GlobalPittsburgh Connects Local Entrepreneur with Visiting Cambodian Officials to Discuss Program to Provide Assistance to Asian Startups

Can a small-business accelerator program similar to those assisting business startups in this country help entrepreneurs in Cambodia?

That was the question debated over breakfast recently in a meeting between a visiting delegation of Cambodian leaders and Pittsburgh entrepreneur David Palmer, who is developing a program to provide guidance and startup funding to entrepreneurs in Cambodia with the backing of American investors interested supporting economic development in the growing Southeast Asian country.

Pittsburgh entrepreneur David Palmer
meets with officials from Cambodia. 

“I believe that economic growth is largely driven by entrepreneurs, and that by identifying people with good ideas we can surround them with the expertise and the guidance to help them develop those ideas and bring them to market,” Palmer told the visitors.

The delegation of representatives from the government, education and banking sectors was brought to the region by GlobalPittsburgh through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). They also met local officials in government, economic development, finance and business.

Palmer is co-founder and former CEO of Bossa Nova Robotics, a firm founded on the vision of creating dynamic and engaging experiences with innovative robots. The global commercialization of that vision resulted in his being named a 2011 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Palmer has started a new non-profit organization called Bam Bam International to provide guidance and information about access to capital and new market to entrepreneurs in Cambodia, where he started working on community assistance projects through his church three years ago.

“We were working on leadership development, English language teaching programs, education and economic development,” he said. “And I looked around and saw that there were lots of opportunities for business there, and great opportunities for the Cambodian people.”

While the level of technology innovation has not advanced to high levels in Cambodia, opportunities exist for business development in the processing of the country’s abundant natural resources such as bamboo, rubber and even hot chilis, all of which are mostly shipped to neighboring countries of Vietnam and Thailand, members of the group said.

Growing industries to provide value to those natural resources could provide a boost to the Cambodian economy that would help the nation’s people while also providing opportunities for socially-responsible investors from the United States and other countries, Palmer said. 

Members of the delegation agreed. Ms. Serey Chea, Deputy Director General, Banking Supervision Department of the National Bank of Cambodia, said such a business accelerator program would be welcome in her country, where her institution is already trying to familiarize citizens about business financing opportunities. 

“That’s what is missing right now,” she said. “I think the Cambodian people are very entrepreneurial but they are not well connected. People are not used to working with banks. Money comes from family or from personal connections. We are working to help people understand how financial institutions work. If they received proper training for organizations like yours [Bam Bam] there is no reason they could not get bank financing.” 

In addition to Chea, other visitors included Mr. Sovannara Em, researcher at the International Relations Institute of Cambodia at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, and Ms. Somethea Pen, Deputy Director General, Research and Judicial Development, in the Ministry of Justice. 

Palmer recently traveled to Cambodia to develop support, to learn more about permitting, supplier contracts, business start-up costs, and to identify prospective office space. He said he welcomed the opportunity to meet with the delegation through GlobalPittsburgh and looked forward to communicating with them and possibly meeting with them again during future visits to their country as he starts identifying industries and entrepreneurs to work with. 

“We want to capture that and retain that economic gain in Cambodia,” he said. “This is a model that works in the United States. I have been through it myself. It’s a very effective concept and we think it can work in Cambodia.” 

The national itinerary for the group was arranged by Graduate School – International Institute in Washington, D.C. READ FULL ARTICLE

UPMC’s Jeanette E. South-Paul, MD, Receives Humanitarian Award From Local Aid Organization

Dr. Jeanette E. South-Paul, Medical Director of the Community Health Services Division of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and chair of the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, has received the Dr. Wangari Maathai Humanitarian Award from Workforce Development Global Alliance (WDGA), a Pittsburgh-based organization that helps disadvantaged youth in the United States and Africa.

Dr. Jeanette E. South-Paul

For her "lifetime of visionary leadership and steadfast devotion to social causes on both the local and global sphere," Dr. South-Paul was presented with the award by Mark A. Nordenberg, Chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh, at WDGA’s 7th Annual 2Steps2Work Benefit Banquet on Sept. 20, 2012 at the LeMont Restaurant.

