Returning to the City: Member Spotlights

The good news is for many, the days of “all things virtual” are few and far between as face-to-face meetings replace Zoom meetings and in-person events replace virtual ones.  

According to a recent report by the Center City District, Philadelphia lost 126,500 jobs in the initial two months of the pandemic, but then steadily rebounded during 2020 and 2021, restoring 88,100 jobs or 70% by February 2022.

We have a ways to go to get back to pre-pandemic levels.  But it looks like we are on our way. The streets are getting crowded and trains are filling up as work-from-home office staff head back to the city, at least for some of the time.  As business owners and leaders, we all need to do our part to bring businesses and employees back – when it’s right for that individual business.

Here’s what three members look forward to the most as they and their businesses return to the city.

Crystal Brewe
Chief Marketing & Audience Experience Officer
The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc.
We’ve been gathering with audiences for nine amazing months, already welcoming back nearly 700,000 to our venues to celebrate togetherness through the arts - from the transformative sounds of The Philadelphia Orchestra, to the best of Broadway, and a lineup of legendary comedians and fun family programming.

But the Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Philadelphia Orchestra staff is very much ready to see our beloved Avenue of the Arts alive, once again, with the business community. We’ve thought in advance about how to welcome this community back warmly, launching free Plaza events during lunchtime and happy hour. We invite workers to join us as they grab lunch or celebrate the end of a work day to listen to burgeoning local artists. Coming together is now more important than ever, and there’s no better way to celebrate a return to togetherness than through powerful performing arts experiences.

Michael Newmuis
Chief of Staff
Visit Philadelphia
I’m excited to see the reanimation of downtown—particularly local shops, restaurants, and other businesses—with pedestrian foot traffic.

Last year, I stopped at my favorite cafe on my morning walks to work and was often the only customer in the shop. However, as more workers return to the office, I’m noticing more consumers in the cafe. Today, I couldn’t be happier to see lines for coffee on my morning commutes.

Driving economic impact and supporting people’s livelihoods, all while making our great region more robust and vibrant—that’s what excites me about the return to offices.

Maureen Walter
Owner
Lore's Chocolates
For over 54 years, Lore's has been an iconic Philadelphia walk-in retail chocolatier. During Covid, we remodeled our store and reinvented our packaging. We most look forward to the reaction of our long-time customers who haven't had the opportunity to experience our changes. Although our online business has grown dramatically, it's the joy expressed when customers are hit with the aroma that greets them when they shop in person. The smile of a kid in a chocolate shop says it all!


Learn More and Get Involved
From celebrating togetherness to driving economic growth in Philadelphia, there is always much to look forward to in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. Thanks to these leaders for sharing their stories, and for their support of Center City Business Association. You can learn from them and connect with more business leaders at our upcoming networking events.

To inquire about being featured in these types of member roundup articles, please contact ccba@centercitybusiness.org.

Center City Business Association is Seeking People Interested in Joining the Board and Becoming Association Leaders

Are you a leader in your organization? Do you want to be part of leading a celebrated Philadelphia association? 

Succession is key to the future of a thriving organization. The most exciting part of succession is the collaborative growth of our future leaders - it is truly a measure of success. Center City Business Association is now accepting applications and planning to interview 15 people for entry into our future leaders cohort.  

As board members, we are aligned by our core values:

• Center City Centric - By elevating Center City we make a lasting effect on all of Philadelphia.

• Provide opportunity - Philadelphians are gritty. When we have access to the savviest business minds and the resources to succeed, nothing stands in our way.

• Educate our community - Knowledge is power. We promote the growth and development of Philadelphia businesses.

• Embrace differences - We grow from each other’s experiences. Uplifting the voices of others creates a vibrant environment ripe for collaboration and advancement.

Our vision statement is our guiding principle: We are the premier business association that creates a prosperous Philadelphia by making it easy to connect, to grow, and to sustain success.

Cohort applicants should plan to participate in an orientation process to prepare them to work on the board to drive our diverse and inclusive association forward. We ask Board Directors to plan to actively participate in the organization for three years, and to provide leadership for two additional years.

Please consider applying to the cohort, joining the Board, leading Center City Business Association, and making a difference in Philadelphia.  

Applications for the 2022 Board cohort need to be submitted by June 1, 2022.

Click here for a printable application.

RECAP: LUNCH WITH THE CITY’S LEADERS, FEATURING DR. JASON WINGARD, PRESIDENT OF TEMPLE UNIVERSITY

Photo Credit: Joseph Labolito photographer for Temple. 

Lunch. A real lunch. Not a virtual lunch, and not a Zoom lunch.  Oh, it feels great to be back - in Center City. With members and guests and smiling faces. And laughter. For the first time in over two years, we were thrilled to host our Lunch with the City’s Leaders event at the Union League of Philadelphia on April 20, 2022. The event featured Dr. Jason Wingard, President of Temple University, and a leading authority specializing in the areas of organizational strategy, leadership development, and the future of work. Interviewing Dr. Wingard was Maura Shenker, director of Temple University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

Dr. Wingard shared his insights on what we do know – and what we don’t know – about the current educational landscape as well as the nature and needs of our area’s future workforce. Here are six key areas that Dr. Wingard thinks colleges, businesses and students should pay attention to

Broad Competencies
“We do not know, for the first time, what jobs will look like in the coming years,” Dr. Wingard explained. Students are being asked to make a significant investment in education where its value is unsure. Anticipating the skills needed for jobs five to ten years from now is a lot like peering into a crystal ball. “And we can’t align around what we don’t know,” he added.

