01.08.12

Third Time's A Charm for Esmark
Esmark has been through a number of reinventions over the years. In 2002, Founder and CEO Jim Bouchard bought the long-standing Chicago Esmark brand and created a new company, focused primarily on the steel industry, which he grew to $3 billion in revenue, before selling it six years later. Now he's created a new, diversified privately held company, under the Esmark brand, which is growing stability. Bouchard sat down recently to discuss why the region's "can do attitude" led the new Esmark to establish their headquarters in Sewickley, PA. View

Power of 32: A Vision for the Region's Future
One of the most ambitious, grass roots driven, regional visioning projects ever attempted, the Power of 32, has now concluded. Six priorities were identified as areas where 32 counties across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland and West Virginia can collaboratively pursue to move the entire region forward. As part of the planning committee, Chesapeake Energy's Scott Roetruck, a West Virginia native, focused on the need for a regional "fund of funds" as well as site development fund. He sat down recently to about these two priorities and the broader Power of 32 project. View

Improving Education to Move the Region Forward
A key priority of the Power of 32 was the need to focus on education as a means to propel the region forward. President of CONSOL Energy, Nick DeIulius, a member of the Power of 32 education committee, joined us recently to discuss the two areas that his committee identified as priorities -- the need to match education to jobs and the creation of a regional "STEAM" network. View

12.18.11

PNC's 2012 Economic Forecast
The Pittsburgh region and the nation gradually emerged from the recession's tight grip in 2011, and according to PNC's Chief Economist Stuart Hoffman, 2012 is not looking too bad either. Hoffman predicts this modest recovery will continue in the new year with a predicted 2.5% national GDP growth and the creation of an additional 1.5-1.75 million private sector jobs. But will the ongoing European economic crisis play wildcard in this outlook? Hoffman joined us recently to discuss what's in store for the regional and national economy in 2012. View

Mechatars: Showcasing Pittsburgh's Prowess for Technology and Collaboration
A collaboration between two of the region's most cutting-edge tech startups, Mechatar toy robots were one of the hottest toys of the holiday season. If you didn't receive one as a gift (but did receive some gift cards), there may be no better time than post-holidays to pick one of this innovative toys up. Bossa Nova Robotics' Sarjoun Skaff and Jake Witherell of Shell Games demonstrate the Mechatars and speak about the collaboration that brought the toys to market. View

Metis Secure: Providing Innovative Emergency Notification Solutions
Metis Secure Solutions, a start-up based in Oakmont PA, has created a breakthrough emergency notification system with a broad range of applications – from university campuses to high-rise office building to military bases and beyond. As president and CEO of the company, Mark Jay Kurtzrock, remarked, the Metis Secure system "communicates the right information to the right people at the right time." He sat down recently to explain why universities such as Carnegie Mellon, Slippery Rock and Point Park have decided to install the system on their campuses. View

12.11.11

ShaleNET: Placing People in Natural Gas Jobs
In just 15 months, ShaleNET -- a multi-state recruitment, training, placement and retention program for jobs in the gas industry -- has graduated 65+ people from the program. Many of these graduates have now landed good paying jobs in the burgeoning Marcellus Shale industry --an industry expected to grow rapidly over the next several years. As CONSOL Energy's Gary Slagel remarked, his company's natural gas division alone is estimating 500-750 new hires over the next five years. Slagel is joined by Byron Kohut, director of the ShaleNET Western Hub and Col. Grey Berrier II, deputy commander of the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team to discuss the program's progress and the value it can offer returning veterans. View

What's a "Docket in Your Pocket"?
Have you ever met someone, say a potential date or business associate, but weren't quite sure if they were being completely truthful? Well, now there's an app for that. Created by an Iowan inventor, "Docket in Your Pocket" allows you to perform a quick, comprehensive background check on just about anyone -- using just your smart phone. Matt Haindfield, the creator of "Docket in Your Pocket," joined us recently to talk about his product and explains why he decided to launch it in our region. View

Colussy Chevrolet: 93 Years and Still Going Strong
As the oldest Chevy dealership in the U.S. under continuous family ownership, Bridgeville's Colussy Chevrolet is only 7 years younger than the Chevy brand itself. Tim Colussy, co-owner of Colussy Chevrolet, sat down recently to take us through the dealership's remarkable history, which started when his 17 year old grandfather began the business back in 1918. View

12.04.11

Future of Solar Energy
Solar and other alternative energy sources represent enormous potential for our regional economy, but present challenges as well. Dr. Gregory Reed of the Swanson School of Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh delves into some of these challenges, such as integrating these new energy sources into the grid, on a recent episode of "Our Region's Business." View

Scalo Solar: Pioneering Solar Energy Applications
What drove a 55-year-old roofing company to enter into the world of solar energy? For Jack Scalo, president and CEO of Scalo Solar Solutions, the rationale was simple: it's what his clients wanted and it makes good business sense. Scalo discusses how their recently unveiled, Sunscape Demonstration Project has already reduced their office energy costs by 55% and why solar energy represents enormous potential for his business. View

Phipps Takes on the Living Building Challenge
In the spring of 2012, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will unveil one of the world's most energy and water efficient buildings on its campus in Oakland. Called the Center for Sustainable Landscapes, this education, research and administrative facility will deploy a number of cutting-edge technologies that will result in the building being net-zero energy and net-zero water. Phipps Executive Director Richard Piacentini joined us recently to talk about this remarkable project and some of the highly innovative energy technologies being used. View

11.27.11

Pittsburgh's on the Search for "Experienced Dreamers"
If you're 45 or older, haven't lived in Pittsburgh for at least 10 years (if ever), and have a dream, then you're in luck. The "Experienced Dreamers" contest, an initiative of area foundations, non-profits and government organizations, is seeking a seasoned individual to settle down and build upon their aspirations right here in the 'Burgh. And they're willing to hand out $100,000 to this lucky dreamer. Fred Thieman of the Buhl Foundation and VisitPittsburgh's Craig Davis sat down recently to talk about this initiative and encourage aspiring dreamers to apply by Dec. 16, for their chance to live out their dream right here in the 'burgh. View

From Cabo San Lucas to… Pittsburgh?
After spending 20 years as an entrepreneur in sunny Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, David Greenberg decided the time was right to move his wife and family north of the border. What city would this west coast native deicide upon? Pittsburgh, of course! As co-owner and director of operations at Downtown's Elements Contemporary Cuisine, Greenberg and his family have settled nicely into life in the 'burg after being here for less than a year. He sat down recently to discuss what life's truly like in the region for an "experienced dreamer." View

What Brought These San Francisco Residents to Pittsburgh?
After spending a large period of their lives in San Francisco, Elaine and Fen Labalme decided to pack up their things and head out East to restart their lives in a new environment. As both of their careers are quite mobile, they could live just about anywhere, but ended up choosing Pittsburgh for its combination of top-notch schools, low-cost of living, vibrant arts offerings and friendly community. Four-years later, they couldn't be any happier with their choice. View

11.20.11

PNC's Fall Economic Outlook Survey
PNC's twice-a -year economic outlook survey is out and things aren't exactly looking up based upon the sentiments of business owners surveyed. Employer sentiment is down from the bank's spring survey, with business owners expecting profits, sales and hiring to hold steady over the next six months, without an expectation for growth. Kurt Rankin, an economist with PNC, helps sort out the sentiments contained within the fall survey and if there are any indications that better days are ahead. View

