On Thursday, December 11, 2014, the British American Business Council (BABC) of Greater Philadelphia hosted its Annual Holiday Luncheon Red Hot Global Marketing, featuring Simon Bradley, VP Marketing North America, Virgin Atlantic Airways; Jim Ziolkowski, Founder & CEO, buildOn; and The Honorable Michael A. Nutter, Mayor of Philadelphia. Approximately 150 people gathered for the BABC’s signature event in the Grand Ballroom of The Ritz Carlton, Philadelphia.
The program included an informative discussion by Mayor Nutter about the international business climate in the Greater Philadelphia region. The Mayor’s announcement of another possible trade mission to the UK surprised and animated attendees. Current statistics on the City’s economic development, employment rates, education sector, immigration numbers, and transportation logistics are remarkable. “There is no question Philadelphia is one of the greatest City’s in the world.”
The lively videos created by Virgin Atlantic and shared by Simon Bradley during his presentation captivated and entertained guests. The Virgin flair was palpable throughout the entire program. Virgin Cabin Crew welcomed guests and served the “Red Head” signature cocktail. Everyone was eager to learn about Virgin’s remarkable marketing campaigns. Simon’s comments about the need of great global brands to speak to a truth and explanation that air travel is not what it used to be resonated with the group. Clearly Virgin’s strategy of listening to customers and responding to their needs has led the Airline to greatness.
Jim Ziolkowski captivated attendees’ attention with his moving and deeply compelling stories about his personal experiences both here in the US and outside the Country in impoverished areas. The BABC is honored to know Jim, and support buildOn activities in our region in memory of dear friend and prior Young Professionals Group Co-Leader Toby Wallace. The BABC looks forward to working with the buildOn team again on Monday, January 19, 2015 for a Martin Luther King Day service project at The Furness High School in South Philadelphia. The BABC is empowered to help students based in the region improve, and transform their neighborhoods and the world.
To wrap-up the day’s festivities the BABC was treated to entertainment by Pete Pryor, Associate Artistic Director of People’s Light & Theatre. During the lunch Pete performed an original Panto – a British Pantomime, an all-ages holiday tradition that dates back to the 18th century that is enjoyed across hundreds of British stages throughout the holiday season. Pete actively engaged eager audience members to perform the Panto. Finally, Pete read the names of the lucky raffle winners for more than a dozen exciting prizes contributed to the BABC from local retailers, restaurants, hotels and sports teams, including of a pair of round trip, Premium Economy tickets to London on Virgin Atlantic Airways – exclusive airline sponsor of the program. The dynamic, fast-paced program ended on a high note.
Special thanks to our lead sponsor HSBC Bank USA N.A.; the exclusive airline sponsor Virgin Atlantic Airways; premium sponsor UK Trade & Investment; and to all of our corporate table supporters for their generous support.
To view pictures from the event click here.
