July 2020 Edition
If you live, work and connect here in the Pittsburgh Airport Area, then you are familiar with our history and the people who make up our community. The people here are industrious and sedulous. They value our heritage and don’t surrender to bad times. Back in January and February of this year, we were on a pathway to creative development and seeing significant regional growth in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Then it all came to an abrupt stop.
 
Five months later, we are seeing signs of recovery, at least economically. However, there remain many unknowns associated with the Covid-19 virus. Those positive signs are reflected in this issue of our Airport Area newsletter, with reports depicting the legacy of Airport Area companies such as Michael Baker International, Heritage Valley Health System, the Allegheny County Airport Authority and Comcast. These companies demonstrate growth and are weathering the storm here in the airport corridor. We also look at some of the new and innovative employers creating thousands of new jobs in the area, including ConnectiveRx , Amazon , Welke USA Customs Brokers , and PGH Networks .
 
Our economic landscape continues to evolve. The Energy, Commerce and Innovation Corridor (ECIC) will soon link our Southern Washington County neighbors to Pittsburgh International Airport, Beaver County and the Royal Shell cracker plant. Are you interested in learning more? Open our July Airport Area newsletter, which only scratches the surface of the opportunities available to those who live, work and connect here in the Airport Area of Pittsburgh.

Stay well,

Chris Heck
President/CEO
Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce
Company Spotlight
Eighty years ago, a young engineer from rural western Pennsylvania named Michael Baker Jr. had a vision to make the world a better place through the marvels of engineering. Today Pittsburgh-based Michael Baker International has grown to become a comprehensive provider of consulting and engineering services, including architecture, aviation, construction services, energy, federal planning, transportation and water.

Whether it is modernizing airports, redesigning and constructing a busy stretch of interstate, or erecting a state-of-the-art bridge, Michael Baker International’s more than 3,000 employees share a commitment to excellence and a dedication to making a difference – for its clients, communities and one another .
News From the Airport Area
Welke USA Arrives in Pittsburgh
PGH Networks Joins the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber or Commerce
Choolaah Opens in the Airport Corridor
Pittsburgh International Airport’s Ready For Takeoff Program
From the Desk of Norm Mitry, President & CEO of Heritage Valley Health System
Advocacy Corner
A message from PA State Senator Pam Iovino
of the 37th District
As part of the state’s $2.6 billion appropriation of federal CARES funds, I advocated and voted for the $225 million COVID-19 Relief Pennsylvania Statewide Small Business Assistance Program, which will provide grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to small businesses that have been economically impacted by the pandemic. The first of multiple application windows closed on July 14, however, applications continue to be accepted and will be considered for future rounds of funding. These are not first-come, first-served and eligible businesses are encouraged to submit their applications.

To overview the application process, I hosted a webinar on June 25 with leadership of the three Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) which serve our area that are administering the program. Over 50 small business owners attended and received answers to help them prepare to apply.
It's All About the People
Ready to Work Recovery Response Coalition
5 Quick Tips for Conducting Video Interviews
Development in the Airport Area Corridor
Parkway West Likely to Benefit from Changing Country
Insights from the Communicators
PAACC Public Affairs Update
Amy Kaminski, Mulberry Strategies
The Facebook Debate
Tripp Clarke, 321 Blink
Listening to Our Community
Meesha, RedTree Web Design, LLC
Entrepreneurial Corner
Larry Schwartz, Midnight Blue Technology Services
Buddy Hobart, Solutions 21
Stay Connected
Despite operational changes, the PAACC is still committed to providing our members with informative content and helpful resources. Be sure to connect with us on Facebook , Twitter and LinkedIn for the latest information.
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