In an interview with Invest;, Ken Scaggs, Pittsburgh market leader at Aon, highlighted the firm’s technology investments and efforts to work with local leaders to attract and retain businesses in the region. “We work with city leaders and economic development organizations to champion programs that support business growth and provide insurance solutions that enable innovation without administrative barriers,” Scaggs said.

What changes in the past year have most impacted Aon Pittsburgh and in what ways?

Over the past year, Aon Pittsburgh has experienced significant momentum driven by strategic leadership changes and a renewed focus on growth. With a vacancy in the office, I was asked to step in, assess our talent, and foster a more cohesive, collaborative culture. This transition has set the stage for expansion—we’re actively hiring both sales professionals and account executives to meet increased client demand. Our business pipeline is robust, with a marked uptick in RFPs and a win rate of 65%, which is exceptional given Pittsburgh’s legacy of longstanding client relationships. The team’s ability to drive new business while maintaining trust with established clients reflects our commitment to delivering innovative, client-first solutions.

What is the firm’s approach toward attracting and retaining talent?

Aon’s approach to talent is centered on creating a compelling value proposition for both recruitment and retention. This year, it’s become easier to showcase Aon’s differentiators — most notably, our $1 billion-plus investment in technology and data analytics. As the world’s largest reinsurance broker, our proprietary data and risk analyzer platforms empower clients to make informed decisions and identify vulnerabilities. These innovations set us apart in the marketplace and make Aon an attractive destination for top talent. When recruiting, I highlight our collaborative and supportive culture and the opportunity to work with industry-leading tools and teams around the world. We have fun doing this too! We’re a team of highly trained professionals who love our jobs, our clients and the industry. We prioritize finding the right talent fit because I believe that when our people work well together, we can consistently deliver exceptional results to our clients.

How is the firm tailoring its offerings to suit the needs of the region?

Pittsburgh is undergoing a tech renaissance, and Aon is deeply engaged in supporting this transformation. My role involves partnering with local government and educational institutions to attract and retain businesses, foster startups, and advocate for tax incentives that make Pittsburgh a destination for growth. With some 50-plus colleges and universities producing top talent, our focus is on creating opportunities that keep graduates in the region. Aon is leveraging its data and analytics to design insurance solutions tailored for startups, ensuring they can seamlessly manage risk and focus on scaling their businesses. We work with city leaders and economic development organizations to champion programs that support business growth and provide insurance solutions that enable innovation without administrative barriers.

How is the firm helping businesses understand evolving risk exposures?

Aon’s global network of 60,000 colleagues enables us to deliver insights on emerging risks, best practices, and industry trends. We aggregate data from our client interactions and share actionable intelligence across our client base, helping organizations anticipate and address new exposures. For example, while ESG is now top of mind in Pittsburgh, Aon is prepared to guide clients through these conversations with board-level expertise, drawing on experiences from other markets around the globe. This collaborative approach ensures our clients are equipped to manage evolving risks and drive strategic, informed decision-making.

What macroeconomic trends are of most concern for your clients in the region?

Business leaders in Pittsburgh are closely monitoring several macroeconomic trends that could impact their operations and growth trajectory. One of the primary concerns is the region’s long-term economic viability — companies want assurance that Pittsburgh will remain a competitive hub for business, with reliable infrastructure and continued support from both state and city governments.

Supply chain resilience has become a top priority, especially for organizations with national or global footprints. They are evaluating how disruptions and shifting logistics patterns could affect their ability to operate efficiently from Pittsburgh. Labor market dynamics are also a significant focus, as companies assess the availability and retention of skilled talent in a region known for its educational institutions but facing challenges in keeping graduates local.

Additionally, regulatory changes and tax incentives — particularly those aimed at fostering innovation and supporting startups — are under scrutiny, as businesses weigh the benefits of expanding or relocating within the region. Broader economic factors such as inflation, interest rates, and geopolitical uncertainties continue to influence strategic planning, especially for companies with complex supply chains or international exposure.

Overall, clients are seeking guidance on how to navigate these trends, ensuring that their organizations remain resilient and positioned for long-term success in Pittsburgh’s evolving business landscape.

How is the firm integrating new technologies to drive innovation and value for clients?

Aon is making significant investments in new technologies to enhance innovation and deliver greater value to our clients — especially as we expand our reach into the middle-market segment. The recent acquisition of NFP in April 2024 has strengthened our capabilities, allowing us to serve a broader range of businesses with more specialized solutions.

We’re leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics to provide clients with actionable insights that help them manage risk more proactively. Our proprietary AI platforms enable us to deliver tailored information to middle-market clients, who often lack dedicated risk management teams. This means clients receive relevant, timely guidance without being overwhelmed by unnecessary data.

Aon’s technology investments also include risk analyzer platforms, which empower clients to identify vulnerabilities and make informed decisions about their insurance and risk strategies. These tools are designed to be user-friendly and accessible, so clients can focus on growing their businesses while we take care of the complexities of risk management.

Internally, our AI-driven solutions are making our teams more efficient, allowing us to respond faster and with more precision to client needs. By integrating these technologies, Aon is ensuring that clients of all sizes — from startups to global enterprises — benefit from the latest innovations in risk solutions and analytics.

