Zipcar Philadelphia general manager Peter Bruvick, right, said they are “selling convenience and accessibility” as he unveils a DO-AC decked out hatchback with Zipcar employee Lesley Berkowitz.

Philadelphians’ list of excuses not to visit Atlantic City this summer took another hit, as the Atlantic City Alliance announced a partnership with Zipcar on Wednesday, May 15.

The arrangement will allow visitors to beat the summer shore traffic by taking a NJ Transit train from Philly’s 30th Street Station, enjoying a leisurely 90-minute ride to AC, then picking up their Zipcar vehicle at the Sheraton Hotel next to the train station.

The partnership agreement was announced at The Porch in Philadelphia — a recently created open space/recreational area in the University City District right next to Philly’s 30th Street Station.

Zipcar is a car-sharing company that rents cars to members at hourly and daily affordable rates. The loaner cars come with gas, reserved parking spots, insurance, roadside assistance and up to 180 miles of driving per day. The car-sharing network serves about 250 college campuses, more than 50 cities in North America, and also has locations in Europe. See zipcar.com

According to an article on cnn.com, “For drivers who already share movies via Netflix and stream music rather than buying CDs, the idea of sharing a car is the natural extension of a hip, financially smart, and environmentally conscious urban lifestyle.”

Lori Hoffman, associate editor at Atlantic City Weekly, and the film critic at the publication, will be joining the Sports Goomba, Greg Maiuro, on WIBG Talk Radio 1020AM,  this Saturday, May 18, 10am-12pm, as the guest co-host.

This will be Hoffman’s second stint as a “Goomba for the Day,” having dropped by April 13 to talk about the new Jackie Robinson bio pic 42 and some of the upcoming summer blockbuster movies.

Hoffman will certainly be discussing the new blockbuster Star Trek: Into Darkness and other movies coming out this summer as well as a few sports topics during her stint on the show. Make sure to tune in and if you want to participate, the number is 609-398-1020.

ATLANTIC CITY — Are you an average Joe? Do you enjoy hot cars, cool boats and fast motorcycles? Do you like hunting, fishing, camping, the outdoors, BBQ, MMA, rock ‘n’ roll, video games and sports? If the answer to these questions is yes, you might just be an average Joe! And if you’re an average Joe, it’s mandatory that you git yer fun-lovin’ keister to the Average Joe Expo!

Organized by those crazy cats at Good Time Tricycle — the same ones who bring Atlantic City the Celebration of the Suds and A.C. Seafood Festival each year — the Average Joe Expo will be held May 18 and 19 at the Atlantic City Convention Center.

The Average Joe Expo is like no other show on earth. This inaugural event vows to “bring real guys together and create an opportunity to discover what makes us tick, getting to the heart of male commerce, interests and desires — both the obtainable and the aspirational, the Average Joe Expo has it all!”

The event will populate over 200,000 square feet of exhibition space at the Convention Center. It will introduce products, places and things to the masses, holding nothing back and showcasing unique product demos, seminars and other related experiences.  The Average Joe Expo promises to be a great weekend out to explore some awesome experiences you may not have otherwise! Tickets are $20 in advance through Ticketmaster or $25 at the door. Hours are Saturday, May 18: 11am-8pm; Sunday, May 19: 11am – 6pm.

The Average Joe Expo will also play host to a variety of celebrities and personalities — people who guys just want to meet and hang out with.  With a huge emphasis on the male lifestyle, the expo will cover motocross, gaming, action sports, all things outdoors and everything in between . This expo will offer men a true weekend of discovery! Visit averagejoeexpo.com/atlantic-city.aspx or click the video below to learn more.

Revel CEO Jeff Hartmann (center) cuts the ribbon during the grand opening of the Pearl Lounge May 10.

ATLANTIC CITY — On Friday, May 10, Revel launched its new 3,000-square-foot, $3 million private VIP area for premier slot players called the Pearl Lounge, located just off the main gaming floor and designed to complement casino’s Ultra Lounge, a private space for high-end table players.

