A sunny day on the green June 29, 2009
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Submitted by: Mai-Linh Hoang
On June 22, 60 golfers enjoyed a perfect golfing day at YPN’s second annual golf outing at Bala Golf Club. Most groups of four golfers included a senior business executive— Chamber board members Anthony Campisi of Annodyne, Inc., Michael Carbone of TD Bank, and Fran Van Kirk of Heidrick & Struggles, Inc., participated. All proceeds from the golf outing supported summer internships for Philadelphia youth.
Kevin Cafferky of Philadelphia OIC and current chair of the YPN board states, “The ability for YPN to put on a golf outing of this caliber is a great honor for us. We have the distinct opportunity to put young professionals in contact with premier business leaders in the greater Philadelphia region. What other organization besides YPN gives young professionals the ability to golf with a prominent business leader or Chamber board member?”
Joe Mahoney, Executive Vice President at the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce thanked all the golfers for coming out to support the summer internships, at the reception after the outing. Other Chamber board members in attendance were Bill Sasso of Stradley Ronan and Scott Mirkin of ESM Productions, who also sponsored the 6th Hole Refreshment Stand. In addition, we would like to thank AllState for sponsoring the 1st Hole Refreshment stand and Comcast Spectator as the luncheon sponsor. For the full list of golf hole sponsors, please click here.
Click here to see pictures of the event.
YPN Volunteers at McClure Elementary Spring Fling June 12, 2009
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Submitted by Chris Parker, TD Bank
On Friday June 5, Young Professionals Network held their third Annual Spring Fling at McClure Elementary School in North Philadelphia. Despite the grey skies, the event was a bright one, lit up by the smiling faces of fifty McClure Students who Assistant Principal Randy Davila had invited to attend. The students’ excitement and enthusiasm was contagious and YPN volunteers, alongside the McClure Staff, enjoyed pizza followed by dancing, games, and a surprise visit by the Ben & Jerry’s truck!
Students received a certificate recognizing their attendance and gifts contributed by both Variety – The Children’s Charity and TD Bank. Eighteen of the students in attendance were selected because of their perfect attendance during the school year, while teachers selected other for showing good citizenship (the definition of which was the topic of a group discussion as the festivities wound down). YPN volunteers, McClure staff and students all had a pleasing and rewarding day.
Let the excitement for the fourth Annual Spring Fling begin!
Click here to view photos from the event.
YPN at Ralph’s Cafe June 4, 2009
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Submitted by Mai-Linh Hoang, DAL Inc.
YPN hosted Dr. Arlene Ackerman, Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, on Monday, June 1 at Ralph’s Cafe on the 43rd and 44th floors of the Comcast Center. Dr. Ackerman spoke of her strong belief of her school district and how the public school system has given opportunities to those less fortunate, of which she is also a living witness of what public schools can do for young people. The largest movement for the district is the implementation of Imagine 2014, which focuses on accomplishing these goals: student success, quality choices, great staff, accountable adults, and world-class operations. She looks to improve upon the 47% drop out rate before the 12th grade; the 49% of African American males dropping out of high school; and the 59% of Hispanic males dropping out of high school.
We, as young professionals, have a unique opportunity to make a difference for our school district. Dr. Ackerman stated, “One adult in the life of child will get them through school”. That “one adult” can be you.
The first step in helping the children in our school district is to sign up for YPN’s volunteer event on June 5th at McClure Elementary to celebrate their “Spring Fling”. The next YPN networking event will be on July 23rd at XIX in the Bellevue Building.
Click here to view photos from the event.
Variety kids go to the ballgame! May 27, 2009
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Submitted by Mai-Linh Hoang, DAL Inc.
Volunteers from YPN teamed up with Young Variety to take the children of Variety out to the Phillies game, where they took on the Marlins on Tuesday evening. Variety – The Children’s Charity, a non-profit organization, prides itself in providing various programs and opportunitites to children with special needs. Despite the low temperature and drizzling rain, the kids and volunteers had the time of their lives. Not only did the kids enjoy the game, but the volunteers learned much from the kids. Often times, as young professionals, we work on the communication to peers and upper level executives, but we forget that sometimes communicating with a special needs child is just as important. The ability to connect to the children of Variety not only makes us better communicators, but also better well-rounded people, which proves to be an advantage in our professional environments.
