By Mason Fish
SPC
10/29/2025

The way goods move across Southwestern Pennsylvania shapes nearly every part of daily life, from how grocery stores stay stocked to how local industries get their products to the market. Behind the scenes, freight networks connect the region’s roads, railways, airports, and waterways into one complex system that keeps the economy running. That constant, mostly unseen movement is one of the reasons our region works, and it is why updating the Regional Freight Plan matters.

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) adopted its first Regional Freight Plan in 2017. At the time, the plan helped set priorities for maintaining and improving the systems that move goods across the 10-county region that the organization serves. But in the years since, the world has changed dramatically. Supply chains have been reshaped, consumer habits have shifted, shippers have adapted, and the local economy has continued to evolve from where it was a decade ago.

Therefore, SPC is now leading an update to the Regional Freight Plan, in order to make sure the region can keep goods moving efficiently and safely for years to come!

While freight can seem like a technical subject, the core idea behind the plan is simple. Freight is about how things get where they need to go. From raw materials to finished products, the freight network touches nearly every aspect of daily life.

“We like to think of our freight network as a system… a highway system supported by a rail network, supported by rivers, supported by an airport. They all have to work together,” said SPC Freight Planning Manager Sara Walfoort.

When it works well, businesses can grow, communities are supplied, and the region stays economically connected. When it struggles, everyone feels the effects. Southwestern Pennsylvania is unique when it comes to freight movement. The region’s geography, history, and industrial makeup have created a truly multi-modal network. Many places in the U.S. rely almost entirely on trucking, but in our region, the network has always been broader.

The region has:

• 18 active railroads; approximately 30 percent of the railroads in PA;
• Over 1,300 miles of rail lines within the 10 counties SPC serves;
• One of the busiest inland river ports in the country, historically ranking among the top nationally when measured by tonnage;
• A highway system that connects to major population centers and industrial corridors; and
• Air cargo capacity that supports high-value, time-sensitive products.

This diversity matters, and different modes of transportation serve different needs. Heavy commodities like coal, steel inputs, or construction aggregates can move efficiently by river barge. High-value or urgent products, such as medical components or electronics, may move by air. Trucks are essential for reaching the thousands of communities that rail and river terminals don’t directly serve. Rail is critical for long-haul shipments and energy supply. When all of these systems work together, companies have options which allows the region to maintain a competitive advantage.

However, this system only works if it is maintained, modernized, and coordinated. A closed lock on a river, for example, can shift freight onto trucks, sending thousands of additional heavy vehicles onto roadways. Congestion on a key highway can slow deliveries. Rail bottlenecks can hold up shipments across multiple states. And when one part of the network becomes strained, the whole system feels the impact.

That is where the updated Regional Freight Plan comes in. This document will take a clear look at how goods actually move through our region today, mapping out the roads, railways, river facilities, and other key connections that form the backbone of the network. It will highlight where strategic investments could improve safety and reliability, while also supporting more efficient movement of goods.

While SPC is not a freight operator and doesn’t run trains, barges, or fleets of trucks, it does play a central role in planning, investment prioritization, and coordination. The updated plan will serve as a bridge between public agencies, private industry, and the broader community, ensuring that decisions are made with a clear understanding of how the freight network works and what the region needs next.

“I want to move to a more systems-based approach, looking at roadway condition, track history, bottlenecks, and how trucks traverse roads… so we can invest freight improvement dollars wisely,” said Walfoort.

The updated plan is expected to be delivered by June 2027, with a focus on making targeted improvements across the region’s transportation network. 

The hope for this new blueprint is to help SPC prioritize investments that strengthen the network as a whole rather than addressing issues in isolation. The plan will assess things such as essential corridors and facilities to identify constraints, reduce delivery delays, improve safety, and help businesses get products to market more efficiently. Better coordination among freight modes could lower transportation costs, support economic growth, and ensure the region remains competitive.

The update also aligns closely with SPC’s Long Range plan and with the Pennsylvania 2045 Freight Movement Plan adopted at the state level. By keeping these plans synced, SPC helps ensure that regional priorities are recognized and funded at the state and national levels.

To make the updated freight plan meaningful, SPC is focusing not only on data and infrastructure, but also on communication and public understanding. Many people fail to realize how closely freight is tied to economic opportunity, community stability, and quality of life. This newsletter is one part of that effort in helping connect the dots between freight movement and daily life.

