Category: Press Releases

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Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) May 06, 2015

As the college graduation season quickly arrives, it is poised to send a new wave of graduate hopefuls into the job market. While the economy has shown promising signs of recovery, there are still plenty of folks who are unemployed or who have dropped out of the workforce altogether. Why Hire You LLC – founded by a group of working human resource professionals – is releasing a suite of resources to help those looking for their first career break or to make a job change, stand out from the competition and get hired faster.

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New college grads or the collective age group commonly referred to as millennials, represent the largest group of those who are underemployed or who can’t find work at all. According to US Census: Young Adults Then and Now report, 65% of people ages 18-34 are employed, leaving 35% or more than 23.4 million unemployed or underemployed. What is most interesting is that millennials are the most educated generation by far, with 14.7 million young people holding a college degree.

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While there are plenty of jobs becoming available each day, the process of finding candidates that are a “right fit” for the role and the organization can often slow to a crawl. Applications pile up as organizations have to prioritize their time and people resources, leaving some positions vacant for many months. Those looking for their first break or to take advantage of an economic uptick to make a change, regularly find the job search process the most frustrating and look for every advantage that they can get.

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While there is never an easy solution to such a complex problem, perhaps there is a starting point that begins with a bit of bridge-building. People need jobs and organizations need great people to work for them. When hiring managers post positions, they often have their pick of who to choose from so it is really on the candidate to stand out—but how can someone do that if no one from the inside has given them a clear cut formula?

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With a stroke of a few keys, the internet is full of countless resources for job seekers and that can be helpful or overwhelming depending on your viewpoint. However in an ideal world, people who want positions would get their hands on the need-to-know information directly from those who make hiring decisions every day. According to Bethany Mangin, a Director of Human Resources at a large senior living campus in Philadelphia, “Knowing what to do and when helps candidates stand out during interviews, avoid mistakes and get the offer that they want, instead of taking a “one-size fits all” approach to a job search.”

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In an effort to support talented millennials and others who are looking for a new position, a group of hiring managers have put together a portfolio of resources to help pull back the curtain on the process of getting hired. They are available as complimentary tools through whyhireyou.com.

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Job seekers need every advantage they can get to reduce the amount of time it takes to get the position that they want. While there is no shortage of available advice on job hunting tips and tricks, perhaps it makes the most sense to tap into insights from those who are actively making hiring decisions every day. A simple change in thinking or approach may result in receiving that coveted job offer sooner than later.

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About Why Hire Yourn
Founded in 2013 by a group of working human resources professionals, Why Hire You delivers simple but powerful information that is free to job seekers. Through http://www.WhyHireYou.com those looking for insights can watch a free workshop with materials included, download an end-to-end road map filled with tips and even interact with hiring managers.

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Royersford, Pennsylvania (PRWEB) May 05, 2015

Nelson's Creamery has announced plans for the opening of its new cafe concept – "Sweet Nel's". Interior designs for the new concept cafe have been finalized. The company plans to open its flagship in Center City, Philadelphia in 2015 as soon as a site has been finalized and the cafe can be constructed. Eight other locations are planned throughout the Delaware Valley over the next two years and will be franchises.

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The cafe will feature Nelson's new certified organic ice creams, Nelson's traditional ice creams and premises-made natural gelato. The cafe also includes a full service coffee operation featuring La Colombe coffees as well as a bakery featuring Famous Fourth Street Cookies and other pastries. Organic ice cream has become a product in great demand nationally. Nelson's Creamery has recently introduced organic ice cream with great success.

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Another component of Sweet Nel's is its sustainable and natural business approach, eliminating the presence of chemicals, plastics or artificial ingredients.     Products will be served in compostable containers.

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Many products are made on the premises, fresh from scratch such as hot fudge, caramel topping, chocolate products and fresh gelato flavorings.    

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The cafe will be built with reclaimed wood on walls and tables – each wood item used will indicate the historic source of the wood.

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Nelson's has been making super premium ice cream in Royersford continuously since the 1920's and is one of the only local ice cream manufacturers left in the Delaware Valley.