YPN’s next networking event is on June 1st at Ralph’s Cafe in the Comcast Center featuring Dr. Arlene Ackerman, the superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia. YPN’s next vounteer event is on June 5th at McClure Elementary.
Click here to view more photos. Read more about the event here.
YPN’s Success in the City May 13, 2009
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Submitted by Peter Shrier, SSH Real Estate
For the third consecutive year, YPN hosted its annual “Success in the City” event, drawing a huge crowd of young professionals to the The Down Town Club in the Public Ledger Building. Members of the Young Professional Network gathered to network, meet and speak with a panel of experts currently making significant strides for the Greater Philadelphia Region. Lori Wilson, of NBC 10 News, was once again a superb moderator for an all-star panel with: Christine Knapp, Director of Outreach for Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future, Johnny McDonald, Partner of Onion Flats, LLC, Jeanne O’Connor, VP and Chief Business Development Officer of Select Greater Philadelphia and Ahmeenah Young, President & CEO of PA Convention Center Authority. Discussion surrounded ideas such as sustainable building, economic drivers, transit, clean energy and other issues that will help the Philadelphia Region continue to grow as a major metropolitan area.
Click here to view photos from the event.
Young Professionals Network Dialogues with Mayor Nutter April 15, 2009
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Submitted by Sarah Talasnik, National Multiple Sclerosis Society
On Monday, April 13, more than 200 young professionals gathered at St. Joe’s University School of Business for YPN’s “Unplugged” event with Mayor Michael Nutter. The YPN members and their guests were able to participate in a candid discussion with Mayor Nutter about the state of the City and the work that’s being done to resolve the City’s fiscal crisis. Through questions from the audience, Mayor Nutter was also able to show that Philadelphia is a great place to live, work and raise a family. For those that were unable to attend, please note that Mayor Nutter has promised to speak for YPN next year as well.
Click here to view more pics from the event.
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.
YPN at the Water Works Restaurant February 24, 2009
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Submitted by Christopher Parker, Store Manager, AVP, TD Bank
On Wednesday, February 18th Young Professionals Network members gathered at The Water Works Restaurant. The hugely popular venue treated attendees to an amazing sampling of hors d’oeuvres, lively networking and a timely speech from Mike Carbone, President, Metro Philadelphia Market for TD Bank. Mike provided the audience with an entertaining commentary on the economy and discussed the important role that being active in the community plays in long term professional success. Approximately thirty YPN Members, including YPN Chair Kevin Cafferky and Chamber Board Member Scott Mirkin, further indulged after the event, enjoying a terrific Prix Fixe dinner arranged by The Water Works Restaurant for YPN Members.
Click here to view photos from the event.
This Week at the Chamber February 17, 2009
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- Congressional Staff Luncheon at The Down Town Club in Center City 2/18
- Young Professionals Network at the Water Works Restaurant 2/18
For more information on all upcoming events, visit the Chamber’s event calendar.
YPN Scores Big at the Wachovia Center January 20, 2009
Posted by Sara in Member Submitted, Networking, Photos, YPN.add a comment
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.
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.
This Week at the Chamber October 20, 2008
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- Young Professionals Network at North Bowl 10/21
- 208th Annual Meeting at the PA Convention Center 10/22
- RX for Business, Culture, Leadership and Strategy Featuring Matthew Emmens, Chairman of Shire Pharmaceuticals at the Rittenhouse Hotel 10/23
For more information on all upcoming events, visit the Chamber’s event calendar.
This Week at the Chamber September 22, 2008
Posted by Sara in Events, Professional Development, YPN.add a comment
- Young Professionals Network Professional Development Event on Strategic Networking at the IBC Building in Center City TODAY
- Secrets to Success: Featuring Jonathan Tisch at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel 9/23
- Business Briefing with Joe Casey of SEPTA at the Chamber 9/26
For more information on all upcoming events, visit the Chamber’s event calendar.
