Category: Press Releases

This year international reporters can combine coverage of Pope Francis and World Meeting of Families with attendance at renowned Wharton training programrn

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rnPHILADELPHIA, PA (PRWEB) AUGUST 20, 2015rnrnWhat: Through intensive lectures and hands-on exercises, the Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists, led by the Wharton School’s most prominent professors, helps reporters gain a better understanding of key business and economic issues. Featured professors include Olivia Mitchell, Jeremy Siegel, Kent Smetters and Michael Useem; topics range from accounting and taxation to leadership, and the changing global business environment.rnrnThis year’s program, which follows the Pope’s visit to Philadelphia by less than two weeks, may provide a special opportunity for journalists to explore issues surrounding his visit—such as transportation challenges, economic impact, public policy, etc.–with Wharton faculty.rnrnThe Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists, now in its 47th year, offers participants an opportunity to expand their knowledge, increase their exposure to leading experts and broaden their perspectives in a stimulating setting.rnrnWhen: October 11 – 14, 2015. Registration deadline: September 11.rnrnWhere: The Seminar will take place at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Huntsman Hall, 3730 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104.rnrnHow: Registration is required to attend the Seminars. Visit the Seminar application. Various scholarships are available. Reporters travelling from outside the USA to cover Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia are encouraged to apply for the Don Sheehan International Fellowship.rnrnWho: In recent years, reporters from media outlets such as the New York Times, Marketplace Radio, the Wall Street Journal, Fortune, New Delhi TV (NDTV), Xinhua News Agency, Handelsblatt and Exame have attended.rnrnEligibility: Applications are open to those who are employed or freelance full-time as a print, broadcast, or online business journalist for legitimate media companies.rnrnKey Take-Aways: Today’s global economy requires a strong foundation in business and economic knowledge for business journalists. At the Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists, participants: rn Gain an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of business strategy including the role of leadership, the economy and competitive vision;rn Interact with colleagues from some of the world's leading business news organizations.rn Receive a Wharton School Certificate of Completion.rnrnFor complete information on the Wharton Seminars for Business Journalists, visit the Seminars online or contact Peter Winicov, Director, Wharton Media Relations at +1-215-746-6471 or communications(at)wharton.upenn(dot)edu.

Posted on August 20, 2015 by City of PhiladelphiarnMayor Michael A. Nutter and Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Alan Greenberger announced today that the Department of Commerce is now accepting submissions for the fourth round of Startup PHL Call for Ideas. The grant program is open to all innovative, exciting proposals that support Philadelphia’s startup ecosystem, with a particular focus on ideas that address young people and the issue of poverty in the city. rnrn rnrnApplications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2015. Full application details are available at http://www.startupphl.com/startupphlinitiative/apply-now. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee made up of representatives from the City of Philadelphia, PIDC and members of the entrepreneurial community.rnrn rnrn“Through the Startup PHL Call for Ideas program, we have provided funding to a whole range of initiatives across the city which are fostering entrepreneurship, creating new young entrepreneurs and putting Philadelphia on the map as a startup city,” said Mayor Nutter. “Companies around the world are now looking at our city in a new light and, together with events like the Forbes Under 30 Summit and the Rise of the Rest tour, more attention is coming Philadelphia’s way.”rnrn rnrnThe Call for Ideas program provides small grants to organizations with ideas or initiatives that best meet the objectives of Startup PHL:rnrnEnhance collaboration between organizations that support entrepreneurs;rnFoster networks and create space for entrepreneurs to develop businesses and connect with mentors, advisors, talent and capital;rnStimulate business and job creation in the city of Philadelphia;rnDeepen integration between Philadelphia’s higher education institutions, students and startup community; andrnCreate an environment that attracts new entrepreneurs and encourages graduates from Philadelphia’s higher education institutions to remain in