BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE #5
GREEN BUSINESS PRACTICES & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Thursday May 1st – 8:00 AM
Grandview Golf Club, North Braddock
What is “green business”? Is “green” good for business?
If it is right for your business, where do you start?
How far should you go?
Who is involved in green business right here?
Find answers to these questions and ask your own at the Business Roundtable.
Sponsored by the Heritage Health Foundation and the Enterprise Zone Corporation of Braddock
There is no charge to attend, but an RSVP is requested for planning.
RSVP to (412) 351-0535 or tbdf @ hhfi.org by Monday April 28 if possible.
About the Business Roundtable:
HHFI has initiated a Business Roundtable to address issues and opportunities affecting businesses in Braddock, North Braddock, Rankin, and Swissvale. In the Spring and Fall of 2006, HHFI jointly held roundtable discussions with the Enterprise Zone Corporation of Braddock (EZCB), which also serves North Braddock and Rankin businesses. The Borough Council of Swissvale has expressed interest in joining the EZCB, as well.
The purpose of the Roundtable is to address the concerns of businesses throughout the Braddock area. Topics businesses have brought up include:
- The impacts of the Mon Fayette Expressway and the Braddock Interchange Area.
- Assembling an informational business financing panel so that businesses could better take advantage of public and private business development programs.
- What it takes for a healthy business climate.
- Workforce development
Roundtables are chaired by Enterprise Zone Corporation President, Bill Pfoff, and Heritage Health Foundation President, Bob Grom.
About the TBDF Economic Area:
- The total annual revenue of Braddock, North Braddock, and Rankin is $750 million.
- Within the TBDF area, there are 230 businesses and 3,000 jobs.
- Residents of the 3 square mile area spend over $45 million per year in annual consumer spending, that's $15 million per square mile.
- The consumer spending in this area is 50% greater per square mile than that of other nearby areas, for example, Penn Hills.
- Although Braddock was at one time the 4th largest commercial center around Pittsburgh, now much of the area's consumer spending is focused in other areas.
- The current level of consumer spending presents an opportunity, despite the difficulty of building up new retail business after such a challenging time.
Business Roundtable Topics:
Roundtable 1 - The Mon/Fayette Expressway and Its Impact on Braddock, North Braddock, Rankin, and Swissvale
Held Wednesday, April 5th at 8:00 a.m. at the Grand View Golf Club
MS Consultants, the design firm engaged by the PA Turnpike Commission, presented updated information and addressed questions and comments.
Roundtable 2 - A Healthy Business Climate
Held September 21, 2006 at 8:00 a.m. at the Grand View Golf Club
Business owners were asked, "What’s missing in the area’s economy that keeps it from thriving?” and “What will it take to provide an environment to make the area more attractive for investment?”
Roundtable 3 - Business Incentives and Economic Development Assistance
Held April 26, 2007 at 8:00 a.m. at the Grand View Golf Club
Those attending heard a short introduction from most of the economic development agencies working in the region. They were able to ask the business development panel, “What are the opportunities for advantageous funding and financing programs from the Federal, State, and County governments?”
Roundtable 4 - Workforce Development for Sucessful Business Development
Held November 15, 2007 at 8:00a.m. at the Grand View Golf Club
Representatives from workforce development programs that have been successful in assisting businesses with their workforce development efforts spoke to those attending.
Business Roundtable 5 - Green Business and Development
To be held Thursday May 1 at GRandview Golf Club, North Braddock
For summaries of any of the Roundtables, or for follow up materials or other resources, please call 412-371-6380 or email info "at" tbdfconnects.org.
