Category: Press Releases

3.1 Million Hotel Room Nights Account For 77% Occupancyrn

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rnCenter City Philadelphia Hotel Market Mix 2015rnCenter City Philadelphia is on track to close 2015 with record hotel occupancy. The leisure travel segment—those who come to Philadelphia for fun trips and getaways—is a major contributor to these milestones.rnrnRecord Hotel Occupancy: 77.4%:rnCenter City Philadelphia’s hotel occupancy is projected to hit a record 77.4% in 2015, up from 75.5% in 2014. Travelers from all segments (leisure, group, business) will have filled a projected 3.1 million rooms, another record.rnrn“People are coming for Philadelphia—the destination itself is the reason to visit, and travelers are doing it more and more every year,” said Meryl Levitz, president and CEO of VISIT PHILADELPHIA®. “The pope was here for a weekend; the rest of the year succeeded simply because of Philly.”rnrnLeisure Is One Of Three Major Segments:rnLeisure will close out a record year in 2015 as well. Leisure travelers are projected to account for 31% of room nights in Center City, as opposed to just 14% in 1997, when VISIT PHILADELPHIA® began marketing Philadelphia as a leisure destination (254,000 vs. 976,400 room nights, a 284% increase).rnrnThis means one in every three Center City hotel guests is a leisure traveler. Once viewed as a gap filler during hotel need periods, leisure is now a critical part of the market mix.rnrnLeisure travelers fill rooms every day of the week, especially from June through October. In 2015, Saturday night occupancy—a major indicator of a city’s strength as a leisure destination—will hit a record 88% and take its place as the highest of the week in Center City, as it has been for more than a decade.rnrnHotel Room Rates:rnThe 2015 average daily rate (ADR) is projected to hit $182, another record for Center City. Each of the three major segments are showing increases in ADR compared to 2014: Commercial is projected to increase 5% to $200, group is projected to increase 5% to $188 and leisure is projected to increase 4% to $166.rnrnSource for all numbers: PKF Consulting Forecasts as of November 2015rnrnVISIT PHILADELPHIA® makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases the number of visitors, the number of nights they stay and the number of things they do in the five-county area.rnrnOn Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.rnrnContact(s):rnDonna Schorr, (215) 599-0782

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 22, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ –Below is information regarding Pennsylvania state office closures during the Christmas and New Year's holidays.rnrnOffice: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services County Assistance OfficesrnrnAll Department of Human Services offices, including county assistance offices, will be closed Friday, December 25, 2015, and Friday, January 1, 2016. Individuals can apply for benefits or obtain information about: HealthChoices, food or heating benefits, child clearances, and other supports and services anytime at www.dhs.pa.gov.rnOffice: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Driver License and Photo centersrnrnThe Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016. Photo centers will not offer extended hours on Thursday, December 24, 2015 or Thursday, December 31, 2015 and will close at the same time as driver license centers.rnOffice: Pennsylvania Department of Insurance, Bureau of Consumer Services rnAddress: 1209 Strawberry Square, Harrisburg, PA, 17120 rnDates closed: Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016rnrnOffice: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection rnAddress: All Regional Offices rnDates closed: Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016rnrnOffice: The State Museum of Pennsylvania rnAddress: 300 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120 rnDates closed: Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016rnrnOffice: The Pennsylvania State Archives rnAddress: 350 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120 rnDates closed: Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016rnrnOffice: Office of Safe Schools Advocate rnAddress: 440 N. Broad Street, Suite 1198, Philadelphia, PA 19130 rnDates closed: Thursday, December 24, 2015 through Friday, January 1, 2016rnrnOffice: Pennsylvania Department of Health rnAddress: All offices statewide rnDates closed: Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016rnrnOffice: Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Office of Vocational Rehabilitation rnAddress: All offices statewide rnDates closed: Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016rnrnOffice: Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Bureau of Blindness & Visual Services rnAddress: All offices statewide rnDates closed: Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016rnrnOffice: Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry PA CareerLink offices rnAddresses and dates closed:rnrnPA CareerLink Monroe County – 2937 Route 611, Tannersville, Pa 18372. Closing at noon on Thursday, December 24, 2015 (State staff will remain until the end of the