A message from the Chamber’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Chellie Cameron, to our regional business community as we work together to achieve our Chamber 2028 vision.

Dear Chamber Community,

Spring is officially here! As we prepare to cheer on the Phillies at their first home game, I’m reminded that this is a perfect time to celebrate the spirit of our community and the promise of blooming opportunities.

Last week, we honored Ellen Yin at our Paradigm Award Luncheon. Ellen’s inspiring story exemplifies how we can boldly rise together. She grew Fork into the culinary empire High Street Hospitality Group, uplifting many others along the way. We also distributed $110,000 in scholarships to women striving to complete their undergraduate degrees while working full-time for Chamber member companies. Since the scholarship’s inception, we’ve awarded 248 scholarships totaling $982,000. I’m proud that we celebrate these success stories.

When we talk about growth, these are opportunities we want to foster. As Philadelphians, we owe it to ourselves to advocate for growth within our region so that we have even more to celebrate.

As we look at current issues on the state and local levels, we see more opportunities to champion business and create job growth. In her recent address to City Council, Mayor Cherelle Parker called for the business community to support an increase in the state minimum wage to $15 an hour, a move the Chamber proudly supports. It’s no secret that Pennsylvania lags behind neighboring states in minimum wage. For our economy to truly thrive and compete on a global level, Greater Philadelphia residents need family-sustaining wages.

The Chamber is also actively advocating for inclusive growth by pushing for a comprehensive transportation funding solution in Harrisburg. A recent hearing held by the Pennsylvania House Democratic Policy Committee highlighted the urgent need for adequate transportation funding, emphasizing the critical role of public transit in connecting communities and supporting our statewide economy. Governor Shapiro and the General Assembly have shown willingness to consider a multimodal transportation funding solution, but a concrete plan is yet to emerge. Time is of the essence to identify a solution to fund Pennsylvania’s transportation needs before our economic future is derailed.

The Chamber believes that in addition to advocating for issues like minimum wage and transportation funding, now is the time to push for bold, meaningful tax reforms in Philadelphia to create widespread, shared prosperity throughout the region. Tax reform is affordable, will cause no reductions in services, and can be paid for through growth and strong revenues.

We owe it to ourselves, our residents, and our region to make these investments in support of a stronger economy that will uplift more people like our Paradigm Scholars and Ellen Yin. As we welcome spring, let’s seize this moment and ensure that no opportunity is left behind.

In Service,

Chellie

Chellie Cameron
President and Chief Executive Officer,
The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia