Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations

ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen Speaking at the University of South Carolina Wednesday, February 1st at 8 p.m. in the Russell House Ballroom

2012-01-26T10:34:00.000-08:00

Columbia, South Carolina – January 26, 2012 – Bill Rasmussen, the legendary entrepreneur who founded ESPN as well as the author of “Sports Junkies Rejoice! The Birth of ESPN” will speak at the University of South Carolina Wednesday, February 1^st at 8 p.m. in the Russell House University Union Ballroom. The event is sponsored by Carolina Productions.

In Rasmussen’s presentation, the audience is given a rare opportunity to hear and feel the stories of a man who was considered by the three major television networks at the time (ABC, NBC & CBS) a dreamer and all-around “crazy man” to even think that he could compete with them.

Jim Miller, the co-author of the recent best-selling book, “Those Guys Have All The Fun: Inside the World of ESPN,” recently told John Ourand of The Sports Business Journal that “this is a guy whose idea gave birth to, arguably, the most successful media story of our time.”

Try to imagine the world without ESPN and Sports Center, and for many, it is impossible. It is safe to say that Rasmussen changed the face of sports, and the face of television. His brainstorm for a 24-hour cable sports television station, born out of adversity, has become the Worldwide Leader in Sports, ESPN.

A former radio and television sports broadcaster, Rasmussen had been the Whalers Communications Director, but when the Whalers didn’t make the 1978 WHA playoffs, Rasmussen and others on staff were fired. His idea for an all-sports cable TV network captured his imagination, and he incorporated the fledgling network on July 14, 1978. He had already begun to seek out cable television companies, sponsors, investors and partners. With an idea that was truly ahead of its time, and running out of cash, Rasmussen found one investor who believed in the concept in February, 1979, and by September 7, 1979, ESPN was on the air for the first time, 14 months from Rasmussen’s moment of inspiration.

A life-long entrepreneur and sports fan, Rasmussen’s innovations in advertising, sports and broadcasting are numerous, including the creation of ESPN, the concepts for “Sports Center,” wall-to-wall coverage of NCAA regular-season and “March Madness” college basketball, and coverage of the College World Series. He broke the advertising barrier to cable television by signing Anheuser Busch to the largest cable TV advertising contract ever.

Named “The Father of Cable Sports” by USA Today, Rasmussen was named to The Sports 100, honoring the 100 most important people in American Sports History. His place in sports history was further recognized by Sports Illustrated in 1994, when he was honored as one of the “40 for the Ages,” one of 40 individuals who has significantly altered and elevated the world of sport in the last half of the 20^th Century. Rasmussen was named to the 2011 class of “The Champions: Pioneers & Innovators in Sports Business,” an award from the Sports Business Journal and the Sports Business Daily recognizing the architects and builders of sports.

Rasmussen is a gifted raconteur and a popular public speaker discussing American entrepreneurship, innovation, and the birth of ESPN, and a frequent guest on radio and television shows. His recent appearances include nationally-syndicated radio shows “Sports Byline USA with Ron Barr”, “The Dennis Miller Show” and the FOX News Channel’s “Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld.”

Wednesday’s appearance at the University of South Carolina continues Rasmussen’s 2011-2012 national speaking tour which has included recent engagements at Wichita State University and Auburn University. Rasmussen has also recently spoken to audiences on the campuses of Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, Villanova University, Princeton University, University of Florida School of Law and The Center for Sports Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University, among others.

Additional information about Rasmussen is available at http://www.ESPNFounder.com.

Media Contact:

Jim DeLorenzo, Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations, 215-564-1122, jim@jhdenterprises.com

Adam Taliaferro to Eulogize Penn State Football Coaching Legend Joe Paterno at Philly Sports Writers Dinner January 30th

2012-01-25T20:45:00.001-08:00

Philadelphia, PA - Adam Taliaferro, who recovered from a horrifying spinal cord injury while playing in a football game for Penn State, will deliver a short eulogy memorializing his Hall of Fame coaching legend Joe Paterno at the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association’s 108th annual Dinner on Monday, January 30, 2012 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, on Route 70 in Cherry Hill, NJ, it was announced by PSWA president Rich Westcott.

Taliaferro was a freshman defensive back when he suffered the career-ending injury in the fifth game of his collegiate career. He was given a three percent chance of walking again but miraculously recovered to return to Happy Valley to serve as a student assistant coach less than a year later.

“He (Paterno) was my inspiration,” Taliaferro recalled during one of the public viewings for his coach. “He was a guy that taught me a lot about myself. Without him, I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Taliaferro, who graduated in 2005, is an associate attorney with the Cherry Hill (NJ) law firm of Duane Morris LLP and was recently elected a Freeholder in Gloucester County.

Paterno, who died on Jan. 22 of lung cancer, was the all-time winningest coach in Division I with 409 victories. He guided Penn State to two national championships and five undefeated seasons over 46 years.

Tickets for the dinner at $95 apiece are available online at www.PSWA.org, or by sending a check payable to PSWA, c/o Robbie Kenney, Ticket Chairman, 110 Harrogate Drive., Lumberton, NJ 08048. Fans can also friend PSWA on Facebook. Doors to the banquet open at 5 p.m. with the dinner starting promptly at 6:30 p.m.

Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series 2012 Schedule Includes 20 Historic Rowing Events Beginning March 18th and Continuing Through November 11th

2012-01-25T20:44:00.000-08:00

Philadelphia, PA – January 25, 2012 – The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series, which brings together 20 previously independent events into the first year-long regatta series in the United States, has released the complete schedule for its second full season on Philadelphia’s historic Schuylkill River.

With three of the largest regattas in the Mid-Atlantic region on the schedule, as well as two of the nation's oldest regattas, the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series connects the rowing competitors of today to the historic home of the international rowing elite. It is built upon a tradition that launched November 12, 1835 with the first organized regatta on the Schuylkill (a full eight years before the start of the rowing program at Harvard). Over 175 years later, the Schuylkill River hosts more regattas annually than any other river in the nation.

The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series schedule for 2012 runs from Sunday, March 18 and continues through Sunday, November 11. Last year’s debut season featured over 35,000 competitors in over 7,700 boats representing not only high schools but colleges, clubs, masters and open programs from around the country.

The complete 2012 Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series schedule of 20 historic regattas:

Sunday, March 18: Philadelphia Scholastic Rowing Assoc. Manny Flick Regatta #1
Saturday, March 24: Murphy Cup
Sunday, March 25: Manny Flick Regatta #2
Sunday, April 1: Manny Flick Regatta #3
Sunday, April 15: Manny Flick Regatta #4
Saturday, April 21: Kerr Cup
Sunday, April 22: Manny Flick Regatta #5
Saturday, April 28: Catholic League Championships
Sunday, May 6: Philadelphia Scholastic Rowing Association City Championships
Sunday, May 13: Dr. White Regatta
Friday, May 18 & Saturday, May 19: 86^th Annual Stotesbury Cup Regatta
Saturday, June 16: 154^th Schuylkill Navy Regatta
Friday, June 29 thru Sunday, July 1: 132^nd Independence Day Regatta
Saturday, July 14: Philadelphia Youth Regatta
Saturday, August 4: Quaker City Masters Regatta
Saturday, October 13: 26^th Annual Navy Day Regatta
Saturday, October 20: 4^th Annual Philadelphia Children’s Foundation Regatta
Saturday, October 27 & Sunday, October 28: 42^nd Annual Head of the Schuylkill Regatta
Saturday, November 10: 9^th Annual Hutchinson Cup Regatta
Sunday, November 11: 4^th Annual Philadelphia Turn & Burn Regatta

The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series has been recognized by the Philadelphia Sports Congress as one of the "Premier Annual Events" for the city, state and region along with the Penn Relays (April); Blue Cross Broad Street Run (May); Devon Horse Show (May); TD Bank Philadelphia International Cycling Championship (June); Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon (June); ING Rock 'n' Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon (September); the Philadelphia Marathon (November) and Army-Navy Football.

The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series brings together 20 previously independent events in the first organized year-long series of rowing events of its kind in any major U.S. city. The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series is organized by the Schuylkill Navy, which is the oldest amateur athletic governing body in the country, representing the 12 rowing clubs based on Philadelphia's landmark Boathouse Row.

The official host hotel of the 2012 Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series is the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia Downtown. Additional sponsors and partners will be announced shortly.

Additional information is available at http://www.BoathouseRow.org.

Media Contact:

Jim DeLorenzo

Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations

215-564-1122

jim@jhdenterprises.com

Today (January 17th) is Ben Franklin’s Birthday – Be Sure to Visit BenFranklinToday.com and Share Your Birthday Wishes on ‘Ben Franklin Today’ on Facebook

2012-01-17T12:16:00.001-08:00

Philadelphia, PA – January 17, 2012 – Today – Tuesday, January 17, 2012 – is Benjamin Franklin’s 306^th birthday. Philadelphia’s favorite son, a scientist, statesman, entrepreneur, Ben Franklin was a true renaissance man and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America.

But have you seen Ben Franklin Today? Take a moment on his birthday to wish him a happy birthday, either through BenFranklinToday.com or on Facebook, look for “Ben Franklin Today.”

The young, witty and cosmopolitan man of genius, Ben Franklin Today is portrayed by actor, advertising executive and entrepreneur Rob DeVitis, who bears an uncanny likeness to the beloved Philadelphia legend.

As portrayed by DeVitis, the young and witty Ben Franklin Today is not a staid and stuffy historical figure dusted off for bored schoolchildren to pass along the way, more than the face on a $100 bill, Franklin is an engaging and thoughtful figure who was not only a statesman but an inventor, a musician, a writer, a printer, founder of the post office and the library. Franklin was a multi-talented sensation of Philadelphia in the 18^th Century who has come back to live in the 21^st Century to share his experiences as one of the sensations of the age.

The young and witty Ben Franklin Today can be found online, at http://www.BenFranklinToday.com, where he can be invited (for a modest fee) to attend your special events, either in the City of Philadelphia, or in areas surrounding William Penn’s Green Country Towne. The young and witty Ben Franklin Today is a gifted raconteur who can speak to any and all groups on topics including American history, Philadelphia history, and the life that earned him the title “The First American.”

Ben Franklin Today has been visiting schools, social events, and business events around the Greater Philadelphia region since last fall. Will your event be next? For additional information about the young and witty Ben Franklin Today, including rates and availability, visit http://www.BenFranklinToday.com or via Facebook at

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ben-Franklin-Today.

And while he may turn 306 years old today, he’s just as young and vital as you can imagine him to be – because he’s Ben Franklin Today!

Media Contact:

Jim DeLorenzo

Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations

215-564-1122

jim@jhdenterprises.com

Hunter Pence, Claude Giroux, Sheila Reid, Sebastian Le Toux, Charlie Manuel & Peter Laviolette Among Headliners & Legends to be Honored at 108th Annual Philadelphia Sports Writers Association Awards Dinner, Monday, January 30th, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cherry Hill

2012-01-05T13:31:00.000-08:00

Philadelphia, PA -- January 5, 2012 – Phillies outfielder Hunter Pence, Flyers center Claude Giroux, Villanova track and cross country National Champion Sheila Reid, Union midfielder Sebastian Le Toux, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel and Flyers head coach Peter Laviolette are among the headliners and legends who will be honored and in attendance on the evening of Monday, January 30^th for the 108^th Annual Philadelphia Sports Writers Association Awards Dinner, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cherry Hill, NJ.

Tickets to the historic annual banquet are $95 per person and are available online at http://pswa.org, by phone at 609-702-7473, or by mail. Doors to the banquet open at 5 p.m., with the banquet beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m.

The Philadelphia Sports Writers Association (PSWA) dinner is one of the oldest continuing sports awards banquets in the nation, and annually attracts a Philadelphia sports “who’s who” list of guests, attendees, and award winners from all of the area’s professional sports teams, collegiate programs, as well as numerous sports writers, radio and television media personalities of note.

Each year, the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association Awards Dinner presents a number of prestigious awards, eagerly anticipated by both the athletes and the fans.

This year’s award winners already announced include:

Hunter Pence, PSWA Good Guy Award
Philadelphia Phillies, Team of the Year
Sheila Reid, Outstanding Amateur Athlete
Claude Giroux, Outstanding Professional Athlete

Announcements are coming up for the vaunted Humanitarian of the Year, Living Legend and Native Son awards, as well as the evening’s final award, the Most Courageous Athlete Award, which is not announced until the ceremony January 30^th.

A number of “Special Achievement” awards will also be presented, including one to Union midfielder Sebastian Le Toux, the team’s leading scorer this past season, and Phillies manager Charlie Manuel, the team’s all-time winningest manager.

There will also be special presentations celebrating the 50^th anniversary of Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game, Immaculata’s “Mighty Macs,” and a remembrance of the late heavyweight boxing champion Joe Frazier.

Returning this year is the always-popular comedian Joe Conklin in what is sure to be a highly-entertaining performance. This year’s banquet is preceded by a cocktail hour and a silent auction of Philadelphia sports memorabilia along with display tables from sponsors and guests.

Tickets to the 108th Annual Philadelphia Sports Writers Association dinner are $95 per person and available online at http://pswa.com. Tickets are also available by contacting the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association’s ticket chairman, Robbie Kenney, by phone at 609-702-7473 or by e-mail at pswadinner@yahoo.com.

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Media Contact:

Jim DeLorenzo

Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations

Phone: 215-564-1122

E-mail: jim@jhdenterprises.com

Team Clean Founder Donna Allie to Speak to The Main Line Society of Professional Women on Wednesday, November 30th at The Radnor Hotel, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., In Interview with Comcast Network's Lynn Doyle

2011-11-28T21:58:00.001-08:00

Philadelphia, PA – November 29, 2011 – Donna Allie, the president and founder of Team Clean, the Greater Philadelphia region's largest independent commercial janitorial service company, will address the Main Line Society of Professional Women in an “armchair conversation” with Lynn Doyle from The Comcast Network, on Wednesday, November 30^th.

The event, a program from the Main Line Chamber of Commerce, will be conducted from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The Radnor Hotel. Tickets are $50 for non-members and $35 for members. Additional information is available at the Main Line Chamber of Commerce website at http://www.mlcc.org, or by phone at 610-687-6232.

Allie began as a solo entrepreneur and founded Team Clean; now, it is Philadelphia’s #1-ranked Minority-Owned Business, with more than $17 million in sales. Doyle is the nine time Emmy award-winning host and executive producer of “It’s Your Call.” In addition to securing hard-to-get interviews with VIP’s, she is the president and founder of TV production company, LDTV, LLC.

Event Sponsors include: American Executive Centers; CBIZ Payroll; Drexel LeBow College of Business; Stephen J. DiOrio, CLU, ChFC, Agency, State Farm; TD Bank; and Threlfall Marketing Group. The featured non-profit organizations for Wednesday night include The Ceres Society of Philabundance, an initiative engaging women in the fight against hunger, and The Joy of Sox, which provides socks for the homeless in the Philadelphia and the surrounding areas with plans to expand regionally and nationally.

The Main Line Society of Professional Women provides professional women from diverse backgrounds a forum to engage in relationships that will empower them with knowledge and ideas to advance their career goals, while also encouraging them to make an impact in their community and on issues that affect the future of women in business.

Allie launched her company, Team Clean, in the mid-1980s as a solo entrepreneur, and the company she founded on a shoe-string has over 500 employees. Allie and Team Clean remain committed to hiring from the very communities in which their clients are based, giving men and women an opportunity to become gainfully employed. Allie’s company has been consistently recognized as a leader in employing older workers, formerly incarcerated individuals, immigrants, Welfare-to-Work program participants, and others new to the workforce in the City of Philadelphia.

Originally unable to find employment in her chosen field after college graduation, Allie was a single parent determined to find a way to support herself and her child. She had accompanied a friend on a job cleaning a home, and realized that there was an excellent income potential in cleaning houses. She answered newspaper advertisements for “cleaning ladies,” and began cleaning homes throughout Philadelphia’s suburban Main Line.

Team Clean grew when Allie began to respond to those newspaper ads by hiring women herself and sending them off in pairs to clean homes, establishing the burgeoning company’s “team” approach to cleaning. She took her first commercial contract in 1985 with the Upper Main Line YMCA. Today, Team Clean serves a variety of clients in government, education, industry, professional offices, sports and entertainment venues and events, including the landmark National Constitution Center, historic Cheyney University and the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Team Clean is certified as a women's business enterprise by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council and as a minority enterprise by the National Minority Supplier Development Council.

Allie remains independent and hard-working, dedicated to building her business, improving the lives of her employees, and enhancing a growing, vibrant company headquartered in the City of Philadelphia. Her singular vision includes the goal of providing meaningful employment for over 3,000 men and women. That vision is powered by her passion for providing a re-entry to the workforce the less fortunate, and comes from her own unique and compelling experiences both as an individual and as a business owner. She has partnered with the Philadelphia Workforce Development Corporation to bring over 100 new employees to the workforce out of the welfare system. In addition, she has partnered with the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board and the City of Philadelphia to bring ex-offenders into the workforce, with exceptional results.

Throughout the history of her company, Allie has remained committed to community service. She is currently a board member of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and the Philadelphia Workforce Development Corporation, and chairs the ex-offenders task force for the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board. She is also an active board member of a number of non-profit organizations, including the African-American Chamber of Commerce, the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board, and the Universal Charter School.

On November 3, Allie was presented with the “Beyond the Glass Ceiling Award” by the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter at the 18^th Annual Spectrum Awards, which honors local women for their contributions to the Philadelphia community. Earlier this year, Team Clean received the Urban League of Philadelphia Spirit of Innovation Award. In addition, Allie was recognized as one of Philadelphia’s Most Influential African American Leaders by the Philadelphia Tribune, the nation’s oldest African-American newspaper organization, for the second consecutive year.

In 2010, Allie was one of the recipients of the inaugural 2010 Brava Award for Women in Business as selected by Philadelphia Smart CEO magazine. In addition, Team Clean was selected by Inc. Magazine to their fourth annual Inc. 5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. In October 2010, Team Clean was presented with the 2010 Minority Enterprise Development Week Award at the 26^th Annual Minority Enterprise Development Week awards reception. The Cradle of Liberty Council, Boy Scouts of America honored Allie for her contributions to the local community with the 2009 Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Award. The award recognized her for the wide influence in the business and professional community and noted Allie as a “commendable role model for all young people.”

Among her other notable achievements, in 2009 Allie was honored as one of the inaugural Minority Business Leaders by the Philadelphia Business Journal. In 2008, she was named one of the Philadelphia region’s Women of Distinction by the Philadelphia chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners and the Philadelphia Business Journal. In April 2007, she was honored by the Philadelphia Phillies with the inaugural Most Valuable Diverse Business Partner Award during ceremonies on Jackie Robinson Day at Citizens Bank Park. In 1994, the African American Chamber of Commerce honored Allie with their Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, and in 1995 she received the Business Acumen Award from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women. In 1996, Team Clean was selected as one of Philadelphia’s 100 Fastest Growing Small Businesses by the Wharton Small Business Development Center and the Philadelphia Business Journal, and in 1997 Allie was named one of Pennsylvania’s 50 Best Women in Business. Also in 1997, Allie and Team Clean received the Special Recognition Award for Excellence of Service from the Pennsylvania Convention Center. In 2001, she was selected by the U.S. Small Business Administration as the "District Minority Small Business Person of the Year." The Business Center at New Covenant Campus honored Allie in 2006 with their Harriet Tubman Trailblazer Award. In addition, Allie has received the 62nd National Freedom Day Community Service Award, the City of Philadelphia’s Supply, Service and Equipment Award, and the Main Line Martin Luther King Jr. Association’s Business Leadership Award.

Additional information about Team Clean is available at http://www.team-clean.com.

Media Contact for Team Clean:
Jim DeLorenzo, Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations, 215-564-1122, jim@jhdenterprises.com

Rowing Legend Fred Duling to Compete for 52nd Consecutive Year in 108th Schuylkill Navy Run in Philadelphia on Thanksgiving Day

2011-11-21T13:23:00.000-08:00

Philadelphia, PA -- November 21, 2011 -- One of the most decorated athletes in Philadelphia rowing history, the legendary Fred Duling, will compete in the 108th annual Schuylkill Navy Run this Thursday, November 24th - Thanksgiving Day -- for the 52nd consecutive year. Unlike the previous years, however, Duling is competing in far different circumstances this Thanksgiving.

Last December, less than two weeks after last year's Schuylkill Navy Run, Duling fell over a balcony while working at Malta Boat Club on Boathouse Row, fracturing his spine in four different places: the C1, C2, C5 and C6 vertebrae. He suffered a concussion, broken nose, broken cheek bone and had several deep lacerations on his face. According to Duling, he was working alone at the boathouse, decorating the landmark for Christmas.

While there were no witnesses, and no one knows exactly what happened or how he fell, Duling apparently landed hard on his head and face, and was not able to break his fall with his hands. The 67-year-old Philadelphia rowing legend is now paralyzed from the abdomen down, and will be competing this year in a wheel chair, assisted by his daughter Sara.

Duling rowed on three US national teams in his youth. As recently as the summer of 2009, at age 65, he won gold medals in three events at the US Rowing Masters National Championships, and several more at the Rowing Masters World Championships. He won the US National Championship in the light single in his age group at the Masters national rowing championships in 2007. He has won many rowing national championship gold medals, including at least five in the past few years at masters’ nationals, and several medals, including gold, at the World Masters Rowing Championships. Notably, to celebrate his 60th birthday in 2004, Duling rowed 60 miles on one day.

In the aftermath of his accident last December, Duling spent more than a month in intensive care at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, then eight months at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital. He is now living at the home of his daughter, Sara, and her husband, Sandor Ferenczy, in Philadelphia's Fairmount neighborhood.

Ever since the accident, members of The Schuylkill Navy have been helping Duling and his family raise funds. Full information about Duling is available at the special "Pull For Fred" website, http://pullforfred.com/Pull_For_Fred/Pull_for_Fred.html, as well as on the "Pull For Fred" Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Coach-Fred/163034540406713?v=wall.

The 108th Annual Schuylkill Navy Run begins at 9:15 a.m. this Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24th, over a five and 5/8 miles course, starting at Malta Boat Club on Kelly Drive. The race began in 1899, and except for missing two years during World War I and two years during World War II, has been a tradition for rowers in Philadelphia and the region.

Founded in 1858, the Schuylkill Navy is the oldest amateur athletic governing body in the United States. Today the Schuylkill Navy comprises the clubs of Boathouse Row: Pennsylvania, Fairmount, Crescent, Bachelors, University, Malta, Vesper, College, Penn A.C., Undine, Philadelphia Girls', and Gillin, the newest upriver member. The clubs share the river with the Philadelphia Rowing Program for the Disabled, dragon boats, canoes, and kayaks. The Schuylkill Navy is also the organizers of the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series, which brings together for the first time 20 previously independent events in the first organized year-long series of rowing events of its kind in any major U.S. city. Additional information is available at http://www.boathouserow.org.

ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen’s 2011-2012 Speaking Tour Continues This Week with Appearances in Wichita on Thursday and Kansas City on Friday

2011-11-14T21:08:00.000-08:00

November 15, 2011 – Fresh on the heels of his speaking engagements to full-houses at Auburn University and in Seattle, ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen’s 2011-2012 speaking tour continues this week with appearances in Wichita and Kansas City.

On Thursday, November 17^th, Rasmussen will speak at the Youth Entrepreneurs Business Breakfast at Wichita State University’s Koch Arena beginning at 7:30 a.m. and continuing through 9 a.m. (Central Standard Time). Tickets are still available, with individual tickets at $75, alumni tickets at $37.50, and tables at $750 per table, through the Youth Entrepreneurs website at https://yeks.org/events.

On Friday, November 18^th, Rasmussen will speak at Kansas City's inaugural Youth Entrepreneurs Business for Breakfast event, at the College Basketball Experience adjacent to Kansas City’s Sprint Center. Tickets are still available, with individual tickets at $75, alumni tickets at $37.50, and tables at $750 per table, through the Youth Entrepreneurs Kansas website at https://yeks.org/events .

All proceeds from the events in Wichita and Kansas City benefit Youth Entrepreneurs®, which teaches business and entrepreneurial skills in high school classrooms, and offers hands-on experience to help students succeed as business owners or employees. Members of the business community offer support as mentors and all Youth Entrepreneurs graduates are encouraged to pursue higher education. Alumni stay involved with the program through opportunities for continuing education and networking, scholarships, and partnerships with local businesses. During the current school year approximately 1,000 students from 28 local high schools will complete the Youth Entrepreneurs class.

Rasmussen, the legendary entrepreneur who founded ESPN, as well as the author of “Sports Junkies Rejoice! The Birth of ESPN,” will give his audiences in both Wichita and Kansas City a rare opportunity to hear and feel the stories of a man who was considered by the three major television networks at the time (ABC, NBC & CBS) a dreamer and all-around “crazy man” to even think that he could compete with them.

Try to imagine the world without ESPN and Sports Center, and for many, it is impossible. It is safe to say that Rasmussen changed the face of sports, and the face of television. His brainstorm for a 24-hour cable sports television station, born out of adversity, has become the Worldwide Leader in Sports, ESPN.

A former radio and television sports broadcaster, Rasmussen had been the Hartford Whalers Communications Director, but when the Whalers didn’t make the 1978 World Hockey Association playoffs, Rasmussen and others on staff were fired. His idea for an all-sports cable TV network captured his imagination, and he incorporated the fledgling network on July 14, 1978. He had already begun to seek out cable television companies, sponsors, investors and partners. With an idea that was truly ahead of its time, and running out of cash, Rasmussen found one investor who believed in the concept in February, 1979, and by September 7, 1979, ESPN was on the air for the first time, 14 months from Rasmussen’s moment of inspiration.

A life-long entrepreneur and sports fan, Rasmussen’s innovations in advertising, sports and broadcasting are numerous and include not only the creation of ESPN, but also the concept for “Sports Center,” wall-to-wall coverage of NCAA regular-season and “March Madness” college basketball, and coverage of the College World Series. He broke the advertising barrier to cable television by signing Anheuser Busch to the largest cable TV advertising contract ever.

