WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania Society of New York was organized in 1899 by coal, steel and railroad magnates. At the time, the Society held annual December gatherings of Pennsylvania politicians, in part, to issue recommendations for the following year's legislative sessions; and
WHEREAS, The Society's primary purpose today appears to be networking, socializing and entertaining, which centers on a dinner where a gold medal is awarded to an outstanding citizen. Notably, while an attempt is made to recognize Pennsylvanians, the Pennsylvania Society often recognizes the accomplishments of individuals who neither live in the state nor were born here nor appear to have a strong connection to the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, In addition to the annual dinner, many corporations, law firms, lobbyists and political organizations hold receptions in order to socialize with and gain access to legislators and their staff; and
WHEREAS, These various receptions, dinners, events and hotel rentals generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in local revenue and, if held within the State, would generate significant tax revenues, jobs and other economic benefits; and
WHEREAS, The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and many municipalities throughout the state have faced financial hardships over the last few years, and the possible revenue derived from the Society would benefit these municipalities as well as the Commonwealth's businesses, employees and residents; now therefore
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA,
Calls on the Pennsylvania Society to cease holding its annual event in New York City and relocate the event to the state of Pennsylvania on a rotating basis between various geographic areas.
End