Department of Revenue Urges Low-Income Seniors to Apply for the Real Estate Tax “Senior Freeze” Program

Department of Revenue Urges Low-Income Seniors to Apply for the Real Estate Tax “Senior Freeze” Program

October 23, 2013– The Philadelphia Department of Revenue is encouraging low income senior citizens to apply now for the Low Income Senior Citizen Real Estate Freeze program. Under the program, the City will “freeze” the applicant’s real estate tax for the calendar year in which the taxes are due. Once approved, if the homeowner’s property assessment or the tax rate changes, their taxes will not increase. If the tax liability decreases (either due to a rate decrease or a lower assessment), the tax due will be lowered to the new amount.rn rnTo qualify for the program, applicants (or the applicant’s spouse who lives in the same household) must be 65 years or older; or 50 years old and the widow or widower of someone who was at least 65 years old at their time of death. In addition, the total annual household income must be $23,500 or less for a single person; $31,500 or less for a married couple.rn rnEach applicant should provide proof of household income, age, the location of the property and the tax bill or receipt for the real estate taxes owed. Only one taxpayer per household will be entitled to the tax forgiveness. Once approved, homeowners do not have to apply again.rn rn“In these hard economic times it is becoming increasingly difficult for some of our residents to pay the required real estate taxes that are due each year,” said Commissioner Clarena Tolson of the City’s Revenue Department. “This tax forgiveness program will help ease that responsibility for many of our senior citizen homeowners.”rn rnApplications can be obtained by visiting the Revenue Department website at www.phila.gov/revenue or by calling 215-686-6442.The Low-Income Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Freeze is one of several tax assistance programs available to Philadelphia residents. For more information visit the website at www.phila.gov/revenue or call 215-686-6442.

Shmoop and Philadelphia’s Northeast High School Release New AP Results, Prove Technology and Teachers Can Close Achievement Gap

Shmoop and Philadelphia’s Northeast High School Release New AP Results, Prove Technology and Teachers Can Close Achievement Gap

Innovative teachers and AP® coordinators used Shmoop as part of program to improve AP enrollment, saw college eligible test scores shoot up 3x with 10% increase in college matriculation.rnrnnnPhiladelphia, PA (PRWEB) October 22, 2013nnDespite recent news of the budget woes plaguing the school district of Philadelphia, a bright spot has been the success stories coming out of Northeast High School, located in one of the lowest income areas of the city. As part of a rigorous Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate program overhaul that began in the 2010 – 2011 school year, Northeast High School incorporated Shmoop, one of the world’s largest digital publishers of test prep materials and educational guides, and saw the number of college eligible AP scores (3+) triple in three years.nnrnnn“Can a comprehensive high school with a largely low-income student body significantly increase college eligibility scores while maintaining enrollment numbers? Yes. In three years, that is exactly what Northeast High School has done,” says Ellen Siminoff, CEO and President of Shmoop. “The effective use of technology in classrooms should mean that companies like us make it easier for passionate teachers to do their jobs.”nnrnnnNortheast High School students were given access Shmoop’s full suite of 30+ AP® rnnnguides to use as a resource to supplement the instruction they were getting in the classroom. In addition, the teachers and AP coordinators created a myriad of academic and extracurricular programs to motivate students to enroll in AP and IB classes. These programs included Saturday practice sessions, summer programs, awards assemblies, subsidized exam fees, and extra instruction and support in classrooms from staff and faculty members. As a result, Northeast High’s AP results soared. In 2007, before the programs were implemented, the school had no AP scholars and only ~10% had a score of ‘3’ or better. In contrast, after the implementation of Shmoop and the extra programs, Northeast High had 22 AP Scholars and saw more than one out of every three AP-test-taking students (36.1%) score a ‘3’ and above in the 2012 – 2013 school year. The college matriculation rate also jumped to 63% versus 53% in 2010, with 133 students earning college credit on 177 AP exams.nnrnnnAlthough Shmoop and the programs helped increase student retention rates and the number of students matriculating into college, the school was hit hard by the Philadelphia School District’s budget cuts.nnrnnn“We have been sustaining the quality of these programs despite the annual budgets cuts that have occurred in the last four years, but this year, the conditions are worse, much worse than they have ever been,” says a public letter from Northeast High School teachers requesting more AP funding. “This year, we are at the point of ensuring that these programs still exist, not working to improve them.”nnrnnnAP® is a trademark registered and/or owned by the College Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.nnrnnnAbout ShmooprnnnShmoop is a digital curriculum and test prep company that makes fun, rigorous learning and teaching materials. Shmoop content is written by master teachers and Ph.D. students from Stanford, Harvard, UC Berkeley, and other top universities. Shmoop Learning Guides, Test Prep, and Teacher’s Editions balance a teen-friendly, approachable style with academically rigorous materials to help teachers help students understand how subjects relate to their daily lives. Shmoop sees over 7 million unique visitors a month on its site, and offers more than 7,000 titles across the Web, iPhone, Android devices, iPad, Kindle, Nook, and Sony Reader. The company has been honored twice by the Webby Awards, named “Best in Tech” for 2010 and 2011 by Scholastic Administrator, and awarded with two Annual Education Software Review Awards (EDDIES) in 2013. Launched in 2008, Shmoop is headquartered in a labradoodle-patrolled office in Mountain View, California.nnrnnn*SAT and AP are registered trademarks of the College Board, which was not involved in the production of and does not endorse this product.nnrnnn*ACT is a federally registered trademark of ACT, Inc. Shmoop University is not affiliated with or endorsed by ACT, Inc.

