Mentoring with Meaning – Developing a Pipeline of ACDBEs with BNA and PA NYNJ

LeJeune and Associates has developed and delivered a number of ACDBE curriculum-based courses this year.  In addition to Philadelphia Airport’s ACDE Academy, Clarence LeJeune partnered with other industry partners to develop and deliver programs for the Nashville International Airport (BNA) and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PA NYNJ).  These programs are focused on small, existing food and retail businesses that are not yet at an airport and, for those who qualify, can serve as a pipeline of ACDBEs.  Although each airport’s program is crafted differently, they all have the same basic objective – to provide an in–depth and comprehensive look at what to consider for evaluating, winning, and operating a food or shop location at an airport.  Not only did we make great connections but we gained insight into current aspirations, capabilities, and questions of small businesses trying to expand to airport opportunities. And while attending these sessions is no guarantee for success, as Clarence told his audience at the JFK Procurement session, “If you win, that’s when the work begins. If you lose, that’s when the learning happens.”

Partnering in PHL’s ACDBE Academy

Clarence LeJeune and Melwood Hannah led the efforts of our joint venture’s (MarketPlace PHL) partnership with the Philadelphia International Airport’s for their inaugural ACDBE Academy.  Held from June to September, the ACDBE Academy included small-group training for a cohort of 13 seasoned, diverse businesses interesting in pursuing opportunities in airport concessions.  The program included instructional sessions by the MarketPlace PHL team, leadership from every corner of the Airport, and external resources; one-on-one assistance; and a behind-the-scenes tour of operations. As one participant remarked, “I really benefited and enjoyed the entire program.” This experience was not just an opportunity for us to share, but also one that introduced us to some dynamic, unique concepts in our airport’s community.

Celebrating Our Silver Anniversary

June 2023 marked the 25th anniversary of PHL’s Food and Shops Program. Having been a part of that team for those 25 years, Clarence LeJeune and Melwood Hannah were happy to officiate the ceremonies to mark this moment, and honored to share it with other Airport and MarketPlace PHL team members who have been part of that 25 years.  We continue to build on our success and look to the future at PHL! For more, see PHL’s Food and Shops 25th Anniversary news article.

LeJeune and Associates Featured in PHL's Annual Report

LeJeune and Associates is proud to be included in PHL’s Annual report and to represent the Airport’s exceptional concessions program. The Annual Report is a great way to get an overview of PHL’s continued growth and recovery from the pandemic and its exciting plans for the future.

PHL CEO and LeJeune and Associates on PHL's PodcastL

LeJeune and Associates were honored to be interviewed on Atif Saeed’s inaugural podcast at the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Atif Saeed joined PHL as its CEO in December 2022 and sat down with Clarence and Mel to celebrate 25 years of MarketPlace PHL, learn about the current food and shops program, and get insight into the future. In a wide-ranging conversation, they covered the history of Clarence and Mel’s partnership, the secret sauce for curating a successful concessions program, and how MarketPlace PHL partners with the Department of Aviation to showcase the humanity of Philadelphia. This has been evidenced in their efforts with Philabundance, and assisting those in need - from refugees to those impacted by natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina. They also discussed some of the exciting concepts coming to the airport, which include Roam Fitness, over 10 locations offering iconic tastes of Philadelphia, and the Chase Lounge.

Listen in at TAKING OFF with PHL | PHL.org for the full podcast.

Supporting Sustainability at Airport Experience's Annual Conference

Mel Hannah joined industry peers at this year’s Airport Experience Annual Conference for a panel discussion highlighting best practices in food waste reduction. The panel - Combatting Food Waste In Airports’ Food also included Erin Anderson, Environmental Specialist at Portland International Airport; Jeff Steelman, Vice President of Culinary, HMSHost; and Steve Byrne, Vice President of Concepts and Standards, Areas USA. The panel was hosted by Andrew Zimmern, four-time winner of the James Beard Foundation Award for his Travel Channel series Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern; host of the Food Channel’s The Big Food Truck Tip, and creator of MSNBC’s What’s Eating America. LeJeune and Associates proudly supports sustainability efforts and leads MarketPlace PHL’s efforts at the Philadelphia International Airpot, In the four years since the development of a program with the food bank, Philabundance, 94,780 pounds of food, equivalent to approximately 123,215 meals, have been rescued helping to address food insecurity for tens of thousands of Philadelphians. 

