Expansion, Expansion, Expansion December 28, 2007
Posted by megan in Public Policy.add a comment
The upcoming expansion of the PA Convention Center will be a leap forward for the City of Philadelphia. The $700 million project is expected to play a major role in stimulating the regional economy, allowing the Convention Center to host more meetings and accommodate larger conventions and tradeshows. The Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau has already booked more than $1.2 billion in future business into the expanded convention center. Expansion will also have a major impact on future hotel and hospitality-related business, filling the majority of hotel rooms in Center City, and generating about 2,000 new hospitality-related jobs each year.
Here at the Chamber, we are pleased that City Council approved a bill last week to go ahead with the expansion. The bill, which lays out exactly how the expansion will be run and the division of power between city, state and the Convention Center Authority, is a great development for the expansion. Most importantly, an amendment to the bill requires the unions working on the project to abide by City Council’s minority hiring guidelines and submit to oversight of individual minority-inclusion plans. This means that each union is expected to commit to hiring 40 percent minorities and 10 percent women.
This provision is a positive step for diversity and the bill is a positive step for our hospitality business. We salute City Council and everyone who worked on the bill for hammering out this fair-minded agreement.
Blogging for Your Business December 27, 2007
Posted by megan in Professional Development.add a comment
I ran across this article today in the New York Times and found it quite interesting on several levels. If you’re a small business owner thinking of starting a blog, it’s a must-read. Also, although the Chamber is not exactly a small business, it touches on many of the reasons we started this blog–increased transparency and member engagement, for example. I especially liked what Tony Stubblebine, the founder and chief executive of CrowdVine, had to say about his blog:
“I’m trying to create a community of help for small Internet businesses like mine. My blogging philosophy is like the open source model in software. It’s sort of a hippie concept. If I can help other people, it’s personally rewarding. And those people will likely pay it back in some ways.”
Blogging for the betterment of those around you–it’s a nice concept 
Read the full article: Blogging’s a Low-Cost, High Return Marketing Tool (free registration required)
Does Michael Nutter Have Your Resume Yet? December 26, 2007
Posted by megan in Michael Nutter, Public Policy.add a comment
By now it seems like everyone has heard about Mayor-Elect Michael Nutter’s call for resumes. He’s soliciting the “best and brightest” to become civil servants, working for the City in this crucial time as part of a renaissance of city government. His rousing appeal inspired us to put our photoshop skills to the test, bringing you the snazzy graphic to the left, and apparently we’re not the only ones who were moved by his call to arms. Last week, during an address to the CEO Council for Growth, Nutter mentioned that his office has received 3,500 resumes so far. They’ve come from all over the country, and from people at all skill levels. His office is going to be looking over every single one, too. Good luck to the members of his staff that are sorting through those!
It’s not too late to submit your resume. Click here to send it in to Michael Nutter.
Our previous post: Michael Nutter Wants You
Happy Holidays! December 21, 2007
Posted by megan in Uncategorized.add a comment
We’ll be back after Christmas. Hope everyone enjoys the break!
Pulling Each Other Up December 21, 2007
Posted by megan in Events, Photos.add a comment
Submitted by: Tara Pizzo, Chamber Communications Intern, LaSalle University class of ‘08
Stand up for yourself and build relationships! These were the two main themes I took away from the second annual Women in the Workforce event held last Thursday at the Rittenhouse Hotel. More than 150 women had the opportunity to hear from and network with top female executives in the region.
I walked away from the event feeling like I could take on the world. As a senior Communication major at La Salle University preparing to enter the workforce in the next few months, this event was valuable because the panelists inspired me with stories of how they started out their careers and then worked their way up to top executive positions. (more…)
Business Savvy: Investing in your Employee’s Education December 19, 2007
Posted by megan in Business Savvy.add a comment
write a Business Savvy article for GtrPhilaBiz and share your wisdom with the regional business community. Simply chose a specific issue that affects business and present your solution. Email it to us at blog@greaterphilachamber.com.
Investing in your Employee’s Education- Lessons from a Small Business Owner
Submitted By: Elizabeth Chuff, President, Ananda
An educated employee is very often your most valuable asset. Investing in your employees on a regular and consistent basis will give your business the edge, and your employees a sense of confidence and ownership.
What sets your business apart from other businesses is having the most competent and knowledgeable employees. If you are a business manager or owner with limited resources some of the following ideas can help you develop an educated workforce without overspending. There are both internal and external resources for knowledge that you can access on a budget. (more…)
Aiding Continuing Education December 13, 2007
Posted by megan in Paradigm Award and Scholarship.add a comment
Each year, we award the Paradigm Scholarship for Working Women to women who want to complete their undergraduate degree while working full-time for Chamber-member companies. It’s an amazing opportunity for women who want to go back to school to follow their aspirations, and we’d like to share what Renay Oberholtzer, one of last year’s winners, has to say about her experience:
In 1978 I thought I was finished with formal education. Surprise! Twenty eight years later and a promotion, I found myself registered for Immaculata University’s R.N. to B.S. of Nursing program. A new paradigm for my life emerged. To be honest, at the time it was filled with more trepidation than excitement. One year later, I laugh as I look back and to the future. I have excelled in the course work, enjoyed the camaraderie of the cohort, and have been motivated to look beyond my original goal. I have expanded my dream to consider a Master’s level degree.
