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Welcome Lunch for Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the United States

On Monday, May 20, 2019, the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia welcomed His Excellency Sir Kim Darroch KCMG, British Ambassador to the United States, to Philadelphia. Ambassador Darroch’s diplomatic career spans three decades, and has been primarily focused on national security issues and European Union policy. From 2004 to 2007, he was EU Advisor to the Prime Minister.  Ambassador Darroch served in Brussels as the UK Permanent Representative to the European Union from 2007 to 2011.  From January 2012 to September 2015 he served as the Prime Minister’s National Security Advisor, and was Secretary of the National Security Council.  Sir Kim was appointed British Ambassador to the United States in January 2016, and this was his first official visit with the Greater Philadelphia international business community.

Michael Pedrick, President of the BABCPHL welcomed guests to the lunch in honor of his Excellency. Michael spoke briefly about the BABCPHL mission and the role the Organization has served for nearly 30 years.  He recognized and thanked several VIPs who participated in the program: Louise Nicol, Chief of Staff to Her Majesty’s Ambassador; Laura Hickey, Deputy Consul General, British Consulate New York; Paul Schipul, Vice Consul, Political Affairs at British Consulate General New York; Rebecca Lewis, Deputy Head of Trade & Investment, Overseas Co-Chair DIT Women, Department for International Trade, British Consulate General New York; Gareth Morgan, Head of North America, Welsh Government; Oliver St. Clair Franklin, Honorary British Consul of Greater Philadelphia; Frank Giordano, Honorary Consul of Malta; Efe Izilein Sokol, Senior Representative, Welsh Government; Harold Epps, Commerce Director, Department of Commerce, City of Philadelphia; and Pierre-Olivier Lugez, Manager, International Business, Department of Commerce, City of Philadelphia.  Michael introduced Harold who spoke briefly about the Mayor and Commerce Department’s recent business development and retention trip to the UK.  Harold talked about the success of the UK visit, and the strong historic and economic ties between the two regions before introducing Ambassador Darroch, our luncheon program keynote speaker.

Ambassor Darroch’s remarks focused on the important trade relationship as well as the current political and economic climate influencing transatlantic ties. His 15 minute discussion included comments about the more than $1trillion bilateral trading market between the UK and the US; the context for Brexit; and the anticipated trade deal with the US.  Ambassador Darroch spoke about the strength of the British economy, and where we are now with respect to the complex and difficult Brexit negotiation process.  He concluded his remarks by welcoming questions from guests.  Ambassador Darroch encouraged an open dialogue forum with attendees.  Questions included queries about President Trump’s upcoming visit to the UK; the Good Friday Agreement; the UK/Canadian trade relationship; how the different political parties might reconcile Brexit differences, etc. Ambassador Darroch was eager to meet and speak with government leaders and corporate executives.  We were honored to welcome Ambassador Darroch, and to provide an open forum of discussion for him to interact with the international business community.

Special thanks to corporate table supporters: British Honorary Consul of Greater Philadelphia – Oliver St. Clair Franklin; The Department for International Trade; Morgan Lewis & Bockius; Penn Medicine; Virgin Atlantic Airways; and The Welsh Government.

Click here to view photos from the event.


The Death of LIBOR Not SOFR Away… Are You Ready? Secured Overnight Financing Rate: The New Benchmark – Expectations & Implications

On Thursday, May 16, 2019, the BABCPHL hosted a finance seminar about The Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) at the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. In 2021, the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), the world’s most important financial rate, will go away, but it is unclear what will replace the index used in virtually every significant credit arrangement, bond, swap and financial instrument. The volume of financial contracts based on LIBOR is estimated at $200 trillion.  The change will affect every company and financial institution.  The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has proposed that SOFR become the new lending resource rate. It is the rate banks will pay on the repurchase agreement market for borrowing overnight. US regulators anticipate SOFR will be widely adopted to back the derivatives and loans market, and to be the universally accepted replacement for the outgoing LIBOR.