day). Closed on Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016.rnPA CareerLink Chester County – 479 Thomas Jones Way, Exton, PA 19341. Closing at noon on Thursday, December 24, 2015 (State staff will remain until the end of the day). Closed on Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016.rnPA CareerLink Lycoming County – 329 Pine Street, Williamsport, PA 17701. Closing at 1:00 PM on Thursday, December 24, 2015 and Thursday, December 31, 2015. Closed on Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016.rnPA CareerLink Clinton County – 8 North Grove Street, Suite F, Lock Haven, PA 17745. Closing at 1:00 PM on Thursday, December 24, 2015 and Thursday, December 31, 2015. Closed on Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016.rnPA CareerLink Columbia/Montour County – 3415 Central Road, Suite 2, Bloomsburg, PA 17815. Closing at 1:00 PM on Thursday, December 24, 2015 and Thursday, December 31, 2015. Closed on Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016.rnPA CareerLink Snyder/Union/Northumberland County – 225 Market Street, Sunbury, PA 17801. Closing at 1:00 PM on Thursday, December 24, 2015 and Thursday, December 31, 2015. Closed on Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016.rnPA CareerLink Mifflin County – 6395 SR 103N, MCIDC Plaza, Lewistown, PA 17044. Closing at 1:00 PM on Thursday, December 24, 2015 and Thursday, December 31, 2015. Closed on Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016.rnPA CareerLink Centre County – 240 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, PA 16823. Closing at 1:00 PM on Thursday, December 24, 2015 and Thursday, December 31, 2015. Closed on Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016.rnPA CareerLink Cambria County – 445 Schoolhouse Road, Johnstown Pa 15904. Closed Thursday, December 24, 2015 and closing at 2:00 PM on Thursday, December 31, 2015. Closed on Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016.rnPA CareerLink Somerset County – 218 N. Kimberly Avenue, Somerset, Pa 15501. Closing at noon on Thursday, December 24, 2015. Closed on Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016.rnPA CareerLink Lancaster County – 1016 N Charlotte Street, Lancaster, PA 17603. Closing at noon on Thursday, December 24, 2015 and Thursday, December 31, 2015. Closed on Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016.rnPA CareerLink Bedford County – 1 Corporate Drive, Suite 103, Bedford, PA 15522. Closed on Thursday, December 24, 2015; Friday, December 25, 2015; Thursday, December 31, 2015; and Friday, January 1, 2016.rnPA CareerLink – 304 Wood Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Closing at noon on Thursday, December 24, 2015 and Thursday, December 31, 2015. Closed on Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016.rnPA CareerLink – 2040 Ardmore Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15221. Closing at noon on Thursday, December 24, 2015 and Thursday, December 31, 2015. Closed on Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016.rnPA CareerLink – Millcraft Center Suite 150LL, 90 West Chestnut Street, Washington, PA 15301. Closing at noon on Thursday, December 24, 2015 and Thursday, December 31, 2015. Closed on Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016.rnPA CareerLink – 570 Galiffa Drive, Donora, PA 15033. Closing at noon on Thursday, December 24, 2015 and Thursday, December 31, 2015. Closed on Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016.rnPA CareerLink Beaver County – 285 Beaver Valley Mall, Route 18, Monaca, PA 15061. Closing at 2:00 PM on Thursday, December 24, 2015 and Thursday, December 31, 2015. Closed on Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016.rnPA CareerLink Clarion County – 627 Wood Street, Clarion, PA 16314. Closing at noon on Thursday, December 24, 2015 and Thursday, December 31, 2015. Closed on Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016.rnPA CareerLink Crawford County – 260 Chestnut Street, Meadville, PA 16335. Closing at noon on Thursday, December 24, 2015 and Thursday, December 31, 2015. Closed on Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016.rnPA CareerLink Erie County – 155 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16501. Closing at noon on Thursday, December 24, 2015 and Thursday, December 31, 2015. Closed on Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016.rnPA CareerLink Oil Region – 255 Elm Street, Oil City, PA 16301. Closing at noon on Thursday, December 24, 2015 and Thursday, December 31, 2015. Closed on Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016.rnPA CareerLink Warren County – 1003 PA Avenue West, Warren, PA 16365. Closing at noon on Thursday, December 24, 2015 and Thursday, December 31, 2015. Closed on Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016.rnPA CareerLink Armstrong County – 314 South Water Street, Kittanning, PA 16201. Closing at noon on Thursday, December 24, 2015 and Thursday, December 31, 2015. Closed on Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016rnPA CareerLink Butler County – 112 Hollywood Avenue, Butler, PA 16001. Closing at noon on Thursday, December 24, 2015 and Thursday, December 31, 2015. Closed on Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016.rnPA