the city.rn rnrnThe last round of Call for Ideas awards were made in May 2015. rnrnUniversity City Science Center FirstHand Program ($25,000) – a youth STEAM initiative serving Philadelphia youth from under-resourced schools and the teachers, professionals and families from their communities. The Startup PHL funding assists in lab equipment acquisition for the FirstHand Lab, a dedicated lab space for students.rn Update:rnrn “Support from Startup PHL has allowed us to not only build out the FirstHand Lab and the grant also enables us to fill a resource gap faced by a number of schools in Philadelphia, as we offer students access to real-world lab experiences that includes and welcomes them into our growing innovation community,” says Stephen S. Tang, Ph.D, MBA, President and CEO of the Science Center, “rnrn rnrnDrexel University, Regional University Business Plan Competition ($23,500) – Startup PHL funding will help establish a multi-university business plan competition run by a new consortium of university-based entrepreneurship programs and incubators. Drexel University’s Chuck Sacco, organizer of this initiative, commented, “A number of us at university-based entrepreneurship programs wanted to find new ways to have entrepreneurially-minded college students work across the region and build their networks at other universities and colleges and within the community. A regional business plan competition will be a great way for that to occur”.rnUpdate:rnrn“We are making progress on putting together the regional business plan competition and our plan is to hold the final competition in February with 3-4 lead-up events focused on networking, pitch education and pitch practice. Needless to say, none of this would have been possible without funding from StartupPHL. The funding has given our regional consortium of university entrepreneurship programs the ability to start building this valuable program and to ultimately provide university students with a great program that demonstrates the strength of entrepreneurship in the region.” – Chuck Sacco, Drexel University.rnrn rnrnCoded by Kids Instructor Pipeline Project ($19,870) – Coded by Kids provides inner city children with free, engaging, challenging and creative tech education program. Startup PHL funding will establish an adult training program for instructors in the Coded by Kids workshops.rnUpdate:rnrn “Through the Startup PHL funding we developed and launched web development training program for adults who would not have been able to afford a program of this type under normal circumstances. This gives us the ability to create pathways into tech careers for men and women who are currently underrepresented in tech and would normally find it difficult to gain access to opportunities in tech. By asking our adult students to return as volunteers with our kids programs we are also able to increase the number of volunteer instructors we have and the number of kids we are able to reach. The funding from Startup PHL made this program possible.” – Sylvester Mobley, founder, Coded by Kids.rnrn rnrnTechGirlz Entrepreneur Bootcamp in a Box ($10,000) – TechGirlz hold workshops and an annual entrepreneurial summer camp serving middle-school girls. Startup PHL funding will expand the existing and successful TechGirlz Summer Entrepreneur Bootcamp materials into sharable, lesson plan formats so other groups can teach the program. TechGirlz founder Tracey Welson-Rossman commented, “This Tech Entrepreneur Camp is unique in this country and we are extremely happy to be partnering with the City to have more girls understand how they can participate in the tech and startup economy. Innovation is gender blind.”rnUpdate:rnrn“TechGirlz has been able to put our Tech Entrepreneur Camp into a format that will allow other people – schools, companies, organizations, individuals – to teach more young girls that they can be part of the innovation economy. Between our workshop plans and video series, enabling these instructors, is key to having more girls be involved. The Call for Ideas allowed TechGirlz to undertake this project. Without the support, we would not have been able to afford to hire the extra staff to create these materials.” – Tracey Welson-Rossmanrnrn rnrnStartup PHL is an initiative of the City of Philadelphia’s Commerce Department, PIDC, and First Round Capital to provide funding for early-stage companies and to support programs that develop the startup community in Philadelphia. Through Startup PHL Funds and co-investments from First Round Capital eight Philadelphia startups have received more than $1 million in combined seed stage or angel investment since October 2013, and through the Call For Ideas Grants fourteen organizations have received almost $300,000 in funding to support entrepreneurship programming. For more information about Startup PHL please visit www.startupphl.com.

