Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2024 i ScoopVizion

PHILADELPHIA, PA, November 21, 2024—Governor Josh Shapiro visited Philly Cuts in West Philadelphia to talk with barbershop and salon owners about the transformative improvements to Pennsylvania’s permitting, licensing, and certification (PLC) processes under his Administration. Governor Shapiro met with Darryl Thomas, owner of Philly Cuts; Ann Turner, owner of Hair Du Jour Salon; and Zina Johnson Patrick, owner of Hair 4 U, to hear about their experiences with Pennsylvania’s occupational licensing system and talk to them about how his Administration can continue to open the doors of opportunity for small business owners. Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has made it a priority to cut red tape, reduce backlogs, and ensure Pennsylvania operates at the speed of business. More than 1 million Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth rely on an occupational license…

Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, has evolved from its historical roots as America's first capital into a dynamic networking powerhouse. With its unique blend of historical significance, strategic location, and modern business infrastructure, Philadelphia offers unparalleled opportunities for professionals seeking to build meaningful connections and advance their careers. Historical Legacy At the heart of Philadelphia's networking advantage lies its rich historical legacy. As home to America's first stock exchange and the birthplace of U.S. banking, the city's business DNA runs deep. Today, these historical foundations serve as more than mere tourist attractions; they provide unique venues where professionals can connect in settings that inspire innovation while honoring the past. Imagine closing a deal in the same neighborhood where Benjamin Franklin once walked or hosting a startup pitch meeting in…

In a world facing unprecedented climate challenges, the future of coffee is under threat. From droughts in Brazil to extreme weather in Vietnam, climate volatility jeopardizes the livelihood of over 12.5 million coffee growers, most smallholders. The Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award 2024 convened at the United Nations Headquarters to address the critical question: How can we secure the future of coffee in light of these environmental and socio-economic threats? Today, the light is on coffee and its producers: a sector that is vital to the economies of many countries--supporting the livelihoods of millions of people in rural areas. Coffee, one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide, is much more than a simple commodity, and we must handle it as a unique product with immense sustainable development potential. Indeed,…

PHILADELPHIA, PA, November 19, 2024—Governor Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2024-04, creating the Pennsylvania (PA) Permit Fast Track Program to streamline the permitting process for key economic development and infrastructure projects, increase transparency, and accelerate timelines to ensure state government delivers results quickly and efficiently. The Executive Order directs the Office of Transformation & Opportunity (OTO) to lead the PA Permit Fast Track Program (Fast Track). OTO will be responsible for developing, managing, and coordinating permitting for complex and impactful economic development and infrastructure projects across government agencies and private partners in order to get project sponsors' answers in a timely manner. The office will also work closely with project sponsors and oversee updates to the Fast Track dashboard, a publicly accessible online tool designed to ensure accountability for both…

PHILADELPHIA—On October 24, 2024, the Independence Blue Cross (Independence) Women of Independence (WOI) associate resource group hosted its Ninth Annual WOI Leadership Conference for employees. Under the theme “Supporting Women from the Cradle to the Office and Beyond,” the sessions were centered on helping attendees be their own champions while also championing other women at home, in the office, and beyond. The one-day conference included a dynamic panel of IBX associates, an interactive workshop, and a motivational keynote: Fireside chat: A Confident Girl Grows into an Empowered Woman, moderated by Susan Larkin, IBX EVP and president Core Commercial Markets IBX panelists Debbie Crafton, lead purchasing agent, Procurement Kernika Gupta, director CEO Initiatives, Executive Office Luz Ramos, medical director, Clinical Care Transformation Moxi Stern, senior copywriter, Creative Services Workshop: Influence without…

Everything that happens in life happens for a reason. Jade Lee and Hafeezah Salaam were supposed to meet as students enrolled at Temple University (both) in the nursing school program. Of course, they would become fast friends, with several commonalities, including being young mothers with strong interests in the medical field and strong women determined to succeed in life. After successfully completing their studies in nursing at Temple University and graduating, they both began working as R.N.s at Temple University Hospital, later at the City of Philadelphia Prisons on State Road, to taking on positions as private duty home care nurses. Along the way, they both gained experience working in the medical weight loss specialized area. The medical weight loss arena struck a cord for both visionary women. That’s when…

“Tough times don’t last always” is an adage passed down among our people for many years. When a mother left an abusive relationship with her children and took up residence in an unoccupied house left vacant by its owners, she could not have known what was to follow. This was the story of Jennifer Bennett, who (from her humble beginnings as a squatter) became the successful real estate broker and owner of Perfect Place Real Estate. This month, Perfect Place Real Estate celebrated its 15th anniversary, helping members of the community, some of whom had desperate situations of their own, acquire safe housing for themselves and their families. The event was held at their office on 514 S. 52nd Street in West Philadelphia and was 'filled to capacity' with well-wishers.…

Hosted by CEO Michele C. Meyer-Shipp, “More Than the Dress” features dynamic conversations with corporate executives, thought leaders, influencers, and celebrities on leadership, empowerment, and the stories behind remarkable personal and professional journeys. NEW YORK, Oct. 29, 2024, PRNewswire--Dress for Success Worldwide announced the launch of its official podcast, "More Than the Dress," hosted by CEO Michele C. Meyer-Shipp. Focusing on leadership, empowerment, and the stories behind remarkable personal and professional journeys, the new podcast features dynamic conversations with corporate executives, thought leaders, influencers, and celebrities from a wide range of diverse industries and backgrounds. For the past 26 years, Dress for Success has served as the leading global nonprofit supporting unemployed and underemployed women to achieve economic independence. Although known by many for providing women with professional attire, Dress…

HARRISBURG, November 22, 2024 – Governor Josh Shapiro announced that Darrell Clarke is the new chairman of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB). Clarke replaces outgoing chairman Tim Holden, whose term expired yesterday, Thursday, November 21, 2024. “For almost 91 years, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has worked to benefit the Commonwealth by regulating the beverage alcohol industry, serving as a responsible retailer and wholesaler, promoting responsible consumption and alcohol education, and generating significant dollars for state and local coffers,” said Darrell Clarke. “I have committed my life to public service, and I am honored that Governor Shapiro has entrusted me with this position. I look forward to continuing to serve our Commonwealth.” Already, during his PLCB tenure, Clarke served as a member of the Stop-and-Go Legislative Task Force, created…

PHILADELPHIA, October 24, 2024—Independence Blue Cross (IBX) announces its 2025 Blue Solutions® portfolio for small businesses with 2-50 employees. The company’s ACA-compliant health plans offer employers cost-effective and innovative health plan designs, comprehensive well-being programs, and unique resources, tools, programs, and specialty services designed to accelerate the whole-person health and well-being of IBX members. New for 2025 Wellness Reimbursement Program. Member reimbursement for the cost of yoga studio fees through the Wellness Reimbursement Program. Vision network. An expanded IBX vision network that includes popular retail providers, including Warby Parker*, Target Optical, and Pearle Vision.** Updated digital health experience. IBX members now have an entirely new digital health experience when they login to the member portal at ibx.com or through the IBX mobile app, including new navigation and updated features, advanced…