November 2008 - Posts

• Pa. one of most expensive states for college

  The Inquirer reports: Getting a college education in Pennsylvania is more expensive than in many other areas of the country, and students generally graduate with higher debt, says a state education report released today. The report, The Cost of Higher Education in Pennsylvania, says the state ranks as the sixth most expensive in the country for a public college education - costing $532 over the national average. The report was presented this morning to the State Board of Education in Harrisburg. It follows a series of public hearings that the State Board held around Pennsylvania on the affordability of college. The board in September had asked the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the report on college costs in the state. "The cost of attending college in Pennsylvania is a serious and growing concern," the report said. "...a student's ability to pay for college is a significant factor in preventing Pennsylvania from increasing its college-going rate, graduation rate and its efforts to expand access to lower income populations across the state." A big concern around the country is rising tuition. Nationally during the last five years, tuition and fees have risen 22.5 percent at public two-year schools to $2,361, 31.1 percent at public four-year schools to $6,185, and 14.1 percent at four-year private schools to $23,712, according to the College Board, which tracks trends. The Pennsylvania report found that lower income students (from families earning $20,000 or less) are most disadvantaged with about 37 percent of their income going to pay for college after loans. Even at community colleges, 24 percent of their income goes to pay for school after loans, the report found. Of 10 states in the study, Pennsylvania students graduated with the second highest debt on average - $19,047. Only in New Jersey was it higher: $19,294. Students from the three state-related institutions, including Temple University and Penn State, graduate with more debt than students in any of the nine comparison states, the report said. At private colleges, they have roughly the same debt as those in other states. The department also plans to survey Pennsylvania families on how they pay for college. Results should be available in January. Tell us what you think! Posted Nov 19 2008, 09:04 PM by blogadmin with no comments

