Design Project Details Released

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Murray Horne, Wood Street Galleries / horne@trustarts.org / 412-456-2961

BICYCLE RACKS
Call for Artists
Deadline is December 31, 2012

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust invites Pittsburgh area artists (residents of Allegheny County) to design and develop functional bicycle racks to be located in various locations within the Cultural District.The first phase of the project will produce five racks with the potential for more to follow.
 
Budget:

Each selected artist receives a fee of $3000 to create a unique functional bicycle rack. This fee will cover the costs for design, fabrication, finishing and transportation of the completed rack to the installation site. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is responsible for the costs of installation and naming plaques.  

Specifications for Design:

Finish is to be galvanized steel, either raw and/or powder coated, aluminum, or stainless steel. No other finishes including ‘hand painted’ finishes will be accepted.

There should be a minimum of two bicycles per stand and a maximum of six.

The rack should support the bicycle in at least two places, including one wheel.

The rack must allow for ease of locking utilizing a commonly used “U” lock or longer cable lock.

Each bicycle parking space is easily accessible without moving another bicycle for access and maneuvering.

Base plates should be a minimum of 3/8” thick steel with the ability to be bolted to a concrete pad in four places.

Safety:
• All bicycle rack designs must adhere to all Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for protrusions in the right-of-way including the ability to detect the rack with a white cane. To be detected by a white cane the protruding or leading edge of the rack shall be 27” or less above the sidewalk surface. Between 27” and 80” above the sidewalk surface, protruding or leading may overhang a maximum of 12”

• The top of the bicycle rack design must be a minimum of 36” tall. Except for the bicycle rack supporting brackets, the shortest section of the bicycle rack must be a minimum of 27” tall- enough to be perceived by pedestrians and avoid tripping hazards.

• The space between the rack features must be larger than 9” and smaller than 3.5’ to avoid children trapping their heads.

• The design must not include sharp edges.

How to Apply:

Artist must submit the following for consideration:

Resume
Images of a minimum 5 completed works from your portfolio
A short artist statement (no more than one page) on your approach to this project
3 references with contact information.

Please forward materials to:

http://trustarts.org/visualarts/bike


Project Timeline:

Request for Qualifications deadline December 31st, 2012.

Notification to selected artists for proposals, January 31st.

Proposals to be received by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, March 31st, 2013

Notification of winning proposals to artists by April 30th, 2013.
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Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

For Sale: Opportunity Franchising Event

NEWS RELEASE
September 09, 2012                                                                                        

Contact Information:
Linda Handley, Founder
Phone: 412.475.9010
E-mail:info@buildingbridgesforbusiness.com


Building Bridges for Business anticipates another sold-out crowd at For Sale: Opportunity franchising event on October 9

PITTSBURGH – Building Bridges for Business – a not-for-profit organization aimed at empowering and educating Pittsburgh’s small business owners – is expecting another sold-out event on October 9 between 4:30pm and 8:00 pm EST at the Fairmont Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh.  They are hosting For Sale: Opportunity, intended to connect established franchisors, funding on the spot with a new loan program, 401k funding experts, finding space for the business, and potential franchisees and business owners.

“Franchises have long been an important component in the structure of American business,” said Linda Handley, founder, Building Bridges for Business. “Four out of five franchises succeed where as one out of five small businesses succeed after five years.”  Franchises provide over 9.8 million jobs with a payroll of over $229 billion according to the International Franchise Association, IFA.

At the event, built around networking opportunities for small business owners and entrepreneurs, Rich Fitzgerald, Executive, Allegheny County, will deliver a message on the current state of locally owned small businesses. “Rich’s passion for small business development and sustainability in Allegheny County has been unprecedented,” stated Amanda Wodzenski President of Building Bridges. “We’re excited to hear him speak and know he will provide regional small business owners with insights, information and resources from a governmental perspective.”