What are the goals for the company in the next few years?

Our ambition is for Aon to become a household name — not just within insurance, but as a trusted partner for businesses and our local communities. We are committed to supporting charitable causes and actively engaging in the communities where our colleagues live and work. Our goal is to deepen relationships beyond transactional insurance, helping clients thrive in all aspects of their business. This community-focused approach, combined with our investments in technology and talent, will drive Aon’s growth and impact in the years ahead. Great things are on the horizon for Aon in Pittsburgh.

Graham Rihn, founder and CEO of RoadRunner, sat down with Invest: to discuss the company’s use of AI-equipped containers and analytics to tackle contamination, optimize pickups, and drive measurable sustainability outcomes across industrial and enterprise customers amid a resilient market. “Proprietary AI is the power behind RoadRunner. We turn complexity into streamlined, digitized waste and recycling operations with accurate, actionable insights, empowering clients to take informed and impactful sustainability efforts with measurable results,” Rihn said.

Over the past year, what have been some of the biggest changes that have shaped RoadRunner’s direction?

Given the broader macroeconomic challenges, this has been a difficult year for businesses across the globe. Fortunately, the waste management industry tends to be resilient and relatively recession-proof, which has positioned us well. Overall, we’ve had a strong year. The primary impact we’ve observed stems from the industries we serve, particularly the manufacturing and industrial sectors, which faced considerable uncertainty due to tariffs introduced earlier in the year. While we’ve seen some softness in waste generation volumes from those segments, the overall effect on our operations has been minimal. Ultimately, our clients in these impacted sectors benefit even more from our ability to streamline and control costs for them.

RoadRunner was recognized on the inaugural “CleanAI 60” list for using AI to drive climate impact. What does this say about the company’s progress?

A significant part of our business is driven by artificial intelligence. We design and manufacture rugged cameras that are installed in our containers at customer sites, enabling us to capture valuable data through embedded sensors. Using AI, we transform this data into actionable insights driving more efficient waste management for our customers. 

One of our most impactful capabilities is identifying contamination — a major challenge in the waste and recycling industry which can significantly hamper efficient recycling. Our patented technology also enables stream categorization, detects missed pickups, predicts when containers are nearing overflow, and more. By automating these traditionally manual and labor-intensive processes, we empower our customers to proactively manage their waste systems within sites.

How do you view the broader economic landscape of the region, and what role do you think sustainability-focused businesses can play in shaping its future?

I believe Pittsburgh is on the cusp of a major transformation, with the potential to become the nation’s hub for robotics and artificial intelligence. While there’s still significant work ahead to realize that vision, I can’t recall a more exciting time than 2025. Institutions like Carnegie Mellon University, widely recognized as a global leader in robotics and AI, along with other regional universities, are driving innovation and attracting top talent. A few months ago, I attended the energy summit hosted by Sen. Dave McCormick, and the momentum was palpable. There’s a surge of enthusiasm and investment flowing into the region. However, success ultimately hinges on execution. We must bet on ourselves, follow through, and position Pittsburgh as a world leader in AI.

How are you approaching talent attraction, team development, and building a culture that supports innovation and long-term growth?

While we are now a primarily remote workforce, recruiting from across the entire U.S., Pittsburgh is a great hub to build really hiqh-quality, dedicated teams.. In our early years, all of our hires were local to Pittsburgh, and it’s a huge asset that many folks who joined RoadRunner over a decade ago are still here today, embodying the pride and dedication of the city. That level of tenure and loyalty provides a super-strength for our business.These long-term team members have an unmatched depth of domain knowledge and institutional memory, which forms the rock-solid foundation that our new, talented employees can build upon.

What trends do you find most influential in the waste and sustainability industry right now and how is RoadRunner adapting to stay ahead?

Sustainability is a top priority for leading enterprises, many of which have set ambitious goals to reduce landfill waste and improve environmental reporting. Achieving these objectives is particularly complex in the waste and recycling sector, where data is often fragmented and difficult to manage, let alone capture accurately.

Without AI or advanced data analytics, it’s nearly impossible to execute these initiatives effectively. That’s where we come in. Proprietary AI is the power behind RoadRunner. We turn complexity into streamlined, digitized waste and recycling operations with accurate, actionable insights, empowering clients to take informed and impactful sustainability efforts with measurable results.

What are some of the key challenges you’re seeing in your space today, and where do you see the greatest opportunities for RoadRunner to make an impact?

There are two challenges I see on a recurring basis. The first is contamination, which I believe significantly holds the industry back from advancing our recycling goals in the United States. Leveraging smart technologies to identify and address contamination is, in my view, where the industry should be focusing its efforts.

The second challenge is the complexity of AI. While it’s a popular buzzword, deploying AI solutions can be costly and intricate. For any business in the industry considering an AI initiative, I would advise against rushing into deployment. The technology is evolving rapidly, and with time, organizations will gain a clearer understanding of the right strategy and product to implement. Patience allows for more thoughtful decision-making and ultimately better outcomes. The key advantage of working with RoadRunner is that our proprietary AI has already been in development and operational use for years to manage waste and recycling more effectively for our clients. This means our customers don’t have to concern themselves with the complexity, cost, or learning curve; we deliver the benefits of AI as a managed service.

