A New Year with YPN

September 2008

Submitted by Kevin Cafferky, Philadelphia OIC

When I joined YPN I never would have imagined that three years later I would have the opportunity to Chair this incredible organization. But as the Chamber says "Get Involved, Get Results" and I did! Over the past three years as a YPN member I have had the opportunity to attend many Networking Events at some of the best venues the Philadelphia area has to offer, hear from many of the areas top Corporate, Political and Philanthropic Leaders and network with up and coming leaders that make up YPN’s membership. YPN continues to dedicate itself to being the preeminent networking group for Young Professionals in the Greater Philadelphia Region.

As we begin another new year, YPN will continue to give its members opportunities to network with the other over 800 members of YPN, hear from the region’s Leaders, visit the region’s most interesting venues, participate in the YPN Professional Development Series and play in the YPN Golf Tournament. YPN and the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce will continue to offer opportunities to its members to make a difference by participating in Greater Philadelphia Cares Day on October 18th, Principal for a Day, the Read to Me Program, as well as the many volunteer events scheduled with the students and staff of McClure Elementary School.

It would be impossible to accomplish all of the goals for upcoming year without such a strong, dedicated group of Young Professionals who volunteer their time and energy as members of the YPN Board of Directors. I am pleased to announce that Stephanie Gambone has been elected as the Vice Chairwoman of YPN for this upcoming year. Stephanie is the Director of School Support and Business Partnerships for the Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN). In addition to Stephanie, the Board is made up of Anne Madonia (Immediate Past Chair), Cozen O’Conner; Steve Grandizio (Past Chair), Friendly Mortgage, Allison Bean, AIG; Amy Gorman, Moshulu Restaurants; Tina Greco, PREIT; Mai-Linh Hoang Kluth, SilverFlame Communications; Andrew Pack, Variety – The Children’s Charity; Maria Quattrone. Coldwell Banker Preferred; Peter Shrier, SSH Real Estate TCN; Sarah Talasnik, National Multiple Sclerosis Society; Casimer Thomas, Johnson Kendall & Johnson; and Lawrence Williams, NRM International. In addition to these returning Board Members, we are excited to welcome six new Board Members to YPN. They are: James Derek Wood, Tactix Real Estate Advisors; Christopher Parker, TD Commerce; Lori Wilson, NBC 10; Stephanie Balan, TriState Realtors Commercial Alliance; Nicole McInerney, Dollars & Sense Education; and M. Erin Lavelle.

I would also be remiss if I did not acknowledge the invaluable support provided behind the scenes from the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, including the tireless efforts of Barbara Saverino, Jessica Bercholc and Jacob Rozran without whom none of these wonderful events would be able to occur.

I am looking forward to another exciting year with YPN. I look forward to see you at our first Networking Event of the Year at the Hard Rock Café on September 17th where our guest speaker will be the former Governor of Pennsylvania and current President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Mark Schweiker. Also please make sure to register early for out first in our series of Professional Development Programs with Molly D. Shepard, President and CEO if The Leader’s Edge on Monday, September 22, 2008. Molly will be speaking on Strategic Networking: The Importance of Developing Key Business Relationships.

YPN Discounts to GPCC Events

September 2008

As an affiliate of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, YPN members are invited to attend the following events with a special discount. Additional events will be listed in the October newsletter. We hope you will be able to join us.

Wireless Without Limits

Wednesday, September 10, 2008
8:30 – 10:30 AM Program

The Hub Cira Centre
2929 Arch Street
Mezzanine Level
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Business executives, IT professionals and small business owners, join us for a program that will help you prepare to capitalize on new communications technologies and learn how to use them to successfully improve your productivity and profitability and grow your business.

Featured Speaker:
Jeff McDowell, Vice President, Global Alliances, Research In Motion

Panelists:

• Lawrence A. James, President/CEO, Connexus Technology
• Rob Moffat, President, Wallace Wireless
• Jeffrey Bergmann, Associate Director – Marketing, Verizon Wireless

Moderated by:

• Scott Snyder, President and CEO, Design Strategies International; Senior Fellow, Management Department, The Wharton School; Adjunct Faculty, EMTM Program of School of Engineering and Applied Science

Click here for more information »

Off the Record with Jeffrey Lurie, Joe Banner and Tom Heckert

Thursday, September 11, 2008
5:00 – 5:30 PM Registration and Networking
5:30 – 7:30 PM Program, Networking, and Cocktail Reception

Lincoln Financial Field
SCA Club Lounge
One Lincoln Financial Way
Philadelphia, PA 19148

The Chamber is proud to announce that Eagles star running back Brian Westbrook will now make a special appearance during the networking portion of the progam.