At the end of the day, it’s about supporting the future of the region’s economy, from job creation to infrastructure investment to keeping everyday goods moving where they’re needed. Freight touches everything, even if most of the work happens out of sight.

As the update progresses, SPC will share opportunities to learn more and participate. Whether you work in logistics, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, or just shop for groceries, the freight network helps ensure products reach homes, businesses, and communities across the region.

Originally Published in Pittsburgh Magazine
By Virginia Linn
10/12/2025
View the full article.

Just about everything is in place.

There’s been a public trial to test all aspects of the new terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport. There’s been a fancy gala with Hollywood A-listers to celebrate the $1.7 billion project. And on Saturday there was the official ribbon-cutting with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and other federal, state and Allegheny County dignitaries, as well as an open house that drew 10,500 visitors to see the spanking new terminal for the first time.

A second public trial is scheduled for Oct. 25 after which time, an opening day is expected to be announced. Folks who registered for the Sept. 20 public trial and weren’t selected to participate will be considered for the second round. Nearly 18,000 people initially registered to test all aspects of the new terminal to identify any glitches in the operation.

“With the opening of this new terminal, we will have a beautiful new gateway to welcome the rest of the county and the country and the world right here to Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania,” Shapiro told the crowd at the ribbon-cutting.

He said the commonwealth has invested more than $80 million in the airport growth over the years.

“The work that we are celebrating today is critical for Pittsburgh’s economic growth, and it’s also going to be critical when we join the Steelers to welcome athletes and sports fans from all over the world to the NFL draft in April [2026]. This new terminal is part of our collective effort to grow this region.”

Airport CEO Christina Cassotis, who advocated for the building of a new terminal to better fit the region’s needs after she was hired to head the Allegheny County Airport Authority 10 years ago, said the project fulfills her dreams.

“The building design was always aspirational,” Cassotis said. “It was meant and designed to work for everyone, for actual people who travel through and work in an airport, but the building itself, if you look at it now, I think is actually inspirational. Being in this space feels good, and that’s a pretty big statement for an airport to make.”

Also at the ribbon-cutting were Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, U.S. Reps. Chris Deluzio, Mike Kelly and Summer Lee; State Sen. Devlin Robinson; State Rep. Valerie Gaydos; Allegheny County Council President Pat Catena; Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission Executive Director and former Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald.

U.S Sen. John Fetterman, D-Braddock, and Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey did not attend.

“Somebody said that this terminal will bring in more flights, more passengers, but only if we do our job,” Cassotis said, “only if we do our job as a community, because we need to make sure that we deliver on the promise, which is that the moment you step off this plane the airport is telling a story about this community.

“It’s telling a story about the city of champions, and it’s time for the rest of us to change the way we champion Pittsburgh. This gives us a reason to do it.”

Recently SPC visited Heartland Fabrication in Fayette County to witness the vital role they play as a manufacturer in our region. This video showcases the impressive launch of a newly constructed barge into the Monongahela River. Located right here in Southwestern PA, Heartland supports the regional economy by creating jobs and driving growth in the manufacturing sector.

Designed to transport heavy cargo, the barge will facilitate the movement of goods across industries like construction and energy, enhancing supply chain efficiency in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Through efforts with manufacturers like Heartland, SPC continues to bolster the infrastructure and economic vitality of our 10-county region. Watch the launch to get a glimpse at one of only two companies in the United States that manufacture barges!

View a video of the launch HERE.

Our Executive Director, Rich Fitzgerald, joined Larry Richert on KDKA Newsradio for his weekly segment on regional news.

Dr. Miko Rose, Founding Dean, College of Osteopathic Medicine discusses IUP’s Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine and Lisa Scales, President & CEO, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank shares insights into the organization’s history, mission and work.

If you missed the show, you can catch up here: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/the-big-k-morning-show-8dd79/episodes/an-hour-with-rich-fitzgerald-7fb0d

Five years after its biggest enterprise was opened there, a major expansion may be taking shape with the help of state and federal development funds in the Windy Ridge park in White Township.

A grant awarded to Indiana County in May will be utilized to aid development of about a quarter of the property on the southern end of the Oakland Avenue business district, following action Wednesday by the Indiana County Board of Commissioners.

That action was requested of the county commissioners by the Indiana County Office of Planning & Development.

