President Rob Wonderling makes higher education a key element of the Chamber’s expansion February 22, 2010
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Submitted by: James Mergiotti, President, Peirce College
On February 4, I was honored on behalf of the College to host Rob Wonderling, President & CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, on his first visit to Peirce. After exchanging stories about our how we arrived in our current roles, the conversation quickly turned to business. It became readily apparent minutes into our discussion that higher education is a key element of Rob’s vision to expand the Chamber.
It was encouraging to hear that he clearly understands the importance of institutions like Peirce in workforce development that leads to regional job growth. His agenda has already led to his endorsement of more funding at the state level for colleges and universities in the Greater Philadelphia region. (more…)
Reducing Employee Stress by Implementing a Health and Safety Program in a Tough Economy January 28, 2010
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Submitted by: Compliance Management International
In December 2009, the national unemployment rate approached 10%, and it’s even higher in many states. In these tough economic times companies are experiencing increased absenteeism, increased numbers of grievances, and more workers’ compensation claims. Employers tend to burden employees with more responsibilities resulting in higher employee stress. Studies have shown that stressed employees make more mistakes, are less creative, are less receptive to coaching, and may be more volatile in interactions. This results in lower efficiencies and overall impacts to the company’s financial condition. Also, this can significantly impact existing health and safety programs. Eventually employee stress can lead to burnout. Burnout occurs when employees have:
• Unclear or impossible requirements
• High stress times with no down times
• Lack of personal control, and
• Lack of recognition
Taking a proactive approach by addressing these issues will help maintain the workforce and build your safety culture. (more…)
Internet Strategy and Social Media: Need more Twitter followers? January 13, 2010
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Submitted by: Jody Raines, MarCom.net
You may wonder how some Twitter users have thousands of followers and why your account hasn’t grown as quickly as you’d like. Perhaps it is something you are doing? Like any good Internet marketing strategist, I’ve analyzed what seems to work. Just like SEO for your website to get high Google rankings, the way you position yourself in Social Media can have great impact on your ability to connect with an audience. (more…)
Emergency Toy Rush in Greater Philadelphia December 16, 2009
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Submitted by:
Brian P. Tierney
Chief Executive Officer and Publisher, The Philadelphia Inquirer
Santa needs your immediate help.
Each year, Toys for Tots, run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, helps underprivileged children in our community experience the joy of Christmas. More than a new toy, Toys for Tots delivers with it a powerful message of hope: Someone cares.
This year, in light of the tougher times that we all now share, there has never been a greater need for donated toys to make every child’s holiday a happy one. The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve needs to collect 40,000 toys by Monday, Dec 21 in order to meet the demand.
Through donations exceeding $100,000 in value, the local ownership of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Daily News and philly.com have stepped up to help save the season. We urge you know to step up with us.
Toys for Tots needs you to take action now. Please, donate a new, unwrapped toy any time between now and Monday, December 21 at 5 pm in the lobby of The Inquirer Building, Broad and Callowhill Streets in Center City, Philadelphia or The Inquirer Printing Plant, 800 River Road, West Conshohocken. For more donation locations go to www.toysfortotsphila.org and click “Donate Toys” to find a location near you.
Every boy and girl, from toddler to teen, should have something waiting under the tree when they wake up on Christmas morning. As a community, we can make a tremendous difference this holiday season.
Please donate a toy today.
Thank you,
Brian P. Tierney
Chief Executive Officer and Publisher, The Philadelphia Inquirer
Non-profits, Fundraising, and 2010: What Lies Ahead? December 10, 2009
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Submitted by Robert Evans, founder and managing director of The EHL Consulting Group
What a pleasure to talk directly with representatives of more than 75 Philadelphia-area non-profits at Nonprofit Trends & Issues: Coming out of the Recession under the banner of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. I was able to be a bit provocative about perspectives on succeeding as the economy improves! And along the way, several dozen for-profit organizations sent men and women who shared a common agenda: either to learn about being better donors or to market to the non-profits that also belong to the Chamber.
I do hope that some of what I projected was thought-provoking and challenging. Certainly the words from the three other participants were insightful and professionally driven.
My presentation focused on the good news (and some bad news) about fundraising in the recovering economy. A recently-released “white paper” from the Giving Institute and Giving USA served as the basis of my presentation; the document is available on-line here and I urge Chamber members to read about how the other downturns in the economy have impacted charitable giving previously and what predictions they have for the future. Based on history, we can expect about three to four years before giving returns to previous high levels set in 2007, but we may be pleasantly surprised by the outcome.
The questions and comments I received and the thoughts that the three distinguished panelists suggested would lead us to treasure networking; we can certainly share each other’s stories and experiences and learn from one another. And perhaps that’s the value of attending various seminars and workshops, be them at the Chamber of Commerce or in other settings.
