A sunny day on the green June 29, 2009
Posted by megan in Chamber Affiliates, Events, YPN.add a comment
Submitted by: Mai-Linh Hoang
On June 22, 60 golfers enjoyed a perfect golfing day at YPN’s second annual golf outing at Bala Golf Club. Most groups of four golfers included a senior business executive— Chamber board members Anthony Campisi of Annodyne, Inc., Michael Carbone of TD Bank, and Fran Van Kirk of Heidrick & Struggles, Inc., participated. All proceeds from the golf outing supported summer internships for Philadelphia youth.
Kevin Cafferky of Philadelphia OIC and current chair of the YPN board states, “The ability for YPN to put on a golf outing of this caliber is a great honor for us. We have the distinct opportunity to put young professionals in contact with premier business leaders in the greater Philadelphia region. What other organization besides YPN gives young professionals the ability to golf with a prominent business leader or Chamber board member?”
Joe Mahoney, Executive Vice President at the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce thanked all the golfers for coming out to support the summer internships, at the reception after the outing. Other Chamber board members in attendance were Bill Sasso of Stradley Ronan and Scott Mirkin of ESM Productions, who also sponsored the 6th Hole Refreshment Stand. In addition, we would like to thank AllState for sponsoring the 1st Hole Refreshment stand and Comcast Spectator as the luncheon sponsor. For the full list of golf hole sponsors, please click here.
Click here to see pictures of the event.
Women Taking Charge June 19, 2009
Posted by megan in Events, Photos.add a comment
Submitted by: Stephanie Takach, Chamber Programs and Events
Over 175 women gathered at the Rittenhouse Hotel on June 16 to recognize distinguished women executives who have proven themselves as leaders in the workplace. Nell Merlino, keynote speaker and the creative force behind Take Our Daughters to Work Day, told women to stop waiting and get what they want with some imagination and dedication. She referenced her book, “Steps for Getting What You Want Out of life” to empower the businesswomen to imagine bigger lives and recognize that their goals are possible.
The panelists included Donna Allie, President and Founder of Team Clean, Inc.; Renee Amoore, President of The Amoore Group, Inc.;
Marth Soehren, Chief Learning Officer and Senior VP of Comcast University for Comcast Cable; and Faith Williams, Loyalty Marketing Manager for Cancer Treatment Centers of America with Lyn Kremer publisher of the Philadelphia Business Journal as the moderator. Amoore’s passion was exhibited by her push for women to get involved in politics because with multiple women represented on boards and councils there can be real change. Allie shared her story of having a master’s but not being able to find a job. She then did what she did best—clean houses. She built her enterprise, Team Clean, from the ground up and the company now has over $17 million in sales. Soehren believed that women need to have patience and be focused to become a leader and Williams told women to take risks if it means getting what they want. All of the panelists motivated the female leaders in the audience to become agents of change in their communities and businesses.
Click here to see pictures from the event.
Click here to view Groundbreakers, a recent Ernst & Young report that examines the impact of women on the economy.
Economic Opportunity at Supplier Network June 19, 2009
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Submitted by Michael Tolassi, Jr., Owner, Agio Brand Solutions LLC
The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce organized another great event hosted at the spectacular and historic Union League of Philadelphia. The Supplier Network’s Procurement Pipeline offered a great opportunity for small businesses to connect with procurement officers of larger corporations. Area corporations such as Comcast and Blue Cross along with Universities such as St. Joseph’s and Drexel attended the session seeking qualified small businesses to serve their needs. I was very pleased with the attendance and assistance from area corporations. The procurement officers were friendly, helpful and open to discussion. The Pipeline was kicked off with an informative speech by Mr. Michael Bell, Mayor Nutter’s newly appointed Executive Director of the City’s Office of Economic Opportunity. Mr. Bell spoke of the City’s interest in increasing minority spending and suggested possible opportunities for business with the city. Moreover, and certainly not less important, it was great to have met other qualified and certified small businesses. As a small business owner, it is occasionally a challenge to locate professionals for goods and services. I find these chamber events an opportunity to meet great small businesses. Looking forward to the next event.
Click here to view photos of the this event.
YPN Volunteers at McClure Elementary Spring Fling June 12, 2009
Posted by Sara in Photos, YPN.add a comment
Submitted by Chris Parker, TD Bank
On Friday June 5, Young Professionals Network held their third Annual Spring Fling at McClure Elementary School in North Philadelphia. Despite the grey skies, the event was a bright one, lit up by the smiling faces of fifty McClure Students who Assistant Principal Randy Davila had invited to attend. The students’ excitement and enthusiasm was contagious and YPN volunteers, alongside the McClure Staff, enjoyed pizza followed by dancing, games, and a surprise visit by the Ben & Jerry’s truck!
