Friday, May 25, 2012

First Annual Celebrate PostivelyPittsburgh Mom's

Looking for pictures of new mothers
and older mothers

First Annual Celebrate PostivelyPittsburgh Mom’s Sponsored by PositivelyPittsburghLive

PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com

Looking for Outstanding
PositivelyPittsburgh Mom's
And
The Pittsburgh’s Own TechnoGranny


So you’ve been showing Around the Kids and the Grandkids pictures but where would they be without moms and grandmoms! Nowhere, they wouldn’t have been born.
Pictures of moms playing video games,
football, riding bikes!
Now it’s time this month to celebrate Pittsburgh Mothers and say, “Aren’t they beautiful, aren’t they smart looking, aren’t they stylish, aren’t they cute?”
We know you don’t carry around mom’s picture in your wallet (well my son has a winged tattoo on his chest that says, “MOM”)
Send pictures from your old family albums
Even so, here’s your chance to celebrate mom in video.  Remember the Sweetheart’s Video we did back in 2011, well this year and every year from now on we are going to celebrate our moms.
Moms come from all backgrounds,
Showcase your mom!
Feature Your Mom, Grandma, Adopted Mom, Aunt, Great Grandma or Surrogate Mom on a Roving Pittsburgher Video on PPL Mag...Extend the Love
Celebrate Mom’s With Us in Video

Feature Your Favorite Mom or Favorites on a Special Mom’s Month Video on PositivelyPIttsburghLiveMagazine.com

Extend the LOVE…give the ones that changed your diapers, dried your tears and drove you to team sports a special
PPL Kiss & Hug
We want to feature Mom’s Who Were
Dedicated, Funny, Artistic, Talented    
Pictures of gram with her favorite
roses or on your skateboard!Funny

But especially MOTHERLY
 
What about your work place Mom, a teacher who was like a mom…your church mom or a mom on the bus who makes you feel special?
We’re sure they will appreciate a big PPL Kiss & Hug
Guidelines:
  • We need your Mom’s name and your name and permission to use the photo. Send us your pictures and we will add them to a special video for PositivelyPittsburgh Mom’s
  • Video will feature music of local composer and be available on Sunday, June 10, 2012
  • All Pictures must be submitted by February Midnight on June 2, 2012.
Please send your video to pictures to:  submissions@pplmag.com
Pictures of you and grandma together!

You have had lots of time to take pictures in May, coz you should have all seen your mom's by now or took out the old photographs to remember grandma.

Make sure that your pictures are in jpeg or gif format.

Special Bonus, send in 150 word or less statement, Why this Mom is so special to me and what makes her a PositivelyPittsburgh Mom.  Best answer will receive a $40.00 Nakama Gift Card and the essay will be published at:  http://positivleypittsburghliveblog and also show up in the PPL Mag Turning Page Magazine at the end of June with mom’s smiling face in the picture that you sent us.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Hug-A-Thon PittsburghTM to Hold “Night at the Races” Event

For Immediate Release

Contact
Al Levine
Community Relations and Development Director, Hug-A-Thon Pittsburgh™
412-973-9611





Hug-A-Thon PittsburghTM to Hold “Night at the Races” Event
Special Races Designated as Hug-A-ThonPittsburgh™ Races
June 13, 2012 – The Meadows Racetrack and Casino


Pittsburgh – On June 13th, Hug-A-Thon PittsburghTM organizers will hold a “Night at the Races” event to raise funds for to support Hug-A-ThonPittsburgh™. Hug-A-ThonPittsburgh is a city wide event being held on September 6, 2012 and will support: Cancer Caring Center, Sickle Cell Society, and the Pittsburgh Passion's “Passion for Life Foundation.”


Admission to the “Night at the Races” event is $25 and it will be held in the upper level suites of The Meadows Racetrack and Casino beginning at 6:30 pm. There will be free appetizers and free play for all attendees.


