March 2008 - Posts

• IT Jobs ruled difficult to fill – Is this true for Philadelphia?

  Robert Half Technology recently released a study entitled “Workplace Pulse: Research on Today’s Technology Employment Trends.” After surveying hiring managers in the United States, Robert Half International and CareerBuilder.com reported the following facts: The top 10 most difficult positions to fill: 1. Sales 2. Customer Service 3. Information Technology 4. Skilled labor/trade 5. Administrative/clerical 6. Engineering 7. Accounting 8. Professional Services 9. Education 10. Research CIOs polled said their companies’ technical support teams are, on average, 46 percent smaller than the optimal size. Robert Half Technology reported that the ratio of internal end-users to technology support of employees was 136:1, while the idea ratio internal end-users to technology support of employees would be 24:1. CIOs also reported that it takes 55 days to fill a staff-level IT position and 86 days to fill a manager-level IT position. The top five measures that firms take to improve staff retention are as follows: providing bonuses, offering salary increases, improving the office environment, providing a more defined career path and offering a more generous benefits package. Do you work in an IT position? Does your company find it difficult to fill IT positions? We want to hear from you. Posted Mar 28 2008, 05:30 PM by blogadmin with no comments

• Philadelphia and High-Tech - Realize IT

  When you think high-tech, realize Philadelphia is the place to find IT. Local consulting company Chariot Solutions is enhancing the Philadelphia Region's reputation in the IT industry by hosting the Emerging Technologies for the Enterprise Conference at Drexel University this week. The third annual Emerging Technologies for the Enterprise offered both technical and management tracks in technologies that are revolutionizing the IT spectrum. The speaker list for this event was more than 40 strong and includes regional, national and international emerging technology thought leaders. The conference attracted over 400 IT practitioners to learn about how open source and emerging technologies are changing how companies are developing software applications. The two-day event attracted the leaders in Spring, Java, Ruby, AJAX, and other emerging technologies. It provided a forum for the IT executive to understand why these technologies are not just buzz words, but are being used with increasing frequency in IT environments. Kelly Lee, Executive Vice President of Innovation Philadelphia, addressed the crowd on Wednesday, to introduce Key-note speaker Lucinda Holt, CEO of Commerce360, whom is also a former founding board member of Innovation Philadelphia. Sponsors of the event included Innovation Philadelphia, Drexel University, Mindbridge Software and Select Greater Philadelphia. To learn more about the conference, visit http://www.phillyemergingtech.com/. Posted Mar 27 2008, 08:46 PM by blogadmin with no comments

• An Outsider Looking In – Philadelphia: Big city, great people, better living

  We are speaking with the Philadelphia Region’s premier creative talent, to find out their views regarding the assets of the region, the challenges of owning a business and how the industry has grown in past years. Below is an interview Alex Davis-Booth, an architect at RMJM Hillier. Alex’s work experiences started off working in London, then a small town in central Virginia for a year, then Northern VA/ Washington DC for a year, following that he worked in New Haven, CT for 5-6 years. He has some experience of other places to compare the Philadelphia Region. While looking for a job in CT, Alex also spent some time looking in NYC, and researched what living and working there would be like. How do you think the architecture industry sector competes in the Philadelphia Region compared to other cities/regions? Philadelphia has large, world class firms competing with firms from other major metropolitan cities, as well as a great selection of smaller, boutique firms that cater to a more local clientele, and also everything in-between. The high caliber of universities in the area means that smart well educated people are already in the area to work in these firms. I feel the city has a lot to offer people who want to work on a variety of projects with architectural significance. Like NYC or London (or any other major metropolis), there are some great offices doing fantastic work. Working in New York and London it is highly competitive, cost of living is high, but salaries don’t necessarily reflect that. Salaries in Philadelphia seem to be similar to somewhere like NYC, but the cost of living is much lower. Philadelphia firms seem to be more accessible both to clients and people who want to work in them.   What are the assets of the architecture industry sector in Philadelphia? It is a big city with great road to the local areas access and public transportation to the rest of the world; including an extremely convenient international airport. [There are] good universities, therefore good people to work in it. [There are] well established and good consultants all around the area. [With] great opportunities for local development and projects in the region, [Philadelphia has] an up-and-coming feel to the place that attracts young people to the area. I feel like this brings talent to the city as young people can finally afford to live here, own a home, at the same time they can work on good projects. Like-minded developers building cool buildings to help the city grow.   How would you market Philadelphia’s architecture industry to young professionals outside the region? I would sell Philadelphia as somewhere that has the same feel and type of work opportunities as any other great metropolis. You can work for the same kind of offices, design the same kind of buildings, live a similar urban life. But you can live more comfortably than in many other cities. It is so much more affordable than NYC, London, Boston, DC. Here young people can still afford to buy a home. It is possible to use public transportation to get to work and get around. From my own research, there were a lot of offices, and many opportunities in all kinds of work. Cost of living to salary ratio - this it is an easy city to live in. Big city, great people, better living. Innovation Philadelphia is committed to supporting technology-driven economic growth in the Philadelphia region through growing the region’s for-profit creative industries, attracting and retaining young professionals vital to economic growth, and fostering entrepreneurism and new ideas. Posted Mar 26 2008, 10:23 PM by blogadmin with no comments

