Press Release
U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $500,000 to Create Jobs, Strengthen Economy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
October 30, 2009
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $500,000 grant to Innovation Works, Inc., of Pittsburgh, Pa., providing technical assistance to companies by identifying opportunities to develop new products and more efficient manufacturing processes to sustain economic viability in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The project is expected to help abate the job losses in manufacturing, which represents 13% of all jobs in the southwest region.
"Economic recovery and growth are top priorities for the Obama Administration," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John R. Fernandez. "This EDA grant will spur innovation and entrepreneurship and create higher-skill, higher-wage jobs in Southwestern Pennsylvania by investing in a manufacturing program that provides technical assistance to support new business ventures that ultimately sustain or grow businesses in the region."
"The Innovation Adoption Grant Program was created to help small, established manufacturing companies in depressed communities afford the research and development necessary to compete in a global marketplace. The financial support from EDA will help us to take the Program to the next level, helping companies and non-profit centers of excellence in new and exciting ways," said Bob Starzynski, Director of the Innovation Adoption Grant Program at Innovation Works, Inc.
EDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that partners with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster economic growth and job creation. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the global economy.
Additional information on how EDA investments are helping distressed communities create a positive and sustainable economic future can be accessed at: http://www.eda.gov.