The Benefits of Urban Street Trees to Center City Philadelphia Businesses

/

By Christopher Schmitt, GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. and Zach Schmitt, The Philosophy Family Farm LLC

Urban street trees have a proven positive influence on the success of downtown businesses. Research has shown that shade trees can improve the quality of life for residents, business owners, visitors and shoppers in downtown business districts like Center City Philadelphia. This improved quality of life has been shown to translate to improved business success.

Shade trees provide definitive economic benefits to downtown businesses, including cooler sidewalks that entice shoppers to linger longer at sidewalk restaurants and adjacent retail shops, softer color palettes and landscapes that attract people to stay and enjoy unplanned activities, and engaging urban streetscapes which draw people out of their cars and onto the sidewalk to stroll by businesses. This process can be used to slow pedestrians down so that previously unexplored businesses are seen and appreciated.

Trees also provide substantial social and ecological benefits that are of great significance to downtown businesses. Urban street trees not only provide clean and breathable air, but also decrease localized flooding during light rainstorms by absorbing water on their tree branches and leaves, where the water can evaporate. During heavier rainstorms, tree roots soak up a great volume of precipitation which would otherwise flood sidewalks in front of businesses. Trees also make neighborhoods and business districts more enjoyable for people.  Trees add natural beauty and create an environment beneficial to our mental and emotional health. It is known that people are more likely to appreciate their city environment and to spend more quality time working, shopping and recreating in the city when their environment is enhanced with street trees.  An important secondary benefit of street trees is their support of the biodiversity of birds and small mammals, which, in turn, results in an increase in people’s ability to connect with nature and their desire to remain engaged with working, shopping and recreating in that area. Business districts which actively improve people’s connections with nature through the establishment of sidewalks with shade trees are known to realize increased economic and social activity. People want to have a connection with nature, and they reward businesses that provide a setting where nature can be enjoyed at their establishment.

In celebration of Arbor Day, this spring consider planting trees to support your local neighborhood, and get an economic boost for your business, too!

Contact Christopher Schmitt at GZA GeoEnvironmental for professional assistance with urban trees, green infrastructure, sustainability and resilience initiatives.

Chris Schmitt is a Senior Consultant with GZA GeoEnvironmental in Center City who focuses on providing sustainable, regenerative and natural solutions to critical issues; his son, Zach, is an interpretive naturalist and educator at The Philosophy Family Farm LLC.

201-463-4267
christopher.schmitt@gza.com
www.gza.com Twitter LinkedIn YouTube

Member of the Month: Joseph J. Console

/

I am Joseph J. Console.  I am an attorney and partner at Console Matison LLP.  We are real estate and family law attorneys, practicing in Philadelphia, the PA burbs and New Jersey.  Despite spending most of my childhood in New Jersey, I am Philly through and through, I attended St. Joe’s Prep for high school and Temple University, followed by Rutgers-Camden for Law School.   I love the city, and as a real estate attorney I get to see how the city moves forward, gets re-born, gets imagined and re-imagined and how the different departments work together to create a version of the City that matches how great we all know it is. 

More about Joseph:

What is your favorite spot in Philly to disappear for some alone time?
The Southampton Spa.  It isn’t in Philly proper, its in Southhampton, PA (in the far, far Northeast).  This is the area’s only authentic Russian Banya, which for those that don’t know, is a place with a series of saunas, steam rooms, cold plunges, and other services (like traditional massage) that, while on paper might sound like “The Rittenhouse Spa” or something, it is actually very, very different.  The serious banya rooms have wood-fired stoves and can get as hot as 210 degrees.  Water boils at 212 degrees!  Spending a half a day here, going in and out of the rooms, is about as good as it gets for me…either with some fellow real estate professionals, friends, or just by myself.

What is a non-profit that you support? Other than CCBA?
I support Filitalia, which is a Philly-based, but international, organization that does a lot of work with spreading excitement and awareness of the Italian culture and language.  My family history is South Philly, by way of Southern Italy and Sicily, and I belong to a few local organizations in that vein. I sit on the board of the Filitalia Delco Chapter, and my family sponsors a scholarship that helps fund things like exchange programs between the US and Italy. 

What was your first concert?
My first concert was the Monkees with “Weird” Al Yankovic, at the Mann Music Center on August 8, 1987, with my parents.  I was 6 years old and those were literally (perhaps besides the Beach Boys) my two favorite artists at the time.  “Weird” Al came out in his “like a surgeon” outfit, to open the show ...man I was in heaven.  I am sort of a music nerd now, but if this tour happened again I’d go and likely be just as amazed. 

What is something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t done yet?
I have had a long meditation retreat on my radar for a while now, since well before I had kids (my kids are 8 and 6).  While I have a consistent daily meditation practice, and I digest a lot of literature and dharma talks, I haven’t had the time to disappear for a long, silent, retreat.  I think it would add a layer to my practice that isn’t really feasible while managing all the necessary business and family day-to-day stuff.  Alas, one only gets so many days away from their family, and I’ve yet to prioritize this.

What is your best networking tip?
Show up!   I am someone who freely admits to having social anxiety, which is likely a result of being a staunch introvert.  However, in my profession, and especially after having started my own business ten years ago, being shy just isn’t an option.  Look, it's always easier to not do the thing, to stay home where it's comfortable and there’s a million things you could be doing or would rather be doing than showing up to a random event full of people you’ve never met and trying to make conversation.  But just show up.  Talk to 3 people, get their cards and have lunch with them.  Do it again the following week.  Just worry about meeting 3 people, which isn’t that many, then go back to your comfortable home. You’ll be amazed, if you are consistent, how quickly that will produce results. 

A Focus on Wellness Can Mean Healthy Savings for Small Businesses

/

By IBX Insights Team

Did you know? Multiple studies have found that for every $1 companies spend on wellness programs, they saved $3.27 on health care costs.

The Data Are Clear
Wellness pays off for businesses like yours. Making small changes, along with encouraging healthier habits and activities can bring you substantial ROI, in the form of:

  • Increased productivity, performance, and morale

  • Stronger workplace culture and engagement

  • Better health outcomes

  • A more holistic view of employee health

At Independence Blue Cross (IBX), we have the resources to help get your employees engaged so they can take charge of their well-being.

How to Plan, Even if Your Budget Is Limited
Here are the steps you should take:

  1. Determine what your employees want. Engage with your team and management to find what would help them most.

  2. Make being healthy part of your workplace. Encourage healthier habits in the workplace and everywhere your employees live their lives.

