December 27, 2020
Associate Member Drucker & Scaccetti Shares “11 Basics of a Functional Home Office”
December 23, 2020
HC Mattila Facing COVID in Finland
Kristina Mattila, Honorary Consul of Finland, recently emailed that she has been dealing with the pandemic in her native Finland since May, 2020. While many European countries are experiencing COVID spikes and related lockdown policies, she reports that the Nordic countries have been able to survive with fewer imposed restrictions. Finland’s primary strategy has evidently been to control border crossings with large-scale testing and a tracking app which has already been used by half of the country’s population. Most significantly, recommended actions to combat the virus are largely voluntary and yet have proved to be quite effective. Good health and happy holidays to Kristina.
December 15, 2020
Last “Diplomacy & Dialogue” of 2020 Features Nasdaq
The Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia and Citizen Diplomacy International co-hosted their last regular “Diplomacy & Dialogue” program of 2020 with special guests LeeAnne Milhiser and Raymond Mays, executives with Nasdaq, Inc., a CCAP Associate Member. A multinational financial services and technology corporation, Nasdaq operates stock exchanges around the world. The conversation focused, inevitably, on the company’s many adjustments to COVID pandemic restrictions.
December 9, 2020
CCAP, AJC Co-Host Virtual Holiday Reception
The Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia (CCAP) and the American Jewish Committee of Philadelphia/Southern New Jersey (AJC) co-hosted their traditional Holiday Reception…on a virtual basis. As in previous years, the event included a symbolic Hanukkah celebration with CCAP and AJC members lighting menorahs and reading ceremonial passages. AJC is an Associate Member of CCAP and the two organizations are regular partners.
December 9, 2020
CCAP Quarterly Members Meeting – Another Virtual Hit!
In response to continuing COVID-related restrictions, the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia again hosted its Quarterly Members Meeting on a virtual basis. Attendance was excellent and the association’s usual business included a welcome to new members and special visitors, a detailed review of CCAP activities during the challenging year of 2020, election of the 2021 Executive Committee and approval of the 2021 Operating Budget. Following the meeting, CCAP members joined a virtual Holiday Reception co-hosted with the American Jewish Committee of Philadelphia/ Southern NJ.
December 8, 2020
“Diplomacy & Dialogue” Features CHOP’s Frey
The Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia (CCAP) and Citizen Diplomacy International (CDI) co-hosted their regular program, “Diplomacy & Dialogue”, in a virtual conversation with Ruth Frey, Vice President of Global Strategy and Business Development at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Frey reviewed CHOP’s adjustments to the special challenges of COVID-19 and emphasized the effectiveness of many necessary new tools in international communication. She also commented on CHOP’s role in Philadelphia’s continued emergence as the country’s center for cell and gene therapy innovation. CHOP is a CCAP Associate Member.
November 27, 2020
Albania Celebrates Independence Day – Pandemic-Style
In a ceremony compliant with pandemic restrictions, a group of community members celebrated Albania’s 108th Independence Day anniversary at Philadelphia’s City Hall. The country’s flag was raised, its national anthem played and officials commented on the historic occasion. Sheila Hess, City Representative, presented a Proclamation from Mayor Jim Kenney recognizing Albania Independence Day.
November 25, 2020
HC Chaplin Featured with New Team Members in PIDC Newsletter
HC Christopher Chaplin was featured in “Meet PIDC’s New Team Members” in PIDC’s November Newsletter.
Excerpt from Newsletter (link to full version follows):
HOMETOWN: Kingston & St. Andrew, Jamaica
DEPARTMENT: Financial Services
TITLE: Vice President, Portfolio Management
What role will you play in helping PIDC drive growth to every corner of Philadelphia?
Our team’s role is to support PIDC’s investment in Philadelphia by balancing our mission with the risk of these investments. Our investment in Philadelphia will generate growth, jobs, higher living standards, and a reduction in poverty over the long term if done in a financially responsible way.
