PHILADELPHIA, March 15, 2019 – The North Broad Renaissance (NBR) is pleased to announce that it was selected as a recipient of the Commonwealth’s Neighborhood Assistant Program (NAP) Grant. The grant, in the amount of $60,000, was made possible with support from Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, LLP and Customer’s Bank.
“Nearly four years ago, the North Broad Renaissance started out on a mission to create a cleaner, safer and greener North Broad Street, that supports business development, business attraction and can provide sustainable employment for the North Broad community,” states Shalimar Thomas, Executive Director of the NBR. “This grant will go towards our goals identified in that 2020 Vision and help us execute on efforts to revitalize North Broad Street.”
North Broad Street serves as an anchor corridor who’s efforts impact communities along the corridor and also east and west. According to the 2019 State of North Broad report, the NBR’s services impact some of Philadelphia’s most distressed communities with per capita incomes of approximately $15,000 and a 14% unemployment rate. The grant will be used to improve this narrative by keeping the corridor clean and safe, aesthetically appealing (by way of improved and increased green space), marketing the corridor, and strategic placemaking and business retention.
“Linebarger is thrilled at this great opportunity to be a part of North Broad Renaissance’s mission in cultivating a more scenic and revitalized corridor along North Broad Street,” states Mark Harris, Managing Partner with Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP. “North Broad will continue to be a vibrant community that contributes to the vibe and feel of one of the largest, dynamic, multi-cultural cities in America.”
“We are very proud of being members of the North Broad Street and Sullivan Progress Plaza neighborhoods,” said Richard A. Ehst, President and COO of Customers Bank. “This investment and the work of the North Broad Renaissance are continuations of Rev. Sullivan’s vision of opportunity for all.”
“This is the jump-start our community needs for renewed economic prosperity and Customers Bank wanted to lead by example,” remarked James Sanders, VP/Commercial & Industrial Lender and the bank’s point-person on the project. “The next step is to attract additional investment.”
To learn more about the NBR, or to support, visit northbroad.org, or email info@northbroad.org for details.
About North Broad Renaissance (NBR):
The North Broad Renaissance (NBR) is a non-profit supporting revitalization efforts along North Broad Street, from City Hall to Germantown Avenue. With the support, feedback, and engagement of the community, the NBR is working to keep North Broad clean, green and safe, making local hiring a priority, and improving the overall quality of life for all who visit, live, work and play on and around the corridor. Collectively, we are laying the foundation for inclusive business attraction, and inclusive economic development. Learn more at northbroad.org or search #ThinkBroad.
About Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP:
Linebarger is a national law firm and a recognized leader in the accounts receivable management industry with more than 42 years of experience, over 1,250 employees and over 40 offices located throughout the United States. With over 2400 public sector clients, Linebarger represents cities, counties, schools, appraisal districts, states, courts, toll and parking authorities in collections of delinquent municipal receivables. Being the largest law firm of its kind in the United States, Linebarger provides turn-key collection programs and full-service legal representation to all its government clients.
About Customer’s Bank:
Customers Bank is a super-community bank with $9.8 billion in assets as of December 31, 2018, offering commercial and consumer banking services along the I-95 corridor from Washington, DC to Boston; and in Chicago. Commercial products include cash management; commercial and industrial loans; small business loans; SBA government-guaranteed loans; commercial and multi-family real estate loans; and financing for leasing businesses and residential developers.
Customers Bank provides consumer banking services including savings, checking, and money market accounts; certificates of deposit; residential mortgages; and consumer loans. Additional consumer products are marketed as BankMobile, BankMobile Vibe, and Ascent.
Customers Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve System with deposits insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Customers Bank is an equal opportunity lender.
Customers Bank is a subsidiary of Customers Bancorp, Inc., a bank holding company with its headquarters located in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. The voting common shares of Customers Bancorp, Inc. are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CUBI.