  3. Make it practical and easy. Your employees may not be health and wellness-minded. Give them simple steps to take.

  4. Trust in the IBX resources already available to you. Visit wellbeing.ibx.com to find a wealth of resources available to you for free.

You Don’t Have to Wait to Get Started
There are some things you can do right now to motivate your employees to embrace a whole-health mindset:

  • Offer healthy snacks and drinks. If you offer free snacks, opt for fruits and grains over soda and chips.

  • Encourage employees to use their nutrition counseling benefit. Your employees’ Independence coverage includes six dietitian visits a year at no cost to them.

  • Promote healthy habits at work. When possible, have walking meetings to get people out of their chairs. Sponsor employees’ participation in events like 5K walks, runs, and the 10,000 Steps-A-Day Walking Challenge.

Invest in Employee Well-being

IBX offers employers innovative products and solutions that lower costs and improve health outcomes. Our holistic approach to well-being encourages members to improve their physical, emotional, and financial health to help curb rising health care costs and increase productivity. Learn more at ibx.com.

This content was originally published at insights.ibx.com.

The Real Culprit Preventing You From Your Revenue Goals in B2B Services

/

By Christopher Larcade, Synergy Advisory

In the B2B professional services landscape, every business, from early stages to established entities, shares a common goal: achieving and surpassing revenue targets. However, many find this goal persistently out of reach, not due to a lack of effort.

Surprisingly, the culprit isn't in the places we look most frequently.

If you've noticed any of the following:

  • Stagnation or decline in revenue growth

  • A drop in new client acquisitions and diminishing lead-to-deal conversion rates

  • Prolonged sales cycles

  • A decrease in customer retention, with competitors creeping into conversations more often

  • An increase in less-than-ideal client types and low-value projects

  • Challenges in achieving profitability

  • Difficulties in breaking into new markets

  • The all-too-common owner burnout from unrewarding efforts

  • A worrying trend of one-time customers over loyal clientele

  • Lower-than-anticipated company valuation and overlooked exit opportunities

It's easy to attribute these challenges solely to sales. However, the tendency to blame the sales team or process for missed revenue targets is a misconception that has long misled businesses.

With over thirty-five years of experience as a sales leader, I've observed that the real issue often stems from an ambiguous marketing strategy. Marketing is the backbone on top of which successful sales sits. Here are five areas frequently overlooked when troubleshooting revenue issues:

  1. Unclear Value Proposition: Your team and potential clients must grasp the core benefits of your services quickly to ensure your lead generation efforts are effective.

  2. Undefined Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Without a clear USP, distinguishing your services becomes a Herculean task, regardless of your budget.

  3. Unrefined Target Audience and Ideal Client: A non-specific ideal client profile means missing the mark on addressing specific needs, pain points, and outcomes, leading to ineffective positioning.

  4. Unaligned Messaging: Success hinges on prospects feeling understood, not just by the prospect understanding the company—a lack of client-centric messaging results in lower conversion rates.

  5. Unoptimized Lead Nurturing Strategy: The journey and handoff from initial interest to sale readiness is crucial. A disjointed strategy can cause potential revenue to slip through the cracks.

In the competitive landscape of the B2B services within the $5M to $25M revenue bracket, achieving breakthrough growth and overcoming revenue stagnation demands a recalibration between sales and marketing.

Adopting a symbiotic relationship between marketing and sales will drive continuous improvement and strategic refinement. In this model, marketing sets the stage with clear positioning and compelling messaging, enabling sales to find and close deals more effectively. Conversely, sales must provide marketing with invaluable feedback, fueling its evolution and creating a cycle of mutual support and enhancement between the two functions.

Engaging an outside expert, such as a fractional Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), to lead this integrated sales and marketing effort could bridge the traditional gap between these two critical functions and inject a seasoned perspective and a level of expertise that is often transformative. Under the guidance of a CRO, companies can harness the full potential of their sales and marketing efforts, ensuring that each complements the other efficiently and effectively.

This comprehensive strategy does more than pave the way for immediate revenue gains; it lays a foundation for sustained growth, long-term success, and a strategic exit.

Christopher Larcade, Synergy Advisory
215-514-7017
chris@synergysalesadvisory.com
www.synergysalesadvisory.com

Return to Office is Critical to the Vitality of Center City

/

By Scott Zuckerman & Paul Lindenmuth, Domus Construction

The return-to-office campaign in Philadelphia has been gaining momentum, although it is nowhere near the pre-pandemic levels, much to the detriment of local businesses, tax base and the overall vitality of Center City.

There remains a substantial faction who are firmly against a return to a full-time, in-person work week, and there is no assurance the holdouts will ever soften their position. Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration recently began the process of requiring city employed personnel to report back to the office. Independence Blue Cross and Comcast are leading the top-down effort from the private sector and paving the way for others to hopefully follow suit.

The substantial duration of the pandemic shutdowns compelled many employees to adapt to a new dynamic, and many employees who have grown accustomed to working remotely and adjusting their personal routines are reluctant to relinquish their new schedules and flexibility.   

At Domus, the company benefited from being deemed “essential” due to the nature of our projects which permitted us to return to in-person work within several weeks of being mandated to shut down. While many companies are confident in their ability to provide the same level of service to clients through remote or hybrid work schedules, we strongly feel our clients and partners are best served when all our employees are present in the office.  When our employees are working on different schedules, the synergies and daily communication between our team would be compromised without their ability to collaborate in real time. The nature of the construction industry often requires quick and decisive decision making, and the ability to lean on the experience and expertise of our colleagues at a moment’s notice is invaluable. While you become knowledgeable in your respective field attending colleges and trade schools, real-world experience and hands-on learning from your peers can’t be replicated outside of an in-person environment.

It is understandable why many workers embrace remote and hybrid schedules which may allow for greater personal flexibility; however, it negates the interpersonal communication that is so critical. While some companies may determine their success is not contingent upon in-person work and make the decision to reduce or vacate their office space, the long-term viability of center city will require on an equal number of businesses to take their place and return to a traditional work environment. Office to residential conversions can be beneficial in limited scenarios but can also be very costly, but a robust center city business environment is preferable for sustained growth and prosperity.

Scott Zuckerman, Principal, Domus Construction
215-849-4444 szuckerman@domusinc.net
Paul Lindenmuth, Business Development, Domus Construction
215-880-2417 plindenmuth@domusinc.net

Strengthening PA’s Historic Tax Credit Would Bring Investment to Greater Philadelphia

/

By Paul Steinke, Executive Director, Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia

Pennsylvania has more historic resources than almost any other state. These can be leveraged for economic development through the Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Tax Credit program. Established in 2012, the program has facilitated the rehabilitation of many irreplaceable historic structures across the Commonwealth.

