It was a sunny day in late May when April Barkasi, Founder and CEO of Cedarville Engineering Group (CEG), welcomed Montgomery County Commissioner Jamila Winder to her fifth-floor office overlooking Pottstown’s East High Street.
Barkasi, a Chester County resident, selected that office just over the border into Montgomery County in 2018 and subsequently renovated the historic building with loan support from Montco’s Commerce Department and Redevelopment Authority.
“I was looking for an investment opportunity and felt that Montgomery County was very welcoming and easy to work with,” Barkasi said.
CEG’s growth since the move to Montco was top of mind in the conversation between Winder and Barkasi, who said she was “grateful” to welcome the Commissioner—as well as staff from the Montco Commerce Department and the County’s Director of Immigrant Affairs — to CEG’s Pottstown headquarters.
Since relocating to East High Street, CEG has doubled in size — from 30 to 60 employees across Pennsylvania, Florida, and Virginia — and earned a Woman-Owned Business of the Year honor from the U.S. Small Business Administration in 2022.
More than a mere check-in, the meeting with Barkasi was one of several rich conversations Winder held that day with Pottstown business owners, community leaders, and residents to demonstrate the Board of Commissioners’ commitment to Pottstown’s growth and resilience.
Community Leader Luncheon: Cultivating Connection and Resilience
The day kicked off with a roundtable luncheon at Be ReZilient, an art-based wellness nonprofit located at 249 E. High Street.
Winder met with local leaders in this vibrant, community-driven space to listen, share concerns, and explore how Montgomery County can partner with Pottstown for a stronger future. The conversation covered important topics like public safety, youth wellness, housing, and economic development. The space itself — focused on healing, creativity, and resilience — set the perfect tone.
Throughout the discussion, Winder stressed the County’s commitment to being more than just visitors in Pottstown. The goal is to build real partnerships, invest thoughtfully, and align County resources with the community’s priorities, she said.
Exploring East High Street: Business Walk
Cedarville Engineering Group wasn’t the only Pottstown business leader on the day’s itinerary. After the luncheon, Winder and Montgomery County Commerce Department staff took a stroll along East High Street, connecting with local business owners and employees. These visits offered a firsthand look at the unique challenges and opportunities businesses face, reinforcing the County’s dedication to supporting a thriving local economy.
Local Shops and Dining
Located at 219 E. High Street, Delilah & Dean is an organic grocery that brings fresh, high-quality food options right to the heart of downtown Pottstown. Stocked with non-GMO and plant-based items, gluten-free goods, and natural bath and body products, the store makes it easy for residents to shop local and eat well. With its welcoming vibe and focus on wellness, Delilah & Dean is redefining what a neighborhood grocery can be.
Located at 254 E. High Street, Once Upon a Time Boutique brings a touch of magic to downtown Pottstown. This charming retail shop offers a curated selection of stylish clothing, accessories, and unique gifts for women and children. Known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and personalized service, Once Upon a Time Boutique perfectly captures the spirit of Pottstown’s growing independent retail scene.
A centerpiece of downtown Pottstown, located at 152 E. High Street, The Blue Elephant serves up an unforgettable dining experience inside a beautifully preserved 18th-century building. With Mediterranean olive trees and a 10-foot fountain, its atmosphere matches a menu that blends Thai, Italian, and Japanese flavors. Since opening in 2019, The Blue Elephant has helped establish Pottstown as a destination for food lovers.
Innovation and Industry
VideoRay, a world leader in underwater robotics, is one of Pottstown’s standout innovation success stories. From their East High Street facility, they design and manufacture remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) used for underwater exploration, infrastructure inspection, and defense operations worldwide. VideoRay’s advanced technology has put Pottstown on the map for cutting-edge engineering and global maritime impact — a true example of high-tech in a historic town.
Headquartered in Pottstown, Cedarville Engineering Group is a full-service civil engineering, planning, and environmental consulting firm. The firm provides innovative solutions across infrastructure, land development, and stormwater management. With a strong reputation for technical excellence and a deep commitment to sustainability, Cedarville plays a critical role in shaping communities in Montgomery County and throughout the region.
Each meeting brought opportunities to understand the businesses’ strengths and opportunities, as well as pain points. Commerce Department staff highlighted workforce programs available through MontcoWorks, the County’s workforce development board, and financial support pathways such as the Montco Forward Loan Program.
Community Meet and Greet at the Pottstown Carousel
The day wrapped up with a friendly community meet-and-greet at the iconic Pottstown Carousel. This local favorite offered a relaxed, fun setting where residents, business owners, and county officials could connect face-to-face.
From casual conversations to carousel rides, the event captured the spirit of neighborhood unity and collaboration. It was a chance to strengthen relationships and show that Montgomery County is here to support Pottstown today and moving forward.
Learn more at the Montgomery County Commerce Department, or contact the department by clicking here to fill out a business assistance request form.
