Watch for Real-Time GlobalPittsburgh Blogging from Inside the Convention Center During the Pittsburgh Summit

GlobalPittsburghNEWS will be bringing you real-time blog posts and photos from inside the perimeter during the Pittsburgh G-20 Summit Sept. 24-25, 2009.

GlobalPittsburgh's Communications Chief Thomas Buell, Jr. will be among the 3,000-plus members of the international press corps inside the David L. Lawrence Convention Center during the G-20 summit.

Starting the morning of Sept. 24 and continuing through Sept. 25, this blog will bring you updates about important developments from the Summit, as well as reports on the process of clearing security and crossing the perimeter into the Convention Center.

Call it a delegates-eye view of the Summit and of Pittsburgh - the angles you might not be getting from other media sources. In many cases, GlobalPittsburghNEWS will be seeing what the media representatives are seeing, and guaging their reactions. This perspective will give readers a chance to know how the city is being viewed during this momentous occasion, and also to learn more about Pittsburgh's many international connections.

We'll also be posting news flashes on Twitter (@GlobalPGH), and on our Facebook and LinkedIn group pages. Users of those services can search for GlobalPittsburgh.

Be sure to watch this space during the weeks leading up to the Summit for important updates about G-20 related activities around the region. You can also watch for GlobalPittsburghNEWS headlines along with the other information at our main website at www.globalpittsburgh.org. READ FULL ARTICLE

Slate of G-20 Related Programs Offered by World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh Starting Sept. 16

The World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh is offering a wide range of educational opportunities related to the G-20 that will benefit local business leaders, community members, high school students and teachers, and young professionals.

Wednesday, Sept. 16: The Pittsburgh G-20: What Should We Expect?
In partnership with Carnegie Bosch Institute, RAND Corporation, and the University Center for International Studies (UCIS) at the University of Pittsburgh, the World Affairs Council presents this program featuring local CEOs and international experts on the G-20.

The two morning panels will cover: The G-20: What Is It and Why Does it Matter? and The Issues: Energy, Environment, and Economic Recovery. Local CEOs participating will be J. Christopher Donahue of Federated Investors and Sunil Wadwani of iGATE Corporation.

"RAND is pleased to play a role in helping citizens of the region understand the issues likely to be on the agenda for the Pittsburgh Summit,” said Susan Everingham, director of RAND's Pittsburgh office.

The event will take place at the Heinz History Center. The program will be webcast for those who cannot attend the program in person. A complete list of speakers, the schedule, and registration details can be found at www.worldaffairspittsburgh.org.

Thursday, Sept. 17: The Pittsburgh G-20 Student Summit
More than 1200 high school students will participate in the Pittsburgh G-20 Student Summit, held at Fox Chapel Area High School in collaboration with Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3. Up to 500 students will gather at Fox Chapel Area High School, and more than 700 students and teachers from schools across the globe will “tune in” via interactive webcast or video conference. All participants will hear from a panel of experts about key issues facing G-20 members.

Following the panel presentation, students will break into small groups to analyze these issues from the perspective of a specific G-20 member with the guidance of an expert facilitator. International students in Brazil, Georgia, Italy, South Africa, and other countries will participate via video conference and will consider policy with students attending the program virtually in the Pittsburgh region.

After the small group session, students will regroup to compare and contrast the outcomes of their policy discussion. Educational resources, including G-20-themed lesson plans, are available for all educators who register for this program.

Tuesday, Sept. 22: The Pittsburgh G-20 Beer Summit
On a lighter note, the Council will also be hosting a “G-20 Beer Summit” at the Sharp Edge Beer Emporium on September 22nd. The Beer Summit will offer tastings of six beers from select G-20 member countries.

With this program, the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh aims to engage a younger audience – young professionals and graduate students – who are excited to celebrate our city’s selection as the site of the upcoming Summit. This event will provide basic information about the G-20 while giving the participants an opportunity to network and enjoy learning about international beers.

G-20 Information On-line
The web page at www.worldaffairspittsburgh.org/g20.jsp is a comprehensive resource for all the things people need to know about the G-20, its members, and what it means for the region.

Featured on the site is a short original film produced by the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh entitled, “G-20: the Basics” and short one-minute podcasts highlighting each of the member states, called the “G-20 Minutes.”

The site also highlights the economic situation in each country as they approach the summit and identifies the local Pittsburgh connections to participating member states.