Through the program, developers of qualified historic buildings are granted a 25% tax credit against rehabilitation expenses up to $500,000. The program was initially funded at $3 million annually in 2012 and increased to $5 million in 2019. Compared to our neighboring states, this is a highly inadequate and uncompetitive sum.

Thirty-seven states have enacted historic tax credit programs, with sixteen having no annual cap. The average cap of those that do is $36 million. Every state that borders Pennsylvania has a more robust state credit. We are dead last in the region, behind even tiny Delaware, and fourth worst in the nation. Pennsylvania’s cap of $5 million is too low to incentivize large preservation projects. Changes to the program could better assist preservation projects and stimulate job growth, community revitalization, and economic development across the Commonwealth.

A statewide coalition led by two historic preservation groups, Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia and Harrisburg-based Preservation Pennsylvania, is working with Senator Nikil Saval to introduce legislation this spring that would increase the program’s annual cap to at least $50 million. This would encourage more developers to invest in and repurpose buildings that currently sit empty and face demolition.

It’s a fact- rehabilitation projects create more jobs than new construction and put vacant properties back on the tax rolls. In the first five years of Pennsylvania’s program, $15 million in credits were awarded, representing $700 million in investment. According to a 2019 study by Place Economics, Inc., a $1 million investment in a historic rehabilitation project generates 6.4 direct jobs and 5.6 indirect jobs in PA, more than any other industry, even the gas industry.

Across the country, state historic tax credit programs have proven to be a highly effective stimulus that unlocks the potential of underutilized historic buildings, making complex historic rehabilitation projects feasible. To better compete with our neighboring states and attract greater investment, Pennsylvania’s historic tax credit program’s annual cap should be raised to $50 million.

Paul Steinke, Executive Director of the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, is a passionate civic and non-profit leader committed to exploring ways to improve the quality of life and image of one of the nation's most vibrant and livable cities.

Member of the Month: Amy Frey

/

I am the President of Richmond Tech and Telecom. Our specialty is technology management and telecommunications for businesses. We have been serving the small business community in Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Lancaster County, Camden County, Maryland, and the Lehigh Valley since 2003. We employ highly motivated, cheerful, and expert technicians who are dedicated to their trade. We are here to serve and help your organization thrive.

More about Amy:

It’s Sunday at 10 AM. Where are you?
I just came home from church.
What is your guilty pleasure TV show?
Good Day Philadelphia.
What is your favorite place you have traveled to? Maine.
What is your best networking tip? To join chambers and attend events.
Why do you enjoy assisting your clients? I want my clients to strive in their business and receive the best technology possible. I treat my techs and clients like family.

Amy Frey
Richmond Tech and Telecom
Amy.frey@richmondtt.com
215-634-2997
www.richmondtt.com
LinkedIn Facebook BBB

Leading the Way: Independence Blue Cross' Journey and Partnership with Center City

/

This article was written by Board Member, Georgette Luna, Owner, Sea Philly

In the bustling heart of Philadelphia, Independence Blue Cross (IBX) stands as a beacon of innovation and leadership in the healthcare industry.

Center City Business Association had the pleasure of hosting Greg Deavens, President and CEO of Independence Health Group in a conversation with Chellie Cameron, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia for an exciting Lunch with the City’s Leaders at the Pyramid Club.

Deavens is not only the leader behind IBX's vision but was named to Savoy magazine’s Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America, Philadelphia magazine’s Most Influential People in Philadelphia, and Modern Healthcare’s 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare.

Deavens recounted his journey from an accounting undergrad to leadership positions at companies like MassMutual, NY Life, Cigna, and GE Capital, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and strong team dynamics. He also went on to express optimism about Philadelphia's future, reflecting IBX's commitment to fostering a thriving business environment and driving positive change, "I'm really bullish on Philly...I just think it's endless. I mean this city has so much potential."

Deavens and Cameron shed light on their interactions with Mayor Cherrelle Parker, and the pivotal role of local leaders and organizations in supporting her vision for economic growth, fostering a healthy business environment, and enhancing the quality of life in Philadelphia.

IBX's multifaceted approach to supporting Philadelphia encompasses addressing critical healthcare challenges, fostering workforce development, and promoting community well-being. From advocating for health equity to spearheading initiatives for mental health integration, Greg Deavens and IBX are working tirelessly to pave the way towards a healthier, more prosperous future for Philadelphia and beyond.

Leadership Insights with Atif Saeed

/

This article was written by Board Member, Georgette Luna, Owner, Sea Philly

In a recent keynote address to members of the Center City Business Association, Atif Saeed, CEO of the Philadelphia International Airport, shared profound insights into his journey, the airport's mission, and its planned growth trajectory. Saeed, an industry leader with a honed vision, captivated the audience with his compelling narrative, shedding light on the intersection of personal experience, education, and public service that has shaped his leadership philosophy.

Saeed, originally from Pakistan, embarked on his American journey at the age of 17, driven by a thirst for knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit. Reflecting on his diverse career spanning self-employment, transportation, hospitality, and public service, Saeed highlighted pivotal moments that propelled him towards a deeper understanding of the intricate dynamics between government operations and business acumen.

"My experiences—from driving taxis to owning a transportation company—have been interconnected, paving the way for my foray into the aviation industry," remarked Saeed.

Transitioning from his role at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, Saeed honed his expertise in operations, commercial strategy, and finance, eventually assuming the helm at Philadelphia International Airport in 2023.

"Airports serve as economic engines for their communities," emphasized Saeed, underscoring the pivotal role of airports in fostering commerce, job creation, and connectivity.

Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic's unprecedented challenges, Saeed underscored the airport's resilience and commitment to driving economic growth. With Philadelphia International Airport serving as a critical gateway to the region, Saeed outlined strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing competitiveness, expanding air service, and fostering partnerships with the business community.

"Collaboration with businesses and stakeholders is paramount in charting the airport's future trajectory," noted Saeed, highlighting the importance of aligning incentives and leveraging business intelligence to attract airlines and stimulate demand.

In a nod to the Center City Business Association's role as a catalyst for economic development, Saeed emphasized the symbiotic relationship between airports and local businesses, stressing the need for innovative strategies to maximize mutual benefits.

