Thomas Burkett
Epps Advertising

Tom is Creative Director for Epps Advertising, located in Trappe, PA. He oversees all creative projects and staff, and is responsible for the quality of work produced by the creative department. From concept to completion, he works with the team to translate marketing objectives into creative strategies to produce effective advertising and marketing collateral.

Besides sitting on the Board of PVCC, Tom serves on the Main Street design committee of the Collegeville Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), as well as the Communication Committee for the Home Builder Association of Chester and Delaware Counties.

He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, and his 25-year career with the firm has earned him numerous regional and national awards.

In his spare time, Tom enjoys commercial and residential interior decorating, fitness training and biking.

Linda Dobra
Susquehanna Bank

Linda Dobra began her career in banking over 25 years ago and brings a very high level of both banking experience and personal commitment to providing superior customer service to you. She recently was named the Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager of the Susquehanna Bank on Nutt Road in Phoenixville. Prior to that she was with Sovereign Bank as the Community Banking Manager and Assistant Vice President of the Collegeville branch since January 2005. In her spare time Linda enjoys reading, long walks and caring for her “Himys.” Linda and her husband Ron reside in Audubon and have twin daughters who are both married and living locally.

Brian M. Ewing
TD Bank

Brian Ewing is the Branch Manager of the TD Bank at the Royersford location. Born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, he moved to Green Lane, Pennsylvania in 1992, where he attended and was an honors graduate of Boyertown Area High School in 1995. Brian entered the workforce as a manager for a national retail chain in Delaware and then in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. Brian left the retail industry in 1998 and began his career in banking at Commonwealth Bank as the Branch Manager of the Pottstown location.

He currently resides in Limerick, with his wife, Jasmine, a teacher at Spring Ford Middle School, and four sons, Brandon, Paul, Jason, and Brian Jr. Brian and his wife spend a majority of their off time attending their son’s sporting events or school functions. They also travel every summer with Jasmine’s students on cultural trips to places such as Costa Rica, Mexico, and Spain. Brian enjoys playing golf and basketball, and other hobbies include reading and drawing.

Michael Frederick CFP® ChFC® CRPC
Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC

Michael Frederick is a Vice President - Investment Officer of Wells Fargo Advisors. A graduate of North Penn High School, he spent 34 years in the Lansdale area before moving to Perkiomenville with his wife, Maureen, and three children. He earned Bachelors of Science Degree in Finance from Drexel University and holds the Chartered Financial Consultant designation, which he earned in 2005, and the Certified Retirement Planning Counselor designation, earned in 2004. Fulfilling a lifelong dream, Michael and his wife planned, designed and built their house from the ground up, with the help of family and friends. Michael continues to pursue his interest in the building trades by undertaking family projects of varying degrees. He is also an avid sports fan, both participatory and spectator, and still finds time to follow his other interests which include history, cooking and winemaking. Mike is an active member of several community organizations, notably the Patriotic Order Sons of America Camp 387 of Schwenksville, the Sons of the American Revolution of Philadelphia; the Saint Andrews Society of Philadelphia, the Fraternal Order of Eagles of Lansdale; the Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the Lower Frederick Regional Ambulance Corps and serves as Township Supervisor of Upper Frederick Township. Michael also participates in the Fox Chase Cancer Research Program and attends Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Schwenksville.

Richard J. Galup, MBA, MS, OTR/L
Phoenixville Hospital

Richard Galup currently serves as the Assistant Chief Executive Officer at Phoenixville Hospital, a 144 bed community hospital with over 1000 employees. He began his career as an Occupational therapist before moving into a management role.  Richard has over has over 10 years of progressive management experience in Health Care and was previously Director of Outpatient Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine at Nazareth Hospital. He is a member of the AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association) and ACHE (American College of Health Care Executives).

Richard earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from College Misreicordia and an MBA from Drexel University.  In addition to his involvement with the Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce, Richard is involved with the Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and is a graduate of their 2008 Leadership development Program. Outside of work, Richard enjoys time with the family, being at the beach, and real estate investing.  Richard currently resides in Philadelphia with fiance' Lorenza.

