Monday, May 17, 2010

SBA Score Champion of the Year Also Career Soldier





News Release


PITTSBURGH DISTRICT OFFICE



Release Date: May 11, 2010 Contact: Janet Heyl (412) 395-6560, ext. 103

Janet.Heyl@sba.gov

Release Number: 10-13/PGH



Local commissioner SCORES win as Western Pennsylvania SBA Volunteer of the Year Award



GREENSBURG, PA – For almost 28 years Col. (Ret.) Charles Anderson served his country as a decorated officer in the Marine Corps, with tours of duty as a pilot in Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and holding executive positions at the Pentagon and Cherry Point, N.C. But for the past eight years, Anderson has stayed grounded lending his business expertise as a counselor and motivational speaker for the Westmoreland Chapter of SCORE – Counselor’s to America’s to Small Businesses.



Anderson, a Westmoreland County commissioner, will be honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as the 2010 Western Pennsylvania SCORE Volunteer of the Year.



Anderson and eight other local small business owners and advocates will be lauded at the Western Pennsylvania SBA May 28th Awards Luncheon which will be held at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel Pittsburgh. The luncheon is held in conjunction with the 47th annual celebration of National Small Business Week.



Carl Knoblock, Western Pennsylvania SBA district director, said that Anderson is an example of how one never stops serving their fellow countrymen. “Here is a decorated Marine Corps colonel, who is a commissioner of a large and growing county, and he still sets time aside to counsel prospective small business owners,” Knoblock said. “His SCORE clients are benefiting from his business and government experience, as well as his dedication.”



Anderson started his career at the tender age of four or five working at his grandfather’s store, Anderson’s Market. “I would sit on the floor with a big bag of potatoes and put those potatoes into small, five-pound bags,” he said. “It was work, but like a game to me.”



As he got older, Anderson’s duties increased and soon he was cutting meats, delivering food and learning the day-to-day operations of running a grocery store. Majoring in business at Waynesburg University, Anderson thought he would stay in the retail arena until he entered the Marine Corps as an officer.



“I was a supply officer because I thought it would enhance my business skills, but I really wanted to be a pilot,” he stated. After serving his three years, Anderson went back to the grocery business but never was able to let go of his dream of flying.





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‘I took flight classes at the (former) Latrobe Airport, and loved it,” he said. “I sent a letter to the Marines asking them if I could come back and enter flight school.” When he found out that at age 26 he was considered too old to fly, Anderson took to the hallways of the Washington, D.C. Marine Headquarters to tell his tale to anyone who would listen.



After three days, one officer granted Anderson the right to compete for Navy/Marine flight school where only the top three candidates were awarded the chance to fly jets. The spirited Anderson made sure he was prepared. “I hired myself a tutor to prepare and study vectors and trigonometry and got a flight physical,” he said. “During flight school, I carried around a model plane. Sure, everyone made fun of me, but guess what? I was the third jet pilot selected.”



Anderson relocated back to Westmoreland County in 2002 as a retiree and joined a host of organizations in order to give back and better the community – SCORE was one of those organizations. He said he uses his flight analogy to tell people never to take “no” for an answer, to set high goals and prepare for them.



“I tell my SCORE clients to write a business plan and set a goal,” he explained. “They (clients) need to go through the process of what they want to do, how to get there and become dedicated to achieving that goal.”



While Anderson is proud of his selection as the SCORE Volunteer of the Year, he said the award really is for the entire chapter.



“We have such great volunteers at Westmoreland SCORE all who had successful careers, giving up their time to make the community a better place – just like I wanted to do,” he stated. “They are so dedicated it makes my eyes want to water.”



Note: If you would like to speak with Commissioner Charles Anderson or Carl Knoblock, Western Pennsylvania SBA district director, please contact Janet Heyl at 412-395-6560, ext. 103



The U.S. Small Business Administration – helping small businesses start, grow and succeed.



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Farewell Engagement Phantom of the Opera, Pittsburgh






Media Contact:


Veronica Corpuz, 412-471-6082

Jamie Cuba, 412-325-1201





PNC Broadway Across America – Pittsburgh announces on sale ticket information for Pittsburgh’s farewell engagement of the longest-running show in Broadway history!