In a media event May 10, Revel management noted that slots business was particularly slow for the casino, and was a significant part of the reason it underperformed in its first year of gaming. The Pearl Lounge will have about 70 new slot machines that will range in betting denominations from $5 to $100 (capable of accepting bets of up to $300).

All Revel guests are welcome to play the slot machines inside Pearl Lounge, but only “Beach” level players will be permitted to access a private players’ lounge Mondays through Thursdays. The lounge will have a bar (which includes four bar-top video poker machines), a dining area with leather upholstered walls, granite counters, three LED flat-screen TVs, and a bottle-storage system. The highest-tier players, known as “Pearl” level, will have the lounge all to themselves Fridays through Sundays. All food and drink will be complimentary for club members and card holders inside the lounge.

The Pearl Lounge also features its own private cage with a cashier, an ATM machine, and private bathrooms.

“The Pearl Lounge is really the first in a series of steps were taking to re-launch the property,” said Revel chief executive officer Jeffrey Hartmann in the media event.

Other Revel changes include the addition of designated smoking areas for gamblers, a 24-hour moderately priced value-priced restaurant called Relish, a noodle bar by chef Jose Garces, and the HQ Beach Club beach bar. All are schedule to be open by Memorial Day weekend.

See a video of the ribbon-cutting ceremony below.

ATLANTIC CITY — The Chelsea, Atlantic City’s chic boutique hotel on the Boardwalk, will host the third annual Big Teplitzky Challenge on Saturday, May 18, at 1pm.

The Atlantic City Fire Department will face off with the Atlantic City Police Department in an effort to see who will be the first to clear their plates of the mega four-pound “Big Teplitzky” breakfast of pancakes, stuffed French toast, eggs, bacon, turkey sausage, pork roll, hash browns, grilled tomato, toast and a bagel — with orange juice and coffee to wash it all down, of course!

Will A.C. firefighter Jim McDevitt win a third straight Big Teplitzky Challenge?

All proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships will benefit The Andrew Fisher Memorial Scholarship Fund and Cop2Cop. Andrew’s Scholarship Fund is a tribute to Captain James Fisher’s son, who was a brilliant chemical engineering student at Northeastern University in Boston at the time of his tragic death. Cop2Cop is a New Jersey based phone counseling service for law enforcement. Law enforcement officers, some of who have faced their own struggles with depression or have seen colleagues suffer, volunteer their time to staff the service.

Individuals or businesses interested in becoming sponsors of The Big Teplitzky Challenge should contact the Atlantic City Firemen’s Federal Credit Union at (609) 272-1000.
Tickets may be purchased in advance for $10 each through ACPD (Jane Tayoun: Janejap@aol.com/ 609-271-2500) or ACFD (Christine Parker: ccparker82@gmail.com/609-576-4084) or purchased at the door.

Tom Ballance, president/CEO of Borgata, delivered the keynote address.

ATLANTIC CITY — The Atlantic City Hotel and Lodging Association (ACHLA) Scholarship Foundation recently awarded scholarships to 17 students pursuing hospitality and/or culinary careers at its annual Scholarship Awards Luncheon at the Borgata. During the course of its history, the ACHLA Scholarship Foundation has awarded in excess of $300,000.

Atlantic County scholarship winners (L to R) include Jaleesha Mills, Miranda Lamey, Olga Koteva-Gorgiev, Catherine McDonnell, Kimberly Richardson, Andrew Huggard, Sofia Sansweet, Sharon Beals, Dylan Higgins, and Nancy Maslowas. Not pictured are Joanne Pereira and Samantha Vicchiarelli.

Tom Ballance, Borgata’s president and CEO and a 32-year veteran of the casino industry, was the keynote speaker.

“Don’t worry so much about advancing at your job,” Ballance told the students. “Concentrate instead on meeting new challenges without fear of failure. That will make you a smarter and more valuable employee.

