Category: Press Releases

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 22, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Secretary of State Pedro A. Cortés today reminded Pennsylvanians that Monday, March 28, is the deadline to register to vote in the April primary election.rnrn"Voting is one of the most fundamental rights we have as citizens," Cortés said. "Over the history of this nation, many people have made extraordinary sacrifices to protect that right for us. We honor them every time we go to the polls and cast our ballot."rnrnOn April 26, primary voters who are registered as Republican or Democrat will choose the two parties' nominees for president, as well as for the statewide offices of Attorney General, Auditor General and Treasurer. Additionally, voters will choose party nominees for one U.S. Senate seat and all of Pennsylvania's 18 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.rnrnAlso on the party ballots will be all state House seats in the General Assembly and state Senate seats with odd-numbered districts.rnrnPennsylvania law requires a closed primary, meaning only voters registered as Democrats or Republicans will select nominees to represent their party in the November 8 general election. However, all registered voters, including those registered with a minor political party or no affiliation, may vote on any proposed amendments to the Pennsylvania Constitution that will be on the primary ballot.rnrnCortés also reminded eligible citizens that the state's online voter registration (OVR) site makes registering or updating an existing registration easier than ever before. A new signature upload feature means all users can complete the electronic application process online.rnrnPreviously, voters who did not have a record at PennDOT or whose record failed to match had the option of printing their pre-populated applications, signing and sending to the county or asking DOS to send them a signature form. Voters who needed to send in their signature are strongly urged to do so by the March 28 deadline. Voters with missing signatures are not registered until they have submitted their signature and will be unable to vote in the primary.rnrnVoters may check their application status on the DOS website, using the same information they entered on the application. If the voter still has questions after using the online tool or they have not received a registration card within 14 days, they should contact their county elections office.rnrnWith the new signature upload feature, however, those voters could resubmit their application, upload a signature, and their application would be submitted electronically. This would allow the county to receive their application more quickly before the deadline.rnrnIndividuals wishing to register to vote in the April 26 primary must be:rnrnA citizen of the United States for at least one month before the primary.rnA resident of Pennsylvania and the election district in which the individual desires to register and vote for at least 30 days before the primary.rnAt least 18 years of age on or before the date of the primary.rnIn addition to using the OVR site, eligible voters can register by mail or apply in person at a county voter registration office; county assistance offices; Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program offices; PennDOT photo and drivers license centers; Armed Forces recruitment centers; county clerk of orphans' courts or marriage license offices; area agencies on aging; county mental health and intellectual disabilities offices; student disability services offices of the State System of Higher Education; offices of special education in high schools; and Americans with Disabilities Act-mandated complementary paratransit providers.rnrnApplications for new registration, change of address or change in party affiliation must be postmarked or received in county voter registration offices by March 28. rnrnThe Department of State's website www.VotesPA.com, available in English or Spanish, offers printable voter registration applications, a polling place locator and county boards of elections contact information. It also includes tips for first-time voters and members of the military. rnrnIn addition, voters can familiarize themselves with the voting system they will use in their home county on Election Day.rnrnFor more information on voter registration, call the Department of State's toll-free hotline at 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772) or visit www.VotesPA.com.rnrnMEDIA CONTACT: Wanda Murren (717) 783-1621rnrn rnrnSOURCE Pennsylvania Department of StaternrnRelated Linksrnrnhttp://www.votespa.com

