Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist talks Health Care Reform November 23, 2009
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More than 200 health care and business leaders participated in the Chamber’s Examining Health Care Reform forum last week, which featured Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist.
As a Harvard-trained heart transplant surgeon, professor of medicine and business at Vanderbilt, and prolific author, Sen. Frist is regarded as one of the most influential leaders in national health care.
Dr. Frist kicked off a compelling discussion on the status of health care reform with panelists Jack Carroll, Ph.D., Magee Rehabilitation Hospital; Joseph A. Frick, Independence Blue Cross; James A. Goodyear, M.D., Pennsylvania Medical Society; Peter Turner, CSL Behring; and moderator Paul H. Keckley, Ph.D., of Deloitte Center for Health Solutions. Although reform is one of the most complex issues facing our nation, the consensus among some of the region’s top leaders in the health care arena is that the current health care system is unsustainable.
Frist expressed great concern over the cost of health care reform especially considering our country’s current financial crisis.
“Making the situation more challenging is a $12 trillion deficit, which is greater than the last four years combined,” said Dr. Frist. “What’s really bad is that it will go up another $9 trillion before health care reform is considered.”
To read more about the event, click here.
To view Bill Frist’s presentation, click here.
See FOX 29’s interview with Dr. Frist here.
Philadelphia County Breakfast: Exploring Tourism November 22, 2009
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Our sixth annual County Breakfast Conversations series recently visited Philadelphia. More than 200 business executives, policy officials and economic developers came out to the Pennsylvania Convention Center to talk about key issues facing the tourism, hospitality, and retail industry (more than a quarter of the region’s jobs are tied to this industry).
Panelists were Jack Ferguson, Executive Vice President, Convention Division, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau; Meryl Levitz, President & CEO, Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation; and Ahmeenah Young, President & CEO, Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority.
Panelists discussed the impact of the hospitality and tourism industry on the region’s economy, expansion of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the city’s infrastructure challenges, and how their organizations have adjusted strategies and operations to survive the recession.
They urged attendees to help bring more business and leisure travelers to the city by becoming advocates for our community, supporting the arts, bragging about its many assets, and encouraging businesses to host meetings and relocate here.
Click here to listen to the panel discussion.
See photos from the event on our flickr page.
Click here to read KWY’s coverage of the event.
Leading Indicator Reveals Economic Recovery to Start in Greater Philadelphia by End of Winter November 20, 2009
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The Greater Philadelphia economy is projected to begin a gradual recovery from the worst recession in the post-World War II era commencing sometime in the fourth quarter of 2009, according to Select Greater Philadelphia’s and IHS Global Insight’s Leading Index for the Greater Philadelphia region.
The Leading Indicator first started to rise last May; it has now risen for five consecutive months through September 2009. The Leading Index has been indicating in recent months that the Region’s economy was probably approaching the trough of the recession as its month-over-month (m/m) declines have been decreasing.
For the first time since the start of the recession, the values of the Leading Index in August and September were above its 12-month moving average, providing further evidence that the trough is near, and that an economic recovery will follow.
President of Philadelphia’s new soccer team scores with YPN November 19, 2009
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Submitted by: Tina Malek, PREIT
Ladder 15’s third floor special event space was full of young professionals anxious to hear from Tom Veit, President of the Philadelphia Union – Philadelphia’s newest sports team addition, debuting as an expansion team for Major League Soccer (MLS). Tom’s enthusiasm for the sport and the team was echoed by the audience, as he described how fans were the reason behind the team’s name selection, while the navy and gold colors of the uniform and logo reflect the patriotic history of Philadelphia…making Benjamin Franklin very proud of his “Sons” (and daughters!). With only 4 months and 6 days before kick-off of the team’s season, the new World-class waterfront stadium (located just over fifteen miles from Center City) in Chester, PA, will offer customizable seating area choices, 30 Luxury Suites and more: www.philadelphiaunion.com.
Tom reminded us that tickets are on sale now…and with season ticket packages starting at just $300, they are going fast. They can be purchased by visiting the website or calling 1.877.21.UNION…see you there!
Also, if you didn’t get a chance to sign the petition to help make Philadelphia one of the 2018 or 2022 World Cup host cities, you can do so by clicking here.
Building Small Business Excellence November 13, 2009
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Submitted by: Jesse Kramer, Finch Brands and MEDecision, Inc.
Hi, I’m Jesse Kramer, I chair the Small Business Excellence Awards. I even won one once. I have something to say to you.
