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,
Every day across Greater Philadelphia, businesses of every size are helping our region compete on a global stage. From entrepreneurs to established employers driving growth, their success is deeply connected to the success of our region.
As we prepare to celebrate both National Middle Market Week and Philadelphia MED Week, I'm reflecting on the businesses that make Greater Philadelphia stronger and the importance of ensuring they have the resources, connections, and opportunities they need to grow.
During National Middle Market Week this October, communities across the country will celebrate the businesses that quietly power economic growth and opportunity. Here in Greater Philadelphia, that includes companies like Q-mation, a growing industrial automation company that recently opened a new headquarters in Horsham, or Medical Guardian founded by Geoff Gross, who built and scaled the health technology company in Center City, or MEG Glass, a women-owned commercial glass and glazing contractor serving the tri-state region.
Together, middle market companies generate approximately $253 billion in annual revenue and employ nearly one-third of our region's workforce. Found across every sector, from manufacturing and healthcare to technology and professional services, these businesses are a powerful driver of our region's competitiveness and resilience.
That's why the Chamber is continuing to deepen our commitment to this critical segment. Through our partnership with the National Center for the Middle Market, we are helping bring valuable insights, research, and data to business leaders across the region. We're also creating opportunities for middle market executives to connect, learn, and lead through peer networks, roundtables, advocacy efforts, and thought leadership initiatives that help shape the future of Greater Philadelphia's economy.
The same week we celebrate National Middle Market Week, Philadelphia will also mark the 41st annual MED Week, recognizing the achievements of small, local, and underrepresented businesses. Diverse companies such as Connexus Technology, led by President and CEO Lawrence James, and Cleaning Champs, led by President and CEO Jasmine Tate-Supleeé, create opportunity, strengthen neighborhoods, and build a stronger regional economy. At the Chamber, we are proud to work on behalf of businesses at every stage of growth because a thriving economy depends on entrepreneurs, small businesses, middle market companies, and global enterprises all succeeding together.
Supporting business growth also means investing in the systems that connect people to opportunity. That's why I was proud to participate in the announcement of Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)'s Accelerate plan this week. Reliable public transportation is essential to a competitive region. It helps employers access talent, supports students and workers, and connects residents to jobs, education, and essential services. The Chamber views Accelerate as an important step toward strengthening our economy and advancing our vision of Greater Philadelphia as a top global destination for business and a leader in inclusive growth.
Our Chamber also announced Joseph G. Cacchione, MD, CEO of Jefferson, as the Chamber's incoming Chair of the Board of Directors.
Since joining our Board in 2022, Dr. Cacchione has been a thoughtful leader and valued partner in advancing the Chamber's policy and economic growth agenda. His leadership experience and deep understanding of our region's workforce, healthcare ecosystem, and economic opportunities will be invaluable.
I am excited to partner with Dr. Cacchione in this new role and deeply grateful to Chris Franklin for his outstanding leadership and service as Board Chair. Under Chris's guidance, the Chamber advanced key initiatives that strengthened our regional impact and positioned us for continued growth.
What connects all of these efforts, celebrating our businesses, supporting growth, advocating for transportation investment, and welcoming new leadership, is a simple belief: Greater Philadelphia is strongest when we work together.
You'll hear much more about that at our Annual Meeting on October 23, where we'll celebrate the progress we've made, welcome new leadership, and unveil the next chapter of the Chamber's evolution. I hope you'll join us.
In Service,
Chellie
