SECRETARY LOCKE, MAYOR NUTTER TO HOLD EXPORTS TOWN HALL WITH PHILLY BUSINESSES

Gov. Rendell, Sen. Casey, and Rep. Fattah to highlight Obama
Administration initiative designed to double exports and support new job creation

WHO: Mayor Michael Nutter
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke
Governor Ed Rendell
Senator Robert Casey
U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah

WHAT: Secretary Locke, Mayor Nutter, Gov. Rendell, Sen. Casey, and Rep. Fattah will visit Penn Fishing Reels in Philadelphia Friday to discuss President Obama’s National Export Initiative (NEI) and how it can help U.S. companies of all sizes sell more of their goods and services overseas and support the creation of American jobs.

Following a tour of the company’s manufacturing facility, they will hold a townhall meeting to highlight government resources available to Philadelphia businesses interested in selling their goods and services abroad. Penn Fishing Reels, part of the Penn Fishing Tackle Manufacturing Company, is a 78-year-old Philadelphia firm that manufactures high-end fishing gear.

The NEI aims to double U.S. exports over the next five years while supporting 2 million American jobs. To reach this goal, the initiative includes increasing trade promotion efforts, expanding all forms of trade advocacy, improving access to credit for businesses that want to export, and continuing the rigorous enforcement of trade laws so that American companies compete on a level playing field. A critical component of stimulating economic growth in the United States is ensuring that U.S. businesses can actively participate in international markets by increasing their exports of goods, services and agricultural products.

WHEN: Friday, April 29 3:30 pm

WHERE: Penn Fishing Reels
3028 W. Hunting Park Avenue

MAYOR NUTTER TO ANNOUNCE $50,000 WACHOVIA GRANT TO FUND LITERACY PROGRAM, COMPUTER LAB FOR EX-OFFENDERS

WHO: Mayor Michael A. Nutter
Vince Liuzzi, Wachovia Regional President

WHAT: Mayor Nutter will unveil a new literacy program for ex-offenders, made possible by a $50,000 grant by the Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation. The program focuses on adult basic education, GED preparation and job readiness and career development skills to help ex-offenders successfully re-enter the community and break the cycle of recidivism.

The $50,000 grant from the Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation to the Center for Literacy funded the computer lab and literacy curriculum. Wachovia is also providing its signature financial literacy program, Hands On Banking.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 28 1:30 pm

WHERE: RISE Office, 34 South 11th Street, 6th floor

MAYOR NUTTER APPLAUDS COURT’S REFUSAL TO HEAR BRT BOARD’S SUIT, URGES VOTERS TO APPROVE MEASURE REFORMING THE PROPERTY TAX SYSTEM

Philadelphia, April 27, 2010 – Today, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court denied the Board of Revision of Taxes (BRT) Board’s Application for the Exercise of Original Jurisdiction and King’s Bench Power, without prejudice. This means that on May 18th, as planned, Philadelphians will vote on whether or not to abolish the BRT and establish in its place two new entities – one for property tax assessments and another for appeals.

“The Supreme Court did the right thing here. It should be up to voters to establish a property tax system that is fair to all,” said Mayor Nutter. “I encourage all Philadelphians to come out to the polls this May and vote “yes” on the BRT initiative to complete the system of reforms started by my Administration.”

Previously, the BRT Board stopped cooperating with the Nutter Administration’s reform efforts. Concerned about the Board’s inability to manage the agency, the Mayor seized control of the BRT’s accounts. In an effort to make their salaries consistent with the salaries of the members of boards and commissions who work similar schedules, the Mayor worked with Council to slash the Board members’ salaries. If voters approve the initiative on the ballot this May, reform efforts will resume, an important step to establishing a predictable, transparent, and equitable property tax system for all Philadelphians.

New Portable EOC Showcased at LibertyRAD Exercise in Philadelphia

New Portable Emergency Operations Center (EOC):
Provides Backup Operating Capabilities
for Philadelphia

On Tuesday, April 27, Deputy Managing Director for Emergency Management MaryAnn E. Tierney welcomed officials during a tour of the Office of Emergency Management’s new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in a Box. The EOC in a Box is a portable EOC that contains essential equipment for officials to carry on operations from a centralized hub in the event the City’s EOC is not usable or it is more practical to set-up an EOC elsewhere. The officials conducted the tour during the kickoff event for a federal exercise, LibertyRADEx, coordinated by the U.S. E.P.A., held at the Sheraton Philadelphia Center City Hotel.