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Contact Nelson's Creamery for more information: 610-948-3000.

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 4, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Encouraging all Pennsylvanians to exercise their right to vote, Acting Secretary of the Commonwealth Pedro A. Cortés today reminded voters that requests for absentee ballots must be completed, signed, and received by their county board of elections no later than 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 12.rnrn"Our fundamental right to vote has been defended by generations of courageous Americans and we honor their sacrifice every time we cast a ballot," Cortés said. "Absentee balloting gives Pennsylvanians who are physically unable to go to the polls on Election Day the opportunity to exercise their voting right."rnrnTraditionally, absentee ballots are cast by deployed members of the military, Pennsylvania students attending out-of-state colleges or universities, individuals with illnesses or disabilities, and individuals who will be away from their municipality on business on Election Day. Comprehensive information about absentee ballots, including a downloadable request form, can be found at the Department of State's website www.votesPA.com. rnrnApplicants will be asked to supply basic voter registration information and to specify a reason for applying to vote absentee.rnrnPennsylvanians applying for an absentee ballot must provide their driver's license number. If they do not have a driver's license, they must give the last four digits of their Social Security Number. If a voter has neither, he or she must present a copy of an acceptable photo ID. A list of approved alternative types of identification is available at www.votesPA.com.rnrnAn absentee voter can designate someone else to deliver the absentee application and ballot if he or she is physically unable to do so. Certification of Designated Agent forms are also available online.rnrnFor additional information, call 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772) or visit www.votesPA.com. Under "Voting & Elections," select "Types of Voting" and then "Absentee Ballot."rnrnMEDIA CONTACT: Wanda Murren, (717) 783-1621rnrn rnrnSOURCE Pennsylvania Department of State

MIDDLETOWN, Pa., May 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Pennsylvania Lottery players, check your tickets: two prize-winning tickets each sold on opposite ends of the state are nearing their one-year expiration dates. They are:rnrnA jackpot-winning Quinto evening drawing ticket worth $50,000 that was sold at Sunoco APlus Express, 3398 Aramingo Ave., Philadelphia, for the May 8, 2014 drawing. The winning ticket correctly matched all five balls drawn, 2-8-4-0-4. A claim must be filed with the Lottery by Friday, May 8.rnA jackpot-winning Quinto day ticket worth $50,000 that was sold at Frankstown BP, 8936 Frankstown Road, Pittsburgh, for the May 12, 2014 drawing. The winning ticket correctly matched all five balls drawn, 1-6-1-1-1. Two other jackpot-winning tickets for that drawing have been claimed. A claim must be filed with the Lottery by Tuesday, May 12.rnAll final prize amounts will be less 25 percent federal withholding.rnrnBy law, unclaimed, expired lottery prizes remain in the Lottery Fund and are used to support programs benefiting older Pennsylvanians.rnrnPlayers are reminded to check every ticket, every time, at self-service scanners located at retailers and also found on Lottery self-service play terminals. The Lottery reminds players to sign tickets immediately upon their purchase for proof of ownership.rnrnThe Pennsylvania Lottery encourages claimants to sign the back of the ticket, call the Lottery at 717-702-8146 and file a timely claim at any of Lottery's seven area offices or at Lottery headquarters in Middletown, Dauphin County. Claims may be filed Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at area Lottery offices and from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at headquarters.rnrnThe Quinto game is now known as PICK 5 under a rebranding of Pennsylvania Lottery draw games that took place in January 2015. The unclaimed tickets from 2014 will have the name Quinto at the top.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 $24.7 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 www.facebook.com/palottery or follow us at www.twitter.com/palottery. rnrnMEDIA CONTACT: Lauren Bottaro, 717-702-8008rnrn rnrnSOURCE Pennsylvania LotteryrnrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.palottery.com