"Energy Corridor 376" Project
Through a partnership between Pennsylvania and 19 local organizations, construction will begin on an electric car charging station corridor that will extend from the airport to the turnpike, along I-376. When finished, this $600,000 project will contain 45 separate electric vehicles charging stations along the route that will go straight through the City of Pittsburgh. Jan Lauer, president of Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities and Dan Carnovale solutions manager with Eaton Corp. discuss this exciting new project and how it will promote electric car ownership with the public. View

Taking Your Business to the Next Level with Pitt's "Urban Power to Prosper"
As one of the core programs of the University of Pittsburgh's Institute of Entrepreneurial Excellence, "Urban Power to Prosper," helps established small business owners take the necessary steps required to expand their existing business. Louis Constant, a small business owner from New England took part in the nine-month certificate program and now works as its outreach coordinator. He's joined by Rhonda Carson Leach, management consultant with the Institute, to talk about the program's benefits for small business owners and the broader economic development of the region. View

11.13.11

Downtown Pittsburgh's Remarkable Transformation
There's a whole lot of great things going on in Downtown Pittsburgh. From the Cultural District to Market Square to the entire lower Fifth Ave. corridor, the broader region's transformation is playing out for all to see right in Pittsburgh's urban core. Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Jeremy Waldrup, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, sat down recently to discuss these developments, which include the planned construction of PNC's new green skyscraper, 15 new restaurants in Market Square alone, several large scale residential projects and much more. View

Legal Reform: Making Pennsylvania More Competitive
Back in June of 2011, Gov. Corbett signed into law the "Fair Share Act" -- a key piece of legal reform legislation that helps level Pennsylvania's competitive playing field. The Commonwealth has now joined more than 40 other states that already have a similar law on the books. House Majority Leader Mike Turzai, a key leader in getting the law passed, and Lynne Schmidt of PPG recently sat down to discuss the law's effect on job growth in the state and next steps for legal abuse reform. View

The Ins and Outs of the "Fair Share Act"
Signed into law recently, The "Fair Share Act," a key piece of legal reform legislation, creates a more competitive business climate in Pennsylvania. But how will it actually do this in a real-world scenario? Keith Whitson, a partner with Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis answers this question and provides a clear, easy-to-understand explanation of the law's finer points. View

11.06.11

"Our Library, Our Future"
When voters in the City of Pittsburgh went to the polls last week, they approved a dedicated revenue stream for the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Through a small property tax hike, a $25 increase on every $100,000 of assessed property, the library system will receive an additional $3.2 million annually, helping to preserve its existing structure. Mary Alice Gorman, an "Our Library, Our Future" volunteer and owner of Mystery Lovers Bookshop, and Councilman Patrick Dowd sat down in advance of Election Day to discuss the referendum and its effect on the library system moving forward. View

"The Pittsburgh Reader" – Celebrating 75 years of the University of Pittsburgh Press
To celebrate its 75th anniversary, the University of Pittsburgh Press published "The Pittsburgh Reader," a collection of excerpts from 75 different books published over the years. Best of all -- the volume is available for a free download at upress.pitt.edu. Cynthia Miller, director of the Press, discusses this noteworthy anniversary and how the Press came up with the idea to create this collection. View

Pioneering Corporate Sustainability
From manufacturing to financial and business services, Pittsburgh-area businesses have pioneered corporate sustainability and environmental efforts over the past decade. And Duquesne University's Beard Institute has been these championing sustainability efforts over the same period. Dr. Alan Miciak, dean of Duquesne's School of Business administration discusses the region's leadership in sustainability and previews the Bear Institute's annual sustainability symposium. View

10.30.11

America, "Adrift"
At a time when many feel America has been veering off course, Stephen Beschloss went on the search for regions in the country that were "doing it right" -- areas that are, despite a struggling national economy, prospering in the 21st century. Beschloss, author of "Adrift - Charting Our Course Back to a Great Nation," found the Pittsburgh region to be one of these areas. He dedicated part of the book to exploring how Pittsburgh was able to rebound over the past thirty years and whether the Pittsburgh model for economic growth can be applied to other struggling regions. View

Sustainability in Healthcare
Representing the largest employment sector in the Pittsburgh region, healthcare and life sciences is an apt industry to target sustainability education and outreach efforts. That's why the next Sustainable Pittsburgh Champions for Sustainably workshop will focus on the nexus of healthcare and sustainability. Two members of the planning committee, Phyllis Barber, sustainability coordinator with Highmark and Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis, executive director of Women for a Healthy Environment recently sat down to discuss how the region's healthcare sector can become more sustainable. View

The Fairmont Pittsburgh's New Canine Ambassador
Edie, the Fairmont Pittsburgh's "Canine Ambassador," has only been on the job for a few months, but is already making quite the impression with guests of the downtown luxury hotel. Edie, along with Julie Abramovic, public relations manager at the hotel, joined Bill in the studio recently to tackle the question of why our region's newest, greenest hotel is already, "going to the dogs." View

10.23.11

The Business Bout Crowns A Champion
After 120 business plan submissions were whittled down to just six finalists, the Business Bout competition has crowned its first ever champion. FindNotice, a cutting-edge software company that aims to make public notices more accessible, took home the $5,000 prize. But as Brad Barbin, co-founder of FindNotice and two of the finalists, Michael Kreha, partner at Bar Marco and Abe Taleb, co-founder and manager partner of ReWork remarked to Bill - the competition became much more than simply a prize-winning opportunity. The networking, connections and mentorship offered through the process, in very real terms, allowed each participating company to truly come out on top. View

First RoboBowl Held In Pittsburgh
RoboBowl, a series of national robotic competitions, just wrapped up its first ever event at Carnegie Mellon University. Designed to foster early stage robotic companies, the first RoboBowl was open to start-ups with a healthcare focus. Bill Thomasmeyer, executive director of the Robotics Technology Consortium and Steve DiAntonio, strategic business development director at the National Robotics Engineering Center and part-owner of Carnegie Robotics sat down with Bill to provide an overview of the competition as well as an update on the impact robotics is having on the region. View

PTI's "Grad In A Box" – Everything an Employer Could Ever Want
With the tagline "Ready to work...Right out of the box," Pittsburgh Technical Institute, in partnership with 3PC Media, made clear that their students, upon graduation, are uniquely prepared for workplace success. But it would take more than words to get this message across, so they created actual "Grad in a Boxes" and sent them off to employers across the region. PTI President Greg DeFeo and Scott Hallam, vice president at 3PC Media, join Bill to discuss this creative awareness campaign and the effect it has had on the hiring of recent PTI grads. View

10.09.11

Energy to the Power of Pittsburgh
With more than 750 companies operating across seven energy-related industries in the ten counties of the Pittsburgh region, supporting directly and indirectly more than 150,000 jobs and $19 billion dollars of economic activity – energy is already a leading growth component of the Pittsburgh regional economy. At a recent meeting of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, Bill sat down with Bob Fri, a visiting scholar with the National Academies of Sciences to help put Pittsburgh's energy opportunity into a broader national and global context. Bill was then joined in studio by Jim Futrell, vice president of market research & analysis with the Allegheny Conference to zero in on some of these new energy numbers and discuss just how important energy has become to the regional economy. View