CareerLink Indiana County – 300 Indian Springs Road, Indiana, PA 15701. Closing at noon on Thursday, December 24, 2015 and Thursday, December 31, 2015. Closed on Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016.rnPA CareerLink Mercer County – 217 West State Street, Mercer, PA 16146. Closing at noon on Thursday, December 24, 2015 and Thursday, December 31, 2015. Closed on Friday, December 25, 2015 and Friday, January 1, 2016.rnMEDIA CONTACT: Troy Thompson, 717-787-3197rnrnSOURCE Pennsylvania Department of General ServicesrnrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.state.pa.usrnMore by this SourcernrnVehicles Seized by Pennsylvania State Law Enforcement Agencies, Motorcycles to Highlight Final Commonwealth Vehicle Auction of 2015 on Dec. 8rnDec 01, 2015, 13:02 ETrn18th Annual State Capitol Complex Crow Dispersal Program to Begin Nov. 6. in PennsylvaniarnOct 28, 2015, 11:53 ETrnFifth Commonwealth Vehicle Auction of 2015 to Feature Nearly 450 Units for Sale to Pennsylvania Public on Tuesday, Oct. 20rnOct 16, 2015, 11:53 ETrnView all news by Pennsylvania Department of General ServicesrnJournalists and BloggersrnrnrnrnVisit PR Newswire for Journalists, our free resources for releases, photos and customized feeds. You can also send a free ProfNet request for experts.

Free Parking, Free Attraction Tickets & Morern

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rnWith the new year comes a new supersized version of the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package. For the month of January only, VISIT PHILADELPHIA’s popular package, available at 10 Center City hotels, comes with free parking and free tickets for four attractions and events. Those who book the getaway on both Friday and Saturday nights during any of the five weekends in the month also get a free stay on Sunday. The package is bookable at visitphilly.com/januarygetaway.rnrn“It might be cold outside in January, but there is plenty going on in Philadelphia all month long,” said Meryl Levitz, president and CEO, VISIT PHILADELPHIA®. “With the free attraction tickets, we are encouraging visitors to enjoy a two- or three-night getaway that includes ice skating, museum hopping and touring the town. Of course, fireside dining and tax-free January sale shopping should be on the trip agenda as well.”rnrnThe package is available at the following 10 hotels: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City; Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City–Convention Center; Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing; Hyatt at The Bellevue; The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel; Loews Philadelphia Hotel; Morris House Hotel; Rodeway Inn Center City; Sheraton Philadelphia Society Hill Hotel; and the Sonesta Philadelphia Downtown.rnrnThe offer is bookable seven days a week, including all five weekends in January—even the long Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend. It comes with a pair of tickets for the following attractions and events:rnrnOne Liberty Observation Deck: Even birds are envious of the views from the 57th floor of One Liberty Place, where wrap-around windows reveal panoramic city views. Interactive kiosks zoom in on Philadelphia landmarks and exhibits offer interesting history, sports and art tidbits that help form the fabric of Philadelphia. 1650 Market Street, phillyfromthetop.comrnBlue Cross RiverRink Winterfest: Philly’s headquarters for cold-weather fun, Winterfest beckons visitors to Penn’s Landing with a skating rink overlooking the Delaware River, a heated ski chalet-style lodge, twinkling lights, fire pits and cozy seating. Food options from Iron Chef José Garces and a menu of local craft beers, cocktails and hot beverages round out the offerings. Columbus Boulevard at Market Street, delawareriverevents.comrnNational Constitution Center: It’s the only institution in America where people can debate, celebrate and educate themselves about the greatest vision of human freedom in history, the U.S. Constitution. Live performances, interactive exhibits and special exhibitions make the experience a fun one. 525 Arch Street, constitutioncenter.orgrnPhiladelphia Auto Show: The Pennsylvania Convention Center transforms into a car lover’s dream, with 700 pre-production, hot-production, classic and green vehicles from a range of manufacturers. January 30-February 7. 12th & Arch Streets, phillyautoshow.comrnVISIT PHILADELPHIA® makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases the number of visitors, the number of nights they stay and the number of things they do in the five-county area.rnrnOn Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.rnrnContact(s):rnDonna Schorr, (215) 599-0782