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 21, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The state's online voter registration system now allows applicants to upload their signature electronically if necessary, Secretary of State Pedro A. Cortés announced today. rnrnWith the new feature, Pennsylvania becomes the latest state that allows all eligible voters to submit a completely electronic online voter registration (OVR) application.rnrnThe OVR site, launched in August 2015, can link to electronic signatures on file with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Previously, applicants with no driver's license or PennDOT ID, or whose information could not be verified with PennDOT, were offered two options. They could print the completed application, sign it and mail it to their county election office. Or they could choose to have a signature form mailed to them to complete and mail.rnrn"This enhancement is another step toward making online voter registration as convenient and accessible as possible," Secretary Cortés said. "Although our previous set-up provided other options for those with no signature on file, this makes OVR a completely electronic transaction for all eligible citizens."rnrnThe signature upload feature will be available only to applicants whose signature cannot be linked from PennDOT. In order to ensure security, the Department is using the same technology used by financial institutions for online banking transactions that require digital signatures.rnrnMarian K. Schneider, Deputy Secretary for Elections and Administration, offered guidelines for those who must upload a digital image of their signature.rnrn"We strongly recommend that applicants use black ink and sign their name on plain white, non-glossy paper," Schneider said. "The signature upload works very well when done by smartphone or other mobile device."rnrnWith the March 28 deadline to register for the April primary election quickly approaching, Schneider said the OVR system is proving to be of great benefit to county elections offices. Each online application is transmitted to the appropriate county office for processing.rnrn"In the past, most counties had to hire temporary staff or pay overtime to handle the influx of registrations in a presidential election year," Schneider said. "We are hearing from the counties that OVR has already lessened that workload."rnrnPennsylvania's OVR system is available in English and Spanish. The latest protocols in data security have been built into the system and are constantly monitored and updated.rnrnTo learn more about online voter registration, check the frequently asked questions at www.votesPA.com.rnrnMEDIA CONTACT: Wanda Murren, (717) 783-1621rnrn rnrnSOURCE Pennsylvania Department of StaternrnRelated Linksrnrnhttp://www.state.pa.us

March 18, 2016 by Office of the MayorrnFor Immediate Release: March 18, 2016rnContact: Jennifer Crandall, 267-438-7131, Jennifer.crandall@phila.govrnrn Philadelphia to Host International Parks Conference in 2021rnrn “City Parks Alliance” cites Philadelphia’s use of urban parksrnto drive Center City growth and neighborhood revivalrnrnPHILADELPHIA – The City of Philadelphia has been selected by City Parks Alliance to host the organization’s Greater & Greener international urban parks conference in 2021.rnrnThe conference, which is expected to attract roughly 1,500 people from 200 cities and 20 countries, brings together professionals and political leaders from around the world to explore the power of public parks to transform urban landscapes. The Greater & Greener conference is presented every other year by City Parks Alliance.rnrn“I am proud that Philadelphia was chosen to host the Greater & Greener conference in 2021,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “Our selection as host for this international conference speaks to the value we have placed on our parks and public spaces as centers for civic engagement and community gathering.”rnrnPhiladelphia was one of 10 cities selected last year to compete to host one of the next three biennial conferences after the upcoming Greater & Greener 2017: Parks Connecting Cities, Cultures, and Generations conference in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Denver was named the host in 2019, with Philadelphia winning the honor in 2021 and Seattle in 2023.rnrn“Philadelphia was selected because we see it as a post-industrial city, rich in history, that’s reimagining itself for the future by using parks and open spaces,” said Catherine Nagel, executive director of City Parks Alliance. “It’s adapting historical sites for modern uses, building and renovating parks in low-income neighborhoods, using parks as economic development drivers and using open space to protect water sources. Philadelphia has a great story to tell.”rnrnGreater & Greener 2021 is expected to attract park and recreation leaders, city planning and design professionals, public officials from the health, transportation and public works sectors, neighborhood advocates, funders and innovators. Attendees will tour the Philadelphia area to gain an understanding of what’s worked for the city while also participating in conference sessions to explore the issues, challenges and opportunities facing today’s urban parks.rnrn“Philadelphia is just really experiencing a renaissance in public space, driving the future of our city and its quality of life,” said Kathryn Ott Lovell, Commissioner of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. “We’re excited by the opportunity to welcome our peers to this great city and to share our successes as well as challenges.”rnrn“Philadelphia has turned the corner from decades of population loss to a boom in millennials, particularly in Center City where the density of an urban environment offers diversity, accessibility and excitement,” agreed Nancy Goldenberg, executive director of the Center City District Foundation and a City Parks Alliance board