"As we navigate the evolving landscape of air travel, the partnership between the airport and the business community will be instrumental in driving sustainable growth," concluded Saeed.

As the Center City Business Association continues to champion the interests of its members, Saeed's illuminating address serves as a testament to the power of visionary leadership and collaboration in shaping the future of aviation and commerce.

Stay tuned for more insights and updates from the Center City Business Association, and make sure to check out our calendar for more exciting events and opportunities.

Member of the Month: Alex Ignatiuk

/

Alex holds two master’s degrees - in economics and engineering. His professional journey is grounded in over 18 years of experience in the commercial environment of international logistics companies. For more than 15 years, he has held executive positions, and since 2020, he has been leading businesses as a CEO. In January 2023, he established As a Bee & Co LLC – an International Wholesale Food and Beverage company, headquartered in the vibrant city of Philadelphia, USA.

At the core of As a Bee & Co LLC's mission is a dedication to enriching the global wholesale trade experience by providing wholesalers with a unique portfolio of American products tailored to the preferences of international markets. The company is driven by focus, dedication, and prosperity, and is interested in cooperation with manufacturers or distributors of American spirits, beverages, and food (both craft producers and famous brands).

As a Bee & Co LLC team communicates in English, Ukrainian and Russian languages and happy to meet visitors at their office at Billy Penn Studios! 

More about Alex:

What is your guilty pleasure TV show? Friends

It’s Sunday at 10 AM. Where are you? Riding my motorcycle on a highway

What is your best networking tip? Clearly communicate who you are, what you do, and what makes you unique

What is your favorite place you have traveled to? Rome, Italy

What was your first job? Car wash

What is the first place you’d recommend to someone that’s never been to our city? Visit Old City - the birthplace of American independence, to be inspired by the ancient architecture of the colonial era and stroll through the authentic streets of the 18th century.

Alex Ignatiuk
CEO, As a Bee & Co LLC
International Wholesale Food and Beverage Company
1516 N 5th Street
Philadelphia, Billy Penn Studios, Office 214
+1 669-272-9850
alex.ignatiuk@as-a-bee.com
www.linkedin.com/company/as-a-bee-co-llc  

Member of the Month: Matthew Ray and Evan Urbania

/

Matthew Ray, Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer, ChatterBlast Media

Q&A with Matthew: 
What are you reading right now (or what is a go-to book you would recommend to others)?
Nomadland and its amazing, sad and compelling story. 

What is your favorite spot in Philly to disappear for some alone time?
Schuylkill River Trail

What is your favorite app right now?
Pot stickers. Oh, you mean…. LOL…. TikTok! 

What is your guilty pleasure TV show?
Everyone should be watching “For All Mankind” on Apple TV. 

What is a non-profit that you support? Other than CCBA?
Access Matters: Ensuring all Pennsylvania residents have access to reproductive and sexual health resources. Pennsylvania Prison Society: Striving to ensure our incarcerated brothers and sisters are treated with dignity and compassion. 

What was your first concert?
INXS at the Spectrum, here in Philadelphia. 

If you had an extra hour in the day, what would you do with it?
Yin Yoga. 

Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer Matthew Ray drives innovation and originality across the company’s client portfolio, while supporting the creative, strategy, and account teams with trend forecasting and insight analysis. With a focus on marketing and creative campaigns, Ray has delivered results for the Visit Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Auto Show, Wawa Welcome America, DO AC, Broadway On the Boardwalk, and PHL Soccer/FIFA 2026. Prior to co-founding ChatterBlast, Matthew worked as Director of Media Relations for TLA Entertainment Group and Reed Elsevier. He has also taught as an adjunct professor at Temple University and The University of the Arts.

Ray holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science from Temple University and a master’s degree in media studies from The New School. He serves as a board member of the Pennsylvania Prison Society and AccessMatters, and as a digital advisory council member for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. He was born and raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and now resides in Philadelphia’s famous South Philly neighborhood. 

Evan Urbania, Co-founder and CEO, ChatterBlast Media

Q&A with Evan: 
What is a non-profit that you support? Other than CCBA?
The Philadelphia Foundation: One of the nation’s oldest community foundations. I am proud of their work on the Coalition to Save Lives.

What is your favorite place you have traveled to?
Istanbul, Turkey

What was your first concert?
Pearl Jam!

What was your first job?
I washed windows all summer at my local church.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I almost didn’t go to college to pursue a career in recording and music production.

What is your best networking tip?
Tell a story and ask lots of questions.

Where did you spend December 31, 1999? 
In the West Village in New York City. 

As CEO, Evan leads ChatterBlast by designing service models, building relationships and anticipating the needs of the agency’s clients. Before ChatterBlast, he served as a consultant to high-tech and financial services companies such as Hitachi Data Systems and The New York Stock Exchange. Prior to that, he worked as head of business development for the 105-year old international architecture and planning firm H2L2. 

Evan is a graduate of Drexel University where he studied business administration, marketing, and photography while maintaining membership of the Pennoni Honors College. Civically minded, he was a founding board member and former President of The Independence Business Alliance. He is currently a board member of Team PA Foundation, The Philadelphia Foundation, treasurer of The Roughwood Center for Heritage Seedways, and serves as a commissioner on the Philadelphia Gas Commission. He uses his free time to hike in the Wissahickon, travel abroad and attempt (unsuccessfully) to understand the world of generative AI.

1315 Walnut Street, Suite 800
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-475-5480
chatterblast.com
chat@chatterblast.com
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
Twitter
TikTok

Sulaiman Rahman: Navigating the Journey Towards Inclusive Leadership

/

This article was written by Board Member, Georgette Luna, Owner, Sea Philly

In the bustling world of business, leaders emerge with unique stories that shape their perspectives and contributions. One such industry leader is Sulaiman Rahman, CEO of Diverse Force, on a mission to promote inclusive ecosystems and cultivate diverse talent pipelines for the future of work, leadership, and governance.

Background and Early Influences
Sulaiman's journey begins in Philadelphia, a city that molded his character and values. Growing up in a diverse neighborhood, he recalls pivotal moments that ignited his sense of purpose. From envisioning himself as a superhero to early aspirations in football, Sulaiman's childhood experiences laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial spirit.

Educational Pursuits and Entrepreneurial Ventures
As Sulaiman pursued his education, he faced challenges that led him to question the traditional education system. Inspired by a book that highlighted the importance of self-education, he embarked on a journey of continuous learning, delving into personal development literature. This shift in mindset fueled his entrepreneurial pursuits, from starting as a paperboy to venturing into real estate with a "no money down" approach.