Filling in the Gaps of the Pittsburgh Comeback Story
Pittsburgh's remarkable transformation story has garnered national and international attention for some time now - most recently with the convening of President's Obama's Council on Jobs and Competiveness right here in Pittsburgh. Yet gaps still exist in communities that have been left out - those that have not benefited from the growth of energy, healthcare and innovation in the region. Recently, a nearly $2 million federal grant was awarded to three organizations - the Hill House Association , the Pittsburgh Central Keystone Innovation Zone and the University of Pittsburgh Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence - to help accelerate the creation of jobs in these underserved communities. Christina Gabriel, president of the University Energy Partnership, a grant partner and William Generett, president of the Pittsburgh Central Keystone Innovation Zone sat down with Bill to discuss what it will take to reduce economic stratification in Pittsburgh's struggling communities.View

Green Workplace Challenge
Sustainable Pittsburgh's Green Workplace Challenge urges business owners to reduce consumption of natural resources, saving money in the process. The year-long challenge aims to inject a bit of friendly competition into efforts by businesses owners and property managers to use less water, electricity and natural gas in their day-to-day operations. Matt Mehalik, program manager with Sustainable Pittsburgh and Benson Gabler, manager of corporate sustainability with PNC, one of the many business that have signed on to the competition, join Bill to discuss how building, operating and maintaining "green" workplaces doesn't only make environmental sense, but is also simply a good business practice. View

10.02.11

An Unusual Collaboration Between Law and the Arts
More than 25 years ago, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust set out to transform downtown Pittsburgh into a regional hub for arts and culture. Today, downtown's Cultural District stands as a vibrant and electric destination for a diverse array of arts and cultural offerings – a true fusion of music and performing & visual arts. Yet, during the height of the global economic recession, the Cultural Trust faced a significant budget shortfall that threatened to affect arts programming and production. To help overcome this shortfall , the region's legal community rallied together to provide the additional needed support for the Cultural Trust. President of the Cultural Trust, Kevin McMahon and Chip Babst of Babst Callan join Bill to tell the story of this unusual arts and business collaboration – as well as preview the Trust's fall lineup. View

Documenting the Region's Third Renaissance - Through the Eye of a Lens
In the 1950s, the Allegheny Conference on Community Development commissioned a team of photographers to go out and capture images of the region's early urban transformation, Renaissance One. Now the Heinz Endowments, inspired by this historic undertaking, has commissioned a new team of photographers to document what many now refer to as the region's third renaissance. These spectacular photos are currently being showcased as the Carnegie Museum of Art in an exhibition titled, "Picturing the City." Linda Benedict-Jones, curator of photography at the museum and Martha Rial, a of "Picturing the City" photographer who recently relocated back to Pittsburgh, sit down to talk about the project and how Pittsburgh has changed over the years – through the eye of a lens. View

Seton Hill University Spearheads Greensburg Revitalization
Greensburg, Westmoreland County is undergoing a burst renewed vitality thanks in large part to the arts-related development projects initiated by Seton Hill University. A number of abandoned or underused structures have been redeveloped into arts and cultural destinations, including a brand new performing arts center built in the heart of downtown Greensburg. The result is the emergence of a true college town environment – attracting typical college town shops and restaurants at a consistent pace. JoAnne Boyle, president of the university, joins Bill to discuss these impressive developments in Greensburg and how planning and partnerships – across public and private sectors – was key to many of these recent successes. View

09.25.11

Point Park University Unveils The Latest Addition To Its Academic Village
Point Park University's Academic Village, an ambitious, multi-year plan to transform its campus and the surrounding downtown Pittsburgh community, is one step closer to fruition. With the opening of its Village Park, an urban oasis built on the site of a former surface parking lot and gas station on the corner of Wood St. and the Blvd. of the Allies, students as well as downtown employees and residents now have a new, beautiful green space to enjoy. President of the University, Paul Hennigan recently sat down with Bill to discuss how the community came together to make this project a reality and next steps for the Academic Village initiative. View

Allegheny College – A Significant Driver of the Regional Economy
With over 35 colleges and universities sprinkled throughout the region, higher education plays a big role in moving our regional economy forward. And we're not just talking about the large research universities like CMU and Pitt. Located in the northern part of the Pittsburgh region, Allegheny College in Meadville has been serving the needs of students and bolstering the surrounding community for close to 200 years. Jim Mullen, president of the college, joins Bill to discuss the profound effect the college is having on the cultural and economic conditions in Meadville. View

Save Early and Save Often - Advice on Making College Financially Feasible
With the average annual cost of attending a state-supported university in Pennsylvania at between $27,000 and $30,000, saving in advance for college is becoming a necessity. And with an average inflation rate of seven percent per year, costs are only going to skyrocket. That's why Deborah Graver, president and COO with Fragasso Financial Advisors, is telling parents and students to "save early and save often." She appeared recently on "Our Region's Business" to help navigate through the many varied, and often confusing, college saving programs. View

09.18.11

Policy Change Eases Way for Immigrant Entrepreneurs to Stay in U.S.
Robert Whitehill, head of the immigration practice at the law firm Fox Rothschild, tells Bill about administrative changes to immigration law that allows legal immigrants in the United States employing people here through start-up businesses to extend their visas. View

Jim Roddey, Simon Tripp: Energy Jobs & Investment Are About More than the Marcellus Shale
Energy-related jobs and investment in southwestern Pennsylvania are not just about the Marcellus Shale natural gas play. Simon Tripp of the Battelle Group says that there are 7,000 in renewable energy space in the region. Businessman and former Allegheny County Executive Jim Roddey noted that while the region is strong in the coal, natural gas and nuclear energy sources and know-how, we're also emerging as a leader in solar, wind, intelligent building and distribution and transmission. View

Revitalization in McKees Rocks
Bill talks with leaders from the Ohio River borough just four miles from Downtown Pittsburgh about a variety of efforts underway to strengthen the community. Councilwoman Maribeth Taylor and Taris Vrcek, director of the McKees Rocks Economic Development Corp., discuss how new and revitalized parks, block watches and rehab of old brownfields sites are beginning to change perceptions both inside the "The Rox" and outside. Craig Rippole of Trinity Commercial Development discusses a public-private partnership for a flex-space business park on the site of the old P&LE railcar repair site. View

09.11.11

Robert Morris Unveils New Business School Complex
Now THAT's a birthday present: Just in time for the school's 90th anniversary, Robert Morris University unveiled its new School of Business complex. President Gregory Dell'Omo explains how the one-time Downtown accounting school has grown into a university offering 60 undergraduate and 20 graduate degree programs and NCAA Division I athletics. The building is the business school's first official home at the Moon campus, as RMU consolidates its presence there. View

United Way Women's Initiative Helps Keep Donations Strong
As Pittsburgh Magazine recently reported, our metro region tops the list of most generous American cities. Robert Nelkin, president of the United Way of Allegheny County, says donations are actually up here while nationally they've dropped precipitously. Laura Ellsworth, head of the Pittsburgh office of the international law firm Jones Day, explains how the United Way's women's initiative has helped to generate new donations and leverage women's leadership in the community over the past decade. View

Tapping the Marcellus Shale Bounty Responsibly
Formerly the head of the state Department of Environmental Protection, John R. Hanger is now special counsel at the growing energy practice of law firm Eckert Seamans. Hanger talks about new requirements on disposal of wastewater from drilling that are actually more cost-effective and efficient for extraction companies. and good for the environment, too. Eckert Seamans Managing Partner Tim Ryan joins the discussion. View

