Commentary

Below you will find archives of commentary from Allegheny Conference board members and staff regarding issues important to the competitiveness of the economic climate and quality of life in the Pittsburgh region.

2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009


2018 Archives
04.20.18
Improving Pennsylvania’s business competitiveness
Jenn Beer, Vice President, Government Relations
Pittsburgh Business Times

02.23.18
Neighborhood assistance program is critical to community revitalization in the Pittsburgh region
Will Bernstein, Senior Policy Analyst
Pittsburgh Business Times

01.30.18
Remarks by Stefani Pashman, CEO, Allegheny Conference on Community Development at PWSA Blue Ribbon Panel Community Forum
Stefani Pashman, CEO
PWSA Blue Ribbon Panel Community Forum – January 30, 2018

01.24.18
Viewpoint: Workforce challenge remains urgent in 2018
Linda Topoleski, VP, Workforce Operations & Programs
Pittsburgh Business Times

01.03.18
Brandon Mendoza: Immigration is critical to the Pittsburgh region’s economic future
Brandon Mendoza, Government Affairs Manager, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce
Pittsburgh Business Times


2017 Archives

11.20.17
Brian K. Jensen: We must not leave financially stressed communities behind
Brian Jensen, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Economy League of Greater Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Business Times

11.09.17
Bill Demchak: Fix the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority. Now.
Bill Demchak, Chairman, President and CEO, The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.; Vice Chair, Allegheny Conference; and Chair, Allegheny Conference Workforce Strategy
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

09.29.17
Matt Smith: It’s time to to talk about a ‘growth agenda’
Matt Smith, President, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce
Pittsburgh Business Times

08.16.17
Janel Skelley: Diversity of views, voices Athena mission
Janel Skelley, CFO, Allegheny Conference
Pittsburgh Business Times

07.20.17
Dennis Yablonsky: Expanded air service: Use it or you’ll lose it
Dennis Yablonsky, CEO, Allegheny Conference
Pittsburgh Business Times

06.15.17
Matt Smith: Pension reform action a significant achievement for Pa.
Matt Smith, President, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce
Pittsburgh Business Times

06.14.17
New pension overhaul law is a win for Pa.: Dennis Yablonsky, Rob Wonderling and Gene Barr
Dennis Yablonsky, CEO, Allegheny Conference
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

06.11.17
Speaking of Pittsburgh and Paris…
Dennis Yablonsky, CEO, Allegheny Conference
PENN LIVE

05.25.17
Vast research cuts would be ‘devastating’ to region
Matt Smith, President, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce
Pittsburgh Business Times

05.24.17
Improving infrastructure vital for region
Matt Smith, President, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

03.24.17
An Open Letter Imagining Transportation 2.0
Ken Zapinski, Senior Vice President, Energy & Infrastructure, Allegheny Conference
Pittsburgh Business Times

02.23.17
API Sowing Seeds of Sustainable Workforce
Dennis Yablonsky, CEO, Allegheny Conference
Pittsburgh Business Times
01.27.17
Much at Stake for the Region in First 100 Days
Matt Smith, President, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce



2016 Archives

12.14.16
Pennsylvania Needs Nuclear Power
Dennis Yablonsky, CEO, Allegheny Conference
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

11.11.16
Much at stake during lame-duck session
Matt Smith, President, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce

10.20.16
Cost of Inaction on Pension Reform on the Rise
Dennis Yablonsky, CEO, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

09.27.16
How do we keep college grads in Pittsburgh?
Dennis Yablonsky, CEO, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

09.06.16
Upping tax credit will raise community prospects
Matt Smith, President, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce

07.19.16
Workforce gap’s here, but so are solutions
Laura Fisher, Senior Vice President, Workplace and Special Projects, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

06.17.16
Collaboration necessary to fill jobs gap
Laura Fisher, Senior Vice President, Workplace and Special Projects, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

05.13.16
Pittsburgh’s message hits campaign trail
Matt Smith, President, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce

04.15.16
Message to world: We’re open for business
Suzi Pegg, Vice President, Global Business Development, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance

03.18.16
Tax reform paves way for Clairton comeback
Brian Jensen, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Economy League of Greater Pittsburgh

02.12.16
GDP sheds new light on area’s growth
Jim Futrell, Vice President, Market Research & Analysis, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance
01.15.16
Finally, a less taxing start to the new year
Dennis Yablonsky, CEO, Allegheny Conference on Community Development



2015 Archives

12.19.15
Bipartisanship putting us on FAST track
Matt Smith, President, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce

11.13.15
Building economies transcends state lines
Ken Zapinski, Senior Vice President, Energy & Infrastructure, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

10.09.15
Regional Transportation Alliance wants to know: What’s your story?
Brian Heery, CEO and President, Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc.; Co-Chair, Regional Transportation Alliance

09.18.15
Building a more interconnected region
Matt Smith, President, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce

08.21.15
I want to say just one word: plastics
David Ruppersberger, President, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance

