Southpointe letter
I cannot believe that it has already been more than three years since the cover of Southpointe Today featured a story about 1400 Main apartments in Southpointe II being nearly ready for the first tenants. It was built to fill a hole in the market for young professionals who work at Southpointe and Southpointe II, and it definitely filled that void.
It’s a dream setup, really: being able to pull into your own parking space and accessing your apartment without stepping foot outside. Being able to walk or bike to work. Restaurants, shopping and events right outside of your front door. A pool! A fitness center and countless other amenities.
Three years after those first leases were signed, the building is up for sale. In business writer Rick Shrum’s story on page 8, you’ll read about the overall happiness of those who live there, and while it is a millennial’s dream, residents are a mixed bag of ages. What works for the young professional also works for the empty nester.
On page 11, Dr. Stephanie Urchick’s Executive Decision – she promised she wasn’t retiring entirely! – looks at a hot topic right now: why climate and culture matter in any business. The effects of the #MeToo movement, combined with more engaged and communicative employees have brought the issue to the forefront. She discusses how managers can create and protect an appropriate climate and culture, and offers ideas to get the ball rolling. Bottom line: it’s all about the people.
The United Way of Washington County has long felt the benefit of companies in Southpointe. In this issue’s United We Stand on page 14, current United Way president Barbara Murphy writes about kicking off 2019’s Campaign and looks back on the top fundraisers for 2018, including Southpointe’s own Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania and Range Resources. Community Bank, EQT, PNC, Mylan and WesBanco are other notable Southpointe companies that have contributed to the Campaign’s success over the last several years. And the reach of those funds, of course, goes beyond the boundaries of this business park – impacting so many organizations and charities in Washington County, that without this help, would likely be in very different financial situations.
See you in 2019,