For that reason, Wingard notes the value of emphasizing soft skills, like context skills and interpersonal communications, along with trending technical knowledge such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, as they can better prepare students regardless of what work they pursue after graduation.

Broad Engagement
Within academic institutions, educators must listen to what skills students are saying they need, as well as listen to what businesses are saying their future employees need. Engaging with the local communities and cultivating partnerships with corporations, small businesses, and interested alumni helps to ensure good matches between what skillsets are needed and what universities are offering students.

The Gap in Internship Accessibility
Dr. Wingard also spoke of the growing trend of unpaid internships and its disparate impact on lower income students. Paid internships were common in the past. Today, many are unpaid. This can create problems for students who don’t have parents or resources to support them as they gain important experiential knowledge through these work programs.

At Temple, students are paid by the university for their unpaid internships - upholding Temple’s commitment and mission to ensure that all students have access to the best opportunities in their educational journeys. From a business perspective, Dr. Wingard urged businesses to “live your values by paying your interns and providing them with amazing experiences.”

The Digital Divide
Not all students who come to college have had ready access to resources like computers, Wi-Fi, or other forms of technology.  Those without these resources may be left behind as they enter the world of remote learning and remote work. To combat this, Temple partners with local K-12 schools to help ensure that students are equipped with these tools prior to even attending Temple so that they don’t find themselves behind other classmates right out of the block particularly in this ever-growing digitalized world.

Alternate Routes to Seeking Skills
Dr. Wingard described the trend of businesses and corporations investing in their training programs more expansively and investing in employees who otherwise wouldn’t have the skills necessary for a job even with a degree in higher education. In a way, this trend puts higher education in jeopardy. Parents and students increasingly wonder if a college degree is valuable or worth the money. The answer? According to Dr. Wingard, it’s valuable, but not as valuable as it has been. Students know that companies are hiring to train, and so are bypassing the college route and opting for employment that offers extensive on-the-job training or are learning through alternative providers, such as Noodle, Masterclass, and LinkedIn Learning.

The “Gig Economy”
Employers who do not have the time, money, or interest in extensive employee training are filling their roles with contractors who are already experienced and have been trained by alternative credentialing. As a result, degrees in some sectors appear increasingly less valuable or relevant.

Don’t Miss the Next One!
Sign up today for our next upcoming Lunch with the City’s Leaders event featuring Nick Bayer, CEO and Founder of Saxbys on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 from 11:45 AM to 1:30 PM.  You can register for this event or any of our other events here. 

Thank You Members and Sponsors!
Thank you to those who could attend our “Lunch with the City’s Leaders'' event, and thank you to our community, for all that you do to make Philadelphia's Center City the best place to do business. Additionally, we thank the generous sponsors of our Lunch with the City’s Leaders series, including Citizens Bank, Comcast Business, Community College of Philadelphia, Friedman LLP, KYW, LevLane, PECO, Post Brothers, and Visit Philadelphia.

MEMBER OF THE MONTH - Brian Roman

Growing up in the northwest suburbs of Philadelphia, PA, Brian discovered his work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit at a young age. After graduating from Drexel University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, specializing in Marketing, he remained at the institution to attain his Master of Science Degree in Marketing Management in 1997. As an undergraduate student, he joined the rowing team, and he continues to row at the master's level with the Malta Boat Club of Philadelphia. 

During these years, he held positions as an office assistant for Rouse & Associates, as a front desk manager at the Sheraton Valley Forge, and as an assistant buyer at Strawbridge & Clothier. During this period, he also worked part-time for the Philadelphia Phillies—a job he started in high school.  

After graduating from Drexel, he was hired in a full-time capacity by the Phillies and held positions in the Marketing and Sales Departments. He coordinated and executed promotional and corporate sponsorship programs, served as the player liaison between players and Phillies marketing, and traveled with the Phillie Phanatic[1]  throughout the United States. 

Thereafter, Brian decided to venture into pharmaceutical advertising. At Dorland Sweeney Jones, he managed the advertising and communications for the market-leading contact lens solution and contact lens brand in the United States, as well as the marketing for several other client products—both branded and generic, national, and international. His experience in the eye-care market then took him to New York, where he joined a division of BBDO called HMC Inc. Later, he completed a two-year stint with Ferrare & Fleming Advertising as a senior account manager, responsible for developing and implementing plans for a leading chemical manufacturer. Then, he joined TEVA Pharmaceuticals as the marketing and sales supervisor.  

However, after being diagnosed with testicular cancer at age 27 and undergoing two major surgeries and several rounds of chemotherapy, Brian decided to live life differently. The most drastic change was quitting his job and starting AdMark Network, Inc., now Admark360. Admark360 creates advertising and marketing materials for clients, including print ads, proposals, direct mail campaigns, banners, and signage, among others. However, the company's primary focus is promotional products and apparel. Its approach is consultative and creatively guided by clients’ business objectives.  

Brian possesses over 35 years of marketing, event, sales and advertising management experience in pharmaceuticals, consumer products, sports, and other industries, as well as experience developing national consumer campaigns involving TV, radio, and journal ads and promotions. When away from Admark360, Brian serves as the caregiver for his parents. He enjoys tinkering in the garage, hiking, biking, gardening, and spending time with friends and family. He also enjoys spending time with his feisty 14-year-old shepherd-mix pup, named Rex. 

