April 18, 2013
2013 ABFF Comedy Wings Competition Semifinals in Los Angeles Sunday, April 21, 2013
Nine breakout comics compete for a chance to perform at the 2013 American Black Film festival in Miami.
The Comedy Wings competition is American Black Film Festival’s national search for emerging comics. The goal of the competition is to provide a platform for talented yet undiscovered comedians to break into film and television. Nine semifinalists from around the country have been chosen to compete for a chance to perform at the Finals event (sponsored by HBO) during the 2013 American Black Film Festival in Miami. The Semifinals competition will be hosted by comedian and actor, Guy Torry in the main room of the Comedy Store in West Hollywood, CA.
Click HERE for Tickets
ABFF 2013 Press Releases:
THE AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL (ABFF) ANNOUNCES 2013 DATES AND AMBASSADOR OMARI HARDWICK
17TH ANNUAL ABFF RETURNS TO MIAMI BEACH,
JUNE 19-23
Film Life Inc. announced that the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) will be returning to South Beach for the 17th annual event and has named actor Omari Hardwick (Sparkle, Middle of Nowhere and For Colored Girls) as the 2013 Festival Ambassador.
The ABFF is a five-day retreat and international film market dedicated to strengthening the Black filmmaking community. Established in 1997, the core mission of the festival is to showcase quality Black films and promote cultural diversity in front of and behind the camera. ABFF’s winning formula comes from the quality of its programming and expert production. Films, coupled with panels, master classes, celebrity conversations and high profile social events hosted by leading media companies, attract top-tier talent and approximately 5,000 festival goers to the annual event. HBO is the festival’s founding and premier sponsor.
“Omari Hardwick is one of the most talented actors in Hollywood. He shares our vision for Black cinema and understands the importance of nurturing new artists and maintaining diverse voices in this business that sometimes overlooks those outside the mainstream;” states Jeff Friday, festival founder and CEO of Film Life, Inc. “the role of the ABFF Ambassador is to broaden public awareness of the festival as well as its mission, which is to encourage collaboration and support between Hollywood and the independent film community.” Click HERE to read the full Press Release
CONCERT FLICK ‘KEVIN HART: LET ME EXPLAIN’ WILL MAKE ITS NATIONAL PREMIERE AT THE 17TH ANNUAL AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL (ABFF) AS THE CLOSING NIGHT FILM
Quickly establishing himself as the pulse of comedic entertainment, funny man Kevin Hart, will bring his threshold of jokes and laughter to the 17th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF). Film Life, Inc. announced that Hart’s upcoming concert film “Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain” (Codeblack Films/ Lionsgate) will make its national premiere as the esteemed festival’s closing night film. Undoubtedly hilarious and primed to be a hit, ABFF is thrilled to deliver this comedic treasure to festival-goers on Saturday, June 22. The 17th Annual American Black Film Festival runs June 19th to the 23rd in Miami, Florida.
Hart, who hosted NBC’s ‘Saturday Night Live,’ this past weekend (March 2nd), has been climbing his way to the top of entertainment in the same fashion as a young Eddie Murphy by using a three part platform inclusive of successful runs in stand-up, television, and film. Currently, Hart is the star of BET’s (Black Entertainment Television) mock reality series “Real Husbands of Hollywood,” a hilarious crack at the never-ending phenomenon we know as reality television. Having already garnered success with his film, “Laugh at My Pain,” (Codeblack Films) Hart’s new film, “Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain” is a cinematic echo of his triumphant 2012 comedy tour ‘Let Me Explain,’ which sold 540,000 tickets and generated $32 million in ticket sales. It is unquestionably one of the most successful comedy tours of all time, and has helped to establish Hart as one of the biggest names in entertainment.
Hart was one of the stars of last years hit movie “Think Like a Man,” (Screen Gems), a relationship flick based on the Steve Harvey book of the same title. “Think Like a Man” producers Will Packer & Rob Hardy (Rainforest Films), along with its director Tim Story and cast, were honored last year by Film Life Inc. at the 16th Annual American Black Film Festival for its theatrical success. Click HERE for the full Press Release.
Save Time and Money!
Pre-Registration for the American Black Film Festival ends May 15th 2013 to register visit ABFF.com
Like ABFF on Facebook
Follow @ABFF on Twitter
March 22, 2013
Philadelphia NAACP 2013 – 104 Influential Black Women In Philadelphia Awards Luncheon
This event will recognize some of the most successful women in the Philadelphia area.
