Re-Cap: Lunch with the City’s Leaders featuring Paul Levy, Center City District

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On Wednesday, February 16, 2022, we held our most recent “Lunch with the City’s Leaders” event, featuring the President and CEO of Center City District, Paul R. Levy, to discuss the ongoing challenges Philadelphia faces and how local businesses can help. After check-in, Center City Business Association President, Suzette Munley, and President of the Community College of Philadelphia, Dr. Donald Guy Generals, introduced speaker Paul Levy. A New Jersey native, Paul, visited Philly in 1976 and, upon falling in love with its historic preservation edits, moved to Philadelphia. With experience as a Doctor of History, teaching in Brooklyn and Bronx public schools, lecturing at the University of Pennsylvania, and position within the Central Philadelphia Development Corporation and Institute for the Study of Civic Values, Levy created Center City District to make the downtown clean, safe and attractive for people to work, live and enjoy.

Setting the Future for Philadelphia
In his talk, Levy discussed a variety of issues that have plagued Philadelphia in recent years while also providing insights to how the city is approaching these problems. He moved from remote work, to working with homeless populations, and the roots of community policing, along with a plethora of other actions to improve public safety and lower crime rates. His talk also touched on the importance of the arts and culture for children, along with more help to female-owned and black-owned businesses, and increased presence in certain parts of the city.

One of Paul’s main concerns focused on the jobs lost by a move to remote-work and how we can move individuals back into the office. He explained that during the pandemic, most businesses operated at 35-40% in office, usually meaning about three days a week, and smaller firms had higher levels of occupancy. Before Omicron, people were returning to the office at a steady rate, but this has declined in recent months due to growing Omicron cases. He pointed out that working from home eliminates jobs for those that cannot work from home, such as architects, nurses, construction workers and more.

To combat these issues and bring more people back to the city, Center City District has begun plans to create more attractive rail lines, provide improvements to jeweler’s road, improvements to city hall lighting, cleanliness, safety and a competitive business structure. He also noted that 62% of development is occurring in 17% of the city. Some of the projects leading the way include Parkway’s 2222 Market Street development for Morgan Lewis & Bockius,  and a new mixed-use lounge and apartment building project by Brandywine Realty Trust.

Thank You Members and Sponsors!
Thank you to those who could attend our “Lunch with the City’s Leaders'' event, and thank you to our community, for all that you do to make Philadelphia's Center City the best place to do business. Additionally, we thank the sponsors of our “Lunch with the City’s Leaders'' event featuring Paul Levy, including Citizens Bank, Community College of Philadelphia, Friedman LLP, KYW, LevLane, PECO, Post Brothers, and Visit Philadelphia. 

Don’t forget about our upcoming event, “Women Changing the City,” on March 16, 2022 at the Museum of the American Revolution, where local female leaders Crystal Ashby, EVP and Chief People Officer of Independence Blue Cross, Amy Needle, President and CEO of Historic Philadelphia and Isabelle Kent, Executive Director of Philly Start Up Leaders will tell stories of how they overcame challenges that shaped their future, along with tips on leadership.

You can register for this event or any of our other events here.

CCPA Rebrands as the Center City Business Association

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The Membership Organization Will Continue 44 Years of Advocacy and
Networking Opportunities as Center City’s Chamber of Commerce

READ as PDF

January 31, 2022 (Philadelphia, PA) - Center City Proprietors Association today announced that after 44 years of serving businesses in Center City Philadelphia, it has rebranded as Center City Business Association.  The new Center City Business Association will serve as a chamber of commerce for all businesses located or doing business in Center City.  It will remain a membership organization, hosting events throughout the year, including several signature series: Lunch with the City Leaders, Women Changing the City, Meet the Developers and Sustainable Philadelphia. The Association will continue to support businesses and professionals making it easy to connect, to grow, and to sustain success.

“Since our founding in 1978, we have been dedicated to making Center City the strong central business core that supports the economic success of the entire Philadelphia region,” said Suzette Munley, president of the Board of Directors for Center City Business Association.  “Our new name more inclusively communicates that we represent all businesses and better reflects our mission and our members”.

The new Center City Business Association has a robust networking and event calendar planned for 2022, including:

“At this critical moment in Center City’s recovery, we want to be sure that business owners, executives, and professionals know that we are here for them,” said Ben Frank, Executive Director of Center City Business Association. “We will continue to provide them opportunities to revitalize and expand their networks as well as to provide insight and access to resources, through a wide variety of our educational workshops, panel discussions, seminars, networking socials, and Signature Events. People love our events because we offer unparalleled access to speakers, decision makers and leaders who are shaping Center City”.

As part of the new brand launch, Center City Business Association today released a video of Philadelphia civic and business leaders, including Bridgett Battles, Director of Community Engagement and Supplier Diversity, Thomas Jefferson University; Nick Bayer, Founder and CEO, Saxbys; Daniel Fitzpatrick, CFA, President, Citizens Mid-Atlantic Region; Dr. Donald Generals, President, Community College of Philadelphia; Derek Green, City Council at-large, City of Philadelphia; Meryl Levitz, Former President & CEO, Visit Philadelphia and Co-Founder, Center City Business Association; Celena Morrison, Executive Director, Office of LGBT Affairs, City of Philadelphia; Rebecca Ryhnhart, City Controller, City of Philadelphia; Michael Smerconish, Lawyer, Author, National Radio Host and Television Personality; Sharmain Matlock Turner, President and CEO, Urban Affairs Coalition; Matías Tarnopolsky, President and CEO, The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc.; Ellen Yin, Founder and Co-Owner, High Street Hospitality Group, and of course the Phillie Phanatic and Benjamin Franklin.

