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20th Anniversary Holiday Luncheon

Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

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

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Driving the Bottom Line in a Digital Economy: Trends in Global Business Development

Thursday, October 6th, 2011

On Wednesday, October 5, 2011 the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia (BABC) hosted Driving the Bottom Line in a Digital Economy: Trends in Global Business Development, a business roundtable seminar. The BABC collaborated with six other international chambers of commerce – the Chilean, French, German, Irish, Israeli, and Swedish – for this special program. Over 100 people representing the seven groups participated in the event.

This timely and dynamic discussion about issues affecting the way we conduct business around the world was a tremendous success. Industry practices continue to change and evolve at an ever increasing pace. Business leaders and professionals across all sectors communicate with colleagues and clients in other time zones instantaneously, and the age of digital information both makes people’s lives easier, and more complicated. Panelists from leading global companies: SAP, Amdocs, ARAMARK and Taylor Wessing enlightened the audience about the topic, discussing how business practices have evolved during the past five years, and how even greater exponential growth is expected in the near term.

The discussion focused on understanding the importance of connecting globally, and staying ahead of the curve with respect to the technology being used for e-trade and commerce, digital media, and business operations. The seminar moderator was Matthew Iacoviello, Global Vice President, Global Customer Operations at SAP, and panelists were: John Fisher, Vice President, Ecommerce at ARAMARK Refreshment Services; Lisa Modisette, VP Strategy Consulting for Amdocs Consulting Division; and Graham Hann, Partner at Taylor Wessing, (an international law firm, based in the UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Poland, Dubai and China). The featured speakers explored: establishing a strategy and platform to access the global marketplace; considering key issues when conducting and offering global e-business opportunities; creating effective communication strategies and messages to reach and interact with partners and customers; and anticipating global structuring and legal issues. Moderator and panelist presentations covered how to facilitate business practices in the global economy, customer-centric strategies, technology, innovation, ecommerce platforms, B2B and B2C, telecommunications and the customer experience, digital services trends, social media, and international legal pitfalls. The question and answer session was dynamic and entertaining, with an emphasis on social media. Matthew from SAP astounded the audience when enlightening everyone with a rather unsettling but nonetheless interesting fact – today more people are using handheld devices than toothbrushes! This is certainly a sign of our times, and an obvious indication of the importance of digital devices.

Special thanks to Ian Cross, CEO, I-SITE, and Marketing and Communications Chairman for the BABC who worked with the moderator and panelists to develop the program.

Click here to view pictures from this event

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Exclusive Business Meeting and Reception with the Honorable Jack Markell, Governor of Delaware and Her Majesty’s Deputy Head of Mission Philip Barton

Thursday, September 15th, 2011

On Tuesday, September 13, 2011 the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia (BABC) partnered with the State of Delaware and United Kingdom Trade & Investment (UKTI) to host an exclusive business meeting and reception with the Honorable Jack Markell, Governor of Delaware and Her Majesty’s Deputy Head of Mission Philip Barton.

Over 35 people participated in this special program designed to facilitate an intimate discussion about and focus on the trade and commercial relationship between the United Kingdom and the State of Delaware. Regional business executives, government officials, and institutional leaders gathered together in Buena Vista, a remarkable historic landmark in New Castle, Delaware for the meeting.

In the beautifully appointed living room of the late Governor Buck, Hope Krebs, BABC President welcomed the attendees and introduced the Honorable Governor Markell who spoke about his personal connection and interest in the United Kingdom; the State of Delaware as a destination for investment and business; and the important relationship between Delaware and the United Kingdom. Governor Markell stood in front of the grand marble fireplace and spoke candidly about his State and the strong British presence in the region before introducing Her Majesty’s Deputy Head of Mission, Philip Barton.

Deputy Ambassador Barton’s first visit to Delaware was met with much success. A long day of meetings with regional government officials and important business leaders culminated in this exclusive gathering at Buena Vista. The Deputy Ambassador tossed his prepared speech and spoke from the heart. He was moved by the warm welcome and impressive business climate in the region, lauding both the United Kingdom and the United States for being each other’s most significant trading partners. Governor Markell and Deputy Ambassador Barton exchanged stories about the difficulties of the Foreign Service examination of both countries, and drew laughs from the audience. The Honorable Jeffrey Bullock, Delaware Secretary of State made a surprise appearance, and upon the impromptu invitation of Governor Markell, delivered a brief history of Buena Vista and the surrounding 300 acres of farmland bordering the mansion.

