Arts & Business Council Announces 2009 Honorees

Anne d'Harnoncourt Award for Artistic Excellence
Judith Jamison, Artistic Director, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Renowned dancer and choreographer Judith Jamison is best known as the artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. A native of Philadelphia, Judith joined the Alvin Ailey Company in 1965 and soon became a principal dancer to great acclaim. Among her notable roles were "The Prodigal Prince" "Masekela Langage" and "Cry". As a highly regarded choreographer, Ms. Jamison has created her own works for many companies, starred in the Broadway musical Sophisticated Ladies, authored an autobiography, Dancing Spirit and even carried the Olympic Torch in Salt Lake City in 2002. Jamison's numerous awards include Kennedy Center Honors (1999) and the National Medal of Arts (2001). She won a prime time Emmy Award and an American Choreography Award for Outstanding Choreography for the PBS "Great Performances: Dance In America" special, "A Hymn for Alvin Ailey." Her presence has been a catalyst, propelling the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre in new directions. She remains committed to promoting the significance of the Ailey legacy--dance as a medium for honoring the past, celebrating the present and fearlessly reaching into the future.

Business and Arts Partnership Award: Mid-Size to Large Business with an Arts and Cultural Organization
PNC Bank with Pennsylvania Ballet
When the Pennsylvania Ballet sought support for its newly-composed production of The Nutcracker, PNC Bank proudly stepped up as a sponsor. PNC provided marketing and promotional guidance for the production, as well as the financial backing. Ticket sales for The Nutcracker exceeded expectations, and the production was met with great acclaim. The partnership also integrated PNC Bank's corporate initiative, PNC Grow Up Great, with the Ballet's educational program, Accent on Dance, to teach students in North Philadelphia about ballet. Students were involved in the production of Happy Feet! and explored their creativity and self-expression through the art of dance.

Business and Arts Partnership Award: Small Business with an Arts and Cultural Organization
Minima with DesignPhiladelphia, an annual program that highlights contemporary design practices in Philadelphia - Elizabeth Oliver, Exhibitions Coordinator and Co-Curator, Minima; Hilary Jay, Executive Director, The Design Center at Philadelphia University; Eugenie Perret, Owner, Minima
In 2008, Minima and DesignPhiladelphia collaborated to produce A Clean Break. This exhibition transformed a vacant lot into a prefab neighborhood designed by international architects. Visitors encountered environmentally- friendly homes that were sustainable, affordable, and green. A Clean Break was curated by Eugenie Perret and Elizabeth Oliver of Minima gallery. Working with Hilary Jay, Executive Director of The Design Center at Philadelphia University, the collaboration reflected the emphasis on community that the exhibition explored. Minima and DesignPhiladelphia also worked in conjunction with Philadelphia Association for Community Development Corporation, New Kensington Community Development Corporation, Community Design Collaborative, Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia, Modern Modular, and Diamond and Associates Consulting.

G. Fred DiBona, Jr. Individual Leadership Award (recognizing an individual, business or civic leader who has greatly contributed to one or more arts or cultural organizations in the region, exhibited dedication above and beyond their professional responsibilities and made a measurable impact on the region's cultural landscape)
Donald Caldwell, Chair, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Donald Caldwell is the chair of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. He led the $35 million campaign for the expansion of the museum, including the building of its new Samuel Hamilton Hall, and led the planning for the Academy's 200th Anniversary in 2005. Don played an integral role in the "Save the Gross Painting" campaign with the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and helped raise millions to keep the painting in Phialdelphia. He served as Chair of the Arts & Business Council from 2003-2006, and is currently the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cross Atlantic Partners, Inc.

Business On Call Volunteer of the Year Award
Andrea Hyslop, Systems Engineer, The Boeing Company
Andrea Hyslop has volunteered nearly 400 hours since 2003 as a Business On Call volunteer at the Boeing Company. She has participated in each of Tyler Arboretum's Arbor Day Plant Sales and Delaware Theatre Company's Wine Feast and Auctions over the past four years, and consistently shows support for many events at arts organizations throughout the region. She has promoted the Business On Call program to colleagues at the Boeing Company and recruited new volunteers. Andrea always gives her best effort and has become a trusted volunteer. Her committed attitude is a core ideal of the Business On Call program.

Business On Board Member of the Year Award
Michelle Hong, Director of Wealth Planning, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
Michelle Hong joined the board of Pig Iron Theatre Company in 200 and immediately signed on to chair Pig Iron's annual fundraiser. After a year of service, she began serving as Treasurer. She is responsible for engaging sponsors, managing the auction process, and overseeing bank reconciliations. She also helped revise the organization's bylaws and created a board handbook. Michelle has brought a level of professionalism to Pig Iron that gives the organization the structure it needs without diminishing its unique artistic nature.

BVA Volunteer of the Year Award
William H. Haines IV, Vice President, Pennsylvania Trust
Bill Haines played an integral role in the creation of a strategic plan for Historic Philadelphia, Inc. After spending time with individuals to determine the organization's goals, he worked with the strategic planning committee to build a template and facilitated meetings to maintain a project schedule. When the planning committee began writing, Bill remained available for questions and other guidance. The strategic plan was put into effect on its approval in December of 2007. Bill continued to meet with the committee to survey its progress, and joined the HPI board in 2008. The strategic plan has developed the brand identity and marketing for Historic Philadelphia, Inc., and it will have a long-lasting impact on the organization.

Technology Connectors Volunteer of the Year Award
Geeta Ahya, Independent Consultant
Through website re-design and development, Geeta Ahya has made a significant impact on Philadelphia arts organizations as a Technology Connectors volunteer. She has worked on website re-design for the Philadelphia Sketch Club, Pottstown Symphony Orchestra Association, and Art-Reach, and has done database programming for Scribe Video Center, Inc. Her work requires intensive communication with different organizations to determine their intentions for a website. She contributes her knowledge of website code, including HTML, scripts, database programming, integration with third party software tools, graphic design, and website publishing tools. Geeta's work has helped these organizations maintain online accessibility, strengthening the impact on the communities they serve.

PVLA Volunteer of the Year Award
Bruce Bellingham, Associate, Spector Gadon & Rosen, P.C.
Bruce Bellingham has offered his legal expertise in 21 cases as a Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyer for the Arts. Bruce provided his services to Philadelphia Clef Club in a small claims matter. He helped Dogukan Gungor with licensing contracts for his musical works. Bruce also counseled Helen Faller, a musician, writer and producer, on legal matters in the creation of her own business. As a Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyer for the Arts, Bruce went above and beyond to assist these clients. He regularly attends Council events, and has introduced other colleagues at Spector Gadon & Rosen to PVLA.