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The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau: Michelin Launch Press Conference

On Thursday, May 18, 2023, The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau hosted a press conference aboard the Moshulu at Penn’s Landing to announce Philadelphia as one of eight destinations in the United States with its own Michelin Green Guide. The Michelin Green Guide explores the notable attractions, restaurants, hotels, and experiences in Philadelphia and The Countryside of Philadelphia.

Phillippe Orain, Editor-in-chief, Michelin Editions, traveled from France to introduce the book and explain why Michelin chose Philadelphia. During his speech, he awarded honors to local entities which received the book’s highest rating, including: Independence National Historical Park, the Barnes Foundation, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Liberty Bell, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Nemours Estate, and Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library. Orain also presented special awards to Jane Golden, Mural Arts Philadelphia; Fareed Simpson, local musician; Michael Solomonov, restauranteur; and Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the Philadelphia Orchestra music director.

Click here for photos.


Recap: Inbound Scottish Trade Mission to Philadelphia

The BABCPHL welcomed a delegation of Scottish companies to the Greater Philadelphia region during the week of May 15, 2023. The Scottish North American Business Council (SNABC) brought the representatives to Philadelphia and the surrounding area to explore opportunities and expand their international trade activities. Delegates spent the week meeting with public and private sector stakeholders across the City and the State. The objective for this mission was to create mutually beneficial opportunities for companies in both Scotland and our region. We were honored to collaborate with SNABC to ensure the visitors received a warm welcome, learned about our area, and made valuable contacts.

Meetings launched Monday morning, May 15th with a market awareness session. Robert Jaffe, Director of Business Development, Baker Tilly US, LLP welcomed our group. Jane Rosenberg, Executive Director, BABCPHL provided introductory remarks for Michael O’Rourke, Manager, International Business Attraction & Retention, Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development, State of Pennsylvania; Pierre-Olivier Lugez, Senior Director, International Business & Global Strategy, Department of Commerce, City of Philadelphia; and Hasna Achik, Manager, Economic Competitiveness and Energy Initiatives Leadership Councils, Select Greater Philadelphia, who presented industry and demographic data about our region. The BABCPHL invited a select group of members from various business sectors to join the roundtable discussion, offer their insight, and network with the Scottish delegates. After the market awareness session concluded, delegates met one-on-one with local public and private sector potential clients and trade partners, based on their individual interests.

On Monday evening the SNABC hosted a networking reception for BABCPHL members as well as many others involved in international trade throughout the region at Yards Brewery. Mayor Kenney was the special guest. There were several meetings and events through Thursday, May 18th to showcase the delegates businesses and facilitate connections.

Special thanks to Allan Hogarth, Executive Director, and Eilidh MacDonald, Executive Assistant, from the SNABC for organizing this mission and collaborating with us on the ground here in the US to ensure the delegates got the most out of their visit.

Click here to learn more about the Scottish companies who visited our region and click here to view photos taken throughout the week.


Second Annual England vs. Ireland Rugby Viewing Party Recap

On Saturday, March 18, 2023, a spirited group of British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia and Irish American Business Chamber & Network members and friends gathered for a rugby viewing party. Con Murphy’s Irish Pub on the Parkway hosted our special event to watch the England versus Ireland Six Nations Championship match live broadcast from Aviva Stadium. Guests enjoyed delicious pub food and drink, along with networking and a business card raffle draw for exciting prizes. It was a great match with strong plays by both teams. Ireland came out victorious winning 29-16 against England. Some interesting rugby stats: this was the final match of the 2023 Six Nations Championship; Ireland claimed a 32-15 bonus-point victory over England during the 2022 Championship; Ireland and England have contested 139 rugby test matches since their first meeting in 1875; England won 80 of those matches, and Ireland 51; and there have also been eight drawn matches between the two nations.

Jason Walker, current Treasurer for the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia and Managing Partner at Cross Border Financial Planning USA LLC sponsored the event and delivered remarks during half time. Jason has been a member of the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia for nearly a decade. When he left the UK and moved to Philly, the BABCPHL was one of the first Associations he joined. Jason commented, “it has been a great business networking Group and way to meet professionals involved with many different business sectors as well as a wonderful social outlet to meet British expats working and living in the area.” He spoke briefly about the Organization, and thanked event partners and raffle donors: AEG Rugby, Con Murphy’s Irish Pub, Irish American Business Chamber & Network, NBCUniversal Sports Pub Pass, Philadelphia Union, and PHL Sports, a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Guests were delighted to be together to watch the match, share pints, eat delicious pub food, and of course network. Despite the team rivalry, it was exciting, nail biting, and fun to gather for a friendly networking event centered around sports – a great cultural unifier no matter the competition.

