2018 NGLCC International Business & Leadership Conference Reception

The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is the business voice of the LGBT community, the largest advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people, and the exclusive certifying body for LGBT-owned businesses.

Philadelphia’s Independence Business Alliance welcomed National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce to Philly for their National Convention at a reception Reading Terminal Market

The SOLD Out conference attracted over 1,300 entrepreneurs, corporate decision-makers, affiliate chamber leaders, and government officials from across the country and around the world. The opening night reception reflected the must attend event as it sold out as well.

Many local business leaders were on hand as well including Romulo Diaz – Vice President and General Counsel – PECO Energy and Deb Shinn, PECO
Eric Douglas, Russell Heid, Abraham Rivera, Dave McCann and Joseph Finnegan all of IBX
Magdalena Rodriguez, Board Member Golden Gate Business Association and Jose Carderon, Chevron

Anthony Reisinger, Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus and Wendy Lambour, Philadelphia Gay Mens Chorus

Mark Segal, PGN Publisher greets a representative from Borgata
Stephen Tornetta, Chatterblast and Jeff Smokler, Imre health

Hughe Around Town this week: DjAktive’s Dope Ass Party, Alex Holley Flying High, Pat Croce Spotted

Wicked weather came our way yesterday. Hope everyone arrived home safely. Back in the spring I do recall the weather people predicting a wet August, and a hot September. I don’t want to wish this month away, but I wish the rain would stop and we could enjoy the final rays of sunshine for the summer.
Let’s see what’s happening around town…

Philly’s DjAktive finished up the 2nd leg of the tour with Janet Jackson and Outside Lands (It resumes in the fall for a few more dates including a stop at AC’s Hard Rock Casino) in San Francisco Sunday , returns home this weekend and is throwing a “Dope Ass Party” at the Piazza. Stars scheduled to perform include:
Marsha Ambrosius
Estelle
Freeway
Mr Hollywood DJ
and many more
INFO and Tickets Here

Speaking of the Hardrock Casino, DJ Elephante spun at Daer Nightclub Sunday night, and was kind enough to pose with Rocco Cima, formerly a Q102 Dj, and currently the owner of Fuel, health food. DJ Elephante stops by NOTO  November 16.

Speaking of Down the Shore: On any given day  at Steve and Cookies you’re going to see a local celebrity, and on occasion a real one. Over the past few weeks I’ve heard Councilman Allan Domb was dining, across the room was Pat Croce who snapped his annual “we have to stop meeting like this” photo with PR gal Dallyn Pavey Uosikkinen, nearby  Lynsie & Evan Solomon were dining with Dana and Ron Donatucci, which reminds me that Ron Donatucci’s foundation “Michael’s Giving Hand” is being honored next year by the Philadelphia chapter of American Foundation of Suicide Prevention; plus Ron will attend and speak at the annual walk October 7, 2018

Alex Holley tried her hand at the flying trapeze last week, which aired on Fox 29 on Friday. She passed with flying colors, sailing through the sky with the greatest of ease. Now it’s your turn as the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts announces the grand opening of Philadelphia Flying Trapeze. Philadelphia’s only permanent outdoor flying trapeze school now offers two-hour outdoor flying trapeze lessons at Circus Campus, 6452 Greene Street in West Mt. Airy – conveniently directly next to the Upsal SEPTA Station. Lessons will run Wednesdays through Sundays, through October 28, 2018, with weekday lessons running 11:00am to 1:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm, and Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00am to 12:00pm, 1:00pm to 3:00pm and 4:00pm to 6:00pm.
I noticed the other day that a.bar has changed its branding a bit, it’s more than just a bar, they serve coffee as well, plus delicious food.

This spot at 20th & Arch, has gone through many incarnations, now it seems that Indian Cuisine is rebranding as
Thanal an Indian Tavern. Best of luck to them.
Opening soon in Spring Garden, at the City View Apartments, is Art City Vets where MIGA restaurant used to be located.

