One of the most pressing regional issues is finding support to stave off a collapse of the steel industry. Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp. Nearly 2 million Americans are directly or indirectly employed by the steel industry, or receive pensions and health care from current and former steel companies. Further, there can be no major economic recovery without a strong, domestic steel industry and all the spin-off jobs that go with it. Representatives from Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge s office and Allegheny County Chief Executive Jim Roddey s office will participate in the summit, as well as other top U.S. officials. A number city mayors, county commissioners, senators and representatives from Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania are expected to attend, along with business groups and steel industry officials.
Media coverage is invited and welcome at the event.