Planning for the future: Pam Henshall plans to develop programs geared toward mid-size and small companies, such as educational seminars and advertising initiatives.
The Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce is a prime example of how change isn’t necessarily inevitable.
Twenty-three years ago, the chamber needed a new chief executive, so it tapped former entrepreneur and City Council staff member Al Taubenberger for the job. Taubenberger endured the ups and downs of a fickle economy, changing demographics in the Northeast and his own unsuccessful mayoral campaign in 2007 to remain the president and public face of the chamber.
That was until earlier this year when he resigned to run for an at-large City Council seat. He will be one of five Republicans on the November ballot.
This month, the 93-year-old chamber found his replacement. And while the newly appointed Pam Henshall is a lot different than her predecessor in many ways, she shares an unbridled enthusiasm for the possibilities of doing business in the Northeast.
“I am very pleased with the unity, the passion and the loyalty that the Northeast has,” said Henshall, who has adopted the title executive director, rather than president. “The Northeast has people who are dedicated to making a stronger community.”
Henshall speaks from an interesting perspective, that of a relative outsider. Born and raised in South Jersey, she studied business at Trenton State College (now known as the College of New Jersey) and worked 19 years for the Cherry Hill Regional Chamber of Commerce (now known as the Camden County Regional chamber). She started there at the entry level and retired as vice president, overseeing events, marketing, public relations and memberships.
She ultimately decided to leave so she could pursue her own entrepreneurial dreams. Her idea was to create an Internet-based chamber that marketed traditional business groups through social media. At the time, social media was still relatively new, perhaps too new. The concept didn’t take off, so Henshall changed her focus and became a social media consultant. She subsequently served three years as development director for United Cerebral Palsy’s Philadelphia affiliate, based in Chestnut Hill.
“I had a nice introduction to working in the Philadelphia market through United Cerebral Palsy,” Henshall said during an interview with the Northeast Times.
The Northeast chamber’s board of directors was impressed, according to Chairman Daniel P. McElhatton.
“She has chamber of commerce experience and significant events planning experience. She has a drive and energy that we think is needed at the chamber and we are excited about the possibilities,” McElhatton said. “Change is always difficult, but we’re excited about this opportunity.”
Regarding Taubenberger’s tenure, McElhatton said, “Al was dedicated and committed to the chamber and the business community in the Northeast. He gave exemplary service over the years and we’re very grateful for his service.”
Henshall, the mother of two adult children, still lives in Mt. Laurel. But she’s getting a crash course in the diverse business community of the Northeast, which includes companies of all sizes, needs, objectives and expectations.
“With the chamber of commerce or any networking organization, the thing is every organization has their own culture. They tap into their own business model,” she said. “I feel there are no (geographic) boundaries. It’s all about, ‘What’s your plan? What’s your target?’”
She and the board share several ideas to freshen up the program.
“I think my background will help provide more advertising and marketing opportunities for chamber members,” Henshall said. “My goal is to add more of a contemporary feel, tapping into new sources and vehicles. I’m a big proponent of making partnerships.”
The chamber has about 400 members ranging in size from mom-and-pop stores to major international corporations.
“It’s a very solid membership base and it’s going to be a wonderful opportunity to grow from that,” Henshall said. “I would like to approach the very large companies in the Northeast and discuss with them becoming a chamber partner.”
Henshall also wishes to develop programs more geared toward mid-size and small companies, such as educational seminars and advertising initiatives.
“It’s not a one-size-fits-all,” she said. “We need to develop a library (of programs) for all businesses.”
“We have to become a 2015 kind of organization,” McElhatton said. “We have to maintain our ability to assist businesses in an ever-changing environment. That includes adapting to social media, adapting to innovations in how businesses operate and addressing the needs of the business community.”
Henshall and the board agree that the chamber must recapture former members who have left the organization while attracting new businesses. And while direct recruiting is part of the job, the chamber must offer substantial benefits.
“When it’s time for me to step into the role of being the face of the chamber, I will,” Henshall said. “But it’s very important for the chamber to spotlight its members, and that’s reciprocal. We want and need them to be proud chamber members.” ••
Business backer: Pam Henshall has been named the new executive director of the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. She replaced Al Taubenberger, who resigned to run for an at-large City Council seat. MARIA POUCHNIKOVA / TIMES PHOTOS