Favorite Pixs from Philly Free Streets Saturday

Philadelphia held the third edition of Philly Free Streets on Saturday, August 11, 2018 where they shut down a 4 mile stretch of North Broad Street from City Hall to Erie Streets from 8am to 1pm , to show off what is dubbed the longest street in an urban setting.

During Philly Free Streets people walked, biked and played along the 8 mile route (4 miles in each direction)

which was lined with programing and historic sites, including a live jazz band,

 

mural art panting (they say with one rain storm it will wash away, I wonder if it’s there today), roller skating

and even a pop up beach at Master Street where kids played in the sand. Philly Free Streets was inspired by the 2015 Papal visit where the City was shut down for security reasons, and people took to the streets to enjoy the sites from a vantage point they had not experienced before – North Beach

I walked part of the way with Hadas Kuznits, here with her family who we ran into

And then ran into Kevin Lessard and Michael Newmuis from Visit Philly, spending the rest of the afternoon with them with Matthew Wolf, GM The Met Philadelphia which is scheduled to open later this year.

We randomly ran into Malcolm Kenyatta at a corner where his campaign sign was posted.

Chantale Belfanti, North Broad Renaissance, James Murray and Antoinette Minor, North Broad Renaissance
Until next year Philly Free Streets…

Von Colln Ball Fields, Playground and New Sprayground

Thanks to a $2.8 million restoration project Von Colln Field and playground in Fairmount (22nd and Pennsylvania Ave) has been transformed into a more family- and kid-friendly destination.

The park is named after Philadelphia Police Sgt. Frank Von Colln, who was killed in the line of duty in 1970. Here’s he’s son Kurt Von Colln, daughter and grand children.

Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell greeting the family

Council President Darrell Clark has known the Von Colln family for years.

I live nearby and have walked by Von Colln park nearly every day. To see this transformation is wonderful. I wish I were a kid again
to enjoy all the modern playground activities, (www.GroundReconsidered.com – 

Under our prior names (LRSLA Studio, Lager Raabe Skafte Landscape Architects, and Lager Raabe Landscape Architects) we’ve done extensive work along the Parkway as the original designers for The Oval in 2013, Aviator Park, the stormwater management improvements along the parkway, and most recently the new Shakespeare Park and Pennypacker Park in front of the Free Library and former Family Court Building and the new plaza to the north of the Franklin Institute.)

and the spray area.

 

 

Plus they now have public bathrooms, with doors facing out, and on the lucky days the concession stand will be open and they’ll be selling delicious meatball sandwiches. If you are hungry, across the street is Whole Foods, and a block away is a deli.

There are picnic tables for you to dine at while checking out the beautiful skyline, and keeping an eye on your kids.

Kurt Von Colln presented this plaque to be installed at the playground in honor of his father

 

 

 

Yasss bleachers to watch the games, or bring your friends for a pick up game after school

I hope to some day see people sunning here as the field is a NO DOG zone, like Sheep’s Meadow in NYC, one of the largest sun worshipper areas in Central Park.

Thank you Philadelphia Police Sgt. Frank Von Colln for your service. Check out the new flag pole in Center Field.
KYW Has a great story on the restoration as well HERE

Party People: Philly Magazine Hosts it’s Annual Best of Philly Party

Last week Philadelphia Magazine held their annual Best of Philly party at Dilworth Park.

The ticketed event was sold out, and the crowds stayed despite the oppressive heat and brief showers.

Business leaders, taste-makers, fashionista’s, publicists and their clients, and entrepreneurs attended the event, which has been held on Dilworth Plaza for the past few years. Not a bad idea for publicists to attend with their clients, as there is a lot of press on hand to capture the night. Follow my #PhillyPrTip advice on Twitter.

Jim Dever, BOA Market President for Philadelphia, Dr. Lynn Dever, and newly weds Rachel Dever and Pierce Dever
who just tied the knot 90 days ago.

