Chamber Leads Dialogue with NATO PA and Local Businesses Underscoring Global Collaboration and Elevating Greater Philadelphia on the International Stage

A delegation of NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA) members recently toured several economic hubs in North America, including a stop in Greater Philadelphia, where they engaged in a panel discussion moderated by Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Chellie Cameron.  Organized by NATO PA Political Committee Chair and Pennsylvania Congressman Brendan Boyle, the delegation conducted meetings with business, civic, diplomatic, and political leaders in New York, Princeton, NJ, and Philadelphia to learn more about critical issues related to global economic challenges.  

Insights from Regional Business Leaders 

In service to this goal, the Chamber gathered member organizations to discuss the impact of geoeconomic shifts on business communities worldwide and how our global economy can become more resilient, sustainable, and effective. The opportunity to convene Greater Philadelphia’s thought leaders and showcase their leadership on these issues demonstrates our region’s talent, resources, and unlimited potential as we work to elevate its position in the global economy.   

Notable panelists included Saint-Gobain‘s Chief Information Officer Henrique Bonorino, who spoke on the growing demand for innovative materials in sustainable construction; Vicinity Energy’s Vice President of Business Development Rick Smith, who gave insights into the integration of sustainability goals into business models; and Gary Feldman, Lockheed Martin’s Director of Advanced Systems Business Development, who shared more about the role the defense sector plays in geopolitics.  

The panel conversation underscored the importance of dialogue and cooperation in addressing global issues related to emerging technologies, supply chain resilience, environmental challenges, and international security.  

“Partnerships and robust conversations like these between international leaders and our regional business community are essential as we work to achieve our vision: Greater Philadelphia is a top global destination for business and a leader in inclusive growth,” said Cameron.  

Chamber Company Site Visit Models Region’s Global Connectivity

While in Philadelphia, the delegation visited Chamber member, Leonardo Helicopters, U.S., an Italy-based company among the eight largest defense contractors in the world of its U.S. helicopter operations headquarters.  

The NATO PA delegation’s visit to Leonardo Helicopters U.S. in Philadelphia provided a case study of the region’s attractiveness for companies worldwide looking to expand into the U.S. 

As noted in the Chamber’s recent Momentum Makers video series interview with Leonardo Helicopter U.S. CEO Clyde Woltman, the company’s decision to expand into Greater Philadelphia was influenced by the region’s quality workforce, extensive airfield access, and ample customer base, among other reasons. 

Generating more than $450 billion in gross regional product, Greater Philadelphia exerts global influence as one of the nation’s largest markets. The opportunity for the international delegation to hear first-hand testimony about the region’s benefits is invaluable in attracting international businesses to the region and growing our vibrant and diverse business community. The delegation’s visit demonstrated several of the key assets the Chamber champions in positioning our region for success, including our strategic location in the Northeast Corridor, proximity to 40% of the nation’s population, and status as one of the largest regional labor forces in the country. 

Join Greater Philadelphia’s Collaborative Business Ecosystem

Greater Philadelphia’s economic development is driven by our global connectivity and collaborative business community. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of business and economic growth, it’s essential that we harness our region’s collaborative strength.  

Help the Chamber amplify Greater Philadelphia’s story by signing up for our new Chamber Champions email list, delivering timely regional news updates in an easy-to-share format, by contacting Elisa Procida, Manager, Regional Marketing, the Chamber, at eprocida@chamberlphl.com.  

If you know of or represent an organization looking to expand or relocate in Greater Philadelphia, contact James Medaglio, Director, Business Attraction and Expansion, the Chamber, at jmedaglio@chamberphl.com.