Building a Network and Professional Development
Sulaiman's trajectory took a turn as he founded a social media platform that connected professionals in Philadelphia. Recognizing the need for a more professional approach, he transitioned from advertising to organizing events, fostering meaningful connections among young professionals. This shift opened doors to leadership roles on various boards, providing him with insights into the city's challenges and opportunities.

Diverse Force: A Vision for Inclusive Leadership
In 2017, Sulaiman co-founded Diverse Force with a focus on talent development and community impact. The organization's flagship program, "Diverse Force on Boards," empowers leaders from underrepresented backgrounds to join nonprofit and social impact boards. The initiative has successfully placed over 270 leaders on boards, fostering diversity in decision-making.

Championing Diversity in the Corporate Landscape
Beyond nonprofit boards, Diverse Force collaborates with corporate partners to promote diversity in hiring practices. Sulaiman's commitment to a skills-first approach has led to partnerships with major companies, removing barriers and providing opportunities for talented individuals without traditional degrees.

Future Vision and Innovation in Workforce Development
Sulaiman's vision extends to the future, with a keen focus on artificial intelligence and workforce training. Diverse Force is actively involved in AI training programs, preparing the community for the evolving job market. Sulaiman emphasizes the importance of visionary thinking and being ahead of the curve in addressing societal challenges.

Conclusion: A Call for Diversity of Thought
As Sulaiman Rahman reflects on his journey, he encourages businesses and sponsors associated with the Center City Business Association to embrace diversity of thought. In a rapidly changing world, innovation and inclusivity are not just ethical imperatives but also strategic advantages. Sulaiman's story serves as an inspiring reminder that the journey to inclusive leadership is a collective effort, and the business community plays a vital role in shaping a more equitable future.

Member of the Month: Cara Solomon

/

Cara L. Solomon grew up in Phoenixville, PA. She moved to Philadelphia to attend Drexel University, majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. Cara discovered the healing power of Massage Therapy by having her first massage at a YMCA back in 1991. Throughout her college years, Cara would treat herself to a massage after exams and found the massage treatments to be very helpful.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Cara found herself back in school learning both Massage Therapy and Esthetics (facials and waxing). She worked in Philadelphia hotels and provided on-site massages in her clients' homes. In 1999, she opened her private massage practice and featured facials and waxing. By 2002, Cara expanded into a small spa of five treatment rooms called Body Restoration Spa. Recently celebrating 20 years in business, Body Restoration Spa is a gem in the midst of the city. Overlooking center city's high-end shopping and retail district, Body Restoration Spa is at the forefront of massage and body work. 

Experience progressive and restorative spa treatments designed to soothe, heal and motivate at Body Restoration Spa.

More about Cara:

Q: What is a non-profit that you support?
A: Beagle Freedom Project, the world's leading organization for rescuing and rehoming animals used in experimental research.
Q: What was your first concert?
A: INXS in 1988 
Q: What would be people be surprised to learn about you?
A: I find the UFO phenomena to be fascinating. I even took an American History class at Temple U about UFOs in American Society. 
Q: What's your favorite go to meal? 
A: Since I don't really cook, it would be Trader Joe's Cod Provencal. 
Q: What is your favorite app right now?
A: Audible. Because I enjoy listening to books.


Cara L. Solomon
Body Restoration Spa
1611 Walnut Street, Floor 3
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-569-9599
csolomon@bodyrest.com
Facebook
Instagram: @bodyrest_spa
LinkedIn
Blog

Member of the Month: Scott Martin

/

I am a Principal with the Avison Young Philadelphia office. We are a commercial real estate firm with offices all over the world. My specialty is office and healthcare tenant representation as well as consulting and capital markets. I use data analytics frequently to help my clients and love what I do!

More about Scott:
What is your guilty pleasure TV show? Californication
What is a non-profit that you support? Coaches vs Cancer Board Member
What is your favorite place you have traveled? Lake Como
What’s your favorite or go to meal? Anything at Murph’s in Fishtown
What is your best networking tip? Unapologetically always be yourself

Scott Martin
Avison Young
610-389-4200
scott.martin@avisonyoung.com
www.avisonyoung.us
LinkedIn
Instagram

 

Member of the Month: Ken Weinstein

/

Ken is an active entrepreneur and real estate developer in the Philadelphia area. He serves as President of Philly Office Retail, which has renovated and restored more than 300 vacant and deteriorated commercial and residential units in the Philadelphia region during the past 37 years.  Philly Office Retail currently owns and manages more than 800,000 square feet of commercial and residential space in the Philadelphia region and has received nine Preservation Alliance Awards for its adaptive reuse projects.

Ken currently serves as Chair of the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC), as a Mayoral appointee, and Chair of the Mt. Airy Business Improvement District which he co-founded in 2007.  In 2023, Ken was appointed to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission by Governor Josh Shapiro. He previously served as Chief of Staff for Philadelphia City Councilwoman Happy Fernandez from 1991-1995.

Ken is Founder of the Trolley Car Teacher’s Fund, which contributes $25,000/year in grants to public school teachers and Trolley Car Table Tennis Club, the only full time table tennis club in the Philadelphia region.  Ken was an Organizer/Board Member of Valley Green Bank for 8 years until it was sold to Univest Bank in January 2015. 

Ken owned and operated four area restaurants over a 25-year period from 1996 through 2021.  His first restaurant, Cresheim Cottage Café, was located in a restored historic house on Germantown Avenue in Mt. Airy but his best-known restaurant was the 150 seat Trolley Car Diner and Ice Cream Shoppe which featured a fully restored 1952 Mountain View Diner and 1948 PCC trolley car.  These restaurants were followed by Trolley Car Café in East Falls and Trolley Car Station in West Philadelphia.

Ken regularly lectures on subjects ranging from real estate development to entrepreneurship to social impact investing and taught a graduate level class, entitled “Empowering Communities Through Real Estate Development,” at University of Pennsylvania’s Fels Institute of Government.  In 2015, Ken founded Jumpstart Germantown and Jumpstart Philly, an award-winning community development program that works to revitalize the Germantown section of Philadelphia, and surrounding communities.  Jumpstart trains, mentors, networks, and provides financial resources to local residents so they can improve their own neighborhoods through real estate development.  Now with 15 Programs around the country, Jumpstart has graduated more than 2,500 mentees from its training programs and loaned more than $50 million to its participants.