YPN Rocks the House at the Hard Rock Cafe September 18, 2008
Posted by Sara in Events, Networking, Photos, YPN.1 comment so far
Submitted by Tina M. Greco, Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT)
The energy inside the Hard Rock Café last night for Young Professionals Network’s first event of the 2008-2009 year was contagious! Former Governor, Mark Schweiker, and current President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce highlighted this fact when he addressed the group of over 200 young professionals gathered to network and enjoy the entertaining setting Hard Rock Café provided. (more…)
YPN and Variety, the Children’s Charity, Root for the Phils August 7, 2008
Posted by Sara in Photos, YPN.1 comment so far
Submitted by Mai-Linh Hoang, SilverFlame Communications
On Tuesday evening, volunteers were out in full force to take kids to the ball game. Variety, the children’s charity, held it’s third annual Variety Night at the Phillies, hosted by Young Variety and the Young Professionals Network. Nearly 60 YPN members volunteered with Young Variety and in addition, there were volunteers from CVS and Tierney Agency. The night started out with sensitivity training for all volunteers. It gave us an opportunity to learn about the good works of Variety and also to hear directly from a parent of a disabled child. She stressed the important and significance of Variety in their lives and how Variety gave her son a true learning opportunity. We then met the kids at their bus and took them inside the ballpark. It was wonderful to see their excitement, and for many, this was their first Phillies game.
This event marked the first volunteer opportunity for YPN members of the 2008-2009 season. Last month, YPN awarded its first Volunteer of the Year Award for the most engaged YPN volunteer for the past year. The next YPN volunteer event will be on October 18th for Philly Cares Day at McClure Elementary.
Click here to view more photos from the game.
Be sure to attend YPN’s kickoff event on September 17th at the Hard Rock Café and hear Mark Schweiker, President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, speak about upcoming Chamber initiatives and how YPN members can get involved.
For more information about YPN and the upcoming volunteer event, please email ypn@greaterphilachamber.com.
Another YPN Year Sails Away at Moshulu July 18, 2008
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Submitted by Anne Madonia, Cozen O’Connor
Oh what a night! Young Professionals Network held its last networking event for its 2007-2008 season at the Moshulu at Penn’s Landing on July 15th. With over 250 registered attendees, it was a full ship! The ambience of looking over the Delaware River landscape on a hot summer night was just perfect. The delicious food, the drinks, the crowd…another great night to mix and mingle and network with other young professionals in the city. YPN capped off its year with the month of July focused on Volunteerism, culminating in the presentation of the YPN Volunteer of the Year Award at the event. The first-ever award winner was Jeff DeCesare. Jeff was the most engaged YPNer for volunteering this past year. A special plaque was presented to Jeff by the Volunteer Committee co-chair and YPN board member Andrew Pack, and in addition Jeff was also given $500 to donate to his favorite charity. Jeff chose Philadelphia Cares and a check was presented to Renee Archawski, its Executive Director. Jeff surprised the crowd by announcing that his employer Paliani Consulting had matched YPN’s donation, and Philadelphia Cares was presented with another $500. Smiles all around! It was such a great way to end my term as the chair of YPN.
YPN is Philadelphia’s premier young professional networking group, and it’s one of the city’s best kept secrets, so I encourage those of you that are members to bring your friends and co-workers to future events and for those of you that aren’t members, to seriously consider becoming a member. YPN has two upcoming events this summer, so join us on July 28th for a professional development program on Community Involvement and Volunteerism, and on August 5th for a volunteer event in which YPN is partnering with Variety A Childrens Charity to accompany disabled children to a Phillies game.
Click here to see more pics from the event at Moshulu.
YPN Tees UP June 25, 2008
Posted by Sara in Events, Member Submitted, Networking, Photos, YPN.add a comment
Submitted by Peter L. Shrier, SSH Real Estate
Young Professionals Network has officially brought back the golf outing and it was a huge success!! Bala Golf Club had its course in pristine condition for a day in which a gloomy weather forecast turned out to be 85 degrees and sunny! YPN members, guests and Chamber of Commerce members gathered for a round of 18 holes followed by cocktails, prizes, networking and a great dinner spread. Thanks to our hole sponsors as well as Ameriprise Financial, Comcast Spectacor, The Maria Quattrone Team of Coldwell Banker Preferred and Friendly Mortgage for making the reception, refreshments and the entire day a wonderful event. As a YPN member, I could not think of a better way to spend a Monday afternoon than on the golf course with my fellow YPN friends and Chamber Board Members; I am already looking forward to playing with them again next year if not sooner!!
To view photos from the event, click here. Click here to find out more about the next YPN event, at Moshulu on July 15.