The Phantom of the Opera



Andrew Lloyd Webber’s International Award-Winning Musical

Directed by Harold Prince



PITTSBURGH--PNC Broadway Across America - Pittsburgh - presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Symphony, and Broadway Across America, proudly announces single ticket on sale information for the farewell engagement of Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, directed by Harold Prince, to the Benedum Center from August 25th through September 19th, 2010, as a 2010/2011 Season Special.



Single tickets range from $24 - $125 and will go on sale Monday, May 10th at the Box Office at Theater Square (655 Penn Avenue between Sixth and Seventh Streets), online at phantom.pgharts.org or by calling 412-456-4800. Group orders may be reserved now by calling 412-471-6930.



With some of the most lavish sets, costumes and special effects ever to have been created for the stage, Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA directed by Harold Prince traces the tragic love story of a beautiful opera singer and a young composer shamed by his physical appearance into a shadowy existence beneath the majestic Paris Opera House. Adapted from Gaston Leroux's classic novel of mystery and suspense, this award-winning musical has woven its magical spell over standing room audiences in more than 100 cities worldwide and is now longest running show in Broadway history. For his final overture in Pittsburgh, PHANTOM returns to the Benedum Center to take your breath away.

About Broadway Across America

Broadway Across America is owned and operated by British theatre producer John Gore (CEO) and entertainment industry veteran Thomas B. McGrath (Chairman). Broadway Across America presents first-class touring Broadway musicals and plays, family productions and other live events throughout a network of 43 North American cities. Broadway Across America is also dedicated to the development and production of new and diverse live theatre for productions on Broadway, across America and throughout the world. Broadway Across America most recently produced the Broadway productions of HAIR, WEST SIDE STORY and Irving Berlin's WHITE CHRISTMAS. Upcoming productions include MINSKY'S, PROMISES, PROMISES, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET and the West End production of BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S. Touring productions include Nickelodeon's STORYTIME ADVENTURES featuring Dora the Explorer and DREAMGIRLS. For more information or to purchase tickets through an authorized agent go to BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.

Western Pennsylvania SBA Exporter of the Year Awarded in Southwest District

News Release


PITTSBURGH DISTRICT OFFICE



Release Date: May 10, 2010 Contact: Janet Heyl (412) 395-6560, ext. 103

Janet.Heyl@sba.gov

Release Number: 10-12/PGH



Local forestry company president logs in win as Western Pennsylvania SBA Exporter of the Year Award



BEDFORD, PA – When Thomas Mereen was in college, he swapped his chemical engineering classes for economics. “I hated engineering, I got good grades, but it just didn’t excite me,” he stated. “But I loved macroeconomics…I wanted to trade goods all around the world.”



Fast-forward a few decades, and Mereen has been able to do just that. He combined his love of the outdoors with microeconomics as log buyer and president of Bedford Forest Products – a Pennsylvania log purchasing company.



Mereen will be honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as the 2010 Western Pennsylvania Exporter of the Year.



Mereen and eight other local small business owners and advocates will be lauded at the Western Pennsylvania SBA May 28th Awards Luncheon which will be held at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel Pittsburgh. The luncheon is held in conjunction with the 47th annual celebration of National Small Business Week.



Twenty-three years ago, Mereen arrived in Bedford by way of Syracuse, N.Y., with a working knowledge of lumber and milling. He honed his hardwood expertise working at a handful of lumber and veneer mills. When he suddenly found himself unemployed five years ago, Mereen decided to contact a veneer company and offer to purchase wood on commission for their products. In fact, Mereen found there indeed was a market for his forest facts. He began his business by purchasing trees for both small and large wood-product manufacturers.



“I buy the standing trees here and send them to China, I’ve also sent logs to Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Spain, Germany and France,” he explained. “I spend time in the woods here physically looking for pieces of wood my customers want while maintaining total quality control.”



In addition to personally purchasing trees for his clients, Mereen set out to pioneer the milling process for his remote clients. To ensure quality, Mereen remains on-site at a local saw mill where the purchased trees are cut to the customer specifications. “I do this so we can focus on our clients’ needs and expectations,” he explained. “My total customer service allows them to remain competitive in this very challenging world-wide market.”



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Once cut, the fresh lumber is put back together and shipped worldwide. His customers then make wood products and, in turn, export those items around the world.