Posted on August 20, 2015 by City of PhiladelphiarnAs part of the ongoing preparations for the World Meeting of Families, Mayor Michael A. Nutter, together with many of the City’s partners, discussed plans for the event and expected impact on residents. The following are Mayor Nutter’s prepared remarks [please check against delivery]: rnrnGood afternoon. This is our fifth briefing ahead of the momentous World Meeting of Families in late September. We’re now five weeks and a couple days from the arrival of Pope Francis.rnrnAfter last week’s detailed announcement with the US Secret Service, and now that we can discuss the secure perimeters in full detail, I believe the entire City is really gearing up and has switched into full planning mode.rnrnBusinesses are calling the Papal Visit Business Resource Center – we’ve received more than 100 calls since the hotline opened on Monday – and we’re helping them plan to accommodate the 1.5 million visitors we’re expecting.rnrnThe vast majority of the questions can be answered right away, and at the end of each day a senior team meets to review and answer more difficult questions.rnrnSo now that we have more details confirmed, for today’s Papal Visit update I want to focus on the impact of this event on residents, especially those that live in and around Center City.rnrnResident ImpactrnrnWe host big events in Center City year-round. From the Mummer’s Parade to the 4th of July and the Philadelphia Marathon, the City is experienced at planning for the special events that can sometimes interrupt daily life. rnrnIn the same way, residents who live near the areas where these events occur – the Fairmount and Old City neighborhoods, or along Broad Street for parades and the Broad Street Run – know how to plan when these events interrupt their daily routines.rnrnThey move their cars off Broad Street, pick up supplies a few days in advance, and a whole host of other things depending on their personal situation.rnrnThat said, there are key differences between the Papal Visit weekend and any of the other City events I’ve just mentioned. We are expecting more attendees than the City has ever welcomed in recent history, and this is an NSSE event, which means there is extra security provided by our partners at the Secret Service.rnrnBut, we have worked hard to minimize the impact felt by residents. rnrnLess than 7% of City’s entire population lives inside the traffic box (the green line), which covers just under 4 square miles in Center City and less than 1 square mile in West Philly. rnrnWe have said that if you live inside the traffic box, you will be able to drive your car inside the box – or leave, but you cannot return – but given the volume of pedestrians in the area, we don’t recommend driving.rnrnSo if you opt to use your bike or walk places in your neighborhood, which we recommend, there are plenty of options in this area, with more than 330 places to get groceries and food inside the Traffic Box. rnrnWe will also be posting maps on the city’s website that show the locations of many of these amenities, including hospitals and houses of worship, as well as a map that shows approximate walking distances from outside of the traffic box to Center City.rnrnWe have created these resources to give residents an idea of what they can expect and help them make the most of a very exciting weekend.rnrnPapal PlaybookrnrnYet another resource for residents will be the Papal Visit Playbook.rnrn The World Meeting of Families, partnering with the City and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, has created a comprehensive guide for residents across the region to assist in their planning for the Papal Visit Weekend.rnrn This guide will be available on Monday, August 24th beginning at noon at www.worldmeeting2015.org/papalplaybook.rnrn The Playbook will provide residents with a broad overview of information related to the World Meeting of Families Congress, happening the week before the Papal Visit, and the Papal Visit itself that weekend.rnrn Donna will come to the podium in just a moment to give more detail about the components of the Playbook and the type of information which will be available.rnrnSEPTArnrn Last week we discussed the Secure Perimeter (the red line) and the Secure Vehicle Perimeter (the black line) – both will be constructed and maintained by the Secret Service.rnrn During the time that the Secret Service is erecting these barriers (this means beginning at 10:00 p.m. Thursday evening), SEPTA will be:rnrnRunning Regional Rail Lines on a weekend schedule with all stations active EXCEPT Suburban Station at 16th & JFKrnRunning subways as normal with all stations active EXCEPT 15th Street and City Hall Stations rnRunning all West Philly Trolley Lines as normal with all stations active EXCEPT 15th Street.rn The