The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce invites you to join Jeffrey Lurie, Eagles Chariman and CEO, Joe Banner, Eagles President and Tom Heckert, General Manager for the Philadelphia Eagles, for an exclusive behind-the-scenes opportunity to hear from the top members of the Eagles Front Office.

The event will also include appearances by Eagles Pro Bowl offensive tackle, Jon Runyan, former Eagles Wide Receiver Fred Barnett, former Eagles defensive lineman Mike Mamula, and Gary Cobb, a former Eagles linebacker who runs the popular local sports Web site, GCobb.com and also serves as a radio host on Sportsradio 610-WIP.

*Complimentary Parking in lot L off Darien Street

Click here for more information »

The Chamber Introduces Events 2.0

September 2008

The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce has implemented a new registration process for all events, including YPN’s. A welcome email was sent out to all members earlier this week. This process will make it easier for you to register for events. The only noticeable difference for you is the requirement for a username and password, which you should have received already. You will only have to sign in once a year, as long as your internet browser supports cookies. If you have any questions or concerns with the new process, please email YPN at ypn@greaterphilachamber.com.

Attend the Professional Development Event on Strategic Networking

September 2008

YPN Professional Development Event on Strategic Networking

Monday, September 22, 2008
6:00 – 8:00 PM Program

Independence Blue Cross
44th Floor
1901 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Strategic Networking:
The Importance of Developing Key Business Relationships

The Young Professionals Network of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce is pleased to partner with The Leader’s Edge/Leader’s By Design, one of the region’s top leadership development consulting firms, to provide the first of several skills-building seminars for young professionals in the Greater Philadelphia region.

Speaking will be Molly D. Shepard, President & CEO, The Leader’s Edge. This program will introduce the concept of strategic networking and how making the right contacts will help you achieve personal, professional and organizational goals. Specific topics include:

• Assessing your current network internally and externally
• Identifying new contacts/areas for expanding your network
• Learning how to make connections
• Developing your elevator speech
• Getting on community boards

Click here to register for this event »

Volunteer with the YPN team for Greater Philadelphia Cares Day

September 2008

What is Philadelphia Cares Day?
Greater Philadelphia Cares, in partnership with the Philadelphia School District, hosts the 14th Annual Philadelphia Cares Day, a marathon day of service that gives children attractive and more functional learning environments. More than 100 schools will benefit from fresh coats of paint, refurbished libraries, landscaped green spaces, restored playground equipment, and much more.

Join with the Young Professionals Network as we return McClure Elementary School in North Philadelphia. YPN began its relationship with the school two years ago at Philadelphia Cares Day and has since had our former chairs become the principal for a day, conducted a book and toy drive, and had a Career and Education Day. To finish the past two school years, YPN has hosted a field day for students with perfect attendance. YPN is happy to be continuing its volunteering relationship with the school and be expanding our activities to expand our impact with the community.

When is it?
Saturday, October 18, 2008
9:15 AM - 2:00 PM (approximately)

What is the schedule for the day?

• 9:15 AM
  Meet at the Chamber (200 South Broad Street) and car pool to school.
• 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  Roll up your sleeves and work, work, work (and have some fun too)!
• 2:00 PM
  Depart from school.

If you are interested in joining the YPN team, you can register online at http://www.philacares.com/events/annualpages/pcd.htm, select "Click here to register now", select "Join a Team" and then "Young Professionals Network".

A Message from the Chair, Anne Madonia

August 2008

Submitted by Anne Madonia, Cozen O’Connor

It’s that time in the summer when we all start to think ‘boy, how fast this summer has gone by’ and we make plans to get the most out of the remaining weeks…we buy tickets to a Phillies game, plan a bar-b-q with friends, schedule a trip to the shore, tee up for another round of golf, etc. We try to capture every last bit of summer before it’s over.

August is my last month as the chair of YPN, and as I look back to recapture and savor all that we’ve accomplished this past year, it’s no surprise that YPN had another successful year. When I became the chair of YPN last September, I challenged the YPN Board to take YPN to the next level, to continue on the path that had been started by our predecessors, to increase membership, to provide more exposure for YPN and to think outside the box and to take on new initiatives. The dedicated and passionate Board members took me up on that challenge, and together we achieved these goals.

