OCTOBER 2009
View the 'Events' Section
Global Model of Transformation & Renewal: The Pittsburgh Summit
The Pittsburgh Summit (G-20) is now a part of world history, and the Pittsburgh region's story of economic, environmental and quality-of-life transformation continues to be touted across the globe – from The Wall Street Journal ("In Pittsburgh, A Road to Recovery") to The Economist ("The Revival of Pittsburgh: Lessons for the G-20") to the Shanghai Morning Post. And then there is President Barack Obama: "Pittsburgh picked itself up, dusted itself off and is making the transition to job-creating industries of the future, from biotechnology to clean energy..."
"Pittsburgh was a perfect venue for this work. This city has known its share of hard times as older industries like steel could no longer grow. But Pittsburgh picked itself up, dusted itself off and is making the transition to job-creating industries of the future, from biotechnology to clean energy. It serves as a model for turning the page to a 21st century economy, and a reminder that the key to our further prosperity lies not just in New York or Los Angeles or Washington, but in places like Pittsburgh."
- President Barack Obama at the closing of The Pittsburgh Summit, Sept. 25, 2009
View a collection of articles covering Pittsburgh as host to the G-20. Plus, check out this 3-minute video from Deutsche-Welle TV Europe.
More Economic Development News
200-300 Jobs: South Korean Electric Car Plant to Open in Pittsburgh
CT&T Co. Ltd. of South Korea, the world largest maker of golf carts and electric vehicles, recently announced that it will build an eZone electric car production and distribution plant in Pittsburgh, creating 200-300 jobs. Read more
London-Based Resolute Communications to Open Pittsburgh office, Hiring
“Resolute Communications of London is opening a Pittsburgh office and hiring.
With a focus on healthcare marketing and communications, especially working with new technologies and emerging healthcare products, Resolute saw the value of getting into Pittsburgh before the post G-20 rush. This will be the company's second location in the U.S. in addition to its office in New York City.” Read More
Pittsburgh Could Be U.S. Energy Hub
"The Pittsburgh region is well-positioned to become the nation's energy center … with 700 companies locally engaged in the energy business, and our high amount of coal, natural gas and nuclear supply, the region is one of three areas in the nation that could qualify for that distinction… Those 700 companies support 105,000 jobs generating more than $13 billion annually, or 10 percent of the region's economy.” Read more
Hiring up to 300: Flabeg Readies its First U.S. Solar Power Mirror Manufacturing Facility
“Flabeg of Germany, maker of mirrors for the solar industry, is nearing completion on the first solar mirror manufacturing plant in the U.S. in Clinton Commerce Park near Pittsburgh International Airport. The 209,000 SF facility is scheduled to open later this fall and will employ up to 300 people, including many high-skilled jobs.” Read more
BPL Global Expands to Cranberry, Hiring 20
“Smart grid technology leader BPL Global is on the move, expanding its company headquarters and adding an additional 20 people to their growing Pittsburgh regional operation … The company is growing its staff with the addition of 20 employees, 10 in Pittsburgh and 10 globally, bringing the total employee count to 150.” Read more
New York-based Wind Power Company, EverPower, opens Lawrencville Office
Green, wind energy company EverPower has opened its mid-Atlantic headquarters in Pittsburgh's Lawrenceville neighborhood. Now in its new 6,600 SF offices at the Chocolate Factory, a 71,000 SF Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC) property, it joins other tenants such as Seegrid Corporation and RedZone Robotics, and is in close proximity to Carnegie Mellon University's National Robotics Engineering Center. Read the press release (PDF file), a full article and view the photo gallery.
