Frankford business group
is hoping for a banner year

By Diane Villano
Times Staff Writer

Snow postponed the Feb. 14 general meeting of the Frankford Business and Professional Association, but the business forecast was brighter when about two-dozen members finally convened last week to discuss related issues.
Terry Tobin, the association’s executive vice president, was rather upbeat as he updated members on the business group’s plans.
"I think this is going to be a banner year for events. We’ll be bringing people in as well as catering to people in the neighborhood," he told colleagues during the meeting at mozaic, a restaurant at 4524 Frankford Ave.
Last year, the business organization financially supported the Frankford Festival, a neighborhood Spring Fling, and youngsters’ pictures with Santa Claus. Last month, it kicked off the schedule with a Valentine’s Day party and "senior sweetheart" photos at the Northeast Seniors Center.
Other activities are still to come. On March 21, in conjunction with City Councilman Dan Savage (D-7th dist.), the association is sponsoring a Crime and Safety Summit, Tobin said. The summit will bring to the table civic leaders and political representatives to identify the problems the community faces and work together on an action plan.
"That’s what we need to get done," Tobin said.
The public is invited to attend an FBPA-sponsored mayoral forum that will be held 6:30 p.m. on March 27 at the St. James Lutheran Church, 5185 Castor Ave. Candidates will discuss crime and safety, economic development, taxes and zoning issues.
On a lighter note, the calendar gets hopping at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 31, at mozaic with Breakfast With the Easter Bunny. For reservations or more information, call 215-535-5040.
While the breakfast bash involves a rabbit, a mouse could play a big role in other upcoming events. Radio Disney and the business group are working together to promote family-oriented activities, such as the Frankford Festival. A subsidiary of the Walt Disney Co., the Dallas-based Radio Disney is heard locally on 640-AM, as well as via satellite radio and DirecTV.
According to Tobin, the folks at Radio Disney contacted him in his role as executive director of the New Frankford Community Y, wanting to sponsor some of the organization’s events. They talked about the Frankford community and decided to focus on three events.
While Radio Disney will step up with radio spots, promotional materials and activities for the kids, and hand out fliers about Frankford happenings to visitors at other events, the FBPA will still have to come up with $30,000 in sponsorship funds. According to Radio Disney account executive Jim Malervy, that sponsorship is needed to get the deal signed.
Malervy, whose office is in Fort Washington, grew up near the old Sears complex on Roosevelt Boulevard and is familiar with area.
"I’ve worked with different community organizations — Roxborough and Manayunk. Frankford’s perception hasn’t been the best," Malervy said, referring to the neighborhood’s efforts at urban renewal. "We can increase awareness and extend the Disney image and quality of family service to the Frankford neighborhood."
Once the deal is done, the plan is for Radio Disney to be on-site at the Frankford Festival, hosting games, giving away prizes, playing music and interacting with those in attendance.
The business organization also has two other projects in the works. It will present a summer concert series followed by a Movie Under the Stars night sometime in September.
With the Disney partnership, the business group’s goal is to attract not just the locals to Frankford activities, but also people in other areas of the city and New Jersey.
The Frankford Business and Professional Association is hopeful that three sponsors will offer to donate $10,000 each to cover expenses related to the three events.
According to an FBPA flier, participating sponsors will be included in the Disney Radio 640-AM campaign, with more than 200 60-second spots and more than 100 30-second spots promoting Disney’s appearance at Frankford events. ••
For more information about the association, or for a directory of members, visit www.Frankfordbpa.org
Reporter Diane Villano can be reached at 215-354-3036 or dvillano@phillynews.com