09.04.11

2011 ATHENA Award Ceremony Features Founder of "Strong Women, Strong Girls"
Host Bill Flanagan speaks with Lindsay Hyde, the 29-year-old president and founder of Strong Women, Strong Girls, which strives to help girls increase their confidence and reach their fullest potential. It operates in three U.S. cities: Boston, Miami, and Pittsburgh. Hyde will be the keynote speaker at the Sept. 19, 2011 Greater Pittsburgh ATHENA Award Luncheon, which recognizes an exemplary professional female leader and mentor. As 2011 ATHENA Award Host Committee Chair Maris Bondi explains, this year a young professional age 35 or younger will also be recognized. To learn more go to www.ImaginePittsburghOnline.com. View

Zenith Infotech's Maurice Saluan talks about the Indian firm's brisk growth in Warrendale
Ten years ago executives at Mumbai-based Zenith Infotech decided they needed a U.S. office. The availability of top engineering talent and affordable cost of living brought them to the Pittsburgh area, namely Warrendale. As specialists in delivering remote IT monitoring and management, innovative business continuity, and cloud computing solutions for IT service providers, the firm has grown from two to 110 employees. Maurice Saluan, Zenith Infotech's senior vice president of sales, tells Bill how that happened and what's next for the firm. View

Kelly Szejko and Mike Stubler talk about the 3 Rivers Venture Fair
Every 18 months, more than 600 A-list venture capitalists, private investors, investment bankers and others convene in Pittsburgh to meet innovators from a 10-state region. The 3 Rivers Venture Fair reconvenes Sept. 21-22 at PNC Park. Bill talks with Kelly Szejko, president of the Pittsburgh Venture Capital Association, and Mike Stubler, managing director of Draper Triangle Ventures, about how the fair has helped participating ventures raise more than $340 million in investment capital in the past decade. View

08.27.11

It's True! The World's Top Vodka Is Distilled In Pittsburgh!
Believe it: the world's finest vodka happens to be Glenshaw-based Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka.World-renowned wine and spirit connoisseur F. Paul Pacult bestowed this distinction in his 2011 list of the "Top 140 Spirits in the World." On a recent edition of "Our Region's Business," Bill Flanagan sat down with Prentiss Orr and Barry Young, partners at the distillery, to discuss this latest recognition and exactly where Boyd & Blair ranked on the list. View

"Wings Over Pittsburgh" Flies Into Pittsburgh International Airport
One of the nation's most-viewed air shows, "Wings Over Pittsburgh" is back to entertain hundreds of thousands of people from all over the region. Bill Flanagan recently sat down with Col. Jeffrey Pennington, commander of the 911th Airlift and Lt. Colonel Chuck Sargent, air show director, to discuss the show's legacy and some of the new displays in store this year. View

Farmers Insurance Makes a Leap Into Our Region
Farmers Insurance, a 70-year-old, Los Angeles-based firm, is putting down roots in Pittsburgh. AgencyPoint Pittsburgh Director Dave Howard sat down with Bill on a recent edition of "Our Region's Business" to talk about why Pittsburgh was the logical next step for the company's expansion. View

08.21.11

Growing Your Small Business Into A Million Dollar Enterprise
With 97 percent of women-owned small businesses earning less than a million dollars annually, Nell Merlino, CEO and founder of Count Me In For Women's Economic Independence knew something wasn't right. As a result, she started Make Mine a Million – a program designed to educate and empower female entrepreneurs to reach new heights. Nell joins Bill to discuss this initiative and why simply being able to articulate, in a concise and thoughtful manner, what it is your business excels at, can be the differentiating factor between success and failure. View

The Five Catalysts of Seven Figure Growth
Say your business is already making a million dollars annually, but you're not sure how to take it to the next level. Andy Birol, founder of Birol Growth Consulting may have just the advice you're looking for. He's the author of the brand-new book, The Five Catalysts of Seven Figure Growth, and he joins Bill to discuss of few of the revenue-raising ideas he puts forth. View

Your Business Retirement Plan
Many business owners spend countless hours growing their business into a success but often overlook their own company retirement plan. Dan Dingus, managing director and chief portfolio strategist at Fragasso Financial Advisors sits down with Bill to discuss the benefits of a company retirement plan. View

08.14.11

Homegrown Law firm Eckert Seamans Tackles Energy
Our region is a true energy leader with more than 700 companies that employ more than 100,000 people and generate almost $14 billion in annual economic output. Tim Ryan, managing partners of Eckert Seamans and John Hanger, special council join Bill to talk about the opportunities energy presents to this homegrown law firm. View

PNC's First Ever Women's Business Outlook Survey
Beth Marcello, manager of women's business development for PNC financial services and Dorothy Andreas Tuel, owner of the Sewickley Spa join Bill to discuss PNC's first ever women's business outlook survey. View

Taking on Alzheimer's Disease
There are more than four and a half million Alzheimer's patients in America today, with their number expected to double by 2030. Cognition therapeutics hopes to do something about it by developing therapies that target the toxic proteins that appear to cause cognitive decline. President and CEO Hank Safferstein joins Bill to discuss the important research and development that is already underway and why he decided to establish this innovative life sciences company in the Pittsburgh region. View

08.07.11

Building a Renewable Manufacturing Gateway in our Region
Much has been made in recent years of the potential of the Marcellus Shale to drive the reindustrialization of much of our region.  But there's a lot more happening here than just that. Peter Daily, CEO of the renewable manufacturing gateway explains how his organization is out to make it happen even faster. View

The Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center Celebrates Its 25th Anniversary
Our region's been on the forefront of computation for 25 years as home to the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center. The unusual partnership of Carnegie Mellon, the University of Pittsburgh and Westinghouse brought to our region the most powerful computers outside a government lab – and has helped to keep us on the cutting edge. Dr. Ralph Roskies, scientific director , Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center and Cheryl Begandy, director, education, outreach and training look back on 25 years of computation excellence in the Pittsburgh region. View

Project Olympus: Fostering the Next Generation of Tech Innovators
Over the past generation our region engineered a comeback by investing in human capital coming out of our colleges and universities to create entire new industries in health care and life sciences and information and communications technologies. Some of the best and brightest turn up from time to time at Project Olympus, an initiative of Carnegie Mellon University that showcases promising technologies and the innovators who are bringing them to market. View

07.31.11

Smith Micro Expands its Software Development Business into Our Region
California based software development company –Smith Micro Software – has established a significant presence in the Pittsburgh region. Bill Smith, founder of the company and Pittsburgh-area native, discusses why Pittsburgh was the obvious location to expand into for this globally-oriented software company. View

ADP Expands its Operations in the Pittsburgh region
Job growth in our region has been outpacing the national average for four years straight – and over the past year we've topped 14 competitors, from Boston to Charlotte in terms of job growth. Energy has been a big part of it, but it's not the only story. In fact, headquarters-type jobs - shared services - are also on the rise here. From banking to legal services, our region is emerging as a global center of back office functions and there's no better example than ADP. Michael Keim, vice president, major account services division and Denise Biehl, vice president of the insurance services division at ADP talk to Bill about why the Pittsburgh region was the right place for ADP the expand its operations. View

321Blink – A Startup with a New Take on Showcasing Local Businesses
Tripp Clarke, president, marketing and creative and Tim McLaughlin, president, sales and creative at 321Blink join Bill to talk about how this innovative startup is changing the way local companies are engaging with their customers. View

07.24.11

2011 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards
Our region has been celebrating entrepreneurs for 25 year now, thanks to the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. Each year's winners get a chance to go on to the national recognition event in Palm Springs, and meet fellow business visionaries. Lynette Horrell, managing partner of Ernst & Young's Pittsburgh office, joins Bill to discuss this year's winners. View