Named “The Father of Cable Sports” by USA Today, Rasmussen was named to The Sports 100, honoring the 100 most important people in American sports history. His place in sports history was further recognized by Sports Illustrated in 1994, when he was honored as one of the “40 for the Ages,” one of 40 individuals who has significantly altered and elevated the world of sport in the last half of the 20^th Century. Rasmussen was named to the 2011 class of “The Champions: Pioneers & Innovators in Sports Business,” an award from the Sports Business Journal and the Sports Business Daily recognizing the architects and builders of sports.

He frequently returns to Bristol, Conn. for ESPN’s annual anniversary celebrations. On September 13, 2009, as part of ESPN’s 30^th Anniversary celebration, Rasmussen was recognized for his role as the father of ESPN when he threw out the ceremonial first pitch during ESPN’s “Sunday Night Baseball” coverage of the Phillies/Mets contest in Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park.

Rasmussen is a gifted raconteur and a popular public speaker discussing American entrepreneurship, innovation, and the birth of ESPN. He is also a frequent guest on radio and television shows, including recent appearances on the nationally-syndicated radio shows “Sports Byline USA with Ron Barr” and “The Dennis Miller Show” and the cable television interview show “It’s Your Call.” In April 2011 he was a featured guest on the FOX News Channel’s “Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld.”

In late September, Rasmussen spoke to a sold-out theatre at Auburn University, and in October, Rasmussen spoke at two fundraising breakfasts for the Imagine Children’s Museum of Everett, Washington (suburban Seattle). In April 2011, Rasmussen delivered the keynote address at the 30^th annual New England Spring & Metalstamping Association Trade Show in Plantsville, Connecticut. In February 2011, Rasmussen spoke at a special business breakfast and book signing in his honor, hosted by the Philadelphia Business Journal. Also in February he was guest of honor at "An Evening with ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen" in Philadelphia sponsored by the Center City Proprietors Association. In January, 2011, Rasmussen delivered the keynote address at the 2011 Kellogg Marketing Conference at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. In October, 2010, Rasmussen delivered the keynote at the 17th Annual CEO Forum at the University of Saint Francis (Fort Wayne, Ind.). He also was guest of honor for an “Evening with ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen” at the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce. Rasmussen delivered the keynote at the 2010 Maastricht Institute of Entrepreneurship at Missouri Valley College (Marshall, Missouri) in April, 2010.

Rasmussen’s recent speaking appearances also include engagements at Villanova University, Bay Path College, Princeton University, Quinnipiac University’s School of Law, the University of Florida School of Law, Azusa Pacific University, Lindenwood University, Saint Xavier University, Indiana Tech, and The Center for Sports Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University, among others.

Additional information about Rasmussen is available at http://www.ESPNFounder.com. Rasmussen has also established a separate website, http://www.espnfounder.com/speaking_tour.htm, where colleges, businesses, groups and corporations can “book” him to speak about the genesis of ESPN, and his integral role in the creation of one of the world’s most powerful properties.

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[Note: Photo of Bill Rasmussen at Citizens Bank Par k courtesy of Major League Baseball and the Philadelphia Phillies, Heddy Bergman photographer.]

Media Contact: Jim DeLorenzo, Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations, 215-564-1122, jim@jhdenterprises.com

Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series Debut Season Concludes This Veterans Day Weekend with Hutchinson Cup Regatta on Saturday and Philadelphia Turn & Burn Regatta on Sunday

2011-11-10T12:58:00.000-08:00

Philadelphia, PA – November 10, 2011 - This Veterans Day weekend, the debut season of the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series concludes with two outstanding events, the eighth annual Hutchinson Cup Regatta on Saturday, November 12^th, and the third annual Philadelphia Children’s Foundation Turn & Burn Regatta on Sunday, November 13^th.

Saturday’s Hutchinson Cup Regatta begins at approximately 8:30 a.m. and continues to approximately 1 p.m. A record number of entries, 180 boats, with more than 400 rowers from 30 clubs, representing nine states, will compete in Saturday’s races. This year’s race benefits the National Hospice Foundation’s “We Honor Veterans” program and was made possible by Gold Sponsors: Mariner Insurance, M&T Bank, Firstrust, Cozen-O’Connor and Richard S. Burns Co.

Sunday’s Turn & Burn Regatta begins at approximately 9 a.m. and continues to approximately 1 p.m. There are approximately 65 boats entered from 17 clubs and five states. This is the third year for the Philadelphia Children’s Foundation Turn & Burn Regatta, All proceeds from this regatta go to supporting the Philadelphia Children’s Foundation’s mission to empower children of all ages to find their passion, develop needed skills and make positive career and life decisions to achieve a successful future. As in previous years, the Turn & Burn Regatta is open to Masters, clubs, high schools and colleges sweep rowers and scullers.

Both events are what is commonly referred to as a "head" race: A rowing head race is one where competitors race the clock over a course typically two to three miles long, compared to sprint races of 1,000 to 2,000 meters. Head races are a format that began in England.

The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series schedule runs from March through November, and features over 35,000 competitors in over 7,700 boats representing not only high schools but colleges, clubs, masters and open programs from around the country. The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series brings together for the first time 20 previously independent events in the first organized year-long series of rowing events of its kind in any major

U.S.

city. The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series is organized by the Schuylkill Navy, which is the oldest amateur athletic governing body in the country, representing the 12 rowing clubs based on Philadelphia's landmark Boathouse Row.

The official host restaurant of the 2011 Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series is Buca di Beppo-Philadelphia.

The official host hotel of the 2011 Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series is the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia Downtown.

Media Contact:

Jim DeLorenzo

Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations

215-266-5943

jim@jhdenterprises.com

Crowne Plaza Philadelphia Downtown is the Official Host Hotel of the 2011 and 2012 Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series

2011-11-09T07:16:00.000-08:00

Philadelphia, PA – November 9, 2011 – The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series recently announced the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia Downtown as the Official Host Hotel of the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series for both the 2011 and 2012 seasons. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“The team at the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia Downtown came to us earlier this year, and we are extremely pleased with our relationship with them as an official sponsor of the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series for both this season, and our season next year,” said John Hogan, Commodore of The Schuylkill Navy, which organizes the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series. “The Crowne Plaza Philadelphia Downtown has provided our visiting teams, clubs, parents, families and officials with a variety of room night options this season, and with its central location in the heart of Center City Philadelphia, it is the perfect hotel for all our participants. We are grateful for their considerable assistance during the course of our debut season and look forward to even more in 2012.”

Crowne Plaza Philadelphia Downtown is located at 1800 Market Street in Center City Philadelphia, and gives business travelers and visiting guests the amenities and services they need for a productive trip including complimentary high-speed Internet access, a 24-hour business center and meeting space. With 445 guest rooms, the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia Downtown boasts upgraded amenities in all Club Level rooms, as well as award winning service and a spacious new lobby. The guest rooms feature plush bedding and fine furnishings, while the hotel also has a 24-hour onsite fitness center and access to the Philadelphia Sports Club, in-room dining and a full restaurant and bar in the lobby. Additional information about the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia Downtown is available at http://www.cpphiladelphia.com/

The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series schedule runs from March through November, and features over 35,000 competitors in over 7,700 boats representing not only high schools but colleges, clubs, masters and open programs from around the country. The remaining regattas on this year's schedule include: Saturday, November 12, Hutchinson Cup Regatta (masters/open/coll/h.s./juniors); and Sunday, November 13, Philadelphia Turn & Burn Regatta (masters/open/coll./h.s./clubs)

The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series brings together for the first time 20 previously independent events in the first organized year-long series of rowing events of its kind in any major U.S. city. The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series is organized by the Schuylkill Navy, which is the oldest amateur athletic governing body in the country, representing the 12 rowing clubs based on Philadelphia's landmark Boathouse Row.

Media Contact:

Jim DeLorenzo

Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations

215-266-5943

jim@jhdenterprises.com

Buca di Beppo – Philadelphia Is the Official Host Restaurant of the 2011 Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series

2011-11-08T11:39:00.000-08:00

Philadelphia, PA – November 8, 2011 – The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series recently announced Buca di Beppo – Philadelphia as the Official Host Restaurant of the 2011 Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“We are pleased that Buca di Beppo – Philadelphia has agreed to sponsor our final six races of the 2011 Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series,” said John Hogan, Commodore of The Schuylkill Navy, which organizes the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series. “Buca di Beppo has an outstanding menu and an great location in Center City Philadelphia, making it the perfect venue for our competing teams and clubs to have a pre-event dinner or a post-event celebration. They have been outstanding in preparing special menus and pricing for our participants, and we look forward to working with them.”

Located at 258 South 15th Street in Center City Philadelphia, Buca di Beppo is the home of “team dining.” They serve authentic Italian food that comes to your table family style, meant to be shared. Buca specializes in group dining in a family friendly atmosphere. Buca di Beppo is the perfect place to dine before or after any sporting event or to host team celebrations. Buca di Beppo Philadelphia has packages available for groups of 15 or more; pricing inclusive of tax and gratuity; and private and semi private dining to accommodate groups of all sizes. Additional information about Buca di Beppo – Philadelphia is available at http://www.bucadibeppo.com,

The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series schedule runs from March through November, and features over 35,000 competitors in over 7,700 boats representing not only high schools but colleges, clubs, masters and open programs from around the country. The remaining regattas on this year's schedule include: Saturday, November 12, Hutchinson Cup Regatta (masters/open/coll/h.s./juniors); and Sunday, November 13, Philadelphia Turn & Burn Regatta (masters/open/coll./h.s./clubs)

Media Contact:

Jim DeLorenzo

Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations

215-266-5943

jim@jhdenterprises.com

Team Clean Founder Donna Allie Honored by American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter with Beyond the Glass Ceiling Award At the 18th Annual Spectrum Awards

2011-11-03T11:47:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia, PA – November 3, 2011 – Donna Allie, the president and founder of Team Clean, Inc., the Greater Philadelphia region's largest independent commercial janitorial service company, was presented with the “Beyond the Glass Ceiling Award” earlier today by the American Red Cross at the 18th Annual Spectrum Awards, which honors local women for their contributions to the Philadelphia community.

Allie was one member of an impressive list of winners honored at the breakfast ceremony at the Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue. Also honored were: Lynn Hardy Yeakel, director of the Drexel University College of Medicine’s Institute for Women’s Health and Leadership, with the Pinnacle Lifetime Achievement Award; Patricia Coulter, president and CEO of the Urban League of Philadelphia, with the Clara Barton Outstanding Humanitarian Award; Sara Abdulrasool, a senior at Abraham Lincoln High School and Vice President of her school’s Red Cross Club, with the Twinkle Star Scholarship Award; and Sabrina Blake, a senior at Frankford High School and an active member of Frankford’s Red Cross Club, with the Twinkle Star Scholarship Award. Previous Spectrum Award recipients include University of Pennsylvania President Amy Gutmann; Project H.O.M.E. founder Sister Mary Scullion; and actress and philanthropist Suzanne Roberts.

Earlier this year, Team Clean received the Urban League of Philadelphia Spirit of Innovation Award. In addition, Allie was recognized as one of Philadelphia’s Most Influential African American Leaders by the Philadelphia Tribune, the nation’s oldest African-American newspaper organization, for the second consecutive year.

Among her other notable achievements, in 2009 Allie was honored as one of the inaugural Minority Business Leaders by the Philadelphia Business Journal. In 2008, she was named one of the Philadelphia region’s Women of Distinction by the Philadelphia chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners and the Philadelphia Business Journal. In April 2007, she was honored by the Philadelphia Phillies with the inaugural Most Valuable Diverse Business Partner Award during ceremonies on Jackie Robinson Day at Citizens Bank Park. In 1994, the African American Chamber of Commerce honored Allie with their Entrepreneurial Spirit Award, and in 1995 she received the Business Acumen Award from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women. In 1996, Team Clean was selected as one of Philadelphia’s 100 Fastest Growing Small Businesses by the Wharton Small Business Development Center and the Philadelphia Business Journal, and in 1997 Allie was named one of Pennsylvania’s 50 Best Women in Business. Also in 1997, Allie and Team Clean received the Special Recognition Award for Excellence of Service from the Pennsylvania Convention Center. In 2001, she was selected by the U.S. Small Business Administration as the District Minority Small Business Person of the Year. The Business Center at New Covenant Campus honored Allie in 2006 with their Harriet Tubman Trailblazer Award. In addition, Allie has received the 62nd National Freedom Day Community Service Award, the City of Philadelphia’s Supply, Service and Equipment Award, and the Main Line Martin Luther King Jr. Association’s Business Leadership Award.

Additional information about the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter is available at http://www.redcrossphilly.org. Additional information about Team Clean is available at http://www.team-clean.com.

Media Contact for Team Clean:
Jim DeLorenzo

Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations

Phone: 215-564-1122

E-mail: jim@jhdenterprises.com

41st Annual Head of the Schuylkill Regatta® This Weekend Draws Over 5,800 Competitive Rowers As 2011 Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series Continues

2011-10-26T12:45:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia, PA - October 25, 2011 - This weekend, more than 5,800 rowers will compete in the 41st annual Head of the Schuylkill Regatta®, continuing a tradition of exceptional fall racing for the first time as part of America's first organized year-long series of rowing events, the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series.

The Head of the Schuylkill Regatta begins Saturday, October 29th at approximately 8 a.m. and concludes at approximately 3:30 p.m. Day two, Sunday, October 30th, begins at approximately 8 a.m. with high school trainer singles, and concludes at approximately 4 p.m.

"Competitors in the 2011 Head of the Schuylkill Regatta are continuing a tradition of head racing for all ages, skill groups and genders, that began more than four decades ago," said Lisa V. Dunlop, president of the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta. "While the expansive scope of the two-day Regatta today bears little resemblance to its 1971 roots, its spirit endures with a fair, but competitive race, that has grown to include high schools, colleges, masters, open, adaptive and recreational rowers. An estimated 180 competitors participated in the first race."

This weekend's Head of the Schuylkill Regatta will include approximately 5,800 rowers competing in 1,325 boats from 23 different states as well as competitors from England, Canada and Australia. Pre-event registration by competitive rowers is up 21 percent for this year's regatta.

Returning to the tradition of presenting elaborate trophies, this weekend "The Commodore's Cup" will be presented by John Hogan, Commodore of The Schuylkill Navy, to the winner of the women's college freshman/novice 8+ on Saturday, at 1p.m. in the festival tent. Another elaborate trophy will be given to the winner of the men's masters’ doubles (ages 50-59) in honor of Fred Duling, a Boathouse Row icon, who was seriously injured earlier this year.

For the second year, points trophies will be awarded in high school, college, open and masters categories. The teams to beat this year are Connecticut Boat Club (high schools), Drexel University (college), Penn AC (open) and Vesper (masters). Award ceremonies are scheduled for 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday.

The Head of the Schuylkill Regatta, like the other remaining events in the 2011 Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series, is what is commonly referred to as a "head" race: A rowing head race is one where competitors race the clock over a course typically two to three miles long, compared to sprint races of 1,000 to 2,000 meters. Head races are a format that began in England.

The starting line for this weekend's Head of the Schuylkill Regatta is above the Strawberry Mansion Bridge with the finish line above the "Viking" statue on Boathouse Row. The launching site for out of town crews and festival site, including awards ceremonies, vendors, exhibitors, artists, entertainment and food, is approximately one mile north of Boathouse Row on Kelly Drive at the "Three Angels," the popular name for the Carl Milles' sculpture "Playing Angels." Free transportation will be provided to spectators this weekend, from Lloyd Hall on Boathouse Row to the "Three Angels" statues, as well as to nearby parking areas.

The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series has been recognized by the Philadelphia Sports Congress as one of the "Premier Annual Events" for the city, state and region along with the Penn Relays (April); Blue Cross Broad Street Run (May); Devon Horse Show (May); TD Bank Philadelphia International Cycling Championship (June); Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon (June); ING Rock 'n' Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon (September); the Philadelphia Marathon (November) and Army-Navy Football.

Saturday, November 12 : Hutchinson Cup Regatta (masters/open/coll/h.s./juniors)
Sunday, November 13: Philadelphia Turn & Burn Regatta (masters/open/coll./h.s./clubs)

This weekend's Head of the Schuylkill Regatta has its roots in 1971, when three members of University Barge Club launched the idea for a new fall race, transforming the 1,000 meter Graduate Sculls race into a head racing format. The aim of 1960 Olympian Lyman Perry, Jay Pattison III, and the late Raul Betancourt was to offer rowers of all ages congenial autumn competition. At a time when only elite, college and junior athletes competed in "head" or distance races, the newly-established Head of the Schuylkill Regatta emphasized graduate oarsmen and opened racing to newly emerging masters' and women's teams. Twelve women entered the first regatta; this weekend, there will be more than 2,300 female competitors, including local elite women rowers who recently competed in the Pan Am games in Mexico. In time, the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta became the world's largest one-day rowing competition, but its popularity soon exceeded the river's capacity, so in 2008 the format was changed to a two-day event.

The official host restaurant of the 2011 Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series is Buca di Beppo-Philadelphia.

The official host hotel of the 2011 Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series is the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia Downtown.

Presenting sponsor of the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta is NSM Insurance Group: Platinum sponsor is STUDENTS FIRST; Gold sponsors are Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corp and Exelon Power.

Media Contacts:

Jim DeLorenzo, Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations, 215-266-5943, jim@jhdenterprises.com

Ellen Carver, Head of the Schuylkill Regatta, 215-280-0483, Ncarver528@aol.com

Philadelphia City Rowing, Empowering Philadelphia Public School Students through the Sport of Rowing, Hires Terry Dougherty as Executive Director

2011-10-24T07:09:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia, PA – October 24, 2011 – Philadelphia City Rowing, established in 2010 to empower Philadelphia public school students through the sport of rowing, has named Terry Dougherty as the organization’s Executive Director.

“Terry Dougherty brings a very wide range of expertise to her new role as our Executive Director, as well as a long history of working with education and recreation within the City of Philadelphia,” said Tony Schneider, chair of the Philadelphia City Rowing board. “She has extensive experience with youth development as well as strategic planning and development, which are tremendous assets as we continue to build Philadelphia City Rowing.”

Before joining Philadelphia City Rowing, Dougherty was most recently Senior Director of Student Activities & Summer Camp at Valley Forge Military Academy & College (Wayne, PA). Previously, she was Executive Director of North Penn YMCA (Colmar, PA). Dougherty was earlier the Director of Fitness & Wellness at the University of the Sciences (Philadelphia, PA) for four years, and was the Assistant Director for Recreation-Facilities at Temple University (Philadelphia, PA) for six years. Her career began at the University of Pennsylvania, where she was Associate Director of Recreation-Programming.

Her personal athletic accomplishments include earning All-Catholic League honors in field hockey at Bishop Conwell High School (Levittown, PA). Dougherty was the goalie for the NCAA Division II National Champion field hockey team at Bloomsburg University (Bloomsburg, PA).

Dougherty earned her B.A. in Psychology from Bloomsburg, and earned her Masters in Counselor Education from Millersville University (Millersville, PA). She is a long-time member of the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association, and has numerous professional certifications.

About Philadelphia City Rowing:

Philadelphia City Rowing was founded in 2010. Based upon the principle that the sport of rowing teaches discipline, perseverance and teamwork, reinforcing invaluable lessons that extend into all areas of life, Philadelphia City Rowing was launched to increase access, affordability, and diversity to the sport in Philadelphia, the historic home of competitive rowing in the

United States

. The non-profit foundation established a public school rowing team that is competitive locally, regionally and nationally, and has created an opportunity for participants to pursue rowing at the collegiate level and beyond. Ultimately, Philadelphia City Rowing uses competitive rowing as a vehicle to improve the health, well-being, self-confidence and academic success of Philadelphia’s public school students while involving all participants in one of Philadelphia’s greatest sporting traditions. Additional information is available at http://www.PhiladelphiaCityRowing.org.

Media Contact:

Jim DeLorenzo, Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations

Phone: 215-564-1122; E-mail: jim@jhdenterprises.com

Philadelphia Children's Foundation 2.25 Regatta is Saturday, October 22nd, Continuing the 2011 Debut Season of the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series

2011-10-21T05:40:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia, PA -- October 21, 2011 -- The debut season of America’s first organized year-long series of rowing events, the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series, continues this Saturday, October 22nd, with the third annual Philadelphia Children’s Foundation 2.25 Regatta, on Philadelphia’s historic Schuylkill River. The event begins at approximately 10 a.m. and concludes at approximately 1 p.m.

This Saturday’s Philadelphia Children’s Foundation 2.25 Regatta is a traditional two-and-one-quarter mile “head race.” Approximately 250 rowers will compete from 19 different clubs in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with 64 boats entered in the races, featuring Masters, open, college, high school and junior events. Viewing for the event is along the Schuylkill River on Kelly Drive, with parking nearby in historic Fairmount Park.

The Philadelphia Children’s Foundation 2.25 Regatta, like the other remaining events in the 2011 Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series, are what are commonly referred to as “head races,” compared to the sprint races that were held throughout the spring and summer. Head races are a longer distance than the sprint races, and instead of six boats lining up and racing to the finish line, the boats are racing against the clock to get the best time. The term “head races” comes from the tradition that the winner of a particular race the previous year is the “head of the river” until the next year’s race, at which point that defending winner gets the number one slot in the race.

Among the participating rowing clubs are: Absegami High School; Bachelors Barge Club; Crescent Boat Club; Fairmount Rowing Association; Harriton Boat Club; Haverford High School,; LaSalle College High School; Mount Saint Joseph Academy; Philadelphia Girls Rowing Club; RFH Rowing; Richard Stockton College; St. Joseph’s Preparatory School; Swan Creek Rowing Club; The Haverford School; Undine Barge Club; University Barge Club; Upper Merion High School; Vesper Boat Club; and Wharton Crew Club.

All proceeds from the Philadelphia Children’s Foundation 2.25 Regatta go to the development and expansion of career and college programming for Philadelphia students. In addition to raising money for a good cause, all participants are encouraged to bring a new or gently used children’s book to be donated to a local elementary school.

Saturday, October 22: Philadelphia Children’s Foundation 2.25 Regatta
Sat., Oct. 29 & Sun. Oct. 30: Head of the Schuylkill Regatta (h.s./coll./club/open/masters)
Saturday, November 12: Hutchinson Cup Regatta (masters/open/coll/h.s./juniors)
Sunday, November 13: Philadelphia Turn & Burn Regatta (masters/open/coll./h.s./clubs)

The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series brings together for the first time 20 previously independent events in the first organized year-long series of rowing events of its kind in any major U.S. city. The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series is organized by the Schuylkill Navy, which is the oldest amateur athletic governing body in the country, representing the 12 rowing clubs based on Philadelphia’s landmark Boathouse Row.

With three of the largest regattas in the Mid-Atlantic region on the schedule, as well as two of the nation’s oldest regattas, the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series connects the rowing competitors of today to the historic home of the international rowing elite. It is built upon a tradition that launched November 12, 1835 with the first organized regatta on the Schuylkill (a full eight years before the start of the rowing program at Harvard). Over 175 years later, the Schuylkill River hosts more regattas annually than any other river in the nation.

The official host restaurant of the 2011 Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series is Buca di Beppo-Philadelphia.

The official host hotel of the 2011 Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series is the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia Downtown.

Additional information about the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series and The Schuylkill Navy is available at http://www.boathouserow.org.

Additional information about the Philadelphia Children’s Foundation is available at http://www.philadelphiachildrensfoundation.org.

First Year of the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series Resumes October 8th and Concludes November 13th with Two Events Moving to Season’s End

2011-10-03T13:09:00.001-07:00

Philadelphia, PA – October 3, 2011 – Beginning Saturday, October 8th and continuing through Veterans Day Weekend (November 11-13), the first full year of the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series will feature five outstanding events to wrap up the debut season.

Two of the events on the 2011 schedule for the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series have moved their events to Veteran’s Day weekend in November, bringing clubs and competitors the opportunity to conclude the 2011 competitive rowing season on a high-note.

The Hutchinson Cup Regatta, which had originally been scheduled for Saturday, September 24th, will now be on Saturday, November 12th. The Philadelphia Turn & Burn Regatta, which had originally been scheduled for Saturday, September 17th, will now be on Sunday, November 13th. (Veteran’s Day is Friday, November 11th.)

The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series schedule runs from March through November, and features over 35,000 competitors in over 7,700 boats representing not only high schools but colleges, clubs, masters and open programs from around the country. The five remaining regattas on this year’s schedule include:

 Saturday, October 8: Navy Day Regatta (clubs/high school/collegiate/masters)
 Sunday, October 23: Philadelphia Children’s Foundation Regatta (h.s./coll.)
 Sat., Oct. 29 & Sun. Oct. 30: Head of the Schuylkill Regatta (h.s./coll./club/open/masters)
 Saturday, November 12: Hutchinson Cup Regatta (masters/open/coll/h.s./juniors)
 Sunday, November 13: Philadelphia Turn & Burn Regatta (masters/open/coll./h.s./clubs)

“The way the schedule is now set up, it’s a great way for all of our local coaches and clubs to stay on their home course, the Schuylkill River, and not travel on the holiday weekend,” said John Hogan, Commodore of the Schuylkill Navy, which governs the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series.

“All five of the races this fall are what are commonly referred to as head races, compared to the sprint races that were held throughout the spring and summer,” Hogan said. “Head races are a longer distance than the sprint races, two-and-a-half miles, and instead of six boats lining up and racing to the finish line, the boats are racing against the clock to get the best time. The term ‘head races’ comes from the tradition that the winner of a particular race the previous year is the ‘head of the river’ until the next year’s race, at which point that defending winner gets the number one slot in the race.”

All proceeds from the 8th annual Hutchinson Cup Regatta support hospice and palliative care. In previous years, the Hutchinson Cup Regatta was open only to Masters and high school crews, but this November 12th, the race will expand to allow entries from colleges and open programs as well.

