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.

Our Executive Director Rich Fitzgerald and Board Chair Pat Fabian (Armstrong County Commissioner) joined WPXI-TV’s ‘Our Region’s Business’ to talk about the importance of working together as a region to secure state and federal investment. Commissioners from many of the ten counties in the Pittsburgh region recently joined the Allegheny Conference in Washington, DC to make the case.

View the full show at wpxi.com.

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) recently announced that Lillian Gabreski has been named its Director of Transportation.

She will join the organization’s leadership team, lead a department of 13 staff members, and oversee transportation initiatives on behalf of the 10-county region.

Gabreski has an exceptional background in strategic planning and transportation, as well as securing state and federal grants.

She joined the organization in 2018, and has become known by both staff members and external partners for taking innovative approaches to solving complex challenges.

“I am excited to have Lillian officially join our leadership team,” Executive Director of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission Rich Fitzgerald said. “She has been with the organization for over six years, and in that time, has demonstrated her steadfast commitment to improving the quality of life for area residents.

Lillian’s leadership style, expertise in transportation, and proven experience in securing grants for our region made her a natural choice for this position. She will hit the ground running and continue with SPC’s mission of planning for the continued success of Southwestern Pennsylvania.”

As Director of Transportation, Gabreski will direct the development of the organization’s required program documents like the region’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).

Both the TIP and LRTP plan for specific transportation and infrastructure projects across the 10-county region.

Additionally, Gabreski will supervise all of the department’s programs including multimodal transportation planning, operations and safety, transportation demand management, a vanpool program, active transportation initiatives like trails, and many other initiatives.

During her time at SPC, Gabreski has served in a variety of roles. More recently, she has served as the Manager of Sponsored Program Development and led the organization’s development of competitive grant funding applications for local, state, and federal discretionary programs.

She played a very instrumental part in developing the application which SPC, PennDOT, and Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to secure the $142 million grant for the Eastern Pittsburgh Multimodal Corridor project.

Additionally, she has guided the organization’s efforts on equity to ensure that programs adhere to the federal environmental justice requirements and Justice40 guidance.

Gabreski earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Penn State University’s Schreyer Honors College, and a Master of Public Administration with a concertation in economic and financial policy from Cornell University.

Gabreski officially assumed the role on Oct. 24.

View the full story at leadertimes.com.

New appointments and changes in leadership have been made by Trinity Metro, Luminator, Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) and STV.

The SPC has appointed Lillian Gabreski to serve as its director of transportation. She will lead a department of 13 staff members and oversee transportation initiatives on behalf of the 10-county region. 

Gabreski has established a background in strategic planning and transportation, as well as securing state and federal grants. She joined the organization in 2018 and has become known by both staff members and external partners for taking innovative approaches to solving complex challenges.  

“I am excited to have Lillian officially join our leadership team,” said SPC Executive Director Rich Fitzgerald. “She has been with the organization for over six years and in that time, has demonstrated her steadfast commitment to improving the quality of life for area residents. Lillian’s leadership style, expertise in transportation and proven experience in securing grants for our region made her a natural choice for this position. She will hit the ground running and continue with SPC’s mission of planning for the continued success of Southwestern Pennsylvania.” 

As director of transportation, Gabreski will direct the development of the organization’s required program documents like the region’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). Both the TIP and LRTP plan for specific transportation and infrastructure projects across the 10-county region. Additionally, Gabreski will supervise all of the department’s programs including multimodal transportation planning, operations and safety, transportation demand management, a vanpool program, active transportation initiatives like trails and other initiatives. 

During her time at SPC, Gabreski has served in a variety of roles. More recently, she has served as the manager of sponsored program development and led the organization’s development of competitive grant funding applications for local, state and federal discretionary programs. She played an instrumental part in developing the application which SPC, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pittsburgh Regional Transit submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation to secure the $142 million grant for the Eastern Pittsburgh Multimodal Corridor project. Additionally, she has guided the organization’s efforts on equity to ensure that programs adhere to the federal environmental justice requirements and Justice40 guidance. 

