Good Morning, Chestnut Hill: Chestnut Hill College Joins Local Businesses for Good Morning America Spotlight

Posted: July 6, 2023

On Tuesday, July 4th, Good Morning America (GMA) brought their Main Street, USA series to the 8100 block of Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill, PA. As the GMA crew arrived for the live remote broadcast, a festive block party awaited them in the background complete with costumed pets, decorated bikes, banners, patriotic attire, and a contingent of Chestnut Hill College alumni along with Big Griff. From L to R: Philadelphia Councilwoman Cindy Bass stands with CHC mascot Big Griff and Rev. James Buck Jr. during the Good Morning America broadcast in Chestnut Hill, PA

"Chestnut Hill - they really came out to celebrate. They love their community. We have dogs in hats, we have mascots, we have a lot going on," noted reporter Jaclyn Lee, who was instrumental in bringing GMA to Chestnut Hill.

A former 6ABC reporter, Lee reccomended Chestnut Hill to GMA's producers. Earlier in the week, the GMA crowd traveled to Chestnut Hill to scout locations and interview some of the town's business owners including Debra Gress Jansen, owner of Booked, Jonene Nelson, owner of the NoName Gallery, Anne McNally, owner of McNally's Tavern (home of the iconic Schmitter), and Pastor James Buck Jr., owner of the newly opened Southern Flames BBQ. On Tuesday, Rev. Buck was honored with a citation from Councilwoman Cindy Bass as he was recognized for the work he's done in the community especially in giving second chances to formerly incarcerated individuals upon their return to society. Rev. Buck spoke about his Taste of a Second Chance program when he visited Chestnut Hill College this spring and worked with current business students on marketing efforts for Southern Flames.

"The Center for Business was privileged to work with Rev. Buck during the spring semester," notes Rita Borzillo, J.D., Chair for the Center of Business. "Six seniors worked with Rev. Buck as part of their senior project. While doing so, they helped revise Southern Flames' website, created a new logo, and revised Southern Flames' business plan. Additionally, Rev. Buck met with CHC alumnus Chris Cordero, who has been working with Southern Flames to help them find a property to open a second location. It was a wonderful example of the College partnering with our friends in the Chestnut Hill business community that we hope to continue and expand upon in the future."

According to Courtney O'Neill, executive director of the Chestnut Hill Business District, the GMA segment was seen by 10 million viewers across the country, including on the big screen in the middle of Times Square.

You can watch GMA's full segment on Chestnut Hill and Rev. Buck below.