City officials congratulate 2,000 graduating seniors from local high schools who will be attending college in the fall as part of the First Lady’s Reach Higher initiative.rnrnPhiladelphia, May 1, 2015 – The City of Philadelphia hosted its first-ever College Signing Day event, congratulating 2,000 local graduating high school seniors from 60 District, charter and private schools on being admitted to college. College Signing Day celebrates college-bound high school students as part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher initiative, which seeks to inspire and support students across the country to pursue and complete an education beyond high school.rnrn“College Signing Day is an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of our college-bound high school seniors by showing them educational success is just as important as athletic abilities. I am so proud to recognize the accomplishments of these bright young people who have excelled in the classroom and are committing themselves to completing a college degree,” said Mayor Nutter. “I want to wish these bright young scholars well on the next leg of their educational journey. And, I want to thank all of the partners who worked hard to make College Signing Day a huge success.”rnrnSuperintendent of the Philadelphia School District Dr. William R. Hite said, “College Signing Day is a great opportunity to showcase the importance of higher education. The School District of Philadelphia is committed to giving all students the tools they need for success in college and beyond. I encourage all Philadelphians to use this day as a celebration of college preparation, college access and ultimately, college success.”rnrnCollege Signing Day was held at St. Joseph’s University’s Michael J. Hagan arena.rnrn“On behalf of Saint Joseph’s University, I am honored to welcome to our campus the Philadelphia area high school seniors participating in the White House initiative, Reach Higher Philly College Signing Day,” says SJU president C. Kevin Gillespie, S.J. ’72. “It is inspiring that so many young people have committed the next four years of their lives to completing their college education, and I am especially pleased to welcome the future Saint Joseph’s Hawks among them who are joining us for the celebration.”rnrnSponsors for the event include the School District of Philadelphia, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, College Board, Cool Speak, Philadelphia School Partnership and the College Prep Roundtable.rnrn“At United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, we believe all children deserve the opportunity to graduate from high school college- and career-ready to position themselves for work that pays a family-sustaining wage,” said Jim Cawley, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. “We’re honored to celebrate the accomplishments of the class of 2015 and are excited to see what their futures hold.”

Jukebox and social media users can enter to win a guitar from music legendrnrnPHILADELPHIA, April 28, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — AMI Entertainment Network has partnered with Reprise Records and Fender Musical Instruments Corporation to give a lucky fan a Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster guitar in celebration of his new retrospective, Forever Man.rnrnStarting April 28th, AMI jukebox users and social media fans can enter for a chance to win. Entries can be made through any participating jukebox on the AMI network by touching the Eric Clapton promotional screen or directly through AMI Jukeboxes Facebook page by visiting the Contest tab. One grand prize winner will be awarded a Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster guitar, valued at $1,600. Two runners-up will win vinyl copies of Clapton's new retrospective, Forever Man. Users can enter to win once a day until May 12th.rnrnAMI jukeboxes can easily be found in your local area using the AMI BarLink app. Download the free app for Apple or Android devices and search for locations near you. It only takes a few steps to add funds to your wallet and start playing songs on the jukebox using your smartphone!rnrnWith 51 tracks spanning three decades of Clapton's solo career on Reprise Records, Forever Man is a new compilation of classic studio tracks, live tracks, and a bonus Blues-themed disc. Featuring the Grammy Award-winning tracks "Change the World," "Tears in Heaven," and "Bad Love" and including material from Clapton's Grammy Award-winning albums From The Cradle and Unplugged. Forever Man will be available everywhere on May 11th.rnrnFor full contest rules and more information about AMI's digital jukeboxes and other products, check out www.amientertainment.com or follow AMI on Facebook.rnrnAbout AMI Entertainment Network: AMI Entertainment Network has been developing cutting-edge entertainment solutions for bars and restaurants for more than a century, from the dawn of the jukebox to the digital age. Featuring the latest in content and technology, AMI jukeboxes and Tap TV provide everything you need to connect with today's tech-savvy patrons. From music to video to mobile, AMI provides 360 degrees of entertainment. For more information, please visit: www.amientertainment.comrnrnAbout Fender Musical Instruments Corporation: Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is one of the world's leading musical instrument manufacturers, marketers and distributors, whose portfolio of brands includes Fender®, Squier®, Gretsch® fretted instruments, Jackson®, EVH® and Charvel® among others. For more information, visit www.fender.com.rnrnFor more information, contact:rnMegan DePaul 215.695.3143rnmdepaul@amientertainment.comrnrnSOURCE AMI Entertainment NetworkrnrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.amientertainment.com