Sponsorships packages available:
Racing Fan ($100) – 2 guests, listed as a Hug-A-Thon Pittsburgh Fan for main event on September 6, 2012,


Win Place Show Fan ($250) – 4 guests, Listed as a Hug-A-Thon Pittsburgh Fan, Winner Circle Photo, 4 Hug-A-Thon T-Shirts;


Superfecta Fan ($500) – 8 guests, Listed as a Hug-A-Thon Pittsburgh Fan, 2 Winner Circle Photos, 8 Hug-A-Thon T-Shirts, Sponsor Ad on Hug-A-Thon Pittsburgh Facebook Page till July 29th;


Winner’s Circle Fan ($1,000) – 16 guests, Listed as a Hug-A-Thon Pittsburgh Fan, 2 Winner Circle Photos, 16 Hug-A-Thon T-Shirts, 5 minute sponsor spot on Positively Pittsburgh Live Radio prior to the race on June 11th.


About the First Annual Hug-A-Thon PittsburghTM
PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com is organizing the first annual Hug-A-Thon PittsburghTM that will bring local, regional and national exposure and recognition to the city of Pittsburgh and various Pittsburgh charities. This will be a series of activities during the year culminating in a major event on September 6, 2012. PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com os working with four Pittsburgh charities to benefit from the activities of this yearlong effort. It is the great wish of PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com to create an event that brings national attention and prominence to these Pittsburgh charities and their missions in the Pittsburgh area. The First Annual Hug-A-Thon PittsburghTM is designed to prove to the world that not only is Pittsburgh one of the nation's most livable cities, but also the most likable, even HUGGABLE! Appropriately the slogan for the event is: “Pittsburgh Hugs the World.”

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Positively Pittsburgh Live News 5-14-12



Positively Pittsburgh Live News
 5-14-12

Greater Pittsburgh Business and Professional Women’s Association
Benefit for the Linda A. Cobb Memorial Scholarship Fund
Breakfast Panel & Discussion on Issues that Affect Women
June 6, 2012· Registration 7:00AM *** Program 7:30 to 9:30AM
Rivers Club · One Oxford Centre Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Read the entire release here.

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Local proprietor carves up win as Western PennsylvaniaSBA Small Business Person of the Year award
Residents from 37 different Cambria County zip codes know where the beef is – because they can visit Jay Smithmyer, proprietor of Smithmyer’s Superette, who is the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Western Pennsylvania’s Small Business Person of the Year.

Jay Smithmyer
Smithmeyer and eight other local small business owners and advocates will be lauded at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel Pittsburgh during SBA’s Western Pennsylvania Awards Luncheon May 25th, held in conjunction with the 49th annual celebration of National Small Business Week.

Read the entire release here.




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YWCA Greater Pittsburgh Announces the 2012 Tribute to Women Leadership Awards
The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh will recognize eight extraordinary women for their demonstrated excellence and leadership in the workplace and in the community as part of the 30th annual Tribute to Women Leadership Awards Luncheon to be held on Wednesday, May 16, from noon to 1:30 p.m., at the Westin Hotel, 1000 Penn Avenue. Read the entire release here.

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Small Seeds Development, Inc.
Mother to Son Program
The Mother to Son Program's mission is to strengthen African American families by creating a stable home environment through the support and utilization of community resources, and by actively networking with new and existing organizations and agencies. Our goal is to improve the quality of life for single mothers and sons.
Objectives of MTSP are:
  • To expose families to education, entrepreneurship, social and health related opportunities.
  • To promote and stimulate a greater appreciation for family development.
  • To encourage civic involvement and inform families about emerging economic, communal and political issues affecting African Americans.
  • To stimulate an appreciation for African American and other cultures in the community and world.
Program Eligibility Requirements:
  • Families headed by single mothers
  • Young males between ages 8 to 15
  • Young males must be of African American descent
  • Allegheny County resident
This is a partnership with the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Office of Community Services (OCS).For more information contact Roxanne Davis at rdavis@ssdipgh.org



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Showcase Noir Celebrates the African Diaspora
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Showcase Noir is an exhibit that celebrates the works of artists and designers of the African Diaspora. 2012 marks the 9th year the Cultural Trust has presented this exhibit showcasing works for sale -  paintings, sculptures, photographs, fiber art, jewelry, pottery and art in various mediums  ̶  from emerging and established artists, both local and national. 

