By BERNIE HORNICK
ALTOONA — Tamping down the economic impact of John Murtha’s passing will take a united effort, the featured speaker at the Blair County chamber’s breakfast meeting said Thursday.
“The need for regionalization will be greater than ever,” Bob Eyer told the crowd of business leaders. He’s a managing partner of the Johns-town financial services firm Wessel & Co.
Eyer clicked off the broad range of Murtha’s interests, where he had an impact in his
12th Congressional District and beyond: Health care, defense, infrastructure, nonprofits, recreation.
Eyer spoke on Republican turf – outside the 12th district – about “Life After Murtha: Steps to Regional Collaboration.”
Joe Hurd, president of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce, said both regions have a lot in common. And Johnstown and Altoona could well be in the same congressional district come the next redistricting, affecting the 2012 elections, he noted.
Eyer noted the late Democratic congressman’s penchant for working in a bipartisan manner on the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee he chaired. That may pay benefits now to area defense contractors.
“That’s one of the reasons we believe we will not be severely hurt (with contract cutbacks),” Eyer said. “We’re not anticipating that kind of backlash. I don’t think those companies will go anywhere.
“Murtha preached, ‘Earmarks will get you here. They won’t sustain you,’ ” Eyer said.
For that, he said, the region has to rely on its skilled work force; producing quality, cost-effective products; and a network of contacts.
Eyer also spoke of Murtha’s legacy as a man.
“A major part of his legacy was he cared about people,” Eyer said.
He noted that Murtha took the time to talk to enlisted men and women.
Through those conversations, he was able to find out that combat troops in Iraq lacked body armor and their vehicles needed plating underneath to prevent damage from improvised explosive devices.
Those shortcomings quickly were remedied through Murtha’s efforts, Eyer told more than 100 people attending the breakfast at Lakemont Park.
The speaker said he interviewed businesswomen and men about how to forge ahead.
Their thoughts ranged from pushing defense contracts down to smaller companies to coming together with regional development efforts and fostering infrastructure buildout.
Lee Hite, the owner of electrical equipment firm The Hite Co., said the session was valuable.
“I thought it was a great first step,” said the Altoona businessman, who also is a part of civic efforts in Johnstown. “It starts with communication.”
