Opportunity to Sing with the Sweet Adelines

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Pat Martin
lady10er@verizon.net

In honor of “Barbershop Appreciation Day” the Sounds of Pittsburgh Chorus; Sweet Adelines International is extending an invitation to all women in the Tri-State area to join them on July 29th for a “Christmas in July” rehearsal.

In addition to learning Christmas songs in four-part barbershop harmony to appear with the chorus on their December 14th annual show, those who attend the five rehearsals prior to September 1st will be invited to sing the National Anthem at PNC Park for the Pirate game.

Come enjoy an evening of song, meet some new friends and enjoy refreshments and lively conversation. Rehearsals are held in the Coraopolis United Methodist Church, 1205 Ridge Avenue, Coraopolis, PA 15108. Directions available on our website www.soundsofpgh.org or phone Mary Ann at 412-279-6062.

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

Building Bridges for Business Decides Hugs Are Important Too!

P.O. Box 1155  Pittsburgh, PA. 15230
Phone:  (412) 444-5197            
Email:  info@pplmag.com



For Additional Info:
Joanne Quinn-Smith                            Al Levine
412- 444-5197                                   412-973-9611
jqsdreamweaver@aol.com                  al@hugathonpittsburgh.com

To schedule interviews contact:  Hank Walshak   412-831-3023


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Building Bridges for Business Decides Hugs Are Important, Too!
Sponsors Hug-a-Thon Pittsburgh™ Day

PITTSBURGH, PA, July, 2012 – Building Bridges for Business has joined the growing list of sponsors of Hug-a-Thon Pittsburgh™ Day.   The announcement was made today by Joanne Quinn-Smith, AKA Techno Granny, Creative Energy Officer, Dreamweaver Marketing Associates; Publisher, PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com; and Founder of Hug-a-Thon Pittsburgh™ Day

“We wanted to sponsor Hug-a-Thon Pittsburgh Day, because making Pittsburgh better known in the Tri-State area and the United States benefits everyone here, from our residents to our businesses and charities,” said Linda Handley, Founder of Building Bridges for Business.

Quinn-Smith warmly welcomed Handley’s sponsorship. “Our thanks go out to Linda for her sponsorship of Hug-a-Thon Pittsburgh,” she said. “Building Bridges for Business and Hug-a-Thon Pittsburgh are both about furthering a positive image for Pittsburgh. So it just makes sense.”

Sponsors for Hug-a-Thon Pittsburgh plug into 1 million accumulated listeners of the PositivelyPittsburghLive ™ Radio Network, growing at 11.6 percent per month. This network scores 220,000 hits per month and 62,000 page views.

Hug-a-Thon sponsorships are available from $50 to $50,000. To fund a sponsorship, individuals, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to call Al Levine, Community Relations & Development Director of Hug-a-Thon Pittsburgh at 412-973-9611.

Building Bridges for Business provides the resources, events and education to help you, the entrepreneur.  Its arsenal consists of workshops aimed at your needs, partnerships with organizations around the city and county and events, both live and virtual, to answer your most pressing questions.

The first, annual Hug-a-Thon Pittsburgh™ Day brings local, regional, and national exposure and recognition for the City of Pittsburgh and to four, non-profit organizations—Cancer Caring Center, Sickle Cell Society, Inc., Pittsburgh Passion’s Passion for Life Foundation, and Operation Troop Appreciation.

A number of activities during 2012 will culminate in a major event on September 6, 2012.    The places to get hugs are tentatively scheduled at the City County Building, Market Square, Katz Plaza, and underneath Macy’s Clock from 2:30 to 5:00 PM.    An evening gala will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites, Pittsburgh Downtown.

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

New Musical Beautiful Dreamers Collaberation Pittsburgh Opera and PICT

Opera Theater, Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre unite to produce groundbreaking new show



Music of legendary Pittsburgh composer Stephen Foster featured



in Martin Giles’ new music drama, “Beautiful Dreamers”







Media Contact: Melissa Hill Grande



Marketing Director and Artistic Associate



Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre



mgrande@picttheatre.org



412-561-6000 x203



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



_____________________________________________________________________________________



Pittsburgh, PA – March 23, 2010. Two local arts organizations have come together to produce the world premiere of a new music drama inspired by and containing the songs of Pittsburgh’s best-loved musical legend.







Beautiful Dreamers is a new music drama set to the songs of Pittsburgh’s hometown hero Stephen Foster, written and directed by Martin Giles with arrangements and musical direction by Douglas Levine. The story follows three unlikely companions – a broken-hearted New Yorker, a young widow woman, and a runaway slave – as they journey across mid-19th Century America and into the heart of the American Dream. The project is a co-production between Opera Theater of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre, and is presented in conjunction with the Stephen Foster Museum and the Center for American Music. Joel Ripka, Stephanie Riso, and Kevin Brown star in the production, which also features Michael Fuller, Daina Michelle Griffith, Daniel Krell, and Allison Moody.







Stephen Foster, one of Pittsburgh’s most famous native sons, was the original composer of American “pop music”. His first hit, “Oh, Susannah!,” written in 1846, quickly spread across the country after the Christy Minstrels picked it up. Though he struggled financially Foster was a prolific writer, penning such enduring classics as “Old Folks at Home (Swanee River),” “My Old Kentucky Home,” “Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair,” “Beautiful Dreamer,” and countless others. In addition to being widely-known, many of his songs addressed race in a manner that was advanced for the time period. His song “Nellie was a Lady” (which is included in the production of “Beautiful Dreamers”) portrays a black man grieving for his deceased wife in a sensitive and sympathetic fashion, dignifying the loss in a manner that was uncharacteristic for the time period. Foster spent much of his life in Pittsburgh, and is buried in Allegheny Cemetery in Lawrenceville.







Giles is a popular Pittsburgh actor, director and writer. Giles’ directing credits include many productions for the New Group Theatre, where he served as Artistic Director and playwright, as well as productions in PICT’s BeckettFest and Synge Cycle. Best-known for his work on stage, he has performed for both Opera Theater of Pittsburgh and PICT. His Opera Theater credits include Beggar’s Holiday and Lost in the Stars. For PICT, his recent credits include The History Boys and What the Butler Saw. He is the 2002 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Performer of the Year.







Levine has composed original music and music directed for a multitude of companies in the Pittsburgh area. Original music for PICT productions include Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, and The Shaughraun. Levine has also written original scores for The Rep (Eastburn Avenue, Mother Courage, Peer Gynt), Attack Theatre (Deadend), and Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater Festival (Colorfast).







Joel Ripka, who starred in PICT’s acclaimed 2009 production of Crime and Punishment, is featured as Moses Walker, a young New Yorker who sets off on a journey across America after his heart is broken. Ripka’s recent local credits include the U.S. premiere of Stephen Massicotte’s The Clockmaker at City Theatre Company, and Harry’s Friendly Service at Pittsburgh Public Theater.







Stephanie Riso plays the young widow woman Susannah Milsap. Riso is the founding managing director of PICT, and currently serves as operations director. She holds a degree in vocal performance from Carnegie Mellon University, and her credits include PICT’s James Joyce’s The Dead, Pittsburgh Public Theater’s productions of Sweeney Todd and Pirates of Penzance, and CLO’s Musical Christmas Carol.