“If you’re not having fun at your job, figure out how you can,” he added. “Or find another job.”

Ray Bertschy, the newly elected ACHLA president, presented the scholarship awards with ACHLA executive director Howard Bacharach. Bertschy is also vice president of food-and-beverage at the Tropicana.

This year’s scholarship recipients are students at Atlantic Cape Community College (Atl.-Cape), Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU), the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey (RSC), and Rutgers University (RU). Many of them also work in area hospitality or culinary jobs.

2013 Scholarship Winners

Sharon Beals, EHT — Atl.-Cape
Dylan Higgins, Ventnor — Atl.-Cape
Andrew Huggard, Galloway — FDU
Olga Koteva-Gorgiev, EHT — Atl.-Cape
Miranda Lamey, Somers Point — RSC
Nancy Maslowas, Pomona — FDU
Catherine McDonnell, Galloway — RU
Jaleesha Mills, Pleasantville — FDU
Joanne Pereira, Galloway — RU
Kimberly Richardson, Mays Landing — FDU
Sofia Sansweet, Ventnor — RSC
Samantha Vicchiarelli, Somers Point — RSC
Louis Rodia, Sicklerville — FDU
Lisa Smith, Seaville — FDU
Aglee Burke, Millville — Atl.-Cape
Jennifer Cittadino, Eatontown — RSC
Magen Davies, Cranford — RSC

This year's Host Award winners at Boardwalk Hall

ATLANTIC CITY — The Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority (ACCVA), a division of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), recognized 27 individuals in the hospitality field during the annual Host Awards on Wednesday, May 8, at Boardwalk Hall.

Presented each year during National Travel and Tourism Week, the Host Awards salute and encourage outstanding customer service by employees in the tourism, hospitality and retail industries who contribute to Atlantic City’s success as a friendly, world-class destination.

Presented by ACCVA president Jeffrey Vasser, each Host Award winner received a prize package consisting of a commemorative lighthouse lapel pin to signify that they are beacons of hospitality, as well as a $200 cash gift card, chocolate from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory located at Tanger Outlets The Walk, and complimentary dinner for two in one of Atlantic City’s fine dining establishments.

Host Award winners were nominated for their enthusiasm, exemplary customer service and ability to enhance the overall experience of the visitors they serve. They were chosen from more than 300 nominees by a selection committee consisting of educators, along with representatives from area organizations including the Greater Atlantic City Chamber, Local 54 and the Atlantic City Hotel & Lodging Association, among others.

Frank Dougherty accepting the Spirit of Hospitality Award on behalf of the Dougherty family.

“Tonight’s Host Award nominees represent the best of the best out of the thousands of people who work in Atlantic City, and we thank each of you for your hard word and dedication,” said Vasser. “The experience we give our visitors is a large part of making Atlantic City a ‘must do’ destination, and you are leading the way.”

Additionally, the Dougherty family, owners and operators of Dock’s Restaurant, the Knife and Fork Inn and Harry’s Oyster Bar, was honored with the Spirit of Hospitality Award, sponsored by TD Bank. The Spirit of Hospitality Award is given to an outstanding individual or individuals who made a significant long-term contribution to the region’s hospitality and travel industry.

2013 Host Award Winners

(more…)

ATLANTIC CITY — Revel hosted the 24th annual Stainton Society Brunch on Sunday, May 5, as a gesture by the Shore Medical Center Foundation to thank all those who play a vital role in Shore Medical Center’s mission to provide the highest quality care to the community.

Anderson Cooper

For a photo gallery of the event, click here.

The Stainton Society is the largest fundraising organization of Shore Medical Center’s Foundation, and the cornerstone of the Medical Center’s annual giving program.

Award-winning broadcast journalist Anderson Cooper was the featured speaker at the event. Cooper is the anchor of his own CNN-based news show Anderson Cooper 360°, has served as host of his own eponymous syndicated daytime talk show, Anderson Live, has been a correspondent for the popular CBS News program 60 Minutes.