Celebrating the Philadelphia Eagles

Clarence LeJeune and Melwood Hannah helped the Eagles Fly with hometown sports legends Seth Joyner, Brian Westbrook, Mike Quick and Merrill Reese at the Philadelphia International Airport. Hosting and emceeing MarketPlace PHL’s three broadcasts of Seth Joyner’s Sports Talk this season, Clarence and Mel treated passengers and employees to free giveaways, autographs, and insight into the Eagles and their competition. Go Birds!

Clarence LeJeune Represents The Firm in PHL's Annual Report→

For 2020, the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) produced a year-in-review video report that is groundbreaking, sobering, and inspirational. LeJeune and Associates was proud to be included and to represent PHL’s merchants in this report that documented what was a unique year 2020 truly was. We join PHL in celebrating accomplishments while reflecting on what was a challenging year in commerce, work, and life.

Black History Month Interview with PHL's CEO, Chellie Cameron→

Clarence LeJeune and Mel Hannah were the featured guests of Philadelphia International Airport’s CEO Chellie Cameron in an episode of her Black History Month series featuring black leaders in aviation. Listen in as they share their paths to the aviation industry, give insight on race in America, and offer advice to those starting their own career journey. Listen to the full interview at https://youtu.be/nKr-aDipEkM.

Recognized By AXN in Five Categories

At the March 2020 Airport Experience News (AXN) Annual Conference Awards ceremony, Clarence LeJeune’s and Melwood Hannah’s efforts in airport excellence received recognition through awards in five categories, including Large Airport with Best Overall Program (Philadelphia International Airport), Best Local-Inspired Restaurant (Bud & Marilyn’s at PHL), and Best New Restaurant (Bud & Marilyn’s at PHL). AXN awards represent acknowledgement from peers on impact made in the airport industry. LeJeune and Associates is honored to be recognized by the industry and continues to expand their innovation, diligence, and inclusiveness for air travel and the customers and businesses that rely on it everyday.

Clarence LeJeune and Melwood Hannah join PHL’s Adam Mitchell and Jenny Ly in receiving AXN’s award for Best Overall Program - Large Airport .

LeJeune and Associates Featured on PHL's Podcast

On this episode of Taking Office with Chellie Cameron, Philadelphia International Airport’s Chief Executive Officer features LeJeune and Associates’ management of the airport’s food, beverage and retail operations. Listen in as Clarence and Mel discuss the evolution of their firm and the concessions program at PHL, which has been under their stewardship for over twenty years . Hear why Chellie calls them one of the airport’s most trusted partners and “the two gentlemen in charge of it all”.

Podcasting with PHL CEO Chellie Cameron

PHL innovates; this time with its CEO, Chellie Cameron, hosting a podcast series which gives listeners a glimpse inside one of the country’s busiest airports. Click on this episode where Mel Hannah and Clarence LeJeune joined PHL partners to discuss how they and the airport family rallied together to provide much needed and appreciated support to Federal workers during the extended Government Shutdown. Tune in for all of Chellie’s episodes at Taking Off with Chellie Cameron.

PHL's 2018 Business Opportunity Forum

Continuing their tradition of hosting successful annual outreach events that inform businesses about opportunities at the Airport, PHL held its 2018 Business Opportunity Forum on September 24th. Clarence LeJeune presented essential information about concessions opportunities at the airport and fielded questions from an audience of over 400 business and organization representatives. LeJeune and Associates has been proud to participate in this event each year make connections, encourage businesses to take part in the concessions program, and support the airport’s inclusion goals. Read more in PHL’s press release about the event.

Clarene LeJeune serves as on panel with James Tyrrell (PHL Chief Revenue Officer), along with representatives from Jacobs, American Airlines, and PHL’s Engineering Division.

Supporting the USO, Our Military, and Their Families

LeJeune and Associates honors the service and sacrifices of the members of our armed forces and their families. We have been proud to support United Service Organization’s (USO) mission to strengthen America’s military service members by keeping them connected to family, home, and country throughout their service to the nation. It has been LeJeune and Associates’ honor to facilitate the opening of the USO’s state-of-the-art facility early this year at the Philadelphia International Airport, and support the Annual USO/PHL Celebrity Golf Outing once again this year. Read more about the USO and PHL’s newest first-class USO lounge.

