Day: October 22, 2013

Philadelphia, October 21, 2013– The City of Philadelphia, and its partners, will co-host a free college fair on Friday, October 25th to assist and encourage adult learners to enroll and complete post-secondary learning programs. The college fair will be held in the lower mezzanine of the SEPTA Building, 1234 Market Street from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.rnrn rnrn“In the 21st century economy, a high school diploma is not enough. Our Administration is committed to building a high-skilled, well-educated workforce by promoting post-secondary education options,” said Mayor Nutter. “The Free Adult College Fair is an opportunity for adults looking to return to the learning community to begin the process and for City of Philadelphia employees to learn more about the Returning to Learning Partnership.”rnrn rnrnThe other partner agencies co-hosting the fair will provide valuable information and hands-on assistance:rnrnThe City of Philadelphia’s Returning to Learning Partnership will encourage city employees and their dependents to access tuition discounts at local colleges;rnPhillyGoes2College will offer assistance to individuals on how to apply to college and how to pay for college;rnGraduate! Philadelphia will offer on-the-spot advicernClarifi and PHEAA will offer financial counseling;rnVeterans Upward Bound and the Philadelphia Veterans Resource Center will help veterans access GI Bill benefits and answer other questions; andrnCareerLink North will provide job seeking tips.rn rnrn“Nearly 60 percent of a city’s economic health comes from having a college-educated talent pool,” said Hadass Sheffer, President of Graduate! “Getting them back on the path to earn that degree is a priority for us. Graduate! Philadelphia knows how to help adults get back to and through college—we emphasize finishing the degree, this time around. We’ve helped more than 2,000 people so far, but we know there are more people who can benefit from some help, which is why we are holding this free college fair on October 25th.”rnrnNineteen area colleges and universities will participate in the college fair, including offering individuals the opportunity to talk to college advisors and waiving application fees. Participating schools are: Chestnut Hill College; Community College of Philadelphia; DeVry University; Drexel University Online; East Stroudsburg University; Eastern University; Immaculata University; LaSalle University; Neumann University; Peirce College; Penn State World Campus; Philadelphia University; Rosemont College; Rowan University; Saint Joseph’s University; Temple University; Thomas Edison State College; University of the Sciences; and Widener University.rnrn rnrnFor more information, log on to www.graduatephiladelphia.org/oct25.rnrn rnrnThe Returning to Learning Partnership Program is a tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents) in partnership with area colleges and universities. Discounts are available for associates, bachelors and master level programs. The purpose of the program is to help City employees reach their postsecondary education goals.rnrn rnrnGraduate! Philadelphia has helped more than 2,000 adults go back to college since 2008, including supporting 500 adult learners who have already graduated. The program focuses on intensive preparation and persistence supports, offers a range of adult-friendly college options among its partner colleges, and harnesses the determination and hard work of its students.

PHLY aims to raise awareness and safety around slips, trips, and falls as seasonal weather can lead to increased risks. “Safe Steps Week” points out dangers and solutions for businesses and organizations.rnrnnnBala Cynwyd, PA (PRWEB) October 21, 2013nnSlips, trips, and falls are no laughing matter. There are 8.9 million emergency room visits and 25,000 deaths each year due to slip, trip, and fall (STF) accidents, according to the National Safety Council. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified STFs as the leading cause of injury and second leading cause of accidental deaths in the workplace.nnrnnnPhiladelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY) is providing businesses and organizations with a clear path to reduce the risk of these accidents by announcing “Safe Steps Week.” To highlight the causes and simple, cost-effective solutions around slips, trips, and falls, PHLY is offering helpful information October 21st through October 25th to insurance agents, risk management professionals, and businesses at PHLY.com/SafeSteps.nnrnnn“The combination of wet leaves, un-shoveled or icy sidewalks, and wet floors from these seasonal conditions all contribute to a greater risk for accidents as we head into the colder months,” shared Mark Konchan, vice president of PHLY’s Risk Management Services. “That’s why PHLY’s Safe Steps Week is an important reminder for everyone to think about proper safety measures now and hopefully year-round.”nnrnnnOSHA says that slips, trips, and falls are responsible for the second most (15%) of all accidental deaths in general industry accidents. Philadelphia Insurance is offering free resources at PHLY.com/SafeSteps to help everyone avoid this slippery slope.rnnn

nn
•     Downloadable Prevention Guide highlighting causes and solutions to reduce the risk of STFs

nnrnnn

•     Downloadable self-assessment checklist to prevent against STFs

nnrnnn

•     Submit a safety question to PHLY online or schedule a one-on-one risk management consultation

nnrnnn

•     PHLY will also share tips on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn highlighting STF causes and solutions during Safe Steps Week with the hashtag #SafeSteps

nn

nnrnnn“Failure to take simple risk management steps can lead to severe injury for individuals and put financial strain on a business or organization,” said Konchan. “Employee injuries from falls can lead to missed time and productivity disruptions. Accidents that injure the public or customers can lead to high medical and legal defense costs. Just five minutes of time or a five dollar safety investment can save dozens of hours, thousands of dollars in the long run, and possibly someone’s life.”nnrnnnPHLY’s Risk Management Services department provides a wide selection of safety and training programs for policyholders around abuse prevention, employment practices, and other online training courses. These resources are free to PHLY customers who register online for a MyPHLY account.nnrnnnAbout Philadelphia InsurancernnnPhiladelphia Insurance Companies designs, markets, and underwrites commercial property/casualty and professional liability insurance products incorporating value added coverages and services for select industries. In operation since 1962, the Company, whose commercial lines insurance subsidiaries are rated “A++” (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and “A+” for counterparty credit and financial strength by Standard & Poor’s, is nationally recognized as a member of Ward’s Top 50 and one of the Top 150 National Workplaces. The organization has 46 offices strategically located across the United States to provide superior service. For more information, please visit http://www.phly.com.