Welcome to RIDC

"Our mission is to provide diversified economic development services to business and industry of southwestern Pennsylvania in a responsive and well-coordinated manner."

Regional coordination and strategic planning are the cornerstones of a proven approach to economic development in southwestern Pennsylvania, and underscore all facets of the RIDC program.

Within this concept, the common interests of the public and private sectors are blended into a strategy to diversify the economic base, develop supporting infrastructure and enhance major new initiatives.

In early 1955, regional business, corporate, government and labor leaders concluded that there should be a concerted effort to create new employment and diversify the economy in southwestern Pennsylvania.

In order to attain their objective, they realized the need to create a central agency responsible for developing and coordinating a program that would give the region direction.

As a result, the Regional Industrial Development Corporation of Southwestern Pennsylvania (RIDC) was established August 8, 1955 as a private, non-profit corporation. It was chartered under the Pennsylvania Non-Profit Corporation Law of 1933, as amended.

When it became apparent that the most effective RIDC programming approach would require a broadening of operational powers, the RIDC charter enabled the corporation to engage directly in many activities, including the construction, purchasing, selling and financing of buildings.

The RIDC operational goals are aimed at maintaining a dynamic economic development program: by preserving, strengthening and expanding the region's employment base through retention and expansion of job opportunities, and by developing and promoting programs that assist in the creation of a more diversified regional economy.

Coordination is accomplished through a network of economic development agencies, local, regional, state and federal governmental departments and community sponsored organizations and related groups concerned with the retention and creation of employment opportunities in the region.

The multi-faceted RIDC program focuses on dynamic, regional approach to economic development, particularly directed towards manufacturing, assembly, distribution, and research and development activities. To stimulate this effort, RIDC works closely with entrepreneurs and businesses located within and outside the region. This assistance is provided on a strictly confidential basis.

RIDC is comprised of a professional staff that includes financial and property management specialists, registered architects, planners and civil engineers. Their expertise gives RDC the capability to lend valuable assistance in site selection, facility design, construction management, and financial packaging that identifies available incentive and conventional funding sources.

RIDC utilizes a comprehensive program to coordinate a development project from conceptual design through completion and occupancy. To the extent that its direct involvement is appropriate, RIDC also offers effective property management.

A wide range of RIDC services is designed to accommodate the varied needs of a modern-day business, including assistance with machinery and equipment financing needed to stimulate growth. Within this concept, special emphasis is placed upon new, small and growing business enterprises, as well as the encouragement of applied research and development activities.

In each RIDC development project, there is a fundamental commitment to quality affecting the design and construction of each facility, and the overall appearance of the entire site.

The major elements of RIDC property development are:

multi-occupancy lease facilities

free-standing project development

suburban &urban industrial parks

foreign-trade zones

This unique program, involving strong partnerships with the public and private sectors, enables RIDC to be an effective catalyst for business development in southwestern Pennsylvania.