Spacious Dilworth Park allows for many different activation’s to occur during the party

Madison Leonard, Christian Molnar and Melissa Leonard
There was delicious food like this corn on the cob drizzled with delicious sauces from the American Sardine Bar
The new owners of Garces stopped by:  Scott Ballard, Ronnie Artigues, Steve Ballard and Dave Maser

You know it’s a party when Denise Fike is on hand to capture you by hand.

Mole Street Artists entertainedShelly Power, Executive Director of Pennsylvania Ballet and Marty Powers
The Pa Ballet opens the season on October 11 with the romantic, iconic Romeo & Juliet
Lynnal Ndimande, The Philly Apartment Company, Kene Akinbule and Megan Smith, Brownstone, Pr
Terry Boline and Nicolette Hitzel
I love how Philly Mag created this block wall listing all the winners

Andy Ross who was wearing a James LeBron short suit, and Betsy Ross
Evantine Design always does an amazing job
Richard Lewis, I Heart Radio, Sheila Hess, City Rep and Nick Bayer, Saxbys Coffee
The gals from the new condo on Rittenhouse Square – The Laurel
Amy Lehman, Eva Walker and Ashley Biello-McCauley

David Lipson, Philadelphia Magazine chairman, Skip Massengill, Karin Copeland and Ben Shank, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia. Karin recently left the Arts & Business Council to pursue other artistic, creative paths. She wrote a bit about it
HERE
Now this guy is making sacrifices
Yum cookies to go. Philly Mag also gave out rain ponchos to guests. Wish I had grabbed one.
 Eric Morales and Tiffany DeBois
Conni McDonnell wearing jeans signed by Mick Jagger, Deneen Marcel,  and Leslie Padilla, whose daughter gave her her Disney fan to keep cool at the party.
The Harrah’s Crew: Nick Ryan, Jen Galle, Glenn Cademartori and Chris Albrecht
They had free gaming with tutorials at the party
Steve Jamison, Blue Sole Shoes and Peter Breslow

New Couple Alert

My pick for Best of Philly Winner has to be these delicious cookie dough treats from Sweetbox Philly

The August Issue of Philly Mag is on the news stands right now, go pick it up, then make a list of the places you want to try.

Center City Night Clubs Close, and Open Under New Names

After attending the Philly Mag Party on Dilworth Park last Thursday night, I headed to DelFrisco‘s for a bite to eat and a bit of people watching on what is always one of the best nights of the week to dine at DelFrisco’s – Thursday nights.(BTW they have a great special $59 for two courses, salad and surf & turf. So good)

While there people were celebrating the last night of the head bartender, I should have written his name down, but the person who told me said Justin Veasey was going to head a new club, Stats on 17!! It seems that the anticipated hot sports club last year, Clubhouse Sports Lounge, didn’t really take off as planned, probably because Vesper’s restaurant and bar, became Vesper’s sports club and really took off.

Brrrrr Clubhouse Sports Lounge at 111 South 17th Street (Originally G Lounge in 12/07, then the 1925 Cocktail Lounge in 3/15) with it’s ICE and Escape Rooms never really caught on and has closed.  It’s now being rebranded as Stats on 17th!! a brand new sports bar venue with a concept that a great game is always enjoyed while having great beers, drink specials, and food with a club vibe and DJ on the weekends.

BTW Stats on 17th seeking help! They’re looking for experienced kitchen staff, line cook, prep cook, bartenders, bar backs, hostesses, bottle service VIP girls to join their team. They’re interviewing at Sofitel next Tuesday!! Stats on 17th is opening in Sept 2018. Already on the payroll is

super star VIP doorman Tee Fish, longtime Security/Door Manager at Rumor nightclub.
Rumor is CLOSED. What a great spot. I had a lot of fun there, especially in the early years of it’s existence when it first opened and I went out more. Now my crew is married with kids.
Don’t fret though, it’s under new ownership and has a new name. Look for 1500 to open in the fall as well.
It’s interesting to note that both Rumor and Clubhouse were run by maverick nightclub connoisseur Mark Marek, and closed within a few days of each other mid July. Rumor is under new ownership, and I was told that former Clubhouse is as well. I have a text into Mark to see if he did indeed sell the clubs as it appears he did. He was definitely the king for years in the club business, but now with his recent marriage, who wouldn’t want to take a step back and enjoy life.