Students received a certificate recognizing their attendance and gifts contributed by both Variety – The Children’s Charity and TD Bank. Eighteen of the students in attendance were selected because of their perfect attendance during the school year, while teachers selected other for showing good citizenship (the definition of which was the topic of a group discussion as the festivities wound down). YPN volunteers, McClure staff and students all had a pleasing and rewarding day.
Let the excitement for the fourth Annual Spring Fling begin!
Click here to view photos from the event.
Employers and Recent Grads: Connect at Campus Philly’s Opportunity Fair June 11, 2009
Posted by Sara in Job openings, Member Submitted.add a comment
Campus Philly is producing the 2009 Opportunity Fair to connect regional employers with recent graduates and young alumni, with initial support from the City of Philadelphia, twenty college and university partners, and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. The fair provides an opportunity for employers to build a base of talented young recruits by offering grads full-time entry level positions and professional level internships.
The 2009 Opportunity Fair will take place on June 16, 2009 from 12-4pm at Saint Joseph’s University’s James J. Maguire ‘58 Campus. Click here for more information.
Have a “Wrench” in the System? June 9, 2009
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Need to improve the bottom line? Join the British American Business Council for a business networking event featuring Harold Hambrose, founder and CEO of Electronic Ink and special guest moderator Matthew Cross of Think London on Wednesday, June 17 at the Racquet Club of Philadelphia from 8-10 a.m.
Hambrose will share his expertise on how to turn an underperforming digital asset into an effective communications tool, how to dramatically boost productivity, and how to reduce training costs in order to achieve a better return on one of your company’s largest investments.
Also, don’t miss the opportunity to network with our Think London representative (www.thinklondon.com) and learn about what London has to offer, including business opportunities for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.
This timely breakfast will convene a specially selected group of business leaders from both public and private sectors for a morning of high-level and intimate discussion. For more information or to register, click here.
Water Works Well for Networking June 8, 2009
Posted by Sara in Events, Networking, Photos.add a comment
Submitted by Spencer Williams, Avaya Business Partner
Another superb event put on by the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Held at the breathtaking Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, this between hours networking function combined great food by The Couch Tomato Café and the comfortable space of the Water Works museum. I am always looking for new and existing businesses interested in alternatives to their existing communications systems, and found myself speaking and exchanging business cards with many different companies. As a regular at these types of events, I found that the attendance for this mid-day event was quite good. Good food + Good people + Good networking = Successful Chamber Event. I, as well as the others I spoke with, look forward to another creative venue and networking event. Kudos to the Chamber staff. See you soon!
Click here to view photos from the event.
YPN at Ralph’s Cafe June 4, 2009
Posted by Sara in Networking, Photos, YPN.add a comment
Submitted by Mai-Linh Hoang, DAL Inc.
YPN hosted Dr. Arlene Ackerman, Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, on Monday, June 1 at Ralph’s Cafe on the 43rd and 44th floors of the Comcast Center. Dr. Ackerman spoke of her strong belief of her school district and how the public school system has given opportunities to those less fortunate, of which she is also a living witness of what public schools can do for young people. The largest movement for the district is the implementation of Imagine 2014, which focuses on accomplishing these goals: student success, quality choices, great staff, accountable adults, and world-class operations. She looks to improve upon the 47% drop out rate before the 12th grade; the 49% of African American males dropping out of high school; and the 59% of Hispanic males dropping out of high school.
We, as young professionals, have a unique opportunity to make a difference for our school district. Dr. Ackerman stated, “One adult in the life of child will get them through school”. That “one adult” can be you.
The first step in helping the children in our school district is to sign up for YPN’s volunteer event on June 5th at McClure Elementary to celebrate their “Spring Fling”. The next YPN networking event will be on July 23rd at XIX in the Bellevue Building.
Click here to view photos from the event.
The Next GPCC President & CEO June 4, 2009
Posted by Sara in Congrats.add a comment
On June 1, we announced Rob Wonderling as a our next President & CEO. Click here to learn more.
Meet Rob Wonderling, Our Next President & CEO June 4, 2009
Posted by Sara in Chamber in the News, Video.add a comment
In the clip above, from Monday’s press conference, our next President & CEO discusses his vision for the Chamber.
Region on the Rise May 28, 2009
Posted by Sara in Events, Member Submitted, Photos.add a comment
Carl Elliott of Clean Earth, Inc. shows his construction spirit.
