For Immediate Release

Contact: Anthony Twyman
Public Relations Coordinator
Community College of Philadelphia
Office: (215) 751-8082
atwyman@ccp.edu

COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF PHILADELPHIA HOSTS BUSINESS BREAKFAST WITH SPEAKERS BRUCE E. TOLL AND DAVID B. THORNBURGH

PHILADELPHIA, September 12, 2006-Community College of Philadelphia reaches out to the business community with a breakfast that will speak to The Future of Philadelphia, Bridging Education and Work. At 8 a.m., September 20, at the College's Center for Business and Industry, 18th and Callowhill streets, speakers Bruce E. Toll, co-owner and chairman of The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News, and David B. Thornburgh, president and chief executive officer of the Alliance for Regional Stewardship, will address business trends and the need for a well-trained workforce.

"Educational attainment is . the coin of the realm in the world of regional competitiveness," Thornburgh said, adding that communities that have an educated workforce attract more jobs, investment and people.

The College plays a significant role in the region's business community. During budget hearings before City Council in March, Stephen M. Curtis, Ph.D., president of Community College of Philadelphia, outlined some of the College's economic strengths. "We generate more than $100 million in operating and capital revenue annually through our graduates, students and employees," he said, adding that 79 percent of the College's graduates are employed in the city within one year after graduation.

This invitation-only breakfast is a part of a day long series of events that kicks off The Path to PossibilitiesT, an integrated marketing and brand initiative designed to inform the business community, civic leaders, government officials, students and the general public about the many high quality educational, professional development and customized corporate training programs at the College.

The Path to PossibilitiesT brand initiative is driven by extensive research the College had the CLARUS Corporation conduct on its behalf over the past year. This research shows many area employers are not aware the College can help their bottom lines. Surveys of 400 of the largest employers in Greater Philadelphia showed that many did not know the College offered specialized business training programs.

Fifty-five percent of the employers expect a shortage of qualified job candidates in the future. In addition, the employers reported that only 26 percent of their employees have two-year or four-year college degrees or higher.

The goal is to link these employers with the College's educational programs that offer more than 70 associate degree and certificate programs.

In addition to the business breakfast, on September 20th there will be something for everyone. The College will unveil the new brand initiative at 10 a.m. Following this presentation, there will be a Careers of Tomorrow Fair for the youth market where high school students will have an opportunity to tour the College campus, have hands-on demonstrations and get inspired by a local celebrity. This day will culminate with the Explore Your Possibilities: Open House, Career and Job Fair that will connect residents with employers and enable them to brush up on their business communication and Microsoft Office skills at mini-workshops.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
8:00 -10:00 a.m.
Business Community Breakfast (invitation only), Center for Business and Industry

10:00-10:30 a.m.
"The Launch," CBI
A festive unveiling of a new marketing and brand initiative that will acquaint the regional business community, civic leaders, students and the general public with the College's courses and programs

4:30-7:00 p.m.
"Explore Your Possibilities: Open House, Career and Job Fair," CBI
College administrators will provide information about programs, courses, the admissions process and financial aid; hands-on training with helpful hints to enhance the public's Microsoft Office and business communication skills; and local employment opportunities

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21: Northeast Regional Center, 12901 Townsend Road
8:00 a.m. Northeast Chamber of Commerce breakfast (invitation only)
2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Open House - high school and college students will receive information about the College's associate's degree programs and financial aid

5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Mini Job Fair featuring employers such as the Philadelphia Police
Department, the Pennsylvania Armory National Guard, United Parcel Service, the Philadelphia Federal Credit Union and Homestead Senior Care

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23: West Philadelphia Regional Center, 4725 Chestnut Street
9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Open House: Education and Career Workshops for Adults. Mini-workshops will be held concurrently from 10:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. on topics such as "Financing Your Education" and "Surviving and Thriving in College"

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26: Northwest Regional Center, 1300 W. Godfrey Avenue
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Open House: Education, Access and PersistenceWorkshops for students from area high schools on topics such as "How to Stay in College" and "Making Math Fun"