The Northside Leadership Conference will use $900,000 in pledged funding from Highmark, Northwest Savings Bank and the Pittsburgh Steelers to support the North Side neighborhood including small business and strategic real estate development.
Gloria Rayman, past NSLC board of directors president, said Friday because the coalition of grassroots neighborhood organizations has non-profit status, it can partner with corporate sponsors.
“We’re uniquely situated to take advantage of the state’s neighborhood partner program where businesses can receive a state tax credit by making a substantial and a long-term commitment of at least five years in support of a neighborhood organization that is undertaking an approved project in one of seven different neighborhood assistance areas,” she said.
Highmark Health will gear its six yearly gifts of $50,000 to general operations in community health and wellness. Evan Fraizer, Highmark’s Senior Vice President of Community Affairs, said because of leaders and residents committing to the community, the North Side has developed into a vibrant part of the region.
“We look forward to continuing to build a strong partnership and continuing to grow as we look to really strengthen our communities in this way,” he said.
Northwest Savings Bank will target its donation to small businesses and strategic real estate development.
“As a community bank we want people to have a good home and we want people to have a great place to live. We want people to see small businesses start, grow and thrive and employing residents right here in this community,” said Chris Martin, President of Southwest Region of Northwest Savings Bank.
One of those future small business owners could be Verna Arnold. She plans to open a grab-and-go tea shop in the historic Beckert Building on East Ohio Street. The 120-year-old building has had many uses, most recently as a paint store. With the help of the NSCL and months of renovations, Arnold plans to open in the next few months.
“Without their help, I probably would have given up a long time ago,” she said.
The Pittsburgh Steelers also renewed their six-year commitment to support the ongoing restoration of the Allegheny Commons.
