TriCounty Chamber holds third annual REACH Conference

The TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its third annual REACH Conference, which included the presentation of several chamber awards, three guest speakers and the opportunity for networking.

The theme of this year’s luncheon was “Be Authentic,” and the more than 110 attendees were encouraged to “strive to be true to themselves and not change to fit in,” according to a release.

REACH is a chamber program designed to bring together professional women from across the tri-county region to network and build relationships. The event had been formerly known as Women of the Workforce — or WOW — and was rebranded by the chamber as REACH in 2019.

Keynote speaker for the Nov. 9 event was Rachel DeAlto, a communication and relatability expert and author, who spoke about her mission to connect people to their most powerful resource — each other. DeAlto is the author of “Relatable: How to Connect with Anyone, Anywhere.” She said her three principles of relatability are connect, communicate and inspire.

Tracy Davidson, anchor for NBC10 News, shared her career journey and how she used her authenticity to do more for others. She also spoke to the group about being BRAVE — an acronym for Belonging, Resilience, Authenticity, Vulnerability and Exhale.

The final speaker was Erica Waller-Hill, founder of Destined for a Dream Foundation, who shared the importance of celebrating near wins. Destined for a Dream is a nonprofit based in Bucks County and its mission is to “inspire and empower youth and young adults through education and life coaching,” according to information on the organization’s website.

Eileen Dautrich, president of the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce, presented several REACH awards during the event, recognizing each recipient for their dedication to the community, their careers and their support of other women.

The following were recognized at the event:

• Tammy Dahms of Santander Arena & Performing Arts Center and the Reading Royals was recognized as the 2023 Outstanding Young Professional.

• Amy Auwaeter of Montgomery County Community College was recognized as the 2023 Woman of Influence and Empowerment in Business.

• Barry Isett & Associates Inc. was recognized with the 2023 Business of Influence and Empowerment Award.

• Jamie Cascino of 1st Colonial Bank was awarded the 2023 Master of the “REACH” Award.

The REACH Committee and the TCACC asked attendees to donate items for women experiencing period poverty, which is the inability to afford toiletries and items such as tampons and pads. Forty million around the world are affected by period poverty, the chamber said in the release.

The chamber’s REACH Program includes quarterly luncheons, social events, a monthly meetup over coffee and the annual conference. For information about REACH and its events visit the chamber’s website at www.tricountyareachamber.com/.