The exhibit will be located under the tents at the corner of 8th Street and Penn Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District.  Exhibit hours are Saturday, June 2: Noon to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, June 3: Noon to 7:00 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. Read the entire release here



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Calling All Foodies – Cocktails & Cuisine 
The Woodlands Foundation Crisis Center North will be holding its fifth Annual Cocktails & Cuisine for Women in Crisis, with sponsorship from the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office and UPMC Health Plan and media sponsorship from North Hills Monthly Magazine and Comcast. The event will again feature top notch grazing from over 20 local restaurants, wine and ale purveyors, the sounds of top Pittsburgh’s jazz duet, It Takes Two, and silent and live auctions. Jon Burnett, KDKA-TV Accuweather Forecaster will serve as emcee. Celebrity foodie judges, Doug Oster and Rhonda Schuldt, will be selecting the Best Overall Taste Treat and all event guests will have the opportunity to vote for The People's Choice Award for overall favorite. For more information click here.



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SBA financial services champion award winner is former SBA employee who educates bankers on government lending
Enterprise Bank Senior Vice President Dave Miller routinely assists other bankers in facilitating Small Business Administration (SBA) loan packages for their customers – something he did on a daily basis when he worked for SBA years ago.

“Because of our SBA expertise, a lot of community banks call us [Enterprise Bank] with SBA eligibility questions,” he explained. “If they need SBA support to get a deal done to help their customer, they will often contact us and we work jointly with them on the SBA loan project.”
Miller, 42, will be honored in May as the SBA Western Pennsylvania Financial Services Champion of the Year for 2012. He and eight other local small business owners and advocates will be lauded at the Western Pennsylvania SBA May 25th Awards Luncheon at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel Pittsburgh. The luncheon is held in conjunction with the 49th annual celebration of National Small Business Week. According to Miller, the SBA will always be near and dear to his heart and helped springboard his career in small business lending and remains an integral part of his lending activities today at Enterprise Bank.

“Coming out of Penn State with a degree in management and after working summers during college in a steel mill, I thought I had wanted to be an operations manager because my father, grandfather and I all had worked for a steel company,” he said. “Because of the poor economy at the time I graduated, I used my academic achievements and good class standing at Penn State to pursue a career with the federal government and landed in finance at the SBA.”
Miller, who ended his SBA career as assistant district director for economic development, began as a collector for the agency’s disaster loan program. Responsible for collecting loan payments and liquidating failed businesses, he managed the Agency’s direct loan portfolio for Western PA and even coordinated foreclosures and auctions for the agency. One year later, he wrote his first new loan under the SBA LowDoc program and estimates that during his SBA career he processed and underwrote more than 1,000 loans on behalf of SBA.

Miller moved from collections to lending, eventually heading the lending department and catapulting the SBA Pittsburgh District office to the number one SBA 7(a) lending office in the country during his tenure. When Miller left for Enterprise Bank in 2003, he took his SBA lending contacts and government-backed loan knowledge with him.

Enterprise is a business-only-bank, and the only one of its kind in the area, but they weren’t very active in SBA lending before my arrival,” he explained. “Now, about 60 percent of our loans are SBA products and we are recognized as one of the area’s top SBA lenders.”

According to Miller, his role at Enterprise is all-encompassing which is something not usually found at larger banks. “Here, each lender handles all aspects of the lending and banking relationship, including business development, underwriting, closing, servicing and even collecting if there is a default. Most other commercial banks are much more segmented with different people responsible for each portion of the loan process.”

Miller most readily recalls the tougher, more creative projects he has facilitated at SBA and Enterprise, which involved coordination with multiple programs and organizations or were business turnarounds. His creative lending efforts have saved a number of businesses from failure and a number of jobs from being lost in multiple sectors including manufacturing, wholesaling, and even in the small business development community itself. 

He also has a special fondness for startups and entrepreneurs he has taken risks on that other banks or lenders wouldn’t, who followed him from SBA to Enterprise and are big successes in business today. “While at SBA, I approved a loan guaranty for one young man to get his start in business with a small retail frozen dessert business while he was still in college and ten years later that same entrepreneur provided Enterprise with one of its largest commercial real estate loan relationships for a large scale retail shopping center,” Miller said.

Miller also shares his lending knowledge with prospective entrepreneurs throughout the region, explaining how banks operate and how they can access SBA and other economic development loan programs. “I explain the importance of equity, collateral and good personal credit – which is often the only insight the bank has on the character of a borrower in a new relationship,” he said, “and I always mention SBA loans.”

