BABC Young Professionals Group – Mind the Gap Panel Discussion and Networking Event
On Tuesday, April 23, 2013, the BABC of Greater Philadelphia Young Professionals Group (YPG) hosted Mind the Gap, a panel discussion and networking event at The Twisted Tail. More than 25 people gathered for a dynamic discussion about cultural differences, stories and nuances between the US and the UK.
Enthusiastic panelists shared inspiring anecdotes about their experiences on both sides of the Pond, and how this exposure influenced important aspects of both their personal and professional lives. Toby Wallace, BABC YPG Co-Leader from Aberdeen Asset Management welcomed everyone and introduced Howard Silverstone, prior BABC President and active board member from Forensic Resolutions who moderated the panel. Howard, a Brit having moved to the US as a young professional in the mid-1980s, kept the audience laughing at his side splitting humor and at the same time, seamlessly navigated the speakers through the informal discussion about the importance of professional development and the consequences of living and working abroad.
Mind the Gap panelists represented a cross-section of BABC member companies. Richard Bartlett, President of Bartlett & Company, Inc. was asked to visit Philadelphia for one week to learn more about the US subsidiary of the Bartlett Group, a global insurance broking and risk management family business, and four years later he is still here! Luke Butler, Chief of Staff to the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development for the City of Philadelphia left London, and came to Philadelphia to pursue a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania where he studied as a Thouron Fellow. During the time of his studies Luke volunteered for Michael A. Nutter’s campaign for Mayor. Luke was recognized for his outstanding work and became Special Assistant to the Mayor of Philadelphia and Deputy Press Secretary for the City of Philadelphia, in both roles serving as a speechwriter for Mayor Michael Nutter for many years.
The British panelists joked about how much easier it is to meet people here – “all you need to do is start speaking and people take an instant liking to you because of your accent.” Ian Cross, BABC Marketing & Communications Chairman and entrepreneur and owner of –I-SITE, an internet marketing company and The Trestle Inn, Whiskey & Go Go bar, came to the US in his early 20s and has lived here ever since. Ian lightheartedly commented, “if I were to return to England now to live and work, I probably would not even know how to tie my own shoes!” All panelists unanimously agreed, once you have lived outside of your country for long enough, you almost reach the point of no return because you have been so molded by where you have lived and worked as a young professional, that returning home would be a great challenge.
James Hennessey, Executive Chef for Lincoln Financial Field, and Representative Chef, 2012 London Olympics, ARAMARK, spoke about being an American and his experience moving to the UK for a short period of time. James and several of his fellow panelists moved countries at an important turning point in their lives. For example, James left Philadelphia in the middle of planning his wedding, and Rich left England just weeks after he and his girlfriend moved into the same apartment. The story for both James and Rich ends well – James’ wedding went off without a hitch, and Rich’s girlfriend (now wife) moved to Philadelphia to be with him.
When asked, everyone agreed they would do it all again. Obviously, being young, unencumbered by family, property and other more complicated life circumstances contribute to a smoother transition in a new homeland. However, there will always be stumbling blocks to overcome, many with much greater implications than merely uttering the word “soccer” when you meant to say “football.” No doubt, as all of the panelists confided, it takes a strong person to move to a different continent, settle and feel personally and professionally satisfied. Howard lamented that when he moved to the US, it cost a $1.50 a minute to call his family and friends back home in the UK. Things have certainly changed for today’s young professionals venturing abroad. Nowadays, handheld devices easily guide foreigners through complicated city streets and subway systems, or help convert English to metric system. Chef James made the audience erupt in laughter when he exclaimed “Thank goodness there’s an app for that!”
Kara Bergman, BABC YPG Co-Leader closed the program by thanking panelists and drawing raffle donations. Many thanks to Rob Williamson for Philly Fair Trade Roasters for the generous coffee and chocolate basket raffle donation and to Alan Avidar from Philadelphia Union for donating a voucher for two tickets to any Philadelphia Union game this season.
The BABC encourages those who were unable to attend the program to visit The Twisted Tail, a Southern inspired Bourbon House & Juke Joint serving delicious food and drinks. George Reilly, proprietor, is another example of a young Brit who left England, married, settled in Philadelphia, and launched his successful restaurant business. Please support BABC member, The Twisted Tail. http://www.thetwistedtail.com/home.html
Click here to view photos from the event.
Summer 2013 International Networking Reception
On Tuesday, July 30, 2013, the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia collaborated with the Chilean, French, German, Hispanic, Israeli, Japanese and Swedish Chambers of Commerce for an exclusive networking event with the Honorable Michael A. Nutter, Mayor of Philadelphia. More than 300 guests filled the room to capacity at the Hyatt at the Bellevue in Center City Philadelphia, enjoying endless networking, delicious food, and wine.