Kevin Brown, who plays escaped slave Caleb Jefferson, has been featured in numerous Opera Theater of Pittsburgh productions including the recent Beggar’s Holiday, as well as Lost in the Stars and Carmen Jones. Other local credits include City Theater Company’s Flight, and in Pittsburgh Playwright’s Theater Company’s I Nipoti.







The production also showcases popular Pittsburgh performers Daniel Krell (City Theatre’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Pittsburgh Public Theater’s Midsummer Night’s Dream,), Michael Fuller (PICT’s Pride & Prejudice, barebones productions’ Glengarry Glen Ross) and Daina Michelle Griffith (City Theatre’s Speak American, PICT’s James Joyce’s The Dead). Allison Moody (Lend Me a Tenor, Human Race Theatre, Maritius, Phoenix Theatre) makes her Pittsburgh debut.







Scenic design is by Tony Ferrieri, lighting by Cindy Limauro, costumes by Kelly LeVine (assisted by Peter Doukas), sound by Dave Bjornson, and properties by Cory F. Goddard. Beautiful Dreamers plays April 15 – May 1 in the Charity Randall Theatre.







WDUQ FM is the Media Sponsor for Beautiful Dreamers.







In conjunction with Beautiful Dreamers, the University of Pittsburgh will be hosing a first-ever Stephen Foster symposium April 23 and 24 entitled “Stephen Foster in American Cultural History.” Foster scholars from all over the world will be in attendance and scheduled speakers include renowned baritone Thomas Hampson on “Foster’s songs as part of America’s classic vocal repertory” and Japanese professor Kazuko Miyashita on “America as understood through Foster’s songs in foreign cultures.” The full symposium schedule is available to download from the Beautiful Dreamers page on the PICT website, www.picttheatre.org.







Single tickets are available now through ProArtsTickets at 412.394.3353. For more information, visit www.operatheaterpittsburgh.org, or www.picttheatre.org.











Opera Theater is Pittsburgh’s modern music drama company. Opera Theater crosses traditional boundaries in the musical and theatrical arts and focuses on creating new works, reinterpreting older works in new ways, building diversity in programming and casting, supporting emerging talent, and broadening audiences through outreach and education. The company was founded in 1976 and presents four productions a year in a variety of theaters and in non-traditional spaces.







Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre was founded in 1996 to diversify the region’s theatrical offerings by providing Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania audiences with high-quality, text-driven, affordable productions of classical theatre and the works of classical and contemporary Irish playwrights and to significantly improve employment opportunities for local talent in all facets of theatrical presentation and production. PICT is a Small Professional Theatre (SPT) affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association, and a constituent member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG) and the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council. PICT is the Professional Theatre in Residence at the University of Pittsburgh and PICT productions at the Charity Randall and Henry Heymann Theatres are presented in cooperation with the University of Pittsburgh – Department of Theatre Arts.











Beautiful Dreamers FACT SHEET







Beautiful Dreamers



Written and directed by Martin Giles



Arrangements and Musical Direction by Douglas Levine



Music by Stephen Foster







The Charity Randall Theatre in the Stephen Foster Memorial



4301 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213







April 15 – May 1



produced by Opera Theater of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre







CAST: Kevin Brown, Michael Fuller, Daina Michelle Griffith, Daniel Krell, Allison Moody, Joel Ripka, and Stephanie Riso







DESIGN TEAM: Tony Ferrieri (scenic design), Cindy Limauro (lighting design), Kelly LeVine (costume design), Dave Bjornson (sound design), Cory F. Goddard (properties)







PERFORMANCE DATES AND TIMES:







First Week: Thursday, Friday, April 15, 16, Previews, 8 p.m.



Saturday, April 17, Opening Night, 8 p.m. (followed by reception)



Sunday, April 18, 2 p.m. (followed by talk-back with the company)







Second Week: Wednesday, April 21, 2 p.m. (special mid-week matinee), and 8 p.m.



Thursday – Saturday, April 22 – 24, 8 p.m.*



Sunday, April 25, 2 p.m.



*Preshow lecture series



Artistically Speaking – Wednesday, April 21, 7 p.m.



Behind the Scenes – Thursday, April 22, 7 p.m.







Third Week: Tuesday, April 27, 7 p.m. (Professional Tuesdays performance)



Wednesday – Friday, April 28 – 30, 8 p.m



Saturday, May 1, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.







Special student matinee on April 14 at 10 a.m.







TICKET PRICES:







Saturday nights: $50, Seniors $47



Wednesday, Thursday, Friday nights : $46, Seniors $43



Professional Tuesdays, Saturday & Sunday Matinees: $42, Seniors $40



Preview Thursday and Friday: $34 for all seats



$20 tickets available for youth under 25, with valid ID







SPECIAL EVENT:



Open to the public and free of charge







Stephen Foster Symposium



“Stephen Foster in American Cultural History” – April 23rd and 24th



Sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh



Full symposium schedule available to download from the PICT website, “Beautiful Dreamers” page







Call ProArtsTickets at 412.394.3353 or visit www.operatheaterpittsburgh.org or www.picttheatre.org

Day with the Nevilles March 7 at Woodville Plantation

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:


Rob Windhorst

412-221-0348



rwindhorst19@msn.com



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE





QUICK FACTS:



Event: A Day With the Nevilles



Date: Sunday, March 7, 2010



Time: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm



Place: Woodville Plantation, 1375 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 15017



Admission: $5.00 for Adults, $3.00 for Children age 6 –12, Free for Children Under Age 6.







WOODVILLE PLANTATION HOSTS SPECIAL EVENT - A DAY WITH THE NEVILLES







Collier Township, PA (February 22, 2010) – On Sunday, March 7, 2010, guests are invited to visit with the Neville family and their friends as they go about their daily business at Woodville Plantation. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to experience everyday life as it occurred at Woodville Plantation in the year of 1794. Costumed historic interpreters will be on site to demonstrate period games, sewing, cooking and dining at the period-correct hour of 2 pm. Special hours for this event are from 1 pm to 5 pm. Admission is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children aged 6 to 12 and free for children under age 6.







Woodville Plantation, the home of John and Presley Neville, is Western Pennsylvania’s link to the late 18th century. Built in 1775, this living history museum interprets life during the period of 1780-1820, the Era of the New Republic. Guided tours of the house are available every Sunday from 1 to 4 pm.







Just 7 miles and 15 minutes south of Pittsburgh, Woodville is conveniently located off of Exit 55 on Interstate 79 in Collier Township. For further directions or for more information, please visit Woodville’s website at http://www.woodvilleplantation.org or call 412-221-0348.




-END-

Toyota Hiring Process and Workplace Culture, March 12 Seminar

5700 Corporate Drive, Suite 250 • Pittsburgh, PA 15237 • www.selectinternational.com


NEWS RELEASE

Seminar to Discuss how Toyota’s Powerful Hiring Process and

Workplace Culture will Enable Them to Overcome the 2010 Recall and

Remain The World’s Top Auto Manufacturer

– Former Toyota Executive and Author to Serve as Keynote Speaker at March 12 Event –

Pittsburgh, February 9, 2010 – At some point, even the very best companies face adversity.