“Access Roadway Projects proposes a public-private collaboration with the Indiana County Development Corporation, a 501©6 non-profit with project administration by (Pennsylvania Department of Transportation) District 10, proposes design, permitting and construction of two access roads of approximately 550 feet (0.11 miles) and 300 feet (0.06 miles), respectively, and related infrastructure to support the 210-acre Windy Ridge Business and Technology Park,” said Byron G. Stauffer Jr., executive director of both ICOPD and ICDC.

“When complete,” Stauffer continued, “these two access roads will serve five development lots totaling 55.202 acres.”

At the juncture of state Route 286 (Oakland Avenue) and U.S. Route 422, and not far from an interchange with U.S. Route 119, Stauffer said the park is in a strategic location, “geographically located to be a regional job center to support office, manufacturing, distribution and an array of other growth industries.”

However, little seems to have happened since Urban Outfitters opened a fulfillment center there in October 2019, that services that company’s digital customers across the United States.

According to the Urban Outfitters urbn.com website, the location was designed with efficient and ergonomic processes crafted to handle the company’s brands of furniture and large footprint items.

“The ICDC has received a number of inquiries for the subject property,” Stauffer told the board, “However, the lack of adequate access roads has been challenging.”

The way toward those access roads may have gone through a couple stops in Harrisburg, and apparently will need another stop in Washington, D.C.

As announced by Gov. Josh Shapiro in May, ICDC is receiving $1 million out of more than $10.6 million in PA SITES (Pennsylvania Strategic Investments To Enhance Sites) funding.

The governor’s office said PA SITES funds will be used there for engineering, environmental cleanup, demolition, and the construction and site preparation for a 500-foot extension of a roadway to Lot 21 and an intersection connecting to Lot 1.

Additionally, DCED said, funds will be used for street lighting, utility facilities, signage, sanitary sewer, storm water management, and erosion and sediment controls.

ICDC later secured additional funding, this time $1 million from the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. Stauffer said that $1 million will serve as matching funds for the first million.

Also with approval from the commissioners Wednesday, ICOPD will seek to file an application for $475,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission Access Road Program.

The Windy Ridge access road plan was one of several actions sought by ICOPD that the commissioners approved Wednesday.

One was approval of a resolution that recertifies that the Indiana County Revolving Loan Funds, inluding the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act Revolving Loan Fund, are being operated consistent with existing Economic Development Strategy and in accordance with the policies and procedures contained in the administrative plan.

“This is a housekeeping item required semi-annually by the (U.S.) Economic Development Administration,” ICOPD Deputy Director for Economic Development Angela Campisano told the commissioners. “Our Economic Development Strategy is embodied within the document, ‘SmartMoves for a Changing Region,’ which is developed by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission and endorsed by EDA.”

ICOPD Deputy Director for Community Development & Housing David Morrow had three items to present for approval by the county board, two of them for the Dixonville Commons building project:

• A contract agreement with Crane Masonry of Indiana for a wall repair project in the amount of $73,250, to be covered by Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program and Platinum Visual Solutions funds.
• A contract agreement with Byler Roofing Service of Ebensburg for removal of existing roof materials in the amount of $54,810, also to be covered by RACP and Platinum Visual Solutions funds.

Third was a $6,227 change order in the contract with Sheesley Electric for the YMCA of Indiana County Locker Room Renovation Project, to be covered by YMCA and RACP funds. It brings the total contract for that work to $116,227.

Stauffer also had two other matters for the commissioners’ consideration:

• A grant application for up to $1 million in Local Share Account funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development for a new entrance road into the county’s Buttermilk Falls Natural Area in West Wheatfield Township, accessing a parcel that once was a retreat for the family of the late television personality Fred Rogers’ maternal grandfather and includes the McFeely Trail.
• An allocation of $100,000 in liquid fuels money from PennDOT District 10 for Center Township, to partially offset eligible project costs for the Lucerne Mines Road Resurfacing Project. Stauffer said the total estimated project cost is $455,000.

Arielle Kaye, right, speaks with students during Pittsburgh Robotics Discovery Day. (Photo by Adam Reinherz)
Pittsburghers expanded their minds by making the world a bit smaller. Through presentations and conversations inside the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, more than 4,000 people observed advancements in automation, artificial intelligence and other rapidly evolving technologies as part of Pittsburgh Robotics Discovery Day on Nov. 20.

About 130 exhibitors participated in the event, administered by Pittsburgh Robotics Network, touting the region’s contributions and connections to innovation.

