Late last month, women entrepreneurs involved in Atlantic Canada’s food and beverage industry participated in a trade mission that will build their export readiness skills and broaden their market horizons. Led by the Honourable Helena Guergis, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the delegation participated in an exploratory trade mission to Philadelphia, PA and New York, NY from June 25 returning home to celebrate Canada Day on July 1.
(L – R) Susan, Mildred Raymond of Mil-Ray Foods http://www.milrayfood.com/ and Honourable Helena Guergis
The mission is part of the 2008 Women Exporters Initiative, a five-month export readiness program. It was organized by the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) – Nova Scotia Division and funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) with an investment of more than $263,000.
One of the speakers that I heard during one particular delicious meal at Fago de Chao was given by Mildred Ray, owner of Mil-Ray Food Company which is a Broad line Food Distributor, providing products to commercial establishments. Mildred outlined what it was like to get into a male dominated business and how she achieved success. Her Seven Rules to work by: 1) Know your product; 2) Pay Your Bills; 3) Rely on your credibility; 4) Be Friendly to your customers, never judge a person, many times she would go into a large restaurant and find the owner mopping the floor; 5) Make no enemies; 6) Serve your customers with all your ability 7) Never for the sake of a sale make a promise you cannot keep
Women entrepreneurs from Atlantic Canada’s food and beverage industry learned first-hand how to expand their market horizons and build on their export readiness skills during this mission. National Defence and ACOA Minister Peter MacKay said that as a direct result of this mission, the participating women entrepreneurs now have the skills, knowledge and expertise to grow their business through exporting. For more information:
The mission is part of the 2008 Women Exporters Initiative, a five-month export readiness program. It was organized by the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) – Nova Scotia Division and funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) with an investment of more than $263,000.
One of the speakers that I heard during one particular delicious meal at Fago de Chao was given by Mildred Ray, owner of Mil-Ray Food Company which is a Broad line Food Distributor, providing products to commercial establishments. Mildred outlined what it was like to get into a male dominated business and how she achieved success. Her Seven Rules to work by: 1) Know your product; 2) Pay Your Bills; 3) Rely on your credibility; 4) Be Friendly to your customers, never judge a person, many times she would go into a large restaurant and find the owner mopping the floor; 5) Make no enemies; 6) Serve your customers with all your ability 7) Never for the sake of a sale make a promise you cannot keep
Mr. Daniel Tremblay Consulate of Canada, located in Philadelphia greets guests
Women entrepreneurs from Atlantic Canada’s food and beverage industry learned first-hand how to expand their market horizons and build on their export readiness skills during this mission. National Defence and ACOA Minister Peter MacKay said that as a direct result of this mission, the participating women entrepreneurs now have the skills, knowledge and expertise to grow their business through exporting. For more information: 
From that one event, and the popularity of the G Lounge, Google took notice and drove traffic to my site as well as the G Lounge. My dream of creating a Philly Social Diary took off. Over the past six months I have gone to a lot of events and really gotten myself out there. Now when I shoot an event someone always tells me, your Philly Chit Chat, I read you every day. Which always embarrasses me a little. 
I also want to thank YOU YOU YOU YOU YOU, MY READERS, and Michael Klein, Mary Patel, Holly Dean, Dana Lombardo, Carrie Nork, Nicole Bilcher, Ashley Schaffer and all the girls from Cashman, Steve McCann, Brett Silvers, James Duggan, Gus Calabrese, man about town Matthew Vlahos, Nathan Learner, Phyllis Halpern, and Sarah Doheny for their guidance & wisdom in the society world. (Mitch Williams at the Big Brother/Big Sister charity bowling party in March)
And thanks to David Iams, Brian Rochford and Carol Springer for passing the baton to the next generation of folks covering the Social Scene. (which by the way I was going to change my name to, I even bought Philly Social Scene, but I did a survey and folks said I already branded myself Philly Chit Chat; 
so even if the Hilton’s and the Forbes roll their eyes when I say I am shooting for my site Philly Chit Chat, it’s a Social Diary! I have to grin and bear it – LOL; BUT by this time next year they are going to want to be on the site!! How about you, email me at Buzz @phillyChitChat.com won’t you?)