Find out how Toyota’s lean HR practices will allow them to recover and emerge stronger.

Learn how Toyota’s principles of “lean operations” are transforming companies everywhere from

healthcare to banking to manufacturing.

Michael Hoseus, former Toyota corporate leader and co-author of the bestselling book, The Toyota

Culture: The Heart and Soul of the Toyota Way, and Kevin Klinvex, co-founder of Select

International and co-author of the highly acclaimed book, Hiring Great People will be leading a

complimentary breakfast roundtable focused on how your industry can apply innovative, lean HR

practices. The event will be held on Friday, March 12, 2010 at The Lexus Club, inside PNC

Park on Pittsburgh’s North Shore.

Mr. Hoseus will discuss how having a culture of continuous improvement ensures that organizations

can deal with obstacles that arise, similar to Toyota’s current situation. Because Toyota’s first priority

is to hire the right talent through a process called Multi-level Assessment, they are equipped with

employees that possess the correct competencies to function under adversity and work successfully

together to solve issues regarding quality. It’s this high performance culture that will guide Toyota

into the future and prove that its current challenges are only a minor setback for one of the most

successful organizations in the world. In this roundtable discussion, Human Resources professionals

will learn how Toyota selects, develops and manages talent. In addition, the presenters will discuss

how these world-class programs are now being applied with great success to organizations in all

industries.

– more –

Contact: T.J. Muehlfeld

412-358-8595

tjmuehlfeld@selectintl.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

5700 Corporate Drive, Suite 250 • Pittsburgh, PA 15237 • www.selectinternational.com

NEWS RELEASE CONTINUED

Seminar to Discuss how Toyota’s Powerful Hiring Process and

Workplace Culture will Enable Them to Overcome the 2010 Recall and

Remain The World’s Top Auto Manufacturer

– Former Toyota Executive, Author to Serve as Keynote Speaker at March 12 Event –

During this discussion, Hoseus and Klinvex will discuss the following topics:

· Toyota’s reaction to adversity.

· The processes and solutions used by Toyota to select, develop and manage talent.

· The Quality People Value Stream Model, a model that illustrates the importance of having the

right people in the right place.

· How Toyota utilizes their core values of continuous improvement to create and maintain a

people-centric culture.

· The importance of using multi-level assessment within your organization.

The event is free and open to Human Resources professionals, but registration is

required. Register by March 5, 2010 at www.selectinternational.com/pittsburgh or

contact T.J. Muehlfeld at tjmuehlfeld@selectintl.com or 1-800-786-8595, ext. 1031. The

first 25 registered guests will receive a complimentary copy of The Toyota Culture: The Heart and

Soul of the Toyota Way.

About Select International

Since Select International® was founded nearly 20 years ago, assessment has been their core focus. Millions of

people in 80 countries have been assessed using Select International’s automated tests, inventories and job

related simulations. A thought leader recognized for innovation in testing technology, Select International

provides one of the most complete and well researched libraries of testing content for all organizational levels.

From entry-level to executive, organizations find, hire and retain top talent using Select International’s tests,

tailored solutions, interviewing tools, leadership assessments, consulting services and recruitment process

outsourcing solutions. The company’s founders, Kevin Klinvex, Chris Klinvex and Matthew O’Connell, Ph.D., are

renowned hiring consultants and authors of the best-selling business book, Hiring Great People. Headquartered

in Pittsburgh, PA, Select maintains offices in Chattanooga, and San Diego, with international offices in

Monterrey, Mexico; Melbourne, Australia and Johannesburg, South Africa. For more information about Select

International’s products or services, call 1-800-786-8595 or visit www.selectinternational.com.

###




T.J. Muehlfeld



Director of Marketing







Select International, Inc.



P 412-358-8595 x1031



www.selectinternational.com

Jenifer Ruby Esquire wins Indianapolis Business Journal's Forty under 40

NEWS RELEASE - For Immediate Release




CONTACT: Jennifer Ruby, (317) 332-3757







RUBY NAMED ONE OF IBJ’S FORTY UNDER 40





Indianapolis, February 1, 2010 – Jennifer Ruby, Esquire, was named one of the Indianapolis Business Journal’s Forty under 40 Class of 2010.







For the last eighteen (18) years the Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ) has been recognizing an elite collection of young people and including them in their esteemed and popular Forty under 40 group. This year, Irvington’s own Jennifer Ruby was chosen as one of the 40 from over 230 nominations. In all the IBJ has introduced their readers to 720 young people, many of whom are now very familiar names and faces of influence for our fair city.







On February 2, 2010, alumni from past Forty under 40 classes will meet the class of 2010 at the Skyline Club for a celebration reception. The full list of 40 with print and video interviews can be found at: www.ibj.com/forty-under-40. The 2010 Class will also be highlighted on the IBJ’s Facebook page and via the IBJnews Twitter account.







“I am thrilled to receive this honor and so very grateful to my nominators,” stated Ruby upon learning that she was one of the 40. According to the print interviewer Katie Maurer, Ruby was nominated as much for her community work as she was for her business and legal acumen.







Jennifer G. Ruby is the attorney-owner at Ruby Law. Ruby Law counsels individuals and businesses on estate and succession planning and administration as well as general business issues. Ruby also founded and runs the successful Finances 101 for Young Professionals seminar series, started in 2005. She serves as the Secretary of the City of Indianapolis-Marion County Information Technology Board, President of the Warren Township Development Association Board and on the Indiana University – Indianapolis School of Public and Environmental Affairs Alumni Council. She lives in Irvington with her husband Michael Mendyk and their daughter Gillian. More at: http://www.ruby-law.com.







The Indianapolis Business Journal encompasses both award winning publications and staff. Its estimated circulation is 14,779 with a readership of 44,337. More at: http://www.ibj.com.

YWCA Invites Entrepreneurs to Microenterprise Symposium

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:



Laura Harwin
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
412-255-1279


YWCA invites entrepreneurs to Microenterprise Symposium




PITTSBURGH, PA (January 28, 2010): Local entrepreneurs can jump-start their small business even in a struggling economy. The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh is inviting small business owners, or those interested in starting or growing a business, to the second annual Microenterprise Symposium on Saturday, February 20, where they can attend workshops to help grow or launch their small business.



The Microenterprise Symposium will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business, 5000 Forbes Avenue. Cost is $45, which covers workshops and lunch. Online registration is available at www.micro2millions.eventbrite.com. For more information, persons may contact Alice Williams, at 412-255-6743 or awilliams@ywcapgh.org.



Ruth Byrd-Smith, Director of Allegheny County Department of Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, will provide the opening keynote address. Numerous workshops covering technology, marketing, regulations and finance will follow throughout the day. Some workshop titles include “Building a Billion Dollar Brand,” “Responsible and Responsive State Bidding,” “Protecting your Business Structure,” “Guerilla Marketing,” “Business Blogging,” and “10 Businesses to Start in a Down Economy.” A panel of Million Dollar Women Business owners will be moderated by Rosemary Martinelli of WQED.



By definition, a microenterprise is a business with five or fewer employees, small enough to require initial capital of $35,000 or less. The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh supports microenterprise through the Enterprising Women program, which is a comprehensive training program for low and moderate-income women seeking to develop a microenterprise.