Standing beside one of several hundred tables at the convention center, Arielle Kaye told passersby about a lightweight 3-D printed prosthetic arm: “It’s called a PJ Prosthesis because after you get home and get into your comfy clothes or PJs you just throw on your PJ Prosthesis.”

Created by Tikkun Olam Makers, the Israeli-made device allows users to swap out “end units” for specific needs. One piece lets someone easily strum a guitar. Another extension is for playing the violin. Each attachment is a result of “individual needs,” Kaye said. The beauty of TOM is that it fosters a collaborative process between users and innovators to create affordable solutions predicated on “human-centered design.”

Kaye, a graduate student at New York University and TOM’s university program manager, joined Discovery Day in an effort to promote curiosity and simplicity.

“So much of this is so affordable,” she said.

The PJ Prosthesis costs about $60. A fully functioning prosthetic arm sets buyers back about 1,000 times more.

“If you open your mind, there are so many different solutions for the challenges that people are dealing with,” Kaye said. Participating in this event was a chance to encourage people to “use innovation and creative thinking to solve unmet needs in our global communities.”

Andrew Rabin spoke with several Israeli entrepreneurs and local tech professionals near TOM’s table. Rabin is the founder and chair of 412×972, an organization that creates “profitable” ties between companies in Pittsburgh and Israel.

“Rising tide lifts all boats,” Rabin told the Chronicle. “Allowing Israeli companies to come into the Pittsburgh community, and allowing Pittsburgh companies to have a seamless pathway into the Israeli community, builds bridges which are more important than ever right now.”

Generating economic development is 412×972’s goal, but there’s also the need to create goodwill, Rabin said. “It’s business. We’re trying to sort of solve problems and help everyone mutually from an economic benefit, politics and issues aside. Life goes on and if we strengthen those connections it helps us all.”

Rich Fitzgerald, executive director of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission and former Allegheny County executive, said he was pleased to see a number of Israeli companies at Discovery Day.

“We in western Pennsylvania, particularly Pittsburgh, have had a longstanding connection with our friends in Israel going back decades,” he said. “Obviously now with some of the situations that are happening, it’s I think in many ways strengthened that bond, so anything we can continue to do to tie together our cultural, our economic, all the various things we do, is important.”

Whether from Israel or elsewhere, companies come to Pittsburgh to access the region’s insights, Jennifer Apicella, Pittsburgh Robotics Network’s executive director, explained.

“Our globally recognized expertise with innovation positions us as a key partner for businesses around the world seeking cutting-edge automation solutions and business expansion opportunities,” she said. “From forging strategic collaborations to exporting transformative technologies, Pittsburgh is driving the global economy forward.”

Chana Rose Hochman attended Discovery Day after hearing about the conference from Gal Inbar, 412×972’s executive director.

Hochman, a former Beersheba resident with expertise in avionics and aerospace engineering, spoke with several company representatives at the event.

“I’m looking for work, so if anyone needs a technical project manager, I’m here,” she told the Chronicle.

Hochman described Discovery Day as a valuable resource for job seekers, employers and potential business partners.

“I’m learning about companies I didn’t even know about,” she said. “There’s just so much. It’s really cool. I feel like I’m in a candy store.”

As drones buzzed overhead and busloads of students passed from table to table, entrepreneurs and innovators mingled. Roboticists showed off their creations. One team asked this reporter to control a spider-looking device with a remote control. Another team touted its creation’s ability to safely lift pallets while detecting nearby people, thus preventing injury. Throughout the day, representatives of local universities and global corporations clamored for attention.

“What there are in this industry are a lot of job opportunities,” Fitzgerald said. “You don’t have to be a software engineering doctorate from CMU to get a job. You could come right out of high school, come out of community college, have skills, maybe a little bit of experience in construction, manufacturing, or hospitality and warehousing, and you’ll find some opportunities here.”

Shai Eisen spent Discovery Day speaking with potential partners about his Israeli-based company, Korra.

“We’re all about unleashing industrial knowledge,” the CEO told the Chronicle.

Among entities that have existed for decades a problem often exists, Eisen explained: Institutional knowledge is likely compiled in paper documents, manuals and procedures.

“It’s all over the place,” he said. “We built an AI engine that is able to read all that content.”

Attending Discovery Day allowed Eisen to hear about other companies’ “pain points and needs,” he continued. “I’ve learned there’s a huge potential in Pittsburgh.”

Inbar of 412×972 said Discovery Day demonstrates the possibility of partnership.

