Allegheny Conference Wants to Improve Competitiveness

At its annual meeting this evening in Pittsburgh, the Allegheny Conference on Community Development will outlines its short-term and long-term goals and strategy for the region. Conference C-E-O Mike Langley told DUQ News that over the last 9 months they’ve held 15 to 20 roundtables with business, institution and foundation leaders in the 10 county region and they’ve arrived at a common theme: work on the issues that are hampering the area’s competitiveness in the global economy, and more effective promotion and marketing of the region.
Langley says there are four main competitiveness issues: 1)governance could be more effective if there wasn't so much fragmentation: there are 500 municipalities in the 10 county region; 2) the need for improved transportation infrastructure; 3)making the business climate more friendly through tax and regulatory issues; and, 4) keeping more students in the workforce when they graduate by introducing them to careers earlier.
Langley says if they address these concerns it will be easier to market the region and there will be a better chance at having sustained prosperity and a better quality of life.