Knopp Biosciences
One of this year's Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the year winners – Knopp Biosciences – has developed what could be an important new treatment for Lou Gehrig's disease. Michael Bozik, president and CEO, talks about why Pittsburgh was the perfect place to establish this entrepreneurial life sciences company. View

The Webb Law Firm
One of our region's oldest law firms – the Webb Law Firm – specializes in patent, trademark and copyright law is and is also on the leading edge of innovation, with attorneys who hold dual degrees in the sciences. Now it's moved to new office space in downtown Pittsburgh to accommodate expected growth. View

07.17.11

The Business Bout
You've heard of a business plan competition? Well, how about a business bout? Like a boxing match with a limited number of rounds, the business bout is out to find our region's brightest new idea in just a few months. It's the brainchild of six friends – Luke Skurman, Bobby Zappala, Serge Smailbegovic, Alexander Palma, Michael Brant and Kevin Heher – who've raised the money to put up a prize for the best new idea out there. View

Cut Your Electric Bill… By Up to 30 percent
With the explosive popularity of sites like Living Social and Groupon, Kevin Johnson saw a golden opportunity to apply the power of group buying to your monthly utility bills. In doing so, he founded Alpha Buyer, an early stage start-up that can save you money each and every month.View

Investing in the Energy Industry
Andre Voicu has been following the energy industry's growth in our region for Fragasso Financial Advisors. He joins Bill to discuss ways to make money on the industry through investment opportunities among the region's energy companies. View

07.10.11

The Health Care Wars
Christine Whipple, executive director, Pittsburgh Business Group on Health, discusses what's at stake for our region in the face-off between Highmark and UPMC Health System. View

Making Sense of Healthcare Benefits
Making sense of benefits is not just a challenge for the employers that provide them; it can be just as confusing for the employees who receive them. Mike Fertig, Fragasso Financial Advisors, offers up advice in making the most of healthcare benefits. View

Diversity in the Workplace
Talk to many employers across our region – especially the larger ones – and they'll tell you that workforce diversity is a big concern. Yet few have gone as far as Alcoa to do something about it – especially in terms of reaching out to the gay and lesbian communities. Mary Ellen Lammel, director of corporate human resources and global benefits, Alcoa joins Gary Van Horn, president of the Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh to discuss the importance of diversity in the workplace. View

07.03.11

Robert Dammon, dean, Tepper School of Business
Carnegie Mellon University didn't have to look to far to find the new dean for the Tepper Business School. CMU tapped associate dean for education Robert Dammon. He's been at the school since 1984 and now he's tasked with raising the profile of an already highly-regarded business school. View

Workplace Safety
Our region's been known for more than a century as a place that makes things and makes them well. Westinghouse was a U.S. pioneer of the total quality movement. And in recent years, Alcoa and U.S. Steel have made safety a core component of their corporate culture. Kent McElhattan, chairman of Industrial Scientific Corporation and Chair of the American Safety Council discusses our region's leading edge when it comes to safety in the workplace. View

Another International Delegation Visits our Region
Ever since the G-20 Summit in 2009 the world has been beating a path to our region's door. Among the groups visiting was a delegation of leaders of chambers of commerce and similar business support organizations from former Soviet Union countries. Tony Guarino, sales manager, Tyler Mountain Water & Coffee and Ed Roberts, executive director, The Pittsburgh Executives Association discuss this recent delegation and the lessons learned from our region's economic transformation. View

06.26.11

Wind Power: Energizing Our Economy
Windmills have begun sprouting across our region but the real story is the economic activity it's generating not so much by operating windmills as by making the parts for them. It turns out that our region is a top 25 employer when it comes to wind industry jobs, one of seven energy-related industries in which we have significant strengths. Jim Spencer, president and CEO of Everpower Wind Holdings discusses how wind power is a leading sustainable energy solution. View

The National Outlook on Wind Energy
What is making our region a national wind energy leader has much to do with our manufacturing expertise. With more than nine thousand parts in a windmill there's plenty of opportunity for companies in the supply chain. And Denise Bode, CEO of the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) says it's only going to accelerate. View

PPG: A Major Supplier of Fiberglass For Windmills
Our region has emerged as a major supplier of the parts that go into constructing a windmill, especially when it comes to the windmill blades themselves. Cheryl Richards, global market development manager for wind energy at PPG Industries, explains why this homegrown company is a leading provider of fiberglass for windmill blades. View

06.19.11

PNC Announces Plans to Build World's Greenest Skyscraper
The Pittsburgh region is a nationally and internationally recognized hub for green and intelligent building technologies. Since the opening of PNC Firstside Center in 2000, Pittsburgh-based PNC Financial Services, the nation's fifth largest bank, has been leading the nation's corporate green building movement. Gary Saulson, director of corporate real estate for PNC is joined by Mariann Geyer, vice president for external affairs at Point Park University to discuss PNC's latest and greatest green building announcement and the positive impact it will have on downtown Pittsburgh. View

Bayer Creates "Workspace of the Future"
Bayer Corporation recently announced plans to integrate several of its world renowned innovative products into a $17 million renovation overhaul of its U.S. headquarters in Pittsburgh. Bob Kumpf, chief administrative officer at Bayer MaterialScience discusses how sustainable design will be at the forefront of Bayer's "Workspace of the Future," with an expected completion in June 2013. View

Making Smart Choices When Gifting Assets
Right now there's a window of opportunity that makes gifting assets, to children and grandchildren, especially attractive. Deborah Graver, president and COO of Fragasso Financial Advisors provides advice on how best to take advantage of this opportune moment. View

06.12.11

Attracting Foreign Investment to Fuel Regional Growth
How do you link capital heavy markets, such as China, with capital hungry companies here in the Pittsburgh region? Lily Liqi Pietryka, managing director for the Pittsburgh Regional Investment Center and Michael Matesic, president and CEO of the Idea Foundry unveil an innovative approach, using U.S. visas as the hook, to attract additional foreign capital into the region. View

The State Of German-Owned Industry in the Region
The German American Business Circle recently surveyed its members and others about the state of German-owned industry in our region. Stephan Liozu, president and CEO of Ardex Americas and chairman of the German American Business Circle and Mark Miner, chief marketing officer with Malin Bergquist, discuss the surprising impact that German-owned businesses are having in the region. View

Ansaldo Celebrates 130 years of Innovating Transportation
Union Switch and Signal, now called Ansaldo STS, traces its history back to the days of George Westinghouse and his invention of the air brake. Today the company is celebrating 130 years of being on the cutting-edge of transportation-related technology. Dr. Alan Calegari, president and CEO of Ansaldo STS discusses this momentous occasion and why the company is continuing to grow in the region. View

06.05.11

An Agenda to Remake Manufacturing in America
The U.S is still the world's largest manufacturing economy, but our lead has been slipping in recent years, even as we field the most productive workers in the world. Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the National Association on Manufactures, discusses how the national manufacturing landscape looks and what it's going to take for America to sustain its leading edge. View

Prioritizing Workplace Safety
Kent McElhattan, chairman of the National Safety Council and chairman and co-founder of Industrial Scientific explains how prioritizing safety in the workplace leads to better outcomes for employers and employees alike. View

The Next American Economy
Even as the nation's economy is slowly showing signs of recovery, many wonder if America's economic dominance throughout much of the 20th century will come to an end in the 21st. William Holstein, author of The Next American Economy: Blueprint for a Real Recovery thinks the next American economy may look a bit like ours here in the Pittsburgh region. View