Brian A. Roman
Owner, Admark360, LLC
215-514-0999
roman@admark360.com
admark360.com
FaceBook
LinkedIn

Minority-Owned DIGroup Architecture To Design One Of New York’s Federally-Qualified Health Centers

New Brunswick, NJ – DIGroup Architecture attended the ground-breaking ceremony of the future site of Urban Health Plan’s (UHP) new 52,000 square foot health care facility at 1095 Southern Boulevard in the Bronx (NYC). As one of the largest Federally-Qualified Health Centers in New York State, UHP, is expanding access to quality primary and specialized health care and programs designed to address some of the most critical health issues impacting Hunts Point and Longwood neighborhood residents. 

The new facility will help close a gap in accessing quality care for patients in this community who are in dire need of health services. It also brings economic development and environmental health benefits to the area as it is sited within a vacant property that required remediating from a dry-cleaning business, that was damaged by fire and demolished. 

DIGroup Architecture designed the interiors of the building, including 34 exam rooms, two clinical floors, patient specimen collection, staff offices, and staff amenity spaces of the 5-story health center. Construction completion is anticipated for the spring of 2024. 

According to Principal Bob Ryan; “Working with the leadership at UHP to help define the goals that support their clinical programs, is always a rewarding experience that consistently inspires us to design spaces that match the high level of care that UHP provides to the community.“ 

“Today’s groundbreaking represents a milestone for both Urban Health Plan and our community, said Paloma Hernandez, President, and CEO of Urban Health Plan. This new health center represents a huge step forward in increasing community access to primary care, critical specialty care services and innovative disease prevention programs. We thank everyone involved for their support and their steadfast commitment to this important project that will help us to continue our mission of improving each patients’ overall health and quality of life.” 

The new site is funded in part thanks to a capital grant of $20,332,403 provided by Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr., 17th Council District, The Bronx, and administered by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) also provided a capital grant for the project from its Capital Restructuring Finance Program (CRFP) of $4,499,653. The project is being financed by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) through the private placement of Tax-Exempt Bonds with Preston Hollow Community Capital (PHCC) and arranged by the investment bank of Roosevelt and Cross, which served as underwriters for the bond issue. 

Many local dignitaries were in attendance.

Member of the Month: Annie Portner

What is a non-profit you support?
I discovered “For Goodness Cakes” in Philadelphia. It is an organization that pairs foster homes & similar groups with local bakers to provide homemade birthday & other celebration cakes. I recently baked a Baby Shark themed cake for a 2 year old! 

What are you reading right now?
I am currently reading “Building Codes Illustrated” by Francis D.K. Ching. Perhaps not the most exciting read, but it is helping me study for my NCIDQ exams AND with project work. 

What is something you’ve always wanted to do, but have not done yet?
I have always wanted to go on a Hot Air Balloon ride. This past year I went to Albuquerque’s International Hot Air Balloon Festival but missed the opportunity to take a ride. This summer I have a ride lined up in Cappadocia, Turkey! 

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I participated in a dodgeball league for the first time this past winter through HeyDay sports. It was the BEST and I highly recommend! 

What is the first place you’d recommend to someone that’s never been to our city?
Too many to choose from! Reading Terminal Market, Tattooed Mom Bar, Magic Gardens, Rodin Museum, Cherry Street Pier, Bok Bar, Dotties Donut, Row Home Coffee (breakfast sandwich on a soft pretzel!), walk across the Ben Franklin Bridge!

More about Annie:
Upon moving back to Philadelphia, after living in Los Angeles & New York City, Annie joined the Gensler Philadelphia team. Although Gensler is the largest architectural design firm in the world, the Philly office is about 35 people (& growing!), providing the best of both worlds. Annie appreciates the resources & opportunities of a large firm, but the close-knit feel of a small firm. Gensler specializes in many sectors, from Digital Experience Design to Sports Stadiums. Annie is a designer focusing on commercial interiors work. Along with her day-to-day project work, she is involved with Gensler’s Mentorship program (at her alma mater Drexel & FAMU), Social Media Team (follow us on Instagram @gensler_philly!), & Community Impact Group. Gensler’s monthly Women’s Forum has been a highlight for Annie, where she gets to learn more about her colleagues & share stories. Personally, Annie is currently training for her 3rd marathon, 1st Tough Mudder, and “too-many-to-count” half marathon. On the weekends you can find her running along the Schuylkill Trail or studying for her NCIDQ exam. She is an avid film photographer, with a goal to create her own library of mood board images to use for projects. Look out for Annie at your next design industry event and say hi!

Annie Portner, Gensler
215.419.7051
Annie_Portner@gensler.com
www.gensler.com
www.instagram.com/gensler_philly/?hl=en

Four Leaders Share Their Insights for Women’s History Month

For Women’s History Month, we wanted to celebrate our members and showcase their expertise. We’ve compiled some key insights from our members who are leading the way in their respective industries and roles. We asked them to reflect on their experience and share the biggest lesson they’ve learned, that they wish they knew ten years ago. 

