As the stadium controversy continues, as civic leaders continue to bemoan the potential loss of major sports franchises as a death blow to our economy, someone forgot to tell the smaller business community.
Without question, entrepreneurs will never face an easy, hurdle-free path to success—with or without the Pittsburgh Pirates or Steelers. But for many, their perseverance, tenacity and technological know-how are transforming the region into a quiet hotbed of aggressive growth and prosperity.
In this, our fifth annual Who To Watch issue, SBN showcases eight companies and their leaders, including two entrepreneurially driven, economic development-oriented organizations. As usual, our criteria include a diversity of industries and ownership, at a variety of growth stages.
They all have one thing in common: They’re all forging bold new paths in their industries and promise an exciting 1999.
Granted, our selection process is less than scientific, and we certainly recognize that dozens, perhaps hundreds, of other local companies offer similar hope for success. But the companies we selected represent a positive and optimistic perspective of a region sometimes mired in its own gloomy image of itself.
All we ask is that you read our perspective and decide for yourself. And join the optimists.