above applies from 10 p.m. Thursday evening through the end of Friday. The special Papal passes are NOT required on the Regional Rail trains during this period.rnrnOn Saturday and Sunday, SEPTA will be:rnrnReverting to their previously published express and limited stop service on regional, subway and city sub-surface lines.rnPapal passes WILL be required on Regional Rail, but not on subways and city Trolley Lines.rnBecause of the “traffic box” (green line), many of SEPTA bus routes will be detoured or suspended in the center city region. Buses on Detour will get as close to the boundary a possible to drop passengers off before turning around for service in the other direction.rn And just announced on Tuesday, SEPTA will begin selling One-Day Regional Rail Papal Passes at Suburban, Jefferson and outlying stations tomorrow, Friday, August 21.rnrnGroups and organizations interested in bulk sales can email SEPTA at papalbulkpasses@septa.org. rnrnThis is good news for residents who use Regional Rail to get to their jobs or other appointments on the weekend, and groups that are looking for a simple, direct way to get downtown to participate in the Papal events – SEPTA has Papal Passes available, so make sure you prepare in advance.rnrnOur collective goal is to reduce the difficulties facing residents where we can.rnrnAn update from last week: residential trash and recycling collection will be cancelled only on Friday, September 25th and Monday, September 28th (not on Thursday, September 24th as previously stated). Residents with Friday and Monday collections are asked to hold them until the following week. rnrnAs an additional support for residents with questions the weekend of the Papal Visit, the City’s 311 call center will move to 24-hour operation beginning on Thursday, September 24th through Monday, September 28th.rnrnAnd if you are a business owner and you have questions about planning right now, don’t forget that the Papal Visit Business Resource Center is available M-F, 9am to 5pm at 215-683-2100 or business@phila.gov.rnrnLet’s all plan ahead for this historic, joyful event. We’re the ‘can do’ City, and we’re going to have a great and historic visit from Pope Francis.

Posted on August 19, 2015 by City of PhiladelphiarnMayor Michael A. Nutter announced the release of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 Annual Disparity Study that analyzes the utilization of Minority, Women and Disabled Owned Business Enterprises (M/W/DBEs) on City contracts and the availability of these businesses across the region. The study, conducted by Econsult Solutions, Inc. and Milligan & Company, LLC., found that in FY 2014 the City awarded $267 million to M/W/DSBEs representing 29% of the contracts for which the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) reported having M/W/DSBEs available to service the City. This is an increase of $23 million dollars and one percentage point over FY 2013 totals, when the City increased its M/W/DSBE participation goal from 25% to 30%.rnrn rnrn“Every dollar spent by the City represents an economic opportunity for minority, women, and disabled owned businesses in Philadelphia,” said Mayor Nutter. “We want to expand the markets they serve and their capacity to grow their businesses and put people to work. Increasing the goal to 30% participation last year and maintaining that goal this year was our way of showing our continued commitment to these entrepreneurs. This year’s study highlights the City’s efforts in this regard.”rnrn rnrnThe study, which profiles contracts awarded to M/W/DSBEs located in the City of Philadelphia, across the eleven county region and nationwide, found that 63 contracts valued at $198 million were awarded in markets in which few or no M/W/DSBEs are available, including electric energy supply, water treatment chemicals, oil/petroleum, helicopters, sludge barge transport services, fleet vehicles, and medical personnel. As a result of the limited number of M/W/DSBEs in these markets, the City has not included these contracts in goal setting. Rather, the City focuses on setting goals in markets where there is an ample supply of small businesses ready, willing and able to complete for City business. rnrn rnrn“Each of these markets in which M/W/DSBEs are underrepresented pose major barriers to entry and challenges for the City’s inclusion efforts,” said Angela Dowd-Burton, Executive Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity. “We will continue to work with City departments, certifying agencies including the Minority Supplier Development Council, the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council and the African American, Asian and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce to identify disadvantaged businesses that can meet the City’s needs.” The Office of