Mereen said he believes embracing today’s technology has enabled him to not only send and receive orders from around the world, but, also to become paperless. He’s reduced overhead costs associated with inventory equipment – a savings he passes along to his customers.



“Technology allows me to travel about 185 miles each day to personally purchase trees for each customer,” he said.



Mereen said he’s always looking for multiple streams of income. “For instance, I purchase hickory for a gentleman in Germany and have it cut for him; he then makes axe handles out of the hickory.” But one forest project took Mereen by surprise and this year he plans to dabble in the arena of high-end custom furniture.



“I never thought I would end up selling furniture, but I went to see how this furniture in Italy is made and it is beautiful – especially the quality and finishing,” Mereen said. “I plan to have a virtual store and market the furniture to designers and architects all over the world.”



Carl Knoblock, Western Pennsylvania SBA district director, said that Mereen’s log purchasing enterprise shows niche businesses can be cost-effective and allow for tremendous growth. “Mills have closed and he’s using his knowledge to purchase for specialty areas like veneer and axe handles,” Knoblock stated. “He’s also not afraid to branch out and look into other avenues, because there is a huge market for solid-wood furniture. You just need to buy it in bulk and take it globally.”



Meree, maintains he has a passion for small business.



“This award truly is an honor and I’m proud to be the recipient.”





Note: If you would like to speak with Tom Mereen or Carl Knoblock, Western Pennsylvania SBA district director, please contact Janet Heyl at 412-395-6560, ext. 103



The U.S. Small Business Administration – helping small businesses start, grow and succeed.



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Executive Director Diversity Business Resource Center Honored by Small Business Administration





News Release


PITTSBURGH DISTRICT OFFICE



Release Date: May 10, 2010 Contact: Janet Heyl (412) 395-6560, ext. 103

Janet.Heyl@sba.gov

Release Number: 10-11/PGH



Executive director who enlightens small business owners receives accolades as SBA regional and local Women in Business Champion of the Year



PITTSBURGH – Christina Damiano, executive director of the Diversity Business Resource Center (DBRC) doesn’t consider herself to be entrepreneurial. But many of the 500 small business owners she has assisted deem her as just that.



Perhaps it’s because Damiano implemented a shared vision into a resource and referral center covering 10 counties in southwestern Pennsylvania. This vision became clear after years of studies that showed what the barriers were to minority and women business growth in this region.



Early financial support from Allegheny County’s Minority Women & Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Department, The Pittsburgh Foundation and Rep. Jake Wheatley Jr., resulted in the creation of the DBRC, and Damiano’s hiring to implement its programs and policies. Four and one-half years after taking the position, Damiano will be honored by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as the Region III Women in Business Champion, and the Western Pennsylvania District SBA Women in Business Champion.



Like the other 68 district winners, her nomination was forwarded to her respective regional office -- in this case Region 3, which comprises 7 districts; Delaware, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia – where she became the regional winner.



Damiano said there are three reasons for the information barrier that exists among small business owners. “Organizations struggle to find the money needed to market their programs, the population is too diverse to reach all persons through a marketing blitz and small business owners are too busy growing their business to research what is available to them,” she explained. “We wanted to do something about that barrier and this organization fills the gaps.”



Damiano acknowledges that fund-raising is a continuous challenge. “My top priority is to assist our clients, but I can only continue our work if financial support for the program is maintained,” she stated. “Building relationships with current and potential funders can be time-consuming but it is so critical.”



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Helping people has always been important to Damiano, and attending Duquesne University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in social and public policy, fully prepared her for the challenge.



“I’ve always been fascinated with public policy and how it can be shaped to help people in need,” she explained. “Here I get to implement policies based on a shared vision and know that first and foremost I’m helping small business owners.”



According to Damiano, the majority of her clients have been in business for more than five years and are looking to grow their operation. “They need growth assistance be it through financing, government contracting, tapping new markets, or creating new and retaining jobs,” Damiano stated.



While Damiano doesn’t possess the answers to all of their questions, she has assembled a network of strategic partners since working as a senior business consultant for the state for nine years. “I covered 22 counties for the state and made a lot of connections and I often refer persons to those contacts if I can’t provide an answer,” she said. “The one thing you never will hear me tell a client is ‘We don’t do that…good luck’ and hang-up.”