MIDDLETOWN, Pa., Dec. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — It was another weekend of "Winners, winners – everywhere", with large prizes awarded by Cash 5 in Delaware, Washington and Fayette counties, and by Powerball® in Philadelphia.rnrnTwo winning Cash 5 tickets sold in Delaware and Washington counties shared a jackpot worth $225,000 for the Friday, December 18, drawing. Each ticket correctly matched all five balls, 06-18-36-39-42, to win individual prizes of $112,500, less applicable tax withholding.rnrnThe following retailers will each receive a $500 bonus for selling the jackpot-winning tickets:rnrnBP, 2590 West Chester Pike, Delaware County; andrnGiant Eagle, 200 Station St., McDonald, Washington County.rnCash 5 produced another big winner on Saturday, December 19, when a $125,000 jackpot was won by one ticket sold at Sheetz, 2601 Memorial Blvd., Connellsville, Fayette County. The ticket correctly matched all five balls, 18-19-26-27-39, to win a prize of $125,000, less applicable tax withholding. The retailer will receive a $500 bonus for selling this winning ticket.rnrnThese prizes must be claimed and the tickets validated before the winners can be identified. Cash 5 winners have one year from the drawing date to claim prizes.rnrnThe Lottery encourages each holder of a jackpot-winning ticket to sign the back of the ticket, call the Lottery at 717-702-8146 and file a claim at any of Lottery's seven area offices or at Lottery headquarters in Middletown, Dauphin County.rnrnClaims may be filed Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at area offices and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at headquarters.rnrnMore than 47,600 other Cash 5 tickets won prizes of various amounts in the December 18 and 19 drawings. Players should check every ticket, every time. Lower-tier prizes may be claimed at Lottery retailers.rnrnIn Philadelphia, one winning Powerball® with Power Play® ticket worth $100,000 from the Saturday, December 19, drawing was sold at Jimmi's News, 13th and Market Streets, Philadelphia.rnrnThe ticket correctly matched four of the five white balls, 28-30-41-59-68, but not the red Powerball 10, to win $100,000, less applicable tax withholding. It was sold with the $1 Power Play® option, which boosted the prize to $100,000 instead of $50,000. The retailer earns a $500 bonus for selling the winning ticket.rnrnIn the 2014-15 fiscal year:rnrnIn Delaware County, the Pennsylvania Lottery awarded more than $86.8 million in prizes to winners and provided more than $56.3 million to programs that benefit older residents.rnIn Washington County, the Lottery awarded more than $33.7 million in prizes and contributed more than $23.9 million to programs serving the county's older residents.rnIn Fayette County, the Lottery awarded more than 35.7 million in prizes and contributed more than 19.6 million to programs serving the county's older residents.rnIn Philadelphia County, the Lottery awarded more than $287.6 million in prizes and contributed more than $307.3 million to programs benefiting older residents.rnHow to play Cash 5: To play Cash 5, players pay $1 and select five numbers from 1 to 43. Players may select their own numbers using a Cash 5 playslip, or they may opt for computer-selected quick picks. Players must match all five numbers drawn to win the jackpot. Players also win prizes for matching two, three or four winning numbers. Cash 5 drawings are held seven nights a week, and tickets can be purchased up to seven draws (one week) in advance. Odds of winning the jackpot prize are 1-in-962,598; the overall odds of winning any prize are about 1-in-10.5.rnrnHow to play Powerball: Players pay $2 and select five white balls from the first set of 59 numbers plus a single red ball, the Powerball, from a second set of 35 numbers. Players may select their own numbers using a Powerball playslip, or they may opt for computer-selected quick picks. Players must match all five numbers drawn plus the Powerball number to win the jackpot. There also are eight additional ways for players to win a cash prize.rnrnPurchasing the $1 Power Play option allows a winner to increase lower-tier prizes by a factor of 2, 3, 4 or 5, depending on the Power Play number drawn. The jackpot and the Match 5 prize are not multiplied by this number. The Match 5 prize with the Power Play option is set at $2 million. It is $1 million without Power Play.rnrnAbout the Pennsylvania Lottery: The Pennsylvania Lottery remains the only state lottery that designates all its proceeds to programs that benefit older residents. Since its inception in 1971, the Pennsylvania Lottery has contributed more than $25.8 billion to programs that include property tax and rent rebates; free transit and reduced-fare shared rides; the low-cost prescription drug programs PACE and PACENET; long-term living services; and the 52 Area Agencies on Aging, including full- and part-time senior centers throughout the state.rnrnThe Pennsylvania Lottery reminds players to check every ticket, every time. Players must be 18 or older. Please play responsibly. For help with a gambling problem, call 1-800-848-1880.rnrnFor drawings results, winning numbers, winners' stories and to subscribe to the Lottery's RSS news feed, visit www.palottery.com. Like us on Facebook at or follow us at www.twitter.com/palottery. rnrnMEDIA CONTACT: Lottery Public Relations, 717-702-8008rnrn rnrnSOURCE Pennsylvania Lottery