Not SOFR away. Are you ready? What can you expect and what are the implications of losing LIBOR and adopting SOFR?  This timely and interactive seminar featured experts in the field who addressed the following questions:

  • What is SOFR?
  • How will moving to SOFR change credit agreements, swaps, and other financial instruments?
  • How to navigate the transition?
  • What should parties be doing now?

Michael Pedrick, Partner at Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP and President BABCPHL opened the session by welcoming attendees and introducing the topic and speakers. Michael moderated the seminar, and provided a discussion about moving away from LIBOR to SOFR.  He talked about the credit facilities that would be affected by the transition; how financial instruments should address the change; actions to be taken to prepare; and provided a review of contractual terms anticipating the discontinuance of LIBOR.  Michael also discussed strengthening provisions in new credits and amendments, and what parties need to do to prepare as transition approaches to provide greater clarity and security for existing facilities.

Gennadiy Goldberg, Senior US Rates Strategist, Global Strategy, TD Securities USA (LLC) conducts research and provides market commentary on interest rates and the US economy. He focuses on Treasuries, swaps, TIPS, supranationals and agencies, as well as green bonds.  Prior to joining TD in 2012, Gennadiy worked as a Fixed Income Strategist at an independent research firm, Continuum Economics.  Gennadiy’s presentation provided a deeper dive into the topic.  He discussed the reasons for the discontinuance of LIBOR, and the role of Fed and ARRC.  Gennadiy talked about TD’s role in the transition process, and the current status of the move.

Richard Mejzak, CFA, Managing Director and portfolio manager, is Global Head of Portfolio Management for Cash Management, within BlackRock’s Trading & Liquidity Strategies group. He is primarily responsible for USD & CDN liquidity and short duration portfolios, including securities lending collateral, mutual funds, separate accounts, and ETFs.  Rich’s service with the firm dates back to 1990, including his years with Merrill Lynch Investment Managers, which merged with BlackRock in 2006.  Rich is a member of the CFA Institute and the CFA Society of Philadelphia.  He earned a BS degree in accounting from Villanova University and serves on the Villanova School of Business Finance Department Advisory Council. Rich’s presentation focused on the investor side of things.  He discussed the impact on structuring investment portfolios; the impact of change on existing investment portfolios; and structuring current investments while addressing the transition.

Ken Menezes, Managing Director Treasury, Asset and Fuel & Energy Management at American Airlines is responsible for the overall jet fuel supply chain including contract management, logistics and airport operations, managing the investment activity of the various retirement and health/welfare plans, providing oversight of the Company’s short term investments and surety bond portfolio, managing corporate financial risk including interest rate risk, FX risk and commodity risk, and providing analytical support for the Treasury department. Ken has a Master’s in Business Administration from Southern Methodist University and is also a CFA® charter holder. Ken’s presentation covered the perspective of a significant corporate borrower.  He discussed the issues implicated by the transition from LIBOR to SOFR and how a company should prepare for the change. His speech focused on floating rate facilities; private aircraft mortgages—3-6 month LIBOR, beyond 2021 set date; amendments and implementations.  He also covered the importance of developing language, working with lenders about how to document the new protocol, and what the impact on corporate investments might look like.

Special thanks to sponsors: American Airlines; BlackRock; Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP; and TD Securities. The British Chamber was honored to partner with the French American Chamber of Commerce and the World Trade Center of Philadelphia to deliver this seminar.

Click here to view photos from the event.


8th Annual New Jersey Networking Event & Dinner

On Thursday, March 7, 2019, the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia hosted the eighth annual New Jersey Networking Event and Dinner at The British Chip Shop in Haddonfield, New Jersey. The event sold out shortly after registration opened!  Approximately 50 BABCPHL members and friends occupied the restaurant for a fun-filled pub night.  The new Chip Shop proprietors offered attendees an outstanding selection of specialty beers and delicious appetizers, a traditional British pub style main course, and traditional tea and biscuits and sticky toffee pudding for dessert.  Adding to the enjoyment of the evening, the Philadelphia Union presented each attendee with two complimentary tickets to a Philadelphia Union home game, and lead sponsor, United Airlines offered three mileage plus gold status memberships.