In addition to providing franchises with an established presence in the Pittsburgh region with growth opportunities, the event will also target new opportunities for franchises outside of the Pittsburgh market and potential local franchisees. “We are hopeful this will be an opportunity for new franchises to partner with local entrepreneurs and drive new business to our region and tri-state area,” Handley said. “It is apparent that Pittsburgh is experiencing significant economic growth, and this event will serve as a wonderful opportunity for national franchises to partner with local business leaders.”

Previous Building Bridges for Business events include Small Business Works, held at the Kingsley Center in Pittsburgh’s East End in 2011 and 2012, Young Entrepreneurs held at GOOGLE Pittsburgh, and Welcome to Oz, held at downtown Pittsburgh’s Fairmont Hotel in October 2011 and featuring Dr. Winslow Sargeant, Obama’s chief of advocacy, U.S. Small Business Administration.  All of the organization’s previous events have sold out.

Partners for For Sale: Opportunity include, the Allegheny County Executive’s Office, the City of Pittsburgh, the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University and the Small Business Development Center at Duquesne University. Major sponsors are Positively Pittsburgh Live, Brunnhuber and Associates, Comcast Business Class, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Staples, Giant Eagle, Pittsburgh Business Times and Pittsburgh Venture Capital Association.  Interested participants can register for the event on Building Bridges for Business’ website (www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org). To learn more, follow Building Bridges for Business (@bridges4biz) on Twitter or contact Building Bridges for Business via e-mail at info@buildingbridgesforbusiness.org.

ABOUT BUILDING BRIDGES FOR BUSINESS Based in Pittsburgh, Pa., Building Bridges for Business 501(c) 3 aims at empowering and educating the region’s small business leaders by providing resources to start, manage, grow and promote their businesses. Since its inception in November 2010, the organization has hosted sold out events, featuring prominent keynote speakers, such as Dr. Winslow Sargeant, who is President Obama's adviser from the Small Business Administration. In addition to live events, Building Bridges for Business launched COFFEE WITH a trademarked Film Series and Pittsburgh's first-ever small business TweetChat.

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Second Annual Small Business Works Seminar

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 17, 2012

Contact Information:
Linda Handley, Founder Building Bridges for Business
Phone: 412.475.9010
E-mail:info@buildingbridgesforbusiness.com

Five Powerhouse Organizations Partner to Provide Second Annual Small Business Works Seminar

Pittsburgh, PA – The second annual Small Business Works seminars – aimed at empowering and educating small business owners – will kick off at 9 a.m. on May 21, 2012 at the Kingsley Association in East Pittsburgh. The event will be hosted by Building Bridges for Business, the County of Allegheny, the City of Pittsburgh, the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University and Duquesne University’s Small Business Development Center.

Small Business Works will provide education on the necessary steps to obtain capital. Learn from our nationally known expert speaker on HOW to apply successfully for a business loan. Information will be provided on:

• What are the basic steps and information needed in applying for a loan?
• The hidden obstacles in the loan application process and how to overcome them.
• Sources and types of capital.
• We walk you through filling out a sample loan package.

The event will also feature resources that will offer growth opportunities for attendees.

“Small businesses are really the lifeblood of our economy and their impact and importance has really been seen in this tight economy,” said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald.  “Offering programs like this helps to eliminate the barriers that small companies face and empowers and educates them so that they may take advantage of the opportunities that exist.”

“Small businesses are essential to our neighborhood business districts and their success and growth is key to maintaining a livable and vibrant City,” said Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. “Through opportunities like this, we hope to help small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs achieve success by educating them on the many tools and existing programs that are currently available.”

The Kingsley event will be the first in a series of other Small Business Works seminars in various Allegheny County neighborhoods set to occur in 2012. Each event will provide access to education and regional business resources. Major sponsors for the Kingsley Small Business Works seminars include: Brunnhuber and Associates, Comcast Business Class, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Pittsburgh Business Times, Pittsburgh Venture Capital, Staples, the Frankstown Road Giant Eagle, and Positively Pittsburgh Live. Find more information and to register for the event on Building Bridges for Business’ web site, www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org.