City of Philadelphia to Co-Host Free Adult College Fair on October 25th

City of Philadelphia to Co-Host Free Adult College Fair on October 25th

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.

Philadelphia Insurance Companies Announces “Safe Steps” to Curb Dangerous Slips, Trips, and Falls

Philadelphia Insurance Companies Announces “Safe Steps” to Curb Dangerous Slips, Trips, and Falls

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.

Philadelphia Hosts Major National Gaming Conference on Internet Gambling

Philadelphia Hosts Major National Gaming Conference on Internet Gambling

Several from Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board participating in presentationsrnHARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Gaming Control Board Chairman William H. Ryan, Jr. along with Executive Director Kevin O’Toole and Bureau of Licensing Director Susan Hensel will participate in the World Regulatory Briefing USA focusing on iGaming on October 22 and 23, 2013 in Philadelphia.rnLeaders from the gaming industry along with regulators from state, international and Native American gaming jurisdictions will be presenting at the conference.rnThe conference will be held at the Sheraton Philadelphia University City and will center on iGaming, a term used to refer to online or Internet gambling. iGaming legislation has already been adopted in some states and is being looked at in others as a way to generate additional revenue. While Pennsylvania has not adopted legislation to permit iGaming nor has the Gaming Control Board taken a stance on the matter, heightened discussions about the adoption of iGaming have led to a need to share ideas and analysis.rnChairman Ryan and Director Hensel, who is the immediate past President of the International Association of Gaming Regulators and chairperson of the conference’s opening day, will provide welcoming remarks on the 22nd at 9:00 a.m.rnChairman Ryan will then participate in a panel with legislators from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Florida along with other state regulators beginning at 10:10 that morning in a panel discussion titled “When and How Can Online Gaming Be a Sustainable Revenue Generator for the State”.rnExecutive Director O’Toole and Hensel will be on a panel during the second day of the conference beginning at 9:10 a.m. with regulators from California, New Jersey and Iowa. The panel discussion is titled “Exploring Co-Operation Models between Regulators in the United States”.rnThe conference is being managed by Clarion Events, a firm that produces targeted business-to-business exhibitions, consumer events and conferences serving a diverse range of markets across the globe.rnAbout the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board:rnThe Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board was established in 2004 with the passage of Act 71, also known as the Race Horse Development and Gaming Act. Pennsylvania’s first new state agency in nearly 30 years, the Gaming Control Board is tasked to oversee all aspects of the state’s casino industry. The 12 casinos in operation all offer both slot machine and table game gambling, employ over 16,000 people, and collectively generate an average of $4 million per day in tax revenue. A portion of that money is used for property tax reduction to all Pennsylvania homeowners; provide funds to the Commonwealth’s horse racing industry, fire companies, a statewide water and sewer project grant program, and the state’s General Fund; and, established a new stream of tax revenue to local governments that host casinos for community projects.rnA wealth of information about the Gaming Control Board’s regulatory efforts and Pennsylvania’s gaming industry can be found at www.gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov. At this website, visitors can watch Board meetings live or view videos of past meetings, look up future meeting schedules and past meeting transcripts, obtain information on identifying a gambling problem and gaining assistance, access an interactive map of casino locations, request a speaker for their group, along with much more information. You can also follow the agency on Twitter by choosing @PAGamingControl.rnCONTACT: Doug Harbach or Richard McGarvey rn(717) 346-8321rnSOURCE Pennsylvania Gaming Control BoardrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov

CITY OF PHILADELPHIA ANNOUNCES NEW PROGRAM FOR HOMEOWNERS WITH DELINQUENT REAL ESTATE TAXES

CITY OF PHILADELPHIA ANNOUNCES NEW PROGRAM FOR HOMEOWNERS WITH DELINQUENT REAL ESTATE TAXES

Philadelphia, October 16, 2013 – The City of Philadelphia Department of Revenue announced the start of a new repayment program aimed at helping owner-occupied homeowners with past due and delinquent real estate taxes.rnrn rnrnThe Owner-Occupied Real Estate Payment Agreement allows homeowners to make monthly payments on their past due real estate taxes. Monthly payments are calculated using a four-tier system based on household income and family size.rnrn rnrnUsing a family of four as an example:rnrn rnrnTier 1: Monthly income is $4,622 and up. These households must pay the full amount of past due realrnrnestate taxes, including interest and penalties. Monthly payment amounts are at the discretion of the Revenue Department.rnrn rnrnTier 2: Monthly income is $3,301 – $4621. These households must pay 10% of their monthly household income. They are entitled to a waiver of 100% of the penalties that have accrued.rnrn rnrnTier 3: Monthly income is $1,981 – $3,300. These households must pay 8% of their monthly household income. They are entitled to a waiver of 50% of the interest and 100% of the penalties that have accrued.rnrn rnrnTier 4: Monthly income is $0 – $1,980. These households must pay 5% of their monthly income but no less than $25 per month. They are entitled to a waiver of 100% of the interest and 100% of the penalties that have accrued on the account.rnrn rnrn“We are excited to offer this new program to Philadelphia homeowners,” says Clarena Tolson, commissioner, Department of Revenue. “We understand that there are times when a person needs a fresh start to get their financial obligations in order. This program gives them that help and more importantly, it helps them to remain in their homes.”rnrn rnrnTo qualify and continue on the one-time re-payment plan, applicants must remain current or under an agreement for current year and future real estate taxes.rnrn rnrnTo apply for the program, residents can visit the Revenue Department’s website at www.phila.gov/revenue for an application or visit the Department of Revenue at Municipal Services Building, 1401 JFK Blvd., Concourse level. Applicants should bring proof of income to apply.rnrn rnrnThe Owner Occupied Real Estate Payment Agreement is one of several tax assistance programs available to Philadelphia residents. For more information visit the website at www.phila.gov/revenue or call 215-686-6442.

Kidney Failure Can Complicate Long-Term Outcomes in Children Receiving Solid-Organ Transplants

Kidney Failure Can Complicate Long-Term Outcomes in Children Receiving Solid-Organ Transplants