05.29.11

PSO Performs at Point State Park
For the first time in decades, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performed at Point State Park during the Three Rivers Arts Festival. Lawrence Tamburri, president and CEO of the Orchestra joins Marguerite Jarrett Marks, festivals coordinator at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust to discuss the significance of this momentous occasion. View

A New Way of Doing Business at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Sam Taylor, director of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History is creating a whole new approach to bringing science and education together at the museum – and it's gaining national, if not international attention. View

Ben Franklin's Unknown Connections to the Pittsburgh Region
Fresh off the blockbuster success of last year's Vatican Treasures exhibit, Pittsburgh's Heinz History Center is tapping one of Pennsylvania's favorite sons to draw crowds this summer season. Dr. Alan Houston, provost of Eleanor Roosevelt College and professor of political science, University of California-San Diego joins Emily Ruby, assistant curator of the Senator John Heinz History Center to talk about Ben Franklin's largely unknown connections to the Pittsburgh region. View

05.22.11

Our region has emerged as a top 25 employer in the U.S. when it comes to companies providing green building solutions. And PNC owns and operates more green square footage than any other company in the world. PNC is about to break ground on its new headquarters – the world's greenest - in downtown Pittsburgh. In an interview conducted before this announcement, Gary Saulson, director of corporate real estate, discusses PNC's ongoing commitment to building eco-friendly buildings. View

Esther Barazzone, president, Chatham University and David Hassenzahl, founding dean, School of Sustainability and Environment discuss the many sustainable features of Chatham's recently completed Eden Hall Campus. View

David Mcanally, CEO, Appalachian Lighting Systems joins Mike Schiller, executive director, Green Building Alliance to talk about why energy efficient lighting is a key component of sustainable construction. View

05.15.11

Each year the Carnegie Science Awards puts a spotlight on our region's innovators and their world-changing discoveries and, just as important, the educators that are training the next generation of scientists. Jerry Whitaker chairman of the Science Awards and president of the Americas for Eaton Corporation's electrical sector is joined by Anne Metzger and Ron Baillie, both co-directors at the Carnegie Science Center, to discuss this year's award winners. View

Allegheny Technologies – a specialty metals producer – has roots in the Pittsburgh region, dating back to the 1930s. Dan Greenfield, director of investor relations and corporate communications, talks about the company's recent billion dollar investment and the honor of being the Chairman's Award winner at this year's Carnegie Science Awards. View

Cutting-edge science and technology firms can present significant investment opportunities within a diversified portfolio. Daniel Dingus, managing director and chief portfolio strategist at Fragasso Financial Advisors, offers up advice on how best to leverage your assets in the innovation and science and technology space. View

05.08.11

Snap Retail – an innovative company providing online marketing solutions for independent retailers – is a excellent business success story for our region. Ted Teele, CEO and founder talks about why this e-commerce enterprise is attracting attention from all over. View

Tracy Kobeda, CEO and founder of Evil Genius Designs discuses how this CMU Entertainment Technology Center spin-out plans to revolutionize the mobile gaming experience by using cell phones as gaming controllers. View

The challenge of training healthcare providers outside of urban centers has been mitigated with the establishment of the Keystone Education and Simulation Center in Beaver County. Lynell Scaff, executive director of the center joins Linda Gallagher, director of nursing & allied health at the Community College of Beaver County to discuss how this center may become a model for rural healthcare training. View

05.01.11

The greater Pittsburgh region is projecting strength across a wide spectrum of areas – from the economy to education to the environment. Doug Heuck, publisher of Pittsburgh Quarterly and director of the Regional Indicators at PittsburghToday.org, talks about how well the region benchmarks against 14 other regions and why there's reason for optimism about the Pittsburgh of tomorrow. View

What does it take for a region to exhibit resilience, in order to successfully adapt, change and thrive? Dr. Kathryn Foster, director of the University of Buffalo Regional Institute shares some of her research on the topic and reveals how resilient Pittsburgh really is. View

04.24.11

The recent Farm-To-Table Conference at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center showcased the region's growing local food and urban farming movements. Leah Lizarondo Shannon, founder of Brazen Kitchen and vice chair of Grow Pittsburgh joins Leah Smith, member services manager at the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) to discuss how buying local encourages healthier living and strengthens communities. View

U.K. native and executive chef at the Fairmont's Habitat restaurant, Chef Andrew Morrison, discusses the ease and benefits of sourcing local ingredients in the Pittsburgh region. View

04.17.11

Is the economy bouncing back for the nation's small business owners? Kurt Rankin, economist with PNC takes a look at the financial service company's latest economic outlook survey. View

With Tax Day 2011 now safely behind us, there's no better time to think about how to make next year's filings go as smoothly as possible. Robert Fragasso, founder and president of Fragasso Financial Advisors, gives advice on how to take the pain out of filing taxes. View

04.10.11

During his recent budget address, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett proposed slashing state support by 50% for state-related and state-owned universities and colleges. Mark Nordenberg, chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh, talks about what these cuts will mean for higher education in the Commonwealth. View

What can students and parents do right now to prepare for the rising costs of a college education? Robert Fragasso, co-founder and president of Fragasso Financial Advisors provides some great ideas that can help ease higher education's financial burden. View

04.06.11

Daniel Joseph, PNC's global advisor on foreign trade in China offers some insight into cracking the world's second-largest economy. View

With the 2009 G-20 summit behind us, the Pittsburgh region continues to bask in the global spotlight. Nick McInnes, United Kingdom Trade and Investment director and deputy consul-general joins Suzi Pegg, vice president for international business development at the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance to discuss the latest on the thriving economic relationship between the U.K. and the Pittsburgh region. View

03.27.11

Pittsburgh is racking up the accolades: "Most Livable City in America," the Economist; a finalist for the National Siemens Sustainability Award; and a "Top 10 Metro," Site Selection Magazine. Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl talks about why the city continues to be on everyone's radar. View

As the region's economy begins to rebound, commercial real estate is staging a comeback – nationally and in our region. Alex Klatskin of Forsgate Industrial Partners and Chair or NAIOP and Richard Donley of Cranberry Business Park Associates discuss the future trends in the commercial real estate market. View

03.20.11

The Pittsburgh region landed 272 economic development "wins" in 2010. Dewitt Peart, president, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance (PRA) talks about the region's 2010 rebound and introduces the PRA "Impact Initiative." Venkee Sharma, president and CEO, Aquatech International, a 2010 "win" and PRA Impact Company discusses innovation in water treatment technology. View

The 272 "wins" of 2010 represented a mix of expansions and relocations. Chris Sheve, director of EPS, Valerus, talks about why this Texas-based company decided to expand into the Pittsburgh region. Michael Krajovic, president and CEO, Fay Penn Economic Development Council, helped land Valerus for Fayette County. View

03.13.11

Bill Zagorski is one of the "founding fathers" of the Marcellus Shale and he's a native of our region. The Range Resources geologist discusses what led the company to drill deep to discover the second-largest proven natural gas reserve in the world. View

What do best practices look like when it comes to Marcellus Shale policy?  Jan Jarret of Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future (PennFuture) weighs in with an environmental perspective. View

02.27.11

Petra Mitchell, president, Catalyst Connection and Dennis Meteny, president & CEO, CMC Cygnus Manufacturing Company discuss the highlights of a state-wide study conducted about the state of manufacturing in Pennsylvania. View

What is a mamaRoo? Robert Daley, CEO, 4Moms answers that question and explains why celebrities are clamoring to get a hold of these highly-innovative Pittsburgh-developed products for their newborns. View