Cooper spoke of his most memorable interviews, his diverse background covering presidents, dignitaries and show-business greats, of his time served as a war correspondent in some of the most troubled nations of the world, and recently of covering the aftermath of last month’s Boston Marathon bombing.

Shore Medical Center president and CEO Ron Johnson thanked everyone in attendance for their continued support of the medical center, praising the passion and dedication of those involved in providing exceptional wellness services and patient care.

Others in attendance including Shore Medical Centers vice president and chief information officer Frederick Banner, special guest speaker Bill Elliott of the HERO Campaign, and closing remarks by James Fraser, chairperson of the Shore Medical Center Foundation and owner of Mays Landing Golf and Country Club.

Rants and raves about burning topics that have caught my attention midweek, be it greedy corporate shenanigans, frustration or joy in regards to the Philly sports teams, a movie, show or DVD that has fired up my imagination, an intriguing personality, or what’s happening in the region. — Lori Hoffman, Associate Editor, Atlantic City Weekly.

When Revel opened in the spring of 2012, after a big boost from Gov. Christie in the form of tax breaks to complete the project, it was obvious that the template for this casino resort was the success of Borgata.

In 2003 Borgata debuted as a stand-alone casino resort that was looking for a younger, more affluent crowd and presented itself as a high-end destination. Eventually that included a vibrant nightlife and bringing in big name chefs like Bobby Flay and Wolfgang Puck to front its signature restaurants.

The big difference between the success of Borgata and as of now, the failure of Revel, currently in bankruptcy, is the timing. Borgata opened at the height of Atlantic City’s success as part of a thriving economy, while Revel opened in the middle of an ongoing, crippling recession.

When Borgata opened and established itself, there was no competition from Pennsylvania casinos. Shortly after Revel opened, Atlantic City lost its place as the second largest gambling destination in the US to Pennsylvania.

In that environment, attempting to pull off a high-end only destination has proven to be nearly impossible. Except for the success of its HQ Nightclub (which will be joined by the HQ Beach Club Memorial Day weekend), Revel has been sinking.

However, don’t think that Revel is a goner yet. The Revel brain trust is making adjustments based on the feedback from its guests.

For example, when Revel introduced a player’s card, gamblers weren’t happy that it didn’t have tiers that rewarded the players who spent the most money. Now the Revel card has tiers with a top-of-the-line Pearl Card.

The Atlantic City Weekly Web site fielded complaints from regular AC gamblers about Revel not having an exclusive playing area/lounge for its best customers. Just this week Revel announced Revel’s Pearl High Limit Lounge, which will open on May 10 with a grand opening party and ribbon cutting ceremony. Guests of the Pearl will have access to a complimentary bar and dining area that will be exclusive to Pearl cardholders on a daily basis and Beach cardholders on select days as a benefit of the Revel Card program.

(more…)

One of the most famous sculptures on Sarasota, Florida's waterfront sculpture walk and park.

The Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority (ACCVA), now under the umbrella of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) and the Atlantic City Alliance (ACA), released a statement on Friday afternoon that a Monday press conference will be held at Harrah’s Resort with regard to a new non-gaming attraction coming to town.

The Atlantic City waterfront is getting its own Sculpture Walk/Park,  thanks to a partnership between the ACA, CRDA and the Noyes Museum of Art of Richard Stockton College.

“The AC Waterfront Sculpture Walk, the newest addition to the burgeoning art program in Atlantic City,  will be located along the existing illuminated trail along the bay in the Marina District of Atlantic City, linking the Golden Nugget Atlantic City with Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City and Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa,” reads the statement.

“Located within the Tourism District, this new, eco-friendly, non-gaming attraction will encompass the procurement of 40 sculptures over the next four years, with the first installation scheduled for July, 2013.”

This summer! Fantastic news. And with 40 sculptures planned the project will definitely change the look and feel of Atlantic City’s Marina District.

One of the sculptures on the Sarasota, Fla., sculpture walk along its watefront.