Chosen as a model for success and an inspiration to women for her many professional and philanthropic contributions, Mary Stengel Austen is being honored with the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce’s 18th annual Paradigm Award. Listen as she shares her feelings about the responsibility of leaders in the community and the many eclectic and diverse business opportunities offered by the region.

On Thursday, March 11, Mary will receive a crystal Paradigm Award, announce significant gifts for her favorite charitable organizations, and share the occasion with several women receiving the Paradigm Scholarship for Working Women. More than 700 businesspeople will gather for this special luncheon at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. Member and non-member tickets are still available.

Click here for details.

All six candidates for Candidates for Governor of Pennsylvania were together for the first time last night at a forum hosted by the Chamber. About two hundred business executives gathered at the Constitution Center to hear the candidates share their plans for the Commonwealth. Through a discussion, moderated by 6abc Action News Anchor Jim Gardner, the candidates addressed issues critical to the business community, including how they plan to promote economic recovery and job creation and how they will balance the state budget–which programs they will expand, which they will cut, and how they will pay for government.

Check out these articles about the event for more information:

6ABC video: Pa. Gubernatorial Candidates Forum

Inquirer: Pa. candidates agree pension system needs fix

Daily News: Candidates running against the state?

WHYY: Gov. candidates talk issues at Phila. forum

The Morning Call: At forum, power to the people

PA2010: Guv candidates talk pensions, taxes, transportation

PoliticsPA: Gov candidates unsure what to do if toll application rejected

Visit the Chamber’s flickr page to see more pictures from the event.

For 18 years, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce has recognized businesswomen for their roles as influential chief executives of for-profit enterprises, with a strong and positive economic impact on our region. The 2010 Paradigm Award honoree, Mary Stengel Austen, was chosen as a model for success and inspiration to women for her many professional and philanthropic contributions.

Mary Stengel Austen is truly a remarkable leader – in business, in the community, and in life. Come celebrate with us as we honor Ms. Austen at a very special luncheon at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown on Thursday, March 11. Member and non-member tickets are still available.

Click here for details.

The 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the southern and central region of Chile early Saturday, February 27 has displaced 1.5 million people and tragically killed hundreds more. The Chilean and American Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of the staff and Board of Directors, offers our sincerest condolences and solidarity to those affected by the earthquake and all the people of Chile.

The Chilean Exporters Association (ASOEX) has reported in a statement dated Monday, March 1, that early indicators suggest that large parts of the fruit industry have emerged with minimal damage and short-term prospects for trade are good. For updates about unanticipated disruptions, please check www.chileanfreshfruit.com.

We will be working with the Embassy and Consulate of Chile to assist them in this time of need and encourage you to support the active relief efforts currently underway in Chile.

To make a donation:

Contact 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish), or mail your donation with the designation to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or to your local American Red Cross chapter. Internet users can also make a secure online payment at www.redcross.org.

To find other active relief organizations, visit http://www.chile-usa.org/Howtohelp.htm.

Sincerely,

The Chilean and American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia

200 South Broad St., Suite 700
Philadelphia, PA 19102
P: 215-790-3627
F: 215-790-3600
E: cacc@greaterphilachamber.com
W: www.caccgp.com

NBC’s Meet the Press moderator David Gregory was in town Tuesday to speak to a few hundred business people at the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce’s 12th annual Economic Outlook Breakfast.

Gregory shared his thoughts on President Obama’s performance, the political climate in Washington and the upcoming midterm elections.

The two-hour program at the Hyatt at The Bellevue was held in partnership with Sovereign/Santander. Larry Delp, Executive Vice President, Mid-Atlantic Corporate Banking at Sovereign/Santander, opened the program with an economic outlook presentation and also moderated a panel discussion and Q&A before Gregory’s keynote.

The diverse panel of industry experts addressed issues impacting businesses in 2010. The panel included Bart Blatstein, President of Tower Investments, Inc.; Joe Davis, Chief Economist at Vanguard; Thomas A. (Tad) Decker, Esq., President & CEO of Cozen O’Connor; and Gale Given, President of Verizon Pennsylvania, Inc.

View video highlights of David Gregory’s speech here.

View pictures from the event here.

Join business and community leaders from throughout the region for a forum with the candidates for Governor of Pennsylvania. Through a moderated discussion, the candidates will address topics and issues critical to the business community. Network with the candidates at a reception following the program.

Candidates scheduled to attend:

Moderator: Jim Gardner, Action News Anchor, 6abc

Visit the Chamber’s website to register.

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.

Rob and I also spoke about how Peirce can become more engaged with the Chamber in the future. Knowing my goal to expand Peirce’s visibility in the business community, he invited me to join a small networking group he periodically convenes at the group’s next dinner in March.

The most intriguing aspect of our meeting, however, was a proposal Rob made to connect Peirce students (and possibly alumni) to the resources and networking capabilities that can be derived from Chamber membership. The Chamber, of course, could also potentially begin offering individual memberships and grow its base.
This is significant, as the concept could provide Peirce College, our students, and alumni with many advantages, including better opportunities for student career placement and advancement; and marketing of the College’s programs to Chamber members.

