APRIL 2010
View the 'Events' Section
Despite 2009's Brutal Economy, Pittsburgh Region Lands Nearly 200 Economic Development Projects: Job Impact Totals 16,000, Capital Investment, $3 Billion
The worst global economic conditions since the Great Depression did not deter the Pittsburgh region from being one of nation's top business investment performers. Recently released data from the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance (PRA) Partnership quantifies $3 billion in capital investment in the 10-county region during 2009. These investment dollars are related to 197 economic development investments begun during that same time. The "wins" are expected to create 7,238 new and 8,683 retained jobs for a total employment impact of 16,000 jobs over time.
"While not recession-immune, we're seeing positive economic momentum during tough times, which suggests our economic rebound could be better than most. In response to our own economic decline some 30 years ago, we engineered a balanced, diversified economy that is enabling Pittsburgh to set the standard for a 21st-century economy," said Dennis Yablonsky, CEO of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development and its Affiliates (of which the PRA is an affiliate).
The PRA Partnership's wins data is validated by Site Selection magazine's recent ranking of the Pittsburgh region as the No. 7 top business investment performer in the nation on its list of the Top 10 Metros.
Get more info here, including the full press release, wins data, a Recent Success (win highlights) one-pager and the photo gallery from last month's "Wins Day" announcement.
More Economic Development News
Consol in $3.5B Gas Deal: Cecil Firm Buying 500,000 Acres in Marcellus Shale
"A [recently announced] multibillion-dollar deal could place coal giant Consol Energy solidly within the ranks of major natural gas producers. The Cecil company has agreed to pay $3.5 billion to Dominion Resources Inc. of Richmond, Va., for its Appalachian natural gas exploration and production business." Read more. Consol also recently increased its share of CNX Gas Corp. to 83 percent. Read more
Site Selection: EQT Calls the Marcellus Shale the Most Important Economic Development for Region 'Since the Invention of the Blast Furnace,' Hiring 1,000+
"EQT plans to hire at least 1,000 new employees to work in the growing drilling operations in Pennsylvania. The firm has rights to 3.4 million acres (1.38 million hectares) in the region and 3 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves. Recent studies estimate that the formation could contain up to 500 trillion cubic feet of gas in place – enough to meet total U.S. demand for the next 20 years." Read More
Marcellus Rush Fuels Spinoff for Local Firms
"It's been estimated that companies moving into or expanding in the region to tap Marcellus Shale natural gas deposits could create nearly 200,000 jobs and generate more than $13 billion in Pennsylvania over the next decade. In the past few years, techniques for drilling vertically and then horizontally have made it feasible for operators to profitably unlock the Marcellus Shale gas deposits located thousands of feet underground in Appalachia – including under large sections of Western Pennsylvania." Read more
Dick's Sporting Goods Hiring 100+ People
"Now that Dick's Sporting Goods has settled into its spacious corporate headquarters in Corapolis, hiring is underway. The sports retailer is advertising more than 100 positions in Pittsburgh. The positions include a wide range of jobs: marketers and merchandisers, store buyers, industry analysts, IT, engineers, copy writers, a university relations recruiter, administration and the list goes on. With 320 stores and counting in 34 states, the sports and outdoor retailer is showing no signs of slowing its pace despite the economy." Read more
Indiana County-Based Gorell Windows & Doors Shows Record Increases in Business
Acquisitions, Receives Seventh Consecutive DEP Energy Star Partner Award
"Gorell Windows & Doors [recently accepted] the Energy Star Partner of the Year award from the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It was the unprecedented seventh consecutive year the White Township-based window and door manufacturer has received the recognition for products that help consumers save money while increasing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions … Gorell is experiencing record increases in new business acquisitions (adding more dealers and distributors) and in business volume from new acquisitions." Read more
Westinghouse, Toshiba Partner in Nuclear Business
"Westinghouse Electric Co. and its parent Toshiba Corp. formed a joint venture Thursday in the "nuclear front end business," or uranium fueling for electric utilities. The venture, Advance Uranium Asset Management (AUAM), will be based in the United Kingdom and enhance Toshiba's support services to utilities around the world. AUAM will help utilities source, finance and transport their nuclear plant fuel. The joint venture will be 60 percent owned by Toshiba and 40 percent owned by Westinghouse." Read more
Energy Management Firm eCap Network Moving to Hill District, Hiring 15-20
"A new green energy management consulting firm, eCap Network, is moving into the Hill District's One Hope Square and plans to employ 15-20 people in the next 2 years, energy managers, engineers and technical consultants. And that's just the beginning." Read more
Site Selection: Pittsburgh a "Top 10 U.S. Metro" Based on Business Investment