This year’s 104 deserving women were chosen from hundreds of nominations from the ranks of community leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs.
This is an occasion to celebrate women who are redefining excellence. As always, there will be plenty of humor, anecdotes and the opportunity to renew acquaintances and network. It is an afternoon you won’t soon forget!
| Time: | Sunday, March 24, 2013 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT |
|---|---|
| Host: | Alice Harris |
| Location: |
The Grand Ball Room @ First District Plaza (Philadelphia, PA)
3801 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104 Click HERE for details.
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Congratulations to Nicole Newman of Newman Networks on her recognition as Philadelphia NAACP 2013 – 104 Influential Black Women In Philadelphia
February 20, 2012
Winners Circle: GVMT and Associates Men’s Cook-Off #5 Crown TOP Chef!
Congratulations to King Of The Tri-State, The TOP CHEF & King of the Kitchen Bardre Parrish who beat 14 other chefs for the title.
Special thank you to all of the sponsors like Philadelphia Tribune, The Steven Knight Show, Chike Evans, Phl17, Omega Optical, Black Professionals News, #100BusinessGirls, vendors, volunteers, coordinators, chefs and guests and so many more for their support of Prostate Cancer awareness and Prostate Health International.
Special Congratulations to the honored Prostate Cancer Over Comers. Visit http://garypaparun.com for more details on this year 10th Annual Gary Papa Run on Father’s Day 2012 benefiting the continuance of Prostate Cancer Awareness in our communities
Meat Winners:
3 Place-LatinPulled Pork – Frankie Smith
2 Place- Braided Short Ribs – Michael Drummond
1 Place- Barbecue Chicken – Bardre Parrish
Desserts:
3 Place- Sweet Potato Whip – David Simms
2 Place- Banana Pudding -Frankie Smith
1 Place- Bread pudding – Frankie Smith
Sides:
3 Place- Fried Cabbage – Shawn Biggers
2 Place- Crack Beans – Brian Moody
1 Place- Seafood Salad - Joseph Merritt
Entrees:
3 Place- Vegetable Lasagna – Tony Kerrin
2 Place- Bisque of the Sea – Ray Lilliston
1 Place- Hot Penne pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creme Sauce -David Simms
Visit GVMT and Associates on Facebook for more Pictures and Video!!!
February 13, 2012
[For Immediate Release]Who’s The King of The Kitchen? YOU Decide at Men’s Cook-Off #5 Saturday, February 18th 2012
Philadelphia Based Small Business and Chefs from the tri-state area join forces to whip up their best dishes while supporting Prostate Cancer Awareness.
Who: GVMT & Associates Men’s Cook-Off #5
http://gvmtassociates.eventbrite.com.Follow all of the cooking and competing fun on Facebook
http://facebook.com/GVMTASSOCIATES and Twitter
http://twitter.com/GVMTAssociates
For press and media inquires contact:
gvmtandassociates@gmail.com
November 17, 2011
The Winner’s Circle: The 7th Annual I’m Still Here Networking Mixer & Holiday Shopping Night
The 2011 7th Annual I’m Still Here Networking Mixer and Holiday Shopping Night was a successful and highly motivating evening that gathered like minded individuals supporting a wonderful cause and fellow business owners. Shopping was definitely a keen interest to our guests as they mixed and mingled while learning more about our Presenters and Omega Optical’s vast selection of trendy and classic eye wear which kept everyone busy during the night. Along with tasting the delicious Eatible Delights Catering, Jin-Ja, Make It Happen Creations and Organo Gold, which kept their palate busy as well. We would like to send a special Congratulations to all of our 7th Annual Networking Mixer & Holiday Shopping Night Raffle Prize Winners. We thank you ALL for your donations and support of the Omega Optical Scholarship Foundation. Your donation at the door placed you in the running to win the Donor Door Raffle Prize which was a Kiehl’s Gift Basket donated by their Rittenhouse Location. (Tom, it was truly a pleasure working with you.) Purchasing a Raffle Ticket made you eligible to win these prizes: Designer Hang Bag – Amin Fashions, Passion… Who Needs It? – Evolutions Consulting, Literary Candy Books Basket – Signature Styles Promotions, Kidult Tote Bag – Why PR, Embezzled Hand Designed Glasses – Syncrani Styling Network, Billionaire Girls Club V-neck T-shirt – Why PR , Jin-Ja Basket – Jin-Ja, Billionaire Made T-shirt – JB Productions, and Investing and Building Wealth with $50 – Mkemo London. Thank you to all of our raffle prize donators.