member. “From my perspective, Philadelphia has done an extraordinary job in renovating and programming parks and public spaces downtown and we are now experiencing the benefit of that investment.”rnrnPhiladelphia, founded in 1682 as a “greene countrie towne” by William Penn, boasts one of the most expansive and diverse urban park systems in the world. The 10,200 acre Fairmount Park system includes 130 parks, 151 playgrounds and recreation centers, 215 miles of trails and 206 historic structures. But the city also has embarked on new projects, such as the redevelopment of the Philadelphia Navy Yard, including a new $10 million, five-acre park; multiple “green infrastructure” projects to manage stormwater runoff, and “Reimagining the Civic Commons,” a program to build or revitalize five neighborhood open spaces.rnrn“Something quite powerful is happening in the city through our park work,” added Goldenberg. “We were the manufacturing capital of the world at one point. Now we are reusing our old infrastructure and abandoned lots, creating public parks and open spaces that connect to communities and help neighbors connect to each other.”rnrnIn addition to the Center City District, the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department has enjoyed the support of Fairmount Park Conservancy; the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia; Delaware River Waterfront Corp.; Friends of Laurel Hill Cemetery; Friends of the Wissahickon; National Park Service; Pennsylvania Horticultural Society; the Philadelphia Parks Alliance; WRT Designs; Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau; Schuylkill River Development Corp.; Visit Philadelphia, and the Knight Foundation and the William Penn Foundation.rnrnCity Parks Alliance is the only independent, nationwide membership organization solely dedicated to urban parks. It leads and serves a community of diverse organizations, championing high quality urban parks throughout the nation. CPA’s vision is that everyone in urban America will have access to parks and green spaces that are clean, safe and vibrant. www.cityparksalliance.org.rnrn# # #rnrnWe're still wor

Theo tin prweb.comrnrnPHILADELPHIA (PRWEB) MARCH 16, 2016rnrnSometimes there is more than a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow; sometimes there are complementary pretzels for loyal fans. On Thursday, March 17, 2016 the Haddon Heights, New Jersey; Burlington, New Jersey; and Abington, Pennsylvania, Philly Pretzel Factory locations will be giving away one shamrock-shaped pretzel per person starting as soon as they open. Customers will also be able to purchase these special treats throughout the weekend for $1.50 each.rnrnBob Tilton, owner of all three locations, enjoys giving back to the communities where his stores are located by hosting customer appreciation events like the shamrock pretzel giveaway. Tilton, who is spearheading the shamrock pretzel giveaway initiative locally, is passionate about showing his customers that they are truly valued, and he wants to acknowledge the regular patrons of Philly Pretzel Factory.rnrn“We wanted to give back to everyone who has supported us, and this is a fun way to engage with our customers while saying thank you,” Tilton said.rnrnLocations that will be giving away shamrock pretzels all day on Thursday, March 17th include: rnrn Haddon Heights, New Jersey – located at 209 Black Horse Pikern Burlington, New Jersey – located at 696 High St.rn Abington, Pennsylvania – located at 1836 Old York Rd.rnrnAs the world’s largest Philly-style bakery, Philly Pretzel Factory bakes fresh, delicious soft pretzels delivered to customers “served hot outta the oven.” Each pretzel, made from a mix of only the finest and freshest ingredients, is hand twisted to ensure quality and authenticity.rnrn“Our customers have helped us achieve great success over the years and these types of local promotions allow us to and thank them,” said Dan DiZio, CEO and co-founder of Philly Pretzel Factory, the 150-plus-unit pretzel chain born and raised in Philadelphia.rnrnIn order to turn his pretzel stand into something much bigger, DiZio teamed up with college buddy Len Lehman in 1998 to create the first Philly Pretzel Factory blueprint. Since then, the brand has grown from a single location in Mayfair to 154 locations across the U.S.rnrnABOUT PHILLY PRETZEL FACTORY: rnPhilly Pretzel Factory offers consumers a fresh, healthier choice of a satisfying snack with their fresh-baked pretzels that are “served hot outta the oven.” Philly Pretzel Factory was founded in 1998 by college buddies Dan DiZio and Len Lehman and has grown into the largest Philly style pretzel bakery in the world, feeding customers at 154 franchised locations primarily in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, expanding from New York to Florida. Philly Pretzel Factory’s menu offers the traditional Philly style pretzel and also includes pretzel twists, mini pretzels, rivets, pretzel dogs, cheesesteak pretzels and a variety of mustards. These products can be found in a stand-alone bakery, transportation and entertainment venues, and in the nation's largest retailer, Walmart. For more information on Philly Pretzel Factory, visit http://www.phillypretzelfactory.com. To inquire about franchise opportunities, visit http://www.ownappf.com.

