Buffy Morgan, Chorus Communications
Michael Masterson, Credit Suisse
Alison Fritz, Fox Chase Cancer Center
Diana Quattrone, Fox Chase Cancer Center
Jamie Quattrone, Fox Chase Cancer Center
Michael Schmitt, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
Kristin Anderson, IBM Corporation
Bryan Gobin, IBM Corporation
Alacoque Nevitt, Jackson Lewis LLP
Antonio James, Kinara Publishing & Productions, LLC
Alan Wong, Kleinbard, Bell & Brecker LLP
Ian Matlack, National Penn Bank
Jabari O’Garro, Paper Dreams Enterprises
George Maynes, Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors
Anna Cramer, Public Relations Society of America – Philadelphia Region
Jessica Lawlor, Public Relations Society of America – Philadelphia Region
Gregory Panik, Siegfried Group LLP
Philip Winn, TD Bank
Matthew Killion, The Franklin Institute
Michaela Pommells, The School District of Philadelphia
Meghan Quinn, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
JJ Tizou

Not a member of YPN? Learn how you can become one here!

Q: For those who don’t know you, who is the real Peter Edgar?
A: I am an adventurous young entrepreneur who was born and raised in Northern Ireland. I studied Geography at Queen’s University Belfast. During my time there I also took part in the Business Education Initiative studying Business Administration for one year at Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa. My hobbies include hiking, playing rugby, volunteer work, attempting to play the tin whistle, and I like to sing but I’m not very good.

Q: What brought you to Philadelphia?
A: After I graduated from Queen’s University Belfast in 2010, I applied for the United States – Northern Ireland Mentorship Program, which offers young professionals and graduates from Northern Ireland the opportunity to work in corporations in the U.S. for 12 months. I was selected to work for Almac which provides a range of services to pharmaceutical companies. The program was founded by former Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland, Declan Kelly, and had 16 participants in the first year.

Q: What is your favorite part of the city?
A: Philadelphia is a superb city with some great areas to explore. My favorite area would be either Rittenhouse Square, as the park reminds me of Botanic Gardens in Belfast, or Manayunk, as it has a great atmosphere especially during the summer evenings. The city and its people are brilliant! It is definitely a place that I will recommend that my friends back at home visit when they are on vacation.

Q: What will you miss most about the U.S. when you return home to Northern Ireland?
A: I have really enjoyed my time in the U.S. and hope that it won’t be long until I return. I will miss seeing the great group of friends and work colleagues that I have made since arriving here. One of the most exciting aspects of being in this country for 12 months was the opportunity to visit cities that I had only ever seen on TV or read about, so I will miss the traveling aspect, but I am also looking forward to exploring more around Europe. You are all welcome to visit Northern Ireland at any time, so be sure to let me know when you book your flight!

Q: Who inspired you since arriving in the U.S.?
A: This year, I have been fortunate to have encountered many inspirational people. Firstly, my managers at work have been very supportive in sharing their knowledge and expertise which has been great for my professional development. YPN has also been a very inspirational group. Their enthusiasm to help others with their career development and volunteer work has been really motivating, and the friendly community really helped me to settle into my new surroundings. Lastly, I volunteer with a group that meets to serve people soup and bread in the Rittenhouse Square area every Saturday morning. Their dedication and commitment to serving others has made a real impact on me, and I truly appreciate how they welcomed me into their group and allowed me to serve with them.

Q: What is your dream job?
A: My ambition is to build a successful business that will have a positive impact on the local community that it serves. I am currently working towards my goal by developing my international business experience and using this time to develop ideas. I think it is important to experience and practice different business techniques in preparation for setting up a business.

Q: What advice would you give to people starting their career?
A: One of the things that I have learned this year is to get involved whether it be with work or volunteering, but in all that you do, work to the best of your ability. Be confident and ask questions. I think sharing advice and talking with other young professionals is a great idea and it will help add value to your experiences. The most important piece of advice is to have a good time and enjoy it.

Interviewed by Julianne Reichert, Marketing Data Coordinator II, Duane Morris LLP

The Saturday before Christmas is usually reserved for last minute holiday shopping. Instead, a group of about 15 dedicated YPN volunteers rolled up their sleeves this year to assist Turning Points for Children with their Toy Shop program at their headquarters on 415 South 15th Street. We were shocked at the rooms full of toys, classic games (Chutes and Ladders and Sorry) and clothing items (pajamas, outerwear, socks and outfits). Our tasks were to sort the toys and games into appropriate age groups and to organize the clothing according to size, as well as decorate the space for the holidays.