But the one lesson we should all understand is the value of coming together to strengthen our city and region. The non-profit sector is such an important and dominating aspect of the economy here, but all-too-often we tend to forget the value of gaining total perspective on important issues. With fundraising so critical today and non-profits seemingly requiring so much creative and positive support, meetings that the Chamber convenes can only help all of us to better serve the millions of people in Greater Philadelphia who are looking for better educational resources, more comprehensive health and medical options, creative arts and cultural opportunities, and social and human services that touch and protect people. Successful fundraising in Philadelphia is critical, especially right now, and the resources do in fact exist to make sure that needs are met and services flourish.
I strongly believe that 2010 will be a far better year for all of us if we come together as a strong and committed community!
Business Savvy: Maximizing Multi-location Performance September 2, 2009
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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…)
Business Before Hours Gets Some Good Therapy! August 17, 2009
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Submitted by Bryan Ramona, SecurElement Infrastructure Solutions
Over 100 Chamber members registered for a terrific morning of networking at Excel Physical Therapy and Fitness at 16th & Walnut Streets in Philadelphia. Excel’s flagship office was decked out for the soiree, featuring a tiki bar with smoothies provided with panache and South Pacific style by the folks at ZaJus Gourmet Smoothies. There was great energy in the room, probably augmented by the amazing staff at Excel in attendance offering advice, tours and a terrific attitude!
There also was a lot of networking and lively discussion, terrific non-dairy Homemade Goodies by Roz, and a great giveaway sponsored by Microsoft (worth over $500!) and presented by, well, me… your Microsoft Small Business Specialist! We also heard more about Excel’s growing practice, started nearly 20 years ago in a little office space and now spread across the region with over 100 employees! We were hoping that their resident masseuse Jesse would maybe break out the massage chair… but all in all, it was a relaxing and fun way to meet new prospects and make new friends. Hopefully you’ll get inspired by this and attend the NEXT event in September… I’ll see you there with my other Ambassador partners!
Click here to view more photos from the event.
Employers and Recent Grads: Connect at Campus Philly’s Opportunity Fair June 11, 2009
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Campus Philly is producing the 2009 Opportunity Fair to connect regional employers with recent graduates and young alumni, with initial support from the City of Philadelphia, twenty college and university partners, and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. The fair provides an opportunity for employers to build a base of talented young recruits by offering grads full-time entry level positions and professional level internships.
The 2009 Opportunity Fair will take place on June 16, 2009 from 12-4pm at Saint Joseph’s University’s James J. Maguire ‘58 Campus. Click here for more information.
Region on the Rise May 28, 2009
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Carl Elliott of Clean Earth, Inc. shows his construction spirit.
Congratulations to the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and all the participants at the May 20th Region on the Rise forum. We need more events like this – held in the expansive and open Philadelphia Cruise Terminal at the Navy Yard on a beautiful morning. It highlighted just one more perhaps under-appreciated, yet business-friendly, environment conducive to businesses of all kinds in Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Navy Yard. The free parking was nice, but I was really struck by all the development which has transformed the Navy Yard into a commercial/retail/professional district and business incubator. Roughly the geographic size of center city, with great commuter access, I can see it posing some real competition to center city for the locating of company headquarters in the coming years. (more…)
Corporate Speed Networking at Valanni April 8, 2009
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Submitted by Adesh Raman, Senior Account Executive, Enterprise Appraisal Company
My experience with the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce has paid excellent benefits. I work for a local valuation firm with 38 years of experience. Our client list includes many of the nation’s Top 100 companies nationally and internationally. I find that my valuation firm’s Chamber involvement, recently I attended “On Deck with the Phillies” as well as all three Corporate Speed Networking meetings and especially the gala finale at Valanni last night, were outstanding.
The three Corporate Speed Networking meetings allowed me to tell a lot of my peers what we do, learn how we might be able to help each other, and make some outstanding network connections and more importantly FRIENDS!
It did not hurt that after attending these Chamber events, I was able to organize some strategic meetings with organizations that my President/CEO or EVP could not make happen.
Thank you, GPCC and special thanks to Lauren and Christina for hosting a great event! Click here to view more photos.
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.
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…)
Finding Opportunity in a Volatile Market February 25, 2009
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Submitted by Sarah Shore, M.S., Sarah Shore Consulting, LLC
What’s the worst thing you can do when confronted with a bear? Freeze. That’s according to Michael Jones, and the bear he’s referring to is the current bear market. Michael Jones of Riverfront Investment Group gave a dynamic presentation, “Finding Opportunity in a Volatile Market” at the Union League yesterday. The program delivered concise, easy-to-understand information about how we a rrived at our current economic situation and what the best chances are for a quick recovery.
