The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce plans to study the potential for a convention center and hotel in the county.
“As we look at regrowing Westmoreland County, this is just one of many items where we’re looking to spur new economic growth,” said chamber President and CEO Dan DeBone.
“We’re predominantly looking along the Route 30 corridor, and we believe that between our rural areas, the (Arnold Palmer Regional) airport and access to the Laurel Highlands, we think we have a lot that can attract organizations here,” he said.
County planning and development Director Jason Rigone said the potential project lines up nicely with the county’s comprehensive plan, generated in collaboration with local business, community and elected leaders.
“While the county isn’t directly involved with the study, part of the comprehensive plan we finalized in 2018 identifies this type of development as a priority for the county,” Rigone said. “It’s something the county definitely supports in terms of policy.”
Said DeBone: “We’re expanding our vision to support our residents and business, while showcasing our region as a destination for organizations and events.”
And although it might be across the Allegheny County line, the nearby Monroeville Convention Center was recently purchased by its home municipality and will remain in operation instead of being converted into a Hobby Lobby store as was first announced earlier this year.
“We’re not concerned about it,” DeBone said. “When the convention center initially announced it was closing, we learned a lot about the initial investment in something like that, and the number of vendors who relied on the convention center. But I feel like Westmoreland has a lot to offer.”
Rigone agreed, noting the Monroeville Convention Center was going strong when Westmoreland officials were developing its comprehensive plan.
“I think the chamber should be applauded for looking into the possibility of something like this, and taking the next step based on the results,” he said.
A news conference about the study is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Monday at the chamber’s main office, 241 Tollgate Hill Road in Greensburg.