Howard Silverstone, BABCPHL Membership Chairman, welcomed attendees. Howard introduced special guest, Ross Allen, Director, North America, Department for International Trade who discussed the important relationship the State of New Jersey has with the United Kingdom.  Howard thanked Ross and his team for supporting the BABCPHL, and provided guests with a brief introduction about the Organization, before asking each event sponsor to say a few words.  Leon Dutkiewicz, Partner, Citrin Cooperman; Jay Jumper, Partner, Pepper Hamilton; and Richard Chibbaro, Sales Manager, United Airlines, each spoke briefly about their relationship with the BABCPHL and their companies.  Following sponsor remarks, winning business cards were drawn for three United Airlines mileage plus status memberships.  Attendees were then invited to sit and enjoy dinner.  Guests remained long into the evening, continuing to mingle.

We extend special thanks to lead sponsors, Citrin Cooperman, Pepper Hamilton LLP, and United Airlines; supporting sponsors, the Department for International Trade and Forensic Resolutions; and door prize donor, Philadelphia Union.

Click here to view photos.

 

 


Board Member Appreciation & Membership Development Dinner

On Monday, June 12, 2017 the BABC of Greater Philadelphia hosted a by invitation only, end of year Board Member appreciation and membership development dinner, featuring two UK Government officials as the keynote speakers. Freya Jackson, Counsellor, Head of Global and Economic Policy Group at the British Embassy in Washington, DC and Matt James, Managing Director, Commercial, and Acting Director USA for the Department for International Trade traveled to Philadelphia to discuss the current climate for UK/US trade.  More than 65 attendees enjoyed an active networking reception and informative evening program in the iconic Lincoln Memorial room at The Union League of Philadelphia.

Rhett Workman, Chairman of the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia and Managing Director of Government and Airport Affairs for American Airlines welcomed guests and introduced the speakers. He thanked the entire Board of Directors for another strong twelve months, and for dedicating their time and resources to the BABC.  Rhett talked about our recent 25th anniversary, and announced the unveiling our new brand which will go-live at the official start of our new fiscal year on July 1, 2017.  Rhett explained, while we are launching a more modern look to our logo, our mission will remain the same – to serve British businesses in the Greater Philadelphia region, including, Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey and the State of Delaware by focusing on what we do best – providing our members with valuable and timely programs and events; business development and networking opportunities; and thought leadership about current events and government regulations that affect transatlantic business.

The US and the UK are each other’s largest investors – together we have approximately $1 trillion invested in each other’s economies. There is no more important time than today to share information, create valuable business relationships, and learn current trends that will affect the transatlantic relationship.  The BABC is the go to organization to help member companies improve and grow business by introducing them to clients, customers and service providers. Rhett explained we could not do this without the dedication of our key stakeholders, our diverse group of Club Level members, representing a myriad of industry sectors as well as our partners in the British Embassy, the Consulate, and the Department for International Trade (referred to as “DIT”).  Collaborating with the UK Government throughout the year bolsters regional transatlantic business development and commerce, and enables us to better serve our members.  The BABC is grateful to the UK Government for their partnership and thanked their alignment with us in Philadelphia.