Carl Knoblock, Western Pennsylvania SBA district director, said that Damiano has partnered with a network of organizations to assist women-owned businesses to grow and succeed. “Most importantly, she has helped women make their dreams come true.” Knoblock said.



Damiano and eight other local small business owners and advocates will be lauded at the Western Pennsylvania SBA May 28th Awards Luncheon which will be held at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel Pittsburgh. The luncheon is held in conjunction with the 47th annual celebration of National Small Business Week.



“I’m still in shock about winning the local and regional award,” she exclaimed. “I appreciate being recognized for my work, but mostly I’m thankful for the opportunity to work with small business owners. They inspire me daily with their creativity and perseverance.”





Note: If you would like to speak with Christina Damiano or Carl Knoblock, Western Pennsylvania SBA district director, please contact Janet Heyl at 412-395-6560, ext. 103



The U.S. Small Business Administration – helping small businesses start, grow and succeed.



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Sunday, May 16, 2010

Local Publisher Claims Honor of Western Pennsylvania SBA Minority Business Champion


News Release


PITTSBURGH DISTRICT OFFICE



Release Date: May 6, 2010 Contact: Janet Heyl (412) 395-6560, ext. 103

Janet.Heyl@sba.gov

Release Number: 10-10/PGH



Local publisher records personal success story and claims honor of Western Pennsylvania SBA Minority Business Champion



PITTSBURGH – Almost 20 years ago, Ola R. Jackson decided to combine her love of helping women in need with her marketing and advertising skills by creating a local publication titled “Onyx Woman” – a magazine for women of color in Pittsburgh. Fast-forward two decades and Jackson has parlayed her magazine into a multi-media network that encompasses print, broadcast, motivational seminars and the Internet. The woman who proudly features distinguished black women in her various mediums will be honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as the 2010 Western Pennsylvania Minority Business Champion.



Jackson and eight other local small business owners and advocates will be lauded at the Western Pennsylvania SBA May 28th Awards Luncheon which will be held at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel Pittsburgh. The luncheon is held in conjunction with the 47th annual celebration of National Small Business Week.



Carl Knoblock, Western Pennsylvania SBA district director, said that Jackson has done her homework keeping up with media trends and has been able to expand her market during a challenging era for media. “It’s a competitive industry and you have to be on top of new trends,” he explained. “If your competition is on the internet, television or doing podcasts, you’ve got to be doing the same and looking for the next medium.”



Jackson, who started her career in advertising with the former Kaufmann’s department store, decided that launching her own business would enable her to continue working while dedicating more time to the needs of her autistic son. “I did freelance public relations, first as a volunteer, and that led to paid work for small organizations in need of event planning,” she explained. “I coordinated media coverage for ribbon-cutting and ground-breaking ceremonies.” Jackson added she liked the variety of public relations. “It’s very rewarding because each job is different.”



However, one project in particular helped the 50-year-old Jackson launch “Onyx Woman” in 1994.



“I did a program at colleges and job training programs to teach women who were going from welfare to work what to wear in the office; how to mix and match and what is appropriate clothing for their body type,” she said. “I noticed that they weren’t paying attention, so I thought if I put it in writing, they could read my advice at their leisure.”



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MAGAZINE PAGE 2/2



With no writing experience, Jackson reviewed other local publications, compiled a list of writers and asked them to write for her new magazine. “It was eight pages with pictures, graphics and text on 11x17-sized-paper, stapled in half,” she said. “It looked a mess, visually it wasn’t appealing but people were excited because it was a local publication for women of color.”



Jackson went back to the drawing board. She scoured other publications to see how they were produced and who advertised in them. “We slowly progressed and went quarterly which gave us more time to create a better product and we gradually increased the number of pages; added a color masthead and color photos.”



Within four years, Onyx Woman had become a glossy magazine with a national readership and advertising base. Jackson even created a media kit. However, when the economic downturn hit, Jackson found that innovation would help her weather the storm.



“Now, we only produce a few special print editions of Onyx Woman each year, but we’ve brought our magazine to life by using the internet and a local television station,” she explained. “We tape six shows a year at PCTV studios and add pieces of the show to our internet site; soon we’re going to start an internet podcast.”