Click here for photos.


2022 Signature Annual Holiday Lunch: Cheers to a Bright Future!

2022 Signature Annual Holiday Lunch: Celebrating the Future of Immune Health – Cheers to a Bright Future!

On Thursday, December 8, 2022, we hosted our Signature Annual Holiday Lunch. This year’s theme focused on the future of immune health. Headline speakers: Dr. Jonathan Epstein, the William Wikoff Smith Professor and Chief Scientific Officer for Penn Medicine, and Mark Rohlfing, Vice President of Operations, Almac Clinical Services, discussed their organizations’ groundbreaking research, technology, clinical trials, and how their work is enabling humans to live healthier and longer lives. James Kenney, Mayor of Philadelphia, along with Emma Wade-Smith OBE, HM Trade Commissioner for North America and Consul General New York highlighted how the life sciences industry operating in Philadelphia and the UK are investing in this key business sector and collaborating to make the future bright. Our holiday program featured UK holiday traditions and sponsors: Almac Group, American Airlines, Citrin Cooperman, Santander Commercial Banking, and Forensic Resolutions.

Approximately 150 guests gathered to celebrate the pioneering life sciences work taking place at Penn Medicine and Almac Group, and transatlantic trade. The program featured informative presentations by keynote speakers as well as remarks from Stephen Neuman, Vice President, Global Government Affairs, American Airlines; Kevin Ryan, Partner, Citrin Cooperman Advisors; and Nick Lotz, President, BABCPHL and Managing Director, Head of Mid-Corporate Banking at Santander Commercial Banking. The event included a formal midday meal, traditional “Christmas Crackers,” and exciting raffle prizes, called by Howard Silverstone, incoming BABCPHL President and raffle draw leader of ceremonies extraordinaire. Guests were crying with laughter listening to Howard’s witty jokes. Special thanks to local retailers, restaurants, hotels, musical and performing arts groups, sports teams, and our hometown, hub airline, American Airlines for their generous donations.

Every year the BABCPHL chooses a regional charity to support during the holiday season. A portion of proceeds from this event will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities Philadelphia Region in celebration of the life of an extraordinary woman who changed the world, Dr. Audrey E. Evans. Dr. Evans was a trailblazing oncologist who created the Evans Staging System for neuroblastoma treatment. Born in York, England in 1925, she was the visionary and co-founder of the first Ronald McDonald House in the world in Philadelphia. There are now 380 Houses in forty-five countries, including the United Kingdom. Dr. Evans was a woman who cared deeply, and we are honored to do our small part in ensuring her legacy.

This year’s Signature Annual Holiday Lunch was particularly meaningful. This event marked the return of our holiday party after a hiatus brought on by the pandemic, and it recognized the life and contributions of her Majesty the Queen. Professionals from both the public and private sectors were thrilled to be back together again for this annual holiday gathering honoring the strength of transatlantic trade. Attendees joyously celebrated the innovative life sciences developments, making it possible to gather again in person for the first time since 2019. The event concluded with everyone standing to view the live recording of Philadelphia’s cultural ambassador, The Philadelphia Orchestra perform God Save the Queen at Royal Albert Hall just hours after the Queen passed away. We are proud to support the relationship between our region and Great Britain, and to applaud life sciences leaders and BABCPHL Club Level members who are making the future bright.

Special thanks to BABCPHL 2022 Holiday Lunch sponsors, without whom this program would not have been possible: Almac Group, American Airlines, Citrin Cooperman, Forensic Resolutions, and Santander Commercial Banking.

Best wishes for a healthy, happy, and prosperous holiday season. We are thankful for your support and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

For photos from the event, click here


10th Annual Summer International Business Networking Reception: PHL & The World – Ready, Set, Network!

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.

Click here to view photos.

Click here to view speaker bios.

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Kicking It with the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia – Philadelphia Union vs. Inter Miami Major League Soccer Match

On Wednesday, May 18, 2022 we welcomed more than 50 guests for Kicking It with the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia – Philadelphia Union vs. Inter Miami Major League Soccer Match. The event included networking with international business and sports executives and government officials. It was a gorgeous evening out on the deck overlooking the bridge, behind center field. Attendees enjoyed a delicious meal and drinks before the game.