Rhett introduced Freya Jackson who joined the Embassy team in July 2016, just shortly after UK citizens cast the momentous vote to exit the European Union. Freya leads the Embassy’s teams covering a wide range of issues including trade, investment and economic policy, environment and energy, transport and science, research and innovation.  Prior to joining the Embassy, for the past three years Freya led the Foreign Policy Team in the National Security Secretariat of the UK’s Cabinet Office (NSC equivalent).  Before that she was the Senior Foreign Policy Adviser during the UK’s Presidency of the G8 in 2012, and from 2007 to 2011, Freya led the Climate Change and Global Economy negotiating team in the UK’s Mission to the United Nations in New York.  Prior to that, Freya worked as the Head of Nuclear & Missile Defense Team for the Security Policy Department, and at various assignments with the FCO across the globe including Buenos Aires, Casablanca, and Mumbai.  Freya received her BSc Honors in Environmental Sciences from the University of East Anglia and her Master of Sciences from Kings College, London.

During dinner, Freya spoke about the unpredictability of government affairs during the past year – the momentous Brexit vote, the US election, and the snap UK election. No one could have imagined the surprises in store for us and the world.  While the elephant in the room – Brexit – was unavoidable, Freya focused her discussion on four main facts:

  1. The UK and US political relationship is as robust as it has ever been;
  2. The UK and US trade relationship is stronger than ever – the two countries are each other’s largest trading partners and employers;
  3. The UK economy is sound and growing, and employment is up – it is the highest rated economy for doing business; and
  4. The UK is a great place to live and to conduct business.

While there are definitely uncertainties, two fundamentals hold true – the strong relationship and economic ties between the two counties.

Freya introduced Matt, the Commercial Director at the Department for International Trade, a post that he has held since the department was created in 2016. Matt is currently covering for the Director of DIT USA, leading a dynamic team who assist British companies exporting to the US, and work with US companies looking to invest their business in the UK. Matt joined the UK civil service in 1995, and over the last 20 years has held roles as Commercial Director in the Cabinet Office, the National Health Service and Department for Work and Pensions. He is a qualified commercial mediator and specializes in complex deal-making and negotiation, having led on many of the UK Government’s most challenging commercial issues.  Matt has a PhD from Bath University in organizational identity, narrative and power, and an MBA and Bachelor’s degree in music. He works and lives in London, and was honored to travel to Philadelphia as his first official visit outside of New York City.  Matt echoed Freya’s comments regarding the four truths about the UK economy and the relationship with the US.  He also spoke to the important ties between DIT and the BABC of Greater Philadelphia.  DIT is grateful to the BABC for our partnership and the valuable work we do to promote trade and commercial links between the two regions.

Rhett thanked Matt and Freya for their kind words and reassuring commentary about the current state of affairs. “We are undoubtedly living in tumultuous times, but one thing is sure – the relationship the US shares with the UK is strong and will become more so as we develop strategies and form partnerships to navigate the changing landscape.”  Rhett explained the BABC of Greater Philadelphia is here to help our members do just that – navigate the evolving business climate.  Now that we have entered our second quarter century of operations in this region, we thought it was the perfect time to rebrand.  Rhett introduced attendees to Ian Cross, BABC Vice President of Marketing & Communications.  Ian is a creative entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience growing and managing start-ups in technology, entertainment and hospitality.  He is CEO and a co-founder of I-SITE – an award-winning Interactive Design and Technology firm specializing in web and mobile solutions for civic initiatives, business, healthcare and entertainment.  Ian has been an active member on the BABC Board of Directors since the early 2000s, and has served as Vice President of Marketing & Communications for the past ten years.  He helped the BABC transition from a traditional chamber of commerce model to one of the first Chapters to have an active website and a presence in social media.  He has been the ever present force leading the BABC through advances in technology, making it easier for us to communicate with members, share information, and stay connected with our counterparts throughout the world.

Ian opened his remarks with the definition of “rebrand.” “We all know what a ‘rebrand’ is – changing the way an organization, company or product is seen by the public or its customers.”  He explained the BABC VIP dinner was a soft launch pad for the new BABC logo.  The design will officially go live to the general public by July 1 – the start of our new fiscal year.

