GlobalPittsburgh Welcoming 140 Fulbright Scholars in March, Seeking Hosts for Small Dinner Groups

GlobalPittsburgh will be arranging activities and programs for a group of 140 visiting Fulbright Scholars from more than 70 countries in March, and is currently seeking hosts in the Pittsburgh area to welcome small groups of the students into their homes for dinner the night of March 21.

Such enrichment activities are part of the program coordinated by the Institute of International Education for the Fulbright Scholars, who are currently attending graduate programs at institutions around the United States. This marks the first time that an IIE/Fulbright enrichment seminar will take place in Pittsburgh.

Hosts will welcome up to four people in their homes for the Fulbright dinners. Anyone interested in becoming a GlobalPittsburgh host should contact Gail Shrott, director of GlobalPittsburgh's international leaders program, at 412-392-4513 or at gshrott@globalpittsburgh.org.

"In past years, Fulbrighters attending Enrichment Seminars in other cities in the U.S. have consistently ranked the hosted evening as one of their favorite and most important experiences in the United States," Shrott said. "We expect that we will be sending many visitors to areas of the city/county (north, east, south) by bus where hosts may meet them in central meeting locations."

Those living in downtown and former Fulbright Scholars are strongly urged to become hosts, Shrott said.

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GlobalPittsburgh National Parent Organization Changes Name to Global Ties U.S., Reflecting World Connections

The National Council for International Visitors (NCIV), of which GlobalPittsburgh is an original member, has changed its name to Global Ties U.S., reflecting the growing importance of international exchange in the United States and around the world.

"The new name represents many exciting and positive changes we are undertaking that build on a strong 50-year foundation of working to make international exchange programs more effective." said Global Ties U.S. Board Chair Kyle Moyer. "The new name Global Ties U.S. better speaks to the ultimate outcome we seek to achieve in building a more peaceful and prosperous world by strengthening ties between individuals and nations through international exchange programs."

Founded in 1961, Global Ties U.S. and its member organizations have served as private sector partners to the U.S. Department of State's prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). World leaders, ranging from former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to Mexico's last president Felipe Calderón, developed close ties to the United States through their experience as IVLP participants. With an impressive alumni roster of more than 350 current and former heads of state worldwide, the IVLP and members of the Global Ties network have played a role in shaping U.S. international relations for decades.

GlobalPittsburgh changed its public identity from the Pittsburgh Council for International Visitors in 2009.

"We live in a time in history where individuals play an unprecedented role in shaping both domestic and international affairs," said Global Ties U.S. President Jennifer Clinton. "Our new name and identity will help us and our 100+ member organizations highlight the important role international exchange programs play as cost-effective public diplomacy tools that support U.S. national security, foreign policy priorities, and economic growth.

For more information, go to http://www.globaltiesus.org/.

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Pittsburgh-Born Fashion Designer Tereneh Mosley Launches Crowd-Sourcing Campaign to Fund Collaboration with Maasai Women of Kenya

Pittsburgh-born fashion designer Tereneh Mosley has launched a crowd-sourcing campaign to help fund a collaboration between her fashion company, Idia'Dega, and a group of women in Kenya's South Rift Valley to develop a sustainable contemporary clothing collection based on their original designs.

Tereneh Mosley (right) with
one of the women in the
Olorgesailie Maasai Women's Group

Funds raised during a new Indiegogo campaign will be used to buy sustainable and local fabric, beads and other materials, develop fashion samples and support a community of Maasai women in Olorgesailie, Kenya. Idia'Dega will develop collection product samples - two complete sample sets to present to fashion media and buyers in 2014. Mosley has set a goal of $9,000.

"The Olorgesailie Maasai Women’s group are talented artisans and craftswomen who lack only a reliable outlet for their products," Mosley writes in her Indiegogo page. "This collaboration with Idia’Dega...could prove to be the key link for these women to gain the economic foundation to achieve their goals. This is a collaboration of equals; we call it Creative Force not Labor Force."

In late 2013, Mosley met with the Olorgesailie Maasai Women (OMWA) and and designed a 10-piece collection of clothing and accessories for men and women.

"The Tomon (10 in Maasai) sustainable collection is based on the beautiful internationally-recognized Maasai design married with contemporary fashion silhouettes," the page says.

Investors in the campaign will receive a variety of perks depending on the amount of their contribution. Those who give $25 will receive a photo sticker of the Maasai community. Those who give $150 will receive a Maasai bridal necklace.

Mosley has taught at Parsons in New York, worked on a UNESCO design project in Kenya and as a U.S. Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar was sent to East Africa to do graduate research on incorporating indigenous adornment in contemporary clothing.

To view the Indiegogo campaign, go to http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/maasai-women-american-sustainable-design-collaboration.