Companies come together for specific projects, but “methodologies and concepts trickle both ways,” he said.

Pittsburghers learn from Israelis, Israelis learn from Pittsburghers, and technology advances.

“Cross-pollination is a magical thing,” he said. “There’s so much value to be created.” PJC

Our Executive Director, Rich Fitzgerald, joined Larry Richert on KDKA Newsradio for his weekly segment on regional news.

Dr. Karen Riley, President of Slippery Rock University, joined the show to talk about Slippery Rock’s innovative strategic plan and its new electrical and computer engineering program. Later, Laura Herrington, Executive Director of the Indiana County Tourist Bureau, dialed in to promote the ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Parade and Festival

If you missed the show, you can catch up here: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/the-big-k-morning-show-8dd79/episodes/larrys-weekly-conversation-with-rich-fitzgerald-b606a

Our Executive Director, Rich Fitzgerald, joined Larry Richert on KDKA Newsradio for his weekly segment on regional news.

Jenn Apicella, Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Robotics Network, shared details about the upcoming Pittsburgh Robotics Discovery Day (Nov. 20 from 9am – 6pm), where over 130 regional robotics companies will showcase their technologies and highlight career opportunities. Later, David Bromberg, CEO and Co-Founder of Pearl Street Technologies, called in to discuss their groundbreaking SUGAR technology, which enhances power grid analysis through advanced modeling and simulation.

If you missed the show, you can catch up here:  https://www.audacy.com/podcast/the-big-k-morning-show-8dd79/episodes/an-hour-with-rich-fitzgerald-bd79c

In Southwestern Pennsylvania, we’re standing on the edge of a transformative decade for transportation. The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) is more than just a planning body. We are a collective force uniting 10 counties — Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington and Westmoreland — and the City of Pittsburgh, all with a shared mission of improving connectivity, fostering economic growth and building a resilient future for all residents. Our work today will help set the foundation for a transportation system that truly meets the needs of our communities as we move through the challenges and opportunities of the next decade.

Our region’s needs are diverse and evolving. From bustling urban centers to remote rural areas, each community we serve has unique needs. That’s why our approach prioritizes a transportation network that offers reliable, safe and efficient access to work, school, health care and recreation for all Southwestern Pennsylvanians. By balancing investments in traditional infrastructure — such as roads, bridges and public transit systems — with innovative approaches to mobility, we can build a future-ready network that keeps our communities and economy moving forward.

As we look ahead, our vision extends beyond just moving people. We see a future where transportation planning and economic development go hand in hand, supporting job creation, attracting new businesses and enhancing the quality of life across our region. A robust transportation system not only boosts the economy by connecting workers to jobs and goods to markets, but also creates opportunities in areas where growth has historically been limited. Our efforts are focused on bridging these gaps, ensuring that communities across Southwestern Pennsylvania can benefit from increased accessibility and economic resilience.

Our Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), Smart Moves for a Changing Region, serves as a roadmap for the next 25 years, articulating a clear vision that ties transportation improvements to economic development and quality of life goals. With this plan, we outline key investments in infrastructure, prioritizing projects that enhance connectivity, improve safety and support sustainable growth.

We are committed to integrating innovations like expanded public transit options, electric vehicle infrastructure and modernized traffic management systems — all designed to reduce congestion, minimize environmental impact and strengthen the region’s appeal to businesses and residents alike.

The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is the actionable component of our long-range vision, translating priorities from our LRTP into reality through a four-year investment plan. The TIP allocates funding for specific projects, from road and bridge maintenance to transit expansions and bike-friendly pathways. By focusing on high-impact, shovel-ready projects, we can address the pressing infrastructure needs of today while laying the groundwork for a robust, future-ready transportation system. With close collaboration between local governments and community organizations, the TIP ensures that our investments directly benefit the people and businesses of Southwestern Pennsylvania, creating immediate value while building a foundation for the future.

At SPC, we envision a Southwestern Pennsylvania where transportation serves as a bridge to a brighter future for everyone. In collaboration with local governments, businesses and communities, we’re shaping a network that not only meets today’s needs, but anticipates tomorrow’s challenges. Over the next 10 years, we are committed to building a transportation system that reflects the strength, diversity and resilience of our region—making it a place where all can thrive. Together, we will pave the way toward a sustainable, prosperous and connected future for Southwestern Pennsylvania.

View the full story at nextpittsburgh.com.