I’m a brand builder – it’s what I do. Building a business and brand is easy. Just pick one of your passions, figure out who will pay you for it and figure out how you’ll sell it. The problem is, picking the passion, figuring out who will pay for it and figuring out how to sell it are the reasons that you – mister excuse – haven’t done it yet. Wanna be inspired by ten people that have? Come to next year’s Excellence Awards, where small businesses that removed the excuses are rewarded for their accomplishments.
Last week, more than 400 people came out to applaud some of my favorite small businesses for not taking no for an answer – accomplishing great things despite this whole economy fad. Don’t take my word for it, click for some real stories (warning, you might try to do something great after you read them).
So here comes the call to action… As an active participant in our region’s business community, I encourage you to get more involved, to network with us, to improve your business operations – and to nominate and celebrate great endeavors. Just do it (I just made that up, do you like it?).
Click here for pictures from the awards dinner.
Click here for nominations information for the next Excellence Awards Honoring the Region’s Small Businesses.
Charlie Pizzi to receive our 2009 William Penn Award November 12, 2009
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The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce that business leader Charles P. Pizzi will receive the 2009 William Penn Award and will be honored at a gala on April 16, 2010 at the Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue. The event is sponsored by Wachovia and co-sponsored by Stradley Ronon LLP.
The William Penn Award is the highest honor bestowed upon a business executive in Greater Philadelphia. Awarded annually since 1949, recipients are chosen for their outstanding contributions toward the betterment of the region, their professional accomplishments, and their commitment to charity as well as to the community. The selection committee is comprised of past honorees.
Taking Stock with Robert Frank November 11, 2009
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Submitted by: Shilpa Patel, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC
The Taking Stock event that we recently sponsored was very relevant to what is currently happening in the financial services industry. The interview style format with Robert Frank gave him an opportunity to provide further insight on our economy, present and future. Given Janney also follows the markets and economy, it refreshing to hear the same viewpoints from a widely recognized subject matter expert.
The Vanguard Group wins our 2010 Visionary Award November 10, 2009
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The Chamber presented The Vanguard Group with the 2010 Visionary Award at the 27th Annual Excellence Awards Honoring the Region’s Small Businesses dinner on Thursday, Novem
ber 5.
In recent years, the Visionary Award was added as a special tribute to an outstanding corporation that began as a small company and continues to contribute to the growth and success of our small business community and regional economy.
The Visionary Award was proudly sponsored by Stradley Ronon, which celebrated the accomplishments of Vanguard and 10 Excellence Award winners with the business community at the awards dinner at the Hyatt Regency at Penn’s Landing.
Highly regarded for its unique ownership structure and low investment costs, The Vanguard Group in Valley Forge exists solely to serve its mutual fund shareholders.
Vanguard’s tradition of stellar leadership began in 1975 with John Bogle founding a small administrative company with 28 employees, 11 funds, and $1.8 billion in net assets. A year later, the fledgling company introduced the first index mutual fund for individual investors. (more…)
Journal from the Road: Day 4 November 6, 2009
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Each week your Chamber is involved in a myriad of programs, events and meetings that are all devoted to advancing our mission to attract, retain and grow jobs for the citizens of Greater Philadelphia. This week, I decided to share with you from my perspective, some of what we are doing to advance free enterprise in our region.
The highlight of my day yesterday was to be part of our 27th Annual Excellence Awards celebration, which honored small businesses in our region.
We recognized a wide range of individuals and organizations that have worked long and hard to create jobs for folks in our City and Region. To see a list of all the winners, visit greaterphilachamber.com/sbea. You can also find stories behind all of our winners on our blog by clicking here.
My wife Kristin joined me for the event and on our way home we talked about how a small business success story can energize, uplift and instill a new sense of optimism
Over 400 attendees were energized last evening, and in part, I am very optimistic that our best days lie ahead.
And this concludes my “Journal from the Road”. This was just a snapshot of what your Chamber is doing to advance free enterprise in our Region.
- Rob Wonderling
Journal from the Road: Day 3, “Cider and Ice ROCKS” November 5, 2009
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Each week your Chamber is involved in a myriad of programs, events and meetings that are all devoted to advancing our mission to attract, retain and grow jobs for the citizens of Greater Philadelphia. This week, I decided to share with you from my perspective, some of what we are doing to advance free enterprise in our region.