The Pittsburgh region was No. 7 in Site Selection magazine's list of Top 10 Metro Areas (with populations of more than 1 million) for new and expanded corporate facilities in 2009. As the 22nd-largest metro area in terms of population, this recognition confirms how relatively strong the region performed in the context of such a tough economic climate. Read more
The Wall Street Journal Deems Pittsburgh Region a 'Winner' in In-Migration
The region's getting some positive attention about its population. According to the latest census data, last year more people moved into our region than moved out – according the The Wall Street Journal, we're a winner in the current economy when it comes to net in-migration (see the 'Winners and Losers' box in this article). And, the total population loss last year was less than 500 people – out of more than 2.3 million, while the City of Pittsburgh's population actually increased. Read more on the Allegheny Conference home page
Pittsburgh Region Tops Nation in New Office Tenants
"Pittsburgh led the nation during 2009 in the amount of office space leased or occupied by new tenants, the chief economist for Grubb & Ellis, a national commercial real estate company, said [recently]." Read more
Pittsburgh Ties for Second-Most S&P 900 Company HQ
"Pittsburgh tied for second place among the top U.S. cities for headquartered S&P 900 companies in the inner cities, according to a study released recently by Initiative for a Competitive Inner City, a Boston-based nonprofit". Read more
Pittsburgh's Apartment Market No. 1
Apartment buildings are hot properties in the Pittsburgh market, and at least five major projects are in the works to satisfy demand from renters and investors … One of the projects is a proposal for 220 apartments in the former State Office Building, Downtown, according to experts and the developer. Millcraft Industries Inc. completed the purchase of the 16-story building, paying $4.6 million … Pittsburgh's apartment occupancy rate of 96.6 percent is ranked No. 1 in the nation, according to a mid-year 2009 survey by M/PF Research, a Texas firm that tracks rental markets." Read more
RIDC Foreign Trade Zone Expands from Five Sites to 17
"The Regional Industrial Development Corporation of Southwestern Pennsylvania (RIDC) announced this week that it recently had its foreign trade zone designation expanded from five sites to 17. The expansion, which was approved by Ronald Lorentzen, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Import Administration for the U.S. Department of Commerce on Feb. 23, will allow an expanded selection of properties to access deferred, reduced and at times eliminated import taxes and duties to companies that operate in them. The approved expansion will add more than 1,500 acres to the foreign trade zone." Read more
Diamond Drugs Expands in Indiana County
"Diamond Drugs, a leader in the institutional pharmacy industry, and already Indiana County's third-largest employer with 800 workers, is preparing to expand again. The Indiana County commissioners Wednesday approved the sale of 3.3 acres of land in the Indiana County Commerce Park in White Township to Diamond Drugs for expansion opportunities. The lot being purchased for $136,120 is located across Kolter Drive from Diamond's headquarters." Read more
Wabtec Acquires Xorail for $40 Million
"Wilmerding-based Wabtec Corp., a product and service manufacturer for the rail industry, recently completed its second acquisition in five months, purchasing Xorail LLC for $40 million in cash. Xorail, based in Jacksonville, Fla., has about 275 domestic employees and provides signal engineering and design services. It posts annual sales of about $40 million." Read
more
Xinhua, Prominent Chinese Media Outlet: "Pittsburgh, an Ever Transforming City"
China's equivalent of the Associated Press, ruminated on Pittsburgh's economic, environmental, and quality of life transformation: "Remade as a thriving 21st-century city and an international center for science, medicine, biotechnology, and financial services, Pittsburgh is now routinely acclaimed as one of the most promising and livable cities in America." Read more
Pittsburgh Ranks No. 8 on "Green City Index"
Pittsburgh ranked eighth in the "Green City Index" created by the Cincinnati Business Courier, [which surveyed 43 cities] and looked at such variables as commuting habits of residents, travel time and fuel use, and air and water quality." Read more
More than 'Green:' Pittsburgh Hosts World Environment Day Celebration, Among Leading Sustainable Cities
Pittsburgh has been chosen by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as the North American host of World Environment Day and 'being green' is a more prevalent topic than ever. The Water Matters! Global Conference (anchor to listing in Events) on June 3 will be an internationally significant event to broadly raise awareness and commitments to the importance of water and interconnectedness of water and biodiversity. This article discusses how Pittsburgh "with its abundant LEED-certified buildings, its superlative green wall, its fledgling biofuel companies, its transmogrified riverfronts and reclaimed brownfields" fits into the race with other regions in the sustainable movement. Read more
Pittsburgh Tourism Strong: Global Exposure Continues from G-20 to World Environment Day
Pittsburgh's tourism organization, VisitPittsburgh, reported at its recent annual meeting that "several conventions coming to Pittsburgh in 2010, including World Environment Day on June 5, were a direct result of the city's exposure during the G-20 Summit last September … Pittsburgh ranked No. 2 among cities its size for RevPar, according to a survey by hotel trade organization Smith Travel Research. "RevPar" refers to the 'revenue-per-available room,' and is an industry indicator of a market's strength." Read more