Gabreski earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Penn State University’s Schreyer Honors College and a master of public administration with a concentration in economic and financial policy from Cornell University. She officially assumed the role on Oct. 24.

View the full story at masstransitmag.com.

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) announced today that Lillian Gabreski has  been named its Director of Transportation. She will join the organization’s leadership team, lead a department of 13 staff members, and oversee transportation initiatives on behalf of the 10-county region.

Gabreski has an exceptional background in strategic planning and transportation, as well as securing state and federal grants. She joined the organization in 2018, and has become known by both staff members and external partners for taking innovative approaches to solving complex challenges.

“I am excited to have Lillian officially join our leadership team,” said Rich Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission. “She has been with the organization for over six years, and in that time, has demonstrated her steadfast commitment to improving the quality of life for area residents. Lillian’s leadership style, expertise in transportation, and proven experience in securing grants for our region made her a natural choice for this position. She will hit the ground running and continue with SPC’s mission of planning for the continued success of Southwestern Pennsylvania.”

As Director of Transportation, Gabreski will direct the development of the organization’s required program documents like the region’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). Both the TIP and LRTP plan for specific transportation and infrastructure projects across the 10-county region. Additionally, Gabreski will supervise all of the department’s programs including multimodal transportation planning, operations and safety, transportation demand management, a vanpool program, active transportation initiatives like trails, and many other initiatives.

During her time at SPC, Gabreski has served in a variety of roles. More recently, she has served as the Manager of Sponsored Program Development and led the organization’s development of competitive grant funding applications for local, state, and federal discretionary programs. She played a very instrumental part in developing the application which SPC, PennDOT, and Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to secure the $142 million grant for the Eastern Pittsburgh Multimodal Corridor project. Additionally, she has guided the organization’s efforts on equity to ensure that programs adhere to the federal environmental justice requirements and Justice40 guidance.

Gabreski earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Penn State University’s Schreyer Honors College, and a Master of Public Administration with a concertation in economic and financial policy from Cornell University. She will officially assume the role on Oct. 24.

View the full article at beavercountyradio.com.

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission said Monday that Lillian Gabreski has been named its director of transportation, in which she will lead a department of 13 staff members and oversee transportation initiatives on behalf of the 10-county region.

“I am excited to have Lillian officially join our leadership team,” said SPC Executive Director Rich Fitzgerald. “She has been with the organization for over six years, and in that time, has demonstrated her steadfast commitment to improving the quality of life for area residents.”

As director of transportation, Gabreski will direct development of the organization’s required program documents such as the Transportation Improvement Program and Long-Range Transportation Plan, both of which plan for specific transportation and infrastructure projects across the 10-county region.

Also, Gabreski will supervise all of the department’s programs including multimodal transportation planning, operations and safety, transportation demand management, a vanpool program, active transportation initiatives like trails, and many other initiatives.

Since joining SPC, Gabreski has served in a variety of roles, most recently as manager of Sponsored Program Development, and led SPC development of competitive grant funding applications for local, state, and federal discretionary programs.

She played a key role in developing the application which SPC, PennDOT, and Pittsburgh Regional Transit submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation to secure the $142 million grant for the Eastern Pittsburgh Multimodal Corridor project.

She also guided commission efforts on equity to ensure that programs adhere to the federal environmental justice requirements and Justice40 guidance.

Gabreski earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Penn State University’s Schreyer Honors College, and a Master of Public Administration with a concertation in economic and financial policy from Cornell University. She will officially assume the role on Thursday.

View the full article at indianagazette.com.

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission has announced that Lillian Gabreski has been named its director of transportation.

Gabreski will join the organization’s leadership team, lead a department of 13 staff members and oversee transportation initiatives on behalf of the 10-county region.

She brings a background in strategic planning and transportation, as well as securing state and federal grants, which includes her time with the commission she had joined in 2018.

Gabreski has served in a variety of roles. More recently, she has served as the manager of Sponsored Program Development and led the organization’s development of competitive grant funding applications for local, state and federal discretionary programs.