For more details on the community programs, contact Brandon Wallace at 412-281-7055 or brandon@worldaffairspittsburgh.org. For information about the school programs, contact Christina Unger at 412-281-7027, or christina@worldaffairspittsburgh.org. READ FULL ARTICLE

Pittsburgh Heralded as Economic Powerhouse in Southwest Airlines In-Flight Magazine

Pittsburgh's blossoming identity as an innovation-driven economic powerhouse gets a thorough review in the latest issue of Southwest Airlines' in-flight magazine.

"Take the values of the Midwest and a forward-thinking Eastern spark and you have Pittsburgh, a city that recently celebrated its 250th birthday," reads the article in Spirit magazine.

"But if the only things that spring to mind when it comes to this classic city are Super Bowl rings, the Stanley Cup, soot and a lot of steel, then one thing is certain: You clearly don’t know Pittsburgh."

The 16-page spread highlights Pittsburgh-area companies such as Westinghouse, Bayer, Medrad, GlaxoSmithKline, UPMC and American Eagle Outfitters, and focuses on key strengths in the region - energy, life sciences, education and robotics, to name a few.

The article also shines a spotlight on the region's livability, manageable size, low cost of living and many cultural attractions.

CLICK HERE to read more. READ FULL ARTICLE

GlobalPittsburgh Expanding Mission to Include International Marketing, Hosting and Engagement of International Visitors & Delegations

GlobalPittsburgh is expanding its mission to spread the word about the Pittsburgh Region on an international scale and host delegations of visitors from around the world with the ultimate goal of boosting economic growth in the region.

To facilitate this step forward, the Board of Directors of the Pittsburgh Council for International Visitors has voted to change the name of PCIV to GlobalPittsburgh, effective immediately.

The newly named organization will continue and expand PCIV’s hosting and programming functions for international delegations to the Pittsburgh region, which it has performed with distinction for 50 years. Growth will be accomplished by the addition of active promotional and business development functions, according to Board Chairman James S. Wolf.

The new GlobalPittsburgh, which will retain PCIV’s not-for-profit status, plans to increase the number of international delegations to Pittsburgh, and thereby increase revenues and sustainability for the new organization and enhance global economic growth in the Pittsburgh region, he said.

“The outcome of this decision will be to combine the highly respected hosting activities of the PCIV with the existing and also respected brand of GlobalPittsburgh, which was founded eight years ago to highlight the region’s international connections and bring together its many international communities,” Wolf said.

Running the new GlobalPittsburgh will be Roger O. Cranville, former Pennsylvania Deputy Secretary for International Business Development, and former Senior Vice President – Global Marketing at the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, who will serve as president of the organization.

Joining Cranville will be Gail Shrott, vice president – programming services, who previously was PCIV’s executive director. Also remaining on the staff will be Tim Allen, director – programming services. Spokesman for the group will be Thomas Buell, Jr.

“During the next 12 months, GlobalPittsburgh will focus on spreading the word about Pittsburgh internationally, and energizing the region’s many followers around the world, both during the months leading up to the G-20 Economic Summit, and, perhaps more importantly, beyond the G-20,” Cranville said.

Originally an outcome of the Allegheny County 2001 International Transition Team recommendations, the GlobalPittsburgh initiative was conceived by the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance and the PCIV. A GlobalPittsburgh website and electronic newsletter were developed, but have since had their funding discontinued.

GlobalPittsburgh will continue to work closely with the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh on international education programs under the GlobalPittsburgh brand.

The new GlobalPittsburgh will operate as an independent organization, but will work in cooperation with its original founding groups, Wolf said. The PCIV’s website will shift to the www.globalpittsburgh.org domain name, and the content will be updated to combine the promotion, hosting and business development functions, Cranville said.

Moving forward, GlobalPittsburgh will partner with local media organizations and other organizations to foster international community growth in the region, and provide resources to foreign companies and organizations to start their U.S. operations including immigration, administrative support for foreign executives, access to community resources, familiarization and relocation information, while supporting but not duplicating other international business development programs in the region, he said.

