Allegheny Conference on Community Development

Yesterday, Stefani Pashman, CEO of the Allegheny Conference, participated in a press event announcing the expansion of Mondi Bags USA in Pennsylvania with a new manufacturing operations facility in Findlay Township.

Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger announced the project which is expected to create 170 new full-time jobs. He was joined by Rory Taylor, President Paper Bags America for Mondi; Stefani Pashman; and Lauren Connelly, Director of Allegheny County Economic Development.

Rory Taylor said that Mondi has invested in high automation at this facility, that is different from other plants and other competitors. Everything is converted from paper and is 100% recyclable. With a focus on e-commerce growth, and long term capacity improvement, the Pennsylvania location fit their team the best.

He also talked about the importance of quality of life and the cost of living for employees being a key part of their decision, and what set this region apart.

In her remarks, Stefani highlighted that Southwestern Pennsylvania is a prime are for growing companies to continue to thrive, and welcomed Mondi to the region.

Friday

This past Friday, Forward Lawrence recognized our very own Ben Bush for his leadership and service on behalf of Lawrence County. CONGRATS and well-deserved!

The Pittsburgh region makes the most progress when the public and private sectors pull in the same direction.

These intentional partnerships are exactly what's happening today in the city, bringing us projects like Arts Landing, Market Square, and the NFL Draft. From employers like UPMC, PNC, Highmark Health, U.S. Steel, and the Pittsburgh Steelers, to partnerships with state and local leaders, Pittsburgh is serious about intentionally bolstering the region's economy and focusing long-term growth.

Read more about what's happening across the city, where public‑private partnership and practical leadership are driving progress: 🔒 https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/03/12/nfl-draft-puts-pittsburgh-and-its-new-mayor-in-spotlight/

Opinion | Pittsburgh is pivoting. It could be a lesson for Democrats. The new mayor is putting pragmatism over ideology as the city prepares to host the NFL draft.

Pennsylvania doesn’t have a momentum problem. It has an ex*****on challenge.

The Commonwealth is at a make‑or‑break moment for growth — with capital moving fast and competition only getting tougher. In our latest blog, VP of Public Affairs Ben Bush digs into what the state budget really tells us about competitiveness, readiness, and moving at the speed of opportunity.

Drawing from our first Regional Growth Series discussion last week, the piece features insights from our panelists: Senator Kim Ward, Senator Jay Costa, Representative Jim Struzzi, and Representative Aerion Abney. If Pennsylvania wants to win the next decade of growth, the choices we make now matter.

Read the full blog 👉 https://www.alleghenyconference.org/media/budget-reflections-pennsylvanias-growth-moment/

Competitiveness, Ex*****on, and Pennsylvania’s Growth Moment - Allegheny Conference With a newly proposed state budget, a narrowing fiscal margin, and capital moving quickly toward states that offer speed, the question facing our state policymakers is not whether growth is possible but whether the Commonwealth can execute in time to capture it.