In its third year, the reception celebrated Philadelphia as an international city on the cutting edge of economic and business development. Mayor Nutter spoke about the region’s focus and interest in encouraging new investment and commercial trade interaction between Philadelphia and the rest of the world. Of notable mention was the City’s strong ties to the United Kingdom. Mayor Nutter and his team are tremendous supporters of the BABC.
Click here for photos from the event.
Click here to see the event feature on Philly Chit Chat.
From Britain with Love – Vintage Movie Night & Whiskey Tasting at The Trestle Inn
On Thursday, August 1, 2013 the British American Business Council, in partnership with International House Philadelphia http://ihousephilly.org/, hosted its final event in the second annual British Invasion series, From Britain with Love –Vintage Movie Night & Whiskey Tasting at The Trestle Inn. The night was a huge success with more than 50 attendees, filling the venue to capacity for a fabulous night of drinks, food, networking and fun while viewing “Tonite Let’s All Make Love in London,” the 1967 semi-documentary film made by Peter Whitehead about the swinging London scene of the sixties.
The film, provided by International House Philadelphia, is an iconic pop concerto and a visual patchwork of 60′s culture, seen through the eyes of the people leading it — Pink Floyd, Mick Jagger, Michael Caine, Vanessa Redgrave, Allen Ginsberg, and Julie Christie, alongside counter-culture artists and other musicians who helped shape their generation and future ones to come. The film was presented in the background, allowing guests to fully engage in networking while savoring the delicious food and drinks, and enjoying the retro venue.
BABC guests received a complimentary whiskey flight from The Edrington Group that included Highland Park 12, The Black Grouse, Macallans 12 and The Famous Grouse. Hope Krebs, BABC Board President welcomed guests and provided a brief discussion about the organization and upcoming activities. Following Hope’s remarks two winning business cards were drawn for a set of two tickets to a Philadelphia Union game during the 2014 season and a bottle of The Macallan 12. After the drawing, guests returned to mingling and enjoying drinks and food from The Trestle Inn. The program continued into the night, well after the scheduled end time.
The BABC encourages those who were unable to attend the event to visit The Trestle Inn, owned by BABC Marketing & Communications Chairman, Ian Cross.
To view photos from the event, click here.
Brit Invasion 2013
During the Spring and Summer months, the BABC presented several entertaining opportunities to foster connections, expand business and enjoy British themed events throughout the region.
A Complete Summary of British Inspired Programs and Events Offered Throughout the Greater Philadelphia Region
British Business in Bloom: A Brilliant! Opportunity to Network, Learn, Dine and Visit the 2013 Philadelphia Flower Show
The BABC hosted British Business in Bloom featuring Drew Becher, President of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), and Chris Woods, Director, PHS Meadowbrook Farm at the 2013 Philadelphia Flower Show.
Brit Invasion Week at the Wilma Theater – Under the Whaleback
BABC members received an exclusive $10 discount to the Wilma’s North American premiere of Under the Whaleback by critically-acclaimed British playwright Richard Bean, directed by Blanka Zizka for evening performances on April 2-4, 2013.
British Invasion at PPL Park – Philadelphia Union vs. LA Galaxy Soccer Match
BABC members were invited to watch as world famous soccer stars from LA Galaxy including Landon Donovan of the US National team, Robbie Keane of the Irish National team, and Juninho from Brazil, took on the Philadelphia Union including players Zac MacMath and Sebastien Le Toux, on May 15, 2013. BABC members received $5 off face value of corner, sideline, and midfield tickets for this game.
The Global Rugby Forum: A Conference on the Business of Rugby
BABC members received 20% off registration for the first-ever annual sports industry conference to bring together leaders from the US sports sector with decision makers from the global rugby business. The event was held at the Sofitel Hotel in Philadelphia on Friday, May 31, 2013.
USA Sevens Collegiate Rugby Championships
BABC members were invited to watch as 20 college rugby teams competed for the national title on June 1-2, 2013 at PPL Park in Chester, PA.
Opera Philadelphia: Powder Her Face
BABC members received an exclusive discount, 25% off ticket price, for the Philadelphia premiere of British composer Thomas Adès’s opera Powder Her Face. The opera is based on the scandalous life and sexual exploits of Margaret Campbell, Duchess of Argyll. It ran from June 7-16, 2013 at the Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
Award Winning Comedian Dylan Moran’s New Show, “Yeah, Yeah”
BABC members were given the opportunity to win two free tickets to see award-winning Irish comedian, Dylan Moran, and his critically-acclaimed new show, Yeah, Yeah, at the Trocadero Theatre on June 22, 2013.
English Premier Team
BABC members received $5 off face value of tickets for the Philadelphia Union versus Barclays Premier League Side Stoke City FC friendly match.