• Calling all Philadelphia Entrepreneurs! Third Annual Entrepreneurship Week set for April 21 – 26

  From April 21-26 Empowerment Group will host the third annual Entrepreneurship Week. This week-long, city-wide campaign serves as a valuable resource for established and aspiring entrepreneurs. Included in the Week are events specifically structured to showcase the local businesses and organizations that keep Philadelphia moving forward. At the Small Business Resource Fair credit counselors, lawyers, bankers, community development corporations and other businesses join together to give expert advice to the emerging entrepreneurial community. This year the Small Business Resource Fair will be held on Wednesday, April 23 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Bossone Center of Drexel University, conveniently located near 30 th Street Station. During the Spring Market Fair artists, musicians, and other local businesses gather in celebration of entrepreneurship and artistry. Throughout the afternoon we will display the sounds of local musicians and the crafts of local artisans. This year the Spring Market Fair will be held on Saturday, April 26  from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm at the South Street Headhouse Square Shambles, located at S 2 nd & Lombard Streets. This high-volume location is sure to attract a crowd of enthusiastic costumers, and make this fair a success. To register your business for either event, call 215.427.9245 x 402 or visit the campaign website at www.entrepreneurshipweek.com. Events  Monday, April 21 Opening Press Reception | 1101 Arch Street, Pennsylvania Convention Center Room 103A : 5:00 pm -7:00 pm Tuesday, April 22 Making it BIG in Small Business | 2031 Sansom Street, Helium Comedy Club: 4:30 pm -7:00 pm Wednesday, April 23 Business Start-up 101 | 1700 Spring Garden Street, Community College of Philadelphia: 10:00am -12:00pm Small Business Resource Fair | 3120 Market Street, Bossone Center of Drexel University: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Thursday, April 24 Circle of Entrepreneurs Business Breakfast | 123 S. Board Street, Montgomery McCracken: 8:30 am – 10:30 am Party Like an Entrepreneur! | 3025 Walnut Street, World Café Live: 9:00pm-12:00am Friday, April 25 Youth Business Expo | 2501 Kensington Ave, Mariana Bracetti Academy Charter School: 3:00 pm - 6:00pm Saturday, April 26 Spring Market Fair | S. 2nd Street & Lombard, Headhouse Square Shambles: 9:00am -3:00pm Women Entrepreneurs’ Circle Cocktail Party | 145 N. 2nd Street, Pentimenti Gallery: 5:00pm -7:00pm For a full listing of events, visit www.entrepreneurshipweek.com. Posted Mar 26 2008, 10:01 PM by blogadmin with no comments

• Creatives are making a significant and measurable contribution to the overall success of the regional economy