The video can be seen on LinkedIn, Here.

Membership and sponsorship are available to all organizations and individuals working or networking in Center City.  More information is available at www.CenterCityBusiness.org. 

About Center City Business Association
We are the premier business association that creates a prosperous Philadelphia by making it easy to connect, grow, and sustain success. Our Mission is to foster communication, cooperation, education, and services among the businesses of Center City Philadelphia and to maintain and promote the commercial vitality of Center City Philadelphia.

What we value most:

  • Center City Centric - By elevating Center City, we make a lasting effect on all of Philadelphia.

  • Provide opportunity - Philadelphians are gritty. When we have access to the savviest business minds and the resources to succeed, nothing stands in our way.

  • Educate our community - Knowledge is power. We promote the growth and development of Philadelphia businesses.

  • Embrace differences - We grow from each other’s experiences. Uplifting the voices of others creates a vibrant environment ripe for collaboration and advancement.

Further Reading: Philadelphia Business Journal “CCPA Rebrand” January 31, 2022

 

Lessons Small Businesses Can Learn from the Pandemic

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by Andy Logue, President and COO, Republic bank

Although some things have returned to normal, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our daily lives is still significant. For small business owners in particular, the pandemic has caused unprecedented operational disruption and financial challenges. It’s during difficult times though, that the most important lessons are learned. So what can small businesses take away from these past 20 months?

Size and Scale Make it Easier to Pivot.
As the saying goes, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Due to their size and the ability to scale ideas, the small businesses that were able to quickly react to the challenges brought about by the pandemic, get creative and pivot their operations not only stayed afloat, but prospered. The way many were able to engage staff and find new ways to bring value to customers was powerful and should be used as inspiration moving forward.

Manage Debts to the Best of Your Ability.
In any downturn cycle, managing debts is critical. Controlling costs and expenses appropriately when times are tough helps to ensure small businesses are set up for future success once things turn back around. Building up an emergency fund is essential, and any organization should have at least two months of payroll in the bank as a cushion.

Know the Value of Your Employees.
Despite operational disruptions or outright closures that significantly impacted revenue streams, small businesses that had appropriate funds saved – and even those that didn’t – continued to pay employees because they believed it was the right thing to do. Even though it wasn’t easy, many small business owners realized that doing right by their employees would encourage productivity and loyalty. Customers notice this, too, and some organizations earned customers for life because of the way they treated employees during the pandemic.

Even amidst the chaos, it’s also important that employees feel heard and appreciated. Small businesses learned that showing empathy – even in small ways – contributes greatly to how an employee feels about the work that they’re doing, in addition to their overall personal wellness.

Having Reliable Partners is Key.
It’s important for small business owners to surround themselves with trusted partners they can turn to when they need help or when times get tough. Lawyers, insurance brokers and accountants can bring immense value and help entrepreneurs ensure their businesses run smoothly.

Banking partners also proved critical during the pandemic when many small businesses were trying to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan through the Small Business Administration. The small businesses who had good relationships with their banks were able get the assistance they needed to complete and submit loan applications. At Republic Bank, we worked with thousands of our small business customers – and thousands more non-customers, which set us apart from many of our competitors – to obtain PPP loans, which were needed lifelines for many during the pandemic.

Small businesses have been through a lot over the past 20 months. And despite the valuable lessons learned, it was not easy. Following Small Business Saturday on November 27, it’s important that we all commit ourselves to supporting local to ensure that the small businesses we love continue to thrive and our local economy prospers. We appreciate all those who chose to shop local on Small Business Saturday and encourage you to also do so the other 364 days a year.

If you would like to learn more about Republic Bank’s banking offerings, please contact Matt Skilton at mskilton@myrepublicbank.com.

December Member of the Month

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What are you reading right now (or what is a go-to book you would recommend to others)?
I will have to recommend Primal Leadership by Daniel Goleman because it has helped understand and appreciate leaders with strong emotional intelligence, which is an essential skill for the relationship aspect of business.

It’s Sunday at 10 AM. Where are you?
I am in my apartment in University City, relaxing and reading The New Yorker magazine for leisure.

If you had an extra hour in the day, what would you do with it?
I will use that extra hour to organize. I am constantly gathering and/or receiving information from others in my day-to-day and do not always have enough time to organize that information for myself. I like to organize because it allows me to be more efficient and, in effect, do more, such as helping others.

What is something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t done yet?
I have always wanted to go watch Manchester United soccer team play in-person. The day I decided to go to Manchester, England for a game will be a magical moment because I have been a fan since I was a kid growing up in Nigeria.

What is your best networking tip?
My best networking tip is to help others help you. I say that because we are all busy with our lives and obligations, but it is mutually beneficial to help others help you. For example, I have found that people appreciate friendly reminders on my requests that they may have forgot to ask me to remind them about.

Rasheed Adewole
PNC Institutional Asset Management
215-585-7115
Rasheed.adewole@pnc.com
linkedin.com/in/rasheedadewole/

November Member of the Month

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What are you reading right now (or what is a go-to book you would recommend to others)?
Atomic Habits by James Clear

Where did you spend December 31, 1999? At home since I was just 6 months old then!