Before we began, Jack Luke, Director of the Office of Development & Communications at Turning Points for Children, gave us an overview of the organization. Through their various programs, Turning Points works to help end the cycles of poverty and crime. It provides Philadelphia area families and caregivers with the vital resources needed to ensure their children are raised in a safe, healthy and nurturing environment. Turning Point’s vision is to help children become productive, self-sufficient members of society. That’s a tall order when they have 2,700 families/5,300 children to help and only 92 employees. With the passion and heart demonstrated by the organization’s employees I worked alongside, I have no doubt they have and will continue to accomplish great work!

As part of Turning Point’s Brighter Holidays program, the Toy Shop is set up to provide participating families with toys, books, games and clothing for their children. To keep it running smoothly, families are scheduled in 15-minute increments to peruse the shop and select items for their children. All of these items have been donated by area individuals and organizations. According to Lindsey Klinger, Associate of Publications and Special Events at Turning Points, “We were pleasantly surprised with the corporations that came through for donations.” By partnering with the Pajama Program, they received 600 pairs of donated pajamas. Some area companies (including Arkema and Urban Outfitters) asked their holiday party attendees to donate a toy or clothing item. Turning Points also partnered with area elementary schools in which children donated toys.

Thank you to all who helped this great organization brighten the holidays of Philadelphia families and children! For more information about Turning Points for Children, please visit www.turningpointsforchildren.com and www.facebook.com/TurningPointsforChildren, or contact Lindsey Klinger at lklinger@turningpointsforchildren.org.

Ironically, there was no music playing at the YPN event last Monday featuring Ari Solotoff and Cristian Macelaru, Executive Vice President and Assistant Conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra.  Background tunes would have been a distraction, and the audience of young professionals was too intent on listening to Mr. Solotoff and Mr. Macelaru as they shared information about our world-famous musical ensemble. 

For a half an hour, Mr. Macelaru and Mr. Solotoff spoke about topics ranging from their background in orchestral performance to a comparison between Philadelphia’s support for the arts and cultures and that found in other cities.  Both shared information on initiatives the Orchestra is leading to cultivate local musical talent and provide educational opportunities – initiatives like the PreConcert Conversations that include informal interviews with renowned guest artists and composers, the free neighborhood concert series offered during the summer, and programming for families and young children.

The room was riveted when Mr. Macelaru shared stories about his childhood growing up in Romania – stories that reminded each of us how fortunate we are to have a world-class orchestra right on Broad Street.  And, both Mr. Solotoff and Mr. Macelaru were stumped when a member of the audience asked them to name their favorite or most inspiring musical piece.  Fortunately, a few of the orchestra’s musicians in the audience – a tuba player, a member of the string section, and a woodwind representative – jumped in to help out.    

Afterwards the room filled with laughter and chatting as everyone went back to networking and enjoying the delicious spread provided by Salvatore’s.  I’m biased – since we hosted the event.  But, I think everyone in attendance would agree the candles, sprinkling of white lights, wreaths, mistletoe, and poinsettias strategically placed around the old Fels Mansion added to the festive mood. 

View photos from the event here.

Q: How did you become involved with the Philadelphia Union, and what do you do there?

A: I worked in New York City in financial services for six years, quit my job to pursue a career in the sports industry and was accepted to a ticket sales training center for Major League Soccer.  I then trained for six weeks in Blaine, Minnesota where I scored an interview with the Philadelphia Union and got the job. I am an Account Executive selling full and partial season plans, group tickets, corporate partnerships, youth soccer partnerships and public partnerships.

Q: What’s the most interesting or best part of your job?

A: One of the most appealing parts of my job is talking soccer all day long, every day.  I get to engage with fans on the phones and promote soccer in the US.  Being at all the home games at PPL Park is great too!

Q: What do you think the Philadelphia region offers young professionals?

A: Philly has some really good restaurants at reasonable prices.  It’s also right in between New York City and Washington DC so you can take quick weekend trips for fun.

Q: How long have you been a member of YPN? What motivated you to join?

A: We’ve had representatives from The Philadelphia Union attending YPN events for two years and I personally have attended events for about a year now.  I wanted to attend YPN events to make professional contacts and friends with people that would help my career as well as promote the Philadelphia Union.

Q: What has been your favorite YPN event?

A: McFaddens at Citizens Bank Park where we got to hear Scott Palmer, the Director of Public Affairs for the Philadelphia Phillies speak.  He had some inspiring words for young professionals in the sports industry like myself.  I also met another Account Executive from the Flyers who gave me some professional advice.   Overall it was great event and I got a lot out of it.

Interviewed by Maureen Pinchock, Marketing Communications Manager, SAP America Inc.

During the program, YPN board member Christopher Parker and Commissioner Ramsey discussed the efforts being made to reduce crime in Philadelphia, the Occupy Philly protests, and how young professionals can help grow the city.