In fact, Miller can even be found educating competitive lending institutions on SBA lending tools and trends. As past chair and current vice chair of the Western Pennsylvania Association of SBA Guaranteed Lenders (WPASGL), an organization he helped build and grow, he works with other active SBA lenders in the market to create training programs. WPASGL’s annual small business lending conference, known as the Quality Circle, caters towards SBA and the small business lending needs of hundreds of lenders and economic development specialists across the Mid-Atlantic region.

According to Western Pennsylvania SBA District Director Carl Knoblock, Miller is using his knowledge of SBA programs to help grow the region.

Enterprise is a major force in SBA lending due to Dave’s expertise,” Knoblock said. “Not only is he helping entrepreneurs start businesses and fuel the economy, he’s helping other lenders secure SBA loans for their clients.”

Miller said he appreciates being nominated and selected as the SBA’s Financial Services Champion. “It’s nice to be recognized for my SBA work and it provides an opportunity for me to look back at all the entrepreneurs I have worked with over the years and everything they have taught me,” he said. “SBA lending has a very important role, as did my time with the agency, I could not have asked for a better learning experience.”

***
SBA’s SCORE Volunteer of the Year started as a student, has now taught hundreds how to build their business
Fourteen years ago, Stephen Cohen began his home-based marketing business.  One of his first steps was to attend the day-long SCORE (America’s Counselors to Small Business) Small Business Basics Workshop, a comprehensive seminar on how to start a business.

Soon after, Cohen offered his graphic design expertise pro bono to the Chapter. Little did he realize that assisting the local chapter with their marketing materials would result in his serving as Chapter Chair and to being honored as this year’s U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Western Pennsylvania SCORE Volunteer of the Year.

“I spent many years in the health service field doing presentations and designing brochures and marketing materials,” Cohen said, until a health condition propelled him to start his own business, Keystone by Design.

He and eight other local small business owners and advocates will be lauded at the Western Pennsylvania SBA’s May 25th Awards Luncheon at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel Pittsburgh. The luncheon is held in conjunction with the 49th annual celebration of National Small Business Week.

A native of New York City, Cohen drove a cab to help pay for his undergraduate tuition at Brown University and his graduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania. He waxed philosophically that riders have their stories to share, and Cohen is no different.

“I have an undergraduate degree in international relations and a graduate degree in economics, but I’ve always been interested in technology,” Cohen explained.  “I was often the first person in my company to use computers for designing and producing marketing materials.”

Cohen’s first major position was with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, where he oversaw the development and publication of the “Pennsylvania State Health Plan.” After leaving state government, Cohen lent his talents to several small, innovative health insurance-related companies, holding senior management positions in sales and marketing.

“When the day came that I had to open my own business, I was ready,” Cohen explained.  “I had learned all the technical tools needed for a marketing consulting business.”

Starting his business with one customer in 1998, the savvy Squirrel Hill resident utilized several local networking groups to drum up clients. He incorporated his business three years later.  Today, he represents more than two dozen clients and specializes in web design, internet marketing and promotional product distribution. His tagline is “We help small businesses grow!”  At the same time, his role with SCORE also increased. He maintains their website, teaches the marketing segment at the Chapter’s workshop and co-counsels entrepreneurs. He has been an officer of the Chapter since 2007, serving first as vice chair for two years and then Chair for two years.

“I always stress to new entrepreneurs the importance of visiting their competitors in my SCORE marketing course. There is a lot to learn from an existing business,” he said. “You can determine how to price your product or service and help identify your target market.”

Yet the SCORE member with a full-time job still manages to lend his time to the community.  He directed the establishment of a pre-school at Beth Shalom Congregation, winning their Young Leadership Award in 1988. As Chairperson of the Allderdice High School Parent-Teacher Organization in 1998, he led the campaign to stop the construction of a middle school on the Allderdice campus.

He currently serves as an Election Judge and as a Local Coordinator in the AARP Tax-Aide Program. Cohen supervises a staff of 14 individuals at the Squirrel Hill and Edgewood libraries. This tax season he has assisted more than 1,300 individuals and families, who are over 65 or with incomes below $50,000. His commitment to helping small business extends to the political arena, where he volunteers as Chair of the Heath Care Working Group of SMC Business Councils.

