Mayor Kenney Outlines Plans To Make It Easier To Do Business In Philadelphia
By Pat Loeb
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The city of Philadelphia will actively recruit new businesses, from overseas and from the nearby suburbs, under a development agenda laid out by Mayor Jim Kenney at his first address to the Chamber of Commerce.
The mayor revealed several initiatives underway, including the creation of the job of Director of International Investment. Also, the creation of a small business advisory board, a Talent Development Unit in the Commerce Department, and a new website business.phila.gov, and coaching programs to help local businesses. It's part of what he called a "new tone" between business and city government.
"For too long this address was essentially seen as the mayor's to-do list for the business community. But if Philadelphia is to succeed, the relationship between government and business cannot be based on a list of demands, it has to be a true partnership," said Kenney.
The address got high marks from the chamber's president, Rob Wonderling.
"I think the mayor hit all the right notes and it's a great to start to what will be a very busy and productive spring," said Wonderling.