Oct 18, 2023 By Robert Johnson 3 min read

As a proud native of the McKeesport area, I have witnessed the evolution of the Mon Valley economy firsthand. Over the years, we have seen the arrival of new technologies and industries, and some companies have come and gone. But through booms and busts, one thing has remained constant: When manufacturing succeeds, our community succeeds.

For over a century, our region has solidified its position as a manufacturing powerhouse. Few companies have done more to shape our community – and our country – more than U.S. Steel. Thousands of steelworkers are still hard at work in the Mon Valley providing sustainable manufacturing of American-made products that fuel our economy – from cars to home construction to appliances. Down the street from U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thomson Plant, Eos is expanding their Turtle Creek battery manufacturing facility – creating hundreds of new jobs in the process. U.S. Steel has supported many nonprofit and community service organizations like elementary school teachers and American Legion posts. They are a strong community partner.

It is imperative our community works collaboratively to ensure this success doesn’t just continue but grows for decades to come. My goal as the chairman of the Mon Yough Area Chamber of Commerce (MYAC) is to help shape those efforts by working with business leaders, public officials, and community organizations to develop a legislative roadmap encouraging existing companies to expand their footprint and also lure new facilities to our region.

Any strategic plan begins with identifying our strengths as well as our neighboring regions. Washington County has leveraged its recently built transportation infrastructure into an intriguing sales pitch for companies interested in establishing Southwestern Pennsylvania roots. The Mon/Fayette Expressway and Southern Beltway projects represent massive investment in surface transportation modernization, and the private sector has taken notice. Earlier this year, Imperial Land Corp., announced it was developing a new industrial park in Robinson Township located near one of the Southern Beltway exits.

We can replicate this success in the 20-plus communities along the Mon (from Elizabeth to Homestead) MYAC represents. Work is underway on the Lower Monongahela River Project, which includes the removal of Locks and Dam 3 in Elizabeth and improvements to the locks and dam facilities in Charleroi and Braddock. Once complete, these modernized facilities will enhance navigation along the Mon from Fairmont, W. Va., all the way to downtown Pittsburgh. Additionally, the Mon Valley has undertaken significant upgrades to our rail assets and road network, such as the PA Route 51 to PA Route 837 section of the Mon/Fayette Expressway Project.

Our area benefits from a qualified, skilled workforce which has kept the lights on and our factories operating for generations. Local institutions, such as Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), partner with trade unions to offer apprenticeship programs to prepare workers for lucrative careers in the trades. Manufacturers like Basic Carbide Corporation provide rigorous training programs for new employees to maintain the company’s world-class quality product and a safe and satisfied workforce.

Taken together, the Mon Valley’s advantages – from infrastructure to workforce – provide our manufacturing sector the opportunity to continue punching above its weight for the next 100 years. History shows our region’s manufacturing success has been a bellwether for broader economic growth and prosperity. Let’s work together to nurture the crown jewel of the Mon Valley economy.

Robert Johnson is the Chairman of the Mon Yough Area Chamber of Commerce