AUGUST 2008
View the 'Events' Section
Pittsburgh Hosts Site Selection Consultants During National ACCE Convention
The Pittsburgh Regional Alliance (PRA) recently hosted 10 of the nation's prominent site selection consultants to help them discover the assets that make the home of "America's Most Livable City" a smart place for business growth. During the three-day familiarization tour, the consultants learned about some of the region's signature economic development projects - including Westinghouse Electric Company's global headquarters expansion, which was named the "Economic Development Deal of the Year," and American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.'s worldwide headquarters campus relocation into Pittsburgh's urban core. In addition to visiting the panoramic lookouts on Mt. Washington and touring the SouthSide Works, a boat tour on the three rivers showcased recent riverfront developments. The 'Fam Tour' took place while the national ACCE (American Chamber of Commerce Executives) 2008: Innovate! Convention - the best-attended in the event's history - was being held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, one of the world's largest green buildings and first green convention center.
Companies of all sizes are deciding to locate in the region, attracted by its low cost of doing business, high quality of life, ample workforce, central location, and thriving academic/research and development community. A high-tech hub, the Pittsburgh region capitalizes on key industries, including information and communications technology, life sciences and advanced manufacturing – along with energy. As part of the ‘Fam Tour,’ the consultants attended NAIOP Pittsburgh’s 2008 Developers’ Showcase, “Pittsburgh: Energy Works Here!,” featuring keynote speaker Tony Greco, Westinghouse Electric Company’s senior vice president of human resources and corporate relations.
Site selection consultants attending the Fam Tour were:
- Dan Adamski, Senior Vice President, Jones Lang LaSalle;
- Susan Arledge, Principal, Arledge Partners;
- David Brandon, Senior Vice President, Site Selection Group;
- Jay Garner, President, Competitive Strategies Group;
- Vicki Horton, Partner, SC&H;
- Kate McEnroe, President, McEnroe Consulting;
- J.C. Pelusi, International Director, Jones Lang LaSalle;
- Jim Renzas, President, Location Management Services;
- Ulrich Schmidt, Manager, Strategic Relocation and Expansion Services, KPMG; and
- Ann Marie Woessner, Senior Vice President, The Staubach Company, now part of Jones Lang LaSalle.
Dick’s Sporting Goods Headquarters Expansion, $7M for Infrastructure
“Dick's Sporting Goods Inc. has received approval for $7.25 million for infrastructure work on its planned 670,000 SF headquarters near Pittsburgh International Airport. The approval was [recently] granted by Allegheny County's Redevelopment Authority, which will request the money in the form of grants from the state and act as a conduit to supply the funds to the project's developer, Cecil-based Horizon Properties, LLC … [Along with state funds, Dick’s will receive a 10-year, 50 percent property tax abatement, justified by] the $150 million size of the development and the potential to create hundreds of jobs over the next few years.” Read more
Canadian Oil Boom Creates Regional Industry Opportunities
The PRA recently hosted five officials from Alberta, Canada to discuss bilateral business opportunities for the Pittsburgh region and Alberta, which boasts rich oil sands development potential. Participating in the delegation’s visit “were about 60 local representatives of business, economic development organizations and universities around Pittsburgh. It is the only market targeted with this business opportunity: To help develop the largest known oil reserves, 179 billion barrels worth, outside of Saudi Arabia … The province is mainly looking to Pittsburgh for its expertise in mining, robotics and advanced materials, as well as its university research and development muscle.” Read more of this article or read the PRA press release (PDF file)
Allis-Chalmers Energy Locates in Greene County, Joins Oil and Gas Drilling Business
Allis-Chalmers Energy Inc. has located several of its divisions into a 20,000 SF building at Meadow Ridge Business Park (Waynesburg, Pa.). Previously known for its farm tractors, the company has diversified into other businesses, including oil and gas drilling. One of the divisions to locate at Meadow Ridge, a Regional Industrial Development Corp. (RIDC) property, is the Allis-Chalmers’ division Strata Directional Technologies, a company specializing in directional and horizontal drilling services.
PRA Celebrates a ‘Golden Year’ in Economic Development in Indiana County
At the invitation of the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance and the Indiana County Center for Economic Operations, business and economic development movers and shakers, local and elected officials, university leaders and media gathered at HighPointe at Indian Springs on July 15 to celebrate a “golden year” for business development deals or “wins” in the Pittsburgh region and Indiana County’s contributions to those wins. These include 15 investment projects and four development projects – business development ‘wins’ totaling about $12 million and resulting in the retention of some 240 jobs and the anticipated creation of approximately 180 jobs. Read more (PDF file)
National Media Touts Pittsburgh Regional Assets: Diverse Economy, Quality of Life and Steady Housing Market Featured
Some of the nation’s best-known publications are singing the praises of the Pittsburgh region’s diverse economy, thriving cultural scene, steady housing market and more.
- 36 Hours in Pittsburgh, The New York Times, July 6, 2008 – Highlights our “hip” mix of things to see and do, including “89 distinct neighborhoods, great restaurants, excellent shopping, breakthrough galleries, prestigious museums [and a] surprisingly pretty urban setting.”