According to Joyce Michel, the director of the Hutchinson Cup Regatta, “We moved our race to November 12th this year because November is National Hospice and Palliative Care month, and also because a portion of our proceeds this year will support ‘We Honor Veterans,’ a national hospice provider awareness campaign conducted by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Our goal is to raise awareness and improve the care veterans and their families receive at the end of their lives, and what better weekend to raise awareness than Veterans Day weekend.”

This is the third year for the Philadelphia Children’s Foundation Turn & Burn Regatta, which is comprised of a "Turn" in the morning (a two- mile “old fashioned” stake boat turning race where the rowers literally turn at a stake approximately one-mile up the course and row back), and a "Burn" in the afternoon (a 500 meter sprint). . All proceeds from this regatta go to supporting the Philadelphia Children’s Foundation’s mission to empower children of all ages to find their passion, develop needed skills and make positive career and life decisions to achieve a successful future.

As in previous years, the Turn & Burn Regatta is open to Masters, clubs, high schools and colleges sweep rowers and scullers.

“It is a truly unique event to end the season,” said Jim Glavin, the director of the Turn & Burn Regatta. “There is no other regatta like this in the fall, and it gives all the rowers the perfect chance to end their season with a burn, which they have never had the chance to do before at the end of the season.”

The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series brings together for the first time 20 previously independent events in the first organized year-long series of rowing events of its kind in any major U.S. city. The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series is organized by the Schuylkill Navy, which is the oldest amateur athletic governing body in the country, representing the 12 rowing clubs based on Philadelphia’s landmark Boathouse Row.

With three of the largest regattas in the Mid-Atlantic region on the schedule, as well as two of the nation’s oldest regattas, the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series connects the rowing competitors of today to the historic home of the international rowing elite. It is built upon a tradition that launched November 12, 1835 with the first organized regatta on the Schuylkill (a full eight years before the start of the rowing program at Harvard). Over 175 years later, the Schuylkill River hosts more regattas annually than any other river in the nation.

The official host restaurant of the 2011 Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series is Buca di Beppo-Philadelphia.

The official host hotel of the 2011 Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series is the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia Downtown.

Additional information about the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series and The Schuylkill Navy is available at http://www.boathouserow.org.

---###---

Media Contact:
Jim DeLorenzo
Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations
215-266-5943
jim@jhdenterprises.com

ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen Speaking Tonight at Auburn University (Tuesday, September 27th) at 7:30 p.m. in the Auburn University Student Center

2011-09-26T21:27:00.000-07:00

Auburn, Alabama – September 27, 2011 – Tonight, Bill Rasmussen, the legendary entrepreneur who founded ESPN as well as the author of “Sports Junkies Rejoice! The Birth of ESPN” will speak at Auburn University Tuesday, September 27th at 7:30 p.m. in the Auburn University Student Center. The event is sponsored by the Auburn University Program Council.

In Rasmussen’s presentation, the audience is given a rare opportunity to hear and feel the stories of a man who was considered by the three major television networks at the time (ABC, NBC & CBS) a dreamer and all-around “crazy man” to even think that he could compete with them.

Jim Miller, the co-author of the recent best-selling book, “Those Guys Have All The Fun: Inside the World of ESPN,” recently told John Ourand of The Sports Business Journal that “this is a guy whose idea gave birth to, arguably, the most successful media story of our time.”

Try to imagine the world without ESPN and Sports Center, and for many, it is impossible. It is safe to say that Rasmussen changed the face of sports, and the face of television. His brainstorm for a 24-hour cable sports television station, born out of adversity, has become the Worldwide Leader in Sports, ESPN.

A former radio and television sports broadcaster, Rasmussen had been the Whalers Communications Director, but when the Whalers didn’t make the 1978 WHA playoffs, Rasmussen and others on staff were fired. His idea for an all-sports cable TV network captured his imagination, and he incorporated the fledgling network on July 14, 1978. He had already begun to seek out cable television companies, sponsors, investors and partners. With an idea that was truly ahead of its time, and running out of cash, Rasmussen found one investor who believed in the concept in February, 1979, and by September 7, 1979, ESPN was on the air for the first time, 14 months from Rasmussen’s moment of inspiration.

A life-long entrepreneur and sports fan, Rasmussen’s innovations in advertising, sports and broadcasting are numerous and include not only the creation of ESPN, but also the concept for “Sports Center,” wall-to-wall coverage of NCAA regular-season and “March Madness” college basketball, and coverage of the NFL Draft. He broke the advertising barrier to cable television by signing Anheuser Busch to the largest cable TV advertising contract ever.

Named “The Father of Cable Sports” by USA Today, Rasmussen was named to The Sports 100, honoring the 100 most important people in American Sports History. His place in sports history was further recognized by Sports Illustrated in 1994, when he was honored as one of the “40 for the Ages,” one of 40 individuals who has significantly altered and elevated the world of sport in the last half of the 20th Century. Rasmussen was named to the 2011 class of “The Champions: Pioneers & Innovators in Sports Business,” an award from the Sports Business Journal and the Sports Business Daily recognizing the architects and builders of sports.

Additional information about Rasmussen is available at http://www.ESPNFounder.com. In addition, Rasmussen has established a website, http://www.espnfounder.com/speaking_tour.htm, where colleges, businesses, groups and corporations can “book” him to speak about the genesis of ESPN, and his integral role in the creation of one of the world’s most powerful properties.

Media Contact:
Jim DeLorenzo, Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations
215-564-1122
jim@jhdenterprises.com

There’s a New, Younger and Wittier Ben Franklin in Philadelphia Available for Special Events and Shows

2011-09-20T11:19:00.001-07:00

Philadelphia, PA – September 20, 2011 – In a city deeply rooted in history and tradition, there lives among us today, a young, witty and cosmopolitan man of genius, the young and witty Benjamin Franklin. He’s returned to his favorite American city, Philadelphia, to reconnect with his friends and fellow patriots’ through events, parties, and special occasions.

Actor, advertising executive, and entrepreneur Rob DeVitis was singled out by a friend not too long ago for his uncanny resemblance to “the younger, wittier Ben Franklin.” Testing out the notion in the spring of 2011, DeVitis – Franklin – realized that his resemblance to one of our country’s founding fathers was embraced by many at the events he attended.

Now is the time for all of Philadelphia to meet the young and witty Ben Franklin. Not a staid and stuffy historical figure dusted off for bored schoolchildren to pass along the way, more than the face on a $100 bill, Franklin is an engaging and thoughtful figure who was not only a statesman but an inventor, a musician, a writer, a printer, founder of the post office and the library. Franklin was a multi-talented sensation of Philadelphia in the 18th Century who has come back to live in the 21st Century to share his experiences as one of the sensations of the age.

The young and witty Ben Franklin can be found online, at http://www.BenFranklinToday.com, where he can be invited (for a modest fee) to attend your special events, either in the City of Philadelphia, or in areas surrounding William Penn’s Green Country Towne. The young and witty Ben Franklin is a gifted raconteur who can speak to any and all groups on topics including American history, Philadelphia history, and the life that earned him the title “The First American.”

According to one teacher in the Downingtown School District, “He was very knowledgeable about Ben Franklin. The students loved asking him questions.” He recently appeared at a special event on “The Spirit of Philadelphia” where a local banking executive declared him “a hit at our function.” NBC10’s “Education Nation” Week utilized Ben Franklin for informational spots. Jenny Sager, who was in attendance at a business function in Downingtown, noted that “I watched him as he approached my guests. He always got a laugh."

For additional information about the young and witty Ben Franklin, including rates and availability, visit http://www.BenFranklinToday.com.

To book the young and witty Ben Franklin for your event, contact Jim DeLorenzo at Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations by e-mail at jim@jhdenterprises.com or by phone at 215-564-1122.

Media Contact: Jim DeLorenzo, Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations, 215-564-1122, jim@jhdenterprises.com

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Celebrates September As Youth Soccer Month

2011-09-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

Plymouth Meeting, PA - September 12, 2011 - September is Youth Soccer Month, and Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer joins this nationwide celebration with events in the area throughout the month.

Youth Soccer Month is dedicated to increasing awareness of the benefits of playing Youth Soccer in America. Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is proud to support this effort and further the goals of Youth Soccer Month, which include emphasizing soccer as the number-one youth participation sport in America, and a leading contributor to the healthy lifestyle of millions of American families. It also includes bringing kids and families of all ages and all abilities together for fun, friendship and fitness, as well as highlighting the various programs available to children interested in participating in soccer, including inner city, special needs, recreational and elite soccer programs.

"September is Youth Soccer Month in the U.S. and especially here in Eastern Pennsylvania, we have a lot to celebrate," said Chris Branscome, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. "Not only did we host the highly-successful US Youth Soccer Region One Championships in Lancaster this summer, we had three area teams qualify for the National Championships, and our under 18-boys YMS Thunder team won the National Championship this summer. Eastern Pennsylvania is one of the most active areas for youth soccer, and we have a number of special events coming up locally which will celebrate Youth Soccer Month in our own unique fashion."

Upcoming Youth Soccer Month events for Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer include Sunday, September 18th, when Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer and Please Touch Museum team up for a fun-filled day in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. The action packed day will consist of soccer stations on the front lawn of the museum, interactive museum exhibits, a nature-inspired obstacle and rock climbing wall, and guest appearances from some of your favorite Philly soccer stars. Additional events will be announced shortly.

A series of fun-filled messages will be communicated throughout Youth Soccer Month to illustrate the essence of youth soccer. Each week during Youth Soccer Month, a different message will be the focus of “Celebrating Soccer in America.” The four messages of Youth Soccer month are:

1. Fitness: The health and fitness (physical, psychological and social) benefits of playing soccer.
2. Fun: Whether recreational or competitive in nature, involvement in soccer is easy, affordable and rewarding.
3. Family: Playing soccer ties families together as schedules, vacations and family time are coordinated.
4. Friendship: The relationships generated through playing soccer extend beyond the field.

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer has joined forces with US Youth Soccer in supporting Youth Soccer Month. Spreading the benefits and impact soccer has had on millions of Americans is very important to both organizations. Interest in the sport of soccer is at an all time high in the United States, more than 19 million children ages 5-19, are participating in soccer regularly. In fact, more children are participating in organized soccer than peewee football, youth basketball or Little League baseball.

Recognizing the impact and importance the sport of soccer plays in the day-to-day lives of America’s families, and US Youth Soccer, is vital to the future of the sport. The nation’s largest youth sport organization is leading Youth Soccer Month, “Celebrating Soccer in America” this September.

For more information on Youth Soccer Month visit www.YouthSoccerMonth.org or the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer website at http://www.EPYSA.org.

About Youth Soccer Month:
Youth Soccer Month is September, and is the national celebration of Soccer in America. More than 19 million children ages 5 – 19 regularly participate in soccer in the United States, more than peewee football, youth basketball or Little League baseball. Recognizing the impact and importance the sport of soccer plays in the day-to-day lives of America’s families, US Youth Soccer is spearheading Youth Soccer Month – Celebrating Soccer in America.

About the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer):
US Youth Soccer - "The Game for ALL Kids!®" is the largest youth sports organization in the country and largest member of the United States Soccer Federation, the governing body of soccer in the United States. US Youth Soccer registers more than 3 million players annually, ages 5 to 19, and over 900,000 administrators, coaches and volunteers in 55 member State Associations. US Youth Soccer programs provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game. For more information, visit www.USYouthSoccer.org.

About Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer:
For more than 35 years, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer has worked throughout Eastern Pennsylvania to promote, foster and perpetuate the game of soccer to the region’s youth. Through competitions, educational programs, workshops and coaching clinics, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer impacts the lives of more than 130,000 youth soccer players from ages five to 19. Additional information about Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer can be found at http://www.epysa.org.

ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen Launches “ESPN Founder Tour 2011-2012”, Speaking at Auburn University September 27th

2011-09-07T06:28:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia, PA – September 7, 2011 – Try to imagine the world without ESPN and Sports Center, and for many, it is impossible. Yet 32 years ago today, one man’s vision became a reality, and that visionary entrepreneur, ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen, has begun a nationwide speaking tour, ESPN Founder Tour 2011-2012.

Rasmussen has established a website, http://www.espnfounder.com/speaking_tour.htm, where colleges, businesses, groups and corporations can “book” him to speak about the genesis of ESPN, and his integral role in the creation of one of the world’s most powerful properties.

In Rasmussen’s video-illustrated presentation, the audience is given a rare opportunity to hear and feel the stories of a man who was considered by the three major television networks at the time (ABC, NBC & CBS) a dreamer and all-around “crazy man” to even think that he could compete with them.

Jim Miller, the co-author of the recent best-selling book, “Those Guys Have All The Fun: Inside the World of ESPN,” recently told John Ourand of The Sports Business Journal that “this is a guy whose idea gave birth to, arguably, the most successful media story of our time.”

One of the first events of the ESPN Founder Tour 2011-2012 is on Tuesday, September 27th when Rasmussen will address the student body at Auburn University at the Auburn University Student Center in a 7:30 p.m. presentation. Upcoming bookings already include stops in Philadelphia, Wichita and Kansas City in the fall.

It is safe to say that Rasmussen changed the face of sports, and the face of television. His brainstorm for a 24-hour cable sports television station, born out of adversity, has become the Worldwide Leader in Sports, ESPN.

Rasmussen is the man who had the dream, the man who founded ESPN in the summer of 1978. He had his innovative brainstorm for an all-sports cable TV network within days of his firing by the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association on Memorial Day weekend.

A former radio and television sports broadcaster, Rasmussen had been the Whalers Communications Director, but when the Whalers didn’t make the 1978 WHA playoffs, Rasmussen and others on staff were fired. His idea for an all-sports cable TV network captured his imagination, and he incorporated the fledgling network on July 14, 1978. He had already begun to seek out cable television companies, sponsors, investors and partners. With an idea that was truly ahead of its time, and running out of cash, Rasmussen found one investor who believed in the concept in February, 1979, and by September 7, 1979, ESPN was on the air for the first time, 14 months from Rasmussen’s moment of inspiration.

A life-long entrepreneur and sports fan, Rasmussen’s innovations in advertising, sports and broadcasting are numerous and include not only the creation of ESPN, but also the concept for “Sports Center,” wall-to-wall coverage of NCAA regular-season and “March Madness” college basketball, and coverage of the NFL Draft. He broke the advertising barrier to cable television by signing Anheuser Busch to the largest cable TV advertising contract ever.

Rasmussen’s entrepreneurial daring, his irrepressible enthusiasm and a dash of good luck gave the world the first 24-hour television network. Once unleashed upon sports fans, ESPN’s impact forever changed the way we watch television.

Rasmussen revealed the inside story of the birth of ESPN in his book, “Sports Junkies Rejoice! The Birth of ESPN.” A new paperback edition was recently published through CreateSpace available at ESPNFounder.com where you can also find an electronic download version for Amazon’s Kindle and other devices. “Sports Junkies Rejoice! The Birth of ESPN” gives sports fans the real, insider’s account from the man who changed the landscape of television and sports forever. Imagine a world without ESPN, without 24-hour television channels, and a world of only three television networks. That was the way of the world before Rasmussen’s revolutionary brainstorm.

Named “The Father of Cable Sports” by USA Today, Rasmussen was named to The Sports 100, honoring the 100 most important people in American Sports History. His place in sports history was further recognized by Sports Illustrated in 1994, when he was honored as one of the “40 for the Ages,” one of 40 individuals who has significantly altered and elevated the world of sport in the last half of the 20th Century.

Rasmussen was named to the 2011 class of “The Champions: Pioneers & Innovators in Sports Business,” an award from the Sports Business Journal and the Sports Business Daily recognizing the architects and builders of sports. It is another highlight in a long career of innovation, risk-taking and success, much of it in the world of sports.

In addition to his role as the “George Washington of ESPN,” as longtime ESPN broadcaster Chris Berman has tagged him, Rasmussen served as a consultant to the Big Ten Conference as well as several of the member institutions on television matters, and has been at the helm of numerous other start-up companies both in traditional media and on the Internet.

He frequently returns to Bristol, Conn. for ESPN’s annual anniversary celebrations. On September 13, 2009, as part of ESPN’s 30th Anniversary celebration, Rasmussen was recognized for his role as the father of ESPN when he threw out the ceremonial first pitch during ESPN’s “Sunday Night Baseball” coverage of the Phillies/Mets contest in Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park.

Rasmussen is a gifted raconteur and a popular public speaker discussing American entrepreneurship, innovation, and the birth of ESPN. He is also a frequent guest on radio and television shows, including recent appearances on the nationally-syndicated radio shows “Sports Byline USA with Ron Barr” and “The Dennis Miller Show” and the cable television interview show “It’s Your Call.” In April 2011 he was a featured guest on the FOX News Channel’s “Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld.”

In April 2011, Rasmussen delivered the keynote address at the 30th annual New England Spring & Metalstamping Association Trade Show in Plantsville, Connecticut. In February 2011, Rasmussen spoke at a special business breakfast and book signing in his honor, hosted by the Philadelphia Business Journal. Also in February he was guest of honor at "An Evening with ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen" in Philadelphia sponsored by the Center City Proprietors Association. In January, 2011, Rasmussen delivered the keynote address at the 2011 Kellogg Marketing Conference at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. In October, 2010, Rasmussen delivered the keynote at the 17th Annual CEO Forum at the University of Saint Francis (Fort Wayne, Ind.). He also was guest of honor for an “Evening with ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen” at the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce. Rasmussen delivered the keynote at the 2010 Maastricht Institute of Entrepreneurship at Missouri Valley College (Marshall, Missouri) in April, 2010.

Rasmussen’s recent speaking appearances also include engagements at Villanova University, Bay Path College, Princeton University, Quinnipiac University’s School of Law, the University of Florida School of Law, Azusa Pacific University, Lindenwood University, Saint Xavier University, Indiana Tech, and The Center for Sports Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University, among others.

Additional information about Rasmussen is available at http://www.ESPNFounder.com.

Media Contact:
Jim DeLorenzo, 215-266-5943, jim@jhdenterprises.com

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Hires Rob Brown as Communications Manager

2011-08-18T09:01:00.000-07:00

Plymouth Meeting, PA -- August 18, 2011 – Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer today announced that Rob Brown has joined the organization as Communications Manager.

“Rob Brown is someone who has a strong background and knowledge of our organization as well as our sport, and in his new role he will help Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer effectively communicate our passion for soccer and our mission in the development of our youth soccer players, through our website and our other Internet and e-mail channels, as well as through our outreach to the community,” said Chris Branscome, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer.

Brown will oversee the continued growth of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer website (http://www.epysa.org), as well as the editorial content of the association’s quarterly magazine “Touchline” He is also responsible for messaging through a diverse group of media and online channels including video, print, online, social media and e-mail. Brown’s task is communicating with players, parents, coaches, referees and other Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer constituents, as well as external media outlets and Philadelphia area partners including the Philadelphia Union and Philadelphia Independence.

Previously the General Manager of Suburban Sports Training Center (Conshohocken, PA), Brown directed the center’s sales and marketing efforts, as well as member communications programs. Earlier, he was a Support Analyst with Advantzware, Inc., providing client support and project management for this local software developer. On the soccer side, Brown was the Director of Marketing as well as Newtown (PA) League Director for Philadelphia Super F League, was the Sports Director of the BucksMont Indoor Sports Center, and the Marketing Director of Mid-Atlantic Premier Soccer. He also owned a website design firm, SportsFit Web Services, from 2004 through 2007.

Brown was on the organizing committee for this past summer’s US Youth Soccer Region I Championships in Lancaster, PA. He was head coach and trainer of FC Bucks United ’93 Boys Premier soccer team from 2004 through 2008, and was the goalkeeper coach for Arcadia University’s women’s soccer team from 2003 through 2007. Brown received his associate’s degree in Sports Management from Bucks County Community College and his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Strayer University.

About Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer:
Since 1972, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer has worked throughout Eastern Pennsylvania to promote, foster and perpetuate the game of soccer to the region's youth. Through competitions, educational programs, workshops and coaching clinics, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer impacts the lives of more than 130,000 youth soccer players from ages five to 19. Additional information is available at http://www.epysa.org.

Media Contacts:
Jim DeLorenzo, Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations, 215-564-1122, jim@jhdenterprises.com
Rob Brown, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, 610-238-9966, communications@epysa.org

Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s YMS Thunder under 18 Boys Team Wins 2011 US Youth Soccer National Championship in Phoenix

2011-08-08T09:30:00.000-07:00

Plymouth Meeting, PA – August 8, 2011 – The under 18 boys soccer team YMS Thunder, representing Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer and Yardley Makefield Soccer Club, captured the 2011 US Youth Soccer National Championship in Phoenix, Arizona last weekend, winning the U18 Boys Andy Stone Cup.

With the victory, the Under-18 Boys YMS Thunder (from Lower Makefield, Bucks County, PA) has reached the highest level of competitive youth soccer in the United States. YMS Thunder was one of three teams from Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer that earned the right to compete in the 2011 US Youth Soccer National Championships, including the Under-17 Boys Penn Fusion Celtic (from Westtown, PA), and the Under-17 Girls FC Pennsylvania Strikers (from St. David’s, PA).

“Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is proud of the accomplishments of the players and coaches on YMS Thunder, and we congratulate them for winning the 2011 US Youth Soccer National Championship in the under 18 boys Andy Stone Cup,” said Chris Branscome, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. “Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is lucky to be represented so well at national events by great teams like the YMS Thunder. We look forward to these players being leaders in the future whether on the soccer field, the classroom or the community.”

YMS Thunder’s road to the title began in the keystone state, with Coach Albert Prickett’s squad winning the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer State Cup on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 19th in West Chester, PA, and then winning the US Youth Soccer Region I Championships on Tuesday, July 5th in Lancaster, PA.

In Phoenix, YMS Thunder opened the tournament with a 2-1 victory on Wednesday, July 27th over KCFC Rangers 92/93 representing Kansas. KCFC scored first as Thomas Schermoly found the net in the 22nd minute. In the second half, Kyle MacDonald leveled the score on a 63rd-minute strike for YMS. His second goal of the day came in stoppage time and proved the game winner, lifting his team to the 2-1 victory.

Day two (Thursday, July 28th) found YMS Thunder finishing up with a 1-1 tie against Palo Alto (CA) Blue. The next day (Friday, July 29th) YMS Thunder again finished up with a 1-1 tie against Alpharetta (GA) Ambush 93 Red.
The same two squads, YMS Thunder and Alpharetta Ambush 93 Red, faced off again in the National Championship finals on Sunday, July 31st. An 89th-minute penalty kick from Kyle MacDonald (who will be playing at Penn State this fall) proved to be the game winner in YMS Thunder’s 1-0 victory over Alpharetta Ambush 93 Red. The strike gave MacDonald top scorer honors over the Ambush's Karl Chester, and MacDonald was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

“We have the upmost determination, will, and strength to never quit,” said YMS Thunder defender Vincent Herrmann after the National Championship game.
“Our team is very laid back when approaching the game. We just like to have fun,” said Colin Sulpizio, YMS Thunder goalkeeper. “I could have never been on this team and made it to where I am now without the help of my coaches and fellow players. They have helped my family and me so much financially to get me through to these big games and tournaments.”

Sulpizio received the Golden Glove Award for the best goalkeeper at the US Youth Soccer National Championships in the U18 boys’ age group.
YMS Thunder will be honored during the Saturday, August 13th Philadelphia Union game against FC Dallas at PPL Park, and is sure to receive additional recognition during the course of the next few weeks in the region.

About Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer:
Since 1972, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer has worked throughout Eastern Pennsylvania to promote, foster and perpetuate the game of soccer to the region's youth. Through competitions, educational programs, workshops and coaching clinics, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer impacts the lives of more than 130,000 youth soccer players from ages five to 19. Additional information is available at http://www.epysa.org.

Media Contacts:
Jim DeLorenzo, Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations, 215-266-5943, jim@jhdenterprises.com
Rob Brown, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, 610-238-9966, communications@epysa.org

Two Philadelphia Classic Series Regatta Events Change Dates to Create Perfect End-of-Season Veterans Day Weekend

2011-08-04T09:04:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia, PA – August 4, 2011 – Two of the events on the 2011 schedule for the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series have moved their events to Veteran’s Day weekend in November, bringing clubs and competitors the opportunity to conclude the 2011 competitive rowing season on a high-note.

The Hutchinson Cup Regatta, which had originally been scheduled for Saturday, September 24th, will now be on Saturday, November 12th. The Philadelphia Turn & Burn Regatta, which had originally been scheduled for Saturday, September 17th, will now be on Sunday, November 13th. (Veteran’s Day is Friday, November 11th.)

All proceeds from the 8th annual Hutchinson Cup Regatta support hospice and palliative care. In previous years, the Hutchinson Cup Regatta was open only to Masters and high school crews, but this November 12th, the race will expand to allow entries from colleges and open programs as well.

According to Joyce Michel, the director of the Hutchinson Cup Regatta, “We moved our race to November 12th this year because November is National Hospice and Palliative Care month, and also because a portion of our proceeds this year will support ‘We Honor Veterans,’ a national hospice provider awareness campaign conducted by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Our goal is to raise awareness and improve the care veterans and their families receive at the end of their lives, and what better weekend to raise awareness than Veterans Day weekend.”

This is the third year for the Philadelphia Children’s Foundation Turn & Burn Regatta, which is comprised of a "Turn" in the morning (a two- mile “old fashioned” stake boat turning race where the rowers literally turn at a stake approximately one-mile up the course and row back), and a "Burn" in the afternoon (a 500 meter sprint). . All proceeds from this regatta go to supporting the Philadelphia Children’s Foundation’s mission to empower children of all ages to find their passion, develop needed skills and make positive career and life decisions to achieve a successful future.

As in previous years, the Turn & Burn Regatta is open to Masters, clubs, high schools and colleges sweep rowers and scullers.

