Pennsylvania Gov. Rendell Marks Significant New Economic Progress in Westmoreland County

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://www.streetinsider.com/Press+Releases/Pennsylvania+Gov.+Rendell+Marks+Significant+New+Economic+Progress+in+Westmoreland+County/3385126.html

Pennsylvania Gov. Rendell Marks Significant New Economic Progress in Westmoreland County

February 20, 2008 1:00 PM EST

Belle Vernon, Latrobe, West Newton Poised for progress

GREENSBURG, Pa., Feb. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell said today four recent investments in Westmoreland County show how Pennsylvania is using its resources to create hundreds of new jobs and transform places like Latrobe, West Newton and Belle Vernon.

In Belle Vernon, an alternative energy manufacturer has pledged to create almost 400 new jobs within three years and is positioned to become one of the nation's largest producers of low-cost solar cells.

"Alternative-energy leadership and a multi-state distribution hub in Belle Vernon; advanced manufacturing in Latrobe and West Newtown -- are all the result of the targeted investments we have been making for the past five years to generate job growth in these key sectors," Governor Rendell said. "It's no accident that Pennsylvania is positioned to weather any national economic downturn that might be heading our way. The budget I proposed earlier this month will help us protect our progress and do even more for businesses and communities throughout Pennsylvania"

...

Solar Power Industries Inc., in Belle Vernon, is poised to become one of the nation's largest producers of low-cost solar cells -- an emerging company in an emerging field. The company, which committed to creating at least 396 jobs within three years, says it expects to hire between 100 and 120 employees this year and the remainder in 2010. Solar Power Industries is also retaining 120 existing positions.

...

[MissWaverly]

1. Kick for the old folks back home

it would be nice to see that area revitalized, I traveled a great deal and the nicest folks in the country live there.

:-)

[LiberalEsto]

2. Oh good!

This area was economically devastated when Youngstown Steel closed down many years ago. I'm glad for these folks.

[OKIsItJustMe]

3. Yes, they can certainly use the help

and how nice to see the form it's coming in!

[Keefer]

4. This is good news

I live in Greensburg. I work at Respironics. They were just bought by Philips.

[MissWaverly]

5. Has the Greengate mall ever been renovated?

it's been a while since I was home for a visit?

[Keefer]

6. It's been torn down...

and a Wal*Mart Supercenter was built in it's place. There are a lot of other businesses in the shopping center too.