Building Your Team

“One of the most important things a leader can do is to surround yourself with talented employees and let them do their job. It’s important to value their work and to help them grow personally and professionally. Always try to work as a team but be prepared to make the tough decision. Be able to hold challenging conversations but feedback goes both ways!” – Susan Buehler, Chief Communications Officer at PJM Interconnection

Living Your Work

“The biggest lesson I have learned is that in order to help others in a specific area I too must heal in that area. As a psychotherapist and mental wellness coach and consultant I have a passion to empower women to unapologetically put themselves first and confidently show up as their best selves. Becoming an entrepreneur has challenged me to actively use the strategies I teach my clients. I became my own client and through that I gained a better understanding of my clients' experiences. It has helped me become a better therapist, coach, person, and business owner.” – Natasha Bryant, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Business Owner at Speak Life Transformation LLC

Adaptability is Key

“As a former journalist and now one of our region’s top communicators, the most relevant concept for my work is adaptability. In the last decade, we could not imagine the world we live in today nor the ways that we communicate key messages. We must be fully aware that situations can change very quickly and that we should be ready to embrace change and find new ways to support our multigenerational and diverse teams. There are tremendous opportunities if you stay aware of what is happening around you and create a plan that allows you to personally make an impact.” – Deirdre Childress Hopkins, Senior Director of Communications at Temple University

Value Your Time

“Don't give your time to people who don't respect it. In real estate, many hours must be spent with each client so it is important to spend the most time with those who appreciate it and move on from the ones who don't. Life is too short!” – Jen Singley, Realtor and Team Leader at Keller Williams - Home Sweet Home PHL

Learn More and Get Involved

From surrounding yourself with the right talent to being flexible in today’s ever-shifting environments, there is always more to be aware of in the business world today. Thanks to all of these experts for sharing their stories, and for their support of Center City Business Association. You can learn from them and connect with more business leaders at our upcoming networking events. 

To inquire about being featured in these types of member roundup articles in the future, please contact ccba@centercitybusiness.org

How Energy Savings Can Help You Reinvest in Your Small Business

PECO Supports Small Businesses, So They Can Support Communities
How Energy Savings Can Help You Reinvest in Your Small Business

Small businesses power our communities. They create job opportunities for local residents, strengthen the local economy, and drive positive changes in neighborhoods across the Philadelphia region. PECO is committed to helping small business owners save energy and money by improving the energy efficiency of their facilities, so they can continue to empower residents and propel neighborhoods forward.

An Opportunity This Big Can’t Be Ignored
PECO Small Business Solutions can help you unlock the energy saving potential in your small business and reinvest savings in your priorities for growth. In addition to reducing energy and operating costs, PECO Small Business Solutions energy efficiency incentives can help you freshen up the look of your space and improve comfort for your customers and staff.

“As a small business owner, you need every dime you have to reinvest in your business,” says Regina A. Hairston, CEO and President of the African American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ & DE. “If you can save money through energy efficiency—something you're already doing anyway—you should do it.”

PECO makes energy efficiency upgrades affordable and hassle-free, with equipment incentives and streamlined installation. Whatever your budget or the size of your facility, PECO Small Business Solutions can help you save energy and money, so you can focus on what you do best: growing your business and strengthening your community.

Reduce Your Energy Use, Grow Your Business
Discover how energy efficiency can take your small business to the next level. Save energy, save money and gain a competitive advantage. PECO can help. Maximize your energy efficiency today by completing our Small Business Solutions form at peco.com/SmallBusiness or call 1-844-4BIZ-SAVE (1-844-424-9728).

Re-Cap: Lunch with the City’s Leaders featuring Paul Levy, Center City District

On Wednesday, February 16, 2022, we held our most recent “Lunch with the City’s Leaders” event, featuring the President and CEO of Center City District, Paul R. Levy, to discuss the ongoing challenges Philadelphia faces and how local businesses can help. After check-in, Center City Business Association President, Suzette Munley, and President of the Community College of Philadelphia, Dr. Donald Guy Generals, introduced speaker Paul Levy. A New Jersey native, Paul, visited Philly in 1976 and, upon falling in love with its historic preservation edits, moved to Philadelphia. With experience as a Doctor of History, teaching in Brooklyn and Bronx public schools, lecturing at the University of Pennsylvania, and position within the Central Philadelphia Development Corporation and Institute for the Study of Civic Values, Levy created Center City District to make the downtown clean, safe and attractive for people to work, live and enjoy.

Setting the Future for Philadelphia
In his talk, Levy discussed a variety of issues that have plagued Philadelphia in recent years while also providing insights to how the city is approaching these problems. He moved from remote work, to working with homeless populations, and the roots of community policing, along with a plethora of other actions to improve public safety and lower crime rates. His talk also touched on the importance of the arts and culture for children, along with more help to female-owned and black-owned businesses, and increased presence in certain parts of the city.

One of Paul’s main concerns focused on the jobs lost by a move to remote-work and how we can move individuals back into the office. He explained that during the pandemic, most businesses operated at 35-40% in office, usually meaning about three days a week, and smaller firms had higher levels of occupancy. Before Omicron, people were returning to the office at a steady rate, but this has declined in recent months due to growing Omicron cases. He pointed out that working from home eliminates jobs for those that cannot work from home, such as architects, nurses, construction workers and more.

