PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Jim Kenney joined the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia at its annual Mayoral Luncheon to address important issues facing the city, and to celebrate recent local economic accomplishments, resources and opportunities. Bringing together more than 1,200 executives, elected officials, business owners, and civic leaders, the Chamber’s Mayoral Luncheon is the largest forum for the Mayor of Philadelphia to address the region’s business community. Mayor Kenney shared the Administration’s key 2023 priorities for his last year in office during a fireside chat with Gregory E. Deavens, President and CEO of Independence Health Group.
“I was honored to join the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia for my last Mayoral Luncheon and a conversation centered on our shared commitment to driving inclusive growth and economic opportunity that benefits everyone,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “I am proud of the progress we have made over the past seven years to grow quality jobs and power our economy. World-class companies are investing in Philadelphia which further showcases that our city is a great place for businesses to thrive. As companies of all sizes, in every neighborhood across the city continue to grow, we are dedicated to preparing the next generation of our workforce for the jobs of the future.”“Greater Philadelphia’s businesses share the Kenney Administration’s commitment to bringing jobs, businesses, and talent to Philadelphia,” said Gregory E. Deavens, President and CEO of Independence Health Group. “It was great to hear about Mayor Kenney’s priorities for his final year in office leading our great city, including enhancing public safety and quality of life, investing in young people, driving inclusive economic growth and continuing to prioritize tax reform.”
For the past seven years, the Kenney Administration’s Department of Commerce worked diligently with our economic development partners counting the Inclusive Growth Coalition to build a stronger, more inclusive and equitable economy with opportunities for all of our residents and businesses. Each initiative, program, and investment with lenses on diversity, equity and inclusion can help us remain economically competitive now and into the future.
“I am proud of our strengthened alliances with economic development partners to power the economy, including PIDC and all of our Chambers. We are dedicated to investing in our businesses and building upon efforts that will help spread economic vitality and opportunity to every corner and zip code of Philadelphia,” said Anne Nadol, Commerce Director. “The Administration will also continue to grow businesses and jobs alongside community-based organizations across the city. Commerce staff will continue to provide one-on-one customer service, outreach, and education to businesses about City services.”
The Department of Commerce advances equitable wealth-building opportunities to grow quality jobs, build capacity in under-resourced communities, and make it easier to operate a successful business in Philadelphia. Commerce’s strategic approaches include increasing access to capital, financial support programs, improvements within shopping areas, talent connection to growing industry sectors, business attraction and retention efforts.
“Mayor Kenney has led our city through significant challenges, and Philadelphia is now on the road to recovery thanks to his leadership,” said Chellie Cameron, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. “I’d also like to thank our Inclusive Growth Partners from the region’s diverse chambers. Together, we work to connect the economic dots to advocate for policies that will grow all businesses and increase the number of family-sustaining jobs in Philadelphia.”
“Mayor Kenney is our 99th mayor, but he has always given 100 percent as a partner to businesses and to the Chamber of Commerce,” said Michael Innocenzo, Board Chair, Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. “As we’ve worked together over the past eight years, I can personally attest to his dedication and all-around commitment to the City of Philadelphia – the undisputable urban core of our region. For us in the Chamber and throughout our region, success is about showing up strong. It’s about all of us combining our diverse ideas and perspectives to do more than we could do separately.”
The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia brings area businesses and civic leaders together to promote growth and create opportunity in our region. Their members represent eleven counties, three states, and roughly 600,000 employees from thousands of member companies and organizations.
“When we think about how we move Philadelphia forward, growing economic opportunity has to be our mantra,” said Bret Perkins, Senior VP, External & Government Affairs, Comcast. “Most entrepreneurs know struggle and failure before they know success. In hard times, we can overcome scarcity by working together, combining resources and all of our ingredients. We should be obsessed with growing more good-paying jobs to support entrepreneurs and small businesses like the ones on our commercial corridors.”
Pictures are available for download here (Credit: Chamber of Commerce)Learn more about the economic opportunities, accomplishments and final year goals that Mayor Kenney would like to share with residents and businesses.