Philadelphia is a great place to study, work, and play because:
Philadelphia is such a diverse community with people from many backgrounds, cultures, and countries. There is much to do in Philadelphia from the great arts communities to the great restaurants and from the fantastic ethnic communities going back decades to the newer immigrant communities that bring a different flavor to our wonderful city.
Your message to the business community during this unprecedented time:
We are here to support you as you face these challenges. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your team at PIDC. President John F. Kennedy said during his inaugural speech: ‘United there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided there is little we can do–for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.’
November 19, 2020
DCED Promotes PA in Poland
The Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia (CCAP) and Citizen Diplomacy International (CDI) co-hosted another of its regular “Diplomacy & Dialogue ” programs with Special Guests David Briel, Executive Director of International Investment at the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Karolina Kaptur, Pennsylvania’s Trade Representative in Poland. While David commented on PA’s international strategies, during the pandemic, Karolina focused on economic development in Poland and the successful attraction of Polish companies to Pennsylvania. DCED is an Associate Member of CCAP.
November 12, 2020
“Diplomacy & Dialogue” Features Netherlands’ Ambassador to U.S.
The Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia (CCAP) and Citizen Diplomacy International (CDI) co-hosted its regular “Diplomacy & Dialogue” program in a virtual conversation with H.E. Andre Haspels, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United States. Wilfred Muskens, Netherlands’ Honorary Consul in Philadelphia and a CCAP Member formally introduced Ambassador Haspels who commented on a variety of subjects, many of which were inevitably related to the COVID pandemic. The central theme of the session was, of course, the strong relationship which exists between our two countries and the active ties with the Philadelphia region.
November 12, 2020
Banker Alban Addresses Mexican Financial Forum
Miguel Alban, HC of Peru and Senior Vice President and Director of Multicultural Banking at Customers Bank, was a featured speaker in the Mexican government’s national program on financial education. HC Alban coordinated with his colleague Carlos Obrador, Consul of Mexico in Philadelphia, and commented on Small Business Lending by Customers Bank, a subject of particular interest to the large Mexican community in the Philadelphia region. Consul Obrador is an active CCAP Member and HC Alban is Vice President of the association’s Executive Committee.
November 10, 2020
‘Nordic Life Science’ Article Highlights Philadelphia
Thanks to the efforts of Ulf Akerblom, Honorary Consul of Sweden in Philadelphia, and the Commerce Department of the City of Philadelphia, the prestigious Swedish publication – “Nordic Life Science” – has featured Philadelphia as a prime life science innovation center, with cell and gene therapy becoming a local specialty.
November 10, 2020
Customers Bank Executives Describe Cash Management Products
The Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia hosted a virtual presentation by Customers Bank executives. Miguel Alban, SVP and Director of Multicultural Banking provided an overview of Customers Bank, a dynamic regional institution, and his colleague Larry Snow, SVP and Commercial Deposits Group Head, described in detail the wide range of cash management products offered by the bank. Customers Bank is an Associate Member of CCAP and Mr. Alban is also Honorary Consul of Peru in Philadelphia.
October 23, 2020
State Department’s OFM Names New Regional Director in New York
The U.S. State Department’s Office of Foreign Missions (OFM) has named Jeannette M. Juricic as Regional Director of the New York office. Ms. Juricic’s 20 years of experience in the U.S. Foreign Service has included postings in Asia, Caribbean, Europe, Middle East, North and South America. CCAP works closely with OFM, New York and welcomes Regional Director Juricic!
October 22, 2020
“Diplomacy & Dialogue” Special Guest: Ciaran Madden, Consul General of Ireland, New York
The Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia (CCAP) and Citizen Diplomacy International (CDI) co-hosted “Diplomacy & Dialogue”, their regular program to feature important members of the international community for a virtual audience. Today’s Special Guest was CCAP Member Ciaran Madden, Consul General of Ireland in New York – a Consulate General with responsibilities including Pennsylvania. CG Madden inevitably commented on his office’s response to COVID 19 and on his country’s policies to address the pandemic.
