ACCD Annual Report 03
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
REGIONAL VISION GLOBAL IMPACT The Allegheny Conference on Community Development and its affiliates (Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce and Pennsylvania Economy League —Western Division) are advancing 3 Rivers: One Future, a regional initiative to stimulate growth in Southwestern Pennsylvania’s economy and improve its quality of life. Regional Enterprise Tower ALLEGHENY CONFERENCE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 425 Sixth Avenue, Suite 1100 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 AND ITS AFFILIATES Toll-free: 1 (877) 392-1300 Phone: (outside of U.S. and Canada) +1 (412) 392-1000 ANNUAL REPORT 2003 Fax: (412) 392-1005 Email: ???? www.accdpel.org PENNSYLVANIA ECONOMY LEAGUE GREATER PITTSBURGH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PITTSBURGH REGIONAL ALLIANCE REGIONAL VISION GLOBAL IMPACT 03 LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN For almost 250 years, Southwestern universities, a strong work ethic and Pennsylvania has been a point of a high quality of life. Working in convergence, of east and west, capital partnership with numerous organizations and creativity, and innovation and and the public sector, we will prevail. entrepreneurship. Today, the private To the members of the Allegheny sector leadership of our region is Conference Regional Investors Council, converging again to advance a shared your commitment of time, talent and vision, 3 Rivers: One Future. The resources is an essential component leadership of the Allegheny Conference for our region’s success. I also commend on Community Development and its our many stakeholders and partners. Affiliates, the Pennsylvania Economy Economic and community development League-Western Division, Greater is a long-term investment. I extend my Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce and personal thanks for your continued Pittsburgh Regional Alliance has created participation and leadership. a unified, private sector-led organization to move our region back into a position of global leadership. Martin G. McGuinn The document you are holding details Chairman of the Board our activities and achievements in 2003. Allegheny Conference on We have real and immediate challenges, Community Development from uncertainty about air service to the City of Pittsburgh fiscal crisis. We also have tremendous opportunity, to build on the strengths of our 33 colleges and 01 LETTER FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER The Pittsburgh region is blessed with global corporations that are committed assets many others envy; major research citizens of the region as well. universities and dozens of colleges and 3 Rivers: One Future career schools; world class expertise in In 2003, more than 200 for-profit and information technology and life sciences; not-for-profit corporations of all sizes and the proven ability to make things, joined the Allegheny Conference Regional with a workforce driven to make them Investors Council. These Regional well. To be a leading region in a global Investors provide the time, talent, and economy, it is imperative to unlock the resources essential to improve our potential that these assets represent. region’s competitiveness and market its strengths. More than 500 individuals, Strong, private sector-driven leadership is many of them business leaders or their essential. Seventy percent of the new jobs direct reports, have volunteered to serve that will be created in our region will be on the committees, task forces and generated by employers that are already boards that drive our agenda forward. here. No one has a bigger stake in our Thank you for your support, and for your regional economy than the entrepreneurs commitment to our community. and the operators of small and mid-sized businesses whose roots go deep here, and We have made a strong beginning. With whose success will depend on the your continued support, we will unlock strength of the region, and the region’s the potential of our region and regain our ability to provide cost-effective govern- leading position in a global economy. ment services, a competitive tax climate, and a quality of life that helps them to compete globally. Fortunately, they are supported by an enviable collection of F. Michael Langley Chief Executive Officer Pennsylvania Economy League/ Western Division 02 REGIONAL VISION GLOBAL IMPACT INTRODUCTION 3 Rivers: One Future Overview REGIONAL JOB PERFORMANCE THE GOALS ARE STRAIGHTFORWARD. region, although the Pittsburgh Regional Regional Alliance. Together, they represent In 2003 and going forward, the overall ■ Talented young people will want to live 2003 Successes 3 Rivers: One Future (3R:1F) is a regional Alliance enjoyed some success in attracting the full spectrum of resources needed to vision driving the Conference’s activities and work in Southwestern Pennsylvania initiative of the Allegheny Conference