Nick Lotz, President of the BABCPHL and Managing Director, Head of Business Development at Santander Commercial Banking welcomed guests, and invited Efe Sokol, Head of Northeast for the Welsh Government, our event sponsor, to say a few words. Efe spoke about the Welsh Government remit across the US and Wales’ commitment to sport, in particular soccer. Chris Branscome, CEO of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer talked about Philadelphia 2026 – the City’s bid to host FIFA World Cup matches. Tim McDermott, President of the Philadelphia Union and Union Sports & Entertainment discussed how soccer is taking the world by storm. After remarks, Nick pulled several business cards for exciting raffle gifts generously donated by Philadelphia Union and Philadelphia 2026.

When the reception concluded, guests were invited to make their way to their VIP reserved seats to watch the Major League Soccer match between Philadelphia Union and Inter Miami. The nail-biting game ended in a tie!

Special thanks to BABCPHL program sponsor, the Welsh Government, and to our host, The Philadelphia Union. Event partners included: Philadelphia 2026, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, PHL Sports, the World Affairs Council Philadelphia and the Chilean and French-American Chambers of Commerce.

Click here to view photos.

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Almac to hire hundreds of new employees at 3 Philadelphia-area sites

By  –  Senior Reporter, Philadelphia Business Journal

Almac Group, a global contract pharmaceutical development and manufacturing organization that has its U.S. headquarters in Montgomery County, said Tuesday it is planning to add 300 people across its U.S. operations over the next three years.

The majority of the new jobs will be in the Philadelphia region, where the 53-year-old company has operations in Souderton, its U.S headquarters; Lansdale and Audubon. The company has more than 1,500 employees at those three locations.

Almac, which has its global headquarters in Nothern Ireland, also has U.S. offices in Durham, North Carolina, and San Francisco.

The new jobs include operational, supervisory and managerial roles, and positions for recent graduates and experienced workers.

With the new positions being created across the country, and another 1,500 new jobs being created globally, Almac expects its total headcount to rise to 8,000 employees across its 19 facilities in Europe, Asia and the United States.

“As demand for our services steadily increases, our aim is to continue to grow our global team,” said Alan Armstrong, Almac Group’s CEO.

Almac posted revenue of $915 million in fiscal 2020, a 6% increase over the previous year. The company provides product development, manufacturing, testing and distribution of medicines and new drug candidates. During the past 18 months, Almac has been involved in supporting more than 140 separate Covid-19 vaccine and treatment research projects.


BABCPHL Welcomes Emma Wade-Smith OBE

We are pleased to introduce and welcome Emma Wade-Smith OBE, Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) for North America and HM Consul General New York.

Emma is a distinguished British Diplomat with more than two decades of overseas assignments across Africa, Washington, D.C., Mexico, New York (United Nations), Chile, and a secondment to the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills and the European Commission in Brussels. She has foreign policy experience spanning the globe and extensive crisis leadership experience, including being honored with an OBE for leading the FCO’s Crisis Department. In June 2018 Emma became HMTC for Africa, where she lived and worked since February 2016. Emma speaks Spanish, and is honing her French speaking skills. She is a Seahawks fan!

The British Consulate General in New York maintains and develops relations between the UK and the USA, providing services to British nationals living in and visiting New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Fairfield County in Connecticut. Services involve handling a wide range of political, commercial, cultural, security and economic interests to the UK and our region. The UK government’s Trade Commissioner for North America drives trade and investment between the US, Canada and the UK. Emma officially moved into her new role on Monday, November 8.

We look forward to hosting a reception in Emma’s honor when she visits Philadelphia early in the new calendar year. Please stay tuned for more information regarding this special event, and in the meantime, please join us in congratulating and welcoming Emma.


Klasko Immigration Law Partners, LLP Client Alert: Biden Replaces Country Travel Bans for Vaccine-Based Policy for US-Bound Nonimmigrant Travelers

OCT 26 2021 BY GRACE W. WAWERU

The long-awaited new White House policy governing the U.S. entry of nonimmigrant travelers is finally here.

Effective November 8th at 12:01 a.m. ET, the country-by-country travel bans will be replaced with a new policy that will allow U.S. entry for fully vaccinated nonimmigrant travelers. The new policy will restrict the entry of unvaccinated nonimmigrant travelers.

There will be exceptions for unvaccinated nonimmigrants, like travelers whose stay is sufficiently brief (as determined by the CDC), and for those who cannot be vaccinated, like children and adults with certain medical conditions.  Other exceptions will include diplomats and foreign government public officials, their family members, and certain nonimmigrants traveling from foreign countries where COVID-19 vaccination is limited. Unvaccinated travelers who meet these exceptions will be required to agree to become fully vaccinated against COVID-19 upon entry, as determined appropriate by the CDC, and will continue to face CDC-designated pre-departure and post-arrival testing, mask-wearing, and quarantine requirements. Importantly, all unvaccinated travelers, including U.S. citizens and green card holders, will now be required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test result conducted within one day of travel.