We hosted top-notch networking events; we implemented a professional development program, including an annual “Mayor Nutter Unplugged” program; we expanded YPN’s volunteer activities at McClure Elementary School and started a “Volunteer of the Year” award; we had a successful golf outing with business executives; we started a YPN blog with photos from events; we engaged our membership to be more involved in committee activities; we provided more leadership opportunities and exposure for YPN Board members...just to name a few things we’ve done this year.

In keeping with tradition, YPN provided its members with the opportunity to hear from the region’s leaders and to experience new and exciting venues throughout the city. YPN’s networking events were kicked off in September with an event at the Palm Restaurant with guest speaker Joe Frick, President & CEO of Independence Blue Cross. In October, we networked at the Inquirer Building with guest speakers Brian Tierney and Eric Grilly from the Inquirer. YPN brought us over the river in November for an event at Adventure Aquarium in Camden, with guest speaker Kelly Johnston, VP of Government Affairs, Campbell’s Soup Co. December’s networking event was at the newest Marathon Grill with guest speaker Tom Muldoon, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. In January, YPN held its networking event at Tangerine Restaurant with guest speaker Bradlee Bartram, V.P. of Restaurant Development of Starr Restaurants. YPN held its February event at DiBruno’s on Chestnut Street with guest speaker Bill Mignucci, Jr., President of DiBruno Brothers. March’s event was a first-ever for YPN, with Mayor Nutter as guest speaker, at St. Joseph’s University. YPN brought its members to the newest addition to the Philadelphia Museum of Art by holding its April event at the Perelman Building with guest speaker Gail Harrity, COO of PMA. In May, YPN held its Success in the City Signature Event at the Pyramid Club, with Lori Wilson as moderator, and the panelists included Wes Wyatt of Cintron Beverage Co., Judy Spires of Acme Markets, and Vai Sikahema of NBC News. YPN took us to the Racket Club in June with guest speaker District Attorney Lynn Abraham. YPN topped off its year of networking events in July at the Moshulu with the announcement of YPN’s Volunteer of the Year award recipient.

YPN not only provided networking opportunities, but in furtherance of its mission, YPN provided its members with exclusive professional development programs. YPN started this initiative with a program focused on networking skills with the Philadelphia Business Journal’s publisher Lyn Kremer. Next up, we learned how to start and maintain a successful small business with tips from Steve Grandizio, president of Friendly Mortgage. We then received invaluable career advice from career consultant Sara Canuso. Lastly, YPN’s professional development program culminated with a focus on volunteerism and community involvement with insights from Renee Archawski, Executive Director of Philadelphia Cares, and Sheila Hess, Manager Social Mission Programs at Independent Blue Cross. YPN will continue its professional development program, so look for future emails about an upcoming program in September.

As I pass the baton to YPN’s next chair, Kevin Cafferky, controller at Philadelphia OIC, let me take this opportunity to tell you that YPN will have a great leader come September! I’m excited to turn over the reigns to someone who not only has so much passion for YPN but to someone who truly understands and appreciates the importance of networking and building relationships. Let me also acknowledge three outgoing board members who have served YPN well over the years, Dave Abrams, Bernadette Pitts and Michael Stalbaum, each of whom used their talents in the law, in event planning and in marketing, respectively, to make YPN an even better organization.

YPN is Philadelphia’s premier young professional networking group, and it’s also one of the city’s best kept secrets, so I encourage those of you that are members to bring your friends and co-workers to future events and for those of you that aren’t members, seriously consider becoming a member in time for YPN’s Kick Off to the new year of programming at the Hard Rock Café on September 17th. The guest speaker will be former governor Mark Schweiker, President & CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

As I finish up my term as chair of YPN, I want to thank you all for allowing me to guide this amazing organization through another successful year. Personally, it was a challenge juggling not only my duties as chair but also a full-time, demanding job as a partner at Cozen O'Connor, and being a first-time mother. I’ve learned one thing, and I’ll share it with you, anything is possible if you are determined and passionate, if you surround yourself with a strong support system, and if you stay focused on your goals and priorities. Enjoy the rest of the summer and see you in September!

Thank You for Registering to Volunteer with the NGA

August 2008

Last month, the National Governor’s Association held its Annual Meeting and Centennial Celebration in Philadelphia. Governor Ed Rendell and the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce requested the services of YPN to fulfill its volunteer necessity. YPN answered the call and came out in droves to help with the press, welcoming, and security at the event. The event brought together Governors from all over America, both past and present, and YPN volunteers afforded the opportunity to see them in action and to socialize with them. Thank you to all who registered to volunteer.