Theo tin prweb.comrnrnPHILADELPHIA (PRWEB) MARCH 10, 2016rnrnGlobal law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP and International House Philadelphia are partnering to present the 1st Annual International Entrepreneurs Summit of Philadelphia Tuesday, March 22. Three Greenberg Traurig attorneys will be panelists at the Summit: Beth Cohen, director of the firm’s Global Emerging Growth Services; David Gitlin, co-chair of the firm’s Emerging Technology Practice; and Nataliya Rymer, of counsel in the firm’s Business Immigration & Compliance Practice. The Summit will be held at International House, 3701 Chestnut Street, in Philadelphia, and begin at 5:15 p.m.rnrnSummit panelists will discuss topics that are particularly relevant to aspiring international entrepreneurs, from raising venture capital and navigating immigration law requirements to finding local resources. The panelists are esteemed experts in their fields and successful international entrepreneurs, who will share their insights, experience, and practical tips on starting and building a business or venture. Following the panel sessions, all attendees will have the opportunity to network with entrepreneurs, investors, government representatives, and other professionals. rnrnThe Summit panelists include: rnrn Tulio Albuquerque, Chief Executive Officer and Partner at Initbridge;rn Beth Cohen, Director of Global Emerging Growth Services at Greenberg Traurig;rn Amir Fardshisheh, Co-Founder and CEO at Herban Quality Eats;rn David Gitlin, Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig;rn Marc Kramer, Executive Director at Private Investors Forum;rn Jeanne Nevelos, Vice President of Business Expansion Services at SELECT Greater Philadelphia;rn Dhairya Pujara, Founder and CEO at Ycenter;rn Nataliya Rymer, Of Counsel at Greenberg Traurig;rn Karina Sotnik, Digital Portfolio Manager at Penn Center for Innovation;rn Ellen Weber, Executive Director at Robin Hood Ventures, and Executive Director at Temple University’s Fox School of Business Innovation and rnrnEntrepreneurship Institute.rnCohen advises clients on emerging growth issues, and counsels early and growth stage clients in connection with key strategic initiatives, including raising capital. She also advises foreign companies in connection with their entry into the U.S. market.rnGitlin focuses his practice on corporate and securities, with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, technology development, and corporate finance. For more than 30 years, he has counseled foreign clients doing business in the United States and U.S. clients doing business abroad.rnrnRymer focuses her practice on employment-based immigration and compliance. She represents clients in a wide range of employment-based immigrant and non-immigrant matters, including professionals, managers and executives, artists and entertainers, treaty traders and investors, immigrant investors, and persons of extraordinary ability.rnrn“Philadelphia is becoming an international hub for scholars, researchers, and entrepreneurs from around the world,” said Rymer, also a Board member at International House Philadelphia. “The goal of this Summit is to inform them about opportunities and success stories in Philadelphia and connect them with people and resources so they will pursue their entrepreneurial dreams in this region.”rnrnTanya Steinberg, President and CEO of International House Philadelphia, which houses students, scholars, and professional trainees from more than 75 countries around the world, said the Summit “will help the next generation of international entrepreneurs unlock their growth potential right here in Philadelphia.”rnrnParticipating organizations include: The Science Center, SELECT Greater Philadelphia, Drexel University, Temple University, University of Pennsylvania, and Robin Hood Ventures.rnrnTo register for the Summit, visit http://ihousephilly.org/calendar/first-annual-international-entrepreneurs-summit-of-philadelphia.rnrnAbout Greenberg Traurig, LLPrnGreenberg Traurig, LLP is an international, multi-practice law firm with approximately 1,900 attorneys serving clients from 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The firm is No. 1 on the 2015 Law360 Most Charitable Firms list, third largest in the U.S. on the 2015 Law360 400, Top 20 on the 2015 Am Law