October 16, 2020
Chile Expands Philadelphia Commercial Presence
Hon. Consul of Chile Benjamin Leavenworth announces the opening of a ProChile commercial office in Philadelphia, effective November 1, 2020. ProChile, a government entity which promotes international trade and investment, plans to leverage the existing relationship between Chile and the Philadelphia region which already produces thousands of jobs. HC Leavenworth, whose long term lobbying efforts have contributed to ProChile’s decision, foresees expanded staffing and service which will strengthen ties with important local partners, like the Consulate, Chilean and American Chamber of Commerce and PhilaPort.
October 15, 2020
Austria Awards HC Montanaro with Silver Medal of Honor
In an intimate reception at the Union League, Austrian Consul General Helmut Böck, representing Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, awarded Honorary Consul Gregory Montanaro the Austrian decoration “Silbernes Ehrenzeichen für Verdienste um die Republik Österreich” or Silver Medal of Honor for Services to the Republic of Austria. Among others in attendence were the Honorary Consul of Malta Frank Giordano and Mr. Montanaro’s brother, the Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic Alexander Montanaro.
October 12, 2020
Jamaica’s HC Chaplin Leads Promotion of Carribean Restaurants in Philadelphia
Links to Press Coverage:
October 6, 2020
German American Friendship Day Celebrated by Conversation with New Yok CG Gill
The Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia (CCAP) and Citizen Diplomacy International (CDI) co-hosted its regular “Diplomacy & Dialogue” program in a virtual conversation with David Gill, Consul General of Germany in New York, which recognized October 6 as German American Friendship Day. Ralf Wiedemann, Philadelphia’s Honorary Consul of Germany and a CCAP Member, formally introduced CG Gill who commented on a variety of subjects, many inevitably related to the pandemic. The Consul General also shared his fond memories of law studies at the University of Pennsylvania and remarked on his role in the German unification process. The central theme of the session was, of course, the strong relationship between our two countries.
September 22, 2020
CCAP’s First Virtual Quarterly Members Meeting & Reception Draws Record Turnout
In response to COVID-related restrictions, the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia (CCAP) hosted its Quarterly Members Meeting & Reception on a virtual basis. Turnout for this unique experience was robust and the discourse was lively as the usual business was covered in an efficient manner. While membership growth has been predictably limited by the pandemic, the schedule of virtual events has been dynamic and the association’s financial condition remains solid. The Members Meeting was followed by a Zoom Reception which featured speakers Dr. William Pinsky and Dr. Jeanette Mladenovic who described the certification and research activities of CCAP Associate Member – Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) and related institutions.
September 21, 2020
Obituary: Charles E. Mather III, Former Honorary Consul of Great Britain, dies at 86
September 17, 2020
Nicaragua Celebrates National Day – Pandemic Style
Philadelphia’s Honorary Consulate of Nicaragua hosted a celebration of the country’s national holiday in a ceremony consistent with COVID 19 guidelines. Eli Gabay, Honorary Consul, provided comments and graciously received a Mayoral Proclamation from Sheila Hess, City Representative, for an audience of community members.
September 15, 2020
PHL CEO Cameron Informs “Diplomacy & Dialogue”
“Diplomacy & Dialogue”, the regular Zoom-based program co-hosted by the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia (CCAP) and Citizen Diplomacy International (CDI), shared an informative conversation with Chellie Cameron, CEO of the Philadelphia International Airport, with an engaged virtual audience. PHL is, of course, one of our region’s traditional economic drivers, serving over 33 million passengers in 2019, including many international travelers. As we are all aware, however, the pandemic has caused dramatic declines in all travel, as total airport traffic declined by over 90% in April, 2020. While these numbers have improved notably since then and PHL will clearly benefit from the recent elimination of the “funneling airport” designation, Cameron believes that meaningful recovery may not occur until well into 2021. PHL is an active CCAP Associate Member.