The 2018 Backpack Challenge kicked off on Thursday, July 19th and continues until Thursday, August 23, 2018. You still have time to help out.

The Backpack Challenge raises funds and collects essential back to school items for foster care youth. From its humble beginnings, the Backpack Challenge has grown from a small collection drive to a national program due to the strong partnership between the Philadelphia Department of Human Services, Five Below, iHeartRadio, and Valley Youth House.

The Backpack Challenge gives young people in foster care the tools needed to pursue and achieve their educational goals through the support of their own communities. From 2013 to 2017 in Philadelphia, the number of collection site partners more than doubled and we raised over $100,000 for local youth.

This year, our goal is to stuff 4,000 backpacks and collect $30,000 to support youth in foster care. In addition, we are collecting funds to assist in the purchase of laptop computers for our first year college students.
A few students who are benefiting from the Backpack Challenge
Sean Brace
Shawn O. Mack
Development Officer
Valley Youth House
A student talks about how Valley Youth programs have helped her succeed in life, as Rep Brian Sims looks on

You can find Backpack Challenged collection sites here

 

 

PHILADELPHIA – The City of Philadelphia released details today for 2018 Philly Free Streets, scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 11, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Event Activities & Information
Philly Free Streets is a people-powered initiative of the City of Philadelphia that temporarily closes streets to cars, inviting people to walk, bike, and play. This year the event will take place on Saturday, August 11 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The route is eight-miles round-trip connecting City Hall and Erie Avenue on North Broad Street. There is no formal start or stop. People are encouraged to join the route by taking SEPTA’s Broad Street Line anywhere between City Hall and Erie stations, or by getting off the Market-Frankford El at City Hall. To learn more visit www.phillyfreestreets.com or follow @PhillyFreeSts on Twitter.

Road Closures
The Philly Free Streets route will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning at 6:00AM on Saturday, August 11.  Broad Street will be closed from JFK Blvd. to Butler Street, and east-west cross traffic will only be permitted on the following streets:

–    JFK Blvd.
–    Vine Street (Eastbound Only)
–    Spring Garden Street
–    Ridge Avenue
–    Girard Avenue
–    Diamond Street
–    Lehigh Avenue
–    Allegheny Avenue
–    Erie Avenue
–    Butler Street

Roads will be opened as they are serviced and cleaned. All event-related road closures will be lifted no later than 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 11, 2018.

The following items and activities are not permitted on the Philly Free Streets route:

– Motorized transportation (excluding motorized wheelchairs or similar equipment)
– Unauthorized solicitation
– Alcoholic beverages
– Narcotics or illegal drugs
– Bathing in pools or fountains
– Damage to property
– Feeding animals
– Firecrackers or explosives
– Firearms
– Open flame
– Littering (including pet waste)
– Public intoxication
– Unauthorized driving or parking
– Unauthorized vending
– Unleashed animals
– Weapons of any kind

Emergency Preparedness & Weather Alerts
Philly Free Streets is a rain or shine event.  In the case of severe weather, listen for announcements and sign up ahead of time to receive emergency texts or e-mail alerts at ReadyPhiladelphia: www.phila.gov/ready.

For tips and general information about being prepared and ready at special events, read the Special Event Safety Guide before you attend.

Crazy Props Sighted at the East Passyunk Car Show

The East Passyunk Car Show and Festival celebrated 13 years of auto heaven for car enthusiasts.  Up to 14,000 people attended this past weekend’s East Passyunk Avenue Car Show and Street Festival, where a record 227-plus cars were parked along the avenue, East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District (EPABID) officials said.

