David Baker has been elected as the new president of the Philadelphia Israel Chamber of Commerce (PICC), following his tenure as executive vice president. With over 12 years of involvement in the organization, Baker aims to strengthen business relationships between the Greater Philadelphia area and Israel during a challenging period for Israeli enterprises.
Baker’s appointment comes as the previous president, Tiffany Starr McKever, concluded her term. He expressed his commitment to the role, stating, “There’s never been a more important time to support Israel and Israeli business, so I was willing.” His two-year term will focus on revitalizing the chamber and advocating for Israeli business interests within the region.
Advancing Business Connections
The Philadelphia Israel Chamber of Commerce operates as a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing business ties between its members and Israeli firms. It serves as the exclusive representative for the BIRD Foundation in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and southern New Jersey. This foundation offers grants aimed at fostering collaboration between American and Israeli organizations.
Baker emphasized the chamber’s role as ambassadors for the Philadelphia business community. “We try to convince Israeli businesses, ‘Hey, I know you want to come to the U.S.; you’re probably thinking of New York or Boston or San Francisco; but think about Philadelphia,’” he remarked. The chamber organizes networking events and educational programs, and actively lobbies on behalf of Israeli businesses in the region.
The past few years have presented significant challenges for Israeli businesses, particularly following the events of October 7. Baker noted that the difficulties extend beyond the immediate impact of conflict, affecting daily business operations. He shared insights from contacts in Israel, including a business owner who manages his consulting firm while serving in the Israel Defense Forces reserves. Such situations exemplify the ongoing struggle for stability amid external pressures.
Goals for the Future
During his presidency, Baker aims to increase engagement among PICC members and expand the organization’s membership base. The chamber experienced a decline in membership during the COVID-19 pandemic, and he is focused on returning to pre-pandemic levels. “We want to communicate even more information about doing business with Israel,” he stated.
Baker’s overarching goal is to advocate for Israeli business interests in Philadelphia, which he believes can bolster the economies of both regions. He aspires to attract more Israeli companies to establish their U.S. operational headquarters in the Philadelphia area.
For Baker, this leadership role aligns with his professional aspirations and personal convictions. “I’m at a point in my career where I feel like I need to do things I’m passionate about, and I think we need to be doing as much as we can to support Israel,” he explained. As he embarks on this new chapter, Baker hopes to navigate the complexities of international business relations while fostering a community that benefits both Philadelphia and Israel.