Congratulations to the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and all the participants at the May 20th Region on the Rise forum. We need more events like this – held in the expansive and open Philadelphia Cruise Terminal at the Navy Yard on a beautiful morning. It highlighted just one more perhaps under-appreciated, yet business-friendly, environment conducive to businesses of all kinds in Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The free parking was nice, but I was really struck by all the development which has transformed the Navy Yard into a commercial/retail/professional district and business incubator. Roughly the geographic size of center city, with great commuter access, I can see it posing some real competition to center city for the locating of company headquarters in the coming years. (more…)
Variety kids go to the ballgame! May 27, 2009
Posted by megan in Events, YPN.add a comment
Submitted by Mai-Linh Hoang, DAL Inc.
Volunteers from YPN teamed up with Young Variety to take the children of Variety out to the Phillies game, where they took on the Marlins on Tuesday evening. Variety – The Children’s Charity, a non-profit organization, prides itself in providing various programs and opportunitites to children with special needs. Despite the low temperature and drizzling rain, the kids and volunteers had the time of their lives. Not only did the kids enjoy the game, but the volunteers learned much from the kids. Often times, as young professionals, we work on the communication to peers and upper level executives, but we forget that sometimes communicating with a special needs child is just as important. The ability to connect to the children of Variety not only makes us better communicators, but also better well-rounded people, which proves to be an advantage in our professional environments.
YPN’s next networking event is on June 1st at Ralph’s Cafe in the Comcast Center featuring Dr. Arlene Ackerman, the superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia. YPN’s next vounteer event is on June 5th at McClure Elementary.
Click here to view more photos. Read more about the event here.
Chamber Member Featured in the Wall Street Journal May 20, 2009
Posted by Sara in Congrats.add a comment
Congrats to Sara Canuso of Philadelphia company A Suitable Solution, who was featured in a Wall Street Journal article today. The article discusses the importance of first impressions for lawyers meeting new clients. Its definitely worth a read. Click here to view it.
YPN’s Success in the City May 13, 2009
Posted by Sara in Networking, Photos, YPN.add a comment
Submitted by Peter Shrier, SSH Real Estate
For the third consecutive year, YPN hosted its annual “Success in the City” event, drawing a huge crowd of young professionals to the The Down Town Club in the Public Ledger Building. Members of the Young Professional Network gathered to network, meet and speak with a panel of experts currently making significant strides for the Greater Philadelphia Region. Lori Wilson, of NBC 10 News, was once again a superb moderator for an all-star panel with: Christine Knapp, Director of Outreach for Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future, Johnny McDonald, Partner of Onion Flats, LLC, Jeanne O’Connor, VP and Chief Business Development Officer of Select Greater Philadelphia and Ahmeenah Young, President & CEO of PA Convention Center Authority. Discussion surrounded ideas such as sustainable building, economic drivers, transit, clean energy and other issues that will help the Philadelphia Region continue to grow as a major metropolitan area.
Click here to view photos from the event.
Join us on Facebook May 8, 2009
Posted by Sara in Networking.add a comment
The Chamber now has a fan page on the popular social networking website Facebook. Now, in addition to our website and blog, Chamber members have another way to find out about our news and events. Our Facebook page will also feature pictures and videos from our programs.
We encourage all members to join our page and to engage in dialogue on the page’s wall as well.
To join our Facebook page, click here.
Please spread the word to your fellow Chamber members!
Career Fair Success! May 1, 2009
Posted by Sara in Business Resources, Photos.add a comment
Submitted by Meg Shope Koppel, Ph.D., Director of Research, Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board
The PhillyMagnet Career fair took place yesterday. Click here for photos.
The Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board and the four other southeast Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Boards were delighted to present workshops and informational sessions on job hunting in the region at the PhillyMagnet Career Fair. This annual event is presented in partnership by Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Daily News and philly.com. Though the economic times are tough for those looking for a job, there is hiring going on in the five county region and beyond in the contiguous counties in New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. Finding a job can be hard work today – but the most important factor is having the skills and knowledge that match the job opportunity you pursue. In this competitive market, job credentials signal potential employers about your knowledge base and skills. Highlighting employment experience demonstrating what you can accomplish is key. Now is an important time to retool by completing training or finishing a degree if your search is stalled. The needs of employers are constantly changing and new skills are essential. “Lifetime learning” is not a cliché but a requirement today whether in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, or business services. (more…)
Watch This! April 28, 2009
Posted by Sara in CulturePass, Video.add a comment
The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance just produced this heartwarming short film on all of the amazing things there is to do in Greater Philadelphia. Its definitely worth the watch…and will make you proud to live here!
The Chamber offers discounts to a lot of the places mentioned in the video through our CulturePass.
William Penn Award Gala Pics April 23, 2009
Posted by Sara in Congrats, Events, Photos.add a comment
Last week, more than 800 business leaders joined the Chamber in honoring media pioneer and philanthropist Gerry Lenfest with the William Penn Award at a gala event.
The William Penn Award is the highest honor bestowed upon a business person 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.
Click here to view photos from the event.