07.10.15
NAP tax credit critical to communities
Bill Schenck, Vice-Chairman, TriState Capital; Chair, Allegheny Conference’s Strengthening Communities Partnership program

06.19.15
Fund accelerating regional site development
Dennis Yablonsky, CEO, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

05.08.15
Even Brooklynites finding their way here
Laura Fisher, Senior Vice President, Workplace and Special Projects, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

04.20.15
Scorecard says manufacturing’s no dinosaur
Jim Futrell, Vice President, Market Research and Analysis, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance

03.13.15
The economic case for diversifying workforce
Jim Futrell, Vice President, Market Research and Analysis, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance

02.20.15
Opportunity in face of slowing job growth
Jim Futrell, Vice President, Market Research and Analysis, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance
01.16.15
Reflecting on the power of partnership
Dewitt Peart, President, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance and Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce



2014 Archives

12.12.14
Signs of cooperation with ALCOSAN plan
Brian Jensen, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Economy League of Greater Pittsburgh, and Senior Vice President, Civic Policy

11.21.14
Veterans outreach key to meeting hiring needs
Laura Fisher, Senior Vice President, Special Projects, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

10.17.14
IT demand shows tech touches everything
Jim Futrell, vice preident, market research and analysis, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance

09.19.14
The cost of inaction on pension reform rises
Brian Jensen, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Economy League of Greater Pittsburgh, and Senior Vice President, Civic Policy

08.22.14
Employment stats point to challenges ahead
Jim Futrell, vice preident, market research and analysis, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance

07.18.14
Partnerships key to addressing workforce issues
Laura Fisher, Senior Vice President, Special Projects, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

06.13.14
We can learn from Denver’s can-do spirit
Dennis Yablonsky, CEO, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

05.23.14
Coal a key part of region’s energy portfolio
Brian Jensen, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Economy League of Greater Pittsburgh, and Senior Vice President, Civic Policy

04.11.14
The numbers behind our region’s progress
Dewitt Peart, President, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance and Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce

03.14.14
Convergence key competitive advantage
Dewitt Peart, President, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance and Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce

02.14.14
Pensions, immigration top local agenda
Dewitt Peart, President, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance and Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce
01.10.14
Manufacturing, energy taking bigger role
Dennis Yablonsky, CEO, Allegheny Conference on Community Development



2013 Archives

12.13.13
Victory on transportation — so what’s next?
Dennis Yablonsky, CEO, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

11.08.13
McKees Rocks success makes region stronger, too
Brian Jensen, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Economy League of Greater Pittsburgh, and Senior Vice President, Civic Policy

10.11.13
State desperately needs binding-arbitration reform
Brian Jensen, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Economy League of Greater Pittsburgh, and Senior Vice President, Civic Policy

09.13.13
September once again brings global connections to region
Dewitt Peart, President, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance and Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce

08.23.13
Reflecting on the future after decades of transformation
Barbara McNees, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs and President, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce

07.19.13
Pittsburgh region must avoid complacency to build on advancements
Dewitt Peart, President, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance

06.14.13
Region needs to support the airlines that support Pittsburgh
Ken Zapinski, Senior Vice President, Energy & Infrastructure, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

05.10.13
Time to rethink municipal reliance on state police coverage
Brian Jensen, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Economy League of Greater Pittsburgh, and Senior Vice President, Civic Policy

04.12.13
Region must work together on improving water quality
Brian Jensen, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Economy League of Greater Pittsburgh, and Senior Vice President, Civic Policy

03.08.13
Communities need business leadership
Brian Jensen, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Economy League of Greater Pittsburgh, and Senior Vice President, Civic Policy

02.08.13
Transportation, transit is up to us now
Dennis Yablonsky, CEO, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

01.25.13
Opportunity is knocking for Pittsburgh
Bill Flanagan, Executive Vice President, corporate relations, Allegheny Conference on Community Development


2012 Archives

12.14.12
Pittsburgh: From rock bottom to among best — for now
Bill Flanagan, Executive Vice President, corporate relations, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

11.09.12
Pittsburgh region needs Washington to get to work on big issues
Dennis Yablonsky, CEO, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

10.12.12
Five challenges to moving the Pittsburgh region forward
Dewitt Peart, President, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance

09.21.12
We have the tools, but are we ready to go to work?
Laura Fisher, Senior Vice President, Special Projects, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

08.10.12
What we should do to improve our water quality
Brian Jensen, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Economy League of Greater Pittsburgh, and Senior Vice President, Civic Policy

07.20.12
PA makes progress on future of transportation
Barbara McNees, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs and President, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce

06.08.12
Pension reform must tackle municipal costs
Brian Jensen, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Economy League of Greater Pittsburgh, and Senior Vice President, Civic Policy

05.11.12
Connecting our young talent to local jobs and careers
Laura Fisher, Senior Vice President, Special Projects, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

04.13.12
Manufacturing: A legacy – and a future – for Pittsburgh region
Bill Flanagan, Executive Vice President, corporate relations, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