I spent a portion of my day with several outstanding entrepreneurs. First, I learned how Zeiglers of Lansdale make their various cider products, and how they are building a national brand. Check out more on what they are doing at http://www.zeiglers.com/. In less than four hours, Art Balereit and his team can take a truck load of apples and make a whole lot of “preservative free” cider…and then have it on its way to a grocery store near you. Truly “just in time” and truly a company posed for growth in our region.
The next extraordinary entrepreneur I met with yesterday was Vinnie Bagdwal. He came to Pennsylvania from India about 10 years ago. He did not speak English and he and his young wife were expecting their first child. Vinnie has worked extremely hard – first as a convenience store cashier and than at a gas station. He caught the entrepreneurial spirit, took a risk, and eventually bought that gas station.
One hot summer day his station ran out of ice. He bought and bagged some by hand so he could serve his customers. He soon learned that other area gas stations were also running out of ice. He went on to hand bag more ice and began to serve these other stations as well. Now in less than five years he and his team serve our region at the Lansdale Ice Company. These guys are a big deal, supplying both large and small retail outlets.
These are just two great examples of Greater Philadelphia entrepreneurs who acted on their ideas
They also “network” at the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce to help grow their businesses.
Ideas, Risk taking, creating jobs. This is the road to economic recovery.
Very Cool!
- Rob Wonderling
New Castle County Breakfast: Exploring Innovation November 4, 2009
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Our County Breakfast Conversations visited New Castle County last week. More than 100 business executives, policy officials and economic developers came out to Claymont to talk about innovation and entrepreneurship in our region. Much of the conversation focused on the importance of developing partnerships. Click here to see pictures. Read more below.
Partnerships are key to growth in New Castle County and
Greater Philadelphia
A key to continued economic growth is building public and private partnerships that support small businesses and entrepreneurs, according to New Castle County executives speaking at a meeting last week, which was co-presented by the New Castle County and Greater Philadelphia Chambers of Commerce.
The Hon. Chris Coons, New Castle County Executive; Ernest Dianastasis, Managing Director, CAI, Chairman, The Delaware Business Roundtable, and Chairman, First State Innovation; and Dr. Patrick T. Harker, President, University of Delaware were the featured panelists at the Chamber’s New Castle County Breakfast. The meeting was attended by more than 150 business executives, policy makers and civic leaders. (more…)
Journal from the Road: Day 2 November 4, 2009
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Each week your Chamber is involved in a myriad of programs, events and meetings that are all devoted to advancing our mission to attract, retain and grow jobs for the citizens of Greater Philadelphia. This week, I decided to share with you from my perspective, some of what we are doing to advance free enterprise in our region.
Yesterday I started my day by voting and learning that without warning SEPTA workers walked off the job. At a time in which a countless number of employed citizens are worried about their job security, getting to work on time really matters. The Transit Union just made that even more of a challenge. We encourage folks to check out http://www.septa.org/sip for alternative ways to get around during the strike.
I also spent time with seven International Journalists who specialize in “global shipping and logistics”. They are in our region for the next several days to learn why Greater Philadelphia is “HOT” for the next “COOL” Atlantic wave of import/export opportunities. Special thanks to our affiliate Select Greater Philadelphia for hosting these foreign journalists.
Later last night I attended the annual MAC Alliance Conference, which featured over 1,000 venture capitalists and entrepreneurs. The attendees of this event will set the stage for recovery in the Greater Philadelphia region.
I ended the evening by having dinner with Mayor Nutter.
Go Phillies!
- Rob Wonderling
Journal from the Road November 3, 2009
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Each week your Chamber is involved in a myriad of programs, events and meetings that are all devoted to advancing our mission to attract, retain and grow jobs for the citizens of Greater Philadelphia. This week, I decided to share with you from my perspective, some of what we are doing to advance free enterprise in our region.
Mondays at the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce always begin with the “How are we doing meeting”, as I regularly meet with Chamber management to take a pulse of what’s going on at our organization. Today was no different, except for the fact that this week we are gearing up for one of our signature events – the Excellence Awards on Thursday evening, where we honor the region’s small businesses. You can find more information about the event and this year’s honorees at http://www.greaterphilachamber.com/sbea.aspx
My Monday ended out of the norm as I had an awesome time at a panel discussion put on by the great folks at Refresh Philly. I was part of a diverse group of social media gurus, bloggers, and “next gen” virtual advocates. We had a great dialog on how the web can be used to transform political campaigns, government, and the voice of Free Enterprise in the region. Find out more about Refresh Philly at http://www.refreshphilly.org/
And Monday ended with a great win by the Phillies!