“The event with Building Bridges is about giving financial options to the small businesses of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,” said Sue Malone keynote speaker for the May 21, 2012 event.  Malone added, “The first thing we have to understand financing is still available for small businesses, both start up and existing businesses. We have all been through the economic down turn and have heard there is “no” money available. I will let you know, there is money available, it just takes a bit more effort to obtain the financing.”

About Building Bridges for Business
Since its inception in November 2010, Building Bridges for Business hosted three sold out events, featuring prominent keynote speakers, such as Dr. Winslow Sargeant, who is President Obama's main adviser for small business. Other events have featured educational resources and key local small business figures. “We want to bridge the valuable resources in Western Pennsylvania with business owners and residents who want to start a business,” says Building Bridges President, Amanda Wodzenski.

Building Bridges for Business was founded in 2010 in conjunction with Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, the Allegheny County Executive's Office, Duquesne University and Chatham University to provide education and resources for Pittsburgh and Allegheny County entrepreneurs on business growth, promotion, management and to aid individuals hoping to launch a new business. In addition to live events, Building Bridges for Business launched Pittsburgh's first-ever small business Twitterchat in September 2011 to offer vital resources from small business experts to entrepreneurs via Twitter.
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Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Twitterchat with Melinda Emerson for Pittsburgh Entrepreneurs

NEWS RELEASE

January 5, 2012
Pittsburgh, PA

FORBES - INFLUENTIAL WOMAN FOR ENTREPRENEURS FEATURED GUEST AT JANUARY #SMALLBIZPGH TWITTERCHAT

Melinda Emerson will provide live answers and resources via Twitter for Pittsburgh Entrepreneurs

PITTSBURGH, PA – Influential entrepreneur and author, Melinda Emerson (@smallbizlady) will answer questions from local entrepreneurs via Twitter on January 17, 2012 between 7 pm and 8 pm in the third installment of Pittsburgh's first small business Twitterchat presented by Building Bridges for Business (bridges4biz).

The virtual event, which is aimed at providing valuable, free resources for small business owners and leaders in Allegheny County, will feature Emerson, who will answer a set of questions from Building Bridges for Business and other questions posed by entrepreneurs from the region and can be followed live using hashtag #smallbizpgh on either twebevent.com or tweetchat.com.

The Twitterchat will be presented by Building Bridges for Business, as well as its partners, including Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh Mayor's Office, Duquesne University Small Business Development Center and the Center for Women's Entrepreneurship at Chatham University.

The #smallbizpgh Twitterchat is free, allowing interested users to engage and participate using smart phones, tablets and computers.

The third installment, in a series of Twitterchats, the #smallbizpgh Twitterchat is the first of its kind in Pittsburgh, allowing small business owners to network and ask questions from reputable and proven experts.

“The vision for the Building Bridges for Business community is to create an environment where entrepreneurs can grow and advance their business, support other business owners and develop as entrepreneurs who give back to their community,” says Building Bridges for Business founder, Linda Handley, who is also an entrepreneur, author and business adviser.

For more on the event, visit Building Bridges for Business' homepage at www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org, follow Building Bridges for Business (@bridges4biz) on Twitter or contact Building Bridges for Business by e-mailing info@buildingbridgesforbusiness.org.

Building Bridges for Business

Building Bridges for Business was founded in 2010 by entrepreneur, author and business adviser, Linda Handley in conjunction with the Pittsburgh Mayor's Office, the Allegheny County Executive's Office, Duquesne University and Chatham University to provide resources for Pittsburgh and Allegheny County entrepreneurs on business growth, promotion, management and to aid indviduals hoping to launch a new business.

Since its inception in November 2010, the organization has hosted three sold out events, featuring prominent keynote speakers, such as Dr. Winslow Sargeant, who is President Obama's main adviser from the Small Business Administration. Other events have featured key local small business figures. In 2012, Building Bridges for Business will host three more events, which are also expected to sell out.

Building Bridges for Business' goal is to create an organization that truly serves the Pittsburgh area's business owner and struggling entrepreneur by connecting them with resources and people who can guide them to success.

“We want to bridge the valuable resources in Western Pennsylvania with business owners and residents who want to start a business,” says Building Bridges for Business President, Amanda Wodzenski.

