Our Beginnings
In early 2008 a group of Old City business owners gathered to discuss ways of improving the business climate in Old City Philadelphia. Working together to tackle the challenges facing business owners in Old City, the group formed the Old City Business Collective.
The Old City Business Collective compliments the three other existing Old City neighborhood organizations. Together, the four Old City neighborhood organazitions provide for a sophisticated response to neighborhood issues.
Who We Are
The Old City Business Collective is a group of dedicated local business owners who volunteer their time and energy to improve the business atmosphere in Old City.
The OCBC has no paid staff and no consistent funding. Our successes are made possible by the dedication of volunteers, membership dues, and event sponsorships.
The Old City Business Collective is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the business climate in Old City Philadelphia. Please get involved today and help improve Old City's business climate!
Our Philosophy
The key to our success lies in our understanding of the failures of the past.
- Always Free – While it takes money to do the things we do, we never require a contribution to the OCBC to participate in an OCBC sponsored event or effort.
- Transparency – There are no secrets here. There is no hidden agenda. Our meeting notes, plans, etc. are all posted online so that you can stay in the loop.
- Focus – If what we’re doing isn’t providing direct impact to the Old City business community then we’re working on the wrong stuff.
- Empowerment – We empower our volunteers to make on-the-fly decisions that would otherwise take weeks or even months in other organizations. Empowerment is what allows us to keep moving forward.
- Creativity – Getting the spotlight back onto Old City requires thinking outside the box. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of creative talent in Old City.
- Reinvestment – Every dollar matters. Our efforts are made possible through the generous contributions of local businesses. Our goal is to reinvest 100% of the contributions we receive directly into impactful business-oriented Old City projects.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Old City Business Collective (OCBC) is to support the growth and improvement of the Old City business community. We strive to bring together area businesses in a unified effort to promote and strengthen the local economy while maintaining our community’s unique character. The OCBC is a non-profit organization dedicated to community good will and the marketing of Old City as a premier destination in Philadelphia for residents and visitors alike.
OCBC Board Members (2010)
Eric Berley - The Franklin Fountain
Jeane O'Karma - J Karma Boutique
Ken Foster - Foster's Homeware
Gary Krause - Scarlett Alley
Monique Mason - Moko Beauty
Beth Gibson - More Than Old
George & Amy Nanos - Three Sirens Boutique
Jen Slavic and Stefan Vasilis - Triumph Brewery
Pamela Dollak - TONY
Valerie Vittu - Margot & Camille
Mark Gisi - Tabula Studio