Moshulu hosts the Young Professionals Network

August 2008

Submitted by Anne Madonia, Cozen O’Connor

Oh what a night! Young Professionals Network held its last networking event for its 2007-2008 season at the Moshulu at Penn’s Landing on July 15th. With over 250 registered attendees, it was a full ship! The ambience of looking over the Delaware River landscape on a hot summer night was just perfect. The delicious food, the drinks, the crowd…another great night to mix and mingle and network with other young professionals in the city. YPN capped off its year with the month of July focused on Volunteerism, culminating in the presentation of the YPN Volunteer of the Year Award at the event. The first-ever award winner was Jeff DeCesare. Jeff was the most engaged YPNer for volunteering this past year. A special plaque was presented to Jeff by the Volunteer Committee co-chair and YPN board member Andrew Pack, and in addition Jeff was also given $500 to donate to his favorite charity. Jeff chose Philadelphia Cares and a check was presented to Renee Archawski, its Executive Director. Jeff surprised the crowd by announcing that his employer Paliani Consulting had matched YPN’s donation, and Philadelphia Cares was presented with another $500. Smiles all around! It was such a great way to end my term as the chair of YPN.

YPN is Philadelphia’s premier young professional networking group, and it’s one of the city’s best kept secrets, so I encourage those of you that are members to bring your friends and co-workers to future events and for those of you that aren’t members, to seriously consider becoming a member.

Click here to see more pictures from the event at Moshulu.

YPN Hosts a Professional Development Program on Community Involvement and Volunteerism

August 2008

The Young Professionals Network finished up its programming year with a professional development program on community involvement and volunteerism. Renee Archawski, Senior Vice President of Corporate Relations of Greater Philadelphia Cares, and Sheila Hess, Manager of Social Missions for Independence Blue Cross, presented on their own experiences in the community and provided the group many ways to get involved themselves. YPN thanks our great speakers and all of those who attended; we look forward to another strong program year.

Save the Date for YPN's Next Professional Development Program

August 2008

Strategic Networking:
The Importance of Developing Key Business Relationships.
September 22
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Join YPN for our first professional development program of the year. This program will introduce the concept of strategic networking and how it will be used to achieve personal, professional and organizational goals. Location, speaker and additional information will be posted on the YPN website.

Volunteering is a Win-Win All Around

July 2008

Submitted by Anne Madonia, Cozen O’Connor

July is another busy month for YPN. YPN members will have the opportunity to volunteer at the National Governor Association’s Annual Meeting and Centennial Celebration to be held in Philadelphia the weekend of July 11 – 14. YPN has been invited by Governor Ed Rendell and the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce to serve as the volunteer team for this prestigious event – another exclusive opportunity afforded only to YPN members. YPN’s monthly networking event will be held on July 15 on The Moshulu, at which we’ll be awarding the YPN Volunteer of the Year award and celebrating YPN’s volunteer achievements at McClure Elementary School. And, lastly, YPN’s professional development program will culminate on July 28 with a focus on volunteerism and community involvement, with guest speakers Sheila Hess and Renee Archawski, who are the quintessential symbols of volunteerism. You’ve probably picked up on YPN’s theme for July…volunteerism.

As the chair of the YPN Board of Directors, I’m proud to be a part of an organization dedicated not only to networking and professional development, but also to volunteerism. Let me share a secret with you…this year’s YPN Board is by far the most committed group of individuals dedicated to giving back to the community and offering their time and effort in anyway they can, and they’ve steered a course for YPN to take part of volunteer opportunities that make an impact on the community. In fact, YPN’s volunteer work at McClure Elementary School has made a real impact on the lives of students in North Philadelphia. Volunteering not only provides immeasurable benefits to the constituency targeted for the activities, but also improves our city and provides volunteers with an opportunity to network with other quality people. It’s a win-win all around.

That being said, please join us on July 15 as we acknowledge a YPN member who has shown the true meaning of volunteerism through participation in all of YPN’s volunteer opportunities this year. But don’t just stand by the sidelines, volunteer your time for the National Governors’ Conference and join us on July 28 to find out more about volunteering and getting involved in your community. I have no doubt many of you already volunteer your time and energy to great causes, but I encourage you to join your YPN colleagues and be a part of YPN’s volunteer efforts.