  We are speaking with the Philadelphia Region’s premier creative talent, to find out their views regarding the assets of the region, the challenges of owning a business and how the industry has grown in past years. Below is an interview with Bliss & White, a full-service graphic design firm started by two young professionals in the Philadelphia Region. How do you think the graphic and visual arts and multimedia design industry sector competes in the Philadelphia Region? The entrepreneurial spirit is flourishing within Philadelphia’s design industry. There’s no shortage of talented business people who run highly successful and fiercely competitive companies. In order to thrive in the local economy, we need to be competitive on all levels. Both in the creative solutions we provide, as well as the professional manner in which we deliver them. This trend of shrewd business practice among designers is starting to demonstrate itself in the region’s economical facts and figures. The numbers speak for themselves—we creatives are making a significant and measurable contribution to the overall success of the regional economy and should be considered a force to be reckoned with when it comes to economic development and policy! What are the assets of the graphic and visual arts and multimedia design industry sector in Philadelphia? By far, one of Philadelphia’s greatest assets is its location. Nestled halfway between DC and NYC, it gives members of the design industry access to both the resources and creative inspiration that these areas are known for. But for businesses that seek to utilize our industry, Philly is both physically and psychologically more accessible than our counterparts to the north and south. Our down-to-earth, authentic approach to service, solutions, and innovation is putting Philly on the map as a viable and attractive alternative for buyers throughout the region. Another great asset is the broad range of industry sectors that reside in the greater Philadelphia region. From pharmacy and technology, to higher education and arts/culture, there is a steady demand for the wide variety of services our industry can provide. It’s definitely a driving force behind the sustained success of the design sector here. How has and visual arts and multimedia design industry sector grown over the past five years? Ten years? Over the past decade, both creative and non-creative industries alike began to take greater initiative in driving their own look and style, and really started to understand the value of strong, professional branding. Particularly, the potential for financial growth associated with distinctive and creative solutions. The trend toward branding awareness has continued to grow as small to mid-size companies started taking cues from the big guys on how to build positive perceptions and marketplace influence. Today it’s almost a given—even for small start-ups—that a company has a professional image and polished branding! In the last five years, technology has also been a driving force behind the design industry’s growth. Huge leaps and bounds have kept constant pressure on companies to stay up to date and to utilize every possible portal as a marketing tool—most notably, the push toward mobile devices. For creative service providers, this has meant increased opportunity, increased growth, and possibly most important, increased interconnectedness with our fellow creative and technology sector colleagues. These expanding networks that companies like ours rely upon to help us deliver a more complete range of service to our clients, has no doubt helped to solidify growth and stability both within and around the design sector in our region.   What is your advice for young professionals working in/trying to break into and visual arts and multimedia design industry sector? Stay hungry and think big! Although there’s plenty of work out there for all of us, this is a competitive industry and we’re all going to fight not just for our own piece of the pie, but for your piece too! If you’ve got that entrepreneurial bug, use your creative talents to your advantage—our ability to generate new and edgy ideas is what sets us apart from other industries. Be fresh not just in the work you create, but also in the way you do business. Also take advantage of the many resources here in the region when it comes to business development, networking opportunities, investment, etc. Getting involved with organizations like Innovation Philadelphia and other business organizations has helped us so much. We feel like we’re plugged into the creative energy at the source—it motivates and inspires us! What are the challenges of owning a business in your industry in the Philadelphia Region? Although Philly is a big city, it still can feel like a small town in that you need to make a name for yourself and build a strong reputation. Without that, you run the risk of being overlooked. As entrepreneurs, it’s been both a challenge as well as a great reward to establish a solid network of resources, connections, and contacts that have helped thrust our business forward. As our network has grown, so has our business—and with that comes the everyday responsibilities of maintaining it. For example, we quickly learned that it’s not enough to just have great ideas and natural design skills. To be successful, we have to have a mind for business and an instinct to survive. Sometimes that can be a pitfall for great designers—they have the creative talent, but they don’t have the skills to maintain a viable business. We learned some lessons early on that taught us to keep a good balance between the challenging, but rewarding business side, and the passionate and fulfilling creative side. I guess you could call it the Bliss & White Yin Yang Model for Creative Business Success! Innovation Philadelphia is committed to supporting technology-driven economic growth in the Philadelphia region through growing the region’s for-profit creative industries, attracting and retaining young professionals vital to economic growth, and fostering entrepreneurism and new ideas. About Bliss & White Bliss & White, LLC is full-service graphic design firm owned and operated by Lisa A. May and Christine Fajardo. As a newly emerging business, Lisa and Christine draw on over 15 years of combined industry experience, resources, and talent to serve a wide range of clients in the Philadelphia and surrounding region. They pride themselves on their capacity to adapt and keep their ideas fresh, regardless of their client’s industry or size. They specialize in visual brand identity development for both new and existing companies, by providing everything from logo design, business card and stationary design, print and web marketing and advertising collateral, website design, and more.   “Our primary focus is to bring good, solid design to the masses. We feel that every business—even every individual—deserves great design.  There’s nothing more satisfying than watching not only our client’s businesses grow, but their pride of ownership and confidence, too!” Posted Mar 26 2008, 07:46 PM by blogadmin with no comments

• Philadelphia’s Graphic and Visual Arts and Multimedia Design Industry – A ‘Down-to-Earth, Authentic Approach’