The BABC proudly supports the State of Delaware and was honored to promote the State’s important relationship with the United Kingdom by initiating the meeting featuring Governor Markell and Deputy Ambassador Barton. This special event was made possible by the generous support and collaboration of UKTI, Washington DC.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT

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Event Recap – Make Business a Walk in the Park: Spring 2011 International Networking Event and Soccer Game at PPL Park – Home to Philadelphia Union

Thursday, September 8th, 2011

On Wednesday, May 11, 2011, the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Union, along with the Chilean, French, German, Irish, Italian and the Japanese Chambers of Commerce hosted the Spring 2011 International Networking Event and Soccer Game at PPL Park.

Read the rest of this entry

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Driving the Bottom Line in a Digital Economy – Trends in Global Business Development

Friday, July 22nd, 2011

Wednesday, October 5, 2011
The Pyramid Club
1735 Market Street, 52nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103

5:00-5:30 p.m. Registration
5:30-7:00 p.m. Business Seminar
7:00-8:00 p.m. Networking

BABC Member: $45 | Non-Member: $55

Join the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia for a Business Roundtable Seminar in participation with the Chilean and American Chamber of Commerce, the French American Chamber of Commerce, the German American Chamber of Commerce, the Irish American Business Chamber & Network, the Israel-America Chamber of Commerce and the Swedish American Chamber of Commerce.

This timely, dynamic discussion will focus on the importance of connecting globally, and staying ahead of the curve with respect to the technology being used for e-trade and commerce, digital media, and business operations.

The focus of this business round table discussion will include:

  • Establishing a strategy and platform to access the global marketplace
  • Considering key issues when conducting/offering global e-business opportunities
  • Creating effective communication strategies/messages to reach and interact with partners and customers
  • Anticipating global structuring and legal issues

Moderator
Matthew Iacoviello, Global Vice President, Global Customer Operations, SAP

Panelists
John Fisher, VP, eCommerce, ARAMARK
Graham Hann, Partner, Taylor Wessing
Lisa Modisette, Senior Vice President Consulting, Amdocs

To register for this event, click here.

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Exporting Basics: Grow Your Global Sales

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011

Exporting Basics: Grow Your Global Sales
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
The Union League of Philadelphia
Meade Room
140 South Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
BABC Member Individual: $35 | Non-Member Individual: $45

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM Registration
8:30 AM – 11:00 AM Program

Want to export your product but don’t know where to start? Join us to get the tools you need to start and succeed in global markets. This basic exporting seminar will explore the resources available to get you started in international markets. A panel of experts will cover a variety of topics including financing, handling logistics, legal considerations, and market entry strategies. You will also have the opportunity to participate in roundtable breakout sessions with experienced exporters.

Click Here To Register

BABC Members: use coupon code “ExportBABC” when registering.

Panelists-to-date:

Alfred N. Basilicato, Chairman & CEO, Numonics Corporation
Gary Biehn, Esq., Chair of the International Practice Group, White and Williams LLP
Michael Ford, Vice President – Regulatory Compliance and Quality, BDP International
Bridgit Lombard, Executive Vice President of Sales and Strategy, Penguin Brands
Peter Tavolacci, SME National Sales Manager, Trade and Supply Chain, HSBC Bank USA

AGENDA
8:30 – 9:55 am Opening Remarks

Presentation
“PA International Trade Guide: Resources to Get You Started” by Joshua Dillard, Manager Market Research, WTCGP

Panel Discussion
Moderator: Andrea Townrow, Executive Vice President, WTCGP

9:55 – 11:00 am Roundtable Breakouts

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Make Business a Walk in the Park: Spring 2011 International Networking Event and Soccer Game at PPL Park – home to Philadelphia Union

Thursday, May 12th, 2011

On Wednesday, May 11, 2011, the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia (BABC) and the Philadelphia Union, along with the Chilean and American Chamber of Commerce, the French American Chamber of Commerce, the German American Chamber of Commerce, the Irish American Business Chamber & Network, the Italian American Chamber of Commerce, and the Japan America Society hosted the Spring 2011 International Networking Event and Soccer Game at PPL Park.

Over 165 people gathered for this special event. Executives from the region’s leading global businesses representing seven different international chambers of commerce networked on the Captain Morgan deck, overlooking the stadium and the Delaware River before taking their seats to watch the most popular soccer match of the season – Philadelphia Union vs. LA Galaxy.

Under sunny, warm skies, Nick Sakiewicz, CEO and Operating Partner, Philadelphia Union mingled with and addressed the crowd. Mr. Sakiewicz thanked everyone for attending, and discussed the global importance and reach of this particular game. The Union vs. Galaxy soccer match was televised to countries throughout the world. As Mr. Sakiewicz espoused, “attending an event at PPL Park is not just about the game, it is about making memories.”

