August Carlino, President and CEO of the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area, will be the luncheon program speaker on May 27 in Pittsburgh hosted by the Engineer’s Society of Western Pennsylvania.

The Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area acts as a powerful catalyst for the creation of investment and economic development strategies throughout its seven counties. It works to conserve, interpret, promote and develop the industrial, cultural, natural, and recreational resources of the region, making them critical elements of community revitalization and heritage tourism.

Its success has translated into more than $43.4 million raised in the past nine years for projects in the Rivers of Steel region. Since the authorization of the Heritage Area in 1996 it has received $3.9 million in National Heritage Area funds and leveraged that in to more than $23.5 million in other public or private funding.

With the creation of the Homestead Works National Park the Heritage Area is expected to attract 840,000 visitors annually and generate revenues of nearly $60 million each year.

The Heritage Area is a strong part of Southwestern Pennsylvania's economic development strategy to make this region a leading tourist destination.

Mr. Carlino will be providing an overview of the history and operation of the Rivers of Steel Heritage Association.

For more information, download a registration form on the event.

5/23/2008