The Paradigm Scholarship has assisted me financially. But I think more importantly was the assistance in recognizing my potential. I am grateful to the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce Paradigm Scholarship Committee for being a cheering squad for women who venture in new directions.
Nominations for this year’s scholarship are due February 8. To nominate someone, to apply, or to learn more click here. Winners of the Paradigm Scholarship receive up to $5,000 to be used for tuition and/or books within a two-year period. Scholarship recipients, including the Helena Devereux and Stradley Ronon Scholars, will be announced at the Paradigm Award celebration on March 12.
Young Professionals Network at Marathon Grill December 13, 2007
Posted by megan in Events, Photos, YPN.2 comments
Submitted by Lawrence Williams, YPN Board Member
YPN wrapped up the year on an excellent note with an outstanding event at the Marathon Grill last night. Tom Muldoon, President of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau addressed the group. Mr. Muldoon was very candid about the current challenges he faces with the Convention Center expansion project and shared valuable insight about his vision for the future.
The YPN Toy Drive was a huge success! YPN members really stepped up to the plate and provided some awesome gifts. The students at the McClure Elementary School will be pleasantly surprised by your generosity. Thank you very much YPN members….HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!
To view photos from the event, click here.
Twas the Giving Season December 12, 2007
Posted by megan in Member Submitted.add a comment
We all know the holidays are a time for giving. Click below to find out what some of our members are up to and how you can get involved:
Coldwell Banker is a designated drop-off location for Toys for Tots
Firstrust Bank Warms up Bucks County for the Holidays
Adopt a Family through Presbyterian Children’s Village
Here at the Chamber we’re in the middle of United Way Week. Last year we raised more than $11,500 in support of the charities and people United Way serves, and this year we’re hoping to reach $13,500.
Tell us about your company’s generosity and how you’re impacting our communities by posting a comment!
This Week at the Chamber December 10, 2007
Posted by megan in Events, Public Policy, YPN.1 comment so far
- Congressional Reception at the Westin Philadelphia Hotel TODAY
- Young Professionals Network at Marathon Grill 12/11
- Women in the Workforce at the Rittenhouse Hotel 12/13
For more information on all upcoming events, visit the Chamber’s event calendar.
Lunching with the Chamber December 6, 2007
Posted by megan in Events, Member Submitted, Networking.4 comments
Submitted by Evan Segal, GE Real Estate and Chamber Ambassador Committee Chair
The inaugural GPCC Business Between Hours was as good as it gets! What took the chamber so long to set one of these up?!? Seems like a no-brainer …. great networking and great food at a terrific venue during my lunch break — and it was only the first time they did this?!? I blame you Becca Mathis for not recommending one of these sooner! Get with it you people!
Seriously – it was as successful of an event as you could hope for. Smith and Wollensky provided us with an upscale setting in their second floor party room overlooking Rittenhouse Square. Mother Nature provided us with an unexpected treat — gentle snowflakes falling down and glistening on tree branches providing us with a winter wonderland background. Talk about A Wonderful Life! And the scenery was just as impressive on the inside as we had an exceptionally sharp looking group of attendees (yes, you too Lawrence) — must be all that holiday love going around making people bring their “A” game! Can’t wait to see those photos! (more…)
Women- Raise Your Status! December 4, 2007
Posted by megan in Events, Professional Development.1 comment so far
Submitted by: Lauren, Programs and Events
Ellen Fisher, Publisher of the Women’s Yellow Pages of Greater Philadelphia, attended Women in the Workforce last year, and had this to say about the sold-out program:
“Rarely do you get a chance to listen to such high profile women and then have the opportunity to interact with each of the panelists in small groups. This is a fabulous program that gives everyone the chance to learn from each other!”
Following the resounding success of last year’s event, we’re excited to bring you the second annual Women in the Workforce on December 13 at the Rittenhouse Hotel (from 8:00-10:30 a.m.). Come hear a panel of diverse and prominent female speakers share stories of their success and career paths. Mingle with women from all industries and professions. Learn from some of the top women professionals in the region. Gain new contacts, friends and motivation to take on the world!
The panelists for this year are Diana Bald, Vice President and General Manager of Univision, Emily Bittenbender, Managing Partner of Bittenbender Construction, Linda Galante, Esq., Partner with Stradley Ronon, Tracee Hunt, Vice President of Human Resources of the Philadelphia Coca Cola Company and Tammy Mattson, Managing Principal of Towers Perrin. The moderator is Angela Dowd-Burton, Manager of Local Government Relations and Grassroots Initiatives at Rohm and Haas. (more…)
This Week at the Chamber December 3, 2007
Posted by megan in Events, Networking, VETWORK.1 comment so far
- VETWORK networking breakfast at Merck in North Wales, PA 12/4
- Business Between Hours at Smith & Wollensky in Center City 12/5
- Chester County Breakfast in Malvern, PA 12/6
For more information on all upcoming events, visit the Chamber’s event calendar.
