2009 Pacesetters: Introduction
Pittsburgh can rightly claim the title City of Champions for 2009! And not just because of the Steelers’ sixth Super Bowl win, the Penguins’ third capture of the coveted Stanley Cup or even Pittsburgh’s selection as a G-20 Summit site.
Despite one of the worst economic climates in the last six decades, our region is weathering the crisis far better than most of the nation. Last year, more people were employed than at the height of the steel industry and some 950 southwestern Pennsylvania companies have announced expansion or new operations within the next five years with a projection of 53,000 jobs to be created. And, our housing industry is just now beginning to experience some of the downturn that has devastated areas across the country.
No, I’m not saying that all of our industries and companies are thriving. Some have closed. Many have tightened their belts and are holding on. But quite a few are succeeding
Why?
Because of their leadership.
Not all of our champions are on the football field or on the ice. St. Barnabas Health System has been celebrating leadership for 23 years as a part of the St. Barnabas CEO Leadership Conference, which brings together our area’s top leadership in one venue, on one stage, at one time.
And, St. Barnabas is proud, once again, to partner with Smart Business Pittsburgh to recognize our champion business leaders through Smart Business’ annual Pacesetter Awards.
Outstanding leaders in three categories — emerging, midmarket and large — were selected this year as Pacesetters. All 12 were recognized at the 23rd annual St. Barnabas CEO Leadership Conference, which was held on Monday, Sept. 21, 2009. And, three Pacesetters — one in each of the three categories — were also recognized for having the best story about their leadership and impact on the region.
The 2009 conference theme, “How to succeed in business … in troubled times,” speaks personally and directly to all of the Pacesetters and the 300 business leaders who attended this year’s conference.
Within this issue of Smart Business, you’ll find profiles of the impressive Pacesetters class of 2009. Please join me in congratulating them for setting an amazing pace for our region.
William V. Day is president and CEO of St. Barnabas Health System. For more information, visit www.stbarnabashealthsystem.com.
