Chris Heck, President & CEO, Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce

In an interview with Invest:, Chris Heck, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce, said that the region is experiencing a powerful resurgence driven by innovation, infrastructure investment, and community collaboration. “We’ve had several companies shortlist Pittsburgh for relocation,” he said.

What makes the Pittsburgh Airport Corridor an ideal location for business investment and expansion?

It really comes down to the cost of doing business. When you’re looking to relocate or explore a new location, cost is one of the first things businesses evaluate. But beyond that, it’s about the community itself. Employees are your greatest asset, and you want to ensure they’ll have access to a good quality of life.

We’ve had several companies shortlist Pittsburgh for relocation. When they reach out to us for economic data, they’re not just looking at numbers—they’re looking at schools, cost of living, workforce quality, and higher education institutions like Carnegie Mellon, the University of Pittsburgh, and Robert Morris University. These schools are pipelines for talent that feed directly into the workforce.

In the Airport Corridor, one of the first things people notice is the diverse real estate options. There’s affordable land near the airport, with development opportunities ranging from 20,000 to over 1 million square feet. Companies like GE, Amazon, and Industrial Scientific have all chosen this area over others.

On the residential side, I recently surveyed five of the 31 municipalities that make up the corridor, and each has approved over 1,000 residential permits. That means each community will likely grow by 1,000 to 2,000 residents over the next two to three years. Compared to many other parts of Pennsylvania, this region is truly a bright spot for growth, employment opportunities, and a lower cost of living—especially when compared to areas further east. 

The $1.7 billion airport modernization project is underway. Can you provide more details about the new terminal?

The new terminal is part of the Terminal Modernization Project or TMP. It’s a complete reimagining of our current airport. The goal is to create a more efficient, innovative, and cost-effective travel experience for both local residents and international travelers.

We’ve been working together as a community on this for several years, and we’re nearing the finish line. We expect the new terminal to open in the fall of this year. It’s a massive project that will bring jobs, boost local industries like logistics, cargo, hospitality, and transportation, and create ripple effects throughout the economy.

To give some context, the current airport opened in 1992 and was originally a hub for US Airways. When that model collapsed and US Airways pulled out, tens of thousands of jobs were lost. It was a difficult time for the region. But like any area, there are peaks and valleys, and this is a high point. The airport corridor is experiencing a renaissance, and every week we’re seeing new companies setting up shop here. It’s a very exciting time.

How do you see the region positioning itself nationally and globally?

What we’re seeing is part of a broader trend among many regions transitioning from traditional manufacturing to technology-driven economies. A major driver of that shift is AI, which requires data centers, and those data centers, in turn, need reliable energy.

We’re fortunate to have the Marcellus Shale right beneath us, providing abundant natural gas. That resource powers our data infrastructure. While we haven’t seen the full arrival of mega data centers yet, the groundwork is being laid. Zoning reforms have made it easier to develop these projects, thanks in part to support from the governor.

Just recently, I read about a new data center being planned near the Southern Beltway, only a few miles from the airport. We’re becoming increasingly competitive with neighboring states like Ohio for these large-scale projects. Our aim is to not only compete but to lead — and we’re well on our way.

What have been the most significant milestones or accomplishments for the chamber over the past year?

The Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce is 125 years old and serves as a flagship organization for the 31 communities in our region. Our footprint is significant, not only because we’re anchored by an international airport but also because we’re surrounded by major industrial and chemical companies.

For example, Shell recently built a cracker plant just 13 miles from us. We also have a robust energy sector that includes natural gas drillers and processors, along with companies like Bayer, Covestro, and Lanxess, which rely on local energy resources in their operations.

We have just under 900 member companies, many of which are highly stable. In fact, we’re experiencing the fastest membership growth of any chamber in the state, adding about 12 new members every month. That kind of growth is rare; most chambers are thrilled with three or four new members per month. We’re proud of the value we provide, and demand continues to increase.

For example, we held an event focused on opportunities related to the new airport, including procurement and engagement for local businesses. We’re doing similar work with the 2026 NFL Draft, which will be hosted here in Pittsburgh. I serve on one of the host committees for that event, helping connect our companies to the procurement process. Pittsburgh is in the global spotlight right now, and our chamber is right in the thick of it.

Are there any specific areas where you’re seeing increased demand or where businesses are seeking more support?

One of the biggest areas of demand is education, particularly for business owners. Our membership is diverse, ranging from large corporations to small startups. For larger firms, we focus on strategic introductions and new business opportunities. For smaller businesses, we provide support in areas like workforce training, marketing, and navigating the evolving digital landscape.

We offer workshops, resources, and tailored programs to help these businesses thrive. There’s often a misconception that chambers are just about networking events and cocktail hours, but that’s not who we are. 

How is the chamber supporting businesses in talent attraction, development, and retention?

We’re very intentional with our partnerships. Robert Morris University is right outside my window, and we work closely with their programs, as well as trade schools, technical colleges, and community colleges in the area.

Together, we’re focused on training the next generation for the kinds of opportunities that are growing here, whether it’s in robotics, additive manufacturing, AI, or advanced manufacturing. The goal is not just to train talent but to keep that talent here.

Of course, there’s always the trend of college graduates wanting to explore the world. But we’ve seen a strong “boomerang effect” in this region. People leave and then realize how great it is here — low cost of living, excellent schools, four seasons, strong communities — and they come back.

Through collaboration with schools, businesses, and local employers, we’ve been closing the workforce gap that existed just a few years ago. It’s a really encouraging trend.

How are you working with municipalities and local government to improve quality of life through infrastructure, family amenities, or other community improvements?

At the local level, it’s crucial for a chamber to build strong relationships with the municipalities that surround it. We work with 31 municipalities, 17 of which are core partners, and within those, about six or seven are major stakeholders.

We help them showcase what it’s like to live, work, and play in their communities. That local buy-in is essential. When municipalities support the chamber, and we support their growth in return, it creates a win-win situation.

Over the past seven years, we’ve built meaningful relationships not just with municipalities but also with large employers. That balance is key to ensuring sustained community development.

We also work with larger regional organizations like Visit Pittsburgh and the Allegheny Conference. These entities market the broader region, and we’re a vital spoke in that wheel. Our area is now officially designated as a destination, which is drawing in conventions, large-scale events, and increased visibility. We’ve really hit our stride.

What are your top priorities for the next two to three years?

Now that we’ve built a strong foundation, the next step is to expand our outreach—especially outside the region. My top priority is to amplify our message nationally, using social media and other channels to showcase who we are and what we offer.

We’re aiming to reach 1,000 member companies in the next few years. But beyond numbers, we want to attract companies that bring people, knowledge, and innovation to our area.

Recent census data shows that this region is the only area in Western Pennsylvania experiencing population growth. That’s a big deal. We’re not losing people, we’re gaining them.  That’s a strong sign we’re moving in the right direction.