What is your favorite place you have traveled to? Alicante, Spain

What was your first job? A Language and Culture Assistant in Madrid, Spain

If you had to leave your home and could only take 1 item with you, what would it be?
My water bottle (I try to drink a gallon per day!)

October Member of the Month

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Jeff Dailey can be found most weeknights or weekends at a local baseball complex with one of his three sons, or splitting time between basketball courts and wrestling mats with them in the winter. When he is not coaching or cheering on his sons, he runs the Philadelphia business litigation law firm boutique, Dailey LLP, which he co-founded in 2019, after spending 19 years at one of the largest law firms in the Country.

Dailey LLP was founded by seasoned former Big Law Partners “with a mission to transform how legal services are delivered to businesses.” Dailey LLP’s client teams are structured to eliminate inefficiencies and produce better client service and results at a lower overall cost. Dailey LLP has developed a variety of internal processes to streamline how it services clients, and it utilizes several alternative fee options so that, from the outset, the firm’s clients will know that the firm’s interests are aligned with theirs. The firm specializes in handling business disputes, including disputes that arise with competitors, clients, among owners of the business, or that arise out of a merger or acquisition of a business.

Since 2019, the firm has grown from four to nine lawyers, and has offices in Philadelphia, Wilmington and New York City.

More about Jeff

What is a non-profit that you support? Other than CCPA?
Children’s Jubilee Fund is a non-profit that raises and distributes scholarship funds to provide access for low-income K-12 youth in Philadelphia, Norristown, Chester, and Camden to attend Christian schools.

What was your first job?
My first job was at 12 years old, working on a Farm. At the time, you did not have to be of working papers age to work on a Farm. My job included picking cucumbers, zucchini and tomatoes, carrying bushel baskets while corn was picked in the morning, and then loading the various baskets of corn and other vegetables on to trucks for transport to roadside stands or local markets, and working at a roadside stand selling corn and vegetables.

It’s Sunday at 10 AM. Where are you?
Usually at Covenant Fellowship Church attending church service or volunteering in Promise Kingdom (which has classes for school aged children during service).

If you “played hooky” how would you spend your day?
Preferably doing something with my family. But, if “hooky” was just me, I would spend the day doing something in the woods or on the water with no phone or email.

What is your best networking tip?
I have two that I think are equally important. First, learn to smile. Never underestimate the power of smiling, it opens a ton of doors and conversations. Second, be present in the conversation you are having (not distracted by your phone or who else is in the room) and make the conversation about the person you are talking to by asking questions and genuinely being interested in getting to know them.

Jeffery A. Dailey
Dailey LLP
215-282-5172
jdailey@daileyllp.com
www.DaileyLLP.com
FaceBook
LinkedIn
Twitter

September Member of the Month: Linda Rink, President, RINK Consulting

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RINK Consulting provides strategic research and consulting services for both the consumer and business-to-business sectors. Our clients include advertising and public relations agencies, manufacturers, business service providers, non-profits and health care companies.

For growing companies, knowledge and understanding of their customers, prospects, and competitive marketplace is essential to their success. We know what information is critical to business growth, how to find it, and how to use it.

Linda Rink is a long-term CCPA member and a past Board member. CCPA has been an invaluable resource over the years and a great way to be connected to the City!

More about Linda
What is your favorite spot in Philly to disappear for some alone time?
Philadelphia has so many small parks to enjoy, like the Magnolia Garden, Rose Garden, and Perth & Addison Garden in Society Hill. Many times I am the only person there!

What is a non-profit that you support? Other than CCPA?
I am a big environmentalist/conservationist and nature-lover; I support The Nature Conservancy, Audubon, and the Philadelphia Zoo.

What is your favorite place you have traveled?
Iceland was amazing, with jaw-dropping scenery. Like being on another planet.

What was your first job?
After receiving my MBA from Wharton, I relocated to Chicago to work in Quaker Oats’ Pet Foods Division as an assistant product manager on Ken-L Ration dog food. Fits right in with my love of animals.

It’s Sunday at 10 AM. Where are you?
Lounging on the sofa, going through the Sunday editions of the Inquirer and the New York Times. That takes most of the day!

Linda Rink
President, RINK Consulting
215-546-5863
lrink@LindaRink.com
www.lindarink.com

August Member of the Month: Nella Bloom, Esq. Managing Member, Bloom & Bloom, LLC

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Nella Bloom is the Managing Member of Bloom & Bloom, LLC. Our law firm has a collective fifty years’ experience in large and mid-sized firms in the Philadelphia area. As a business owner, Nella understands the mindset of an entrepreneur and the personal aspect of being a business owner. She loves to solve problems creatively and efficiently. At Bloom & Bloom, our goal is to help your business bloom.

More about Nella

What is your guilty pleasure TV show?
My guilty pleasure TV show is The Good Place. It’s clever, beautifully designed, rife with Easter eggs, and explains philosophy clearly, for philosophy philistines like me.

What is your favorite place you have traveled?
A few years ago, my family took a trip to Amsterdam. We spent a week exploring, eating, and going to museums and open-air markets. It’s an unexpectedly great place to travel with kids, easy to get around on public transportation, and overall was a great trip.

What was your first job?
My first job was behind the counter at Metropolitan Bakery. It’s a good thing I biked to work that summer – we had to sample a lot of delicious baked goods so we could give reviews to the customers. At least, that was our excuse.

What is your best networking tip?
My best networking tip: I have something in common with everyone in any room I enter. It’s my job to find out what that commonality is.

