First-Ever Pittsburgh Hospitality Workforce Celebration Day Officially Launches Aug. 24

PITTSBURGH – The first-ever Pittsburgh Hospitality Workforce Celebration Day will launch Tuesday, Aug. 24. To honor and celebrate the important work the local hospitality workforce does for the Pittsburgh community daily, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Mayor William Peduto have officially proclaimed Tuesday, Aug. 24 Hospitality Workforce Celebration Day in Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh.

Organized by VisitPITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association (PRLA) Western Chapter, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, Greater Pittsburgh Hotel Association and Partner4Work, the day will serve as a “thank you” to the local hospitality workforce whose exceptional service helps position Pittsburgh as a welcoming, friendly destination.

The County Executive, Mayor Peduto and a number of industry representatives will join hospitality staff for a celebratory event at the Allegheny Overlook Pop-Up Park on Tuesday, Aug. 24, from 3-4:30 p.m.

“The last 18 months have been a difficult time for the entire hospitality industry. We’re so thankful for our local workforce who continues to show up every day with a smile on their faces, ensuring that visitors feel welcomed in Allegheny County,” VisitPITTSBURGH President & CEO Jerad Bachar said. “We are lucky to have their representation, and we thank them for the incredible service they provide each day.”

And, now is the time to join the Pittsburgh hospitality workforce, with many exciting job opportunities available throughout the county. Links to several local hospitality job boards, as well as PRLA’s Level Up Job Board, can be found at VisitPITTSBURGH.com.

There are several ways the local Pittsburgh community can join in the celebration, including a personal “thank you,” a simple smile or a social shout out with #LovePGHospitality.

The following are supportive comments from the organizing partners:

“We’re proud to partner with these organizations to highlight the hard-working and dedicated individuals who make up our industry’s workforce. This event is a small way for us as business operators to show our gratitude to the lifeblood of our businesses – our employees. The last 18 months have been a challenge for the entire industry, and our employees deserve this recognition for persevering through these extraordinary times.”
- Mitcham, PRLA Western Chapter President & Director of Operations, Primanti Bros.

“Hospitality has history, and it is the fasting growing industry of the 21st century. Hospitality has evolved throughout the years, and traveling has become a necessity for business and a hobby for almost all. More travelers means more job opportunities. The hospitality industry gives you room to grow and allows you to develop yourself professionally and as a person. It is a great time to look for your next opportunity in the hospitality industry because it is a dynamic and growing industry. This translates into more jobs and big opportunities for advancement.”
- Alisa Faulk, General Manager of AC Hotel Pittsburgh and President, The Greater Pittsburgh Hotel Association Board of Directors

“Partner4Work is excited to join forces with VisitPITTSBURGH, the PRLA and local foodservice and hospitality employers in a celebration that spotlights and applauds this critical sector of the local economy and workforce. As a convener of job seekers, employers and community organizations, Partner4Work is proud to participate in this ongoing partnership that will help drive greater equity and opportunity for economic mobility in this industry.”
- Robert Cherry, CEO, Partner4Work

“The hospitality industry is a critical component to ensuring the ongoing vibrancy of Downtown Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership commends the workers who are dedicated to providing services and experiences that make Downtown, and our region, a world-class place to live, work and visit. Their commitment and resilience over the last year and a half has been inspiring, and we celebrate and thank the entire hospitality workforce for their exceptional service.”
- Jeremy Waldrup, CEO & President, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership

About VisitPITTSBURGH
VisitPITTSBURGH is a tourism development organization dedicated to expanding the tourism economy across Allegheny County. The organization is committed to generating positive economic impact across our primary tourism verticals of business events, sports events and leisure travel. VisitPITTSBURGH achieves its goals, including ensuring the region of certain economic benefits, through the combined efforts of all team members throughout the organization. More information is available at visitpittsburgh.com.

About Greater Pittsburgh Hotel Association
The Greater Pittsburgh Hotel Association is comprised of 122 members representing the Greater Pittsburgh Hospitality community. Dedicated to growing the travel and tourism community for more than 20 years, GPHA’s membership actively participates in industry events, contributes to an annual scholarship program and supports community outreach efforts. More information is available at pittsburgh-hotels.org.

About Partner4Work
Nationally recognized for innovation, Partner4Work, formerly Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board, is the workforce development organization that connects funding, expertise, and opportunities for employers, job seekers, agencies, and policymakers to develop a thriving workforce in the Pittsburgh area. As stewards of more than $21 million in public and private workforce funds, Partner4Work oversees and funds workforce programs for adults, dislocated workers and youth; educates the community through labor market analytics; and implements innovative solutions to the region’s systemic workforce challenges. More information is available at www.partner4work.org.