As the first woman and the first African-American to serve as permanent chair of a department at the Pitt School of Medicine, and one of a small number of African-American chairs in medical schools nationwide, Dr. South-Paul is widely recognized for her research on the biological, social and behavioral factors associated with women’s health.

Beyond her family medicine interests, Dr. South-Paul also has an interest in socio-cultural issues in health care and health care in special populations. She is a widely recognized speaker and author on cultural competence in medical education; the impact of race, ethnicity and culture on health; cultural diversity and academic medicine; and the development of minority faculty.

Her research topics include premenstrual syndrome; treatment strategies for osteoporosis; exercise and aerobic capacity during pregnancy; infant nutrition; and exercise-dependent physiologic function in obesity.

She was recently honored in a special National Library of Medicine traveling exhibition, “Changing the Face of Medicine: Celebrating America's Women Physicians.”

An active duty colonel in the U.S Army, Dr. South-Paul came to the University of Pittsburgh from the F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) in Bethesda, Md. where she served as chair of the department of family medicine, vice president of minority affairs and president of the Uniformed Services Academy of Family Physicians.

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Dr. South-Paul is a former chair of the minority affairs section of the Association of American Medical Colleges. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Family Practice and a fellow of the American Academy of Physicians.

WDGA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote economic self-sufficiency through peace and employability for disadvantaged youth while inspiring hope from school to work one child at a time. For more information about WDGA, go to www.2steps2work.org. READ FULL ARTICLE

Fourth Annual Pittsburgh African Diversity Festival and Variety Night Scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 1 in East Liberty

The Union of African Communities in Pittsburgh & Allegheny County (UAC) presents the 4th Annual Pittsburgh African Diversity Festival to be held in East Liberty on Saturday, September 1, 2012.

The festival will feature music, dance, food, fabrics & clothing, jewelry, arts & crafts and other cultural offerings from more than 40 international communities represented in the Pittsburgh region.

Festivities will begin at noon with a Parade of Nations starting at the corner of Penn Avenue and Highland Avenue, continue with an indoor/outdoor Cultural Celebration at the East Liberty Presbyterian Church, located at 116 S. Highland Ave., and culminate with a Diversity Night celebration starting at 10 p.m.

The Pittsburgh African Diversity Festival is a community-driven initiative that started in 2009 as an annual event to create opportunities for new immigrant communities living in Pittsburgh and its environs to share their cultures and traditions and to interact with the larger Pittsburgh community.

“This event brings everyone together, helping to reduce ethnic tensions, foster unity and tolerance, and promote Pittsburgh’s diversity,” said Benedict Killang, President of the UAC.

The UAC is an umbrella Organization for all African Communities in South-western Pennsylvania. Our activities are exclusively not-for-profit making. The union is constituted by leadership/representatives from 40 plus African Countries/communities (Immigrants, Refugees, Students, and Internationals) represented and living in this region.

Its mission is to foster unity, empowerment, linkages and improve the quality of life of Africans in South-western Pennsylvania, through acting upon the needs, concerns, challenges, and opportunities.

Its Vision is to have well-informed, empowered and united African Communities in South-western Pennsylvania, the entire United States and the African continent. Christian Evangelistic Economic Development (CEED) helped the African community with technical assistance in 2008 to establish the UAC, and to date CEED continues to serve as a fiduciary organization to the UAC, providing the UAC with free administrative and financial assistance.

Pittsburgh has a long history of being a city of immigrants. Most early arrivals came from Europe, while large numbers of immigrants in the last few decades have come from Africa and Asia. Newcomers want to feel welcomed in their new communities, while Pittsburghers are curious to see what others from faraway places bring to enrich the region.

According to Rufus Idris, Secretary General of the UAC and Executive Director of CEED, “UAC’s strategy is to take its unique diversity festival to all Pittsburgh neighborhoods, one-neighborhood-at-a-time; introducing them to the beautiful diverse cultures and traditions that exist in the region.”

The 2009 festival was at the Union Project in the Highland Park Neighborhood of Pittsburgh, the 2010 celebration was at Schenley Park in Oakland, and the 2011 festival was at the Ujamaa Collective Marketplace / the Kauffman Auditorium in the Hill District of Pittsburgh. The 2012 festival is planned to be held in East Liberty, a neighborhood well known as a commercial center and business district for immigrants and refugees.

