Today, the Philadelphia Flyers and Wells Fargo announced the second class of winners for the Flyers Hometown Assist Award. The program, which was launched in 2020 to help small businesses impacted by COVID-19, awards a half-million dollars in free advertising assets to five local businesses in the Greater Philadelphia Area, and has quickly become a sports industry model for supporting small and diverse businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The awardees will immediately begin receiving advertising assets which will span the remainder of the 2021-2022 regular season. The packages are valued at $100,000 and include radio commercials, digital/social promotions, and in-arena activations and LED signage. This year, the Flyers expanded the program to also award 10 additional businesses with access to a hospitality suite at a Flyers game this season, a critical asset businesses can use to connect with existing or potential clients, bring employees together, and much more.
Flyers surprise local small business with $500,000 in advertising assets
Five local, small businesses impacted by COVID-19 awarded a half-million dollars in advertising assets through the Flyers Hometown Assist program
"The Philadelphia Flyers are more than a hockey team - we're an institution in this city - and we're committed to giving back, especially during challenging times like the past two years," said Valerie Camillo, President of Business Operations, Philadelphia Flyers. "The Flyers organization has an incredible platform from which we can make a real difference in local communities, and this program has provided a real boost to local small businesses who need some help. Seeing the excitement on the faces of this year's winners is so rewarding, and it's a reminder of how much of an impact we can make in Philly and throughout the region."
Businesses were evaluated on their community service efforts, the impact to their business during the pandemic, and opportunity for growth with the awarded assets.
"This year's Hometown Assist winners represent an amazing, diverse collection of businesses that mean so much to our city and the entire region. We work every day to make a positive impact in our communities, and this program has made an incredible difference for so many local businesses and the families they support" said Joe Meade, Vice President of Community Relations and Government Affairs, Philadelphia Flyers.
Since the launch of the program, the Flyers have aimed to ensure that the final list of awardees reflects the city and region's diverse population. This year, three-Black owned businesses (Beverly Shakur Catering, HR MOM, Lou & Choo's), two-female owned business (Devil's Creek Brewery and HR MOM LLC), and two Hispanic-owned businesses (Wooder Ice and Lou & Choo's) were among the winners.
For video footage of Flyers executives surprising each business on winning the award via video, click here.
The five awardees of the Flyers Hometown Assist are:
Beverly Shakur Catering (South Philadelphia) - Beverly Shakur Catering is a small, family-owned business that provides soul food catering services to Philadelphia and surrounding cities. The mission is to provide quality food and service to its customers at a reasonable price. Beverly Shakur Catering has given back to the community through Back-to-School book bag drives and regular community days by feeding over 100 residents on holidays like Mother's Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Devil's Creek Brewery (1 Powell Ln, Collingswood, NJ)- A female-owned microbrewery in the heart of Collingswood, Devil's Creek offers unique, handcrafted beers developed and brewed onsite. Owner Kat Ganser takes immense pride in offering the community a place to gather, celebrate life's biggest moments and share her passion of great beer. Other than serving delicious brews, Devil's Creek puts resources behind community nights and local fundraisers. Due to pandemic shutdowns, sales have suffered before the business pivoted to outdoor consumption and a focus on takeout and curbside orders. Devil's Creek is currently offering both indoor and outdoor seating.
Human Resources Managers on the Move (HR MOM LLC) (Philadelphia) - Established in 2017, this Black- and female-owned business provides human resources services to small businesses with a focus on recruitment and operations management (training, policies and procedures documentation). Throughout the pandemic, HR MOM had to readjust their entire business model which relied heavily on in-person hiring events to connect perspective employees with employers to an online operation. Owner Corinne Green prioritizes a philanthropy project each year and encourages clients to hire within the communities they serve, including returning citizens and individuals returning to the workforce. Last year, they presented a Dynamite Woman of Resilience Award to a woman transitioning from homelessness to a new home. The award provided funds to help purchase home furnishing and supplies.
The New Lou & Choo's (2101 West Hunting Park Avenue, North Philadelphia) - In the heart of North Philadelphia, The New Lou & Choo Lounge has been a community staple dating back to the early 1980's. It has been a gathering place for locals and out-of-towners alike. Husband and wife duo Tracy Hardy and Jennifer Gomez Hardy took over the business in 2015 and made the commitment to being stewards of the community. Like many restaurants, The New Lou and Choo's took a huge hit throughout the pandemic - losing significant sales and event cancelations. This Black and Hispanic-owned business regularly gives back through a multitude of initiatives including back-to-school drives and haircuts, turkey giveaways and holiday gifts for children.
Wooder Ice (Philadelphia) - Wooder Ice, a Latino-owned, self-proclaimed "blogazine," has a mission to connect their followers with the people, places and things they should know about Philadelphia. They focus solely on giving local businesses and entrepreneurs a platform to tell their stories and amplify their causes. Wooder Ice spotlights local businesses and events using video services, podcasting and written blogs to help them maximize their reach via website and social media channels. Founder Hector Nuñez made a commitment to help businesses in need over the last few years and the team has done pro bono promotional work for struggling businesses. During the pandemic, their studio and headquarters in Center City were shut down and limited their ability to connect with businesses and provide content for developing clients.
After the success of the initial launch of the program last year, the Flyers expanded the Flyers Hometown Assist to impact even more local businesses. This year, 10 additional companies will also receive a hospitality suite to use during an upcoming Flyers home game.
10 Local Business Receiving Suites:
· Krupansky Fencing
· Careda's Caribbean Cuisine
· Revcarto
· BTC Envelopes & Printing
· A&I Security
· Philly Games
· Rosales Communications
· Salvador Enterprises
· City Hydration
· Scannichos Restaurant
