GtrPhilaBiz

As you may have heard, we’re in the midst of a new advocacy campaign, called Relay. Essentially, we are reaching out to members and non-members throughout the region to identify the priority issues of the business community in four key areas: Business Climate, Infrastructure, Workforce and Quality of Life.

(Click here to see what the Inquirer, Courier Times and Technically Philly are saying about the campaign).

To get feedback, we created an online survey, which was sent to more than 25,000 Chamber members and affiliates, non-members, industry associations and local chambers. In addition, the survey is posted on our Web site (as you can tell, we really want feedback).

So, please complete the survey and reach out to your friends and co-workers and ask them to fill out the survey as well. And, consider adding a Relay graphic to your website, company intranet, blog or online newsletter,  here’s how.

We know we are most effective when our priorities reflect the sentiments of the region’s entire business communit.  Let us be your voice.

Watch George Stephanopoulos give his insight on the economy at our Annual Meeting last week.

Check our Twitter page for more happenings from the Annual Meeting (we live tweeted from the event!)

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 are profiling each of our honorees leading up to the awards. Continuing with our countdown is Sirena C. Moore, 2010 Small Business Person of the Year.

Award: 2010 Small Business Person of the Year

Company: Elohim Cleaning Contractors, Inc.

Starting her business career as seventeen-year-old mother of twin girls, Sirena Moore worked for major industry leaders in order to obtain the skills necessary to fulfill her dream of becoming an entrepreneur. At 21 she joined her father and brother to launch Elohim Cleaning Contractors, Inc., a full-service construction cleaning firm that provides a wide range of services to general contractors and construction management firms throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. (more…)

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.

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.

Click here to read the report.

Click here to see the Inquirer article.

The sixth annual PA Governor’s Conference for Women is coming up on September 17 at the Convention Center, and it’s sure to provide great opportunities for business networking, professional development, and personal growth. 

There’s a lot packed into the one-day event:

More than than 75 renowned speakers (including keynote Suze Orman) will lead seminars on important issues for women, like health, executive leadership, personal finance, entrepreneurship, and work/life balance.

A Career Fair at the Conference will include mini-workshops on career advancement and practical advice such as resume development and networking tips.

A ”Mentor Match”  will offer 20-minute free mentoring/executive coaching sessions in the afternoon.

You can learn more and register at http://www.pagovernorsconferenceforwomen.org/.

Check out these articles from yesterday’s Inquirer that highlight family-owned “green” companies in our region.

Nowhere but up: Window-maker feels stimulus

Brothers hoping LED business shines

This is what John Bloom, co-founder of JKB, a lighting business, had to say when asked ”Why Pennsylvania?”

“The Eastern Seaboard [has] huge population density, it consumes a huge amount of energy, and Pennsylvania is smack in the middle of that…the opportunity to grow a business like this, especially in a climate like today – it seems crazy to me that someone hasn’t already done it.”

Do you know about other small businesses with big green goals?

We’re now twittering!  Visit us at www.twitter.com/phillychamber

Submitted by Michael Tolassi, Jr., Owner, Agio Brand Solutions LLC

The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce organized another great event hosted at the spectacular and historic Union League of Philadelphia. The Supplier Network’s Procurement Pipeline offered a great opportunity for small businesses to connect with procurement officers of larger corporations. Area corporations such as Comcast and Blue Cross along with Universities such as St. Joseph’s and Drexel attended the session seeking qualified small businesses to serve their needs. I was very pleased with the attendance and assistance from area corporations. The procurement officers were friendly, helpful and open to discussion. The Pipeline was kicked off with an informative speech by Mr. Michael Bell, Mayor Nutter’s newly appointed Executive Director of the City’s Office of Economic Opportunity. Mr. Bell spoke of the City’s interest in increasing minority spending and suggested possible opportunities for business with the city. Moreover, and certainly not less important, it was great to have met other qualified and certified small businesses. As a small business owner, it is occasionally a challenge to locate professionals for goods and services. I find these chamber events an opportunity to meet great small businesses. Looking forward to the next event.

Click here to view photos of the this event.

Need to improve the bottom line? Join the British American Business Council for a business networking event featuring Harold Hambrose, founder and CEO of Electronic Ink and special guest moderator Matthew Cross of Think London on Wednesday, June 17 at the Racquet Club of Philadelphia from 8-10 a.m.

Hambrose will share his expertise on how to turn an underperforming digital asset into an effective communications tool, how to dramatically boost productivity, and how to reduce training costs in order to achieve a better return on one of your company’s largest investments.

Also, don’t miss the opportunity to network with our Think London representative (www.thinklondon.com) and learn about what London has to offer, including business opportunities for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.

This timely breakfast will convene a specially selected group of business leaders from both public and private sectors for a morning of high-level and intimate discussion. For more information or to register, click here.

Click here for more…

Submitted by Nicole McInerney, Dollars & Sense Education

The Young Professionals Network had the opportunity to enjoy Philadelphia’s newest landmark and tallest building, The Comcast Center, specifically restaurant Table 31, in the heart of Center City. With over 130 professionals in attendance, the room was filled with individuals anxious to meet, mingle and enjoy the delicious food at Table 31. Attendess listened to David L. Cohen, chair of the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Executive VP of Comcast, former Chairman of Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll and former City Hall chief of staff, speak about business locally, nationally, and the state of Comcast. The strongest theme that emerged from David’s talk was that Philadelphia leaders in commerce need to help the less fortunate of our region and engage them in the business community. He has challenged the Chamber to expand its reach and work on the viability of our workforce and to not lose the community outreach priority as the economy tightens. The night was a great success and judging by the number of YPN folks that stayed after the official event closed, Table 31 will be seeing a lot of our Young Professionals regularly!

Click here to view photos.

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.

Our member PhillyCarShare made national news last night as part of a CBS spot about regional car sharing programs.  One fifth of Center City residents participate, making Phillycarshare the nation’s largest regional auto-sharing network!  Check out the clip by clicking the link below:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/07/01/eveningnews/main4226335.shtml