Robert Fair Caterers and the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce

Submitted by: Robert Fair, Sr., President and Owner, Robert Fair Caterers

In today’s fast paced business world, everyone is looking for that certain advantage – the one that drives new business and economic growth to the front door of our companies. We all wish that with one business advertisement the phone would ring and new customers would abound. As an owner of a family business, now nearly a century old, I know of no such silver bullet … but I do know an organization that does; the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber understands what few business schools teach these days; business is about relationships. The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce models that those who get involved, get results. The Chamber, for our business, is about building new relationships, while making existing ones stronger. We utilize the card exchanges, round tables and business expos to discuss the topics that weigh heavy on a family business such as ours, Robert Fair Caterers, which is now into its fifth generation.

An organization such as the Chamber, which has been in Philadelphia for 209 years, doesn’t just understand the history of Philadelphia’s business community, it has shaped it. Going back a few years in time when the late Thatcher Longstreth was President of the Chamber (1965-1984) would mirror the same twenty-two consecutive years that our family firm catered The University of Pennsylvania Hospital’s prestigious Philadelphia Antique Show.

We appreciate the commitment this Chamber has given to all of us as members. I can think of no other venue in which the collective intelligence of nearly five thousand members gives insight into an ever changing local economy. Let’s each do our part to get involved, take some time to develop the future of Philadelphia’s impact on the next generation. I am sure that when my grandfather started as a butler in Philadelphia and my father after that, neither would have imagined that clients would call a “Blackberry” a business tool, unless they too were in the catering business.

Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter are all great tools, but the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce is still the best foundation for building relationships. Robert Fair Caterers is getting involved — in the last few weeks we had the opportunity to provide a food display and beverages at a “Business After Hours” where members shared their company’s capabilities with other professionals. We are participating in the “Supplier Network” series working towards our certification; this opportunity is available to members twice per year. So yes, we are involved and working towards getting results. As a member of the GPCC, I welcome you to read our unique heritage at www.faircatering.com.