According to Western Pennsylvania SBA District Director Carl Knoblock, Cohen serves as a shining example of how a working professional can share their knowledge and expertise with the community in a volunteer capacity.

“We need more individuals like Stephen Cohen who have helped SCORE and its clients tout their services and businesses through technology like websites and blogs,” Knoblock said. “He is proof that and individual can work full-time and make the region better by volunteering. We all should strive to look inward and reach out.”

Cohen was pleased to be nominated and selected as the SBA’s SCORE Volunteer of the Year.
“SCORE is fun. We are working professionals and retired business executives, who, like me, know that it’s important to give back,” he stated. “This is so gratifying to know I’ve helped many small businesses -- and the Chapter itself – grow and succeed.”

Note:  If you would like to speak with Stephen Cohen or Carl Knoblock, Western Pennsylvania SBA district director, please contact Janet Heyl at 412-395-6560, ext. 103

***
Roving Pittsburgher Report

Paris Festival Finale:  Gershwin, “An American in Paris
The symphony itself is enough to feed your soul. Taking a four year old with you is akin to listening to cellestic music and walking on clouds with cherubs. Read the full review here.


Cirque De La Symphonie
Saturday night treat at the Heinz Hall was Cirque De La Symphonie. What a visual and musical evening filled with aerial artists, jugglers extraordinare, and amazing acrobatic feats accompanied by an energetic, enthusiastic, and excellent Pittsburgh Symphony orchestra. Read the full review here.


Double Fun, Temptations and the Four Tops at Benedum
All I knew was the Temptations were in town and I had not heard them live since the late sixties. So, I ran out on the kids after waiting in line for a Mother’s Day buffet (thanks Dean and Angel) and got into my dates car with the rest of my dinner in a box. Didn't want to miss a minute of the show. Read the full review here

***

This was reported as a reproduction of PositvelyPittsburghLive news done by Joanne Quinn-Smith. (c) Joanne Quinn-Smith and PositivelyPittsburghLive(TM) 2012 All rights reserved.


Tara Darazio is a Positively Pittsburgh Live reporter, an independent copywriter, blogger, article writer, and social media strategist. If you are in need of writing assistance, or need help with your social media efforts connect with Tara on LinkedIn here.



Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Positively Pittsburgh Live! Preview Entrepreneurs Growth Conference 5-7-12


Positively Pittsburgh Live!
Preview Entrepreneurs Growth Conference
5-7-12

Guests:
Alicia Marie Phillips, Digital marketing strategist
Mike Kane, CEO of CellPig.com
Dan Droz, President of Droz Associates

Not convinced to attend the 14th Annual Entrepreneur's Growth Conference--find out tonight in our preview why you should get some of those last minute tickets and at a special PositivelyPittsburghLive Discount, but you have got to listen in to get the code.

Sponsor Spot:  


May 21, Building Bridges for Business, Small Business Works: Money for Your Business


3 things about conference:
1. $10 for anyone to attend to get great information for their business - great resources and ability to speak with banks on money for your business (we have 8 banks exhibiting)


2. Sue Malone is the keynote speaker. She is the owner of Strategies for Small Business where her mission is to help people obtain access to capital to expand their business. Will have great tips for current business owners and prospective business owners.


3. Opportunity to network with other business owners and business resources such as Pittsburgh Business Times, Pittsburgh Technology Council, Comcast, and Giant Eagle among others.


About Building Bridges for Business
Since its inception in November 2010, Building Bridges for Business hosted three sold out events, featuring prominent keynote speakers, such as Dr. Winslow Sargeant, who is President Obama's main adviser for small business. Other events have featured educational resources and key local small business figures. “We want to bridge the valuable resources in Western Pennsylvania with business owners and residents who want to start a business,” says Building Bridges President, Amanda Wodzenski. Business was founded in 2010 in conjunction with Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, the Allegheny County Executive's Office, Duquesne University and Chatham University to provide education and resources for Pittsburgh and Allegheny County entrepreneurs on business growth, promotion, management and to aid individuals hoping to launch a new business. In addition to live events, Building Bridges for Business launched Pittsburgh's first-ever small business Twitterchat in September 2011 to offer vital resources from small business experts to entrepreneurs via Twitter.