EcoClean Burners on Target for $1M for Plastic to Energy Tech, Hiring 54
“Pittsburgh-based startup EcoClean Burners, with the Penn State Extension, has developed a startlingly simple technology to produce energy from the combustion of plastic garbage.” Read more
Pittsburgh Sewage Plant to Turn Methane into Electricity
"Moon Township has figured out a way to turn human waste into electricity, and officials there are hoping to reduce air pollution and save money in the process. The Moon township municipal authority is planning to burn methane gas produced from its wastewater treatment plant along Montour Run in turbines that would then generate electricity to power the plant.” Read more
$1M State DEP Grant Assists Consol Energy’s R&D Test Project to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
"The state Department of Environmental Protection will give $1 million to Consol Energy's Research and Development division to help finance a test project designed to capture emissions of carbon dioxide emissions, a greenhouse gas responsible for global warming. The new technology, if successful, will enable world economies to reduce carbon dioxide emissions while meeting energy needs necessary for economic growth, and also help to reduce the United States' dependence on foreign oil.” Read more
Wind Energy Grant for Bayer MaterialScience
“Bayer MaterialScience has received a $750,000 grant for the development and testing of a new material for wind turbine blades ... for highly efficient 1.5+ megawatt wind turbines. Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Energy, part of a $14 million economic stimulus program that will support 28 wind energy-related projects around the country.” Read more
Green Building in Pittsburgh Means Preserving Past
“The Phipps Conservatory, the world's most energy-efficient conservatory, embodies how Pittsburgh became an international leader in the field of green building: by converting historic landmarks for sustainable 21st century use. Metro Pittsburgh, only the 22nd largest city in the nation, ranks seventh for the number of LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy-Efficient Design) structures.” Read more
MAYA Design Develops Solar-Powered Display for Phipps' 'Living Building'
“MAYA Design, based on Pittsburgh's South Side, has developed a solar-powered interactive display to be rolled out as part of the new Center for Sustainable Landscapes, a ‘living building' under development at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.” Read more
American Eagle Outfitters Expands SouthSide Works Headquarters
“At Pittsburgh's [mixed-use, brownfield redevelopment] SouthSide Works, American Eagle Outfitters Inc. recently opened Quantum III, the 150,000 SF riverfront office building that is a companion to the company's already occupied headquarters. American Eagle moved its headquarters to the mixed-use development in July 2007. With the addition of Quantum III, the retailer expects to have approximately 500 people working in Pittsburgh's South Side neighborhood within the next 18 months.” Read more
Sim Ops Studios Readies New Selling Tools, Expands Game Jam
“Sim Ops Studios will soon launch yet another innovative tool for game developers, Pocket Change, a YouTube-like website that allows developers to sell their games through their own sites and make money too.” Read more
BitArmor Receives National IT Recognition, Expanding, Hiring
Security software company BitArmor is hiring, has a new project, and was recently named among the top industry leaders from a leading national marketing analyst. Read
more
Zoll Lifecore Saves Lives with World's First Wearable Defibrillator
“For patients diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia, the ZOLL Lifecore LifeVest is a real lifesaver. The lightweight, strap-on vest is the world's first wearable defibrillator, worn outside the body where it continuously monitors a patient's heartbeat, delivering a shock when a life-threatening heartbeat is detected.” Read more
Warhola Video Productions Moves to, Expands in, Pittsburgh's North Side
“Warhola Video Productions, a production company focusing on corporate videos and owned by Jay Warhola, a second cousin of famed artist [and Pittsburgh native] Andy Warhol, moved from its 2,900 SF offices in Robinson into a 4,700 SF space in Pittsburgh's North Side neighborhood,” not far from the Andy Warhol Museum. Read more
Philips Respironics Opens $32M Manufacturing Facility
“Philips Respironics [recently opened] its new $32 million manufacturing center, devoted to high-volume production of sleep therapy devices used in treating obstructive sleep apnea.” Read
more
The Pittsburgh Regional Alliance: Customized Economic Development Services – Free of Charge
Interested in learning more about locating in the Pittsburgh region? The Pittsburgh Regional Alliance (PRA) an affiliate of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, provides personalized economic development resources, supporting existing employers and marketing the benefits of conducting business in southwestern Pennsylvania to companies worldwide that are growing, relocating or expanding. Contact the PRA today and connect your business to state and local funding and incentive sources, real estate information, connections to the regional business community and more. View the PRA Capabilities one-pager (PDF file) or call 877.392.1300 today.
Reuters Highlights the Best of Pittsburgh in a 48-Hour Tour
“Once known as America's Steel City, these days Pittsburgh is more famous for its Super Bowl winning Steelers football team, its universities, hospitals and its lush, hilly vistas.” Read more
Starpointe Business Park Receives Development Grant
"The Washington County Council on Economic Development will receive a $199,500 HUD grant Monday for the development of Starpointe Business Park, south of Pittsburgh. The 1,200-acre park, designated as a Brownfield Action Team site, is being developed as an economic driver for Hanover and Smith Townships.” Read more
Maglev Wins $28M Federal Grant to Connect Airport to Downtown and Points East
“The federal government yesterday awarded $28 million for the continued planning of a magnetic levitation train line designed to speed passengers from Pittsburgh International Airport to Downtown Pittsburgh and points east.” Read more
Pittsburgh International Airport Traffic Update: Four Airlines Report Traffic Increases
AirTran Airways, Southwest Airlines, Midwest and Myrtle Beach Direct Air all reported an increase in traffic at Pittsburgh International Airport in August 2009 compared to August 2008. Read more
Pittsburgh Among Top Metros for Per Capita Income Growth
“According to newly released research by Bizjournals, the online division of American City Business Journals Inc., the Pittsburgh area has seen its per capita income increase 95.2 percent over the past 15 years – making it No. 12 in per capita growth among the 100 markets surveyed.” Read more
PRA's New Pittsburgh Region by the Numbers Book Available Now
The Pittsburgh Regional Alliance recently updated its award-winning fact book “Pittsburgh Region by the Numbers.” It's your comprehensive source for information on topics including business presence, human resources, transportation, innovation, taxes, quality of life and more. Data from the book is available here or contact Kristen Freiss, 412-281-4783, ext. 2023 for a copy of the printed version.