To combat these issues and bring more people back to the city, Center City District has begun plans to create more attractive rail lines, provide improvements to jeweler’s road, improvements to city hall lighting, cleanliness, safety and a competitive business structure. He also noted that 62% of development is occurring in 17% of the city. Some of the projects leading the way include Parkway’s 2222 Market Street development for Morgan Lewis & Bockius,  and a new mixed-use lounge and apartment building project by Brandywine Realty Trust.

Thank You Members and Sponsors!
Thank you to those who could attend our “Lunch with the City’s Leaders'' event, and thank you to our community, for all that you do to make Philadelphia's Center City the best place to do business. Additionally, we thank the sponsors of our “Lunch with the City’s Leaders'' event featuring Paul Levy, including Citizens Bank, Community College of Philadelphia, Friedman LLP, KYW, LevLane, PECO, Post Brothers, and Visit Philadelphia. 

Don’t forget about our upcoming event, “Women Changing the City,” on March 16, 2022 at the Museum of the American Revolution, where local female leaders Crystal Ashby, EVP and Chief People Officer of Independence Blue Cross, Amy Needle, President and CEO of Historic Philadelphia and Isabelle Kent, Executive Director of Philly Start Up Leaders will tell stories of how they overcame challenges that shaped their future, along with tips on leadership.

You can register for this event or any of our other events here.

CCPA Rebrands as the Center City Business Association

The Membership Organization Will Continue 44 Years of Advocacy and
Networking Opportunities as Center City’s Chamber of Commerce

READ as PDF

January 31, 2022 (Philadelphia, PA) - Center City Proprietors Association today announced that after 44 years of serving businesses in Center City Philadelphia, it has rebranded as Center City Business Association.  The new Center City Business Association will serve as a chamber of commerce for all businesses located or doing business in Center City.  It will remain a membership organization, hosting events throughout the year, including several signature series: Lunch with the City Leaders, Women Changing the City, Meet the Developers and Sustainable Philadelphia. The Association will continue to support businesses and professionals making it easy to connect, to grow, and to sustain success.

“Since our founding in 1978, we have been dedicated to making Center City the strong central business core that supports the economic success of the entire Philadelphia region,” said Suzette Munley, president of the Board of Directors for Center City Business Association.  “Our new name more inclusively communicates that we represent all businesses and better reflects our mission and our members”.

The new Center City Business Association has a robust networking and event calendar planned for 2022, including:

• (Feb 11) Happy Hour Networking Breakfast

• (Feb 16) Lunch with the City’s Leaders with Paul Levy, President and CEO of the Center City District

• (March 16) Women Changing the City

• (March 23) Meet the Developers

“At this critical moment in Center City’s recovery, we want to be sure that business owners, executives, and professionals know that we are here for them,” said Ben Frank, Executive Director of Center City Business Association. “We will continue to provide them opportunities to revitalize and expand their networks as well as to provide insight and access to resources, through a wide variety of our educational workshops, panel discussions, seminars, networking socials, and Signature Events. People love our events because we offer unparalleled access to speakers, decision makers and leaders who are shaping Center City”.

As part of the new brand launch, Center City Business Association today released a video of Philadelphia civic and business leaders, including Bridgett Battles, Director of Community Engagement and Supplier Diversity, Thomas Jefferson University; Nick Bayer, Founder and CEO, Saxbys; Daniel Fitzpatrick, CFA, President, Citizens Mid-Atlantic Region; Dr. Donald Generals, President, Community College of Philadelphia; Derek Green, City Council at-large, City of Philadelphia; Meryl Levitz, Former President & CEO, Visit Philadelphia and Co-Founder, Center City Business Association; Celena Morrison, Executive Director, Office of LGBT Affairs, City of Philadelphia; Rebecca Ryhnhart, City Controller, City of Philadelphia; Michael Smerconish, Lawyer, Author, National Radio Host and Television Personality; Sharmain Matlock Turner, President and CEO, Urban Affairs Coalition; Matías Tarnopolsky, President and CEO, The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc.; Ellen Yin, Founder and Co-Owner, High Street Hospitality Group, and of course the Phillie Phanatic and Benjamin Franklin.

The video can be seen on LinkedIn, Here.

Membership and sponsorship are available to all organizations and individuals working or networking in Center City.  More information is available at www.CenterCityBusiness.org. 

About Center City Business Association
We are the premier business association that creates a prosperous Philadelphia by making it easy to connect, grow, and sustain success. Our Mission is to foster communication, cooperation, education, and services among the businesses of Center City Philadelphia and to maintain and promote the commercial vitality of Center City Philadelphia.

What we value most:

• Center City Centric - By elevating Center City, we make a lasting effect on all of Philadelphia.

• Provide opportunity - Philadelphians are gritty. When we have access to the savviest business minds and the resources to succeed, nothing stands in our way.

• Educate our community - Knowledge is power. We promote the growth and development of Philadelphia businesses.

• Embrace differences - We grow from each other’s experiences. Uplifting the voices of others creates a vibrant environment ripe for collaboration and advancement.

Further Reading: Philadelphia Business Journal “CCPA Rebrand” January 31, 2022

Introducing Center City BUSINESS Association!

CCPA is now Center City Business Association! We’ve changed our name to more inclusively communicate what we do: provide opportunities to all businesses in Center City, big and small, for-profit and nonprofit, new and old.