Volunteer with the National Governor’s Association Annual Meeting and Centennial Celebration

For the last decade, the Young Professionals Network of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce has provided volunteer services for such momentous occasions such as the President’s Summit for America’s Future and the Republican National Convention thereby enhancing the smooth operation of these historic events. Governor Ed Rendell and the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce invite you to serve once again in this capacity when he welcomes the nation’s governors to Philadelphia for the National Governor’s Association Annual Meeting and Centennial Celebration, July 11 – 14. Much like previous events in which the YPN has participated, this conference will offer an insider’s perspective into a prestigious organization. The YPN Board of Directors will be the primary volunteer team assisting the Pennsylvania Host Committee at the event.

Areas in which volunteer participation is needed include hospitality, registration, media, transportation & logistics and event operations. If you are interested in serving as a volunteer, please contact Jacob Rozran at 215 790-3677 or jrozran@greaterphilachamber.com for further details. Space is limited.

The Young Professionals Network tees off at the 2008 Golf Outing

Submitted by Peter Shrier, SSH Real Estate

YPN has officially brought back the golf outing and it was a huge success! Bala Golf Club had its course in pristine condition for a day in which a gloomy weather forecast turned out to be 85 degrees and sunny! YPN members, guests and Chamber of Commerce members gathered for a round of 18 holes followed by cocktails, prizes, networking and a great dinner spread. Thanks to our hole sponsors as well as Ameriprise Financial, Comcast Spectacor, The Maria Quattrone Team of Coldwell Banker Preferred and Friendly Mortgage for making the reception, refreshments and the entire day a wonderful event. As a YPN member, I could not think of a better way to spend a Monday afternoon than on the golf course with my fellow YPN friends and Chamber Board Members; I am already looking forward to playing with them again next year if not sooner!

YPN would like to give a special thank you to Market Incentives for donating customized YPN golf balls, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort for donating a spa basket, the Kimmel Center for donating a pair of tickets to Spamalot, and Crowne Holdings for donating golf balls to the outing.

Congratulations to the following golfers for their performance at the outing:

Check out all of the pictures from the golf outing on the Chamber Blog.

The Racquet Club of Philadelphia hosts YPN

Submitted by Peter Shrier, SSH Real Estate

On June 3rd, Philadelphia’s District Attorney, Lynne Abraham, reminded YPN members why Lynne is such an asset to Philadelphia. In speaking to a packed room at the Racquet Club of Philadelphia, Lynne shared her feelings on Philadelphia’s advantages, dynamics and reputation from the standpoint of crime, neighborhoods, education and simply being a life citizen. Her knowledge, passion, dedication and humor were evident and the Racquet Club, as expected, prepared a great spread as an excellent host.

Are you a New Member of YPN?

Want to meet other new members and get an overview of the organization? Join YPN Board members Andrew Pack and Dave Abrams this month at the Chamber for YPN New Member Orientation.

The next YPN New Member Orientation will be on Monday, July 28, 2008, at 5:30PM. The orientations will be held at the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce located at 200 S. Broad Street (Broad & Walnut) on the 7th floor. Please confirm your attendance by emailing your contact information to Jacob Rozran at ypn@greaterphilachamber.com.

Time is running out to Register for the Annual YPN Golf Outing

June 2008

Monday, June 23, 2008
Registration and Lunch: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Golf: 1:00 – 6:00 pm
Networking Reception: 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Bala Golf Club
2200 Belmont Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131

YPN is bringing back the golf outing! Come out for a day of intimate networking on the green. You’ll play in a group of four, which may include a senior business executive. Cost covers lunch, carts, access to the locker rooms, $10 to the golf shop and an evening reception. Parking is free.

YPN Member: $160
Non-YPN Member: $200

You may sign up as an individual, pair, or threesome. Register online at www.ypnphilly.com.

Volunteer with the National Governor’s Association Annual Meeting and Centennial Celebration

For the last decade, the Young Professionals Network of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce has provided volunteer services for such momentous occasions such as the President’s Summit for America’s Future and the Republican National Convention thereby enhancing the smooth operation of these historic events. Governor Ed Rendell and the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce invite you to serve once again in this capacity when he welcomes the nation’s governors to Philadelphia for the National Governor Association’s Annual Meeting and Centennial Celebration, July 11-14. Much like previous events in which the YPN has participated, this conference will offer an insider’s perspective into a prestigious organization. The YPN Board of Directors will be the primary volunteer team assisting the Pennsylvania Host Committee at the event.

