Mr. Ebeid, who was appointed CIO in August 2011, provided a fresh perspective on the city’s current IT landscape as well as its technology agenda for the next 12-18 months. He also addressed the city’s investment and prioritization frameworks and its plans to integrate innovative technologies, including moving all public domain to a public cloud.

The panel discussion, which featured companies using innovative technologies, revolved around the opportunities and challenges behind integrating and using technologies and how these new opportunities can help businesses function more effectively. The panelists consisted of Dr. Bobbe Baggio, Program Director, M.S. in Instructional Technology Management, La Salle University; Suzanne Keenan, SVP of Technology, Wawa; Peter Ritz, President, Xtium; and R. Osbourne Whitesell, Business Director, MKJ Creative. The discussion was moderated by Dan Finley, SAP Global Director, Business Development, SAP.

View photos from the event here.

View Mr. Ebeid’s presentation here.

The “Special Tax Credit Opportunity for Job Creation” was first created back in 2002, granting businesses a tax credit in the amount of $1,000 for creating 25 new jobs or 20% more than currently employed over a five year period.  In 2009 that credit was increased to $3,000 per new job created.  We support Bill 120012, which would expand the tax credit to $5,000 for 2012 and 2013.

We also support Bill 120013, legislation that would ensure City contracting complies with efforts to reach minority participation goals through the oversight of the Economic Opportunity Review Committee.

We are pleased to report that both bills were voted out of committee with a favorable recommendation and will have first reading tomorrow.

For more information, please read a copy of our testimony.

The CEO Council is proud to work with such a talented group of regional partners to identify and hone short, mid, and long range strategies that will serve as the basis for a Global Positioning Strategy (GPS) for Greater Philadelphia in the area of business growth.  This collaboration will build on the work of the CEO Council and many other regional organizations and will focus on improving outcomes in the areas of entrepreneurship, industry strengths, innovation, and international business.

Learn more about World Class Greater Philadelphia.

Read an article from the Philadelphia Inquirer on this initiative here.

The program also featured the much anticipated release of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s economic survey results, presented by Jason Novak, Research and Policy Support Manager, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. Survey results show business activity has expanded from last year; however, weak sales and employment costs remain a concern. Novak put this in perspective with how the region is faring in terms of growth, employment, and housing. He also provided a sneak peek at the results of the Philadelphia Fed’s new nonmanufacturing survey in which many chamber members participated. To view his presentation, click here.

In addition, a panel of industry experts discussed the current and future economic issues impacting our region. Panelists included Roger A. Aliaga-Díaz, Ph.D., Senior Economist-Investment Strategy Group, Vanguard; Dan Calista, President & CEO, Vynamic; Dr. William C. Dunkelberg, Professor of Economics, Temple University- School of Business & Management; and Paul Ridder, President, Tasty Baking Company. The discussion was moderated by Timothy J. Abell, President, Firstrust Bank.

View photos from the event here.

View below for Maria Bartiromo’s take on the economy, how she defines success and more.

Keystone Transportation Funding Coalition – Press Conference from Roy Wells on Vimeo.

GPCC’s current Chairman, Bill Hankowsky, President and CEO of Liberty Property Trust praised Mr. Fitzpatrick’s current work within the Greater Philadelphia region. “Dan is a leader in the Philadelphia civic community and is actively engaged in efforts to enhance our business climate. His superb experience in advancing regional economic development, growth and workforce development make him an ideal individual to lead this important organization.”

GPCC President and CEO Rob Wonderling said “the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to have someone with Dan’s enthusiasm and energy serve as chairman. His passion for promoting education and preparing our kids for 21st century jobs is right in sync with the Chamber’s highest priority goals.”

Fitzpatrick, who was born, raised and educated in Philadelphia, joined Citizens Bank in 2007. Fitzpatrick serves on Citizens Financial Group’s Executive Leadership Group, the company’s senior leadership team.