We agreed to the next step of getting a team of Peirce and Chamber representatives together to explore the feasibility of implementing the concept as a pilot by this coming summer.

Rob also took a tour of our facilities, and was impressed with the creative architecture and state-of-the-art classrooms. Aware that we are hosting a Marketing Roundtable for the Chamber in March, he shared that he was thinking of additional usage of Peirce’s facilities for Chamber programming. As an expression of appreciation for his interest in Peirce, I offered him the opportunity to use the space for internal staff meetings or retreats.

As we shook hands to end the visit, it was apparent that we’ve begun a new relationship with the Chamber and through Rob—one that has significant potential to advance both of our organizations. I invited him to our Spring Reception on May 17th and he marked it on his calendar. I’m hopeful we will have another opportunity to meet and discuss collaboration, higher education and the Philadelphia region in the near future.

As a proud member of the Philadelphia business community for more than 70 years, Dietz & Watson was pleased to have the opportunity to sponsor the Philadelphia Chamber’s Annual Mayoral Luncheon this past Tuesday the 16th. Despite another snow event, the turnout was tremendous and the positive atmosphere generated by members and presenters alike was inspiring.

And although lunch was being served at the event, we at Dietz & Watson couldn’t resist serving some delicious hors d’oeuvres during registration and passing out some of our popular pink Dietz & Watson hats that we produce for fundraisers we conduct on behalf of Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Philadelphia.

Mayor Nutter pulled no punches during his address. We all know the difficult economic times that have befallen us over the past couple years, but the Mayor outlined his plan for economic recovery and his plan to attract and retain Philadelphia businesses. After all, any great city is built upon a solid, thriving corporate and small business foundation. So let’s all continue to tighten our belts and continue to fight our way out of this recession and make Philadelphia a “no-brainer” location choice for businesses everywhere – large and small – looking to expand or start up.

To listen to Mayor Nutter’s speech and for more information on his address, visit the Chamber’s website.

To help Philadelphia area residents and businesses “Spread the Love” starting with the Valentine’s Day weekend, the City of Philadelphia has partnered with the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) and SEPTA to provide free or reduced-cost transportation options.

“I want to thank not only the 600 City workers who helped with the City’s snow removal efforts, but all Philadelphia residents who pitched-in and helped clear not only their sidewalks but their friends’ and neighbor’s. Getting through this storm took an enormous amount of coordination and cooperation,” said Mayor Nutter. “Now that all of this snow is clear, it is time to celebrate! I encourage everyone to take advantage of the special offers from SEPTA and the Parking Authority and come into the city to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your loved ones.”

As part of the City of Philadelphia’s “Spread the Love” promotion, the Philadelphia Parking Authority announced that beginning immediately and ending next Tuesday, the PPA will provide free metered parking throughout the city. PPA Executive Director Vince Fenerty stressed that “while all metered parking will be free throughout the city, the PPA will continue to enforce parking prohibitions in restricted safety zones, including handicapped spaces, bus zones and in front of fire hydrants.”

“The Philadelphia Parking Authority is committed to working with Mayor Nutter to help local merchants and residents get through the impact of the record snowfall, as well as celebrating Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Weekend,” Director Fenerty said.

Director Fenerty also announced that beginning Friday at 7 AM and running through next Tuesday, the first four hours of parking will be free, followed by a $3 per hour rate in the following center city garages;

AutoPark at JFK (16th & JFK)
AutoPark at Independence Mall (5th & Market)
AutoPark at Jefferson (10th & Ludlow)
AutoPark at Gallery Mall (10th & Filbert)
8th & Filbert
Old City at 2nd and Sansom
PPA Lots at:
8th & Vine
19th & Callowhill
15th & Arch

Beginning next Tuesday at 5 PM, through Friday, there will be a flat $5 per 12 hour rate for parking in the same garages. Beginning at next Saturday and running through Sunday, the first four hours of parking will be free, followed by a $3 per hour rate in the same garages.

Teaming with the PPA to help promote the City’s “Spread the Love” promotion for Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Weekend, SEPTA announced it own “Break Your Winter Blues” promotion by offering “Red Hot Sweetheart Deals” on its regional rail lines starting Friday, February 12 and running through Sunday, February 21, 2010. SEPTA fares are as follows:

Weekend Round Trip Fare

Add convenience and bargain pricing to the list of reasons to take SEPTA Regional Rail. Purchase a round trip ticket in advance or on board the train for one low price

• Also Good Weekday Evenings on Inbound Trains Arriving in Center City after 5:00 p.m.
• Receive Discount Pricing
  $ 6.00 | Zone 1 or Zone 2 stations
  $ 8.00 | Zone 3 stations
  $ 9.00 | Zone 4 or Zone 5 stations
  $15.00 | Zone 6 stations
• Parking Free at all surface parking lots at SEPTA Regional Rail Stations on Weekends

Market Frankford Line & Broad Street Line

Saturday, February 13/Sunday, February 14/Monday, February 15
Saturday, February 20/Sunday, February 21

• Special Weekend Fare – $1.00 each way (cash fare)