While women of color have expressed their gratitude for “OWN: Onyx Woman Network,” Jackson is equally grateful for her recent SBA honor. “I’m very excited,” she exclaimed. “When you get an award – especially from the SBA – it’s like you have a stamp of approval.”



Note: If you would like to speak with Ola Jackson of OWN: Onyx Woman Network or Carl Knoblock, Western Pennsylvania SBA district director, please contact Janet Heyl at 412-395-6560, ext. 103



The U.S. Small Business Administration – helping small businesses start, grow and succeed.



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Saturday, May 15, 2010

Taste of Oakland

Contact: Mary Davidson

Tel.: 412-683-6243
Email: mary@oaklandbid.org


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Event Gives Pittsburgh Region “A Taste of Oakland”


OAKLAND, PITTSBURGH, May 10, 2010--The Oakland Business Improvement District (OBID) is proud to announce the Third Annual “A Taste of Oakland”, an event featuring local retailers and restaurants in the Oakland neighborhood.


During “A Taste of Oakland” admission includes samples of food from Oakland restaurants served from the neighborhood’s retailers. This event gives the community a chance to explore the great shopping and delectable food the neighborhood has to offer. Taste of Oakland admission also qualifies attendees for discounts and events in the Oakland neighborhood, including free entry into the Carnegie Museum of Art and Natural History, Soldiers and Sailors Museum, as well as discounted admission to shows at the Pittsburgh Irish Classical Theatre and the International Children’s Festival. The OBID anticipates more than 700 attendees at this year’s event. To see a complete listing of other Taste of Oakland partners and discounts, visit www.onlyinoakland.org.


Taste of Oakland is Saturday, May 15 from noon until 3 p.m. Admission is $5 per person, or a donation of a non-perishable food item. Tickets will be available the day of the event at the Public Parklet at the corner of Forbes Avenue and South Bouquet Street, or at Eureka Bank, 3455 Forbes Avenue. Admission is free for all Carnegie Museum members.
This year’s participants are:
+ Big Joe's Pizzeria ; Deli

+ Eureka Bank

+ Forbes Avenue Suites

+ Heiber's Pharmacy

+ Jimmy Johns Sandwich Shop

+ Kevin's Deli

+ Leena's Food

+ Maggie & Stella's Cards & Gifts

+ Milano Pizza II

+ New Balance Pittsburgh

+ Peter’s Pub

+ The Book Center at Pitt

+ Pittsburgh Pretzel Sandwich Shop

+ Red Oak Café

+ Rita's Italian Ice

+ SUPERCUTS

+ Terra Nova Restaurant

+ Touch of Gold & Silver Jewelry Store

+ IGA Market on Forbes

+ India Garden

+ Selection Boutique

+ Dave & Andy’s

+ ACE Athletic

For more information, please contact Mary Davidson at 412-683-6243 ext. 19 or mary@oaklandbid.org, or visit www.onlyinoakland.org.



###


The Oakland Business Improvement District is dedicated to improving the cleanliness, appearance, and perception of safety in Oakland, bringing about revitalization, preserving Oakland’s unique commercial environment, and undertaking marketing and development initiatives to make Oakland a vibrant destination for visitors, residents, owners, employees and students


Mary A. Davidson

Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Oakland Business Improvement District



235 Atwood Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Phone: 412.683.6243 ext. 19

Fax: 412.621.5920



www.onlyinoakland.org



Follow us on Twitter, www.twitter.com/Only_in_Oakland,



Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Only-in-Oakland/351740933073,



Flickr, http://www.flickr.com/photos/onlyinoakland,



And LinkedIn, http://www.linkedin.com/e/vgh/3036379/

Pennsylvania Council on Arts Award to BARC

For immediate release: May 14, 2010


PRESS RELEASE

WHO: The Brownsville Area Revitalization Corporation (BARC) is the recipient of funding administered by Gateway to the Arts for a four month artist residency. Funds from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation will support the work of Pittsburgh artist Allyson Holtz, who will teach and guide a group of multi-generational community members in the design and creation of a public art project and the establishment of a permanent Cultural Committee.

BARC’s mission is to achieve economic development through historic preservation, heritage tourism, outdoor recreation, community stewardship, youth advancement and the arts. The Cultural Committee consists of Brownsville residents between the ages of 14 and 90+ years of age.