September 9, 2020
PHL Leads Successful Initiative to Reopen Transatlantic Flights
The Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) led an aggressive lobbying campaign to reopen transatlantic flights again after a six month interruption of European service from Philadelphia. With support from the region’s international community, petitions were circulated, officials were contacted and, as a result, federal authorities have removed the restrictive designations which had excluded PHL from this important activity. Flights to European cities will commence shortly with major benefits to the airport and to the Greater Philadelphia market.
August 28, 2020
Brahim Chennouf Returns to New York as Algeria’s CG
Effective August 5, 2020, Brahim Chennouf was appointed Algeria’s Consul General in New York, replacing Sabria Boukadoum. By way of background, Mr. Chennouf joined his country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1985, following his graduation from the University of Algiers. Since then, he has held a number of positions in both the Ministry and abroad, including a past posting at the Consulate General in New York. Algeria’s New York CG is responsible for Pennsylvania and has been an active Member of the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia (CCAP).
August 19, 2020
CCAP Welcomes Randhir Jaiswal, India’s New CG in New York
The Consulate General of India in New York recently announced the appointment of Randhir Jaiswal as Consul General in that office. CG Jaiswal is a career diplomat with over 20 years of experience, including other overseas postings in Portugal, Cuba and South Africa. He has also held important positions at the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi and served as Joint Secretary to the President of India, managing his international portfolio. Rhandir’s wife, Dr. Abha Jaiswal, is a public health expert and they have two daughters.
August 11, 2020
AA’s Moses Comments on PHL Prospects for International Travel
The Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia (CCAP) and Citizen Diplomacy International (CDI) co-hosted its regular “Diplomacy & Dialogue” program in a virtual conversation with Jim Moses, American Airlines’ Vice President of Hub Operations at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Moses provided an overview of the airline industry’s difficulties with the COVID pandemic and focused on AA’s own dramatic decline in passenger volume. A resumption of international flights can hopefully be addressed by PHL’s designation as a “funneling airport” and Moses is optimistic that activity will resume in 2021 when the overall economy recovers. American Airlines is a CCAP Associate Member.
July 30, 2020
OCSP Hosts Conversation with HC Franklin and Author Bell
July 29, 2020
BMT Panel Informs CCAP Audience
Executives of Bryn Mawr Trust provided an informative presentation titled “The Difference Planning Can Make” to a virtual audience of CCAP members. The panel described BMT’s overview on banking and lending opportunities, financial planning in unprecedented times and international trade in Philadelphia. Bryn Mawr Trust is a CCAP Associate Member.
July 26, 2020
Jamaica HC Chaplin Leads Alpha Capital Campaign
Alpha Music Institute (Alpha) has launched its campaign to raise funding for its music program that assists young at-risk boys in Jamaica. The campaign is supported by the Jamaica Social Stock Exchange (JSSE) and will culminate with Alpha’s listing on the exchange. Jamaica’s consulates in New York and Philadelphia are important partners to this initiative and Chris Chaplin, HC of Jamaica in Philadelphia, chairs the effort.
July 23, 2020
Lithuania Delivers Medical Equipment to PA
By way of follow-up to the CCAP website News article dated May 20, 2020, protective equipment manufactured in Lithuania for medical workers in Pennsylvania valued at EUR 100,00 arrived in Philadelphia today. This humanitarian aid is another example of the long standing partnership between the governments of Lithuania and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As always, HCG Bard provided important leadership to this project.
July 21, 2020
D&D Conversation with Canada CG in New York
“Diplomacy & Dialogue”, the virtual program co-hosted by the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia (CCAP) and Citizen Diplomacy International (CDI), engaged Khawar Nasim, Acting Consul General of Canada in New York, in a lively conversation which ranged from pandemic policy to trade agreements. Canada’s conservative approach to coronavirus containment is evidenced by the remote management of the New York office and Mr. Nasim’s emphasis on his country’s commitment to free trade. Joshua Dillard is Canada’s Trade Commissioner in Philadelphia and an active CCAP Member.