• The Insider: A Snapshot of the Philadelphia Photography Industry

  The photography industry has a significant economic impact in the Philadelphia Region.  And, as in all sectors of the creative industry, technological advances have changed the industry dramatically.  Joseph Poulshock, photographer and painter, has been involved in the industry for more than 45 years.  “Digital technology has advanced to the point where I can take great photography – almost every picture I take is dramatic and worthy of display.  I can process them for not much money and have the photographs in an hour.” Poulshock went on to say that the Internet offers a great opportunity for “exposing and selling pictures to the public.” We’ve clearly come a long way from pinhole cameras and camera obscura, the direct forerunner of the camera and first referred to by Aristotle who questioned how the sun can make a circular image when it shines through a square hole.  Facial recognition software and other new technologies make photography – good photography – accessible to a greater number of people.  At the same time, it makes becoming a great photographer more complicated and more human.  “Our culture is instantly injected with an infinite number of seemingly good photographs.  You can have a technically good photography but still not have the content to make the viewer think,” says James Johnson, Assistant Professor, Chair, Photography and Digital Arts for the Moore College of Art & Design.  “The more complicated technology gets, the more specialization is required and the greater the need for collaboration and communication among the people involved. You need people skills to talk through issues about how things are going to get done.” Bill Cramer, Director of Photography for WonderfulMachine.com, a web portal dedicated to connecting photographers and clients, discusses three technologies that have dramatically impacted the industry over the past decade.  “Using digital cameras, we can shoot a ‘test’ picture and see it instantly.  If we like it, it's no longer a test, it's a final picture.  And we can make adjustments on the fly to explore a situation much more deeply than we could with film.  When we're satisfied with one situation, we can quickly move on to another without wondering if we've "got it."  Back at our computers, we can process the files ourselves instead of turning it over to a lab.  This allows us the opportunity to turn the pictures around much faster for the client, and even more importantly, have a lot more control over the look of the picture.  Photoshop gives us another dimension of creativity.” And then there is the ubiquitous Internet.  Cramer continues, “The Internet allows us to deliver pictures quickly, anywhere in the world.  And no more unique originals to get delayed, lost, or damaged.  It's not unusual for photographers to send their client samples of the pictures for approval during a shoot, and make adjustments in real time.” For Sarah Stolfa, a fine art photographer, technology has brought about substantial changes for her business.  “As a fine artist, I still shoot film but now scan film to make prints with an ink jet printer,” she explained.  Recognizing an unmet need for fine artists in Philadelphia – the majority of who have switched to digital – Stolfa and a partner are preparing to open the Philadelphia Photo Arts Center in the Fishtown/Kensington area next year.  Photographers will be able to rent time and use of equipment, and also take classes.  “Our business will cater to fine artists that formerly printed in the dark room and who want to get and stay up-to-speed in new digital technologies.”    Studying Photography in Philadelphia From an academic perspective, Philadelphia schools have a lot to offer.  In fact, says Cramer, “Going back 30 years, the biggest change in the industry was that in the 70s, there was an explosion of universities offering photography programs.” Project Basho is a photography resource center located on Germantown Avenue in Old Kensington, an artist-concentrated and culturally vibrant section of Philadelphia.  It is a small yet dedicated organization of photographers, run by photographers, for photographers.  With the community darkroom as the locus of the program, Project Basho offers introductory and advanced classes and specialized workshops on historical processes and other formal issues in photography. (www.projectbasho.org) Moore College of Art & Design offers a BFA program in Photography and Digital Arts that prepares students to pursue a variety of career paths in the field of photography and time- and web-based media, giving them the flexibility to enter many industries, both existing and evolving, that are based in information technology and new digital media. Antonelli Institute offers occupational degree programs in photography and graphic design/commercial art.  Located in Pennsylvania, the school teaches artistic and technical skills necessary to succeed in the creative visual arts.  Antonelli Institute is known for providing individualized "hands on" instruction in classes taught by working professionals. (www.antonelli.org) The Art - Photography Option at the Community College of Philadelphia prepares students to continue their studies in fine art photography at an art school.  Combining the offerings from both the Art and Photography Departments in the logical sequence prescribed will facilitate transferability of courses.  This program leads to the Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree for students planning to transfer to baccalaureate programs or professional schools. (www.ccp.edu) Photography programs are also offered at Tyler School of Art where students can receive a BFA or MFA.  The primary objective of the program is to cultivate a blend of technical, conceptual, and critical skills so that one can enter the field as an artist on a professional level.  The level of technical and conceptual sophistication in the photography and digital imaging programs at Tyler exposes the student to many career opportunities. (www.temple.edu/tyler/photography.html) Photography, in the end, is about people, their talent, their skill, and their passion for their art.  Photographers in Philadelphia understand this, and utilizing technology to optimize their art and their profession and making a place for our region in the international photographic community.    Posted Nov 19 2008, 03:08 PM by blogadmin with 1 comment(s)