View the full article at butlereagle.com.

Many workers in southwestern Pennsylvania were left with few career prospects when economic and environmental concerns shifted coal mining to other regions. To address that challenge, the Pittsburgh Robotics Network yesterday announced that it has received a $750,000 grant to launch the Robotics Leadership Academy and provide new opportunities in robotics and autonomous systems.

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) provided the grant as part of $68.2 million in funding for 65 projects through its Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative. POWER directs federal resources to economic diversification and revitalization projects in Appalachian communities affected by the downturn of the coal industry.

With matching funds from regional contributors, the total funding for the Robotics Leadership Academy amounts to $1.5 million. This funding will support a three-year initiative to equip 220 workers with the skills necessary to drive innovation and commercialization within the region’s robotics cluster.

“We are incredibly grateful for the ARC’s support,” stated Jennifer Apicella, executive director of the Pittsburgh Robotics Network (PRN).

“This funding allows us to continue expanding Pittsburgh’s robotics business ecosystem by fostering a more skilled workforce capable of transforming both local and global markets,” she added. “The Robotics Leadership Academy will be instrumental in building the talent pipelines necessary to sustain our region’s competitive edge while accelerating the commercial growth of these companies.”

A similar program is the eKentucky Advanced Manufacturing Institute (eKAMI), which opened a robotics training center in 2020.

The Pittsburgh Robotics Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to building a leading robotics ecosystem around Pittsburgh. By connecting businesses, investors, and academia, the PRN said it works to accelerate the commercial growth and impact of robotics in the region and beyond.

Team members from the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, the region’s federally designated Local Development District (LDD), provided technical assistance and guidance throughout PRN’s grant-writing process.

“Our organization’s mission is to keep the region connected by planning for its future, and one of the ways we do that is by working to secure federal funding for area organizations like PRN,” said Rich Fitzgerald, executive director of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission. “Co-chair [Gayle] Manchin’s continued support of our region demonstrates the valued partnership that we have with the ARC team.”

“We are committed to fostering economic development through innovative methods, and PRN’s Leadership Academy will do just that by directly working to equip workers with the skills they need to be employed in and around the region’s growing robotics sector,” he said.

Robotics Leadership Academy involves regional partners
The Robotics Leadership Academy will also collaborate with Partner4Work, InnovatePGH, The Robotics Factory, Penn State University, and others to deliver two training tracks tailored for both technical professionals and students, said the Pittsburgh Robotics Network. The program will target diverse groups across the Appalachian region, with an emphasis on creating equitable pathways into high-demand, high-wage positions in the robotics industry.

“The RLA represents a pivotal moment for Pittsburgh’s robotics cluster,” noted Sean Luther, executive director of InnovatePGH. “By aligning education, industry, and community efforts, Pittsburgh is intentionally supporting a new generation of robotics leaders and building a workforce equipped for the future.”

Rob Cherry, CEO of Partner4Work, agreed that workforce development is key to regional growth.

“With the support of ARC, PRN’s efforts will give job seekers in Appalachia the skills needed to participate in the global robotics economy,” he said. “Together, we are shaping a more equitable and prosperous future for our workforce and businesses.”

Curriculum aligns with regional, federal goals
The Robotics Leadership Academy’s curriculum will explore the intersection between leadership and technical skills, bridging the gap between technology development and product commercialization, according to the PRN. It will also focus on creating equitable opportunities for underrepresented groups in the technology workforce.

“This grant enables us to not only grow the robotics workforce, but also ensure that opportunities are accessible to communities in our region,” said Jenny Sharpe, director of workforce development at the Pittsburgh Robotics Network.  “We’re committed to expanding access to education and training, particularly for those historically underrepresented in the tech sector.”

This award is aligned with the goals of the Build Back Better initiative, coordinated by the New Economy Collaborative. It received a $62.7M investment from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

The Robotics Leadership Academy is scheduled to begin in late 2024, with training sessions held quarterly through to 2027. The PRN said it expects the initiative to train 220 workers and serve as a model for workforce development across the U.S.

View the full story at therobotreport.com.