The BABC proudly organized and managed this first time program, which offered networking opportunities across seven international groups. Guests enjoyed consuming tasty stadium food and drinks sponsored by the Union, in addition to winning exciting prizes, including two round-trip airline tickets anywhere in the world Continental Airlines flies, a $100 gift certificate to The Dandelion Restaurant (Steven Starr’s British inspired pub), and a signed jersey, courtesy of the Philadelphia Union.

The Co-lead Sponsors of the Spring 2011 International Networking Event and Soccer Game were Pepper Hamilton LLP and TD Bank. In support and recognition of the difficulties Japan recently endured as a result of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster, the two event sponsors and the BABC donated a portion of the sponsorship money to “The Philadelphia-Japan Disaster Relief Fund” to aid victims. The contribution helped the fund reach their initial goal of $250,000.

*Click here to view pictures
http://www.flickr.com/photos/babcphiladelphia/sets/72157626735524366/

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Healthcare: Past, Present and Future

Friday, April 8th, 2011

On Tuesday, April 7, 2011, the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia (BABC) joined the America-Israel Chamber of Commerce, French-American Chamber of Commerce and German-American Chamber of Commerce for a healthcare seminar to discuss the effects of healthcare reform for the global employer.

The panel included: Julie Bartl, Vice President at Johnson Kendall Johnson Benefits; Jay D. Branderbit, Shareholder and Esquire at Kent & McBride; Allen Koski, Vice President of International Sales for Cigna, Eastern Region; and Bruce White, Executive Vice President at Johnson Kendall Johnson Benefits. The featured speakers explored legal perspectives and provided practical insights about the constantly changing healthcare landscape both in the US and abroad. Important factors such as global wellness, condition management, international compliance, and privacy issues were also addressed both during the panel presentations and the question and answer segment of the program.

The event was sponsored by: Johnson, Kendall & Johnson, Inc., Daniel Lippard, Esq. and Gibbons.

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A Reception in Honor of Andrew Witty, Chief Executive Officer, GlaxoSmithKline PLC

Thursday, March 24th, 2011

On Wednesday, March 23, 2011, the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia (BABC) hosted a reception for Andrew Witty, Chief Executive Officer of GlaxoSmithKline at Philadelphia’s City Hall in conjunction with the Honorable Mayor of Philadelphia, Michael A. Nutter; Oliver St. Clair Franklin, Honorary British Consul; and Select Greater Philadelphia. Immediately following a one-on-one meeting between Mr. Witty and Mayor Nutter, Mr. Witty and several of his colleagues shook hands and networked with reception attendees.

The intimate event at City Hall, attended by more than 80 leading executives and local and foreign officials was not without a stunning surprise announcement. After brief welcome remarks delivered by Oliver Franklin, Honorary British Consul; Neil Boyden Tanner, President, BABC; Thomas Morr, President, Select Greater Philadelphia; and Mayor Nutter, Mr. Witty was presented with a crystal Liberty Bell. The introductory comments focused on thanking Mr. Witty for GlaxoSmithKline’s commitment to the Philadelphia region and the company’s decision to move from Center City to the Navy Yard. Mr. Witty graciously accepted the Liberty Bell honor and while discussing the Company’s relationship with Philadelphia, surprised Mayor Nutter as well as everyone in the room by announcing a generous $5 million donation to the City of Philadelphia to “help the younger generation.”

News of the remarkable donation hit the wire immediately. Please follow these links for articles about the reception and GlaxoSmithKline’s $5 million donation.

http://articles.philly.com/2011-03-24/news/29181836_1_gsk-glaxosmithkline-million-donation

http://m.philly.com/phillycom/db_/contentdetail.htm;jsessionid=6598C36B41DA746C89B6393CA8D11E10?contentguid=roIyVUr8&full=true#display

http://news.gpcc.com/2011/03/glaxosmithkline-pledges-5-million-grant-to-city-of-philadelphia-for-youth-development/

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT

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UK Bribery Act and US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act: Why Your World Could Change Event Recap

Thursday, March 24th, 2011

On Wednesday, March 23, 2011, the British American Business Council (BABC) of Greater Philadelphia hosted the UK Bribery Act and US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act: Why Your World Could Change business roundtable breakfast seminar at the Philadelphia Office of Duane Morris.

Over 30 people gathered for this dynamic, informative and timely discussion exploring UK and US compliance rules. The session provided practical tips about what you need to know and how to act to ensure transparency for US and UK companies.

Leading experts Jonathan Armstrong from Duane Morris LLP in London and Lou Pichini from Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP in Philadelphia discussed the immediacy of anti-bribery legislative measures, and how it will affect the way business is practiced throughout the globe. An interactive question and answer session concluded the seminar.

The Lead Sponsors of the business roundtable seminar were Deloitte and Duane Morris.

Click here to view pictures from the event.

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