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Google Shopping Seeks Bilingual Speakers in Pittsburgh Region with Fluency in Japanese, German, Portuguese, French, Italian or Spanish - $25/hour - 12-Month Contract

Google Shopping (http://www.google.com/shopping) is looking for candidates with fluency in either Japanese, German, French, Brazilian Portuguese, Italian or Spanish. 

Candidates should have strong computer and Internet skills and natural comfort with technology. Will be working with Google Shopping doing research, fact finding and creating customer-facing materials. 

The candidate should have a Bachelor's degree with a strong academic record. Master’s degree a plus. 

Duration: 12-month contract 
Pay Rate: $25 hour 
Location: Pittsburgh, PA 

Interested? Please contact Eva Light at eva.light@anzuglobal.com and tell her you saw this GlobalPittsburgh posting. READ FULL ARTICLE

Center for Sustainable Shale Development Names Susan Packard LeGros, Former EPA Staffer, as New Director

The Pittsburgh-based Center for Sustainable Shale Development (CSSD) announced it has named Susan Packard LeGros its new Executive Director.  LeGros joins CSSD from Stevens & Lee, a Philadelphia-based law firm.

LeGros

She has also served as a Section Chief at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in corporate legal departments, and as executive director of the Mid-Atlantic Solar Energy Industries Association (MSEIA) from 2005 to 2008.

In her new position, LeGros will oversee the organization as it implements its independent, third-party certification and verification process, which is based on the Center’s 15 initial performance standards. CSSD consists of a group of leading environmental organizations, philanthropic foundations, and energy companies.

“CSSD conducted a thorough and comprehensive national search for the right individual to lead the Center for the long-term,” said Jared Cohon, President Emeritus of Carnegie Mellon University and Chairman of CSSD’s Board of Directors. “Susan’s impressive and multifaceted credentials and her deep environmental experience in issues at the intersection of energy and the environment sets her apart.  We’re confident that Susan will admirably guide CSSD toward its fullest potential.”

LeGros succeeds Andrew Place, who has served as the organization’s Interim Executive Director since its launch in March 2013.  Place is Corporate Director, Energy & Environmental Policy at EQT Corporation.

“Without Andrew’s hard work, his leadership and his ability to effectively work with a diverse group of stakeholders, CSSD would not have made the progress it has to date,” said Cohon. “Since taking on this role in January 2013, he has been a particularly effective voice for the Center – making the case that environmental groups, philanthropic organizations and energy companies can find common ground in addressing issues of critical importance for environmental protection.”

At Stevens & Lee in Philadelphia, LeGros concentrated her practice on environmental, natural resources and regulatory issues. Prior to joining Stevens & Lee she was the Founder and Partner at LeGros Law Partners.

Through her work, she addressed environmental regulatory matters that involved air, water, waste and remediation issues. She has worked extensively with state environmental agencies and the EPA.  For over 25 years, she has counseled clients on matters that include land use, wetlands and storm water regulations, emissions trading and institutional environmental policies.

Professionally, LeGros has chaired the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Environmental Law Committee. She has served as a Vice Chair of the American Bar Association’s Solid and Hazardous Waste Committee. LeGros was appointed to the EPA’s Finance Advisory Board, which evaluates the interplay of tax and financing policy and environmental programs and participated on former Pennsylvania Governor Rendell's Solar Working Group. A past member of the board for the Pennsylvania Environmental Council She currently serves on the boards of the Energy Cooperative of Pennsylvania and the Stroud Water Research Center.

She was also recognized as one of the leading environmental lawyers in Pennsylvania by international legal research publisher Chambers & Partners.

She earned her law degree from Northwestern University School of Law, and her bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University.

“CSSD’s work has already served as a model for how environmental organizations and energy companies can work together toward shared goals,” said LeGros.  “This is one of the most exciting challenges of my career to date – to harness the talents, resources and desire on the part of leading environmental groups and energy companies to ensure prudent development of shale gas resources.”

CSSD’s participants are: Benedum Foundation, Chevron; Clean Air Task Force; CONSOL Energy; Environmental Defense Fund; EQT Corporation; Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP); Heinz Endowments; Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture); Pennsylvania Environmental Council; Shell; and William Penn Foundation.

Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, CSSD is an independent organization whose mission is to support continuous improvement and innovative practices through performance standards and third-party certification in the Appalachian Basin.

Funded by philanthropic foundations and participating energy companies, CSSD promotes collaborative efforts by a diverse and comprehensive group of stakeholders to address the imperatives for prudent development of shale gas resources as called for by the Shale Gas Production Subcommittee of the U.S. Secretary of Energy’s Advisory Board; the National Petroleum Council; and the International Energy Agency.  For more information, visit, www.sustainableshale.org.