In addition to the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh, symposium partners include Students in Free Enterprise/Carnegie Mellon University; Allegheny County; City of Pittsburgh; Small Business Administration; The Soul Pitt.com; Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, and National Organization of Women Business Owners.

The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh is a women’s membership movement committed to the elimination of racism and the economic empowerment of women and girls. For more information about the YWCA’s programs and services, persons may visit www.ywcapgh.org or call 412-391-5100.



###
Laura Harwin

Director of Development and Marketing
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh

Development and Communications

305 Wood Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-255-1279 (phone)

412-391-5109 (fax)
lharwin@ywcapgh.org (e-mail)

http://www.ywcapgh.org/


United Way Partnering Agency

United Way Code #114
Upcoming Events:



February 20 – “Microenterprise Symposium” – this annual event provides continued education to women business owners. A microenterprise, by definition, is a “business that starts with five or fewer employees and small enough to require initial capital of $35,000 or less.” Please join us at the Second Annual Microenterprise Symposium to be held on Saturday February 20, 2010 at Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For registration information please call 412-255-6743.

eliminating racismhempowering women

YWCA Greater Pittsburgh

celebrating 140 years of service

U.S. Census Bureau is Recruiting Workers 2010 Census

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Pam Golden

(412) 589-8620

Pamela.W.Golden@census.gov



U.S. Census Bureau is Recruiting Workers 2010 Census



PHILADELPHIA – (Feb. 2, 2009) With Census Day on April 1, 2010 less than two months away, the United States Census Bureau is recruiting workers to fill various positions.



Hundreds of enumerators, crew leaders, supervisors and crew assistants will be needed this spring to complete the final operation for the decennial census. The part-time, temporary jobs offer good pay, flexible hours, paid training and the ability to work close to home. The pay ranges from $13.25 to $16.25 per hour.



Applicants are required to take and pass a test, must be 18 or older, and pass a background check. More information, including a practice test, is available at this web site: www.2010censusjobs.gov or by calling the toll-free jobs number at: 1 (866) 861-2010. Interested parties should call the toll-free number to learn about the testing schedule for their area.



The U.S. Constitution requires a population and housing count every 10 years. The effort employs some of the most sophisticated technical and operational tools available, as well as a workforce of 1.4 million temporary employees to count every man, woman and child and once and in the right place. Census results are the basis for congressional representation as well as the distribution of federal, state and local funds totaling more than $400 billion annually. Census Day is April 1, 2010. For more information, please visit: www.2010census.gov.

# # #



SWPA

First NIght, Pittsburgh 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 18, 2009


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

Photos and the full program schedule are available at firstnightpgh.org



FIRST NIGHT® PITTSBURGH CELEBRATES 15TH ANNIVERSARY

First Night® 2010 culminates The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's

year-long 25th anniversary celebration with more than 100 events,

including headliner Average White Band (AWB)



Thursday, December 31, 2009, 6 pm - Midnight

In the heart of the Cultural District



PITTSBURGH ... Celebrate New Year's Eve in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh's Cultural District with The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's First Night® Pittsburgh 2010. This family-friendly community event is presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, with generous support from lead sponsor Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. The city will revel in a joyous celebration of the arts: dance, music, theater, comedy, magic, visual art and film, plus hands-on activities for children and adults.



"First Night brings our community together by offering an incredibly diverse selection of programming," said Deborah Rice, Executive Vice President, Health Services for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. "First Night serves the Pittsburgh region by presenting a creative, affordable, and healthy New Year's Eve celebration that makes the most of our city's wealth of artistic talent. Highmark is proud to mark its fourth year as the lead sponsor of First Night."



First Night® Pittsburgh festivities begin at 6 pm with the Dollar Bank Children's Fireworks Display and performances by Wizdom Band and Maddi Georgi on the Dollar Bank Stage, followed by the Target First Night® Parade at 8 pm. This year, the evening concludes with a live performance by Average White Band (AWB) and the First Night® tradition, The Countdown to Midnight and Future of Pittsburgh Grand Finale atop Penn Avenue Place. The Highmark Stage, where all the First Night® revelry concludes, is located on Penn Avenue next to Fifth Avenue Place.



Among the 125 events and activities held in 50 venues throughout the Cultural District, other special First Night® Pittsburgh attractions include the First National Bank Family Tent; Equitable Gas Marquee Performances including Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and River City Brass Band at the Byham Theater and Johnny Angel and the Halos at the Benedum Center; Miami's Pied Piper of Percussion at the new August Wilson Center for African American Culture; and four floors of hands-on activities, dance lessons, music and more at The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's new Arts Education Center, located at 805-807 Liberty Avenue. For a complete listing of events, please visit www.firstnightpgh.org or call (412) 456-6666.



First Night® 2010 also marks the closing of a year-long celebration of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's 25th anniversary. Founded in 1984, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has led the way for the creation and ongoing development of Pittsburgh's award-winning Cultural District. Utilizing the arts as a means for transforming a formerly blighted downtown, the Cultural Trust today welcomes over a million visitors annually to thousands of performances, gallery exhibitions and community events.



In addition to First Night® Pittsburgh, the Trust presents the PNC Broadway Across America - Pittsburgh series; the Pittsburgh Dance Council; the Pittsburgh International Children's Theater and Festival; and Three Rivers Arts Festival among other events. Additionally, the Trust owns and operates 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; 707 and 709 Penn Galleries; and 937 Liberty, a multipurpose performance and exhibit space, among other downtown arts facilities.



FIRST NIGHT® BUTTONS

To join the celebration, simply purchase an all-access First Night® Pittsburgh 2010 Button. A First Night® button costs only $8; children age 5 and under are admitted for free. First Night® buttons are available at participating Giant Eagle stores, at the Box Office at Theater Square, online at www.firstnightpgh.org, and by calling 412-456-6666.



Due to their overwhelming popularity and limited seating in Cultural District theaters, a free General Admission Seating Voucher is necessary to see the performances of Johnny Angel and the Halos, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, River City Brass Band, The Amish Monkeys, Hustlebot, the Pied Piper of Percussion and Magician David Lawrence's Magic Show. Vouchers are available at The Box Office at Theater Square. Simply show your First Night® button to obtain up one seating voucher per production. The Box Office at Theater Square is located at 655 Penn Avenue between the O'Reilly Theater and Katz Plaza.



There will be general admission waiting lines for performances at the Benedum Center, Byham Theater, CAPA High School and August Wilson Center. Patrons will be seated on a space-available and first-come, first-served basis once voucher holders have been accommodated. Box Office hours are Monday-Saturday, 9 am to 9 pm and Sunday, noon to 6 pm.



VOLUNTEERS

First Night needs volunteers for numerous jobs--from button checkers to activity helpers to parade assistants. Families, co-workers, school groups and individuals of all ages are needed to help us ring in 2010 in a fun, alcohol-free, family-friendly way. To volunteer with First Night®, sign up at www.firstnightpgh.org.



SPONSORS & MEDIA PARTNERS

First Night® Pittsburgh 2010 Sponsors as of release date include: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield as the lead sponsor, Dollar Bank, Equitable Gas, First National Bank, Giant Eagle, PNC and Target.



