On February 18, 2010, David L. Cohen, Executive Vice President of Comcast Corporation will kick off the 231st luncheon as a five time guest of honor (RSVP HERE).  Mr. Cohen’s first time speaking at a Lunch with the CITY’s LEADERS was on June 21, 2001 at The Prime Rib, when he was partner in and Chairman of Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, LLP.

“We are excited to launch the tenth year of Lunch with the CITY’s LEADERS and celebrate a series dedicated to showcasing the ideas, insight and personal stories of some of Philadelphia’s best and brightest leaders,” said Ben Frank, CCPA Executive Director.  “Over the years, David L. Cohen has generously discussed groundbreaking developments in business, politics, entertainment and technology with CCPA’s members and friends.  He has been very inspiring.”

“Anyone with a business that can benefit from stronger relationships with area business and government leaders should attend CCPA’s lunches with city leaders, one of the best opportunities in the city to make important connections,” shared Dan Muroff, Principal of Muroff Government Strategies, LLC and a CCPA member.  “The lunch series has provided an exceptional opportunity to build existing relationships and to develop valued new ones.”

CCPA extends special thanks for the continuing support of the speakers, hosts and sponsors of Lunch with the CITY’s LEADERS including the 2010 sponsors:  Bank of America, KYW Newsradio, Margolis Edelstein and Rosemont College.

“Bank of America is proud to continue its support of CCPA and this lunch series,” said Tom Woodward, Pennsylvania State President and Philadelphia Market President.  “We are especially glad that the series offers small businesses and non-profits access to Philadelphia’s leaders and influencers, and in such an intimate setting, that may otherwise be difficult to experience”.

Recently, Bart Blatstein and Honorable Michael A. Nutter joined CCPA for their second and fourth Lunch with the CITY’s LEADERS, respectively.  Other recurring distinguished guests have included: Lynne Abraham, Meryl Levitz, Sharon Pickenson, David Yadgaroff, and Derrick Gillman.  In addition, Honorable Edward G. Rendell, Bill Giles, Chaka Fattah, Dr. Arlene Ackerman, Timothy Rub and Steve Sabol were also past speakers.

Recently a New York Times article referred to 2009 as the “golden year of networking.” I would also like to call it, “The Year when Humans Got so Scared of the Shrinking Economy That They Starting Talking to Each Other.” Networking events have seen attendance grow exponentially this year, as people search not only for their next client project, or career, but for new experiences.

This updated form networking is fueled with optimism, the hope for just about any form of fulfillment that can occur from these chance encounters. Whether it be a new client, or a good laugh, the economic downturn of 2009 demands a new perspective. With many Americans out of work and the threat of layoffs permeating into almost every industry, people are exploring new ways to reach out. This is not a new concept – it’s actually just the reincarnation of a very old, very effective, and timeless tradition. Conversation. Two human beings exchanging thoughts – It’s the oldest communication channel out there and it works.

Savvy networkers understand that relationships can develop and change over time, offer different benefits, and that meeting people should never be just an exchange of business cards. We are not our business cards, our company brochures, or power point presentations – people want a more genuine connection than that of networking’s past.

Whether in person, or online, it’s imperative that anyone growing a business or advancing their career in the 21st century utilize effective networking as part of your overall marketing plan. Our words are our most genuine voice – and the best marketing tool you can afford. Without a presence, one that continues to evolve and serve market needs, you and your business will lack an identity in the public lexicon and will soon be forgotten.

Use all the features on LinkedIn, chat on Facebook, or even Twitter a bit with friends. Webster’s defines networking as a “supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest,” meaning your networking can revolve around your gardening hobby – not necessarily just your profession. Check out these innovative groups in Philly that are grabbing attention such as Bloblive, and The Entrepreneurs Forum, check out groups that align with your interests on Meetup.com , or look into the Alumni programs offered at your alma mater.