“The EOC in a Box provides us with much needed redundancy, enhancing our ability to manage and coordinate emergency operations whatever arises,” said Deputy Managing Director for Emergency Management MaryAnn E. Tierney. “It will allow us to quickly establish an EOC if we decide it will be more beneficial to be located closer to an emergency, or provide us with an alternate location in the event that our primary EOC isn’t accessible.”

The EOC in a Box is equipped with laptops, a multi-functional network printer, servers and routers, mapping capabilities, a portable weather station, and a tactical communication bridge. It is also equipped with portable projectors, a portable projection screen, touch screen monitor, and a public address system. The EOC in a Box comes with light towers, a remote lighting system, and an uninterruptible power system. The equipment is stored in weather-resistant, shock-proof carrying cases on wheels, making is easy to deploy. Eight portable shelter tents, tables, and chairs can be used as temporary office space.

The EOC in a Box was funded by a $559,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

EOC in the Box to be Showcased

Who: Deputy Managing Director for Emergency Management MaryAnn E. Tierney

What: EOC in the Box

When: Tuesday, April 27, 1:00 p.m.

Where: LibertyRAD Exercise, Sheraton Center City Philadelphia,
Philadelphia North Ballroom, 17th and Race Streets

Deputy Managing Director for Emergency Management MaryAnn E. Tierney will showcase the City’s new state-of –the-art portable Emergency Operations Center (EOC in the Box) that will be used for large-scale emergencies and special events.
The EOC in a Box is a portable EOC that contains essential equipment for emergency managers to carry on operations in the event the City’s EOC is not usable or it is more practical to set-up an EOC elsewhere. The EOC in the Box
will be showcased during the kickoff activities for a federal exercise, LibertyRADEx, coordinated by the U.S. E.P.A., held at the Sheraton Philadelphia Center City Hotel.

Philly Counts Executive Director Tricia Enright Responds to City Controller Butkovitz’s Monthly Economic Report

Philadelphia, April 26, 2010 – Today, Executive Director of Philly Counts, Tricia Enright issued the following statement: “We are very pleased that the City of Philadelphia has not only met, but exceeded its mail participation rate from the 2000 Census, five days before the door to door enumeration begins. In fact, of the cities mentioned in the controller’s press release, only Philadelphia and 3 others have exceeded their participation rates from 2000. Philadelphia is one of fewer than 25 counties in Pennsylvania to beat their 2000 census participation rate. Our goal is to make sure the Federal Census Bureau counts each and every person living here in Philadelphia. That’s why the next phase of the count is so important and why we will encourage Philadelphia residents – and residents all across Pennsylvania — to open the door when a census taker knocks.”
The following chart shows 2010 Census progress to date in major U.S. cities:
2010 2000 Difference
San Jose 74 74 0
San Diego 70 75 -5
San Antonio 69 72 -3
Phoenix 67 68 -1
L.A. 67 67 0
Houston 66 64 +2
Dallas 64 64 0
Philadelphia 63 61 +2
Chicago 62 58 +4
New York City 60 57 +3

MAYOR NUTTER LAUNCHES TREE PLANTING CAMPAIGN: GREEN PHIILY, GROW PHILLY

Introduces new tree planting model and tree campaign partners

Philadelphia, April 24, 2010-Today Mayor Michael A. Nutter, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Michael DiBerardinis and Pennsylvania Horticultural Society President-elect Drew Becher kicked-off the first phase of Philadelphia’s comprehensive tree-planting campaign in the city’s Francisville neighborhood. Mayor Nutter, in his sustainability plan Greenworks Philadelphia, set a goal of planting 300,000 new trees in the city by 2015. The increased tree canopy will bring a multitude of benefits: decreased air pollution; reduce stormwater runoff, promote energy savings, increased property values; help reduce harmful carbon dioxide, and an overall improvement of quality of life in the city.

To accomplish its goal, the city will increase its tree planting activities, strategically partner with corporate citizens, local non-profit organizations, and institutions, and seek new places to plant trees. The new Department of Parks and Recreation, led by Commissioner DiBerardinis, will organize and implement a tree-planting campaign to advance this tree work and promote a premiere Parks and Recreation system, which is safe, clean, ready to use, and green. The Parks and Recreation Department will announce details of other exciting institutional and corporate partnerships prior to the fall launch.