The objectives of the festival are to: (1) Showcase 40 plus diverse countries (immigrant/refugee communities) in Pittsburgh & its environs, (2) Display the rich cultures through food/ethnic dishes, attire/costumes, music/drum and dance representing the various regions of the continent (North, East, South, West and Central Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, Europe, India etc.). (3) Create an atmosphere for networking, cultural exchanges and Bridging the Gap(s) between African Immigrants and the Southwestern PA populations, (4) Share the important and integral roles that immigrants, refugees and internationals are playing in the development of the Pittsburgh region, (5) Solicit collective effort and collaborative support to proffer solutions to existing needs in the refugee/immigrant communities based on the increasing numbers and need assessment.

Planned activities for the festival include:

Noon – 1pm: Parade of Nations (East Liberty / Corner of Penn & Highland Ave.)

1pm – 7pm: Cultural Celebration @ indoor and outdoor premises of East Liberty Presbyterian Church (ELPC). Featuring internationa.l performances, dance, songs and drumming, sampling of authentic International food, African Art and Crafts, Fabrics/Clothing, Jewelry, Books etc.).

10pm – 2am: Diversity Night

A Cup of Nations soccer tournament was held at Schenley Park as part of activities leading to the festival. Soccer teams represented South Sudan, Liberia, Nigeria, Ghana, Bhutan/Nepal, and Russia. This year’s winner was Liberia, 2010 winner and defending champion South Sudan came second, and the third place goes to the Bhutan/Nepal team. Trophy and medals will be presented to winners at the festival in east Liberty.

The Festival is supported in part by a grant from Vibrant Pittsburgh.

“Vibrant Pittsburgh is pleased to support the Union of African Communities and its 4th Annual Pittsburgh African Diversity Festival through our Mini-Grant Initiative. Bringing together the region’s African community and showcasing the rich contributions of our region’s international, immigrant and New American residents helps to position the Pittsburgh Region as a welcoming destination for others seeking opportunity and a place to call home,” said Melanie Harrington, CEO of Vibrant Pittsburgh.

The Festival is also made possible in part by donations from Christian Evangelistic Economic Development (CEED), UPMC Center for Inclusion, East Liberty Development, Inc. (ELDI), Chester Engineers, Community College of Allegheny County, and South Hills Interfaith Ministries (SHIM) among others. 

For more information about the UAC, go to: www.pittsburghafricans.org
READ FULL ARTICLE

Fred Rogers Production Company Seeks International Children To Appear In New Program

Producers of a new program from the Mr. Rogers production company are looking for international children between the ages of 4 and 6 to appear in a new show.

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood is a new animated series for children ages 2-4 beginning on PBS KIDS this coming Labor Day, September 3, 2012 at 11:00am EST.

The first television series produced by The Fred Rogers Company since the iconic Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood also features an engaging and activity-rich website full of fun interactive games for kids, information-rich resources for parents and teachers and other valuable and engaging cross-platform content.

Each episode of the new series features two 11-minute stories based on the same theme, starring 4-year-old Daniel Tiger and his best friends, who invite young viewers to come along on delightful musical adventures as they explore the vibrant Neighborhood of Make-Believe.

Based in Pittsburgh, Fred Rogers Co. will be filming short, live-action videos to enhance the animated segments. For parents interested in having their children participate, here are some specifics:
- Children between the ages of 4 and 6 (Please, no children older or younger)
- Children who are friendly and outgoing
- Children who speak English
- Children who can follow directions
- Children who you feel would be comfortable in front of the camera.

To be considered for one of the tapings, please send email to Margy Whitmer at The Fred Rogers Company at whitmer@fredrogers.org.
READ FULL ARTICLE

Four Pittsburgh-Area Universities and Latrobe Center Picked to Lead New Manufacturing Innovation Initiative

Four Pittsburgh-area universities and a Latrobe-based research center have been selected to lead a new manufacturing innovation initiative to advance the use of 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, it has been announced in a White House ceremony.

The National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) in Latrobe, Westmoreland County, was selected to manage the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute (NAMII), the pilot institute for the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI).

The National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute is a network of nine research universities, including  Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, Robert Morris University and the Penn State Applied Research Laboratory, 40 companies, five community colleges, and 11 nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia, led by NCDMM.

