After nearly 15 years over two separate tenures as President of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and now Business Alliance, I will retire at the end of this month.
With an engaged and dedicated group of directors, our organization continues to thrive and remains dedicated to serving our business community - as well as our broader community - through collaborative relationships, transparent communication, and honest transactions. We are doing the work that no other organization is able to do. We are a common good and our work is necessary and essential.
We believe the private sector voice matters and a strong advocate for business is indispensable to ensure managed growth, fair practices, just legislation, and civic connections.
We are the business convener, delivering essential connections, as well as cost-saving opportunities for our business partners.
Our Alliance team endured the struggles of COVID-19, during which our staff worked as volunteers along with our directors to deliver assistance and vital information to area business owners. We also suffered false and wild accusations from county government leaders who viewed our work as threats to their existing power structure. Yet, we continue to stand.
We believe that community is defined by the individuals who choose to link arms and share the promise of what can be built through collective action. Businesses are the lifeblood - the link to prosperity - that flows through the veins of our communities. We believe Delaware County businesses are built differently and we celebrate the independent spirit, the grittiness, creativity, and passion of our neighbors.
We believe these businesses need a champion. A strong private sector voice with a collaborative vision for managed growth. An advocate that fosters civic connections and demands fair and just rules from government. A partner in training and skills development. An organization that convenes and celebrates the business community.
Delaware County area businesses need an alliance. That’s what we have been during my time here and that’s exactly what we will continue to be.
Ray Pucci is the president of the Delaware County Business Alliance.
