Harry Potter’s Coming to Town November 26, 2008
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Not on a broom, though. The British American Business Council will be welcoming the narrator of the Harry Potter audiobook series, Jim Dale, at their annual holiday luncheon on Friday, December 5 at The Racquet Club of Philadelphia.
Over the past three years, Jim Dale has recorded all seven books in the series and holds three Gusiness World Records, the most recent for creating 147 voices for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
However, Dale’s work is not just limited to audiobooks. The actor has been recognized in many venues; he is also an Oscar nominee, Tony Award winner and Grammy Award winner. Currently, you may recognize his light-timbered voice as the narrator of the popular television series Pushing Daisies.
Join the British American Business Council at their favorite event of the season, and enjoy business networking, holiday fare, celebratory “crackers,” raffle prizes and joy-joy-joy!
For more information, please visit www.babcphiladelphia.com or call 215-790.3627.
Unique OTM Reward Session Focuses on Development November 25, 2008
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Submitted by Liz Galantino, Senior Associate Metrospective Communications
In anticipation of the On The Move (OTM) November 20th Reward Session, I’m sure there were some volunteers who thought “Sweet…I’m taking a hard hat tour of the newest condominium construction project to hit The Square!?”
So, for those who arrived to the 16th floor of the United Plaza Building (vs. those who first circumferenced the actual structure looking for the event) they found themselves inside the sales presentation center of 10 Rittenhouse Condominium Residences for a special debut of what’s to come.
While taking in the sample unit we were treated to a commanding view of the high rise itself, which could be seen from the floor to ceiling windows lining each room, and enjoyed the model’s furnished decor and floor plan designs presented.
Development was a theme that came up throughout the evening – whether it was real estate – through event host 10 Rittenhouse; professional – through event sponsor Paliani Consulting; or entrepreneurial – through event guest the Empowerment Group.
As part of the rewards presentations, Margie Kelly and Chris Paliani were both “beaded” with purple, green and gold strands for reaching their OTM goals and cinching coveted spaces for the trip to New Orleans, LA in 2009. Informally dubbed “Margie Night” by an anonymous source, Ms. Kelly also won the weekly challenge and a blogging prize as well.
As we move into the next weeks of the OTM campaign, and enjoy the holiday season with family, friends and associates, we look forward to continuing to develop (there’s that word again) professionally and individually through our affiliation with the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.
Click here to view more photos from the event. Happy Holidays to everyone!
Greening Your Business November 19, 2008
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Submitted by Tina M. Greco, Partnership Marketing Representative, Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT)
Going into last week’s “Greening Your Business, Sustainable Ideas for Every Company” hosted by the Chamber, I was not sure exactly what I would come away with. As a board member and representative of the Chamber’s Young Professional’s Network (YPN), my interest was different than that of the majority of the attendees in the room at the Loews Hotel. While I appreciated learning about Philadelphia’s vision and goals to become the “Greenest City in the U.S.,” the question that resonated most with me was stated by one of the panelists: “What’s our role to achieve the City’s vision?”
To me, the “our” refers to the young professionals throughout the Greater Philadelphia Region. The discussion on future business tax breaks and the value proposition that greening and sustainability will lead to for the City are very important, but again, I was drawn more toward learning about how my own personal efforts can lead to future public returns. Scanning the exhibitors in the room and talking to some of the business owners at the event, I began to realize that there numerous ways in which young professionals can support the “green” effort which they may not know about. All of the research and information gathered at this event will go into the planning for the Young Professional’s Network’s signature “Success in the City” event in May 2009, which will focus on our role toward helping the City of Philadelphia become the “Greenest City in the U.S.”
Click here to view photos from the event.
Viva Chile in Philadelphia! November 19, 2008
Posted by megan in Chamber Affiliates, Events, Michael Nutter.add a comment
Last Thursday evening, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter made a proclamation naming this week in November the “Viva Chile in Philadelphia!” week. Viva Chile in Philadelphia! is an event organized by the Embassy of Chile in Washington D.C., the Consulate of Chile in Philadelphia, Trade Commission of Chile in New York and the Chilean and American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia (CACC) in order to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the CACC (an affiliate of the GPCC).
With a growing season opposite that of the U.S., Chilean peaches, cherries, and grapes have become a welcome and familiar sight during the Philadelphia winters. Accounting for about one-fifth of all traffic through the Ports of Greater Philadelphia, our region has become Chile’s gateway into the U.S. market, with 65% of all U.S./Chile fruit imports arriving through our Delaware River waterfront.
