“If you build it, they will come"

One of the best lines from one of my favorite movies—definitely rings true in Philadelphia.

Take Avenue of the Arts for example. Envisioned in 1993, the Avenue today is a magnificent destination dubbed one of America’s “Great Streets” by the American Planning Association. It’s also a huge economic driver, generating $500 million a year and supporting 6,000 jobs.

I’m proud to walk out of our offices in the Bellevue and onto the Avenue—to admire the the Kimmel’s dome, watch tractor trailers load in sets at the Academy and glimpse dance rehearsals at UArts. And I’m proud that Simon PR represents Avenue of the Arts, Inc.

Next week, Carl Dranoff and Jeffrey McFadden will convene the Avenue Council. It’s a group of business leaders who will use their clout to bring further commercial development and beauty to Broad Street—both South and North.

On a smaller, but no less important Philadelphia corridor, a group of business owners are joining forces to breathe new life into their Avenue—Germantown Avenue. This week, Simon PR client Mt. Airy, USA kicked off a major business renaissance with “Rock the Blocks” a $4 million streetscape improvement plan.

The pride of place runs deep in our City of Neighborhoods. It’s small but powerful non-profits such as AAI and Mt. Airy, USA that are energizing business people to keep building. The crowds are sure to come. - Bev Volpe

Old City Artist Finds the “Hidden Philadelphia”

I was on my way to work last week when I bumped into a very familiar face, my old boss Charles Domsky. Charles gave me my first shot at being a PR Account Executive. But this isn’t a story about that (although that story isn’t turning out too badly).

In addition to Charles’ advertising/public relations acumen and business savvy, he’s an amazing painter. What makes it even more impressive is the fact that he actively paints while battling Parkinson’s disease for the past 25 years. He retired several years ago to focus on his art. In his own words, “At age 70, I decided to slow down. I wanted to go out on top.” Charles has good days and bad days with his disease, but when you put a paint brush in his hand, the tremors stop.

I had the opportunity this week to stop by the “office” in Old City, which has now been converted into Charles’ studio. His passion is abstract art, inspired by de Koonings, Twombly and Diebenkorn, as well as his memories of trips to Greece, Italy and France.

Charles is focused on finding the hidden energy and emotion of the places he’s visited. He explained, “Someone once told me, ‘Only those who can see the invisible can do the impossible.’ I interpret this into the impossible dream.” Charles has painted inventive aerial landscapes of many Philadelphia locales, the Ben Franklin Bridge, Broad and Walnut, Washington Square, Kelly Drive and Rittenhouse Square. He feels the vibration of the history that was made on the cobblestone streets hundreds of years ago. He lets the feelings and emotions he experiences flow onto the canvas.

Charles’ work can be found on the walls of public and private collections throughout the Delaware Valley. He is also one of four Pennsylvania artists with a disability whose work will on display in a traveling exhibit sponsored by the Pennsylvania Association of Rehabilitation Facilities and the Speaker of the House of Representatives Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

His artwork and his accomplishments are very inspiring. You can view his work here. And if you’re interested in his work, give him a call. He’ll give you a tour.

-Frank Sinatra

With Michael Vick the Media Faucet is Stuck in the “On” Position

I have just been loving the hoopla associated with the Philadelphia Eagles’ hiring of Michael Vick. How often does someone who’s still alive receive that much coverage? Or, have that much power to inspire so much conversation in the media? It almost seemed like it was the only story in town in August.

When the announcement was made on Thursday, August 13, I was far away in a State that doesn’t even have professional football (New Hampshire.) We listened to a Phillies game in the car on Satellite radio but we didn’t tune in to any sports news or watch any TV all weekend. We did pick up the Valley News, but the only sports story they ran was about the recent Manchester Fisher Cats game. When we returned home on Saturday night, the story was gaining steam fast.

By Monday the radio air waves were jammed with commentary and TV news was clogged with shots of Vick in the red quarterback jersey at training camp at Lehigh University.

Of course the sports pages were drowning in the Vick story but it also seemed like every type of Philadelphia Inquirer columnist wrote about him too. Annette John Hall wrote two columns. Daniel Rubin wrote a column. So did Elizabeth Wellington the fashion reporter. Even Dr. Daniel Gottlieb wrote about him in his Monday column on relationships. I can honestly say that I feel like I know just about everything about this guy. And, as stories go, his is pretty interesting.

As a PR pro who’s under constant pressure to deliver media results, I’m so impressed by a breaking story that has multiple legs. This one’s a centipede. The Vick story kept going and going and now, a month later, it’s still going and going.

While I think he looks very good in Eagles green, as usual I’m not really taking a stand on any of the issues.

Was it a good idea for the Eagles to hire Vick? Can the Humane Society benefit from a celebrity spokesperson speaking out against dogfighting? Is dogfighting horrible? Does Coach Andy Reid want people to give his two wayward sons the second chance Vick is getting?

I don’t really have an opinion on these matters. I haven’t taken the time to study those issues. I’m just reveling in all the media coverage! -Lisa Simon

Fall Fashion in Philly

Walking to work Monday morning in the brisk morning air, it hit me. Fall is poking its head around the corner, and with it comes football games, golden leaves, warm apple cider, and my favorite— shopping for the latest fall-fashion trends.

Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust’s (PREIT) nine East Region malls, Simon PR’s clients, embody shopping in Greater Philadelphia and are only a short commute from Center City, perfect for the fall must-have shopping experience. PREIT’s headquarters are also located in the heart of the city, in the Bellevue building.

With the brand new Nordstrom and seven retailers opening just this past summer alone, Cherry Hill Mall has a long list of designer and luxury stores. Located just over the Ben Franklin Bridge, the 15-minute drive is simple, and trust me, the new mix of specialty retailers is well worth the $4 toll. Not to mention what’s already on the books for the fall and winter – American Apparel and a massive Forever 21, nearly 26,000-square feet.

For my girlfriends that live in Philly, but work on the outskirts, Plymouth Meeting Mall is usually a stop on the drive home, and then there is my younger sister, Kiersten. At twenty-two, she has quite a bit of sophistication and style, although half the time I am still trying to figure out what exactly she is wearing. She always manages to be ready for the runway- and her office hallway. Her new favorite find? Willow Grove Park.

Shopping is everywhere you turn in Philly. The Gallery at Market East features the latest in urban wear, and did you fashionistas out there know the first Philadelphia Fashion Week is slated for October 8 – 10 at the 23rd Street Armory?

With endless racks of fall clothing, accessories, and shoes, decisions may be challenging. Can you really pull off the biker jacket? Don’t have a younger sister to consult for the ideal first-date outfit? My favorite Philly reads are Elizabeth Wellington’s weekly column in The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Style Advice on Examiner.com by Eileen Smith, retail reporter for the Courier-Post. -Meredith Wertz