What is the first place you’d recommend to someone that’s never been to our city?
The Magic Garden is amazing, and the first place I take newcomers to Philadelphia. It’s so hard to describe, and so unique, while being in the middle of the city.

 

Nella Bloom, Esq.
Managing Member, Bloom & Bloom, LLC
P.O. Box 54493
Philadelphia, PA 19148
267-630-2466
nella@bloomandbloom.net
www.bloomandbloom.net

July Member of the Month: Barbara A. Capozzi, Esq., Renaissance Estates

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Hello, I am Barbara Capozzi, I am a civic advocate, heavily involved in many groups, President of Packer Park Civic Association/Co-President of Friends of FDR Park/Treasurer – Sports Complex Special Services District/on the Board of BIA – Building Industry Association of Philadelphia/ Board of the Development Workshop/ Past President of GPAR Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors, and several other groups. These activities are my passion and what occupies most of my time.

However, in my “day job”, most recently I have developed and built 14 custom townhomes in the safe, green, accessible community of Packer Park, the southern most area of South Philly, adjacent to luscious FDR Park, walkable to the Sports Complex and Philadelphia Navy Base, 7 minutes to International Airport and 5 minutes to the Walt Whitman Bridge. These custom homes have everything – full ten year tax abatement/5 stop (4 person capacity) elevator/2 car garage/Sub – Zero & Wolf appliances/ Porcelanosa custom kitchen cabinets, tile and flooring/expansive roof deck/ 3200 sq ft of luxury living/gorgeous private landscaped courtyard/dual zone HVAC/ 3 Bedroom – 3.5 Bathroom plus lower level bonus room with large window/ We have 4 quick delivery homes, designed by professionals, and a few other homes where buyers can make all their own selections, kitchen cabinets, all flooring throughout 5 levels, all tile, all vanities and more.

Barbara A. Capozzi, Esq.
Renaissance Estates
267-973-0848
BCapozzi@KW.com
www.packerparknewhomes.com

Protect Your Digital Privacy By Linda Rink, President, RINK Consulting

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Most of us are spending more time online than ever before. While we would like to think that our browsing habits are totally private, unfortunately that’s not the case -- we leave an unwanted trackable digital footprint behind on social media and websites. As a researcher, I am of course keenly aware of this.

In a recent survey with over 1000 U.S. consumers conducted by Integral Ad Science, 89% of the respondents said online privacy is important to them. Yet only 62% said they cleared their browser history in the past month, and only 53% cleared their browser cookies. (Integral Ad Science, “Data Privacy and Contextual Advertising.”)

Perhaps we could all use a refresher reminder on how to protect our digital privacy.
Here are 10 steps you can take yourself:

  1. Delete old e-mail, shopping or social media accounts.

  2. Clear your browser history often (I do it every day).

  3. Clear cookies as well, except for designated “keepers.”

  4. Adjust your privacy settings for your web browser, online apps, and social media accounts.

  5. Unsubscribe from unnecessary mailing lists.

  6. Use “privacy” or “incognito” mode when browsing online.

  7. Keep antivirus software up to date.

  8. Use strong passwords and change them often.

  9. Use an ad-blocker when browsing online.

  10. Consider using a separate e-mail strictly for online shopping and potential spam offers.

And of course, don’t post personal information online unless absolutely necessary and if you know the site is secure.

I would be happy to discuss your information needs or answer your research questions. Contact me at lrink@LindaRink.com.

June's Member of the Month: John M. Caccese, P.E., Vice President, Earth Engineering Inc.

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What was your first concert?
Jackson Brown at the Mann Music Center
What was your first job? I worked as a laborer for a construction management firm renovating spaces for retail stores.
What is a non-profit that you support? Other than CCPA? Building Industry of Philadelphia (BIA)
What is your favorite place you have traveled? Barcelona, Spain. Stumbled upon a small Tapas restaurant downtown. It was one of the best meals ever!
What is the first place you’d recommend to someone that’s never been to our city? I would have to say Independence Mall followed by lunch at the Reading Terminal Market.

More about John and Earth Engineering
Earth Engineering Incorporated (EEI) is a full service geotechnical and environmental engineering consulting and design firm composed of a group of engineers, geologists, and scientists dedicated to providing swift, cost effective professional services needed to meet the demands of today’s development projects.  With offices located in the Philadelphia region, Lehigh Valley, New Jersey, and central Pennsylvania, EEI is well equipped to serve the Philadelphia Tri-state area.  A few of our flagship projects in Philadelphia include the Columbus Commons Shopping Center, Naval Square, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 1900 Arch Street, The Barnes Foundation building, the new Aramark Headquarters, and Riverwalk (Featuring a new Giant Grocery).

EEI’s core services comprise Geotechnical Consulting, Subsurface Investigations, Infiltration Testing, Geo-Structural Design, Construction Inspection & Testing, Environmental Site Assessments, and Clean Fill Analysis.  Items such as cost effectiveness of foundation alternatives are evaluated along with site development issues and geotechnical data to establish recommendations ang designs.  This approach has enabled EEI to contribute to the successful development of many large-scale projects by adding true value to the planning and design process.

Our goal at EEI is to combine quality consulting, investigative and design work to achieve on-time, on-budget performance.  We are committed to providing our clients with the high level of service and experience they have come to expect from EEI.

