QVC, Franklin Mint Founder dies at 88
Joseph M. Segel, who founded both the QVC home-shopping network and collectibles maker Franklin Mint, died Dec. 21, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. He was 88.
A serial entrepreneur, Segel founded about 20 businesses throughout his career, including a hair care system launched in 2018.
The West Philadelphia native began creating businesses as a 12-year-old, running four before graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 1951. During high school, he ran Eastern Advertising Co., which printed promotional items.
In the 1960s, he created General Numismatics Corp., a production company for coins and collectibles that later became the Franklin Mint. He retired as chairman in 1973.
In 1986, he founded the QVC Network, which upped the ante against other shopping networks by shipping products more quickly and disclosing shipping fees, the Inquirer reported. He retired as chairman in 1993.
In between and afterward, Segel kept busy with other projects, according to his online biography. That included the 1970 acquisition of a small hotel in Switzerland that became a prominent resort named Le Mirador. Other projects included a private airline services called Presidential Airways, a personal computer software testing business and a private equity fund.
Segel was elected in 1973 as chairman of the board of governors of the United Nations Association of the United States of America, according to a Jewish Exponent article. That year he also was appointed to the U.S. delegation to the United National General Assembly, making a speech condemning apartheid in South Africa, according to his biography. Segel also served on the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia and was a founding member of the International Peace Academy, according to the Exponent article.
He is survived by sons Alan and Marvin, stepdaughter Sandy Stern, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Security Grant Applications Available for Nonprofits
Applications will be available this month for security grants from the commonwealth for nonprofit communal facilities such as synagogues, JCCs and senior centers, according to the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition. The grants will be made pursuant to Act 83 of 2019. Act 83 authorizes $5 million to be awarded to organizations throughout Pennsylvania by June 30.
The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will administer the allocations. The application process will be disclosed on the PCCD website at pccd.pa.gov.
Grants up to $25,000 ($5,000 minimum) will be made outright, without matching funds, while grants above that threshold, up to $75,000, will require a 33% match. And grants above the $75,000 threshold, up to $150,000, will require a 50% match.
Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Security enhancements can include safety and security planning; buying safety and security equipment; and buying security-related technology. The latter may include, but is not limited to, metal detectors; protective lighting; surveillance equipment; emergency communications equipment; electronic locksets; deadbolts; trauma kits; theft control devices; vulnerability and threat assessments and specialty- trained canines.
The PJC recommends that any nonprofit interested in obtaining a grant prepare in advance for the application process. While not required, organizations can contact state police for a free security assessment.
The massacre at the Tree of Life building in Pittsburgh in 2018 was a catalyst for speeding passage of the bill that became Act. 83.
Michael Rubin Gives Kids Shopping Trip
Philadelphia 76ers Partner Michael Rubin, along with hip-hop star Meek Mill, brought 50 children and their families to New York City on Dec. 21 for a $1,000 shopping spree, 6ABC reported.
All of the children have a parent who has been in prison on probation or parole violations. Rubin told the Inquirer that the children “were tortured watching Dad or Mom go in and out of prison” for “technical” reasons.
Mill greeted the children and their parents at the store.
After the shopping, participants were flown to Massachusetts via the New England Patriots’ jet to watch that team beat the Buffalo Bills.
