On Wednesday, April 27 the Jewish Business Network (JBN) hosted two great Philadelphia-institution Presidents and CEOs, Laura Foster of The Please Touch Museum and Vikram Dewan of The Philadelphia Zoo.
Before the panel began, luncheon guests took in a variety of vegetarian fare showcased by Mama’s Vegetarian, and many in attendance were heard commenting on the nicety of the variation in the menu at the monthly event.
The theme of the panel, which was moderated by JBN member Kenneth R. Gilberg of Flaster/Greenberg, P.C., was the “Centennial District,” and began with an overview from Foster and Dewan of how The Please Touch Museum and The Zoo, along with the surrounding neighborhoods, The Mann Music Center and Fairmount Park itself, make-up the district. For more specific information on the Centennial District Master Plan, which is slated to be completed by 2026 to coincide with the 250-anniversary of America’s Independence, please visit The Fairmount Park Conservancy website at: http://www.fairmountparkconservancy.org/project/centennial.php.
As the panel continued, Foster, who is a brand new grandmother this month, spoke of her 19-year tenure with The Please Touch Museum. She declared, “It’s the best job I’ve ever had,” after taking a leap career-wise when she started in the Marketing Department almost two decades ago. The “power” of a museum is bonding she further stated, mentioning how she and her father found a commonality when they visited museums together when she was growing-up in her native Chicago.
When talking of The Philadelphia Zoo’s interactive programming being a big hit when visiting his grandchildren at their schools, Dewan stated, “Who would not want to be the coolest grandparent in the Delaware Valley?” The 26-year banking industry veteran mentioned initially saying “no” to being the now 4-year leader of the nation’s oldest zoo as he thought he would go the Foundation route when he left the banking world.
Gilberg went on pose a series of questions ranging from accomplishments and challenges, to future goals and objectives of each institution. Dewan mentioned the possibility of putting a train stop back in to use near the Zoo, as well as perhaps the construction of a parking garage in the future, while Foster talked of the expansion of programming at The Please Touch Museum to include music and dance as well as sustainable-themed projects such as gardening and composting.
When Gilberg asked each panelist what is a best kept secret regarding each site, Dewan suggested visiting the Zoo between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., as most of the school groups have departed for the day, in April and May, as that is a time of year the animals are most active (two-thirds of The Zoo’s residents are nocturnal so they tend to sleep during the day).
The best kept secret for The Please Touch Museum (besides being the same location—Memorial Hall—of JBN member Brian J. Gilberg’s [Odell Studner] bar mitzvah and wedding), is that it’s a great place for adults too. No, you don’t have to “rent” kids to get in, and you won’t be perceived as “creepy” if you visit by yourself.
Liz Galantino, Senior Associate
Metrospective Communications
Marketing, Public Relations and Strategic Communication