As Vice President of the firm, I am involved with the operations of our offices.  I have worked in the region as a geotechnical engineer and manager for over 30 years.  Being in the geotechnical and environmental business means I have had the privilege of being a part of thousands of projects throughout my years of practice, my favorite of which is working on a project at the White House during the George W. Bush administration.  The project entailed performing a feasibility study for landing a presidential transport on the south lawn of the White House.  I had the privilege of watching a transport landing, a private tour of the White House, and playing with his dogs, Barney and Spot, on the South Lawn; something I will never forget.

Throughout my years working in the industry, I have developed lasting relationships and friends in the region.  Relationship building and keeping in touch with people is what motivates me to drive EEI to provide the best service that we can.  The vast majority of our projects are procured through referrals and repeat business which is a true testament to our abilities to deliver a quality product in a timely, cost effective manner.  Our approach to projects is that of a professional service rather than a commodity and therefore we bring added value to your project.

John Caccese, P.E.
Earth Engineering Inc.
610-277-0880
johnc@earthengineering.com
www.earthengineering.com
Linkedin Facebook Twitter

April's Member of the Month: Matt Gough, President, Main Line Protection Services

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Matt Gough was admitted as a partner with Main Line Protection Services, LLC in 2015 and served as Chief Operating Officer until 2020. He quickly restructured the day to day operations of guard, electronic security and investigative services. In 2017, Matt was tasked with overseeing the start up security design, planning and operations of the company’s first Cannabis client. One of the first Cannabis licensees in Pennsylvania. His Cannabis security operations team members continue to oversee this successful implementation. Matt has since been requested to provide professional consultation on additional Cannabis security projects, state regulations and license applications in Pennsylvania as well as other states. In 2018, Matt was chosen to lead Main Line Protection Services’ business development and client services program. He set the foundation for growth and structure of the company by applying  his successful client satisfaction platform to development and sales. This strategy has significantly increased the company’s portfolio and doubled sales in under two years. In 2020 Matt was asked to serve as company President and to assume the leadership and general management of the entire company. He presently serves in that role.

Matt joined Main Line Protection Services in May of 2007 at an entry level Security Officer Position. With the recommendations of his superiors he rose to site supervisor and to then to Assistant Manager in December of 2007. In April of 2008 he was promoted to Assistant Manager of the Electronics Security Division. During that time he attended technical schools and acquired a wealth of experience in all aspects of the electronics security services offered by Main Line Protection Services. He was assigned as interim Electronic Security Division Manager shortly thereafter due to an immediate opening. During his time as Interim Manager, Matt showed a strong ability and desire to succeed in sales, customer service and satisfaction along with a gaining knowledge in the field. He was ultimately promoted to Electronic Security Manager and Guard Operations Manager.

Matt holds the following civil certification:
Licensed Private Detective
National Training School (NBFAA) Certified Alarm Technician 
National Training School (NBFAA) Advanced Burglar Alarm Technician
National Training School (NBFAA) Fire Alarm Installation Methods

Matt resides in West Chester, Pennsylvania with his wife and three children. A fourth is due in June of 2021. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, hunting, fishing, remodeling his home and coaching CYO youth football.

February 2021 Member of the Month - Stephanie Turzanski, Owner, VinVu

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Five Answers From a CCPA Member - Stephanie Turzanski, Owner, VinVu

What is your guilty pleasure TV show? Below Deck
What is your favorite place you have traveled? Miami
What was your first job? Marketing at Comcast
What is something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t done yet? Travel to Australia
What is your best networking tip? Be yourself and don’t care what others think

More about Stephanie and VinVu
Prior to opening VinVu, I owned an outsourced marketing firm called In House Marketing, which has recently become inactive. While in that role I met my now business partner who spent 18 years in the telecom industry and owned another firm where I was hired to help with marketing and business development.  

During my hire I did my due diligence to understand how telecom worked. I came to the conclusion that the telecom industry was unethical and did not help clients in a way it should. I was so shocked that my comments to leadership was “This industry is incredibly unethical. The way in which back-ended money flows is insane. This is too shady. You do nothing to help your clients and have your own self-interest as priority. How does this industry allow this kind of work to happen?” Needless to say after my comment leadership thought my “sass” was too much and asked me not to come back and said that I “didn’t get it.”  

That experience got me to thinking. Since this is an unregulated industry, what if we made it as if we were regulated? What if we told our clients what we made, how the money flows, and gave them the tools given to agents to help them procure the services needed to get their business to work and grow? What if we give back to our clients financially and help fuel growth?  

Thinking about this made me call my now business partner. I asked him if there was a way for us to create a company that could be ethical and transparent with clients. He said there is, but it has never been done before in our industry but would love to be a part of something that did do what I was thinking.

That’s when VinVu was created. Our overall objectives are simple. We want to help clients lower their telecom spend by finding them better rates and services, driving unexpected additional savings, showing clients how to leverage the master community, and giving them the tools and technology to maintain processes while enhancing their business. Our overall objectives are simple. We want to help clients lower their telecom spend by finding them better rates and services, driving unexpected additional savings, showing clients how to leverage the master community, and giving them the tools and technology to maintain processes while enhancing their business.

We traveled the country for a year asking our peers if anyone was doing our model. So far, we are the only ones with our transparency. It’s exciting to know that out of over 3,000 agents we are the only ones doing this model, yet it saddens me to know that we are the only ones being honest which is not fair to businesses who need agents to help them make the right telecom decision.