“I am humbled and honored to be selected as the next chairman of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Its extraordinary history and commitment to promoting economic growth, jobs and a competitive business climate truly make it the premier business organization in the region. I look forward to advancing the Chamber’s mission and continuing the record of success that Bill Hankowsky and other chairmen have established,” noted Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick has served on the board and executive committee of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce as well as the chamber’s CEO Council for Growth (CEO Council). The CEO Council is a group of key business and civic executives committed to the growth and prosperity of the 11-county region through its work on high impact initiatives designed to stimulate jobs and new business opportunities. As the Chairman of the CEO Council’s Human Capital Working Group, Fitzpatrick has focused on programs and initiatives aimed at developing a steady and talented supply of quality workers in the region.

Fitzpatrick is well-known for his active involvement in the Philadelphia community. He is chairman of the CEO Ambassadors for 21st Century Skills, a business advocacy organization focused on strengthening public education and providing students with job preparedness skills. He also serves on the board of directors of the Urban Affairs Coalition and is a member of the executive committee of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. He is a member of the board of trustees of La Salle University, and is a member of the board of directors of the Franklin Institute, The Wistar Institute, and the Allegheny Conference on Community Development among others.

Under his leadership, Fitzpatrick and Citizens Bank have received numerous community awards including the Philadelphia Academies Inc. Stand and Deliver Award, the YMCA of Philadelphia and Vicinity’s John Wanamaker Corporate Award and the Community Service Award presented by the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation.

Mr. Fitzpatrick earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from La Salle University and an M.B.A. from Drexel University. He is a CPA and Chartered Financial Analyst and holds Series 7, 24 and 63 licenses.

He resides in Bucks County, with his wife Beth and their four children.

Before we began, Jack Luke, Director of the Office of Development & Communications at Turning Points for Children, gave us an overview of the organization. Through their various programs, Turning Points works to help end the cycles of poverty and crime. It provides Philadelphia area families and caregivers with the vital resources needed to ensure their children are raised in a safe, healthy and nurturing environment. Turning Point’s vision is to help children become productive, self-sufficient members of society. That’s a tall order when they have 2,700 families/5,300 children to help and only 92 employees. With the passion and heart demonstrated by the organization’s employees I worked alongside, I have no doubt they have and will continue to accomplish great work!

As part of Turning Point’s Brighter Holidays program, the Toy Shop is set up to provide participating families with toys, books, games and clothing for their children. To keep it running smoothly, families are scheduled in 15-minute increments to peruse the shop and select items for their children. All of these items have been donated by area individuals and organizations. According to Lindsey Klinger, Associate of Publications and Special Events at Turning Points, “We were pleasantly surprised with the corporations that came through for donations.” By partnering with the Pajama Program, they received 600 pairs of donated pajamas. Some area companies (including Arkema and Urban Outfitters) asked their holiday party attendees to donate a toy or clothing item. Turning Points also partnered with area elementary schools in which children donated toys.

Thank you to all who helped this great organization brighten the holidays of Philadelphia families and children! For more information about Turning Points for Children, please visit www.turningpointsforchildren.com and www.facebook.com/TurningPointsforChildren, or contact Lindsey Klinger at lklinger@turningpointsforchildren.org.

Select Greater Philadelphia’s report entitled Research & Development in the Greater Philadelphia Region shows that total R&D spending in the GPR in 2008 was just under $10.5 billion or 2.9% of the region’s Gross Regional Product (GRP), higher than the U.S. percentage of 2.8%. Greater Philadelphia’s private sectors made up the bulk of this spending with a total of $8.9 billion, followed by colleges and universities which accounted for more than $1.3 billion in spending. Federal Government facilities accounted for virtually all of the remaining expenditures, with only a small amount of R&D performed by state governments.

“Greater Philadelphia is a top center for R&D and the work being done here would not be possible without the region’s diverse and talented workforce,” said Tom Morr, president and CEO of Select Greater Philadelphia. “Scientific breakthroughs from R&D generate new products and company formation and attract venture capital, making it an important advantage in economic development.”

Approximately 40% of the respondents to Select’s R&D survey indicated that they conduct applied research – original investigations performed to acquire new knowledge directed toward a specific objective –  in the 11-county, tri-state area.  Nationally, just over 22% of all R&D performed in 2008 was applied research; the high share in the GPR is due to the presence of industry sectors that invest heavily in R&D such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, scientific R&D services, and software development; and to the presence of 36 major R&D universities. Just over 31% of the respondents to our survey said they perform basic research were, while 29% conduct experimental development.  The top fields of research reported were pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, economics, medicine, health and materials.