First Night® Pittsburgh 2010 Community Supporters include County of Allegheny, The Buhl Foundation, Eden Hall Foundation, The Grable Foundation, and Richard King Mellon Foundation.



First Night® Pittsburgh 2010 Media Partners include Trib Total Media, KDKA TV, BOB 96.9 FM, Q 92.9 FM, STAR 100.7, WDUQ 90.5 FM, 91.3fm WYEP and Y108.



###

Holiday Tours at Woodville Plantation, Neville Manor

December 1, 2009 FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Rob Windhorst




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 412-221-0348



rwindhorst19@comcast.net



QUICK FACTS:

Event: Above the Stairs: A Behind the Scenes Look At Woodville



Date: Sunday, December 13, 2009



Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm



Place: Woodville Plantation, 1375 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 15017



Cost: $5.00 for Adults, $10.00 for Families







WOODVILLE PLANTATION HOSTS

ABOVE THE STAIRS: A BEHIND THE SCENES LOOK AT WOODVILLE





BRIDGEVILLE, PA (December 1, 2009) – Step back in time at Woodville Plantation as this living history museum treats guests to a special tour of a rarely seen area of the plantation. On Sunday, December 13, 2009, the public is invited go above the stairs at the main house.







From 1 to 4 pm, visitors are invited to visit the second floor of Woodville Plantation. Tours will be given of the private rooms of the Neville and Cowan families. Of interest is an original 18th century painted checkerboard floor. Don’t miss this rare look into the private lives of Woodville’s residents.







Woodville Plantation, the home of John and Presley Neville, is Western Pennsylvania’s link to the late 18th century. Built in 1775, this living history museum interprets life during the period of 1780-1820, the Era of the New Republic. Guided tours of the house are available every Sunday from 1 to 4 pm.







Just 7 miles and 15 minutes south of Pittsburgh, Woodville is conveniently located 1/4 mile north of Interstate I-79 Exit 55 (Kirwin Heights Exit) on Route 50, near the intersection of Thoms Run Road in Collier Township. For further directions or for more information, please visit Woodville’s website at http://www.woodvilleplantation.org or call 412-221-0348.











-END-

County Executive Holds 4th Annual Business Opportunity Forum

County Executive Hosts Fourth Business Opportunity Forum

Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato hosted the 4th Annual Business Breakfast Meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2009, for business and community leaders to network and learn about business opportunities with the County.

Director Ruth Byrd-Smith commented, “We’re working to ensure greater diversity in contracting and this meeting gave more than 100 attendees direct access to our County directors and executive directors of our authorities. We look forward to another successful event next year.”





If you have any questions, please contact



Lorraine A. Blanar

Project Manager

Department of Minority, Women & Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

204 County Office Building

542 Forbes Avenue

Pittsburgh PA 15219

lblanar@alleghenycounty.us

412.350.4309

PITT and PICT Spring Collaboration

Media Contacts:


F.J. Hartland – 412.624.0933 or fjh6@pitt.edu

Melissa Hill Grande – 412.561.6000 x203 or mgrande@picttheatre.org


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



PITT and PICT announce theatrical initiative



Collaboration brings new plays to Pittsburgh



Pittsburgh, PA -- November 13, 2009. A new theatrical collaboration will soon be bringing new plays to light in Pittsburgh. “New Classics,” a co-venture of the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Theatre Arts and Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre (PICT), will present readings of new plays throughout 2009-2010.



The reading series will be free and open to the public, and will be followed by a talk-back moderated by F.J. Hartland, Director of Marketing and Communication for the University of Pittsburgh Department of Theatre Arts, and Melissa Hill Grande, Marketing Director and Artistic Associate for PICT.



Persons who are unable to attend the reading in person will be able to view it online via LIPLO™ (Live and in Person, Live and Online), a new internet technology pioneered by PICT Operations Director Stephanie Riso and Alex Geis. Geis of 21 Productions and videographer Randy Griffith of RLG Creations will live-broadcast the readings, and viewers will be able to respond via live chat as they watch the performances on the LIPLO™ website, www.liplo.com.



According to Dr. Bruce McConachie, Chair of the Department of Theatre Arts, “We are looking forward to this collaboration with PICT and the opportunities it will offer our students.”



Operations Director Stephanie Riso echoes the sentiment, states “PICT is pleased to be able to open up new ways to engage Pitt students with the greater theatre community through this new initiative,” and hopes it will strengthen Pittsburgh’s place on the map for building bridges and new pathways to experience live work.



Utilizing the talents of directors and actors from both organizations, “New Classics” launches on Nov. 22 with Carapace by David Robinson of Athens, Ohio. The play will be directed by Melissa Hill Grande and presented at 7 p.m. in the Henry Heymann Theatre at the Stephen Foster Memorial on the University of Pittsburgh campus.



Carapace explores the complicated relationship between Jeff, an alcoholic sportscaster, and his grown daughter Margo. Jeff attempts make amends with Margo on her twenty-third birthday by bringing her a very special gift.



Robinson is a current MFA Playwrighting candidate at Ohio University. A native Minnesotan, he received his BA in Literature/Theater from the New College of Florida. In addition to Carapace, Robinson has spent his first two years at Ohio University developing Terminal Condition, Gestalt and Family Matters, which was selected as a semifinalist for this year's WordBRIDGE Playwrights Laboratory. Outside of the realm of dramatic writing, David has written theater and film criticism for The Bradenton Herald and the film journal CineACTION. He is also the recipient of Ohio University's 2009 Scott McPherson Playwriting Award.



“New Classics” continues on Sunday, January 24, 2010 with The Small of Her Back by Dana Lynn Formby, directed by Martin Giles.



In The Small of Her Back, Danielle Fitzman believes the glass ceiling has been shattered allowing her to climb her way up the corporate ladder of the NP Power Company. When an opportunity opens on the board, Danielle must battle tit for tat—learning tit works more than tat. She finds defining the difference between sexual harassment and harmless flirting akin to drawing a line in sand during a windstorm.



Formby is a Chicago resident and a member of Chicago Dramatists.



A third reading is planned for Sunday, March 28th at 7 p.m.



The series is free of charge and open to the public.



For more information about “New Classics,” contact F. J. Hartland at 412.624.0933 or fjh6@pitt.edu, or Melissa Grande at 412.561.6000 x203 or mgrande@picttheatre.org.


# # #



New Classics

Fact Sheet



All performances in the Stephen Foster Memorial, 4301 Forbes Avenue in Oakland, on the University of Pittsburgh campus



Sunday, November 22nd – 7 p.m.



Carapace by David Robinson



Directed by Melissa Hill Grande



The Henry Heymann Theatre




Sunday, January 24th – 7 p.m.



The Small of Her Back by Dana Lynn Formby



Directed by Martin Giles



The Charity Randall Theatre





Sunday, March 28th – 7 p.m.