In 2004, Ken was awarded the Business Leader of the Year Award by West Mt. Airy Neighbors, in 2005 was given the Community Service Award by the Center City Proprietors Association, in 2006 was named one of Philadelphia’s 101 Connectors by Leadership Philadelphia, in 2009 received the Distinguished Leadership Award by Community College of Philadelphia, in 2010 received the My Block, My Business Award by the Empowerment Group, in 2011 was awarded the Edgar Baker Community Service Award by East Mt. Airy Neighbors, the 2012 Retailer of the Year Award by the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and was honored by the Philadelphia Parks Alliance in 2013.  In 2015, Ken received honors by the Waldorf School of Philadelphia, the Wissahickon Charter School and the Philadelphia Business Journal as “Do Gooder of the Year.”  In 2018, Ken was honored by Mt. Airy USA and Historic Germantown as a community champion, by the Commonwealth Youth Choirs with its Founder’s Award, by SustainPHL with its Social Impact Award and by the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia with its ImpactPHL Award. In 2022, Ken was honored by receiving the inaugural Mary Werner Denadai award from the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia.

Ken’s mission is to revitalize neighborhoods by renovating vacant, deteriorated properties along Philadelphia’s commercial corridors. He believes that you can do well by doing good.

Ken lives in Mt. Airy with his wife, Judy, an executive coach, and can usually be found playing pickleball at the Water Tower Recreation Center.  They have three children, Noah who is finishing his final year at Georgia Tech unless his band takes off, Ellie who invented a chocolate 3D printer and lives with her fiancé, Jen, in West Philly, and Ari who heads up an AI start up in San Francisco after spending 6 years working at Apple.

More about Ken:

  • What is your favorite spot in Philly to disappear for some alone time? Forbidden Drive in the Wissahickon 

  • What is your favorite app right now? Shortcuts on the iPhone because my son, Ari, designed it for Apple. 

  • What is your guilty pleasure TV show? Suits 

  • What was your first concert? Harry Chapin in the late 70's

  • What was your first job? Delivering newspapers for the Courier News in Central Jersey 

  • If you had an extra hour in the day, what would you do with it? Take a nap!

  • If you “played hooky” how would you spend your day? Playing pickle ball 

  • What would people be surprised to learn about you? I've known my wife since she was 1 year old and I was 3 years old.

Ken Weinstein
Philly Office Retail
ken@phillyofficeretail.com
215-247-5555 x204
PhillyOfficeRetail.com
FaceBook
LinkedIn

Member of the Month: Russ Napolitano

/

My career in advertising and branding began on Madison Avenue in New York City. Having lived in Philadelphia for 33 years, I am currently a partner at the Philly-based brand and design agency, Xhilarate. That means I have the best of both worlds because it’s a great city for businesses of all shapes and sizes while also being manageable, affordable, cultural, and a great foodie destination. We also boast some of the best colleges and universities, making recruiting top talent a lot easier and Philly ranks as one of the most active regions for venture capital funding and an attractive environment for start-ups.

Xhilarate is an independently owned agency so we can be extremely flexible in how we work with our clients; building teams, deploying processes, and finding the best solutions. We do not have a “one size fits all approach” mentality because we want to take the path that will best help our client’s brands. Clients look to us first because of our creativity which is manifest on our website, www.xhilarate.com, Then after they get to know us, it is our responsiveness, collaborative approach, and flexibility that keeps them coming back.

We’re also at the forefront of helping our clients navigate the biggest changes in the branding world. There are a multitude of digital and social media outlets where brands can be seen these days and media has become so fragmented that brand owners have to take this into consideration. Today, it’s also AI that is sparking revolutionary changes for brands and has the potential to be the most disruptive tool since the advent of the internet.

To illustrate the depth of our creative talent, here are 3 of my favorite recent projects:

  1. Three 3’s Craft Beer - partnering with this small, independently owned craft brewery in southern New Jersey. This category is quite competitive and our team was committed to helping them define their brand persona and create an “ownable” look and feel that would increase awareness and recognition both on- and off-premise. While the new design achieved cohesiveness across all beer varieties, the challenge was creating illustrations within a very tight budget. Our solution was to explore the use of AI and our design team jumped headfirst and trained themselves on the AI tool, Midjourney, and produced illustrations that are perfect for the brand, the category and our client’s budget.

  2. Meadowood - When vetting branding firms, Meadowood was looking for an agency that did not have previous “senior living” experience and would enable them to break out of the traditional mold and sea of sameness. The end-result has met, even exceeded our client’s expectations. We opened their eyes to think differently about their business. What began as a “project” has resulted in a long-term relationship where Xhilarate is applying the new brand to all touchpoints.

  3. Oddschecker - We bested 4 other agencies to win this, our first international project - 3 from NYC and 1 from Philly. As the #1 sports betting company in the U.K. they were looking to launch in the U.S. with an entirely new brand logo, look and feel. Working in the sports category was something our entire team was able to rally behind. We created a logo, tagline and look and feel that was perfect for the U.S. market, but unfortunately, Covid hit right at the time of launch and the project never came to fruition.

More about More about Russ:

What are you reading right now (or what is a go-to book you would recommend to others)?
For fun, Unscripted about the Redstone Family Legacy and for self-development I am re-reading Living the 7 Habits by Stephen Covey

What is your guilty pleasure TV show?
America’s Got Talent – See related question below 

What is a non-profit that you support? Other than CCBA?
There is not just one - I support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the American Cancer Society, Sons of Italy, Wounded Warrior and the Eagles Autism Foundation. 

What is your favorite place you have traveled?
I would have to say Italy due to my heritage and the fact that the culture, history, people, food and wine are all amazing. 

What was your first concert?
David Bowie, March 1976, at Madison Square Garden  

What was your first job?
Newspaper carrier at 12 years old for the Bergen Record in Northern NJ 

What’s your favorite or go to meal?
Anything and everything Italian, with a special fondness for Chicken Napolitano, one of my wife’s specialties

If you “played hooky” how would you spend your day?
Walking the beach in Sea Isle City

If you had to leave your home and could only take 1 item with you, what would it be?
My cell phone (and its charger) so I can keep in touch with people, be entertained and stay plugged into what’s happening in the world.

What is something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t done yet?
Zipline in Costa Rica or zipline anywhere for that matter 

What is your best networking tip?
Don’t be intimidated. Anyone attending a networking event is there to network and should expect to be approached. Introduce yourself, your company and an interesting fact about you and your company that would be relevant to the person you are speaking with. You will invariably find that you have something in common with the person you are speaking with.  

