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

Governor's Executive Order on American Recovery and REinvestment Act of 2009

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Governor's Office
Subject:
Creating Opportunities for Small and Disadvantaged Businesses in the Expenditure
of Federal Stimulus Monies
Number:
2009-02
By Direction of: Edward G. Rendell, Governor
Date: October 28, 2009


WHEREAS the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Pub. L. 111-5, (ARRA) was enacted to preserve and create jobs, promote economic recovery, assist those most impacted by the recession, provide investments needed to increase economic efficiency by spurring technological advances in science and health, invest in transportation, environmental protection, and other infrastructure that will provide long-term economic benefits, and stabilize state and local government budgets in order to minimize and avoid reductions in essential services and counterproductive state and local tax increases; and
WHEREAS, in the expenditure of ARRA funds, the Commonwealth must seek to provide opportunities for small businesses, including small disadvantaged businesses, to compete for contracts and grants and to participate as contractors, subcontractors and suppliers (ARRA opportunities) because these businesses play a critical role in stimulating economic growth and creating jobs, they are the engine of our economy, and provide creative, innovative, and technical expertise to support our agencies; and
WHEREAS, I have established, as an overall Commonwealth aspirational goal, that at least ten percent of ARRA funds should go to small disadvantaged businesses as contractors, subcontractors, grantees, subgrantees, and suppliers.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Edward G. Rendell, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and other laws, do hereby order the following in regard to the expenditure of ARRA funds:
1. Commonwealth agencies shall seek to provide maximum practicable opportunities for small disadvantaged businesses to compete for contracts and grants and to participate as contractors, professional service providers, subcontractors, and suppliers, and shall in good faith make their best efforts to reach the ten percent aspirational goal. At a minimum, Commonwealth agencies shall:
Executive Order 2009-02 Page 1 of 3
a. Inform the Department of General Services’ Bureau of Minority and Women Business Opportunities of contracting opportunities and competitive grant opportunities at the same time that it advertises or otherwise posts public notices of such opportunities;
b. Participate in outreach activities and events to increase small disadvantaged business interest and participation in ARRA opportunities;
c. Use the Department of General Services’ Web site (www.dgs.state.pa.us) to identify Department of General Services-certified minority business enterprises (MBEs) and small women business enterprises (WBEs) for solicitation for ARRA opportunities; and
d. Track and report to the Department of General Services information on MBE and WBE participation in ARRA opportunities.
2. Commonwealth agencies shall, when permitted by law, consider a small business’ disadvantaged status as a factor in the procurement and grant selection process to the extent permitted by the United States Constitution, Pennsylvania Constitution, Commonwealth Procurement Code, or other state or federal law.
3. In addition to complying with existing Commonwealth policy requirements relating to the solicitation and utilization of small disadvantaged businesses, Commonwealth agencies shall require contractors and grantees to make reasonable and good faith efforts to provide maximum practicable opportunities for small disadvantaged businesses to participate as contractors, professional service providers, subcontractors, and suppliers. Contractors and grantees, at a minimum, shall be required to:
a. Consult with the Department of General Services’ Bureau of Minority and Women Business Opportunities to ensure significant ARRA opportunities for small certified MBEs and WBEs unless the Department of General Services agrees that contractor or grantee participation in outreach activities will satisfy this requirement;
b. Participate in outreach activities and events to increase small disadvantaged business interest and participation in ARRA opportunities;
c. Use the Department of General Services’ Web site (www.dgs.state.pa.us) to identify certified MBEs and WBEs as potential sources for ARRA opportunities;
d. Include certified MBEs and WBEs on solicitation lists;
e. Prepare and keep records of solicitations, including a bid tabulation, showing names of all firms solicited and the dollar amount of the bid, quote or proposal, as well as copies of all bids, quotes, and proposals received; and
Executive Order 2009-02 Page 2 of 3
f. Provide monthly reports to the Department of General Services’ Bureau of Minority and Women Business Opportunities on MBE and WBE utilization.
4. Commonwealth agencies shall fully comply with any and all federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) requirements and Commonwealth small disadvantaged business policy requirements. To the extent that the federal DBE requirements conflict with the requirements of this Executive Order, the federal DBE requirements shall prevail. To the extent that federal funding would be jeopardized by implementation of any requirement set forth in this Executive Order, the requirement shall not be imposed. Agencies shall verify with the appropriate administering federal agency that implementation of these requirements shall not jeopardize ARRA funding.
5. The Department of General Services’ Bureau of Minority and Women Business Opportunities shall notify, collaborate with, and involve organizations that represent respective minority community groups to ensure effective public awareness and outreach.
6. The Department of General Services shall prepare and submit a written report, on at least a quarterly basis, to the Governor and Stimulus Oversight Commission on ARRA participation by all DBEs/MBEs/WBEs.
7. The Department of Community and Economic Development shall work through small business development centers to reach out to small businesses and provide information on contracting, professional service, subcontracting, and purchasing opportunities.
8. The Department of Military and Veteran’s Affairs shall, in cooperation with the Department of General Services and the Department of Community and Economic Development, develop outreach efforts to increase participation in contracting, professional service, subcontracting, and purchasing opportunities with small veteran-owned businesses.
9. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.
10. This Executive Order shall remain in effect until September 30, 2011.
Executive Order 2009-02 Page 3 of 3

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
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