Programming TBA



The Charity Randall Theatre



Online viewing:



www.liplo.com







Free of charge and open to the public

New Executive Director for Urban Youth Action, Inc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE




Contact: Audrey J. Murrell



Contact phone: 412/443-3591



Contact email: amurrell@katz.pitt.edu







URBAN YOUTH ACTION WELCOMES RUTHIE KING AS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR







Urban Youth Action, Inc. welcomes Ruthie D. King as its new Executive Director. With an impressive background in business and community leadership, King brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Pittsburgh’s oldest youth workforce development organization. With a successful track record of youth workforce development, educational partnerships and community engagement, King is well-position to help UYA continue its mission to prepare youth to be “work ready, life prepared and community minded”.







Before joining UYA, King served as Director for Educational Partnerships with UPMC where she developed strategies to create and expand pipeline workforce joint ventures with school districts, vocational and technical schools. Prior to that, she worked as the Director of Culture Diversity Initiatives for UPMC and as an Economic Development and Marketing Representative for Equitable Resources (now EQT). She also served as one of the founding directors of FAME or the Fund for the Advancement of Minorities in Education. Taking on the challenge of leading UYA into the next phase of its mission to impact our region’s youth is something that King’s experience makes her well suited to undertake. As she notes, “Urban Youth Action is a dynamic, thriving youth and community organization, and I look forward to helping UYA guide even more students to achieve success in the region and beyond.”







Ruthie King holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and International affairs from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration from Tennessee State University. She has served on a number of boards within our region including, Leadership Pittsburgh, Inc. CORO Center for Civic Leadership, Carnegie Library, Shadyside Academy, Pittsburgh Ballet Theater as well as the advisory boards for Bidwell Training Center and WQED. King is married and the mother of two children, who are both actively pursuing post-secondary degrees.







Urban Youth Action, Inc. is a 43-year-old youth workforce development and educational program serving high schools who live in Allegheny County and the surrounding counties. Headquartered in downtown Pittsburgh, is one of the nation’s oldest and the city’s most comprehensive workforce development programs for high school students within region. UYA’s mission is to prepare youth to be “work ready, life prepared and community minded” through comprehensive job readiness, educational support services, financial literacy and leadership development programming.

Pittsburgh Magazine, Home of the Year Contest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE




CONTACT: Julie Talerico

Pittsburgh magazine

412-622-6429

jtalerico@pittsburghmagazine.com





PITTSBURGH - Pittsburgh magazine Holds First Annual "Home of the Year" Contest



This fall, Pittsburgh magazine will hold their first annual "Home of the Year" contest, sponsored by SPLASH!. The competition is open to interior, garden and landscape designers, architects, builders, remodelers, and kitchen and bath specialists. Winners will be chosen in several categories including: "Best New Custom Home," "Best Kitchen Design," "Best Outdoor Living Space" and "Best Green Home," sponsored by AIA Pittsburgh.



Projects completed after Sept. 1, 2007 are eligible. Entries will be judged by a nonpartisan, out-of-market group of experts, and select homes will be featured in the March 2010 issue of Pittsburgh magazine. A corresponding event is also planned for March.



The deadline for entry is December 15, 2009. For answers to frequently asked questions and to download the official entry packet, visit www.pittsburghmagazine.com.



Pittsburgh magazine is the leading, most-read publication in the region celebrating the people and places that make Pittsburgh the nation's most livable city. Launched in 1969, Pittsburgh magazine covers the best the city has to offer in the worlds of art and culture, business, dining and entertainment, nightlife, politics, sports, travel and style. To subscribe, call 800-495-7323 or visit pittsburghmagazine.com.

Holidays at Woodville Plantation

November 9, 2009 FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Rob Windhorst


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 412-221-0348

rwindhorst19@comcast.net



QUICK FACTS:

Event: Holidays at the House

Date: Sunday, November 22, 2009

Time: Noon – 8:00 pm

Place: Woodville Plantation, 1375 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 15017

Cost: $5.00 for Adults, $10.00 for Families





WOODVILLE PLANTATION HOSTS SPECIAL HOLIDAY TOURS BY CANDLELIGHT



BRIDGEVILLE, PA (November 9, 2009) – Step back in time at Woodville Plantation as this living history museum celebrates the holiday season in an 18th century fashion. On Sunday, November 22, 2009, the public can experience the holidays in a “different light” with candlelit tours of Woodville Plantation. Admission is $5 per adult and $10 per family. The site will be open from noon until 8 pm.



Visitors will learn how 18th century holiday customs differ from modern celebrations. Highlighted will be traditions such as Twelfth Night, Boxing Day, and the firing of the Christmas guns. Guests will be treated to expanded historical demonstrations, musical recitals and the most accurate re-creation of the 18th century holiday season in Western Pennsylvania. Also included in the tour will be a sneak peak of the newly restored visitor reception area.



Woodville Plantation, the home of John and Presley Neville, is Western Pennsylvania’s link to the late 18th century. Built in 1775, this living history museum interprets life during the period of 1780-1820, the era of the New Republic. Guided tours of the house are available every Sunday from 1 to 4 pm.



Just 7 miles and 15 minutes south of Pittsburgh, PA, Woodville is conveniently located 1/4 north of Interstate I-79 Exit 55 (Kirwin Heights Exit) on Route 50, near the intersection of Thoms Run Road in Collier Township. For further directions or for more information, please visit Woodville’s website at http://www.woodvilleplantation.org or call 412-221-0348.



-END-

TechPOWR, Women's Networking Group, Technology

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:




CONTACT: Event Location and Time:

Elizabeth DeWitt Pittsburgh Athletic Club

DeWar Communications 4215 Fifth Avenue

p: 412.377.3546 Pittsburgh, PA 15213

f: 412.734.2969 11/17/09 5:30pm – 8pm

lizdewitt@comcast.net www.paaclub.org for directions





TechPOWR Takes Care of Business with a Panel Discussion on Empowering Women through Negotiation



Pittsburgh, PA, 2009 – Prominent entrepreneurs will lead a panel discussion for TechPOWR on beefing up women’s negotiating skills in their business and personal lives. Whether the deal-making involves major purchases, employment or business issues, the panelists will cover the use of technology and ways to improve negotiating skills online and in person. Open to the public, the November 17 meeting is sponsored by Best Buy, NCS Enterprises Ltd. and The Pittsburgh Business Times.



Panelists include Julia Bear, who is a Ph.D. Candidate in Organizational Behavior at the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University. Her research focuses on gender and negotiation. Bear currently works with Linda Babcock, author of Women Don’t Ask.



Anne Fleming founded Women-Drivers.com to address the hesitation many women experience when purchasing a vehicle. Fleming’s work helps women to become more confident successful negotiators when purchasing a car. She also works with auto manufacturers and dealerships to certify “Women-Friendly Dealerships.”



Rebecca Harris is the Director of the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University. Harris is working to expand the strategic initiatives and alliances established since the Center's launch in 2005. Harris’s expertise is in developing strategic alliances and mentoring opportunities.



Once named One of California’s Most Effective Prosecutors, M.J. Tocci now focuses her legal acumen on helping law firms and other corporations increase their productivity and profitability through recruiting, retaining and promoting talented women. Tocce, the founder and President of Fulcrum Advisors, applies a multidisciplinary approach to identify both the opportunities for women to thrive and the obstacles to their success.