03.16.12
Real deals, momentum reinforce Pittsburgh region’s recovery
Jim Futrell, vice President, market research & analysis, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance

02.17.12
State and federal transportation funding set for big changes
Dennis Yablonsky, CEO, Allegheny Conference on Community Development
01.13.12
Airline passengers need to fly nonstop or risk losing more routes
Ken Zapinski, Senior Vice President, Energy & Infrastructure, Allegheny Conference on Community Development



2011 Archives

12.09.11
Time for hard work, time for political courage to strengthen
Brian Jensen, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Economy League of Greater Pittsburgh, and Senior Vice President, Civic Policy

11.11.11
Manufacturing still core strength for Pennyslvania’s economy
Dennis Yablonsky, CEO, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

10.14.11
Energy and innovation: fueling the present, future power of Pittsburgh
Dennis Yablonsky, CEO, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

09.16.11
Pittsburgh’s institutions of higher education help attract a younger workforce
Bill Flanagan, Executive Vice President, corporate relations, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

08.12.11
Governor’s Transportation Funding Advisory Commission recommendations on right track
Dennis Yablonsky, CEO, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

07.15.11
ShaleNET: Working across borders to train workers
Laura Fisher, Senior Vice President, Special Projects, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

06.10.11
Pittsburgh continues to be on international radar long after G-20
Bill Flanagan, Executive Vice President, corporate relations, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

05.20.11
Pittsburgh-area entities working to nurture small, high-impact businesses
Dewitt Peart, President, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance

04.08.11
Pittsburgh region needs public’s support for Port Authority
Ken Zapinski, Senior Vice President, Energy & Infrastructure, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

03.11.11
Lawsuit Abuse Reform Critical to economic growth in state, region
Barbara McNees, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs and President, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce

02.18.11
The Great Lakes team up to accomplish objective
Dewitt Peart, President, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance
01.28.11
Momentum builds in Pa. for public pension reform
Brian Jensen, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Economy League of Greater Pittsburgh, and Senior Vice President, Civic Policy



2010 Archives

12.17.10
Vibrant Pittsburgh aims to bolster diverse work force
Melanie Harrington, CEO, Vibrant Pittsburgh

11.19.10
On the short list: Powering Pennsylvania’s economy through energy
Dennis Yablonsky, CEO, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

10.11.10
G-20 success opens international business doors
Dennis Yablonsky, CEO, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

09.20.10
Imagining opportunity
Randy Dearth, CEO, Lanxess Corporation

08.16.10
Employers and educators in the Pittsburgh region team up to prepare work force
Linda Hippert, Executive Director, Allegheny Intermediate Unit

07.19.10
Gathering transit storm to hit all of Pittsburgh
Ken Zapinski, Senior Vice President, Energy & Infrastructure, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

06.21.10
Pa. municipalities need streamlined merger/home rule process
Brian Jensen, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Economy League of Greater Pittsburgh, and Senior Vice President, Civic Policy

04.19.10
Neighborhood lessons: Cities come calling to hear Pittsburgh’s comeback tale
Bill Flanagan, Executive Vice President, corporate relations, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

03.22.10
Pittsburgh racking up the ‘wins’ in a tough economy
Dewitt Peart, President, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance

02.15.10
$4 trillion questionnaire: A lot at stake with Census
Barbara McNees, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs and President, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce
01.18.10
Pittsburghers vote on Paris flight with their tickets
Ken Zapinski, Senior Vice President, Energy & Infrastructure, Allegheny Conference on Community Development



2009 Archives

12.14.09
Prevailing wage likely to chill 2010 economic recovery
Dewitt Peart, President, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance

11.16.09
Work remains on reducing state municipal pension costs
Brian Jensen, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Economy League of Greater Pittsburgh, and Senior Vice President, Civic Policy

10.12.09
Deep Marcellus Shale should have the high ground
Kathryn Klaber, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

09.21.09
G-20 message to the world: We’re hiring in Pittsburgh
Randy Dearth, CEO, Lanxess Corporation

08.24.09
Why G-20? Because there’s an opportunity to feel benefits for a long time
Bill Flanagan, Executive Vice President, corporate relations, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

07.13.09
Lessons learned from the Pittsburgh comeback
Bill Flanagan, Executive Vice President, corporate relations, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

06.15.09
G-20 offers unique opportunity to tell region’s story
Dennis Yablonsky, CEO, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

05.25.09
Rail project deserves support
Barbara McNees, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs and President, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce

05.11.09
Campaign aims to highlight career opportunities in Pittsburgh region
Dennis Yablonsky, CEO, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

04.13.09
Strengthening Pittsburgh’s position in the global economy
Dennis Yablonsky, CEO, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

03.23.09
Pittsburgh needs to take advantage of its energy assets
Mike Langley, CEO, Allegheny Conference on Community Development

02.16.09
PA budget process needs watchful eye of business
Barbara McNees, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs and President, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce

01.12.09
Region needs to maintain upward momentum in 2009
Mike Langley, CEO, Allegheny Conference on Community Development


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