GPCC and Verizon Present Third Small Business Week to Celebrate Region's Small Business Community

PHILADELPHIA, May 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and Verizon will present Greater Philadelphia's third Small Business Week May 11-15, paying tribute to the region's more than 150,000 small businesses and their key contributions to the regional economy.

The 2015 Small Business Week will feature a variety of events including a small-business discount day, social media contest, networking opportunities, and an educational webinar hosted by the 2015 Professional Services of the Year Small Business Excellence Award winner, Slice Communications.

Small Business Week will culminate on Friday, May 15 at WHYY featuring a keynote presentation by small business expert Melinda Emerson, aka "SmallBizLady," founder and president of the Quintessence Group, and author of "Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, 2nd Edition" and "How to Become a Social Media Ninja." Following the presentation, a panel of regional business owners will share their marketing successes, with attendees including Nick Bayer, founder and president of Saxbys Coffee; Josh Goldblum, CEO and founder of Bluecadet; and Jen Groover, serial entrepreneur, author, TV host and UN delegate.

Every year since 1963, the president of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America's entrepreneurs and small-business owners. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.

"Small businesses drive innovation, create 21^st century jobs and increase our region's competitiveness, which is why the Chamber is so passionate about helping small-business owners succeed," said Rob Wonderling, president and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. "During this week, we aim to provide invaluable resources and information to help Greater Philadelphia's businesses grow and thrive."

Douglas R. Smith, vice president of state government relations for Verizon Pennsylvania, said:  "Verizon is proud to once again partner with the Chamber to sponsor this week-long celebration of small businesses, which are the lifeblood of our region's economy. At Verizon, we know what it takes to make our customers business-ready, and we are committed delivering to them technological solutions and resources that will help grow their business."

For more information about GPCC Small Business Week events, visit GPCC.com/SmallBizWk. Follow updates on Twitter and Facebook using #PhillySmallBizWk.

About the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
As the premier advocate for the business community, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce works to attract, retain and grow jobs for companies and residents of the region. We represent over 600,000 employees from thousands of member companies in southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and northern Delaware. GrowWithTheChamber.com

About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with 108.6 million retail connections nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers worldwide. A Dow 30 company with more than $127 billion in 2014 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of 176,200. For more information, visit www.verizon.com/news/.

VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts and other information are available at Verizon's online News Center at www.verizon.com/news/. The news releases are available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.

SOURCE Verizon

Related Links

http://www.verizon.com/news