- Pittsburgh Market ‘Slow and Steady’ as Prices Rise, USA Today, July 2008 – Characterizes our housing market with stability and quality. “Since the steel mills were shut down in the 1980s, the area's economic base has evolved. Today, it has medical centers and high-tech companies. It's also the home of several Fortune 1,000 corporations, including PNC Financial Services, H.J. Heinz and American Eagle Outfitters. All of which explains, in part, why Pittsburgh's housing market has managed to remain steady through the turbulent national mortgage crisis. Though sales are declining, prices are rising.”
Region’s Housing Market Gets Top Ranks for Stability
“Despite a nationwide housing slump, losing short-term value on a home in Pittsburgh is less likely than in nearly every other major market, according to a recent report.” PMI Mortgage Insurance Co. reports that the likelihood that Pittsburgh’s housing prices will be lower in two years is less than 1 percent. Read more
Nuclear Energy Supplier Identifies Region as Strategic Industry Location
The Pittsburgh region, home to the landmark Westinghouse Electric Company world headquarters expansion and a substantial amount of subsequent industry spin-off activity, recently welcomed a new addition to the regional nuclear energy supply chain. “Consolidated Power Supply Engineered Products, a division of Consolidated Pipe & Supply of Birmingham, Ala., has started local operations at a 12,500 SF building in the Industrial Center of McKeesport industrial park. The company … a supplier to the commercial nuclear industry with customers including Westinghouse and Curtiss Wright … signed a lease for the site with the Regional Industrial Development Corp., the developer of the industrial park.” Read more
Computer Maker Expands, Adds up to 50 Jobs
“Fast-growing Vocollect Inc., a maker of wearable, voice-activated computers, plans to increase its building space by about 50 percent because it is adding 30 to 50 employees annually and needs to expand its campus. Vocollect has 380 workers at its two-building Wilkins headquarters site, which adjoins property in Penn Hills where it wants to expand.” Read more
Transportation Engineering Leader Chooses Downtown Pittsburgh for Newest Location
Transportation Engineering specialist Traffic Planning and Design, Inc (TPD) is locating its newest office in downtown Pittsburgh, in the Regional Enterprise Tower. The 135-member transportation engineering firm selected “America’s Most Livable City” and the Tower based on shared values emphasizing quality of life initiatives that continue to transform the City, constitute the Tower’s unique mission and form the basis of TPD’s commitment to remain an award-winning “Great Place To Work.” TPD is one of just 23 firms nationwide to receive the distinguished Pinnacle Award for demonstrated success in maintaining steady growth and prioritizing investment in exceptional workplace practices. Read more (PDF file)
Pittsburgh Regional Exports Are Booming, $63.8M+ in Exports Sales, Year-End Reports Indicate
Pennsylvania’s efforts to assist regional companies in exporting more goods and services while increasing their global economic competitiveness – through the Southwest Regional Export Network (REN) coordinated by the PRA and its partners – were extremely successful for last fiscal year. The Southwest REN worked actively with 230 businesses, which had 373 requests for assistance completed by Pennsylvania’s network of 24 authorized trade representatives, the largest such network of any state in the nation. These companies then undertook 853 specific export-related actions, indicating that regional companies are on the right track to realizing new or additional export sales. A smaller subset of companies achieved $63.8 million in export sales.
First Tenant at Turnpike Distribution Center; Appliance Distributor Expands in Beaver County
Recognizing the Pittsburgh region as a strategic distribution location, New Jersey-based Appliance Dealers Cooperative (ADC) recently signed a one-year, 61,000 SF lease at the new 400,000 SF Turnpike Distribution Center in Big Beaver, Beaver County. It is serving as the Center’s first tenant. The membership-based, nonprofit distributor to ‘Mom & Pop’ appliance retailers, will hire about 10 people immediately and expects to hire as many as 40 over time. The Pittsburgh region expansion will assist ADC in servicing its customers in western Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia.
Downtown Development: Mixed-use Investments Announced
“Two major development projects Downtown and one in McCandless were [recently] announced … Washington County Developer Millcraft Industries, which already has two important projects under development Downtown, disclosed details of two more projects for the city. The Gardens, a $200 million mixed-use development … will involve construction of 500,000 SF of office space … Millcraft Industries' total investment Downtown could reach $327 million when its current and future projects there are completed, probably by 2015.” Read more
$84M for Regional Development: CL Fund becomes Bridgeway Capital
CL Fund, the nonprofit community development financial institution, has changed its name to Bridgeway Capital as part of its plan to increase its impact in western Pennsylvania. The new name reflects the organization’s foundation in the region, its connection to entrepreneurs, and its dedication to providing capital and tools for small business growth. The new name is the first step toward accomplishing its strategic growth plan, through which Bridgeway Capital expects to increase financing and inject $84 million in new capital into the region, improve the knowledge and skills of entrepreneurs and small businesses to help them grow and succeed, and create new businesses and new jobs. Learn more at its new Web site.