02.20.11

Al Neupaver, CEO of Wabtec, the only New York Stock Exchange company whose shares rose in each of the last ten years, shares the story of one of Pittsburgh's oldest companies and how his railroad equipment company was able to weather the Great Recession. View

Precision Therapeutics is pioneering "personal medicine" in the Pittsburgh region by targeting cancer treatment to individual patients. CEO Sean McDonald talks about the life sciences company's rapid growth and why he likes growing technology-based companies in the City of Pittsburgh. View

02.13.11

Razi Imam, founder of 113 Industries, discusses the potential of the former Seagate research center in Pittsburgh's Strip District to jumpstart innovation in advanced materials in our region. View

What gives entrepreneurs the drive to make things happen? It just might be something called Junoon. Entrepreneur Razi Imam is the author of Driven: A How-To Strategy for Unlocking Your Greatest Potential. View

02.06.11

George Westinghouse electrified the world with alternating current. More than a century later, companies in our region are working to make the grid smarter and more efficient. Jerry Whittaker, President, Electrical Sector, Americas Region, Eaton Corporation, discusses the growing demand for transmission and distribution solutions and why our region is on the forefront. View

Technology is revolutionizing the way the grid works and WESCO International, a Fortune 500 company based in our region, is managing the supply chain for a number of utilities scrambling to keep up with rising demand for power. Andy Bergdoll, Vice President – Utility, WESCO International, Inc., talks about the opportunity it represents for supply chain providers. View

12.19.10

Vibrant Pittsburgh Executive Director Melanie Harrington and Dr. Alex Johnson, president, Community College of Allegheny County talk about an ambitious new initiative to increase the diversity of our region's workforce by attracting and retaining talented people. View

12.05.10

The "nuclear renaissance" is driving investment and job growth in our region. Jim Ferland, president, Americas Region, Westinghouse Electric Company talks about what's driving the emerging American market for new commercial nuclear energy plants and how the industry is responding. View

The commercial nuclear energy supply chain withered a generation ago when orders for new plants stopped coming. Now, the industry is rebuilding the domestic supply chain, which is creating opportunity for companies in the Pittsburgh region. Jack Lanzone, vice president, Supply Chain, Westinghouse Electric company and Jim Drake, general manager, ElectroMechanical Division for Curtiss Wright discuss what it takes to enter this growing market. View

11.21.10

The Wall Street Journal dubbed our region "Roboburgh" back in the 1990s. Now, the National Robotics Engineering Consortium is seeking to speed the commercialization of robotic innovations by creating Carnegie Robotics. John Bares, president and CEO, Carnegie Robotics and Tony Stentz, director, National Robotics Engineering Consortium discuss the initiative. View

10.25.10

Sycor Americas' President and CEO Klaus Wilmes-Groebel discusses the company's decision to expand into the Pittsburgh region and the area's strong international business presence. View

10.04.09

Pittsburgh's business editors John Oravecz of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Lauren Lawley Head of the Pittsburgh Business Times and Brian Hyslop of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette talk about takeaways from the G-20 summit. View

Jane Voros and Michelle DeBlasi from the American Economics Institute are with us to talk about Pittsburghs place as a hub of critical economics thought and publishing. View

09.27.09

Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato is with us to recap after Pittsburgh plays host to the G-20. View

Carnegie Mellon Professor Marvin Goodfriend talks about the policy issues coming out of The Pittsburgh Summit. View

09.20.09

Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Mike Huss joins us to talk about preparations to make Pittsburgh a safe and secure location for the G-20 summit delegates, demonstrators and residents of the region. View

Gary Saulson of PNC Financial Services is with us to discuss Pittsburgh as a leader in green building a key reason President Obama chose our region to host the G-20. View

09.13.09

Carnegie Mellon economics professor Marvin Goodfriend talks about the global economy one year after the meltdown in the financial industry. View

Susan Everingham of RAND Corporation and Sky Foerester of the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh discuss the significance of Pittsburgh as host city to the G-20 summit. View

08.30.09

Former Secret Service Agent Joe Trainor tells us that security related to the G-20 summit will be only as onerous as it has to be and that Pittsburghers shouldnt let talk of perimeters worry them into shutting down their businesses or staying away from downtown. View

Richard Piacentini of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens discusses the honor of hosting the G-20 heads of state for dinner before the upcoming G-20 summit in Pittsburgh. View

08.23.09

Carnegie Mellon University economist Lester Lave discusses the economic and quality of life transformation of the Pittsburgh and what the G-20 summit means to the region. View

Ann Rosenthal and Roger Levine of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh talk with us about the Institutes Hot Spots art exhibition, timed to coincide with the upcoming G-20 summit in Pittsburgh. View

08.16.09

Kelly Barcic and Dr. Loren Roth of the Pittsburgh Regional Business Coalition for Homeland Security join us to talk about business contingency planning as we look forward to the G-20 summit in Pittsburgh. View

Patricia Siger joins us to talk about the Clean Sweep effort in underway in Allegheny County in advance of the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh. View

08.09.09

Pete DeComo of ALung Technologies is with us to talk about the innovative development of this medical device in our region. View

Author and Chair of the Childrens Financial Network Neale Godfrey joins us to talk about the importance of talking with our children about responsible financial stewardship. View

08.02.09

Andy Hannah of Plextronics joins us to talk about his companys recent development in solar power technologies. View

EQT CEO Murry Gerber is with us to discuss the economic opportunity of the Marcellus Shale. View

07.26.09

Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl discusses efforts to prepare the city to welcome the world. View

Dave Grupp of Direct Energy talks about the importance of renewable energy in the decision to bring the G-20 summit to Pittsburgh and his companys decision to locate its North American headquarters in the region. View

07.19.09

Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr. of California University of Pennsylvania joins us to talk about ongoing developments at Cal. U. View

Regina Andersen of the Regional Internship Center discusses a new Web site that connects interested candidates with internship opportunities. View

07.12.09

Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato says the G-20 Summit is a golden opportunity to tell the Pittsburgh story to the world. View

(Part 1 of 2) PNC CEO Jim Rohr talks about the reasons it makes perfect sense for the world to look at Pittsburgh as a model for economic and environmental transformation. View

06.28.09

Robin Shoop of the Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Academy, Michael Amrhein of California University of Pennsylvania and Dr. Stephen Catt of Butler County Community College discuss a new robotics technician training program. View

Drs. Yuan Chang and Patrick Moore of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center discuss their award-winning research in the fight against cancer. View

06.21.09

Charles Sanders of Urban Settlement Services joins us to talk about the mortgage crisis that led to the global credit crunch. View

Davie Huddleston, Les Scales and Michael Houlihan of PNC join us to talk about the companys work developing talent and creating career paths for interns. View

06.14.09

LANXESS CEO Randy Dearth joins us to talk about ImagineMyNewJob.com and the jobs that are available in the region right now. View

Mike Matesic of the Idea Foundry is with us to discuss his organizations work to help bring good business ideas to market. View

05.31.09

Pop City Publisher and Editor Tracy Certo joins us to talk about the online magazine’s growth over the last three years and new nonstop air service between Pittsburgh and Paris. View

John Kosar of Burt Hill, Leslie Schweitzer of the U. S. Chamber of Commerce and Vincent Thomas of Vivisimo are with us to talk about TradeRoots, a new program designed to encourage international trade. View

05.24.09

Dave Mazza of the Pennsylvania Resource Council talks about Zero Waste Pittsburgh, a new initiative to help businesses and institutions reduce waste and expand recycling programs in the region. View

