Global Philadelphia Association, Celebrating Its Fifth Anniversary, to Hold Global Ideas Summit and Awards Ceremony

GPA-PRESS-RELEASE- DECEMBER 11

The Global Philadelphia Association (GPA) will mark its fifth anniversary by holding a Global Ideas Summit and Awards Ceremony at its annual meeting on Monday, December 14. The Ideas Summit portion will focus on Philadelphia’s recent designation as the first World Heritage City in the United States. At the reception to follow, the GPA will honor four distinguished recipients of its first “Globy” Awards, each a leader in our community who has made significant contributions to the Philadelphia region and its international heritage and stature.

The Globy honorees are:

• Lifetime Achievement Award – Nancy Gilboy, President and CEO of Citizen Diplomacy International.
• Corporate Leadership Award – Javier “Jay” Dragone, Vice President of Business Development for Lockheed Martin Information Services & Global Solutions – Defense and Intelligence Systems.
• Community Leadership Award – Blane Stoddart, President and CEO of BFW Group and founder of the Young Caribbean Professional Network.
• Education Leadership Award – Anastasia Shown, a lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice, and a Community Outreach Consultant for the South Asia Center and Middle East Center at Penn.

The Global Ideas Summit begins at 3 p.m., followed by the Awards Ceremony from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The event will be held in the Free Library, Skyline room, 1901 Vine Street in Philadelphia.

John F. Smith III, Chair of the Global Philadelphia Association, said: “On December 14, the GPA will celebrate its fifth anniversary by recognizing remarkable leaders and a historic year for Philadelphia, a year in which we achieved our goal of becoming the first World Heritage City in the U.S. This coveted international recognition reflects the vision that the GPA and Mayor Nutter shared as we worked together for almost three years on this initiative, but it’s just the start. The next crucial step is to seek ideas from diverse organizations, leaders and citizens as we aim to leverage Philadelphia’s World Heritage City status.”

“The Global Ideas Summit will foster dialogue and collaboration on achieving three major goals related to the World Heritage City designation,” Smith said. Those goals are to:

1. Promote preservation and appreciation of Philadelphia’s geographical, historical and cultural heritage through the World Heritage City designation and continued education.
2. Provide a powerful economic and cultural stimulus to the region.
3. Inspire citizens to feel pride in their World Heritage City.

The Summit will also seek ideas on six potential strategies:

1. Implement a public engagement campaign to inform the regional population about Philadelphia’s status as a World Heritage City and activate a discussion of the resulting opportunities.
2. Partner with existing organizations to facilitate brand recognition of Philadelphia as a World Heritage City in the region, nation and world.
3. Champion the education of all Philadelphians about our diverse and interconnected histories and cultures.
4. Participate in a broad range of activities with the Organization of World Heritage Cities and its global member cities, increasing Philadelphia’s international presence.
5. Advocate and support an International Department within the City of Philadelphia to focus on global opportunities and support brand recognition.
6. Support the designation of additional UNESCO sites within Greater Philadelphia. Independence Hall is currently the only UNESCO site in the city.

GPA Executive Director Zabeth Teelucksingh said, “The four distinguished leaders that we are honoring with the GPA’s first Globy Awards – Nancy Gilboy, Jay Dragone, Blane Stoddart and Anastasia Shown – each personify the international heritage and spirit of our great city and the ideals that led to the creation of the Global Philadelphia Association five years ago.”

Krista Butvydas Bard, President of the Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia, will present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Nancy Gilboy.

Matt Cabrey, Executive Director of Select Greater Philadelphia, will present the Corporate Leadership Award to Jay Dragone.

Christina Arlt, Senior Planner at the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, will present the Community Leadership Award to Blane Stoddart.

Jeffrey Cooper, Vice President, Government and Community Affairs, at the University of Pennsylvania, will present the Education Leadership Award to Anastasia Shown.

“The GPA has enjoyed a banner year as we celebrate our fifth anniversary,” Teelucksingh concluded, noting the World Heritage City designation and the success of the GlobalPhilly 2015, a 60-day exposition that showcased the Greater Philadelphia region’s international diversity through 175 events presented by GPA’s member organizations.

GPA members receive one free ticket per organization for the Global Ideas Summit and Awards Ceremony, which is open to the public. GPA members may purchase additional tickets for $35; the price for non-members is $45.

About the Global Philadelphia Association

The Global Philadelphia Association (GPA) was founded in 2010 by leading international organizations in the Greater Philadelphia region. Its mission is to assist – and encourage greater interaction among – the many organizations and people who are engaged in international activity within the Greater Philadelphia region; promote the development of an international consciousness within the region; and enhance the region’s global profile. GPA is a nonprofit organization with more than 190 members, including businesses, organizations and internationally-minded individuals.