How does RoadRunner engage with local communities, municipalities, or other partners to promote sustainability and responsible waste management?

First and foremost, we’re not just a waste and recycling company; we’re deeply committed to environmental stewardship. As part of our core values, we actively volunteer to clean up litter and trash from local streets and trails. This isn’t a side initiative; it’s something we do as a business. Every year on RoadRunner Day, our company’s anniversary, we dedicate mandatory volunteer hours to activities that support and protect our local environment. It’s a tradition that reflects who we are and what we stand for. We lead with purpose, and we lead by example.

How do you see the waste management and recycling industry evolving over the next few years, and what goals are you setting for RoadRunner?

What I’m most excited about — and what I view as a significant success — is our continued investment in artificial intelligence and the evolution of our internal AI capabilities. These aren’t short-term projects designed to deliver returns in 2025 or even 2026. Instead, they represent a long-term strategic commitment to positioning RoadRunner as the AI leader within our industry. My focus right now is on staying informed about the broader AI landscape and ensuring that what we’re building is not only relevant but truly impactful for the decade ahead. With time, our strategy will sharpen, and the value of these investments will become increasingly clear.

Ven Raju, president and CEO of venture capital firm Innovation Works, spoke with Invest: about staying on the forefront of early-stage investment in the Pittsburgh region. “Investment is coming into the Pittsburgh region not only to new companies, but into infrastructure, power, and other elements required for the new paradigm of the AI economy.”

Over the past year, what key changes have most shaped Innovation Works and its role in Pittsburgh’s innovation ecosystem?

Last year, the region saw $1.89 billion of capital inflows into tech companies. In keeping up with the ecosystem, we launched a number of new programs to support early-stage robotics startups in the region, including an accelerator program focused on robotics called Accelerate. This programmatic support provides both capital and support for early-stage startups. The support helps them with customer discovery, customer validation, product development, and go-to-market strategies. We also have a fully operational prototyping lab that helps robotics companies build out their product in our facility. We also launched a dedicated life sciences fund in partnership with Highmark AHN, that invests in life sciences companies. It is envisioned to be able to sustain itself into perpetuity. We deploy capital, garner returns from investments made, and those returns go back into the funds giving us the ability to continue investing in the life sciences ecosystem in the region. 

The UpPrize Social Innovation Challenge introduced a two-track model to support startups. What is its impact?

This long-standing initiative is in partnership with BNY, one of the largest financial service companies in the United States. The premise of the partnership is to bring capital and support resources to help mission-centric businesses that have an impact on the region, the nation, and around the globe. These companies are addressing acute challenges that help society. We curate the top business models and opportunities here in the region, fund them, and put them through targeted programming that helps with the basics of running and scaling a startup. This year, we started a two-track model for early and advanced stages because we saw a number of companies applying that were beyond this early stage and had evolved models further along in the business cycle. We wanted to offer an avenue for them as well. 

What makes Pittsburgh a uniquely strong place for entrepreneurs and innovators to build companies, and what advantages does it offer compared to other U.S. markets?

Pittsburgh is experiencing a tremendous surge in investment. Pittsburgh has strong clusters in AI, life sciences, and robotics. These clusters have benefitted from recent macro tailwinds.  We also have two very dominant R1 universities in the way of CMU and the University of Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh is a capital-efficient place to start and scale a business. We are seeing investment in the Pittsburgh region, not only to companies, but also into infrastructure, power, and other elements required for the new AI economy. 

What do you see as the defining trends and challenges for the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and how is Innovation Works positioning itself to address them?

As we are seeing a surge of investment in Pittsburgh, the vast majority of that capital is coming from outside the region. IW is the most active early-stage investor in the state of Pennsylvania and one of the most active in the United States. We are the largest provider of capital in the region for early- and growth-stage startups. We have increased that share organically by launching a number of funding vehicles and funds over the course of the last 18-24 months to help support regional startups. 

What are your top goals and priorities for Innovation Works for the next two to three years?

Our goal is to ensure that IW is able to support the next generation of innovation in the region. As the ecosystem scales and as capital inflows grow into the ecosystem, there are more opportunities to build and scale these companies. We want to ensure that IW’s programming, as well as its investment vehicles, appropriately support the new paradigm in the Pittsburgh technology startup ecosystem. We are constantly evolving our programming and increasing our share of investment in the region to support companies and create jobs. With tailwinds in AI, robotics, and life sciences, Pittsburgh is well-positioned to harness these developments.

Jordan Botta, executive director of the Three Rivers Business Alliance, sat down with Invest: to discuss the importance of supporting LGBTQ+-owned businesses, how the organization is addressing and navigating recent policy changes, and how the Small Business Pride program has had a positive impact on local businesses and the community. “My job is to ensure that our chamber reflects both grassroots entrepreneurs and high-growth potential businesses,” Botta said.

 

Reflecting on Three Rivers Business Alliance’s progress since last year, what major developments or milestones would you highlight?

