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The PRA Post - The Pittsburgh Region's Economic Development eNewsletter


   

AUGUST 2009

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PNC Pittsburgh HQ to Feature North America's Largest Green Living Wall, Adds to Region's Leading Green Portfolio

PNC Pittsburgh HQ to Feature North America’s Largest Green Living Wall, Adds to Region’s Leading Green Portfolio

Having already constructed more LEED-certified green buildings than any other company in the world, The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. is now constructing the largest "green living wall" in North America on the side of its bank's headquarters downtown. Plus, Three PNC Plaza, the $179M, mixed-used, green high-rise, opens downtown later this year, and is planned to be the nation's largest environmentally friendly, mixed-used building. The Pittsburgh region's green assets are in the spotlight lately, as it hosts the upcoming G-20 Summit in the world's first and largest green convention center.

"When completed in September ... [the green living wall] will look much like a painting constructed out of regional plants ... but will also provide shade to surrounding sidewalks, absorb sound, and cool the surface of the south wall by 70-80 degrees." Read more

Journalists and others can access a wealth of information about the Pittsburgh region, including Three Reasons Why Pittsburgh Makes Perfect Sense for the G-20 Summit (PDF file) at www.g20pittsburghsummit.org.



More Economic Development News

Hiring 375: Solar Power Industries Receives State Funds to Expand Solar Production
"Solar Power Industries Inc. of Rostraver was growing at an explosive speed last fall. Then the economy collapsed, slowing the frenzied solar rush from an all-out sprint to a run. Undeterred, SPI leased an additional 265,000 SF in Sony Corp.'s massive TV plant in Westmoreland County and installed 14 large poly-silicon furnaces to produce ingots for the industry. This month the firm received $7.5 million in state funding for a new plant in the Sony Center." Read more

$60M, 250 Jobs Expected: Unstoppable to Film in Pittsburgh
"Twentieth Century Fox's decision to film the biggest budget film in the state's history in Pittsburgh was a coup for the region. The $100 million production will dump $60 million into the local economy and create 120 to 250 jobs." Read more

Express Energy Services Expands Pennsylvania Operations in Fayette County
Fay-Penn Economic Development Council recently announced that Express Energy Services is setting up a new location at the 12,000 SF Angelo Warehouse site in Perry Township. This will be the company's second Pennsylvania location. They currently operate a facility in Montgomery, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. "This is a great example of how the ongoing development of natural gas from Marcellus Shale continues to offer great investment potential for Fayette County's economic future," said Senator Kasunic.

Manufacturer BoltTech Mannings Relocates Headquarters
BoltTech Mannings Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of industrial bolting tools and resistant and induction heating equipment, is moving its corporate headquarters, including 180 local employees, to North Versailles, Allegheny County. It will bring 25-50 employees from its New Jersey facility into the 71,502 SF leased location. Read more

Gore's Repower America Opens Pittsburgh Office
"Repower America has opened shop in Pittsburgh, bringing former Vice President Al Gore's bold campaign to repower the country with clean electricity and revitalize our national energy structure to the region." Read more

ENERGY - The Pittsburgh Region: Powering Prosperity
"The Pittsburgh region is uniquely positioned for the 21st century's energy needs – as a source of cleaner coal and carbon capture technology; tapping abundant, domestic, cleanburning natural gas; manufacturing next-generation renewable energy devices; and creating the systems to efficiently deliver power and conserve global resources," explains Dennis Yablonsky. Read more | Learn more about the regional energy industry (PDF file)

Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Energy Opportunity Exceeds Prior Estimates
"New calculations show the Appalachian Basin's Marcellus Shale formation could yield enough natural gas to supply all U.S. needs for nearly two decades – dramatically more than previous estimates. Penn State University geosciences professor Terry Engelder projects nearly 500 trillion cubic feet of natural gas could be produced from the entire formation, which is found in portions of five states, including most of Pennsylvania." Read more

CNX Expands Natural Gas Acreage in Marcellus Shale Field; CONSOL Powers the Nation from Washington County
"CNX Gas Corp. now holds a total of 230,000 acres in the Marcellus Shale natural gas field in Western Pennsylvania, with its latest leases for more than 40,000 acres in two separate transactions." Read more. CNX is a subsidiary of CONSOL Energy, which has 2,200 employees in the Pittsburgh region and is the largest underground coal producer in the United States, the country's largest coal exporter and home to cleaner coal research in the nation's only private-sector coal R&D facility. In a recent interview CONSOL and CNX executive, J. Brett Harvey, discussed Washington County's potential for becoming a major energy center, and what it will take.