TechPOWR, co-founded by Linda Richardson and Liz DeWitt in March 2009, has over 80 members and continues to attract professional women from Pittsburgh and the surrounding area. For more information about the November 17 meeting or to join TechPOWR, go to LinkedIn groups (TechPOWR) or www.techpowr.ning.com.



ABOUT TechPOWR - TechPOWR is a networking group that supports continuing education for executive-level women about existing and emerging technologies used in the workplace. For professional women who want to enhance their job performance, TechPOWR provides a non-competitive environment to learn about technology that can improve our professional and personal lives.



- END -

Pittsburgh Irish Classical Theatre Gala and Fall Previews

Media Contact: Gale McGloin


412.561.6000 x204

gmcgloin@picttheatre.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



PICT 2009 Fall Gala Previews

2010 Season Opener: Beautiful Dreamers



Pittsburgh, PA – November 3, 2009. Come realize your dreams at the 2009 Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre Gala! Join PICT in honoring two individuals who have made PICT’s tremendous growth and success possible—Philip Chosky and Richard E. Rauh.



The 2009 PICT Gala will be held Friday, November 6, 2009 from 6 – 11 PM at Pittsburgh’s Grand Hall at The Priory, 614 Pressley Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. VIP tickets include hors d’oeuvres, drinks and a sumptuous meal plus the opportunity to bid on exciting items in the silent auction. There will be a short preview performance of Beautiful Dreamers by local playwright Martin Giles including some of the music of the renowned Stephen Foster. VIP tickets also include the After Party. The Gala After Party begins at 8:30 PM and includes dessert, drinks and dancing with music provided by Matt Ferrante and Modern Times. Complimentary valet parking is available.



To purchase tickets, contact Gale McGloin at 412-561-6000 x 204. VIP tickets are available for $175 each and must be purchased by Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 12 noon. After Party tickets are $50 each and will be available by reservation and at the door. Credit cards are accepted for over the phone purchases.

The Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre was founded in 1996 to diversify the region’s theatrical offerings by providing Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania audiences with high-quality, text-driven, affordable productions of classical theatre and the works of classical and contemporary Irish playwrights and to significantly improve employment opportunities for local talent in all facets of theatrical presentation and production. PICT is a Small Professional Theatre (SPT) affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association, and a constituent member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG) and the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council. PICT is the Professional Theatre in Residence at the University of Pittsburgh and PICT productions at the Charity Randall and Henry Heymann Theatres are presented in cooperation with the University of Pittsburgh – Department of Theatre Arts.

Programs for Those Involved with Technology

PRESS ANNOUNCEMNT

For Immediate Release September 29, 2009
Contact: Joe Podolinski Phone: 724.437.7913


The Fayette-Washington Keystone Innovation Zone is announcing a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) event intended for interested businesses, faculty members, and administrators from California University of Pennsylvania, Penn State Fayette and Washington & Jefferson College

The event is a collaborative effort by California University of PA, Penn State Fayette and Washington & Jefferson College and the FWKIZ. The SBIR/STTR event will be held at the Kara Alumni House, on the campus of California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA on Wednesday, November 3, 2009. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. with the event running from 4:00 – 6:00 p. m. Greg Rice from the University of Pittsburgh’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will deliver the presentation.
Every year, the SBIR & STTR programs have $2.5 billion dollars available. Joe Podolinski coordinator of the FWKIZ states “ this is a tremendous opportunity for interested businesses and faculty from CUP, PSF and W&J to learn the requirements of these programs to determine if they have solutions and technologies that will be applicable.
Attendees will not only learn the basics of SBIR/STTR, they will also learn pre-qualification issues, steps for applying, proposal writing tips that make your innovation stand out and strategies to make their technology appealing to fund providers, and participating federal agencies”.
Businesses and faculty interested in attending this event should contact Joe Podolinski at 724.437.7913 or email him at joep@faypenn.org.

Pittsburgh-based Company DKT Communications Partners with Nolcha and PimTim to Jump-Start Independent Fashion Designer ‘s Branding Initiatives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nolcha, in Partnership with DKT Communications and PimTim, Announces Michelle Barone, Winner of “Branded:

Nolcha's Contest for the Independent Designer”

In a concerted effort to help independent fashion designers jump-start their branding initiatives, multifaceted fashion services company Nolcha, branding and marketing communications firm DKT Communications and graphic-design crowdsourcing platform PimTim launched “Branded: Nolcha’s Contest for the Independent Designer.” Rising star Michelle Barone was awarded the prize: a logo, designer profile and professional photograph valued at $1,700.


New York, N.Y. Oct. 29, 2009 – After an in-depth review of Nolcha’s network of independent fashion designers, the award-winning, multifaceted fashion services company -- in partnership with branding and marketing communications firm DKT Communications and graphic-design crowdsourcing platform PimTim -- honored rising star Michelle Barone as the winner of “Branded: Nolcha’s Contest for the Independent Designer.” Created to help independent fashion designers jump-start their branding initiatives, “Branded” provides the winner with the building blocks of their brand identity and messaging. The prize package is valued at $1,700 and consists of a logo, designer profile and professional headshot produced by the creative minds behind Nolcha, DKT Communications and PimTim.

“Nolcha is a business network for independent designers at all stages in their career,” says Nolcha creative director Lynn Furge. “Therefore, to be able to partner with both DKT Communications and PimTim to help Michelle Barone -- a young, fresh designer -- create her brand image is so exciting and important. The initial branding of Michelle’s label will be the skeleton that holds the business together, and Nolcha cannot wait to see the results.”

Barone, the visionary behind the Misha Barone label (http://www.mishabarone.com/), agrees. “Every new opportunity leads you to another. Gaining these tools and elements will no doubt assist me in the next step of the process. I think it is a wonderful thing when artists and out-of-the-box thinkers are able to come together in collaboration. That’s what makes the creative world so incredible. It’s definitely a comforting support system.”

To be rolled out annually, the contest is an excellent vehicle to spark designers’ interest in branding while vying for the opportunity to win the services of some of the best names in the industry. From crafting the brand story to designing its identity to shaping its message, branding must be at the core of every business strategy.

“The story of the people behind an idea, a product or a design is the essence – the soul -- of the brand,” says Dawn Terrick, president of DKT Communications, Inc. “And Michelle’s radiating energy and cutting-edge creativity make for a fantastic tale – one that I look forward to telling. Playing a part in the growth of Michelle’s label by providing her with a designer profile that she can use to promote herself and her work across various marketing channels, thus contributing to the Misha Barone brand, is extremely rewarding.”

Further capturing the young designer’s spirit is PimTim. An online marketplace for graphic design, where buyers and creatives connect, PimTim is challenging talent from all over the world to design the new identity for the Misha Barone label.

“This is what PimTim is all about -- giving people the possibility to connect to talent all over the world,” says PimTim founder Vincent Bröring. “We are very proud to support the branding of the Misha Barone label, and our talented community of graphic designers around the world is happy to help. They will unleash their creativity!”