The change in administration at the federal level has refocused a lot of the business community away from DEI, which is very disheartening. However, there are a lot of companies and corporations that have leaned into supporting DEI, especially LGBTQ+ folks here in the region. We are very focused on figuring out how to provide people with the resources that they need to be successful in what may be a challenging economic time. 

Three Rivers also has the privilege of hosting the 2026 NFL draft next spring in Pittsburgh. I am on the NFL host committee that welcomes officials and representatives into the city and I am hopeful that this will have a long-term economic impact on the region, as opposed to just being a flash in the pan. For Three Rivers, this opportunity has allowed us to certify a lot of local businesses with an LGBTE certification, which is preferred procurement through the NFL draft source program. This is the first time ever that the NFL draft program has accepted LGBTE certification. In the past, they have accepted a lot of diverse business certifications. A lot of our members will be able to partner directly with the NFL draft to do business with them on a personal level. 

What recent policy changes will benefit LGBTQ+ businesses, and how is Three Rivers Business Alliance working to address potential policy gaps? 

Policy barriers remain a critical challenge for LGBTQ+-owned businesses in Pennsylvania. A lot of policy right now is tentative. Our job as advocates for LGBTQ+ businesses in the region is to ensure that DEI efforts are not stripped from the federal government. Luckily, Pennsylvania has a tremendous governor who is working to enshrine a lot of these protections in legislation. A lot of businesses are catering their approach to reflect these changes, while at the same time still maintaining the structure of DEI. 

Over the past year, the Alliance has launched programs like Small Business Pride. What has been the impact of these initiatives on Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ+ business community?

Our Small Business Pride survey is the first report of its kind to investigate and report on LGBTQ+-owned and allied businesses in the region, specifically their challenges, revenues, and any ways that they have been able to succeed in the region. It is a comprehensive report and we were proud to partner with the Hillman Foundation to get that out there. 

LGBTQ+ businesses often lack the traditional intergenerational wealth that other businesses might have, as well as access to funding and specific and inclusive networks. We address that by connecting them directly to capital certifications and capacity-building resources. My job is to ensure that our chamber reflects both grassroots entrepreneurs and high-growth potential businesses that can diversify regional supply chains and provide opportunities for all. 

What’s your long-term vision for growing funding and certification, while supporting more entrepreneurs in need?

A few of my goals are to ensure that businesses have as much inclusion as possible in county RFPs and supplier lists, pushing for economic relief tools to reach entrepreneurs that are often left out of traditional banking systems and funding opportunities, and supporting infrastructure projects that open new market access to underserved communities. Diverse portfolios are often the ones that perform the best and I believe that this also holds true for economic policies. Diverse economic policies perform the best at a macroeconomic level. 

I am looking forward to working on a county level. We potentially have a new mayor coming in. Partnering with municipalities is important in creating localized economic growth and ensuring that the economic growth that we have is as diverse as possible. Having diversity in business is so important and those are the businesses that traditionally do not have the resources that they need. Giving people the tools that they need to survive and thrive is important. Long term, the economic outlook that I have is to ensure diverse business practices so that everyone wants to be in and stay in Allegheny County. 

How do you ensure that LGBQT-owned businesses have a seat at the table during these next phases of regional economic development? 

I have had the benefit of serving as the first openly gay Allegheny councilperson. That allows me to have a seat at the table and address specific issues related to the LGBTQ+ community. There are a lot of allies out there, but unless you have someone who truly understands the needs and has gone through these challenges themselves, you do not truly have a seat at the table. Ensuring that we have people in government, business, policy, and advocacy who are working to make this a great economic region is imperative. To truly have a seat at the table means having people in all sectors who understand the challenges.

How would you assess the inclusivity of Pittsburgh’s procurement and certification landscape for LGBTQ+-owned businesses?

I am a councilman for Allegheny County in Pennsylvania, in addition to being the executive director of Three Rivers Business Alliance. I am working with the city right now to have the county accept LGBTBE certification for their procurement process and I hope for that to be a model across the state. One of my goals as a county councilman is to ensure that Allegheny County accepts LGBTBE certification on a county level so that they can ensure 3 to 5% of their contracts are through LGBTBE-certified businesses. 

Looking ahead, what are your top priorities for the Alliance over the next 12–24 months? 

Growing our membership to reflect not only LGBTQ+ businesses but also allies in the region who would like to learn more about how to diversify their businesses is a big priority for us. Helping corporations understand the importance of having a diverse workforce and expanding our mission of localized economic growth to be as vibrant and diverse as possible is at the forefront of our minds. We are trying to help LGBTQ+ business owners not just survive, but also scale. Supporting these individuals with capital and contracts as opposed to charity is key. 

In an interview with Invest:, Jennifer Apicella, executive director of Pittsburgh Robotics Network, highlighted new initiatives to support commercialization, talent development, and corporate innovation within the robotics and AI space. “Pittsburgh has been developing advanced technology for decades, and we sit at the forefront,” said Apicella.

Over the past year, what have been the most significant changes for PRN and the broader robotics ecosystem in Pittsburgh?