“R&D leads to innovation, which leads to economic growth,” said Phil Hopkins, Select’s Vice President of Research, noting that metro areas with a critical mass of R&D activity generally have higher growth rates and income levels. “Greater Philadelphia has an above-average percentage of economic activity in industry sectors that spend heavily on R&D and the large number of major R&D colleges and universities located here contribute a sizeable portion as well,” added Hopkins.

Comparing Greater Philadelphia’s R&D cluster to those in other large metro areas, Select found that the region generally ranked in the top five among the nation’s 15 largest metropolitan statistical areas based on the level of R&D activity. For example,  in 2008 the GPR ranked 4^th in the number of major R&D colleges and universities, full time equivalent enrollment at R&D colleges and universities, and R&D spending at colleges and universities; and 5^th in the amount of NIH awards received.  Similarly, the GPR ranked in the top half among the 15 largest MSAs when considering the shares or rates of R&D activities, such as the number of doctorates awarded per 10,000 residents, percent shares of total employment in major R&D industry sectors and in science & technology occupations, and patent award rates.

“We’ve always believed that this region is a leader in research & development,” said Maxine Ballen, President and CEO of the New Jersey Technology Council. “Now we finally have the data to confirm the importance of this work to our regional economy. A big thanks to Select Greater Philadelphia for their leadership and vision in collecting this data.”

Select conducted this survey to determine the nature and extent of R&D activities performed here.  The survey included both the natural and social sciences. Select’s survey obtained information about the characteristics of the region’s R&D cluster, including: the R&D organizations located here, the types of R&D they conduct (e.g., basic, applied, or experimental development), and the specific fields of R&D activities.

To download a copy of Select’s R&D Study, visit http://www.selectgreaterphiladelphia.com/news/media/reports.cfm.

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About Select Greater Philadelphia

Select Greater Philadelphia (Select) is an economic development marketing organization dedicated to attracting companies to the Greater Philadelphia Region. Select assists companies interested in the vicinity by providing detailed information about the 11-county area and a first-stop connection to numerous resources that help companies make informed decisions about locating to the region. Through global marketing efforts, Select works to promote the region’s key assets to help build the area’s economy. The Greater Philadelphia Region encompasses northern Delaware, southern New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania. Select is a private, non-profit organization and an affiliate of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.selectgreaterphiladelphia.com or call 215-790-3777.

The event featured a Yorn-enabled panel discussion with leading healthcare professionals, including Stephen M. Greenberg, President and Chair, Corporate and Health Care Practice Groups, Flaster/Greenberg PC;  John J. Lynch III, President and CEO, Main Line Health; Kathleen S. Matt, Dean, College of Health Sciences, University of Delaware; Executive Director, Delaware Health Sciences Alliance; and Richard P. Miller, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer, Virtua. The panel was moderated by Tracey Matisak, WHYY.

Healthcare is a leading industry in the Greater Philadelphia region. As the world’s fifth largest economy, Greater Philadelphia employs 280,000 workers in health occupations and has 12,235 health establishments, 324 of which are hospitals. In addition, eight of the region’s top employers are hospitals and healthcare systems. The panelists explored some of the top healthcare partnerships in the region and how they are improving the wellbeing of our citizens and contributing to the regional economy.

The panelists also addressed healthcare reform, agreeing that if healthcare costs are to change, the delivery model must first change. “We need to change patient expectations,” said Lynch. “You may not always need to go to the hospital to be treated.” Instead, Miller noted, there are technologies available that allow doctors and nurses to view patients virtually and obtain their blood pressure, heart beat and other vitals. This, Miller added, is more cost efficient than keeping the patient in the hospital for the same tests. Less frivolous lawsuits and patient accountability must also change for healthcare to improve, the panelists argued. Lynch added, “We, as patients, must decide that we want to be more preventative. We need to be held accountable for our behaviors.”  Despite these obstacles, the panelists remained optimistic about the future of healthcare in Greater Philadelphia.

View photos from the event here.

The next Regional Spotlight program will be held on February 10 in Newark, DE and will focus on growing innovative ideas into leading products.