Carnegie Mellon Creating a Unique Online Sustainability Tool
“Carnegie Mellon University researchers are developing a new tool that will help individuals more closely watch their carbon footprint grow – or shrink – over time. The Web site, StepGreen.org, was created by Jennifer Mankoff, assistant professor at the Human Computer Interaction Institute. While the site is a work in progress, StepGreen.org is looking for users to log in and help researchers fine-tune the technology, which they hope will be unique in the world of sustainable Web sites.” Read more
New Keystone Innovation Zone Supports Start-Ups
“Fayette and Washington County have teamed up to introduce a state-supported economic development program that links the area's colleges and universities with local start-up businesses to help further some entrepreneurial efforts in key industries here. The Keystone Innovation Zone program, which is being introduced to the two counties by the Fay-Penn Economic Development Council in Uniontown, is one of 29 in the state.” Read more
ALung Technologies Innovates Critical Care for Lung Failure Patients, Growing
“Southside-based ALung Technologies has developed a promising alternative to lung ventilation that may prevent serious illness and save lives … [It is in the clinical trial stages for] the Hemolung System, a device that provides support for patients in critical care with acute lung failure … For patients with chronic diseases like emphysema, bronchitis and congestive heart failure, the Hemolung offers a healthier, safer and less costly alternative to a ventilator … ‘We’re the classic Pittsburgh story … We’re an example of a company that’s part of the transformation of Pittsburgh.’” Read more
EVENTS
Wednesday, August 13 - 15 – 2008 ARMTech Showcase of Industry and Technology
Part of the Armstrong County Regional Manufacturing Initiative, this 10th annual three-day Showcase will feature nearly 100 exhibits from across the country, allowing regional businesses and organizations to build relationships with respected industry professionals. Attending will be exhibitors from the electro-optics, advanced manufacturing, medical research, aerospace and defense contracting fields, joined by U.S. Congressman John Murtha. On Friday, August 15, ARMTech will feature its first-ever student forum to connect area high school students with business mentors and promote career education. Questions? Contact Nick Caruso at 724.548.1500.
September – September is the monthlong GlobalPittsburgh Celebration
GlobalPittsburgh Celebration is a monthlong extravaganza to highlight global connections in the Pittsburgh region – home to more than 50 international communities and the operations of more than 300 foreign-owned firms. Organized in conjunction with the region’s 250th anniversary celebration, festivities will celebrate the region as an international hub from both a business and cultural perspective. Visit the Web site above to learn how individual companies can get involved.
September 8-9, 2008 – Pennsylvania International Week
Regional companies are invited to meet with 23 of Pennsylvania's Authorized Trade Representatives covering 50+ markets. This is an opportunity to discuss new or emerging business development opportunities with an in-country expert at no cost. Services include but are not limited to: custom market intelligence, identifying relevant trade events for your products, reviewing/enhancing marketing and promotional documents for target markets, insight and analysis on your market entry strategy and assistance with in-country logistics and appointments. Half-hour, one-on-one meetings will be arranged with the representative of your choice. Attendees also may attend the Export Controls Breakfast Seminar and a Keynote Luncheon at no cost. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. For more information or to register, please contact Jael Jones jjones@pittsburghregion.org at 412.392.4555 ext. 1025.
September 9, 2008 – 2008 International Bridge Awards
The 2008 International Bridge Awards, presented by the Pittsburgh Council for International Visitors, celebrates our region’s international connections by recognizing established and emerging organizations. The event also builds awareness of the economic impact of global linkages while demonstrating the attractiveness of Pittsburgh as a thriving multi-cultural, diverse environment. Purchase a table and sit with one of Pennsylvania’s Authorized International Trade Representatives, an embassy representative or other regionally-based international “star” as well as an international graduate student representing the rich pool of talent attending regional universities. 5 - 9:30 p.m. at the Westin Convention Center, Pittsburgh. Cost: $1,500 per table.
September 16, 2008 – Pittsburgh & the Changing Global Economy
The Pittsburgh Middle East Institute will hold its inaugural conference in partnership with the Allegheny Conference on Community Development and the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh. Keyonote Speaker: Thomas Friedman, The New York Times columnist, author and expert on the Middle East, globalization and the 'Green Revolution.' 8 p.m. at Heinz Hall. Cost: $42.50-$62.50
SAVE THE DATE
October 5-9, 2008 – MS&T ’08 (Materials Science & Technology 2008 Conference and Exhibition)
Attend the leading forum addressing structure, properties and performance across the materials community. The program will address eight diverse themes to cover the breadth of materials science and engineering, with a keynote address by Cherry A. Murray, Ph.D. on “The Role of Science and Engineering in U.S. Competitiveness.” At the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
October 15 – Network Centric Manufacturing (NCM) Forum
Join in the evolution of U.S. manufacturing to a Network Centric future. Attend the second annual NCM Forum at the Hilton Pittsburgh. Last year, thought leaders from multinational corporations, federal agencies, universities and the manufacturing community came together for the inaugural NCM Forum to discuss a new approach to manufacturing and supply chain management – Network Centric Manufacturing. This year's NCM Forum will focus on a practical implementation of NCM nationally, utilizing strategic working sessions to examine the most critical NCM issues related to: NCM Architecture, R&D for NCM, Intense Collaboration and Managing in the NCM Environment.
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