From Gina Grone – Executive Director, Northside North Shore Chamber of Commerce

Photo: Chamber members connect at a networking event at Shorty’s Pins x Pints on the North Shore. Courtesy of the Chamber

The Northside North Shore Chamber serves the business community in and around the Northside and has been doing so since 1897. We currently have 240 member businesses, and we serve them by promoting, connecting, and supporting. 

Here are some of our recent activities and updates.

Members:

The following 39 companies or organizations have joined or renewed so far this year: ALCO Parking, Allegheny Center Alliance Church, Allegheny County Executive’s Office, Angels’ Place, Armory Printworks, Binko’s Pymatuning Lake Chili Co., Bistro to Go, Bounce Marketing & Events, Buhl Foundation (One Northside), Carnegie Science Center, Comcast Business, Daniel J. Strinkoski DDS, Gaber & Company, George L Wilson & Co, Healthcare Council of Western PA, New Hazlett Theater, Northside Common Ministries, Office of Mayor Ed Gainey, Office of PA State Representative for District 20, PCTV, PA State Representative Emily Kinkead, Pipitone Group Pittsburgh Business Exchange, Pittsburgh City Councilman Bobby Wilson, Pittsburgh City Councilman Dan Lavelle, Pittsburgh Furniture Rental, Pittsburgh Metro Postal Workers Union, Pittsburgh Police Department – Zone 1, Pittsburgh Technology Council, Pittsburgh’s Northside Rotary, Prantl’s Bakery, Reformed Presbyterian Home, Rekindled Spirits, Rivers Casino, S + S Trophy, SMC Business Councils, The Blessing Board, Thermo-Calc Software, and Xycom Technology Group. 

Events:

We have regular networking events about twice per month. The events are held at interesting locations throughout the Northside and a wide variety of businesses are represented. A complete calendar can be found on our website.

Recent Events:

• “In Your Business” Happy Hour in January at Teutonia Männerchor
• “Coffee and Contacts” Morning Networking in February at Smart Solution Technologies
• “Food for Thought” virtual session with Neighborhood Community Development Fund in February
• “Coffee and Contacts” Morning Networking in March at Allegheny Center Alliance Church
• “In Your Business” Happy Hour in March at Shorty’s Pins x Pints

NorthSideWorks!:

The chamber has been involved in workforce development activities for years, but our efforts were focused and funded last year with the formation of the NorthSideWorks! program. Through the support of the Buhl Foundation (One Northside), NorthSideWorks! is a workforce development program that connects employers, residents, training providers, and service organizations to relevant resources.

These are some of the things that we’re focusing on right now:

1. Creating an employer resource guide to help connect employers to recruitment and retention resources
2. Sharing information for residents about jobs, training, and more through social media (Facebook: @northsideworks, Instagram: @northsideworks)
3. Partnering with community organizations to get resources in front of more Northside residents
4. Working with companies in the manufacturing, skilled trades, and healthcare industries to promote opportunities for Northside residents
5. Deepening relationships with key partners such as CCAC, Partner4Work, PA CareerLink, and One Northside

As part of our partnership with CCAC, we have a series of information sessions for employers scheduled to start in April. Check our website to learn more about the April 28 virtual session on recruitment, the May 5 virtual session on retention, and the May 12 tour of some of their innovative campus spaces.

If you are a resident in need of any kind of workforce resources, reach out to the NorthSideWorks! program manager Ellie Wentz at [email protected] or 412-231-6500.The Northside North Shore Chamber prides itself on being approachable and genuine. Learn more today at our website (www.northsidechamberofcommerce.com) or by contacting us (412-231-6500, [email protected]) or stopping into our office on Middle Street in Historic Deutschtown.