YPN Career Day at McClure Elementary March 31, 2009
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Submitted By Nelly G. Arnold, Innovation Philadelphia
Members of the Young Professionals Network visited McClure Elementary school on March 13, 2009 to talk about their careers to 3rd and 4th graders. Much of the morning was filled with excited kids asking what it’s like to be a professional, what do people with jobs do all day, and what is accounting? YPN professionals hoped to inspire the students to value their education and most importantly stay in school.
In preparation for a week’s full of state exams, the students created posters with test taking tips and tricks. These posters were then judged by a mix of YPNers, teachers, and district employees and the winners were announced at a pep rally. “The students truly respond to attention from young role models like us. Their age is young enough to be open to the idea of success, but old enough to make real choices about their future,” says Ruben Reyes, co-organizer of the event and President of Lyquix. Ruben recognized the challenge in explaining his business to 10 year olds. “I chose to keep it general and focus on the value of education. I also spoke the whole time in Spanish and the students seemed to really respond to the multi-lingual approach.” (more…)
YPN at WHYY March 26, 2009
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Submitted by Stephanie Gambone, Philadelphia Youth Network
Yesterday, over 200 young professionals gathered at the WHYY studios for a networking event hosted by the Young Professionals Network. The YPN members and their guests enjoyed a great evening of networking at one of Philadelphia’s cornerstones for media in the region. The group enjoyed cocktails from Premiere and tasty hors d’oeuvres from The Pita Pit. The crowd also had the opportunity to hear remarks from Bill Marrazzo, President and CEO, who not only gave an insider’s view of the workings of WHYY but also stressed the importance of civic engagement during this volatile economic climate. Mr. Marrazzo, who is on the Board of Directors of public companies in the region, also answered questions from the audience that sparked quite a bit of conversation afterwards. All in all, it was another great networking event hosted by YPN.
Click here to view photos from the event.
Governor Rendell Honored for Expanding Commonwealth’s Global Presence March 25, 2009
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In recognition of the success of his administration’s efforts to increase foreign investments in the commonwealth and help Pennsylvania companies do more business overseas, Governor Edward G. Rendell was honored yesterday by a leading transatlantic business network that represents hundreds of companies and individuals.
The British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia presented the Governor with its fifth “Building a Better Future” award, which is given to a member of the community who makes significant contributions to promoting business development within the state, country and across the Atlantic. (more…)
The Paradigm Scholarship for Working Women March 20, 2009
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Submitted by Robert Q. Kreider, President & CEO, Devereux
Devereux is pleased to have been a sponsor of the Paradigm Award for four years. This outstanding event each year recognizes the accomplishments of an area businesswoman who not only demonstrates her successful leadership, but also recognizes her personal commitment to the community of Philadelphia.
As important, the Paradigm Luncheon also encourages up and coming women in business who are working full time while pursuing their bachelor’s degree. This year, seven women were awarded $3,000 to $5,000 scholarships. Devereux is extremely proud to sponsor one woman each year with the Helena T. Devereux Scholarship. This year we were delighted to support Michele Louden in her pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in applied science. I had the pleasure of meeting both Michelle and her teenage daughter at the luncheon.
In recognition of our founder, Miss Helena T. Devereux, a true pioneer and visionary, Devereux is honored to celebrate the female leaders of business and industry, right here in Philadelphia.
Chamber Honors Judy Spires of Acme March 18, 2009
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Last week, nearly 800 business leaders gathered to honor Judy Spires, President and CEO of ACME Markets, Inc., as she was presented with the 2009 Paradigm Award by the Chamber. The Paradigm Award is presented annually to a female chief executive of a for-profit company whose professional and personal achievements serve as a model for success.
The Paradigm Award includes the presentation of a Paradigm crystal sculpture, a charitable gift in the honoree’s name, and scholarship money to recipients of the Paradigm Scholarship for Working Women. Since its inception, the Award’s program has distributed nearly a $1 million to 37 non-profit organizations and awarded 58 scholarships to working women.
Spires designated her charitable gift to three non-profit organizations: La Salle University, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Additionally, a total of $25,000 was awarded to seven recipients of the Paradigm Scholarship, all of whom work for Chamber member companies: Michele Louden, PNC Global Investment Services (Helen T. Devereux Scholar); Stacey Pinkney, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (Stradley Ronon Scholar); Antoinette Bing, BOE Securities, Inc.; Donna Bonnett, PIDC; Annette Clark, ACME Markets; Cerisse McCall, Transfield Services North America; and Cassandra Summers, Reed Smith LLP.
Above is a clip of Judy Spire’s acceptance speech, in which she talks about leadership. Photos from the event will be up soon.
Philadelphia Entreprenuer Meets with President Obama March 17, 2009
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Local restaurant owner and Chamber member Marco Lentini introduced President Barak Obama at a press conference on stimulus provisions for small business owners yesterday.
Before the conference, Lentini was one of a dozen small business owners who met privately with Obama to discuss his plan, which includes up to $15 billion in new government capital, increased government loan guarantees, and suspension of fees that add to borrowers’ costs for small businesses.
“Marco is an example of what small business is all about,” Obama said.
The Chamber named Lentini Young Entrprenuer of the Year the the Small Business Excellence Awards in 2007. Lentini owns Gia Pronto, a small chain of restaurants in Philadelphia, which he is planning to expand.
Read more about Lentini and the press conference here.
Business Savvy: Maximizing Referrals March 5, 2009
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Submitted by: Linda McAleer, President, The Melior Group
Every business depends on a steady stream of referrals. Particularly in business-to-business settings, the power of a recommendation from a peer, business colleague or customer is unbeatable in terms of the confidence it conveys about your business’s abilities to serve its clients well.
Of course, you want to do everything possible to keep the referral faucet at full flow. How? Part of the answer lies in understanding how to motivate your referral sources. Friends, colleagues and clients want to help their friends, colleagues and vendors succeed. What can you do to make sure that when your sources are asked for an appropriate referral, your business is at the top of the list? (more…)