  The Philadelphia Region's graphic and visual arts and multimedia design industry sector's economic impact on the Philadelphia Region is $1.8 billion annually. This creative industry sector employs 36,700 workers with average annual wages of $33,400.   Graphic and visual arts and multimedia design firms comprise nearly 12% of all creative industry employment in the Philadelphia Region. The graphic and visual arts and multimedia design industry – defined in Creative Footprint as all industries/occupations relating to the creation, production and distribution/sale of visual and graphic arts and multimedia products – houses highly impressive workers such as artists, printers, illustrators and designers. Industry growth and opportunity in recent years sets the stage to claim Philadelphia's reputation as a hub for graphic and visual arts and multimedia design. Notable Assets One of the most notable assets of the graphic and visual arts and multimedia talent in the Philadelphia Region is the value of the work. “There's a lot of talent here in Philly, but we don't cost as much as New York firms. [Philadelphia is] close enough that many companies are looking at Philly to open up offices with the lower cost of living,” said Keith Webb, a local freelance graphic designer. Local graphic design company Bliss & White, started by regional young professionals Christine Fajardo and Lisa A. May, believe that Philadelphia’s greatest asset is its location. “For businesses that seek to utilize our industry, Philly is both physically and psychologically more accessible than our counterparts to the north and south [NYC and DC respectively]. Our down-to-earth, authentic approach to service, solutions, and innovation is putting Philly on the map as a viable and attractive alternative for buyers throughout the region,” Fajardo and May said. As part of its down-to-earth, authentic approach, Philadelphia possesses a collaborative nature within its design community. Unlike other metropolitan areas, Philadelphia designers are known to work with other designers at up-and-coming co-working places, like Independents Hall, and refer other designers (i.e. competitors) potential work and clients. “The design industry in Philadelphia is much more communal and not as cut-throat in nature as other cities,” a participant in an Innovation Forum said. “It’s an alternative way of working that speaks to the uniqueness of Philadelphia.” “As with other industries, the number, variety, and quality of our colleges and universities are one of our biggest assets,” said Nathan Gasser, President of Philadelphia Area New Media Association (PANMA). Creative Footprint reported that of the degrees awarded by Philadelphia Region colleges and universities, nearly 12% of the degrees related to the for-profit, creative economy were in graphic and visual arts and multimedia design. According to the 2007 Philadelphia Business Journal's "Book of Lists", the region's largest graphic design firms, by number of local employees, include agencies such as 160over90, Bailey Group Inc., Munroe Creative Partners, art270 Inc., Hanson Associates and Bowhaus Design Groupe. The largest web site design firms in the Philadelphia Region include Biondo Communications, u1.net, Avenue A/Razorfish, NetReach, 160over90 and WebLinc. These regional web site designers service clients including Alaska Airlines, Philly.com, American Eagle Outfitters, Sony Entertainment, Trump Entertainment Resorts, Johnson & Johnson, and many more. Industry Growth John Saal, principal of local graphic design studio, Untuck Design Studio, explained how the graphic and visual arts and multimedia design industry has grown dramatically with the emergence of new technologies, business trends toward consumerism and branding. For instance, “Photoshop has become a part of our pop culture lexicon. Need to get rid of that second chin in your headshot? Just ‘Photoshop-it’,” he said. “Graphic design is now relevant and at the root level [and] embraced as legitimate. You need look no further than Apple and Target. And from a business perspective, good design is finally being recognized as a business necessity rather than a business afterthought. Now that's real change,” Saal added. Creative Footprint reports 37.7%, or 13,800 individuals, of self-employed professionals within the creative industry are graphic and visual arts and multimedia design professionals. In addition, 18.2% of minority- and female-owned creative businesses in the Philadelphia Region are in the graphic and visual arts and multimedia design industry. Webb noted how the industry has grown “amazingly fast” in the Philadelphia Region in recent years.  “There are more small firms that have opened up and the need for web designers and developers is off the charts. This is quickly becoming a creative hub for multimedia design,” he said. Webb also discussed how the talent in the Philadelphia Region has changed over the past years. “Most of the competition I see is with the general soup-to-nuts ad agencies battling for accounts with the more specialized niche web firms. A lot of the work in Philadelphia is locally based, but there are firms with national accounts and that's growing,” he said. Industry Advice The Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA) encourages local design studios and talent to enter their work to national publications and competitions to promote the Philadelphia Region for its creative talent in graphic and visual arts and multimedia design. “By encouraging local design studios, in-house departments and students to enter work into national design publications and competitions, and highlighting these successes within our respective organizations. If we want to attract and retain talent, we need to systematically promote our best work, both on the professional and student level. AIGA Philadelphia has done this with student competitions in the past and we are currently planning a professional design competition for 2009,” AIGA Philadelphia said. The board of AIGA also noted that it is important to share ideas, experiences and advice with others in the design community.  “Develop clear business objectives and a strategy for achieving your goals; advocate good design; abide by ethical industry standards and be fluent in design- speak and business-speak.” So how can a budding graphic designer succeed in the Philadelphia Region amongst all the creative talent? Most important is to network and immerse in the industry. ““Network, network, network! Don't be afraid to give away some work if you are not selling your stuff,” Gasser, PANMA President advised. Gasser suggested building a solid portfolio, even if you aren’t getting paid for it. “Having real work to show is critical - the web industry is a meritocracy and no one cares about credentials if you can't produce real, high quality work.” Webb also advised to learn as much about different technologies around the web. “This area is constantly changing and evolving so young professionals need to keep evolving with changes in software,” he added. A Creative Industry Sector on the Rise Creative Footprint reports the graphic and visual arts and multimedia design industry sector in the Philadelphia Region is nearly 17% higher than the national average. At the national level, the graphic and visual arts and multimedia design industry continues to grow in popularity as a high value employment industry. Organizations such as PANMA and AIGA allow professionals in graphic and visual arts and multimedia design to network, collaborate and grow within the Philadelphia Region. PANMA offers the web development community: connections, solid information, and fun. We have both social and educational events that are open to anyone interested. As the premiere national graphic design organization, the AIGA offers a variety of benefits to its members including the following: lectures, workshops, conferences and various networking opportunities. Members are also eligible for discounts on design publications, competitions and more. The findings in Creative Footprint illustrate the enormous potential of the for-profit, creative economy. In particular, the graphic and visual arts and multimedia design industry sector holds tremendous potential in forming a new identity for the Philadelphia Region. Made a reality, this industry will offer economic benefits in the form of new jobs and new businesses and will increase the region's competitiveness across the nation. This new identity will make the region a destination for all businesses thirsty for creative talent. Tell us what you think. Posted Mar 26 2008, 06:23 PM by blogadmin with 1 comment(s)

