David Baker has been elected as the new president of the Philadelphia Israel Chamber of Commerce (PICC), succeeding Tiffany Starr McKever. Baker, who is also the president of DB Biopharma Consulting LLC, has been involved with the chamber for the past twelve years and previously served as its executive vice president. “I believe there’s never been a more important time to support Israel and Israeli business, so I was willing to step up,” Baker stated following his election announcement.
Baker’s term will extend for two years, during which he aims to strengthen business ties between the Greater Philadelphia area and Israel. He emphasized the chamber’s mission, describing it as a group that “loves Philadelphia, loves Israel, and loves business.” The PICC operates as a nonprofit organization, facilitating collaboration and networking opportunities for businesses in the region and fostering relationships with Israeli enterprises.
The Philadelphia Israel Chamber of Commerce serves as the exclusive representative for the BIRD Foundation in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and southern New Jersey. This foundation provides grants to encourage collaboration between Israeli and American organizations. In addition to its networking events and educational programs, the PICC actively advocates for Israeli businesses in the Philadelphia area.
Baker expressed the chamber’s role as ambassadors for the local business community, aiming to attract Israeli companies to Philadelphia. “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 PICC collaborates with various local business organizations and governmental entities to promote the region as a viable location for Israeli businesses.
Reflecting on recent challenges, Baker noted that the aftermath of the October 7 attacks has posed significant difficulties for Israeli businesses. He shared insights from contacts in Israel, including a business owner who manages a consulting firm while serving in the Israel Defense Forces reserves. “It’s challenging to run a business when you’re being called up for reserve duty,” Baker commented. He also highlighted the negative impact of anti-Zionism on business interactions, noting that some Israeli entrepreneurs have faced cold responses from potential clients upon revealing their location.
Over the next two years, Baker aims to increase engagement among chamber members and restore the organization’s membership to pre-pandemic levels. The PICC experienced a decline in membership during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Baker hopes to attract more individual and corporate members. His overarching goal is to advocate for Israeli business interests in Philadelphia, which he believes will benefit both economies.
“We want to communicate even more information about doing business with Israel,” Baker said. “I’d also like to see us bring in more Israeli companies as members of PICC, and encourage them to establish their U.S. operational headquarters in the Philadelphia region.” For Baker, this leadership role represents a significant opportunity to pursue his professional and personal passions while supporting Israel’s economy.
As he embarks on this new chapter, Baker is committed to fostering a strong relationship between local businesses and their Israeli counterparts, ensuring that both communities can thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