***
Alicia Marie Phillips
Alicia Marie Phillips is focused on relationship marketing in a digital world utilizing the latest technologies allowing wins for both business owners and customers. You can find her blogs and connect with her socially at AliciaMariePhillips.com.

Alicia will discuss “The Top Social Media outlets for businesses & How to leverage them"

She speaks specifically about using tools yourself instead of outsourcing the work, tailoring your social media efforts to your business and needs, why every business doesn’t need to be on every platform, how everyone has shoved social media down business owners throats how now is the time to tailor and perfect the campaigns most likely already in place. She will also discuss how social media plays into your websites and SEO.

***

Mike Kane

Mike Kane is the CEO of K&M, LLC - CellPig.com. Mike will be speaking in the "Alternative Funding Sources" seminar, where he will be talking about his companies experience with Kickstarter.com.

“We just launched the cellhelmet™, which is the world’s first and only case to guarantee the iPhone - manufactured 100% in the Pittsburgh area. In other words, if your iPhone breaks inside of a cellhelmet™, it will be repaired or replaced - guaranteed.”


“We took the route of crowd funding the project, as opposed to going to a bank, because we saw huge value in building a community of 'followers.' Basically, we gained a massive amount of exposure and free marketing by launching on Kickstarter, which could not have been attained via traditional funding sources.”

Mike’s seminar is at 3:30pm and he’ll also be sitting at a booth prior to his presentation. Find more information on cellpig and the cell helemt at www.cellpig.com/cellhelmet. Also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

***

Dan Droz

Dan Droz is president of Droz and Associates, a strategic marketing firm, and for 17 years, served as adjunct professor of Design Management at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). At CMU, Dan co-founded the nation’s first Multidisciplinary Product Development Program, directed the Design For Business Program and taught innovation strategy, market planning, and marketing accountability.

His research and writing has focused on marketing strategy and he has lectured and consulted throughout the world on branding strategy and marketing accountability.
Droz and Associates, (www.droz.com) founded in 1980, consults with businesses and non-profits to develop marketing plans, communications, branding and ebusiness strategies that accelerate revenue growth and more fully engage their audiences. The firm has consulted for over 1000 organizations in the U.S. and abroad, including PPG, PNC Bank, Mellon Bank, USX and hundreds of closely-held businesses, trade associations, professional practices and non-profits. The firm has pioneered the application of outcome-based marketing, where pre-defined outcomes shape the development of marketing strategies.

“My presentation is titled: 20 Marketing Tweaks to Transform Your Business and Drive Your Competitors CRAZY! I can't completely spill the beans, but would love to give you a preview and talk about a few of the tweaks.” Because the topic covers most of the phases of marketing from branding and positioning to awareness, acquisition and retention, there'll be a lot to talk about.”





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Code for PositivelyPittsburghLive Discounted ticket at PPL99
Register Today and Save!
Register at www.duq.edu/sbdc or by calling 412.396.1633.
Full-Day Registration: $139
Price includes continental breakfast, luncheon and all event activities.
Half-Day: $79
Price includes luncheon, afternoon workshop and Business-Building
Networking Mixer. No admission prior to noon.
Walk-Ins: $159

We will accommodate walk-ins on a space availability basis.
Pre-registration is strongly recommended.
Students: $50 with valid ID
Lunch Only: $50
Location & Parking
The 14th Annual Entrepreneur’s Growth Conference will be held at Duquesne University, Union Building, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA. All-day parking is provided for a discounted rate
in the university’s Forbes Avenue Garage.

Funding support and resources are provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Community & Economic Development; through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration; and in part through support from Duquesne University. All services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Special arrangements for persons with disabilities can be made by calling 412-396-6233. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.






***
This was reported as a reproduction of PositvelyPittsburghLive news done by Joanne Quinn-Smith. (c) Joanne Quinn-Smith and PositivelyPittsburghLive(TM) 2012 All rights reserved.




Tara Darazio is a Positively Pittsburgh Live reporter, an independent copywriter, blogger, article writer, and social media strategist. If you are in need of writing assistance, or need help with your social media efforts connect with Tara on LinkedIn here.