Your Market Place Presenters for the evening included: Divine Islam – Traci Lynn Jewelry, Suzette Fulton – Bountiful Design Productions, Shawn Gibson – Necessary Accessory, Sabah Kunle – Sabah By Design, Barbara Roane – B + B Fashions Karanja Patterson – Debonair Extraordinaire, Keith Chennault – Realty Mark Absolute, Mkemo London – Investing50.com, Amin – Amin Fashions, Jamal Johnson – The LIMU Experience, Aisha Winfield – Blues Babe Foundation & Jr. Music Executive, Angeline Campbell – Promo Est/Khemist, Anthony Howard – The Foundation Insight Studios, Alberta Paden and Anita M. Brown – Organo Gold and Helena – Make It Happen Creations
Photos by: Shawn Rivers Photography and Distorted Love Photography We would like to thank all of the Sponsors, Contributors, Market Place Presenters, and our Guests for being a part of this years Mixer. We would not have been able to have such a successful event with out you and your participation is appreciated. Click HERE to learn more about Omega Optical, their Foundation and stay tuned for more information on their initiatives to support the futures of local college students.
Click HERE to see more Photos from Shawn Rivers Photography and HERE for Photos from Distorted Love Photography Be sure to visit Philadelphia Weekly’s Facebook Page HERE for more photos.
November 7, 2011
Philadelphia Entrepreneurs Provide Opportunities While Showcasing Their Talents
Come and enjoy the delectable dishes of Eatible Delights Catering and taste Jin-Ja Sips. Connect with friends and our Market Place Presenters: B+B Fashions, Realty Mark Absolute, Investing50.com, Traci Lynn Jewelry, Sabah By Design, Necessary Accessory, Debonair Extraordinaire, Amin Fashions, Bountiful Design Productions, Blues Babe Foundation, Jr. Music Executive, Khemist, Promo Est., The Foundation Insight Studios and LIMU Business. Special Invited Guests include: Anthony Henderson – Celebrity Fashion Stylist, Baba T. Renfrow – Distante & Synergy, Mike Jerrick – FOX 29 Good Day Philly, The Lovely Ladies of 3BG Marketing Solutions and Phoenix PR, Anton Moore – B.E.T, Tuesday Gordon – Joan Shepp, Stacy Wilson – Flygirrl, Exponent Entertainment, Robert Mendelsohn – Philadelphia Tribune and YOU!
This wonderful evening of networking and shopping is courtesy of: Omega Optical, Why PR and Marketing, Eatible Delights Catering, Optimized Koncepts, Kiehl’s, Philadelphia Weekly, Jin-Ja, JB Productions, Bountiful Design Productions, Shawn Rivers Photography, Beckett Concepts, Flute Pro Shop, DiMe Universal, Literary Candy Books, Syncrani Styling Network, Black Professionals News, Kidult.com, Ends Hair Design and Day Spa, Entrepreneur Works, Evolutions Consulting, SwurvRadio.com, DJ Truuf and Mix1620.com and many more.
WHAT: The 7th Annual I’m Still Here Networking Mixer and Holiday Shopping Night Proceeds benefiting The Omega Optical Scholarship Foundation
WHEN: Thursday, Nov 10th 2011 6pm-9pm
WHERE: Omega Optical at the Comcast Center 1701 JFK Boulevard Philadelphia, PA 19103
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October 29, 2011
Electronic Ink Sheds Light On The Positive: The T-Mobile and AT&T Merger
By Joseph Weiss
Chairman, Electronic Ink
The current state of the economy has many elected leaders searching for the innovation that will help to drive job creation. Broadband Internet, most agree, delivers the promise of opportunity and the potential to create hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout the country.
That’s good news, but if you live in Philadelphia there’s also some disconcerting news. About 40 percent of the households in the city are without Internet service, according to Mayor Nutter. And approximately one quarter of the city lives in poverty. As the chairman of an international design company that relies on digital technology, it has become abundantly clear to me that the broadband revolution has the potential to transform our economy, but we must redouble our efforts to close the divide.
I agree with President Obama that expanding access to broadband is one of the best things that we can do to get our economy moving in the right direction. According to a recent study by ConnectedNation, a modest increase in broadband adoption would have a total economic impact of $5.6 billion annually in Pennsylvania alone, contributing $3.9 billion to direct income growth and creating 104,000 jobs for workers in the state.