Caesar J. Gorski, Sr., A.I.C.
Gorski Construction Company, Inc.

Caesar Gorski is the President and Founder of Gorski Construction Company with the main responsibilities of Quality Assurances, Technical Guidance, Value Engineering, Constructability, Construction Review and Corporate Direction.  Caesar attended Penn State University for Engineering.  He created and trademarked “Constructioneering” – defined as ‘observing your business, learning your needs, and considering, with you, potential designs and locations, value engineering your desires into your budget, guiding you through the approvals process, constructing a building that is as well-built, cost-effective and attractive as it is functional.’ Under his leadership, Gorski Construction started in 1954 with a used pick-up truck and construction tools and has grown to today’s facility at the Iron Bridge Corporate Center on Route 29. 

Caesar has served as a Skippack Township Supervisor and Chairman of the Board, also serving many years on the Local Planning Commission.  He has been a member of the Central Perkiomen Rotary since 1966, serving as Vice President and President for the club.   Honorably discharged from the United States Marines in 1952 and is presently a life member of the Marine Corps League and a member of the American Legion.  Caesar is a member of Southeast Chapter of Associated Builders and Contracting; and Montgomery-Bucks Home Builders; Board Member of the Montgomery County Foundation.  Caesar is married to Sue, and they have two sons, Caesar Jr. and Gerald and a daughter, Susan and three grandchildren. 

Trevor J. Hart
Harleysville National Bank

Trevor J. Hart, Assistant Vice-President and Branch Manager of the Harleysville National Bank in Collegeville, was first appointed to the Board of Directors of the Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce in January, 2003.

Trevor joined Harleysville National Bank in 1992 at Harleysville North Broad branch in Lansdale as a teller.  In 1994, he was promoted to CSR of the Collegeville branch.  In 1997, he was promoted to Assistant Manager and in 2002 promoted to Branch Manager of the Collegeville branch.

Trevor resides in Bechtelsville with his wife, Leigh and son, Alex.  Trevor is a 1992 graduate of the Pennsylvania Business Institute, where he earned an Associate’s degree in Business Management and Accounting.  Before attending Pennsylvania Business Institute he served in U.S. Navy.  He served active duty from 1986-1989 in San Diego, California.  He served as a reservist from 1989-1994.  While in the Navy, he toured Australia, Singapore, Thailand, Korea and Hawaii.
 
In addition to his active involvement with the Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce, Trevor also holds a seat on the Golf Committee, Membership Committee, and Small Business Advisory Committee.  Trevor serves on the Collegeville Economic Development Committee.  Trevor is also treasurer for The Salvation Army Collegeville Service Unit.  Trevor coaches soccer and baseball with the Earl Township Athletic Association.

Larry R Hoak, CPCU, CLU, ChFC
State Farm Insurance

The Larry R. Hoak - State Farm Insurance Agency was established in 1963. Larry holds a MBA and is certified as a Chartered Financial Consultant, Chartered Property and Casualty Consultant, and Chartered Life Underwriter. He also belongs to the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and has received numerous National Sales Achievement Awards, as well as National Company Recognition Awards.

Over the years Larry and his staff have been involved with and supported numerous local schools, organizations, and events. He and his staff live and believe in their company’s motto, “Like a good neighbor State Farm is there!”  Between Larry and his staff, they have over 100 years experience in Insurance and Financial services. The agency can help you with all of your Insurance & Financial Service needs.  He offers everything from auto insurance (including Fleet Policies), Homeowner’s Insurance, Life, Health, and Business Insurance to Retirement Planning (IRA’s, SEP’s, SIMPLE’s, 401K Plans including rollovers.  State Farm also has a family of Mutual Funds as well as Banking Products (CD’s, Auto Financing, Home Mortgages, Credit Cards, etc.)  Hoak is a member of the Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce since 2000 and the Collegeville Economic Development Corporation.