Positively Pittsburgh Live News 5-7-12



Positively Pittsburgh Live News
5-7-12


"Jessica Lee's Entrepreneurial Thursdays"
Musical Networking Happy Hour, EVERY THURSDAY!!! Cover Charge: Only $5.00
Vocalist Jessica Lee & Friends, Little E's Jazz & Blues Club,
949 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222, 2nd Floor above Mahoney's Restaurant
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm



Jessica Lee

Pre-show networking session at 5:30 pm. Informal matchmaking for job seekers, employers & new entrepreneurs! Live music starts at 6:00 pm.

May 10, 2012: "21st Century Writing and Media"

Featuring interviews with:

Co-host Harry Funk, Columnist and Online Editor, Associate Editor, Bureau Chief at Observer-Reporter



Stephanie Rex, Local Editor, Forest Hills - Regent Square Patch
Andy McNeil, Multifaceted Media Guy & Friendly Giant, Staff Writer at Observer-Reporter



Jay Speyerer, Legacy Road Communication


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Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village Reopens This Weekend

Indian Village
Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, a National Historic Landmark located in Avella, Pa., Washington County, will reopen for its 2012 season this Sat., May 5 beginning at noon.

Meadowcroft features a massive 16,000-year-old Rockshelter, the oldest site of human habitation in North America, that provides evidence of how the first Americans lived. Read the entire release here.



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History Center & GoodTaste! Pittsburgh Launch Virtual Cookie Table Competition
From sandwiches topped with French fries to "chip-chopped" ham, Pittsburgh is home to many unique culinary traditions. But no custom is sweeter than the cookie table.

To celebrate this summer's Hometown-Homegrown® event, the History Center and GoodTaste! Pittsburgh have launched a Virtual Cookie Table competition!

Local bakers are encouraged to submit their best cookie recipes, photos, and unique stories behind the recipes to recipes@heinzhistorycenter.org now through Fri., May 25.

The History Center will then upload all submissions to our Facebook page onFri., June 1, when fans can vote on the best recipes and stories by "liking" the submission.

The top five finalists will have their recipes baked by Priory Fine Pastries and then judged by a team of expert panelists at the Hometown-Homegrown event on Sat., June 23, at the History Center.

The Virtual Cookie Table competition winner will be featured on a special television episode of Chris Fennimore's "WQED Cooks" on Oct. 13 that will focus on the cookie table phenomenon in Western Pennsylvania.

For more information and contest rules, please click here.


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This Saturday - Living History Programs Kick Off at the Fort Pitt Museum
The Fort Pitt Museum, located in historic Point State Park, will kick off a series of Summer Saturdays Living History Programs this Sat. May 12.

Each month throughout the summer, the Fort Pitt Museum will dedicate one Saturday to themed living history programming.

Just in time for Mother's Day, the first program will focus on the role of women during the 18th century. Activities will include cooking and laundry demonstrations, a fashion show, and lecture.

For questions, please contact Andrew Gaerte at 412-281 9284 or apgaerte@heinzhistorycenter.org.


***
Subscribe today and receive all 6 performances for the price of 5!

Join us for our 2012-2013 season of exceptional world-class contemporary dance in the Cultural District. Pittsburgh Dance Council Subscribers enjoy the best seating and savings along with other great benefits.






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Young Company Auditions for The Tempest
Are you between the ages of 10 and 15 and interested in performing in our Fall show?

Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks is looking for performers for our Young Company, who will perform in The Tempest in September. The young company performers will appear in non-speaking roles several times throughout the show in the roles of sailors and spirits. Performers should be at least 10 years old.

Performances take place at 2 PM on Saturday and Sunday for the first 4 weekends in September at various parks in Pittsburgh. Performers do not have to be available for every performance. They do need to be available for two evening rehearsals (starting at 6 PM) during the last week of August. (Dates will be Monday, August 27 and Tuesday, August 28.) If you are interested, send name, contact information (yours and your parents), and dates available to perform to airvine@pittsburghshakespeare.com (but check with your parents first!).

We will also have a small number of speaking roles. We will have auditions for these in the next few weeks. We especially want people who can do multiple weekends for these roles. If you are interested in auditioning for one of these roles let us know that as well and we will get back to you with more information.

Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks celebrates our 8th season of bringing free, high-energy, and fun Shakespeare to audiences in cityparks throughout the Steel City.

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53rd Annual Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival 2012
June 1 - 10, 2012 - Point State Park, Cultural District, Hertz Gateway Center

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust proudly announces plans for the 53rd annual Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival, set to take place Friday, June 1, to Sunday, June 10, 2012, in Point State Park, Hertz Gateway Center, and throughout the Cultural District.