ACME Markets and the UNCLE BEN'S® Brand team up to provide James R. Ludlow Elementary School with funds for its cafeteriarnrnPHILADELPHIA, Dec. 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Students at James R. Ludlow Elementary School may soon see some positive changes in their cafeteria thanks to a donation by the UNCLE BEN'S® Brand and ACME Markets. James R. Ludlow Elementary School received the donation as part of ACME's retail participation in the UNCLE BEN'S® Ben's Beginnersâ„¢ Cooking Contest, which is designed to inspire healthy lifelong eating habits by encouraging parents and kids to cook together. The Ben's Beginnersâ„¢ Cooking Contest has also had a mission to help schools reinforce those healthy habits by supporting school cafeteria makeovers to help foster a culture of health. rnrn"We strive to partner with organizations that promote nutrition education so we're thrilled to team up locally with the Uncle Ben's® Brand on this national program," said Dan Croce, president of ACME Markets. "We're excited that a school in our community can directly benefit from this unique contest."rnrnAs part of the Ben's Beginnersâ„¢ Cooking Contest, individual grand prize winners receive money to makeover their school's cafeterias. This donation to James R. Ludlow Elementary School is a great complement to the Ben's Beginnersâ„¢ movement of inspiring healthy lifelong eating habits.rnrnJames R. Ludlow Elementary School will use the $5,000 donation towards educational supplies and overall school improvements.rnrn"We are thrilled that ACME Markets and the Uncle Ben's® Brand have given us this generous donation. The faculty and lunchroom staff are very excited, especially since this came at a time when the cafeteria was in need," said Carol Williams, principal of James R. Ludlow Elementary School. "We're excited to see the impact that this lunchroom update will do to promote healthy lifestyles in our students."rnrn"The goal of Ben's Beginnersâ„¢ is to inspire more families to get in the kitchen together," said Tim Snyder, vice president of sales, Mars Food US, the parent company of the UNCLE BEN'S® Brand. "By partnering with ACME Markets, we hope to inspire retailers and schools nationwide to promote healthy eating for children."rnrnTo celebrate, James R. Ludlow Elementary School will host a check presentation with ACME Markets and the UNCLE BEN'S® Brand on Mon. Dec. 21st at 2:00 p.m. at 550 West Master Street in Philadelphia. More information on Ben's Beginnersâ„¢, family -friendly recipe ideas and cooking tips can be found at www.unclebens.com.rnrnAbout the UNCLE BEN'S® BrandrnThe UNCLE BEN'S® Brand, the number one rice brand in America, is proud to offer a wide range of rice dishes with flavors and textures that will help bring more to your meals, both for convenient side dishes and savory main courses. The UNCLE BEN'S® Brand offers a wide variety of white, whole grain brown, and flavoured rices in cook times ranging from 30 minutes to 90 seconds, as well as rice for food service operations such as restaurants, schools and hospitals. The first mass-produced parboiled rice, UNCLE BEN'S® Brand is the top-selling branded rice in the United States and products can be found in more than 100 countries worldwide. The UNCLE BEN'S® Brand products are manufactured by Mars Food NA, part of Mars, Incorporated. For more information, visit www.unclebens.com.rnrn rnrnSOURCE The UNCLE BEN’S BrandrnrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.unclebens.com

The Democratic National Convention, The 200th Anniversary Celebration Of The AME Church, Creative Africa Summer At The Art Museum & Many Other Things To Do Pack The Calendarrn rnrn rnRecently named the first World Heritage City in the United States, Philadelphia looks forward to an action-packed 2016 filled with attraction openings and expansions, only-in-Philly events […]

Combination to Drive Innovation in Health, Science, Architecture, Design, Fashion, Business & Engineeringrn

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rnPHILADELPHIA, PA (PRWEB) DECEMBER 18, 2015rnrnThe Boards of Trustees of Thomas Jefferson University and Philadelphia University today announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) to exclusively pursue the integration of the two universities. The move signals a recognition by both boards that creative partnerships will be central to the future of education and 21st century career paths. Next steps will include continued dialogue between the two organizations to arrive at a Definitive Agreement in 2016 that would lead to the creation of a comprehensive university that delivers high-impact education and value for students in health, science, architecture, design, fashion, business and engineering.rnrnForward-Thinking Education that Challenges & Disruptsrnrn“Our vision for Jefferson’s academic pillar has been to develop forward-thinking education that integrates new learning models and delivers programs that meet the evolving needs of today’s students,” said Stephen K. Klasko, M.D., MBA, president and CEO of Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health. “By integrating two financially and academically strong universities that already have incredible synergies and significant complementary programs, we can create a model that further disrupts and challenges higher education to deliver great outcomes for 21st century students, employers, patients and our communities,” he said.rnrnReimagining Education to Launch Students into the Careers of their Passion in Bigger, Bolder WayrnrnStephen