To this day I’m thrilled we created this company and are helping businesses change how to procure telecom while protecting and educating them at the same time.

Stephanie Turzanski, Owner, VinVu
3887 Alberta Place, Philadelphia PA 19154
215-510-6587
swt@vinvu.net
VinVu.net

BUSINESS. ENTREPRENEURISM. DEMOCRACY.

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by David Lane, VP CCPA and President/CEO LevLane

This month, my partner and I celebrated our 37th year in business. We began in his second floor bedroom, and thanks to the talents and loyalties of former and current staff, we have reached an anniversary that few businesses achieve. Everyone’s hard work, high levels of integrity, and unwavering persistence (with some luck thrown in) has been the recipe for keeping our business in business.

But the appalling events in the Nation’s capitol several weeks ago, the predictable result of several months of unfettered behavior, have led me to consider a broader perspective that in many ways provided the foundation for our success, and I think you may agree, for yours too.

Essential for any business in this country is the belief in economic liberty guaranteed by our Constitution, and the privilege of entrepreneurism protected in our Democracy. The freedom to start a business, pursue dreams, collaborate with associates and colleagues, help support and grow families, work to better one’s abilities, are only possible because we live in a country founded by some pretty-smart folks, who have provided a framework that holds almost 250 years after it was written.

On January 6, we witnessed our Democracy under attack. I guess you could say that until then I took for granted that the milestone our business achieved is because we are just that good. But no, being good is just a small part of the story. The bigger and more important part is that we live in a country that permits our success to exist in the first place. Without that, then nothing. Nothing!

So, as we begin our 38th year in business, I appreciate our success in a much different light. It wasn’t simply the above success recipe, but the good fortune to be born and live in the U.S., governed by a system that gave us permission to start a business, hire staff, produce ads, serve clients, help others, and be rewarded for hard work.

I know these comments ring true with our CCPA family. Our members and guests represent businesses large and small; profit and non-profit; private and public; local, regional, and state government. All of us working to achieve our own measures of success. Today I am thankful that our Democracy protects those opportunities. CCPA is 42 years old. Our republic almost 250 years. Here’s to at least another 42 for CCPA, and infinitely more for the USA.

Articles from CCPA's members, volunteers or contributors reflect the personal views of the author in their individual capacity. They do not represent the views of CCPA's board of directors or members and is not sponsored or endorsed by them.

11 Basics of a Functional Home Office by Eric Elmore, Marketing Director, Drucker & Scaccetti, CCPA Secretary

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There was a time in the not-so-distant past when working from home was considered a perk; a reward for loyal, responsible, and often higher-paid employees. Now we are nine months into the COVID-19 pandemic in America and working from home is fast becoming the norm. A recent study by Stanford University found that 42% of the U.S. labor force are working from home full time.

The pandemic employers to overcome an innate struggle with trusting that work would get done by employees working from home and that the “perk” would be subject to widespread abuse. And they were forced to invest in reliable and secure technology to enable and sustain the continuity of their businesses amidst mandatory quarantine orders from state and local governments.

My firm is among those that are now 100% remote with nearly 100 employees all working from home for the foreseeable future. Unlike some firms, we were already set up to make the transition because we had several staff working from home full time across four states for nearly a decade. For me, however, it had been 17 years since I had a work-from-home arrangement and I had to retool my house for the switch.

In speaking with some of our work-from-home staff, friends, family, and colleagues who also worked from home pre-pandemic, I’ve developed a list of 11 basics needed for a productive and functional home office. You don’t need everything on this list, but these are the items I have found I cannot do without. And, I have not included obvious necessities like a computer, internet connection, or phone (cell or landline). Your ideas will vary for sure; but here are mine in no specific order:

  1. Comfortable Workspace: Whether a desk or a table, you’ll need enough space to write, access keyboards and review paperwork. A comfortable chair that provides good lumbar support is also a must. Wheels on the chair are also helpful. I have an architect’s desk, which is higher than most, and a chair almost like a stool. These provide the space and comfort I need to be productive while taking stress off my lower back.

  2. A Door: Often, you will take calls that need your undivided attention, either on the phone or a video platform (we’ll talk about this in #5). The option for privacy is imperative. Especially when the kids and pets may be running around, or the dishwasher is running. If you can, choose a room like a spare bedroom, the basement, the attic, etc. The ability to close off from the rest of the world is key to productivity…and sanity.

  3. Multiple Monitors: I’ve been working with two or three computer monitors for the last eight years, and I honestly don’t know how I operated without this before. It hypercharges your ability to multitask and a study by Jon Peddie Research shows it increases productivity 20-30 percent by dramatically cutting the time to accomplish tasks. Invest in additional screens if you can or ask your employer if you can retrieve the monitor(s) on your desk in the office for home use.

  4. Webcam and Headphones: Most laptops have a webcam and mic built it, but older laptops and CPU-driven computers may not. Regardless, a higher quality webcam and headset can make for a better video conference experience. Many have noise-cancelling ability so you and those on the other end cannot hear surrounding sounds.

  5. Video Conference App: The likes of Zoom, Google Meet, and MS Teams are and having one or more in your arsenal is now de rigueur. There are others to use as well and plug-in apps, like whiteboards, as home-work forces become more prevalent. Some suggest it’s not just about connecting with co-workers in the most visible and productive way possible, but it’s also good mentally for us to see others regularly when stuck at home. Coupled with a quality camera and headset, the virtual meetings on these platforms can be more efficient than meeting in person.