“It is a truly unique event to end the season,” said Jim Glavin, the director of the Turn & Burn Regatta. “There is no other regatta like this in the fall, and it gives all the rowers the perfect chance to end their season with a burn, which they have never had the chance to do before at the end of the season.”

The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series brings together for the first time 20 previously independent events in the first organized year-long series of rowing events of its kind in any major U.S. city. The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series is organized by the Schuylkill Navy, which is the oldest amateur athletic governing body in the country, representing the 12 rowing clubs based on Philadelphia’s landmark Boathouse Row.

With three of the largest regattas in the Mid-Atlantic region on the schedule, as well as two of the nation’s oldest regattas, the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series connects the rowing competitors of today to the historic home of the international rowing elite. It is built upon a tradition that launched November 12, 1835 with the first organized regatta on the Schuylkill (a full eight years before the start of the rowing program at Harvard). Over 175 years later, the Schuylkill River hosts more regattas annually than any other river in the nation.

The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series schedule runs from March through November, and features over 35,000 competitors in over 7,700 boats representing not only high schools but colleges, clubs, masters and open programs from around the country. The seven remaining regattas on the schedule include:

 Saturday, October 8: Navy Day Regatta (clubs/high school/collegiate/masters)
 Sunday, October 9: Row for the Cure (clubs/high school/college)
 Sunday, October 23: Philadelphia Children’s Foundation Regatta (h.s./coll.)
 Sat., Oct. 29 & Sun. Oct. 30: Head of the Schuylkill Regatta (h.s./coll./club/open/masters)
 Saturday, November 12: Hutchinson Cup Regatta (masters/open/coll/h.s./juniors)
 Sunday, November 13: Philadelphia Turn & Burn Regatta (masters/open/coll./h.s./clubs)

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for national, regional and local companies seeking access to this grand sport and its powerful demographic. Additional information is available at http://www.boathouserow.org.

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Media Contact:
Jim DeLorenzo
Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations
215-266-5943
jim@jhdenterprises.com

Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series Continues Tomorrow (Saturday, July 30th) with the Quaker City Masters Regatta 2011

2011-07-29T10:45:00.001-07:00

Philadelphia, PA – July 29, 2011 – The debut season of America’s first organized year-long series of rowing events, the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series, continues this Saturday, July 30th, with the annual Quaker City Masters Regatta, on Philadelphia’s historic Schuylkill River. The first race on Saturday begins at approximately 9 a.m. and concludes at approximately 5 p.m.

A regatta dedicated only to masters (age 21 or over), the Quaker City Masters Regatta has been held for the past 12 years. This Saturday, there are over 500 registered competitors in nearly 300 boats representing 32 cities and 12 states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, New Hampshire, Virginia, Massachusetts, Delaware and Maryland.

Admission to view the Quaker City Masters Regatta on the banks of the Schuylkill River and in the Grandstand located on Kelly Drive beneath the Columbia Railroad Bridge is free of charge. Limited parking for cars is available nearby in Fairmount Park. A full schedule for the Quaker City Masters Regatta is available online at http://www.boathouserow.org.

The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series brings together for the first time 20 previously independent events in the first organized year-long series of rowing events of its kind in any major U.S. city. The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series is organized by the Schuylkill Navy, which is the oldest amateur athletic governing body in the country, representing the 12 rowing clubs based on Philadelphia’s landmark Boathouse Row.

With three of the largest regattas in the Mid-Atlantic region on the schedule, as well as two of the nation’s oldest regattas, the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series connects the rowing competitors of today to the historic home of the international rowing elite. It is built upon a tradition that launched November 12, 1835 with the first organized regatta on the Schuylkill (a full eight years before the start of the rowing program at Harvard). Over 175 years later, the Schuylkill River hosts more regattas annually than any other river in the nation.

The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series schedule runs from March through November, and features over 35,000 competitors in over 7,700 boats representing not only high schools but colleges, clubs, masters and open programs from around the country. The seven remaining regattas on the schedule include:
 Saturday, July 30: Quaker City Masters Regatta (clubs/masters)
 Saturday, October 8: Navy Day Regatta (clubs/high school/collegiate/masters)
 Sunday, October 9: Row for the Cure (clubs/high school/college)
 Sunday, October 23: Philadelphia Children’s Foundation Regatta (h.s./coll.)
 Sat., Oct. 29 & Sun. Oct. 30: Head of the Schuylkill Regatta (h.s./coll./club/open/masters)
 Saturday, November 12: Hutchinson Cup Regatta (masters/open/coll/h.s./juniors)
 Sunday, November 13: Philadelphia Turn & Burn Regatta (masters/open/coll./h.s./clubs)

Additional information is available at http://www.boathouserow.org or at http://www.pitchengine.com/newsroom.php?id=32852.

Media Contact: Jim DeLorenzo, Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations, 215-266-5943, jim@jhdenterprises.com

Three Philadelphia-Area Teams Competing in 2011 US Youth Soccer National Championships Beginning Today in Phoenix, Arizona

2011-07-27T12:45:00.001-07:00

Plymouth Meeting, PA – July 27, 2011 -- Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, which has worked throughout Eastern Pennsylvania to promote, foster and perpetuate the game of soccer to the region's youth since 1972, has three Philadelphia-area teams competing in the 2011 US Youth Soccer National Championships, to be held at the Reach 11 Sports Complex in Phoenix, Arizona beginning today, July 27, and continuing through Sunday, July 31.
The three teams are the Under-17 Boys Penn Fusion Celtic (from Westtown, PA), the Under-18 Boys YMS Thunder (from Morrisville, PA), and the Under-17 Girls FC Pennsylvania Strikers (from St. David’s, PA). All three have made it through the Pennsylvania State Cup Championship and US Youth Soccer Region I Championship (held earlier this summer in Lancaster, PA) tournaments to qualify for the most prominent youth soccer tournament this country has to offer.
“Out of 10,000 teams competing for a spot in the 2011 US Youth Soccer National Championships tournament, only 48 teams nationwide are able to make it to this point, and the fact that three teams from our region have advanced to our National Championship stage is a testament to their hard work, as well as to the overall excellence of the youth soccer programs in our region,” said Chris Branscome, Chief Executive Office of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer. “We congratulate Penn Fusion Celtic, YMS Thunder, and FC Pennsylvania Strikers on their terrific season and for making it all the way to the National Championship tournament. This is an amazing accomplishment, and we are counting on them to show the rest of the nation what Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer is all about.”
The teams will play matches Wednesday, July 27 through Friday, July 29 to determine who will advance to play for the national titles. Round robin match times are scheduled for 8 a. m., 10 a.m., and 8 p.m. Teams will earn three points for a win, one point for a tie and no points for a loss. The top two teams with the most points at the conclusion of Friday's play will advance to play for the national championship on Saturday, July 30 or Sunday, July 31. Complete coverage of the 2011 US Youth Soccer National Championships is available online at http://tournaments.usyouthsoccer.org/events/2011-National-Championships.
About Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer:
Since 1972, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer has worked throughout Eastern Pennsylvania to promote, foster and perpetuate the game of soccer to the region's youth. Through competitions, educational programs, workshops and coaching clinics, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer impacts the lives of more than 130,000 youth soccer players from ages five to 19. Additional information is available at http://www.epysa.org.

Media Contact for Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer:
Jim DeLorenzo, Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations,
Cellphone: 215-266-5943, E-mail: jim@jhdenterprises.com

Credit & Collections Expert Andy Harmelin of A. I. Consulting Extends His Services to Law Firms, Solves Collection Challenges for Dilworth Paxson LLP

2011-07-20T21:44:00.001-07:00

Philadelphia, PA – July 21, 2011 – Even large law practices can have credit and collections process challenges. When Dilworth Paxson, one of the most prestigious national law practices, found their own collection challenge, they reached out to Andy Harmelin of A. I. Consulting.

Dilworth Paxson, which has a large Philadelphia presence, conducts a broad and diverse regional and national law practice representing a wide variety of clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to closely-held businesses, governmental entities, individuals, and other institutions.

Like other professional service firms, law firms, architecture and engineering firms, Dilworth Paxson is traditionally focused on delivering critical solutions for their clients, not looking after their credit and collections process.

“From time to time we run into situations where we, either our attorneys or myself, can no longer get a response from clients with past due balances,” said Eric Bowen, Controller at Dilworth Paxson. “At some point, assistance from outside the firm becomes necessary, and Andy Harmelin is whom we chose. He has proven to be very effective for us. Andy is knowledgeable and professional, but I think what I appreciate the most is that he is in constant contact with us. I always know where we stand with the clients we've forwarded to him which is important when I'm asked by our Executive Committee about these matters. More importantly, it assures me that he is pushing to get results.”

A. I. Consulting, which Harmelin founded in 2000, provides law firms, consulting firms, professional services firms, engineering, architectural and environmental companies in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region with cash flow improvement by offering recovery of past due accounts, cash flow solutions and credit evaluation. Harmelin brings over 20 years of experience in the industry to his role at A. I. Consulting. Before launching A. I. Consulting in 2000, Harmelin worked for several engineering and architecture firms in the Greater Philadelphia area for over 30 years. His company works to improve a client’s cash flow and bottom line by developing and customizing solutions that produce maximum results.

A 1970 graduate of Drexel University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Harmelin is qualified as an expert in the field of credit and collections by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and is on the roster of TASA, a nationally recognized firm providing experts to attorneys in support of litigation.

Additional information about Andy Harmelin and A. I. Consulting, LLC is available at
http://www.ai-consultingllc.com.

Media Contact:
Jim DeLorenzo
Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations
215-266-5943
jim@jhdenterprises.com

Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series Continues Saturday, July 16th with the Philadelphia Youth Regatta, Including “Benny” Trophy Presentation by Ben Franklin in Person

2011-07-15T08:05:00.001-07:00

Philadelphia, PA – July 15, 2011 – The debut season of America’s first organized year-long series of rowing events, the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series, continues this Saturday, July 16, with the annual Philadelphia Youth Regatta, on Philadelphia’s historic Schuylkill River. The first race on Saturday begins at approximately 9 a.m. with the first heat of the boys junior 18 quad, and concludes at approximately 5 p.m. with the girls eight dash final.

The club with the most points at the end of the day receives the prestigious “Benny” trophy, which this year will be presented to the winning club by none-other than Philadelphia’s most famous founding father, Benjamin Franklin.

A regatta dedicated only to juniors (those under the age of 19), the Philadelphia Youth Regatta has been held for the past 25 years. This Saturday, there are over 650 registered competitors in over 300 boats representing 40 clubs from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Delaware and Maryland.

Admission to view the Philadelphia Youth Regatta on the banks of the Schuylkill River and in the Grandstand located on Kelly Drive beneath the Columbia Railroad Bridge is free of charge. Limited parking for cars is available nearby in Fairmount Park. A full schedule for the Philadelphia Youth Regatta is available online at http://www.boathouserow.org.

The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series brings together for the first time 20 previously independent events in the first organized year-long series of rowing events of its kind in any major U.S. city. The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series is organized by the Schuylkill Navy, which is the oldest amateur athletic governing body in the country, representing the 12 rowing clubs based on Philadelphia’s landmark Boathouse Row.

With three of the largest regattas in the Mid-Atlantic region on the schedule, as well as two of the nation’s oldest regattas, the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series connects the rowing competitors of today to the historic home of the international rowing elite. It is built upon a tradition that launched November 12, 1835 with the first organized regatta on the Schuylkill (a full eight years before the start of the rowing program at Harvard).

The Schuylkill River hosts more regattas annually than any other river in the nation, as well as two of the country’s oldest continuing regattas.
The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series schedule runs from March through November, and features over 35,000 competitors in over 7,700 boats representing not only high schools but colleges, clubs, masters and open programs from around the country. The eight remaining regattas on the schedule include:

 Saturday, July 16: Philadelphia Youth Regatta (clubs/juniors)
 Saturday, July 30: Quaker City Masters Regatta (clubs/masters)
 Saturday, October 8: Navy Day Regatta (clubs/high school/collegiate/masters)
 Sunday, October 9: Row for the Cure (clubs/high school/college)
 Sunday, October 23: Philadelphia Children’s Foundation Regatta (h.s./coll.)
 Sat., Oct. 29 & Sun. Oct. 30: Head of the Schuylkill Regatta (h.s./coll./clubs/open)
 Saturday, November 12: Hutchinson Cup Regatta (masters/open/coll/h.s./juniors)
 Sunday, November 13: Philadelphia Turn & Burn Regatta (clubs)

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for national, regional and local companies seeking access to this grand sport and its powerful demographic. Additional information is available at http://www.boathouserow.org.

---###---

Media Contact:
Jim DeLorenzo
Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations
215-266-5943
jim@jhdenterprises.com

2011 Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series Continues This Weekend with the 131st Independence Day Regatta on the Schuylkill River Friday July 1st through Sunday, July 3rd

2011-06-28T12:52:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia, PA – June 28, 2011 – Since 1880, the Independence Day Regatta has been an integral part of the history of rowing, and of rowing in Philadelphia, and this weekend, the Independence Day Regatta continues the tradition, and continues the 2011 Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series.

The 131st Independence Day Regatta will compete on Philadelphia’s historic Schuylkill River on Friday, July 1st continuing through Sunday, July 3rd. The first race on Friday begins at 9 a.m. and the last race is schedule for approximately 6:30 p.m. Saturday’s first race is schedule for 8 a.m. continuing to approximately 6 p.m., while competition begins on Sunday morning at 8 a.m. and concludes at approximately 4 p.m. Admission to view the Independence Day Regatta on the banks of the Schuylkill River and in the Grandstand located on Kelly Drive beneath the Columbia Railroad Bridge is free of charge. Limited parking for cars is available for a fee nearby in Fairmount Park.

“This year's Independence Day Regatta is the largest in its long history, featuring 297 races over three days in 974 boats, with 1,225 athletes, 84 clubs, and participants from 64 cities in 20 states, as well as clubs visiting from Australia, Canada and Peru,” said John Hogan, Commodore of The Schuylkill Navy. "Each year this regatta grows in size. It is indicative of the growth of the sport of rowing and the importance of rowing in Philadelphia. It also is the first year the Independence Day Regatta will be conducted as part of the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series, which continues to establish its presence amongst the great annual sporting events of Philadelphia."

A full schedule for the Independence Day Regatta is available online at http://www.boathouserow.org.

The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series brings together for the first time 20 previously independent events in the first organized year-long series of rowing events of its kind in any major U.S. city. The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series is organized by the Schuylkill Navy, which is the oldest amateur athletic governing body in the country, representing the 12 rowing clubs based on Philadelphia’s landmark Boathouse Row.

With three of the largest regattas in the Mid-Atlantic region on the schedule, as well as two of the nation’s oldest regattas, the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series connects the rowing competitors of today to the historic home of the international rowing elite. It is built upon a tradition that launched November 12, 1835 with the first organized regatta on the Schuylkill (a full eight years before the start of the rowing program at Harvard).

The Schuylkill River hosts more regattas annually than any other river in the nation, as well as two of the country’s oldest continuing regattas, last month’s Schuylkill Navy Regatta (dating back to before 1860) and this weekend’s Independence Day Regatta (initiated in 1880). Those two historic events are a significant part of the 2011 schedule for the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series.

The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series schedule runs from March through November, and features over 35,000 competitors in over 7,700 boats representing not only high schools but colleges, clubs, masters and open programs from around the country. The 9 remaining regattas on the schedule include:

Fri., July 1 to Sun., July 3: Independence Day Regatta (clubs/open)
Saturday, July 16: Philadelphia Youth Regatta (clubs/juniors)
Saturday, July 30: Quaker City Masters Regatta (clubs/masters)
Saturday, October 8: Navy Day Regatta (clubs/high school/collegiate/masters)
Sunday, October 9: Row for the Cure (clubs/high school/college)
Sunday, October 23: Philadelphia Children’s Foundation Regatta (h.s./coll.)
Sat., Oct. 29 & Sun. Oct. 30: Head of the Schuylkill Regatta (h.s./coll./clubs/open)
Saturday, November 12: Hutchinson Cup Regatta (masters/open/coll/h.s./juniors)
Sunday, November 13: Philadelphia Turn & Burn Regatta (clubs)

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for national, regional and local companies seeking access to this grand sport and its powerful demographic. Additional information is available at http://www.boathouserow.org.

---###---

Media Contact:
Jim DeLorenzo
Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations
215-266-5943
jim@jhdenterprises.com

2011 US Youth Soccer Region I Championships Start Thursday, June 30th in Lancaster, Continuing Through Tuesday, July 5th, with 264 Soccer Teams from 12 States Competing in 450 Matches at Three Area Venues

2011-06-24T11:17:00.000-07:00

Lancaster, Pennsylvania – June 24, 2011 – For the first time, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, which has worked throughout Eastern Pennsylvania to promote, foster and perpetuate the game of soccer to the region's youth since 1972, is the host for the 2011 US Youth Soccer Region Championships, which begin Thursday, June 30th and continue through Tuesday, July 5th, at three playing venues in the Lancaster area.

A total of 450 soccer matches are scheduled with 264 teams over the course of five days. Admission to all games at all venues is free of charge. A full schedule of games is available at http://tiny.cc/se2cw, or at http://lancastersoccer2011.com.

Preliminary matches begin on Friday, July 1st and continue through Sunday, July 3rd, at East Petersburg Elementary School Soccer Complex (5700 Lemon Street, East Petersburg), at the Hempfield High School Complex (340 Mumma Drive, Landisville) and at Classics Soccer Park (the headquarters venue, 1461 Lancaster Road, Manheim).

Semi-final matches begin at 8 a.m. on Monday, July 4th at Hempfield High School Complex and at Classics Soccer Park. Championship finals matches will be played on Tuesday, July 5th beginning at 8 a.m., at Classics Soccer Park.

Regional winners from the under-14 through under-19 boys and girls brackets earn a berth to the upcoming 2011 US Youth Soccer National

The 2011 US Youth Soccer Region I Championships in Lancaster features the top 264 boys and girls US Youth Soccer teams from Region I, which includes the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia.

Featuring top teams in the under-12-year-old (U12) through the under-19-year-old (U19) age groups from 15 state associations including the host Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer (which is sending 16 teams to Lancaster), the 2011 US Youth Soccer Region I Championships is expected to attract over 4,500 players, coaches, teams and tournament officials, as well as their families and friends.

According to Chris Branscome, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer and co-chair of the Lancaster Organizing Committee, “over 10,000 room nights have been booked into Lancaster-area hotels for the 2011 US Youth Soccer Region I Championships, which should bring over $12 million in economic benefits to Lancaster and the region.”

This is the first time in Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer’s nearly 40 years of existence that the US Youth Soccer Region I Championships will be held within its own borders, and the event will return to Lancaster again next summer.

It took nearly five years for the Lancaster organizing committee and Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer to win the bid for their hometown region, guided by the efforts of Jim Kuntz, a successful Lancaster real estate professional with Prudential Homesale Services, is the co-chair of the local organizing committee.

“My dear friend Charlotte [Moran] and I worked on this for probably five years to bring this to Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer,” said Kuntz. “If you start from day one it was the dream, and then the dream went into conception, and then that turned into a discussion with Bob McDade (President of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer) and Chris Branscome. We thought it would be a great opportunity so we worked on the bid.

Even though Kuntz, McDade and Branscome agreed that they wanted to host the regional tournament in Eastern Pennsylvania, they still needed a partner venue or community, which they found in the Pennsylvania Dutch Convention and Visitors Bureau in Lancaster. They worked together to design a proposal, which they presented to the US Youth Soccer Region I Council in Fort Worth, Texas on why this region would be the best candidate to host the tournament.

US Youth Soccer awarded Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer and the City of Lancaster the 2011 and 2012 US Youth Soccer Region I Championships in March, 2010.

“For the Lancaster community in general, it’s between $12 to15 million in tourist dollars coming in,” said Kuntz. “With regards to soccer interest, Lancaster County is already a big soccer community. What this tournament will do for the local Lancaster community is that it will bring top notch soccer to the community and will let a lot of folks locally get a good look at top flight in soccer in the region.”

About Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer:
Since 1972, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer has worked throughout Eastern Pennsylvania to promote, foster and perpetuate the game of soccer to the region's youth. Through competitions, educational programs, workshops and coaching clinics, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer impacts the lives of more than 130,000 youth soccer players from ages five to 19. Additional information is available at http://www.epysa.org.

About the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer):
US Youth Soccer - "The Game for ALL Kids!®" is the largest youth sports organization in the country and largest member of the United States Soccer Federation, the governing body of soccer in the United States. US Youth Soccer registers more than 3 million players annually, ages 5 to 19, and over 900,000 administrators, coaches and volunteers in 55 member State Associations. US Youth Soccer programs provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game. For more information, visit www.USYouthSoccer.org.

[Media Request: When referring to the United States Youth Soccer Association, the largest youth sports organization in the United States, please refer to the association only as US Youth Soccer, and never as USYS or USYSA. We appreciate your cooperation.]

Media Contacts
Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer:
Jim DeLorenzo, Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations
Cellphone: 215-266-5943
E-mail: jim@jhdenterprises.com

US Youth Soccer:
Mike Anderson, US Youth Soccer Communications
Cellphone: 972-213-5272
E-mail: manderson@usyouthsoccer.org

The Incredible Lou Ferrigno & Wizard World CEO Gareb Shamus on FOX 29's GOOD DAY PHILADELPHIA promoting Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con 2011

2011-06-18T21:25:00.000-07:00

Live From Comin Con: Lou Ferrigno!: MyFoxPHILLY.com

More Than 270 Superstar Creators Making Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con Their Canvas This Weekend

2011-06-15T13:34:00.000-07:00

Ramos, Cheung, Suydam, Sienkiewicz, Horn, Jimenez, Jones, Grell Among 270+ International, National and Local Artists and Writers On Hand Friday Through Sunday At Pennsylvania Convention Center

NEW YORK and PHILADELPHIA, June 15, 2011 – More than 270 comics creators from around the world – and across the City of Brotherly Love – will be taking their talents to Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, part of North America’s largest pop-culture tour, Friday through Sunday at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. From Will Eisner Industry Award winners like Kevin Maguire (“Justice League,” “Batman Confidential”) and Bill Sienkiewicz (“Elektra”) to popular creators Greg Horn ("Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark," "Hero For Hire"), Arthur Suydam ("Marvel Zombies," "Army of Darkness") to J.G. Jones (“Final Crisis,” “Wanted”).

What makes this gathering especially unique for Comic Con fans is the massive international presence, unmatched by any previous events. These include extremely rare U.S. appearances from greats like Carlos Pacheco (Spain), Mick Oosterveer (Denmark), Humberto Ramos (Mexico), Doug Braithwaite (England), Edgar Delgado “Pato” (Mexico), Francisco Herrera (Mexico) and more.

The creators will be on hand to meet fans, sign autographs and sketch. Many Greater Philadelphia-based artists will be in attendance, as well as a total of 13 Eisner Comics winners or nominees, including honorees Franco Aureliani ("Billy Batson And The Magic Of Shazam!," "Tiny Titans") and Todd Klein ("Green Lantern," "New Talent Showcase").

“This weekend we have gathered Philadelphia Comic Con's most diverse and talented group of creators ever,” said Gareb Shamus, Wizard World CEO. “It's another example of how Wizard World continues to bring the best and brightest in the comics industry to the fans.”

Among the other popular artists fans will want to meet are Jim Cheung (“Avengers,” “Uncanny X-Men”), Phil Jimenez ("Amazing Spider-Man," "Astonishing X-Men"), Mike Grell ("Green Arrow," "Green Lantern") and Tom Raney (“Avengers Academy,” “Incredible Hulks”).

In all, more than 20 artists who have worked on the “Green Lantern” franchise are scheduled to appear, This Green Lantern Celebration includes such greats as Ethan Van Sciver, Tyler Kirkham and Shane Davis – perfect timing with the feature film releasing in theaters this weekend. Philadelphia Comic Con programming includes two “Green Lantern” themed panels as well as several “Wizard Art School” sessions featuring top creators and others highlighting various aspects of the industry.

Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, now in its 11th year, will bring together thousands of fans of all ages and dozens of celebrities and industry professionals to celebrate the best in pop culture, movies, comics, toys, video gaming, television, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Among the most popular celebrities scheduled to attend are Bruce Campbell, Adam Baldwin, Bill Goldberg, Pam Grier, Vivica A. Fox, Julie Benz and Billy Dee Williams.

Philadelphia Comic Con is the sixth stop on Wizard World's 2011 North American tour. Hours are Friday, noon - 8 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets are available in advance online at http://www.wizardworld.com/philadelphia.html at a savings over tickets purchased at the door. Advance adult single-day tickets are priced at $25 ($35 on site); three-day weekend tickets are $45 ($55 on site), and tickets are free for children age 10 and under when accompanied by a paid adult (limit two children per adult). VIP packages with special entry and exclusive items are also available on a limited basis.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests. Wizard World also produces Wizard World Digital, an online publication covering new and upcoming products and talents in the pop culture world, and is distributed on a weekly basis to online and iPad users worldwide.

For the most recent event information please visit www.wizardworld.com and become a Philadelphia Comic Con Fan on Facebook.

***** SAVE THE 2011/12 DATES *****
June 17-19 – Philadelphia Comic Con
August 11-14 – Chicago Comic Con
September 17-18 – New England Comic Con
September 24-25 – Los Angeles Comic Con
October 22-23 – Mid-Ohio Comic Con
October 28-30 – Central Canada Comic Con (C4)
November 11-13 – Austin Comic Con
January 28-29, 2012 – New Orleans Comic Con
March 23-25, 2012 – Toronto Comic Con
April 27-29, 2012 – Anaheim Comic Con
December 8-9, 2012 – Miami Comic Con

# # #

Media Contact:
Jim DeLorenzo, 215-266-5843, jim@jhdenterprises.com
Jerry Milani, Wizard World, 646-380-2479 pr@wizardworld.com

2011 Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series Continues This Saturday with the 153rd Schuylkill Navy Regatta

2011-06-15T13:22:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia, PA – June 15, 2011 – The Schuylkill Navy Regatta, one of the United States’ oldest continuing competitive rowing events dating back to before 1860, continues with the 153rd edition of this historic regatta this Saturday, June 18th, and for the first time it is a part of the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series.

