SMC Business Councils announced today that Stuart G. Hoffman, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist for The PNC Financial Services Group, would present a special program for business owners on January 29, 2009 for SMC Members and other business owners. The program is entitled "Getting Prepared for 2009: Are Western PA Employers READY?"

SMC President Lee Taddonio said, "We've designed this program to give business owners solid information as they plan for the year ahead." Taddonio explained that Mr. Hoffman plans to review the U.S. and Regional Economic Outlook for 2009, discuss the Obama "recovery" package, and place special emphasis on how these issues will affect businesses in Pennsylvania. "Hopefully our members and guests will gain some much-needed insight into how to successfully weave through these troubling times," Taddonio added.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2009 from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. at the George Westinghouse Research & Technology Park, 1382 Beulah Road, Building 801, in Churchill, PA. Cost to attend is $10 per person. Reservations may be made online at http://www.smc.org or by calling Lori Hohn at 412.371.1500, x 1603.