Commerce Bank / TD Banknorth Charitable  Foundation helping improve U.S. Image Abroad

IVC's BBQ festivities were made even livelier when two executives from Commerce Bank - Darrell German, Regional VP, and Linda McGuigan, Senior VP for Philadelphia Metro Market - presented IVC with a huge - and generous - check for $20,000 from its TD Charitable Foundation. This grant for IVC's Discover Philadelphia initiative is already at work engaging international graduate students in Philadelphia's business and cultural activities - helping them fall in love with the city and region.

This unique program combines international relations with business in its short-term goal of Philadelphia becoming the most welcoming city in the U.S. for international students.  It's long-term goal is for these lawyers and future executives to return to Philadelphia when establishing a U.S. presence or needing law firms or consulting firms in the U.S.  Building relationships and improving the U.S. image abroad are key to both goals.  Discover Philadelphia provides monthly opportunities for the local community to develop its international network without leaving the city. Businesses looking to build relationships abroad can contact IVC's Nancy Gilboy or Ann Stauffer. IVC thanks Commerce Bank and the TD Charitable Foundation for their generous support of this important program! Pictured below is the Commerce Bank group at IVC's BBQ 2008!