We are seeing a tremendous amount of growth here in our regional robotics and artificial intelligence cluster. Our organization has been responding to that growth to help foster it, as our mission is to serve these companies as they grow and succeed. That success is mutually beneficial for all. 

Some key highlights from 2024 include an increase in capital investment for these companies. Robotics has not always been venture capital friendly, but with advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and automation becoming more in demand at businesses than ever, we are seeing our companies grow. Not only are existing companies expanding, but we are also seeing new companies arrive and be spun out, which is very exciting. In response to that growth, as these companies expand, we have launched a professional development program to respond to their teams. Technology professionals who are ascending into leadership as their companies grow need to transition from the lab into the suite more and more. We have launched the Deep Tech Institute to help accelerate their commercial growth by applying technology leadership development to their leaders.

In addition to that, our organization has launched a corporate innovation program. One of the things happening with the growth these companies are experiencing is that many businesses have been expanding their innovation departments. By corporations, we mean multi-industry organizations that are looking to buy, use, adopt, and pilot advanced technologies. As they are on that journey of exploring what is available, it is difficult to navigate the scene to understand what is possible. Technology is moving at a pace that is unprecedented in today’s modern society on a global scale. As large companies are looking to figure out how to adopt what is new now and next versus what needs to be developed in research and development for the future, our corporate innovation program helps those organizations. An example of that would be Duquesne Light, a large electric utility company who approached us for some assistance navigating how to adopt physical artificial intelligence technologies internally because it is difficult to know where we are at with physical artificial intelligence solutions if you are not sitting in that pocket.

How does Robotics & AI Discovery Day and other PRN-led events help advance awareness, collaboration, or commercialization opportunities for member companies?

The Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Discovery Day is our annual gathering, and 2025 will be our fourth year delivering it. It is an opportunity for the world to come in and experience this ecosystem for themselves. 

We display discovery zones as parts of our ecosystem. We have a robotics zone for those looking to explore robotics technologies, with companies demonstrating their products and solutions. We have a technology and artificial intelligence zone, which is new this year, where you can do the same exploration but with companies that go beyond robotics and more in other types of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence applications. We also have a career pathway zone to help people gain the skills and certification needed. Then we also have a community zone for those individuals who want to discover what is available beyond a business or education perspective.

How is PRN building the talent pipeline through training, leadership development, and matchmaking initiatives?

Pittsburgh is well known for our technical talent pipeline. We have, of course, world-class universities like Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, and many others. We also have community colleges that are adapting to these in-demand needs for other types of credentialing. So we have a competitive advantage in terms of the talent that we produce. Beyond that, we also have professional development needs that companies inform us about, which led to the launch of our Deep Tech Institute. Whether it is through traditional ways of gaining a degree and becoming skilled or through these new emerging programs for upskilling and reskilling, we are responding to the demands of industry because it is happening here. The demand for jobs means we are able to not only meet that and track that, but we can also proactively find a way to cohesively list it all and push it out to the world for opportunity. We currently host a job board where we take all of our robotics companies and the robotics jobs that they are hiring for and consolidate it into one Pittsburgh Robotics Network job board. We are enhancing that to offer a much more robust user experience for job seekers as well as companies. 

We also partner with our workforce boards and others in the region to make sure that we are able to provide whatever the needs are for the companies and connect them with existing resources. 

In terms of matchmaking, we have a Women in Robotics community, a mentorship initiative, and we work with startups and large companies as they are growing. We try to do everything we can for companies of all sizes because talent is the heart of everything that they are doing. Without brilliant minds, you cannot stay innovative and you cannot succeed.

What robotics or AI trends do you see as particularly aligned with Pittsburgh’s existing strengths in advanced manufacturing, research, and technology?

Right now is the time for advanced technology, and we are seeing the interest in financial markets and venture capital investment. Fortunately, the trends that exist in those spaces are areas where we are in alignment. Companies seeking to stay globally competitive in warehousing and logistics, energy, infrastructure, inspection and maintenance, agriculture, and construction are all looking to apply innovation. These legacy industries are adopting new technology to outpace their competitors and to stay relevant and grow in this very tumultuous and ever-changing world.

The great news is Pittsburgh has been developing advanced technology for decades, and we sit at the forefront. Carnegie Mellon University has the No. 1 artificial intelligence program in the United States. Research and development and advanced engineering is what Pittsburgh is known for. We are a region of builders who are gritty, work hard, and think creatively. That puts us in a fantastic position with many of our companies who are now getting investments and participating in some of these initiatives and public-private partnerships with the state. 

As robotics continues to evolve, what are the biggest hurdles for companies in this space, and how does PRN help members navigate them?

Commercializing these technologies as they come out of the lab and into the real world and are applied to multi-industry uses is a primary hurdle. One challenge is just being found. Our corporate innovation program helps corporations find some of these companies because startups, new companies, or stealth operating advanced technology companies are not often what we would call loud and full of marketing and public relations. They are oftentimes just really heads-down, focused on getting that technology to work. So I would say the process of commercialization is a significant challenge because if everyone could do it then everyone would be successful.