  6. Virtual Meeting Backgrounds: Let’s face it, sometimes our house is not as neat as we’d like. The kids and pets think it’s funny to video bomb us at the worst time, and a shot of our vintage Cheech & Chong’s Up In Smoke movie poster is not always the best thing for clients to see. This is when having a professionally appropriate backdrop is the perfect solution. Common choices are simulations of professional workspaces, bookshelves, and natural scenery and landscapes.

  7. Printer/Scanner/Copier: Yes, we’ve entered the virtual office world on a larger scale than before. And, yes, paper is used less and less in home and corporate offices.  However, having a printer that can perform scanning and copying is still a must-have piece of equipment. Some companies and clients may not have embraced technology as much as you and can still require hard signatures and request to receive hardcopy documents.  You’ll need to be ready for this. The scanner function helps you with electronic filing of documents, limiting the paper in your home office.

  8. Increased Internet Bandwidth: With streaming services, cell phones, tablets, and other devices, our home internet bandwidth may already be stretched to the limit.  Add the home office computer, video conferencing, wireless printers, etc. and bandwidth performance may suffer. Contact your internet provider to arrange an increase in bandwidth. There are also other ways that may help such as moving the router to a better location, changing your Wi-Fi frequency channel, updating or replacing your router, and pruning unnecessary connections.

  9. Virtual A.I. Assistant: Google has long been the source for finding nearly anything in the known universe and is still a viable resource for that function. Virtual assistants, using artificial intelligence (A.I.), however, can often retrieve the information much faster than you take to key it on your laptop or tablet. These devices, like the Google Nest or Amazon Echo (a.k.a. Alexa), can be linked to your online store accounts enabling you to order things like office supplies with just a vocal command. They also play music giving your home office a more pleasant atmosphere.

  10. Ample Power Outlets: Laptops, monitors, cell phones, printers, virtual assistants, lamps, TVs, all require power to work. Adding home office equipment can quickly overtake the number of power outlets in the room, especially in older homes and apartments. If you are short on outlets consider an extension power strip with a breaker switch to avoid short circuits affecting multiple devices.

  11. Proper Lighting: A well-lit workspace helps keep your eyes protected, keeps you alert, and helps others see you better when video conferencing. Proper lighting also helps improve the efficacy of virtual backgrounds.

Check with your employer to see if it will reimburse you for some of these home office necessities and upgrades. Or, as mentioned earlier, if you already have these items in your office at work, see if you can use them at home while working there for an extended time. Having these basics will help you perform your job as well as being in the office, if not better.

December Member of the Month - Econsult Solutions, Inc.

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Econsult Solutions, Inc. (ESI) provides businesses and public policy makers with economic consulting services in urban economics, real estate economics, transportation, public infrastructure, development, public policy and finance, community and neighborhood development, planning, as well as litigation support.

Our scope is broad and our expertise specific. ESI assists clients in the evaluation of economic and fiscal outcomes of programs and developments, offers city and regional planning insight and advice, provides GIS analytic services, yields financial projections and advises investors and governments on projects, developments, and policy outcomes, and has the economic skills and expertise to process, analyze and manage large and complex datasets.

Our Principals and Senior Advisors include nationally recognized experts in urban development, real estate, government and public policy, planning, transportation, non-profit management, business strategy and administration, as well as litigation and commercial damages. Staff members have outstanding credentials, including active positions at the university level, wide experience at the highest levels of the public policy process and extensive consulting experience.

This past summer, Stephen P. Mullin and Richard Voith (Founding Principals of ESI) announced a leadership transition that seamlessly positioned ESI for continued growth in serving our clients with high-quality professional analyses and direction. The transition implemented the following promotions and changes in management roles:

Dick and Steve remain critical full-time members of the ESI leadership team and are now focusing 100% of their time growing the business and completing engagements in their many areas of subject matter expertise. With the recent change in management, we also announced the release of the eight main Practice Areas we focus our client work on. These include:

  • Economic Development

  • Equity & Inclusion

  • Government & Public Policy

  • Higher Education

  • Litigation

  • Real Estate

  • Transportation

  • Thought Leadership

For more information on Econsult Solutions, Inc., visit econsultsolutions.com,

6 Key Things Marketers Need to do During the Pandemic – Part 6

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You understand the need to continue marketing efforts, especially right now. You’ve analyzed your target audiences buying behaviors right now. You’re reaching out and staying connected to your customers. You know your target audiences current buying behaviors and you’re reaching out to connect. You’ve reached out to us about digital, pin-point targeted marketing for people who are buying what you sell during this economic downturn. You trust the process and track everything. Here is Rule #6 of Pandemic Marketing.

Pandemic Marketing Rule #6: Be in it for the Long Haul

This situation may have seemingly exploded overnight, and the impacts are hard and fast. This will not be the same story for the rebuild. Much like a natural disaster, it takes a short period of time for catastrophic damage but a lot of time, patience and hard work for the repairs and overall reconstruct to take place. Buckle up and be ready to ride this thing through. There is no “quick fix” here. Marketing is a long game anyway, now it will be even longer. Have patience and know that every effort that you make right now will pay off in the long run. Do everything in your power to keep up the consistent outflow. It will not only keep your business alive during this time, but it will almost certainly ensure future growth.

Are you lost or don’t know where to begin? As an essential business, Creative Characters is open, operating as usual, and ready to help in any way that we can. We are expert strategists standing by with the tools and guidance you need to make it through this crisis.