World's First Programmable Credit Card: Start-Up Dynamics Inc. Receives $5.7M
“Start-up Dynamics, Inc., inventor of the world's first fully programmable magnetic stripe, has landed an initial, oversubscribed $5.7 million Series A financing round led by Pittsburgh-based Adams Capital Management. “ Read more
3 Rivers Venture Fair Attracts Record Audience
“The sixth annual 3 Rivers Venture Fair attracted a record crowd in September as more than 600 people filed into PNC Park to meet the region's innovators. With the G-20 in the wings, the event was bigger than ever, attracting many life science startups, such as Circadiance and Neurointerventions, and new chemical inventions from ATRP Solutions.” Read more
Pittsburgh Council for International Visitors Now Called GlobalPittsburghSM
Pittsburgh Council for International Visitors (PCIV) has officially changed its name to GlobalPittsburgh, effective immediately. The newly named organization will continue and expand the PCIV's hosting and programming functions for international delegations to the Pittsburgh region, which it has performed with distinction for 50 years.
EVENTS
October 8, 2009 – LEED Technical Workshop: Green Building Design & Construction
The Green Building Alliance presents this workshop for design and construction professionals involved in implementing LEED on commercial new construction projects or pursuing GBCI's LEED AP Design + Construction credential. The instructor will go through typical project phases, using case examples and implementation strategies to reinforce learning and encourage students to apply knowledge to real-life situations.
October 9 - November 11, 2009 – Mechanics of Starting a Business, plus other entrepreneurial programs
From how to start a business to creating and managing a successful staff, the University of Pittsburgh Institute of Entrepreneurial Excellence has affordable (and sometimes free) resources to help make your big idea a reality.
October 14, 2009 – Steel Valley Enterprise Zone Corporation (SVEZC) will host a Business Development Breakfast
On Wednesday, October 14, 2009, join SVEZC for a complimentary breakfast at the Bulgarian-Macedonian Center at 449 West Eighth Avenue, West Homestead, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Hear about business development activities in the Steel Valley area. RSVP to the breakfast by calling the Steel Valley Enterprise Zone Corporation office at 412-462-8870, or by e-mail at info@svez.org.
October 14, 21 & 28, November 4 & 10, 2009 – Marcellus Shale Business Breakfast Seminars
As the development of Marcellus Shale natural gas grows in Pennsylvania, understand what opportunities it represents for your business. The Indiana County Center for Economic Operations (CEO) is hosting 5 complimentary "Your Business & Marcellus Shale" seminars from 8-9:30 a.m. Held at the Chestnut Ridge Gold Resort and Conference Center in Burrell Township, to help local entrepreneurs and established businesses to understand and respond to Marcellus Shale-related business opportunities.
October 14-15, 2009 – Network Centric Manufacturing (NCM) Forum “Going Network Centric Delivers Results
Hear real-world case studies from industry leaders who are overcoming distributed manufacturing challenges through Network Centric Manufacturing (NCM). Learn how they're reducing costs and time while increasing agility, collaboration and visibility across geographically-dispersed supply chains. At the Marriott City Center.
October 15, 2009 – Tech 50: Putting a Spotlight on Technology
The Pittsburgh Technology Council's Tech 50 Awards represent southwestern Pennsylvania's most successful and innovative technology companies. The awards represent transformative technology centers of excellence with companies at all stages of growth. We're also honoring the industry's top executives. This year they're mixing it up with an entertaining cabaret theme, fast-paced program, new location and a bit of karaoke to boot. Register today to attend one of the most exciting nights in technology.
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.
November 10, 2009 – Sustainability: The Bridge to the Future
Learn why environmental, financial and social responsibility – the triple bottom line – are essential for economic recovery, innovation and growth at the Third Annual Beard Center Symposium. Executives, entrepreneurs, professionals, managers, and community leaders who have a stake in the region's business future should attend and will gain practical insights that can help their organizations thrive in a rapidly changing business climate. At the Westin Hotel Pittsburgh from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
November 12, 2009 – Annual Pennsylvania Business Technology Conference
Discover technology trends and tools to grow your business. The Pennsylvania Business Technology Conference (PBTC) is designed to equip companies with the information they need to make smart technology decisions that will enhance their profitability, productivity and market adaptability. Discover the Newest Innovations in: eMarketing, business intelligence, IT management, wireless Technologies, finance & accounting, web analytics, networking, security and software. Keynote speaker, Adam Kmiec, Director, Interactive Marketing Innovation, MARC USA, will speak about "Adapting to the Digital World – Becoming a Socially Savvy Business." At Duquesne University from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
December 16, 2009 – Wind Supply Chain Workshop
Presented by the Great Lakes Wind Network, the Wind Supply Chain Workshop will provide regional manufacturing firms with information on business opportunities in the wind supply chain industry, current global trends driving market demand for key components, wind supply chain structure, what wind OEMs look for in their suppliers and next steps for capable interested manufacturers. Hosted by The University of Pittsburgh Manufacturing Assistance Center, 3 Rivers Clean Energy, the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance and Catalyst Connection at Robert Morris University's Sewall Center from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Registration opens at 8:00 a.m.; breakfast will be served. The workshop is provided at no-charge due to the generous support of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation. Registration details coming soon
  
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