Children who undergo transplants of solid organs have a high risk of developing advanced kidney disease, according to a new study of national records by The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.rnrnnnPhiladelphia, PA (PRWEB) October 14, 2013nnChildren who undergo transplants of solid organs have a high risk of developing advanced kidney disease, according to a new national study. Among these children, the highest risk is in those receiving lung or intestinal transplants, followed by heart and then liver transplants. The researchers say their findings reinforce the importance of continued screening of kidney function in pediatric transplant recipients.nnrnnn“We found that the risk patterns for kidney disease are different among patients who receive solid-organ transplants as children, compared to adult transplant recipients,” said pediatric nephrologist Rebecca L. Ruebner, M.D., of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “Because chronic and end-stage kidney disease carry high burdens of mortality and serious illness, it is important to take preventive measures to slow or prevent disease progression.”nnrnnnRuebner is the first author of a study published online today in Pediatrics. The senior author is Susan L. Furth, M.D., Ph.D., chief of Nephrology at Children’s Hospital.nnrnnnUsing data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, the study team analyzed records of 16,600 pediatric patients who received solid-organ transplants (liver, heart, lung, intestine, and heart-lung) from 1990 to 2010 across the U.S. This was the first pediatric study to compare the relative incidence of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) by type of organ transplant. It was also the first analysis to identify the risk of advanced kidney disease among pediatric solid-organ recipients over a 20-year period.nnrnnnIn this two-decade national cohort, the researchers found that ESKD occurred in 3 percent of pediatric solid-organ recipients, with the highest risk of ESKD among those who received lung transplants or intestinal transplants. Patients who received liver transplants as children had the lowest rate of ESKD.nnrnnnIn contrast, adult liver transplant recipients are known to have the highest risk of ESKD and adult lung transplant recipients have lower risks of ESKD. For both children and adults, intestinal transplantation carries higher risks of ESKD.nnrnnn“Although the overall incidence of end-stage kidney disease was only 3 percent, the broader burden of chronic kidney disease is much higher in this population of pediatric transplant recipients,” said Ruebner. “Children with chronic kidney disease experience a steady decline in kidney function, so we recommend that pediatric healthcare providers carefully follow post-transplant patients to detect any early signs of kidney problems, with early referral, if necessary, to a pediatric nephrologist.”nnrnnnThe National Institutes of Health supported this research (grants DK078737, DK066174, DK078688-01, DK093556). Other support came from the National Kidney Foundation/Amgen KDOQI Research Fellowship and the Nephcure Foundation–American Society of Nephrology Research Grant.nnrnnnIn addition to Ruebner and Furth, other co-authors were Michelle R. Denburg, M.D., MSCE, of Children’s Hospital; and Peter P. Reese, M.D., MSCE, and Peter L. Abt, M.D., both of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.nnrnnn“End-Stage Kidney Disease after Pediatric Non-Renal Solid Organ Transplantation,” Pediatrics, published online Oct. 14, 2013, to appear in Nov. 2013 print issue.nnrnnnAbout The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation’s first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals and pioneering major research initiatives, Children’s Hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program receives the highest amount of National Institutes of Health funding among all U.S. children’s hospitals. In addition, its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought the 527-bed hospital recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit http://www.chop.edu.

Nwenna Kai – Speaker at the Pennsylvania Conference for Women

Nwenna Kai – Speaker at the Pennsylvania Conference for Women

Nwenna Kai – Speaker, Panelist, & Health & Wellness Speaker at the PA Conference for WomenrnrnPhiladelphia, PA (PRWEB) October 13, 2013rnrnnnPhiladelphia, PA (PRWEB) October 13, 2013nnPhiladelphia, PA-Raw Foods expert and author of “The Goddess Of Raw Foods,” Nwenna Kai, will be speaking at the 2013 Pennsylvania Conference for Women on November 1st at the PA Convention Center. Keynote speakers at the conference include Hilary Clinton, Madeleine Albright, and Judge Glenda Hatcher. The conference will include book signings, seminar sessions, local leader meet-ups, a keynote luncheon, and expert exchanges/encore workshops. Nwenna Kai will be speaking primarily about maximizing energy and efficiency. Her session will feature medical and wellness experts, all of which will explore options that can help make you both more productive and successful. They will guide you on which vitamins enhance performance, what time of the day is best for exercise, and what foods you should consume in order to get the best possible night’s sleep. The PA Conference for Women is being sponsored by Beneficial Bank, Cisco, Drexel University College of Business, and Cancer Treatment Centers of America, along with many other incredible organizations and businesses. There are also many supporting organizations including, Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance, Afterschool Buddy, Inc., and Alliance of Women Entrepreneurs.nnrnnnNwenna Kai is an award-winning and world-renowned wellness entrepreneur, author, and raw foods activist. Nwenna is the creator and founder of Taste of the Goddess Café in Los Angeles, and author of the book “The Goddess of Raw Foods.” Over the years, she has aided in helping thousands lose weight and live healthier lifestyles with her LiveWell Movement. Nwenna is also the creator of the extremely popular 7- Day Raw Foods Cleanse and continues to spread health and happiness across the globe. In addition, she has appeared on many networks promoting her movement, including E-Entertainment, The Travel Channel, The Philadelphia Tribune, Self Magazine, Heart & Soul Magazine, NBC’s The Ten Show, & Purely Delicious Magazine.