Economic Opportunity within the Department of Commerce is responsible for monitoring and promoting M/W/DBE participation.rnrn rnrnThe FY 2014 Disparity Study includes an analysis of the Economic Opportunity Plans (EOP) for Public, Private and Non-profit sector Public Works projects initiated between FY2009 and 2014. Econsult and Milligan found that 54% of the active and completed projects in the FY 2014 report met or exceeded M/W/DBSE goals, up from 38% on projects reported in 2013; 94% of all EOPs achieved at least 90% of the project goal, up from 85% reported in the previous year.rnrn rnrnThe Office of Economic Opportunity promotes the economic development of Minority- Women- and Disabled-owned business enterprises through its OEO Registry, bid/RFP participation targets and contract compliance activities. In addition, OEO has ongoing interaction with other City departments, quasi-public agencies and the private and non-profit sectors. Monthly meetings are held to educate vendors and contractors about opportunities to do business with the City, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, the Minority Business Development Agency, Office of Business Services, the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and Temple University Technical Assistance Center.rnrn rnrnTo view the Fiscal Year 2014 Annual Disparity Study, please visit www.phila.gov/oeo. For additional information on monthly meetings to educate vendors and contractors about opportunities to do business with the City, please visit the OEO website or call 215-683-2057.

More than 26,000 bags of treats donated to Philadelphia dogs in needrn

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rnTEWKSBURY, Mass. and PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Old Mother Hubbard®, makers of wholesome, home-style baked dog treats, has donated upwards of 26,000 bags of Old Mother Hubbard treats to the Animal Care & Control Team of Philadelphia. Through a Facebook promotion held in June, Old Mother Hubbard encouraged fans to help reach their goal of donating 2,000 bags of dog treats through "likes" and comments—for every "like", five bags of dog treats were promised to the shelter. Exceeding the goal and then some, the post received more than 5,000 likes and 250 comments, equating to 2,712 cases of product sent to the shelter to help dogs in need. rnrn"We are thrilled to be donating Old Mother Hubbard treats to the Animal Care & Control Team of Philadelphia. Here at WellPet, we are dedicated to helping pets in need in all communities across the country. It is our commitment to providing the highest quality of food and treats to dogs and cats and help support the wellbeing of shelter pets as they wait to be adopted," said Chanda Leary Coutu, Senior Manager, Marketing Communications, for WellPet.rnrnACCT Philly Communication & Development Specialist, Ame Dorminy added, "We are overwhelmed by the gratitude Old Mother Hubbard has shown for the dogs of the ACCT. As the region's largest animal care and control provider, these treats will keep the dogs happy and satisfied as they wait for their forever homes."rnrnAll Old Mother Hubbard snacks are made with natural, nutrient-rich ingredients like chicken, cheddar cheese, apples, carrots, sweet potatoes and oatmeal, without any artificial colors or flavors. And each crunchy snack is slowly oven-baked to preserve the mouth-watering flavors that dogs love to catch, chew and eat. Treats donated to the ACCT of Philadelphia includes:rnrnOld Mother Hubbard Classic BiscuitsrnOld Mother Hubbard CrispersrnOld Mother Hubbard Soft BakesrnTo learn more about Old Mother Hubbard, please visit: https://www.oldmotherhubbard.com/index.aspx.rnrnOld Mother Hubbard® – "Give 'Em Some Snack Love®"rnrnSince 1926, Old Mother Hubbard®, a proud member of the WellPet® family of brands, has used the same simple methods to bake our snacks for dogs. Each home-style recipe is carefully crafted from wholesome ingredients that allow dog owners to feel good about giving their dogs a reward that is healthy and heartfelt. Visit www.oldmotherhubbard.com to learn more. Find Old Mother Hubbard on Twitter – twitter.com/omhpetsnacks. Join Old Mother Hubbard on Facebook -http://www.facebook.com/OMHpetsnacks.rnrnAbout WellPet, LLC:rnrnWellPet is the number one, independent, family-owned natural pet food company offering premium pet food brands including Wellness®, Old Mother Hubbard®, Eagle Pack® and Holistic Select®. For more than 100 years, WellPet has delivered on the promise of doing whatever it takes to make the healthiest natural products for the pets that depends on us. Today, our team of animal lovers, nutritionists and vets at WellPet are committed to carrying forth our strong heritage, continuing to find new ways to bring innovation, nutritional excellence and product quality to our family of natural brands, always putting pet health first. rnrnLogo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150813/258399LOGOrnrnSOURCE WellPet, LLC

