On Wednesday, July 27, 2022, the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia and the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia welcomed more than 100 guests for the 10th Annual Summer International Business Networking Reception: PHL & The World – Ready, Set, Network! For the first time in three years, public and private sector regional international business leaders gathered in the lobby of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius’s Philadelphia Office for the return of this beloved annual event. The Asian, Chilean, French, German, Irish, Japan and Mid-Atlantic Eurasian American Chambers of Commerce, and the World Trade Centers of Delaware and Philadelphia collaborated to celebrate the City’s status as a top US destination for foreign direct investment and trade.
Michael Pedrick, Partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius graciously welcomed guests by opening the formal remarks portion of the program. Michael is the immediate past President and current Secretary of the British American Business Council. He has been an active board member for more than two decades and the Firm is a founding member of the Organization. Lauran Swartz, President & CEO of the World Affairs Council delivered an upbeat introduction to our two keynote speakers – Anne Nadol, Commerce Director, City of Philadelphia and Angela Val, President & CEO, Visit Philadelphia. Both Anne and Angela presented informative data and favorable current statistics highlighting Philadelphia as a hospitable place for business and an attractive region for foreign direct investment. They addressed the important role public-private partnerships play in effective economic recovery, stability, and growth, and how the influx of visitors and the return of travel and tourism will boost all businesses and organizations serving regional and international markets.
Guests listened attentively to the valuable, current information about economic development and growth presented by our distinguished speakers. The energy in the room was electric, and the positive vibes about collaborating for a stronger and better future were palpable. Our speakers had to pause on several occasions for audience applause. The many participating groups that collaborated in this annual event exemplify how working together advances our mission and underscores our region’s prominent role in the global economic community.
Attendees networked, exchanging business cards, shaking hands, and mingling long into the evening. Everyone eagerly dropped their business card into the basket to try their hand at winning prizes generously donated by some of the participating groups for a raffle drawing. Special thanks to our host, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP and our sponsors: The Department for International Trade, EisnerAmper and the Port of Philadelphia. This event would not have been possible without their investment and support.
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