Spinelli, Jr., Ph.D., president of Philadelphia University, added, “An integrated Philadelphia University and Thomas Jefferson University allows us to reimagine education in a way that launches students into the careers of their passion in a bigger, bolder way. It allows us to build on the PhilaU model for professional education; explore unprecedented opportunities to further enhance expertise across a broad range of professional academic programs; identify more industry education partnerships to support collaborative, real-world learning; increase investment in discovery and program development; and identify opportunities to provide unprecedented value for students and employers of the 21st century.”rnrnDynamic Approach to Professional EducationrnrnAn integrated Thomas Jefferson University and Philadelphia University would create a unique model, according to Drs. Klasko and Spinelli, that combines design thinking, systems thinking, entrepreneurship, and the modes of thought that are central to the liberal arts with the scientific inquiry and methodology of the health sciences. It would create a new standard for inter-professional, transdisciplinary learning and collaborative discovery through an active, engaged, real-world approach that develops professionals with the robust skill set needed to tackle complex problems.rnrnThe provosts of both Philadelphia University and Thomas Jefferson University added that this integration would create a significant academic advantage for students, faculty and staff. “The faculty and staff of Philadelphia University already envision powerful synergies that can provide amazing opportunities,” said Matt Dane Baker, Provost and Executive Vice President of Philadelphia University.rnrn“Our combined universities will create a first-of-its-kind university with an educational continuum in professional education that spans undergraduate and graduate programs,” said Mark Tykocinski, M.D., Executive Vice President & Provost, Thomas Jefferson University; Dean, Sidney Kimmel Medical College.rnrnThe combination would create Philadelphia’s fifth largest university with enrollment of about 7,500 (approximately 50 percent graduate and 50 percent undergrad with roughly half of total enrollment coming from each institution); hub and hub campuses in East Falls and Center City providing suburban-like and urban student experiences; expanded research opportunities; and a combined alumni base of 78,000.rnAbout JeffersonrnrnOur newly formed organization, Jefferson, encompasses Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health, representing our academic and clinical entities. Together, the people of Jefferson, 19,000 strong, provide the highest-quality, compassionate clinical care for patients, educate the health professionals of tomorrow, and discover new treatments and therapies that will define the future of health care.rnrnJefferson Health comprises five hospitals, 16 outpatient and urgent care locations, as well as physician practices and everywhere we deliver care throughout the city and suburbs across Philadelphia, Montgomery and Bucks Counties in Pa., and Camden County in New Jersey. Together, these facilities serve nearly 73,000 inpatients, 239,000 emergency patients and 1.7 million outpatient visits annually. Thomas Jefferson University Hospital is the largest freestanding academic medical center in Philadelphia. Abington Hospital is the largest community teaching hospital in Montgomery or Bucks counties. Other hospitals include Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience in Center City Philadelphia; Methodist Hospital in South Philadelphia; and Abington-Lansdale Hospital in Hatfield Township.rnrnThomas Jefferson University enrolls more than 3,900 future physicians, scientists, nurses and healthcare professionals in the Sidney Kimmel Medical College (SKMC), Jefferson Colleges of Biomedical Sciences, Health Professions, Nursing, Pharmacy, Population Health and is home of the National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center.rnrnFor more information and a complete listing of Jefferson services and locations, visit http://www.jefferson.edu.rnrnAbout Philadelphia UniversityrnrnPhiladelphia University, founded in 1884, is a private university with 3,750 students enrolled in more than 70 undergraduate and graduate programs. As the model for professional university education, the University, through its award-winning Nexus Learning approach, prepares students to be leaders in their professions in an active, collaborative and real-world learning environment infused with the liberal arts.rnWith nationally ranked programs in physician assistant studies, architecture, fashion design, graphic design, strategic leadership and occupational therapy, and opportunities for industry partnerships and internships with top companies, PhilaU graduates have achieved a job success and graduate school placement rate of 95 percent.rnrnPhiladelphia University includes the innovative Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce; the College of Architecture and the Built Environment; the College of Science, Health and the Liberal Arts; and the School of Continuing and Professional Education. For more information, go to http://www.PhilaU.edu.