July 6, 2020
French Ambassador Etienne Meets Philadelphia During Pandemic
Michael Scullin, Honorary Consul of France, introduced His Excellency Philippe Etienne, France’s recently appointed Ambassador to the United States, to Philadelphia in a visit which was inevitably impacted by the pandemic. While Ambassador Etienne presented his credentials to Mayor Jim Kenney in a virtual ceremony, he met in person with other appropriately masked and socially distanced officials and enjoyed a walking tour of the historic district. Francois Penguilly, Consul General of France in Washington, D.C., also attended the day’s activities.
June 25, 2020
HC Franklin Leads CCAP Discussion Group on Racism in America and the Recent Protest Movement
In response to civil unrest in Philadelphia and throughout the U.S., Oliver St. Clair Franklin, Honorary Consul of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, led a group of CCAP consular members in a discussion titled “Conversation on Racial Equality and the Present Moment”. HC Franklin opened the session with comments on racial injustice throughout U.S. history and optimistic remarks regarding the broad-based participation in recent demonstrations. The audience then actively engaged in a conversation which considered many of the related issues.
June 24, 2020
Jamaica HC Chaplin Speaks at Foreign Service Institute
Jamaica’s Honorary Consul in Philadelphia, Christopher Chaplin, spoke on a virtual panel titled “Contemporary Caribbean Challenges & Emerging Solutions”, as part of the U.S. State Department’s Foreign Service Institute Caribbean Area Seminar. HC Chaplin joined other United States diplomats working on Caribbean regional issues and focused his presentation on post-independence economic and business trends in Jamaica, including recent impacts of COVID-19.
June 23, 2020
CCAP/CDI Co-Host Conversation with PIM CEO
The Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia (CCAP) and Citizen Diplomacy International (CDI) co-hosted a conversation with Edgar Vesga-Arias, Executive Director and CEO of Philadelphia International Medicine (PIM), on their weekly “Diplomacy & Dialogue” virtual event. PIM is an international marketing arm for several Philadelphia-based health care systems, including Jefferson and Temple. Vesga-Arias provided an overview of PIM activities which coordinate with Philadelphia’s many health care, academic, tourist and economic development institutions. PIM, Jefferson and Temple are CCAP Associate Members.
June 11, 2020
CCAP Hosts Webinar on Immigration & Taxation During Pandemic
The Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia hosted a virtual webinar with Associate Member panelists from Green & Spiegel and Drucker & Scaccetti commenting on the special demands and necessary adjustments created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
June 10, 2020
CG Athanasopulos Organizes Repatriation Trips to Panama
Georgia Athanasopulos, Consul General of Panama in Philadelphia, has played an integral role in a program to repatriate over 700 Panamanian citizens stranded in the U.S. by coronavirus-based restrictions on travel. In cooperation with Panama’s Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Health, HC Athanasopulos has partnered with consular counterparts in New York and Washington, D.C. and her Embassy to successfully organize three different flights to her country. The most recent was on June 10 when COPA Airlines transported a group of 157 Panamanians from Dulles international Airport.
June 9, 2020
CCAP/CDI Host Virtual Conversation with Jerry Sorkin, HC of Tunisia
June 7, 2020
Obituary: Yolanda Hartnett, Former HC of Costa Rica
The Honorable Yolanda Marin-Sanchez Hartnett passed away at her home in Toms River, New Jersey on June 7. Born in Costa Rica, Yolanda was a cousin of Oscar Arias, President of her country and Nobel Prize winner. After she moved to the Philadelphia area and married, she was appointed Honorary Consul of Costa Rica and was a long-time Member of the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia where she was elected to the Executive Committee. Yolanda was predeceased by her husband Alexander and their daughter Florence. She is survived by her sons Alex, Jr., and George and their families. Her former CCAP colleagues and friends send sincerest condolences.
May 26, 2020
Conversation with PIDC President Nevins
Anne Bovaird Nevins, President of PIDC, was this week’s special guest on the “Dialogue & Diplomacy” program regularly co-hosted by the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia (CCAP) and Citizen Diplomacy International (CDI). PIDC is, of course, Philadelphia’s economic development corporation and Anne provided an overview of its standard activities to a robust virtual audience. She also described in detail PIDC’s programmatic enhancements to address the special demands of the COVID-19 pandemic, e.g. Small Business Relief Fund. Finally, she expanded on PIDC’s role in planning and implementing a Regional Economic Recovery Plan.