This Saturday’s Schuylkill Navy Regatta begins at approximately 9 a.m. with the first heat of the women’s open single, and continues to approximately 6 p.m. with the women’s intermediate eight final. More than 365 boats with 650 competitors representing 55 different rowing clubs including masters, open and clubs are expected to row in this year’s Schuylkill Navy Regatta, as well as several rowers from Australia competing in this event for the first time.

“The legacy of rowing in Philadelphia is a long and historic one with the Schuylkill Navy and the Schuylkill Navy Regatta standing as keystones in that tradition,” said John Hogan, Commodore of The Schuylkill Navy. “It’s a tradition which extends beyond one day, one race through the efforts of not only the competitors, but also the organizers, the volunteers, and the families that support our efforts all year, every year. We are also proud to now be part of the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series, a premier annual event for Philadelphia and the region.”

This year’s Schuylkill Navy Regatta is the first under the umbrella of the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series, which brings together for the first time 20 previously independent events in the first organized year-long series of rowing events of its kind in any major U.S. city. The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series is organized by the Schuylkill Navy, which is the oldest amateur athletic governing body in the country, representing the 12 rowing clubs based on Philadelphia’s landmark Boathouse Row.

With three of the largest regattas in the Mid-Atlantic region on the schedule, as well as two of the nation’s oldest regattas, the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series connects the rowing competitors of today to the historic home of the international rowing elite. It is built upon a tradition that launched November 12, 1835 with the first organized regatta on the Schuylkill (a full eight years before the start of the rowing program at Harvard).

The Schuylkill River hosts more regattas annually than any other river in the nation, as well as two of the country’s oldest continuing regattas, this Saturday’s Schuylkill Navy Regatta (dating back to before 1860) and the Independence Day Regatta (initiated in 1880). Those two historic events are a significant part of the 2011 schedule for the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series.

The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series schedule runs from March through November, and features over 35,000 competitors in over 7,700 boats representing not only high schools but colleges, clubs, masters and open programs from around the country. The 10 remaining regattas on the schedule include:

 Saturday, June 18: Schuylkill Navy Regatta (clubs/open)
 Fri., July 1 to Sun., July 3: Independence Day Regatta (clubs/open)
 Saturday, July 16: Philadelphia Youth Regatta (clubs/juniors)
 Saturday, July 30: Quaker City Masters Regatta (clubs/masters)
 Saturday, October 8: Navy Day Regatta (clubs/high school/collegiate/masters)
 Sunday, October 9: Row for the Cure (clubs/high school/college)
 Sunday, October 23: Philadelphia Children’s Foundation Regatta (h.s./coll.)
 Sat., Oct. 29 & Sun. Oct. 30: Head of the Schuylkill Regatta (h.s./coll./clubs/open)
 Saturday, November 12: Hutchinson Cup Regatta (high school/masters)
 Sunday, November 13: Philadelphia Turn & Burn Regatta (clubs)

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for national, regional and local companies seeking access to this grand sport and its powerful demographic. Additional information is available at http://www.boathouserow.org.

---###---

Media Contact:
Jim DeLorenzo
Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations
215-266-5943
jim@jhdenterprises.com

MKS&D Congratulates Nikki M. James, 2011 Tony Award Winner as Featured Actress in a Musical for "The Book of Mormon"

2011-06-15T13:20:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles, CA and New York, NY – June 15, 2011 -- Nikki M. James won the 2011 Tony Award for Featured Actress in a Musical this past Sunday night for her role as a sweet Ugandan villager in the hit show, “The Book of Mormon.”

James said she loves originating roles in musicals, but would also like to perform the classics in New York. She came to her current role after playing Cleopatra opposite Christopher Plummer at the Stratford Festival in Canada; she also played Juliet in a non-traditionally cast production of Romeo and Juliet.

Overall, “The Book of Mormon” captured nine Tony Awards in all at the 65th annual celebration of the best of Broadway. The show’s awards included best musical, score, book, and direction (as well as featured actress). Accepting the musical award, Trey Parker, who crafted the libretto and songs with his South Park partner Matt Stone and Robert Lopez, thanked a co-writer "who passed away": Mormon founder Joseph Smith. "You won the Tony, Joseph!"

Cosmo DeNicola (Chairman), Janet DeNicola (Board Member) and the Team at MKS&D are proud to congratulate their client on her artistic achievement.

MKS&D is a talent management firm with offices in New York and Beverly Hills. They represent actors in film, television and theatre. The management team consists of Principals Jeff Mitchell, Elise Koseff and Maggie Schuster. Ruth Esponda is an associate manager and Caitlin Monahan assists the staff.

Notable past and present clients include James Gandolfini (The Soprano's); Robert Iler (The Soprano's); Bryan Greenberg (How to Make It In America); Molly Shannon (Saturday Night Live); Yin Chang (Gossip Girl and Disney's Prom); Tristan Wilds (90210 and The Wire); Alexandra Chando (As The Word Turns and the upcoming ABC Family series The Lying Game); E. J. Bonilla (The Guiding Light); Emma Kenney (Showtime's Shameless) Lily Pilblad (Lights Out on FX and Fringe); and many others.

About MKS&D: MKS&D is a talent management firm with offices in Beverly Hills and New York. MKS&D represents actors and creative talent in the fields of motion pictures, television and theater. With over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry, the firm is dedicated to achieving both the professional and personal goals of its clients. Additional information is available at http://www.mksd.com.

Media Contact for MKS&D:
Jim DeLorenzo
jim@jhdenterprises.com
215-266-5943

MKS&D Board Members Cosmo & Janet DeNicola Join Famed Filmmaker Steven Spielberg to Honor Ambassadors for Humanity

2011-06-14T16:58:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia, PA -- MKS&D board members Cosmo and Janet DeNicola joined famed filmmaker and Hollywood powerhouse Steven Spielberg, who created a foundation to preserve oral histories of the Holocaust, in honoring the head of cable TV giant Comcast for his work as “an ambassador to learning.”

Spielberg presented Brian Roberts, chairman and chief executive officer of Philadelphia-based Comcast Corp., with the Shoah Foundation’s annual Ambassadors for Humanity award at a benefit gala in Philadelphia on Monday May 9th.

The foundation and Comcast have joined forces on educational initiatives to advance the organization’s mission to promote tolerance.

The three-time Oscar winner in a statement called Roberts “a longtime advocate of finding and developing innovative avenues to reach and educate young people.”

Spielberg was inspired by his 1993 Holocaust epic “Schindler’s List” to establish the Shoah Foundation, which gathers video testimonials from Holocaust survivors and eyewitnesses to
use as teaching tools for current and future generations.

Today, the foundation’s Visual History Archive is one of the world’s largest video libraries, with nearly 52,000 testimonials from 56 countries and in 32 languages. Its goal is to provide the videos to scholars and educators as a way of educating young people about the suffering caused by xenophobia around the world.

MKS&D formally launched in early March 2011, with the partnership between J. Mitchell Management (JMM) and the DeNicola Family.

Cosmo DeNicola, chairman of the board of MKS&D, is a technology entrepreneur, and owner of a national technology company, Amtech Software. The acquisition of MKS&D marked Cosmo’s first major entree into the film and television industry, although past investments include film and music productions. He is also a member of the ownership group of the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League.

Janet DeNicola, a member of MKS&D’s board of directors, is a technology entrepreneur, and owner of two national IT companies, Futura Services, Inc. and Futura Healthcare Technology, LLC. She is an active member of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council and Women Presidents’ Organization. From developing the strategic plan to overseeing the financial management of her companies, Janet has assembled a world-class organization to meet the ever-changing needs of Futura’s customers. She is also an active investor in film and music productions.

ABOUT MKS&D: MKS&D is a talent management firm with offices in Beverly Hills and New York City. MKS&D represents actors and creative talent in the fields of motion pictures, television and theater. With over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry, the firm is dedicated to achieving both the professional and personal goals of its clients.

Media Contact:
Jim DeLorenzo (for MKS&D)
215-266-5943
jim@jhdenterprises.com

Dozens Of Celebrities Scheduled For Next Weekend's Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con

2011-06-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

Bruce Campbell, Adam Baldwin, Bill Goldberg, Pam Grier, Vivica A. Fox, Julie Benz, Billy Dee Williams, Adam West Among Headliners June 17-18-19 At Pennsylvania Convention Center

NEW YORK and PHILADELPHIA, June 8, 2011 – More than 50 celebrities, representing many of the most iconic and popular movies, television programs and entertainment outlets, are scheduled to attend next weekend's Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, June 17-19 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Among the leading stars to appear are Bruce Campbell, Adam Baldwin, Bill Goldberg, Pam Grier, Vivica A. Fox, Julie Benz and Billy Dee Williams.

Some of the most prominent franchises in movie and television history are well-represented among the wide variety of guests, including STAR WARS, SUPERMAN, SAW, “Batman,” “Desperate Housewives,” TERMINATOR, “The Incredible Hulk,” “Spider-Man,” “Buffy: The Vampire Slayer,” “The Walking Dead,” “Battlestar Galactica,” “Baywatch” and “Jackass.”

Campbell (“Burn Notice,” ARMY OF DARKNESS) was a huge hit at last year's event, and will be appearing only on Saturday, June 18. Grier (“Smallville,” “The L Word”), Fox (KILL BILL VOL. 1 and VOL. 2, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”), Benz (“Buffy: The Vampire Slayer,” “Desperate Housewives”), and Williams (STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, BATMAN) have also been popular guests at Wizard World events. Baldwin (FULL METAL JACKET, SERENITY) and Goldberg (WWE wrestler, THE LONGEST YARD) will be making their first appearances.

“Response to this year's celebrities has been massive,” said Gareb Shamus, Wizard World CEO. “Philadelphia Comic Con is bringing its most robust and diverse guest list ever. Fans are psyched, and they have let us know.”

Other featured Philadelphia Comic Con celebrity guests include Michael Biehn (TERMINATOR, ALIENS), Grammy Award winner Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels (Run-D.M.C), Alaina Huffman (“Smallville,” “SGU Stargate Universe”), Julia Benson (“SGU Stargate Universe, ROAD TO VICTORY), Adam West (“Batman,” “The Family Guy”), Burt Ward (“Batman”), John Schneider (“Smallville,” “Dukes of Hazzard”), Richard Roundtree (SHAFT, “Heroes), Lou Ferrigno (“The Incredible Hulk”), Margot Kidder (SUPERMAN, “Smallville”) and Peter Mayhew (STAR WARS). BOONDOCK SAINTS co-stars Norman Reedus and Sean Patrick Flanery will also reunite at the event.

In addition to Goldberg, stars of wrestling scheduled to attend include Tony Atlas, Maria Kanellis, Dawn Marie, Virgil, Nikolai Volkoff, Ryan Shamrock, Torrie Wilson, Brimstone and Candice Michelle.

Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con will bring together thousands of fans of all ages and dozens of celebrities and industry professionals to celebrate the best in pop culture, movies, comics, toys, video gaming, television, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.

Children and adult attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite villain, superhero or pop culture personality for the chance to win special prizes in costume contests. Event-goers may also try their hand interactive product exhibits and shop for collectible comics, movie and television memorabilia, toys and games at more than 200 dealer booths.

Philadelphia Comic Con is the sixth stop on Wizard World's 2011 North American tour. Hours are Friday, June 17, noon - 8 p.m., Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Sunday, June 19, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets are available in advance online at http://www.wizardworld.com/philadelphia.html at a savings over tickets purchased at the door. Advance adult single-day tickets are priced at $25 ($35 on site); three-day weekend tickets are $45 ($55 on site), and tickets are free for children age 10 and under when accompanied by a paid adult (limit two children per adult). VIP packages with special entry and exclusive items are also available on a limited basis.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World, Inc. produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premiers, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests. Wizard World, Inc. also produces Wizard World Digital, an online publication covering new and upcoming products and talents in the pop culture world, is distributed on a weekly basis to online and iPad users worldwide.

The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

***** SAVE THE 2011/12 DATES *****
June 17-19 – Philadelphia Comic Con
August 11-14 – Chicago Comic Con
September 17-18 – New England Comic Con
September 24-25 – Los Angeles Comic Con
October 22-23 – Mid-Ohio Comic Con
October 28-30 – Central Canada Comic Con (C4)
November 11-13 – Austin Comic Con
January 28-29, 2012 – New Orleans Comic Con
March 23-25, 2012 – Toronto Comic Con
April 27-29, 2012 – Anaheim Comic Con
May 19-20, 2012 – Big Apple Comic Con
December 8-9, 2012 – Miami Comic Con

# # #

Media Contact:
Jim DeLorenzo, 215-266-5843, jim@jhdenterprises.com
Jerry Milani, Wizard World, 646-380-2479 pr@wizardworld.com

'Green Lantern' Panels, Bruce Campbell, Billy Dee Williams, 'Batman' Q&As, 'Kids' Day,' 'Buffyfests' Highlight Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con Programming

2011-06-02T13:19:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK and PHILADELPHIA, June 2, 2011 – Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con today announced its diverse programming schedule, featuring unique celebrity Q&A's, music, film screenings and discussions, artist schools, contests and more for the event, set for Friday through Sunday, June 17-19 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Some of the highlights include:
• “Buffyfests” with “Buffy: The Vampire Slayer” stars Nicholas Brendon, Kelly Donovan, Mercedes McNab and Clare Kramer
• “Green Lantern” franchise discussions with featured creators like Ethan Van Sciver, Carlos Pacheco, Shane Davies, Todd Klein and others
• Rare Q&A sessions with Margot Kidder (“Lois Lane” from the SUPERMAN movies), Julie Benz (“Dexter,” “No Ordinary Family), Bruce Campbell (“Burn Notice,” ARMY OF DARKNESS), and Adam Baldwin (SERENITY, “Firefly”)
• “Stargate Universe” Q&A with the beautiful tandem of Alaina Huffman and Julia Benson
• “Kids' Day” program with face painting, balloons, other fun activities specially designed for children
• Popular panels with Billy Dee Williams and the “Dynamic Duo,” Adam West and Burt Ward of “Batman” fame
• Sessions featuring stars of other huge multiplatform franchises such as STAR WARS (Jake Lloyd, Peter Mayhew, Daniel Logan), TERMINATOR (Michael Biehn, Kristanna Loken), “The Incredible Hulk” (Lou Ferrigno) and “The Walking Dead” (Chandler Riggs, Iron E. Singleton, Addy Miller)
• Wizard Art School and Q&A's featuring leading creators like Bill Sienkiewicz, Greg Horn Humberto Ramos, Mike Grell, Francisco Herrera and others
• The popular adult costume contest and fun kids costume contest with great prizes

Unless noted, Philadelphia Comic Con programming will take place in the designated panel rooms at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and is included with admission to the event. Seating for panels is strictly limited and available on a first come first serve basis and each room will be cleared between panels. The full schedule is below:

Friday

2:00-2:30PM
Lou Ferrigno Q&A
Have your questions ready for the original Incredible Hulk Lou Ferrigno, or risk getting crushed. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. (Room B)

2:30-3:00PM
Margot Kidder Q&A
With a career spanning over forty years, and with countless roles on both the big and small screens, acting veteran Margot Kidder (Superman; Sisters; “Smallville”) makes a rare appearance at Philadelphia Comic Con to share her secrets to longevity in Hollywood. (Room B)

3:00-3:45PM
Exposed: The Secrets Of Professional Wrestling
Ted DiBiase, Virgil and Dawn Marie give fans the low down on what’s real and what’s not in the world of professional wrestling. (Room B)

4:00-4:45PM
Independent Filmmaking With Dan Fogler
Hollywood actor Dan Fogler (Balls of Fury; Fanboys; Kung Fu Panda) and his producing partner Thomas Sullivan will discuss making films outside of the mainstream Hollywood system, as well as the difficulties and freedoms of producing independent works. (Room B)

5:00-5:45PM
Claudia Christian Q&A
“Babylon 5” beauty Claudia Christian shares the secrets to her multi-faceted success, and previews a sneak peek of her new Showtime series “Look.” (Room A)

6:00-6:45PM
Terminator Panel With Michael Biehn And Kristanna Loken
Michael Biehn (Terminator) and Kristanna Loken (Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines) team up to talk about their respective roles as Sgt. Kyle Reese and T-X in the blockbuster movie trilogy. (Room A)

Jonathan Tiersten Performance
Actor and musician Jonathan Tiersten -from the 80's classic Horror film Sleepaway Camp, and his latest movie The Perfect House - will be performing his latest CD called We'll See, which is featured in the film The Perfect House. Q&A will follow. (Room A)

Saturday

11:00-11:45AM
Buffyfest Q&A With Nicholas Brendon And Kelly Donovan
“Buffy The Vampire Slayer” star Nicholas Brendon (Xander Harris) sits down with his on and off-screen twin brother Kelly Donovan to take fan questions about life during and after the pop culture phenomenon. (Room A)

Digital Comics and the New Publishing Model (Room B)
Borders is failing and Comixology is trending. What does this mean for the future of comics? Get advice on formatting, marketing, publishing and more from creators who've successfully made the crossover from web to print. (Room B)

12:00-12:45 PM
Star Wars Q&A With Jake Lloyd, Peter Mayhew And Daniel Logan
The stars behind Anakin Skywalker, Chewbacca and Boba Fett take fan questions and discuss their thoughts on the evolution of one of the highest grossing film franchises in history. (Room A)

Mike Grell Q&A
The legendary comic icon behind classic Legion of Super-Heroes Tales and Warlord talks about his tips of the trade and shares his secrets from making it in comics. (Room B)

1:00-1:45PM
Billy Dee Williams Q&A
“Lando” lands at Philadelphia Comic Con! Don’t miss it as the coolest man in STAR WARS history sits down to take fan questions. (Room A)

Breaking Into Comics With Humberto Ramos, Francisco Herrera And Edgar Segura
Fan favorites Humberto Ramos (Wonder Woman; Astonishing X-Men), Francisco Herrera and Edgar Segura (Superman/Batman) team up to give out their tips on refining your art, pitching to publishers, and any other sound advice they can think of about working in comics. (Room B)

Smurfology 101
This year "The Smurfs" animated series will be celebrating its 30th Anniversary with a new feature film to be released later this summer. The loveable blue gnomes are preparing to Smurf their way into the pop culture landscape yet again! Follow the world's leading Smurfologist Matt Murray as he traces the Smurfs roots from character concepts for an unproduced Belgian short film, to global TV superstars and beyond. Includes special glimpses from Murray's upcoming book The World of Smurfs, due from Abrams Image in August. (Room C)

2:00-2:45PM
Boondock Saints Q&A With Norman Reedus And Sean Patrick Flanery
The pair known as Murphy and Connor MacManus in The Boondock Saints I and II reteam for a special Q&A session where they will share the details behind the movies, their careers, and everything you never got to see onscreen. (Room A)

Green Lantern Panel Part I
Some of the minds behind Green Lantern team up to discuss the writing and sketching processes behind one of comics’ most popular series. Featuring artists Ethan Van Sciver, Carlos Pachecho, Prentis Rollins and writer Tony Bedard. (Room B)

3:00-3:45PM
Julie Benz Q&A
As a star of hit shows like "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Dexter" and "No Ordinary Family," Benz talks to fans about her extensive career, ups and downs in the industry and her thoughts on the new generation of sci-fi and fantasy on television. (Room A)

Digital Art School W/ Greg Horn
Superstar Marvel and DC artist Greg Horn (Blackest Night covers) leads a discussion on digital art and
takes you through his creative process. (Room B)

4:00-4:45PM
Batman And Robin Q&A With Adam West And Burt Ward
The original ’60s Dynamic Duo reteams for this one-of-a-kind Q&A, where Batman and Robin drop their masks and talk about their lady co-stars, the villains they faced and the wild nights after the show! (Room A)

Wizard Art School With Bill Sienkiewicz
Join Eisner Award winning artist Bill Sienkiewicz (Batman: The Widening Gyre covers), as he gives an insiders’ look at his art processes, and gives advice on his personal do's and don’ts of the trade to new creators interested in sequential storytelling. (Room B)

5:00-5:45PM
Bruce Campbell Q&A
Best known for his roles on the big screen in cult classics such as Army of Darkness and Evil Dead, or as Sam Axe in the hit television show “Burn Notice,” Bruce Campbell has proven to be a force to be reckoned with both on-screen and behind-the-scenes as an actor, director and author. Don’t miss an opportunity to ask him questions when he makes a rare appearance at Philadelphia Comic Con. (Room A)

6:00-8:00PM
Costume Contest
Get your best costume together and come on down to Wizard World’s Philadelphia Comic Con costume contest for fun prizes and some of the craziest outfits you’ll see this weekend. (Room A)

7:00-9:00PM
SPECIAL FILM SCREENING – TBD (Room C)

8:00-9:00PM
Official Wizard World Zombie Beach Party
After the show, the party continues at The Zombie Beach Party! Professional makeup artists will transform you into a zombie for the night ($10 face painting fee), then let loose and party with DJ Kiltboy and Dave Ghoul. The Slotcars and The Sharkskins will also take the stage, and don’t miss out on the prizes for the most creative zombies of the night. Wizard World Comic Con attendees are free with wristband; guest tickets are $10. (Trocadero Theatre – 1003 Arch Street )

Sunday

Free Felix The Cat Prints
Visit Don Oriolo -CEO of Felix the Cat Productions- to pick up your free autographed Felix the Cat print. (Booth TBD)

11:00-11:45AM
Buffyfest Q&A With Mercedes McNab And Clare Kramer
Join the ladies known as Harmony and Glory on the hit TV show “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” as they discuss their days on the show and dish about what went on behind-the-scenes of the show that just won’t die. (Room A)

12:00-12:45pm
Walking Dead Q&A With Chandler Riggs, Iron E. Singleton And Addy Miller
AMC’s ambitious horror series based on Robert Kirkman’s ultra-hot zombie series from Image, now comes to life from director Frank Darabont (“The Green Mile”)! Check out this amazing preview of behind-the-scenes footage and extended clips along with a Q&A with some of the show’s stars. (Room A)

Green Lantern Panel Part II
Green Lantern artists Shane Davis and Tyler Kirkham and writer Todd Klein continue the Green Lantern discussion in part II of the series, sharing the storytelling processes behind some of your favorite comic minds. (Room B)

1:00-1:45pm
Stargate Universe Q&A With Alaina Huffman And Julia Benson (Room A)
Alaina Huffman and Julia Benson take to the stage to spill on their days as the leading ladies Tamara Johansen and Vanessa James from the wildly popular sci-fi series “Stargate Universe.” (Room A)

Kids’ Day Program – TBD (Room B)

2:00-3:00PM
Adam Baldwin Q&A
With roles on sci-fi classics such as Serenity, “Firefly,” “The X-Files” and “Angel,” Adam Baldwin’s extensive résumé speaks for itself. Don’t miss his Wizard World Comic Con debut, where he will sit down to answer fan questions and share his favorite moments from the shows we’ve all come to love. (Room A)

Kids’ Costume Contest
Bring kids 10 and under for this special event with fun prizes just for families and the youngsters. (Room B)

3:00-3:45PM
Sound Of Musical Interlude With Ethan Van Sciver
The halls are alive with the sound of...“music.” Ethan Van Sciver (Flash: Rebirth) invites you to spend the hour trapped in a small room discussing cannibalism, Wolverine, deviancy and all manner of filth and disease through the art of song. Not since Liberace has anyone tickled the ivories with such aplomb. Well, Richard Marx was good... but Ethan is good too! Come and see! (Room B)

Philadelphia Comic Con is the sixth stop on Wizard World's 2011 North American tour. Hours are Friday, June 17, noon - 8 p.m., Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Sunday, June 19, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets are available in advance online at http://www.wizardworld.com/philadelphia.html at a savings over tickets purchased at the door. Advance adult single-day tickets are priced at $25 ($35 on site); three-day weekend tickets are $45 ($55 on site), and tickets are free for children age 10 and under when accompanied by a paid adult (limit two children per adult). VIP packages with special entry and exclusive items are also available on a limited basis.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests. Wizard World also produces Wizard World Digital, an online publication covering new and upcoming products and talents in the pop culture world, and is distributed on a weekly basis to online and iPad users worldwide.

For the most recent event information please visit www.wizardworld.com and become a Philadelphia Comic Con Fan on Facebook.

***** SAVE THE 2011/12 DATES *****
June 17-19 – Philadelphia Comic Con
August 11-14 – Chicago Comic Con
September 17-18 – New England Comic Con
September 24-25 – Los Angeles Comic Con
October 22-23 – Mid-Ohio Comic Con
October 28-30 – Central Canada Comic Con (C4)
November 11-13 – Austin Comic Con
January 28-29, 2012 – New Orleans Comic Con
March 23-25, 2012 – Toronto Comic Con
April 27-29, 2012 – Anaheim Comic Con
December 8-9, 2012 – Miami Comic Con

# # #

Media Contact:
Jim DeLorenzo, 215-266-5843, jim@jhdenterprises.com
Jerry Milani, Wizard World, 646-380-2479 pr@wizardworld.com

13 Eisner Award Winner and Nominees To Attend Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, June 17-19

2011-05-31T10:05:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK and PHILADELPHIA, May 31, 2011 – Thirteen Will Eisner Comics Industry Awards winners or nominees are among the more than 200 comic creators already scheduled to attend Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, part of North America’s largest pop-culture tour, June 17-19 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

The winners include Franco Aureliani ("Billy Batson And The Magic Of Shazam!," "Tiny Titans"); Todd Klein ("Green Lantern," "New Talent Showcase"); Kevin Maguire (“Justice League,” “Batman Confidential,”) and Bill Sienkiewicz (“Elektra”).

