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We Are The Keepers of the Culture - Don Smolenski, Eagles President

Published Tuesday, November 11, 2025 8:00 am

 


The Main Line Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Red Carpet Dinner on Thursday, November 6 at The Drexelbrook, featuring an interview with Philadelphia Eagles President Don Smolenski and legendary Eagles sportswriter Ray Didinger.

Nearly 200 professionals and leaders heard directly from Eagles leadership about what’s possible when purpose and passion align.

Don remarked that in business, as in football, success depends on everyone working together — different strengths united by shared values. He shared that at the Philadelphia Eagles, their understanding forms a connected circle, where the team, the organization, the fans, and the community "continuously support one another in an infinite loop."

He noted that the team’s culture was built on trust, care, and alignment with its mission: to inspire and serve the greatest football community in the world. Key takeaways:

  • Don’t be risk-averse
  • Embrace learning and growth
  • Know that mistakes are part of progress
  • Care deeply — because as the saying goes, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

From discussing football with a fan at a local gas station to helping a mom get her daughter’s jersey to the Super Bowl, Don's stories reflected who the Eagles are — a team and a community driven by purpose.

 

The Chamber was also pleased to award Pamela Sarne McCormick, Director of Legislative and Community Affairs at SEPTA with the Chairman’s Award.

The award honors a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors who has excelled through their volunteer service to the members of The Chamber.

 

Attendees were also treated to a powerful performance by Ashli Rice, who provided a beautiful rendition of Mariah Carey's "Hero."

This special event was made possible thanks to incredible support from Chamber members and sponsors.

The Chamber would like to extend a special thank you to our Presenting Sponsors — Koleen Cavanaugh, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Independence Blue Cross; Mathew Hein, Executive Vice President, Chief Banking Officer, Firstrust Bank; and Kiersten Simon, Executive Director of Prevention Academy, Saint Joseph’s University, shared comments about their organizations and their commitment to uplifting communities and  improving our region. Thank you also to Visionary Sponsor Lincoln Financial.

A full list of sponsors is below.

 Photos by Campli Photography.

 

Thank you to all of the sponsors of the
 Red Carpet Dinner 2025

 

Next Up:

 

Coming Soon:
 Gold Leaf Celebration 2025

 

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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