LEWISBURG, PA--(Marketwire - May 31, 2012) - Playworld Systems, a leading manufacturer of imaginative playground and fitness equipment, today announced former Pittsburgh Steeler linebacker Andy Russell will visit the company's headquarters in Lewisburg, Pa., on Friday, June 1, to discuss the importance of economic education and fueling economic growth throughout Pennsylvania.
The stop at Playworld Systems is part of Russell's visit to the Susquehanna Valley region for a two-day appearance and book signing tour, sponsored by Sunbury Broadcasting Corporation and EconomicsPennsylvania, the Selinsgrove headquartered non-profit economic education and financial literacy organization, serving K-12th grade teachers and students, throughout the Commonwealth. Russell serves as volunteer vice chair of the EconomicsPennsylvania state board of directors and donates the profits from the sale of his latest book, "Beyond the Goalpost" to the organization.
"It's wonderful that my work with EconomicsPennsylvania enables me to visit businesses like Playworld Systems, which contribute not only to the economic development of the Susquehanna Valley, but also to the health and well-being of children and adults across the globe," said Russell. "Like Playworld Systems, I recognize the importance of physical fitness and commend their efforts which encourage children and adults to get outside and be active."
While at Playworld Systems, Russell will participate in a tour of the facility, enjoy lunch with employees, and at 1:30 p.m., the public is invited to hear him speak, which will be followed by a book and sports memorabilia signing. Two of Russell's number 34 Pittsburgh Steelers jerseys will also be given away in a raffle with other items available for purchase.
"It is always exciting when we can invite the public into our headquarters for an event like this," said Matthew Miller, chief executive officer of Playworld Systems. "Playworld Systems is thrilled to have a speaker of Andy Russell's stature, particularly since he embodies the importance of play for personal development and achievement."
Additional information on Russell's visit to Playworld Systems is available by calling Annette Camuso-Sarsfied, Playworld Systems' director of human resources, at 570-522-9800.
All proceeds from the event will be donated to EconomicsPennsylvania, which strives to promote and encourage understanding of economic and personal financial literacy concepts through education in the K-12 classroom. Through the EconomicsPennsylvania, students learn how the American free market economy works, how to manage money and how to choose careers and explore opportunities through entrepreneurship. Additional information may be obtained by visiting www.economicspa.org.
About Playworld Systems, Inc.
For over 40 years, Playworld Systems has been a leader in creating imaginative, customized commercial playground and fitness equipment that positively impacts the health and well-being of communities around the globe. Based on the belief that The World Needs Play®, Playworld Systems brings the joy and benefits of healthful outdoor play and exercise to people of every age and ability through such innovative product lines as PlayDesigns®, PlaySimple®, Playworld®, Origins™, NEOS®, ENERGI®, and LifeTrail®.
Playworld Systems' products are made in the U.S.A. in its Lewisburg, Pa. manufacturing facility using domestic and foreign content, with a small number of parts purchased from trusted international suppliers. This multi-generational, family-owned company continues to invest significant resources to measurably reduce its impact on the environment. Its aggressive action to eliminate polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has helped Playworld Systems become the first and only playground manufacturer to have its products Cradle to Cradle Certified(CM) Basic. The company offers an optimal customer experience unique in the industry -- from value-added services using Microsoft Tag to personalized attention through its vast network of local distributors.
Playworld Systems has received numerous awards throughout its history, including two International Industrial Design Excellence Awards, a gold medal from International Design magazine, two News Directors' Choice Awards on Early Childhood, and the Pennsylvania Governors' Award for Safety Excellence. In 2012, Playworld Systems received an Evergreen Award in the sports and recreation category from the GSA Integrated Workplace Acquisition Center. For more information about Playworld Systems, visit PlayworldSystems.com.