Eisner nominees scheduled to attend are Farel Dalrymple ("Papercutter," "Pop Gun War"); Edgar Delgado ("Spider-Man," "Ultimate Thor); Jimmy Gownley ("Amelia Rules!," "Reading With Pictures"); Brad Guigar ("Evil Inc," "Phables"); Humberto Ramos ("Amazing Spider-Man," "The Spectacular Spider-Man"); Carlos Pacheco ("X-Men," "Green Lantern"); J.G. Jones ("Final Crisis," "Wanted"); Ethan Van Sciver ("Green Lantern," "Superman/Batman"); and J. David Spurlock ("Art of Roy Krenkel," "Life & Death of Wally Wood").

The creators will be on hand to meet fans, sign autographs and sketch. Many Greater Philadelphia-based artists will be in attendance as well.

The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards are considered the “Oscars” of the comic book industry. Established in 1987, they are named for renowned cartoonist Will Eisner (creator of “The Spirit” and several award-winning graphic novels).

Other superstar artists scheduled to attend include Doug Braithwaite ("Heroes for Hire," "Chaos War: X-Men"); Jim Cheung ("Avengers," "Uncanny X-Men"); Arthur Suydam ("Marvel Zombies," "Army of Darkness"); Minck Oosterveer ("Zombie Tales," "The Unknown"); Greg Horn ("Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark," "Hero For Hire"); Phil Jimenez ("Amazing Spider-Man," "Astonishing X-Men); Mike Grell ("Green Arrow," "Green Lantern"); Tom Raney ("Avengers Academy," "Incredible Hulks"); and Shane Davis ("Bruce Wayne - The Road Home," "Green Lantern").

Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, now in its 11th year, will bring together thousands of fans of all ages and dozens of celebrities and industry professionals to celebrate the best in pop culture, movies, comics, toys, video gaming, television, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Among the most popular celebrities scheduled to attend are Bruce Campbell, Adam Baldwin, Bill Goldberg, Pam Grier, Vivica A. Fox, Julie Benz and Billy Dee Williams.

Philadelphia Comic Con is the sixth stop on Wizard World's 2011 North American tour. Hours are Friday, June 17, noon - 8 p.m., Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Sunday, June 19, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets are available in advance online at http://www.wizardworld.com/philadelphia.html at a savings over tickets purchased at the door. Advance adult single-day tickets are priced at $25 ($35 on site); three-day weekend tickets are $45 ($55 on site), and tickets are free for children age 10 and under when accompanied by a paid adult (limit two children per adult). VIP packages with special entry and exclusive items are also available on a limited basis.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests. Wizard World also produces Wizard World Digital, an online publication covering new and upcoming products and talents in the pop culture world, and is distributed on a weekly basis to online and iPad users worldwide.

For the most recent event information please visit www.wizardworld.com and become a Philadelphia Comic Con Fan on Facebook.

***** SAVE THE 2011/12 DATES *****
June 17-19 – Philadelphia Comic Con
August 11-14 – Chicago Comic Con
September 17-18 – New England Comic Con
September 24-25 – Los Angeles Comic Con
October 22-23 – Mid-Ohio Comic Con
October 28-30 – Central Canada Comic Con (C4)
November 11-13 – Austin Comic Con
January 28-29, 2012 – New Orleans Comic Con
March 23-25, 2012 – Toronto Comic Con
April 27-29, 2012 – Anaheim Comic Con
December 8-9, 2012 – Miami Comic Con

# # #

Media Contact:
Jim DeLorenzo, 215-266-5843, jim@jhdenterprises.com
Jerry Milani, Wizard World, 646-380-2479 pr@wizardworld.com

September 7, 1979 First ESPN Sports Center ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen Explains How it Works!

2011-05-29T23:35:00.001-07:00

MEDIA ADVISORY: ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen, Author of “Sports Junkies Rejoice! The Birth of ESPN,” in New York for Book Expo America Tuesday, May 24 & Wednesday, May 25 at CreateSpace/Kindle Direct Publishing booth, #2538

2011-05-21T05:51:00.000-07:00

WHO: ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen

WHAT: Author of “Sports Junkies Rejoice! The Birth of ESPN,” self published through CreateSpace in a new paperback edition as well as a new Kindle edition.

WHERE: CreateSpace/Kindle Direct Publishing booth, #2538, Book Expo America, Javits Center, New York, NY

WHEN: Tuesday, May 24, 2011, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. &
Wednesday, May 25, 2011, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

HOW: Requests for interviews can be made through Jim DeLorenzo, who will be on site at Book Expo America with Mr. Rasmussen, by cell phone at 215-266-5943 or by e-mail at jdelorenzo@espnfounder.com, or through Laura Liebeck at Grand Communications (on behalf of CreateSpace), by cell phone at 845-797-0652 or by e-mail at laura@grandcommunications.com.

BACKGROUND: “Sports Junkies Rejoice! The Birth of ESPN” is the inside story of how ESPN came to be, by the man who had the dream, ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen. The new paperback edition of the book and the new Kindle edition of the book, published through CreateSpace, are available through ESPNFounder.com and bookstores everywhere, including Amazon.com. Some of the secrets revealed in Rasmussen’s book include the circumstances under which he had the inspiration for ESPN, how he financed the first few months of the company, how many times people told him “no” along the way, and, perhaps the biggest mystery, why ESPN is based in Bristol, Connecticut.

“Sports Junkies Rejoice! The Birth of ESPN” is Rasmussen’s personal account of the launch of the Worldwide Leader in Sports. On September 7, 1979, ESPN went on the air for the first time. Entrepreneurial daring, irrepressible enthusiasm and a dash of good luck gave the world the first 24-hour television network. Once unleashed upon sports fans, ESPN’s impact forever changed the way we watch television. Rasmussen’s book is the real insider’s account from the man who changed the landscape of television and sports forever. Imagine a world without ESPN, without 24-hour television channels, and a world of only three television networks. That was the television landscape before Rasmussen’s revolutionary brainstorm, born of adversity and launched despite the odds.

Honored as one of “The Champions: Pioneers & Innovators in Sports Business” by the Sports Business Journal & the Sports Business Daily, Rasmussen was dubbed “The Father of Cable Sports” by USA Today. In addition, he was named to “The Sports 100,” honoring the 100 most important people in American Sports History. His place in sports history was further recognized by Sports Illustrated in 1994, when he was honored as one of the “Forty for the Ages,” one of 40 individuals who has significantly altered and elevated the world of sport.

Jill’s Legacy Honors UC Berkeley Varsity Coxswain Jill Costello May 20th and 21st at Stotesbury Cup Regatta in Philadelphia

2011-05-19T07:28:00.001-07:00

From San Francisco to Boston, A 22-year-old who lost her cancer battle continues to guide coast-to-coast efforts to wipe out Lung Cancer

Like most patients with Lung Cancer, college student Jill Costello was well aware of the disparity in research funding and sympathy, and she set out to make a difference to advocate for others with Lung Cancer. In one short year, she inspired a nation of her peers – thousands of college students from Berkeley to Harvard to Northeastern to Yale who have rallied to raise funds and put an end to this #1 cancer killer.

Philadelphia, PA – May 16, 2011 – The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (BJALCF) will honor Jill’s Legacy™, its advisory board that pays tribute to the life and legacy of Jill Costello, a UC Berkeley Varsity Coxswain and PAC 10 Athlete of the Year, this weekend at the 85th Annual Stotesbury Cup Regatta in Philadelphia.

The two-day event, held on Philadelphia’s historic Schuylkill River along the landmark Boathouse Row, will honor Jill who passed away from Stage IV Lung Cancer in June 2010, just one month after coxing the California Women’s Crew team to the PAC-10 Championship.

Throughout the Stotesbury Cup, BJALCF and Jill’s Legacy representatives will distribute information about Jill’s Legacy of courage and strength during her fight with Lung Cancer, and her efforts to find a cure for Lung Cancer that have spawned a national fundraising effort and more than 10 walks and runs across the country in the last year.

The 85th Annual Stotesbury Cup Regatta will once again be competed on Philadelphia’s historic home to rowing, the Schuylkill River. It is not only the world’s largest high school rowing event, it is also the oldest, as well as being the second largest regatta overall in the United States each year. The 2011 edition of the Stotesbury Cup features over 5,000 student-athletes competing in over 130 races; 176 high schools participating representing eight states (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Texas, Florida, Virginia, New York as well as Washington, D.C.) and two countries (the United States and Canada); 868 boats entered; and an anticipated attendance of over 25,000 students, parents, alumni, family and friends.

Operating under the umbrella of the BJALCF, Jill's Legacy is a fast-going group of more than 20 promising young professionals who are on a mission to reach that finish line in memory of their friend and on behalf of the thousands of people who have lost their lives to Lung Cancer.

Jill's Legacy is deeply grateful to the Stotesbury Cup for providing a venue to teach so many other champions about Lung Cancer's abysmal 15 percent survival rate.

This past weekend, Jill's Legacy was present at the PAC-10 Championships in Lake Natoma, Sacramento spreading awareness and raising money. The Cal women ended up winning again and will be present at the NCAA Championships on Memorial Day weekend, also in Natoma.

Jill’s amazing story will be featured in an upcoming ESPN documentary scheduled to air on June 5.

For over five years, Bonnie J. Addario and her foundation have been trying to get the message out to the world that Lung Cancer is the biggest killer in the country, ending the lives of more than 160,000 people a year. Yet the disease remains the lowest on the list of funding priorities.

BJALCF has embraced Jill’s Legacy in tribute to Jill’s will to live and her commitment to help others with the disease echoed through the corridors of college campuses across the country, inspiring thousands of college students. From her hometown in San Francisco to Boston, thousands of college coeds have showed up en masse to carry her message: “We have to beat Lung Cancer – big time!”

“Jill Costello’s voice has become a megaphone for Lung Cancer, as friends, teammates, coaches, and college students nationwide mobilize to carry her message in cities across the country,” said Addario, a Lung Cancer survivor who launched the foundation five years ago following her own battle with the disease. “These young adults are discovering the power of their commitment to make a difference and are walking, running, and rowing their hearts out to do exactly that. They are on fire with determination to spread the word that something has to be done about this killer cancer,”

If you are interested in participating in one of BJALCF’s “Your Next Step is the Cure™” 5Ks or one of the Jill’s Legacy walk/runs, that will be held in cities across the country this year or joining one of their Jill’s Legacy: Jog for Jill Teams, please contact Darby Anderson by e-mail (darby@lungcancerfoundation.org) or by phone (650-598-2857).

Additional information is available online at http://jillslegacy.kintera.org and www.yournextstepisthecure.org.

Media Contacts:
Darby Anderson, Bonnie J Addario Lung Cancer Foundation
Phone: (949) 293-2093
E-mail: darby@lungcancerfoundation.org

Jim DeLorenzo, Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series
Phone: 215-266-5943
E-mail: jim@jhdenterprises.com

The Biggest High School Rowing Regatta in the World, the 85th Annual Stotesbury Cup, This Friday & Saturday, May 20 & 21 on Philadelphia’s Schuylkill River

2011-05-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia, PA – May 16, 2011 – Contrary to popular myth, the rowing season on Philadelphia’s historic Schuylkill River doesn’t begin and end with one event in May.

This Friday and Saturday, May 20 and 21, the biggest high school rowing event in the world, The Stotesbury Cup, returns to Philadelphia for the 85th annual regatta.

The 85th Annual Stotesbury Cup Regatta will once again be competed on Philadelphia’s historic home to rowing, the Schuylkill River. It is not only the world’s largest high school rowing event, it is also the oldest, as well as being the second largest regatta overall in the United States each year.

The 2011 edition of the Stotesbury Cup features:

* Over 5,000 student-athletes competing in over 130 races;
* 176 high schools participating representing eight states (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Texas, Florida, Virginia, New York as well as Washington, D.C.) and two countries (the United States and Canada);
* 868 boats entered;
* And anticipated attendance of over 25,000 students, parents, alumni, family and friends.

Races in the 85th Annual Stotesbury Cup Regatta begin Friday at 8 a.m. with 30 time trials scheduled, and continue throughout the day with 29 semi-final races beginning at approximately 4 p.m.

Saturday’s schedule of 75 races begin at 8 a.m. with the first of three girls junior eight semi-final races, and concludes at 5:50 p.m. with the boys senior eight final.

Media credentials for the 85th Annual Stotesbury Cup Regatta are available by contacting Leslie Pfeil of the Philadelphia Scholastic Rowing Association (phone 610-389-6337, e-mail philasra@gmail.com) or Jim DeLorenzo of Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations (phone 215-266-5943, e-mail jim@jhdenterprises.com). Both will also be on site for the races at the media trailer located near the finish line and grandstand.

The 85th Annual Stotesbury Regatta continues the legacy of the late Philadelphia industrialist and philanthropist Edward T. Stotesbury, who was also one of the city’s rowing enthusiasts and established the regatta in 1926. Additional information about this year’s Stotesbury Regatta, including heat sheets, schedules, and background information, is available online at http://www.boathouserow.org.

Sponsors for the 85th Annual Stotesbury Regatta include the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation; Vespoli; Mariner Insurance; Sport Graphics; RaceDay; and Wild Bill’s Old Fashioned Soda Pop.

This year’s Stotesbury Regatta is the first under the umbrella of the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series, which brings together for the first time 20 previously independent events in the first organized year-long series of rowing events of its kind in any major U.S. city. The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series is organized by the Schuylkill Navy, which is the oldest amateur athletic governing body in the country, representing the 12 rowing clubs based on Philadelphia’s landmark Boathouse Row.

With three of the largest regattas in the Mid-Atlantic region on the schedule, as well as two of the nation’s oldest regattas, the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series connects the rowing competitors of today to the historic home of the international rowing elite. It is built upon a tradition that launched November 12, 1835 with the first organized regatta on the Schuylkill (a full eight years before the start of the rowing program at Harvard).

The Schuylkill River hosts more regattas annually than any other river in the nation, as well as two of the country’s oldest continuing regattas, The Schuylkill Navy Regatta (dating back to before 1860) and the Independence Day Regatta (initiated in 1880). Those two historic events are a significant part of the 2011 schedule for the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series.

The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series schedule runs from March through October, and features over 35,000 competitors in over 7,700 boats representing not only high schools but colleges, clubs, masters and open programs from around the country. The remaining 11 regattas on the schedule include:

• Fri., May 20 & Sat., May 21: Stotesbury Cup Regatta (high school)
• Saturday, June 18: Schuylkill Navy Regatta (clubs/open)
• Fri., July 1 to Sun., July 3: Independence Day Regatta (clubs/open)
• Saturday, July 16: Philadelphia Youth Regatta (clubs/juniors)
• Saturday, July 30: Quaker City Masters Regatta (clubs/masters)
• Saturday, September 17: Philadelphia Turn & Burn Regatta (clubs)
• Saturday, September 24: Hutchinson Cup Regatta (high school/masters)
• Saturday, October 8: Navy Day Regatta (clubs/high school/collegiate/masters)
• Sunday, October 9: Row for the Cure (clubs/high school/college)
• Sunday, October 23: Philadelphia Children’s Foundation Regatta (h.s./coll.)
• Sat., Oct. 29 & Sun. Oct. 30: Head of the Schuylkill Regatta (h.s./coll./clubs/open)

Sponsorship opportunities are now available for national, regional and local companies seeking access to this grand sport and its powerful demographic.

Additional information is available at http://www.boathouserow.org.

Contact:
Jim DeLorenzo, Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations, 215-266-5943, jim@jhdenterprises.com

WWE, TV, Movie Star Bill Goldberg To Attend Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con

2011-05-16T06:41:00.000-07:00

Joins Bruce Campbell, Adam Baldwin, Pam Grier, 300+ Celebrity Guests, Leading Comic Book Artists and Writers, June 17-19, 2011 at Pennsylvania Convention Center

NEW YORK and PHILADELPHIA, May 16, 2011 – Wizard World Inc. (WIZD) is proud to announce that popular WWE professional wrestler, television and movie star Bill Goldberg has joined a standout list of celebrity guests scheduled to attend the 11th annual Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Goldberg, who will be making his first Wizard World event appearance, will meet fans on Saturday, June 18th. The event, which will feature more than 300 celebrities, comic book creators and great guests, will be held June 17-19.

Goldberg followed in the paths of many wrestlers who have made the transition from the gridiron to the squared circle to become wrestling stars - he just did so faster and to a greater magnitude than anyone else in history. In only his second year in the business, Goldberg became one of the biggest names the wrestling business has ever seen. And now, Goldberg has transitioned from being a star in the WWE to a television and feature film star.

"Bill Goldberg is an iconic figure to a generation of fans of wrestling and the WWE,” said Gareb Shamus, Wizard World CEO. “He will bring a whole new crowd of fans to Comic Con and the city of Philadelphia. I just hope he doesn’t ‘Jackhammer’ me.”

In addition to Goldberg, other headline guests on the Philadelphia Comic Con guest list include Bruce Campbell, Adam Baldwin, Pam Grier, Vivica A. Fox, Julie Benz and Billy Dee Williams. The event will bring together thousands of fans of all ages and dozens of celebrities and industry professionals to celebrate the best in pop culture, movies, comics, toys, video gaming, television, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.

Goldberg was not a typical wrestling fan growing up, but instead focused most of his attention on football. An excellent player in high school, Goldberg starred as an All-SEC and All-American Nose Guard at the University of Georgia. When his career as a Bulldog was over, he eyed stardom in the National Football League. After spending time with the Los Angeles Rams and then winning the World Bowl with the Sacramento Surge of the World League of American Football, Goldberg signed on with the Atlanta Falcons in 1991. After three years with the team he suffered a torn abdominal muscle which put him out for the 1994 season. Goldberg was signed by the Carolina Panthers in 1995, but could not rebound from the injury sufficiently enough to play. He was thus forced to retire from football.

Goldberg never planned on becoming a professional wrestler. He crossed paths with many World Championship Wrestling stars while living in Atlanta. Though the world of wrestling was intriguing to him, joining the ranks of professional wrestlers was not an option that Goldberg seriously considered at the time. Later, Goldberg was working out in a gym owned by Lex Luger and Sting and was convinced by Sting to take a chance in the squared circle. After months of training in the WCW Power Plant, Goldberg made his official professional debut in WCW against Hugh Morrus, pinning the 300 pound wrestler. The next year and a half would be among the most remarkable periods in professional wrestling history.

Other wrestling guests scheduled to attend Philadelphia Comic Con include "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase, Virgil, Candice Michelle, Torrie Wilson, and Brimstone.

Children and adult attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite villain, superhero or pop culture personality for the chance to win special prizes in costume contests. Event-goers may also try their hand at interactive product exhibits and shop for collectible comics, movie and television memorabilia, toys and games at more than 200 dealer booths.

Philadelphia Comic Con is the sixth stop on Wizard World's 2011 North American tour. Hours are Friday, June 17, noon - 8 p.m., Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Sunday, June 19, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets are available in advance online at http://www.wizardworld.com/philadelphia.html at a savings over tickets purchased at the door. Advance adult single-day tickets are priced at $25 ($35 on site); three-day weekend tickets are $45 ($55 on site), and tickets are free for children age 10 and under when accompanied by a paid adult (limit two children per adult). VIP packages with special entry and exclusive items are also available on a limited basis.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World, Inc. produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premiers, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests. Wizard World, Inc. also produces Wizard World Digital, an online publication covering new and upcoming products and talents in the pop culture world, is distributed on a weekly basis to online and iPad users worldwide.

The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.

***** SAVE THE 2011/12 DATES *****
May 21-22 – Big Apple Comic Con
June 17-19 – Philadelphia Comic Con
August 11-14 – Chicago Comic Con
September 17-18 – New England Comic Con
September 24-25 – Los Angeles Comic Con
October 22-23 – Mid-Ohio Comic Con
October 28-30 – Central Canada Comic Con (C4)
November 11-13 – Austin Comic Con
January 28-29, 2012 – New Orleans Comic Con
March 23-25, 2012 – Toronto Comic Con
April 27-29, 2012 – Anaheim Comic Con
December 8-9, 2012 – Miami Comic Con

# # #

Media Contact:
Jim DeLorenzo, 215-266-5843, jim@jhdenterprises.com
Jerry Milani, Wizard World, 646-380-2479 pr@wizardworld.com

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release relating to Wizard World, Inc.’s future plans, expectations, beliefs, intentions and prospects are "forward-looking statements" and are subject to material risks and uncertainties. When used in this press release, the words “will,” "future," "expect," "look forward to," similar expressions and any other statements that are not historical facts are intended to identify those assertions as forward-looking statements. Any such statement may be influenced by a variety of factors, many of which are beyond the control of Wizard World that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those projected, described, expressed or implied in this press release due to a number of risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur. A detailed discussion of these factors and other risks that affect Wizard World’s business is contained in its SEC filings, including its most recent reports on Form 10-Q, particularly under the heading "Risk Factors." Copies of these filings are available online from the SEC or by contacting Joe Favorito, Public Relations, at (646) 308-1390. All information set forth in this press release is current as of May 15, 2011. Wizard World undertakes no duty to update any statement in light of new information or future events.

ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen Interviewed by Sports Business Journal's John Ourand at 2011 IMG World Congress of Sports

2011-05-13T13:39:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia’s Historic Schuylkill Navy Receives a Special Recognition Award from the Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin

2011-05-12T09:02:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia, PA – May 12, 2011 - The Schuylkill Navy, the oldest amateur sports governing body in the United States, recently was honored with a “Special Recognition Award” from the Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin.

The award noted The Schuylkill Navy’s role “in attracting thousands of visitors to the Schuylkill River annually at Philadelphia’s Boathouse Row, thereby promoting a greater awareness of improvements to the River’s water quality and the need for vigilance in assuring its continued protection.”

The award was presented on Wednesday, April 20th at the 29th annual recognition dinner program for the Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin (W.R.A), hosted by the Down Town Club in Philadelphia. Pictured from left to right with the special recognition award are Alan Robinson, Vice Chairman of the Board of the W. R. A.; Clete Graham, former Commodore of The Schuylkill Navy; John Hogan, current Commodore of The Schuylkill Navy; and Dennis Palmer, Chairman of the W.R.A. Board.

The Schuylkill Navy was founded in 1858 and is the oldest amateur athletic governing body in the U.S. It is comprised of the 12 rowing clubs of Philadelphia’s historic Boathouse Row along the Schuylkill River.

This year, The Schuylkill Navy has launched the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series, which brings together 20 previously independent events in the first organized year-long series of rowing events of its kind in any major U.S. city. The schedule runs through late October, and features over 35,000 competitors in over 7,700 boats representing not only high schools but colleges, clubs, masters and open programs from around the country.

With three of the largest regattas in the Mid-Atlantic region on the schedule, as well as two of the nation’s oldest regattas, the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series connects the rowing competitors of today to the historic home of the international rowing elite.

It is built upon a tradition that launched November 12, 1835 with the first organized regatta on the Schuylkill (a full eight years before the start of the rowing program at Harvard).

The Schuylkill River hosts more regattas annually than any other river in the nation, as well as two of the country’s oldest continuing regattas, The Schuylkill Navy Regatta (dating back to before 1860) and the Independence Day Regatta (initiated in 1880).

Those two historic events are a significant part of the 2011 schedule for the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series, which also includes the second largest regatta in the nation, the Stotesbury Cup Regatta. In addition, the Stotesbury Cup Regatta is also the oldest and largest high school rowing event in the world.

The Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin (WRA) was established in 1959 by representatives from industry, public and private utilities and other organizations that had wide-ranging interests in water resources and sought to ensure public participation in the management of the Delaware River and its tributaries. In 1961, the WRA successfully participated in the development of a federal-interstate compact and the creation of the Delaware River Basin Commission. Since then, the WRA has remained active in monitoring activities of the DRBC and other agencies of the four Basin states. The WRA is a non-profit, non-partisan advocacy and public information organization whose stated mission is to promote sound water resources management within the Delaware River Basin. Additional information about the WRA is available at http://www.wradrb.org/index.asp.

The Schuylkill Navy’s premier, season-long series, the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series, continues on Friday and Saturday, May 20 and May 21, with the world’s biggest high school rowing championship, the Stotesbury Cup Regatta. It is also the second largest regatta in the nation, attracting over 175 high schools from around the country competing in over 860 boats.

Sponsorship opportunities are now available for national, regional and local companies seeking access to this grand sport and its powerful demographic.

The remaining schedule for the 2011 Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series includes:
• Saturday, June 18: Schuylkill Navy Regatta (clubs/open)
• Fri., July 1 to Sun., July 3: Independence Day Regatta (clubs/open)
• Saturday, July 16: Philadelphia Youth Regatta (clubs/juniors)
• Saturday, July 30: Quaker City Masters Regatta (clubs/masters)
• Saturday, September 17: Philadelphia Turn & Burn Regatta (clubs)
• Saturday, September 24: Hutchinson Cup Regatta (high school/masters)
• Saturday, October 8: Navy Day Regatta (clubs/high school/collegiate/masters)
• Sunday, October 9: Row for the Cure (clubs/high school/college)
• Sunday, October 23: Philadelphia Children’s Foundation Regatta (h.s./coll.)
• Sat., Oct. 29 & Sun. Oct. 30: Head of the Schuylkill Regatta (h.s./coll./clubs/open)

Additional information is available at http://www.boathouserow.org.

Contact:
Jim DeLorenzo
Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations
215-266-5943
jim@jhdenterprises.com

Credit & Collections Expert Andy Harmelin of A. I. Consulting Works with Architecture & Engineering Firms like Lonny Rossman’s API Partners to Solve Collection Challenges

2011-05-10T07:53:00.001-07:00

Philadelphia, PA – May 10, 2011 – The credit and collections process can be daunting if you a small business with a cash-flow challenge. It’s also a challenge for architecture and engineering firms, which are traditionally focused on delivering critical solutions for their customers, not looking after their credit and collections process.

That was the situation for Lonny Rossman, a Licensed Architect who is a Principal with API Partners, Inc., an Executive Search Firm that specializes in professionals that design and manage the built environment – Architecture, Engineering, Real Estate and Design Professionals.

And in that niche, the quiet leader in solving credit and collections process challenges is Andy Harmelin, the principal of A. I. Consulting, LLC.