We’re talking about the business of recycling with Fred Landay of The Appliance Warehouse and Pete Previte of the Pennsylvania Recycling Market Center. View

05.17.09

(Part 1 of 2) Cal Dooley of the American Chemistry Council, Randy Dearth of LANXESS Corporation and Chris Pappas of Nova Chemicals join us to talk about the chemicals industry in the Pittsburgh region. View

05.10.09

Michelle George of Avonworth High School, Avonworth student Jacob Geary and Stephen Bontrager of WYEP radio discuss innovative efforts to increase career awareness among students. View

Craig Davis of VisitPittsburgh and Tom Hardy of the Sheraton at Station Square join us to talk about economic challenges to the regional hospitality, travel and tourism industry. View

05.03.09

Cathy Lewis-Long and Dustin Stiver of The Sprout Fund and author Justin Hooper are with us to discuss “Making the Connections,” a new book that recounts the stories of the Pittsburgh 250 Community Connections effort. View

04.26.09

Point Park University President Dr. Paul Hennigan is with us to talk about the economic impact of ongoing redevelopment at the university. View

Todd Barnhart of PNC Financial Services joins us to discuss PNC’s most recent survey of small businesses. View

04.19.09

Jerry Whitaker of Eaton’s Electrical Sector and Gregory Reed of the University of Pittsburgh discuss a new partnership aimed at strengthening the region’s energy workforce. View

Murry Gerber of EQT talks about the rebranding of one of the Pittsburgh region’s oldest and largest natural gas companies. View

04.12.09

Jeremy Resnick of Propel Schools and Rick Wertheimer of City Charter High School discuss join us to talk about why their charter schools recently earned national recognition. View

ModCloth.com co-founder Susan Kroger joins us to discuss the business start-up she and her husband have turned into an Internet success. View

04.05.09

Duke Kingsley of Grubb & Ellis Co. is with us to talk about the region’s commercial real estate outlook for 2009. View

03.29.09

VisitPittsburgh President and CEO Joe McGrath talks about the Pittsburgh region’s record year as a destination for travel and tourism. View

Luke Skurman of CollegeProwler.com talks about a new guide – the Urban Guru – that helps students learn about Pittsburgh as they plan to go to college. View

03.22.09

DeWitt Peart of the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance and Tom Brown of Elliott Company talk about ongoing private sector investment in the Pittsburgh region. View

Pete Kalis of K&L Gates joins us to discuss new nonstop air service between Pittsburgh International Airport and Europe. View

03.15.09

Atlas Energy Resources President and COO Richard Weber joins us to talk about the economic opportunity of the Marcellus Shale. View

Dr. J.K. Sharma of Cima Technology, Inc. talks about the need for highly skilled machinists in our region alongside Will Van Meter and Michael Skarada, two graduates of free machinist training through New Century Careers. View

03.08.09

Monroeville, Pa. Mayor Greg Erosenko and Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce President Chad Amond discuss recent efforts to stimulate business growth in the Allegheny County municipality. View

Carl Knoblock of the U.S. Small Business Administration discusses what’s in the recent federal stimulus bill and what credit programs are available to assist small business. View

03.01.09

Dr. Marvin Goodfriend of the Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business discusses the federal stimulus plan, the economy and what’s in store. View

Missy Gralish of the Pittsburgh Videotech Center and Marc Burd from Carnegie Mellon University are with us to talk about Pittsburgh’s place in the national media spotlight. View

02.22.09

Tax Foundation President Scott Hodge joins us to talk about business taxes and how they affect our region’s ability to compete for business investment and job creation. View

02.15.09

Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato talks about the state of Allegheny County, the economy and streamlining government. View

Dennis Gray of AquaTech and Alan Andrews of the PNC Global Trade and Equipment Finance Group discuss financing for international business expansion. View

02.08.09

Joe McGrath of VisitPittsburgh and Mike Langley of the Allegheny Conference talk about the impact of the Steelers Super Bowl win on the Pittsburgh Region. View

Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce President Barbara McNees discusses Governor Rendell’s recent budget proposal. View

01.25.09

Ethan Lott joins us from the Pittsburgh Business Times to talk about the 2009 Book of Lists. View

Pittsburgh Penguins President David Morehouse and Tom Hoffman of CONSOL Energy are with us to talk about the CONSOL Energy Center, the new arena that will be home to the Penguins beginning with the 2010-11 hockey season. View

01.18.09

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Business Editor Brian Hyslop, Tribune-Review Business Editor John Oravecz and Pittsburgh Business Times Editor Lauren Lawley Head join us to discuss the current state of the regional economy. View

Bryan Ward of Giant Ideas and Syvia Diez of PNC Wealth Management drum up corporate support for the upcoming MDA Muscle Team event. View

01.11.09

Gary Caldwell and Gary Baranowski of Bidwell Training Center talk about no-cost career training opportunities. Contact Bidwell at 1.800.516.1800. View

Alexander Nicholas of the Pittsburgh Regional Minority Purchasing Council and Sue Ecung of Arrowstar discuss how the Council connects minority-owned businesses to some of the region’s largest buyers of goods and services. View

12.28.08

New Chairman Joe Ott of the Pitt Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence Advisory Board joins us to discuss starting a business in a weakened economy. View

12.21.08

Stu Hoffman of PNC Financial Services Group delivers his economic outlook for 2009. View

Author Charlie McCollester and singer/songwriter Mike Stout discuss the rich history of labor in the Pittsburgh region. View

12.14.08

Mineo’s Pizza House co-owners Dominic and John Mineo talk about their company’s 50th anniversary in the region. View

Heritage Valley Health System President and CEO Norm Mitry talks about the growth of his organization in the Pittsburgh Region. View

12.07.08

Elliot Dinkin of Cowden Associates talks with us about managing benefits programs to create a strong business. View

11.30.08

Todd Barnhart of PNC Financial Services Group joins us to talk about small businesses, energy costs and going green. View

Hefren-Tillotson’s Brian Koble is with us to discuss consumer and investor confidence. View

11.23.08

Joyce Rothermel of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and Robert Nelkin of the United Way of Allegheny County discuss the social services needs of our region. View

Pittsburgh Foundation CEO Grant Oliphant joins us to talk about a new community relief fund to aid the region’s nonprofit organizations during a time of increased need. View

11.16.08

Steve Rupert of Range Resources and Richard Weber of Atlas Energy Resources join us to discuss the state of the oil and gas industry in Pennsylvania. View

Dollar Energy Fund CEO Cindy Datig talks about resources to help those in need keep their utilities turned on through the winter. View

11.09.08

PNC Chairman and CEO and Allegheny Conference Chairman Jim Rohr joins us to discuss the yearlong Pittsburgh 250 celebration, our region and the trail ahead. View

Allegheny Conference CEO Mike Langley and MEDRAD CEO John Friel discuss economic development in the region over the last three years. View

11.02.08

Deloitte Partner Dimitri Shiry talks with us about the global credit crunch and a movement to standardize global accounting practices. View

10.19.08

Todd Barnhart of PNC Financial Services Group and John Funyak of Funyak Lawn and Landscape Management discuss a recent survey of employer sentiment in the region. View

New Bayer CEO Greg Babe joins us to talk about Bayer’s 50-year history in the Pittsburgh region. View

Justin Krane and Vern Ulery of Green Apple Barter Services discuss how their company, built on old-fashioned bartering, is growing in our region. View