WHAT: The grant was for an artist-in-residence. It allows an artist registered with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts to devote 22 days of service to BARC and the community. The first phase of this grant will be the development of a mural depicting a significant historic attraction to the town and, a compilation of stories and photographs that reflect the history of the Brownsville area. The design and location of the mural will be selected by the Cultural Committee. The agreed upon design then will be taken to State Correctional Institution at Fayette where inmate artists will render the design on an exterior fabric material. The mural will be located at the site the committee selects. The committee will secure all necessary approvals and permits. Through guidance and education from the artist, a goal for this Committee is to initiate a permanent cultural organization to benefit the town through cultural events and projects.

WHEN: An initial meeting was held in March 23, 2010 and subsequent meetings are held weekly throughout the summer. A goal is to unveil the mural as part of community effort. Additional projects will be included in the homecoming week, August 1st through the 7th.

WHERE: Meetings are being held in the second floor of the Odd fellow building at 33 Market Street.

WHY: To beautify the community and encourage tourism. Future projects may occur through the development of a permanent Cultural group.

HOW: Fund raising efforts and grant seeking will assist the continuation of this committee. As part of the grant requirements, BARC is committed to provide the finances for transportation for the artist and all the materials used for the mural as well as any other projects to beautify the community. Donations will be well accepted.



For more information, contact:

Norma Ryan, BARC coordinator 724-323-4008

Project Administrator: Carol Wolfe, Program Manager, Gateway to the Arts, 412-362-6982 carolw@gatewaytothearts.org

Artist Allyson Holtz (bio attached) 412-719-7677

Dollar Bank Becomes Premiere Presenting Sponsor for Three Rivers Arts Festival, June 4-13‏

Dollar Bank Becomes Premiere Presenting Sponsor for Three Rivers Arts Festival, June 4-13‏

From: Lauren Bracey (bracey@pgharts.org)

Sent: Thu 4/29/10 1:51 PM

To: jqsdreamweaver@hotmail.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Lauren Bracey, bracey@pgharts.org, 412-471-3591

Click here to download Programming Highlights as of April 28, 2010

Click here to browse print-resolution photographs



Dollar Bank Becomes Premiere Presenting Sponsor for

Three Rivers Arts Festival

June 4 – 13, 2010



PITTSBURGH - Community champion Dollar Bank has extended its long-standing support of Three Rivers Arts Festival, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, by becoming the Festival's first-ever presenting sponsor. Dollar Bank's generous Festival sponsorship exemplifies the bank's commitment to Pittsburgh's rich cultural heritage and its visionary community partners.



"Dollar Bank is proud to support outstanding community partners," said Robert P. Oeler, President and CEO of Dollar Bank. "Like Dollar Bank, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has an exceptional track record with community events such as the Trust's First Night Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh International Children's Festival and now Three Rivers Arts Festival. Three Rivers Arts Festival is a time-honored tradition provides Pittsburghers a free summer destination and breaks down traditional barriers to experiencing art."



Key to Three Rivers Arts Festival's ongoing success is the strategic collaboration among the many community partners who work closely with the Festival on performing arts, producing exhibitions and curating Festival experiences, among other initiatives. According to Pittsburgh Cultural Trust President and CEO J. Kevin McMahon, Dollar Bank's substantive stake in the Festival will greatly contribute to collaborative efforts.



"Three Rivers Arts Festival is our city's largest public stage. Community collaboration is increasingly vital to the long-term survival of the Festival, which is the largest free festival of its kind in country." said McMahon. "We are grateful to Dollar Bank for its generous support, which will help us to build upon strategic community alliances for the ultimate benefit of Festival patrons for years to come."



The Festival's creativity is fueled by a growing consortium of more than 40 community partners including Sustainable Pittsburgh, Silver Eye Center for Photography, Carnegie Mellon University, Gateway to the Arts, Pennsylvania Resources Council, and Pittsburgh Filmmakers.



Among the more than 100 individual events and performances featuring more than 500 visual artists and musicians, highlights of the 2010 Festival include:



* 10 days and nights of live music featuring more than 50 individual acts and nightly headliners on the Dollar Bank Stage at Point State Park.

* The traditional Artists Market, featuring 300 artists selling original artworks and handmade fine crafts. The 2010 Artists Market features 150 different artists each weekend, two-thirds of whom are new to the Festival this year.