What is the first place you’d recommend to someone that’s never been to our city?
Walk, jog, run, or bike along Kelly Drive.

If you decided to start a different career, what would t you do instead of what you are doing now?
A judge on America’s Got Talent

Where did you spend December 31, 1999?
With four other couples at a friend’s mountain home in Montrose, PA waiting for the world to come to an end. We were very grateful that we felt exactly the same at 12:01AM and that our computers didn’t skip a beat. 

What is your “go to” app?
Other than Google Maps (for obvious reasons), I would have to say the Audacy app. This app keeps me connected to WIP Sports Radio and it is my link to many podcasts. 

Russ Napolitano 
Partner, Xhilarate Branding & Design
215-983-9990
russ@xhilarate.com
LinkedIn
www.xhilarate.com

Member of the Month: Bob Polizzano

/

Bob Polizzano is a franchise owner of Retro Fitness and 4ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions, both located in Philadelphia, PA. 

After graduating Cum Laude from Temple University in 2012 with a Bachelors of Business Administration degree, majoring in Entrepreneurship, Bob went to work for Comcast Corporation as a Facilities Specialist. In this role, he focused on maintaining four Comcast Headquarters buildings, totaling over 1.3 million square feet of space. He also contributed as a project manager, building out and renovating newly acquired real estate. 

After four years at Comcast, Bob opened his first franchised business, Retro Fitness. Overseeing all operations and finances, Bob has grown Retro Fitness from its opening in January 2017 to a profitable business, all while surviving the COVID pandemic related shutdowns and restrictions. Bob’s Retro Fitness location has consistently been a top grossing location in the Retro Fitness system. 

During his time as a Retro Fitness franchisee, he has received the Franchisee of the Year Award in 2019, the President’s Award in 2021 and has been a contributing member of the Brand Awareness Fund Committee since 2019. Bob has also helped accelerate the career paths of many employees, some now working for Retro Fitness Corporate. 

Simultaneously while seeing the success of a franchise system and model, Bob and his wife invested in a new franchise concept in the medical spa space, 4ever Young Anti-Again Solutions. The vitality center opened with tremendous success in September 2022.

Bob’s passion for business growth and development stems from his father’s success in life. His father owned and operated a small, but very profitable paper and plastic supply business in Scranton, PA. While growing up, he worked for his father starting at an early age, seeing the trials and tribulations of operating a business and seeing the successes along the way. His father’s entrepreneurial spirit motived him to own his own businesses.

Bob lives in Philadelphia, PA with his wife and one year old baby boy. He enjoys exercising and sports, traveling the world, and spending time with his family which includes taking weekend trips to his family’s beach house in New Jersey.

More about Bob:
What is your favorite spot in Philly to disappear for some alone time?
Lemon Hill or Wissahickon Valley Park

What is your guilty pleasure TV show?
Summer House

What is your favorite place you have traveled?
Dubai

It’s Sunday at 10 AM. Where are you?
Going for a run.

What’s your favorite or go to meal?
Tacos! Whether at a restaurant or at home, tacos never fail.

If you “played hooky” how would you spend your day?
Relaxing at the beach

What is something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t done yet?
Helicopter skiing

If you decided to start a different career, what would t you do instead of what you are doing now?
Quite contrary to my current career path, I’d consider going into a trade. I love building and fixing things and there’s something gratifying about it. Perhaps that would lead to owning my own contracting company, but who knows.

Robert "Bob" Polizzano
Retro Fitness and co-owner of 4ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions
570-561-5949
bob.polizzano@gmail.com
LinkedIn
Retro Fitness Socials
Facebook
Instagram
4ever Young Socials
Facebook
Instagram

Member of the Month: Georgette Luna

/

Georgette Luna, Owner, Sea Philly
Philadelphia is not known as a boating city, so to own a boat charter in the city of brotherly love is quite exciting!

This wild adventure started when my husband and I purchased a 38 ft sailboat in 2019 and became liveaboards in Pier 3 marina on the Penns Landing waterfront. Our biggest priority is being present in life rather than the collection of material things. Living on a boat fit our lifestyle!

What stood out to me during the first year of exploring our waterfront was the city's lack of interaction with our river and people's negative feelings about the water quality. Our waterfront has long changed from the river of the ’50s & ’60s, so much so that in 2020 the Delaware River was awarded River of the Year for its rebound in water quality by the American Rivers Association. It was clear to me that there was a story to tell. With a background in Marketing and Brand development, I launched Sea Philly to tell that story and engage people on the river. Since launching in 2021, both seasons have sold out within the first week of ticket releases, and Philadelphia Magazine awarded us Best of Philly 2022.

My husband and I are honored to work alongside so many wonderful organizations helping educate and change the narrative about the Delaware River. Our waterfront holds so much value for Philadelphia in its historical significance and future development. I’m honestly so thrilled to be a part of this narrative and to be doing this work.

More about Georgette Luna, Owner, Sea Philly:
What is your favorite place you have traveled?
I love using layovers as an opportunity to check off another city or country. So while traveling to Greece, we stopped in Kyiv for an overnight layover and explored the city. We visited the glass bridge and then made our way to the river. The city was lively, full of art and music, and the people were warm. It breaks my heart to think of the tragedy happening there currently.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I loved photography and drawing in High School. One of my charcoal drawings was exhibited at the Met in NYC, and I was awarded a Parsons scholarship.

What is your best networking tip?
Be uncomfortable. Approach the people in a crowd that you feel you might not have anything in common with. The best way to position your knowledge and expertise is by asking questions and gathering knowledge before introducing yourself.

What is the first place you’d recommend to someone that’s never been to our city?
A river cruise! I know I’m biased, but truly, the views of this city from the water are breathtaking. From the up-close skyscrapers and romantic Fairmount Falls on the Schuylkill river to the silhouetting city views during sunset on the Delaware, you’ll fall in love with this city.

What is a non-profit that you support? Other than CCBA?
Upstream Alliance is an organization everyone interested in our river should know about. We thank Don Baugh and the team for educating us and pushing the needle forward with amazing documentaries and events, all in the name of a swimmable, accessible, fishable & equitable Delaware River. We partner every year with them for Floatopia, a rally for the river event where hundreds of people come out to raft up in the back channel of the Petty Island, just north of the Ben Franklin bridge. The event has live entertainment, snacks, soft drinks, and fun water toys. Great for families and adults.