May 21, 2020
CCAP/CDI Co-Host Conversation with Israel’s CG Dayan
The Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia (CCAP) and Citizen Diplomacy International (CDI) co-hosted its weekly “Diplomacy and Dialogue” series with special guest Ambassador Dani Dayan, Consul General of Israel in New York. The conversation included reports on COVID-19’s impact on the Consulate General’s activities and an overview of Israel’s status in addressing the pandemic. Since Ambassador Dayan’s U.S. posting will end shortly, he was thanked for his dynamic engagement with his Philadelphia friends and constituents.
May 20, 2020
Lithuania Supports U.S. in Fight Against Pandemic
May 17, 2020
Norwegian Constitution Day
May 14, 2020
CDI Features Swiss Perspective
May 12, 2020
CCAP/CDI Co-Host Virtual Conversation with Italy’s CG Forlano
May 6, 2020
Mexican Consul Obrador Reviews COVID-19 Challenges with CCAP/CDI Virtual Audience
April 29, 2020
Diplomatic Security Team Hosts Virtual Meeting with CCAP
Brian Leventhal, Philadelphia Police Department Officer, Dignitary Protection Section, Counter Terrorism Unit, and Brenden Hobson, Special Agent, U.S. Department of State, hosted a “Zoom” meeting for CCAP Members. This well attended virtual event opened with comments by the two officers regarding the special security challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic and included a lively Q & A session. CCAP is fortunate to have such accessible, responsive friends in Philadelphia’s international law enforcement community.
April 15, 2020
CCAP Issues Certificates of Membership
The Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia (CCAP) will be issuing Certificates of Membership to all dues-paying members, on an annual basis. This formal recognition of association status is the “brain child” of Eli Gabay, HC of Nicaragua, and the product of design input by Susan Satkowski, HC of Norway and Secretary of the CCAP Executive Committee, and Krista Bard, Honorary Consul General of Lithuania.
April 12, 2020
Happy Easter
April 10, 2020
Customers Bank Drives PPP Applications
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is a centerpiece of Congress’ Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law on March 27. Since then, Customers Bank, a CCAP Associate Member and active regional bank, has received 500 PPP applications, over half of which have been processed for submittal to the Small Business Administration. For details see LINK.
April 8, 2020
Philly Shipyard Wins Major Training Ships Contract
Steinar Nerbovik, President and CEO of Philly Shipyard, Inc., a CCAP Associate Member, announced his company’s contract to construct up to five National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMV) at a maximum value of USD1.5 billion. The initial order will include two vessels with deliveries in the Spring and Winter of 2023. The link “Philly Shipyard Wins Major Training Ships Contract” provides a detailed description of the transaction.
March 14, 2020
Uruguayan Olympian Trains with Other Elite Runners in Philadelphia
Deborah Rodriguez has been voted Uruguay’s Athlete of the Year and has represented her country in the 800 meter running event at the 2012 (London) and 2016 (Rio) Olympic Games. She has been in Philadelphia for several months training with other elite runners from the U.S. and England, under the tutelage of Coach Derek Thompson. In fact, the group includes several of the world’s best performers who have worked closely with Thompson throughout their careers. Obviously, uncertainty related to coronavirus has disrupted their training and Olympic scheduling expectations.
Obituary: Dr. Roberto Rendon, Longtime HC of Guatemala, Dies at 88
March 3, 2020
Philadelphia Consul Obrador Welcomed by US-Mexico Chamber
Mathew Taylor, Chairman and CEO of prominent Philadelphia law firm Duane Morris, and Rosa Ertze, Duane Morris Partner, hosted a private roundtable discussion and reception by the United States – Mexico Chamber of Commerce, Northeast Chapter to welcome the Honorable Carlos Obrador, Consul of Mexico in Philadelphia. Consul Obrador commented on the important economic relationship between Mexico and the region and the recent ratification of MSMCA. He also discussed business opportunities with his audience of Philadelphia’s international leaders.