• CreativeHUB.com – Online marketplace for creative talent

  A University of Pennsylvania Wharton School MBA candidate has created an online marketplace for creative talent around the world. Neel Premkumar created CreativeHUB.com to connect freelance creatives with businesses online. The site, free of charge for users, launched last month. This online marketplace for creative talent allows freelancers to be judged on their quality of work. Businesses can search for freelancers based on user rating, hourly rate, availability, geography, project experience and online portfolio. Creative professionals are “ranked” by their experience and users can view the top 10 members of each region. A job board allows freelancers to search for jobs and receive updates on full time job listings in their creative field. An “Ad Challenge” page allows businesses to post challenges and receive submissions from members of the creative community, any work that is selected for purchase or as a Top 10 entry gives the member a boost to their HUB rating. Ownership of submissions which are purchased are transferred to the business, all other submissions will be displayed in the Marketplace where the creative will be given another opportunity to sell it. The site has about 500 members since its initial launch. Read news article. Would you use this site as a freelancer? What other ways can freelancers meet businesses to market their work? Posted Mar 18 2008, 08:53 PM by blogadmin with 2 comment(s)

• DesignPhiladelphia: Spotlighting the Creative Community

  Philadelphia has caught the eye of America’s cool-hunters. The national media is reporting on our ever-burgeoning wealth of academic and cultural institutions, the dynamic work of professional practices, and the independent retailers and galleries that are cropping up throughout the city. We are emerging as a 21st century metropolis, pulsing with creative energy. To celebrate this surge, DesignPhiladelphia arose in 2004 to unite the businesses, academic institutions, and professional associations that are both driven by and contributing to this growth. DesignPhiladelphia is an umbrella organization and cultural initiative administered by The Design Center at Philadelphia University. During a week-long celebration, approximately 60 participants – from the Philadelphia Museum of Art to Freeman’s Auction House; Kieran Timberlake Architects to Barnes & Noble Booksellers; Minima to The Rosenbach Museum – offer exhibitions, book signings, workshops, symposia, hardhat tours, and open studios, all related to creativity, innovation and design. The focus is on design with a capital “D” and showcases the disciplines of architecture, graphic design, product design, textiles, fashion, multimedia and urban design. Our mission is to enlighten the public about the breadth and depth of visionary work taking place behind closed doors, to promote student retention, and foster business growth. Approximately 160,000 people attended these citywide events last year including residents of Metropolitan Philadelphia, as well as students, professionals and consumers working, studying and living within the Mid-Atlantic States. In addition, some 450,000 others came into contact with DesignPhiladelphia information through our Web site, event catalog, posters, bus shelters and magazine advertisements. Now entering its fourth year, DesignPhiladelphia has made a significant contribution in telling the story of the rising creative vibrancy in Philadelphia. Take a look at the extensive participant list from last year, the programming, and the number of visitors attracted to these events. Clearly, we are making a case for the overall economic impact that innovative professions are having here. They are at the heart of this region's dramatic urban renewal. DesignPhiladelphia 2008 is scheduled for October 16th – 22nd. Nearly every event is free and open to the public. Innovation Philadelphia is also sponsoring the event. A central challenge for this program has been adequate support for our marketing and promotional efforts. In order to help augment its success, we are turning to the business community for help. We welcome you to join us as a participant and as a sponsor. For more information, contact Executive Director Hilary Jay at 215-951-2863 or jayh@philau.edu. We want to hear from you! Have you attended DesignPhiladelphia's events in the past? Plan to attend this year?   Posted Mar 18 2008, 03:09 PM by blogadmin with no comments

• Philadelphia: home to the second-tallest building in the world?