The initial three-year plan calls for $30 million in federal funding, matched by $40 million in contributions from the winning consortium partners.

In March 2012, President Obama announced the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation, with up to 15 Institutes for Manufacturing Innovation located around the country. These institutes will bring together industry, universities and community colleges, federal agencies, and the states to accelerate innovation by investing in industrially relevant manufacturing technologies with broad applications.

Each Institute will bridge the gap between basic research and product development, provide shared assets to help companies – particularly small manufacturers – access cutting-edge capabilities and equipment, and create an unparalleled environment to educate and train students and workers in advanced manufacturing skills. These Institutes will serve as regional hubs of manufacturing innovation, and will be known as world-class centers for applied research, technology incubation, and commercialization.

Additive Manufacturing, also commonly known as 3D printing, is an emerging and evolving manufacturing process that builds parts made of metal, plastic, ceramic and electronic parts using a layer-by-layer technique, precisely placing material as directed by a 3D digital file. A competition for the pilot institute was launched in May. This BAA stipulated the proposals address criteria such as technical vision and scope, example collaborative applied research projects, technology transition plans, institute management and infrastructure, educational outreach and workforce development, and plans for sustainability of the institute.

The NCDMM-led team which will form the nucleus of the NAMII organization and governance board, consists of numerous leading universities, community colleges, large and small manufacturers and economic development groups principally from the Western Pennsylvania, Northeast Ohio and Northern West Virginia region. This I-80/I-79 corridor with nearly 32,000 manufacturers, commonly known as the “TechBelt,” represents a smaller geographic area but larger manufacturing output with more combined average production workers per year (1.01 million) than the two largest manufacturing states, Texas and California.

Other organizations on the NCDMM Team include the Robert C. Bird Institute at Marshall University, Lehigh University, Case Western Reserve University, Youngstown State University, University of Akron, Kent State, Westmoreland County Community College, Lorain County Community College, ExOne, Optomec, Stratasys, Sciaky, 3D Systems, nScript, Paramount Technologies, Morris Technologies, Thogus/RM&P, M7 Technologies, Autodesk, IBM, Timken, Kennametal, ATI, RTI, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman, General Dynamics, Honeywell, Osram Sylvania, FMW Composite Systems, Touchstone, Parker Hannifin, Ohio Aerospace Institute, Association for Manufacturing Technology, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, NorTech, Youngstown Business Incubator, Fourth Economy, Wohlers Associates, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, JumpStart, numerous TechBelt small manufacturers and the Manufacturing Extension Partnerships of Ohio and PA.

“We are honored to be chosen to lead this significant effort and we look forward to addressing the challenge set forth by President Obama to help revitalize our nation’s manufacturing industry,” said Ralph Resnick, NCDMM President and Executive Director and Acting Director for NAMII, “NCDMM feels privileged to be part of such a high quality and comprehensive collaborative team. There was keen competition for the Institute from other high quality teams and we will be reaching out to these other national assets to assist our core team in meeting the mission of NAMII.”

For nearly a decade NCDMM has been delivering manufacturing innovation to the U.S. Defense Industry, Resnick said. 

About NCDMM 
The NCDMM delivers optimized manufacturing solutions that enhance the quality, affordability, maintainability, and rapid deployment of existing and yet-to-be developed defense systems. This is accomplished through collaboration with government, industry, and academic organizations to promote the implementation of best practices to key stakeholders through the development and delivery of disciplined training, advanced technologies, and methodologies. For additional information, visit the NCDMM at www.ncdmm.org.

Source: National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining READ FULL ARTICLE

Join GlobalPittsburgh in Welcoming International Students Back to Town at the Next First Thursdays Event Sept. 6 at Mario's East Side Saloon in Shadyside

Please join us for festivities on Thursday, September 6 as we welcome back international students and globally-minded local scholars, entrepreneurs and friends at the next GlobalPittsburgh First Thursdays international networking event at Mario's East Side Saloon in Shadyside from 5:30-8:00 p.m.

We will be teaming up with the Graduate and Professional Student Government at the University of Pittsburgh for this event. It promises to be one of our biggest events of the year, with students and friends from many of the region's great colleges and universities in attendance, along with many GlobalPittsburgh hosts and members. There will be free appetizers, bar specials, raffles, cash bar and more. Bring your friends! Meet our visiting international delegations and mingle with many of the region's entrepreneurs and innovators.