Ex-Steel Capital now Known for Robotics, Medical Research
"The Baton Rouge Area Chamber will resume its annual pilgrimage to model cities with a Sept. 19-21 trip to Pittsburgh, the one-time steel capital that's now known as much for robotics, advanced manufacturing and medical research … Pittsburgh, it turns out, is the new hotbed of economic development. From April to September, no less than seven U.S. cities will take benchmarking trips to measure their progress against one of the best." Read more
Fairmont Pittsburgh Opens, Blends Art and Industry, LEED Gold Expected
"From the land of the Golden Gate Bridge to the home of the Golden Triangle, a legendary luxury hotel brings its culture of comfort to the center of the city at 510 Market St. Fairmont Pittsburgh hotel, which opened March 29 [and is expected be LEED Gold certified], is the newest among 60 Fairmont Hotels & Resorts worldwide. Like the others, it is 'authentically local … with a modern interpretation.' Read more
PittsburghGoesGoogle.com: Pittsburgh Vies for Google Broadband Pilot
Google will select a small collection of communities in which they will provide new networking infrastructure that would deliver Internet service at one gigabit per second, approximately 100 times the current fastest rate in Pittsburgh. The City of Pittsburgh, working with local universities and other organizations submitted a proposal to convince Google to select Pittsburgh. With our regional legacy of providing groundbreaking technological innovations, no American city is better positioned to investigate the potential of ultrafast Internet connections than Pittsburgh. Part of the criteria for selecting a community was the public response to the opportunity – and Pittsburgh's portal for it was, and continues to be, www.PittsburghGoesGoogle.com.
The New York Times: Slumbering Pittsburgh Neighborhood Reawakens
The New York Times tells the transformation story of Pittsburgh's East Liberty neighborhood, new home to Google Pittsburgh's expanded offices, among other things. "In the decade since, the city has replaced 1,400 high-rise public housing units with 450 new mixed-income units. The opening in 2000 of a big-box retailer, Home Depot, on a failed Sears site suggested opportunities to other developers. Whole Foods, a $7.6 million development on an abandoned stretch of Centre Avenue, ignited immediate activity when it opened in 2002." Read more
Erie Investors Raise $30M Fund, StartUptown Creates Nonprofit Incubator
A double whammy for technology startups this week – a $30 million commercialization fund for research institution spinouts and a nonprofit incubator for local small businesses. FCI Commercialization Fund in Erie is raising $30 million for a select group of research institutions--including University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon--primarily for nanotechnology and cyber security startups … And a new nonprofit incubator, StartUptown, is coming to Fifth Avenue downtown [and] hopes to raise funds through several sources, with the help of the Pittsburgh Central Keystone Innovation Zone, for an incubator for technology and social innovation companies." Read more
Local Companies Make 'Fortune' List
"Five local companies earned spots on Fortune magazine's annual list of the "World's Most Admired Companies." PPG Industries and Bayer ranked among chemicals companies; PNC Financial Services Group and Bank of New York Mellon were among the super-regional banks; and Alcoa was among the metals companies on the list." Read more (scroll down)
The New York Times: Pittsburgh's Role in Jogging Failed Memories
Carnegie Mellon Researchers are playing a key role in commercializing a digital technology that could help people suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other memory disorders, The New York Times reports. Read more
Carnegie Mellon's QoLTC Gets $1.5M Boost for Startups, Hiring Entrepreneurs
"Carnegie Mellon's Quality of Life Technology Center (QoLTC) is expanding and hiring with a three-year, $1.5 million Innovation Award from the National Science Foundation. QoLTC develops innovative, intelligent systems to improve the lives of the disabled and the elderly, especially those whom need special assistance or live alone. The grant will benefit the QoLTC Foundry, giving companies that spinout from the center a jumpstart by assisting them as they move into the marketplace. So far, the foundry has spun off three firms: NavPrescience Inc., VibeAttire Inc. and Invynt LLC." Read more
Netronome's Advanced Network Processor Promises Speed
"A computer-chip design company started by former employees of Fore Systems Inc. and other Pittsburgh-area technology firms is getting ready to market an advanced network processor that an expert said will have significant impact on computing. Netronome Systems Inc., based in Cranberry, said it's been working for nearly four years to develop the postage stamp-sized processor that will significantly raise speeds for communications networks while allowing the companies that run them to filter out viruses and other malware." Read more
Omnyx Global Collaborators Program to Advance Digital Pathology Products, Clinical Use
Omnyx, a joint venture of GE Healthcare and The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center recently announced the launch of a Global Collaborators Program to advance Digital Pathology products, technology, and use for clinical applications. The collaboration brings together 31 true thought leaders across 13 institutions and 6 countries. Read more
MSA Creates Next Generation Breathing System for Firefighters
