MEDIA ADVISORY

ALL DEMOCRATIC MAYORAL CANDIDATES ACCEPT INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN MAYORAL FORUM AT PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW

MORE THAN 1,000 PEOPLE REGISTER TO HEAR CANDIDATES DISCUSS ECONOMIC GROWTH, NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY AND GREENING ISSUES

WHAT: Green City Strategy Mayoral Candidates’ Forum, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and the Philadelphia Parks Alliance.

WHEN: Monday, March 5 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

As seating in the auditorium is limited to 600, overflow seats will be available with simulcast viewing in an adjacent auditorium.

WHERE: The 2007 Philadelphia Flower Show, Pennsylvania Convention Center Auditorium (Room 114); 13th Street Entrance between Arch and Race Streets.

WHO: Five Democratic mayoral candidates;
Jane Pepper, President, PA Horticultural Society;
Blaine Bonham Jr., Executive Vice President, PA Horticultural Society;
Zack Stalberg, President and CEO, Committee of Seventy

WHY: Moderated by Zack Stalberg, president and CEO of the Committee of Seventy the forum will give the candidates a chance to answer critical questions on open space, city parks, and neighborhood revitalization. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Philadelphia Green program is an initiative that seeks to engage residents in an effort to make the city healthier, more attractive, and more robust. Philadelphia Parks Alliance advocates, builds coalitions and educates the public in order to achieve superior systems of parks and open space for Philadelphians. Pennsylvania Environmental Council protects and restores the natural and built environments through innovation, collaboration, education and advocacy.

With Philadelphia poised to embrace continued growth, it is vital for Philadelphia’s next mayor to commit to investing in The Green City Strategy and to continue support of existing programs and even enhance efforts. Research shows that greening helps raise property values, attracts additional investment, and helps make the city’s neighborhoods safer. Urban greening creates economic growth, safer neighborhoods and a more vibrant city.

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society produces the world-famous Philadelphia Flower Show and operates Philadelphia Green, the nation’s largest urban greening program. www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org.

CONTACTS:

Barbara Beck, Sage Communications, 215.209.3076
Steve Maurer, PA Horticultural Society, 215.988.8833
Lauren Bornfriend, Philadelphia Parks Alliance, 215.879.8159

Contact for night of event: Barbara Beck, 610.246.9167 (cell)

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Last Updated: March 2, 2007