Brazilian Official Explores Pittsburgh Regional Energy Expertise
Brazil's Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy Márcio Zimmerman came to learn about the Pittsburgh regional organizations and companies recognized for their development and distribution of traditional energy resources as well as manufacturing and supply chain expertise for alternative sources such as wind and solar power. Key stops were made at Westinghouse Electric Company's Energy Center in Monroeville, the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) and CONSOL Energy Research and Development facility, the sites of innovations in nuclear energy, clean coal, carbon capture and sequestration, smart grid technology and engineered coal fuels with biomass. Read more

Bombardier's West Mifflin Plant Secures $255M Contract
"Bombardier Transportation has landed a $255 million contract to create and operate an automated people mover system at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport." Read more

New Carnegie Mellon Plot Could Spur Economy
"Carnegie Mellon University officials plan to develop about three acres of land in Oakland … Options include creating another location that would attract private-sector companies, which CMU did with its Collaborative Innovation Center – which houses Apple, Google, Intel and Microsoft" Read more

$500K for Millennium Technology Park Fosters Lawrence County Economic Development
As part of his on-going efforts to support economic development in Lawrence County, U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) recently announced that he has secured $500,000 in federal funding to help develop Millennium Technology Park, an industrial park in Neshannock Township. The project's location – along the future I-376 corridor, near Interstates 79 and 80, and accessible to both the Pittsburgh and Cleveland metro areas – makes it an ideal site for future business growth. This park will also fulfill the area's need for a large, shovel-ready, industrial site that can accommodate advanced manufacturing companies.

$13.4M to Indiana County Project to Enhance Economic Development Potential
The Blairsville Municipal Authority, in cooperation and partnership with the Burrell
Township Sewer Authority, will receive state funding totaling more than $13.4 million to expand sewage service to accommodate growth along the Routes 119 and 22 corridors. The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) will provide $10.4 million of that investment, the largest allocation on PENNVEST's agenda for any water or sewer project in the Commonwealth.

Duquesne University is State's First Academic Institution to Earn EPA Energy Star Award
The cogeneration plant on the Duquesne University's Uptown Pittsburgh campus has received the Energy Star Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This cogeneration plant is the first and only approved onsite distribution system for creating alternative energy credits in Pennsylvania and has led to an operating efficiency of 65 to 70 percent. This, in effect, reduces greenhouse gas emissions comparable to the yearly emissions from nearly 1,700 cars. Read more

White House Recognizes Two Pittsburgh Companies as National Models
"President Obama recently tapped two Pittsburgh companies as national models of social innovation and community transformation – GTECH Strategies and Skill-Life" Read more

Health Care Leader: UPMC Again Ranks Among Nation's Best Hospitals
"U.S. News & World Report has named UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) to its Honor Roll of America's Best Hospitals for the 10th time. UPMC was ranked No.13 of 21 hospitals nationwide that made the honor roll of the ‘nation's best.'" Read more or, learn more about Health Care & Life Sciences in the Pittsburgh region (PDF file).

Astrobotic's Robot to Enter NASA's Moon-Dirt Moving Challenge
"Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic Technology Inc. has entered its second lunar competition with a moon-dirt moving robot designed to help develop a future lunar outpost for NASA." Read more

Quantapoint's Unique Digital Solutions have Diverse Applications
"A Carnegie Mellon spinout founded in 1991, Quantapoint's patented 3D CAD laser scanning technology has traveled around the world, restoring portions of Frank Lloyd Wright's Guggenheim Museum [and Pittsburgh's rollercoasters], and tackling offshore platforms for BP and refineries for ExxonMobil." Read more

PRA Digital Technologies Media Mixer Showcases Pittsburgh Coolest Innovators
Astrobotic and Quantapoint were both among a group of dynamic regional technology companies invited by the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance to present their innovations to a group of visiting journalists at Vivisimo's headquarters. Learn more about the event and the companies featured there.

Entrepreneur 2.0: Two Pittsburgh Start-Ups Featured in Primer
In a discussion of the new creative/artist/CEO model of today's business, Primer magazine features two Carnegie Mellon University spin-outs and their leaders – Electric Owl with CEO Fred Gallart, and Deeplocal, with CEO Nathan Martin. Read more

PNC's Innovative Virtual Student Wallet Keeps Spending/Borrowing on Track
"Building on the popularity of PNC's Virtual Wallet comes online banking for students and peace of mind for parents. [Unique to the industry,] Virtual Wallet Student is a personal banking tool that helps students to manage their money, avoid costly mistakes and painful fees … The solution was designed based on extensive research with students, parents and college administrators and is unique in the industry." Read more and learn about the region's Financial Services strengths (PDF file).

