The Chamber’s 207th Annual Meeting

The Chamber’s 207th Annual Meeting hosted approximately 1,200 people, including Philadelphia Mayoral hopefuls Michael Nutter and Al Taubenberger, at the Pennsylvania Convention last month. Chamber President & C.E.O Mark Schweiker and Chairman of the Board of Directors Joseph Frick spoke about the Chamber’s accomplishments over the past year and priorities for the region in 2007-08. Also, Mr. Frick noted that David L. Cohen, Executive Vice President, of Comcast will serve as Chairman Elect. His term will begin in Fall 2008.

The event kicked off with a video by comedian Jon Stewart, host of The Daily Show, who shared his memories from growing up in the area, addressed our mayoral candidates and encouraged us to continue our regional initiatives. The keynote address was given by Dr. Donald Kohn, Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Dr. Kohn discussed the country’s economic outlook and the recent activities of the Federal Reserve Board. This was the first public speech by a Federal Reserve representative addressing the half percent interest rate cut on September 18. To read Dr. Kohn’s speech, click here.

Thanks in large part to the importance of Dr. Kohn’s speech, the Annual Meeting received much local and national media coverage. Here are a few articles referencing the event:

• Fed official: Effects of rate cut take time from the Inquirer
• Job-growth numbers allay fears of recession from the LA Times
• September jobs report is solid, 110,000 added from USA Today
• Why 50 Instead of 25? Fed’s Kohn Explains from The Wall Street Journal

Click here to view photos of the event.