The other challenge is access to capital. While there is increased interest in these technologies from the venture capital and finance community, there is still a lot they do not understand. Trying to get the finance community to understand what is a risky investment and what is a good investment is critical so these companies can grow to meet the demand in the market. When markets change very quickly, investors do not always have the latest reports to guide their decision-making and their due diligence processes. It is important for companies to understand that there is risk in some of these adoption exercises, but you can de-risk that through more efficient commercialization pathways.

Looking ahead, what are PRN’s key goals and priorities for the next two to three years?

We are responding to our mission, which is making sure that these companies grow. We want to see the companies grow into being the most successful they can be. That would include building import and export trade pipelines. Within all of this, there is just a tremendous amount of expansion that these companies can capitalize on, and to see success is just a beautiful thing. So, growing those jobs, growing the companies, and growing access to investment and global relations are key.

In an interview with Invest:, Lynda Pozzuto, president of the Alle Kiski Strong Chamber, shared the initiatives the chamber developed to support its members, including in how to stay relevant with younger members. “The wide range of new businesses from the younger generation bring in fresh, new, successful ideas,” Pozzuto added.

What recent changes have affected the chamber? 

Post-COVID, our businesses are struggling with employee shortages. One of their biggest concerns is how to keep operating without the employees they need. We are also noticing the younger generations becoming leaders in organizations, without understanding why they should become members of the chamber, or be involved in networking for personal connections. It is a huge challenge to make ourselves relevant, so the next generation finds the benefits in the chambers. It’s so important to have chamber support, where people are better and stronger together. 

How do your initiatives evolve to benefit your members?

We try to stay in touch with different generations. We still do our government luncheons and our usual programs, but we’re adding pieces that are just fun. Hopefully, that would entice people to find out more about the chamber. We’re not a stuffy, old group. We are welcoming for all generations. While doing these fun things, we’re making contacts that will be valuable forever. It’s a new way of networking: providing beneficial aspects but with a fun, exciting twist. 

Which recent initiatives have had the most impact on member businesses?

It would definitely be our government relations events. We participated in an event for childcare with the lieutenant governor, which had a direct impact on our businesses. Affordable childcare goes hand in hand with employee availability. We can’t expect to have a larger workforce until we fix the childcare issue. That would be a stepping stone toward resolving the shortage of workforce, and there are great initiatives for that. We talked to some daycare owners about their struggles. Pre-COVID, they would get some funding, so they could pay their staff more. All those funds have stopped. If we have children coming to the daycare while receiving financial assistance, the daycare gets a certain amount of money per child. In rural areas, daycare workers receive less than urban areas like Pittsburgh, although they all have the same cost and issues, which creates even more struggles for the rural areas. 

What makes Alle‑Kiski a great place to live and do business?

Most of the communities within our territory are located on the shorelines of the Allegheny River. We have this beautiful river, which is a draw for campers, and fishermen, as well as the beautiful, new bike trails. Most communities don’t have even one of them, and we have both. That certainly is an enticement for families and businesses to locate here. There are always new people coming into our communities who want to enjoy these assets that we have. We’re only a half-hour drive from Pittsburgh. For those people who want to get out of the city, we’re right here. For the people who live here, and want something exciting to do, it’s only a half-hour drive away. 

How does the chamber leverage its proximity to Pittsburgh’s economic ecosystem to create opportunities for local businesses?

Our local counties are working on getting new businesses to relocate here, with one of the selling points being that we are so close to Pittsburgh. Businesses can move a little out of the city, get fresh air, and go to a different environment. Within Armstrong, Westmoreland, and Allegheny counties, there are so many opportunities for businesses to take advantage of.  

What are the most exciting opportunities in economic collaboration? 

We are seeing a lot of revitalization projects within our communities, including in New Kensington. The chamber partners and works with these communities on revitalizations because they bring new businesses, and New Kensington is the perfect example. Working with Penn State, the whole community is on board with bringing it back to its glory days. The first step is to revitalize the communities and appeal to the businesses coming in. All the communities are doing a very good job of creating the opportunities to bring new businesses in. We are seeing a lot of new, small businesses coming in within all our territories. It’s great to see people going into business, and operating brick-and-mortar buildings, instead of just online. The new businesses are coming in and making old buildings shine again. That then becomes an enticement for people to move back into those communities, as they look at what’s happening downtown and want to be a part of it. New businesses change everything. They change the community, making it more vibrant every day. The wide range of new businesses from the younger generation bring in fresh, new, successful ideas. 

How will the role of chambers evolve to meet the needs of the new generation?

All chambers definitely need to evolve. We have a strong connection with government affairs, but some people are not interested in that, and we can’t make that our strong suit. We need to be involved with AI, and all the latest technologies. A good start is by bringing younger people onto our board of directors. Our board guides us on what we’re doing, and on our future programming. We certainly do need to have insights about what’s going on out there. We’re trying to stay in touch, be open, be available, and listen. 

How would deeper partnerships between the chamber and Pittsburgh organizations amplify regional impact?

