Riverfront Views and Good Conversations June 26, 2008
Posted by megan in Events, Member Submitted, Networking, Photos.add a comment
Submitted by Gerald Furgione, PhillyCarShare
I thought that Tuesday night’s Business After Hours Event at the Chart House was by far the best BAH event of the year! The house was packed with thirsty Chamber members who congregated at the main bar and outdoor terraces and enjoyed free drinks, delicious food, a jazz combo, a beautiful view of the river and the Battleship New Jersey, a great summer evening, and a phenomenal networking opportunity. It doesn’t get much better than that!
There was a really good mix of familiar faces, new friends, as well as a nice contingent of Ambassadors to greet them. Leigh Hartman kicked-off the event with a rousing welcome. After hearing from the Chairman of the GPCC Ambassador Committee, Evan Segal, we were told about the impressive lineup of upcoming events at the Chart House including their ringside view of the 4th of July weekend fireworks and their nightly jazz ensembles.
Kudos to the Chart House for the fantastic food, the beautiful venue, and the jazz! Thanks to everyone who had display tables set up including AAA, Domus, Alpha Card Services and Lucky Strike Bowling. And a special thanks to the Chamber Staff who put this event together. If you missed this opportunity to make new friends and business contacts, you missed a super event. Do yourself a favor and don’t miss the next BAH.
One suggestion: We need more summer time After Hours Events on the River!
Click here to view more photos of the event.
YPN Tees UP June 25, 2008
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Submitted by Peter L. Shrier, SSH Real Estate
Young Professionals Network has officially brought back the golf outing and it was a huge success!! Bala Golf Club had its course in pristine condition for a day in which a gloomy weather forecast turned out to be 85 degrees and sunny! YPN members, guests and Chamber of Commerce members gathered for a round of 18 holes followed by cocktails, prizes, networking and a great dinner spread. Thanks to our hole sponsors as well as Ameriprise Financial, Comcast Spectacor, The Maria Quattrone Team of Coldwell Banker Preferred and Friendly Mortgage for making the reception, refreshments and the entire day a wonderful event. As a YPN member, I could not think of a better way to spend a Monday afternoon than on the golf course with my fellow YPN friends and Chamber Board Members; I am already looking forward to playing with them again next year if not sooner!!
To view photos from the event, click here. Click here to find out more about the next YPN event, at Moshulu on July 15.
Standing Room Only for Access International June 25, 2008
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Submitted by Neil Boyden Tanner, Associate General Counsel – International, ARAMARK and President, British American Business Council
What do Russia, the United Kingdom, China, Brazil, South Africa and Spain have in common? These were just some of the countries visited in the last few weeks by the illustrious international advisory panel put together by the British American Business Council and the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce at The Hub Cira Centre last week to inform about the assistance (much of it free) that they can offer to local companies seeking to expand internationally. The audience seemed universally surprised to see how much free information and assistance was available for their businesses, and grateful for the sharing of global experiences. (more…)
The Future of Health Care Event June 24, 2008
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Submitted by Mary Pat Kessler, Director Business Development, Brown & Brown Consulting
The Future of Health Care program was excellent and informative. The program addressed business executives, benefits decision-makers, HR professionals and small business owners. The panelist explained how business will be impacted by changes in health care and the effect it could have on the economy.
The featured speaker, Tommy G. Thompson, former United States Secretary of Health and Human Services, four-term governor of Wisconsin, and Independent Chairman of the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions was excellent and engaging. Secretary Thompson shared a national perspective on health care and proposals from each presidential candidate. The statistics were startling, 2.4 trillion dollars spent on health care in the US. 70 to 80% of the healthcare dollars spent is for chronic disease which we have control over, smoking and diabetes. Secretary Thompson predicts Medicare will go broke by 2012.
A PA state perspective and panel discussion was also interesting. The panel discussed healthcare reform, CAP, Cover All Pennsylvanians, and the billions of dollars spent in the state. They also discussed the uninsured problems in the state. Finally, some strategies were discussed in combating the rising cost of healthcare.
Renee Amoore was an excellent moderator. She kept the panel on task and provided entertainment! As always, Renee kept the audience engaged and present through the end of the program. Finally, the networking opportunity was amazing!
To view photos of the event, click here. Also, check out the article about the event in the Inquirer here.
This Week at the Chamber June 23, 2008
Posted by megan in Events, YPN.add a comment
- YPN Golf Outing at the Bala Golf Club TODAY
- Women Take Charge: Women in Politics at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel 6/24
- Business After Hours at Chart House 6/24
For more information on all upcoming events, visit the Chamber’s event calendar.
Vetwork Your Business Honors Congressional Staff June 13, 2008
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Submitted by Anselm Sauter, Manager, Public Policy
The Chamber’s Vetwork Your Business program year came to a close as we honored regional congressional staff today. In the beautiful Library Lounge of the Union League, nearly 40 veteran-owned business people came together with congressional staffers who are responsible for veteran and constituent affairs for each of the various congressional offices in the Greater Philadelphia region.
