The Main Line Chamber of Commerce Hosts its Annual Greater Philadelphia Summit on Business Impact and Volunteerism

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker underscored her commitment to "breaking down the silos between the city and the suburbs," noting that while Philadelphia might be the urban core, "when we drive growth in the whole region, we become stronger."

"I'm here to be a closer," Mayor Parker told business leaders at The Main Line Chamber of Commerce's 7th Annual Greater Philadelphia Summit for Business & Volunteerism, urging attendees to reach out to her office to help bring investments and opportunities into the region. She rallied nearly 200 regional business leaders around her vision of Philadelphia as "the safest, cleanest and greenest city with equal opportunity for all." This goal can only be achieved through strong partnerships with the business community, the mayor reiterated, as she shared her aspiration to position Philadelphia as a premier destination for local, regional and international businesses of all sizes.

The mayor's keynote address spanned a range of issues including economic growth, innovation, transportation, jobs, education and diversity, equity and inclusion as she highlighted the need for business and government to work together to develop solutions. She applauded the dynamic civic engagement and corporate giving demonstrated by the organizations at the event, acknowledging businesses and leaders who are helping create transformative and lasting change:

• Essential Utilities donated $5.5 million in 2023 to charitable organizations across its footprint while volunteering and giving back to the community. Vice President of Public Affairs David Kralle called Philadelphia the "greatest city on Earth," and said it was a new day in Southeastern Pennsylvania where "we'll all thrive together."
• Independence Blue Cross Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and President of Government Markets Stephen Fera spoke of the company's commitment to creating equity in health "regardless of zip code," and ensuring that "everyone has a chance to succeed." IBX grew its supplier diversity program by 13 percent in 2023, with $317 million in spending with diverse suppliers.
• Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young Managing Partner Michael O' Mara talked about the unique responsibility the law firm has to leverage legal knowledge to combat inequity, and the important mission to "amplify voices that otherwise would not be heard."
• Philadelphia Foundation President & CEO Pedro Ramos remarked upon the significant role that the private sector plays in philanthropy, noting that government cannot make a difference by itself. Saying "we should be proud, but not comfortable," he conveyed his hope that business, government, and nonprofit organizations would collectively and collaboratively harness "this great moment for us in the region."

Main Line Chamber President and CEO Bernie Dagenais noted that Delaware, Chester and Montgomery Counties together have 418,000 more residents than Philadelphia, but that it's the region working together - including Philadelphia and Bucks County - that has the greatest impact.

He shared that Southeastern Pennsylvania is home to 33 percent of Pennsylvania's residents and provides 41 percent of the state's economic activity. Much of the state's population growth is occurring in the region.

Dagenais closed the event by calling on business leaders to come together to lift lives, communities and the region, and "to make the choices that make a difference."

Thank you to the Presenting Sponsors Aqua, an Essential Utilities Company, Independence Blue Cross, Philadelphia Foundation, Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young and all the sponsors who supported the event.

Click here to see Mayor Parker's full keynote speech.

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