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.
2021 | 2020 | 2019 |2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009
2023 Archives
05.31.2024
Viewpoint: Collaboration is central in downtown Pittsburgh revitalization efforts
Pittsburgh Business Times
2021 Archives
07.11.2021
Mark Anthony Thomas’ Viewpoint: New efforts being launched to resolve region’s talent bottleneck
Mark Thomas, President, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance
04.20.2021
Letter to the editor: Pittsburgh is at the center of infrastructure, innovation
Matt Smith, President, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce
03.26.2021
Letter to the editor: Immigration reform will rebuild our economy
Matt Smith, President, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce
2020 Archives
07.31.2020
Pashman’s Viewpoint: Accepting the new normal
Stefani Pashman, CEO, Allegheny Conference
Pittsburgh Business Times
03.27.2020
Pashman’s Viewpoint: Pittsburgh leadership in a time of crisis
Stefani Pashman, CEO, Allegheny Conference
Pittsburgh Business Times
2019 Archives
12.13.2019
Allegheny Conference sets goal to create 75,000 new jobs in next 10 years
Stefani Pashman, CEO, Allegheny Conference
Pittsburgh Business Times
11.15.2019
New assets are a win for Pittsburgh International Airport and the region’s economy
Stefani Pashman, CEO, Allegheny Conference
Pittsburgh Business Times
09.29.2019
Increasing clean energy and creating jobs
Matt Smith, President, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce and Brandon Mendoza, Executive Director, NAIOP
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
08.09.19
Linda Topoleski’s Viewpoint: Going away? Wait! Say yes to Pittsburgh
Linda Topoleski, Vice President, Workforce Operations and Programs, Allegheny Conference
Pittsburgh Business Times
07.26.19
Jeff Broadhurst and Toni Murphy’s Viewpoint: This is just the beginning of Our Next 75
Pittsburgh Business Times
05.24.19
Jerry MacCleary’s Viewpoint: Setting principles for sustainability
Pittsburgh Business Times
03.22.19
Leroy Ball’s Viewpoint: Regional manufacturing endures, but must continue to adapt
Pittsburgh Business Times
01.18.19
Stefani Pashman’s Viewpoint: Creating a next generation economy for all
Stefani Pashman, CEO, Allegheny Conference
Pittsburgh Business Times
2018 Archives
12.14.18
Stefani Pashman’s Viewpoint: What Pittsburgh learned from HQ2
Stefani Pashman, CEO, Allegheny Conference
Pittsburgh Business Times
10.12.18
Viewpoint: In innovation economic development, scale matters
Matt Minczeski, Marketing Director, Allegheny Conference
Pittsburgh Business Times
09.23.18
Pennsylvania’s retro policy on driver’s license suspensions
Co-authored by Matt Smith, President, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
09.14.18
Viewpoint: Retaining grads key to regional growth
Alison Treaster, Director, Workforce Business Engagement, Allegheny Conference
Pittsburgh Business Times
08.07.18
Viewpoint: Landing Pittsburgh to London raises our region’s profile
Stefani Pashman, CEO, Allegheny Conference
Pittsburgh Business Times
07.09.18
Viewpoint: Clean Slate Act Gives Some Second Chance to Work
Matt Smith, President, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce
Pittsburgh Business Times
06.14.18
Viewpoint: Regional investment scorecard shows the strength of technology
Jim Futrell, VP, Market Research & Analysis, Allegheny Conference
Pittsburgh Business Times
05.11.18
Viewpoint: We must build the Pittsburgh region’s transportation future for all
Carly Dobbins-Bucklad, Senior Policy Analyst, Allegheny Conference
Pittsburgh Business Times
04.20.18
Viewpoint: Improving Pennsylvania’s business competitiveness
Jenn Beer, Senior Director, Government Affairs, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce
Pittsburgh Business Times
02.22.18
Viewpoint: Neighborhood assistance program is critical to community revitalization in the Pittsburgh region
Will Bernstein, Senior Policy Analyst, Allegheny Conference
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, Allegheny Conference
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, Allegheny Conference
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
Pittsburgh Business Times
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