Photo credit: Ideablob

As if small business owners in Center City aren’t already gripped by the economy, in January of this year, rates at downtown parking meters were hiked. The increases are geared to change the way Philadelphians get around, using costly street parking to push them to either public transportation, walking or to park in a parking lot. Will people be motivated enough to shop and dine in Center City that they will be willing to change their behaviors to do so? Or are we literally just driving business away? And, dare I say, is traffic a bigger problem or issue than the needs of Center City business owners?
The increase takes rates from $1 an hour to $2. Sounds painful to both business owners and shoppers in a plethora of ways. This is effective from river to river, Spring Garden to Bainbridge. Although it brings in $8 million to a city with a budget crisis, Mayor Nutter affirms the rate change is more an attempt at behavior modification, than revenue generation. Revenues to the PPA will total $31 million this year. The plan also includes a proposal to eventually triple the original rates to $3 in the core of Center City.
I am a big advocate of the benefits of public transportation, and the need to create easy, accessible opportunities for people to get around. But let’s be realistic for a moment. Suburbanites will continue to drive, along with city dwellers making short trips. People will not stop looking for street parking versus the more expensive alternative in a lot. You would have to stay 8 hours to make the lot worth it. $7.50/hour is the cheapest on the www.philapark.org site in distance of Walnut Street.

Encouraging switching to public transportation is a valid effort, but may take years. Let’s just say, that the majority of people with who are coming downtown to eat or shop will go home with items in hand (hopefully), and might prefer to put those items in the back of their vehicle than toting them on the R5 back to Radnor. Shouldn’t we be encouraging this needed economic stimuli?

The fear is simply, that it is now more difficult for consumers to spend time and money in Center City. And therein lie the problem that business owners and CCPA members are talking about. The hike has some good intentions, but it is less than timely. It is a difficult concept to grasp, especially in a time of economic strife, why the city would make these changes now? Most jarring are the pains felt by Center City restaurateurs and small business owners who are already fighting to keep their businesses viable, and fearing they are missing out as shoppers and diners are opting to park with ease at the King of Prussia Mall.

Exciting Parking News!!!

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20090121_Parking_meters_costing_more_this_week.html

http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20081111_Plan_would_triple_rates_at_Center_City_meters.html

http://www.gpmabl.com/index.html

Andrew Altman, Deputy Mayor for Planning, Economic Development and Director of Commerce presented a special opportunity for business associations and Community Development Corporations to better understand the budget crisis and to have a voice in strategic planning over the next 5 years.

Mr. Altman explained the re-balancing of the 2009 budget to solve the 5-year $1 billion shortfall, and presented the additional $1.04 billion dollar deficit for the 2010, 5-year budget. Officials from the commerce department explained that while Philadelphia will receive federal stimulus dollars, it will not help with our current financial burden.

Kevin Dow, Deputy Director of Commerce for Neighborhood and Business Services provided an overview of his department’s mission: to provide business and neighborhood-based organizations with reliable and comprehensive problem solving and economic development consulting.  The Business Services Unit is a transformation of the now defunct Mayor’s Business Action Team.  The BSU serves as the primary entry point for small businesses and is responsible for solving all small business problems. Each area of the city has a dedicated representative.

You can reach them at:
Office of Business Services
1515 Arch Street, 12th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215.683.2100

Amidst the bad economic climate, and the unfortunate outlook for city services, there is opportunity.  The staff of the commerce department seems eager to disseminate information and exchange ideas.  In fact, they need and want our ideas to help them shape our future government.

This is where you come in.  Mr. Altman asked for ideas.  If you had to choose (and we do), which is the lesser of many evils?  Which services would you be willing to give up?  Which tax would you be willing to raise to keep city services, to keep or add services for small businesses?

CCPA is grateful that we were invited to participate.  So help us.  Let us know if you have ideas.  Send us your suggestions for the commerce department and the office of Business Services, and we will collect them and hand them over to Mr. Altman.

Send your ideas and comments to ccpa@centercityproprietors.org

Looking forward to a bright future,

CCPA Executive Committee
Linda Karp, Karp Marketing
David Carter, Scramjet Strategies
Joe Wolf, Table-31 Restaurant
Paul Steinke, Reading Terminal Market
Executive Director, Benjamin Frank