“For the past 20 years, Philadelphia has seen the growth of trade with Chile, with the many products brought into the U.S. through our city’s ports, in large part thanks to the tremendous efforts of the Chilean and American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter
Viva Chile in Philadelphia! offers an opportunity to explore a taste of Chile through lectures, cooking classes, wine tastings, and themed menus throughout the Philadelphia region. www.chileinphilly.com.
OTM Emphasizes Giving Back and Relationship-Building November 14, 2008
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Submitted by Margie Kelly, Account Executive, Consolidated Drake Press
Leadership is the driving emphasis for this year’s On the Move campaign. When trying to define leadership, many think in terms of strength of one’s character or simply as the captain of the ship. Last night at World Café Live, OTM volunteers had the opportunity to hear from Matt Cabrey of Shire Pharmaceuticals. Matt reminded us that leaders also are those who get involved in community outreach. Shire supports Fresh Artists, a non-profit program that supports young artisans in the Philadelphia School District. What a great program they have.
OTM volunteers work hard to raise money for the Chamber, which helps to improve the regional business community. But, the best part of the campaign is the relationships I have developed with fellow volunteers. I now know George from the Philadelphia Inquirer and Sheila from Independence Blue Cross very well. The room is full of decision makers and I get to participate.
What I love most about this campaign is the sharing. World Cafe Live and WXPN 88.5 are perfect examples of companies working together in our community. A profit & a non-profit supporting their ideas and opening our ears to the artistic community. Because of the Chamber and On the Move, I am invited to participate with the potential clients and possible vendors in some of the nicest venues in Philadelphia.
Click here to view photos.
The Chamber Honors Small Businesses November 13, 2008
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Submitted by Evan Polin, Sandler Training
The atmosphere at The Small Business Excellence Awards last week was incredible. The Hyatt was great and the Chamber did a wonderful job of putting the night together, but what made the event special was the energy of the event. The award winners were passionate and inspiring. The crowd was supportive and energetic. It was amazing to hear the stories of professionals who give so much to their businesses and give back so much to the community.
The night was particularly emotional for me because my father, Chuck Polin, won the Small Business Person of the Year award. I have always looked up to my father. He has always made time to go above and beyond to help our clients, he’s given his time and his heart to countless non-profits over the years, and he’s always made sure to spend time with his family. It was a once in a lifetime experience to watch him up on the podium receiving an award like this. I would like to thank the Chamber for providing a venue to honor the hard-working small businesses and for giving me a memory that I’ll never forget.
Click here to view photos from the event.
The Power of Creative Thinking November 12, 2008
Posted by megan in BABC, Chamber Affiliates, Events.add a comment
Last month, Matthew Emmens, Chairman of Shire Pharmaceuticals, shared with members of the British American Business Council (www.babcgp.com) his insights on why it only takes one person with vision and creativity to change a company; how a stagnant and stifling company culture can be revitalized; how to apply creative thinking within an organization; and why unconventional thinkers should be sought out by employers.
Emmens reminded us the power of creative thinking, new ideas, and the ability of an ordinary person to act as the catalyst for change. He presented a very hopeful and engaging story that encourages us to, quoting from his book “Zenobia: The Curious Book of Business”, “Look for what could be, not just what is.”
Matthew Emmens is a legendary keynoter and advocate of progressive leadership models in the pharmaceutical industry (as profiled in Forbes magazine), and is CEO of Shire Pharmaceuticals with over 3000 employees in 15 countries and almost 1.6 billion dollars in revenue annually.
OTM Reward Session Provides Inspiring Start to the Morning November 7, 2008
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Submitted by Gerald Furgione, Corporate Sales Development, PhillyCarShare
An amazing and unique “On the Move” event was held November 6th on a rainy morning at the historic Radisson Warwick Hotel. Mark Schweiker, President and CEO of the Chamber, welcomed the OTM team to this rare morning event, and emphasized the Chamber’s mission in molding leaders for key positions in the Greater Philadelphia business community.
Kevin Boyle of Stradley Ronon Stevens and Young preceded his introduction of the main speaker with a shout out to Scott Mirkin for his outstanding efforts in producing the Phillies Victory parade last Friday. As Kevin introduced the morning’s speaker Lem Burnham, he was interrupted by a round of applause as the audience acknowledged Lem’s service to our country as a young Marine in Vietnam.