Urban Farmer Steakhouse opens as an homage to the people who live and work in the City of Brotherly Lovern

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rnPHILADELPHIA, Dec. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Tomorrow, December 18, 2015, Sage Restaurant Group (SRG)–the Denver-based independent restaurant group dedicated to providing innovative, playful, and locally-focused food and beverage experiences–introduces its third Urban Farmer Steakhouse, located adjacent to the newly renovated Logan Hotel. Originating in Portland, Urban Farmer Philadelphia distinguishes itself from the flagship location with a menu and decor that are both thoughtfully tailored to the local community.rnrn"Each time we open an Urban Farmer Steakhouse is like opening a brand new restaurant concept," says Peter Karpinski, Co-Founder of SRG. "It is so important to us that Urban Farmer Philadelphia really resonates with the local community." Karpinski spent time in the Philadelphia restaurant scene prior to founding Sage Restaurant Group. During that time, Karpinski grew extremely fond of the city and knew he would someday return to make his own mark.rnrn"In advance of the opening, we spent months building personal relationships with local farms, ranches, fisheries, breweries and local artists to ensure we are properly paying homage to the unique tastes of Philadelphia," says Karpinski.rnrnUrban Farmer Philadelphia's seasonally-driven menu highlights nose-to-tail cuts of naturally-raised meat, carefully curated by Executive Chef Richard Brower and Culinary Director of the Urban Farmer brand, Matt Christianson. Steaks are butchered and dry-aged in-house. To educate guests about the origin of their order, the restaurant features a communal charcuterie station designed to be an interactive and engaging space where guests can 'meet their meat.' In addition, local purveyor partners like Stryker Farm, Farmdale Organics, Castle Valley Mill, and many others are listed in a 'thank you' section on the menu and are also featured in a montage of photographs to connect diners with the partners that are supplying the local products.rnrnSoul-nurturing sides will boast of Philadelphia's regional, seasonal produce. Additionally, diners will find a roaming cheese cart displaying a variety of high-pedigree cheeses–from funky to refined–served tableside. The cart is meant to showcase the scope and prestige of artisanal, domestic cheeses available locally. Post-supper sweets will be made in-house and include a variety of baked goods and selection of rotating ice creams and sorbets.rnrnUrban Farmer's downtown location also makes it a popular destination for the post-work happy hour crowd, who will find an expansive beverage program to complement the fresh and seasonal menu. Nearby craft breweries are prominently featured, alongside locally-sourced wines. Cocktails range from completely modern to updated riffs on the classics.rnrnThe new location in Philadelphia's Logan Circle replaces a former institution, The Fountain, which was open for 30 years until it closed almost a year ago for the renovation. The restaurant's main entrance has been moved to the circle so guests will not need to enter through the lobby. They also did something that the original designers chose not to do in the early 1980's, by installing long, wide windows that look out onto Logan Circle and added a large patio out front on the circle fountain-side, creating a nice view for guests.rnrnThe 5,600 square-foot space, designed by east coast design studio dash design, brings "rural chic" to life with a 'west coast rancher meets northeast socialite' vibe that will delight Philadelphia's stylish and sophisticated audience. The space artfully blends rustic and refined with reclaimed barn wood, Pennsylvania Dutch-inspired furniture, whimsical light fixtures, and sophisticated and worldly modern art. Guests will also enjoy the playful neon signs and a neon-lit, heritage cabinet used to house a cult classic china collection. A collector's wall features Philadelphia sports memorabilia and an assortment of framed art, including some found pieces from local flea markets and others created by Philadelphia artists. The restaurant seats up to 210 guests between its dining and pantry area, private dining room, bar and lounge, and charcuterie station.rnrnUrban Farmer Philadelphia is located at Logan Square, 1850 Benjamin Franklin Parkway adjacent to the newly renovated Logan Hotel. