Progress Is...
A Mission and Objectives to Guide Future Actions
A mission statement approved by our sponsors guides the Progress Council. The mission statement reflects a focus on efforts to improve highway access and other efforts to promote economic development.
The Progress Council's sponsors meet in January of each year to set objectives for the new year.
Mission Statement:
To be a highly responsive, proactive and innovative business-led organization that contributes toward the improvement of economic conditions and quality of life in the Mid Mon Valley.
Goals for 2012
Champion a local and regional transportation system that efficiently connects communities and people with employment centers and area firms with markets and supply sources
2012 objectives
- Work with corporate sponsors to identify local transportation issues that negatively impact area firms and seek solutions for resolution of issues
- Develop a strategy in conjunct with area firms to encourage legislative action on transportation funding that will address local transportation issues, including those that direct impact businesses
- Maintain a regional leadership role on the Expressway and Southern Beltway to improve transportation access for local business and to promote economic development
- Research alternative public/private partnership funding strategies as well as state and federal legislation to advance funding for the Expressway and Southern Beltway
Support the development of a diverse economic base with unemployment levels no greater than the national rate
2012 objectives
- Conduct outreach efforts to identify financial or other technical needs of businesses and provide a rapid and concise response to identified issues
- Coordinate one major legislative forum of business and state and federal elected officials on issues, including regulatory relief, and coordinate legislative meetings for local firms
- Research economic development programs or projects that could provide tax credits, grant and low interest loans and communicate such information to local firms
- Work with area organization to provide accurate and timely information to local firms as well as for business recruitment on economic development assets and opportunities in the Mid Mon Valley
- Administer the Progress Council Industrial Development Assistance program seeking to close on one loan to an area firm
- Proceed with dedication of Rostraver Airport Roadway to Westmoreland County Airport Authority to enhance access and security at the airport.
- Administer the Regional Enterprises Zone program and seek to complete two applications for business expansion tax credits and one Challenge Grant loan
Provide assistance to develop a workforce that meets the requirements of local firms and is an asset for the attraction of new firms to the region
2012 objectives
- Collaborate with the Mon Valley Career and Technology Center on a strategy to commence "Top Ten List" seminars classes to promote workforce readiness
- Collaborate with the Mon Valley Career and Technology Center on promoting their "Career Institute of Mon Valley" as a work readiness-training program and seek to expand workforce-training programs offered through the Career Institute.
Foster programs that establish vViable local communities that support a stable to growing population base
2012 objectives
- Engage local elected officials in efforts to promote progress in the Mid Mon Valley.
- Seek local government participation in the Mid Mon Valley Regional Intermunicipal Cooperative as a self-sustaining effort to promote intergovernmental cooperation.
NOTE: New objectives or revised language for 2012 are italicized.
435 Donner Avenue | Suite 410 | Monessen, PA 15062 | 724-684-3381 | Fax: 724-684-5113