I’ve never been one for New Year’s resolutions and I don’t have one specific goal in mind, but I am optimistic for all of us in 2022. What I do hope is that next year is more settled than this one and the signs are already pointing in that direction. One sign is the recent US Census data showing significant population growth in the Airport Corridor, which we have not seen in over a decade. The anecdotal story of business and population growth is now based on facts, so it looks like our signs of optimism are coming to fruition.
Allegheny County overall has seen, according to the recently released data a 2.2% change from 2010-2020. When we break down our key airport area communities the growth numbers are significant. Findlay Township – 25.9%, Green Tree Borough – 11.5%, Moon Township – 12.6%, North Fayette Township – 16.0%, South Fayette Township – 27.3% for an overall 6 – municipality total of 16.0% growth in our population. This is fantastic news, just in time as we look at all the exciting projects, initiatives and growth here in the Airport Corridor.
We as human beings are naturally resistant to change. Whether it’s the massive global upheaval of the last two years or transitions closer to home, the change that comes with growth is a welcome change for all.
I think 2022 will be a year when many of us finally settle into a post-pandemic new normal. For us here at the Chamber, that will mean more interaction with our members as COVID cases hopefully go down. I’m looking forward to spending more time engaging with my family creating new memories, memories that will reach far beyond the past two years.
I hope you and your loved ones also find a way to create new routines. There’s no question that the pandemic will create huge, lasting changes that will take years to fully understand, which can feel scary. Fortunately we can still dream and those dreams of our children, our colleagues and us as individuals hopefully will reach heights never before imagined - “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” – Elanor Roosevelt.
The world has adapted to big disruptions before, and we’ll do it again. In the meantime, I wish you a very happy holiday season from all of us here at the Airport Area Chamber of Commerce.