In addition to live events, Building Bridges for Business launched Pittsburgh's first-ever small business Twitterchat in September 2011 to offer vital resources from small business experts to entrepreneurs via Twitter.

Melinda Emerson

Melinda Emerson is a Philadelphia-based author, speaker and small business coach whose proven techniques have aided over 2500 small business owners in growing their business.

She has been featured on NBC Nightly News, in the Wall Street Journal,U.S. News and World Report and Black Enterprise. In March 2010, Emerson published her first book, Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months: A Month-by-Month Guide to a Business That Works.

Known as @smallbizlady on Twitter, Emerson also hosts her own weekly Twitterchat using hashtag #Smallbizchat.

Emerson's day job is as founder, president and CEO of Quintessence Multimedia, a full-service multimedia production firm, which she founded in 1999. Clients of Quintessence Multimedia include Johnson & Johnson, Verizon, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Comcast and Radio One. The firm has received eight Telly awards for outstanding production.

Prior to her work at Quintessence, Emerson worked as a television producer for ABC and NBC. Emerson has also been an adjunct professor at Delaware State University and featured as a guest lecturer at a variety of colleges and universities.

Emerson is a graduate of Virginia Tech and has also attended executive education programs at Harvard University, Dartmouth College and the University of Virginia. She resides in suburban Philadelphia with her husband and son.

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Lynn Cullen Joins 4802 Panel

4802 welcomes well-known Pittsburgh television, radio and web personality Lynn Cullen to its panel in the second season of WQED’s lively discussion program hosted by Chris Moore.


Season two premieres with a “special edition” on Friday, October 28 at 7:30 p.m. on WQED-TV with an Allegheny County Chief Executive Candidates’ Forum.

For full details on the special season two premiere of 4802 and the show's panel go to: http://www.wqed.org/pressroom/releases/lynn-cullen-joins-weekly-panel-for-second-season-of-wqed-s-4802-program/

For questions or to schedule interviews please contact George Hazimanolis at 412-622-1366 or ghazimanolis@wqed.org

It's Pittsburgh like you've never seen it before!

WQED's production of Pittsburgh From the Air premieres October 27 at 8 pm.

DVDs are available at wqed.org/shop

Storytelling Benefit Event for Homeless Children's Education Fund

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Today's date: October 7, 2011

Contact:
Randy Kirk
412-352-6766
kirk@pgharts.org

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces An Education: True Stories of Unusual Lessons Learned - a storytelling benefit event



Monday, October 17th, 2011, 7:00pm

Cabaret at Theater Square

655 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

TrustArts.org


PITTSBURGH…The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is pleased to announce a Monday evening storytelling performance entitled, An Education: True Stories of Unusual Lessons Learned, to benefit and raise awareness of Homeless Children's Education Fund


This engaging, entertaining evening of live, first-person storytelling (in the style of New York's The Moth and Pittsburgh's own For Real, For Real), features a diverse group of individuals stepping onstage to recount their true-to-life experiences related to the evening's theme of “unusual lessons learned.”


The program will run the gamut from hilarious to poignant to heart-wrenching, and will feature real stories of revelation, edification, and mortification, in settings ranging from academia to the school of hard knocks. It's memoir meets monologue, with a dash of stand-up comedy.


Moreover, this event is part of Pittsburgh's first-ever Homeless Children's Awareness Week (October 15-23), organized by Homeless Children's Education Fund. In addition to raising awareness of HCEF's efforts on behalf of homeless youth in Allegheny County, all proceeds will from this event will benefit HCEF's Outreach Team.


Doors to the Backstage Bar will open at 5:30PM. Seating and dinner/tapas service (optional, see below) is at 6:00PM. Storytelling to begin at 7:00PM.


Admission is $10.00 at the door, or advance tickets are available by calling 412.562.0154.

For more information on HCEF and Homeless Children's Awareness Week, visit homelessfund.org.