March 3, 2020
Commerce Department’s Swartz Leads Visit to Indonesian Embassy
Lauren Swartz, Commerce Department’s Senior Director of International Business and Global Strategy, led a small Philadelphia delegation to meet with Indonesian officials at the Embassy in Washington, D.C. Representatives from the City, health care and diplomatic sectors exchanged conversation with their Indonesian counterparts, focusing on programs for that country’s large Philadelphia community and opportunities created by plans to move the capitol city from Jakarta to a more central location. The Philadelphians were most impressed with the magnificent Embassy building and striking examples of Indonesian art and folklore. The Commerce Department and PIM are CCAP Associate Members.
February 27, 2020
Norway HC Satkowski Attends “Arctic Cool” Reception in WDC
H.E. Kare Aas, Norway’s Ambassador to the U.S., hosted the “Arctic Cool 2020” Reception in his residence in Washington, D.C. Attended by Susan Satkowski, Honorary Consul of Norway in Philadelphia, and members of the Norwegian community from throughout the U.S., the event highlighted the importance of Norway’s arctic region where environmental and economic priorities inevitably require policy balance. Fresh fish and seafood from Norway, an ice bar and a polar mystery guest combined to create a fun-filled atmosphere in which to consider the event’s important world issue.
February 27, 2020
DR Celebrates National Day at Philadelphia City Hall
A tropical beach scene with sunshine, palm trees and blue ocean provided an inspiring, if imaginary, backdrop to the Dominican Republic’s National Day celebration at Philadelphia’s City Hall. In fact, the chill reality of February weather in Philadelphia didn’t discourage a large turnout of the Dominican community which enjoyed a flag raising ceremony and speeches by City officials and local leaders. Other similar celebrations were held in important Dominican population centers throughout the state.
February 26, 2020
CCAP Quarterly Features Jefferson’s Marino
The Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia hosted its First Quarterly Members Meeting & Cocktail Reception of the new decade in Center City Philadelphia. The Members Meeting addressed consular matters and welcomed new CCAP Members – Iryna Mazur, Honorary Consul of Ukraine, and Karen Lawson, Honorary Consul of Fiji. The Cocktail Reception enjoyed a robust turnout of Associate Members and guests who were informed by remarks regarding global healthcare by Dr. Ignazio Marino, MD, of Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health. The event was sponsored by ASI and Drucker & Scaccetti and provided an extraordinary networking environment.
February 26, 2020
CCAP Supports FISP’s Bilingual Program
The Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia (CCAP) has made an unrestricted contribution to the French International School of Philadelphia (FISP) as part of the CCAP mission to support institutions which advance Philadelphia’s international agenda. FISP offers comprehensive bilingual education in French and English to preschool through eighth grade students, in a diverse environment which embraces fifty nationalities among its students, faculty and staff.
February 21, 2020
AJC Speaker Series Features Finland’s Ambassador to U.S.
AJC Ambassador Speaker Series featured Her Excellency Kirsti Kauppi, Ambassador of Finland to the United States, to an engaged lunchtime audience of members and guests at the Pyramid Club in Center City Philadelphia. Ambassador Kauppi’s diplomatic career has spanned almost forty years with multiple overseas postings, highlighted by her current appointment in 2015. Her remarks and active Q&A covered priorities for Finland’s newly elected government and historical context to her country’s current relationship with Israel and the local Jewish community.
February 16, 2020
HC Chaplin Supports Alpha Institute in Jamaica
The Consulate of Jamaica in Philadelphia formalized its commitment to raise capital for the Alpha Institute – a 140-year old organization which provides a mix of social services and training to young men in Jamaica. A letter of intent on cooperation was signed by Christopher Chaplin, Honorary Consul of Jamaica in Philadelphia,the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) and the Jamaica Social Stock Exchange (JSSE) during a ceremony at JSE’s offices in downtown Jamaica.