  A Philadelphia developer is proposing to construct a 1,500 foot, $800 million building on 18th and Arch streets that will be the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere and the second-tallest building in the world. Standing 63 stories tall, the American Commerce Center will dominate the Philadelphia skyline, towering 500 feet taller than the Comcast Center. In an $800 million proposal, the building is slated to be a mix of retail stores, hotel space, movie theatre and office space. Walnut Street Capital, a Philadelphia development company headed by Garrett Miller, proposed the project. The company purchased the 1.5 acre lot on 18th and Arch streets from Verizon Communications of New York in October. Miller told the Philadelphia Business Journal that there is a lack of newer office stock in Center City and that this building would fill and help attract corporate headquarters. “It would be an iconic structure,” Miller said. “This is something Philadelphia has not seen before.” The Philadelphia Business Journal also reported that the proposed building will have 1.3 million square feet of office space, a 300-room, high-end hotel and 315,000 square feet of retail space above and below street level. In addition, an underground garage would supply 383 parking spaces for visitors. The American Commerce Center was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Architects in New York. The firm has designed other Philadelphia buildings, including One and Two Logan Square, Huntsman Hall at the Wharton School of Business at University of Pennsylvania and the expansion of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. If approved, crews will break ground next summer and complete the project by 2012. American Commerce Center, Design Philadelphia Blog, phillyist Blog We want to hear from you! How do you feel this project would affect Philadelphia? Posted Mar 17 2008, 08:41 PM by blogadmin with no comments

• Philadelphia’s Architecture, Engineering and Planning Industry – A City’s Unique Landscape, A Sizable Economic Generator

  The Philadelphia Region's architecture, engineering and planning industry sector's economic impact on the Philadelphia Region is $3.5 billion annually. This creative industry sector employs 41,400 workers with average annual wages of $59,300. Architecture, engineering and planning firms comprise nearly 14% of all creative industry employment in the Philadelphia Region. The Philadelphia Region houses impressive highly-skilled architects, engineers and planners. From 2003-2005, the region's architecture, engineering and planning occupational employment grew by nearly 26%. Employment growth in recent years sets the stage to claim Philadelphia's reputation as a hub for architecture, engineering and planning. Notable Assets With Philadelphia being one of the oldest cities and most populated regions in the nation, the city’s landscape is always growing and changing. This provides tremendous business opportunities for the architecture, engineering and planning industry in the region. “The infrastructure [of Philadelphia] is old and is always in need of updating.  Communities both evolve and devolve. The Philadelphia Region is a planner’s dream!” said Charnelle Hicks, President and CEO of CHPlanning Ltd. “Philadelphia has large, world class firms competing with firms from other major metropolitan cities, as well as a great selection of smaller, boutique firms that cater to a more local clientele,” said Alex Davis-Booth, of RMJM Hillier, an international design firm providing architecture, interior design, planning, historic preservation, landscape architecture, and graphic design with a local office in Philadelphia. Davis-Booth went on to note, “Salaries in Philadelphia seem to be similar to somewhere like New York City, but the cost of living is much lower. Philadelphia firms seem to be more accessible both to clients and people who want to work in them. “ Creative Footprint reported that of the degrees awarded by Philadelphia Region Postsecondary Institutions, 19.4% of the degrees related to the for-profit, creative economy were for architecture, engineering and planning. “The high caliber of universities in the area means that smart, well educated people are already in the area to work in these firms,” Davis-Booth added. The Philadelphia Region is home to numerous well-established architecture, engineering and planning firms. According to the 2007 Philadelphia Business Journal's "Book of Lists", the region's largest architecture firms, by number of local employees, include agencies such as KlingStubbins, EwingCole, Ballinger, Francis Cauffman and Nelson. The top engineering firms in the Philadelphia Region include DMJM Harris/AECOM, URS Corp., Pennoni Associates Inc., McCormick Taylor Inc. and Urban Engineers Inc. Combined, the top architecture and engineering firms employ nearly 8,000 professionals in the Philadelphia Region. Clients of these major firms include Campbell’s Soup, Lincoln Financial, Philadelphia School District and Fox Chase Cancer Center. Industry Growth Creative Footprint reports 14.3%, or 5,200 individuals, of self-employed professionals within the creative industry are architecture, engineering and planning professionals. In addition, 26.5% of minority- and female-owned creative businesses in the Philadelphia Region are in the architecture, engineering and planning industry sector. Davis-Booth describes Philadelphia as having “an up-and-coming feel to the place that attracts young people to the area.” Young people bring the talent that regional businesses are seeking to grow and innovate. Young professionals can afford to live in the Philadelphia Region, own a home, and at the same time they can work on good projects, he said.  In his eyes, Philadelphia can be described as, “big city, great people, better living.” To showcase Philadelphia's diverse architecture, the American Institute of Architects - Philadelphia Chapter (AIA Philadelphia) will open a Center for Architecture in Philadelphia in April 2008. The center will serve as a design gateway to the City of Philadelphia and the region, and will include the latest in design technologies. "The Center for Architecture will celebrate the design and building achievements of this region. It will educate and engage a collaborative community of professionals and it will offer the public a convenient venue to engage each other about the future of their communities and the city," said Executive Director of the AIA Philadelphia John Claypool, AIA, AICP. A Creative Industry Sector on the Rise Creative Footprint reports the architecture, engineering and planning industry sector in the Philadelphia Region is nearly 10% higher than the national average. At the national level, architecture, engineering and planning continues to grow in popularity as a high value employment industry. Philadelphia's architectural landscape has not gone unnoticed. Travel and Leisure Magazine recently ranked Philadelphia the second best city in the nation for historical sites/monuments and seventh for architecture/notable buildings. "At the core of the City's uniqueness is its architecture, which throughout history has reflected the cultural, political and social issues of the times," according to AIA Philadelphia.  Tell us what you think... Posted Mar 12 2008, 04:49 PM by blogadmin with 1 comment(s)

