Business leaders, economic development professionals, and regional stakeholders gathered at the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex on the Indiana University of Pennsylvania campus May 2 for what organizers called the third “Regional Growth Summit.”
Organizers said it was an event focused on fostering economic expansion, identifying barriers to business, and celebrating regional successes.
State Rep. Jim Struzzi, R-Indiana, was among those addressing the event, along with Jennifer Lasser and Rich Fitzgerald of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission.
According to a news release issued Tuesday by the event’s publicist, Struzzi and Fitzgerald emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and strategic investment.
“Events like these are crucial for aligning public policy with real-world business needs,” said Ray Duffy, business development manager for CAVCON, a Greensburg-based contractor that touts such local projects as the Indiana County Education & Technology Center in White Township and a branch office of First Commonwealth Bank in downtown Indiana.
“By bringing together decision-makers from across sectors, we can better understand the hurdles businesses face and work collaboratively to find solutions,” Duffy said.
CAVCON was a sponsor of the event, along with Noelker and Hull Associates of Chambersburg, and McKibbin Consulting of Pittsburgh.
Attendees discussed topics ranging from workforce readiness and entrepreneurship to commercial real estate development and broadband access.
By Indiana Gazette May 7, 2025