The Armstrong County Business Retention Office, headed by George Skamai, along with Armstrong County Commissioners, John Strate, Anthony Shea and Pat Fabian, initiated their 2024-25 business tours.

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) spearheads this overall effort; the SPC is the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the 10 county area in Southwestern Pennsylvania that helps counties, including Armstrong County through the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), their inclusive cities, municipalities and townships access over an estimated $39B in state and federal transportation and economic development funding has been allocated to the region through 2045.

The Armstrong County Commissioners and Planning office wants to go one step further with these visits and identify opportunities to expand and grow the business within the county.

For the first round of business visits, the Armstrong County team visited Growmark FS LLC, Custom Design Monuments and 84 Lumber.

Growmark is located at 656 Tarrtown Road, Adrian, PA 16210.

Nestled along the west side of the Allegheny River, the current business evolved from its predecessor, Agway in 2004.

The Growmark brand offers professional farmers, as well as the weekend gardener various seed and fertilizer products.

The company receives it bulk product deliveries by both rail and truck and then distributes them to their clientele.

The majority of the clientele are in about the 50-radious of the business.

The Adrian Growmark typically has about 12 employees on the payroll, with the main position needed being CDL drivers.

The current manager, as well as long-time employee, Keith Pollock, has served at Growmark since 2007 just after his graduation from Penn State with a degree in Agronomy.

One of the unique services offered is soil testing to create a customized fertilizer blend for the soil type and crop to be planted, for optimal results, thus reducing the need to purchase any unnecessary product.

Besides the normal crops such as corn, soy, rye, wheat and vegetables, cover crop seeds are also sold for winter soil preservation, and to support rapid regrowth of natural gas and pipeline construction locations.

Orders for 2025 crop seeds are now being taken as the areas farmers finalize their 2024 crop harvests.

Crop protection products are also sold; these products are used for weed control and improving plant health.

For more information about doing business with the Adrian Growmark, folks may review product line at URL https://www.growmarkfs.com/Agronomy/Ag-Locations/Location-Detail/kittanning-pa or call at 724-543-1101.

Custom Design Monuments is located at 399 Butler Rd., Kittanning, PA 16201.

Co-owner, Jennifer Johnson, and her husband, Andrew, are a caring couple, along with their team of professionals who take pride in helping families navigate through some of their hardest times in life’s journey.

This family owned business is a labor of love that started with Jennifer’s father, Tim Stennett, in 1979. Mr. Stennett (Feb. 14, 1953 — Aug. 29, 2024) worked at the business until his retirement in 2010 handing the reigns over to his daughter, Jennifer, and son-in-law, Andrew.

Custom Design Monuments has a business footprint that covers all of Western Pennsylvania, as well as a sub-contract with the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese.

The business offers a large product line of finely crafted monuments and markers designed using traditional and laser etching.

A popular service provided is pre-planned monument orders.

Jennifer said, “pre-planning is a great way to help the family members left behind to know one’s exact wishes”.

Andrew said another part of their business is replacing, repairing, and sometimes placing a new monument for the first time, on an existing grave site.

For more information regarding Custom Design Monuments products and services, visit customdesignmonuments.com or call 724-543-6159.

Nestled just behind the PENNDOT/Social Security building, 84 Lumber is located at 169 Butler Road, Kittanning, PA.

The manager of the Kittanning location, Matt Spangler, has been at his current post since January 2024.

Matt’s newness to the store however, does not mean that he is new to the profession.

Matt is a seasoned 84 Lumber manager, who’s last assignment was in Texas for the previous five years working his way up the ranks.

Prior to his Texas assignment, Matt worked at 84 Lumber in southern Pennsylvania for several years.

The Kittanning 84 Lumber store caters to both contractors and walk in customers, with approximately 70% of their clientele in the contractor space.

Matt said the Kittanning store has approximately eight to 10 employees on staff, which include Customer Associates, Sales and Management personnel.

Matt said 84 Lumber offers a Manager Trainee program for folks looking for new opportunities and careers.

For additional information regarding the Kittanning 84 Lumber location and its product and service lines see https://84lumber.com/store-locator/store-detail?storeId=260 or call 724-545-6284.

Over the next year, the Business Retention Team via the auspices of the IDC, and Commissioners will travel to all parts of the county to visit the county’s various businesses.

Businesses interested in being considered as part of these visits may reach out to the county’s Business Retention Office lead George Skamai at 724- 548-3397 | gjskamai@co.armstrong.pa.us

View the full story at leadertimes.com.