• The Philadelphia Region’s Best/Worst List

  Every year, magazines, newspapers, books and web sites name the “best” and the “worst” cities in the U.S. Whether it is to work, play, live or party, a hand-full of cities seem to always appear on these lists. Cities within the Philadelphia Region were recently named in three separate best/worst lists.  Philadelphia suburb Wallingford, Pa., was named #9 in the top 100 places to live by CNN Money. Good schools, nice homes and a 20-minute commute to Philadelphia are some of the perks of living in Wallingford. About 30 percent of the town’s residents commute into Philadelphia, opting to enjoy the suburb scenery of green hills and old stone houses versus the city scenery. Single and ready to mingle? CNN Money named West Chester, Pa., as one of the cities with the highest percentage of singles in the country. With a population of 19,100, more than 61 percent of the population in West Chester is single. The quaint downtown area is filled with restaurants, shops and bars, and is a mere half-hour drive to Philadelphia. The students of West Chester University also preside over the town throughout the academic year. AOL Money News recently named 13 cities as the “worst places to live,” and Philadelphia appeared on the list.  Cited as the “picked-on, runty little brother” of the East Coast, AOL praised Philadelphia for its rich culture and affordability. We want to hear your opinion! What are the best assets of the Philadelphia Region? Posted Mar 11 2008, 05:15 PM by blogadmin with no comments

• Philadelphia: an affordable destination for freelance creatives

  A local New York City blog reported that creative freelancers have begun to move out of Manhattan and into Brooklyn, for a more affordable cost of living. But with such a high cost of living in New York, Philadelphia stands to be an affordable destination for freelance creatives. Creatives Flocked to Brooklyn, Where to Next? Last month The Brooklyn Eagle had a report on how Brooklyn has been sucking the creative lifeblood right out of Manhattan. In recent years Brooklyn has experienced a 33.2 percent increase in the number of self-employed creatives, while Manhattan’s growth during the same period was a mere 6.5 percent. On Wednesday the Center for an Urban Future held a forum addressing the impact of Brooklyn’s growing cluster of self-employed creative freelancers on the borough’s economy. The Observer reports back and states that a majority of the borough's freelancers earn an average of $20,000 per year (a figure that likely doesn't account for all of their earnings). Though their true economic impact remains unknown since full earnings are not accounted for, the BEDC estimates that they generated $504 million of taxable revenues in 2005—the height of the Brooklyn creative economy’s boom. After a decade of growth, rising real estate prices and a lack of appropriate, affordable space is now driving self-employed creatives out of Brooklyn’s traditional artists’ communities and is the “single largest challenge facing New York’s creative core,” according to a new study from the Center for an Urban Future. With often unsteady work, and no benefits, will luxury condos and rising rents price most freelancers out of neighborhoods like Park Slope and Williamsburg in the coming years? The Brooklyn Paper article reported that there's already a sizable chunk of the freelance community now living in Bed-Stuy, along "with 511 other independent artists, by far the largest sector of freelancers in that neighborhood." The NY Times has a report on Two Trees Management using artists to invigorate the DUMBO neighborhood; problem is, once they're successful in doing so, the artists are then priced out. So where will the freelancers migrate to next...Philadelphia? We want to hear from you. What does Philadelphia have to offer for creative freelancers? Posted Mar 11 2008, 04:54 PM by blogadmin with 1 comment(s)

