From the merger with The Office of Special Events to the Holiday Tree Lighting, 2024 has been a great year to our office and the City of Philadelphia.
This year has been an incredible journey for the Office of the City Representative (OCR) as we continue to celebrate and promote Philadelphia’s culture, history, and rich heritage, hosting high-profile events and recognizing the contributions of our residents, creating a collection of memorable moments to our residents.
Following the successful merger of the Office of the City Representative with the Office of Special Events, both under the direction of City Representative Jazelle Jones, the teams at both offices have been strengthened and expanded in their capabilities. This has allowed for the delivery of major events and festivals such as PAL Day at City Hall, Wawa Welcome America July 4th festivities, and the 2024 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, to name a few. We’ve highlighted some of our biggest accomplishments below.
- Represented the Mayor and Parker Administration at 50+ events. City Representative Jazelle Jones, as well as First Deputy City Representative, Margaret Hughes, and Second Deputy City Representative Kyra Harris, were in charge of attending events and ceremonies, representing Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, as well as welcoming distinguished visitors and dignitaries from around the world, in an effort to promote Philadelphia as a premier destination for tourism, and fostering business and cultural exchange even further through strategic partnerships and global outreach initiatives.
- City of Philadelphia Mission to China. One of the largest projects this year was the visit to China, where City Representative Jazelle Jones; Senior Director of International Business and Global Strategy Pierre-o Lugez, among other officials, accompanied the Philadelphia Orchestra on their tour to celebrate 50 years of friendship and reconnect with Chinese partners. This tour commemorates the Orchestra’s historic first tour in China, which played a key role in cultural diplomacy between the United States and the eastern country. This mission aligns with important anniversaries, including the 45th anniversary of Philadelphia’s sister city relationship with Tianjin and the 40th anniversary of the dedication of Chinatown’s Friendship Gate.
- Successful execution of the Philly Holiday Experience. In partnership with Welcome America, OCR produced the Philly Holiday Experience, which brought together thousands of residents and visitors to celebrate the holiday season. The annual tree lighting ceremony at City Hall was a grand spectacle, with dazzling lights, captivating performances by Liamani Segura and Keyshia Cole, and a special appearance by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. This event not only illuminated the city, but also fostered a sense of community and holiday spirit among attendees.
As we close out this year, we are filled with pride and gratitude for the successes of 2024, which are proof of the dedication of everyone involved, from our teams at OCR and OSE, to the artists, volunteers, partners, and our residents. We look forward to continuing our mission of promoting Philadelphia and celebrating its unique charm and heritage for years to come.
