Title
Honoring and recognizing Paul S. Beideman, the longtime President and CEO of Avenue of the Arts Inc., for his years of service in strengthening Philadelphia's internationally recognized arts and culture scene upon the occasion of his upcoming retirement.
Body
WHEREAS, Paul S. Beideman has served as President and CEO of the Avenue of the Arts Inc. (AAI) since 2012; and
WHEREAS, AAI is an independent nonprofit organization founded in 1993 to promote investment and development of the Avenue of the Arts; and
WHEREAS, The organization, working in conjunction with the City and other stakeholders, transformed South Broad Street into a renowned economic and cultural powerhouse featuring some of the City's finest hotels, theaters, performing arts venues, cultural centers, academic institutions, and restaurants; and
WHEREAS, The Avenue of the Arts is often referred to as Philadelphia's signature street, and was named one of the "Great Places of America" by the American Planning Association; and
WHEREAS, The corridor is a key driver of jobs, tax revenue and tourism for the region. A 2015 report from the Cultural Data Project estimated that activities on the Avenue drew 2.5 million visitors per year and provided 10,900 jobs, $265 million in wages, $17.5 million in local tax dollars, and $22.9 in state tax dollars; and
WHEREAS, Under Beideman's leadership, the AAI has focused on priorities of capital reinvestment, maintaining the beautification and safety of the corridor, and increasing traffic through strategic marketing; and
WHEREAS, Beideman led initiatives to create new intersections and crosswalks at Chestnut, Sansom, Moravian and Walnut Streets, installed new landscaping and LED lighting on Victorian masts, expanded the Friends of the Avenue of the Arts to over 2500 members, and established AAI's now annual Visionary Award gala; and
WHEREAS, Prior to joining AAI, Beideman worked in the banking and finance sector where he served as the Senior Vice ...
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