The BABC has spent the past quarter century positioning itself as the go to organization for UK business-related matters. That holds true – and will remain even more so as the two nations navigate the rapidly changing global landscape.  Our new logo communicates: forward motion/moving into the future; partnership between the two countries; transatlantic travel; growth, speed, prosperity, connections, and the geographies we represent.  The new logo is contemporary, clean and clear.  The BABC of Greater Philadelphia’s brand speaks to members’ trust in us to help maximize their business potential.  The BABC looks forward to helping members create valuable relationships on both sides of the Atlantic.

Before the evening concluded Ian encouraged everyone to stay connected with us, visit our website, follow us on social media for current BABCPHL news, and attend our upcoming events. He then drew a winning business card for two complimentary tickets to our next program, thanked people for attending the dinner, and reminded everyone to pick-up their branded BABC gifts before departing.

The BABC fiscal year is ending on a high note. Optimism is in the air and as Matt so clearly stated, while there is uncertainly, and transition is afoot, the UK will ensure Brexit is a success as a result of partnerships with the BABC and other organizations.  We would like to extend sincere thanks to our current members for their support throughout the fiscal year.  If you are not a member of the BABC of Greater Philadelphia we hope you will become one.  We look forward to upholding our promise to serve you.

Click here for photos.


2016 President’s Letter

 

Dear BABC Members and Friends,

Happy New Year! As they say in my trade, I hope 2016 is off to a flying start!  I am honored to communicate with you early this calendar year, and introduce myself as the new BABC Chairman.  I have big shoes to fill as I take over from Howard Silverstone who recently concluded his second stint as President.  Join me in thanking Howard for his incredible dedication in serving the BABC not only as President on two separate occasions, but as an active Board Member involved in various Vice Presidency and Committee roles ensuring we continue to meet our mission and success in all that we do.  There is no other more dedicated individual than Howard.  His creativity, wit and good humor enabled us to achieve our goals and keep our members engaged.  Fortunately for us, Howard will continue to work with the BABC and serve as Programs & Events Chairman.

2016 is an exciting year for the BABC and the region. The new calendar year beckons various BABC initiatives including two days of volunteer service projects with the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.;  a meeting with David O’Sullivan, European Union Ambassador to the United States to discuss the Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership – the world’s largest free trade agreement; the BABC’s 5th annual young professionals group panel discussion – Immigration & Integration, Who Does it Better, the EU or the US?; and the BABC’s 25th anniversary celebration taking place in the American Airlines hangar at Philadelphia International Airport, highlighting the region as a hub for international business exchange.

I hope you will take the time to participate in these activities and to help us spread the word about the BABC. Please visit our website and follow us on social media for constant updates and to register for upcoming programs.

Thank you,

Rhett Signature

 

Rhett D. Workman

President, British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia


A World Class Region – British Business, Arts & Culture – Thursday, December 10, 2015

 On Thursday, December 10, 2015, the British American Business Council (BABC) of Greater Philadelphia hosted the 2015 Annual Holiday Luncheon: A World Class Region – British Business, Arts & Culture featuring the Honorable Michael A. Nutter, Mayor of Philadelphia and Derick Dreher, Ph.D. John C. Haas Director, The Rosenbach.  Approximately 175 people gathered for the BABC’s signature event in the Grand Ballroom of The Ritz Carlton, Philadelphia.  Danny Lopez, HM Consul General & Director General, Trade & Investment USA joined the event to hand deliver and present Mayor Nutter with a special recognition letter from the UK government for his remarkable partnership in building UK/Philadelphia business ties during his two term tenure.  Danny called on all attendees to stand and give Mayor Nutter the proper recognition as he made his way to the podium.  The entire room was on their feet, donning colorful paper Christmas crowns and cheering the BABC’s special guest.

When our star studded Mayor took the stage he spoke at length about international business ties between the UK and Philadelphia; the Philadelphia/London trade mission; and emotionally reflected about his eight years in office. His remarks were informative, engaging and touching.  As a result of the work that Mayor Nutter and his administration have completed, Philadelphia has been recognized as one of the greatest international City’s in the world.  Historic, recent and upcoming activities will undoubtedly continue to buoy Philadelphia’s reputation as a leading player in global politics, economics and social issues.