On the balcony I found my friend Bob chatting up my friend Phyllis. I used to play softball with Ball when I first arrived in Philadelphia a few years back. Bob just competed in the Philadelphia Schuylkill Ironman Competition, have you ever heard of anything more vile than swimming in the Schuylkill River (I asked him if he kicked any dead bodies or cars, he didn’t). He’s a brave man.
TLA’s Rich Wolf with Susan Helfrich, PIGLFF’s Developmental Director Thom Cardwell with journalist Mary Patel stops by for a few. Mary is heading to Miami and is going to miss opening night of the film festival on Thursday.
The two Tim’s make an appearance. We never see enough of them. They are always busy at home playing their WII
This week begins the Philadelphia Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. It is going to be a blast and I will be covering every nook and cranny for you to see, but right now the best way to see all that is going to be shown and the parties that you can attend can be found on Philly Gay Calendar as Steve McCann one of the best sites with the 411: 
I had Mike wear his yellow shirt for the occassion; here he is with my bro-in-law Frank, who is married to my sister Margaret.
Here’s that trouble maker Ella, with her dad Joe looking on; He’s married to my sister Tracy.
Here’s a family shot of the girls with their kids
Laura Burkhardt was a pleasant surprise stopping up for a few moments on her was to her VIP seats to see John Legend. She was nice enough to take Bob along with her to enjoy the concert. 
Congress led the way for the encouragement of fireworks on the Fourth of July by authorizing a display on July 4, 1777, in Philadelphia, a year after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. “At night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks, which began and concluded with thirteen rockets on the commons. Another colorful display took place in Philadelphia on July 4, 1779: “In the evening a sett [sic] of brilliant fireworks were exhibited, particularly excellent rockets, which, after ascending to an amazing height in the air, burst, and displayed thirteen stars.” 
The first fireworks in Boston took place on July 4, 1777. A newspaper reported: “In the evening Col. Crafts illuminated his park on the commons, threw several shells, and exhibited a number of fireworks.” Boston had another display in 1779 when thirteen rockets were fired. 
Congratulations to Carrie Nork and Dino Minelli who were married on July 5, 2008
The Jeff’s had a blast
and the quaint front porched homes draped with flags, and at Halloween draped with spooky characters
But for me it’s the July 4th Parade every year that is my favorite as it reminds me of my childhood and the small town innocent atmosphere that I relish, that I don’t always feel in a City of more than a million people.
I love this parade for their political statements and community activism. In past years much has been said about politicians, the process or who they were supporting, this year not much about that but a lot to say about recylcing.
The best part of the parade is the kids with their decorated bikes, scooters, wagons
and riding in a convertible with the family
The Masons on parade
Get there early for the 12PM kick off as the line gets long. 
Cousins Caroline and Delaney
soda, beer and water ice. (Hmm Wilfred Brimley?) Thanks to the sponsors.
I have a hat just like that
The peps in Audubon get into the holiday spirit
I grew up in the house with the chimney until I was 8 years old. Dad owned it for another 20 years and used it as his doctors office. And my sisters lived in the apartment above the office after they graduated college. Dad was a strict landlord, and made sure the girls paid their rent on time. After they moved out he gave half the proceeds back. Damn I wish I had gotten that deal!!
Jeff, Julie, Jody Shaw and I all went to Paul VI High School and attended 
but I could see that in a few hours kids of all ages would enjoy lots of things to do and
eat
do
listen and dance 
but as I made my way down the Parkway I saw something new this year
it was NBA on the Parkway?? It is a new day, where did that come from, was it on the schedule? I’ll look… “What’s more, the NBA Nation Presented by SPRITE tour bus will roll into Philly with interactive games, videos of the 50 greatest NBA plays and other hands-on activities. ” Yep there it was, as part of the Fiesta on the Parkway. Guess they weren’t going for any world record line dances this year, but these kids were breakdancing, do they still call it that?
Breaking News: Here’s the new 2008, new administration logo on which the parade participants will stop and perform tonight. Gosh I hope it doesn’t rain again this year.
