Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland Awarded $100,000 ARC POWER Planning Grant
Westmoreland County, PA — The Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland (EGC) has been awarded a $100,000 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) POWER Planning Grant to support a larger regional initiative focused on strengthening workforce development, economic opportunity, and long-term community resilience in Westmoreland County and the surrounding region. The ARC funding represents approximately 48% of the project’s total $210,000 cost, with the remaining funds secured through matching investments and
SBA Launches $1 Million Patriot Pitch Competition to Showcase America’s Entrepreneurs
Freedom 250 Event Celebrates Free Enterprise Through National Small Business Competition for $1 Million Cash Prize Pool Funded by Clover WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched the Patriot Pitch Competition, a national celebration of 250 years of American free enterprise and the small businesses that drive innovation, create jobs, and generate economic growth. Featuring a $1 million cash prize pool donated by Clover Network, Inc. (Clover), the competition is open to
Pope Leo XIV receives Saint Vincent College leaders at the Vatican
LATROBE, PA – Saint Vincent College President Rev. Paul R. Taylor, O.S.B., C’87, S’91, PhD, and Saint Vincent Seminary Rector Very Rev. Edward Mazich, O.S.B., S’98, were personally received by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on May 13, 2026, at the Vatican. The audience highlighted Saint Vincent’s growing global presence within the Church and its leadership in Benedictine education. Father Paul and Father Edward spoke with Pope Leo about Benedictine education in the United States, with particular emphasis on
Rogers’ pianos to be featured in “Sounds of the Neighborhood” at Saint Vincent
LATROBE, PA – The personal pianos of Fred and Joanne Rogers will be featured together publicly for the first time in a duo concert as the Fred Rogers Institute (FRI) presents “Sounds of the Neighborhood” at Saint Vincent College. The classical tribute featuring an evening of piano music performed by accomplished pianists and sisters Gloria Cook and Cynthia Lawing is scheduled for 7:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, inside the Fred M. Rogers Center (Room AB) on the College campus. Doors open at 7
The In Your Write Mind Writers Conference is taking place June 25-28 at Seton Hill U in Greensburg,
Immerse yourself in a weekend for fiction writers of all experience levels. Attend Seton Hill University’s In Your Write Mind Writers Conference. $120 for the entire weekend event! Included with Registration: A FREE TABLE at our book signing on Sat, June 27thA live “Embrace What Haunts You” audio experience by Palimpsest ProductionsAgent pitch sessionsOver 30 writing-related classesGhost Tour of the historic Seton Hill University campusOpen mic nightCritique sessionsWho: In Your Write Mind is a writer’s
The University of Pittsburgh launches tuition-free initiative for Pennsylvania residents at regional
The University of Pittsburgh has announced the launch of The Pitt Regional Campus Tuition Pledge, tuition-free program beginning fall 2026 for eligible Pennsylvania residents at its Bradford, Greensburg and Johnstown campuses, as well as the Titusville nursing program. New and current students whose household Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is $75,000 or less will pay zero in tuition — Pitt covers whatever tuition remains after all federal, state and institutional aid has been applied. “The Pitt Regional
The Financial Safety Net Every Western Pennsylvania Business Owner Needs
Nearly half of all startups don't make it past five years, and cash flow is usually why — funding gaps, poor budgeting, and inventory problems that compound until there's no runway left. For business owners in the Latrobe and Laurel Valley region, that's not a distant statistic. A financial safety net means your business can absorb a hard quarter, lose a major client, or face an unexpected expense without closing its doors.Start With a Cash Reserve The foundation of any financial safety net is a
The Collaboration Gap: What Latrobe-Area Businesses Lose When Teams Work in Silos
Collaboration inefficiencies cost teams hours every week — 64% of employees waste at least three hours, and 20% lose up to six. For business owners in the Latrobe and Laurel Valley region, where many teams run lean, that's a preventable drain worth closing. The practices below address the most common gaps — and a few that may surprise you.You're Already Shaping Collaboration (Whether You Know It or Not) It's tempting to assume that once you've hired capable people, collaboration takes care of itself. But
Building A Profitable Beauty Salon Through Better Money Management
Beauty salons operate at the intersection of creativity and commerce. A successful salon must balance client experience, staff compensation, inventory control, and cash flow management — all while staying profitable in a competitive service industry. Financial management is not just about tracking money; it shapes pricing, hiring decisions, and long-term growth.Key Financial Takeaways Track revenue by service category to identify your most profitable treatments. Separate fixed and variable costs to
Simple Efficiency Upgrades That Help Small Teams Do More
Small businesses in the Greater Latrobe–Laurel Valley region often juggle tight margins, limited staff, and rising expectations from customers. Yet the path to smoother operations doesn’t always require sweeping change. Sometimes, a few targeted improvements can unlock significant gains in productivity and capacity. Learn below about: Practical, immediately usable efficiency levers for small teams Ways to reduce recurring friction in daily operations Steps to streamline workflows without large
2020 Banana Split Celebration Dates Announcement
Latrobe, Pa. (September 2019) — It is with great pleasure that the Greater Latrobe - Laurel Valley Chamber of Commerce announces August 21-23 as the date of the 2020 Great American Banana Split Celebration. Highlights of the 2019 celebration included the first Banana Split Princess Pageant, a third stage, blood drive, big banana car, an over 21 area, goat yoga, and expanded activity schedule for kids and adults. It is estimated that 12,000 people attended over the course of the three day event as Latrobe
GLLV Neighborhood Visitor & Information Center Traffic Continues to Increase
The Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Neighborhood Visitor & Information Center is many things to many people. It is a bright, shiny tribute to the businesses and people of the area. It’s a showcase for history and memorabilia from the area. The VIC has proven to be ground zero for business transactions between members. And yes, it’s the home of the chamber staff that has constantly created buzz and excitement within the new GLLV organization. “I’ve been in a lot of chambers offices and