Mel Hannah (Executive Vice President of LeJeune and Associates), Chellie Cameron (CEO of PHL), Joseph Brooks (President/CEO of USO of Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey), and Clarence LeJeune (President/CEO of LeJeune and Associates) at the opening of USO’s First-Class Lounge for members of the military and their families at PHL.

Joseph Brooks (President/CEO of USO of Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey ), James Tyrrell (Chief Review Officer of PHL), Manik Arora (President/CEO of Arora Engineers), Clarence LeJeune (President/CEO of LeJeune and Associates) and Chellie Cameron (CEO of PHL) presenting the Annual Golf Outing Check to the USO.

LeJeune and Associates Celebrates Ben's Chili Bowl

Ben’s Chili Bowl not only serves delicious, authentic American food, but is also a national treasure and historical legend in its own right. View USA Today’s feature on this renowned DC restaurant and stop by to sample some of their mouthwatering fare at Ben’s Chili Bowl in Reagan National Airport (located at the B/C Terminal Concourse Level, pre-security). If you visit their original location on U Street in DC, be sure to look for Clarence’s picture on the wall.

Clarene LeJeune with owners of Ben’s Chili Bowl at their grand opening in Reagan National Airport.

LeJeune and Associates Supports COMTO's National Conference

Sharing insight with Chellie Cameron, CEO of Philadelphia International Airport, and Hezekiah Harris, President of CMTS, Clarence LeJeune participated on the "What's Diversity Got to Do With It?" panel at the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) National Conference on July 31, 2018.  The panel explored how airports are economic engines for commerce, regional businesses, and employment and how diversity--from passengers transported to opportunities available--is integral to their success.  LeJeune and Associates supports COMTO and its mission to ensure opportunities and maximum participation in the transportation industry for minority individuals, businesses, and communities of color, 

 

Celebrating 20 Years at PHL

LeJeune and Associates celebrated 20 years of MarketPlace PHL at the Philadelphia International Airport on June 4.  Master of Ceremonies Clarence LeJeune shared the festivities with PHL's Chief Executive Officer Chellie Cameron and Chief Revenue Officer James Tyrrell and Melwood Hannah.  In addition to live music, food, and giveaways, PHL, MarketPlace, and merchant employees that had been a part of PHL's success in the concessions program for 20 years or more were honored.

MELWOOD hANNAH, jAMES tYRRELL (phl cHIEF rEVENUE oFFICER), CLARENCE lEJEUNE, AND cHELLIE cAMERON (phl ceo) cELEBRATE 20 YEARS OF MARKETPLACE PHL

AMAC's Leadership Summit

Clarence LeJeune, President of LeJeune and Associates represented the firm at the Airport Minority Advisory Council's (AMAC) March 20-21, 2018 Leadership Summit in Washington, DC.  A long-time supporter of AMAC, LeJeune and Associates attends this annual event to network with peers, industry leaders, and government representatives; advocate for more opportunities in aviation; and serve as an information resource for elected officials.  

Clarence Lejeune with AMAC President/CEO, Krystal Brumfield

LeJeune and Associates Supports Ronald McDonald House

Mel Hannah, Vice President of LeJeune and Associates, led MarketPlace PHL's team to victory in the 10th Annual Ronald McDonald House Plane Pull fundraiser held on May 5, 2018.  Under his leadership, Mel's team accelerated against worthy challengers, pulling the plane in the fastest time.  This was not only a friendly competitive victory, but a triumph for the Ronald McDonald House, which supports families of seriously ill children while they are undergoing treatment.  LeJeune and Associates' efforts helped raise nearly $170,000 for the organization at this event.

LeJeune and Associates Supports PHL's Job Fair→

PHL's Annual JobFair highlights open jobs and career potential that the Airport has to offer.  It attracts thousands of job seekers each year.  Because concessions represents one of the largest employment pools at the airport, LeJeune and Associates coordinates MarketPlace PHL's participation in the planning for the events, ensuring that tenants maximize the benefits of the JobFair and preparing tenants for the event.  A critical event leading up to the JobFair is the Employer Breakfast, where employers seeking employment candidates at the JobFair are given sage advice, interviewing tips, and engagement strategies.  LeJeune and Associates played an important role again this year, when Mel Hannah not only spearheaded efforts to get maximum tenant participation at the JobFair, but anchored the concessions discussion at the Employer Breakfast.  More than 50 businesses exhibited at the 2018 PHL JobFair, the majority of which were in the MarketPlace PHL family.