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Display will tout area attractions, services

Friday, February 22, 2002

By Donald I. Hammonds, Post-Gazette Staff Writer

Does Pittsburgh finally have its "wow?"

Pittsburgh Regional Alliance officials sure hope so as they unveil the long-awaited "Regional Showcase" meant to show off the best that the region has to offer in terms of economic development, tourism, educational opportunities and other elements.

	Pam Golden, left, of the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, and Laura Ellis, of the Greater Pittsburgh Convention and Visitors Bureau, watch XplorionInvision, a wall that showcases more than 500 images of regional attractions and assets on 10 gas plasma flat screens. (Robin Rombach/Post-Gazette)

Monday's official unveiling of the showcase at Downtown's Regional Enterprise Tower culminates a dream for local economic development officials and civic leaders.

To highlight the region's best attractions and offerings, it will rely on interactive exhibits, using state-of the-art technologies such as digital data and display prototypes.

Ever since Alcoa donated its old headquarters high-rise about four years ago for local economic development groups to use as a central place of business, the groups have longed for a showcase exhibit.

A newspaper article three years ago suggested that the PRA, the coordinator of the region's economic development efforts, look to create a "sense of wow" with the exhibit.

It wasn't easy pulling it off. As with so many local endeavors, money was a problem. And there were differences of opinion on what should be included in the showcase.

But those obstacles were overcome, and now the region has its "showcase."

"Never before have we had one resource that showcases our many assets -- world class businesses, a highly skilled work force, and beautiful and plentiful natural resources -- as well as our vision for the future," said James R. Hassinger, president of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, a nine-county regional planning agency. "The entire region will benefit from this investment in our economic vitality."

The PRA is ready to make sure that people "get" the central point of the showcase -- investing in this region.

The agency's staff "will serve as ambassadors to the region for entrepreneurs, prospective businesses, site selection consultants and international representatives" who want to do business here, said PRA President Ronnie L. Bryant.

The showcase, billed as a "one of a kind" information hub, is known as "Xplorion," a 3,300-square-foot interactive attraction that PRA officials believe will excite and inform tourists, residents, businesses and -- most importantly -- those who are looking for places to open new businesses or expand their operations.

Xplorion, owned by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission and funded by the state and several local foundations and corporations, is the only permanent exhibit of its kind in the United States specifically showcasing an entire region.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a variety of tools at Xplorion.

There's "XplorionConnect," six browser-based digital kiosks that will allow users to delve further into their favorite areas of interest, such as business development, regional cultural attractions and special events, and education and training opportunities. It includes 1,200 possible links.

There also is "XplorionQuest," which will be virtual tours that will allow visitors to interact with a "pilot" as they take a look at and explore various parts of this region. Users will be able to get specific information about land use, population and natural features for nearly 300 locations.

And if all of that isn't enough, there's "XplorionInvision," an "imprint wall" that will showcase more than 500 images of regional attractions and assets on 10 gas plasma flat screens. It focuses heavily on images showing the attractiveness of living, working, playing and investing in southwestern Pennsylvania.