A. I. Consulting, which Harmelin founded in 2000, provides engineering, architectural and environmental companies in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region with cash flow improvement by offering recovery of past due accounts, cash flow solutions and credit evaluation. Harmelin brings over 20 years of experience in the industry to his role at A. I. Consulting.

“I first met Andy Harmelin as a result of a referral from a colleague in the American Institute of Architects (AIA),” said Rossman. “I had a few clients with unpaid invoices over several months, and I tried to pursue them myself and it just didn’t work. After a while, I thought it was a lost cause. I met with Andy, and he asked me if I had any outstanding balances, and I told him I thought they were too old. He said, give me what you’ve got, and he not only found a way to get full payment, he collected full payment plus interest.”

Before launching A. I. Consulting in 2000, Harmelin worked for several engineering and architecture firms in the Greater Philadelphia area for over 30 years. His company works to improve a client’s cash flow and bottom line by developing and customizing solutions that produce maximum results.

“Andy takes care of the whole credit and collection process for us,” said Rossman. “I’m an Executive Search professional and an Architect, what Andy does is not my area of expertise. There have been three situations over the past few years where I’ve needed Andy, and he’s been successful all three times in securing payment. I have recommended him to other firms, and I value the professional friendship we’ve developed during that time. From the beginning, he outlined his unique approach to collections, informed me of his progress during the process, and resolved the situations successfully.”

A 1970 graduate of Drexel University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Harmelin is qualified as an expert in the field of credit and collections by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and is on the roster of TASA, a nationally recognized firm providing experts to attorneys in support of litigation.

“The challenge that faces many design firms and companies that serve that industry, such as API Partners, is the credit and collection function and its impact on the property and financial well-being of their firms,” said Harmelin. “Working with Lonny Rossman included getting the proper documentation of the client relationship and the debt owed, and in one instance, recommending the proper legal counsel to bring a successful resolution. In many cases with my clients, I’m introducing them to new credit and collection procedures, identifying potentially difficult new clients, showing them how to deal with difficult clients, as well as in-house training and periodic progress audits.”

Additional information about Andy Harmelin and A. I. Consulting, LLC is available at
http://www.ai-consultingllc.com.

Media Contact:
Jim DeLorenzo
Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations
215-266-5943
jim@jhdenterprises.com

Over 2,400 Local High School Competitors and 66 High School Rowing Teams Expected This Sunday, May 8 as the 2011 Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series Continues with the PSRA City Championships on the Historic Schuylkill River

2011-05-05T08:51:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia, PA – May 5, 2011 – The debut season of the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series, the first-ever regatta series in the United States, continues this Sunday, May 8th with the Philadelphia Scholastic Rowing Association (PSRA) City Championships on Philadelphia’s historic home to rowing, the Schuylkill River.

Sunday’s City Championship Regatta will feature approximately 2,455 boys and girls representing 66 high school rowing teams in 485 boats from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and New York competing in the one-day event.

Races begin at approximately 8 a.m. with the boys’ and girls’ novice singles and continue through approximately 5 p.m. with the final of the boys’ varsity eight.

The PSRA City Championship began with a handful of local Philadelphia boys’ schools in the 1970s and has grown into one of the largest high school rowing competitions in the country.

“The City Championship is the penultimate event of the season for the PSRA,” said Leslie Pfeil, PSRA president. “Not only are gold, silver and bronze medals awarded in all events that day, but we also award points trophies to the boys’ and girls’ teams that have accumulated the most points during our series of the five earlier regattas this spring. Sunday is a true celebration of high school rowing.”

The PRSA City Championship also serves as a qualifier for the Scholastic Rowing Association of America Regatta as well as for the 2011 USRowing Youth National Championships.

This is the debut season for the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series, which brings together for the first time 20 previously independent events in the first organized year-long series of rowing events of its kind in any major U.S. city.

The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series is organized by the Schuylkill Navy, which is the oldest amateur athletic governing body in the country, representing the 12 rowing clubs based on Philadelphia’s landmark Boathouse Row.

With three of the largest regattas in the Mid-Atlantic region on the schedule, as well as two of the nation’s oldest regattas, the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series connects the rowing competitors of today to the historic home of the international rowing elite.

It is built upon a tradition that launched November 12, 1835 with the first organized regatta on the Schuylkill (a full eight years before the start of the rowing program at Harvard).

The Schuylkill River hosts more regattas annually than any other river in the nation, as well as two of the country’s oldest continuing regattas, The Schuylkill Navy Regatta (dating back to before 1860) and the Independence Day Regatta (initiated in 1880).

Those two historic events are a significant part of the 2011 schedule for the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series, which also includes the second largest regatta in the nation, the Stotesbury Cup Regatta. In addition, the Stotesbury Cup Regatta is also the oldest and largest high school rowing event in the world.

The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series schedule runs through late October, and features over 35,000 competitors in over 7,700 boats representing not only high schools but colleges, clubs, masters and open programs from around the country. The remaining 12 regattas on the schedule include:

• Sunday, May 8: Philadelphia Scholastic Rowing Assoc. Championships
• Fri., May 20 & Sat., May 21: Stotesbury Cup Regatta (high school)
• Saturday, June 18: Schuylkill Navy Regatta (clubs/open)
• Fri., July 1 to Sun., July 3: Independence Day Regatta (clubs/open)
• Saturday, July 16: Philadelphia Youth Regatta (clubs/juniors)
• Saturday, July 30: Quaker City Masters Regatta (clubs/masters)
• Saturday, September 17: Philadelphia Turn & Burn Regatta (clubs)
• Saturday, September 24: Hutchinson Cup Regatta (high school/masters)
• Saturday, October 8: Navy Day Regatta (clubs/high school/collegiate/masters)
• Sunday, October 9: Row for the Cure (clubs/high school/college)
• Sunday, October 23: Philadelphia Children’s Foundation Regatta (h.s./coll.)
• Sat., Oct. 29 & Sun. Oct. 30: Head of the Schuylkill Regatta (h.s./coll./clubs/open)

Sponsorship opportunities are now available for national, regional and local companies seeking access to this grand sport and its powerful demographic.

Additional information is available at http://www.boathouserow.org.

Contact:
Jim DeLorenzo
Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations
215-266-5943
jim@jhdenterprises.com

Statement from Nick Ochs on Harry Ochs Prime Meats Leaving Reading Terminal at close of business Monday, May 2nd After 105 Historic Years

2011-05-03T07:44:00.000-07:00

"After a great deal of deliberation over the past few months, Monday, May 2nd was the last day of operations for Harry Ochs Prime Meats at the Reading Terminal Market," said Nick Ochs, the owner of the family business. "I decided it was best to close our shop at Reading Terminal Market now, after 105 years, because of many of the personnel and policy changes at the market in the past few years.

"The Ochs Family, in particular my late father, have been steadfast in our support of the market, and spearheaded efforts to keep the market alive when many tried to close it down," Ochs said. "The past year or so has been difficult, but I am grateful to our many loyal customers and friends who have always supported our efforts. I will have exciting news soon about the future of our business, and I am hopeful that our loyal customers and our friends will share our enthusiasm for this next chapter in our family's business. Be sure to check our website (http://www.ochsprimemeats.com) for updates."

Bruce Campbell, Adam Baldwin, Pam Grier, Vivica A. Fox, Julie Benz, Billy Dee Williams Among Headliners At Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con June 17-18-19 At Pennsylvania Convention Center

2011-04-26T06:35:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK and PHILADELPHIA, April 25, 2011 – North America’s largest pop-culture tour continues as the 11th annual Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con returns to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, June 17-19, with superstar guests Bruce Campbell, Adam Baldwin, Pam Grier, Vivica A. Fox, Julie Benz and Billy Dee Williams headlining the list of celebrity attendees. The event will bring together thousands of fans of all ages and dozens of celebrities and industry professionals to celebrate the best in pop culture, movies, comics, toys, video gaming, television, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.

Campbell (“Burn Notice,” ARMY OF DARKNESS) was a huge hit at last year's event, and will be appearing only on Saturday, June 18. Grier (“Smallville,” “The L Word”), Fox (KILL BILL VOL. 1 and VOL. 2, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”), Benz (“Buffy: The Vampire Slayer,” “Desperate Housewives”), and Williams (STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, BATMAN) have also been popular guests at Wizard World events. Baldwin (FULL METAL JACKET, SERENITY) will be making his first appearance.

"The city and surrounding area have embraced Philadelphia Comic Con in a big way the first 10 years of the event, and last year's was the most attended ever,” said Gareb Shamus, Wizard World CEO. “We have an even larger and more prestigious lineup of stars and creators and more in store for 2011.”

Other popular Philadelphia Comic Con celebrity guests include Michael Biehn (TERMINATOR, ALIENS), Alaina Huffman (“Smallville,” “SGU Stargate Universe”), Julia Benson (“SGU Stargate Universe, ROAD TO VICTORY), Adam West (“Batman,” “The Family Guy”), Burt Ward (“Batman”), John Schneider (“Smallville,” “Dukes of Hazzard”), Richard Roundtree (SHAFT, “Heroes), Barbara Nedeljáková (HOSTEL, SHANGHAI KNIGHTS), Mimi Rogers (AUSTIN POWERS, “The X-Files”), Lou Ferrigno (“The Incredible Hulk”), Margot Kidder (SUPERMAN, “Smallville”) and Peter Mayhew (STAR WARS). BOONDOCK SAINTS co-stars Norman Reedus and Sean Patrick Flanery will also reunite at the event.

Fans can also meet their favorite comic creators and artists, including Humberto Ramos (“Amazing Spider-Man,” “The Spectacular Spider-Man”), Carlos Pacheco (“X-Men,” “Green Lantern”), Doug Braithwaite (“Heroes for Hire,” “Chaos War: X-Men”), Jim Cheung (“Avengers,” “Uncanny X-Men”), Bill Sienkiewicz ("Elektra," "Assassin"), Arthur Suydam ("Marvel Zombies," "Army of Darkness"), Minck Oosterveer (“Zombie Tales,” “The Unknown”), Greg Horn ("Spider-Man," "Turn off the Dark"), J.G. Jones (“Final Crisis,” “Wanted”), Phil Jimenez ("Amazing Spider-Man," "Astonishing X-Men"), Ethan Van Sciver ("Green Lantern," "Superman/Batman"), Mike Grell ("Green Arrow," "Green Lantern"), Tom Raney (“Avengers Academy,” “Incredible Hulks”) and Shane Davis (“Bruce Wayne – The Road Home,” “JLA”)

The convention center floor will also feature several famous TV and movie vehicles for fans to pose with, including the DeLorean Time Machine (BACK TO THE FUTURE), General Lee (“Dukes of Hazzard”), The Mystery Machine (SCOOBY DOO), Hazzard County Patrol Car (“Dukes of Hazzard”) and Starsky and Hutch Torino.

Children and adult attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite villain, superhero or pop culture personality for the chance to win special prizes in costume contests. Event-goers may also try
their hand interactive product exhibits and shop for collectible comics, movie and television memorabilia, toys and games at more than 200 dealer booths.

Special events at Philadelphia Comic Con include the “Magic: The Gathering” card game tournament, professional photo opportunities (Photo Ops) and others.

Philadelphia Comic Con is the sixth stop on Wizard World's 2011 North American tour, which to date has 13 events scheduled. Hours are Friday, June 17, noon - 8 p.m., Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Sunday, June 19, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets are available in advance online at http://www.wizardworld.com/philadelphia.html at a savings over tickets purchased at the door. Advance adult single-day tickets are priced at $25 ($35 on site); three-day weekend tickets are $45 ($55 on site), and tickets are free for children age 10 and under when accompanied by a paid adult (limit two children per adult). VIP packages with special entry and exclusive items are also available on a limited basis.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World is a producer of pop culture and multimedia conventions across North America that markets movies, TV shows, video games, technology, toys, social networking/gaming platforms, comic books and graphic novels. It has the rights to the names, marks, domains, customer lists and
production rights for a portfolio of pop culture and multimedia conventions.
For the most recent event information please visit www.wizardworld.com and become a Philadelphia Comic Con Fan on Facebook.

***** SAVE THE 2011/12 DATES *****
April 29 - May 1 – Anaheim Comic Con
May 21-22 – Big Apple Comic Con ‘Spring Edition’
June 17-19 – Philadelphia Comic Con
August 11-14 – Chicago Comic Con
September 17-18 – New England Comic Con
September 24-25 – Big Apple Comic Con
October 22-23 – Mid-Ohio Comic Con
October 28-30 – Central Canada Comic Con (C4)
November 11-13 – Austin Comic Con
December 3-4 – Atlanta Comic Con
January 28-29, 2012 – New Orleans Comic Con
March 23-25, 2012 – Toronto Comic Con
December 8-9, 2012 – Miami Comic Con
TBA – New Jersey Comic Con
TBA – Cincinnati Comic Con
TBA – Cleveland Comic Con
TBA – Nashville Comic Con

# # #

Media Contact:
Jim DeLorenzo, 215-266-5843, jim@jhdenterprises.com
Jerry Milani, Wizard World, 646-380-2479 pr@wizardworld.com

ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen's Appearance on "Red Eye" on Fox News Channel Friday Morning (April 15th)

2011-04-16T22:40:00.000-07:00

The Schuylkill Navy Donates $20,000 to Fairmount Park towards Dock Replacement at East Park Canoe House

2011-04-14T16:42:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia, PA – April 15, 2011 -- The Schuylkill Navy, the oldest amateur sports governing body in the United States that comprises the rowing clubs and boathouses along the historic Schuylkill River, this week donated $20,000 to the Fairmount Park Commission.

The donation will provide funding for the replacement of dock facilities at the East Park Canoe House within Fairmount Park, which will take place in June.

“On behalf of the respective regatta directors, we are very proud to make this donation to Fairmount Park so that the East Park Canoe House dock, which is so heavily in use by so many rowers, can be replaced and improved in a way that benefits everyone that visits Fairmount Park and the Schuylkill River,” said John Hogan, Commodore of the Schuylkill Navy.

Presenting the $20,000 donation (in the photo above) are: (left to right)) John Hogan; Mark Focht, Fairmount Park executive director; Tim Hagan, Murphy Cup; Carol Lee Lindner, Philadelphia International Dragon Boat Festival; Bob Allen, Fairmount Park director of concessions; Christopher Blackwall, Head of the Schuylkill; Clete Graham, Stotesbury Cup and Independence Day Regattas; John Kieffer, Philadelphia Scholastic Rowing Association and Navy Day Regatta; and Mike Ragan, Dad Vail Regatta.

The Schuylkill Navy was founded in 1858 and is the oldest amateur athletic governing body in the U.S. It is comprised of the 12 rowing clubs of Philadelphia’s historic Boathouse Row along the Schuylkill River.

This year, The Schuylkill Navy has launched the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series, which features 20 major rowing events on one historic river, the first organized year-long series of rowing events of its kind in any major U.S. city. The schedule runs through late October, and features over 35,000 competitors in over 7,700 boats representing not only high schools but colleges, clubs, masters and open programs from around the country.

Built upon a tradition that launched November 12, 1835 with the first organized regatta on the Schuylkill (a full eight years before the start of the rowing program at Harvard), the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series is the first of its kind in any city in the U.S. and represents a beloved Philadelphia athletic institution. The Schuylkill River hosts more regattas each year than any other river in the nation, as well as two of the country’s oldest continuing regattas.

With three of the largest regattas in the Mid-Atlantic region on the schedule, as well as two of the nation’s oldest regattas, the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series connects the rowing competitors of today to the historic home of the international rowing elite.

The Schuylkill River hosts more regattas annually than any other river in the nation, as well as two of the country’s oldest continuing regattas, The Schuylkill Navy Regatta (dating back to before 1860) and the Independence Day Regatta (initiated in 1880). Those two historic events are a significant part of the 2011 schedule for the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series, which also includes the second largest regatta in the nation (the Stotesbury Cup Regatta), the nations oldest and largest high school rowing event.

The 2011 Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series schedule continues this weekend with the fifth and final weekend of the Manny Flick Regatta for the Philadelphia Scholastic Rowing Association. The remaining regattas on the slate to come including this weekend’s events:

Sunday, April 17: 5th Manny Flick Regatta (high school)
Saturday, April 30: Catholic League Championships (high school)
Sunday, May 1: Dr. White Regatta (high school)
Sunday, May 8: Philadelphia Scholastic Rowing Assoc. Championships
Fri., May 20 & Sat., May 21: Stotesbury Cup Regatta (high school)
Saturday, June 18: Schuylkill Navy Regatta (clubs/open)
Fri., July 1 to Sun., July 3: Independence Day Regatta (clubs/open)
Saturday, July 16: Philadelphia Youth Regatta (clubs/juniors)
Saturday, July 30: Quaker City Masters Regatta (clubs/masters)
Saturday, September 17: Philadelphia Turn & Burn Regatta (clubs)
Saturday, September 24: The Hutchinson Cup (high school/masters)
Saturday, October 8: Navy Day Regatta (clubs/high school/collegiate/masters)
Sunday, October 9: Row for the Cure (clubs/high school/college)
Sunday, October 23: Philadelphia Children’s Foundation Regatta (h.s./coll.)
Sat., Oct. 29 & Sun. Oct. 30: Head of the Schuylkill Regatta (h.s./coll./clubs/open)

Sponsorship opportunities are now available for national, regional and local companies seeking access to this grand sport and its powerful demographic. For additional information, please visit the Schuylkill Navy website at http://www.boathouserow.org.

Contact:
Jim DeLorenzo
Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations
215-266-5943
jim@jhdenterprises.com

International Society for Medical Publication Professionals announces First US Congress Advocacy-in-Action Day

2011-04-04T20:09:00.000-07:00

Briarcliff Manor, NY, April 4, 2011— The International Society for Medical Publication Professionals (ISMPP) is taking their education program to the US congress. ISMPP is an independent non-profit organization, focused on advancing the medical publication profession through education and advocacy. Ongoing misrepresentations in the media have prompted us to organize the first ever US ISMPP Advocacy in Action Day as part of the 7th Annual ISMPP Meeting, to provide a forum for two-way debate, connect ISMPP members to their own legislators and enable information sharing relevant to medical publication planning issues with US policy makers.

The purpose of the Advocacy in Action day is to visibly demonstrate ISMPP’s leadership position on behalf of our profession and ensure that US Congress representatives understand the legitimate role of a medical publication professional in bringing scientific and medical data into the public domain in a credible, transparent, and timely way consistent with today’s best practices. Key to the information sharing will be how the role of the professional medical writer differs from that of the ‘ghostwriter’, a frequent and inaccurate portrayal of our profession in the media and other publications.

We aim to correct misperceptions surrounding the appropriately acknowledged role of publication professionals by open and honest discussions on the role that ISMPP as an organization, and our members as individuals, play in medical writing. This is an opportunity to communicate that we act appropriately and in compliance with professional standards, and play an important role in ensuring the integrity of the medical literature.

The 7th Annual ISMPP Meeting, which is being held in Arlington, Virginia, US on 4-6 April 2011, provides a forum for debate on the current controversies in the field of medical publications and provides a basis for a greater understanding of the profession. More information about ISMPP, including a report from the meeting (available after the event has concluded), can be found at http://www.ismpp.org.

About ISMPP
The International Society for Medical Publication Professionals is an independent, non-profit, professional association with members from the pharmaceutical, medical device, and biotechnology industries; publication planning and medical communication companies; academia; and medical journal staff, including editors and publishers. Its goals are to support the educational needs of publication professionals and to develop best practices that ensure the rigorous maintenance of all ethical standards for reporting results of medical research. Additional information about ISMPP is available by contacting the organization’s Executive Director, Kimberly Goldin (phone: +1-914-945-0507; email: kgoldin@ismpp.org) or online at http://www.ismpp.org.

Rare Open House Event On Boathouse Row Saturday, April 2nd Benefits Long-time Rower & Coach Fred Durling, 12 Noon to 4 p.m.

2011-04-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

The rowers of Philadelphia's Boathouse Row open their doors to the public for a rare open house on Saturday, April 2nd, from 12 Noon to 4 p.m. The open house benefits long-time rower and beloved coach Fred Duling, who is undergoing rehabilitation for recent spinal cord injuries.

Tickets are available at two locations on Philadelphia's historic Boathouse Row beginning at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, at a tent outside boathouse #4, and also at a tent outside the lighthouse. The tour starts at the south end of Boathouse Row (closest to the Philadelphia Art Museum). Tickets are $25 for the open house tour, $40 for the open house tour and a boxed lunch. Student tickets for the tour are $15. Children under age 12 are admitted for free.

This is only the second time in a decade that the dozen landmark buildings have been open for public tours, the last time was in 2008. It's a rare treat to experience the great history and architecture of these great boathouses, that serve as a Philadelphia icon, while meeting people involved in the great sport of rowing. The afternoon will be filled with rowing-related activities and fun. Among the highlights:

*Philadelphia City Rowing (PCR) boats will be on display, with student rowers onsite to talk about Philadelphia City Rowing;
*Pennsylvania Barge Club will have members of the Whitemarsh Boat Club set up on the building's porch with membership information and information on "learn to row" programs;
*Crescent Boat Club features a Rolling Barrel Beer tasting;
*Bachelor's Barge Club will have a college placement advisor from Collegian International;
*University Barge Club will have Olympic Gold medalist Susan Francia speaking with visitors;
*Malta Boat Club will be selling box lunches;
*Penn Athletic Club will have artists displaying their work, as well as an opportunity to meet Olympic Silver medalist Renee Hykel;
*and Undine Barge Club will have Wintech Racing Shells on display.

In addition, representatives from Magee Rehabilitation will be on site to discuss sports medicine, along with some para-athletes who work with Magee Rehabilitation; enter a raffle for a chance to win a full "Learn to Row" program; and try rowing on a rowing machine.

The open house benefits the Fred H. Duling Rehabilitation Fund, which was set up for the well-loved rower and coach at Malta Boathouse who suffered a traumatic fall in December 2010 resulting in spinal cord injury. He has already undergone three spinal surgeries and is currently partially paralyzed and powering toward recovery.

Duling had represented the United States National Team three times, including events in Moscow and Copenhagen, and coached others to national and international championships. Duling inspires through the long, hard work of rehabilitation, grace in the face of adversity and has strong fan clubs at Jefferson University Hospital, Magee Rehabilitation and throughout the rowing community up and down the East coast and throughout the world.

Additional information is available at http://www.pullforfred.com/Pull_For_Fred/Pull_for_Fred.html.

Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series Continues This Sunday, April 3rd

2011-04-01T14:32:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, April 3rd, the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series, which brings together 20 previously independent events into the first year-long regatta series in the United States, features the third of five "Manny Flick Regattas" for the Philadelphia Scholastic Rowing Association.

Sunday's high school rowing event begins at 8:45 a.m. with the boys' novice races, and continues through approximately 5 p.m. with the girls' varsity eight races.

Those who are new to rowing in the Philadelphia area often ask, "What's a Manny Flick?" Manuel A. Flick was the parent of several rowers who competed in crew in the 1950s at Archbishop Prendergast High School (later Monsignor Bonner) in Drexel Hill. During the 1995-1956 season, Mr. Flick organized a round-robin series of events for the Catholic League high schools, which over time evolved into the larger PSRA. The races have been known as the "Manny Flick" regattas ever since.

This is the debut season for the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series, which features 20 major rowing events on one historic river, the first organized year-long series of rowing events of its kind in any major U.S. city. The schedule runs through late October, and features over 35,000 competitors in over 7,700 boats representing not only high schools but colleges, clubs, masters and open programs from around the country.

The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series is organized by the Schuylkill Navy, which is the oldest amateur athletic governing body in the country, representing the 12 rowing clubs based on Philadelphia's landmark Boathouse Row.

With three of the largest regattas in the Mid-Atlantic region on the schedule, as well as two of the nation's oldest regattas, the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series connects the rowing competitors of today to the historic home of the international rowing elite.

It is built upon a tradition that launched November 12, 1835 with the first organized regatta on the Schuylkill (a full eight years before the start of the rowing program at Harvard).

The Schuylkill River hosts more regattas annually than any other river in the nation, as well as two of the country's oldest continuing regattas, The Schuylkill Navy Regatta (dating back to before 1860) and the Independence Day Regatta (initiated in 1880). Those two historic events are a significant part of the 2011 schedule for the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series, which also includes the second largest regatta in the nation (the Stotesbury Cup Regatta), the nation's oldest and largest high school rowing event.

The 2011 Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series schedule continues this weekend, with 18 regattas on the slate to come including this weekend's events

Sunday, April 3: 3rd Manny Flick Regatta (high school)
Sunday, April 10: 4th Manny Flick Regatta (high school)
Sunday, April 17: 5th Manny Flick Regatta (high school)
Saturday, April 30: Catholic League Championships (high school)
Sunday, May 1: Dr. White Regatta (high school)
Sunday, May 8: Philadelphia Scholastic Rowing Assoc. Championships
Fri., May 20 & Sat., May 21: Stotesbury Cup Regatta (high school)
Saturday, June 18: Schuylkill Navy Regatta (clubs/open)
Fri., July 1 to Sun., July 3: Independence Day Regatta (clubs/open)
Saturday, July 16: Philadelphia Youth Regatta (clubs/juniors)
Saturday, July 30: Quaker City Masters Regatta (clubs/masters)
Saturday, September 17: Philadelphia Turn & Burn Regatta (clubs)
Saturday, September 24: The Hutchinson Cup (Masters/High School)
Saturday, October 8: Navy Day Regatta (clubs/high school/collegiate/masters)
Sunday, October 9: Row for the Cure (clubs/high school/college)
Sunday, October 23: Philadelphia Children's Foundation Regatta (h.s./coll.)
Sat., Oct. 29 & Sun. Oct. 30: Head of the Schuylkill Regatta (h.s./coll./clubs/open)

Sponsorship opportunities are now available for national, regional and local companies seeking access to this grand sport and its powerful demographic. For additional information, please visit the Schuylkill Navy website at http://www.boathouserow.org, the Philadelphia Scholastic Rowing Association website at http://www.phillyflicks.com, or the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series newsroom website at http://www.pitchengine.com/newsroom.php?id=32852. You can also contact Jim DeLorenzo at Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations, 215-266-5943 or jim@jhdenterprises.com, for further information on sponsorship opportunities.