Georgette Luna, Sea Philly
267-899-2469
georgette@seaphilly.us
seaphily.us
Facebook
Instagram
Linkedin

Member of the Month: Rosana Anchondo-Isaack

/

As an International and national real estate investor, I manage a portfolio of commercial, industrial, and residential properties worth over $10 million. Over my 35+ year career, I have performed several responsibilities such as Marketing, Contract Negotiations, Accounting, Accounts Payable, Facility Design, Improvement, and Team Building. I have spent the majority of my career assessing different geographical areas for investment purposes both here in the US and abroad.

I am excited to be a part of this great city. Work and family has brought me to the east coast where I now call Philadelphia my home. I very much enjoy the city’s history, vibrant culture, and savory food.

My passion in life is to create safe and prosperous communities where people can work and live. I started my real estate business, Anchondo and Associates, back in 1988 with that specific goal in mind. I love the work I do today as much as the day I started my company.

Over the course of my career I have purchased and sold properties throughout the US and abroad. I have also renovated buildings for industrial, commercial, and retail lease as well as for sale. Currently, I am finishing a major renovation project where I am converting a large multi-use building from office use to residential use.

I am actively involved in the community as a member of Center City Business Association, the Philadelphia Chamber, Pyramid Club, Union League, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Rotary Club of Philadelphia where I am the active President. As such, I instituted changes to unify the board, instill accountable leadership, and provide financial transparency, all for the purpose to better serve our community.

I aspire to broaden my reach to serve non-profits in the community, and to develop long-lasting relationships to help children through education and mentoring. I have worked with several organizations and donors to secure funding for the betterment and welfare of children. I led classroom lessons that centered around math and reading, and provided mentorship for children to learn basic life and leadership skills. Recently, I visited Liguori Academy where I spoke with several High School students about how to prepare for a successful career. I was enthralled by their curiosity, inquisitiveness, and optimism. I also spoke with graduate students at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business to share my keys to entrepreneurship and the life lessons I have experienced along the way. I feel as a society if we provide inspiration for young adults to have an opportunity for a better life and help prepare them for a successful career then the results will yield for a safer and more prosperous community.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
Apart from being a real estate investor, I have two e-commerce businesses, Talavera & Ceramic Tile Studio and Emma Wanless. We sell handcrafted and hand painted ceramic tiles. Since we produce custom tiles, we will change the colors of our tile designs to best fit your client’s needs at no additional cost. This is our edge in the marketplace as most suppliers have fixed designs and colors they cannot change. We find that customers have a hard time matching colors with their decor and design wishes. We can help with that.

What is a non-profit that you support? Other than CCBA?
We live in a great city filled with incredible nonprofits that help our community in many ways. I support MANNA, Habitat for Humanity, Caring for Friends, Cradles to Crayons, and Salvation Army. 

If you had to leave your home and could only take 1 item with you, what would it be? I would take my family’s photo album to always keep the memories alive and cherish them.

It’s Sunday at 10 AM. Where are you?
You will find our family at church. We should always be grateful for what we have.  

What’s your favorite or go to meal?
I am always looking for the perfect pizza. Recommendations are always welcome.


Rosana Anchondo-Isaack
President, Anchondo and Associates
Email
LinkedIn

National Small Business Week: 4 Tips for Using Technology to Increase Business Productivity

/

Small business owners have encountered many challenges resulting from the pandemic. Just as more customers are willing to embrace digital experiences, labor shortages and a distributed workforce have introduced new complications. But with challenge comes great opportunity. Technology has proven to be critical in increasing productivity, improving processes and better serving customers.

In recognition of National Small Business Week, Comcast Business has compiled the following guidance to help small business owners be more productive with technology and take advantage of new solutions. 

Use Automation
Automation is no longer just for big businesses. Small businesses can tap into business process automation for many manual tasks, allowing small business owners to focus on more value-add activities.

One example of automation includes automated email responses on a website’s “contact us” button. This ensures a fast and seamless response and provides a better experience for customers, while reducing time spent. Other examples of using automation to cut down on time-intensive activities include automatic appointment reminders and self-serve scheduling and cancellation functionality, which can help prevent gaps in scheduling, or customer feedback surveys sent automatically after a purchase or encounter.

Go Mobile
Business extends beyond the office or desk these days. To support business on the road, at home and anywhere in between, a business-grade mobile network isn’t just a nice-to-have but an essential.

Consider 5G coverage that can keep up with the rapid pace of business to support receiving documents, presentations, images and more when on the go. Also consider the variables that affect the type of plan needed from a business mobile provider. For instance, how often are employees on WiFi vs. relying on cellular data? And how data-hungry are day-to-day business activities?

Stay Connected
Many small businesses have a workforce that’s spread across locations or a need to support employees and their devices wherever they may be located. A well-rounded approach to connectivity is key for a reliable connection and critical to supporting this flexibility.

For on-premise businesses that need to keep employees and customers connected, whether through a tablet in the hands of a restaurant server, an associate taking inventory or to provide guest WiFi, it’s critical to have access to a solution that’s fast, smart and allows for separate networks for front- and back-of-house operations.

Similarly, a cloud-based unified communications and collaboration system is a must for small businesses. These systems can keep employees connected anywhere with one business number for desktop phones and mobile devices, while offering features like auto attendant to ensure calls are answered at any time. Ensuring landline calls are attended to is still just as important, and a VoIP system can allow for easy transfers and call routing and automated attendants, among other features.

Implement a Cybersecurity Strategy
Although small businesses may not have the resources of a full-sized security team, they face the same risks and should look to implement a cybersecurity strategy to remain productive and secure.

To start, business owners should conduct employee training on a regular basis to show employees how a cyber breach can occur and build awareness around real cybersecurity threats. Keeping employees trained is one of the strongest defense mechanisms for small businesses.

Technology can also help reinforce cybersecurity. Regular system backups prevent a total loss of information during a breach, and measures such as firewalls, passwords, and end-point protection are all great ways to protect a business. In addition, powerful tools that help block threats like malware, ransomware, phishing and botnet attacks can help to ensure business owners that their cybersecurity policy and team are protected.

To stay productive and ready for what’s next, it’s important that small businesses rely on a mix of technology tools. Comcast Business can provide the solutions needed to help increase productivity and ultimately enable growth, backed by connectivity to power it all.  

Related Resources:
The Small Business Guide to Using Technology to Increase Productivity
Make the Connection: 5 Tech Tools to Help Grow Your Small Business Faster