"A prototype for the next generation of breathing devices used by firefighters nationwide will come from Mine Safety Appliances Co., the International Association of Fire Fighters announced this week. MSA was selected by the association, which is working under contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, on the project. The government supplied $2.7 million in funding for the research and development of the next generation of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)." Read more
PA Oil, Gas Group Merger Creates 700-Member Unit, Strengthens Industry Resource
"The Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Association and the Independent Oil and Gas Association of Pennsylvania have unanimously voted to merge their organizations to create a single, comprehensive trade association representing oil and natural gas interests throughout Pennsylvania. The new organization, named the Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association, will represent about 700 members, including oil and natural gas producers, drilling contractors and service companies, as well as various professional firms, individuals and royalty owners." Read more
Carnegie Mellon MBA Team Takes CleanTech Prize in the Global MgGinnis Venture Competition
"A team of Carnegie Mellon University MBA students took home the grand prize in the Cleantech contest for the 2010 McGinnis Venture Competition, a global business plan challenge hosted each year at the Tepper School of Business. The CMU team created TransportCHAIN, a car sharing service that would allow car owners to rent their vehicles directly to other people" Read more
EVENTS
April 8 – Simple Upgrades for a GREENER, Leaner Government
A diverse group of experts will cover several topics, including the financial impact of energy efficiency upgrades, the benefits of energy auditing and the obstacles of integrating these types of initiatives on a large scale. Additionally, they will discuss Allegheny County's aggressive sustainability initiatives. Who should attend: Local government officials and staff; property owners/developers; professionals working in building design, operations, products and consulting; and interested citizens. From 8-10 a.m. at the Engineers' Society of Western PA, Downtown. Cost: $35 Member/ $65 Non-member.
April 8 – CIO of the Year Awards
Co-hosted by the Greater Pittsburgh CIO Group and the Pittsburgh Technology Council, the CIO of the Year program honors individual technology executives from industry, non-profit, academia and government. Nominees, including chief information officers or those in equivalent positions, are recognized for their innovation and creativity in planning and deploying their enterprise systems, future technology goals, management philosophy and service to the industry and community. From 5-9 p.m. at the Fairmont Pittsburgh Hotel. Cost: $120 Member/$175 Non-Member ($1000 Table of 10).
April 28 – Bright Tools: Be Your Customer
Step inside the shoes of your customer, see how they see things, and get hands on experience how they might interact with your product. Join Bright Innovation for breakfast, networking and the workshop; led by Tom Kubilius, founder and president of Bright Innovation. Please call to register, 412-325-6705 From 8:30-11:30 a.m. at Bright Innovation, 333 East Carson Street, Suite 527, Pittsburgh PA 15219. Cost: $89.
May 28 – 34th Annual Small Business Awards (SBA) Luncheon & Trade Show
Honor our region's small business leaders and hear from keynote speaker, World Hall of Fame golfer Carol Semple Thompson. The Sewickley, PA native will present "The Business of the U.S. Women's Open," as Pittsburgh hosts the signature event at the Oakmont Country Club this summer. At the Sheraton Station Square Hotel. Trade Show and networking from 10:30 a.m. – noon. Luncheon from noon - 1:30 p.m. Cost: $45 prior to May 14/$55 after May 14. Tables of 10 also available ($450/$550). For more information or to register, please contact Elaine Dailey at 412.392.4555, ext. 4521.
June 3 – Water Matters! Global Water Conference, Presented by the Pittsburgh World Environment Day Partnership
Join us at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center to learn more about the future for and protection of our waters. Join citizens, students, business owners, watershed groups, and community leaders from across our region and North America to be part of a remarkable, eye-opening exploration of ways Water Matters! The conference is open to the public and intended for all audiences. Learn about the region's leading water innovators, problem solvers and applied technologies. The day-long conference will conclude with a networking reception and exhibition providing hands-on activities and displays. Panels span Water and Health, Water and Energy, and Water as an Economic Driver. Cost: $25. Attendance is limited so register today.
June 10 – Entrepreneur’s Growth Conference
Duquesne University Small Business Development Center will host its 12th annual conference with this year’s keynote speakers Roger Byford, CEO of Vocollect, Inc., and Ed Stack, CEO of Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. The event draws some 500 attendees annually who want to:
- Reenergize their business with new resources, new ideas & new contacts
- Experience unparalleled, nonstop networking with leading experts, investors, peers & future customers
- Choose from over 15 expert-led workshops on the hottest topics in business today
- Attend a Business Building Tradeshow featuring 50 exhibits, live demonstrations and prizes
- Receive cutting-edge strategies in marketing, sales, raising money, management, & growth
A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact Christine Hughes at 412.396.1631 for information.
  
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