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During the keynote interview of The Main Line Chamber of Commerce's Red Carpet Dinner, Essential Utilities Chairman and CEO Christopher Franklin shared his favorite word: why. With a focus on improving and making the organization as best as it can be, Chris often asks, "Why do we do it this way, and why not make it better?"
Chamber President and CEO Bernie Dagenais (left) led the keynote interview with Essential Utilities Chairman and CEO Chris Franklin (right).
In the wide-ranging interview, Chris honed in on the themes of impact and legacy. Reflecting on his personal legacy, Chris shared his hope to leave the company “better than I found it,” with a reputation for integrity, ethics, and a workforce that is proud of the company. He emphasized the importance of being a mission-driven company, with goals like protecting the water supply, enhancing infrastructure, and moving toward renewable energy.
The conversation shone a light on the company’s journey of growth, success, and social impact under his leadership. Through its Foundation, Essential contributes more than $4 million in corporate philanthropy to enhance the quality of life of the customers, families, businesses, and communities throughout its 10-state footprint.
Nearly 200 business leaders at the event, held at The Alloy in King of Prussia, left feeling energized by the power of connection, community and vision shared by the evening’s speakers.
- Conducting the interview with Chris, Chamber President and CEO Bernie Dagenais underscored the Chamber’s commitment to “driving change that impacts our communities.” Bernie reminded attendees that they were sitting just a few miles away from the birthplace of our nation, noting that "at the center of our history and strengths is the idea that people work together to create something bigger than any one of us.”
- The annual Chairman’s Award spotlighted another example of outstanding service and impact. Congratulations to Lisa McCann, who received the award for her years of exemplary service on the Chamber Board. Lisa noted that “people, connections and relationships” were a cornerstone of the Chamber’s work and critical for business success.
- Attendees welcomed new Chairman of the Chamber Board TD Bank Government Banker Tim Canfield, who shared his excitement about the Chamber and the region’s strong future.
- Three top business leaders from the evening’s Presenting Sponsors: Koleen Cavanaugh, Independence Blue Cross; Jim Pitts, My Benefit Advisor, LLC and Joe Kender, Saint Joseph's University shared their commitment to economic growth in the region. We thank them for their generous support.
Lisa McCann (left) received the Chairman's award from Chair of the Chamber Board, Tim Canfield (right).
Thank you to Visionary Sponsor Essential Utilities, Inc. and all the Leader Sponsors for their support of this event and the Chamber.
Photo credit: Campli Photography
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About us:
Connecting with Business, Leadership Development and Talent, The Main Line Chamber of Commerce is Greater Philadelphia’s top-ranked suburban Chamber of Commerce, according to the Philadelphia Business Journal’s 2024 Book of Lists. It was designated as Pennsylvania’s large Chamber of Commerce of the Year for 2021-22 by the State Association of Chamber Professionals.
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