Preventing tick bites is a must for anyone in the Philadelphia area, who loves outdoor activities. With the Centers for Disease Control reporting that Pennsylvania leads the nation in Lyme Disease cases, Giroud Tree and Lawn provides Tick control strategies to protect people from ticks and tick borne diseases such as Lyme Diseasern

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Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) April 27, 2015

Tick control is essential between now and October to protect family and pets from Lyme Disease and other dangerous tick borne illnesses. With the Centers for Disease Control reporting that Pennsylvania has the highest number of Lyme Disease cases in the country for the past five years, Giroud Tree and Lawn provides Tick Control strategies homeowners can use to prevent tick bites.

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The first step in tick control is to know where ticks thrive. "Ticks usually live around the fringes of a yard," explains Lou Giroud, President of Giroud Tree and Lawn and ISA Certified Arborist. "Preferring shade and seeking protection from the sun, ticks hide out in ground level vegetation such as high grasses, underbrush, shrubs and woods."

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Besides identifying tick habitats, there are several tick control actions homeowners can take to protect family members," These include:

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1. Clean-up Overgrown Areas: Eliminate shady tick habitats. Clean up overgrown areas and prune trees and shrubs around the lawn edge to let in more sunlight.

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2. Create a Tick Barrier: Use woodchips, mulch or gravel to create a 3 foot barrier, like a firewall, between your lawn and unmanicured areas or stone walls.

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3. Limit Groundcovers: Pachysandra and other popular groundcovers provide a perfect habitat for ticks. Restrict the use of groundcovers in areas frequented by family and pets.

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4. Apply Deer Repellant: Deer are the primary carriers of ticks to your property. Professional treatments are available that safely repel deer from your property. The best products are odorless, water-resistant and must be applied every three months for year round protection.

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5. Treat High Risk Areas: PA Certified applicators can treat high risk areas with a targeted pesticide application now and again in September/October. Additional treatments may be required in areas with the highest tick populations.

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Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control provides detailed recommendations for families to follow before going outdoors and after coming inside. Before going outdoors, treat boots, clothing and camping gear with products containing permethrin and protect skin using a repellent with 20% or more DEET. After coming inside, check clothing and body for ticks and shower within two hours.

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For more information on tick control actions contact Giroud Tree and lawn at 215-682-7704 or go to: http://www.giroudtree.com/contact-us.

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About Giroud Tree and Lawn rn
Giroud Tree and Lawn specializes in tree service, tree removal and lawn care programs that make customers love doing business with the company since 1974. Serving Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties, the company offers professional tree and lawn evaluation, tree pruning, tree removal, insect and disease control, fertilizing, stump removal and traditional and 100% organic lawn programs to keep lawns healthy and green . Giroud Arborists are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and have the knowledge and experience required to diagnose, treat and maintain tree and lawn health. The company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded the Angie's List Super Service Award® every year since 2005. The “Giroud Treework for Charity” program donates free tree care services to parks, historical sites and other non-profit organizations located in the Company’s service area. For more information, visit the company website at http://www.giroudtree.com or call 215-682-7704.

The Independent Collection, together with all 115 HHM Hotels, has partnered with Autism Speaks to raise awareness for Autism Awareness Month this April.rn

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Philadelphia (PRWEB) April 23, 2015

The Independent Collection, together with all 115 HHM Hotels, has partnered with Autism Speaks for the second year running. Joining landmark buildings around the world in Lighting it Up Blue (LIUB) in tribute to autism awareness for the month of April, the hotels have labeled this year's campaign with Autism Speaks “Traveling There Together” and have extended their partnership to include fundraising and other engaging awareness events and activities.

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“HHM has dedicated themselves to this cause and Independent Collection hotels are setting the example on how to inspire and rally for a cause. I’m in awe of the enthusiasm that our hotels and their staff are bringing to this campaign,” said Foiz Ahmed vice president of Independent Collection hotels. “The excitement at IC hotels is palpable!”