Lessons Small Businesses Can Learn from the Pandemic

by Andy Logue, President and COO, Republic bank

Although some things have returned to normal, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our daily lives is still significant. For small business owners in particular, the pandemic has caused unprecedented operational disruption and financial challenges. It’s during difficult times though, that the most important lessons are learned. So what can small businesses take away from these past 20 months?

Size and Scale Make it Easier to Pivot.
As the saying goes, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Due to their size and the ability to scale ideas, the small businesses that were able to quickly react to the challenges brought about by the pandemic, get creative and pivot their operations not only stayed afloat, but prospered. The way many were able to engage staff and find new ways to bring value to customers was powerful and should be used as inspiration moving forward.

Manage Debts to the Best of Your Ability.
In any downturn cycle, managing debts is critical. Controlling costs and expenses appropriately when times are tough helps to ensure small businesses are set up for future success once things turn back around. Building up an emergency fund is essential, and any organization should have at least two months of payroll in the bank as a cushion.

Know the Value of Your Employees.
Despite operational disruptions or outright closures that significantly impacted revenue streams, small businesses that had appropriate funds saved – and even those that didn’t – continued to pay employees because they believed it was the right thing to do. Even though it wasn’t easy, many small business owners realized that doing right by their employees would encourage productivity and loyalty. Customers notice this, too, and some organizations earned customers for life because of the way they treated employees during the pandemic.

Even amidst the chaos, it’s also important that employees feel heard and appreciated. Small businesses learned that showing empathy – even in small ways – contributes greatly to how an employee feels about the work that they’re doing, in addition to their overall personal wellness.

Having Reliable Partners is Key.
It’s important for small business owners to surround themselves with trusted partners they can turn to when they need help or when times get tough. Lawyers, insurance brokers and accountants can bring immense value and help entrepreneurs ensure their businesses run smoothly.

Banking partners also proved critical during the pandemic when many small businesses were trying to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan through the Small Business Administration. The small businesses who had good relationships with their banks were able get the assistance they needed to complete and submit loan applications. At Republic Bank, we worked with thousands of our small business customers – and thousands more non-customers, which set us apart from many of our competitors – to obtain PPP loans, which were needed lifelines for many during the pandemic.

Small businesses have been through a lot over the past 20 months. And despite the valuable lessons learned, it was not easy. Following Small Business Saturday on November 27, it’s important that we all commit ourselves to supporting local to ensure that the small businesses we love continue to thrive and our local economy prospers. We appreciate all those who chose to shop local on Small Business Saturday and encourage you to also do so the other 364 days a year.

If you would like to learn more about Republic Bank’s banking offerings, please contact Matt Skilton at mskilton@myrepublicbank.com.

December Member of the Month

What are you reading right now (or what is a go-to book you would recommend to others)?
I will have to recommend Primal Leadership by Daniel Goleman because it has helped understand and appreciate leaders with strong emotional intelligence, which is an essential skill for the relationship aspect of business.

It’s Sunday at 10 AM. Where are you?
I am in my apartment in University City, relaxing and reading The New Yorker magazine for leisure.

If you had an extra hour in the day, what would you do with it?
I will use that extra hour to organize. I am constantly gathering and/or receiving information from others in my day-to-day and do not always have enough time to organize that information for myself. I like to organize because it allows me to be more efficient and, in effect, do more, such as helping others.

What is something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t done yet?
I have always wanted to go watch Manchester United soccer team play in-person. The day I decided to go to Manchester, England for a game will be a magical moment because I have been a fan since I was a kid growing up in Nigeria.

What is your best networking tip?
My best networking tip is to help others help you. I say that because we are all busy with our lives and obligations, but it is mutually beneficial to help others help you. For example, I have found that people appreciate friendly reminders on my requests that they may have forgot to ask me to remind them about.

Rasheed Adewole
PNC Institutional Asset Management
215-585-7115
Rasheed.adewole@pnc.com
linkedin.com/in/rasheedadewole/

November Member of the Month

What are you reading right now (or what is a go-to book you would recommend to others)?
Atomic Habits by James Clear

Where did you spend December 31, 1999? At home since I was just 6 months old then!

What is your favorite place you have traveled to? Alicante, Spain

What was your first job? A Language and Culture Assistant in Madrid, Spain

If you had to leave your home and could only take 1 item with you, what would it be?
My water bottle (I try to drink a gallon per day!)

Joaquin Miranda
Sponsorship Coordinator, HomeLight
joaquin@homelight.com
www.facebook.com/gohomelight/
@gohomelight @HomeLightApp
www.linkedin.com/company/homelight
linkedin.com/in/joaquin-miranda

October Member of the Month

Jeff Dailey can be found most weeknights or weekends at a local baseball complex with one of his three sons, or splitting time between basketball courts and wrestling mats with them in the winter. When he is not coaching or cheering on his sons, he runs the Philadelphia business litigation law firm boutique, Dailey LLP, which he co-founded in 2019, after spending 19 years at one of the largest law firms in the Country.

Dailey LLP was founded by seasoned former Big Law Partners “with a mission to transform how legal services are delivered to businesses.” Dailey LLP’s client teams are structured to eliminate inefficiencies and produce better client service and results at a lower overall cost. Dailey LLP has developed a variety of internal processes to streamline how it services clients, and it utilizes several alternative fee options so that, from the outset, the firm’s clients will know that the firm’s interests are aligned with theirs. The firm specializes in handling business disputes, including disputes that arise with competitors, clients, among owners of the business, or that arise out of a merger or acquisition of a business.

