The death of U.S. Rep. John Murtha leaves Showcase for Commerce without its unofficial CEO, but organizers say this all-important defense expo will go on as usual.
While we commend Johnstown Area Regional Industries, the Greater Johnstown/Cambria County Chamber of Commerce and the many volunteers who have spearheaded this prestigious event for their decision and determination, we expected as much.
Showcase means much for the economy of our region, and allowing it to go away was simply not an option.
We have every confidence that those who have been involved over the years – it has been around since 1991 – in the planning and presentation of Showcase will make it an even better and stronger event, one the congressman himself would be proud of.
“I do believe there will be an impact without Mr. Murtha. We know that,” Linda Thomson, JARI president, said last week.
“Our charge is to take the Showcase and what it has become, and to keep it going.”
That’s good news for the many big name participants – from our area, nationally and even around the world – who have benefited from this annual business get-together.
This year’s Showcase will be held June 1-4 and, from early indications, is expected to be similar to last year’s program. About 20 to 30 companies already have registered, according to Thomson.
There were more than 170 last year when booth space was sold out at the Cambria County War Memorial Arena and the Pasquerilla Conference Center.
That’s huge.
Showcase is about our region becoming a player on the national scene while enhancing our own manufacturing and technological capabilities. It puts the spotlight on our region, giving hundreds of movers and shakers in defense and other industries a good look at what our area businesses and industries – and their employees – have to offer.
It nearly always results in the announcement of millions of dollars in much-needed contracts.
The event also serves as an immediate boost to our economy as hundreds of attendees fill hotels and motels and spend money elsewhere throughout our community.
While there’s no doubt Mr. Murtha’s absence from the expo will be felt, it’s important the Showcase organizers move on.
This might just be the first real opportunity for area workplace leaders to show the rest of the nation that even without the presence of our powerful congressman, for our region, it will be business as usual.
We look forward to another great Showcase for Commerce.
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