Fascinating fact: It took 225 years (1776-2001) for America to accrue 6 trillion dollars of mortgage debt. It took only 7 years more (2001-2008) to double that debt to 12 trillion dollars. That’s just one of the remarkable statistics I took away from the presentation, as well as one of the reasons we are in “the economic downturn.” An engaging speaker, Mr. Jones offered grounded optimism for the future of the American economy, as long as we make the right decisions. We have only to look at the Japanese recession of the 1990′s to learn some valuable lessons. Most important for our financial recovery, says Mr. Jones, is bold and decisive action on the part of Washington to avoid what he calls the “price swamp” wherein stock prices continue to drop and assets are undervalued.
“Finding Opportunity in a Volatile Market” clarified the current economy for me and helped me see what the recovery process will look like over the next several months. Mr. Jones delivered an expert presentation that even an “amateur economist,” like myself, can understand. I can now articulate recession concepts that I hadn’t been able to grasp before. As always, this Chamber event provided great networking opportunities and a valuable educational experience. Especially exciting for me, I had the chance to hear and engage with a true thought leader in the fields of finan ce and wealth management. A home-run event for the Chamber. Job well done!
To download the PowerPoint presentation for this event, click here.
To download biographies of the speakers, click here.
To download the supplemental article, The Obama Bank Bailout: Missed Opportunity or the Japan Syndrome, click here.
To download the supplemental article, The Heart of the Riverfront Value Discipline: Dynamic Strategic Allocation, click here.
To view photos from the event, click here.
Entreprenuership Conference This Friday February 11, 2009
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The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is holding the 2009 Wharton Entrepreneurship Conference on February 13. The event features keynotes by Julian Brodsky, Founding Partner And Vice Chairman, Comcast Corporation and Donny Deutsch, CNBC Host and Chairman Of Deutsch Inc.
Additional highlights include:
- Networking opportunity for Philadelphia-area business people to meet successful entrepreneurs, advisers, investors, and legal and accounting service providers.
- Industry panels on Internet, Mobile, Clean-Tech, Life Sciences. Case studies will discuss these sectors and provide perspectives from successful entrepreneurs and investors.
- “The Entrepreneur Exposition,” promising entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase business ideas. Participating businesses can win a private meeting with leading Venture capitalists, along with premium versions of Microsoft Office 2007 ($600+ value) and a cash award.
For more information, click here.
Building Brands without Breaking the Bank February 6, 2009
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Submitted by Nicole Newman, President & CEO, Newman Networks
Thank you so much for Building Brands Without Breaking the Bank Workshop. Jack Asher, Bruce Lev and Michael Holahan educated my business on best practices to grow my company without breaking the bank. Jack from Asher’s Chocolates cross promotes his products with Michael from PA General Store. This is an idea I truly support throughout the DiversePhilly Network. Michael talked about the importance of staying true to your mission and not trying to copy someone else’s product while Bruce from LevLane said the mantra I will continue to use in my network “Brand from the inside out.” (more…)
Gov Rendell Addresses the Business Community January 29, 2009
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Submitted by Brian Rossiter, Senior publicist, WHYY
Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell told more than 400 business leaders and guests in the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts’ Perelman Theater on January 27 that he projects zero percent growth in the state’s budget. Saying that Pennsylvania still is in good shape compared with several other states such as Michigan and Ohio, he also discussed a plan to cover a projected $2.3 billion gap in the state’s budget.
Rendell was interviewed by Marty Moss-Coane, host and executive producer of WHYY’s Radio Times, during the third annual “A Conversation With the Governor.” The program offers glimpses of Rendell’s proposed 2009-2010 budget, which he will present February 3. It will be broadcast Friday, January 30 at 10 p.m. on WHYY TV. (more…)
YPN Scores Big at the Wachovia Center January 20, 2009
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Submitted by J. Derek Wood, Esq., Tactix Real Estate Advisors, LLC
Over 100 members of the Young Professionals Network were greeted in the Wachovia Center Club Box by 76ers’ General Manager, Ed Stefanski and the Vice President of Premium Seating for the Sixers and Flyers, Fran Cassidy. Ed and Fran shared their views on the excitement and challenges of consistently putting a quality product on the floor and how the business and marketing of professional basketball varies from the other sports. As part of the rich history of Philadelphia professional sports, their insight into the business side of the world we watch on Comcast Sportsnet was fascinating. Fran also discussed the development planned on the parcel left behind when the old Spectrum is razed this fall. Named “Philly Live!”, this development will provide a South-Philly destination for retail, dining and entertainment.
Ed and Fran wrapped things up by inviting the YPN members to enjoy the comforts of their luxury suite while the Sixers put on a clinic against the Portland Trailblazers. The networking and entertainment was first rate and this was yet another huge success for YPN and its members!
To view more photos of the event, click here.
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!