Since 2019, the firm has grown from four to nine lawyers, and has offices in Philadelphia, Wilmington and New York City.

More about Jeff

What is a non-profit that you support? Other than CCPA?
Children’s Jubilee Fund is a non-profit that raises and distributes scholarship funds to provide access for low-income K-12 youth in Philadelphia, Norristown, Chester, and Camden to attend Christian schools.

What was your first job?
My first job was at 12 years old, working on a Farm. At the time, you did not have to be of working papers age to work on a Farm. My job included picking cucumbers, zucchini and tomatoes, carrying bushel baskets while corn was picked in the morning, and then loading the various baskets of corn and other vegetables on to trucks for transport to roadside stands or local markets, and working at a roadside stand selling corn and vegetables.

It’s Sunday at 10 AM. Where are you?
Usually at Covenant Fellowship Church attending church service or volunteering in Promise Kingdom (which has classes for school aged children during service).

If you “played hooky” how would you spend your day?
Preferably doing something with my family. But, if “hooky” was just me, I would spend the day doing something in the woods or on the water with no phone or email.

What is your best networking tip?
I have two that I think are equally important. First, learn to smile. Never underestimate the power of smiling, it opens a ton of doors and conversations. Second, be present in the conversation you are having (not distracted by your phone or who else is in the room) and make the conversation about the person you are talking to by asking questions and genuinely being interested in getting to know them.

Jeffery A. Dailey
Dailey LLP
215-282-5172
jdailey@daileyllp.com
www.DaileyLLP.com
FaceBook
LinkedIn
Twitter

September Member of the Month: Linda Rink, President, RINK Consulting

RINK Consulting provides strategic research and consulting services for both the consumer and business-to-business sectors. Our clients include advertising and public relations agencies, manufacturers, business service providers, non-profits and health care companies.

For growing companies, knowledge and understanding of their customers, prospects, and competitive marketplace is essential to their success. We know what information is critical to business growth, how to find it, and how to use it.

Linda Rink is a long-term CCPA member and a past Board member. CCPA has been an invaluable resource over the years and a great way to be connected to the City!

More about Linda
What is your favorite spot in Philly to disappear for some alone time?
Philadelphia has so many small parks to enjoy, like the Magnolia Garden, Rose Garden, and Perth & Addison Garden in Society Hill. Many times I am the only person there!

What is a non-profit that you support? Other than CCPA?
I am a big environmentalist/conservationist and nature-lover; I support The Nature Conservancy, Audubon, and the Philadelphia Zoo.

What is your favorite place you have traveled?
Iceland was amazing, with jaw-dropping scenery. Like being on another planet.

What was your first job?
After receiving my MBA from Wharton, I relocated to Chicago to work in Quaker Oats’ Pet Foods Division as an assistant product manager on Ken-L Ration dog food. Fits right in with my love of animals.

It’s Sunday at 10 AM. Where are you?
Lounging on the sofa, going through the Sunday editions of the Inquirer and the New York Times. That takes most of the day!

Linda Rink
President, RINK Consulting
215-546-5863
lrink@LindaRink.com
www.lindarink.com

August Member of the Month: Nella Bloom, Esq. Managing Member, Bloom & Bloom, LLC

Nella Bloom is the Managing Member of Bloom & Bloom, LLC. Our law firm has a collective fifty years’ experience in large and mid-sized firms in the Philadelphia area. As a business owner, Nella understands the mindset of an entrepreneur and the personal aspect of being a business owner. She loves to solve problems creatively and efficiently. At Bloom & Bloom, our goal is to help your business bloom.

More about Nella

What is your guilty pleasure TV show?
My guilty pleasure TV show is The Good Place. It’s clever, beautifully designed, rife with Easter eggs, and explains philosophy clearly, for philosophy philistines like me.

What is your favorite place you have traveled?
A few years ago, my family took a trip to Amsterdam. We spent a week exploring, eating, and going to museums and open-air markets. It’s an unexpectedly great place to travel with kids, easy to get around on public transportation, and overall was a great trip.

What was your first job?
My first job was behind the counter at Metropolitan Bakery. It’s a good thing I biked to work that summer – we had to sample a lot of delicious baked goods so we could give reviews to the customers. At least, that was our excuse.

What is your best networking tip?
My best networking tip: I have something in common with everyone in any room I enter. It’s my job to find out what that commonality is.

What is the first place you’d recommend to someone that’s never been to our city?
The Magic Garden is amazing, and the first place I take newcomers to Philadelphia. It’s so hard to describe, and so unique, while being in the middle of the city.

Nella Bloom, Esq.
Managing Member, Bloom & Bloom, LLC
P.O. Box 54493
Philadelphia, PA 19148
267-630-2466
nella@bloomandbloom.net
www.bloomandbloom.net

July Member of the Month: Barbara A. Capozzi, Esq., Renaissance Estates

Hello, I am Barbara Capozzi, I am a civic advocate, heavily involved in many groups, President of Packer Park Civic Association/Co-President of Friends of FDR Park/Treasurer – Sports Complex Special Services District/on the Board of BIA – Building Industry Association of Philadelphia/ Board of the Development Workshop/ Past President of GPAR Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors, and several other groups. These activities are my passion and what occupies most of my time.

