Winter International Networking Reception at Yard’s Brewing Recap

Winter International Business Networking Reception – PHL Celebrates Centuries of International Business 

On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia (BABCPHL) hosted the Winter International Business Networking Reception – PHL Celebrates Centuries of International Business at Yards Brewery. In collaboration with nine groups, we welcomed over 100 professionals engaged in global business for an evening of inspiring relationship-building and fun. 

Ben Hooson-Jones, Licensed Realtor with Keller Williams and The Mike McCann Team, and co-chair of the Emerging Leaders Group at BABCPHL, kicked off the evening by welcoming attendees, expressing the joy of intentional networking, and acknowledging the Young Professionals Council at the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. Wiley Corlett provided a brief introduction to the Young Professionals Council, highlighting its role in fostering professional development for emerging leaders within the Greater Philadelphia area. Following this, Karen Tortella, BABCPHL Board Member and Director of International Tax Services at Citrin Cooperman, took the stage. As the event's sponsor, Karen spoke about the BABCPHL's mission and Citrin's involvement serving international clients. Karen then introduced the keynote speaker, Trevor Prichett, CEO of Yards Brewing Co. 

Trevor shared Yards Brewing Co.'s origin story, reflecting on its journey as Philadelphia's "hometown beer" since 1994. He discussed the evolution of the company's creative branding, its deep commitment to the local community, and its exciting international expansion plans. Yards beer has officially crossed the Atlantic and is now available in London, marking the company's first step into global markets. Trevor expressed enthusiasm for further international partnerships, aiming to bring international beer brands to Philadelphia by leveraging Yards' existing facilities and networks.  

The event concluded with remarks from Melissa McClure, Senior Global Tourism Sales Manager at the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau and co-chair of the BABCPHL Emerging Leaders Group. She called forward the winners of Networking Bingo, the interactive icebreaker game we inaugurated at our event. Five attendees won bingo and collected generous raffle prizes donated by the Philadelphia Union, Yards Brewery, and the international event partners. Additional prizes were awarded through the ever-popular business card raffle draw. 

A special thank you to event sponsor, Citrin Cooperman, and partners: the Chilean, French, German, Irish, and Norwegian American Chambers of Commerce, the Commerce Department – City of Philadelphia, the World Affairs Council, and the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia. The BABCPHL was honored to host this dynamic networking event, providing international business leaders with valuable opportunities to connect with professionals from across the region and around the world. This event was a true testament to the power of collaboration, and we are grateful to our partners for making it a success. 

Click here to view photos taken during the event.