Local
Working to improve the City of Philadelphia’s economic competitiveness
The Chamber builds productive relationships with Philadelphia’s policy makers and other elected and appointed officials in an effort to advocate for business-friendly practices that will drive economic growth and job creation in the City. We do this by convening our members around topics key to growth across the city and by acting as the voice of the business community at City Hall.
News & Perspectives
Member Perspective: Peter Hotz
Peter Hotz (President, vybe urgent care) explains how neighborhood entrepreneurship spurs innovation and creates economic opportunity.
Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia Statement on Advanced Scheduling
On Thursday, June 14th, Councilwoman Helen Gym introduced (as of Council session later this morning) legislation that mandates employers in the fast-food, retail and hospitality industry give at least two weeks’ notice of schedules, offer hours to existing employees when they become available instead of hiring new employees at a lower rate, and pay employees when shifts are canceled.
Open Call for Health Care Innovations
Earlier this week, the Collaborative issued a Request for Proposals for technology-driven solutions to address the financial burden and subsequent legal difficulties often faced by those undergoing lengthy or complex disease treatments.
Services
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Our long-standing and productive relationships with the Mayor’s Office and Philadelphia’s City Council allow us to voice the perspective and needs of our members and the city’s business community while working to prevent unintended consequences to onerous legislation. The Chamber also hosts annual events such as the Mayoral Luncheon and receptions with City Council and the Mayor’s Cabinet that provide Chamber members with access to City officials.
LOCAL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
Members monitor and evaluate proposed legislation in Philadelphia City Council and develop the business community’s position on initiatives that affect the private sector, such as taxes and business costs.
POLICY PAPERS, RESEARCH AND TESTIMONY
We advocate on a range of issues that enhance our city’s business climate and provide decision-making and policy-shaping information through careful and thoughtful research. The Civic Affairs Team makes itself and our members available to give testimony during legislative hearings as the voice of the business community on issues pertinent to member companies and the city’s future.
Roadmap for Growth Action Team
The Roadmap for Growth Action Team (Roadmap) is a group of 180+ Chamber members and partners united to engage with a broad range of civic and neighborhood organizations in the development and execution of policies and initiatives that enhance the economy, encourage civic engagement and support an efficient and impactful government in order to lift and improve Philadelphia’s economic and civic life.
Local Advocacy Policy Initiatives
The Chamber supports public policy that encourages the growth and prosperity of the City of Philadelphia and our region. Our Civic Affairs Team is actively working to lead and generate support for the following initiatives:
- Work with the Kenney Administration, City Council, and members of the business community on the Special Commission for Regulatory Reform and Review. This commission was formed to repeal burdensome regulations impacting businesses from the Philadelphia Code.
- Engage the business community and civic partners in the Roadmap for Growth Action Team to support actions around neighborhood economic growth, education and vulnerable populations in the city of Philadelphia.
- Advocate for the continued reduction to City wage and business taxes to create a more competitive environment for retaining and attracting businesses.
Thursdays at City Hall
Every Thursday, when City Council is in session, the Chamber convenes representatives from our member companies for a weekly gathering at City Hall. Members join the Chamber’s Civic Affairs team to be introduced to City Council representatives, see a City Council Session in progress, and represent the business community in conversations that promote job creation and economic growth. This is an effort by the Chamber to acclimate members to Council proceedings and monitor legislation relevant to the business community. All Chamber members are welcome to attend, please contact Darrell Davis for additional information: ddavis@chamberphl.com or 215-790-3776.
Latest Tweets
Our President & CEO Rob Wonderling welcomes all to Roadmap for Growth: A Map to Thriving Business #PhillyRoadmap
“Studies show that exposure to an entrepreneurial setting as a youth not only affects the decision to become an entrepreneur but also the likelihood to thrive as one" @vybecare’s Peter Hotz & his perspective on neighborhood entrepreneurship: https://t.co/ETdcWlY6Hk #PhillyRoadmap
Peter Hotz (President, @vybecare) explains how neighborhood entrepreneurship spurs innovation and creates economic opportunity: https://t.co/ETdcWlY6Hk #PhillyRoadmap
Read what @yvetteanunez and @FirstStepATL's Dave Shaffer have to say about workforce development efforts around the homeless and panhandling communities (ft. insights from #PhillyRoadmap panelists from @Saxbys @discoverPHL @CookNSolo and more):
Research, Resources & Publications
[Infographic] Roadmap for Growth:A Vision for the City of Philadelphia
Roadmap for Growth: A Shared Agenda for the City to Promote Economic Growth and Job Creation
Roadmap for Growth: Recommendations to Promote Economic Growth and Job Creation in the City of Philadelphia 2015-2020