* The return of juried visual art and temporary public art.

* Visual arts exhibitions in galleries throughout the Cultural District, including the New Juried Visual Art Exhibition, the Art of Technology, and many more.

* The Creativity Zone at Point State Park, featuring hands-on activities for all ages and kid-friendly performances in the WQED Tent.



Demonstrating the convergence of art and sustainability, Three Rivers Arts Festival is a national leader in environmentally-conscious event production. With support from Colcom Foundation, over the past two years the Festival has diverted 83% of its garbage - more than 50 tons annually - from landfills through a comprehensive open-stream compost and recycling program. In 2010, as Pittsburgh has been selected as the North American Host City for the annual United Nations World Environment Day, Three Rivers Arts Festival will be the cornerstone of related activity including interactive and educational programming that complements the celebration's theme of "Water Matters" and related biodiversity issues.



In addition to Dollar Bank, Three Rivers Arts Festival is generously supported by the Pittsburgh community. The Trust is thankful for the generous contributions of Colcom Foundation; the Bessie F. Anathan Charitable Trust of The Pittsburgh Foundation; The Buhl Foundation; The Grable Foundation; Henry L. Hillman Foundation; Mary Hillman Jennings Foundation; and Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, in addition to corporate support from Giant Eagle and the Port Authority of Allegheny County. Media partners include City Paper, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, WQED Multimedia, and 91.3 WYEP-FM.



Complete programming details will be available May 6 online at artsfestival.net and by calling 412-456-6666.



About Three Rivers Arts Festival

A division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, the mission of Three Rivers Arts Festival is to connect the community to the arts. The 51st annual Three Rivers Arts Festival runs from June 4-13, 2010. For more information, visit artsfestival.net.



About The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit organization whose mission is the cultural and economic development of Pittsburgh's 14-block Cultural District through public and private support. The Trust presents and encourages diverse performing and visual arts programs within the District, and is an impetus for additional development in downtown Pittsburgh.



In addition to the PNC Broadway Across America - Pittsburgh series, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents the Pittsburgh Dance Council, Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents, CD Live, JazzLive, First Night Pittsburgh, Gallery Crawl, Three Rivers Arts Festival, and the Pittsburgh International Children's Theater and Festival, among other Cultural District and arts events.



The Trust owns Theater Square and the Cabaret at Theater Square; the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts; Byham, O'Reilly, and Harris Theaters; Wood Street Galleries; SPACE, a visual arts gallery at 812 Liberty Avenue; and 937 Liberty, a multipurpose performance and exhibit space, among other downtown arts facilities.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Pittsburgh Social Exchange Photo Shoot

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

05/06/2010

CONTACT:

Susan Paff

Ideality Communications

724.513.0316 cell

susan@idealitycommunications.com



BUSINESSES OFFER RESOURCES, SUPPORT

FOR NETWORKING GROUP EVEN

Pittsburgh Social Exchange Photo Shoot Brings Businesses Together


PITTSBURGH (May 6, 2010) - Nearly a dozen businesses will come together on May 11 with The Pittsburgh Social Exchange (PSE) to showcase the city that supports them. When PSE sought out businesses to help the organization with its urban photo shoot for new marketing materials, the response from members and nonmembers alike was overwhelming.

PSE prides itself on finding unique ways to bring businesses together, create networking opportunities and support Pittsburgh at the same time. As more and more businesses offered their help, the simple photo shoot turned into a grand extravaganza to showcase urban locations in Pittsburgh.


Below is a partial list of businesses contributing to the photo shoot:

Weddings by Heather (member)

Angel's Arms Condominiums (member)

Steliotes Dental Spa (member)

City Lights Limo (member)

Spa Uptown (member)

La Peri Dolci

Todd Bailey/Jeweler Wholesale Rep

The Planet Pulse

Henne Jewelers

Mountain Creation Log Homes (member)

For information on the photo shoot or to RSVP visit www.thepittsburghsocialexchange.com.


About The Pittsburgh Social Exchange

The Pittsburgh Social Exchange is a professional networking group created to foster professional growth and mentor entrepreneurs, while sustaining Pittsburgh's business and social communities. The PSE believes a social setting makes individuals more comfortable, resulting an easier and less-pressured networking opportunity. For more information, visit www.ThePittsburghSocialExchange.com.