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Dine at the Cabaret! You can enjoy dinner, drinks & dessert right at your theater table. Your ticket is also your dinner reservation - simply arrive early enough for our service staff to take care of you before the show begins. The doors to the theater will open at approximately 6:00PM for seating and service, so plan to arrive between 6:00-6:30PM for the most attentive dinner service, or closer to curtain for drinks.


Contact Randy Kirk at 412-325-6766, or kirk@pgharts.org for more information or hi-res pictures.
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Building Bridges for Business Hosts Welcome to Oz

Pittsburgh, PA – September 7, 2011

Welcome to Oz – Where Small Business and Sustainability Collide

Allegheny County, The City of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University Small Business Development Center, Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University and Building Bridges for Business will host Welcome to Oz – Where Small Business and Sustainability Collide to educate and empower business owners. The third seminar in the SOLD OUT series will be held on October 10, 2011 at the Fairmont Hotel. The key note speaker will inspire attendees and 15+ resources will share strategies to be sustainable and grow their business.

The five organizations partnered and will host the October event and several other events scheduled in neighborhoods in the greater Pittsburgh region. Every event provides access to education and the region’s amazing business resources. Details for the October 2011 Welcome to Oz event are located on http://www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org/.

These events will allow participants to expand networking opportunities and meet valuable business resources at the same time. Fifteen sustainable and green companies will be on hand to share cash generating/environment saving techniques. Major sponsors include The Pittsburgh Technology Council, The Pittsburgh Business Times, Fireman Creative, c-leveled, Enterprise Rent a Car, Cold Cypress, solutions4networks, Louis Plung and Comcast Business Class. Register for this event at www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org.

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl will be providing opening remarks. "Small businesses are the lifeline of neighborhood business districts and their success and growth is key to maintaining a livable and vibrant City", said Ravenstahl. "Through opportunities like this, we hope to help small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs achieve success by educating them on the many tools and existing programs that are currently available."

The event’s keynote speaker will be Dr. Winslow Sargeant Chief Advocate for Small Business Research and Regulatory Affairs. President Obama appointed Winslow to this role in 2009. His background:

• Entrepreneur/Small business start up owner, Co-founder, Aanetcom—A Fabless semiconductor company in Allentown, PA Company was acquired: for $800M in March 2000 by PMC Sierra

• Government Official: National Science Foundation, Program Director, SBIR/STTR Program

• VC experience: Kauffman Fellow, Managing Director, Venture Investors, LLC (2006-2009)

• President Obama Appointed: Nominated, Chief Counsel for Advocacy, 2009, a Senate-confirmed position
Received Recess appointment, August 2010

"The vision for the Building Bridges for Business community is an environment where entrepreneurs can grow and advance their business, support other business owners, and develop as entrepreneurs giving back to their community," says Building Bridges for Business founder Linda Handley, an entrepreneur, author and business advisor. "We want to bridge the valuable resources in Western Pennsylvania with business owners and residents who want to start a business," says Amanda Wodzenski, President of Building Bridges. Building Bridges for Business was created based on the need Handley and others saw in the area understanding that small and start up business owners have limited finances.

Building Bridges for Business focuses on business growth, promotion, management, and people who want to launch a new business. In the past year, Building Bridges has grown and showcases over 30+ Pittsburgh resources. Building Bridge’s goal is to create an organization that truly serves the "small" business owner or struggling entrepreneur.

There is no fee or yearly membership rate to join as a general member of Building Bridges for Business. That is one of the major factors that differentiates Building Bridges from other business and networking groups. Additionally, Building Bridges has plans to offer educational webinars empowering and educating entrepreneurs throughout the year. The variety of programming, allows Building Bridges for Business to provide value to the greatest number of education and business resources regardless of budgetary and time constraints. Visit www.BuildingBridgesForBusiness.org for a full listing of resource partners, educational opportunities and events.

