Honoring and Recognizing Jeff Brown for His Community-Based Efforts to Support Under-Privileged Youth and Under-Served Communities in Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, Jeff Brown, is a fourth generation Philadelphia grocer and founder, CEO and president of Brown's Super Stores, Inc., a growing eleven-store supermarket chain trading under the ShopRite banner; and

WHEREAS, Brown's is one of the leading supermarket chains in the Delaware Valley employing 2,500 associates, who are committed to making a difference for their customers and the local communities they serve; and

WHEREAS, Brown's Family ShopRites share a basic belief that inner city supermarket customers deserve a shopping experience that includes quality products, low prices, fresh and clean stores and above all, respectful customer service; and

WHEREAS, Brown's is proud to support its community by assisting those in need and in the 11 communities where Jeff's stores are located, he is actively engaged in working with community groups that fight hunger, prevent violence, and help youth have a brighter future by preparing them for viable careers; and

WHEREAS, To expand on this mission, Jeff has created a non-profit called Uplift Solutions, Inc. that will address critical needs that are being un-served in our urban communities including pursuing efforts to ensure that the poor and infirm who do not have access to fresh food and pharmaceuticals are able to get the assistance necessary, while also being treated with dignity and respect; and

WHEREAS, Jeff is an Officer and member of the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia Youth Network an organization that focuses on job training for under-privileged youth; and

WHEREAS, Jeff is involved in the “Goods for Guns” program, a gun exchange initiative supported by many local politicians in conjunction with the Philadelphia Police Department that encourages the community to surrender illegal firearms in exchange for ShopRite gift cards and other items; and

WHEREAS, Jeff is actively involved in championing minority business people in their entrepreneurial endeavors including linking local minority businesses back into their community and highlighting local products using his own stores to showcase these goods and services; and

WHEREAS, Jeff received the Corporate Drum Major Award from the Dr. Martin Luther King Non-Violence Association for his dedication and commitment to showing corporate citizens how to be partners in making a difference in their communities; now therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Philadelphia City Council hereby Honors and Recognizes Jeff Brown for his Community-Based Efforts to Support Under-Privileged Youth and Under-Served Communities in Philadelphia; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented as a Sincere Expression of City Council's Appreciation and Recognition.

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