As part of the new tree planting model, the University of Pennsylvania has signed on as one of the first institutional partners. Currently, the University is home to approximately 7,400 trees and 280 acres of green space. The partnership will seek to actively engage Penn students, faculty, staff, and alumni to help promote trees and stewardship not only on campus but throughout the entire City.

Mayor Nutter applauded the University of Pennsylvania’s commitment to planting trees saying: “Each year Penn plants and maintains hundreds of trees which are enjoyed by students, faculty, staff, and the overall community. Penn is already a leader when it comes to promoting environmental sustainability and we are very excited to have them on board as an early partner,” remarked Mayor Nutter.

“This kick-off event with Francisville exemplifies the ‘new tree planting model’ which leverages community partnerships to increase the number of trees planted,” said Mayor Nutter. “With the help of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, corporate citizens, local non-profit organizations, and other institutions, I have no doubt that Philadelphia will become the greenest big city in America.”

“We can achieve our tree planting goals by coming together in new ways to advance this work and a premier parks and recreation system, which is safe, clean, ready to use, and green,” said Commissioner DiBerardinis.

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society will play a key role in the city reaching its tree goals. Community groups trained by the PHS Tree Tenders program are planting 1,000 trees in neighborhoods throughout the city this month, including 47 trees in Francisville. These plantings are being led by PHS with a $1.65 million grant through Pennvest, the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, with funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. PHS will plant a total of approximately 8,000 trees in Southeastern Pennsylvania through this grant.

“PHS is privileged to be a partner in the city’s tree-planting campaign,” Becher said. “This effort is about the future of Philadelphia – a place where everyone has access to green space and a healthy environment. It will take the participation of all of us to make it happen, and PHS will be there every step of the way.”

MAYOR NUTTER, CONGRESSMAN FATTAH, STATE SENATOR HUGHES, STATE REPRESENTATIVE MANDERINO, COUNCILMAN JONES VISIT PARKSIDE SHOPRITE TO UNDERSCORE IMPORTANCE OF CENSUS COUNT IN INCREASING ECONOMIC INVESTMENT IN PHILADELPHIA’S NEIGHBORHOODS

Philadelphia, April 23 – Today, Mayor Michael A. Nutter joined Philadelphia elected officials at Brown’s Parkside Shoprite in West Philadelphia to underscore how an accurate census count impacts private sector investment decisions as well as the city’s ability to lure new business and job opportunities to underserved neighborhoods.

“I am confident that if every Philadelphian is counted in the 2010 Census, not only will we secure our fair share of federal resources for economic development, we will be able to attract more new businesses like Brown’s Shoprite in our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Nutter.

Census data is used by businesses, large and small, in determining where to locate, when to expand, and what products customers want on the shelves. Councilman Curtis Jones Jr. warned that because the surrounding neighborhoods were lagging behind in terms of participation in the census, “we are only hurting ourselves.”

“The private sector, such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and hardware stores depend heavily on Census data,” Councilman Jones said. “Without it they cannot predict where a market or store should be and the products needed and desired in that community. Our communities deserve their rightful share, complete your census.”

Sandy Brown, Director of Public Relations at Brown’s Super Stores said, “The accurate accounting of all residents in Philadelphia is crucial to the growth and development of our communities. Full census information has the potential to attract more retail businesses like ShopRite to our city and its diverse neighborhoods. Proper population demographics and the other vital information the census brings to light, creates a better environment for businesses to secure financing and to open new retail stores. It is our hope that more companies will utilize the updated data and help communities flourish as a result of their growth, just as Brown’s has done.”

Congressman Chaka Fattah explained that starting May 1, census workers would be visiting the residences of every Philadelphian who did not return their census questionnaire. “For those Philadelphians who have not yet been counted in the 2010 Census, including many in West and North Philadelphia, that opportunity will come knocking soon. Census workers will visit those residents starting May 1 to make sure that Philadelphia gets a true count of residents who still haven’t responded, and we should welcome that visit,” Congressman Fattah said. “A true count means the city gets its fair share of federal resources. And good corporate citizens like Brown’s Family ShopRite look to the Census data to tell them where to find underserved markets within Philadelphia’s neighborhoods. We all win when we all get counted.”

“Our community’s participation in the census is too important to ignore. Its impact has far reaching implications for years to come,” said State Senator Vincent Hughes. “Each of us has in our hands, the power to influence the growth and progress of our communities. We need adequate representation in the halls of government, and we need access to high quality community assets such as job training centers, hospitals, schools, and retail complexes. We must take full advantage of everything the census has to offer. It’s that simple.”