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Global Entry Kiosks To Be Installed At Pittsburgh International Airport, Making Customs Processing More Efficient For International Travelers

Two permanent Global Entry kiosks will be installed at Pittsburgh International Airport this spring by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, airport officials have announced. The Global Entry kiosks will allow expedited clearance for pre-approved, low risk international travelers entering the United States.

Arriving passengers will be able to process their entry into the United States through the kiosks rather than waiting in line for a Customs and Border Protection officer. Passengers will be able to clear the primary inspection process in less than a minute at the kiosk, saving valuable time.

The two new kiosks will be installed before Delta Air Lines’ Paris flight resumes on April 27. The kiosks will also be used for arriving passengers from the Caribbean including existing flights from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and Cancun, Mexico. Pittsburgh International Airport recently hosted a Global Entry enrollment event, where enrollment interviews were conducted for nearly 1,000 applicants.

“With the installation of the Global Entry Kiosks at Pittsburgh International, we have taken another step forward in our efforts to think and act globally so we can enhance access to thousands of international travelers a year,” said Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. “Pittsburgh continues to be an international destination for business and leisure travelers, and the installation of these kiosks supports that trend. A great deal of thanks goes to the excellent team work by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Airport Authority, travel agents and the local business community in securing this amenity at Pittsburgh International.”

“As a pre-screened Global Entry member, you arrive in the United States, check-in at the Global Entry kiosk - and you are on your way – no processing lines, no paperwork.,” said Allegheny County Airport Authority President Bradley D. Penrod.

Upon arriving at PIT, approved travelers will be able to proceed directly to the Global Entry kiosks, present their machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, place their fingertips on the scanner for fingerprint verification, and make a customs declaration. The kiosk issues the traveler a transaction receipt and directs the traveler to baggage claim and the exit. The Global Entry program also allows passengers to use the expedited TSA-Precheck lanes at Pittsburgh International Airport.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Global Entry is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, citizens of the Netherlands (who are members of Privium), citizens of the Republic of Korea (who are members of the Smart Entry Service), and Mexican nationals. Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are enrolled in the NEXUS program may also use the Global Entry kiosks.

The Pittsburgh Business Travel Association, ReedSmith and other community members worked with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to offer Global Entry interviews in Pittsburgh for the first time this past fall. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers processed about 1,000 applications at the event that was held November 4-8. The event, originally planned for three days, was extended to five days due to demand. The response to the interviews was so successful, that U.S. Customs and Border Protection is evaluating the feasibility of establishing a permanent Global Entry enrollment center at PIT.

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Join us Feb. 6 for GlobalPittsburgh First Thursdays Monthly Happy Hour for Globally-Minded People at Steel Cactus in Shadyside

Come meet globally-minded people from Pittsburgh and all over the world to make new friends and learn more about different cultures at our GlobalPittsburgh First Thursdays monthly happy hour on Thursday, February 6 from 5:30-8:00 pm at our new location at Steel Cactus Cantina in Shadyside. Bring your friends, family and colleagues or come alone - it's a very friendly group!

GlobalPittsburgh First Thursdays is a regular monthly night of networking and socializing with different themes and different activities - but always with an international flavor - on the first Thursday of every month. It's an evening of friends, interesting conversation and good spirits with an international flair. Everyone is welcome!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE NOW

Special features for the February event:
- Free admission for GlobalPittsburgh members

- GlobalPittsburgh Networking PASSport (see below)

- Complimentary appetizers

- Prize drawings

- Free seated massages from Massage Envy in Squirrel Hill

Get your GlobalPittsburgh Networking PASSport (attendance stamp card for members). Collect stamps and turn them in for free drinks and prizes.

Receive discounted membership of $40 per year for an individual/family membership when you sign up at the event - that's a 20 percent savings! Signing up a friend entitles you both to free drinks. If you are already a member and you bring a friend who becomes a member at the event, you will both receive free drinks!

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, do not hesitate to call 412-392-4513 or email nkessler@globalpittsburgh.org.

We are proud to announce that Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield has become a sponsor of the First Thursdays event. Thank you!

Steel Cactus is located at 5505 Walnut Street in Shadyside.

Admission is FREE for paid GlobalPittsburgh members. Admission is $5 at the door for everyone else. Membership information will be available at the event, but you may also join GlobalPittsburgh now at www.globalpittsburgh.org/membership and get in free on the night of the event.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW

If you have questions or would like to become a sponsor or set up a vendor table, please contact Nadya Kessler in the GlobalPittsburgh office at 412-392-4513 or by email at nkessler@globalpittsburgh.org. Photos from past First Thursdays and a few other GlobalPittsburgh events, activities, and programs can be viewed at www.flickr.com/photos/globalpittsburgh. See you there!