• New Kensington: A Neighborhood Economic Development Strategy

  By Sarah Corlett Director of Economic Development New Kensington Community Development Corporation There are many approaches to neighborhood economic development. Sustainable approaches, that are truly successful in engaging the community and public and private investment, take advantage of the assets certain neighborhoods possess. For the Fishtown and Kensington communities, one of these strengths is the concentration of artists and the plethora of industrial spaces that exist. It’s no secret that enclaves of artists were pushed from other parts of Philadelphia when apartments were turned into condos and affordable studio space was hard to come across. It’s also no secret that artists are notorious for moving into perceived unsafe, run down neighborhoods to take advantage of cheap spaces that can be adapted easily. In the end real estate values climb and communities are transformed into places desirable for higher income residents to live. However, the initial agents of change must move elsewhere to the next closest affordable neighborhood. This begs the question – How can artists and the creative community be part of a long term economic development strategy? In 2004, New Kensington CDC engaged the community in a planning process for the revitalization of Frankford Avenue. What emerged was desire by the artists, small businesses and residents to have a viable commercial corridor that supported the metal workers, the painters, the graphic designers and dozens of others who created art in their homes, in their garages and even in enormous industrial buildings. Naturally these arts related businesses would be partnered with bookstores, cafes, restaurants and other commercial endeavors. Step one is to enhance the infrastructure of the street, but it was demanded that these improvements reflect the character of the neighborhoods and utilize the talent available. Local artists have already been used to create artistic bike racks along the arts corridor and nearly $3.5 million has been leveraged for the streetscape. New businesses moved into the neighborhood. Real estate values are on the rise and despite the many challenges the community still faces with crime and abandoned buildings, Frankford Avenue and the surrounding streets look remarkably better. Signs of transformation can be fearful. Will our artists and long time residents be forced to leave these neighborhoods as well? How can folks of various socio-economic statuses co-exist in a clean, safe and vibrant area? After all, attractive, unique neighborhoods contribute to the appeal of this city. Along the corridor many of the arts-related businesses purchased property before real estate values began to soar. Tax abatements from the city will help as well. This insures that as the neighborhood evolves, the pressure to keep up with rent (and property taxes for at least 10 years) does not become a burden. These entrepreneurs are have a chance to benefit from new developments, new residents and strong relationships formed over the years. New Kensington CDC converted a textile mill into 27 units of live/work space using low income housing tax credits, preserving affordable spaces for emerging artists. Education has also been an important component. Workshops that encourage artists to form a business plan, create a marketing strategy, file for taxes correctly and move into home ownership have been held. And perhaps most importantly, the businesses and artists support one another. An under ground buy local campaign is prevalent here. Whether the support comes in the form of dollars, or a helping hand or collaboration, this level of commitment from the old and new community is a key component for ANY successful neighborhood economic development strategy. Tell us what you think about the redevelopment of Kensington. Posted Mar 07 2008, 07:43 PM by blogadmin with 1 comment(s)

• Innovation Philadelphia Fosters Career Development Networking for Business and Creative ‘Masters’

  On Thursday, February 28, 2008, Innovation Philadelphia hosted “The Masters of Business meet the Masters of Creativity,” a unique networking event that connected the Philadelphia Region’s creative and business communities. With over 165 professionals in attendance, the energy was high at Sole Food Lounge in the Loews Hotel as new business networks and connections were made. Attendees learned about the interdependence of creative professionals and business professionals on one another if either group is to be competitive and prosperous.  The two types of professionals were identified by green or blue nametags, to identify who was a “creative” or “business” person. Participants then easily located professionals from the opposite profession and networked amongst the crowd. “This rare, networking opportunity for business and creative professionals spurred valuable connections for groups that don’t naturally networking with each other because they are from two opposite spectrums,” said Kelly Lee, Executive Vice President of Innovation Philadelphia. “The interdependence of creativity and business is crucial in today’s workplace. Business professionals need creatives – such as, graphic designers, web developers, and communications and marketing professionals – who can help a business professional distinguish his or her self from the competition. Creative professionals need the expertise of business professionals such as financial, legal, or real estate services to help their creative business grow,” Lee added. There was a lot of positive feedback from participants regarding the event. “I was able to meet several other design professionals that I may be able to partner with in the future,” one participant noted. Another professional said, ”I met more people than I expected - this was a group truly out to network in the best sense of the word -- listening to others, finding out how they could help. I met lots of smart, talented people.” We want to hear from you! Did you attend "The Masters of Business meet the Masters of Creativity” ? How do you feel that business and creatives collaborate in the business world? Posted Mar 06 2008, 03:44 PM by blogadmin with no comments