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Throughout the month of April, all HHM associates are raising awareness by wearing puzzle-piece pins, collecting donations from guests at check out and placing cards in all guestrooms with information on Autism Sleep Disorders – a prevalent symptom of those with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. By participating in the Light it Up Blue Campaign, HHM hotels join more than 10,000 landmarks, businesses, communities and homes is a worldwide campaign, including such iconic buildings as The Empire State Building in NYC, Niagara Falls in Canada, the Sydney Opera House in Australia, the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, and even the International Space Station. HHM is the only hotel company partnering with Autism Speaks for this campaign.

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In addition to all of HHM’s activities supporting Autism Speaks, Independent Collection hotels are also hosting events and promotions at their individual properties. At the Boxer in Boston, the staff is dressed in blue and the bar has concocted specialty (blue) cocktails with proceeds going towards autism awareness, research and outreach. On April 15, The Graham Georgetown held a spectacular event on their rooftop, which was attended by over 170 clients and VIPs, and raised an impressive $25,000 toward the cause. In sunny California, Hotel Milo in Santa Barbara hosted a “Fun in the Sun” event featuring activities such as a Ping Pong Toss, Arts & Crafts and a bake sale for an audience of corporate clients, locals, United Way and the Autism Society of SB.

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The campaign lasts until the end of the month and donations are encouraged at the HHM Fundraise Your Way website.

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About The Independent Collection: The IC is a growing collection of cultivated and intimate lifestyle hotels located in unique residential neighborhoods of gateway cities across the US. Founded in New York in Tribeca and then Brooklyn, it has grown to Boston’s West End, Midtown Village in Philadelphia, Washington’s Capitol Hill and Georgetown, down to Miami’s South Beach and west to Hotel Milo Santa Barbara across the last five years. This distinctive hotel concept is renowned for its authentic connection to the local communities, personalized service and residential comforts. Independent Collection hotels are created for the independently minded traveler and invite guests to experience the true spirit of the city. Learn more by visiting http://www.independentcollection.com.

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About HHM: Formerly known as Hersha Hospitality Management, HHM operates 115 hotels across the United States. It provides turnkey hotel management, asset management and receivership for properties with leading brand affiliations through Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Starwood, and Intercontinental Hotel Group. HHM also operates 28 independent hotels ranging from The Rittenhouse Hotel, a AAA Five Diamond property in Philadelphia, to the Larkspur Landing hotels, all-suite extended stay properties in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. Its highly experienced team is accustomed to serving as a fiduciary to publicly traded companies, joint ventures, institutional real estate owners and private investors. Additional information on HHM can be found at http://www.hhmhospitality.com.

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About Autism Speaks: Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $525 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 60 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.

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Bala Cynwyd, PA (PRWEB) April 22, 2015

Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY) is partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant 80,000 trees and offset 2,200 metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2015. The PHLY 80k Trees initiative launching on Earth Day 2015 will support planting through two of the Foundation’s signature programs: Replanting Our Nation’s Forests and Community Tree Recovery.

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To achieve the goal of planting 80,000 trees, PHLY is engaging its employees, independent agents and brokers, and policyholders in a paperless initiative. For each new agent enrollment in direct deposit of commissions, PHLY will plant ten (10) trees on behalf of the agent. For each new policyholder enrollment in electronic billing, PHLY will plant fifteen (15) trees on behalf of the customer.

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Healthy trees provide habitat for wildlife, clean water for communities, and decrease the risk of flooding by increasing soil stability and reducing storm water runoff in urban areas. Record wildfires, storms, and other natural disasters have destroyed millions of trees in forests in recent years. Over one million acres are in desperate need of replanting according to the U.S. Forest Service.

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“Weather- and climate-related events involving property damage and business disruption have drastically impacted the insurance industry,” said Bob O’Leary President and Chief Executive Officer of PHLY. “By partnering with Arbor Day Foundation to support the planting of 80,000 trees, we are not only taking steps to ensure that generations to come will benefit from our forests, but providing security to our policyholders.”