Global 100, and among the 2015 BTI Brand Elite. More information at: http://www.gtlaw.com.rnrnAbout Greenberg Traurig’s Emerging Technology PracticernGreenberg Traurig’s Emerging Technology Group is a multidisciplinary legal team focused on guiding emerging technology companies through all the stages of their development, from initial business formation through angel or venture capital financing to initial public offerings and mergers and acquisitions. Drawing on the firm’s broad platform, the group offers clients a streamlined approach to meeting their diverse legal needs – a single team that can scale up its services as clients’ businesses grow. The attorneys regularly advise clients on a host of pressing legal issues, from IP protection and software/IT matters through labor and employment, compensation, and tax issues.rnrnAbout International House PhiladelphiarnInternational House Philadelphia is where students, scholars and professional trainees from more than 75 countries around the world, including the United States, come to live and learn. Its three-fold mission is to maintain a diverse and welcoming community for scholars from around the world, while introducing them to the American experience; to broaden the horizons of its residents and the Greater Philadelphia community through high-quality international arts and humanities programs; and to encourage understanding, respect and cooperation among people of all nations and cultures. To learn more, visit http://www.ihousephilly.org.

Theo tin prweb.comrnrnWhite women and younger people are increasingly victims of overdose deaths, first detailed analysis revealsrnrnPITTSBURGH, PA. (PRWEB) MARCH 10, 2016rnrnDrug-overdose deaths in Pennsylvania increased 14-fold in the last 35 years, with rates climbing especially fast in relatively young white women, according to the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health.rnrnThe analysis is the first to examine in detail accidental overdose deaths over time in Pennsylvania and suggests potential targets for public health intervention and law enforcement efforts. It is published in today’s issue of the journal PLOS ONE.rnrn“Pitt Public Health has the most comprehensive mortality database in the nation, which can be easily cross-referenced with U.S. Census data to shed light on myriad public health issues,” said co-author Donald. S. Burke, M.D., Pitt Public Health dean and UPMC-Jonas Salk Chair of Global Health. “Our latest analysis reveals that drug overdoses are the biggest problem facing our nation in terms of years of life lost—more than car crashes, or cancer, or HIV—and we as a society need to work together to solve it.”rnrnPennsylvania ranks in the top 20 states for overdose mortality, which is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S.rnrnUsing the Mortality and Population Data System, a repository and retrieval system for detailed death data from the National Center for Health Statistics housed at Pitt Public Health, the research team broke down overdose deaths in Pennsylvania from 1979 to 2014 by sex, age and race. The team started with 1979 because changes in reporting cause of death make it impossible to make comparisons with previous years. 2014 is the most recent year for which data are available.rnrnOverdose deaths concentrated around the counties of southwestern Pennsylvania, those surrounding Philadelphia and those in northeast Pennsylvania near Scranton. Philadelphia County is in the lead, but Allegheny County is close behind with rates rapidly increasing since the mid-1990s.rnrnThe 35- to 44-year-old age group had the greatest increase in rate of overdose deaths, growing almost 22-fold since 1979, but 25- to-34-year-olds seem to be overtaking them, with the highest overdose death rate in 2014.rnrnThe overdose death rate for white men peaks between ages 25 and 44; for black men, it peaks between ages 45 and 65, indicating different racial patterns in drug use. A national survey showed higher prevalence of cocaine and nonmedical painkiller use among white adults, compared with a higher prevalence of crack cocaine use among black adults. Also, a study of heroin use among patients entering substance abuse treatment centers indicates a shift to predominantly white users in the last 50 years.rnrnAccidental overdose rates are higher in men than in