Local Funders Help Start-up Cardiorobotics Close on $11.6M Round
"Oakland start-up Cardiorobotics has closed on a $9 million private round of financing with help from the Pittsburgh venture capital community. Pittsburgh-based Eagle Ventures led the round. Co-investors included the Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse and the Slater Technology fund, a Rhode Island venture capital firm and numerous local private investors. The deal includes $9 million in financing and the conversion of $2.6 million of debt into equity." Read more

Innovation Works Invests in 18 Start-Ups Last Quarter Alone
During the last quarter, Innovation Works invested $1.3 million in 18 start-up technology companies and granted nearly $100,000 to two regional manufacturing companies. Its AlphaLab incubator also has a fresh group of start-ups while recent companies to receive first-time Innovation Works investments were:

  • Epiphany Solar Water Systems, LLC; $200K, Lawrence County – product developer specializing in concentrated solar energy technologies. Its solar-powered, affordable water desalination and purification system uses concentrated solar energy, rather than fossil fuels, making it an ideal solution for the growing global water crisis.
  • Circadiance LLC; $100K, Westmoreland County – medical device company that has developed a flexible, cloth CPAP mask for the treatment of sleep apnea.
  • Crono, LLC; $50K, Allegheny County – is developing a platform for personal assistant agents that utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) to automate multi-step web-based interactions. Crono will deliver applications to internet users that will save them significant time, satisfy users' preferences, and reduce information overload.

UPMC Patient Recovers from the Nation's First Double Hand Transplant
"After undergoing a nine-hour double hand transplant at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in May – the first ever in the U.S. – patient Jeff Kepner is steadily recovering. He's now able to wiggle his fingers and grab a tennis ball, and is looking forward to feeling his wife's touch when she holds his hands." Read more

EVENTS

August 5, 2009 – Breakfast Briefing: Westinghouse and Nuclear Energy – The Reality of the Renaissance
The Pittsburgh Technology Council presents Westinghouse President and CEO Aris S. Candris, who will discuss the nuclear energy renaissance in the context of global environmental and energy policies. Dr. Candris will trace the development of commercial nuclear energy from its roots here in western Pennsylvania to its current status as the nation's largest source of carbon-free electricity. He will also address the need for and benefits of ongoing investment in technology development and process improvement, and how those investments over the last two decades have positioned Westinghouse to lead the ongoing nuclear renaissance. From 7-9:30 a.m. Cost: $40 for members, $175 for non-members.

August 7, 2009 – Patent Pending: An Overview of the Patent Process for Inventors
If you have developed a new product of technology and what to do next, join us as renowned professionals Julie Meder, JD, The Webb Law Firm; Deb Anderson, JD, Meyer, Unkovic & Scott, LLP; and Michael Lehman, MD, MBA, Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, who will help you navigate you through the process of securing protection for your creation. Cost: $35. From 8-10 a.m. at the University of Pittsburgh.

August 11, 2009 – HireUP – Employers
Looking for a way to spice up your workforce? Tired of the same employee prospects online? We can connect you with seasoned professionals ready to build upon their skills and experience with a new organization. Register your recruiting team for HireUP, a casual event providing professional networking opportunities with a roomful of active job seekers. It's the perfect opportunity to connect with professional candidates, showcase your company benefits, share information on job openings and locate your next star employee. Presented by the Pittsburgh Technology Council. From 6-9 p.m. Cost: $350 for members, $700 for non-members.

August 21, 2009 – Building Information Modeling:  The Future of Construction
McGraw-Hill Construction hosts this session in Moon Township on Building Information Modeling (BIM), a new way of creating buildings and civil projects that can result in significant benefits and is currently experiencing wide adoption throughout the design and construction community.  Steve Jones, McGraw-Hill's senior director of business development, will explain BIM, its advantages and how it is changing the ways projects are designed, built and managed. Attendance fees, which include breakfast and all program materials, are $115-$150 depending on membership status.

September 15-16, 2009 – 3 Rivers Venture Fair
The PRA is a proud sponsor of the 3 Rivers Venture Fair, which is among the nation's most prominent showcases of breakthrough innovations in technology, life sciences and energy. Every 18 months, 500+ A-list venture capitalists, private investors, investment bankers, and leaders in business, finance and entrepreneurship convene in Pittsburgh to discover opportunities in the hottest emerging markets and meet cutting-edge innovators from a 10-state region and beyond. Since its founding in 2002, the 3 Rivers Venture Fair has helped participating ventures raise more than $292+ million in investment capital. At PNC Park. Register by August 7th to receive a $50 restaurant gift card OR a dozen Titleist Pro V1® golf balls.

October 25-29, 2009 – Materials Science & Technology 2009 Conference and Exhibition (MS&T ‘09)
MS&T '09 is the leading forum addressing structure, properties, processing and performance across the materials community. Produced by a partnership of four leading materials societies, it brings together scientists, engineers, students, suppliers and others to discuss current research and applications, and shape the future of materials science and technology. At the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.


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