Laurus Corporation Acquires Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia/Ft. Washington

Laurus Corporation Acquires Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia/Ft. Washington

— Acquisition marks 7th capital allocation from Laurus’ Ethika fund –rnrnPHILADELPHIA, Oct. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Laurus Corporation, a U.S.-based private real estate investment and development firm, has completed the acquisition of the Hilton Garden Inn located in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania. Situated 20 miles north of downtown Philadelphia, the six-story hotel features 146 guestrooms, an indoor swimming pool, business center, guest laundry facility, the brand’s signature restaurant and bar and three meeting facilities totaling 3,350 square feet.rn(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131011/LA96271)rn(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20061212/LAURUSLOGO)rnThe Hilton Garden Inn is positioned adjacent to the Fort Washington Office Park which consists of nearly six million square feet of Class-A office space, housing more than 100 companies such as GMAC/Ally, URS Corporation, Honeywell, Verizon, FedEx and Johnson & Johnson. In addition, Greater Philadelphia is home to approximately 20 Fortune 500 companies, including AmerisourceBergen, Comcast, Aramark and Sunoco. The hotel offers convenient access to the Interstate and SEPTA regional train station, which provides transportation to the entire Philadelphia region.rn”Marking the seventh capital allocation from Laurus’ Ethika fund, the Hilton Garden Inn presents a distinct opportunity to acquire an institutional quality asset in one of the nation’s premier business parks at a significant discount to replacement cost,” said Austin Khan, Chief Investment Officer of Laurus Corporation.rn”We have selected a new independent management company to implement techniques to further drive RevPAR, as well as executing a $1.9 million property improvement plan to further enhance the guest experience,” comments Jean Paul Szita, President and Co-founder of Laurus Corporation.rn”The Hotel’s affiliation with Hilton through the Hilton Garden Inn license agreement creates strong brand recognition and access to Hilton’s industry-leading reservation system, corporate business relationships and loyalty programs,” adds Philip Cyburt, Chief Executive Officer of Laurus Corporation.rnStrategically situated between the financial capital of the world (New York) and the political capital of the world (Washington D.C.), the Greater Philadelphia Statistical Area has a population of almost 5.9 million people making it the sixth largest metropolitan area in the United States. The Philadelphia International Airport is easily accessible and is served by 30 airlines offering nearly 600 daily departures to 120 cities, including 36 international destinations and is UPS’ second busiest hub facility.rnThe hotel is also close to several new developments in the area including: the Valley Forge Casino Resort boasting 40,000 square feet of gaming tables and slot machines, three restaurants and a nightclub; King of Prussia Mall, the nation’s largest retail shopping complex featuring more than 400 shops and 40 restaurants; and the Upper Dublin Township, which consists of several community areas, many of which are unincorporated.rnIn 2010, Hilton Garden Inn received the distinguished “Highest Guest Satisfaction Among Mid-Scale Hotel Chains with Full Service” award in the J.D. Power and Associates North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study. This accolade marks the eighth time that the hotel has received the highest ranking in the segment, outranking all other mid-scale, full-service brands.rnThe Hilton Garden Inn is located at 530 West Pennsylvania Ave., Ft. Washington, PA.rnLaurus Corporation is a real estate investment and development company that specializes in hotels and resorts, office buildings, multifamily and mixed-use properties. Laurus employs an entrepreneurial investment strategy designed to consistently achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns by creating capital appreciation opportunities through repositioning, restructuring, re-development and intensive post-acquisition asset management. It is affiliated with Ethika Investments, LLC, a real estate investment firm.rnSOURCE Laurus CorporationrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.lauruscorporation.com