Michael Bontrager, the founder and CEO of Chatham Financial, was honored as the Outstanding Citizen of the Year at the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce’s 58th Annual Chairman’s Gala.

The event was a Triple Crown Celebration that took place on May 17 at the Gold Ballroom at the Mendenhall Inn & Conference Center. Three prestigious awards were handed out and guests gathered for a spectacular evening to celebrate the 150th Preakness Stakes.

Guests at the gala enjoyed a vibrant night of socializing, gourmet dinner stations for food lovers, a live band, a fun-filled silent auction, and more.

One highlight was the presentation of the Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award to Bontrager. After nearly 30 years as Chatham’s founder, CEO, and chairman, he applied his business experience and passion for community to start Square Roots Collective. This network of non-profit and business organizations has come together with Bontrager’s leadership to create an ecosystem in which everyone can thrive both now and for generations to come.

The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce also honored Constellation Energy Corporation its Community Impact Award. Now in its fourth year, this award recognizes a Chamber member for-profit business-in-good-standing that positively impacts the community through its active support of local non-profit organizations and philanthropic causes. 

The Chamber also introduced a new award this year—the Visionary Award. The first recipient of this award was Vanessa Ross, the owner of Vanessa Ross Cakes.

For more than 90 years, the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce has led the region as a powerful economic driver and community leader.

For more information about the gala and the Chamber’s other upcoming events and activities, visit the Southern Chester County Chamber’s Social Media pages or the website at scccc.com.