We are 100% for partnerships. We could accomplish more by being a partner than trying to do everything by ourselves. I’m always open to different collaborations, even if it’s just a fun networking event. Every year, I go to the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals Conference to meet directors and presidents from all over Pennsylvania. When I meet these good contacts, I always hear that everybody is willing to work together. We realize that’s what we have to do to be relevant, and to proceed into the future. We just did a really fun networking bingo with Oakmont Chamber. The room was sold out almost instantly. Now, both our chambers network with people whom we typically would not. 

What are your top priorities for the next few years?

The biggest one is how to make ourselves relevant. Our legislative events, and government affairs activity will go on as we’ve been doing that for so many years. What we do is predicated on trying to make ourselves relevant, which helps to plan what we do for the year. Some people might not want to change, so it’s also a challenge to say that what we’ve been doing is not working right now. With technology, and AI, changing so quickly, we need to figure out how to deal with the changes today.

Mark Hilliard, president of Indiana County Chamber of Commerce, sat down with Invest: to discuss new partnerships with local universities and hospitals, new local job opportunities in tech, and how the chamber is continuing to support economic development and community growth in Indiana County. 

What changes over the past year impacted the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce and in what ways? 

We are going through a transitory period in the economy. We are currently on the upswing, but we recently had to close a large power plant here in the community. We have seen a lot of progress in the healthcare industry. Indiana University of Pennsylvania has been working to establish a college of Osteopathic Medicine. There have been partnerships created with the university and Indiana Regional Medical Center, our local, independently owned hospital. The hospital has also created a new behavioral health center. Mental health has been a huge issue everywhere and I believe that this facility will be beneficial to our region as a whole. The technology and energy industries are continuing to grow and I foresee Indiana County taking advantage of these emerging opportunities. We have great people and we are very good at collaborating with one another. If a business is looking to come here, there are multiple groups and organizations that are working together to help that business succeed. We have a great working relationship with the county commissioners and state legislatures and have been known for that across the state. 

Have there been any developments in building connections or attracting tech related opportunities in the county? 

The former city generating station, the coal fired power plant facility, recently announced that it is transitioning into a natural gas facility and will also house a number of different data centers. There are many new opportunities that have been generated by these data centers and Al. The next decade is going to be focused on that project and those opportunities. This is one of the largest projects that Pennsylvania has seen in a long time. Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) has also developed a tremendous drone program and it has been making a lot of advancements recently. We have a number of great tech schools that are introducing students to the cybersecurity field, which is a field in need of people and presents many opportunities for young people. Identifying students that have the skill sets for these new tech jobs, providing them with programs and an education, and encouraging them to potentially work at these data centers has been a goal of ours. 

Has there been meaningful progress with the workforce development initiatives you’ve launched through schools and community partners? 

We are continuing to head in a positive direction. We are seeing a lot more career readiness programs in our county school districts, as well as a unified focus across our public school districts on trying to find ways to prepare our students for whatever pathways they choose. We, and many others, are still facing population challenges. Our population is projected to grow over the next 10 years and that should help our workforce shortages. It is still our responsibility to make sure that there are workforce programs in place to encourage our students to stay in the county. Ensuring that we have the right training programs in place for the potential workforce of the future is still a huge priority for us. Workforce related issues are still our primary challenge for all of our businesses, but more so for our smaller businesses. Providing the right incentives and offering opportunities is key. 

What efforts are underway to attract investment and retain existing businesses through these public-private partnerships? 

We are blessed to be in the senate majority leaders’ district. We also have the minority chair of the house appropriations committee. Having leaders from both the house and senate on the state side right here in our county has been helpful. They are both always finding ways to help this area grow. We have a great line of communication with our county commissioners as well. Most of them attend our chamber board meetings where we have open discussions about  different projects and initiatives. If there is a challenge that arises, we have easy access to these people to ask for guidance or advice. We are a part of a group here in Indiana County called the Center for Economic Operations, which is made up of the Chamber of Commerce, the Indiana County Tourist Bureau, the Indiana Development Corporation, IUP, and the county commissioners. We meet every two weeks to discuss various projects and initiatives that are in progress throughout the county. 

Looking ahead, what key goals or initiatives will the chamber be focusing on to continue supporting economic development and community growth in Indiana County? 

We are trying to find ways to connect people with the information that they need. If they need assistance in a particular area that we are not able to provide, there are a lot of resources that we can connect them to. We pride ourselves on being an organization that can help connect people. Continuing to find ways to provide our local businesses with the information that they need to help their business grow is key. In addition, identifying the potential careers that will be needed over the next decade is a big priority for us. The new projects that are coming into the area are bringing new opportunities. Identifying what those careers are and what skillsets they will need is important so we can start working with our schools to create the appropriate training and educational opportunities. Better preparing our students will help to ensure that when they graduate these job opportunities are readily available for them.

In an interview with Invest:, Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and foundation CEO Melanie Marie Boyer highlighted the chamber’s focus on scaling support for Latino entrepreneurs. Key initiatives include AI-powered smart advisors, expanded networking, and efforts to improve access to capital. “Doing something today is fine, but being able to continue doing something that will impact not only people today, but future generations is essential,” she said.

 

What have been some significant highlights or achievements for the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in the past year?

