New National Energy Technology Laboratory Director Cugini to be Keynote Speaker at GlobalPittsburgh International Bridge Awards on April 21

Anthony V. Cugini, newly appointed director of the U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), will be the keynote speaker at the GlobalPittsburgh® International Bridge Awards on the evening of April 21, 2010 at the Heinz Field East Club Lounge.

GlobalPittsburgh will welcome two dozen top Embassy and Consulate representatives from 11 countries and the United Nations, including Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland, The Netherlands, Oman, South Africa, United Kingdom and Vietnam as it honors corporations, organizations and individuals whose efforts have succeeded in building bridges of understanding and communication between the Pittsburgh Region and other parts of the world. CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE INVITATION AND RESERVATION FORM.

Bringing together area leaders in the fields of energy, life sciences, education, environmental design & innovation, technology and advanced manufacturing, the International Bridge Awards is the centerpiece of the GlobalPittsburgh Energy, Life Sciences & Education Showcase. This two-day program of presentations, panel discussions and tours highlighting the Greater Pittsburgh Region’s innovation, leadership and centers of excellence for the visiting foreign dignitaries on April 21-22, 2010.

The event takes place on the eve of Earth Day 2010, and will help kick off the six-week period of events and celebrations leading up to World Environment Day 2010 on June 5. More than 500 invitations have been issued for the event. Reservation information is available at www.globalpittsburgh.org.

“We are thrilled that Dr. Cugini will join us to represent NETL and the region’s energy leadership as we help launch this exciting series of events to further highlight the Greater Pittsburgh Region’s leadership and advancements in energy and the environment, life sciences and education,” said Roger O. Cranville, GlobalPittsburgh Chairman and President. “We know from experience that Pittsburgh’s reputation as an example of successful economic and environmental revitalization is known around the world.”

Operated by the U.S. Department of Energy, the primary mission of Pittsburgh-based NETL is to develop new technologies and approaches that will ensure the safe, clean, and affordable use of U.S. fossil energy resources through the 21st century, including carbon capture and storage (CCS); advanced generation technology for both new and existing coal-based power plants; and advanced research on novel concepts.

Since 1993, the Bridge Awards have been a unique recognition of the region’s global connections and a major networking event. In addition to honoring this year’s winners, this gala event will feature booths and interactive displays highlighting the Region’s leading companies and organizations in the field of energy, environmental and education.

The inclusion of senior embassy and consulate representatives from major international players at the International Bridge Awards will allow attendees to make important business and cultural connections that have the potential to lead to valuable partnerships and future economic development opportunities, Cranville said.

The GlobalPittsburgh Energy, Life Sciences & Education Showcase (by invitation only) will include:

• A tour of Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild
• Lunch at Phipps Conservatory
• Presentation about the University of Pittsburgh's energy-related research programs, which cover energy diversification, nuclear power advances, clean coal technologies, renewable energy and environmental solutions. More information about Pitt's energy & environmental initiatives is available at http://www.energy.pitt.edu/ and http://www.mascarocenter.pitt.edu.
• International Bridge Awards Gala
• Half-day symposium on the morning of April 22 focusing on the Greater Pittsburgh Region’s energy innovations, both in conventional fossil fuels and new energy fields.
• Tour of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC

Sponsors for the GlobalPittsburgh Energy, Life Sciences & Education Showcase include UPMC Global Care, UPMC Health Plan, Westinghouse Electric Co., First Niagara Bank, Bombardier, Burt Hill, Robert Morris University, the government of Canada, Babst, Calland, Clements & Zomnir, Sycor Americas and Vivisimo.

As a member of the National Council for International Visitors, GlobalPittsburgh (formerly the Pittsburgh Council for International Visitors) works with the U.S. Department of State and other international organizations to arrange and coordinate visits by foreign individuals and delegations interested in learning more about Pittsburgh’s centers of excellence, including energy, education, technology, health sciences, green design and social services, and in studying the region’s economic and environmental transformation.

For 50 years, GlobalPittsburgh has welcomed volunteers and hosts to act as tour guides, dinner hosts, home stay hosts and drivers for visiting delegations and individuals. For more information about GlobalPittsburgh programs, visit www.GlobalPittsburgh.org, call 412-392-4513 or send email to info@pciv.org.

For more information about the GlobalPittsburgh Energy, Life Sciences & Education Showcase, go to www.globalpittsburgh.org or contact Thomas Buell, Jr., GlobalPittsburgh VP-Communications, at 412-392-4513 or 412-720-2218, or by email at tcbuell@versopartners.com.