• Get out of the office

  Gene Marks writes for the Philadelphia Business Journal. His recent article tells people to "get out of the office." He writes: Here’s an idea: get out of the office. That’s what Rob Bernstein does. Except he doesn’t do it alone. He brings along his key managers too. Once a month they leave the office and travel all the way … to a Hampton Inn about three miles down the road. For a morning each month he sits there, shivering in an overly air-conditioned meeting room and talks about the business. With the people that are helping run the business. “It’s the most productive four hours of the month,” Rob told me. “And I really get a chance to catch up with Kenny G’s song collection.” The whole morning, including the room, costs him about $300. But the return on investment is huge. There’s no phones. No one’s poking their head in asking for “just a minute.” There are no overlapping meetings. There are no pictures of horsey-faced kids playing soccer or sunburnt bald guys from the last corporate golf outing. It’s just a plain old room where there’s nothing better to do than talk about … the company. Some people like to get into the numbers at these meetings. But not Rob. He’s into gossip. He wants to talk to his production manager about what jobs are causing problems and what people are creating bottlenecks. He needs reminders from his office manager as to what each person in the office actually does all day. He asks his sales manager about the customers she’s speaking to. Are they happy? Any ideas for new products or services? Rob finds that going offsite opens people up. It makes them more comfortable to talk. A good penny pincher like Rob knows how to get maximum productivity out of these offsite meetings. He keeps them short. “No longer than a morning.” He hates those “corporate retreats” that last for days and cost a fortune. No one wants to be there. They want to be with their families. And besides, a typical business owner like Rob has the attention span of a 5 year old. Three or four hours is about all he can take, let alone his employees. I can relate to that. He switches up the attendees. Different people are invited each time. Some managers don’t always get invited. His employees love to get a chance to leave the plant for a morning, drink coffee and hobnob with the execs. Fresh faces bring fresh ideas. It’s no fun to look at the same tired mugs each month. And management, knowing how the gossip flows at the Hampton Inn, gets nervous when they’re not attending too. He has a specific agenda for each meeting. Everyone knows what’s going to be discussed in advance. There are no surprises. People have time to prepare. This isn’t some exercise to catch someone off guard. It’s not a game show. Rob needs information and answers to questions. It’s only fair that people can prepare beforehand. Once a perky employee jumped to her feet and enthusiastically suggested that everyone agree on a list of “action items.” Bob fired her on the spot for being so annoying. But he does keep notes. He assigns follow-ups to people. He sends a written document to everyone so they know who’s responsible. Then he starts with the last meeting’s list at the next meeting. Everyone’s held accountable. Duh. Are all your meetings in the office? Try something different. Get out. Penny pinchers know the value of a change of scenery. Try taking a deep breath, stepping back, and making sure the boat’s headed in the right direction. Rob’s approach is to do this at the Hampton Inn once a month. It ain’t the Four Seasons … but it’s a whole lot better than his office. Gene Marks, CPA, is the author of “The Streetwise Small Business Book of Lists” and three other books on small business. He heads The Marks Group (www.pennypinchingtips.com), which provides technology and financial consulting in Bala Cynwyd. Marks was a senior manager with KPMG in Philadelphia for nine years. Tell us what you think.   Posted Nov 07 2008, 09:23 PM by blogadmin with no comments

• Creative Industry Careers Named in Yahoo's 'Six Flexible Careers That Pay $70k'

  Yahoo recently reported on six flexible careers that pay $70k. With the economy on the rocks in addition to balancing a life at home, Yahoo says that certain careers are more flexible than others (and pay well too). Creative industry jobs software and interior designers made the list. Yahoo reports: Software Designers High tech and flex time. Software designers--including game design experts--often hire out on a per-contract basis, working intensive schedules to launch a new product and then enjoying time off between engagements. Some only work on an on-call basis. And job growth will be stupendous, rising by 38 percent during the 2006-2016 decade. You'll need at least a bachelor's degree in software design or applications, and a master's degree if you hope to run a consultancy. The median 2007 annual wage was $83,130. Interior Designers Interior designers also lead the way in the number of self-employed, flexible career professionals with 26 percent running their own companies/consultancies. Train for the field through an associate degree program, but add a bachelor's degree in art or design to advance to the more flexible positions. Study fabrics, CAD design, ergonomics, color theory, and more. The top 50 percent in the field earned on average between $60,200 and $81,800 in 2007. Posted Nov 06 2008, 06:01 PM by blogadmin with no comments

• The Insider: Celebrating Entrepreneurs:Global Entrepreneurship Week Comes to Philadelphia