“One of the biggest benefits of an accurate census is that it tells us where and who people are, as well as how many there are. And that’s important information not just for the government to have, but also for businesses and the community to have,” said State Representative Kathy Manderino. “Where do we need more grocery stores and day-care centers? Will the people visiting your business be senior citizens, young families or empty-nesters? Where does your business have the best chance to succeed? These are all questions that an accurate census can answer, and information that everyone, including businesses, can access.”

“Good census information is one of the best — and least expensive — ways for businesses to match what they offer with what the community around them needs,” State Representative Manderino added.

Jeff Brown, husband of Sandra Brown, is the founder, President and CEO of Brown’s Super Stores Inc and an active participant of Pennsylvania’s Fresh Food Financing Initiative (FFFI), a program that combines state and private money to improve access to healthy, affordable food and nutrition information. He was recognized during President Obama’s first State of the Union for his efforts to bring supermarkets to impoverished neighborhoods.

MAYOR NUTTER SIGNS BILL REDUCING BRT BOARD MEMBERS’ SALARY

Philadelphia, April 22, 2010 – Today, Mayor Michael A. Nutter signed into law Ordinance No. 100212, which reduces the salaries of BRT Board Members. The Mayor instructed Finance Director Rob Dubow to send the Board a letter, the text of which is below, notifying them of the impending change to their income.

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“Please be advised that earlier today, the Mayor signed into law Ordinance No. 100212, which reduces the salaries of BRT Board members. Effective immediately, the new salary for the Chair is $50,000. The Secretary’s salary is $45,000. All other members of the Board will receive $150 as compensation for each day the member attends a Board meeting or hearing or both, but in no case more than forty-thousand ($40,000) per year. After April 30, 2010, only the Chair and the Secretary will continue to receive City-funded benefits. Please advise the other Board members to contact James Startare in the Office of Human Resources to discuss the possible continuation of benefits through COBRA. Please contact Valerie Hayes, the City’s Director of Payroll, to discuss how the five Board members who will be paid on a per diem basis will document their time for purposes of compensation. If you have any questions, please contact me.”

MAYOR NUTTER CELEBRATES EARTH DAY AT LOVE PARK, UNVEILS 10 NEW MURAL ARTS RECYCLING TRUCKS

Philadelphia, PA – April 22, 2010 – Today Mayor Michael A. Nutter, the Philadelphia Streets Department and City of Philadelphia Murals Arts Program unveiled ten new recycling trucks designed and created by truck drivers and students as a part of Design in Motion: The Recycling Truck Project. The new recycling trucks will join the 10 existing Design in Motion trucks that were unveiled as part of last year’s Earth Day. All 20 of the newly designed trucks will hit the streets to pick up recyclables on Friday, April 23.

Prior to the trucks’ debut at LOVE Park, they paraded from Cecil B. Moore Avenue and Broad Street south to City Hall, ending on 15th Street between Arch Street and JFK Boulevard (between MSB and Love Park).

“It is fitting that we are unveiling these trucks on the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day – an occasion when all Philadelphians come together to identify more ways that we can protect our environment and brighten up our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Nutter.

This trucks’ painting coincides with the Streets Department newly announced UnLitter Us movement, the first sustained public service campaign to rid Philadelphia of litter once and for all. UnLitter Us engages citizens to volunteer across the city in ongoing efforts to eliminate and prevent litter from invading our streets through community outreach programs, litter rallies and more.

From January through April 2010, artist Desireé Bender, the drivers of the 10 recycling trucks participating in this year’s Design in Motion: The Recycling Truck Project and over 60 students ranging in age from 10 to 14 and enrolled in Mural Arts’ free after-school Big Picture program worked together on the conceptualization, design and production of graphic vinyl wraps for 10 City of Philadelphia recycling trucks. Their designs are inspired by and quote historical and contemporary textile patterns that celebrate elements of nature and are drawn from the collection of The Design Center at Philadelphia University.

The Earth Day celebration and Design in Motion project is another initiative aimed to make the City of Philadelphia the Greenest City in America by 2015. For more information about this project and all Philadelphia Streets Department initiatives, please visit www.philadelphiastreets.com or the UnLitter Us movement Facebook Page at http://tinyurl.com/y65djs7.