Derick spoke about our creative connections to the UK, specifically Lewis Carroll’s original manuscript, for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, which was flown in from London and temporarily part of a special current exhibition.  In keeping with our holiday lunch theme, in honor of Alice’s 150th anniversary and the BABC’s 25th anniversary we were granted special permission by Penguin Random House London to reprint a special anniversary limited edition of the book.  One copy was gifted to each attendee and Mayor Nutter, Derick and Danny received hard copy, leather bound, embossed books.  This exclusive holiday gift was made possible by the generous sponsorship of BABC Club Level member Drinker, Biddle & Reath LLP.

The BABC holiday program also included remarks from headline sponsors: Rhett Workman, Managing Director, Government & Airport Affairs, American Airlines who introduced Derick Dreher, and discussed the Airlines’ connection to The Rosenbach and the Alice manuscript; Nick Lotz, Senior Vice President, Large Corporates, HSBC Bank USA, N.A. who talked about the milestone year for the BABC, the Bank and the theme of the luncheon – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland; and Michael Pedrick, Partner, Business & Finance, Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP, introduced Danny Lopez, and thanked the Consul for support and partnership.  BABC President, Howard Silverstone was the Master of Ceremonies.  He kept attendees on their toes by spicing up the entire program with his clever humor.  Howard candidly discussed his sadness as his second stint as BABC President was coming to an end at the end of the month.  Howard has been actively involved in the BABC Board of Directors for approximately two decades.  As a Brit, who has made the region his home, he has always enjoyed dedicating time to the BABC and is deeply committed to the Organization.  Howard promised he was leaving members in good hands with the announcement of his successor, Rhett Workman who will assume the role on January 1, 2016.

The program concluded with more than two dozen raffle prizes given to lucky business card draw winners from local retailers, restaurants, hotels and sports teams, including of a pair of round trip Aadvantage miles for a pair of round trip, Business Class tickets on American Airlines’ non-stop service from Philadelphia International Airport to London, England.

Special thanks to our lead sponsors HSBC Bank USA N.A. and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP; the exclusive airline sponsor American Airlines; premium sponsors PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and UK Trade & Investment; and to all of our corporate table supporters for their generous support.

To view pictures from the event click here.

 

 

 

 

 


Upcoming Events – Save the Date & Register Today!

Thursday, February 6, 2014

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Third Annual New Jersey Networking Event

Join the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia for the Third Annual New Jersey Networking Event. Traditional British pub food and specialty beer will be provided at The British Chip Shop in Haddonfield, New Jersey.

The British Chip Shop celebrates the culinary traditions of the British Isles, serving authentic fish and chips, soups, stews, healthy salads, pastries, and seasonal favourites.

6:00 pm-8:00 pm
The British Chip Shop
Haddonfield, NJ

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Registration Link Available Soon

Winter 2014 “International Business Networking Reception” featuring the Governor of Delaware, Jack Markell

For the fourth consecutive year, the members of the international business community have joined forces to host a business networking reception with the Governor of Delaware, Jack Markell. Join hundreds of your business peers for this very special networking event.

5:00 pm-7:00 pm
TBD
Wilmington, DE

Any questions please contact Jane Rosenberg at babc@greaterphilachamber.com or 215-790-3686