  With the goal to inspire people to embrace innovation, imagination and creativity, Global Entrepreneurship Week encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to think big, to turn their ideas into reality, and to make their mark. From November 17-23, 2008, millions of people around the world will join a growing movement to generate new ideas and to seek better ways of doing things. Thousands of entrepreneurial activities are being planned in more than 75 countries around the world. And much of the action is taking place in Philadelphia.  Philadelphia has a long tradition of being a nurturing home to entrepreneurs starting with Ben Franklin, the first and most famous entrepreneur in the U.S.  Today, Philadelphia is home to successful start-up businesses, growing companies, colleges and universities that educate budding entrepreneurs and venture capitalists who fund start-up companies. In addition, organizations such as Innovation Philadelphia, the Ben Franklin Technology Center, and the Science Center provide resources and expertise to entrepreneurs, which in turn grows the economy and creates jobs in the Philadelphia Region. The Global Entrepreneurship event in Philadelphia, UNLEASHPHILLY, will take place on November 18th at World Cafe Live (3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia) from 10: 00 am to 4:00 pm.  This day-long event will include panel discussions, a networking lunch, and keynote speaker Richard Caruso, Ph.D, the 2006 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Founder and Chairman of Integra LifeSciences Corporation. Panels at UnleashPhilly include a “Panel for Success”, “Music, Social Media, and Money” and “Impact of President Elects Policy’s on Eastern Pennsylvania Business.” "The objective of UNLEASHPHILLY is to uncover and harness the potential of Eastern Pennsylvania's entrepreneurial assets, and to create meaningful sustainable connections amongst the participants from all walks of life," said Carmen Scott Dawson, State Director for Global Entrepreneurship Week and President of Advanz, LLC. "UNLEASHPHILLY and Global Entrepreneurship Week will bring together aspiring entrepreneurs, educators, researchers, economists, serial entrepreneurs and venture groups from around the world in an effort to empower individuals to create and foster the entrepreneurial spirit,” Dawson added. “Philadelphia is the birthplace of American entrepreneurship and we will demonstrate that to the 76 countries participating in the Week through our collective creativity. Every entrepreneurship enthusiast is urged to attend, learn, interact and have lunch on us." Entrepreneurship is much more than a business term. Entrepreneurs come in many forms and in many professions, from finance and marketing to design and education and social entrepreneurship. Many of these topics will be the focus of additional events taking place around the City throughout November and Global Entrepreneurship Week. The Founder Factory The 2008 Founder Factory is focused on the ecosystem that's needed in Philly to support entrepreneurs in the region. On Thursday, November 13, 2008, five entrepreneurs from all backgrounds will discuss their journeys as entrepreneurs and provide feedback to three new start ups. The Founder Factory will be held at World Cafe Live (3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia) from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Speakers at the Founder Factory include accomplished technology CEO Lucinda Holt, seasoned entrepreneur turned venture capitalist Gil Beyda, partner in Morgan Lewis's Business and Finance Practice Stephen M. Goodman, active entrepreneur and investor in the Internet industry Josh Kopelman, and consultant Bob Bickel. Tickets are available online at www.founderfactory.com. Wharton Small Business Development Center The First Step Workshop at the Wharton SBDC will assist entrepreneurs in starting down the path to successful business ownership by helping to evaluate business ideas, develop a business plan, and explore financing options. The workshop, taking place at the Jon Huntsman Hall (3730 Walnut Street, Philadelphia) on November 18, 2008, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., will address the key areas to consider in successfully starting and managing a small business and provides entrepreneurs with the tools to assess and minimize risk through research and planning. Entrepreneurs who have successfully completed the First Step workshop can schedule one-on-one meetings with business consultants to help turn their business ideas into a reality. To register for the First Step workshop contact the Wharton SBDC at (215) 898-4861 or visit http://whartonsbdc.wharton.upenn.edu/. Baiada Center for Entrepreneurship The Baiada Center for Entrepreneurship at Drexel University will also be holding events for entrepreneurs in all stages of the business life cycle.  Events being held throughout Global Entrepreneurship Week include “What It Means To Be An Entrepreneur”, “Open Innovation - Sharing Intellectual Capital Innovations for the Aging Baby Boomer Market”, “The Meaning and Value of Entrepreneurship Globally” and webcasts for students on innovation and entrepreneurship. For a full list of Baiada Center events, please visit www.lebow.drexel.edu/centers/baiada/GEW/schedule.php. While in a tough economic environment, it is seemingly more difficult for entrepreneurs to gain financial support for their ideas and innovations, these events will help entrepreneurs to connect with other entrepreneurs and with organizations that provide resources to assist in making their dreams of owning their own business a reality. A strong entrepreneurial community is essential to any region’s economic growth. Get involved this month to learn about the entrepreneurial community in the Philadelphia Region. For more information about additional events, times and locations of Global Entrepreneurship Week, please visit www.unleashphilly.org. Tell us what you think. Posted Nov 04 2008, 04:06 PM by blogadmin with no comments