Our Foundation

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For the last three decades, small business districts (downtowns) all across our country have experienced continued economic deterioration from downtown to outlying edge locations. Once the center for community and economic activity, downtowns have suffered the loss of retail and other business activities to sites in shopping centers and commercial strips. "Downtowns" continue to suffer economic hardship brought on by fierce retail competition from category killers, large discount stores, and regional shopping centers. Many small city downtowns face high vacancy rates and a poor mix of retail tenants. They typically lack the market research support available to the big retailers and shopping center developers.

Subsequently, the chamber organization (formerly the Regional Business Alliance [RBA]) board of directors established a 501(c) (3) foundation to help support the important programs and initiatives conducive to fulfilling the foundation's mission.

VISION

GOALS
We aspire to be the communities of choice for ourselves and future generations - prosperous, a healthy economy, strong businesses, vital neighborhoods, excellent schools, vibrant downtowns, and extensive recreational and cultural opportunities.

MISSION

The Mon Yough Area Chamber is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation organized to manage and distribute resources in support of chamber initiatives fostering systematic and sustainable solutions advancing economic development, infrastructure transformation and educational opportunities for Mon Valley communities.

FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP

RCA Foundation Board of Directors: Scott Biddle, Northwest Savings Bank; Mark Urbassik, KU Resources, Inc.; Robert Macey, Allegheny County Councilman; Connie Yarris; John Palyo, Twin Rivers Council of Governments; and Stephanie DeMaro, Penn State University

For information about the chamber and/or the foundation, please contact: Maury Burgwin, at (412) 678-2450 
Tax-deductible donations can be sent to the:
RCA Foundation
201 Lysle Blvd.
McKeesport, PA 15132

A copy of the official registration and financial information of the Regional Chamber Alliance Foundation may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free within Pennsylvania 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Expand the supply of the region's workforce possessing all basic competencies to satisfy present and future employer requirements.

Increase needed comprehensive demographic data and regional organization support systems to foster economic development-related marketing, business expansion and relocation.

Improve the mobility of people and goods throughout the region. 

Escalate community awareness and knowledge relative to the fundamental connection between lower taxes, less regulations and tort reform with economic growth and the region's quality of life.

Eliminate undesirable perceptions relative to the Mon Valley to create a positive public image that encourages individuals, families and businesses to locate and invest in the community. 

Amplify the business knowledge of small business companies.

CURRENT GOALS

  • Support regional activities to tangibly improve business and academic performance.
  • Change manufacturing perceptions to increase students choosing vocational training and manufacturing careers.
  • Increase member business volume and profitability through aggressive promotion, competitive advantage partner alliances, and regional networking events.
  • Provide membership options reflecting varying needs.
  • Increase business knowledge and performance through quality professional development presentations.
  • Lead regional activities conducive to accelerating completion of the Mon/Fayette Expressway.
  • Increase utilization of www.monyoughchamber.com as the region’s central information source.