The 2012 Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival highlights include the return of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, a new multimedia show by Squonk Opera, the premiere of Bluegrass Day on June 9th, and expansion of the Artist Market and greening initiatives.



Read the entire release here.

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PPL Partner Events!


Small Business Works: Money For Your Business
May 21, 2012, 9:00 am


The second annual Small Business Works seminars – aimed at empowering and educating small business owners – will kick off at 9 am on May 21, 2012 at the Kingsley Association in East Pittsburgh. The event will be hosted by Building Bridges for Business, Allegheny County, the City of Pittsburgh, the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University and Duquesne University’s Small Business Development Center. Small Business Works will provide local small business owners with the opportunity to start or expand their businesses by offering education on financing options and potential loan opportunities from a variety of on-site lenders. The event will also feature speakers and other small business resources that will offer growth opportunities for attendees. For more information click here.


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NAWBO Greater Pittsburgh Presents- STANDING FIRM
The Business Case to End Partner Violence


On Wednesday, May 9th NAWBO will present: Standing Firm: The Business Case to End Partner Violence to engage employers in taking simple and effective action against partner violence as it impacts their workplace and workforce. In much the same way that employers have learned to address substance abuse, Standing Firm provides model policies, training and outreach tools to address partner violence. Join Barbara Penner, MS, Project Coordinator for Standing Firm, for this enlightening presentation.


The event will take place at the Allegheny County Human Resources Building, One Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. You can register by calling Mary Pam Kilgore at 412-260-4178.


NAWBO strives to create innovative and effective changes in the business culture, transform public policy and influence opinion makers, and are strong supporters of events of this nature.


Current NAWBO board members, President, Meenakshi Kapoo; President Elect, Mary Pam Kilgore; Secretary, Joyce Kane; Past President, Jill Kummer; Public Relations Chair, Joanne Quinn-Smith; Diversity Chair, Sunita S. Pandit; and Public Policy Director, JoAnn Forrester are committed to being actively involved in public policy issues that affect women business owners.


This event is sponsored by Positively Pittsburgh Live, Blacktie Pittsburgh, Women’s Independent Press, and the Allegheny County Department of Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise.


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Roving Pittsburgher Report


Pittsburgh Passion vs. Cleveland Fusion
The game was outstanding. Quarterback Lisa Horton was stellar as usual. Got some good information on 49 to 0. Interesting to note, we had the Pittsburgh Dance Team cheerleaders who did a great job, Fusion had none. They had the ability to field about 15 players, Passion had over 50 in uniform. Congratulations to Teresa Conn, Franco Harris, co-owner, and all of the Pittsburgh Passion Players. Also got to hear about the Passion for Life Foundation of the Pittsburgh Passion whose goal is to provide additional role models for young people.


Magic of Paris, Ravel
Friday night the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra lit up the stage with in the Magic of Paris Festival. The audience reveled in favorites by French composers Debussy (Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun), Boulanger (Psalm 130) and Ravel (Boléro). Young French pianist Lise de la Salle made her PSO debut with Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G.


Honeck’s unique interpretation of Boléro includes artistic lighting design by Andrew Ostrowski to stimulate the senses with a stunning combination of light and sound. “I never expected to see a light show at the symphony," commented Gregg Mathis, co-owner of Pro Fry, who also attended the concert.


Kassab’s Middle Eastern Restaurant
(412) 381-1820
1207 E Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203


Wow, Lamb Shank that was truly fork tender, rice that melted in your mouth, great hummus and flan that rivaled some four star restaurants and the bill for two people was $27.00 with tax. Not bad for a little place on the Southside with about ten tables. Hint, go before the dinner rush which is after 7 pm in Southside.


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This was reported as a reproduction of PositvelyPittsburghLive news done by Joanne Quinn-Smith. (c) Joanne Quinn-Smith and PositivelyPittsburghLive(TM) 2012 All rights reserved.



Listen to the show here.


Tara Darazio is a Positively Pittsburgh Live reporter, an independent copywriter, blogger, article writer, and social media strategist. If you are in need of writing assistance, or need help with your social media efforts connect with Tara on LinkedIn here.