2022 Culture & Talent Conference

Opening Keynote: Creating a Successful Business Culture on Employee Happiness and Community Engagement

Jeff Brown, Chairman & CEO — Brown's Super Stores, Inc Noted business, philanthropic, and community leader Jeff Brown, CEO of Brown's Super Stores, will share insights into how centering the community as a part of corporate culture leads to success. Brown has grown his business into 12 supermarkets across the Philadelphia region, many in previously underserved communities known as food deserts. Brown's Super Stores launched their company's mission to "Bring Joy to the Lives of the People We Serve" in 2010. This mission established four brand pillars: authentic products, affordability, community responsibility, and an enjoyable shopping experience. They also set four core values: seek understanding, be flexible, show respect and act responsibly.  By creating a culture that prioritizes employee engagement and happiness and tying success to becoming an integral part of the communities they serve, Brown has established a national model that has been highlighted by former First Lady Michelle Obama as part of the Obama administration's groundbreaking "Let's Move" campaign, targeting food deserts and healthy eating. Brown will also discuss how he has incorporated the reintegration of ex-offenders (returning citizens) into his workforce and how that effort helps stabilize communities and improve the overall quality of life for families across the Philadelphia region. Finally, Brown will share his experiences as the founder of UpLift Solutions. This 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization supports food businesses, government, and nonprofits to create sustainable environments for underserved communities.

Closing Keynote: Lessons from the Sideline

Ashley Fox — Award-Winning Sports Journalist and Analyst Seminal moments happen to all of us. How do we react and recover? Ashley will share the lessons she's learned from the leaders of the most exceptional athletes on the planet and outline a five-step process to becoming a winner at work, including the key: Building, nurturing and maintaining relationships while operating with integrity.

“Just Add Water” – Creating a DEI Program from Scratch

Ciana Williams, Esq., Global Diversity and Inclusion Counsel — Nouryon At Nouryon, Ciana helped create an award-worthy D&I program that was recognized as a finalist for the “Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards of North America 2022”. In this session, she will share the common core elements of D&I programs for companies of varying sizes, revenues, and industries. You will also hear about setting a D&I mission and program pillars, reviewing people policies and practices, using D&I training to unlock innovation, creativity, and problem solving, and more.

Panel: Leadership Development & Culture Eileen Coyne Clark, Chief Human Resources Officer — Imagine360 Tracey Mitchell, Director of HR — Allied Wire & Cable Guy Kalbach, Human Resources Manager — Acme-Hardesty Co Moderated by Margaret Uhrich , Managing Director, Talent Development & Coaching — MEA Hear from local leaders who focus on talent development and culture to achieve business success.  Learn about their unique company cultures and leadership development initiatives they’ve rolled out to maintain an engaged talent pool and vibrant culture.