Linda Handley
Building Bridges For Business
342 South Highland Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Contact: 412.475.9010
info@buildingbridgesforbusiness.org
http://www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org/

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Debbie Slocum Named Dignity and Respect Champion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Melissa Marullo

412.969.2530

mam@judith-kelly.com

Debbie Slocum Recognized as Dignity and Respect Champion for

Embracing the Philosophy of the D&R Campaign

Personnel Analyst at Allegheny County Department of Human Services

Advances Inclusion in Her Daily Work and Life

(PITTSBURGH, PA) August 18, 2011– Debbie Slocum spends a lot of quality time with people who work at the Department of Human Services. With each encounter, she is consistent in doing the little things to show them respect.

“We do not make a big noise [about our Dignity & Respect Campaign], and maybe that’s a good thing. It is one person at a time. One more person saying thank you today than yesterday,” Debbie said.

Nominated by Brendan Hanschen, Debbie was selected as the August Dignity & Respect Champion for promoting dignity and respect in her everyday life, as well as at her job at the Allegheny County Department of Human Services.

“Debbie seizes every opportunity to include dignified and respectful treatment of her colleagues. She has been the driving force of the Dignity & Respect campaign in the Department of Human Services, and has truly shown herself to be a champion in every way,” Brendan said.

Debbie is a resident of Penn Hills and has been working at the Allegheny County Department of Human Services for almost six years as a personnel analyst, a job she continues to find rewarding.

“I get to know what people’s concerns are, what their job is, and what they need. I try to find out how I can help them, and give them what I have to offer. When someone leaves having enjoyed my class, I am rewarded.”

Debbie thinks that it is important to treat each other with respect because it would make everyone feel appreciated and recognized, and brings the community together.

“We are all so much alike, but we just dwell on our differences. I think we’ve become isolated, and it is time to do something to bring back a sense of community. We are all going through stress and we all have problems, but if we can just say hello in the elevator, or smile, we might just make someone’s day better,” Debbie said.

The Dignity & Respect Campaign is an awareness campaign designed to join individuals, community leaders, community organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and corporations under the common notion that everyone deserves dignity and respect.

# # #

Small Business Works Seminars Announced

Allegheny County, The City of Pittsburgh, The Small Business Administration, Duquesne University – Small Business Development Center, and Building Bridges for Business will host SMALL BUSINESS WORKS SEMINARs to educate and empower business owners. The first seminar in the series will be held on April 28, 2011 at the Kingsley Association in East Pittsburgh. The key note speaker will inspire attendees and 20+ exhibitors will showcase resources to start or grow business.


Linda Handley, Founder, Amanda Wodzenski, President, JoAnn Forrester, CFO, Lee Drozak, Chief Information Officer and the advisory Board of Building Bridges for Business provide Pittsburgh's Ultimate Business Resource Connection for Small Business. www.buildingbridgesforbusiness.org. This is the first in a series of Small Business Works events scheduled the next being held at GOOGLE in June 2010.

To interview Linda Handley, Founder of Building Bridges for Business, contact info@buildingbridgesforbusiness.org.

Dignity and Respect Month Kicks Off

WHAT

Dignity & Respect Month Kickoff

WHO

Ruth Byrd-Smith – Director of Allegheny County Minority Women

Candi Castleberry-Singleton – UPMC Chief Inclusion Officer

Denise Jones – Venango County Chief Clerk and County Administrator

Dr. Patrick Swift – Author, Psychologist, NYU School of Medicine Faculty

Susan Williams – Executive Director, Venango Chamber

Dawnita Wilson – Program Director, Inclusion Initiative at UPMC

Dignity and Respect Champion Awardees
http://www.dignityandrespectcampaign.com/drchampions.php

Community Organizations

WHEN
Thursday, September 30
8:30 am – welcome
9:00 to 10:00 am – program

WHERE

UPMC Herberman Conference Center
5150 Centre Avenue in Shadyside

WHY

The Dignity and Respect Campaign believes that inclusion begins with the core belief that everyone deserves dignity and respect. Originally envisioned as an internal UPMC program, the Dignity and Respect Campaign expanded to a community-wide effort in October 2009. Since then, approximately 22,500 people have taken the pledge to treat others with dignity and respect.

http://www.dignityandrespectcampaign.com/takepledge.php

County Executive Dan Onorato’s proclamation naming October as Dignity and Respect Month in Allegheny County will be delivered at the kick-off event. Eight recipients of the Dignity & Respect Champion award will be honored. Plans for the first Dignity & Respect Fall Festival scheduled for Saturday, October 16 at Schenley Plaza will be announced.