Marsha R. Hurda, Ed.D.
Spring-Ford School District

Marsha Hurda was appointed the Superintendent of Spring Ford Area School District in August, 2005.  She is also an adjunct professor at Temple University College of Education in Philadelphia instructing graduate students in Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Technology in Education (CITE).  From 1995 through 2005 Hurda was Assistant Superintendent of the SFSD.  She has held leadership positions at North Montco Technical Career Center in Lansdale serving two years as principal ending in 1999. 

Hurda began her education career as junior high school teacher with Saint Stanislaus School in Lansdale, and prior to that Senior High School Social Studies Teacher at Montevideo High School in Virginia.  Hurda received her Doctor of Education, Educational Leadership from Immaculata University.  She had earned her Masters in Education, Instructional Leadership at Penn State University in State College and Bachelor of Science, General Social Science at James Madison University in Virginia.

Tom Keenan, Esq.
Keenan, Ciccitto & Associates

Thomas M. Keenan is the senior partner of the Keenan, Ciccitto & Associates firm. His areas of expertise include corporate, banking, real estate and municipal law. He is experienced in both civil and criminal litigation cases for the firm.

Mr. Keenan was admitted to practice in 1975 before all Pennsylvania Courts and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. His educational background includes a J.D. from Temple University School of Law in 1975 and a B.A. from Dickinson College in 1964 and graduate work in English Literature at Villanova University from 1965 to 1966. He served in the United States Army on active duty as an Infantry Officer from 1966 to 1970.

Mr. Keenan is presently a Township Solicitor and was Chairman of the Municipal Law Committee of the Montgomery Bar Association in 1995 and 1996. He was the Solicitor for the Montgomery County Tax Claim Bureau from 1988 to 1992. He also served as the Mayor of Collegeville from 1986 to 1989 and as Assistant District Attorney of Montgomery County from 1976 to 1980. In addition, Mr. Keenan is currently the attorney for numerous corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, financial institutions and non-profit entities. Mr. Keenan is the legal counsel to the Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce and he is also President of Freeland Abstract, Ltd., a title insurance provider.
 
Mr. Keenan was the Director of the Montgomery Bar Association, term of office 1996-1999 and was an elected member of the Judiciary Committee. He is a member of the Pennsylvania and American Bar Associations and the Municipal Law Section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Among other activities, he is a member and past President of Collegeville Planning Commission and former Fund Raising Chairman of the Neskenno District of the Boy Scouts of America. He is a member of St. James Perkiomen Episcopal Church in Evansburg where he has served as Rector's Warden, lay reader and vestry member. He is a member of the Collegeville Rotary Club and the Military Order of the World Wars.   Keenan is retired from the U.S. Army Reserve with the rank of Colonel.

Patrick J. Kelly
Kelly Insurance Agency, LLC 

Pat Kelly is the President and Founder of the Patrick J. Kelly Insurance Group, LLC. and its affiliated companies. Pat continues to be active in the overall operations of the agency and contributes to its continued growth by maintaining current client relationships and cultivating new ones. Pat has been a long standing supporter of several local organizations and strongly believes in giving back to the community.

Pat resides in Limerick, PA with his wife Donna and six daughters. He is a graduate of Spring Ford High School and is an active member of the Spring Ford Country Club. Pat serves as Head Coach for the Spring Ford Sting, a girl’s softball team. His hobbies include golfing, going to the beach, and spending quality time with his family. Pat was recently appointed to the Board of the Perkiomen Valley Chamber.

Robbie LaRocca
Pfizer

Robbie LaRocca is currently the Associate Director, Administration at Pfizer in Collegeville, which has recently combined operations with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. Prior to Wyeth she was President and co-owner of The Academy for Interviewing Excellence specializing in forensic and behavioral interviewing techniques. Most of Robbie’s Human Resources experience was earned during 17 years at Aventis (formerly known as Rhône Poulenc Rorer). Robbie is a graduate of Gwynedd Mercy College with a B.S. in Business Administration and of Villanova University with a M.S. in Organizational Development. She also serves on the board of the Port Indian Civic and Boating Association and is the U.S.A. Representative on the board of the European Women’s Management Development Network.