In its new configuration, GlobalPittsburgh will undertake four main activities:

• Actively marketing & promoting the Pittsburgh region and its many international connections around the world
• Hosting visiting international delegations, groups and individuals by assimilating and growing the programs and functions of the Pittsburgh Council for International Visitors (PCIV)
• Engaging globally with companies and organizations, and expanding recognition of the Pittsburgh region as an internationally connected place to live, work and do business
• Creating and Managing a network among organizations in the region sharing a common vision of advancing the Pittsburgh region as a truly global community

GlobalPittsburgh will continue to expand its social media presence, which includes a news and information blog at globalpittsburgh.blogspot.com, and accounts on Twitter (@GlobalPGH), Facebook (GlobalPittsburgh fan page) and LinkedIn (GlobalPittsburgh group).

“Our goal is to provide news and information not only about the activities of GlobalPittsburgh, but also the internationally related activities of organizations, companies, schools and universities, government organizations and any other entities and individuals with any connection to the Pittsburgh region,” Cranville said. “Our scope is intentionally broad and all-encompassing.”

For further information, contact Thomas Buell, Jr. at 412-720-2218 or tcbuell@versopartners.com.

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Diversity and Multicultural Event Scheduled for Aug. 29 to Launch African Communities Group

The Union of African Communities in Pittsburgh will make its official debut at a Diversity/Multicultural Event at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Union Project in Highland Park.

"With the evolving globalization and diversity of our society, community members, leaders, policy makers, service providers, funders and the general public require an understanding of the varied ethnic and cultural populations that exist in this region," said Rufus Idris, general secretary of the newly founded group.

Admission is free, although donations are gratefully welcomed, Idris (left) said.

Goals of the event include:
• Showcasing the 20-plus diverse African communities in Pittsburgh & Allegheny County
• Displaying the rich culture through food/ethnic dishes, attire/costumes, music/drum and dance representing the various regions of the continent (North, East, South, West and Central Africa)
• Creating an atmosphere for networking, cultural exchanges and bridging the gaps between African Immigrants and the indigenous Western PA populations
• Sharing the important and integral roles that Africans are playing in the development of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County
• Launching the Pittsburgh Africans website with detail information on all African Communities/countries in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, Community/student groups, Businesses, Religious groups, activities/events and news
• Soliciting collective effort and collaborative support to offer solutions to existing needs in the African refugee/immigrant communities based on the increasing numbers and need assessment

The event will host representatives from over 20 African countries and other internationals living in Pittsburgh/Allegheny County, and welcomes all people and stakeholders of Pittsburgh/Allegheny County.

Invited to speak at this event are; Candi Castleberry-Singleton, Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer for UPMC; Robert Agbede, President and CEO of Chester Engineers (largest African-American owned engineering consulting services firm of its kind in the United States); Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato, and representatives from the following; Mayor Luke Revanstahl, Sen. Robert Casey Jr., Sen. Arlen Specter and others.

"Come join us to sample ethnic foods and drinks, see native/ cultural attires and crafts and also have a refreshing experience of multi-cultural dance performances," he said.

The Union of African Communities comprises leaders of over 20 African countries and communities living in the Pittsburgh region, African student organizations and numerous other groups and companies. The group’s mission is “to foster unity, empowerment, linkages and improve the quality of life of Africans in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, through acting upon the needs, concerns, challenges and opportunities,” and “to have well-informed, empowered and united African Communities in Allegheny County, the entire United States and the African continent.”

The Union Project is located at 801 N. Negley Avenue at the corner of Stanton Avenue in the former Union Baptist Church, and is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a gathering and working space to connect, create, and celebrate for artists, community builders and people of faith. The Union Project brings Pittsburgh communities together through mission-based businesses and community events for youth and adults. More information about the Union Project, space rental or upcoming events can be found at www.unionproject.org.

This event is sponsored by Christian Evangelistic Economic Development (CEED), Union Project, CCAC, La Roche College, Chester Engineers and UPMC. Idris also welcomed support from the Hispanic Center, Inc., Goodwill, GlobalPittsburgh.org, Welcome Center for Immigrants and Internationals, Department of Human Service of Allegheny County, Lawrenceville United, Three Rivers Bioneers, United States Census 2010, Tropic Groove, World Affair Council of Pittsburgh, African Studies Program of the University of Pittsburgh.

