Last week on Our Region's Business, host Bill Flanagan and guests discussed making an impact on young professionals, taking aim at China as an opportunity for growth, and Chatham College's transformation into Chatham University.

Featured guests were:

Esther Barrazzone, President, Chatham University

J.J. Richardson, Conference Chair, ImPAct 2007

Victor Notaro, Senior Vice Presidentand Group Manager, Strategic Partners and Global Treasury Management

George Hoffman, Vice President, Global Treasury Management, PNC Bank

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Chatham College Upgrades to University

Chatham College has been granted status as a University, the newest in our region, through a state evaluation and national classification system guideline.

The new designation will not radically change the school. For years, the school was meeting the standards of a University though without the name. University status typically means that there is a thriving and significant graduate program. 50% of Chatham’s students are enrolled in the graduate program.

Marketing is one of the main reasons for seeking the new designation. Chatham is the only woman’s college in Western Pennsylvania, and making more people aware of their offerings on the graduate level can only increase their footprint in the educational world.

Esther Barrazzone, President, Chatham University: Since 1980, attendance in our Masters programs has doubled. There are very few entry level jobs remaining for people who don't have specialized career training. That’s why students take the sacrifice to undertake that second degree.

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Young Professionals To ImPAct Our Region

It’s been six years since the ImPAct conference was held in Pittsburgh. Now, it is one of the largest gatherings of young professionals anywhere. The ImPAct conference focuses on young professionals and how they can affect positive change in their respective communities.

The conference will be held Septer 28th through the 3-th and is expected to attract hundreds of attendees for a weekend of networking, panel discussions and other activities.

Learn more and register online at www.payoungprofessionals.org.

J.J. Richardson, Conference Chair, ImPAct 2007 The corporate, non-profit , and political communtiies are all recognizing that young professionals have a lot to offer in terms of their energy, fresh ideas, and motivation. I think that some of the barriers of entry that may have existed in the past are starting to be broken down. Young professionals are learning to be more engaged. And that's the whole point of the conference: To teach young professionals who are just starting out in the corporate world some of the skills that they will need to get more engaged with their communities.

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Local Companies Grow Global Reach

On September 21, the PNC bank sponsored China Smart Seminar will give local businesses a crash course in doing business in China.

China represents tremendous opportunity for American companies. Since China opened its borders in 2001, the U.S. has grown exports to China by %187. Pennsylvania has increased its Chinese exports by %200.

There are currently 11,000 Pennsylvania companies that export to China. The largest building in Shanghai used PPG paint, for example.

PNC, in partnership with the U.S. Commercial Service, is hosting a series of seminars in six cities, and a nationwide webinar, to highlight what your business needs to know to enhance your success in China.

You can find out more at www.pnc.com/chinasmart