Chamber Advocacy Update September 29, 2009
Posted by megan in Events, Public Policy, Video.1 comment so far
Meet Rob and hear from George Stephanopoulos at the Chamber’s 209th Annual Meeting next week. Click here to register.
Montgomery County Breakfast: Exploring Life Sciences September 25, 2009
Posted by megan in County Breakfast Series, Events.add a comment
Our County Breakfast Conversations series kicked off this week in Montgomery County. About 200 business executives, policy officials and economic developers came out to Ambler to talk about life sciences in our region. Much of the conversation focused on the importance of keeping talented and knowledgeable people in Greater Philadelphia, especially as many large biotech and pharmaceutical firms are being restructured. Read more below.
Old Friends…New Beginnings…Another Fantastic Event! September 25, 2009
Posted by megan in Events, YPN.add a comment
Submitted by: Derek Wood, Tactix Real Estate
Surrounded by the amazing architecture and interiors of a historic building, the awe inspiring cathedral ceiling in the main lobby, and with the new YPN website beaming on a wall covered in HD plasma screens, YPN members reunited after our August break and made this an event to remember. The stately rooms of the incredible center city Star Group building were filled with conversation and laughter, proving once again that being a part of YPN is something special. (more…)
Celebrating Small Biz: Yards Brewing Company September 24, 2009
Posted by megan in Events, The Excellence Awards.1 comment so far
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’ll be profiling our honorees leading up to the awards. Kicking off our countdown is Yards Brewing Company, awarded 2010 Green Company of the Year.
Award: 2010 Green Business
Company: Yards Brewing Company
On behalf of the Greater Philadelphia business community, we commend Yards for their environmentally conscious business approach.
Yards has come a long way since its initial location in a garage sized brewery in Manayunk. Founded in 1994 by Tom Kehoe and Jon Bovit, Yards created a following with signature ales like Entire Porter and the Old Bart. After moving to several different locations around the Greater Philadelphia area, the Company has grown in size and recognition. Its Philadelphia Pale Ale was named one of the best pale ales in the country by the New York Times and several of its other ales have developed a regional cult following. Now owned by Tom Kehoe, the Yards Brewing Company is a major brewer with an environmental conscience.
Business Between Hours at Buca di Beppo September 23, 2009
Posted by megan in Uncategorized.add a comment
Submitted by: Andy Maunder, Awfully Nice Tours, LLC
After joining the Chamber about a month ago, this was my second event, and my first as an exhibitor, over at Buca di Beppo on 15th Street.
In a prior life I was involved in a number of technology trade show events, and the hardest thing is trying to differentiate yourself from the myriad of other software and tech copies out there! So this event was a delight.
First, I am not that creative, so putting together a couple of display boards was not the most straight forward of tasks, but setting up was painless and everything was ready on my arrival.
Second, there was a crowd of visitors, and an almost party-like atmosphere – I can already see that joining the Chamber was a great idea!! I guess everyone likes to take a long lunch and network! Half the fun is hearing from a variety of different companies, many of whom are in the same start-up mode as me, and the other half is getting to tell people about Awfully Nice Tours.
Third, people seemed genuinely interested in what I have to offer, personal driving tours of the Philadelphia and South Jersey region!
Fourth, the service at Buca di Beppo was great, so helpful and courteous.
For a small entry fee I got to tell about thirty people about my business and I also got to hear what others have to offer me as I grow. There are plenty of great businesses in the area, maybe the Chamber can start a bartering exchange so that we can all take advantage of each other’s products!!
Thanks to everyone at the Chamber and the restaurant, I’ll certainly be coming again.
Eagles Execs Go Off The Record September 22, 2009
Posted by Brian in Events, Networking.add a comment
Over 250 Chamber members and Birds’ fans filled the SCA Club Lounge at Lincoln Financial Field last Thursday to hear from Eagles’ executives Jeffrey Lurie, Joe Banner & Tom Heckert at the Chamber’s 3rd annual Off the Record event with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles’ executives touched on every hot topic, from the controversial signing of Michael Vick to Donovan McNabb’s rib injury to their faith and confidence in Kevin Kolb. Lurie and Banner also discussed the importance of their franchise’s work in the local community and how they make it a priority for their players to give back to the less fortunate.
After the Q&A session, which was moderated by Eagles Insider Dave Spadaro, Chamber members networked at a cocktail session that included guest appearances by Eagles tight end Brent Celek, former Eagle Garry Cobb, and legendary former Eagle Vince Papale, the inspiration for the 2006 Disney movie Invincible.
Click here to view photos from the event.
All photos courtesy of Paul Loftland Photography. www.paulloftland.com
Is your business prepared for an emergency? September 18, 2009
Posted by megan in Chamber in the News, Events.add a comment
Are you prepared? Are your employees prepared? These questions were posed by City of Philadelphia Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Everett Gillison and his staff as they expertly guided local businesses on how to plan and recover from any size or type of emergency at a Chamber event on Wednesday.
Their advice: the best time to prepare for an emergency is NOT in the middle of one, emphasizing that 20-25% of businesses do not reopen after a major disaster. Think ahead about how your business will survive and prepare your employees to make good decisions in response to whatever level of crisis they might face.