Areas in which volunteer participation is needed include hospitality, registration, media, transportation & logistics and event operations. If you are interested in serving as a volunteer, please contact Jacob Rozran at 215 790-3677 or jrozran@greaterphilachamber.com for further details. Space is limited.

Volunteer at the McClure Elementary Spring Fling

Friday, June 6, 2008
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

McClure Elementary School
600 West Hunting Park Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19140

Last year, the Young Professionals Network started a relationship with McClure Elementary School through Greater Philadelphia Cares Day. McClure is a K-4 school with 25 classrooms consisting of children with diverse backgrounds, many of whom are considered at-risk or living at the poverty level.

YPN has continued this relationship with the school for a second year, recently hosting a Career and Education Day for the students. To wrap up the year, the Young Professionals Network will be hosting a Spring Fling at McClure. Students on honor roll and who attend Saturday school will be recognized with a pizza party, awards, and giveaways.

This is a great opportunity for members to volunteer and help support the celebration of students' year long dedication to hard work.

If you are interested, please contact Jacob Rozran at jrozran@greaterphilachamber.com.

The Pyramid Club hosts YPN for Success in the City

Submitted by Tina Greco, PREIT

This year’s YPN Success in the City event brought a room full of aspiring young professionals together to hear about the winning careers of 3 very reputable panelists who have had an impact on Philadelphia, including Judy Spires, President of Acme Markets, Wes Wyatt, Chairman and CEO of Cintron Beverage Group, Vai Sikahema, Anchorman/Sports Director for NBC 10 News, and our favorite moderator, Lori Wilson, Anchor/Reporter and Co-hot of "10!" for NBC 10 News. All of the speakers had the common thread of Philadelphia playing a role in their professional and personal success, and it all came back to the relationships and the people of the Philadelphia region that contributed in some way.

Being in a location like The Pyramid Club with its majestic views, myself, and the peers I talked to, couldn’t help but feel a sense of empowerment and motivation. We were encouraged by the speakers to keep family and social values among our priorities, to learn from every experience (no matter how frustrating or difficult) and take that with us as we figure out our way to where and who we want to be. Despite the rainy weather, it was a great event and I look forward to continuing to be inspired by their careers — whether you are an entrepreneur, an athlete or a female climbing a corporate ladder, there is success to be had in Philadelphia.

YPN Partners with the Young Friends of Philadelphia Youth Network to Benefit WorkReady Philadelphia

YPN came together with the Young Friends of Philadelphia Youth Network for a networking event to benefit WorkReady Philadelphia’s Summer Paid Internship Program. All told, the event raised over $1700; all of the proceeds from the event will go directly to subsidize summer paid internships for Philadelphia High School students.

Speaking at the event were Howard Cutler of AETNA, a recent recipient of the Philadelphia Business Journal’s 40-under-40 award, and Al Golden, head football coach of Temple University. Howard Cutler talked about how important it is to find room for students at your workplace. Howard surprised everyone when he provided a personal donation, above and beyond that which AETNA has already pledged to support. Al Golden spoke about the importance of providing opportunities to those who are less fortunate.

Thank you to all who attended this worthwhile event.

Are you a New Member of YPN?

Want to meet other new members and get an overview of the organization? Join YPN Board members Sarah Talasnik and Steve Grandizio this month at the Chamber for YPN New Member Orientation. Sarah Talasnik works as the Development Manager for the National MS Society, Greater Delaware Valley Chapter. Sarah is mainly responsible for working with two of the chapter's events: Walk MS at the Philadelphia Art Museum and Bike MS: PA Dutch Ride. Previously, she worked at Advanced Health Media as a Speaker Bureau Planner. Sarah received her BA in Business Administration in 2003 from Lynchburg College. Steve Grandizio is president of Friendly Mortgage, a mortgage brokerage firm with offices in Old City and West Palm Beach, Florida. After playing professional baseball in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, Steve returned to Philadelphia in 1996. In 2007, Steve was named to the Philadelphia Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 as well as being the Chair of the YPN Board.

The next YPN New Member Orientation will be on Monday July 28, 2008, at 5:30 pm. The orientations will be held at the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce located at 200 S. Broad Street (Broad & Walnut) on the 7th floor.

Please confirm your attendance by emailing your contact information to Jacob Rozran at ypn@greaterphilachamber.com.