For sponsorship or inquiries, contact the Union of African Communities in Pittsburgh & Allegheny County at 412-759-4565 or send email to Africans_in_pittsburgh@yahoo.com. READ FULL ARTICLE

Bayer MaterialScience Wins DOE Grant for Wind Turbine Blade Research Using Carbon Nanotube Technology

Pittsburgh-based Bayer MaterialScience LLC was selected to receive a $750,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to support development and testing of advanced composite technologies and resin infusion processes for larger, more efficient and more powerful 1.5+ megawatt wind turbine blades, the company announced.

The project, "Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Polyurethane Composites for Wind Turbine Blades," is an initiative to help accelerate development of advanced wind turbines, with a focus on overcoming technology barriers to broader application.

The grant is part of $14 million program funded in part by the economic stimulus package to bankroll 28 wind energy-related projects around the country.

Bayer MaterialScience said it will focus on materials innovations that can help harness the wind and optimize wind turbine performance to support the electric power grid. The project further strengthens Bayer MaterialScience's commitment to sustainability, joining such other company programs as Product Stewardship, Sustainability Council, and Bayer Global Climate Challenge, as well as its participation in the American Chemistry Council's Responsible Care® initiative.

"We are excited by this opportunity to apply progressive lightweight composite technologies for use in the wind energy industry," said Mike Gallagher, Director, Government Services Group, Bayer MaterialScience LLC. "The program puts our advanced materials to the test to advance wind energy as a commercially viable renewable energy solution."

Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of polymers and high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with nearly 15,100 employees at 30 sites around the world and 2008 sales of 9.7 billion euros.

Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, medical, and sports and leisure industries.

For more information about Bayer MaterialScience materials, go to www.bayermaterialsciencenafta.com. READ FULL ARTICLE

Obamas to Host G-20 Events at Phipps, CAPA, Warhol and Other Venues, White House Says

President and Mrs. Obama will host world leaders at a variety of venues during what the White House is calling the "Pittsburgh Summit" Sept 24-25, including Phipps Conservatory, the Warhol Museum and the School of Creative & Performing Arts (CAPA).

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
The President and First Lady will welcome leaders, their spouses and officials to Pittsburgh at the city’s Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. After welcoming the leaders and spouses, President Obama and world leaders will remain at the conservatory for a working dinner, the White House said.

Known as "the Green Heart of Pittsburgh," Phipps' earth-sheltered Welcome Center was the first LEED-certified building in a public garden. Its newest addition, the Tropical Forest Conservatory, is the world’s most energy efficient conservatory and is the only conservatory powered by a solid oxide fuel cell.

David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Demonstrating the possibilities presented by employing new and innovative technology to further economic recovery and development, the Pittsburgh Summit will be held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh.

The facility was the first "green" convention center in the world to be awarded the LEED® Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council for leadership in energy and environmental design.

Rosemont Farm
The First Lady will host the Pittsburgh Summit spousal program. Following the leaders reception, the program will kick off with a private dinner for spouses at the farm of well known Pittsburgh philanthropist Teresa Heinz.

The farm is set in the rolling hills just outside of Pittsburgh and will serve as a beautiful and intimate place for the spouses to gather. Rosemont Farm is a fully working farm where they grow their own fruits and vegetables and raise cows, chickens and produce their own fresh eggs.

Creative & Performing Arts School (CAPA)
Stemming from the White House's commitment to and encouragement of arts education for young people, Mrs. Obama will share with her counterparts the outstanding arts education opportunities afforded to the students of Pittsburgh.

The group will tour and view a performance at the Pittsburgh CAPA 6-12 school, located in downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. CAPA, a Creative & Performing Arts public magnet school, enrolls more than 800 full time students who major in dance, instrumental music, vocal music, literary arts, theatre and visual arts. CAPA’s vision, “excellence for all in the arts and academic areas,” is supported by their state of the art facilities and the latest technology.

The Andy Warhol Museum
The Andy Warhol Museum, located on the north shore of Pittsburgh, will be the setting for a luncheon hosted by the First Lady. The Warhol Museum, one of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, houses the definitive collection of art and archives from the renowned 20th century artist Andy Warhol, who was born and raised in Pittsburgh.

The museum is known regionally for being a forum for lively, creative community dialogue, and its staff works with educators, students, and community organizations to encourage and enhance learning through the arts. It is also known for bringing the work of Andy Warhol to the world through popular traveling exhibitions, which have been viewed by more than six million people throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia including 15 of the G-20 nations.

To learn more about the Pittsburgh Summit, visit www.pittsburghsummit.gov. READ FULL ARTICLE