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
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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 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
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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 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…)
Celebrating Small Biz: The EF Precision Group October 22, 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 The EF Precision Group, awarded 2010 Manufacturer of the Year.
Award Category: Manufacturer of the Year
Winner: The EF Precision Group
Recipient: Bud Tyler, Vice President, New Business Development
A high-tech design and contract manufacturer for 32 years, The EF Precision Group (EFPG) started as a small, computer numerical controlled (CNC) machine shop in a two-car garage. The business has grown into a full-service, turnkey solutions company occupying 65,000 sq. ft, employing 76 people and generating $19 million in revenue last year. (more…)
Tell us your priorities for our advocacy October 21, 2009
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As you may have heard, we’re in the midst of a new advocacy campaign, called Relay. Essentially, we are reaching out to members and non-members throughout the region to identify the priority issues of the business community in four key areas: Business Climate, Infrastructure, Workforce and Quality of Life.
(Click here to see what the Inquirer, Courier Times and Technically Philly are saying about the campaign).
To get feedback, we created an online survey, which was sent to more than 25,000 Chamber members and affiliates, non-members, industry associations and local chambers. In addition, the survey is posted on our Web site (as you can tell, we really want feedback).
So, please complete the survey and reach out to your friends and co-workers and ask them to fill out the survey as well. And, consider adding a Relay graphic to your website, company intranet, blog or online newsletter, here’s how.
We know we are most effective when our priorities reflect the sentiments of the region’s entire business communit. Let us be your voice.
Celebrating Small Biz: Jan’s Boutique October 15, 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 Jan’s Boutique, awarded 2010 Family Business of the Year.
Award Category: Family Business of the Year
Winner: Jan’s Boutique
Recipient: Peter Virilli, Chief Financial Officer
Jan’s Boutique, one of South Jersey’s finest women’s specialty apparel stores, is a fashion oasis for women looking for the “wow” factor. For over 35 years, the company’s core customers, numbering in the thousands, have faithfully shopped at this unique and innovative store for four reasons: carefully selected name-brand designers, the largest inventory selection in the region, affordable to moderate prices, and stellar customer service. (more…)
George Stephanopolous talks economy at our Annual Meeting October 13, 2009
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Watch George Stephanopoulos give his insight on the economy at our Annual Meeting last week.
Check our Twitter page for more happenings from the Annual Meeting (we live tweeted from the event!)
Celebrating Small Biz: McGrath Systems October 13, 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 McGrath Systems, awarded 2010 Emerging Business of the Year.
Award: Emerging Business of the Year
Winner: McGrath Systems
Recipient: Mike Wiley, Chief Executive Officer
In just four years, Mike Wiley’s business went from a modest start in his parents’ Plymouth Meeting basement to one of the region’s top recruiting and staffing firms. (more…)
Corporate Speed Networking October 12, 2009
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Submitted by: Lori Kennedy, Shred Patrol, LLC
I just got back from the GPCC Corporate Speed Networking Event. I always enjoy these events. There are many new people to meet and businesses to learn about. My hope is to help as many as I can to grow their business. This is my third speed networking event and they get better every time. We even got our largest client from one! It was a pleasure meeting everyone and I hope to see you all again soon!
Click here to see more photos from the event.
Our next networking event is coming up on November 17 at Lucky Strike Lanes. Click here for more information or to register.
GreenNow on October 22! October 8, 2009
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GreenNOW is for businesspeople who want to learn how current trends in sustainability can help their business grow and profit NOW.
The half-day program coming up on Thursday, October 22, at Lincoln Financial Field’s SCA Club Lounge, will explore how adopting the latest sustainability practices can create an advantage for companies, especially as the nation emerges from the economic downturn. (more…)
Celebrating Small Biz: Burman’s Medical Supply October 8, 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 Burman’s Medical Supplies and Specialty Pharmacy, awarded 2010 Best Customer Service of the Year.
Award: 2010 Customer Service Excellence of the Year
Winner: Burman’s Medical Supplies and Specialty Pharmacy
Recipient: Steve Burman, R.Ph., President and CEO
Steve Burman’s career in the health care industry started well before his graduation from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. He began as a stock boy and eventually became a pharmacy tech at the pharmacy his father opened in Chester, PA in 1965. (more…)