women; however, women saw a more dramatic increase, particularly from 2010 to 2014. High overdose death rates for women also spanned a longer age range of 25 to 54 for white women and 35 to 64 for black women, compared to the U.S. average peak between ages 45 to 54.rnrn“This seems to indicate a more prolonged period of concern for overdoses in Pennsylvania women,” said lead author Lauren C. Balmert, a graduate student researcher in Pitt Public Health’s Department of Biostatistics. “Previous research has shown that women are more prone to having accelerated progression from their first drug use to substance abuse and often enter into treatment programs with more severe dependence than men.”rnrnCompounding matters, most women who enter substance abuse treatment programs also are responsible for children and tend to be more reliant on public insurance, factors that the researchers say could affect a woman’s decision to enter or remain in a drug rehabilitation program.rn“While our analysis examined accidental poisoning deaths in Pennsylvania, many of these findings are applicable to other states as well,” said co-author Jeanine M. Buchanich, Ph.D., deputy director of Pitt Public Health’s Center for Occupational Biostatistics and Epidemiology. “Our county-level findings provide possible avenues for targeting interventions to areas and people with the highest drug overdose mortality. It also points to issues on the horizon that public health officials could prepare for— such as overdoses in younger age groups and rapid overdose increases in areas centered on smaller cities with fewer resources.”rnrnAdditional researchers on this study are senior author Gary M. Marsh, Ph.D., of Pitt Public Health; and co-authors Janice L. Pringle, Ph.D., of Pitt’s School of Pharmacy, and Karl E. Williams, M.D., M.P.H., of the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner.rnrnThis research was supported through internal University of Pittsburgh funding.

"Looking for the perfect moment…it just felt right."rnrnPHILADELPHIA, March 11, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — A retired US army veteran with 32 years of service proposed to his partner of six years at the Philadelphia Flower Show, which runs until March 13th.rnrnRick Smith, an Alpha, NJ resident, proposed to Nancy Sterner of Bethlehem, PA before a crowd of cheering onlookers.rnrn"I wanted to propose at the Flower Show and was looking for the perfect moment," stated Rick Smith. "The people were having so much fun at the AARP PA table, I had to pop the question there. It just felt right."rnrnAARP Pennsylvania, a proud sponsor of the Philadelphia Flower Show was approached by Smith to set up the proposal at the AARP Life Reimagined photo booth.rnrn"Life Reimagined is about discovering your 'what's next' and figuring out how to get there," stated Jacklyn Isasi, AARP Pennsylvania's Communications Director. "We were happy to play a part in the marriage proposal and congratulate the couple as they begin their journey to discover 'what's next' together."rnrnLife Reimagined is a personal guidance system designed to help people navigate transitions, pursue their goals, dreams and purpose in life. In the next two years, more than 70 percent of people aged 40-60 anticipate a life change. With more than 2 million people using the Life Reimagined program, consumers have a platform to navigate transitions, access resources, and find discover new possibilities in life.rnrnTo view photos and video of the marriage proposal, visit the AARP PA Facebook page or click here.rnrnAbout Life ReimaginedrnLife Reimagined was launched by AARP in 2014 as a personal guidance system to help people navigate transitions, pursue their goals, dreams and purpose in life. Through groundbreaking online programs and tools, and powerful live experiences, today Life Reimagined helps people discover new possibilities in life. Begin reimagining at www.lifereimagined.org.rnrnAbout AARPrnAARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.rnrnCONTACT: Jacklyn Isasi, (267) 825-9928 or jisasi@aarp.orgrnrn rnrnSOURCE AARP PennsylvaniarnrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.aarp.org