Last week I attended the ribbon cutting ceremony (R-L) Stephanie Esposito, Vice President of Group Sales of Hersha Hotels, one of my hero’s (are you keeping count, did I ever mention I was a Foundation of Architecture Tour Guide for 7 years, there’s a theme here with who I admire most in this City) Director, CEO Meryl Levitz of GPTMC and Neil H. Shah, President of Hersha Hospitality, do the honors.
Down this hall you will find 8 out of the 24 most beautifully appointed rooms that have graced Philadelphia. The Independent’s design reflects a charming sophistication that is consistent with the building’s architecture and the local area of Midtown Village. Interior Designer, Robert Moskowitz of Rittenhouse Interior Design Group, has redefined the four-story building’s interior, bringing a chic- refined aesthetic to the warm and inviting hotel. 
But all of them contain the brains that are located in the phone system which are placed in the room on the desk or on the night table. The phone operates an energy control system. As the guest enters the room, the phone is activated and the rooms temperature is elevated to an occupied mode. The guest then has normal control of the room’s electrical and HVAC systems through the phone. The system eliminates the need for sensors to be mounted on the wall or ceiling. When a guest leaves the room he can check out via the phone and the room goes into “unoccupied mode.” In this mode the room’s HVAC system’s operating temperature ranges are set back and the power to the switches and plugs is turned off to reduce energy consumption. The phone also controls the TV, the lighting system, the thermostat in the bathroom and 
most importantly the “Do Not Disturb” sign, which will be lit outside the door so no one will disturb you. No more getting up and placing the darn thing on the door knob.
The bathrooms by the way are chic, carry fine skin care products and shampoos that would’ve found their way into my pockets had they not already been occupied with camera batteries, note pad and pen. (Oh the funny story I could tell you when I stayed at the Paramount last year, but it’s 2:30AM on a work night)
It was interesting for me to see that other hotel management was invited to check out the Independent. I was told that this is done because if the said hotel is overbooked they might consider sending guests over to the Independent or visa versa. Did I mention that each room comes with a mini refrigerator and microwave. I would suggest that you cancel that Marriott Residential hotel reservation and book a week here instead.
I also had a chance to meet these lovely ladies and talk about the Independent and the quaint MidTown Village. (L-R) Ann Lage, Rittenhouse Interior Design Group, Denise S. Kaminski, Mgr. Royal Bank America and Debbie Gilmore (Royal Bank America).
The hotel’s lobby is accented by a crystal chandelier and features a 30-foot by 8-foot, hand-painted work of art created by local muralist, Kim Senior. Senior is an accomplished Philadelphia artist whose mural and screen paintings can be seen around the city in both classical and contemporary styles. For The Independent, she has created a vibrant image of Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, which spans three stories, rising from the hotel’s lobby. Moskowitz’s design paired with Senior’s vivid piece de resistance offers guests a tailored, soothing feel amidst a rich color palette. (Check out Kim Senior’s work here and read the story of how she painted the mural SIDEWAYS!! 
The lobby is also where you may meet anyone of the helpful people below,
Finally, the hotel is stylish and chic, but I think you will want to stay here because you’ll like the intimacy, the comfortable beds, the breakfast, the location, and especially the price. BREAKING NEWS: Last minute 4th of July rate they are offering for the entire weekend, it is $139 a night.
Here’s the Will Smith family now. Mom Jada Pinka-Smith (Looking hot) watches over Willow and son Jaden as the get “lit up”. (Interesting the daughter is named Willow (after day Will Smith), son named Jaden (after mom Jada Pinka-Smith) born July 8, 1998
Austin Macdonald: Born July,17,1995 greets his fans
The Smith Family again
Abigail, you know the little girl from “Little Miss Sunshine”, she also starred in Charlotte’s Web where coinkinky Julia Roberts was the spider, Charlotte. Connections, it’s all about who you know. Across the street you can see the fans who have lined up to see a glimpse of a few celebrities. If you want to see a good premiere coming up check out Mama Mia with Meryl Streep on 7/16 at the Ziegfeld in NYC.
