Writer: Andrea Terán
2 min read April 2024 — The Invest: Philadelphia 2023-2024 Launch Conference, hosted by Capital Analytics, brought together over 200 business leaders and professionals to discuss the vibrant future of Philadelphia’s economic and workplace landscapes. The event highlighted the city’s dynamic strategies for growth, focusing on innovation, collaboration, and the integration of technology across various sectors.
Abby Lindenberg, president and CEO of Capital Analytics, opened the summit with a powerful message about Philadelphia’s economic resilience. “Amidst national concerns about economic downturns and inflation, Philadelphia is charting a path of steady growth and innovation,” she remarked. Lindenberg emphasized the city’s response to past economic challenges and its robust plan for future prosperity.
The first panel, “Action plan: The initiatives underway in Philly’s eds and meds sector to create positive outcomes for students and patients,” was moderated by Dr. Kristy Shuda McGuire, dean of Biomedical Studies at The Wistar Institute. The panel featured Dr. Abiona Berkeley, interim senior associate dean, diversity, equity, and inclusion at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Dr. Chris Domes, president of Neumann University and Dr. Tom Beeman, board of trustee member at Salus University. Dr. Berkeley emphasized the synergy between education and healthcare: “Our collaborative efforts are essential for fostering a healthier tomorrow.” Dr. Domes also highlighted a need for “Integrating real-world healthcare challenges into our curricula” to prepare students to make meaningful contributions immediately upon graduation. Dr. Beeman added, “Our initiatives are designed to transform theoretical knowledge into practical solutions that benefit our communities directly.”
The second panel, titled “Fresh takes: The strategies behind staying relevant in 2024 and how organizations are working to meet evolving demands,” moderated by Ryan Gandolfo, senior editor at Capital Analytics, delved into how businesses pivot to stay competitive. The panel featured Mike Rombach, vice president and general manager at NRG Home; Emily Schapira, president and CEO at Philadelphia Energy Authority, and Sarajane Blair, general manager at CIC Labs + Innovation Campus Philadelphia. Rombach discussed the importance of agility, adding that “staying ahead means adapting quickly to the ever-changing business landscape.” Schapira pointed out, “Sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s a business imperative that drives us towards innovation.” and Blair stressed, “Providing a space where innovation thrives is crucial for fostering cutting-edge ideas and solutions.”
The third and final panel, titled “Worker mindset: A transformative workforce paradigm and the strategies to capture success in the current landscape,” included panelists Michael Bettinger, director of government and external relations at Montgomery County Community College; Paul Sharkey, executive director at UnitedHealthcare, and Christopher Hegarty, outsourcing director at CliftonLarsonAllen. Bettinger noted, “Adapting our educational strategies to meet workforce needs is critical for economic resilience.” Sharkey discussed the importance of health in productivity, saying that “promoting a healthy workforce is integral to our organizational success.” Hegarty added, “We need to engage our workforce in meaningful ways to drive innovation and efficiency.”
Sally Schufreider, market leader and general manager at Cigna Healthcare, wrapped up the summit with a keynote that underscored the importance of community health initiatives, stating, “Our focus on comprehensive health strategies is vital for sustaining community well-being and economic growth.”
To read the latest edition of Invest: Philadelphia, click here.
To watch the panel discussions from our Invest: Philadelphia 2023-2024 Leadership Summit, stay tuned to our Youtube Channel.
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About Capital Analytics & Invest: Philadelphia 2023-2024
Capital Analytics is an integrated media platform that produces in-depth business intelligence through its annual print and digital economic reviews, high-impact conferences and events and top-level interviews via its video platform, Invest:Insights.
The Invest: Philadelphia 2023-2024 report provides an in-depth look at what makes the region’s economy tick and the challenges that remain from the perspective of over 200 local leaders and elected officials.
Invest: Philadelphia looks at greater Philadelphia’s key industries, including healthcare and life sciences, financial services, real estate, technology, tourism and infrastructure, that drive the local economy. The area has enjoyed continuous growth and economic expansion in recent years, fuelled by business friendly policies and a number of business relocations and expansions during and after the pandemic. Based on this solid foundation, the region is poised to continue its robust growth in the years to come.
For more information, contact:
Ryan Gandolfo
Senior Editor
305-938-0293