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Open Letter to Mayor-Elect Bill Peduto: Pittsburgh is a Global City, But Even Greater Opportunities Await

Following is the text of the letter delivered Monday, Dec. 30, 2013 to Mayor-Elect Bill Peduto from the Transition Team Global City Economic Development Subcommittee, chaired by GlobalPittsburgh's Director of Marketing, Thomas Buell, Jr.

While Pittsburgh has reinvented itself as a national leader in education, technology, energy and medicine, once again the city finds itself at a crossroads.  And once again, it is time for the city, as the economic and cultural nerve center of the entire region, to evolve.

Bill Peduto addresses the final
meeting of the transition committees.

If Pittsburgh does not find ways to change and adapt to current global markets and forces, it is not an exaggeration to say its population could once again suffer a decline over the next decade (just as it did in the 1980's due to the collapse of the steel industry, which ironically was the result of failure to adapt to the realities of a global economy, not unlike the situation we are in today).  Conversely, if Pittsburgh does make strides to become even more global, it could very well gain tens of thousands of new residents, creating a vibrant and flourishing economy, in the next 10 years.

The Brookings Institution defines 10 traits of a globally-fluent metro area -- what we will refer to as a Global City -- which it says have a “critical relationship to the competitiveness, productivity and prosperity of cities and regions in the 21st century.”

1. Leadership with a Worldview - Local leadership networks with a global outlook have great potential for impact on the global fluency of a metro area.
2. Legacy of Global Orientation - Due to their location, size, and history, certain cities were naturally oriented toward global interaction at an early stage, giving them a first mover advantage
3. Specializations with Global Reach - Cities often establish their initial global position through a distinct economic specialization, leveraging it as a platform for diversification.
4. Adaptability to Global Dynamics - Cities that sustain their market positions are able to adjust to each new cycle of global change.
5. Culture of Knowledge and Innovation - In an increasingly knowledge-driven world, positive development in the global economy requires high levels of human capital to generate new ideas, methods, products, and technologies.
6. Opportunity and Appeal to the World - Metro areas that are appealing, open and opportunity-rich serve as magnets for attracting people and firms from around the world.
7. International Connectivity - Global relevance requires global reach that efficiently connects people and goods to international markets through well-designed, modern infrastructure.
8. Ability to Secure Investment for Strategic Priorities - Attracting investment from a wide variety of domestic and international sources is decisive in enabling metro areas to effectively pursue new growth strategies.
9. Government as Global Enabler - Federal, state, and local governments have unique and complementary roles to play in enabling firms and metro areas to “go global.”
10. Compelling Global Identity - Cities must establish an appealing global identity and relevance in international markets not only to sell the city, but also to shape and build the region around a common purpose.

Pittsburgh demonstrates many of these characteristics, but members of Global City economic development subcommittee share the strong belief that many more opportunities exist to increase Pittsburgh’s global fluency, with strong leadership from the Mayor’s office, which in turn can provide many economic and cultural benefits to everyone in the city. The Pittsburgh region already boasts these qualifications:

- More than 40 international communities represented, all with professional and personal networks spanning the globe
- More than 11,000 international students attend universities in the greater Pittsburgh region
- More than 400 international companies operate here creating more than 53,000 jobs
- Pittsburgh-based companies maintain more than 1,000 operations abroad

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE A GLOBAL CITY?
A Global City is more attractive to new and existing businesses, entrepreneurial individuals and new residents, creating greater economic growth, vitality, cultural diversity and long-term sustainability to benefit all sectors of the population.

WHAT CAN THE MAYOR DO TO MAKE PITTSBURGH A GLOBAL CITY?
The Mayor should engage with and actively encourage ongoing efforts to attract new businesses, industries and talent to the region, improve access to the city by land and air, and promote the region on an international scale, and use the bully pulpit of his office to ensure that the benefits of global connections are understood, embraced and enjoyed by all of his constituents.

To achieve these goals, the Global City Economic Development Subcommittee proposes the following actions, contained in the attached individual recommendation forms (click on each one to open PDF in new window):

- Form Global City Advisory Council
- Support Global City-to-City Trade Initiatives
- Apply to Become Welcoming City
- Invigorate Pittsburgh Sister Cities Program
- Call for Convening of Pittsburgh Future City Summit in 2015

Respectfully submitted,
Thomas Buell, Jr. - Chair
Chuck Bell
Roger Cranville
Dave DeSimone
Mike Embrescia
Volker Hartkopf
Kanak Iyer
Dusty Kirk
Sam Kamin
Lance Lindauer
Simona Loberant
Robert Penman
Mike Staresinic
Alek Suni
Nicholas Weaver
John Zang

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