We received a grant from the Pennsylvania CDFI Network to provide technical assistance for businesses. Our population is growing rapidly — not only the Hispanic population but the small-business community overall. To meet rising demand without expanding staff, we launched our AI-powered Smart Advisor program. Entrepreneurs are busy, often working late, so our 24/7 Smart Advisors meet them where they are — helping with access to capital, budgeting, business planning, marketing, HR, and more. We also offer scholarships for free memberships to small businesses. Additionally, we developed the Melanie Bot to answer questions about the chamber and created an internal HR bot for standard operating procedures and policies.

What kinds of businesses or industries have shown the most growth or momentum in the metro area recently? 

It might seem typical to say restaurants, but I attended the Big Table International Food Event recently, and nearly half of the food vendors were Hispanic-owned — and it wasn’t even a Hispanic-centered event. Many were food trucks and caterers. That kind of representation at a mainstream event signals a cultural and economic shift that’s already underway — and it’s being led by Latino entrepreneurs.

Pittsburgh may have a smaller Hispanic population compared to other cities, but we are definitely growing. Beyond food, we’re seeing momentum in consumer goods, handmade and imported specialty items, construction, insurance — really, businesses in every sector are emerging. Latinos are creating jobs and powering growth at one of the fastest rates in the country.

Are there any specific sectors or initiatives that you believe could drive the next wave of economic development in the region?

The opportunity AI presents across all industries is still largely untapped. What we really need is small-business growth — especially in service industries like consulting. Many professionals don’t realize their experience is enough to launch a business. Digital tools like our Smart Advisors can be the bridge that helps them step out of the 9 to 5 and into entrepreneurship. Whether someone is starting or growing a business, automation makes resources more efficient, scalable, and accessible. That’s the next wave — enabling growth for anyone, anywhere, with tools that work around the clock.

What resources does the chamber offer its members in terms of knowledge, and how are you meeting them where they are to help them grow their businesses?

We pride ourselves on being connectors. In Pittsburgh, it’s often about who you know. We’ve built a strong network and invite our members to leverage it. We also have a broad digital reach — our newsletter and social media reach around 20,000 people each month, and members can promote jobs, events, or announcements there.

But the most transformative tool we offer is our Smart Advisor system. Anything someone might call to ask me — about resources, their business, or navigating a challenge — is now automated and available 24/7. That kind of real-time guidance is a game-changer.

How is the chamber supporting businesses in navigating challenges around talent attraction, workforce development, or upskilling?

We run an annual Business Success Academy that takes 20 businesses through a curriculum covering marketing, operations, and growth strategies. Graduates receive a business commercial, participate in a ceremony, and are featured in Pittsburgh Latino Magazine. One of our graduates went on to land a major regional contract within weeks — a testament to what’s possible with the right support.

Beyond that, we host monthly networking events that bring together decision-makers, small businesses, and young professionals. These are not just mixers — they’re launchpads for contracts, partnerships, and mentoring. We focus on creating symbiotic partnerships. While our lens is Hispanic-focused, everyone is welcome. Ignoring the Hispanic community isn’t just shortsighted — it’s a missed opportunity to engage one of the world’s largest economic forces.

How is the chamber working with local governments or private developers to attract new investment and support business retention?

It starts with the pipeline. We’re focused on building pipelines earlier — for businesses, students, and the workforce. We collaborate with organizations to provide both resources and advocacy. For example, we championed corporate tax reduction legislation that has improved Pittsburgh’s competitive standing. We also supported the Family Care Act, which would ensure access to paid family and medical leave — an important step in making our region more supportive for both workers and employers.

But it’s not just about attracting investment — it’s about making people feel at home. In the past, some founders left because they didn’t see their culture reflected here. That’s why cultural representation, community events, and diverse leadership matter. When people see someone who looks like them leading, it builds belonging. That human connection is key to retention and regional growth.

What are the major challenges Hispanic business owners in the region are facing?

Access to capital remains the biggest barrier. While Latinos are leading in entrepreneurship, we receive a disproportionately low percentage of funding. Venture capital is a prime example — around 0.01% goes to Latinos. There’s also a lack of trust in banks, especially among green card holders. Some past anti-discrimination protections have been rolled back, making it harder. That’s why we launched our AI-powered Smart Advisors — to educate, prepare, and support entrepreneurs 24/7, even at 2 or 3 a.m. We’re committed to breaking down financial barriers in a sustainable, scalable way.

What is the outlook for business growth in the region over the next three years, and what key priorities will you be focusing on during that time?

The trajectory is incredibly promising. Pittsburgh is becoming a hub for AI and robotics, which attracts businesses, talent, and funding. Our downtown is thriving, and population growth is trending up, especially in high-paying sectors. That creates a real opportunity to invest in our neighborhoods and small businesses.

Our top priorities are scale and sustainability. For every program we launch, we ask: Who does it serve? Can it scale? Is it sustainable long-term? We’re building with the future in mind. Because the true measure of impact isn’t what we do today — it’s what future generations are empowered to do because of it.

We’re not just shaping an economy — we’re building an ecosystem rooted in equity, resilience, and belonging. Pittsburgh has the potential to lead the nation in inclusive innovation, and we’re here to make sure that no one is left behind on that journey.