About the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series:
The Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series brings together 20 separate rowing events into the first unified series of its kind in the United States. From March to November, the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series features over 35,000 competitors in over 7,700 boats representing high schools, colleges, clubs, as well as masters and open programs from around the country. It includes several of the nation's oldest and largest regattas, all conducted on Philadelphia's historic Schuylkill River. It is organized by The Schuylkill Navy, the oldest amateur athletic governing body in the U.S., representing the 12 rowing clubs based on Philadelphia's landmark Boathouse Row. Additional information is available at http://www.boathouserow.org.

Media Contact:
Jim DeLorenzo
215-266-5943
jim@jhdenterprises.com

How A. I. Consulting Helped a National Architecture Firm Improve Their Credit & Collections Process

2011-03-23T11:46:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia, PA – March 23, 2011 – When national architecture firm Francis Cauffman looked for someone to solve a debt collection problem three years ago, they had already encountered the consultant across the conference table.

Andy Harmelin, president and principal of A. I. Consulting, met Stephen J. Hegeman, managing principal at Francis Cauffman, when A. I. Consulting worked on behalf of another client to resolve a business issue with the architecture and design company. So when Hegeman realized he had a similar situation with one of their clients, he called Harmelin.

A. I. Consulting, which Harmelin launched in 2000, provides engineering, architectural and environmental companies in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region with cash flow improvement by offering recovery of past due accounts, cash flow solutions and credit evaluation. Harmelin brings over 20 years of experience in the industry to his role at A. I. Consulting.

“I’ve worked with Andy for three years, but originally met him when he was on the other side of the table dealing with me on an issue for one of our clients,” said Hegeman. “What impressed me about Andy is that he is completely proactive, not just diligent – he’s completely on top of things. Our initial conversations were not about dunning us for something but were about addressing the facts and circumstances. It was a very positive relationship.

“We started working with him on basic collections, because I liked his focus on facts and circumstances which I believe served all of us well,” Hegeman said. “Andy would advise us if we were wasting our time, or if we were on the right track, and he got to the bottom of things quickly, providing us with very sound advice.”

A. I. Consulting worked closely with Hegeman and his colleagues at Francis Cauffman to address some outstanding debt collection. Harmelin’s company then helped the architectural firm identify process issues, conducted a peer review and developed a new strategy for the firm.

“A challenge that faces many design firms, such as Francis Cauffman, is the credit and collection function and its impact on the property and financial well-being of their firms,” said Harmelin. “My work with Francis Cauffman included introducing them to new credit and collection procedures, identifying potentially difficult new clients, showing them how to deal with difficult clients, as well as in-house training and periodic progress audits.”

Harmelin did the job so well that Francis Cauffman has far fewer debt collection projects for the firm than he did when they started working together.

“The real value A. I. Consulting brought us was the consulting and training, bringing best practices in credit and collection controls to our firm,” Hegeman said. “We had worked with some larger national consulting firms in the past, but Andy brought best practices to us that were significantly different, and significantly better, than we had received before, best practices that ensure we get paid on time and eliminate possible future problems.

“We’re practicing architects, not practicing debt collectors,” said Hegeman. “What A. I. Consulting gave us was the ability to focus on doing great work. The happier our clients are the happier we are, and Andy’s work allowed us to succeed in our own practice. Ironically, he didn’t sell us something that would keep us chained to him; he trained us in best practices and eliminated his need as a debt collector.”

Before launching A. I. Consulting in 2000, Harmelin worked for several engineering and architecture firms in the Greater Philadelphia area for over 30 years. The company works to improve their client’s cash flow and bottom line by developing and customizing solutions that produce maximum results.

A 1970 graduate of Drexel University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Harmelin is qualified as an expert in the field of credit and collections by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and is on the roster of TASA, a nationally recognized firm providing experts to attorneys in support of litigation.

Additional information about A. I. Consulting is available at
http://www.ai-consultingllc.com.

Media Contact:
Jim DeLorenzo
Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations
215-266-5943
jim@jhdenterprises.com

ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen In 2011 Class of “The Champions: Pioneers & Innovators in Sports Business” Award from Sports Business Journal & Sports Business Daily to be presented Wednesday, March 30th at IMG World Congress of Sports in Miami

2011-03-22T09:43:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia, PA – March 22, 2011 – Bill Rasmussen, the legendary entrepreneur and life-long sports fan who founded ESPN, has been named to the 2011 class of “The Champions: Pioneers & Innovators in Sports Business,” an award from the Sports Business Journal and the Sports Business Daily recognizing the architects and builders of sports.

Rasmussen and five illustrious colleagues will be honored during a special ceremony at the 10th annual IMG World Congress of Sports, March 30th in Miami, Florida. This year’s recipients also include women’s basketball trailblazer Val Ackerman; former PGA Tour Commissioner Deane Beman; IMG Media’s Barry Frank; influential baseball labor leader Marvin Miller; and longtime sports executive Alan Rothenberg. Each was selected for having an accomplished body of work throughout their careers.

These six Champions will be honored at the IMG World Congress of Sports during a luncheon and subsequent panel discussion, where they will discuss their careers and their views on the business of sports, including how it has changed over the years.

The Champions panel discussion, “The Champions: Reflections and Forecasts from Pioneers and Innovators in Sports Business,” will take place on Wednesday, March 30th from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. in the Metropolitan Grand Ballroom of the JW Marriott Marquis Miami Hotel.

It is safe to say that Rasmussen changed the face of sports, and the face of television. His brainstorm for a 24-hour cable sports television station, born out of adversity, has become the Worldwide Leader in Sports, ESPN. Rasmussen is the man who had the dream, the founder of ESPN.

Rasmussen founded ESPN in the summer of 1978. He had his innovative brainstorm for an all-sports cable TV network within days of his firing by the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association on Memorial Day weekend. A former radio and television sports broadcaster, Rasmussen had been the Whalers Communications Director, but when the Whalers didn’t make the 1978 WHA playoffs, Rasmussen and most of the front office staff were fired.

His idea for an all-sports cable TV network captured his imagination, and he incorporated the fledgling network on July 14, 1978. He had already begun to seek out cable television companies, sponsors, investors and partners. With an idea that was truly ahead of its time, and running out of cash, Rasmussen found one investor who believed in the concept in February, 1979, and by September 7, 1979, ESPN was on the air for the first time, 14 months from Rasmussen’s moment of inspiration.

A life-long entrepreneur and sports fan, Rasmussen’s innovations in advertising, sports and broadcasting are numerous and include not only the creation of ESPN, but also the concept for “Sports Center,” wall-to-wall coverage of NCAA regular-season and “March Madness” college basketball, and coverage of the NFL Draft. He broke the advertising barrier to cable television by signing Anheuser Busch to the largest cable TV advertising contract ever.

Rasmussen’s entrepreneurial daring, his irrepressible enthusiasm and a dash of good luck gave the world the first 24-hour television network. Once unleashed upon sports fans, ESPN’s impact forever changed the way we watch television.

Rasmussen has revealed the inside story of the birth of ESPN in his book, “Sports Junkies Rejoice! The Birth of ESPN.” A new paperback edition of the bestselling book was published in the summer of 2010 and is on sale at his website, ESPNFounder.com, as well as through Amazon.com and other book stores. In February 2011, the book became available for electronic download on Amazon’s Kindle and other devices.

Named “The Father of Cable Sports” by USA Today, Rasmussen was named to The Sports 100, honoring the 100 most important people in American Sports History. His place in sports history was further recognized by Sports Illustrated in 1994, when he was honored as one of the “40 for the Ages,” one of 40 individuals who has significantly altered and elevated the world of sport in the last half of the 20th Century.

In addition to his role as the “George Washington of ESPN,” as longtime ESPN broadcaster Chris Berman has tagged him, Rasmussen served as a consultant to the Big Ten Conference as well as several of the member institutions on television matters, and has been at the helm of numerous other start-up companies both in traditional media and on the Internet.

Rasmussen is a gifted raconteur and a popular public speaker discussing American entrepreneurship, innovation, and the birth of ESPN. He is also a frequent guest on radio and television shows, including recent appearances on the nationally-syndicated radio shows “Sports Byline USA with Ron Barr” and “The Dennis Miller Show.” He also has appeared on the syndicated cable television interview show, “It’s Your Call,” and is profiled in an upcoming issue of SUCCESS Magazine as well as an upcoming issue of The Sports Business Journal.

In February 2011, Rasmussen spoke at a special business breakfast and book signing in his honor, hosted by the Philadelphia Business Journal. Also in February he was guest of honor at "An Evening with ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen" in Philadelphia sponsored by the Center City Proprietors Association.

In January, 2011, Rasmussen delivered the keynote address at the 2011 Kellogg Marketing Conference at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

In October, 2010, Rasmussen delivered the keynote at the 17th annual CEO Forum at the University of Saint Francis (Fort Wayne, Ind.). He also was guest of honor for an “Evening with ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen” at the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce.

Rasmussen delivered the keynote at the 2010 Maastricht Institute of Entrepreneurship at Missouri Valley College (Marshall, Missouri) in April, 2010. In August, 2009, he delivered the keynote at the Centennial Celebration of Lambda Chi Alpha in Indianapolis.

Rasmussen’s recent speaking tour has also included engagements at Villanova University, Bay Path College, Princeton University, Quinnipiac University’s School of Law, the University of Florida School of Law, Azusa Pacific University, Lindenwood University, Saint Xavier University, Indiana Tech, and The Center for Sports Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University, among others.

Additional information is available online at http://www.ESPNFounder.com.

Media Contact:
Jim DeLorenzo
Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations
215-266-5943
jim@jhdenterprises.com

Tech & Sports Entrepreneur Cosmo DeNicola Launches MKS&D Talent Management

2011-03-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia, PA – March 17, 2011 –Cosmo DeNicola, a longtime entrepreneur in both technology and professional football, has completed the acquisition of a full partnership stake in J. Mitchell Management, a 25-year-old film, television and theatrical talent agency based in New York.

The resulting new firm, MKS&D Talent Management, launched this month. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Jeff Mitchell, the founder of the former J. Mitchell Management, has partnered with DeNicola to form the new venture. Elise Koseff and Maggie Schuster are principals in the new firm. DeNicola is chairman of the firm, while Janet DeNicola joins MKS&D’s board.

In addition to their New York office, MKS&D recently opened a Los Angeles office to expand the company’s services in the heart of the film and television industry.

This acquisition marks DeNicola’s first major entrée into the film and television industry. The DeNicola family’s portfolio of award-winning technology companies includes Futura Healthcare Technology, which provides maintenance, deployment and support services for mobile workstations in over 1,500 hospitals across the United States; Amtech Software, the packaging industry's leading supplier of software solutions, installed in over 800 manufacturing plants in North America; Amtech Mobility, which brings Amtech’s mobile software and technology innovations to a broad variety of industries and Futura Services, a leading provider of managed services.

In addition, the DeNicola family acquired an ownership stake in the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League in 2010. The 2008 Arena Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Soul resumed play earlier this month with a 58-52 overtime victory at the Pittsburgh Power on March 11th.

MKS&D Talent Management builds upon DeNicola’s considerable entrepreneurial expertise, and Mitchell’s extensive experience representing film, television and theatrical performers. Notable past and present clients include James Gandolfini (“The Soprano’s); Robert Iler (“The Soprano’s); Bryan Greenberg (“How to Make It In America”);, Molly Shannon (“Saturday Night Live”); Yin Chang (“Gossip Girl” and the upcoming Disney film “Prom”); Tristan Wilds (“90210” and “The Wire”); Alexandra Chando (“As The Word Turns” and the upcoming ABC Family series “The Lying Game”); E. J. Bonilla (“The Guiding Light”); Emma Kenney (Showtime’s Shameless) Lily Pilblad (“Lights Out” on FX and “Fringe”); and many others. The firm also represents Nikki M. James, one of the stars of the upcoming anticipated Broadway smash hit musical “The Book of Mormon,” which opens later this month in New York.

“Jeff Mitchell and his management team have over 25 years of outstanding success, and our new partnership will enable MKS&D Talent Management to be a truly national company, expanding our ability to nurture and grow with our talented clients, and provide them with even greater opportunities in an entertainment industry that is undergoing a massive change with the convergence of entertainment and technology,” said DeNicola.

“Cosmo’s energy and enthusiasm have energized all of us and pumped us up about the future of our business,” Mitchell said. “He has not only infused us with working capital to grow into a national talent management company, he has brought with him all the possibilities of building a complete technology infrastructure that will provide our clients 24-7-365 access to our services, as well as the knowledge of the convergence of tech and entertainment that is fueling the future of show business in both mobile platforms as well as delivery of entertainment in theatres and in the home. MKS&D Talent Management is poised to be at the vanguard of that convergence for our talented clients.”

West Coast operations for MKS&D are based at 9701 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills, while East Coast operations are based at 70 West 36th Street in New York.

Additional announcements about MKS&D, including the new company’s website, are pending.

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Media Contact:
Jim DeLorenzo
Phone: 215-266-5943
E-mail: jim@jhdenterprises.com

MKS&D Talent Management is Launched with offices in New York and Los Angeles

2011-03-17T09:50:00.000-07:00

New York, NY – March 17, 2011 – MKS&D Talent Management launched earlier this month. The new firm represents the partnership of two successful entrepreneurs with established leadership positions in entertainment and technology.

Jeff Mitchell, the founder of J. Mitchell Management, a 25-year-old film, television and theatrical talent management firm based in New York, has partnered with Cosmo DeNicola, a longtime entrepreneur in technology and professional football, to form the new venture, Mitchell, Koseff, Schuster & DeNicola (MKS&D).

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Elise Koseff and Maggie Schuster are principals in the new firm. DeNicola is chairman of the firm, while Janet DeNicola joins MKS&D’s board.

In addition to their New York office, MKS&D recently opened a Los Angeles office to expand the company’s services in the heart of the film and television industry.

The launch of MKS&D couples Mitchell and his management team’s extensive experience representing film, television and theatre performers with DeNicola’s considerable entrepreneurial expertise in the areas of technology and professional football.

Notable past and present clients include James Gandolfini (“The Soprano’s); Robert Iler (“The Soprano’s); Bryan Greenberg (“How to Make It In America”);, Molly Shannon (“Saturday Night Live”); Yin Chang (“Gossip Girl” and the upcoming Disney film “Prom”); Tristan Wilds (“90210” and “The Wire”); Alexandra Chando (“As The Word Turns” and the upcoming ABC Family series “The Lying Game”); E. J. Bonilla (“The Guiding Light”); Emma Kenney (Showtime’s Shameless) Lily Pilblad (“Lights Out” on FX and “Fringe”); and many others. The firm also represents Nikki M. James, one of the stars of the upcoming anticipated Broadway smash hit musical “The Book of Mormon,” which opens later this month in New York.

The DeNicola family’s portfolio of award-winning technology and software companies includes Futura Healthcare Technology, Amtech Software, Futura Services and Amtech Mobility. In addition, the DeNicola family acquired an ownership stake in the Philadelphia Soul of the Arena Football League in 2010. The Philadelphia Soul resumed play this month after winning the Arena Bowl Title in 2008.

“Jeff Mitchell and his management team have an impressive track record of over 25 years managing top talent in film, television and theatre, and through our partnership in MKS&D we have greatly increased our ability to nurture and grow with our clients,” said DeNicola.

“Cosmo DeNicola has not only infused us with working capital to grow into a truly national talent management company, he brings to MKS&D the drive to combine a top level staff with state of the art technology that will provide world class services to it’s clients,” said Mitchell.

West Coast operations for MKS&D are based at 9701 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills, while East Coast operations are based at 70 West 36th Street in New York.

Additional announcements about MKS&D, including the new company’s website, are pending.

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Media Contact:
Jim DeLorenzo
Phone: 215-266-5943
E-mail: jim@jhdenterprises.com

Renowned Futurist Jim Carroll to Open 7th Annual Meeting of International Society for Medical Publication Professionals (ISMPP) April 4th to April 6th in Arlington, VA

2011-03-09T20:35:00.000-08:00

Briarcliff Manor, NY -- March 10, 2011 — Jim Carroll, one of the world's leading futurists and an expert on trends and innovations, will kick off the seventh annual meeting of The International Society for Medical Publication Professionals (ISMPP), April 4th through April 6th in Arlington, Virginia.

This opening keynote session, “A View Toward 2020: What Should Medical Publication Professionals Be Doing Now?” is the ideal start to the meeting, with its theme “Anticipating Change in Medical Publications: Leading Now for the Future.” As expected from the title, the remainder of the program will explore what the future may hold for the medical publication professional, and provide insights into how medical publishing can align with and be prepared to manage change.

According to Mr. Carroll, “We live in an era of hyper-science; the pace of scientific discovery, including in the world of medicine, is ‘exponentiating.’ At the same time, we have a healthcare system in crisis, one that will soon face a significant demand imbalance. Through the next decade, there is going to have to be a tremendous amount of innovative thinking, significant transformative change, and a willingness to confront systemic challenges that slow down the ability of the healthcare system to change. When it comes to new forms of treatment, pharmaceuticals, and methods of diagnosis, it is clear that the pipeline needs to accelerate. The medical publication professional must step up to the plate and take on a role that is going to help to accelerate the change that needs to occur in the world of healthcare to deal with the challenges that it faces through the next decade.”

Through his keynote address, Mr. Carroll will help attendees learn to navigate the changes that ISMPP believes is imminent, so that ISMPP members may emerge on the other side maintaining the value that medical publication professionals bring to medical publishing.

Speaker Wiki, the global encyclopedia of speakers, ranks Mr. Carroll among the top speakers in the world. His successful track record of inspiring organizations to reframe the opportunity for innovation in the context of significant, transformative change will be a welcome addition to the meeting.

About ISMPP
The International Society for Medical Publication Professionals (ISMPP) is an independent nonprofit professional association with members from the pharmaceutical, medical device, and biotechnology industries; publication planning and medical communications companies; academia; and medical journal staff, including editors and publishers. Its goals are to support the education needs of publication professionals and to develop best practices that ensure the rigorous maintenance of all ethical standards for reporting the results of medical research. Additional information about ISMPP is available by contacting the organization’s Executive Director, Kimberly Goldin (phone 914-945-0507, e-mail kgoldin@ismpp.org), or online at www.ismpp.org.

ISMPP Contact: Kim Pepitone, (908) 419-0753, kpepitone@ismpp.org

Chris Branscome, CEO of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, Interviewed on Philadelphia's NBC 10 News

2011-03-07T23:37:00.000-08:00

View more videos at: http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com.

Now Available on Amazon’s Kindle, the Amazing inside Story “Sports Junkies Rejoice! The Birth of ESPN” by ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen

2011-03-02T11:12:00.000-08:00

Philadelphia, PA – March 1, 2011 – With college basketball’s season of “madness” fast approaching, the true, inside story of the beginning of ESPN is now available for the very first time on Amazon’s Kindle. The new e-book edition is readable on the Kindle as well as personal computers and smart phones.

“Sports Junkies Rejoice! The Birth of ESPN” is the inside story of how ESPN came to be, by the man who had the dream, ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen.

The new paperback edition of the book is available through ESPNFounder.com and bookstores everywhere, including Amazon.com.

The new Kindle edition of Sports Junkies Rejoice! The Birth of ESPN” is available at ESPNFounder.com and also at Amazon.com (no Kindle required).

“Only Bill Rasmussen can take you back, back, back, back to the beginning of the greatest success story in the history of sports television,” said longtime ESPN anchor Chris Berman. “His ideas, his enthusiasm, his fierce determination and belief in success changed the way we all watch television and televised sports today.”

Some of the secrets revealed in Rasmussen’s book include the circumstances under which he had the inspiration for ESPN, how he financed the first few months of the company, how many times people told him “no” along the way, and, perhaps the biggest mystery, why ESPN is based in Bristol, Connecticut.

“Sports Junkies Rejoice! The Birth of ESPN” is Rasmussen’s personal account of the launch of the Worldwide Leader in Sports. On September 7, 1979, ESPN went on the air for the first time. Entrepreneurial daring, irrepressible enthusiasm and a dash of good luck gave the world the first 24-hour television network. Once unleashed upon sports fans, ESPN’s impact forever changed the way we watch television.

Rasmussen’s book is the real insider’s account from the man who changed the landscape of television and sports forever. Imagine a world without ESPN, without 24-hour television channels, and a world of only three television networks. That was the television landscape before Rasmussen’s revolutionary brainstorm, born of adversity and launched despite the odds.

Named “The Father of Cable Sports” by USA Today, Rasmussen was named to The Sports 100, honoring the 100 most important people in American Sports History. His place in sports history was further recognized by Sports Illustrated in 1994, when he was honored as one of the “Forty for the Ages,” one of 40 individuals who has significantly altered and elevated the world of sport.

On March 30th, Rasmussen will be honored as one of the 2011 class of The Champions: Pioneers & Innovators in Sports Business, an award from the Sports Business Journal and the Sports Business Daily recognizing the architects and builders of sports, during a special ceremony at the IMG World Congress of Sports in Miami.

Additional information is available at http://www.ESPNFounder.com.

Media Contact: Jim DeLorenzo, Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations,
Phone: 215-266-5943, E-mail: jim@jhdenterprises.com

Annodyne’s Clients & Business Continue to Grow, With Diverse Clientele in Healthcare, Travel, Higher Education & Other Industries

2011-02-23T11:37:00.000-08:00

Blue Bell, Pennsylvania – February 23, 2011 – Through challenging economic periods, returning to business fundamentals is often the answer. For Anthony Campisi, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Annodyne, Inc., solid business fundamentals have always been at the core of his nearly 10-year-old business, but what distinguished their success in 2010 was the company’s ability to continue refining traditional principles in the ever-evolving digital age.

Annodyne, one of the Mid-Atlantic region’s leading digital marketing firms, has always kept ahead of the curve helping clients in a variety of industries including healthcare, travel, tourism and higher education, in leveraging traditional marketing techniques with new technologies and new media.

“Especially in a down economy, creating and measuring truly effective marketing campaigns in not only traditional or more established media, combined with Internet-based media, is critical for our clients,” said Campisi. “When our clients are successful, then we are successful, and in the past year we have continued to help our clients grow, which has helped Annodyne grow.

“Our focus has always been on building digitally fluent businesses,” Campisi said. “This next year promises even more growth and opportunities for our clients and our company. Already in 2011, we’ve opened a second office to house our expanding online marketing and media team to better serve our existing clients, and we are again planning a move to new, larger facilities by the end of this year.”

Annodyne has also experienced significant growth in Internet business consulting, as businesses recognize that the strategic planning is as critical, if not more so, than the tactics essential to their marketing.

“There are more and more businesses realizing that business in the age of the Internet is a more complex environment than any traditional marketing environment they have previous experience with,” Campisi explained. “It’s more than simple online advertising with a nod towards social media. Those that do it successfully understand it is more complicated. Even the website has been raised to heights of greater complexity, with high performance, high engagement web destinations that support a company’s core business goals. Annodyne’s clients are benefitting from our very significant expertise in that area developed over the course of the past decade. They recognize that Annodyne can help accelerate their success as well as measure the impact of their marketing investment.”

Through their proprietary Annotrak™ platform, Annodyne offers their clients a one-of-a-kind platform that measures marketing campaign results across all media, including print, outdoor, television, radio, and especially online.

Annodyne continues to deliver numerous successes in online marketing for their clients, especially in lead generation through online channels. The company also enjoys a unique relationship and standing with Google, a competitive advantage for Annodyne’s clients.

In reviewing Annodyne’s success in 2010, Campisi noted “we’ve continued to impart change in the way our clients in higher education market themselves, helping colleges and universities recruit top candidates, and leverage new technologies and new media, especially social media, in their overall marketing mix. New higher education clients we’ve gained in the past year are the University of Arizona, Montgomery County (PA) Community College, Dartmouth College and the University of North Carolina, among others.”

Annodyne’s success with clients in travel and tourism also continued over the past year, with new clients including the Los Angeles Zoo, as well as the evolution of its work for the Ann Arbor (Michigan) Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.

“Our work as the agency of record for Ann Arbor involves us at many levels,” said Campisi. “In 2010 we rebranded the city of Ann Arbor and created a new, integrated marketing campaign that included a new logo and tagline which are incorporated on a wide variety of online and offline mediums, as well as non-traditional placements including digital billboards with social media feeds and custom Facebook applications. Ann Arbor experienced unprecedented results in hotel bookings and visitors in 2010 which we expect will continue well into 2011 and beyond.”

Campisi and his Annodyne team continue to research and study new technologies and pursue new ways to help their clients build better marketing systems, with better measurement of traditional elements. Utilizing Annotrak™, they are able to eliminate marketing elements that are not working, and integrate new, digital elements that are grounded in traditional principles, leveraging them in new media for greater return on investment.

Annodyne, which celebrated its ninth year in business in early 2010, continued to grow over the past year. Among Annodyne’s achievements is the addition of eight new employees. The company also continued their national client expansion, with clients now in 13 states. Among their new clients added in 2010 were: Saint Gobain North America; Met-Pro; Merck; Meals on Wheels Association of America; Versteel; and Martin Guitar.

Campisi also served as a guest speaker at the Executive MBA (EMBA) Council Northeast Regional Meeting at Yale University in April 2010, and delivered a second presentation later in the year to their national membership base via webinar in September. In June, he spoke at the 2010 Graduate Management Admission Council’s annual industry conference in San Diego. He was also appointed to the board of directors for Campus Philly, adding to his community and charitable involvement in the region.

Additional information about Annodyne is available at www.Annodyne.com.

Media Contact:
Jim DeLorenzo
215-564-1122
jim@jhdenterprises.com