Sonia Huntzinger
WEST CHESTER — The Chester County Board of Commissioners, members of Coatesville Area Partners for Progress (CAPP), and Coatesville representatives of CAPP’s 2nd Century Alliance initiative announced the appointment of Sonia Huntzinger, CEcD, as economic development administrator for the City of Coatesville, Friday.
Huntzinger’s appointment is the result of the agreement last October between the Chester County Commissioners and CAPP to have a dedicated economic development professional focus on economic development efforts within the city. Designated as a Chester County employee, and working within the county’s Department of Community Development, Huntzinger will be based in a Coatesville office equipped and funded by CAPP.
Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Terence Farrell said: “The search for an economic development professional for Coatesville has resulted in the appointment of someone who is highly qualified to build upon the county’s efforts to kick start Coatesville’s economic resurgence. We’re confident that Sonia will work alongside the many stakeholders who are committed to the same cause, continuing to result in a positive change.”
Huntzinger’s move to the City of Coatesville follows more than six years as Executive Director of Downtown, Inc. in York, where she directed the economic development programs for the city’s Business Improvement District Authority and Main Street agency. Additional professional experience includes two years as marketing director of the Housing Development Corporation and five years as vice-president of the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. Huntzinger holds a Certificate in Economic Development through the International Economic Development Council, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Muhlenberg College.
“This is a big step. It adds another level of skill, a seasoned perspective and dedicated time to an already determined team of city officials and staff, a broad base of stakeholders and the many organizations and individuals that work tirelessly for a brighter future here.”Regina Horton-Lewis, CAPP Chair, said. “With the backing of city officials, 2nd Century Alliance, and so many others, I know we can tackle the complex economic challenges facing our community.”
“Our partnership with CAPP was the result of our belief that the addition of a full-time professional to focus on the recruitment of high impact businesses and commercial services would effectuate a positive economic change in Coatesville,”County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone added. “Bringing together CAPP’s 2nd Century Alliance strategy and the city’s backers with a person as highly qualified as Sonia, will bring many desired projects to fruition.”
This investment by the County reinforces the Commissioners’ strategic priorities of managing growth and supporting a strong and vibrant economy. It also helps to meet the goals of VISTA 2025, the county’s 10-year economic development strategy.
“The results of our very first community questionnaire for VISTA 2025 noted that the city of Coatesville was one of Chester County’s greatest challenges and opportunities. Sonia’s appointment, combined with the 2nd Century Alliance strategy, and the support of city council, businesses, civic, faith-based and non-profit organizations and county resources, will begin to tip the scales in the right direction for Coatesville,”Michelle Kichline, Chester County Commissioner and VISTA 2025 Co-Chair, said.
As economic development program administrator in the city of Coatesville, Huntzinger’s duties will primarily focus on marketing development opportunities in the city and supporting the existing businesses, to better position them for economic success. She will officially begin on March 21, 2016.
“Working side by side with CAPP to structure this economic development initiative, and conduct an exhaustive search, I welcome Sonia and look forward to her helping us facilitate activities that will contribute to our efforts to improve conditions in our city,” Linda Lavender-Norris, President of Coatesville City Council said.
“County and Coatesville officials are to be commended for this collaborative endeavor. WCCC will certainly support this effort to improve the business climate and economic conditions in the City,” Donna Siter, executive director of the Western Chester County Chamber (WCCC) said.
