British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia

On Thursday, December 6, 2018, the BABCPHL hosted our Signature Annual Holiday Luncheon in the Grand Ballroom at the Ritz-Carlton. Throughout the year we are proud to offer the international business community opportunities to gather with likeminded individuals to create valuable relationships, and to learn more about links with the UK.  Nearly 200 global executives and leading UK and regional government officials participated in this event. The room was buzzing with networking and merriment.  This year’s program featured Harold Epps, Director of Commerce for the City of Philadelphia, and Chellie Cameron, Chief Executive Officer of Philadelphia International Airport.

Michael Pedrick, BABCPHL President, opened the meeting and welcomed special guests and speakers. He introduced Harold who graciously stood-in for Mayor Kenney who had cancelled all previously scheduled public appearances due to the death of his father earlier in the week.  Harold oversees and implements policies to help both small businesses and major corporations in Philadelphia thrive.  Commerce coordinates activities along neighborhood commercial corridors with small businesses and entrepreneurs, major real estate development projects, large-scale business attraction and retention efforts, as well as efforts to increase minority-owned business contracting opportunities.  Harold and his team create a favorable environment for foreign direct investment, and for regional companies to successfully grow and expand in other areas.  This October, the Mayor’s Office and Commerce led a successful business development and retention mission to the UK.  Michael thanked Harold for his focus on the UK, and welcomed him to the podium to speak about our region’s strong relationship with Great Britain.  Harold talked about UK investment in Philadelphia; the City’s commitment to UK business ties; and the recent trip.  Harold also lauded the BABCPHL for growing UK business in the area, and he introduced Chellie.

Rochelle (“Chellie”) L. Cameron is the Chief Executive Officer of the Philadelphia International Airport and the Northeast Philadelphia Airport, a large hub airport system serving over 30 million passengers annually. Chellie oversees the planning, development and administration of all activities for the City’s Division of Aviation – which through a $484 million operating budget and a $665 million capital budget, respectively, generates more than $15.4 billion in annual spending to the regional economy and accounts for more than 96,300 jobs within the region. She has made enhancing the customer experience, improving current airport facilities and expanding the airport for the future her top priorities.  Chellie spoke about the Airport as an economic engine driving development for our region with a focus on UK connections.  She provided valuable statistics about the Airport’s growth and strength not only here in the Greater Philadelphia area, but all of the connections to cities throughout the US and the world.  Chellie’s presentation included a very special pre-recorded video of immediate prior BABCPHL President, Rhett Workman in London, England.  At the beginning of 2018, Rhett left his post at American Airlines in Philadelphia, and was named Managing Director at London Heathrow for the Airline.  The room clapped and cheered as Rhett took us on a tour of London hot spots where we met people who spoke about their interests in Philadelphia.

Following a delicious lunch, our sponsors from American Airlines and HSBC Bank each spoke for a few minutes about their companies and their commitment to the BABCPHL. Jim Moses, Vice President, PHL Hub Operations, American Airlines talked about the Airline’s presence at the Airport and the strong and growing connections to the UK and beyond.  Kristin Malo, Senior Vice President, North East Team Leader, International Subsidiary Banking, HSBC USA focused on the Bank’s long history collaborating with the BABCPHL.  Headquartered in London, HSBC Bank USA, N.A. is one of the largest banking and financial services organizations in the world.  Our last speaker was Ben Brierley, Vice Consul and Head of Advanced Manufacturing for the British Embassy Network and the Department for International Trade (DIT).  He leads a geographically dispersed virtual team across the US, supporting UK exporters and engaging with US inward investors to the UK.  Ben is responsible for planning and delivering sales and marketing campaigns, resource planning, and strategic leadership.  As a Vice Consul with the British Consulate, he is also involved with supporting broader activity for the British Government in the US.  Sectors within Ben’s domain include Aerospace, Space, Chemicals, Food & Drink, AgriTech and Manufacturing.  He talked about DIT and the relationship with the BABCPHL.  Ben also congratulated Howard Silverstone, BABCPHL Membership Chairman, prior two-time President, and Board Member on his recent appointment by Her Majesty The Queen as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE).

MBEs are given to individuals who have made great efforts to contribute to their respective communities. Howard’s tireless volunteer work for the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia for more than a quarter century is an example of this.  While Howard is occupied day in and day out with his privately owned and managed forensic accounting firm – Forensic Resolutions – he always finds time to dedicate several hours per week to the BABCPHL.  His commitment has had immeasurable impact on the region’s relationship with the UK both financially and culturally.  Howard is an outstanding ambassador for the UK in the US.

It would not be a BABCPHL holiday event without some fun and good cheer. Christmas crackers were popped, paper crowns were donned, and Howard, BABCPHL’s very own stand-up comedian, was the Master of Ceremonies for our coveted gift giving tradition.  Our program concluded with more than 20 raffle prizes given to lucky business card draw winners from local retailers, restaurants, hotels and sports teams, including American Airlines AAdvantage miles for a pair of round trip, Business Class tickets on American Airlines’ award winning, non-stop service from Philadelphia International Airport to London, England.

Special thanks to BABCPHL 2018 Holiday Lunch headline sponsors, without whom this program would not have been possible: HSBC Bank USA, N.A.; American Airlines; Almac Group; Deloitte LLP; and The Welsh Government.

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

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Filed under Events, Past Events.