the Green”
May Meeting – VA Healthcare & Benefits
Date: Thursday, May 8
Location: Downingtown VFW Post 845
We welcomed Megan Walton, Strategic Planner and Outreach Coordinator for the Coatesville VA Medical Center.
Key topics included:
- Overview of VA health care benefits
- How to file claims with the Veterans Benefits Administration
- Understanding when an injury or illness may be service-connected to a veteran’s military experience
After the meeting, attendees were invited to The Mill at Anselma for a site tour in preparation for our next major community event.
1st Annual “Salute & Celebrate Veterans on the Green”
Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: The Mill at Anselma Preservation and Educational Trust, Chester Springs
We launched our inaugural “Salute & Celebrate Veterans on the Green”, an outdoor event held in recognition of Armed Forces Day.
Event highlights:
- Free beer & concessions from VK Brewing Company (veteran-owned)
- Catered food by Shimpy’s BBQ (veteran-supporting business)
- A unique historic setting at The Mill at Anselma, bringing together:
- Veterans and their families
- Employers
- Community partners and supporters
Despite rainy weather, attendance was strong and the atmosphere was upbeat. This promising first year sets the stage for an even bigger event in 2026.
July: Lunch & Learn – Vocational Rehabilitation & Transitional Work
Date: July (Lunch & Learn session)
Location: VK Brewing, Exton
Our July gathering returned to the Lunch and Learn format at VK Brewing.
Speaker:
- Precious Broffee, Program Manager for Vocational Rehabilitation Services at the Coatesville VA
Session highlights:
- Overview of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and their mission
- Details on the Transitional Work program, which helps veterans re-enter or remain in the workforce
- A rundown of:
- Support services available to veterans
- Challenges faced by veterans and by the Voc Rehab team
- Ways that employer relationships and community partnerships can play a crucial role in successful transitions
September: Deep Dive into VA Benefits
Date: Thursday, September 11
Location: Downingtown VFW Post 845
In September, we hosted Stuart D. Ross IV and his team from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office.
The presentation provided a comprehensive overview of key VA benefit areas, including:
- Service-connected compensation
- Non-service-connected pension
- Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E)
- National Cemetery Administration
- VA life insurance programs
Attendees walked away with clearer guidance on where to start, which benefits may apply to them or those they serve, and how to navigate the process.
October: 3rd Annual Military Mixer & Veterans Happy Hour
Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Location: Downingtown VFW Post 845
We continued a beloved tradition with our 3rd Annual Military Mixer and Veterans Happy Hour.
This event:
- Brought together veterans, active-duty members, Guard and Reserve, spouses, employers, and community allies
- Offered a relaxed, social space for networking, sharing resources, and building relationships
- Was followed by a farewell celebration for outgoing ERCC President Laurie Ryan, honoring her dedication to the Chamber and her strong support of veteran-focused initiatives
November: History, Community, and Regional Collaboration
Final Taskforce Meeting of the Year
Date: Thursday, November 13
Location: Historic Yellow Springs
For our final meeting of 2025, Historic Yellow Springs graciously hosted the ERCC Veterans Taskforce.
Highlights:
- Use of their conference room for our business meeting
- An outdoor walking tour led by Executive Director Tim Compton and his team
- A look into the rich history of Yellow Springs, including its connections to the region and the military community
Supporting Veteran-Focused Events Across Chester County
Beyond our own events, the Taskforce actively supported and promoted many veteran-oriented programs across the region, including:
- “Financial Insights for the Military Community” webinar
- Date: May 21
- Focused on financial education and planning for the military and veteran community
- VetFest 2025
- Date: Saturday, September 13
- Location: Greencastle Consulting
- A resource- and celebration-focused event for veterans and families
- Free Veterans Art Day Workshop
- Date: November 15
- Location: Historic Yellow Springs
- Provided a creative, therapeutic outlet for veterans
- Veterans Appreciation Luncheon
- Date: November 10
- Host: Chester County Bar Association
- Honored veterans for their service and contributions
- Screening of “The Journey Home”
- Date: November 13
- Location: Downingtown VFW
- Featured a powerful documentary on PTSD recovery, encouraging conversation and awareness
Looking Ahead to 2026
We’re building on the momentum of 2025 with plans for:
- Continued educational presentations on VA benefits and services
- Deeper dives into VA Home Loans and GI Bill education benefits, with speakers from the offices that administer these programs
- Expanded partnerships with employers, service organizations, and community groups
- Growth of signature events like “Salute & Celebrate Veterans on the Green” and the Military Mixer
Join Our Next Meeting
Next ERCC Veterans Taskforce Committee Meeting
- Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026
- Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Location: Downingtown VFW
Veterans, family members, employers, and community partners are all welcome.
Get Involved & Share Your Ideas
We’re always looking for:
- Speakers and subject-matter experts
- Employers interested in hiring or supporting veterans
- Organizations that serve veterans and their families
- Ideas for topics you’d like us to cover in future meetings or events
If you have questions, suggestions, or would like to get more involved with the ERCC Veterans Taskforce, please contact Matthew Konchel.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected community for those who served.