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch, happy hour, and dinner. Weekend brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 am a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.urbanfarmerphiladelphia.com, follow on Facebook; or email info@urbanfarmerphiladelphia.com.rnrnAbout Sage Restaurant GrouprnrnDenver-based Sage Restaurant Group, co-founded by restaurateur Peter Karpinski, creates experiences where food, drink and inspired design meet and mix. These independent restaurants, adjacent to hotels, deliver exceptional catering and in-room dining experiences. Wherever they are located, Sage Restaurant Group's concepts feature a distinctive scene and a subtly infused local vibe designed to appeal to a guest who is hungry for life. For more information, please visit www.sagerestaurantgroup.com.rnrnPhoto – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151217/297125rnrn rnrnSOURCE Sage Restaurant GrouprnrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.sagerestaurantgroup.comrnJournalists and BloggersrnrnrnrnVisit PR Newswire for Journalists, our free resources for releases, photos and customized feeds. You can also send a free ProfNet request for experts.

PennDOT Modernizes Traffic Management Through New Data Exchange PartnershiprnrnHARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 14, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Governor Tom Wolf today announced travel information available for Pennsylvania roadways is being expanded through a free, two-way data-sharing partnership between the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Waze (www.waze.com), a real-time crowdsourced navigation app through which drivers share road conditions.rnrn"As travelers rely more and more on their smartphones for real-time traffic data, this new partnership represents yet another way PennDOT is modernizing to keep up with the demands of its customers," Governor Wolf said.rnrnThe program promotes more efficient traffic monitoring by sharing free, anonymous, crowdsourced incident reports and slow-down data from Waze users (called Wazers). Waze will receive PennDOT's road condition reporting data to share with its users, while the department will use data reported by Wazers to supplement internal traffic-condition monitoring.rnrn"PennDOT is always looking for ways to make it easier and safer to travel on our roadways," PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards said. "This partnership will advance our efforts in showing a government that works by improving our data while providing verified information through the app."rnrnAccording to Waze, Philadelphia has more than 417,000 active users per month and Pittsburgh has more than 80,000 active users per month. The mission of Waze Connected Citizens Program is to help Wazers, as well as cities and citizens collaborate to improve their community and answer the question "What's happening on our roads right now, and where?"rnrn"Waze is only as strong as the information it receives from its users," said Paige Fitzgerald, Connected Citizens Program Manager at Waze. "With many Pennsylvanians already using Waze and partnerships with more than 25 U.S. municipalities including the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, Waze already enables and empowers drivers. Our goal is to further connect Pennsylvania cities through this data exchange. The immense data PennDOT can contribute to Waze makes them an important partner moving forward."rnrnDeep technical knowledge is not required to be selected as a partner of the Connected Citizens Program. It is critical that prospective partners prove their dedication to citizen engagement and commit to use Waze data to improve city efficiency. Partners are also expected to measure and share their findings with other municipal organizations, developing case studies that serve as keys to a global set of improvements which can be made for collective mobility.rnrnTo find out more about Connected Citizens visit http://waze.com/connectedcitizens. To download the free Waze app for iOS or Android, visit http://www.waze.com.rnrnMEDIA CONTACT: Rich Kirkpatrick or Erin Waters-Trasatt, 717-783-8800rnMeghan Kelleher, Waze, 212-565-4979, meghank@google.comrnrn rnrn rnrnSOURCE Pennsylvania Department of TransportationrnrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.state.pa.us

The Southern Staple Finds Its Way Into The Region’s Restaurants, Pubs and Cafesrn rnrn rnOnce a relatively rare item on area menus, biscuits suddenly seem to take the (savory) cake in Philadelphia. Mitch Prensky’s Scratch Biscuits, a fast-casual concept devoted entirely to the flaky rounds, gives diners endless possibilities, while just about every major bruncherie […]