The White House has delegated the CDC to determine which specific vaccines will be accepted; the specific medical exceptions to vaccines; the acceptable methods of proof of vaccination; how unvaccinated nonimmigrants will provide proof of compliance with entry health standards (like proof of pre- and post-arrival testing and self-isolation, and proof of post-arrival vaccination); the list of countries with limited vaccine availability; and other public health matters for effective implementation.

Please contact your  Andrew Zeltner, Senior Counsel, with any questions on this new development.  

Andrew Zeltner
azeltner@klaskolaw.com
215-825-8679

This content originally appeared on klaskolaw.com: https://www.klaskolaw.com/news/client-alert-biden-replaces-country-travel-bans-for-vaccine-based-policy-for-us-bound-nonimmigrant-travelers/. Reprinted with permission from ©2021 Klasko Immigration Law Partners, LLP.  All rights reserved. Further duplication without permission is prohibited.


Code Red for Humanity – The Race to Net Zero, A Multilateral Global Approach

On Monday, October 18, 2021 nearly 100 guests from both the public and private sectors across various industry groups gathered for the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia’s (BABCPHL) second of a series of three 30th anniversary programs. We were honored to partner with the renowned World Affairs Council of Philadelphia (WAC) to present Code Red for Humanity – The Race to Net Zero, A Multilateral Global Approach. This joint global climate change webinar was planned just a few weeks before world leaders unite for the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland.

The BABCPHL and WAC webinar highlighted the two influential nations’ multilateral global approach race to net zero. The distinguished panel of speakers from the US and UK included leading government officials and private sector executives. Presenters highlighted the collaborative effort and a few of the many programs and services involved in the race to net zero in Philadelphia, throughout the US, the UK, and the world.

Christine Knapp, Director of the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability moderated the discussion. The first half of the meeting featured Kate Robinson, Head of Energy and Environment, British Embassy, Washington DC, and Elliot Diringer, Advisor on Climate, Office of the Special Climate Envoy to the President of the United States. Kate presented the UK’s priorities for COP26, and discussed how the UK and US are working together to lead the race to net zero. Elliot covered the US government priorities and initiatives, and catalysts for concrete action. Both government representatives emphatically stated the need to act is now, and the bilateral goal is to raise the level of ambition for concrete action, in lead-up to, during and after COP26.

Jonathan Tench, Networks and Partnerships Change Maker, Office of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales opened the second half of the webinar with a presentation about how Wales is taking specific action to improve the quality of life of its inhabitants with initiatives such as the “Well-being of Future Generations Act” in tandem with collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors. Ron Becker, SVP, Operations and Sustainability, Brandywine Realty Trust addressed environment social governance strategies, and the importance of staying ahead of the curve; health and wellness certifications, and the drive throughout the real estate development industry on leveraging health and wellness initiatives as part of the “return to office” plan. Mark Hillhouse, SVP, Head of Sustainable Finance, US Commercial Banking, HSBC Bank USA talked about the role of banks in helping reduce global emissions, and working with green companies to develop and commercialize technologies and maintain a reliable supply chain. Michael Hughes, Manager, Sustainability & Responsible Business, Accenture presented some of the findings from an extensive research effort with the United Nations ahead of COP26 on CEO perspectives on climate action and sustainability. Michael reported that part of tackling the climate crisis is finding ways in which technology can be used to accelerate efforts at mitigation, adaptation, and resilience.

Global environmental health and safety is influenced and dictated by myriad factors. One hour was not nearly enough to cover the multifaceted dimensions of this vital and complicated topic. The BABCPHL is honored and grateful to the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia for partnering with us on this timely and important program, and to the distinguished panel of speakers for sharing their knowledge. Many thanks to BABCPHL Crown Sponsor, the Welsh Government, and Premier Sponsor, Duane Morris LLP for supporting our 30th anniversary program series. Click here for the program guide where you will find speaker biographies; click here to view photos from the event; and click here or see below for the on demand playback.

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The BABCPHL recognizes our Club Level Members:

  • Almac
  • American Airlines
  • Cigna
  • Cigna
  • Duane Morris
  • EisnerAmper LLP
  • Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
  • Fisher Phillips
  • Forensic Resolutions
  • Johnson, Kendall & Johnson, Inc.
  • KPMG
  • Morgan Lewis
  • Penn Medicine
  • https://www.santanderus.com/
  • Welsh Government