Philadelphia, August 17, 2015 – The Department of Commerce will activate a Business Resource Center to provide information to Philadelphia businesses on how the World Meeting of Families and Papal Visit will impact their employees and operations. The Center will be operational at 1:00 p.m. today and from that point will receive calls to the hotline (215-683-2100) Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Businesses can also submit questions to business@phila.gov. Businesses should use this service if their questions are not answered by first visiting the City’s Papal Visit Information Center (http://www.phila.gov/InformationCenters/pope/Pages/default.aspx) where information will be updated on a regular basis.rnrn“The World Meeting of Families and Papal Visit will have hugely positive impact on Philadelphia’s economy and has the unique potential to elevate our city’s global profile for years to come,” said Alan Greenberger, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development. “We know that due to the volume of people expected and security arrangements that will be in place, business owners will need to make adjustments and the Department of Commerce is standing by to provide any assistance necessary.”rnrnA dedicated team from the Office of Business Services (OBS) will be on hand at the Business Resource Center to provide information, answer questions, and respond to emails and voicemails as quickly as possible. In specific case-by-case instances OBS staff may need to track down information from other City departments or partners and respond to inquiries at a later time. Business owners seeking general information about doing business in the City of Philadelphia should visit the City’s online business services website (https://business.phila.gov/) which provides comprehensive information on how to plan, start and grow a business in Philadelphia.

The Bee Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness and reducing the number of deaths caused by brain aneurysms through innovative research, will hold its second annual fund-raiser, the Honey Bash Gala, on Sept. 19 at the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia, PA.rn

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rnPHILADELPHIA, PA (PRWEB) AUGUST 16, 2015rnrnThe Bee Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to raising awareness and reducing the number of deaths caused by brain aneurysms through innovative research, will hold its second annual major fund-raiser, the Honey Bash Gala, on Sept. 19, 2015. The event will be held at the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia, Pa.rnrnThe evening will feature food, drinks, dancing, a wide selection of both live and silent auction items, and – new this year – a VIP Bourbon Tasting Lounge featuring unique small batch bourbons.rnrnGuest speakers will include Dr. Shazam Hussain, Head of the Cleveland Clinic Stroke Program, and a member of the Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board, and Dr. Aichi Chien, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Division of Interventional Neuroradiology at UCLA, and the recipient of the Foundation’s first $50,000 research grant. Also speaking will be Todd Crawford, husband of Lisa Colagrossi, a NYC WABC Eyewitness News reporter who died in March, 2015 from a ruptured brain aneurysm.rnrnIn its first year, the Foundation has attracted the attention of researchers across the country, and has marked a series of singular achievements, including raising over $120,000 to support brain aneurysm research and awareness, and making its first grant to UCLA’s Dr. Aichi Chien for research in to brain aneurysm risk factors.rnrn“The success of this young organization, in its first year, has been astounding,” says Dr. Shazam Hussain. “Their commitment to funding truly innovative and ground breaking research holds great promise for this currently under-funded, and very critical, field.”rnPurchase your tickets today and support The Bee Foundation in reaching its goal of doubling its brain aneurysm research grant funding in 2016!rnTo learn about sponsorships for the Honey Bash Gala, the work of The Bee Foundation and how you can support them with a tax deductible contribution visit the Foundation’s website or contact info(at)thebeefoundation(dot)org.rnrnAbout The Bee FoundationrnrnThe Bee Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness of brain aneurysms and increase funding for innovative research that changes lives. Information on the Foundation can be found at http://www.thebeefoundation.org, or on the Foundation’s Facebook page. Also visit us at Twitter and Instagram.

