Mayor Cherelle L. Parker joined the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia at its annual Mayoral Luncheon last week to address important issues facing the city, and to talk about her agenda for Philadelphia – a Safer, Cleaner, Greener City, with Access to Economic Opportunity for All.

Bringing together more than 2,000 executives, elected officials, business owners, and civic leaders, the Chamber’s Mayoral Luncheon is the largest forum for the Mayor of Philadelphia to address the region’s business community. Mayor Parker shared the Administration’s key priorities and challenges facing the city, including public safety, cleaning and greening neighborhoods, economic opportunities, public education and other issues.

The who’s who of the business world, and those on the rise attend this annual event. It’s definitely one of the best networking events of the year as well.

PIDC (Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation)

Today Mayor Parker appointed Susan Slawson, as the City’s new Commissioner of Parks & Recreation previously served as the Commissioner for Parks and Recreation overseeing multiple million-dollar projects including the renovations of the Dell Music Center. Before that, she served the Philadelphia Police Department for 30 years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant.

Two more of Mayor Cherelle Parker appointments:
Jazelle Jones will serve as the City of Philadelphia’s City Representative and Director of the Office of Special Events. Jones has worked for the City for over two decades. Jones has held the positions of Deputy Managing Director and Director of Operations for the City of Philadelphia since 2005. Jones is responsible for the oversight, coordination, and execution of City services effectively, efficiently, safely, greener and cleaner for over 1,600 events annually, and chairs the Greater Philadelphia Film Office’s operations meetings for major motion picture film productions held each year in Philadelphia. 

As City Representative, Jones will serve as the City’s Chief Ambassador, and will play a significant role as Philadelphia prepares to celebrate a myriad of events in 2026 including the 250th Anniversary of America’s founding. 

Michael Newmuis, the city’s new 2026 Director, is a solutions-driven executive who recently served as Head of Impact at FS Investments, a global asset manager with $76 billion in assets, and Executive Director of the FS Foundation. Before FS Investments, Newmuis served as Chief External Affairs Officer and Chief of Staff at Visit Philadelphia, the region’s official tourism marketing agency. During his tenure, he contributed to the successful execution of visionary events including the 2017 NFL Draft, the 2016 Democratic National Convention, and the 2015 World Meeting of Families commemorating Pope Francis’ first United States visit.

As 2026 Director, Newmuis will help coordinate major events for the city and play a key role in their success. Some of these events include the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, the 2024 WWE WrestleMania, and the 250^th anniversary of America’s founding.

Put your Ones in the air with me, please.

Say it with me:

“One Philly … A United City!”

The Philly Home and Garden Show is started yesterday and continues through tomorrow.

If you’re like me, you like a beautiful home and will do anything to make your dreams come true. At the Philly Home and Garden Show you will be able to peruse through over 300 exhibitors ranging from home décor and furniture; garden and landscaping; kitchen and bath; plus food and beverage.

Yesterday I stopped by the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Ave. in Oaks) where the show is held and got a tour by Jennifer Sherlock, Jenna Communications and Jenna Naffin – Show Manager – Marketplace Events.

Jen and I were fascinated by this modular home. Who doesn’t want to live minimalistic with great landscaping.

The DIY Succulent and Terrarium Bar + Shopwill feature some of the most unique décor and gift items to spruce up your yard, plus Philadelphians can customize their own terrarium. The Pop-Up Flower Market, on the other hand, will house favorites from Cameron Peters Floral Design. 

Who knew you could rent chickens. Two chickens for 6 months, complete set up and food for about $800 is a good deal to see if you are the person who would then like to own chickens. They lay eggs every day, and they’re so cute.

other highlights include a Feature Gardens, the Book Bank benefiting Reach Out and Read, a doggy fashion show, food truck day and try out a pickle board court you can set up in your back yard.

I honestly would love a green house, especially in the winter when the sky is blue and the sun will warm up the greenhouse with tropical plants giving me summer vibes. Plus it’s a good way to get the spring seedlings to grow…

Other new additions this year include special appearances by Clint Harp, the dumpster diving, reclaimed wood-loving carpenter on HGTV’s hit show ‘Fixer Upper’ as well as Steve Ford, a Pennsylvania native from HGTV’s ‘Restored by the Fords’, ‘Home Again with the Fords’, ‘A Very Brady Renovation’, ‘Rock the Block’, and the Property Brothers ‘Brother vs. Brother.’ 

