Outlook for Pittsburgh Region

At its 2006 annual meeting of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, its chairman outlined the region's successes and pointed to the challenges that still impede economic growth in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.

Jim Rohr, chairman and CEO of Downtown-based PNC Financial Services Inc., said one of the key impediments to this region's growth are residents who might not have a well-enough developed idea of the area's attributes.

"The region is at an all-time high for employment, which is lost on our community," said Rohr, who has chaired the conference since January.

As conference chair, Rohr oversees the privately supported research, marketing and business advocacy functions of the conference, which include the 50-plus regional economic development groups that form the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance.

A key focus for the conference in 2006, according to its CEO, Mike Langley, has been to better educate members and supporters on the respective roles of the conference and some of its member organizations. Rather than view the PRA as a subordinate under the control of the conference, Langley said PRA members should look upon the business development experts on the conference staff as assets.

More here.