Join Hall of Fame Basketball Forward Julius "Dr J" Erving for a Legendary Golf Experience Benefiting The Salvation Army; Limited Number of Tickets are Available by Calling 310-426-9075rn

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rnPHILADELPHIA, PA (PRWEB) AUGUST 13, 2015rnrnHall of Fame Basketball forward Julius ‘Dr. J’ Erving, will host a luxury golf experience at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, PA, welcoming celebrities, golfers and fellow athletes for a one-of-a-kind weekend of legends, lifestyle and sports in support of a good cause. The three day event kicks-off on September 12, at 10 a.m., with the Erving Youth Basketball Clinic at The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Center in partnership with the Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia, an organization dedicated to providing humanitarian aid to those in need. The Salvation Army has a special place in Erving’s heart, as he was first given the opportunity to play on their team in the early 1960's, providing him the opportunity to compete and achieve at a young age.rnrn“We are honored to have Mr. Julius Erving back in Philadelphia volunteering to spend time with the young people in our surrounding communities,” said Major Philip Ferreira, Director of Operations, The Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia. “Julius is an icon in his sport and continues to be an inspiration to Philadelphia. We would like to personally thank him, along with all the sponsors and participants that are joining in to make this a long-awaited reality.”rnrnErving will join daughter Jazmin Erving, Founder and Executive Director of GRAB A BALL & PLAY Foundation an organization that makes year-round donations of new athletic balls to underserved youth participating in community programs, along with fellow NBA legends to provide an interactive and educational basketball clinic for young athletes in the surrounding Philadelphia community.rnrn“GRAB A BALL & PLAY is excited to partner with the Julius Erving Golf Classic and the Salvation Army for this opportunity to host the Erving Youth Basketball Clinic, where coaching and heartfelt inspiration will be provided from my father and some of the game’s most talented players and coaches. It is important for us to come back to our roots and to the city where it all began to provide Hope Through Basketball, that will benefit the youth and future of Philadelphia for years to come,” Jazmin Erving said.rnrnGRAB a BALL & PLAY Foundation will give signature Erving basketballs to youth in attendance as a symbol of hope. Erving will share his story of how basketball gave him hope and helped him through life, hoping to inspire the children at the clinic to work hard on and off the court.rnOn September 13, Aronimink Golf Club will host the Elite Partner Practice Rounds followed by the Erving “Black Tie” Ball presented by The Rittenhouse, Philadelphia’s most historical and luxurious hotel. The Rittenhouse will welcome all sponsors, participants and guests to a Red Carpet Pairings Party. At the Black Tie event, guests will mix and mingle while sipping on signature Erving cocktails presented by CASAMIGOS Tequila. Event Co-Hosts ESPN SportsCenter Anchor, Jay Harris and Professional Golfer and Fashion Designer, Seema Sadekar will introduce celebrity guests and Erving will welcome everyone. Immediately following, Erving will host a private cigar experience at Ashton Cigar Bar, complimented by an exquisite Zacapa Rum experience with Mr. Erving himself.rnrnOn the final day, September 14, guests will head to Aronimink Golf Club to tee-it-up at the Erving Golf Classic tournament. The course will be set-up as a Julius Erving museum, where each hole will journey signature moments in time throughout Ervings’ iconic career in basketball. Guests will also participate in a putting clinic presented by Seema Sadekar, The Golf Fashionista. During the golf tournament, the ladies will enjoy a Champagne and Caviar in the famed Aronimink Clubhouse with Dorys Erving, wife of Julius Erving.rnrnABOUT THE JULIUS ERVING GOLF