Allegheny Conference on Community Development  
 
 
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  What is a Pittsburgh Impact Company and who qualifies?

The Pittsburgh Regional Alliance (PRA) identifies a Pittsburgh Impact Company as one of approximately 150 in the 10-county Pittsburgh region that meets the following criteria:

  • steady employment growth in at least two years between 2007 and 2009
  • 100% net job retention between 2004 and 2009
  • employs five or more individuals
  • selected, for-profit companies operating in key PRA Industry Codes*

Why is the PRA targeting Pittsburgh Impact Companies?

HandshakeWhen existing businesses in the region expand they are creating 60 – 80% of new jobs. This is a noteworthy contribution to employment figures and to the overall economy. Among those expanding existing businesses is a special subset of companies (less than 1/3 of 1%) that is creating 74% of the jobs throughout Pennsylvania.**

Considering the timeframe which includes the recent turbulent economy, companies that have had steady employment growth in at least two of three years between 2007 and 2009, and have had 100% net job retention between 2004 and 2009, suggests recession resistance. For those reasons, such companies have the greatest potential for sustainable employment growth into the foreseeable future.

The PRA believes that a strategic business growth initiative, targeted specifically at this special subset of companies, will help support southwestern Pennsylvania's overall economic vitality.


The PRA, through its business growth initiative targeting Pittsburgh Impact Companies, will…

  • identify and contact Pittsburgh Impact Companies in the 10-county Pittsburgh region
  • engage these companies and the appropriate regional economic development partners in meaningful dialogue
  • offer tailored or "concierge"-style support services to the companies including market research and analysis, key introductions, site selection services and overall expansion assistance

Additionally, the PRA will help to

  • introduce and connect Pittsburgh Impact Companies to each other
  • inform the companies of the agenda of the Allegheny Conference (of which the PRA is an affiliate) and those issues related to creating an atmosphere in the state/region that's competitive for business growth
  • give Pittsburgh Impact Companies a forum for having a voice on the obstacles that may impede their growth, including:

    • civic policy (government structure, fiscal accountability, effective government entities)
    • business climate (competitive business tax, streamlined permitting/regulations, business cost containment)
    • transportation/infrastructure (infrastructure investments, transit improvements, competitive air service)
    • workplace (prepared, accessible, diverse workforce)
    • other issues important to Pittsburgh Impact Companies

  • recognize Pittsburgh Impact Companies to increase their visibility in the region

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The PRA is committed to pioneering this distinctive business growth initiative. Currently serving as a model for the rest of Pennsylvania, it will be one of the most effective ways for growing the region's prosperity into this 21st-century.

*Key PRA Industry Codes include: Advanced Materials, Construction & Trades, Education, Energy, Financial Services, Information & Communications Technology, Life Sciences & Healthcare Operations, Manufacturing, Online Retail, Other Services, Professional Services, Real Estate, Supply/Wholesale, Technical Services, and Transportation

** Dr. Gary Kunkle, Outlier, LLC.