For more information

Stephanie Rex – sar@judith-kelly.com
412.281.0995 – office; 724.841.2481 – cell
To Schedule an Advance Interview with Dawnita Wilson – contact Stephanie Rex

9.28.10

Stephanie A. Rex
Project Associate
Judith Kelly + Associates, LLC
Investment Building
239 Fourth Avenue - Suite 1811
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1716
412.281.0995 - phone
412.281.0996 - fax
http://www.judith-kelly.com/

UMOJA Celebrates Dignity and Respect Fall Festival

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Contact: Stephanie Rex
412.281.0995
sar@judith-kelly.com

Inaugural Dignity & Respect Fall Festival Announced

Event to be held Saturday, Oct. 16 at Schenley Plaza

(PITTSBURGH, PA) Sept. 22, 2010 – UMOJA, which means “unity” in Swahili, is the name of a local African arts company that will celebrate that very concept with the Dignity and Respect Campaign’s inaugural Fall Festival, a bridge between all ages, cultures, and backgrounds expressed through food, music, and fun.

“This festival is an evolution of the Dignity and Respect Campaign and is a perfect way for the entire community to celebrate Dignity and Respect Month” said Dawnita Wilson, Program Director, Inclusion Initiatives at UPMC and the local Dignity and Respect Campaign Manager. “This is a great way for the community to get involved and engaged in driving the message that everyone deserves dignity and respect.”

The first ever Dignity and Respect Fall Festival will take place on Oct. 16, 2010 from 11 am to 4 pm at Schenley Plaza in Oakland. The festival will include giveaways, multicultural entertainment, health and educational information, community resource tables and vendor exhibits, and games for everyone. It is free and open to the public.

Community organizations and performers will be joining together to celebrate each other’s missions of equality and inclusion, in addition to adding different flavors of musicians and dancers representing cultures from around the world.

Activities include rock climbing provided by Venture Outdoors – an organization that works to promote Pittsburgh’s natural amenities, highlight the quality of life, foster a greater appreciation for the environment, inspire an active lifestyle and create a shared sense of community. Yoga classes every half hour and crafts for all ages also will be provided along with several other activities. Steel Dragon will perform at the festival, and originally started out as a lion dance team, but now includes kung fu, and Baiyuan Tongbei. Instructor Chris Young has more than 15 years of martial arts experience in several styles. UMOJA African Arts Company also will provide children’s crafts and face painting, and promotes the indigenous culture of Africa in the U.S.

Exhibitors include GLENDA – an organization that fosters appreciation for gays, lesbians, and all people by working together with diverse communities to make the region a better place; Strong Women Strong Girls, an organization that works to build upon the lessons learned from strong women throughout history to encourage girls and young women become strong women themselves; and the United Way.

Vendors include Ten Thousand Villages – a store that produces handmade gifts, jewelry, home décor, art and sculpture, textiles, serve ware and personal accessories that represent the diverse cultures of artisans in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. TTV works to improve the lives of tens of thousands of disadvantaged artisans in 38 different countries. Proceeds go to food, education, healthcare and housing for artisans who are unemployed or underemployed. East End Food Co-op also joins the festival and creates, promotes and works to sustain a healthy, strong and vibrant local community that serves the need for physical well-being, mutual respect, social connectedness and economic vitality. They are Pittsburgh's only member-owned natural and organic food market.

Sponsored by the Center for Inclusion at UPMC and Allegheny County, the Fall Festival features live bands, crafters, dancers and more throughout the day – for the entire family.

The Dignity & Respect Campaign is an awareness campaign designed to join individuals, community leaders, community organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and corporations under the common notion that everyone deserves dignity and respect. For more information call 412.864.3582 or e-mail dandrcampaign@gmail.com.
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