When you consider the life of Len Burnham and the leadership that he learned and practiced on the battlefield, the football field, the classroom, and the boardroom, it is no wonder that his message of Functional Leadership was so well received by all in attendance. His NFL career as a Philadelphia Eagle as well as his scholastic achievements at Temple marked him as a true Philadelphia guy who excelled in the business world in the areas of Health Care, Sports Management, and Nonprofit Management. His concise and inspirational definition of leadership included managing your attitude, building a success profile, practicing team work, staying up to date, and communicating with your teammates. Lem’s message was loud and clear…true Leadership begins with the attitude of the leader. I think all who attended agreed that this event was a great way to start the day.
Guess who is turning 20? November 6, 2008
Posted by megan in Chamber Affiliates, Congrats, Events.1 comment so far
This year celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the Chilean and American Chamber of Commerce, and we look forward to celebrating this special occasion with a great party at the 11th Annual “Friend of Chile” Award Luncheon on Thursday, November 20th at the Union League. The Chilean and American Chamber is honoring the Governor of Delaware, Ruth Ann Minner.
The Chamber has had many successes and moves from strength to strength. It plays a particularly important role in promoting bilateral Chile-U.S. business, which is at the heart of the remarkable partnership between the countries.
During the past year, Chilean trade with the Delaware River Valley exceeded $1 billion. Of this, fruits and vegetables were valued at $855 million. Last year, Chile shipped over 58 million cases of fruit to the ports of the Delaware River. The region derives significant and increasing economic benefit from the strong and growing trade relationship between Chile and Delaware.
Visit www.caccgp.com for more information.
Going Bowling with YPN November 4, 2008
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Submitted by Stephanie Balan, TriState REALTORS® Commercial Alliance
The Young Professionals Network laced up their bowling shoes for last week’s event at North Bowl Lounge & Lanes in the Northern Liberties neighborhood of Philadelphia. With over 185 professionals registered, the room was filled with new and familiar faces ready to network and enjoy the bowling and billiards. As an adaptive re-use of a former mechanics garage, North Bowl has an interesting story. Attendees listened to North Bowl’s Vice-President Oron Daskal, a young professional himself, who described the evolution of his idea for a more-social place to bring friends together. Oron’s advice to go after your dreams rang a chord for budding YPN entrepreneurs and chief executives to-be. Many stayed after the event to finish games of pool or get in one more strike – even Mayor Nutter stopped by downstairs to bowl a few frames. I have a feeling many attendees will be coming back for more North Bowl fun!
Click here to view pictures of the event.
Time Off for Democracy November 3, 2008
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Because of the expected record turnout for tomorrow’s presidential election, we want to make sure that everyone registered has an opportunity to get out to the polls and vote.
That is why the Chamber is encouraging our region’s employers to adopt flexible work schedules for employees on Election Day and show how important it is to be civically engaged.
In Pennsylvania and Delaware, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. In New Jersey, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Remember, as long as you’re in line at 8 p.m., you will be able to vote.
First time voters or people voting for the first time in a new district should bring ID with them. If you don’t have ID, you’ll have to vote on a provisional ballot. Here’s a list of everything that qualifies as proof of identification.
Read an Inquirer article that calls this “an election season in Pa. like no other.”
Time Off for Democracy is a campaign of WomenVote PA, a network of over 60 community groups, agencies, nonprofit organizations, and individuals working to improve the status of women in Pennsylvania. WomenVote PA is an initiative of the Women’s Law Project.
OTM Hawaiian-Themed Locale Proves Fitting November 3, 2008
Posted by megan in Networking, On the Move, Uncategorized.1 comment so far
Submitted by Amy Shantz, Paliani Consulting
On the Move Thursday night couldn’t have been better timing. Fitting into the week right between the Phillies win Wednesday, and Friday’s celebratory parade, there was a fantastic turnout at Roy’s. How fitting we met at a Hawaiian- themed locale after our own “Flyin’ Hawaiian” Shane Victorino helped get the Phils the trophy.
Everyone was in great spirits, and it was great to see a large number of guests and first-time visitors present.
Joe Frick, always an engaging and relevant speaker, gave a very impressive talk on leadership. He discussed how leaders are individuals, and need to lead in their own way and style, and used Charlie Manuel’s management of the Phillies to drive his point home.
As we progress into the OTM season, the individuals that were strangers at the kick-off are no longer strangers. It is amazing on Thursdays to walk into a great location, and hear a great speaker, with a group of people that I am becoming to know quite well on a personal level. It makes it easy to quickly pick out guests, so that everyone that attends feels welcome and no one gets left by themselves in a corner. It also is nice to keep up with everyone because the more we understand about one another’s businesses, the more we can refer back and forth, which is the point of networking. Working for Paliani Consulting, promoting a program that increases communication and confidence in individuals, being in an environment weekly where people know, like, and interact freely with one another is really a privilege.