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Arbor Day Foundation is the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees with more than one million members and programs making a positive difference to the environment including Replanting Our Nation’s Forests and Community Tree Recovery.

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“The Arbor Day Foundation is delighted to share a common goal with PHLY of being responsible stewards of the environment,” said Dan Lambe, president, Arbor Day Foundation. “PHLY’s investment will enrich our local forests and surrounding communities.”

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PHLY will also plant one tree for every dollar donated by PHLY employees and the public at PHLY.com/Trees. Thirty PHLY volunteers will be participating in a two-day volunteer planting tour in Bastrop, TX, led by Arbor Day Foundation’s local and on-the-ground partners. The planting tour will take place during the fall 2015/spring 2016 planting season.

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For more information about the initiative please visit http://www.PHLY.com/Trees.

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About Philadelphia Insurancern
Philadelphia Insurance Companies designs, markets, and underwrites commercial property/casualty and professional liability insurance products incorporating value added coverages and services for select industries. In operation since 1962, the Company, whose commercial lines insurance subsidiaries are rated ’A++’ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and ’AA-’ for counterparty credit and financial strength by Standard & Poor’s, is nationally recognized as a member of Ward's Top 50, National Underwriter’s Top 100, and one of the Top 150 Workplaces in America. Policies are underwritten by Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Company. The organization has 49 offices strategically located across the United States to provide superior service. For more information, please visit http://www.PHLY.com.

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About Arbor Day Foundationrn
Arbor Day Foundation is a million member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information is available at arborday.org.

140-Plus Unit Booming Pretzel Franchise Gives All Guests Free Pretzels on April 26, 2015rn

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Philadelphia (PRWEB) April 21, 2015

Whoever said there is “no such thing as free” will eat their words on Sunday, April 26, when Philly Pretzel Factory gives away a free pretzel to every guest who enters the store in celebration of National Pretzel Day. Additionally, Philly Pretzel Factory locations will award the first 100 customers in line with a card redeemable for a free pretzel every day throughout the month of May.

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“National Pretzel Day is our favorite holiday because it gives us a chance to show our appreciation to our loyal fans who have been enjoying our fresh baked pretzels for 17 years,” said Dan DiZio, CEO and co-founder of Philly Pretzel Factory, a 140-plus-unit pretzel chain born and raised in Philadelphia. “Our customers have helped us achieve great success over the years and it’s great that we’re able to celebrate alongside them and thank them.”

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After launching its free pretzel initiative on National Pretzel Day in 2008, Philly Pretzel Factory saw thousands of fans enter its stores for a savory treat. With momentum from the success of previous years, franchisees across the nation are preparing for the big day. Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter have been a huge help in promoting the national holiday, and many fans have turned to these platforms to interact, connect and bond with the brand on a more personal level.

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“The Philly Pretzel Factory experience goes beyond the walls of our locations – it is a lifestyle,” said DiZio. “We’ve garnered a significant following through daily promotions, giveaways and exciting announcements – and with more than 206,000 fans on Facebook – we can’t wait to see customers celebrating across the United States.”

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National Pretzel Day began in 1983 when Philadelphia Rep. Robert S. Walker declared his favorite food was deserving of its own holiday. In April 2003, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell declared April 26 National Pretzel Day to honor and recognize the importance of the treat to the state’s rich history of German immigrants.

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During the time of the first declaration, but long before Philly Pretzel Factory was built, DiZio already had a knack for selling the knot-shaped delights. At the age of 11, DiZio would ride his bike to the corner of Southampton and Roosevelt Boulevard to sell his own pretzel creations. The young entrepreneur would sell five pretzels for $1, averaging total sales of 1,000 pretzels per day. After giving a cut to the supplier, DiZio would pocket $100 and ride home.

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In 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 148 locations across the U.S., and has moved into previously untapped states in 2014 including Virginia, Tennessee and Florida.

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“Since we have added a presence in new markets over the last year, we are excited to see more families and their communities enjoy a snack on us for the special day,” said Marty Ferrill, President of Philly Pretzel Factory.

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As 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.

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ABOUT PHILLY PRETZEL FACTORY:rn
Philly 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 148 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.