Joseph writes about companies, bosses, public investments and what they do to people.

Latest Stories
At Clarifi, a voice for indebted Americans has moved on

At Clarifi, a voice for indebted Americans has moved on

January 25
Clarifi’ is reinventing itself to serve more people. It will extend its efforts by working through GreenPath Financial Wellness, a Detroit-based housing-counseling service that provides combined back-office systems for counselors in parts of 22 states.
Pennsylvania Trust Co. sold as firms seek baby-boomer wealth

Pennsylvania Trust Co. sold as firms seek baby-boomer wealth

January 22
Buyer Franklin Resources' Fiduciary Trust Co. is growing as traditional mutual funds lose business
Machine intelligence: Philly venture capital pumps $6.8 million into Bob Moul’s Circonus
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Machine intelligence: Philly venture capital pumps $6.8 million into Bob Moul’s Circonus

January 21
The Circonus Platform, which went commercial last fall, is designed to help companies collect, store, analyze and make decisions based on the many streams of business data pouring into companies from linked devices, Internet of Things sensors and monitoring systems.
Philadelphia start-up GoPuff, founded by Drexel grads, raises $1 billion
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Philadelphia start-up GoPuff, founded by Drexel grads, raises $1 billion

January 20
That kind of money would enable GoPuff to accelerate its growth against rivals including other venture-backed startups, as well as giants such as Amazon Prime and Uber Eats.
‘Pay was bad, hours weren’t terrific, computers broke down,’ and justice was served: Judge Gene D. Cohen on 20 years of Philly law
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‘Pay was bad, hours weren’t terrific, computers broke down,’ and justice was served: Judge Gene D. Cohen on 20 years of Philly law

January 20
Cohen came home to Philly, where he presided over major commercial cases, pulling two stints as an unlikely Common Pleas Court Judge
‘America 250’ birthday planners seek local projects, national funds

‘America 250’ birthday planners seek local projects, national funds

January 18
Philly leaders met with Vice President Pence to speed planning for USA 250th birthday in 2026. Can Philly use the hoopla to raise funds for lasting projects?
Pa.’s $59 billion pension fund chooses a history teacher as new chair

Pa.’s $59 billion pension fund chooses a history teacher as new chair

January 16
Chris Santa Maria, former head of the Lower Merion Township Education Association teachers’ union, is the new chairman of the Pennsylvania Public School Employees' Retirement System
Software maker Phenom People raises $30 million, to hire 75 to boost global sales

Software maker Phenom People raises $30 million, to hire 75 to boost global sales

January 16
This Ambler-based software company has built a hiring platform funded by global investors and used by multinational companies
Northeast Philly plant wins $176 million U.S. Navy helicopter deal

Northeast Philly plant wins $176 million U.S. Navy helicopter deal

January 14
Leonardo's Northeast Philly plant, which employs 650, is winning U.S. military contracts to replace civilian orders.
No more leaks: Chemical unit at Delaware Memorial Bridge reopened after a year of fines, inspections, repairs

No more leaks: Chemical unit at Delaware Memorial Bridge reopened after a year of fines, inspections, repairs

January 13
In the month after the accident, Croda blamed an incorrect gasket installed by a contractor for the leak, and checked and replaced seals around the plant.