Contact Brigid Kaye at 215-923-2679 or email info@creativecharacters.com.

Source Links:
https://hbr.org/2009/04/how-to-market-in-a-downturn-2.
https://hbr.org/2008/09/how-to-market-in-a-recession
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/304099

Working From Home? How to do so effectively

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by: Janine Zangrilli, Director of Human Resources, Republic Bank

For the past six months, the coronavirus pandemic has impacted our world in a myriad of ways. From a business perspective, many organizations have been forced to learn how to operate with a majority remote workforce. This is proving to be challenging for employers. The Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) reported that 71% of organizations surveyed say that adjusting to remote working has been an organizational hurdle. And now, employers in Philadelphia are beginning to think about what this means for the workplace of the future – and whether work from home policies will remain for all or a portion of employees.

For my company, Republic Bank, and for many other businesses across our region, settling into this “new normal” has been a process. But by considering a few simple best practices, we’ve been able to adjust our way of doing business and refine our remote work strategies.

Technology and Security
Our team is always sensitive to the importance of security measures when handling confidential customer information. However, now is a great time for management to reinforce these measures, particularly as hackers may try to take advantage of this uncertain situation. Employees should always log in to our secure, virtual private network (VPN), remain diligent in reviewing emails or links for phishing scams, and forward any concerns to the Information Security team. Follow the normal procedures, regardless of the location of your desk.

Productivity
To be most productive, find a quiet area to designate exclusively for working. While there, focus on work and then physically leave that space behind when the workday is over – a good strategy for productivity and overall health and wellbeing.

One of the biggest questions has been how managers can actually monitor employee productivity, especially given many are juggling various other responsibilities such as parenting or teaching. This is no easy task and allowing for flexibility is important. Our team dynamic is unique – many employees can be remote, but some of our people are considered essential. They are in our offices daily and rely on the support of those working from home in order to effectively do their jobs, so communicating schedules and availability is key.

People Management
Managers should be having open, honest conversations with their direct reports to discuss expectations during this time. We recently launched an internal coaching program that emphasizes that one-on-one conversations – whether in-person or via phone – are beneficial to both managers and team members.

When it comes to concerns about job performance, I strongly recommend picking up the phone or scheduling a video conference. Performance issues should never be relayed via email, as tone and delivery can be misinterpreted. If distractions at home or inability to use new technology are contributing to poor job performance, loop in human resources – we are here to help come up with solutions that work for all parties.

Remember to schedule time each week to reflect on good work and internal wins – and share it! It’s always nice to recognize a job well done.

Return to Work
If and when employees do start to transition back into the office setting, it is important to have a plan and be prepared. Consider using a gradual process for re-entry and understand that flexibility remains key. Managers engaging in conversations to understand exceptions and make appropriate accommodations will help those who are most vulnerable. Our team successfully migrated back to in-office work, but we knew a hybrid solution was needed. Leveraging a shift schedule where employees only come into the office two or three days per week and work remotely the other days may alleviate concerns of too many people in the office at one time, and also help those who have school-aged children who are learning virtually. Show the team you are ready to welcome them back by being prepared with updated policies and signage to reinforce new expectations like wearing masks in common areas or maintaining proper distancing in the break room. Communicate how you are preparing to reassure the team that their wellbeing is important. During this hybrid environment, sharing schedules with team members and managers, and helping team members to understand all the expectations of the workplace, will be more important than ever.

Caring and Compassion
Last, and perhaps most important, we must have compassion for others during this difficult time – both professionally and personally. Look out for signs that team members are struggling to adapt to working remotely (or returning to in-office work), or perhaps are personally affected by the pandemic. Ensure that your staff know how to access available tools such as Employee Assistance Programs or TeleDoc coverage. Encourage them to take advantage of paid time off if they need a day to unplug.

And don’t lose sight of the importance of connection. Schedule a video conference with your morning coffee buddy. Send an encouraging email to your team. Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or other milestones virtually.

As the head of human resources, I look forward to bringing back the human aspect of our jobs (and our lives). For now, I encourage you all to make the best of the current situation, stop and take stock of the amazing job your team is doing, embrace new lessons learned, and know that there are better days ahead.

6 Key Things Marketers Need to do During the Pandemic – Part 5

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You’ve done everything in steps 1-4, now what? Is there anything left to do? You bet there is! Check out Rule #5 of Pandemic Marketing.

Pandemic Marketing Rule #5: TRACK TRACK TRACK

You need to track everything that you do (period). Tracking will give you full visualization into market infiltration, exposure, engagements, conversions and overall marketing impact. It will also provide you with the visual transparency that you need in order to test and tweak messages, call to actions, market segments, etc. Gather the data and analyze constantly. Once you know what is working, strengthen those actions and eliminate any waste. The ultimate goal is to refine your marketing strategy and enhance best practices continuously to ensure overall success and sustainability. Be willing to adapt and pivot quickly as data and trends become more and more clear. Trust the process.

Are you ready to refine your marketing strategy, but don’t know where to start? As an essential business, Creative Characters is open, operating as usual, and ready to help in any way that we can. We are expert strategists standing by with the tools and guidance you need to make it through this crisis.

Contact Brigid Kaye at 215-923-2679 or email info@creativecharacters.com.

Source Links:
https://hbr.org/2009/04/how-to-market-in-a-downturn-2.
https://hbr.org/2008/09/how-to-market-in-a-recession
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/304099