GlobalPittsburgh First Thursdays is a regular monthly night of networking and socializing with different themes, different activities and different locations - but always with an international flavor - on the first Thursday of every month. It's an evening of friends, interesting conversation and good spirits with an international flair.

Mario's East Side Saloon is located at 5442 Walnut Street in Shadyside.

Admission is FREE for paid GlobalPittsburgh members and students with a valid student identification. Admission is $5 at the door for non-members and non-students. Membership information will be available at the event, but you may also join GlobalPittsburgh now at www.globalpittsburgh.org/membership and get in free on Sept. 6.

Many thanks to support from Vibrant Pittsburgh, whose mini-grant program helps make these events possible.

If you have questions, please call Nadya at 412-392-4513 or by email at nkessler@globalpittsburgh.org. Photos from past First Thursdays and a few other GlobalPittsburgh events, activities, and programs can be viewed at www.flickr.com/photos/globalpittsburgh. See you there!

READ FULL ARTICLE

UMOJA African Arts in the Park Festival Aug. 11-12 at Point State Park in Pittsburgh Featuring Food, Music & Dance

The UMOJA African Arts in the Park Festival will take place Aug. 11-12 in Point State Park in Downtown Pittsburgh from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days. Admission is free.

The African Arts in the Park Festival is dedicated to the demonstration and promotion of African and African Diaspora Arts in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. This year’s theme, “Bridging African Rhythms and Jazz," appeals to people of all backgrounds recognizing that African music is a strong contributor to the genre of jazz music.

Umoja’s mission "to raise awareness and increase appreciation for the rich cultures of Africa and their influence on the world,” utilizes the African Arts in the Park as a wonderful event for such an exposition. The Main Stage will be filled with West African music, dance, and jazz.

Attendees can bring their chairs and blankets and hear live bands. They will be entertained by various West African dance and drum troops including Sankofa Village, Dreme Drum Dance, Legacy Arts Project, and Tam Tam Magic.

Jazz musicians include Afro-American Music Institute, Jessica Lee Quartet, Elevations, Roger Humphries and RH Factor, AfroJazz, Chelsea Baratz Band, Ray Ryan and the Riverside Band, Tim Stevens and the Leonard Johnson Project, Kevin Howard Band, Dwayne Dolphin Band, and Spirit Filled Ministries.

The Culture Hut will offer interactive demonstrations such as West Africa’s influence on Jazz by Kuumba Inc., African storytelling by Temujin the Storyteller and Jackie Jonas, and drum workshops by Assane M’Baye.

New this year are cooking and tasting demos which connect West African food and food from New Orleans by Phat Girlz Cookin’ and Culinary Artists. At the Children’s Hut there will be Spanish & French Arts & Crafts, Reading Is Fundamental, Carnegie Library activities, African storytelling & mask making, jewelry making, face painting, henna artists, petting zoo, Debo the Clown, a stiltwalker, and a bounce house.

Food vendors will serve a variety of American and international food. The retail vendors will have several crafts, art, and clothing. Admission to this event is free.

UMOJA African Arts Company is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is celebrating its 23rd season of bridging and unifying diverse cultures through educational and artistic presentations of African art, culture and heritage. Sponsors include City of Pittsburgh, Heinz Endowments, Pittsburgh Foundation, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Poise Foundation, The Soul Pitt, Residence Inn- Marriott, and Wyndham Hotel.

READ FULL ARTICLE

Pittsburgh-Based Amizade Global Service-Learning Gains United Nations Recognition As Special Consultant

Amizade Global Service-Learning, a Pittsburgh-based non-profit that connects students with worldwide community programs as a study-abroad alternative, has been granted Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Amizade is the first local non-profit to receive such recognition, which allows it to participate in international conferences convened by the United Nations dealing with economic and social development, gender issues, sustainable development, small arms and human rights.

"It is truly an honor for Amizade to be the first organization in Pittsburgh to receive United Nations Consultative Status," said Brandon Blache-Cohen, Executive Director of Amizade. "Our commitment to connecting Pittsburgh to the world has come a long way, and with this distinction, we will be even better able to serve this great city."