However, in my “day job”, most recently I have developed and built 14 custom townhomes in the safe, green, accessible community of Packer Park, the southern most area of South Philly, adjacent to luscious FDR Park, walkable to the Sports Complex and Philadelphia Navy Base, 7 minutes to International Airport and 5 minutes to the Walt Whitman Bridge. These custom homes have everything – full ten year tax abatement/5 stop (4 person capacity) elevator/2 car garage/Sub – Zero & Wolf appliances/ Porcelanosa custom kitchen cabinets, tile and flooring/expansive roof deck/ 3200 sq ft of luxury living/gorgeous private landscaped courtyard/dual zone HVAC/ 3 Bedroom – 3.5 Bathroom plus lower level bonus room with large window/ We have 4 quick delivery homes, designed by professionals, and a few other homes where buyers can make all their own selections, kitchen cabinets, all flooring throughout 5 levels, all tile, all vanities and more.

Barbara A. Capozzi, Esq.
Renaissance Estates
267-973-0848
BCapozzi@KW.com
www.packerparknewhomes.com

Protect Your Digital Privacy By Linda Rink, President, RINK Consulting

Most of us are spending more time online than ever before. While we would like to think that our browsing habits are totally private, unfortunately that’s not the case -- we leave an unwanted trackable digital footprint behind on social media and websites. As a researcher, I am of course keenly aware of this.

In a recent survey with over 1000 U.S. consumers conducted by Integral Ad Science, 89% of the respondents said online privacy is important to them. Yet only 62% said they cleared their browser history in the past month, and only 53% cleared their browser cookies. (Integral Ad Science, “Data Privacy and Contextual Advertising.”)

Perhaps we could all use a refresher reminder on how to protect our digital privacy.
Here are 10 steps you can take yourself:

1. Delete old e-mail, shopping or social media accounts.

2. Clear your browser history often (I do it every day).

3. Clear cookies as well, except for designated “keepers.”

4. Adjust your privacy settings for your web browser, online apps, and social media accounts.

5. Unsubscribe from unnecessary mailing lists.

6. Use “privacy” or “incognito” mode when browsing online.

7. Keep antivirus software up to date.

8. Use strong passwords and change them often.

9. Use an ad-blocker when browsing online.

10. Consider using a separate e-mail strictly for online shopping and potential spam offers.

And of course, don’t post personal information online unless absolutely necessary and if you know the site is secure.

I would be happy to discuss your information needs or answer your research questions. Contact me at lrink@LindaRink.com.

June's Member of the Month: John M. Caccese, P.E., Vice President, Earth Engineering Inc.

What was your first concert?
Jackson Brown at the Mann Music Center
What was your first job? I worked as a laborer for a construction management firm renovating spaces for retail stores.
What is a non-profit that you support? Other than CCPA? Building Industry of Philadelphia (BIA)
What is your favorite place you have traveled? Barcelona, Spain. Stumbled upon a small Tapas restaurant downtown. It was one of the best meals ever!
What is the first place you’d recommend to someone that’s never been to our city? I would have to say Independence Mall followed by lunch at the Reading Terminal Market.

More about John and Earth Engineering
Earth Engineering Incorporated (EEI) is a full service geotechnical and environmental engineering consulting and design firm composed of a group of engineers, geologists, and scientists dedicated to providing swift, cost effective professional services needed to meet the demands of today’s development projects.  With offices located in the Philadelphia region, Lehigh Valley, New Jersey, and central Pennsylvania, EEI is well equipped to serve the Philadelphia Tri-state area.  A few of our flagship projects in Philadelphia include the Columbus Commons Shopping Center, Naval Square, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 1900 Arch Street, The Barnes Foundation building, the new Aramark Headquarters, and Riverwalk (Featuring a new Giant Grocery).

EEI’s core services comprise Geotechnical Consulting, Subsurface Investigations, Infiltration Testing, Geo-Structural Design, Construction Inspection & Testing, Environmental Site Assessments, and Clean Fill Analysis.  Items such as cost effectiveness of foundation alternatives are evaluated along with site development issues and geotechnical data to establish recommendations ang designs.  This approach has enabled EEI to contribute to the successful development of many large-scale projects by adding true value to the planning and design process.

Our goal at EEI is to combine quality consulting, investigative and design work to achieve on-time, on-budget performance.  We are committed to providing our clients with the high level of service and experience they have come to expect from EEI.

As Vice President of the firm, I am involved with the operations of our offices.  I have worked in the region as a geotechnical engineer and manager for over 30 years.  Being in the geotechnical and environmental business means I have had the privilege of being a part of thousands of projects throughout my years of practice, my favorite of which is working on a project at the White House during the George W. Bush administration.  The project entailed performing a feasibility study for landing a presidential transport on the south lawn of the White House.  I had the privilege of watching a transport landing, a private tour of the White House, and playing with his dogs, Barney and Spot, on the South Lawn; something I will never forget.

Throughout my years working in the industry, I have developed lasting relationships and friends in the region.  Relationship building and keeping in touch with people is what motivates me to drive EEI to provide the best service that we can.  The vast majority of our projects are procured through referrals and repeat business which is a true testament to our abilities to deliver a quality product in a timely, cost effective manner.  Our approach to projects is that of a professional service rather than a commodity and therefore we bring added value to your project.

John Caccese, P.E.
Earth Engineering Inc.
610-277-0880
johnc@earthengineering.com
www.earthengineering.com
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