February 10, 2020
HC Pfister and Colleagues Gather in New York Working Session
Christine Pfister, Honorary Consul of Switzerland in Philadelphia joined colleagues from around the country in a series of meetings at the Consulate General of Switzerland in New York. Sessions with Ambassador Markus Borlin, Swiss Business Hub USA, Swissnex New York and Switzerland Tourism explored best practices in promoting Swiss economic and public diplomacy interests in the U.S.
February 7, 2020
WTC and PIM Agree to Support Australian Development
Leaders of Philadelphia International Medicine (PIM) and World Trade Centers (WTC) of Philadelphia and Sydney gathered at Jefferson offices in Center City Philadelphia to share information on a major airport-related development in Sydney which will include important Australian institutions of higher learning and healthcare. Representatives of the three parties then signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) committing their cooperation during the planning phase of this project. Officials from Philadelphia’s Commerce Department, Airport and Consular Corps were also in attendance.
January 27, 2020
CCAP Supports UN Holocaust Remembrance Program
On the 75th anniversary of the Auschwitz Birkenau concentration camp’s liberation, the official United Nations Holocaust Remembrance Program was held in the General Assembly Hall in New York City. UN leadership and holocaust survivors provided powerful remarks and testimony. The American Jewish Committee (AJC) – Philadelphia/Southern NJ organized a Philadelphia delegation which attended and included Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia representation.
January 22, 2020
Ukrainian Ambassador Leads Celebration of New HC
His Excellency Volodymyr Yelchenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States, and a host of Ukrainian dignitaries, church officials and community representatives led an impressive program to celebrate the opening of the country’s Honorary Consulate in Philadelphia and the appointment of Iryna Mazur, Esq., to Honorary Consul. As noted by Ambassador Yelchenko, Philadelphia is home to Ukraine’s second largest concentration of U.S. population and Honorary Consulate Mazur is uniquely qualified to address their needs. As CCAP’s newest Member, HC Mazur was supported by many of her consular colleagues.
January 22, 2020
AJC Speaker Series Features Norway Ambassador Aas
AJC Philadelphia/ Southern NJ’s Ambassador Speaker Series featured His Excellency Kare R. Aas, Ambassador of Norway to the United States, in a well-attended luncheon at the Pyramid Club in Center City Philadelphia. Ambassador Aas made broad-ranging comments regarding his country’s relationships with both the United States and Israel. He has also
participated in similar AJC events in Washington, D.C., Boston and other U.S. cities.
January 17, 2020
Former CCAP Intern Mike Flynn Marries Abdi Rojas-Lima in Mexico
Former Drexel student and CCAP Intern Mike Flynn married Abdi Rojas-Lima in Queretaro, Mexico on November 23, 2019. Surrounded by family and friends from Mike’s Southern California home and Abdi’s native Mexico, the beautiful ceremony blended Scottish family traditions with local marital customs. Mike has recently taken a position at Boeing while pursuing his MBA at Drexel and Abdi now works at the Mexican Consulate in Philadelphia. Ralf Wiedemann, Honorary Consul of Germany and immigration attorney, provided valuable counsel to the young couple.
January 13, 2020
Korean American Day Celebrated at Philadelphia City Hall
Korean community groups, City officials and visiting dignitaries gathered outside of Philadelphia City Hall to celebrate Korean American Day with playing of national anthems and a flag raising ceremony. David Oh, a Philadelphia City Councilman-at-Large, provided welcoming comments and read a City Council Resolution honoring Korea’s dynamic local population. A program of speakers followed in the Mayor’s Reception Room.
January 10, 2020
Cambodian Delegation Tours Philadelphia
Peter Savoeun Sok, Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Cambodia, organized a tour of Philadelphia for a delegation of Cambodian visitors led by prominent businessman K.Hunnath and including members of the local community. The group was received at Philadelphia City Council and met with representatives from the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia, Citizen Diplomacy International and the City’s Commerce Department. The visitors and community will recognize an important Cambodian historic milestone at a celebratory dinner on April 11, 2020.