and and preserving several thousand jobs. competently, competitively, and effectively is simple: because of a unique mix of opportunities • 18 located projects its affiliated organizations to stimulate create solutions. In broad terms, the for careers, community involvement, • 1,150 new jobs ■ growth in Southwestern Pennsylvania’s In addition, delays in crafting a state organizations listen to the region’s customers Businesses and residents will have culture, and recreation. • 835 retained jobs economy and improve its quality of life budget slowed progress on obtaining state (business decision-makers and talented competitive taxes, an affordable cost of • $55.9 million in new with a goal of creating 50,000 new jobs capital investment in key infrastructure individuals) to better understand competitive living, and an understandable, responsive These are our goals. This is the beginning. capital investment and attracting more than $1 billion in and economic development projects. The challenges; develop solutions to these governmental and civic structure. The following are our 2003 achievements. ■ new public and private investment. Conference will continue to push to see the challenges through research and analysis, No business seeking to locate or expand Aggregate 3 Rivers: projects move forward in 2004 so that our advocate at all government levels to in Southwestern Pennsylvania will be One Future Successes 2003 posed particular challenges. The investment goals remain on track. improve the business climate and quality turned away due to lack of ready-to-go • 39 located projects aftermath of war in Iraq and a national of life; and market the region across the sites, buildings, or other infrastructure. • 2,049 new jobs A three-year campaign, 3R:1F continued ■ recession slowed the pace of economic nation and around the world. The new The world will recognize Southwestern • 2,932 retained jobs to broaden its base of public and private activity in Southwestern Pennsylvania. organization is positioned to be responsive Pennsylvania as a leading center for the • $162.4 million in new support in 2003. As a means to help capital investment A wrenching restructuring of the nation’s to the needs of businesses and capable development and commercialization of c achieve the plan’s goals, the Allegheny airline industry created uncertainty about of accelerating community and economic technology. Conference on Community Development ■ the future of air service at Pittsburgh development, in partnership with other Prospective residents will know that their formally affiliated with three long-time International Airport. By year-end, these non-profit organizations and public sector children will be well educated wherever partners: the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber factors had contributed to a decline in the leadership throughout the region. they live, and businesses will know that total number of jobs across our 10-county of Commerce; the Pennsylvania Economy they will have access to a literate and League-Western Division; and the Pittsburgh well-trained workforce wherever they locate. 04 REGIONAL VISION GLOBAL IMPACT 05 3Rivers: One Future Strategy for 2004+ REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS Government Structure Business Climate Infrastructure Investment PROGRESS ON PRIORITIES Air Service Regional Competitiveness INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC PLACE-SPECIFIC JOB DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT Entrepreneurial Development JOBS Oakland Site Development PEOPLE Airport Area Business Climate and Services Riverfronts/Heritage Areas Workforce Development Downtowns Marketing NEXT GENERATIONS School Performance Early Education Attracting/Retaining Youth Amenities Investment Involvement/Diversity 06 REGIONAL VISION GLOBAL IMPACT PROGRESS ON PRIORITIES Regional Competitiveness FISCAL HEALTH OF ■ The creation of a financial oversight within the City. This enabled the City to LOOKING AHEAD BUSINESS CLIMATE Also in 2003, the Chamber convened the THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH board to insure the City’s budget determine that a reduction of fire stations Recognizing that much remains to be Shortfalls in state revenue and delays Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional The City of Pittsburgh’s financial crisis remains balanced and to prevent any could still maintain effective service levels done to achieve any degree of resolution in crafting a state budget increased the Business Advocacy Council (RAC). Building came to a head in 2003. The Conference new taxes from being enacted until to residents and reduce costs. to the City of Pittsburgh’s fiscal crisis, the challenge in improving the business on the success of the Southwestern and its Affiliates stepped up its efforts to cost cuts are made Conference will dedicate effort and climate in the Pittsburgh region. However, Pennsylvania Growth Alliance, the RAC develop