I love shooting this event not only because of the cool cars, and the obvious hard work the car owners put into their passion, but because of the fun props they place in their car. Let’s see what they have today…
This guy had Eagles legend Vince Papale sign his engine
And someone else I couldn’t read
Thanks Jefferson Health for sponsoring the EPA Car Show
I hear the Cider is delicious

Check out more photos, and a great article here on the Phila Biz Journal

InBox: More Info On Fashion District Philadelphia

I used to call these kinda posts Press Releases, but I see Billy Penn & PBJ use this term and it’s more concise.
I don’t always have time to paraphrase press releases of info I think you really want to know about so to save time. PS word italicized are my comments.

Inbox: More Info On Fashion District Philadelphia
It’s not going to be done as soon as first reported. It’s not going to open up in phases, but all at once in
September 2019.
It’ll be worth the wait. Fashion District Philadelphia is going to be a great addition to Philly, and a tourist destination.

Philadelphia, PA – August 1, 2018 – Fashion District Philadelphia, (FDP)a joint venture partnership between Macerich and PREIT, today unveils a series of impactful project milestones, including dynamic tenants and community programming reflective of the vision and significant nature of this project’s impact and reach in Philadelphia. With over 650,000 square feet of space, or more than 80%, leased or in active negotiations, the new additions create a vibrant destination for shopping, dining, socializing and playing, cementing the next generation of consumer experiences. As the retail landscape evolves to further integrate lifestyle and dining concepts, the project has advanced its tenancy to reflect the brand pillars in four key areas in one operating platform: Style, Dining, Entertainment, and Arts & Culture.

Fashion District Philadelphia will deliver a robust retail and entertainment offering unlike any other in downtown Philadelphia. Spanning three city blocks, it will feature over 800,000 square feet of dynamic offerings, including flagship, traditional full price, off-price and branded outlet retail, destination dining and entertainment, along with public art and evolving cultural events.

With a prime location in Center City, Fashion District Philadelphia is just steps away from Philadelphia’s historic district and connected to Reading Terminal, the Pennsylvania Convention Center and SEPTA’s Jefferson station – offering convenience and accessibility for millions of Philadelphia residents, commuters and visitors.

Filbert Street will come alive with some of the following eateries lining the street

Dining highlights include: City Winery, a culinary and cultural wine experience offering intimate concerts, food and wine classes, private events and fine dining in a city setting, marking the brand’s seventh location in the country (30,000 square feet of fun, food and performances); Dallas BBQ, a casual dining experience representing the brand’s first restaurant outside of New York City;

Dallas BBQ is a NYC staple famous for affordable chicken & ribs and texas-size frozen drinks. Dallas BBQ is Proudly employee-owned in New York City (Mike and I LOVE Dallas BBQ);

Market Eats, a collection of restaurants and eateries through a partnership with Aramark to add a modern grab-n-go food market with access to SEPTA’s Jefferson Station offering Chickie’s & Pete’s, Chick-fil-A (It’ll be closed on Sunday), Oath Pizza, Burger Fi (interesting they’re putting a Burger Fi there as there’s one at 12th & Filbert already), Pei Wei (Yeah no more going to Cherry Hill for noodle bowl), Freshii (Maybe it’ll have better success here, there was one across from City Hall, but it closed after 2 years) and la Madeleine.  (This is in the concourse)

As part of its effort to deliver an engaging atmosphere ripe with social experiences, Fashion District will feature a dedicated third-floor entertainment zone. A second entertainment operator will join AMC Theatres – Center City’s first movie theater since 2002 – offering in-theater dining, reclining seats, and a bar.

It’s pretty, I can’t wait. It’ll be a great addition to Market Street, which can be zombie paradise after 7PM. I always feel sorry for the tourists trying to looking for exciting Philly while navigating Market Street which rolls up it’s sidewalk after 6PM.

Currently opened at Fashion District Philadelphia is Burlington, and Century 21 in the 800 block of Market Street. Head on down there and
support these great stores while we all wait for the FDP to open. Check out these articles on this weeks announcements
Macerich
KYW1060
WHYY