- Rob Wonderling
Small Business Person of the Year shares her story October 29, 2009
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Listen to a truly inspirational story from the 2010 Excellence Award Small Business Person of the Year—one of 10 small business winners being honored this year.
Awardee Sirena Moore, Eloheim Cleaning Contractors, Inc., describes how she got started in a multi-million dollar business with her father and brother just a few years ago.
Sirena’s sponsor, Lynn Ozer of Susquehanna Bank—who has been on the awards selection committee for over a decade—elaborates on meeting so many incredible entrepreneurs who started their businesses from nothing and are celebrating their success with this prestigious award.
Join us at the 27th Annual Excellence Awards: Honoring the Region’s Small Businesses on November 5… to hear more great stories and enjoy valuable networking at a grand celebration at the Hyatt Regency at Penn’s Landing.
Celebrating Small Biz: Coldlight Solutions, LLC October 29, 2009
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The 27th Annual Excellence Awards: Honoring the Region’s Small Businesses are coming up on November 5! Small businesses and small business owners are the backbone of the Greater Philadelphia business community (and make up about 85% of our membership), which is why we think it’s important to recognize some of our region’s most successful small businesses for their innovation, diversity, perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit. Each one of this year’s 11 winners has a great story to tell, and so we are profiling each of our honorees leading up to the awards. Continuing with our countdown is Coldlight Solutions, LLC, 2010 award for Technological Excellence of the Year. 
Award Category: Technological Excellence of the Year
Winner: Coldlight Solutions, LLC
Recipient: Ryan Caplan,
President & CEO
Ryan Caplan has always had a passion for technology, writing his first computer programs at the age of eight on an Apple II. His lifelong passion for technology, entrepreneurship and helping businesses find creative strategies to achieve their goals inspired him to found ColdLight. (more…)
Celebrating Small Biz: Keswick Cycle October 27, 2009
Posted by megan in Congrats, Events, The Excellence Awards.add a comment
The 27th Annual Excellence Awards: Honoring the Region’s Small Businesses are coming up on November 5! Small businesses and small business owners are the backbone of the Greater Philadelphia business community (and make up about 85% of our membership), which is why we think it’s important to recognize some of our region’s most successful small businesses for their innovation, diversity, perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit. Each one of this year’s 11 winners has a great story to tell, and so we are profiling each of our honorees leading up to the awards. Continuing with our countdown is Keswick Cycle, awarded 2010 Retailer of the Year.
Award Category: Retailer of the Year
Winner: Keswick Cycle
Recipient: Brian Hackford, Owner
Brian Hackford has been connected to a bicycle since he was 12, relying on it to get around the Montgomery County countryside. He bought his first bike at Keswick Cycle—one of the original, and largest, Schwinn distributors in the nation, with a long-standing reputation for superior service. (more…)
Tips for greening your business from GreenNOW October 27, 2009
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From measuring and monitoring a company’s carbon footprint and finding funding to green a business to creating a cleaner work environment and boosting worker productivity, the Chamber’s GreenNOW program offered practical tips for businesses to get started and get a return on investment.
The DEP shared funding resources for businesses that wanted to become more sustainable, Green and Save offered 5 steps businesses can take to decrease their carbon footprint, and the founder of Mway talked about its green evolution over the past 28 years and continuing to meet customers growing expectations.
Going beyond green, the program included a special focus on how good health and hygiene practices can make a company more sustainable. A physician from SCA’s Tork® Green Hygiene Council presented compelling information for encouraging better habits for every business to improve health and reduce sick days.
Celebrating Small Biz: Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House October 26, 2009
Posted by megan in Congrats, Events, The Excellence Awards.add a comment
The 27th Annual Excellence Awards: Honoring the Region’s Small Businesses are coming up on November 5! Small businesses and small business owners are the backbone of the Greater Philadelphia business community (and make up about 85% of our membership), which is why we think it’s important to recognize some of our region’s most successful small businesses for their innovation, diversity, perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit. Each one of this year’s 11 winners has a great story to tell, and so we are profiling each of our honorees leading up to the awards. Continuing with our countdown is Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, awarded 2010 Non-Profit Organization of the Year.
Award Category: Non-Profit Organization of the Year
Winner: Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House
Recipient: Susan Campbell, Executive Director, Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House
Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House was the first to open as a home away from home for families of critically ill children receiving treatment at local hospitals. PRMH now provides solace and sanctuary for 60 families every night—serving more than 30,000 families on 13,000 nights—and has served as a model program for nearly 300 Houses worldwide. (more…)