Mr. Cohen has served the Greater Philadelphia community as both a civic and private sector leader for decades.   In his current role at Comcast, Mr. Cohen has a broad portfolio of responsibilities, including overseeing corporate communications, government affairs, public affairs, and corporate administration and serves as senior counselor to the CEO.  Recently, he oversaw and shepherded the government approval for Comcast’s acquisition of NBCUniversal.

In October 2010, Mr. Cohen completed a two-year term as Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.  During his tenure, Mr. Cohen championed public education funding and accountability, helped improve the Chamber’s impressive diversity record, and oversaw the increased working relationship between the business community and the City of Philadelphia.

“David Cohen is a true civic leader who has dedicated a tremendous amount of his time to both the private and public sectors. Our region has benefited greatly due to his commitment to improving our community,” said Rob Wonderling, President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. “I am honored to have worked for him when he served as the GPCC Chairman and look forward to working with him in the future to continue to make our region a better place to live and work.”

Under Mr. Cohen’s leadership, the Chamber took a renewed leadership role in promoting education funding equity and in pursuing a series of diversity-related initiatives, including the CEO Access Network in 2010, an initiative that pairs owners of small minority owned business with senior executives from Chamber member companies. To date, about 35 minority businesses have participated.  Also during Mr. Cohen’s tenure as Chair, the Chamber began an initiative to engage Chamber-member executives who are driving diversity and inclusion initiatives at their organizations called the Diversity and Inclusion Executives Network, which continues to this day.  In addition, the Chamber led the creation of the Mayor’s Private Sector Outreach Board under Mr. Cohen’s watch, which worked with City Reform teams to improve efficiencies and reduce City spending.

 “Serving the communities in and around Philadelphia in various public and private roles throughout my professional life has been a great passion and honor.  This region is home to some of the country’s most prestigious academic institutions, best hospitals, deepest history and most innovative companies. I have had the pleasure of playing a role in supporting many of these organizations and look forward to continuing to help highlight the wonderful things this region has to offer,” said Mr. Cohen.

Prior to joining Comcast in July of 2002, Mr. Cohen served as a Partner in and Chairman of Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP, one of the 100 largest law firms in the country.

Mr. Cohen also served as Chief of Staff to the Honorable Edward G. Rendell, the Mayor of the City of Philadelphia and played a critical coordinating role in significant budgetary and financial issues, economic development activities, and a variety of other policy and operational issues relating to the city.

Mr. Cohen’s devotion to Greater Philadelphia includes serving on many distinguished boards and committees. He currently serves on the Board and Executive Committee of the Chamber and is a member of the CEO Council for Growth. He also serves as Chairman of the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania and its Executive Committee and is a member of the Trustee Board and the Executive Committee of Penn Medicine (an umbrella governance structure overseeing both the University of Pennsylvania Health System and the University’s School of Medicine).  Mr. Cohen is also a Trustee of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.

Nationally, Mr. Cohen serves as a national Trustee of City Year and is Chair of the Governance Committee and a member of the Executive Committee.  He also serves on the national board of the National Urban League and chairs its Audit Committee, and serves as a member of the Corporate Advisory Board of the National Council of La Raza. 

A native of New York, Mr. Cohen graduated from Swarthmore College in 1977 with a BA and with a JD, summa cum laude from University of Pennsylvania Law School. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife and their two sons.

Past William Penn Award recipients include Joseph A. Frick, former Independence Blue Cross President and CEO; Charles Pizzi, former Tasty Baking Company President and CEO; H.F. “Gerry” Lenfest, cable TV pioneer and philanthropist; the late Constantine Papadakis, Ph.D., President, Drexel University; William R. Sasso, Esq., Chairman of StradleyRonon LLP; Nick DeBenedictis, Chairman and President of Aqua America Inc.; Ed Snider, Chairman of Comcast-Spectacor; Judith Rodin, former President, University of Pennsylvania; Ralph J. Roberts, Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Comcast Corporation; G. Fred DiBona, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer, Independence Blue Cross; Ronald Rubin, President, Pennsylvania Realty Investment Trust; Ambassador Walter H. Annenberg; and, Rev. Leon Sullivan, Founder of OIC.