The Commissioner took some time before the program to comment on these topics in an exclusive video interview. Hear what he had to say:

Read a recap and view photos from the event here.

On Tuesday, November 15, 2011, YPN members gathered at The Water Works Restaurant and Lounge for a networking event that featured Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey. 

Commissioner Ramsey started his law enforcement career in Chicago, where he served six years as a patrol officer before being promoted to sergeant.  He continued to climb the ladder with the Chicago police force, serving as the Commander Narcotics Section and eventually the Deputy Superintendent.  In 1998, Commissioner Ramsey became the Chief of Police for the Metropolitan Police Department (DC Police), a position he held until November of 2006.  In November of 2007, Mayor-elect Nutter appointed Ramsey as the Commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department.

During the Q&A session, which was moderated by YPN Board President Tina Malek and former YPN Board Chair, Chris Parker, Commissioner Ramsey answered questions about his management style, Occupy Philadelphia, and the challenges facing the City of Philadelphia. 

Commissioner Ramsey encouraged YPN members to seek leadership positions and to be responsible and active members of the community.

As always, our host, The Water Works provided excellent food and drinks, and a 20 percent discount if you stayed to dine.

View photos from the event.

What did you think of the event?  Share your thoughts with the YPN community.

The first thing that guests attending the Back on My Feet Bash this past Wednesday, November 2 noticed wasn’t the beautiful salon ballroom for the event, or the high fashion feel of the stages, but rather the 17 YPN members greeting them at the door. The smiling faces of our fellow members helped welcome the support and participants in celebrating one of Philly’s greatest charities.

For those unfamiliar with Back on My Feet (BoMF), it is an organization that seeks to empower the city’s homeless through running and physical fitness. This group started locally and now is praised nationally. The organization’s passion is to build our community, and YPN was there in force to support.

The Annual Bash is put on for both their volunteers and participants, who come from all walks of life and all levels of running. BoMF’s only goal is to give people the self-confidence and sense of achievement that comes through setting and achieving goals.

YPN was utilized to facilitate the evening so the group could enjoy all of their accomplishments. It might seem like a small part, but the gratitude expressed to me from these awesome people from many gushing emails makes me proud to be a YPNer.

To our members who came, thank you sincerely from the Volunteer Committee; you represented us well. To those who missed the event, my words aren’t nearly enough to describe the fun we had.

If you would like to learn more about or participate with BoMF, visit www.philadelphia.backonmyfeet.com or look for them at the Philadelphia Marathon. They’ll be the group encouraging everyone as they run by you.

View photos from the event.

Until this point, YPN members have been receiving both the Chamber Datebook and YPN’s monthly Upcoming Events html. Beginning in January, the Chamber Datebook will replace the Upcoming Events html. Members will continue to receive the Chamber Datebook email each Monday and will receive one final Upcoming Events html in December.

This change is being made in an effort to better serve YPN members and will allow members the opportunity to view and register for more events that interest them, more often.

The Chamber Datebook now features a section dedicated to YPN’s upcoming events:

In addition, it highlights which Chamber and affiliate events include YPN member discounts:

Similar to YPN’s monthly Upcoming Events html, YPN members can register for events directly through the Chamber Datebook.

Keep an eye out for the Chamber Datebook each Monday to stay up-to-date on the latest events available to YPN members. As always, we look forward to providing you with enhanced opportunities.

Scott Mirkin, President and Executive Producer of ESM Productions and a longtime member of YPN, is being honored with the Small Business Person of the Year award, part of the Chamber’s annual Excellence Awards Honoring the Region’s Small Businesses. Created in 1982, the Excellence Awards showcase the achievement and impact of small businesses in our region.

Recognized as a founding member of YPN, Scott Mirkin still demonstrates his dedication to YPN and has been involved with the organization for over a decade. He joined YPN in 1997 and later served as a member of the board. In addition to YPN, he is also a member of the Chamber and serves on its Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

Mr. Mirkin is an award-winning producer working with live events and television and has more than 20 years of experience in the industry. At age 18, he launched his career with an audio visual company, producing live events and packaging and selling turnkey solutions for production. In 1996, he opened his own event production company, ESM Productions. He has done notable productions such as the President’s Summit for America’s Future. Some of his favorite productions include the 2008 World Series Champions Celebration and the Welcome America Festival. The 2010 Concert had nearly 600,000 people in attendance, earning the title of the Largest Free Concert in America.

A Philadelphia native, Mr. Mirkin is an outstanding model of success. He exemplifies the purpose of YPN by demonstrating that success can be achieved through networking, leadership abilities, and investing in the future of Greater Philadelphia.

The 29^th Annual Excellence Awards will be held on Thursday, November 17. For more information or to register for the event at a discounted YPN price, please visit http://www.greaterphilachamber.com/ea.