20th Anniversary Holiday Luncheon

On Wednesday, December 14, 2011, the British American Business Council (BABC) of Greater Philadelphia hosted the 20th Anniversary Holiday Luncheon. Over 225 people gathered for the BABC’s milestone event in the Grand Ballroom of The Ritz Carlton, Philadelphia to celebrate twenty years of business prosperity, success and visibility on both sides of the Atlantic. This special event featured three remarkable speakers: Danny Lopez, Her Majesty’s Consul General and Director General Trade & Investment USA; Chrissie Wellington, Quadruple Ironman World Champion and current World Record Holder for the fastest time for all Ironman-distance races; and The Honorable Michael A. Nutter, Mayor of Philadelphia. The festive lunch was complete with the breaking of Christmas “crackers” and the raffling off of over 25 exciting prizes contributed to the BABC from local retailers, restaurants, hotels and spas. The raffle prizes went to the winners of the UK/US pop culture table trivia questions; the person who correctly Tweeted the answer to an online BABC social media challenge; and to the business card draw winners for two roundtrip Club World British Airways airline tickets Philadelphia/London, generously donated by British Airways – exclusive airline sponsor of the program, and a Cannondale Velo. City. Quick 5 bike, donated by Keswick Cycle.

All attendees greatly enjoyed Chrissie’s inspirational presentation, Danny’s remarks about the important UK/US relationship and London 2012, and the Mayor’s overall discussion about Philadelphia as an international destination for trade and commerce. The lively afternoon of networking, merriment, holiday fare and UK US Trivia raffle game was without a doubt, the party of the season!

Lead sponsors of the 20th Anniversary Holiday Luncheon were: British Airways, HSBC Bank USA, Philadelphia Insurance Companies, Philadelphia Triathlon LLC, and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

The BABC 20th Anniversary Holiday Luncheon was covered by the press. To read the article that appeared in The Philadelphia Inquirer, please click here: http://www.philly.com/philly/business/20111215_Business_strategies__Cross-pollination_with_the_British.html

To read the article published by the British Consulate-General: New York, please click here: http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/news/?view=News&id=708514382

TO VIEW PICTURES FROM THIS EVENT, CLICK HERE


Message from the President

July 2011

Dear BABC Members and Friends,

I have served as President of the BABC of Greater Philadelphia for the last four years. During that time it has been a pleasure to work with you in support of our mission – promoting increased trade and investment between the UK and Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey and Delaware. Today the UK is Pennsylvania’s fifth largest export market, with a 50% increase during the past year alone. The BABC itself has seen substantial membership growth, increased programming and strengthened financial stability. All of these have caused us to be a frequent example highlighted by the global organization of what a successful BABC chapter should strive to be.

It is my firm belief, however, that all organizations must continue to evolve and grow in order to be successful. An essential part of that evolution is a regular change in leadership. It is with that in mind, that I humbly write to let you know that I have decided to “retire” as President of the BABC. As with each President before me, I leave the organization in a stronger position than when I entered, and leave it in more capable hands. With such a wonderful board of directors, we had a wealth of capable leaders in our midst, and I am both honored and pleased to “pass the torch” to my friend and colleague Hope Krebs, Co-chair of the law firm Duane Morris’ International Practice Group.

Duane Morris has been a BABC member for approximately ten years, and Hope has actively represented Duane Morris as a BABC Board Member and Vice President of Membership since 2005. Serving as BABC Membership Chair, Hope has helped us build our membership base across all levels and industries. So I leave you not only in capable hands, but enthusiastic ones as well. Hope has great ideas about programming, how to stay connected with current members, and how to attract newcomers. She will provide the spark for our ongoing evolution and continued success.

As I reflect on the BABC, our success and strength is truly remarkable. Even amid unstable economic times, the BABC has always maintained a strong membership and has continued to provide valuable programs and networking events. Testament to you and our leadership, we are celebrating our 20th Anniversary this year.

Despite my “retirement,” I will continue to play an active role on the BABC’s Board of Directors, and look forward to seeing you at upcoming events and programs. This is not a goodbye, but rather a thank you for entrusting me with the leadership of this phenomenal organization, and for all of your support during the past years. Please join me in welcoming our new BABC President – Hope Krebs.
Sincerely,

Neil Boyden Tanner,
President, BABC of Greater Philadelphia

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The BABCPHL recognizes our Club Level Members:

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