Each year, approximately 400 nonprofit organizations around the world apply for UN Consultative Status on the basis of international presence and global-minded leadership, Amizade reported. Through an extensive selection process, Amizade is now one of just 3,600 organizations in the world to hold the status since its establishment in 1946.

Amizade is an 18-year-old organization that empowers individuals and communities through service and learning worldwide. They partner with communities in 11 different countries to develop service opportunities for universities, groups, and individuals. To date, over 5,000 individuals (and over 1,000 from the Pittsburgh metro area) have participated in these programs which focus on mutually beneficial and community-driven service, according to Amizade.

Some of the current issues being addressed are youth development in Jamaica, clean water initiatives in Brazil and Tanzania, literacy in Ghana, and others.

For more information about Amizade and its programs, please contact Brandon Blache-Cohen at 412-586-4986 or visit www.amizade.org. READ FULL ARTICLE

Upcoming Activities Announced for GlobalPittsburgh Members - Now's the Time to Join the GlobalPittsburgh Network!

Here's a list of activities and events planned this Fall for members of the GlobalPittsburgh Network. (If you're not a member yet, or you know somebody who would like to become a member, CLICK HERE or go to www.globalpittsburgh.org).

Thursday, August 2—GlobalPittsburgh First Thursdays Networking Event. This month we are celebrating the first anniversary of GlobalPittsburgh's First Thursdays! Join us for an evening of friends, interesting conversation and good spirits with an international flair.

Sunday, August 19—Reservoir of Jazz. Annual concert series in Highland Park. Bring blankets and relax on the lawn while one of the Pittsburgh’s most talented musicians, Kenny Blake, serenades you.

Sunday, August 26—Cinema in the Park. Watch “The Smurfs” outdoors this evening on Flagstaff Hill at beautiful Schenley Park.

Thursday, September 6—GlobalPittsburgh First Thursdays Networking Event. Meet GlobalPittsburgh members, friends & visitors from many countries, and network with globally-minded people from Pittsburgh and all over the globe.

Friday, September 28—Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District. The Gallery Crawl is a showcase of art and entertainment in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District downtown that takes place at a variety of different galleries and art spaces.

Saturday, Date to be announced—Bowling at Fun Fest Entertainment Center. Bowling is great fun and can be enjoyed by everyone, no matter their age or ability!

Thursday, October 4—GlobalPittsburgh First Thursdays Networking Event. Meet GlobalPittsburgh members, friends & visitors from many countries, and network with globally-minded people from Pittsburgh and all over the globe.

Saturday, October 13—Downtown Beautification. We will volunteer as a group with the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s Clean Street Team for their Saturday projects to help beautify downtown Pittsburgh.

Saturday, October 27—Fall Fest & Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin. We will visit a local farm to pick pumpkins, apples, have a hayride and more. Enjoy acres of healthful, locally-grown food and fun for everyone!

Thursday, November 1—GlobalPittsburgh First Thursdays. First Thursdays is a regular monthly night of networking and socializing with different themes, different activities and different locations - but always with an international flavor - on the first Thursday of every month.

Saturday, November 10—Market District Cooking School. We will attend a cooking class to learn about food, cooking trends, tips and techniques — a place where cooks of all levels can go to explore new food ideas! Afterward, we will savor the delicious meal we just made.

Saturday, November 17—Ice Skating. Every winter, the city constructs a festive ice skating rink in the courtyard of the beautiful glass PPG building. As a GlobalPittsburgh team, we will learn, practice, or present a master class in ice skating!

Thursday, November 22—Thanksgiving hospitality Dinner. Enjoy and share the traditions of Thanksgiving during hospitality dinner with American families.

Saturday, December 8—Celebration of Lights. The Hartwood Celebration of Lights is a breathtaking 3.2 mile stretch of holiday light displays leading up to the mansion at Hartwood. More than two million lights are used to illuminate the holiday-themed displays that stand 3- to 40-feet tall.

Monday, December 17—GlobalPittsburgh 2012 Annual Dinner.

Additional activities and events will be scheduled as the season progresses—check your e-mails for the updates. We will be distributing FREE tickets to cultural events, and we will partner with PASA and Venture Outdoors to hold fun events and activities together. READ FULL ARTICLE