CLASSIC rnrnThe event, run by Play Golf Designs, Inc., benefits the Salvation Army, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing comfort, food, shelter and care to the needy around the world. VIP Packages for the Julius Erving Golf Classic can be tailored to include golf, hospitality, and invitations to the private parties. For information on Erving tickets, packages and experiences call Play Golf Designs Inc. 310.926.4075 or email info@playgolfdesigns.com. For media inquiries: Rachel Rees: Rachel@pgdglobal.com.rnrnABOUT ARONIMINK GOLF CLUB: rnrnAronimink Golf Club’s Donald Ross-designed course has a rich history in golf, and is consistently rated one of the finest and most challenging in the US. The course has played host to the PGA Championship, the Senior PGA Championship , the AT&T National, hosted by Tiger Woods, and the U.S. Amateur and will also host the 2018 BMW Championship, an official stop on the PGA TOUR. http://www.aronimink.org/rnABOUT THE RITTENHOUSE rnrnThe Rittenhouse is an independent luxury hotel that has received the prestigious AAA Five Diamond award for 24 consecutive years. Complete with a brand new 3,000 square foot spa and club, this distinguished landmark hotel is a member of Leading Hotels of the World and considered Philadelphia’s most desired address. Opened in 1989, The Rittenhouse is ideally situated on Philadelphia's famed Rittenhouse Square, within walking distance to the heart of the business district and premier shopping corridor. Additionally, the hotel affords easy access to the Philadelphia Convention Center and all of the city's numerous arts, cultural, dining and entertainment venues. For more information, visit rittenhousehotel.com.rnrnABOUT PLAY GOLF DESIGNS, INC rnrnPlay Golf Designs, Inc. (PGD) is a boutique-chic golf marketing & event company, directing and participating in luxury events for some of the world’s most legendary athletes, entertainers and organizations including Clippers Assistant Coach Mike Woodson, Julius Erving, Jeffrey Osborne, The Broadcaster Jerome Williams, Reggie Jackson and Ahmad Rashad. PGD blends pop culture and entertainment, creating the most unique, innovative golf events and experiences for each client. The Las-Vegas based boutique golf company specializes in connecting golf to the modern world of trends and fashion. Operating events and experiences all around the country, PGD has successfully built strong relationships with some of the game’s biggest clients, partners and vendors.rnrnTweet us. IG us. Visit us. rnrn@ErvingClassic. http://www.juliuservinggolfclassic.com

Philadelphia, August 13, 2015 — As part of the ongoing preparations for the World Meeting of Families, Mayor Michael A. Nutter together with many of the City’s partners, including the United States Secret Service, discussed transportation plans for the event. The following are Mayor Nutter’s prepared remarks, [please check against delivery]:rnrnGood afternoon. This is our […]

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Tomorrow, Department of Human Services (DHS) will host a HealthChoices informational session at the Education Extravaganza, Philadelphia School District's 7th Annual Back to School E is for Education Day, where interested individuals can ask questions and get further details on HealthChoices, Pennsylvania's traditional Medicaid expansion.rnrnSince January, more than 440,000 Pennsylvanians have access to quality health care coverage in HealthChoices. Governor Wolf's Medicaid expansion plan allows DHS to provide greater health care coverage in a streamlined manner to Pennsylvanians who are most in need.rnrnFor more information, visit www.HealthChoicesPA.com.rnrnWHAT: DHS will host a HealthChoices informational session where interested individuals can ask questions and get further details on the program.rnrnWHEN: August 14, 2015; 8:00 AM– 3:00 PMrnrnWHERE: High School of The Future, 4021 Parkside Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104 rnrnMEDIA CONTACT: Kait Gillis, 717.425.7606 rnrn rnrnSOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Human Services