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rn2nd Annual Event Is March 21-27rnrnPHILADELPHIA, March 9, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — The National Association for Music Education is once again celebrating "Music In Our Schools Month" in March. To help focus attention on creating the next generation of musicians, Vincent James, founder of Keep Music Alive, has announced the second annual "Teach Music America Week" to be celebrated March 21 to 27. Keep Music Alive was formed to support music and music education.rnrnPhoto – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160308/341935rnrnDuring the week, musicians and music teachers are asked to offer at least one new student a free, 30-minute lesson. Keep Music Alive is also asking aspiring music students (young and old) to find a musician or music teacher participating in "Teach Music America Week."rnrnWhy is this important? Sometimes the biggest hurdle to anything is just getting started. Keep Music Alive believes that by encouraging musicians, music teachers and potential students to reach out to each other during March, many will continue to teach, learn and share music with each other long after the month is over. The organization's goal is to get as many new students as possible to begin learning how to play a musical instrument.rnrn"The purpose of 'Teach Music America Week' and Keep Music Alive is to help remind us how important and valuable music is and all the reasons why," says James. "By sparking musical interest in these new students, we will collectively help ensure that quality new music is created for future generations. As an added bonus, we will also be helping to develop their minds for many successful careers outside the arts."rnrnJames cites cuts in music and arts education, the switch from CD/MP3 sales to streaming and fewer live music venues as factors leading music down a troubling path. He says the Keep Music Alive mission is an attempt to push back so that future generations will continue to enjoy quality new music.rnrnLast year Keep Music Alive published the book "88+ Ways Music Can Change Your Life," featuring over 150 inspirational music stories and quotes from musicians, music educators and music lovers from all over the world, including a number of celebrities.rnrnFor more information on 'Teach Music America Week' or Keep Music Alive, contact Vincent James at (610) 812-5231, Email or visit www.TeachMusicAmerica.org and www.KeepMusicAlive.org.rnrn rnrnSOURCE National Association for Music Education

Theo tin prweb.comrnrnBusiness Intelligence Group to Reward Organizations Who Best Serve their EmployeesrnrnPHILADELPHIA, PA (PRWEB) MARCH 10, 2016rnrnThe homepage of the Business Intelligence Group’s website reads “When it is more than a paycheck,” and that really tells you all you need to know about the qualifications for their new business awards program, “Best Places to Work.”rnrnThe 2016 Best Places to Work award program will identify those organizations that are doing all they can to improve performance by challenging their employees in an environment that makes work fun and engaging. The Business Intelligence Group will honor companies who help their employees accelerate their careers, knowledge and performance.rnrn“What we are seeing today is that candidates, and even current employees, find it hard to evaluate how organizations treat and manage employees, especially when comparing them against others in a given market or industry,” said Russ Fordyce, managing director of the Business Intelligence Group. “Our new Best Places to Work awards program seeks to highlight those companies that are truly providing a differentiated environment.”rnrnTo be considered, organizations can nominate themselves online for a Best Places to Work award. Upon submission of a complete nomination, a profile of the organization will be created so that current and former employees will be able to share their experiences by rating the organization on a Likert scale.rnrnNominations for the 2016 Best Places to Work are due April 8, 2016; award winners will be announced May 25, 2016. Awards will be given in several segments including organization size, location and industry. Complete details are available on the awards program website, where visitors are encouraged to request, download and read the award program’s entry kit.rnrnTo learn more about Business Intelligence Group’s Best Places to Work, visit the company’s website at http://www.bintelligence.com.