Harp’s Main Stage shows will take place on Saturday, Feb. 24 and Sunday, Feb. 25, both at 1 p.m. Ford’s shows, on the other hand, will take place on Friday, Feb. 23, at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 24, at 11 a.m.

There’s the Step Into Spring section featuring five of the region’s top landscapers creating a 5,000 sq. ft. section of outdoor inspiration, and the Philly’s Favorites Market which boasts an open market-style area with local artisans and retailers. While there, Philadelphians can shop antiques, homemade, finely crafted items, specialty foods, and original art.

The Philly Home and Garden Show hours are Friday, Feb. 23, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 24, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults ($10 in advance), and free for children under age 12. Parking is free at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center (100 Station Ave. in Oaks). For all show information and tickets, visit phillyhomeandgarden.com. 

“Toast to 2024 Happy Hour” Hosted by All That’s Good Productions &
Brick + Vine Public Relations

All That’s Good Productions – the global, award-winning content production company headquartered in Philadelphia – and their sister agency Brick + Vine Public Relations hosted the first creative innovators mixer in their newly renovated studios on Front Street in Old City last month (Friday, January 11, 2024).

The Toast to 2024 Happy Hour event was a huge success and hosted a diverse mix of agency leaders, influencers, media, corporate and non-profit marketers who came together to toast 2024 and celebrate new collaborations intended to benefit Philadelphia.

Tomo Sushi & Ramen Bar, Grazing Affair, Stateside Urbancraft Vodka, New Ridge Brewing Company, Colonnades, and Insomnia Cookies provided an incredible spread. The companies look forward to hosting upcoming events at the ATG headquarters in the year ahead.

Stateside Urbancraft Vodka

All That’s Good is an award-winning production company based in Philadelphia with locations in Los Angeles, and southern New Jersey. We collaborate with our partners and clients every step of the way to ensure every project is executed with the highest level of creativity, quality, and efficiency. We bring life to projects in a variety of content verticals. Our in-house services include everything from concept development to pre-production, production, and post-production. The ATG team brings an out-of-the-box mindset to create authentic, original video content spanning television, documentaries, commercials, films, and branded content. We strive to connect and collaborate with passionate clients and partners to bring their stories to life across the globe.

Brick + Vine is a dynamic public relations firm specializing in media relations, brand partnerships, content strategy, event planning, influencer relations, and more. With a passion for thinking outside the box and a commitment to tailoring our approach to each client’s unique needs, we help brands maximize their exposure, captivate audiences, and tell their extraordinary stories. Our unrivaled expertise, combined with a tenacious spirit, fuels our dedication to forging meaningful connections and delivering exceptional results for every client partnership. Brick + Vine transforms brands into powerful storytellers, captivating audiences far and wide. Our team has a diverse background spanning the worlds of hospitality and tourism, food and beverage, lifestyle, real estate, technology, education, B2B, B2C and non-profit industries

Mayor Street used to say “It’s A New Day”, and it certainly was under his mayor ship. He worked on a lot of neighborhood initiatives, and promised to clean the streets and make sure the roads were plowed with each snowstorm, when it used to snow a lot in Philly. I feel that sentiment again, I feel like the City is down and out, ready to rise like Phoenix, and the right person is in office for Philly’s 2nd renaissance.

I have to confess, I didn’t know who Cherelle Parker was two years ago, I’m usually on top of these things, but I was busy covering the galas, openings and I never saw her there. AND she was busy building a career, making a difference and wasn’t attending the events I often cover. Thanks to Garrett Snider, who introduced me to her two years ago at a fundraiser for Steve & Cookies, on the Main Line, and said Cherelle will Philadelphia’s next Mayor. He was right.

I didn’t make it to the historic morning ceremonies, I needed to catch up on work I hadn’t attended to during the break. I did watch it streaming. I was excited to attend the parties held at City Hall that afternoon, as well as attend the Mayor’s first official press conference where she signed three executive orders. HERE

The hallway outside Council President Johnson’s office was festive and glamorous.

The tables were crowded with longtime supporters and friends.

Who enjoyed delicious food

It was nice to see so many former leaders like former councilwomen Janie Blackwell.