The 16th edition of the Showcase for Commerce kicked off in Johnstown on Thursday, and a slew of top executives and military officials poured into the city.
Dan DeVos, Showcase chairman, said the number of visitors to this year’s event surprised him. Division managers for major defense-contracting companies, top executives from other firms and a handful of two-star generals were among those gathered downtown.
“I am very pleased with the opening day’s events,” said DeVos, who also is president and chief executive officer of Richland Township-based Concurrent Technologies Corp.
“I think the enthusiasm for the event by the big companies was evident,” DeVos said. “Many companies sent high-level executives here to talk to (U.S. Rep. John) Murtha as well as our local companies. The enthusiasm for this year’s event is greater than I had ever seen.”
Contract announcements that could boost the region’s economy are expected today. Those announcements will grab headlines, but DeVos said they are only a part of the event’s significance. In his estimation, the true significance of Showcase for Commerce will play out during the next several months.
“A few things will be announced (today), but I guarantee 80 percent of the business generated by Showcase will come to light at a later date,” DeVos said.
Two examples of how Showcase for Commerce has developed business opportunities were found in exhibitors Northrop Grumman and Electromet Corp.
Northrop Grumman established an office in Johnstown’s Cambria City neighborhood in September. The company’s local presence has grown to 20 employees, with plans to expand to 50 by the end of 2006.
Showcase for Commerce was one way in which Northrop Grumman became acquainted with the region. And according to Bill Moynihan, site manager for the company’s Johnstown office, Northrop Grumman’s high level of involvement in Showcase is a sign that the world’s third-largest defense contractor is dedicated to the Johnstown area.
“From my point of view, given the people that have come here to be a part of Showcase, it is an extremely important event,” said Moynihan, who flew all night in order to return to Johnstown in time for Showcase’s opening on Thursday.
“And I think that the event is important to Northrop Grumman because we want to show we are dedicated to Johnstown – that we’re here to stay.”
Showcase for Commerce has served as an important event for Electromet Corp., based in Hagerstown, Md. Electromet makes custom precision-made sheet metal and machined parts for the electronics and defense industries.
Showcase has helped the company develop new business in the region, including top clients such as DRS Laurel Technologies and Kuchera Industries. Walter Holt, sales manager for Electromet, said local firms provide between 35 percent and 40 percent of the company’s business.
For that reason, Holt said, Electromet is planning to open a sales office in this area. And the company’s local presence may expand.
“Our business has grown heavily with defense-industry companies,” Holt said. “That’s a big part of the reason we are looking at further developing ties to the Johnstown region.”
Shawn Piatek can be reached at 532-5060 or spiatek@tribdem.com.
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