Daniel A. Lejeune, CEO
Rivercrest Golf Club & Reserve

Dan Lejeune has 45 years experience, 35 years as a principal, in the development of single-family and multi-family housing communities as well as commercial real estate projects in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Texas and Florida.  In l996 Lejeune began concentrating on real estate investment projects involving the Lejeune Family Trusts and its development arm, Lejeune Properties, Inc. This led to the creation of the 283-acre golf community RiverCrest Golf Club & Preserve, which opened in 2004.  The environmentally sensitive development features three separate housing villages totaling 278 units overlooking the Schuylkill River and a private golf club featuring a clubhouse, 18 holes of championship golf, Golf Learning Center and Clubhouse.  The Lejeune Family Partnership continues to own and operate the Club as a long-term investment. Mr. Lejeune is the CEO.

Joseph Lowe
Lowe & Associates, P.C.

Joe Lowe is a graduate of LaSalle University where he majored in accounting.   He is a certified public accountant. His professional experience has been over 25 years in the community. In 1998, he started his own business, Lowe & Associates, located at 580 W. Main Street, Trappe. He specializes in personal and small business accounting. Joe has served as the PV Chamber's Treasurer since 2001, where he has taken an active role in successfully restructuring the chamber's accounting systems. Joe resides in West Norriton with his wife, Susan, and children, Katie, Maggie, Emily, and James. Joe is active in all sports but especially enjoys golf.

Brian Thomas
Ursinus College

Brian Thomas, Ursinus Emissary & Baseball Head Coach
Brian Thomas serves as chief liaison to graduates and friends of the College who have a special interest in athletics. Thomas works under the auspices of the College Relations Office and will continue to coach the Ursinus baseball team. One goal will be to connect with former Ursinus College alumni athletes and supporters of the athletic programs.

Thomas is active in the National Schools Committee, an Admissions program which recruits prospective students from targeted geographic areas. Thomas joined the Ursinus coaching staff in 1990 and began building a successful program, with two NCAA Division III regional appearances, and more than 345 Ursinus victories -- more wins than any baseball coach in the college’s history. He is one of best baseball coaches in NCAA Division III play, with over 733 wins in his overall coaching career over 38 years, including three Centennial Conference Championships. He is ranked the second all-time winning coach in Centennial Conference baseball. Prior to his successful career at Ursinus, he worked for The Perkiomen School as director of development, alumni affairs and public relations. He also served as a teacher and coach in the Perkiomen Valley School District. A retired U.S. Army first lieutenant, Thomas was a platoon leader in Vietnam. Among his military awards and honors are the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star with V for Valor, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and a Jungle Expert Badge.

Bruce Zanar
Motivational Marketing
 
Bruce is the founder of Motivational Marketing, an award-winning promotion marketing and communications firm which was named to the Philadelphia 100® fastest growing companies in 2002. He also represents Pennsylvania Promotions, a leading promotional products agency in the Delaware Valley and Online City Guides of Southeastern Pennsylvania, an online event & merchant directory for local communities. Bruce utilizes his 25+ years of marketing and promotion expertise to obtain maximum exposure and response for a wide range of clients.
Prior to establishing Motivational Marketing in 1996, Bruce held corporate marketing positions with a number of national and Fortune 500 companies as well as a large New Jersey-based promotion marketing agency.
 
Residing in Royersford with his wife Deb and children Scott & Jake, Bruce holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Philadelphia College of Textiles (now Philadelphia University) and attended Fordham University for his graduate marketing work.
 
In addition to his active involvement with the Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce, Bruce currently serves on the boards of the Greater Valley Forge Human Resource Association and PBN Professional Business Network. He also serves on the Advisory Committee of the Spring Valley YMCA and Compeer of Suburban Philadelphia. He is a member of SACDV (Specialty Advertising Counselors of the Delaware Valley), and PPAI (Promotional Products Association International).