Whether your field is international design or sales, e need to encourage and support private sector initiatives that expand access to high-speed networks. The proposed merger of AT&T and T-Mobile, for instance, would provide private sector funding to build out its wireless network infrastructure across the nation. These improvements would extend the reach of AT&T’s 4G LTE service to cover an additional one million square miles, including 55 million more Americans.
This merger would be a positive development for communities across the nation that do not currently have access to high-speed wireless technology. It would also help address growing concerns about the capacity of wireless networks to meet continued increases in demand due to the popularity of smartphones and other mobile devices.
The current state of our economy makes plain the urgency of finding solutions. By expanding access to high-speed wireless service and improving its quality and reliability, we can take an important step toward turning the economy around. And that’s something that people in every household will cheer.
For More Information Contact:
October 4, 2011
Local Business Woman Wins Pitch Competition in Latest Make Mine a Million $ Business™ National Event
Nicole Newman of Newman Networks LLC. in Philadelphia
Receives $1000 Prize in National Business Pitch Competition for Women Entrepreneurs
Also Competing in Next Round for a Spot in Renowned Business Growth Program
Philadelphia, PA [Monday, October 3, 2011] – Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence, the leading national not-for-profit provider of resources, business education, and community support for women entrepreneurs, has named Nicole Newman of Philadelphia as one of 44 Pitch Winners selected in the latest Make Mine a Million $ Business (M3) event, M3 1000, which was held Monday, September 26, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA.
Described as a cross between “The Apprentice” and “American Idol,” the M3 1000 pitch competition invites women business owners with at least $85,000 in annual business revenues that have been in business for two years or more to present their business in a two minute “elevator pitch” to a panel of small business experts and judges.
Pitch Winners came away with a $1000 American Express gift card and an introductory cycle of professional coaching from The Coach Connection (TCC). Pitch winners are also invited to participate in the next round of competition for a chance to be named an M3 Awardee and join the renowned Make Mine a Million $ Business program. M3 Awardees receive a business development package that includes national PR, access to financing as needed to help their businesses grow, a one-year legislative membership with Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), and enrollment in the Blast! Business Accelerator Program. Blast! is a six month group coaching and training program, following a curriculum of key business fundamentals, held in bi-weekly, 75-minute calls for groups of 10 participants and led by a certified business coach/trainer.
Nicole Newman was among 79 women entrepreneurs from around the country to pitch their businesses at the event in completion for the prize and among 240 total participating women entrepreneurs. The event also featured nationally renowned small business experts and coaches, and dozens of past M3 Awardees sharing advice, expertise, and support. In addition to hearing inspiring keynotes and participating in networking exercises, attendees also took part in business growth education sessions designed to build their capacities around finance management, social media, leadership, and more. A complete list of M3 1000 Philadelphia pitch winners can be found at www.makemineamillion.org/features/M3-1000-Philadelphia.
Launched in 2005 by Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence and founding partner American Express OPEN, the Make Mine a Million $ Business program was created to help post-start up, women-owned businesses grow to one million dollars in annual revenue. Since its inception, the program has hosted more than 20 competitions in cities around the country with thousands of women entrepreneurs participating, and grown into a nationwide movement. To date, 28% of M3 program participants have surpassed the $1 million mark in annual revenues versus the 2.6% national average for women business owners. A year-to-date investment of $12 million in the program has yielded $160 million in revenues for M3 Awardees. The ultimate goal of the program is to elevate one million women businesses to over $1M in annual revenue generating $1 trillion in revenues and creating over 4 million jobs by 2020.
“We are thrilled by the eagerness of women across the country to grow their businesses, create jobs in their communities, and create stability for their families and the national economy,” said Nell Merlino, Founder and President of Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence.”
About Count Me In
Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence is the leading national not-for-profit provider of resources, business education, and community support for women entrepreneurs seeking to grow their businesses to million dollar enterprises. Count Me In launched the Make Mine a Million $ Business Competition to inspire one million women entrepreneurs scale their businesses to a million dollars in business revenues in the next decade by providing tools, skills, and the support of a nation-wide community of peers.
Media Contacts:
Ann Noder
CEO/President
Pitch Public Relations™
Ann@PitchPublicRelations.com
Phone: 480.263.1557
Heather Mangrum
Chief Marketing Office
Economic Independence Count Me In for Women’s
Hmangrum@countmein.org
Phone: 212.245.1245 x 201
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Philly Med Week 2011 October 5th – October 7th
Philadelphia Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week conference is part of the National Minority Business Development Agency. The purpose of this conference is to provide critical information to foster the growth and competitiveness of the minority business community.
To Learn More Visit: http://phillymedweek.com/