The discussion was great. After welcoming remarks from the Chamber’s Executive Vice President, Joe Mahoney and Lockheed Martin’s Small Business Liaison Officer, Regina Stout, I took the stage to offer more insight into the Vetwork Your Business program. It was important for me to convey the goals of Vetwork to the congressional offices. I wanted them to know the good things the Chamber is doing for veterans and their businesses. Hopefully, in their day-to-day constituent services, they could direct veteran business owners to us where appropriate.
After my remarks, we had the chance to hear from each office and all of the great things that they do for veterans. Some of the services I had heard of before, however most of it was new to me. It was great to learn how veterans can take advantage of their status and what’s available to them. There are a lot of things available to veterans, but half the time they are unaware. So many participants commented that they found today’s program extremely beneficial.
I’d like to thank all of the congressional offices for coming today and for all of their hard work on behalf of veterans: Senator Robert Menendez (NJ), Congressman Brady, Fattah, Murphy, Sestak and Congresswoman Schwartz.
If you’d like to learn more about Vetwork Your Business, please visit us at vetworkyourbusiness.gpcc.com.
To view pictures of the event, click here.
County Leaders Collaborate on Winning Region June 12, 2008
Posted by megan in Events, Michael Nutter, Photos, Public Policy.add a comment
Reaching across county lines with a luncheon on the picturesque grounds of the ACE Conference Center in Montgomery County on May 30, the Chamber’s Mark Schweiker moderated a panel of elected officials from southeastern Pennsylvania who shared economic development plans and perspectives on what makes us a “winning region” – which includes our neighbors in southern New Jersey and northern Delaware.
Over 100 regional businesspeople were intent on learning more about current efforts of five elected officials: Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, and County Commissioners Jim Cawley (Bucks), Kathi Cozzone (Chester), Jack Whelan (Delaware), and Joe Hoeffel (Montgomery).
Touting our “destination location,” Mayor Nutter and the county leaders reminded the audience that 40% of the country’s population live within a day’s ride of our metropolitan area, conveniently located between New York and Washington, D.C., with 3.8 million residents, an easy commute, affordable housing and lifestyles, and a full spectrum of arts and cultural venues.
The decision-makers were enthusiastic about their role and the future of the region for all of their constituents. There was a palpable, cooperative spirit demonstrated by the panelists as they spoke about identifying common interests, encouraging partnerships, and engaging in ongoing communication. A prime example: if site selectors decide one county isn’t a good fit for a new or expanding business, then they’ll shift their efforts to land that company in a neighboring county.
Click here to view photos of the event.
The Honorable Ronald D. Castille Addresses the Business Community June 6, 2008
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At a lunch gathering at the Park Hyatt on June 5, The Honorable Ronald D. Castille, 55th Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court (second from left), spoke to a Chamber audience. It marked his first address as chief justice to our business community, with 100 regional business people captivated by his candor, humor, and heart-felt stories about his life’s journey that led him to Greater Philadelphia and ultimately to the state’s highest court. The podium was also shared by event supporters (left to right) Craig Lord, Blank Rome; Nick DeBenedictis, Aqua America; and the Chamber’s Mark Schweiker. The event was held in partnership with the Philadelphia Bar Association.
Young Professionals Network at the Racquet Club June 5, 2008
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Submitted by Peter L. Shrier, SSH Real Estate
On June 3rd, Philadelphia’s District Attorney, Lynne Abraham, reminded YPN members why Lynne is such an asset to Philadelphia. In speaking to a packed room at the Racquet Club of Philadelphia, Lynne shared her feelings on Philadelphia’s advantages, dynamics and reputation from the standpoint of crime, neighborhoods, education and simply being a life citizen. Her knowledge, passion, dedication and humor were evident and the Racquet Club, as expected, prepared a great spread as an excellent host. Looking forward to YPN’s July 15th event at the Moshulu…
Click here for more photos of the event.
June Go Green Tips For Businesses June 3, 2008
Posted by megan in Go green.add a comment
- Bring a reusable water bottle to work instead of buying bottled water.
- When shipping, use recyclable and reusable packaging that is available from companies such as UPS and FedEx.
- Also, use shredded paper to pack large boxes instead of Styrofoam peanuts or small plastic air filled bags.
This Week at the Chamber June 2, 2008
Posted by megan in Events, Professional Development, Public Policy, YPN.add a comment
- Young Professionals Network at the Racquet Club of Philadelphia 6/3
- When to Grow or Sell Your Business at the Chamber 6/4
- Luncheon Honoring Chief Justice Ronald Castille at the Park Hyatt at the Bellevue 6/5
- YPN Volunteer Event at McClure Elementary School 6/6
For more information on all upcoming events, visit the Chamber’s event calendar.
