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How to Create a Tech Startup Scene If You're Not in Silicon Valley

John Tierney

December 23, 2014 |

The Atlantic |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Creating a synergy between the various stakeholders in a city’s economic performance leads to success. In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the tech industry is thriving thanks to cross-sector collaborations between the region’s universities, businesses, and local government. By working together, entities like Carnegie Mellon University, the Pittsburgh Technology Council, the Ben Franklin Technology Partners, and Keystone Innovation Zone program have created a space that is attractive to financial capital and the growing tech sector.

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How the Arts Drove Pittsburgh's Revitalization

John Tierney

December 11, 2014 |

The Atlantic |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Investments into the arts serve as significant economic catalysts. In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, legacy foundations like the Heinz Endowments, Benedum Foundation, and Richard King Mellon Foundation pooled their resources to create the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, which supports art and culture in the city’s downtown districts. By purchasing and refurbishing existing real estate, as well as lending support to smaller initiatives like the Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company, PCT’s investments have served as an engine of growth for the city.

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The iPhone Case That Can Call the Police

John Tierney

November 11, 2014 |

The Atlantic |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The Pittsburgh startup company, Lifeshel, has developed a phone case, called Whistl, that help those in an emergency, specifically those who may be being assaulted. The technology is activated by buttons on the outside of the case that, when pressed, emits a high-volume alert, lights a strobing LED light, sends bluetooth notifications to law-enforcement, and starts automatically recording whatever may be occurring.

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The Company That Turns Plastic Bottles Into Fabric—and Jobs

John Tierney

November 07, 2014 |

The Atlantic |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Haiti, Port-au-Prince

Thread is a social enterprise out of Pittsburgh taking a two-for-one approach to the issues of both poverty and pollution in Haiti. They help take plastic waste out of the environment by turning it into durable fabrics that are sold to clothing and accessory companies looking to source responsible materials, and they create sustainable jobs for Haitians who collect and process the plastic waste.

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When a Community College Transforms a City

John Tierney

October 29, 2014 |

The Atlantic |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Columbus, Ohio

In recent years, Columbus, Ohio's community college has taken a leading role in citywide economic development efforts. This has involved bolstering "career pathways" by better aligning high schools, community colleges, and local employers.

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When 'Collaboration' Is More Than a Buzzword

John Tierney

October 17, 2014 |

The Atlantic |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Columbus, Ohio

In the case of the Columbus Partnership, the word "collaboration" - which often doesn't have much meat behind it in the private sector - is at the core of the civic organization's success. The organization brings together seven Columbus tech companies (all of which are in different economic sectors and therefore don't compete with each other) together to fuel innovation and idea generation. The companies promote business growth and development in the Columbus area, taking advantage of the close-knit community that is fostered by Columbus' relatively modest population size.

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How to Attract Artists to a Down-and-Out Neighborhood

John Tierney

October 10, 2014 |

The Atlantic |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Columbus, Ohio

Public-private collaborations can promote entrepreneurship and foster economic revitalization. In the Franklinton neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio, partnerships between the city of Columbus, the Franklinton Development Association (FDA), and local businesses have led to a flourishing of artist studios, maker spaces, and other community attractions. The initiatives were funded in part by grants from ArtPlace America as well as the city of Columbus.

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The City That Turned Its Water Into Cash

John Tierney

September 22, 2014 |

The Atlantic |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Allentown, Pennsylvania

Allentown, Pennsylvania uses a creative financing strategy - leasing the city's water and sewage utilities - to pay for expensive public pension programs. To keep from raising rates for Allentown residents, the lease agreement has a strict rate cap that rises with inflation.

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An Educational Surprise From Down East: The Maine Maritime Academy

John Tierney

November 10, 2013 |

The Atlantic |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Maine

A college in the poorest county in Maine offers a high job placement rate and a relatively cheap education for seaside communities. At Maine Maritime Academy, students get hands-on experience to pursue relevant careers as navigation officers, engineers, and roles on the business operations side.

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