As part of Homeland Security’s National Preparedness Month, the Chamber partnered with the city to offer valuable toolkits, contingency models, and case studies for any type of business.
Click here to learn more from Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management.
Chamber applauds Senate on approval of budget bill September 18, 2009
Posted by megan in Economy, Public Policy.add a comment
September 17, 2009- The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce extends its appreciation today to members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly for passing HB1828, which will enable Philadelphia to avoid catastrophic cuts in personnel and services. Now the City will have the tools to implement a balanced budget with shared sacrifices that reflects today’s harsh economic realities.
The bill approves a temporary, one-percent Philadelphia sales tax increase and changes the City’s pension amortization period and defers a portion of pension payments.
“The Chamber has worked closely with the Nutter Administration to support this legislation crucial to the economic survival of the City of Philadelphia and the entire southeastern region of Pennsylvania,” said Rob Wonderling, Chamber President & CEO. “We believe the temporary sales tax increase and pension payment relief will help the City ride out this economic downturn.”
Committee of Seventy urges Mayor Nutter to push for big change September 15, 2009
Posted by megan in Uncategorized.add a comment
Submitted by Bethany Hogan, Communications Intern
The Committee of Seventy just came out with a report urging Mayor Nutter and other city leaders to unite behind a “long-term and aggressive transformation” of Philadelphia government. The report is titled “Tackling True Reform: Why Philadelphia Must Innovate” and is the latest in its series, “Roadmaps to Reform.”
As we’re coming out of the biggest recession since the Great Depression (which Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said today is “very likely over”) and in wake of the state budget crisis, the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization says that Philadelphia has an opportunity to capitalize on its innovative mentality and come back stronger than ever. The Committee highlights Philadelphia’s location, historic standing, 5-year financial plan, and Nutter’s aggressive approach toward change as some of the city’s many attributes.
In his campaign, Mayor Nutter promised to “turn City Hall upside down;” perhaps now he now has the chance to do just that.
Chamber president cites key reasons why our region will rebound September 14, 2009
Posted by megan in Chamber in the News, Economy.add a comment
Chamber president Rob Wonderling outlined three key reasons why the region will rebound from these tough economic times in today’s Inquirer.
Expect a quick recovery
The Philadelphia region is poised for comeback, thanks to three key initiatives.
By Rob Wonderling
The Philadelphia region has not been wounded by this recession as deeply as other parts of the country, and we should regain our economic momentum sooner than most.
We can count on three initiatives that should help ensure a robust recovery: completing the Pennsylvania Convention Center expansion, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, and investing in our intellectual and physical infrastructure.
Eagles players added to Off the Record! September 11, 2009
Posted by megan in Events.add a comment
Have your heard? Eagles tight end Brent Celek, safety Quintin Mikell and former special teams player Vince Papale, (subject of the 2006 movie Invincible), are going to make a special appearance during the networking portion of the Eagles event next week!
Here are some details:
Thursday, September 17
5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Lincoln Financial Field, SCA Club Lounge
Check out these photos from last year’s event.
Click here to find out more about the event and to register.
Select predicts the region’s economy will start recovering soon September 10, 2009
Posted by megan in Chamber Affiliates, Chamber in the News, Select Greater Philadelphia.add a comment
Our affiliate, Select Greater Philadephia, is projecting the region’s economy will begin rebounding soon. This is based on results from a recent Leading Index study done by IHS Global Insight, which provides important signals about the direction of future economic conditions in the Greater Philadelphia region.
Chamber President Rob Wonderling talks budget September 3, 2009
Posted by megan in Chamber in the News, Economy, Links, Public Policy.add a comment
Chamber President & CEO Rob Wonderling sat down with KYW’s Mike Dunn to discuss the city and state budget situations.
http://www.kyw1060.com/Phila–Chamber-of-Commerce-Chief-Defends-Sales-Tax/5144956
This summer, the Chamber’s public policy department has been working with Mayor Nutter and his team in advancing the City’s budget agenda in Harrisburg.
We are encouraging lawmakers to pass House Bill 1828, which addresses pensions reforms and gives City Council the ability to temporarily raise the City’s sales tax by 1%, because it is crucial to the economic survival of Philadelphia and the region. A vote in the Pennsylvania State House is expected on Tuesday, September 8.
Business Savvy: Maximizing Multi-location Performance September 2, 2009
Posted by megan in Business Resources, Member Submitted.add a comment
Submitted by: Marty Rogoff, CANDOR
Every day, executives companies with multiple locations are challenged by the difficulty of profitable growth. The plan that was projected to simply replicate the success of the first unit instead yields unexpected complexity and problems. Executives often find themselves asking questions about their people, their sites and their efficiencies.
About the people:
• Did we prepare our managers to succeed in an off-site situation?
Compare the way we supervise our children when they live at home and when they are away at college. While you hope prior training will help them make the right decisions, they will be confronted with many challenges and decisions.
• Why is a particular multi-unit manager successful?
Energy and thoughtful consideration must be put into the recruitment, interviewing, selection and development of this individual, who is the primary communicator to the individual units and has tremendous influence over their successes.
• How do we manage and motivate employees we don’t see every day?
Does the company have a culture of trust and empowerment? How do executives learn this management philosophy, which is critical to the success of multiple location organizations? (more…)
