Chamber Chosen to Showcase How Today’s Chambers of Commerce Are Driving Economic Growth, Workforce Development, and Community Transformation
The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce is honored to announce that it has been selected to represent communities across the nation in an upcoming episode of the nationally distributed educational television series Now We Know!, hosted by award-winning actor Steve Guttenberg.
This national recognition came after producers conducted a search for a chamber of commerce that could demonstrate how today’s chambers have evolved beyond traditional networking organizations into strategic leaders that drive economic development, strengthen businesses, build partnerships, address workforce challenges, and improve the overall quality of life within their communities.
Following a competitive selection process, the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce was chosen because of Westmoreland County’s remarkable economic transformation, collaborative leadership, diverse business community, and the Chamber’s role in advancing innovation, workforce development, advocacy, and regional growth.
More Than a Chamber Story
Although the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce was selected as the community partner for this national production, the documentary was never intended to tell the Chamber’s story alone.
From the very beginning, the vision was much larger—to showcase Westmoreland County and the people, businesses, organizations, and partnerships that continue to move our region forward.
The documentary explores how collaboration among business, education, healthcare, government, tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, workforce development, and nonprofit organizations is creating opportunities that strengthen our economy and improve the quality of life for everyone who calls Westmoreland County home.
As the producers shared, they weren’t simply looking for a chamber of commerce—they were looking for a community that exemplifies what can be accomplished when organizations work together toward a common vision.
For Westmoreland County, that story is one of resilience, reinvention, innovation, and collaboration.
“To be selected nationally is an incredible honor and a testament to the businesses, organizations, educational institutions, healthcare providers, nonprofit partners, local governments, and community leaders who have worked together to transform Westmoreland County,” said Dan DeBone, President & CEO of the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce. “This documentary provides us with an extraordinary opportunity to showcase how our Chamber has evolved into a catalyst for economic development while highlighting the remarkable momentum occurring throughout Westmoreland County.”
Showcasing the Strength of Westmoreland County
Throughout the documentary, viewers will see how collaboration is shaping the future of our region through initiatives focused on:
- Workforce development
- Business growth and expansion
- Entrepreneurship and innovation
- Education and leadership development
- Healthcare
- Transportation
- Housing and childcare
- Technology and energy
- Tourism and agriculture
- Public policy and advocacy
The program also highlights many of the assets that continue to position Westmoreland County as one of Pennsylvania’s premier places to live, work, learn, visit, and invest, including:
- One of Pennsylvania’s largest manufacturing economies
- Growth in advanced manufacturing and technology
- World-class healthcare systems
- Outstanding colleges and educational institutions
- Workforce and leadership development initiatives
- Entrepreneurship and small business innovation
- Agriculture and tourism
- Strong public-private partnerships
- Affordable housing, excellent schools, exceptional recreational opportunities, and an outstanding quality of life
A Community Effort
Filming took place throughout Westmoreland County and featured leaders representing many of the organizations helping shape the county’s future.
Featured speakers included:
- Dan DeBone – President & CEO, Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce
- Sean Kertes – Westmoreland County Commissioner
- Ted Kopas – Westmoreland County Commissioner
- Douglas W. Chew – Westmoreland County Commissioner
- Jason Rigone – President, Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corporation
- Jim Smith – Executive Director, Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland
- Dr. Kristin Mallory – President, Westmoreland County Community College
- Doug Weimer – Hempfield Township Supervisor, Hempfield Township
- Brian Fritz – President Westmoreland, Latrobe & Frick Hospitals, Independence Health System
- Ann Nemanic – Executive Director, GO Laurel Highlands
Together, these leaders shared how partnerships across industries are creating opportunities that attract investment, strengthen the workforce, support local businesses, promote tourism, expand educational opportunities, and improve the quality of life throughout Westmoreland County.
Their participation demonstrates what makes our county unique: organizations that understand success is achieved through collaboration, not competition.
The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce extends its sincere appreciation to every organization, business, educational institution, healthcare provider, local government, nonprofit partner, and community leader who contributed their time and expertise to help tell Westmoreland County’s story.
National Exposure for Westmoreland County
When the episode premieres, it will reach audiences across the country through CNBC before continuing to air for 24 months through regional syndication partners, including NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and CW affiliates.
This extensive distribution will provide Westmoreland County with an incredible opportunity to showcase our region to millions of viewers while reinforcing our reputation as a premier destination to build a business, pursue a career, raise a family, visit, and invest.
More importantly, it gives us the opportunity to tell the authentic story of a community that believes in working together to create lasting economic opportunity and community prosperity.
Thank You to Our Partners
The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce also extends its sincere appreciation to the Westmoreland County Commissioners for recognizing the value of this nationally televised opportunity and supporting an initiative that highlights the people, partnerships, and progress taking place throughout our region. Their continued commitment to promoting Westmoreland County and supporting economic development and community growth helped make this documentary possible.
Looking Ahead
“This documentary isn’t simply about telling the Chamber’s story,” DeBone added. “It’s about telling the story of Westmoreland County and the partnerships that make our community stronger every day. Every organization featured represents a piece of a much larger story—one of innovation, collaboration, resilience, and opportunity. We hope viewers across America will see what makes Westmoreland County such a remarkable place to build a business, pursue a career, raise a family, and invest in the future.”
This recognition belongs to an entire community.
The Chamber was honored to serve as the community partner, but the story belongs to everyone who works each day to make Westmoreland County stronger.
Together, we are demonstrating what is possible when business, education, healthcare, government, nonprofits, and community leaders unite around a shared vision for the future.
Westmoreland County. You Belong Here.