ABOUT THE “BRANDED” TEAM

Nolcha
Nolcha is a leading operator of educational, event and b2b services devoted to independent fashion entrepreneurs and related retail businesses. The Nolcha platform includes Nolcha.com, an online fashion portal delivering daily business education; Nolcha Fashion Week, currently held during New York fashion week and providing key exposure to press, buyers, and industry figures for emerging and independent fashion designers from all over the world, in both apparel and accessories; events during London Fashion Week with key partners and Independent Retail Week in New York and Chicago, as an initiative to drive business and increase revenue for small fashion retail brands.

http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=Auw80YusvzhNndpkvvnQ3d6tcq9_;_ylu=X3oDMTE3OWxsMWV2BHBvcwMxOARzZWMDbmV3c0FydEJvZHkEc2xrA3d3d25vbGNoYWNvbQ--/SIG=10rnt4eg0/**http%3A/www.nolcha.com/ Kerry Bannigan, CEO kerryb@nolcha.com 888.Nolcha.1

DKT Communications, Inc.
DKT Communications is a branding and marketing communications company specializing in identity and messaging. The hallmark of the boutique firm is its ability to capture the essence of established, global brands and entrepreneurs alike, while offering a forward-thinking approach and the know-how to put clients at the forefront of trends. Understanding the value of having branding at the center of every business strategy, DKT acts as a collaborator, assembling the right team to suit its clients’ specific needs. The goal: to develop an iconic identity and consistent message for every client to differentiate them from the competition, capture customer loyalty and fuel profitability. DKT caters to a wide range of industries, including design, luxury and hospitality.
http://www.dktcommunications.com/ Dawn K. Terrick, President dterrick@dktcommunications.com 305.342.2658

PimTim
PimTim (www.PimTim.com) is an online marketplace for graphic design, where buyers and creatives around the world meet and connect. PimTim is devoted to crowdsourcing by giving everybody the possibility to connect to talent all over the world. Buyers can post a project (logo, stationery, T-shirt, website or illustration), set their own reward, enjoy the designs and make a choice. Creatives can show their creative talent, learn, interact and earn money along the way.

http://www.pimtim.com/ Vincent Bröring, Founder vincent@pimtim.com +31 6 235 20 392

Phase 3 Productions Finds Home in Lawrenceville section of Pittsburgh

Phase 3 Productions 5314 Butler Street, Suite 2 Pittsburgh PA, 15201 Theatre. Evolved.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Melissa Hill Grande
Melissa.grande@gmail.com
740-350-6456

In Search of a Serial Killer
Phase 3 Productions opens 2009-2010 season with Roberto Zucco


Pittsburgh, PA – October 29, 2009. Phase 3 Productions has located a performance venue and announces their production of Roberto Zucco, the first play in their 2009 – 2010 season. The company lost their performance space when the Brew House (located on Pittsburgh’s South Side) was condemned in September.

Roberto Zucco will be performed in downtown Pittsburgh, at 125 7th Street, on the 6th floor. The play is a compelling look at the world through a criminal’s eyes. After escaping from prison, Zucco is pursued by both the police and a mysterious girl. Even if they do capture him, can anyone hope to contain the elemental force that is Roberto Zucco?

The play is inspired by the exploits of a real man who was Public Enemy Number One in France, Italy and Switzerland in the 1980s, and is directed by Dek Ingraham. It was written by Bernard-Marie Koltes and translated by Martin Crimp.

The production features Douglas Baker as Zucco, with Fredi Bernstein, Emily Cordes, Josh Inklovich, James Masciovecchio, Matthew McNear, Sajith Pillai, Joe Roots and Jamisa Spalding. Fight direction is by Tonya Lynn, with production design by J.R. Shaw and costume design by Rachel Parent and Melissa Hill Grande.

Roberto Zucco previews on Friday, November 6th, opens on Saturday November 7th, and runs through November 22nd at 125 7th Street on the 6th floor, downtown. (Elevator available.)

Douglas Baker plays the role of Roberto Zucco. Baker’s recent Pittsburgh credits include George Gibbs in Our Town (Prime Stage), and Berowne in Love’s Labour’s Lost (Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks). He also recently participated in the MFA New Playwrights' workshop at the Kennedy Center in D.C.

Ingraham’s Pittsburgh directing credits The Moustrap (Heritage Players) and The Seahorse (South Park Theatre). He also served as Associate Director for the London premiere of The Guys (Rosemary Branch Theatre) and helmed the North American premiere of The Master's Boy (Friederich Theatre).

The play is the first show in Phase 3’s 2009-2010 season, which features the theme of violence. The community partner for the season is the Pittsburgh Center for Victims of Violence and Crime. Zucco looks at crime through the perspective of the violator; the second play of the season, Irish playwright Frank McGuinness’ Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me, uses the perspective of victims to spark discussion. The final play of the season, Lion in the Streets by Canadian playwright Judith Thompson, shows the aftermath of crime in a community.
Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me runs Feb. 26 - March 14, 2010, and tells the story of an Irishman, an Englishman and an American who are being held hostage by terrorists in Lebanon. Will they be able to maintain their essential humanity under these horrifying conditions? Lion in the Streets runs June 4 through 20, 2010, and follows Isobel, the ghost of a young Portuguese immigrant who observes the lives of her former neighbors years after her murder.

Phase 3 Productions is comprised of Executive Director Rachel S. Parent, Managing Artistic Director Dek Ingraham, Artistic Director Melissa Hill Grande, and Production Manager J.R. Shaw. The company’s central mission is to include relevant social awareness in their productions.

The Pittsburgh Center for Victims of Violence and Crime (CVVC) provides victim advocacy and support services, crisis intervention, counseling and community education programs that address the causes and impacts of all types of violence and crime. Their website is www.cvvc.org.

Roberto Zucco previews November 6th at 8 p.m., opens November 7th at 8 p.m., and continues with performances November 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st at 8 p.m., with a closing matinee performance on November 22nd at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, and $12 for students, senior citizens, and persons under 25. Previews are $12 for adults and $10 for students, senior citizens, and persons under 25. Tickets are available through ShowClix at 1-888-71-TICKETS or online at http://www.showclix.com/display_events.php?sid=478.

For more information visit the Phase 3 website at www.phase3productions.org.

Roberto Zucco Fact Sheet

Roberto Zucco by Bernard-Marie Koltes
Directed by Dek Ingraham

125 7th Street, 6th floor, downtown Pittsburgh

Cast: Douglas Baker, Fredi Bernstein, Emily Cordes, Josh Inklovich, James Masciovecchio, Matthew McNear, Sajith Pillai, Joe Roots and Jamisa Spalding

Designers: J.R. Shaw (Production design), Rachel Parent and Melissa Hill Grande (Costumes)

Fight Direction: Tonya Lynn

Stage Manager: Jen Atwood

Performance Dates and Times:

First Week: Friday, November 6, PREVIEW, 8 p.m.
Saturday, November 7, OPENING, 8 p.m.

Second Week: Friday – Saturday, November 13 - 14, 8 p.m.

Third Week: Friday-Saturday, November 20 - 21, 8 p.m.
Sunday, November 22, 2 p.m.

Ticket Prices: $15 for Adults
$12 for Senior Citizens, Students, and Under-25s

Preview tickets: $12 for Adults
$10 for Senior Citizens, Students, and Under -25s


For Tickets, Call ShowClix at 1-888-71-TICKETS or visit the ShowClix website at http://www.showclix.com/display_events.php?sid=478

For more information, visit www.phase3productions.org
# # #